168 On the Solar and Lunar Periods. 



crca&ing, founded on any registered observations of mortality, 

 that have as yet been published, the computist may lean with due 

 confidence on its accuracy ; it contains, I believe, no error of 

 moment, the numbers respectively were derived from a double 

 operation pursued, logarithmically and by calculation, the for- 

 mer to check and verify the latter; and though this is indispen- 

 sable, vet the process by logarithms is not invariably critically 

 exact in any specific inquiry, as will happen in fact from .^uch 

 tables, having been mostly by interpolation of differences com- 

 piled and extended : when then any result occurs so, as dissonant, 

 it is only to be settled by a distinct revision, the work collated 

 anew, or by some independent mode of verification. 



Of all the chartered companies established, they avowedly pro- 

 fess to blend with their customary the life annuity business in 

 every species of variety and form : it is unaccountably strange, 

 then, they evince not partially a wish to promote the cause of 

 that science, by which it is, that the stability of their plans is 

 to be determined, and even existence vitally depend; and if we 

 look unto those mushroom societies spontaneously emerging out 

 of obscurity, ignorance or corrupt motives, it is but too visibly be- 

 held that the age of bubble scheme and system has revived again, 

 or is rapidly reviving : it vvould be a truly laudable task for any 

 one possessing abstractedly the means, to devote some portion of 

 time and talent to the discussion of their principles, views and 

 measures ; if however, and I must so qualify the expression, they 

 can sustain this test and scrutiny of examination. 1 am aware of 

 what is to be done, but, much as inclined, the enj^agement is 

 such that few cheerfully and with alacrity would undertake and 

 prosecute it through all its minutiae of condition. 



Aske Terrace, Hoxton, Feb. 1821 . J . B. BknWELL. 



XXIV. On Ihe Solar and lAinar Periods. By Mr. James 

 Utting, of Lynn Regis. 



To Mr. Tilloch. 



Si!', — 1. .HAVE sent you for insertion in the Philosophical Ma- 

 gazine (if approved) a i&v^ extracts and remarks relative to the 

 solar and lunar periods, as stated by modern astronomers, in or- 

 der (in part) to meet the wishes of Mr.Yeates : as probably some 

 of your astronomical correspondents are in possession of the means 

 of a more extensive reference, my selections are but few, but I 

 believe them to be the most correct published, agreeable to the 

 present improved state of the science. 



I remain, sir, yours truly, 

 Korfolk-slrcet, Lynn Regis, Feb. 8, 1821. ' James UttiNG. 



M. DK 



