American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-04-25
ron THE wArcRMAg.
No. 9.

NO. ~.
In addition to the considerations contained in q
previous essay, to induce us to treat the advocates
OF the ne,D theory of the earth, with iberality,
wish to ask those who among us have some astro
nomical knowledge, whether the planet Saturn does
not at certain times exhibit appearance as though
it was HOLLOW also as Major Symmes supposes
the earth to be. The writer never had AN opportu.
nifty of looking at Saturn through good tele
scope-but from the plates given to Us by as,rono
mers, of his appearance, there seems to be reason
to suppose that the luminous ring that appears to
surround, or in part enclose the body of the planet
may arise from the position Of the illuminated
edge Of the opening into his body--as seen when
the axis Of the planet is in parallel direction
With the eye Of the observer. 1t is said that the ap
pcarancc exhibits at times tWo concentric rings oil
light. Now, let me inquire, whether such an ap
pearance is not likely take place, when the axis
of the planet and the eye Of the observer are in
such a position with regard to each other as that
the illuminated edge aforesaid at the north pole Of
the planet. will appear exterior (being nearer to
the eye OF the observer than that at the southern
pole of the planet, which is more distant by the
whole length OF the axis,) and beside which, the il
Elimination upon 1t, will appear Il presume rather
Tess in diameter than the other-hrst from the cir
cumstance of it being absolutely further from the
eye of the observer, and secondly from that illumi
nation being upon the inside Of the edge of the
opening-whereas that at the northern pole Of the
planet occupying or covering part of the external
edge Of the opening, will really appear to have
more diameter and thus the concentricity of the
different sctes Of light will be accounted for.
only suggest these considerations for the ex-
animation OF those who have greater oppor,uni,e:
and means for examination-and ! only hint al
them to induce reflection and greater degree o.
liberality for neaU opinionsthat may lead to high
er degrees Of knowledge; persuaded that the fur
Their our views are carried to researches into ths
works Of the Great Author, and with iust6able in
tentions, the more wonderful they will appear. anc
the more adapted to the intention of their allwis,
Creator, when we are favored to catch glimps,
of those intentions.
Is it not possible that we may be much mistake,
10 our views OF the want of comfort in the interior
of the globe, if we choose to suppose it really hol
low (accordng to the new theory.) and Inhabited
we will not sly by human beings. Let US suppos
that fish the only living creatures to be fount
there. and hence we have means OF accounting TO
the prodgious schools of this animal that natural
ists tell US from under the ice at the poles
Nor would this interior world be so dark an sbod
as not to be habiiablc by such creatures-or il WI
can conceive Of an opening around each pole o
1000 miles in diametcr-,he passage of the rays o
the sun into these openings and the refrac,on o
those rays upon the interior dlameter-may no
only produce sufficient light but sufficient hea
| also
Some persons perhaps may say that have yer
little to do while amusing myself or troubling tn
public with my absurd notions. But though m
fellow citizens may not be pleased, am Of the min
that my pursuit is full as rational as in making Ion
tedious speeches in Congress, or the more tediou
employment OF reading them-or the still more IRA
tiona employmeno OF riding half adozen miles tor tn
honor of shooting ball at fellow creature-whe
by right understanding Of the matter it is easil
10 be so arranged that neither ballsha take effect
while honorable members stand by and admire tn
courage and trumpet the fame Of the renowne'
combatants! MENTOR.