2 3 5 
and Velocity of the Solar Motion. 
for instance, were to each other, in the IXth Table, as 208 to 
12 ; our present solar motion has shown, that when the de- 
ception arising from its parallactic effect is removed by 
calculation, these velocities are to each other only as 179 to 
85, or as 2 to 1 . And though Arcturus still remains a star 
that moves with great velocity, yet in the Xlth Table we 
have 4, or 5 stars with nearly as much motion ; and 4 with 
more. 
Our solar motion also removes the deception by which the 
motion of a star of the consequence of a. Orionis is so concealed 
as hardly to show any velocity ; whereas by computation we 
find that it really moves at a rate which is fully equal to the 
motion of the sun. 
I must now observe, that the result of calculations founded 
upon facts, such as we must admit the proper motions of the 
stars to be, should give us some useful information, either to 
satisfy the inquisitive mind, or to lead us on to new disco- 
veries. The establishment of the solar motion answers both 
these ends. We have already seen that it resolves many dif- 
ficulties relating to the proper motions of the stars, and 
reconciles apparent contradictions ; but our inquiries should 
not terminate here. We are now in the possession of many 
concealed motions, and to bring them still more to light, and 
to add new ones by future observations should become the 
constant aim of every astronomer. 
This leads me to a subject, which though not new in 
itself, will henceforth assume a new and promising aspect. 
An elegant outline of it has long ago been laid before the 
public in a most valuable paper on general Gravitation, under 
H h 2 
