34 FROM NEBULA TO NEBULA 



3. To attempt to explain the equatorial accelera- 

 tion of sun-spots by axial rotation, requires the postula- 

 tion of a compound rotation of the sun's outer layers 

 that crucifies one's common sense. 



4. The axial theory stands in the way of the expla- 

 nation of Mercury's extraordinary perihelion movement, 

 a phenomenon, indeed, which led even Simon Newcomb 

 tentatively to question the accuracy of the law of gravi- 

 tation. 



One of the inexplicable inconsistencies of modern 

 astronomy is to aver things in one connection, and then 

 straightway to forget or misapply them in another. 

 Thus, you will often see it stated that the sun revolves 

 around the common center of gravity of the system, and 

 yet the actual turning movement we see is invariably 

 treated as though it could be nothing but one of axial 

 rotation. Probably the reason for this is to be credited 

 to the Laplacian theory; but whatever the reason, it is 

 surely high time that this solar revolution be recognized 

 as a real astronomical factor. 



In the heart of the sun are a number of localities 

 to be considered if we wish to get a clear understanding 

 of his nature and behavior. These are: (1) His center 

 of figure, (2) His center of gravity, (3) The systemal 

 center or pivot, and (4) the medial line of the Prime 

 Kesultant, which passes through the pivot. Moreover, 

 we must take into account the gravitational and eruptive 

 influences at work within him; thus: (1) His heavier 

 parts tend toward his own center of figure; and were 

 he a body entirely isolated in space, this center and his 

 center of gravity would eventually coincide. (2) The 

 Prime Kesultant seeks to cause him to precipitate his 

 weightier substances to the side toward the pole star. 

 ,(3) Each of his planets is following the example of the 



