Letter 1099

[fol. 265] Sr Upminster Nov: 30 1706. St Andrews-day Having a fair opportunity of Writing by a Gent now going to London, I could not but make use of it, to pay my duty & respects to you & to the Society, to acquaint you about the Spots that are now on the Sun. I well know that Spots on the Sun are now no Rarities to the ingenious, learned & curious Members of the Society; who have had them frequently for above these 3 years last past. But yet the Spots now being larger & denser than usually, & the foremost & largest Spot retaining its Density, & nearly its Form (wch to me is a great sign of its con- tinuing this, & perhaps another Revolution of the Sun round his Tenn [?] Axis. I say consider- ing these things) I thought it neither incon- sistent wth my duty to the Society, nor I hope ungratefull, to give you notice of them; that those who have not seen them (if any such there be) may have the diver- sion of seeing them, & that those who please may observe what Line they describe over ye Disk, & make other observations of them as they think think meet. T Spots are so large they may be discerned wth an ordinary Tube Knowing wherea- bout to find them. I could this day perceive them with- out a Telescope, wth only my naked, most vigorous Eye, guarded wth a Smoaked Glass. I diligently observe the stages of these Spots, & the Line they describe over the Sun, as I have done every Spot (I believe) yt hath been on the Sun from the year 1703. And I hope to be able thereby to make a judgement of what others have done, & particularly of what Scheiner I am enclined to think hath well done. This day (being St Andrews day) I can- not but wish my self with you although the shortness of the days, & badness of the ways Hinder me from the enjoymt of so good company. However I desire this hasty scribble may be accepted as a testimony of my hearty love and service, being Sr Yours & the Societies very affectionate & most humble Servant Derham Nex week I Intend to see you Farm, & then you may expect To hear from me, if any thing Occur worth writing.