8 Dr . Herschel's Observations on 
against an idea of the chaotic si-ate in which so large a mass 
as the ring of Saturn must needs be, if phsenomena like these 
can be admitted. Nor ought we to indulge a suspicion of this 
being a reality, unless repeated and well-confirmed observa- 
tions had proved, beyond a doubt, that this ring was actually 
in so fluctuating a condition. Let us therefore examine what 
facts we have to guide us in this inquiry. 
After looking over all my observations upon Saturn, since 
the year 1774 to the present time, I can find only four where 
any other black division upon the ring is mentioned than the 
one which I have constantly observed, and from which I have 
deduced the actual division of the ring into two very unequal 
portions. These observations are as follows, 
June 19, 1780. io h 15' mean time. With a new 7-feet spe- 
culum, having an aperture of 6 , 4 inches, with also a much im- 
proved small speculum, and a power of about 200. I see a 
second black list upon the ring of Saturn, close to the inner 
side, on the preceding arm of the ring. See figure 1. Tab. I, 
June 20, 1780. io h ioh I see the same double list on the 
preceding side of the ring. 
June 21, 1780. io h 1'. Small 20-feet, Newtonian reflector, 
power 200. I see the second black list on Saturn's ring. It 
is closer to the inside than the other is to the outside; but 
it is only visible on the preceding side of the ring. See 
figure 2. 
June 2 6, 1780. 9 h 34'. Small 20-feet, Newtonian reflector ; 
aperture confined to 7 inches. The 2d. black list, on the pre- 
ceding side of the ring of Saturn, is visible. 
June 29, 1780. io h 19'. Saturn's belts are very clear. I see 
but one black list upon the ring. The shadow of the planet 
