PREFACE. 



These few pages effect the exhaustive solution of the 

 fundamental problems of mathematical astronomy, by the 

 application, after the manner of Zadig, of the elementary 

 mathematics only to accurately known data. 



The remark in the introduction to Herschel's " Out- 

 lines of Astronomy" that (together with the story of Zadig) 

 suggested to my mind the mode of attacking the great prob- 

 lem of the sun's distance, best expresses the thought I wish 

 to enunciate, — " the pearls of analytical research are invar- 

 iably strung on the central thread of common sense." 



The substitution of dynamical for statical treatment of 

 the problem, has revolutionized the oldest of the sciences, 

 and dissipated the intellectual fog in which abstruse meth- 

 ods and deference to authority have so long enshrouded it. 



Human nature remains the same through all ages; 

 and my experience of the reception accorded truths newly 

 discovered by a layman, by the guild of scientists, demon- 

 strates that Voltaire's caustic satire is as applicable to the 

 scientific pretension, arrogance and dishonesty of to-day as 

 to that of his own time. 



MYRON HUTCHINSON. 



San Francisco, October, 1889. 



