Abstract
The changes of value of the binding-energy for long-period comets through planetary action are such that the values of 1/ a for their initial approach to the Sun cannot be known. As the present values are to a less extent also subject to error a plot of numbers of comets in successive small intervals of 1/ a can reveal nothing concerning their origin. Even were such a plot accurately obtainable it can be proved that no distribution exists possessing a maximum at some value of 1/ a that converts into a distribution having a maximum at the corresponding value of a itself. These two considerations remove any basis for the claim that there exists a shell of comets at great distance from the Sun. A plot of numbers of comets against a exhibits no evidence of any congestion of aphelion-points at such distances.

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