2] OF THE PLANET NEPTUNE. 51 



perturbations of large amount, differing in character from those of the older 

 planets, but analogous to the mutual perturbations of the first and second, 

 and second and third satellites of Jupiter. 



According to Bode's law of the planetary distances, the mean distance 

 of the new planet would be nearly 38. The actual mean distance differs 

 so much from this, that we are compelled to conclude that this singular 

 law fails in this instance. 



Since the apparent diameter of the new planet is to that of Uranus 

 nearly in the ratio of 3 to 4, according to the foregoing determination of 

 the distance its bulk is to that of Uranus in the ratio of 8 to o. 



The above is the sum of the results derivable from the first series 

 of observations. For further and more exact information we must wait till 

 the planet emerges from the solar rays. Before concluding this Report, I 

 am desirous of saying a few words respecting the name of the planet. I 

 recently had the satisfaction of receiving from M. Struve the copy of a 

 communication read by him at the general annual meeting of the Imperial 

 Academy of Sciences of St Petersburg on December 29, in which he states 

 the reasons that have induced himself and the other Poulkova astronomers 

 to adhere to the name of Neptune, which name was first proposed by the 

 French Board of Longitude, shortly after the discovery of the planet. These 

 reasons are thus briefly expressed in a note addressed to me personally : 

 " The Poulkova astronomers have resolved to maintain the name of Neptune, 

 in the opinion that the name of Leverrier would be against the accepted 

 analogy, and against historical truth, as it cannot be denied that Mr Adams 

 has been the first theoretical discoverer of that body, though not so happy 

 as to effect a direct result of his indications." M. Struve's communication 

 has been published in this country by the Astronomer Royal, who has 

 expressed his assent to the reasons therein contained, and his determination 

 to adopt the name of Neptune. Professor Gauss and Professor Encke have 

 also, as I understand, adopted this name. I have only to add that it is 

 my intention (and I am permitted to say, the intention of Mr Adams also) 

 to follow the example set by these eminent astronomers. 



72 



