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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..39ed54d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #66559 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66559) diff --git a/old/66559-0.txt b/old/66559-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index c56a2a7..0000000 --- a/old/66559-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4257 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds, by -Bernard de Fontenelle - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds - -Author: Bernard de Fontenelle - -Translator: Elizabeth Gunning - -Contributor: Jerome de la Lande - -Release Date: October 18, 2021 [eBook #66559] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Tim Lindell, Tom Cosmas and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The Internet - Archive/American Libraries.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONVERSATIONS ON THE PLURALITY OF -WORLDS *** - - - -Transcriber Note - -Text emphasis denoted as _Italics_. - - - - -[Illustration: FONTENELLE.] - - - - - CONVERSATIONS - - ON THE - - _PLURALITY OF WORLDS_. - - - ══════════════ - - BY - - BERNARD DE FONTENELLE, - - One of the Forty belonging to the French Academy; - and Secretary to the Academy of Sciences. - - - ══════════════ - - WITH NOTES, - - AND A CRITICAL ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S WRITINGS, - - BY - - _JEROME DE LA LANDE_, - - SENIOR DIRECTOR OF THE OBSERVATORY AT PARIS. - - - ══════════════ - - Translated from a late Paris Edition, by - - MISS ELIZABETH GUNNING. - - ══════════════ - - London: - - PRINTED BY J. CUNDEE, IVY-LANE; - SOLD BY T. HURST, PATERNOSTER-ROW. - - 1803. - - - - - - CRITICAL ACCOUNT - - OF THE - - _Life and Writings of the Author_, - - BY - - JEROME DE LA LANDE. - - ══════════════ - - -Whenever I have entered into conversation with any sensible woman -on astronomy, I have always found that she had read Fontenelle's -Plurality of Worlds; and that his book had excited her curiosity on -the subject. As it has been so much read already, it must continue to -engage attention: I therefore thought it would be useful to point out -its faults; to add some observations, without which the reader would -be led into error with respect to the vortices; to make known the late -discoveries; and to shew what numbers, before our author, had written -on the plurality of worlds. But I have made no alterations in the text; -the reputation of Fontenelle renders him respectable, even in his -mistakes. - -The Astronomy for Ladies, which I have published as a substitute for -this book, would be more instructive, but less amusing; therefore, as -it will be but little read, I shall endeavour to supply the defects of -Fontenelle's work, by adding to the original some ideas more exact than -his own. - -M. Codrika has translated it into Greek, with explanations taken from -my Astronomy. - -M. Bode has translated it into German; and his translation has already -gone through three editions: the last is that of 1798, Berlin, in -octavo, Bernard de Fontenelle, _Dialogen ueber die Mehrheit der -Welten_. - -When Voltaire published, in 1738, his Essays on the Elements of Newton, -he began with these words: "Here is no Marchioness; no imaginary -philosophy." It was supposed that he here alluded to Fontenelle; this -he contradicts by saying: "so far from having his book in view, I -publicly declare that I consider it one of the best works that ever -were written." (Mem. de Trublet, p. 135). - -This book has been printed a hundred times; the handsome edition of -Fontenelle's Works, in folio, published at the Hague in 1728,[1] with -figures by Bernard Pickart; the still more beautiful edition of the -Worlds alone, edited by Didot the younger, in 1797, in folio, are -master-pieces of typography; but in them nothing is found but the -original work; therefore I consider our edition far preferable. - -[Footnote 1: That edition does not contain the account of the bees, -which is in the present edition.] - -I shall here give a short account of the author of this work. - -Bernard le Bovier[2] de Fontenelle was born at Bouen, February 11, -1657. He died January 9, 1757. - -[Footnote 2: Lebeau writes the name le Bouyer, from the family name, in -the Mémoires de l'Académie des Inscriptions; but it is pronounced le -Bovier. (Mem. p. 19.)] - -The first efforts of his genius were directed to poetry: at the age of -thirteen he had composed a Latin poem: about the year 1683 he devoted -himself to literature and philosophy. In 1699 he began l'Historie de -l'Académie des Sciences, which he continued with great success during -forty-two years. Few persons have contributed more to the progress of -the sciences than he has done, by accommodating them to every capacity, -and inspiring by his panegyrics, a love of study. For my part, I feel -a pleasure in acknowledging that I am indebted to him for the germ of -that insatiable activity of mind I have experienced ever since the -age of sixteen. I could find nothing in the world like the Academy of -Sciences, and ardently wished for the happiness of seeing it, long -before I had any idea of the possibility of one day belonging to it. - -In 1727 he published his Elemens de la Géométrie de l'infini; this -was merely the amusement of a man of genius who had heard a little of -geometry, and chose to hazard his opinions on the subject. - -We may find an eulogium on our author in l'Historie de l'Académie des -Sciences for 1757, in the Mémoires de l'Académie des Belles-Lettres, -and in a work written entirely on the subject, published by Trublet in -the year 1761, entitled Mémoires pour servir à l'Historie de la vie -et des Ouvrages de Fontenelle. In these memoirs a particular critique -shews us the various merits of Fontenelle's works: there is also an -article by Trublet in the edition of Moréri, published in 1759. - -I have remarked in the twentieth book of my Astronomy, that in every -period of time it has been believed that the planets were inhabited, on -account of their resemblance to the earth. The idea of the plurality -of worlds is expressed in the Orphics, those ancient Grecian poems -attributed to Orpheus (_Plut. de Placitis Philosoph. l. 2, cap. 13_.) -Proclus has preserved some verses in which we find that the writer -of the Orphics places mountains, men, and cities in the moon. The -Pythagoreans, such as Philolaüs, Hicetas, Heraclides, taught that the -stars were all worlds. Several ancient philosophers even admitted an -infinity of worlds beyond the reach of our sight. Epicurus, Lucretius, -and all the Epicureans were of the same opinion; and Metrodorus thought -it as absurd to imagine but one world in the immensity of space, as to -say that only one ear of corn could grow in a great extent of country. -Zeno of Eleusis, Anaximenes, Anaximander, Leucippus, Democritus, -asserted the same thing: in short, there were some philosophers who, -although they did not consider the rest of the planets inhabited, -placed inhabitants in the moon; such were Anaxagorus, Xenophanes, -Lucian, Plutarch, (_De Oracular. defectu. De Facie in orbe Lunæ_,) -Eusebius, Stobius. We may see a long list of the ancients who have -treated on the subject, in Fabricius, (_Biblio. Græcæ, t. 1. cap. -20_.) and in the Mémoire de Bonamy (Acad. des Inscriptions, tom. ix.) -Hevelius appeared as firmly persuaded of this opinion in 1647, when he -talked of the difference between the inhabitants of the two hemispheres -of the moon: he calls them _selenitæ_, and examines at length all -the phœnomena observed in their planet, after the example of Kepler -(_Astron. Lunaris_.) It was maintained at Oxford, in certain themes -which are mentioned in the News of the Republic of Letters, June 1784, -that the system of Pythagoras on the inhabitants of the moon was well -founded: two years afterwards Fontenelle discussed this subject in his -agreeable work. There are farther details of the different astronomical -opinions at the end of Gregory's book. For the objections, we may refer -to Riccioli. (_Almagestum, tom. 1, p. 188, 204_). In 1686 the Plurality -of Worlds was adorned by Fontenelle with all the beauties of which a -philosophical work was susceptible. Huygens (who died in 1695) in his -book entitled Cosmothéoros, published in 1698, likewise enters largely -into the subject. - -The resemblance between the earth and the other planets is so striking, -that if we allow the earth to have been formed for habitation, we -cannot deny that the planets were made for the same purpose; for if -there is, in the nature of things, a connection between the earth and -the men who inhabit it, a similar connexion must exist between the -planets and beings who inhabit them. - -We see six planets around the sun, the earth is the third; they all -move in elliptical orbits; they have all a rotatory motion like the -earth, as well as spots, irregularities, mountains: some of them have -satellites, the earth has one satellite: Jupiter is flattened like our -world; in short there is every possible resemblance between the planets -and the earth: is it, then, rational to suppose the existence of living -and thinking beings is confined to the earth? From what is such a -privilege derived but the groveling minds of persons who can never rise -above the objects of their immediate sensations? - -Lambert believed that even the comets were inhabited. (Systême du -Monde, Bouillon; 1770.) Buffon determines the period when each -planet became habitable, and when it will cease to be so, from its -refrigeration. (Suplèmens, in 4to. tom. 11.) What I have said of -planets that turn round the sun, will naturally extend to all the -planetary systems which environ the fixed stars; every star being an -immoveable and luminous body, having light in itself, may properly -be compared with our sun. We must conclude that if our sun serves to -attract and enlighten the planets which surround it, the fixed stars -have the same use. It is thought that the sun and fixed stars are -uninhabitable because they are composed of fire; yet M. Knight, in a -work written to explain all the phœnomena of nature, by attraction and -repulsion, endeavours to prove that the sun and stars may be habitable -worlds, and that the people in them may possibly suffer from extreme -cold. M. Herschel likewise thinks the sun is inhabited (Philos. Trans. -179. p. 155, et suiv.) - -Some timid, superstitious writers have reprobated this system, as -contrary to religion: they little knew how to promote the glory of -their Creator. If the immensity of his works announce his power, can -any idea be more calculated than this to exhibit their magnificence and -sublimity? We see with the naked eye, several thousands of stars; in -every part of the firmament we discover with telescopes, innumerable -others; with more perfect telescopes, we still find a multitude more. -We compute, from the number seen through Herschel's telescopes in one -region of the sky, that there are a hundred millions. Imagination -pierces beyond the extent of vision, beholding multitudes of unknown -worlds, infinitely more in number than those which are visible to our -sight; and ranges unrestrained in the boundless space of creation. - -Our only difficulty with respect to the inhabitants of so many millions -of planets, is the obscurity of the final causes, which it is difficult -to admit when we see into what errors the greatest philosophers have -fallen; for instance Fermat, Leibnitz, Maupertius, &c. in attempting -to employ these final causes or metaphysical suppositions of imagined -relations between effects that we see and the causes we assign them, or -the ends for which we believe them to exist. - -If the plurality of worlds be admitted without difficulty; if the -planets are believed to be inhabited, it is because the earth is -considered merely as a habitation for man, from which it is inferred -that were the planets uninhabited they would be useless: but I -will venture to assert that such a mode of reasoning is confined, -unphilosophic, and at the same time, presumptuous. What are we in -comparison of the universe? Do we know the extent, the properties, the -destination, and the connexions of nature? Is our existence, formed -as we are, of a few frail atoms, to be considered any thing when we -think of the greatness of the whole? Can _we_ add to the perfection -and grandeur of the universe? These ideas are expressed by Saussure, -who in speaking of a traveller to Mont-blanc says: "if, during his -meditations, the thought of the insignificant beings that move on the -face of the earth offers itself to his mind, if he compares their -duration with the grand epochs of nature, how great will be his -astonishment that man, occupying so small a space, existing so short -a time, can ever imagine that his being is the only end for which the -universe was created." - -From these considerations d'Alembert, in the Encyclopedia, (art. World) -after examining the arguments for supposing the planets inhabited, -concludes by saying: _the subject is enveloped in total obscurity_. - -But Buffon affirms that wherever there is a certain degree of heat, the -motion produces organized beings; we need not enquire in what way, but -imagine these to be the inhabitants of the planets: if that should be -the case, we may conclude it highly probable that they are inhabited, -notwithstanding the preceding objections. - - _LA LANDE._ - -1802. - - - - - _LINES ON FONTENELLE._ - - [Illustration] - - - Muse! if thou canst, this picture's truth excel; - Strive to pourtray the _soul_ of Fontenelle: - Him, to whose works, with wit and judgment warm, - Indulgent Nature, gave a magic charm.-- - 'Twas his to strew with flowers the toilsome road, - Which leads to Science in her dark abode; - And while he touch'd the pastoral reed, to prove, - That courtly pomp, must yield to rural love. - A Lucian rising from the silent tomb, - 'Twas his, to pierce through Error's doubtful gloom; - And, with resistless eye, at once to dart - Full on the hidden secrets of the heart.-- - Union divine!--in Fontenelle we find - A glowing genius, and a gentle mind! - - - - - _PREFACE_ - - BY - - BERNARD DE FONTENELLE. - - -_I find myself nearly in the situation of Cicero, when he undertook to -write in his own language on philosophical subjects, that, till then, -had never been treated of but in Greek. He tells us that his works -were said to be useless, because those who delighted in philosophy, -having taken the pains to study the books written in Greek, would not -afterwards think of examining his Latin ones, which were not originals; -and that persons who had no taste for philosophy, would neither care -for the Greek nor the Latin._ - -_To which he answers, that exactly the contrary would happen; that the -unlearned would be allured to philosophy by the facility of reading -Latin works; and that the well-informed, after studying the Greek -authors, would be pleased to see how the subjects were handled in -Latin._ - -_Cicero might with propriety speak in this manner; his superior genius -and great celebrity assured him success in this untried project, but -I have not the same advantages to inspire me with confidence, in a -similar undertaking. I was desirous of representing philosophy in a -way that was not philosophical; I have attempted to compose a book that -shall neither be too abstruse for the gay, nor too amusive for the -learned. But if what was said to Cicero should be repeated to me, I -could not venture to answer as he did: possibly in attempting to find -a middle way which would accommodate philosophy to every class, I have -chosen one that will not be agreeable to any. It is very difficult to -maintain a medium, and I think I shall never be inclined to make a -second attempt of this nature._ - -_I should warn those that have some knowledge of natural philosophy, -that I do not suppose this book capable of giving them any information; -it will merely afford them some amusement, by presenting in a lively -manner what they have already become acquainted with by dint of study. -I would also inform those who are ignorant of these subjects that it -has been my design to amuse and instruct them at the same time: the -former will counteract my intention if they here expect improvement, -and the latter, if they here only seek for entertainment._ - -_I need not say that of all philosophical subjects I have chosen that -which is most calculated to excite curiosity: surely nothing ought to -interest us more than to know how our own world is formed; and whether -there be other worlds similar to it, and inhabited in the same way: but -let no one be disquieted if unable to answer these enquiries; they who -have time to spare may examine such subjects; many have it not in their -power._ - -_In these Conversations I have represented a woman receiving -information on things with which she was entirely unacquainted. I -thought this fiction would enable me to give the subject more ornament, -and would encourage the female sex in the pursuit of knowledge, by the -example of a woman who though ignorant of the sciences, is capable of -understanding all she is told, and arranging in her ideas the worlds -and vortices. Why should any woman allow the superiority of this -imaginary Marchioness, who only believes what she could not avoid -understanding?