The papers contained in the present volume form in effect a single investigation in speculative astronomy. The tidal oscillations of the mobile parts of a planet must be subject to frictional resistance, and this simple cause gives rise to a diversity of astronomical effects worthy of examination.

The earlier portion of the investigation was undertaken with the object of explaining, if possible, the obliquity of the earth's equator to the ecliptic, and the results attained were so fruitful and promising that it seemed well to examine the whole subject with the closest attention, and to discuss the various collateral points which arose in the course of the work.

It is the experience of every investigator that he reaches his goal by a devious path, and this, at least, has been the case in the present group of papers. If then the whole field were now to be retraversed, it is almost certain that the results might be obtained more shortly. Then, again, there is another cause which precludes brevity, for when an entirely new subject is under consideration every branch road must be examined with care. By far the greater number of the forks in the road lead only to blind alleys; and it is often impossible to foresee, at the cross roads, which will be the main highway, and which a blind alley. Clearness of view is only reached by the pioneer after much labour, and as he first passes along his path he has to grope his way in the dark without the help of any sign-post.