42 A. Hinrichs on the Density, Rotation, and Age of the Planets, 
These numbers are represented in the annexed diagram, which 
thus shows the variations in the distance of the lanets 
mony of the heavens” without taking the element of resistan 
of these modifications in their position. : 
The dislocation of strata of rocks is no fact ; we simply see 
similar parts in irregular position, and conclude by induction that 
they once formed a continuous stratum; but would it not be 
equally just to conclude that the heavenly strata, i. e., the planetary 
orbs, are dislocated, if we can show that, Ist, they approach to @ 
definite law, as the terrestrial strata in being parallel ; : 
2nd, The assumption of the Jorce of resistance fully explains the 
deviations from that law, as the assumption of internal action ex- 
plains the dislocation of geological strata? 
e think the analogy is about as close as can be, and there- 
fore will venture the attempt, 
It is a well known fact that the so-called law of Titius or Bode, 
is pretty correct for all planets from Venus to Uranus; only 
Mercury and Venus deviate considerably from the duplication of 
the successive mutual distances. This law—only in the case 0 
ercury deviating from the above named—may therefore well 
be compared to the original level of terrestrial strata, if the laws 
of resistance as developed in the preceding suffice to explain 
the actual deviations from it, 
It is even a priori highly probable that some simple law pre- 
vailed at the time of the 
8} 
the heavenly spaces. 
listances, and gave as his final opinion that “ the old planets are altered a little in 
- caper a (Humboldt, Cosmos, iii, 440 ; Harper's edition, iv, 110.) This seems to 
another instance of Kepler's divination of scientific results. 
