BY E. M. JOHNSTON, F.L.S, 29> 



know tlie seasonal variation of temperature corresponds with, 

 the seasonal death-rate variation, and, whether it be a direct 

 or indirect relation, we must admit that the varying intensity 

 of the stm's energy from season to season, has much to do- 

 with the varying effects upon human life. 



If, therefore, the small variation of the sun's position, and 

 consequent energy relative to a given portion of the earth's 

 surface, produces such noticeable effects within each year 

 upon temperature, and through it the death-rate, is it not very 

 reasonable to suppose that variations in the sun's energy, 

 independent of the earth's distance from it, should produce 

 corresponding disturbances in harmony with the larger 

 cycles covering periods of several years ? It is not necessary 

 to indicate the special form of direct energy exerted by the 

 sun over terrestrial matter, whether of light, heat, or 

 magnetism. It is enough for my argument to claim that all 

 of these, directly or indirectly, exert a most powerful influence 

 upon terrestrial life and motion. Now, it has been clearly 

 proved that the sun's energy is subject to cycles of 

 disturbance, in the shape of violent photospheric storms, 

 producing a perceptible diminution of light emitted, if not of 

 heat ; and what is more important, for the purpose of my 

 argument, these periodic sun storms — termed sun-spots — 

 have been proved, by careful observation, to produce upon the 

 earth a marked corresponding wave of variation in the 

 magnetic curve. 



If this be so, and I see no good reason for doubting the 

 alleged facts, does it not follow that the variation of the 

 sun's energy in light and magnetism must produce effects 

 upon terrestrial life corresponding in time Avith its periodicity, 

 and in effect, though differing in degree, corresponding with 

 the shorter cycles of seasons recurring year by year ? 



This may be termed a craze, like all other suggestions of a 

 far-reaching and novel character, but I am quite willing to 

 run the risk of being accused as crazy on this subject if fact 

 and reason give it suj)port. That it has much support, 

 though falling short of perfect demonstration, is very 

 suggestively borne out by the close correspondence that exists 

 between the periodicity of the sun spots and that of the Austra- 

 lasian death-rate during the last twenty years. The general 

 agreement in Australia between each distant Colony, as 

 illustrated in diagram, is all in its favour. And, as already 

 suggested, it may be that in the young Colonies where the 

 mean death-rate is lower than that of Europe by 10 per 1,000 

 persons living, and where local artificial causes of death are 

 at a minimum, the death-rate more sensitively indicates the 

 effects of obscure superterrestrial influences than in crowded 



