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TO prove that the stars form a stable system is a problem that has had attractions for many philosophical minds. The problem has not been solved, possibly may not be capable of solution, but

the attractiveness of the speculation remains. Analogy with the solar system has suggested, and given support to, such an idea. The harmony that is to be perceived in the ordered motions of

the planets, permitting countless revolutions to be performed without permanent change or irregularity, might well give rise to the hope that the same principle that governs the solar

system could be detected in the larger scheme of the stellar universe. Such an idea would naturally have sway at a time when speculation was little fettered by numerical data drawn from

rigorous observation. If there was little evidence to support the notion, there was nothing to contradict it. Kant or Lambert could suggest without difficulty that the stability of the

system was secured by each star moving in a definite orbit, which ensured the maintenance of the general form and arrangement. The influence that that thought has exercised on modern

investigation is of more importance than the thought-itself. To suspect the influence of the Milky Way-in the scheme of the Cosmos, and to make its investigation the centre of inquiry, was

to bequeath us a legacy which is by no means exhausted. Later schemes suggested by improved instrumental appliances have widened the scope and raised fresh issues, but the significance of

the Milky Way remains. Similarly with the problem of the sun's motion, which a hundred years ago Herschel solved so satisfactorily, considering the character of his material. Disputed by

Bessel and supported by Argelander and a host of later astronomers, the solution has passed through many stages and given rise to novel methods of treatment, involuing the application of

fresh hypotheses. In these later times we have pressed into the service the results brought to light by the spectroscope, especially difficult of interpretation as they are, and allowing the

exercise of much ingenuity. But the essential problem remains the same. The only question is, What advances have we made in solving the riddle which perplexed ealier investigators?

Der Bau des Fixsternsystems mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der photometrischen Resultate.

By Prof. Hermann Kobold. Pp. xi + 256. (Brunswick: Vieweg und Sohn, 1906.) Price 5.60 marks.

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