260 PROFESSOR JAMES GEIKIE, LL.D., D.C.L., F.R.S., ETC., ON 



the earth's axis was in reality a slow second rotation of the earth, 

 which caused the two half axes of the earth to describe cones. 



Second, that the centre of the circle which the earth's axis traced 

 was 6 degrees from the Pole of the Ecliptic, and the radius of this 

 circle was 29° 25' 47", and that the decrease in distance of the two 

 poles was due to this position of the centre of the circle. 



From a knowledge of these facts I was able to arrive by calcula- 

 tion at results hitherto imagined to be impossible in astronomy, 

 and the proof that the radius and position of the centre of the 

 circle were as above stated was undeniable. 



Third. From the fact that the centre of the circle traced by the 

 earth's axis was 6 degrees from the Pole of the Ecliptic, it followed 

 that during the tracing of this circle there would be a variation of 

 12 degrees in the distance of the two Poles, and a corresponding 

 variation of 12 degrees in the extent of the Arctic circles and 

 tropics. 



From a knowledge of this curve, I was able to state more than 

 20 years ago that at about 3000 B.C. the Arctic circles and tropics 

 extended about 2 degrees more than at present. That at about 

 5600 B.C. they extended about 6| degrees more than at present. That 

 at about 13500 B.C. they extended nearly 12 degrees more than at 

 present, at which date the Last Glacial Period was at its height. 

 At about 21500 B.C. the Arctic circles extended about 6^ degrees 

 more than at present, and at about 24000 B.C. about 2 degrees more. 



Hence the Last Glacial Period terminated not longer than about 

 6,000 years ago, and lasted not longer than about 18,000 years. 



These dates were 20 years ago so utterly at variance with geo- 

 logical theories, that ray proofs would not even be looked at. 

 Within the last year or two, however, geologists from geological 

 evidence have come to exactly the same dates that geometrical 

 astronomy proved 20 years ago. 



As the movement herein briefly described is proved by geometry, 

 has been tested and found accurate by numerous competent 

 examiners, and as it proves that 15,000 years ago the Arctic circle 

 reached to 54 degrees latitude, and hence explains the main facts 

 of the Ice Age, and also gives its date, it appears remarkable 

 that eminent geologists should despondingly state that besides 

 those vague speculations which they have demolished, there is 

 nothing else in astronomy to fall back upon. 



As remarked by Professor Geikie the assumed elevation and 

 depression of the earth's surface is not only a mere speculation 

 but fails to explain the facts. When geologists examine the move- 

 ment of the earth herein described they wili find an ample explana- 

 tion of that which they require. 



Mr. H. P. Mat.et writes: — 



Whilst thanking Professor Geikie for his interesting Paper 

 may I offer a few brief remarks on the Glacial theory. 



