[ * 3 
Sun. But 8", 65, is very nearly T - r J T _ T ,h part of 
360°, as may be eafily proved by divilion. 
According to the lateft obfervations, the mean fe- 
midiameterof the earth is 3958 Englilh miles, which 
being multiplied by 149,826 produces 493,011,308 
miles for the circumference of the orbit of the 
earth. 
The diftance of the earth from the Sun is the fe-» 
midiameter of this orbit : and the periphery of the 
circle is to it’s femidiameter very nearly as 6,283,185 
to one. 
Therefore if we divide 593,01 1,308 by 6,283,185 
the quotient, which is very nearly 94,380,685, will 
give the mean diftance of the earth from the Sun in 
Englifh miles. 
N. B. As the orbit of the earth is an elliplis, not 
a circle, the diftance of the earth from the Sun will 
be greater in it’s aphelion, and lefs in it’s perihelion, 
than here afligned. 
Dear Sir, 
I have from Mr. Short’s obfervations deduced, as 
above, the mean diftance of the Sun from the earth, 
and am pretty fure I have made no material miftake, 
I am 
Dec. 18, 1762* 
Your’s entirely, 
Peter Daval. 
II. Oi- 
