182 Some Account of the Solar Sp6ts 



In computations relating to subjects of this nature, it often 

 becomes necessary to determine tlie time when a given sum at 

 an assigned rate will double itself at compound interest ; or, the 

 time being known, to determine the ratio of the rate. In this 



case we derive from the equation -^^ = log 1 + r, but r may 



be found without logarithms, from this expression 

 J. 



?i—nin—] — -fiSG) ^ 



All the foregoing theorems will apply generally to the several 

 objects detailed. Thev are here submitted with a view that 

 others mav avail themselves of any advantage they possess, or 

 facility they niav afford in the resolution of particular cases : but 

 the irtvestigations have been reserved for another performance 

 which 1 have at present in contemplation. 



Habcjda>,lifrs Plncc, UoxtDii, JaMES B. BeNWELL. 



Slardi f), 181?. 



XLV. Some Account of the Solar Spots -which appeared during 

 ^_^ the Year 1816*. 



JL HE following observations were made in consequence of a 

 report verv generally circulated during the summer of 1816, 

 that the solar spots were, at that time, more numerous than 

 usual, and of extraordinary size. Many persons coiniecting this 

 circumstance with the state of the atmosphere, conceived that 

 the w t and cold season, which proved so injurious to the har- 

 vest, was in a great measure caused by the interruption of the 

 sun's rays by these opaque parts, which were supposed to occupy 

 an extensive portion of its disk. Such an opinion is at first 

 sight sufficiently plausible to attract the attention of those un- 

 accustomed to observe the appearances presented by the solar 

 maculae ; and some statements which were made in the Philo- 

 sophical Transactions of London for the year 1801 have long 

 since tentied to give this oj)iuion universal publicity. Not, in- 

 deed, from any important facts which were then newly disclosed, 

 nor from reasoning founded upon them ; but from an amusing 

 conclusion which was drawn : — " that the price of wheat in 

 Windsor market was in some xlegree connected with the spots 

 in the sini." Tiie humour of this result spread abroad by the 

 newspapers, precluded all reasoning; and although the truly 

 profound astronomer speedily retracted his theory, it was too late 

 to recall the whimsical antithesis which had already caused the 

 wise and the ignorant alike to smile f. 



In 



* For tlicse obscrvntions wc are indebted to W. M. Mosclcj, K.sq. «f 

 VVinterdync-Hoiisc, VVoiTostershirc. 



f Tlie writer in stating this circumstance has no wlbh, by any means, to 



revive, 