_ - -_'Tis true, she gives some attention to the subject, but what sort of -attention is requisite? Not such as will laboriously penetrate into an -obscure thing, or a thing that is spoken of in an obscure manner; it is -needful only to read with sufficient application to render the ideas -familiar. Women may understand this system of philosophy by giving it -as much attention as they would bestow on the Princess of Cleves, in -order to understand the story and see all the beauties of the work. I -do not deny that the ideas contained in this book are less familiar to -the generality of females than those in the Princess of Cleves, but -they are not more abstruse, and I am convinced that on a second perusal -they would be perfectly understood._ - -_As I did not wish to establish an imaginary system that had no -foundation, I have employed true philosophical arguments, and as many -of them as were necessary to establish my opinions; but fortunately the -ideas connected with natural philosophy are in themselves beautiful, -and whilst they satisfy the understanding, give as much pleasure as if -formed only to charm the imagination._ - -_To such parts of my subjects as did not possess these beauties -I have given extraneous ornaments; Virgil has done this in his -Georgics, where he renders a dry subject interesting by frequent and -agreeable digressions: Ovid likewise in his Art of Love has pursued -the same plan, although the matter of his poem was far more pleasing -than any thing he could add to it: he seems to think it tiresome to -speak constantly of one subject--even of love. I have more need of -embellishments than he, yet I have used them sparingly. I have only -given such as the freedom of conversation authorised; I have only -placed them in parts that I thought required them; I have inserted most -of them in the commencement of the work to accustom the mind by degrees -to the objects I wish to present to its attention, in short, I have -derived them from my subject, or formed them as much as possible to -resemble my subject._ - -_I did not venture to give any opinions on the inhabitants of the -different worlds, since they must have been entirely chimerical; I -have endeavoured to express all that might reasonably be imagined, -and even the conjectures that are added are not without foundation. -Truth and fiction are in some measure blended, but always so as to be -distinguishable from each other: I do not undertake to justify such a -composition; the union of philosophy and amusement is the chief aim of -this work, but I know not whether I have adopted the right method._ - -_It only remains for me now to address one class of persons; they are -perhaps the most difficult to satisfy, not because my reasoning is -inconclusive, but because they feel themselves privileged to disregard -the best arguments: I am speaking of scrupulous people who may imagine -religion is endangered by placing inhabitants any where but on the -earth. I respect even an excessive scrupulosity when it arises from -piety, nor would I willingly hurt the feelings of any one from whom I -differed: but by rectifying a little error of the imagination we shall -find that this objection cannot affect my system of giving inhabitants -to an infinite number of worlds. When you are told that the moon is -peopled, you immediately figure to yourself men like ourselves, and -then a variety of theological difficulties occur. The posterity of -Adam cannot have colonized the moon; therefore the inhabitants of that -planet are not descendants of our first parents; now it would be a -difficult point in theology to account for the existence of men who had -any other ancestor. No more need be said; every imaginable difficulty -is included in this, and the expressions that would be necessary for a -more full explanation are too worthy of reverence to be employed in a -work containing so little of the serious as this. The objection then -turns on the existence of men in the moon, but it is the objectors -themselves who talk of men as its inhabitants; I have asserted no such -thing: I say there are inhabitants, and I likewise say they may not at -all resemble us. What are they then?--I have never seen them; I do not -speak from acquaintance with them._ - -_Do not consider it a subterfuge, to rid myself of the objection, -when I affirm that the moon is not peopled by men; you will see that -according to the idea I entertain of the endless diversity of the works -of nature, it is impossible such beings as we, should be placed there. -This opinion is supported throughout the book, and it is an opinion -which no philosopher can deny: I think, therefore, on this ground, the -following conversations will be objected to only by those who have -never read them. But will this consideration suffice to deliver me -from the fear of censure? No; it rather gives me cause to apprehend -objections from every side._ - - _FONTENELLE._ - - - - - CONVERSATIONS - - ON THE - - _PLURALITY OF WORLDS_. - - -TO MR. L----. - -You desire me, dear Sir, to give you a particular account of the manner -in which my time has been spent whilst at the Marchioness of G--'s[3] -in the country. To obey your injunctions strictly, I shall be obliged -to fill a volume, and what is still more formidable, a volume of -philosophy. - -[Footnote 3: The lady here mentioned was Madame de la Mesangire of -Rouen. She was a beautiful brunette; but in compliance with her desire -to be concealed, the author has spoken of her in the following pages, -as having a fair complexion. The park belonging to her residence, is -described in the "First Evening."] - -You expect to be entertained with a history of splendid feasts, -hunting, and card-parties; and you will hear of nothing, but planets, -worlds, and vortexes:[4] for the discussion of these latter subjects, -formed our principal amusement. Fortunately _you_ are a philosopher, -therefore I have the less reason to dread raillery from such a quarter; -on the reverse, I may even hope for your congratulations, on having -rendered the Marchioness sensible to the charms of philosophy: we could -not have made a more valuable acquisition; for youth and beauty, in -every cause holds such power, that if wisdom herself were desirous of -being welcomed by mortals, and would assume the form of this lovely -woman, surely with such an exterior, and such fascinating eloquence, -she could not fail to attract every heart. - -[Footnote 4: The Vortexes of Descartes, occupied the attention of the -learned, for nearly a century; but this hypothesis was superceded by -a discovery of the laws of attraction. Although Newton's famous book -on principles was published in 1687, Fontenelle always retained his -educational prejudice in favour of the Vortexes. A few years before his -death, he consulted me on a little work he had some time since composed -on the subject. I endeavoured to dissuade him from making it public; -but Falconet was afterwards weak enough to do so. The book is entitled -"Theory of the Cartesian Vortexes, with Reflections on Attraction." The -author's name was never affixed to the work.] - -Notwithstanding all this, you must not expect to be transported with -admiration, whilst I repeat the conversations I have held with her -ladyship: my genius should be equal with her's, to relate what she -said, in her own delightful manner. Conscious of inability, I must -relinquish the attempt, and leave you to discern through the recital, -that rapidity of apprehension, which characterizes the mind of the -Marchioness. From the wonderful quickness with which she comprehends -the most abstruse subjects, I consider her already learned: at least, -I may be allowed to say, that after a little study, she might attain -the heights of science; when many, who spend their lives amid the dull -disputes of vast libraries, remain for ever in the deepest ignorance. - -Before I recount our various conversations, perhaps you may expect some -description of their scene; some picture of the romantic country, under -whose shades the Marchioness is enjoying the autumn. If so, you will be -disappointed: so many people have exercised their talents on this gay -species of writing, that I shall dispense with the ceremony, and merely -say, that on my arrival I had the pleasure of finding myself the only -visitor. - -The two first days were passed in relating the news of Paris, which -I had just quitted. When that subject was exhausted, an evening walk -in the park, suggested the discussion of those learned topics, the -commencement of which you will find in the next page. - - - - - _FIRST EVENING._[5] - -[Footnote 5: This first book has been translated into a variety of -languages; it is the best eclogue that has been composed in the last -fifty years: the descriptions and imagery it contains are perfectly -suited to the style of pastoral poetry; indeed many of the images would -not have disgraced the pen of a Virgil. - - _Dubos. Reflections on Poetry and Painting._ -] - - - ═══════════ - -THE EARTH IS A PLANET WHICH TURNS ON ITS AXIS, AND GOES ROUND THE SUN. - - ═══════════ - - -After supper we went to take a walk in the park. We felt the fragrant -breeze of evening peculiarly delightful, as the heat had been intense -during the day: the silvery rays of the moon, gleaming through the -foliage, formed an agreeable contrast with the darkened shadows of -the landscape. Not a cloud intercepted or veiled the smallest star. -Every orb appeared a mass of pure gold, rendered more brilliant by -the rich blue of the sky. The beauty of the scenery produced a gentle -reverie, from which, had not the Marchioness been with me, I should -not have been easily roused; but in the company of so interesting a -woman I could not long abandon myself to the influence of the moon -and stars. Do you not think, said I, addressing myself to her, that -the charms of a fine night greatly exceed those of the day? Yes, she -replied, the splendour of day resembles a fair and dazzling beauty, -but the milder radiance of night may be compared to a woman of less -brilliancy of complexion, and more sweetness of expression. You are -very generous, resumed I, in giving the preference to the brunette, -whilst you are so fair. It is however true, that an unclouded sun -is the most glorious object in nature; and it is equally true, that -the heroines of romance, the most beautiful objects imagination can -depict, have almost invariably been represented with fair complexions. -Beauty, answered my companion, is nothing, unless it interests our -feelings. You will not deny that the finest day never had the power of -inspiring so delightful a reverie as you were falling into just now in -contemplating the loveliness of the evening. You are right, said I, but -the loveliest night I ever beheld, with all it's shadowy beauty, would -fail to give me such enchanting sensations as the contemplation of the -fair face of the Marchioness de G----. I should not be satisfied with -your compliment, she replied, did I even believe you sincere, since the -brightness of day, with which we have been comparing fair women, has -so little influence on your heart. Why do lovers, who undoubtedly can -judge of what is most touching, address all their poetic effusions to -the night? To the ear of day they neither confide their transports nor -their sorrows--why is it so entirely excluded from their confidence? -Probably, I answered, because it is not calculated to inspire that -delicious sentiment, at once impassioned and melancholy, which we feel -in the stillness of night, whilst all nature seems to repose. The stars -appear to move with more silent progress than the sun: every object -that decorates the heavens is soft, and attractive to the eye: in -short, we resign ourselves more easily to reverie because we feel as -if no other being was at that time enjoying the pensive pleasure that -expands our soul. Perhaps, too, the uniformity of day, in which the sky -presents no other object than the sun, is less favourable to the wild -and pleasing illusions of fancy than the view of innumerable stars, -scattered with sportive irregularity, over the boundless space. I have -always felt what you describe, said she, I love to see the stars, and -am almost inclined to reproach the sun for hiding them. Ah! cried I, I -cannot forgive him for concealing so many worlds from my sight! Worlds! -she exclaimed, turning to me with surprise, what do you mean? Forgive -me, said I, you touched the wildest chord of my imagination--I forget -myself in a romantic idea. And what is this romantic idea? enquired -the Marchioness. Ah! replied I, I am half ashamed of owning it:--I -have taken it in my head that every star may be a world. I would not -positively assert the truth of my opinion, but I believe it because it -affords me pleasure; it has possessed my mind with irresistible force; -and I consider pleasure a needful accessary to truth. Well, said she, -since your whim is such a pleasant one, make me a partaker of it; I'll -believe any thing you chuse about the stars, provided it contributes -to my happiness. Ah! madam, I replied, 'tis not such an enjoyment as -you would find in seeing one of Molière's comedies: it is an idea which -can only give delight to the understanding. What! exclaimed she, do you -think I am not susceptible of pleasures which depend only on reason? I -will convince you of your mistake. Teach me your system. No, answered -I, I will not subject myself to the reproach of having talked of -philosophy, in such an enchanting walk as this, to the most interesting -woman of my acquaintance. No, seek for pedants elsewhere. - -For a long while I attempted, in vain, to excuse myself; I was at last -obliged to yield: I insisted, however, for my reputation's sake, on a -promise of secrecy. Every objection being removed, I wished to begin -the subject, but found the commencement extremely difficult; for, with -a person who was ignorant of natural philosophy, it was necessary to -converse in a very circuitous manner, to prove that the earth was a -planet, the other planets similar to the earth, and all the stars so -many suns which enlightened a number of worlds. I once more assured her -it would be much better to talk on such trifles as other people, in our -situation, would amuse themselves with. In the end, however, to give -her a general idea of philosophy, I pursued the following plan. - -All philosophy, said I, is founded on two things; an inquisitive mind, -and defective sight; for if your eyes could discern every thing to -perfection you would easily perceive whether each star is a sun, giving -light to a number of worlds; on the other hand, had you less curiosity, -you would hardly take the trouble to inform yourself about the matter, -and consequently remain in equal ignorance; but the difficulty consists -in our wanting to become acquainted with more than we see: besides, it -is out of our power to understand much of what is even within the reach -of our sight, because objects appear to us very different from what -they are. Thus philosophers pass their lives in disbelieving what they -see, and endeavouring to conjecture what is concealed from them; such a -state of mind is not very enviable. - -In thinking on this subject, nature always appears to me in the same -point of view as theatrical representations. In the situation you -occupy at the opera you do not see the whole of its arrangements: -the machinery and decorations are so disposed as to produce an -agreeable effect at a distance, and at the same time the weights and -wheels are hidden by which every motion is effected. You behold all -that is passing, without concerning yourself about the causes; and -so perhaps do all the other spectators, unless among the number some -obscure student of mechanics is puzzling himself to account for an -extraordinary motion which he cannot understand. You see the case of -this mechanical genius resembles that of the philosopher studying the -structure of the universe. What, however, augments the difficulty -with respect to philosophers is, that nature so conceals from us the -means by which her scenery is produced, that for a long time we were -unable to discover the causes of her most simple movements. Figure -yourself, as spectators of an opera, the Pythagorases, the Platos, -the Aristotles; all these men whose names are so celebrated. Let us -suppose them viewing the flight of Phæton, rising on the wind; ignorant -at the same time of the construction of the theatre, and the cords -by which the figure is put in motion. One to explain the phenomenon, -says, _it is some hidden virtue in Phæton which causes him to rise_; -another replies, _Phæton is composed of certain numbers which produce -his elevation_. A third says, _Phæton has a love for the top of -the stage; he is uneasy at any other part_. The fourth thinks, _it -is not essential to the nature of Phæton to rise in the air, but he -prefers flying up to leaving a vacuum at the top of the stage_. Such -were the ridiculous notions of the ancient philosophers, which to my -astonishment have not ruined the reputation of antiquity. After all -Descartes and some other moderns appear: they tell you that _Phæton -rises in consequence of being drawn by cords, fastened to a descending -weight, which is heavier than himself_. It is no longer believed that -a body can have motion, unless acted upon by another body; that it -can rise and descend without a counterbalancing weight; thus, whoever -examines the mechanism of nature is only going behind the scenes of -a theatre. If that be the case, answered the Marchioness, philosophy -is a very mechanical affair! So much so, I replied, that I am afraid -it will fall into disrepute. In short, the universe is but a watch on -a larger scale; all its motions depending on determined laws and the -mutual relation of its parts. Confess the truth, have you not hitherto -entertained a more exalted idea of the works of nature? Have you not -considered them with more veneration than they deserve? I have known -some people esteem them less as their knowledge encreased. For my part, -said she, I contemplate the universe with more awful delight now I -find that such wonderful order is produced by principles so simple. - -I know not, rejoined I, how you have acquired such rational ideas, -for, to say the truth, they are not very common. The generality are -affected only by the obscure and marvellous. They admire nature merely -because they consider it a sort of magic; something too occult for the -understanding to reach: to them a thing appears contemptible as soon as -they find the possibility of explaining its nature: but you, madam, can -reason so clearly, that I have only to draw aside the veil, and present -the world to your inspection. - -What we behold at the greatest distance from our earth is the azure -heaven, that immense arch to which the stars seem firmly to adhere. -They are called fixed, because they appear to have no other motion than -that of their sky, carrying them from east to west. Between the earth -and the remote firmament are suspended, at various distances, the sun, -moon, and the other five stars, denominated planets; Mercury, Venus, -Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.