Uo^al Sucictj/. 4-53 



conferred, by the observations made at Greenwich, on naviga- 

 tion, and our maritime interests, repaying a hundred fold the 

 liberal expenditure of Government on this great national esta- 

 blishment. In speaking of the labours of Mr. Pond, he 

 mentioned that the two inost important points of research to 

 which he had directed his attention, were the question of 

 the parallax of the fixed stars, and observations which seem to 

 show a considerable apparent southern motion of many of the 

 principal fixed stars. Mr. Pond thinks there is no evidence 

 of a sensible parallax. Dr. Brinkley, on the contrary, is of 

 opinion that this parallax distinctly exists. The Council of 

 the Royal Society, said the learned President, do not mean in 

 any manner by their award of the medal to express an opinion 

 on this subject*; for when two such observers differ, the ques- 

 tion cannot be considered as settled : and he paid the highest 

 compliments to the profound mathematical knowledge, acute- 

 ness and accuracy of research, and extent of view, ot Dr. 

 Brinkley; and 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 will be required for 

 its complete solution. On the supposed southern declina- 

 tions of the fixed stars it is impossible, said the learned Presi- 

 dent, to form at present any correct judgement — such an im- 

 portant result could 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 die zeal and ardour widi which lie 

 had pursued astronomy, and as showing their confidence in 

 the general accuracy of his observations. He likewise re- 

 (luested him to regard it as a pledge, that future important 

 labours were expected from him. He exhorted him to emu- 

 late the fame of his great predecessors, and to endeavour to 

 transmit his name to posterity by similar monuments of utility 



and glory. . r r^ -i 



The Society then proceeded to the election of a Council 

 and Officers for the ensuing year, when the following gentle- 

 men were chosen : ^. TT TA n * 

 0/t/ie Old CoimciL— The Right Hon. Sir H. Davy, Bart.; 



* \Vc are happy to find this sentiment thus puhlicly announced from the 

 chair, as it at once shows the judgement and in-partmhty o the « '•e^'' ^nt ; 

 and rcn.oves every idea that the Council ol the Royal Society have, hj their 

 vole, .le.larcd any opinion as to the existing discussions rela ive to the 

 prnn/far of the fixed stars, or as to the recent assertions of the Astronomer 

 Moyal relative to their soidhcni molinu.-V.im. 



