Proceedings of the Royal Society. 290 



mean in any manner by their award of the medal to express an 

 opinion on this subject, for when two such observers differ, the 

 question cannot be considered as settled :" and he paid the highest 

 compliments to the profound mathematical knowledge, acuteness, 

 accuracy of research, and extent of view, of Dr. Brinkley. 

 Between his observations and those of the Astronomer Royal, the 

 problem of parallax was now, he said, reduced within very narrow 

 limits, but perhaps more perfect instruments and observations 

 would be required for its complete solution. 



On the supposed southern declination of the fixed stars, it is 

 impossible, said the President, to form, at present, any correct 

 judgment; such an important result can only be established by new 

 observations, carried on for a great length of time, and confirmed 

 by the experience of the best astronomers, in different countries. 



He desired Mr. Pond to consider the medal as a mark of the 

 respect of the Society for the zeal and ardour with which he had 

 pursued astronomy, and as shewing their confidence in the general 

 accuracy of his observations. He likewise requested him to re- 

 gard it, as a pledge that future important labours were expected 

 from him. He exhorted him to emulate the fame of his great 

 predecessors, and to endeavour to transmit his name to posterity 

 by similar monuments of utility and glory. 



The Society then proceeded to the election of a Council and 

 Officers, for the year ensuing, when the following Members of the 

 old Council were re-elected. 



Sir H. Davy, Bart. 



W. T. Brande, Esq. 



Samuel Goodenough, Lord Bishop of Carlisle. 



Taylor Combe, Esq. 



John Wilson Croker, Esq. 



Davies Gilbert, Esq. 



Charles Hatchett, Esq. 



Sir Evcrard Home, Bart. 



John Pond, Esq. 



William Hyde Wollaston, M.D. 



Thomas Young, M.D. 



