My object is to ascertain, whether any amendments have taken place in consequence.

To one fact of considerable importance, I was myself a witness, when I was present officially at a visitation.

At that time, no original observations made at the transit instrument were ever preserved.

Had I not been an eye witness of the process of an observation, I should not have credited the fact.
SECTION 7.

OF THE ROYAL MEDALS.
At a period when the attention of Government to science had not undergone any marked change, a most unexpected occurrence took place.
His Majesty intimated to the Royal Society, through his Secretary of State, his intention to found two gold medals, of the value of fifty guineas each, to be awarded annually by the Council of the Royal Society, according to the rules they were desired to frame for that purpose.
The following is the copy of Mr.Peel's letter:-- WHITEHALL, December 3d, 1825.
SIR, I am commanded by the King to acquaint you, that His Majesty proposes to found two gold medals, of the value of fifty guineas each, to be awarded as honorary premiums, under the direction of the President and Council of the Royal Society, in such a manner as shall, by the excitement of competition among men of science, seem best calculated to promote the object for which the Royal Society was instituted.
His Majesty desires to receive from the President and Council of the Royal Society their opinion upon the subject generally of the regulations which it may be convenient to establish with regard to the appropriation of the medals; and I have, therefore, to request that you will make the necessary communication to the Council of the Royal Society, in order that His Majesty's wishes may be carried into effect.
I have the honour to be, &c.