[6] These planets not being stationary at one -point in the heavens, but having unequal motions, vary with respect -to their relative situations; the fixed stars, on the contrary, always -bear the same local relation to each other. The chariot, for instance, -that you may distinguish, formed of those seven stars, has always had -that configuration, and is likely to retain it; but the moon sometimes -approaches nearer to the sun; sometimes retreats farther from it; the -same is observed of the other planets. Such were the observations made -by the Chaldean shepherds whose continual leisure enabled them to give -so much attention to the heavenly bodies as to form the rudiments of -astronomy, for we learn that that science took its rise in Chaldea,[7] -as Geometry was first studied in Egypt, where the inundations of the -Nile destroyed the boundaries of different possessions, made the -inhabitants desirous of exact measures by which they could again -separate their own lands from those of their neighbours. Thus astronomy -is the offspring of idleness, geometry of interest; and if we enquire -into the origin of poetry, we shall probably find that she is the -daughter of love. - -[Footnote 6: In 1781, M. Herschel discovered a sixth. Astronomy by -Lalande, third edition, 1792, Vol. 1, Art. 116.] - -[Footnote 7: Perhaps in Ethiopia. Astronomy, Art. 260.] - -I am glad, said the Marchioness, you have given me this genealogy of -the sciences; astronomy is the only one that will suit me: geometry, -according to your account of it, requires a more selfish heart than -mine; and I have not susceptibility enough to attempt poetry with -success; I have, however, as much leisure as can be needful for the -study of astronomy; it is another favourable circumstance that we are -in the country, leading a pastoral life. Do not mistake madam, answered -I, talking of planets and fixed stars is not all that constitutes a -pastoral life. Was the conversation of the shepherds, in the golden -age, confined to astronomy? Ah, said she, but it would be dangerous to -conform one's mode of life to their's. No, that of the other shepherds -you mention appears preferable to me; therefore let us converse, if you -please, in the Chaldean style. After this disposition of the stars was -remarked, what followed? The next thing, I replied, was to imagine the -arrangement of the different parts of the universe; that is what the -learned call making a system. But before I explain to you the first -of these systems, give me leave to premise that we are all naturally -disposed to the same sort of madness as a certain Athenian of whom you -have heard, who had taken it in his head that every vessel which went -into the port of Pyreum belonged to him. We chuse to believe that every -thing in creation is destined to our service; and when we enquire of -some philosophers the use of such a prodigious number of fixed stars, -of which a smaller proportion would have been sufficient for all the -offices they appear to perform; they coolly answer, they were made to -gratify our sight. On this selfish principle it was for a long time -supposed that the earth was motionless in the midst of the universe, -whilst all the heavenly bodies were created for the sole purpose of -journeying round, and distributing their light to her. Next to the -earth they placed the moon, after the moon, Mercury, then Venus, the -Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn; beyond all these the firmament of fixed -stars. It was imagined that the earth was stationed exactly in the -middle of the circles described by these planets which extended in -proportion to their distance from the earth, and that consequently -the most remote planets required a longer time to perform their -revolutions, which certainly is true. But, interrupted the Marchioness, -I can't see why you should disapprove such an arrangement of the -universe, it appears to me sufficiently commodious and intelligible, I -really feel quite satisfied with it. I have taken pains, answered I, -to represent this system in the most favourable point of view; if I -were to explain it exactly as it was conceived by Ptolemy the author of -it, and his disciples, you would be quite shocked. As the motions of -the planets are irregular, being sometimes quicker, sometimes slower; -going sometimes in one direction, sometimes in another; now nearer to -the earth, then at a greater distance from it; the ancients figured -to themselves an endless number of circles intersecting each other, by -which they endeavoured to understand the great variety of movements. -The confusion, however, caused by such an infinity of circles was so -perplexing that, at the time no better system was known, one of the -kings of Castile,[8] a profound mathematician, was daring enough to -say, that if the supreme Being had consulted him when he created the -world, he would have given him some good advice. We are filled with -horror at the impiety of this expression, but it serves to shew us how -absurd must have been the hypothesis which could prompt it. The advice -this man wished to have given, undoubtedly regarded the suppression -of so many circles, which did but prevent the planetary motions from -being understood. Probably he would likewise have expunged from the -system two or three superfluous firmaments, supposed to be above the -fixed stars. The philosophers, to explain some particular motion of -the heavenly bodies, placed, beyond the heaven that bounds our view, -a sky of crystal, which communicated this motion to the lower sky. -Was a new movement discovered? they had nothing to do but to form -a second crystal firmament. In short skies of crystal were made -without any trouble. Why did they always chuse crystal? enquired the -Marchioness; would nothing else have answered the purpose as well? No, -answered I, it was necessary to have a substance, at once transparent -and solid, for it was Aristotle's opinion that solidity was essential -to the dignity of their nature, and as this was believed by a great -man, nobody thought of doubting it. But since that time comets have -been seen which, being higher than was formerly imagined, must have -broken all the crystal of these skies, in passing through them, and by -that mean, thrown the universe into confusion; it was therefore found -necessary to change the matter of which these firmaments were composed, -into a fluid, such as air. - -[Footnote 8: Alphonsus, king of Castile died in 1284.] - -It is now discovered with certainty, by the researches of later ages, -that Venus and Mercury turn round the Sun, and not round the earth, -on this subject the ancient system is absolutely exploded. I will -now acquaint you with another which provides for every difficulty, -one that does not require any amendments of the king of Castile, -for its simplicity is so charming that one cannot refuse to believe -it. Yours, interrupted the Marchioness, seems a sort of bargaining -philosophy; whoever offers a system that is effected at the least -expense, has the preference. 'Tis true, said I; we have no other -chance of understanding the plan by which the operations of nature -are carried on. Nature is a wonderful economist; if a work is to be -effected, and two ways are practicable, we may be sure she will adopt -that which costs her the least, however trifling the difference. -This economy is notwithstanding in every respect consistent with -the surprising magnificence which appears in all her productions. -Magnificence is employed in the design, and frugality in the execution -of it. Nothing should excite our admiration so much as a stupendous -project effected by simple means: but we are apt to cherish ideas -of a very different kind. We place the frugality in the designs of -nature, and her grandeur in the execution. We imagine her forming a -contracted plan, and executing it with ten times the labour that is -requisite: what can be so ridiculous? I hope, she replied, that the -system you are going to explain will strictly imitate nature; the -simplicity you so admire will spare me a great deal of trouble in -comprehending your instructions. Your hope will be realized, said I, -we have now no useless incumbrances. At the appearance of a certain -German named Copernicus,[9] astronomy became simplified; he destroyed -all the unnecessary circles, and crushed to pieces the crystalline -firmaments.[10] Animated with philosophic enthusiasm, he dislodged the -earth from the central situation which had been assigned it, and in its -room placed the sun, who was more worthy of such a mark of distinction. -The planets were no longer supposed to perform their revolutions round -the earth, and enclose it in the centre of their orbits. If they afford -us light it is as it were by chance, and in consequence of passing -us in their course. They all turn around the sun; the earth itself -not excepted; and as a punishment for the indolent repose it had been -thought to enjoy, Copernicus made it take an ample share of the general -activity: in short of all these celestial attendants, appointed for the -service of our little globe, the moon alone is left to move round it. -Stop a moment, said the Marchioness, your imagination is so elevated -with your subject, you have explained it in such pompous language, -that I believe I have scarcely understood you. The sun, you say, is -immoveable in the centre of the universe; which of the planets is -next in succession? 'Tis Mercury, I replied. Mercury goes regularly -round the Sun in nearly a circular orbit, of which that luminary is -the central point. Next to Mercury is Venus, which turns in the same -manner round the Sun. Afterwards comes the Earth, and being higher -than Mercury and Venus, describes a larger circle round the Sun than -either of those planets. Then follow Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, in the -order I have named them; thus you see the circle of Saturn must be the -most extensive of all; it likewise requires a longer time than the -other planets to perform its revolution. But, exclaimed she, you have -forgotten the moon. I shall recollect it presently, said I; the moon -never abandons the earth, but is constantly going round it; but as the -earth is continually moving onwards in a circle round the sun, the -moon at once follows its motion, and revolves round it; this attendant -planet, therefore only goes round the sun in consequence of invariably -continuing near to the earth. - -[Footnote 9: He was born in 1472, at Thorn, in Prussia Royal: he died -in 1543.] - -[Footnote 10: Several of the ancients were of opinion that we should -admit the motion of the earth. Astron. Art. 1075.] - -I understand you, said she, and I love the moon for remaining attached -to us when we were forsaken by all the other planets. Confess that -if your German could have alienated that too, he would have done it -without regret; for one may see, in every part of his hypothesis, that -he was but little inclined to favour the earth. He did well, I replied, -to humble the vanity of men who chuse to claim the best situation in -the universe; 'tis with pleasure I consider the world mixing in the -crowd of planets. Pshaw! cried the Marchioness; do you think vanity -can have any thing to do with a system of astronomy? Do you suppose I -feel humbler for knowing that the earth goes round the sun? I assure -you I esteem myself just as highly as I did before. Certainly, madam, -I answered, men would be less concerned about the rank they held in -the universe than that they enjoyed amongst their associates; neither -would the disputes of two planets, for precedence, be so important -in their judgement as those of two ambassadors. Nevertheless, the -same disposition which induces a man of the world to aspire after the -most honourable place in a room, will make a philosopher desirous of -placing the globe on which he lives in the most distinguished situation -in the universe. He likes to consider every thing made for his use; -he encourages, without being aware of his vanity, so flattering an -opinion, and his heart becomes deeply engaged about an affair of -mere speculation. Upon my word, she exclaimed, you are calumniating -human nature--how happened it that the opinions of Copernicus were -received, since they are so very humiliating? Copernicus, answered I, -was himself very doubtful of the reception they would meet with: it -was a long while before he could resolve to publish his system; at -last, however, he yielded to the entreaty of several distinguished -characters; but what do you think was the consequence?