Returning to the pendulum, it will be found to be equally unsatisfactory as a proof of this peculiar rotundity of the Earth. It is argued that as the length of a seconds pendulum at the equator is 39,027 inches, and 39,197 inches at the north pole, that the Earth must be a globe, having a less diameter through its axis than through its equator. But this proceeds upon the _assumption_ that the Earth _is_ a globe having a “centre of attraction of gravitation,” towards which all bodies gravitate or fall; and as the pendulum is a falling body under certain restraint, the fact that it oscillates or falls more rapidly at the north than it does at the equator, is a proof that the north is nearer to the centre of attraction, or the centre of the Earth, than is the equatorial region; and, of course, if nearer, the radius must be shorter; and therefore the “Earth is a spheroid flattened at the poles.” This is very ingenious and very plausible, but, unfortunately for its character as an argument, the essential evidence is wanting that the Earth is a globe at all! whether oblate or oblong, or truly spherical, are questions logically misplaced. It should also be first proved that _no other_ cause could operate besides greater proximity to the centre of gravity, to produce the variable oscillations of a pendulum. This not being attempted, the whole subject must be condemned as logically insufficient, irregular, and worthless for its intended purpose. Many philosophers have ascribed the alterations in the oscillations of a pendulum to the diminished temperature of the northern centre. That the heat gradually and almost uniformly diminishes on passing from the equator to the north is well ascertained. “The mean annual temperature of the whole Earth at the level of the sea is 50° Fah. For different latitudes it is as under:-- Degrees. Inches. Latitude (Equator) 0 84·2 Length of Pendulum 39,027 „ „ 10 82·6 „ „ „ „ „ 20 78·1 „ „ „ „ „ 30 71·1 „ „ „ „ „ 40 62·6 „ „ „ „ (London) 50 53·6 „ „ 39,139 „ „ 60 45·0 „ „ „ „ „ 70 38·1 „ „ „ „ „ 80 33·6 „ „ „ „ (Pole) 90 00·0 „ „ 39,197[5]” [5] “Million of Facts,” by Sir Richard Phillips, p. 475.