Field. ] 220 [Dec, 1, 
** Among the most remarkable of the celestial objects, are the revolving 
double stars, or stars which to the naked eye or to the inferior telescope 
appear single, but if examined with high magnifying powers are found 
to consist of two individuals placed almost close together, and which when 
carefully watched are (many of them) found to revolve in regular elliptic 
orbits about each other ; and, so far as we have as yet been able to ascer- 
tain, to obey the same laws which regulate the planetary movements. There 
is nothing calculated to give a greater idea of the scale on which the siderial 
heavens are constructed than these beautiful systems. When we see such 
magnificent bodies united in pairs, undoubtedly by the same bond of 
mutual gravitation which holds together our own system, and sweeping 
over their enormous orbits in periods comprehending many centuries, we 
admit at once that they must be accomplishing ends in creation which 
will remain for ever unknown to man; and that we have here attained 
a point in Science where the human intellect is compelled to acknowledge 
its weakness, and to feel that no conception the wildest imagination can 
form, will bear the least comparison with the intrinsic greatness of the 
subject.” j 
England was not the only spot from which he made his observations. 
He found it desirable to carry on his investigations at the Cape of Good 
Hope, and for this far off scene of inquiry he embarked with his family 
at Portsmouth, 13 Nov., 1833. The course he prescribed to himself seems 
to have been to restrict his labors almost, if not entirely, to Stellar As- 
tronomy. Still he didnot omit to make many careful observations of the 
Nebula of Orion, of the Milky Way and of other heavenly phenomena ; 
making accurate drawings, which he subsequently published. 
In May, 1837, an extraordinary spot appeared on the sun’s disc, the 
marvel of which was much increased when Sir John published his caleu- 
lation that the ‘crater of this supposed voleano was sufficiently large to 
allow the globe of the earth to pass in leaving all around a margin of 
1000 miles. 
On his return to England, in 1838, after, as he states, enjoying much 
happiness, together with the pleasures of good society, his grateful coun- 
try bestowed upon him the dignity of a Baronetcy. 
At this time, Photography beginning to attract much public attention, 
Sir John turned his thoughts to this beautiful art, directing his inquiries 
chiefly to that point so important to Photographers, the chemical action 
of solar rays. 
Of the value attached to Sir John’s scientific attainments we have 
abundant evidence in the instances in which he was called upon to occupy 
the place of advisor and councilor. As member of the Board of Visitors 
of the ‘‘ Royal Observatory,’’? when he was appointed to receive the annual 
report of its working and efficiency, a member of the ‘‘ Standard Commis- 
sion”? on the question of the introduction of the ‘‘Metric System of 
Weights and Measures ;”’ for many years as one of the leading members 
of the Council of the Royal Society. 
On the retirement of Davies Gilbert, this venerable Society of savans 
