Wilde's Theory of the Secular-Variation of Terrestrial Magnetism

Abstract

IN a recent communication to the Royal Society, contained in the Proceedings for March, pp. 210–217, Mr. Henry Wilde, F.R.S., believes that he has cited additional facts in support of his theory of the secular variation of terrestrial magnetism. Wilde first proposed his theory¹ to the Society, June 19, 1890. He had it separately printed, in addition with other papers, in three languages, and the pamphlet was scattered far and wide. It was issued in the form of a reprint from the Transactions (though it never appeared in the Transactions), and contained such surprisingly good agreements between theory and observations that several eminent men of science, without examining the pamphlet very carefully, and believing that it bore the stamp of the Royal Society, were misled into thinking that Wilde had really achieved some remarkable results.