came equally necessary to introduce another, or fourth line, traversing the latter, or line of greatest variation, and terminating on the opposite sides of that of the solstices, about equidistant from the latter points on the one side, as the line of greatest variation on the other, as being that of permanent uniformity in the opposite actions of the sun; i. e. that of the opposite points of the annual circle preceding the solstices, where the least variation occurs in the solar action. The necessity which existed for the introduction of this latter division into the meteoric chart of the year, will appear from the circumstance that, as the lunar action on the weather is always determined both in its nature and effects by the meteoric ground in the annual circle on which it acts; and that, with the exception of this the line of uniformity, the solar action is so variable in its other divisions, that, without its existence, in order to substantiate by a uniformity of effects on the weather produced at these periods of the year by it, the lunar action, it were impossible to afford such proofs of the latter, as the nature of the subject re→ quired, and which, by carrying conviction in their course, would satisfy the most sceptical as to its existence, equally as to its nature and extent. And as in regard to certain points connected with physics, it is only by analogy we are enabled to speak with certainty; did there not exist proofs of a nature so conclusive, in reference to the existence and

to;

extent of the lunar action on the weather, as those afforded at the opposite periods of the year alluded and that in the absence of them we were deprived of every thing like certainty, in regard to the existence of a planetary or cometary influence on the temperature and weather of the seasons; it is easy to see the irreparable loss to this the first of sciences-meteorology-which would thence ensue. By means of the proofs afforded at these periods of the year, however, in reference to the existence and nature of the lunar action on the temperature and weather;-from the analogy being perfect-we are thus, for the first time, enabled to speak with certainty on this important subject. And further, to trace as to their primary cause the source of those variations observable in the temperature and weather of the seasons of different years, viz. to the changes which take place, whether in planetary or cometary influence, arising from the changes which, similar to those of the moon, are continually taking place in the position of these bodies in reference to the sun and earth. And as in nature all is simple, because all is perfect; thus it is that her principles of action being once ascertained, every thing like difficulty disappears, in reference to tracing her phenomena through their different bearings and relations.

CHAP. XIX.

The Variations in the Temperature and Seasons of different Years, esteemed to be Effects produced by the Changes which take place in the meteoric Action of the external Planets, as of Comets, on our Atmosphere.

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THUS, the fundamental principle on which the whole of the dispositions of nature in the physical world are founded, being, as assumed, that of unity; and which, as refers to astronomy and meteorology," implies the existence of a connexion between the different members of the solar system, however di vided or distant one from the other: and which, if so, could only exist or be upheld by means of a bond such, as from being applicable to all, at the 12 same time embraced within the sphere of its opera tion the entire of their superficies. Thus it is that reflective action between the sun and planets, as be ing that only which answers to these conditions, is l esteemed to be, as noticed, the principle of this connexion, and the first cause in physics; it being, as assumed, the vehicle by means whereof the collective action of the electrical and magnetic forces, distributed throughout these bodies, is conveyed to each; varying in reference to the action of either

'force on their seasons, with the variation in the relative position of these bodies to each other, and to the sun. The sum of this reflective action, in every instance, being greatest when these bodies are in their syzygies, as proved by the tides at the periods of the equinoxes, and lunar syzygies; and its effects on the temperature being greatest as they approach the periods of their quadratures; as shewn by the earth at the solstices. The action of these the superior and inferior planets, as of comets, similar to that of the moon, is, as already stated, esteemed to be positive or electrical at and subsequent to the periods of their syzyges; and negative or magnetic at and subsequent to those of their quadratures : and, as being a consequence, that they have the effect of rising the temperature of our seasons at the former, as of lowering it at the latter periods. And as the forces of nature in the solar system cannot be supposed to undergo either increase or diminution; and that it is only by a homogeneous principle or action that variations in the temperature and other phenomena of the seasons could be induced; where, I would ask, are we to look for the source of these variations, if not in the changes which, with those of their positions, take place in the meteoric action of these bodies, as assumed? For as, according to the principle of reflective action, as understood by our theory, nothing connected with the planetary world can be neuter; but, on the contrary, that the

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forces electrical and magnetic, connected with each of the bodies which compose its members, are always, as regards the others, in a state of activity; it will follow, admitting the change in the nature of the meteoric action of these bodies on each other, with that of their positions, that the same body must, according to its position, whether by increasing the sum of electric or magnetic action in our atmosphere, have the effect, at one period of adding to, and at another of detracting from, the temperature of our seasons. Which, as regards comets, will serve to account for the contradictory statements we have, in regard to the seasons on which they have appeared; increased heat, earthquakes, &c. being attributed to some, and increased cold, excessive rains, &c. to others; of which the following statement, copied from the Observer Dublin paper, of the 17th October, 1835, will serve to convey an idea, viz. " Portents of Comets. -In 1005, the appearance of the comet was attended by a great famine, (probably induced by excessive heat;) "in 1080, by an earthquake; in 1155, by a cold winter and a failure of crops; in 1230, by rains and inundations, (part of Friesland was overwhelmed, with 100,000 inhabitants;) in 1304, by great drought, and intense cold in the following winter, succeeded by a pestilence. In 1310, by a still more destructive contagion. In 1456, by wet weather, inundations, and earthquakes; again, in 1531, by