--on the day they -took him the first printed copy of his book, he died: so he made use -of the shortest way to escape from all the contradictions he had been -anticipating. - -Listen to me, said the Marchioness: let us be just to every body: -it certainly is difficult to imagine we turn round the sun, for we -never change places; we rise in the morning where we went to rest at -night----I see from your look that you are going to tell me, that as -the earth moves altogether----. Assuredly, said I, it is the same thing -as going to sleep in a boat which was sailing down a river; on waking, -you would find yourself in the same boat, and in the same part of the -boat. Yes, replied she, but here is a difference; when I awoke I should -find an alteration in the shore, and that would prove that the boat had -changed its place: it is not so with respect to the earth, I there find -every thing as I left it. No, no, madam, you may observe an alteration -in the shore, as you do in the boat: you will recollect that beyond -all the planets are the fixed stars, these are what we must consider -the objects on the shore. I am on the earth; the earth describes a -large circle round the sun; when I look to the middle of this circle -I find the sun, and were not its brightness so dazzling as to render -the stars invisible, I should constantly see, by looking beyond the -centre, some of the fixed stars opposite to the sun; by viewing them -however at night, I can easily determine how they were situated in -the day, which renders my observations equally accurate. If the earth -remained in the same place I should always find the same fixed stars -answering to the situation of the sun, but as the earth moves on in her -orbit, I necessarily see other fixed stars at the point which I had -before examined. Such is our shore, which is every day varying; and -as the earth goes round the sun in a year, I observe the sun, during -that space of time, successively answering to different fixed stars -which compose a circle; this circle is called the Zodiac; shall I shew -it you by tracing a figure on the earth? No, said she, I can dispense -with that; it would give my park too learned an appearance. I think I -have heard that a philosopher, shipwrecked on an island with which he -was unacquainted, cried out to his companions on perceiving some lines -and circles drawn on the sand; _courage, my friends! the island is -inhabited; here are the footsteps of men_. You must consider that such -_footsteps_ ought not to be seen here. - -It would certainly, I replied be more in character, to trace only -the footsteps of lovers; that is to say, your name, engraved by your -adorers on the bark of every tree. No more of adorers, cried she; -let us talk of the sun. I understand perfectly why we imagined it -performing the revolution which is merely effected by our own motion, -but this circle requires a year; how, then, does the sun appear to go -round us every day? You undoubtedly know, I replied, that if a ball -were rolled along this walk it would have two sorts of motion; it would -go towards the end of the walk, and at the same time turn several -times on its own axis, so that the side of the ball which is at first -uppermost will presently descend, and the other, of course, rise to -the top. This is the case with the earth: whilst she is proceeding, -through the year, in her orbit round the sun, she turns on her own axis -every twenty-four hours: each part, therefore, of the earth loses, and -recovers sight of the sun during that time. When in the morning we turn -towards the sun, it seems to rise; and when, by continued rotation, we -again are more distant from it, it appears to descend. That's curious -enough, said she; the earth undertakes every thing, and the sun does -nothing at all: and when the moon, the other planets, and the fixed -stars appear to pass over us in four-and-twenty hours, it is merely -imagination. Exactly so, I replied, and produced by the same cause. -The planets perform their revolutions round the sun in unequal periods -of time, in consequence of their different distances from it; and one -which we see to day answer to a certain point in the zodiac, or circle -of fixed stars, will to-morrow at the same hour answer to some other -point: this is the effect both of the progress which the planet has -made in its orbit and of that which we have made in ours. We move -onward; the other planets do the same, but we do not continue all in a -line: this occasions us to see them in such different situations, and -renders their course apparently irregular. You now understand that such -irregularity depends only on the different points from which we view -them, and that, in reality all their movements are directed by the most -exact order. It may be so, answered the Marchioness; but I should be -glad if their order did not cost the earth so much: you seem to have -very little consideration for it, and to require an astonishing agility -in so large a body. But, said I, do you think it more reasonable for -the sun, and all the other heavenly bodies, which are extremely large, -to perform in four-and-twenty hours an immense journey round the earth? -That the fixed stars, being in the largest circle, should travel, in -the course of a day, more than twenty-seven thousand six hundred and -sixty times two hundred millions of leagues?[11] All this must be if -the earth does not turn on her axis every twenty-four hours. Surely -there is much more rationality in supposing our globe to turn, which -would give to each part but a journey of nine thousand leagues. -Consider what a trifle are nine thousand in comparison of the terrific -number I have just mentioned. - -[Footnote 11: According to later calculations, it would be a thousand -millions of times a million of leagues; but a person who did not -believe the motion of the earth would have no occasion to admit this -prodigious distance.] - -Oh! replied the Marchioness; the sun and stars are made of fire, a -swift motion is nothing to them, but the earth does not seem formed for -motion. And should you think, I answered, if experience had not proved -the fact, that a large ship, carrying a hundred and fifty pieces of -cannon, three thousand men, and a heavy freight of merchandize, could -be _formed for motion_?--Yet a gentle breeze is sufficient to move it -forwards, because the water, being liquid, and easily divided, makes a -very slight resistance to the progress of the ship, or if it be in the -middle of a river, it follows without difficulty the current of the -water, since there is then no impediment. In like manner the earth, -notwithstanding its weight, is with facility carried through the sky -which is infinitely more fluid than water, and which fills the immense -space occupied by all the planets. To what could the earth be fastened -so strongly as to resist the current of this celestial fluid and remain -motionless? We might as well imagine a little wooden ball could resist -the tide of a river. - -But, said she, how can a body so ponderous as the earth be suspended -in your celestial fluid, which from its great fluidity must be -extremely light? It does not follow, I replied, that a substance must -be extremely light because it is fluid. What do you think of the great -ship we have been talking of, which, with all its lading, is lighter -than the water that supports it? I won't have any more to say to -you, answered she, half angrily, if you mention your ship again.[12] -But tell me, is it not dangerous to inhabit such a whirli-gig as -you represent the earth? If you are afraid, said I, let us have the -world supported by four elephants, as the Indians do. Well! cried -she, here is a new system. I like those people for providing such -good foundations for the earth to rest on, whilst we Copernicans are -imprudent enough to swim at random in this celestial fluid. I dare say -if the Indians knew there was the least danger of the earth's being -moved, they would double the number of elephants. - -[Footnote 12: The Marchioness was in the right not to listen to such -an answer. It is absurd to pretend that the ætherial fluid, so light -and rare, can be capable of bearing along those enormous masses, the -planets.] - -It would be worth while, I replied, laughing at the thought, we must -not be sparing of elephants if they can enable us to sleep in peace; -if you would find them serviceable to-night we'll put as many as you -please, and then remove them one or two at a time as you find your -courage return. No, said she, I don't think there is any need for -them, and to speak seriously, I feel courageous enough to let the -world turn round. And I can venture to predict, answered I, that in -a little while its turning will give you pleasure; will even inspire -the most delightful ideas, I sometimes imagine myself raised above -the surface of the earth, and remaining motionless whilst its daily -rotation continues. All the different inhabitants pass in review; some -fair, some copper-coloured, some black. Now I see heads covered with -hats; then with turbans; some shaven, others with flowing hair. As the -towns pass before me, I observe some have steeples, some long spires -with crosses on them, others are ornamented with towers of porcelaine. -Then I behold large countries with no other buildings than little huts: -afterwards, immense seas; then frightful deserts; and in short, all the -boundless variety which is to be found on the face of the earth. - -Really, she replied, it would be worth while to devote four-and-twenty -hours to such a sight. If I understand you, when we move, other -countries with their inhabitants pass into the situation we are -leaving, and so on, till in four-and-twenty hours we again arrive at -the same place. - -Copernicus himself, said I, could not have comprehended it more -clearly. The first that would succeed us[13] would be the English: we -should probably find them arguing on some political topic with less -gaiety than we are discussing our philosophy. When we had dismissed -them we should discover a vast sea,[14] on which perhaps would be -some vessel, less at her ease than we. Then come the Iroquois, eating -one of their prisoners of war, who does not even utter a groan though -still alive when they begin to devour him.[15] After them the women -of Jesso, who employ all their time in preparing victuals for their -husbands, and painting their lips and eye-brows blue to appear handsome -in the eyes of the most disgusting men in the world. Then the Tartars, -very devoutly going on a pilgrimage to their high priest, who dwells -in an obscure recess, enlightened only by lamps, the rays of which -direct these votaries to the object of their adoration. Afterwards -the beautiful Circassians who make no ceremony of granting all their -favours to the first that solicits them, except what they believe the -essential prerogative of their husbands. Then the inhabitants of Little -Tartary, who go to steal women for the Turks and Persians. Last of all -our countrymen, whom we should find entertaining each other with the -vagaries of their imagination. - -[Footnote 13: To speak more properly they would be one hundred leagues -northward.] - -[Footnote 14: The Atlantic.] - -[Footnote 15: We should next see the Pacific Ocean.] - -It is amusing enough, said the Marchioness, to fancy oneself in a -situation to see all these things: but if I were taking the view I -should wish for the power of hastening or retarding the earth's motion, -according to the feelings with which each object inspired me: I assure -you I should soon push on those that argued on politics, and the -others that devoured their enemies; but there are some of the people -you have been speaking of that would excite my curiosity; the handsome -Circassians, for instance, whose customs are so peculiar. But a serious -difficulty occurs to me respecting your system. If the earth turns, we -every moment change our atmosphere, and respire that of a new climate. -By no means, madam, I replied; the air which surrounds the earth rises -only to a certain height, twenty leagues perhaps at farthest;[16] this -atmosphere always turns with us. You have doubtless observed the sort -of shell in which a silk-worm imprisons itself, and which it forms -with such astonishing art. It is composed of silk closely woven, but -covered with a light down. Thus it is with regard to the earth, it is a -solid body covered with an atmosphere extending to a certain height, -which adheres to, and moves with it, as the down does with the firmer -substance beneath it. Above our atmosphere is the celestial matter, -incomparably more pure, subtile and active than air. - -[Footnote 16: Even at two leagues it is no longer discernible.] - -You represent the earth in a very contemptible light, said the -Marchioness. Nevertheless on this silk-worm's shell we find stupendous -works, furious wars, and universal agitation. Yes, answered I, and -while all this is going on, nature, who does not concern herself about -such frivolous things, carries us all along, with an uninterrupted -motion, and amuses herself with the little ball. - -It appears very ridiculous, replied she, to give way to so much -anxiety, whilst one is living on a thing that is perpetually turning; -but unfortunately we are not assured that it does turn, for, to tell -you the truth, all the precautions you take to convince me that we -should not feel its motion are unsatisfactory. How could it avoid -giving some indication by which we should be sensible of it?[17] The -most common and natural motions, said I, are the least felt: this -observation is true even in a moral sense: the motions of self-love are -so frequent in our minds, that for the most part we are not sensible -of them, but believe ourselves actuated by other principles. Ah! you -are beginning to moralize, said she; moralizing and explaining natural -philosophy are a little different; I fancy you grow tired of your -subject: let us return home, we have had enough for the first lecture. -To-morrow we will come here again--you with your systems, and I with my -ignorance. - -[Footnote 17: There are several; one of them is the aberration of the -stars. Astron. Book xvii.] - -In our way to the house, to give her a complete history of systems, -I told her that a third had been invented by Ticho Brahe, who, from -a determination to keep the earth in a state of rest, placed her in -the centre of the universe, making the sun revolve round her, and the -planets round the sun; for in consequence of some discoveries which had -been lately made, he found it impossible to make the planets go round -the earth. The Marchioness, with her usual discernment, concluded that -it was mere whim to exempt the earth from moving round the sun, when -so many other larger bodies were allowed to perform the revolution; -that the sun was rendered more unfit for turning round the earth when -incumbered with the other planets, and in short that this system -was only calculated to support a prejudice in favour of the earth's -immobility,[18] without offering any thing to convince the judgment; -we therefore resolved to retain that of Copernicus, which is more -uniform and pleasing, and at the same time unmixed with prejudice. In -fact its simplicity convinces, whilst its boldness excites admiration. - -[Footnote 18: The ridiculous system of Ticho was invented out of -respect to the holy scriptures, not considering that their object -was more important than the refutation of popular errors on natural -philosophy.] - - ═══════════ - - - - - _SECOND EVENING._ - - - ═══════════ - - THE MOON IS A HABITABLE GLOBE. - - ═══════════ - - -The next morning as soon as the Marchioness was awake, I sent to -enquire how she did, and whether she had been able to sleep whilst the -globe was turning? I received for answer, that she already felt quite -accustomed to the motion; and had slept as undisturbedly as Copernicus -himself. Soon afterwards, some company came to spend the whole day -with her; a tiresome custom which is always observed in the country; -yet long as the visit was, we considered it a great kindness in the -guests, not to prolong it to the next day; which I find is a common -practice in this part of the world: however, as they had the civility -to leave us, the Marchioness and I had the evening to ourselves. We -immediately went to the park and resumed our astronomical conversation. -She understood so perfectly all I had said on the former evening, that -she disdained to hear any repetition of the subject, and desired me -to enter on a new one.--Well then, said I, since the sun, which we -concluded is immovable, can no longer be considered a planet; and the -earth is proved to be one, and to move round the sun; you will be the -less surprised to hear, that the moon is a world like ours; and to all -appearance, inhabited.--I never heard speak of peopling the moon; she -replied, but as a ridiculous, visionary hypothesis.--It may be so, -answered I; I only adopt the interest of any party, in these cases, as -people do in civil wars; in which the uncertainty of the event, induces -them to hold a correspondence with opposite sides, and even, when -possible, with their enemies. For my part, though I believe the moon is -inhabited, I can be very civil to any one that disbelieves it; and I -always retain the power of going over to their side without disgracing -myself, if I found they had the advantage: but in the present state -of the question I have the following reasons for thinking the moon is -inhabited. - -Let us suppose that no communication had ever been carried on between -Paris and St. Dennis; and that a Parisian who had never gone out of his -own city should stand on one of the towers of Notre-Dame, and at that -distance view St. Dennis: were he asked if he believed that St. Dennis -was inhabited like Paris, he would without hesitation answer, No; I see -inhabitants in Paris, but I can discover none at St. Dennis, nor did -I ever hear of any being there. Somebody standing by, might answer, -that we certainly cannot see them from the towers of Notre-Dame, but -that is, because we are at too great a distance; that from all we can -discern of St. Dennis it is very much like Paris; that it has steeples, -houses, walls; and therefore is very probably inhabited. All this makes -no impression on our citizen; he insists upon it that St. Dennis is -uninhabited because he does not see any body in it. The moon is our St. -Dennis, and each of us is this Parisian who has never left the city in -which he resides. - -Oh! you wrong us, interrupted the Marchioness; we are not so stupid as -your citizen; when he sees that St. Dennis is constructed exactly on -the same plan as Paris, he must be out of his senses not to believe -it inhabited: but the moon is very different from the earth. Be -cautious, madam, said I; if the moon's resemblance to the earth prove -it habitable, I shall force you to believe that it is inhabited. I -confess, answered she, that if you can shew me the similarity, I cannot -pretend to deny its being inhabited, and I see so much confidence in -your looks that I am afraid you will be triumphant. The two different -motions of the earth, which I never before knew any thing about, make -me fearful of hastily rejecting any other opinion; but still, can it be -possible that the earth is luminous like the moon?