4 
confidence in my results; but, in a matter so difficult, and in 
which the quantities in dispute were so small, I was unwilling 
to do more than repeat an account of my observations, and give my 
reasons for calling in question Mr. Pond’s conclusions, This was 
done in a paper published also in the Phil. Trans. for 1818. 
I then determined to institute a very extensive series of observa- 
tions for examining this question in various ways. 
The results of a great number of observations made with our eight 
feet astronomical circle, during upwards of three years, were given 
in the Phil. Trans. for 1821. These, when duly considered, must 
be allowed to have added great weight to my former conclusions ; 
but there still appeared to be wanting those convincing arguments, 
that were to be desired in a matter of such importance, and which 
had so long baffled the exertions of astronomers. Besides, results 
were obtained with respect to several stars, that appeared to involve 
the enquiry in new difficulties. 
The observations have been ee and it has_ recently 
occurred to me, that, from the great number of observations, which 
have been made of certain stars, I could apply them to finding the 
solar nutation, as well as the parallax and aberration. 
The solar nutation deduced from theory has long been used by 
astronomers in the correction of the observations in north polar 
distance. No doubt remains of its actual quantity within narrow 
limits. Its maximum is very nearly half a second in north polar 
distance for all stars. This quantity, less than what I had found for 
the parallax of certain stars, would, I considered, if ascertained by 
my observations, shew the exactness of them, and the capability of 
the instrument to point out such small quantities. 
The solar nutation goes through all its states twice in the course 
of a year; therefore it appears impossible to suppose, that, if any 
