427 
allowed to say, that I have pointed out “ unsound assumptions,” such as 
assuming the earth to be at rest, in the lunar theory, and the sun in tho 
planetary theory ; and I appeal to my paper to show that I have scarcely 
quoted Professor Airy’s lectures at all, and only to show that in them he 
declared that every astronomer did then believe in solar motion in space, 
which is now given up, or considered as in “ doubt and abeyance.” And I 
refrained in my paper from quoting from Michell’s somewhat sensational 
work, — though in such works you really get the frankest confessions of such 
extreme absurdities as I have noticed, as to stars taking hundreds or thousands 
of years to become visible, or remaining equally long visible after extinction, — 
but I know that the same things are really to be found in books of men 
such as Herschel and Airy, who are properly responsible for them. 
The discussion then terminated, and the Ordinary Meetings were declared 
adjourned till next Session. 
[Having cited the pamphlet of a “ Wrangler” (pp. 406, 407, and 422), it 
is only fair to publish the following letter from him, which will, no doubt, 
be read with interest : — 
“ March 21st, 1870. 
“ Sir,— I find from Messrs. Longmans that I have to thank you for a 
copy of your Paper read June 21st, 1869, at the Victoria Institute. 
“ I have already read it through, and find it extremely interesting ; and I 
see that there is much which deserves very careful consideration. If after 
reading it thoughtfully, I find anything suggested to my mind which would 
help to develop the ideas contained in it, I shall take the liberty of sending 
you a few lines. 
“As you do me the honour to notice my pamphlet favourably (The 
Theories of Copernicus and Ptolemy), I would add that I see reason for 
modifying some of the views as they are expressed in it ; but I am quite 
convinced that modern astronomy is tottering, and is based upon many 
groundless assumptions. My experience of Cambridge is that sound mathe- 
maticians, who have considered this particular branch of science, are inclined 
to admit this, — at least those who are free from the trammels of certain 
modern societies, whose object now-a-days seems to be, not to elicit truth, 
but to keep people’s minds in darkness. 
“ Renewing my thanks, I have the honour to remain, &c.”] 
