Chase.] ^02 [Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, 



(f) and in tlic direct ratio of the coefflcicnt of Uranus (|). in the abscissas 

 of tlie stelhir-solar paraboloid which has its verte.K at the point of complete 

 solar aggregation.* For | -f- 60.074 = .0147 , the maximum eccentricity 

 of Neptune is .0145. (58.) 



The following table shows the closeness of approximation (Theoretical 

 less Observed -h Observed), in each of the foregoing comparisons : 



One of the most important corollaries of the theory of universal gravita- 

 tion, is tersely stated by Stockwell,:| as follows : "The amount by which 

 the elements of any planet may ultimately deviate from their mean values 

 can only be determined by the simultaneous integration of the differential 

 equations of these elements, which is equivalent to the summation of all 

 the infinitesimal variations arising from the disturbing force of all the 

 planets of the system during the lapse of an infinite period of time." There- 

 fore, within the limits of secular eccentricity, the result is the same as if 

 the nebular hypothesis were true. 



There should, then, be tendencies, in the neighborhood of every inert 

 particle which floats in an elastic medium, to the formation of harmonic 

 nodes of various kinds, and the sum of such tendencies should fix loci of 

 cosmical aggregation before there had been any considerable shapings of 

 definite mass. The subsequent values of relative mass would depend upon 

 mutual conditions of equilibrium between various forms of living force. 



But such accordances as the foregoing, however interesting, and how- 

 ever striking they might be deemed, would furnish no more conclusive evi- 

 dence of the nebular theory, as popularly interpreted, than of the Cartes- 

 ian vortices. All assumptions as to the nature of ultimate physical force, 

 are now, and perhaps alwaj's will be, mere assumptions ; still, like geomet- 

 rical diagrams, they may help to fix the mind upon ultimate physical re- 

 sultants, and thus serve a useful purpose. 



• lb. t According to Herschel's estimate. 



tSmithMonian Contributions, 2.32. vlii. 