--that you know is -essential to their similarity. Indeed, madam, I replied, the luminous -quality of planets depends on less than you imagine. The sun alone is, -in his _nature_, luminous; but the planets only reflect the light they -receive from him. He enlightens the moon; the moon reflects his rays on -the earth, and the earth is undoubtedly in the same manner a source of -light to the moon; it is not farther from us to the moon, than from the -moon to us. - -But, enquired the Marchioness, is the earth equally capable of -reflecting the sun's light? I see, answered I, you have an invincible -partiality for the moon. Light is composed of globules which rebound -from a solid substance, but pass through any thing in which they find -interstices, such as air or glass: the moon, therefore, gives us light -in consequence of being a hard, solid body, which sends back these -globules. I suppose you will not dispute the hardness and solidity of -the earth. See then the effect of an advantageous situation--because -the moon is at a distance we only view her as a luminous body instead -of a large mass of matter similar to the earth. Our globe, on the -contrary, from having the ill luck to be more closely inspected, -appears only a mass of dark soil, fit for nothing but to produce food -for animals; we do not perceive the splendour of her light, because -we cannot remove to a distance from her. So it is, answered the -Marchioness, with the different ranks of society: we are dazzled with -the grandeur of situations superior to our own, without considering how -much every condition of human life resembles all the rest. - -'Tis precisely the same thing, I replied; we take upon us to decide -on every thing, but we are never in a proper place for making our -observations. We would form an opinion of ourselves, and we are too -near; we would judge of others; they are too distant from our view. -We should be placed between the earth and the moon to form a just -comparison; a spectator, not an inhabitant of the world. I shall be -inconsolable for the injustice we do our world, said she, and the -partial regard we have for the moon, unless you can assure me that the -inhabitants of that planet are as ignorant of _their_ advantages, and -consider our globe a luminous body, without knowing that from their own -we derive so much light. I can make you easy on that head, answered -I; we are certainly a luminary to them: they do not, it is true, see -us describe a circle round them,[19] but that does not signify. The -reason of our appearing to remain in the same place is this;--the -side of the moon which was turned towards us at the creation, has -always continued so; we always observe the same eyes, mouth, and -other features of the face which, by the help of imagination, we have -contrived out of the spots on her surface.[20] If the other half were -presented to us, we should see spots arranged in a different form: -this does not arise from the moon's not turning on her axis; she turns -in the same time that is employed in going round the earth, that is, -a month; but whilst she is performing part of her revolution on her -axis, she at the same time performs an equal part of her circle round -the earth, and thus, by putting herself in a new situation, continues -to shew the same side: therefore although with regard to the sun and -the rest of the heavenly bodies the moon evidently turns on her axis, -yet when viewed from the earth she does not appear to do so. All the -other luminaries seem to the moon to rise and set in the space of a -fortnight, but she constantly sees our globe in the same part of the -heavens.[21] This apparent immobility, were it invariable, would be -thought inconsistent with the nature of a planet; but the moon has a -sort of vibratory motion which sometimes conceals a small part of the -face, and exhibits a part of the other side. Now, I can venture to say -that the inhabitants attribute this motion to us, and imagine that we -vibrate in the heavens, like a pendulum. - -[Footnote 19: This is an error, for if they consider the earth's -situation relatively to the firmament, they must see that she performs -a revolution in twenty-seven days: they certainly always find her -answer to their zenith, or at the same distance from the zenith, but at -the same time this zenith is continually answering to some new point in -the heavens.] - -[Footnote 20: When the moon is viewed through a telescope its spots -bear no resemblance to the human face; but on contemplating it with the -naked eye, it is easy to imagine that form; and it is become so common -to talk of the face on the moon, that even an astronomer can hardly -divest himself of the idea.] - -[Footnote 21: The earth always answers to one side of the moon, but not -the same point in the sky.] - -All the planets, said the Marchioness, are like us human beings, who -always attribute to others what belongs to ourselves. The earth says; -_it is not I who turn, it is the sun_. The moon says; _it is not I who -vibrate, but the earth_: there is error throughout. I would not advise -you to attempt making any reform, answered I; you had better consider -the remaining proofs of the resemblance which the earth and moon bear -to each other. Figure to yourself those two globes suspended in the -heavens. You know the sun always enlightens one half of a circular -body, whilst the other half remains in the shade. There is then one -half of both the earth and the moon, which is enlightened by the sun, -or in other words, in which it is day, and the other half in which -it is night. Observe likewise that as a ball moves with less force -and celerity after it has struck against a wall from which it flies -off to an opposite place, so the light is weaker when reflected to -us from a body that only receives it. The pale light of the moon is -in reality the brilliancy of the sun, but as we receive it merely by -reflection, in coming to us, it is deprived of its strength. Of course, -it shines with much greater splendour on the moon, and for the same -reason the dazzling light received by our globe, from the sun, must -appear faint, when reflected back to the moon. That part of the moon -which to us appears luminous during the night, is the side which has -day-light; and the part of the earth which is illuminated by the day, -when turned toward the dark side of the moon, affords equal light to -her. All this depends on the mutual position of the earth and moon. -During the first days of the month, when the moon is not discernible, -she is placed between the sun and us, and proceeding in the day time -with the sun: the luminous side is therefore necessarily turned to the -sun, whilst the dark part is towards the earth. We are unable to see -the unenlightened side of the moon, but this dark half viewing the part -of our globe in which it is day, is assisted by our light, and though -invisible to us, has the advantage of seeing the earth as a full moon: -it is then to the lunar inhabitants _full-earth_, if I may so express -myself.[22] After this, the moon advancing in her monthly round, and no -longer between the sun and earth, turns towards us a small part of her -enlightened half, and that we call the crescent. At the same time that -part of the moon which is involved in the obscurity of night, ceases -so see all the luminous side of the earth, and finds it continue to -decrease. - -[Footnote 22: We have a convincing proof of the light reflected from -the earth at this time, in the dusky light perceived on a part of the -moon that is not enlightened by the sun. Astron. Art. 1412.] - -Enough--said the Marchioness, in her lively manner; I shall easily -learn the rest when I like: let me stop a moment, and trace the moon -through her monthly circle. I see that in general that planet and the -earth have very different degrees of light, and I imagine that when we -have the full-moon all the luminous side of the moon is turned toward -all the part of our globe which is obscure; and that, at that time, the -inhabitants cannot discern us at all, but say they have _new-earth_. I -should not chuse to be obnoxious to reproach for obliging you to enter -into a long explanation of any thing so easily understood, but the -eclipses--how are they effected? You could guess it without difficulty, -I replied. When we have a new moon, and she, being between us and the -sun, presents her dark side to our luminous half, the shadow of this -obscure part falls on the earth; so that wherever the moon is in a -direct line under the sun, she hides that luminary from our sight, and -darkens a part of the enlightened side of our globe; this, then, forms -an eclipse of the sun to us during the day-time, and an eclipse of the -earth to the moon during her night. When the moon is at the full, the -earth is between her and the sun, the shaded side of the earth towards -the light side of the moon. If the earth's shadow fall directly on the -moon, it darkens the luminous half that we see; 'tis then we have an -eclipse of the moon in our night, and the moon, an eclipse of the sun -in her day. What prevents an eclipse every time the moon is between the -sun and us, or the earth between the sun and moon, is this; it often -happens that these three bodies are not placed exactly in a line, in -which case the one that would occasion the eclipse throws its shadow on -one side of the other and consequently does not obstruct its light. - -I am very much astonished, said the Marchioness, that there is so -little mystery in eclipses, and that being produced by such simple -means, every body does not discover the cause of them. In truth, -answered I, there are many people, who from the emotions they feel at -one of these phenomena, appear to have little chance of finding out -the occasion of them at present. Throughout the East-Indies, when the -sun and moon are eclipsed, the inhabitants believe that a great dragon -with his black claws is going to seize these luminaries; and all the -time the eclipse lasts, you may see whole rivers covered with the heads -of these Indians, who have put themselves up to the throat in water, -because, according to their notions, this is a very religious act, -and will induce the sun or moon to defend itself bravely against the -dragon. In America, it was thought that the sun and moon were angry -when they were eclipsed, and every kind of absurdity was practised to -regain their favour. The Grecians too, who had arrived at such a height -of refinement--did they not, for a long time, believe that the moon was -eclipsed by the power of sorcery, and that the magicians caused her to -descend from the skies and cast a baneful influence on the herbs? And -were not we likewise in great alarm, but two-and-thirty years ago,[23] -at a total eclipse of the sun? Did not an immense number of people shut -themselves up in caves and cellars; and were they easily persuaded to -leave them by the philosophers who wrote so much to re-assure them? - -[Footnote 23: 1654. There have been others in Europe in 1724, 1715, and -1716.] - -Really, replied she, all that is too ridiculous. There ought to be a -decree passed to prevent any body from ever talking of eclipses, lest -the memory of these follies should be perpetuated. The decree, said I, -should extend so far as to obliterate the memory of every subject, for -I can think of nothing in the world which is not the monument of some -human folly. - -Answer me this question, said the Marchioness:--Are the inhabitants -of the moon as much afraid of eclipses as those of the earth? How -ridiculous it is if the Indians of that world put themselves up to the -chin in water; if the Americans believe the earth is angry with them; -if the Greeks imagine we are enchanted, and suppose we shall injure -their herbs; and in short, if we are inflicting on them all the terror -they have caused us? I have no doubt but that is the case, answered -I; for why should the good folks in the moon have more sense than we? -What right have they to frighten us, unless we can frighten them? I -dare say, added I, laughing; that, as a prodigious number of men have -been, and still are, silly enough to worship the moon; so there are -some in the moon that pay their adorations to the earth, and that -they are kneeling to one another. If it be so, she replied, we may -pretend to have an influence on the moon, and to produce the crisis -in the diseases of her sick people, but as a little common sense in -the dwellers on that globe would be sufficient to destroy all these -honours, I must confess I am afraid they will have the advantage over -us. - -Don't alarm yourself, said I; 'tis not probable that we are the -only fools in the universe. There is something in ignorance that is -calculated for general reception, and though I can only guess the -character of the people in question, yet I have no more doubt, that -could we form the comparison, we should find ourselves equal to them, -than I have that the accounts are true that we receive of their globe. - -What accounts do you receive enquired she. Those, I replied, that are -given us by the learned who travel there every day by the assistance of -telescopes. They tell us that they have discovered in the moon earth, -seas, lakes, elevated mountains, and profound abysses. - -You astonish me, cried the Marchioness: I cannot imagine the -possibility of discovering mountains and abysses, from the great -irregularity they cause on the surface of the globe; but how do they -distinguish earth from sea? Because, answered I, the water,[24] by -suffering part of the light to pass through it, and consequently -reflecting less than the earth, has, at a distance, the appearance of -dark spots; whilst the solid parts, by reflecting all the light, look -much more brilliant. The illustrious M. Cassini, who has acquired a -greater knowledge of the celestial bodies than any man in the world, -discovered in the moon something which separates, then re-unites, and -afterwards loses itself in a cavity. We have reason to believe, from -its appearance that this is a river. In short all these different -parts are now so well known to us, that they have been named after our -great men. One place is called Copernicus, another Archimedes, another -Gabileus. Other parts have fancy names; there is a promontory of -decams, a sea of nectar, and so on; in fact our description of the moon -is so particular, that if a learned man was to take a journey there, he -would be in no more danger of losing himself than I should in Paris. - -[Footnote 24: It is proved that there is no water in the moon, but -there are volcanoes; they may even be seen without a telescope, which -was the case on the 7th of March, 1794. _Philos. Trans._] - -But, said she, I should like to have a more detailed account of the -interior of the country. The gentlemen of the observatory are not able -to give it you, I replied; you must make enquiry of Astolfo, who was -taken to the moon by St. John. That is one of the pleasantest follies -of Ariosto, I'm sure you will be amused with it. I confess it would -have been better if he had not introduced in it so respectable a name -as that of St. John; poets, however, will take licenses, and we may -venture to excuse this, for the whole poem is dedicated to a cardinal, -and one of our popes has honoured it with a particular eulogium, which -in some editions is placed before the work. This is the subject of the -piece: Orlando, nephew to Charlemagne, had lost his senses, because -the beautiful Angelica preferred Medore to him. Astolfo, a valourous -knight-errant was one day carried by his hippogriffe to the terrestial -paradise, which was at the top of a very high mountain: there he met -with St. John, who informed him that it was necessary, in order to cure -Orlando of his madness, for them to take a journey together to the -moon. Astolfo, delighted with the opportunity of seeing a new country, -needed no entreaty, and in a moment the apostle and knight took their -course in a chariot of fire. As Astolfo was no philosopher, he was -surprised to find the moon much larger than it appeared while he was on -the earth; his astonishment however increased when he saw in it rivers, -lakes, mountains, towns, forests, and, what I should have been equally -surprised at, nymphs hunting in the forests. But the most curious -thing of all he saw was a valley in which was to be found every thing -that was lost on the earth: crowns, riches, the rewards of ambition, -hopes without number, all the time that had been devoted to gaming, all -the alms men had ordered to be distributed after their death, verses -dedicated to monarchs, and the sighs of lovers. - -As to lovers' sighs, rejoined the Marchioness; I don't know what became -of them in Ariosto's time, but at present I fancy there are none that -go to the moon. We should find a great many, said I, were they only -those that you have occasioned. In short, the moon is so careful in -collecting all that is lost here that not a single thing is wanting -of the number: Ariosto has even whispered that Constantine's donation -is there: the popes have assumed the government of Rome and Italy by -virtue of a donation from that emperor, but the truth is we can't tell -what is become of it. There is but one sort of thing that has not -escaped to the moon, and that is--folly: the people on earth have taken -care not to part with that; but to make the moon amends, an incredible -quantity of wit has taken its flight thither, which is there preserved -in phials; it is a very subtile fluid, and easily evaporates unless -carefully corked up: on each of these phials is written the name of -the owner. I think Ariosto puts them together without any order, but -I like better to imagine them placed neatly in long rows. Astolfo was -astonished to find full phials belonging to many wise people of his -acquaintance. I am sure, continued I, mine has been considerably -augmented since I began to indulge myself with you in philosophic and -poetic reveries: but I console myself by supposing that after listening -to all my fancies _your_ wits must inevitably become so volatile that -at least a little phial full will evaporate, and make its way to the -moon. - -Our knight-errant found his own among the rest, and by St. John's -permission took possession of it and snuffed up all the bottleful -like Hungary water: but according to Ariosto he did not carry it -away with him; for, it soon returned to the moon, in consequence of -an extravagance he was guilty of some time after. He did not forget -Orlando's phial which had occasioned his journey; he had a good deal -of trouble in carrying it, for the hero's wit was naturally weighty, -and not a drop was wanting. At the end, Ariosto, according to his -general custom of saying whatever he pleases, addresses, in beautiful -language the following apostrophe to his mistress: "Who, my fair one, -will ascend to the heavens, to restore the senses of which your charms -has robbed me? Hitherto I have not complained, but I know not what -may be the extent of my loss; should I continue the victim of your -beauty, I shall in the end become what I have represented Orlando to -be. However, I do not believe it is necessary for me to traverse the -airy regions for the recovery of my senses; all the faculties of my -soul, instead of mounting to such unattainable height, are solacing -themselves in the beam of your eyes, and hovering round your lovely -mouth. Ah! have compassion on me, and suffer me to take them back with -my lips." Is not the thought pretty? For my part, in adopting Ariosto's -way of thinking, I should dissuade people from ever letting their wits -escape, unless it were from the influence of love; for you see how -near they then continue, and how easily they may be regained; but when -they are lost in any other way, as we, for instance, are losing ours, -in philosophising, they fly directly to the moon, and are not caught -again at pleasure. Never mind, said the Marchioness; ours will have an -honourable station among the philosophic phials; whereas, had we lost -them in the poet's way, they might perhaps hover around some unworthy -object. But, continued she, to deprive me completely of mine, tell me -seriously whether you believe there are men living in the moon, for -you have not yet given me a decided opinion. Do I believe it? replied -I; oh no, I don't believe there are men in the moon. We see how much -all nature is changed even when we have travelled from here to China; -different faces; different figures; different manners; and almost a -different sort of understandings: from here to the moon the alteration -must be considerably greater. When adventurers explore unknown -countries, the inhabitants they find are scarcely human; they are -animals in the shape of men, even in that respect sometimes imperfect; -but almost devoid of human reason; could any of these travellers reach -the moon, they surely would not find it inhabited by men. - -Then what sort of creatures are they? asked the Marchioness -impatiently. Upon my word, madam, said I, I can't tell. Were it -possible for us to be endowed with reason, and at the same time not -of the human species; were we, I say, such beings, and inhabitants -of the moon, should we ever imagine that this world contained so -fantastical a creature as man? Could we form in our minds the image -of a being composed of such extravagant passions, and such wise -reflections; an existence so short, and plans so extensive; so much -knowledge of trifles, and so much ignorance of the most important -things; such ardent love of liberty, yet such proneness to slavery; so -strong a desire for happiness, with so little power of being happy? -The people in the moon, must be very clever to imagine such a motley -character. We are incessantly contemplating our own nature, yet we -are still unacquainted with it. Some have found it so difficult to -comprehend, that they have said the gods had taken too much nectar -when they created men; and when they had recovered their calm reason, -they could not help laughing at their own work. Well, we are not in -danger of being laughed at by the inhabitants of the moon, answered -the Marchioness, as they would find it so impossible to imagine our -characters; but I should be very glad if we could find out theirs, -for really, one feels a painful degree of curiosity in knowing that -there are beings in the moon we see yonder, and not having the means -of discovering what they are. How is it, I replied, that you have no -anxiety to be acquainted with all the southern part of the world which -is yet unknown to us? We and the inhabitants of that part of the globe -are voyaging in the same vessel, of which they occupy the head and we -the stern. You see that the head and the stern have no communication -with each other; that the people at one end know nothing of the nature -or occupations of those at the other, and yet you want to be acquainted -with all that is going forward in the moon, that separate vessel which -is sailing in a distant part of the heavens. - -Oh! replied she, I consider myself already acquainted with the -inhabitants of the southern world, for they certainly must be very -much like us; and in short, we may know them better whenever we chuse -to give ourselves the trouble of going to see them; we cannot miss -them, for they will remain in the same place; but these folks in the -moon----I am in despair about them. Were I, I replied, gravely to -answer you, _we know not what may happen_, you would laugh at me, and -I should undoubtedly deserve it; nevertheless I think I could defend -myself in some measure from your ridicule. A thought has come into my -head, which is whimsical enough, and yet there is a wonderful deal -of probability in it; I don't know how it has acquired the power of -imposing that on my understanding, being in itself so extravagant. I -dare say I shall likewise bring you to confess, contrary to reason, -that there may some day be a communication opened between the earth and -the moon. Recollect the situation of America before it was discovered -by Christopher Columbus. The minds of its inhabitants were involved -in the most profound ignorance; far from having any knowledge of the -sciences, they were not even acquainted with the most simple and -necessary arts: they went without clothes; they had no weapon but the -bow; they had no notion that men might be carried by animals; they -supposed the ocean an immense space, impassable by man, and bounded -only by the sky to which it was joined. It is true that after they had -been several years in contriving to scoop out the trunk of a great -tree, they ventured to commit themselves to the water in this rude -sort of vessel, and went from one country to another, borne along by -the winds and waves: but as their bark was very liable to be overset, -they were frequently under the necessity of swimming to overtake it, -so that properly speaking they were oftener in the water than in their -ship. You must suppose they would not have yielded a very implicit -credence to a person who had told them that a navigation was carried -on, incomparably superior to theirs; that by its means, every part of -the liquid expanse could be resorted to; that the vessels might be -detained at one spot whilst the billows were foaming around; that even -the speed with which they moved might be regulated; in short, that the -ocean, whatever its extent might be, was no obstacle to the commerce -of different people. In a course of time, however, notwithstanding -their incredulity, a spectacle new and astonishing presents itself -to the eyes of these savages. Enormous bodies, extending their white -wings to the blast, come sailing on the ocean with fearful rapidity, -and discharging fire on every side: these tremendous machines cast on -their shore men covered with iron; guiding with facility the monsters -that carry them, and darting thunderbolts from their hands to destroy -all who attempt to resist them.--"Whence come these awful beings? Who -hath given them power to ride on the waters, and to wield the thunder -of heaven? Are they children of the sun? assuredly they are not men!" -I cannot tell, madam, whether you feel as strongly as I do, the -surprise of the Americans; surely no event could ever have excited an -astonishment equal to theirs. After thinking of that, I will not assert -that no communication can be established between our world and the -moon. Did the Americans ever conceive the idea that there would be any -between their country and Europe, of which they had never heard? There -is, I acknowledge, an immense space of air to travel through before we -could reach the moon; but did those great seas appear to the Americans -more capable of being crossed? Really, exclaimed the Marchioness, -looking earnestly at me, you are quite mad! Who denies it? answered I. -It is impossible you _should_ deny it said she. The Americans were so -ignorant that they could not imagine the practicability of crossing -such an extent of water; but we have science enough to know that the -air is passable, although we have no machine which can transport us -through it. We do more than conjecture the possibility of rising in -the air, I replied; we have actually began to fly. Several persons -have discovered a method of fixing on wings which supported them in -the air, of moving these wings, and by their assistance, flying over -rivers; these new-fashioned birds, did not, to be sure, soar like the -eagles, and their flight has sometimes cost them an arm or a leg; -but, however, these attempts answer to the first pieces of wood that -were launched into the water, and which served for the commencement -of navigation: there was a vast difference between these mere planks -and great ships, capable of going round the world; nevertheless, by -gradual improvements we have learned to construct such vessels. The -art of flying is but in its infancy; in due time it will be brought to -perfection,[25] and some day or other we shall get to the moon. Can we -pretend to know every thing; to have made every possible discovery? -Pray let us give posterity leave to make some improvements as well as -ourselves. I won't give them leave, answered she, to break their necks -by attempting to fly. Well, I replied, though flying be not perfected -here, the inhabitants of the moon, may perhaps excel us; and it will be -the same thing whether we go to them, or they come to us. We shall then -be like the Americans who knew so little of navigation whilst it was -thoroughly understood at the other side of the globe. Pugh! cried the -Marchioness; if the people in the moon were so expert, they would have -been here before this time. The Europeans, answered I, did not find -their way to America till six thousand years had elapsed; they were -all that time in learning the art of navigation so completely as to -pass over the ocean. Probably the people in the moon are able to take -little excursions into the air, very likely they are now practising; -after they have acquired more experience they will pay us a visit, and -heaven knows what surprise it will occasion us! You are insupportable, -exclaimed she, to combat me with such chimerical arguments. Take care, -said I; if you provoke me I shall easily corroborate them. Remember -the earth has been made known to us by little and little. The ancients -positively asserted that the torrid and frozen zones were uninhabitable -from the excessive heat of the one, and cold of the others; and in -the time of the Romans the general chart of the world was made little -larger than that of their own empire, this at once shewed the grand -idea they had of themselves, and their extreme ignorance of the earth. -Men were however discovered, in these extremely hot, and intensely -cold, climates, which discovery has greatly augmented the number of -inhabitants on our globe. At one time it was believed that the ocean -covered every part of the earth except what was then known. Antipodes -had never been heard of, and who could imagine that men would be able -to walk with their heads downwards? Yet after all, the antipodes -were found out. Now the map must be altered; a new half added to the -earth!--You understand, madam, what I am aiming at; these antipodes, -so unexpectedly discovered, should teach us to think modestly of our -attainments: we may yet know much more of our own world, and then -become acquainted with the moon; till that time we must not expect -it, because our knowledge is progressive: when we understand our own -habitation, we may be permitted to study that of our neighbours. In -truth, said she, viewing me attentively, you enter into the subject so -deeply that one cannot but imagine you in earnest. Indeed I am not, -answered I; I only wished to shew you the possibility of maintaining an -extravagant opinion, so as to embarrass, though not convince, a person -of sense. Truth alone makes her way to the understanding; she can even -convince without exhibiting every proof: she is so adapted to our -capacities, that when first discovered, we seem only to have met with -an old acquaintance. - -[Footnote 25: Montgolfier's balloons, invented in 1783, have gone -a great way towards the fulfilling of this prediction, but it is -evidently impossible for it to be accomplished; these globes can only -carry us to a certain height, beyond that we could not breathe.] - -Ah! this restores my tranquillity, said she. Your sophistry disturbed -my imagination. Let us retire; I am now composed and inclined to go to -rest. - - ══════════════ - - - - - _THIRD EVENING._ - - ══════════════ - - - -The Marchioness wished to pursue our astronomical researches during the -day; but I told her that as the moon and stars were the subjects of -our whimsical conversations, they ought to be our only confidants; we -therefore waited till evening, and then took our usual ramble in the -park, which thus became sacred to learning. - -I have a vast deal of news to tell you, said I; I yesterday told you -that the moon, according to all appearances, was inhabited; but I have -recollected a circumstance which would expose its inhabitants to so -much danger, that I don't know whether I shall not retract my former -opinion. Indeed I will not suffer you to retract it, answered she. -Yesterday you prepared me to receive a visit from the inhabitants of -the moon, in a few days; now you are going to refuse them a place in -the creation. You shall not trifle with me in this way. You told me -the moon was inhabited; I surmounted the difficulty of believing it, -and now I will continue to believe it. Softly! said I; we should give -but half an assent to an opinion of this nature, and reserve the other -half in case we should find the opposite idea better supported. I am -not contented with words, she replied; give me facts: remember your -comparison of the moon with St. Dennis. But, answered I, the moon is -not so similar to the earth as St. Dennis is to Paris. The sun draws -out of the earth and water exhalations, which rise to a certain height -in the air, collect together, and form themselves into clouds. These -clouds hover about the earth in irregular shapes, sometimes shadowing -one part, and sometimes another. In viewing the earth from a distance, -the appearance of its surface would continually vary, because a large -space of country darkened by a cloud would appear less luminous -than the other parts, and as the cloud dispersed, would resume its -brightness: from this cause the spots on the earth would be seen to -change their places, assume different forms, and sometimes be entirely -dissipated. If, then, the moon had clouds in its atmosphere, we should -observe this variety of spots; but we find them always confined to the -same place, which proves that the sun raises no vapours from the moon. -It is then a body incomparably more solid than the earth, and its more -subtile particles easily dissipated as soon as they are put in motion -by the heat. The moon, therefore must be a mass of rock and marble from -which no evaporation proceeds; for exhalations so naturally arise where -there is water, that we cannot admit the existence of water where they -are not found. What sort of beings do you think could inhabit these -barren rocks; this country without water? Ah! cried she, you forget -that you have assured me the seas in the moon were distinguishable. -It was a mere conjecture,[26] I replied; I am sorry to have led you -astray. These dark places that have been taken for seas are probably -only deep cavities: at so great a distance it is excusable if we don't -always guess aright. But, said she, will your objections oblige us to -conclude that the moon has no inhabitants? By no means, answered I, we -will neither decide one way or the other. I must own my weakness, she -replied; I cannot bear to remain in suspense. I must believe something: -enable me to determine; let us ascertain the existence of these -people, or let us annihilate them at once, and think no more about -them. But preserve them if possible; I have formed an attachment for -them, of which I shall not easily divest myself. I will not leave the -moon without inhabitants then, said I; for your pleasure it shall be -repeopled. - -[Footnote 26: This is not, now, even conjectured, for with a telescope -we may see irregularities at the bottom of what were supposed to be -seas.] - -As the spots in the moon never vary,[27] we certainly, cannot believe -that there are any surrounding clouds which successively obscure the -surrounding parts; this however is not a proof that there are no -exhalations; our clouds are formed of vapours, which at their first -rising out of the earth, were in separate particles, too small to -be visible to us; in ascending they meet with a degree of cold that -condenses, and unites them into conspicuous forms; after which they -float in the air till they dissolve in rain. But these exhalations -frequently remain dispersed and imperceptible, and fall back on the -ground in gentle dews. I suppose then that vapours of this kind are -exhaled from the moon, for it is incredible that the moon should be -a large mass, composed of parts all equally solid, all in a state of -equal tranquillity, all incapable of being influenced by the action -of the sun. We know of no body which has these properties, not even -marble. The most dense bodies are subject to change, either from some -secret and interior motion, or from the action of external matter. As -the exhalations from the moon, do not form themselves into clouds, and -return in showers, they can only become dew; for that purpose it is not -necessary that the atmosphere, which apparently adheres to the moon as -ours does to the earth, should be exactly similar to our air, nor the -vapours exactly like ours; and that I think is probably the case:[28] -the matter must have a different disposition in the moon, from that -in the earth; consequently the effects be different; however all that -is of no importance; since we find that there is motion in the parts -of the moon, either internal, or produced by foreign causes, we may -again people it, as we have the means of affording them subsistence; of -producing fruit, corn, water, and every thing that is needful. I mean -fruit, corn, &c. such as the moon can produce, the nature of which I -am unacquainted with; and all these in proportion to the wants of its -inhabitants, of which I am likewise ignorant. - -[Footnote 27: M. Herschel has observed variations in them; which he, -with certainty, attributes to the industry of the inhabitants.] - -[Footnote 28: The atmosphere of the moon, if there be any, is quite -invisible to us.] - -That is to say, answered the Marchioness, you are sure every thing is -right, without knowing how it is; here is a little knowledge placed -against a great deal of ignorance, but we must be content with it: I -am very happy to have inhabitants restored to the moon; I am glad also -that you give them a surrounding atmosphere, for it seems to me that a -planet would be too naked without one. - -These two different airs, said I, one belonging to the earth, the other -to the moon, tend to prevent the communication between the two planets. -If it merely depended on the power of flying, who knows, as I yesterday -said, but we may at some future time be sufficiently expert? All things -considered, I think we must not expect this communication; the amazing -distance at which they are placed, would be a considerable difficulty; -and were this obstacle removed; were the two planets nearer together, -it would be impossible to pass from one atmosphere to the other. Water -is the atmosphere of fishes; they never pass into that of birds, nor -the birds into theirs: they are not prevented by the distance, but the -existence of both depends on their proper element. Our air, we find, -is mixed with more dense and gross vapours than that of the moon; -therefore an inhabitant of that world would be drowned if he entered -our atmosphere, and fall lifeless on the earth. - -Oh! how glad I should be, exclaimed the Marchioness, for a shipwreck to -cast a good number of them on the earth, we might then examine them at -our leisure. But, I replied, if they were clever enough to navigate -the surface of our atmosphere, and from a curiosity to examine us, -should be tempted to draw us up like fishes; would that please you? Why -not? answered she, laughing. I would voluntarily put myself in their -nets, just for the pleasure of seeing the fishers. - -Remember, said I, you would be very ill by the time you reached the -top of our air; we are not capable of breathing it above a certain -height;[29] it is said that at the summit of some mountains we can -scarcely do it. I wonder that people who are silly enough to believe -that corporeal genii inhabit the purest regions of the air, should not -tell us, as the reason for our receiving such short and unfrequent -visits from these genii, that few of them understand diving, and even -those who excel in it cannot remain long in our gross air. - -[Footnote 29: Respiration is difficult at the height of a league. Half -a league higher it must be impossible.] - -We see then there are many things to prevent us from leaving our own -world and going to the moon. To console ourselves let us guess all we -can about it. In the first place I conjecture that the inhabitants must -see the heavens, the sun and the stars of a very different colour from -what they appear to us. We view those objects through a sort of glass -which alters their appearance; this glass is our atmosphere, pervaded -with exhalations. Some moderns assert that it is blue as well as the -sea, but we can only distinguish the colour in the parts of those -elements that are most remote from the eye. The firmament, say they, -in which are the fixed stars, has no light in itself, and consequently -ought to appear black,[30] but as we see it through our blue air, it -seems to us to be blue. If that is true, the rays of the sun and stars -cannot pass through the air without receiving a slight tinge from its -colour, and losing a degree of that which is natural to them. But -supposing the air is not coloured, it is certain that through a thick -fog the light of a flambeau, seen at some distance, appears of a deep -red, which is not its real colour; if therefore our air be considered -only a mist, it must necessarily alter the colour of the sky, sun, and -stars. The celestial fluid alone could give us light and colours in -their original state. Therefore as the atmosphere of the moon differs -from ours, it is either of a different colour, or else it is another -sort of mist, which varies the appearance of the celestial bodies. In a -word, the glass through which the people in the moon view these objects -is of a different nature to ours. - -[Footnote 30: Desaussure tells us it appears black when viewed at a -league's distance from the earth.] - -On that account, replied the Marchioness, I prefer our world to the -moon; I think it impossible for the assortment of colours presented to -their sight by the heavenly bodies to be so beautiful as that they form -when viewed through the medium of our air. Let us suppose a red sky and -green stars; the effect is not so agreeable as golden stars and a blue -sky. One would think, said I, you were chusing clothes or furniture; -but believe me, nature has a good taste; let us trust to her for -providing a set of colours for the moon, there is no fear but it will -be a pleasing one. She has undoubtedly varied the appearance of the -universe at each different point of view, and in all these varieties -there is great beauty. - -I acknowledge her talents, answered she; at each point of view she -has placed a different sort of glass, by which mean she has given the -appearance of variety to objects which remain always the same. With a -blue atmosphere, we have a blue sky, and perhaps with a red atmosphere, -the inhabitants of the moon have a red sky; yet this sky is absolutely -the same. In like manner she seems to have placed various sorts of -glasses before the eyes of our imagination, through which the same -object presents to each of us a different appearance. To Alexander, the -earth appeared a proper place to convert into an empire, for his sway; -Celadon, viewed it only as a fit residence for Astrea; a philosopher -considers it a large planet, travelling through the heavens, and -inhabited by a number of madmen. I think the spectacle of nature cannot -be more varied than the prospects of different imaginations. - -The varied appearance of objects viewed by the imagination, I replied, -is the most surprising, for they are exactly the same things though -apparently so dissimilar: whereas there may be other natural objects -visible to the moon, and some that are visible to us may not be seen -there; perhaps, for instance, there is neither dawn nor twilight. The -air that surrounds us, rises to some height, receives the rays of -light that would not reach the earth, and by its density, detains, and -conveys to us a part of this light which was apparently not destined -for us: thus you see the dawn and twilight are particular favours -conferred on us by nature; they are degrees of light to which we are -not regularly entitled, and which are bestowed on us in addition to -our share. But the atmosphere of the moon, being purer than ours, is -probably not so well calculated to reflect the rays which it receives -before the sun is risen, or after it is set. The poor inhabitants have -not then this light, which by its gradual increase prepares us so -agreeably for the brilliancy of the sun; and in the evening reconciles -us to its loss, by a progressive diminution. The moon, after the -profound gloom of night, receives the ardent blaze of the sun, as if -by the instantaneous drawing up of a curtain: on the contrary, whilst -still enjoying the dazzling light of day, it is again plunged into -extreme darkness: day and night are not connected by an agreeable -medium, partaking of both. The people in the moon never see the -rainbow; for as the dawn is produced by the thickness of our air and -vapours, so the rainbow is formed in the clouds which are dispersed -in rain; thus we are indebted for the most beautiful appearances in -nature, to things, in themselves, far from agreeable. Since the moon -has neither dense vapours nor rainy clouds, farewell to Aurora, and the -Rainbow! Alas! to what can they liken the beauties of that country; -what a source of comparison are they deprived of! - -I should not much regret those comparisons, answered the Marchioness; -and I think the inhabitants of the moon have ample amends made them -for the loss of rainbows and twilight by being exempted from thunder -and lightning; for these likewise are formed in the clouds. They have -constant serenity of weather; never losing sight of the sun. They -have no gloomy nights in which the stars are concealed. They are -unacquainted with those storms and tempests; those elemental wars which -seem to indicate the wrath of heaven. Are they then to be pitied? You -speak of the moon as an enchanting spot, said I; yet I don't know -whether it is very delightful to be exposed throughout a day that is as -long as our fortnight[31] to a blazing sun, without a cloud to temper -the intensity of its heat. It is perhaps owing to this that nature has -formed cavities in the moon, large enough to be seen by our telescopes; -they are not valleys situated between mountains, but hollow places in -the midst of large plains. How do we know whether the inhabitants, -oppressed by the perpetual radiance of the sun, may not take refuge in -these caverns? Perhaps they even build towns, and constantly reside in -these parts. We see that here our subterraneous Rome is larger than -the Rome which is built on the surface: we have only to remove the -latter, and the other would be a city such as we should find in the -moon. A large number of the people dwell in each cavern, and from one -cavern to another is a subterraneous passage for the communication -of the inhabitants. You laugh at this idea; I have no objection: but -seriously, I think you are more likely to be mistaken than I. You -believe the people in the moon must dwell on the surface, because we -are on the surface of our globe; you should form quite a different -opinion, and think that because we reside on the surface they dwell in -the interior parts; every thing must be very differently conducted here -and in the moon. - -[Footnote 31: During this time the sun rises and sets as it does in our -day.] - -It does not signify, replied the Marchioness; I can't bear the idea -of these people living in perpetual darkness. You would find it still -more difficult to admit the opinion, said I, if you knew that a great -philosopher of ancient times had informed us that the moon was the -dwelling of souls who had on earth rendered themselves worthy of -very exalted happiness. He supposes that their felicity consists in -listening to the music of the spheres; but that when the moon comes -under the shadow of the earth, they are no longer able to hear this -celestial harmony, at which time they utter the most piercing cries, -and the moon hastens on as fast as possible to relieve them from this -agonizing situation. We may expect then, answered she, to have the -virtuous spirits sent here from the moon, for I suppose they likewise -honour our world by making it an abode of the blessed: so in these -two planets it is thought a sufficient reward to superior goodness -for the soul to be transported from one world to the other. Really, -I replied, it would not be a trifling enjoyment to take a survey of -different worlds; I often receive a great deal of pleasure from such a -journey, although but in imagination; what must it be then to perform -it in reality? It would be much more delightful than going from here -to Japan; in other words, than crawling from one end of the earth to -the other with great labour, merely for the sake of seeing men. Well, -said she, let us make this tour to the planets as we can; what should -prevent us? We will place ourselves at all those different points of -view, and at each of them survey the universe. Have we any thing else -to see in the moon? You are not yet thoroughly acquainted with that -world, I replied. You recollect that the two motions of the moon, by -one of which she turns on her axis, and by the other round us, being -equal, the latter always prevents the former from withdrawing any -part from our sight, and consequently we always view the same side. -That half therefore is the only part that can see our world, and as -the moon, with regard to us, must be considered not to turn on her -centre, the half to which we are visible, sees us always fixed in the -same part of the sky.