Minor Notes.
_Note on the Duration of Reigns._--As Mr. Clinton and others have
endeavoured to invalidate Newton's conclusions with respect to the
length of reigns, by examples from modern history, I have made a Note on
that subject which may be of use. Taking in the times which may be
supposed most to resemble those to which the question refers, we find in
England, from Alfred to the Conquest, 13 kings in 166 years:
From 1066 to 1272 8 kings 206 yrs.
From 1272 to 1837 27 " 565 "
An average on the whole of 19-1/2 years.
If we add the time from Egbert, 5 kings, 73 yrs., the average becomes 19
yrs.
The average from 1272 is only 21.
In France 559 to 814 18 kings 255 yrs.
" 814 1830 47 " 1016 "
Average 19-1/2.
Average from 814 only 21-1/2.
In Germany 840 to 1835 50 emper. 995 yrs. Average not 20.
Turks 1299 to 1808, 30 sover. 509 yrs. Average 17.