The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-11-12

never seen, but this did not deter the
Toxteth boy. He had never left q
problem unsolved, and in his mathe-
NAUTICAL calculations he discovered an
error in Kepler's tables. which enabled
him to determine precisely when the
transit would occur. But his import
ant secret was not for the people
about him. What would they think
of a boy who should claim that he had
discovered q. mistake by such a genius
as Kepler?
Like most boys, young Horrocks had
one companion whom he made his con-
fdant, and to this boy he impaired his
secret. But he would have to wait a
long time before he could prove that
he was right Years would have to
pass before the predicted transit; so
Horrocks went on With his studies and
waited patiently
He never saw Venus glowing in the
sky without wondering what would oc-
cur November "a 1853. if his calcula-
tons were correct. He might be set
down for a false prophet; but as yet
no one but his young friend held the
secret with him, SO the world would
not get the chance to laugh at him in
any event.
After his course at Cambridge. the
young astronomer was appointed to
the curacy of Hoole, Lancashire His
duties there allowed him much spare
time in which to continue his obSerVa-
lions of the heavenly bodies; and when
the day O. the predicted transit came
he was nth the lark, anxious to
determi the ruth of his calculations.
1t w SUNDAY and the hoy curate,' -
as he was called Cbeing but 90 at the
time) aad prepared a sheet of paper in
his study upon which rested the re-
Elected image Ct the sun. 1t was this
bit of paper which was to reveal mis-
success or faiIure-he expected to see
pass over the reflection of the suns
disc a tiny spot, which would represent
the planet Venus.
But while he watched, the church
bells sent out their musical call over
the little town. The curate knew that
they called him TO his place in the
chapel; but he feared that while away
the transit might occur and he would
miss il. He looked eagerly at the sheet
of paper; but no sign of the expected
event was yet there. If he obeyed the
bells all his long waiting might be for
nothing, and it became with him a
sharp struggle between love of science
and duty to the church.
Il VIII go to prayers" said young
HorrocSs. Il must not neglect the
worship Of the Creator for the things
He has created"
Horrocks left his paper and went to
the sanctuary. Perhaps the services
that day seemed TO him longer than
usual. no doubt he was in greater haste
to get back to his study when he was
through at the chapel
He hurried up to his room. He was
not too late after all. There on the
paper was the reflected disc of the
sun, but not a, clear circle as before
for the tiny shadow of Venus was Wis.
ible. creeping slowly across the space
Of light.
The hoy curate" watched it with
feelings not to be described. His re
search and his long waiting had not
gone unrewarded, and he now knew
that the scientific problems to which
he had devoted long nights of study
were rightly solved
The young astronomers triumph
startled the world of science. and al
ewes were turned upon him In a day
as it were. he had immortalized him
self.
Horrocks took his honors gracefully
He continued his church work as be-
fore. He did not live to enjoy his dis
tinction long, however, for he died al
the age of 90; but in his brief life he
had accomplished much and his name
still lives and is honored-
Sir Isaac Newton praised Horrccks
astronomical works, and 1SG years
after his death. when another transit
of venu took place. his name was or
every lip.
MANY years elapsed before the world
ri large paid Just tribute to the youth
who first observed the transit of the
beautiful Of the planets; and ii is moi
very long ago that his name was en-
sraved on marble among the memo
rails in Westminster Abbey.
II. c. THOMAS.