[32] When it is night, and the nights there are -as long as our fortnight, she sees at first only a very small part -of the earth enlightened; then a larger portion, and at length the -light seems hourly to spread over the earth, till it becomes entirely -luminous. On the contrary these changes in the moon are visible to -us only from one night to another, because we are a long time without -seeing her. I should like to hear the mistakes which the philosophers -of that world fall into from the apparent immobility of our earth, -whilst all the other heavenly bodies rise and set in the space of a -fortnight. Probably they consider the earth immovable in consequence -of her enormous size, being sixty times larger than the moon; and when -the poets are disposed to flatter indolent princes, I have no doubt -but they compare them to this orb in her state of majestic repose. It -does not however appear an entire immobility. From the moon they must -see the earth turn on her axis. Our Europe, Asia, America, present -themselves one after another, in different shapes, nearly as they are -represented on our maps. Only imagine what a novel sight this must be -to travellers coming from the other side of the moon to that which is -always facing us! How incredulously _they_ must have heard the accounts -of the first that spoke of it, who lived at the opposite side. It is -come into my head, said the Marchioness, that from that half of the -moon to the other they make pilgrimages to come and examine us, and -that particular honours and privileges are destined for those who have -seen the great planet. At least, answered I, they who constantly see us -have the privilege of being better illumined during their nights; the -inhabitants of the other side must be much less agreeably situated in -that respect. - -[Footnote 32: That is to say only at the same distance from the zenith -and the horizon.] - -Now, madam, let us pursue our journey to the different planets; we -have been long enough at the moon. Next, in the road from the moon to -the sun, we find Venus. In talking of Venus I shall resume my argument -concerning St. Dennis. Venus, as well as the moon, turns on her axis -and goes round the sun: with telescopes it is seen that this planet, -like the moon, is sometimes a crescent, sometimes on the decrease -sometimes full, according to her different situations relatively to -the earth. The moon, according to all appearances, is inhabited; why -then should Venus be destitute of inhabitants? But, interrupted the -Marchioness, with your _why nots_ you will put inhabitants in all the -planets. Certainly, I replied, this _why not_ has the power of peopling -them all. We find that they are of the same nature, all opaque bodies, -illumined only by the sun, and the reflection of his rays on each -other; and having all the same motions. So far then they are alike, -and yet we are to suppose that these great planets were formed to -remain uninhabited, and that such being the natural condition of them -all, an exception should be made in favour of the earth--let who will -believe it; I cannot. A few minutes, answered she, have wonderfully -confirmed your opinion. Just now the moon was on the point of being -quite deserted, and you cared very little about the matter, and now, -if one were to presume to deny that all the planets are as full of -inhabitants as the earth, I see you would be quite in a passion. It -is true, said I, that in the positive fit I had just now, if you had -contradicted me on the subject of these said inhabitants, I should -not only have maintained their existence, but in all probability have -described their formation. There are certain moments when we feel -assured of a thing, and I never felt so fully persuaded of my opinion -as I was then; however, though my ardour is now a little abated, I -still think it would be very strange for the earth to be so well -inhabited, and the other planets perfectly solitary; and numerous as we -know the inhabitants of the earth to be, we do not see them all, our -world contains as many species of animals that are invisible to us, as -of those that we discern. From the elephant to the hand-worm we can -examine them; there our sight is bounded: but after the hand-worm is an -infinitude of little animals not discernible by the naked eye, and to -which, in point of size, he is an elephant. With magnifying glasses, -we may see a drop of water, vinegar, or any other liquor, filled with -little fishes or serpents, which we should never have thought of -finding there; and some philosophers suppose the taste of these liquors -is produced by punctures which the little animals make in the tongue. -Mix these liquors with certain things, expose them to the sun, or leave -it to corrupt, and you will find new sorts of animals. - -Many masses, apparently solid, contains scarcely any thing but a -heap of these small animals, which in so confined a situation find -room enough for their little movements. The leaf of a tree is a -world, inhabited by worms imperceptibly small, to which it appears -an amazing extent, having mountains and caverns, and so large that -from one side of the leaf to the other the little worms have no more -communication with each other than we have with the antipodes. From -such considerations I cannot doubt of a great planet being inhabited. -There have been found even in very hard stones an endless number of -worms lodged in every interstice, feeding on parts of the stone. -Consider the countless numbers of these little beings, and how many -years they could subsist on a quantity of food as big as a grain of -sand; and then though the moon should be but a mass of rock, we may let -it be eaten by its inhabitants rather than not assign any to it. In -short every thing is animated; every thing is full of life. Associate -in your calculation all the species that have been lately discovered, -and those that we may suppose are yet undiscovered, with all that we -are in the habit of seeing, and you will surely confess that the earth -is amply stocked with living creatures; that nature must delight in -bestowing life since she has created such infinite variety of beings so -small as to elude our sight. Can you believe that after the earth has -been thus made to abound with life, the rest of the planets have not a -living creature in them? - -My reason is convinced, answered the Marchioness; but my imagination -is overwhelmed with such an infinite variety and number of inhabitants -existing in each of the planets; for as there is no dull uniformity in -nature, the difference of species must be in proportion to the number -of beings--how can imagination grasp such a vast idea? Imagination, I -replied, is not required to represent all this to us; we can penetrate -no farther than we are assisted by our sight; we can only perceive, -from a general glance, that nature has established an inconceivable -diversity in her works. The human face is formed every where on the -same plan, but still how great is the difference between the visages of -Europeans and of Africans or Tartars: not only in separate nations do -we find a distinguishing character of countenance, even among the same -people every family seems formed from a distinct model. How astonishing -is the power of nature in giving such variety to so simple an object! -In the universe we are but as a little family whose faces resemble each -other; the next planet contains another family who have a different -style of countenance. Probably the variations are greater in proportion -to the distance, and could we compare the inhabitants of the earth -and moon, we should easily see that they were nearer neighbours than -those of the earth and of Saturn. Here, for instance, our thoughts are -made vocal; the people in another planet only express themselves by -gestures; farther off, they may dispense with any sort of conversation. -Here our reason is matured by experience; elsewhere experience may add -little to the understanding; at a greater distance, children may know -as much as old men. In this world we give ourselves more uneasiness -about the future than the past; on another globe, the past afflicts -more than the future; on a third, the people are neither distressed by -one nor the other, and they perhaps are not the most unhappy. It is -said that we are possibly in want of a sixth sense belonging to our -nature, by means of which our knowledge would be greatly augmented. -This sense is most likely in some other world, where one of our five is -wanting. There may even be a very great number of natural senses, but -in the distribution of them among the planets, only five have fallen -to our share, and with these five we remain satisfied because we don't -know of any more. Our sciences have certain limits which no human -understanding has exceeded: at a particular point we stop, the rest is -reserved for other worlds, where they are ignorant of many things that -we know. This planet is blest with the delightful emotions of love, but -at the same time desolated by the fury of war. Another enjoys perpetual -tranquillity, but with this uninterrupted peace, love is unknown, and -calmness degenerates into ennui. In short whatever nature has done on -a small scale, for the distribution of happiness and talents among us, -she has undoubtedly performed on a more extensive plan for the benefit -of the universe; at once diversifying and equalizing all. - -Are you satisfied, madam, said I? Have I given your imagination room to -exert itself? Do you not already see the people of different planets? -No, answered she, with a sigh: all you have been saying is so vague and -unsatisfactory; there is nothing in it for the mind to fix on. I want -something more determined; more marked. Well then, I replied, I will -not conceal any particulars that I am acquainted with: I can give you -some information that you will acknowledge to be undoubted, when I tell -you my authorities. Prepare to listen patiently if you please, for it -is a long story. - -In one of the planets, I shall not at present tell you which, there is -a people that are very active, laborious and skillful. Like some of our -Arabs, they live by pillage, and that is their only fault. They live -together in the most harmonious manner, labouring incessantly and in -concert, for the common good: above all their chastity is unexampled; -it is true they have no great merit in it; they are all sterile; there -is no difference of sex among them. But, interrupted the Marchioness, -were you not aware that the author of this marvellous story wanted -to make a fool of you? How could such a nation be perpetuated? No, I -replied, very coolly, they did not intend to make a fool of me; all -that I have told you is fact, yet the nation is perpetuated. They -have a queen whose royalty consists, not in directing the business -of the state, not in leading her subjects to the field of battle, -but in her surprizing fecundity, she has millions of children; in -short the production of them occupies the whole of her time. She has -a large palace, divided into a vast number of chambers, in each of -which a cradle is prepared for a little prince, and she is confined -successively in all these chambers, always surrounded by her courtiers -who congratulate her on the noble privilege she enjoys exclusively of -her subjects. - -I see, madam, that you wish to enquire who are her lovers, or, to give -them a more respectable appellation, her husbands. Some of the eastern -queens have seraglios of men; she apparently does the same, but she -keeps it a greater secret than they; this may arise from modesty, but -it is acting with little dignity. Among these Arabs who are always -in action, are found a few strangers, in person very much resembling -the natives of the country, though extremely different in disposition, -for they are remarkably indolent; they never stir out nor engage in -any business; and were not these persons kept for the pleasure of the -queen, they would hardly be suffered to remain amongst so industrious a -people. If, in reality, notwithstanding the smallness of their number, -they are the fathers of many thousands of children, they deserve to be -excused from any other employment; and it is a striking proof that this -is their only function, that as soon as the queen has brought forth -her ten thousand children, the Arabs kill, without mercy, the unhappy -foreigners, then become useless to the state. - -Have you done? enquired the Marchioness. Thank heavens! Let us now -resume a little common sense, if we can. Where have you picked up this -romance? What poet is the inventor of it? I again tell you, answered I, -that it is no romance. All this takes place on our globe, even under -our eyes.--If I must explain the mystery, these Arabs are no other than -bees. - -After this I gave her the natural history of bees, of which she had -before scarcely ever heard more than the name. In concluding, you see, -said I, that in attributing to other planets what is daily passing -here, we should be accused of telling the most extravagant falsehoods. -The history of insects, in particular, is a collection of wonders. I -have no doubt of it, she replied: the silk-worm alone, with which I was -better acquainted than the bees, would afford abundant materials for -your descriptions. A people undergoing such wonderful changes as to -be totally unlike what they formerly were; at one part of their lives -crawling, at another, flying: in short a thousand incredible things -might be told of the character and manners of this nation. - -My imagination continued the Marchioness, is beginning to work on the -subject you have given me--the inhabitants of all the planets: I am -conjecturing their figures; I can discern some of them very distinctly, -but I don't know how to describe them to you. As to their figures, said -I, I advise you to leave the formation of them to your dreams: we shall -hear to-morrow what they have suggested, and whether they have been -able to represent the inhabitants of any of the planets. - - ══════════════ - - - - - _FOURTH EVENING._ - - ══════════════ - - PARTICULARS CONCERNING THE PLANETS VENUS, MERCURY, - MARS, JUPITER AND SATURN. - - ══════════════ - - -The dreams of the Marchioness did not assist her; they represented -nothing that did not bear a resemblance to what we see here. I -had the same complaints to make as certain people, whose -paintings are always fanciful and grotesque, do at the sight of our -pictures,--_Pshaw_, say they, _these are all men; here are no objects -of imagination_. We therefore resolved to content ourselves with the -conjectures we should be able to make concerning the inhabitants of -the planets as we continued our journey: we had last night got as far -as Venus. We are assured, said I, that Venus turns on her axis, but it -is not ascertained in how long a time, consequently we cannot tell the -length of her days. Her years lasts but about eight months, as she is -not longer than that in performing her revolution round the sun. She -is of the same size as the earth, therefore the earth and Venus appear -equally large to each other. I am glad of that, said the Marchioness; -then I hope the earth is to Venus the shepherd's star, and the parent -of love, as Venus is to us. These appellations can be proper only for -a pretty little, brilliant, gay looking planet. True, answered I; but -do you know what makes Venus look so beautiful at a distance?--it is -the effect of her being very frightful when near. With good telescopes -it has been seen that she is covered with mountains, much higher than -ours, sharp-pointed, and apparently very dry.[33] This kind of surface -is the best calculated to reflect the light with great brilliancy. -Our earth, whose surface is very smooth, compared with that of Venus, -and partly covered with water, probably looks less beautiful at a -distance. So much the worse, said the Marchioness; I should like her to -preside over the loves of the inhabitants of Venus; they must certainly -understand what love is. Oh! undoubtedly, I replied; the people in -that planet, are all Celadons and Sylvanders, and their every-day -conversations are finer than the most admired in Clelia. Their climate -is very favourable to the tender passion. Venus is nearer to the sun -than we; and receives more light and heat: she is about two thirds the -distance of the earth, from the sun. - -[Footnote 33: M. Herschel's observations contradict this idea. Venus -has a very dense atmosphere, which prevents us from distinguishing any -thing on her surface; the brilliant appearance of this planet arises -from her proximity to the earth.] - -I can see, interrupted the Marchioness, what sort of people the -inhabitants are. They are much like the Moors of Granada: a little -dark, sun-burnt people, scorched with the sun; full of wit and -animation, always in love, always making verses, listening to music, -having galas, dances and tournaments. Give me leave to tell you, madam, -answered I, that you know but little of the inhabitants of Venus. Our -Moors of Granada when compared with them would appear as cold and -stupid as Greenlanders. - -But what must the inhabitants of Mercury be? We are above twice the -distance from the sun that they are. They must be almost mad with -vivacity. Like most of the negroes, they are without memory; never -reflecting; acting by starts and at random: in short Mercury is the -bedlam of the universe. The sun appears there nine times larger than it -does to us: the light they receive is so brilliant that our finest days -would be but twilight in comparison of theirs; perhaps they would find -them so dark as not to be able to distinguish one thing from another. -The heat to which they are accustomed is so intense, that they would -be almost frozen in our Africa. In all probability our iron, silver -and gold would be melted in their world, and only be seen in a liquid -state, as we in general have water, which in some degrees of cold -becomes a solid body. The inhabitants of Mercury would not imagine -that in another world those liquors, which perhaps form their rivers, -are the hardest of all bodies. Their year lasts but three months. The -length of their day is not known to us, because Mercury is so small -and so near the sun, that it exceeds the art of all our astronomers to -observe him with sufficient accuracy to determine what sort of motion -he has on his centre: the inhabitants, I think, must wish it to be -performed in a short time, for scorched as they are with the fierceness -of the sun, the coolness of night is undoubtedly very desirable to -them. The part which by rotation is deprived of the sun's light, is -illumined by Venus and the earth, which must appear very large. As to -the other planets, being farther off than the earth, they, seen from -Mercury, appear much smaller than to us, and afford very little light -to that planet. - -I don't feel so much for its inhabitants on that account, replied the -Marchioness, as from the inconvenience they must suffer from such -excessive heat. Let us try if we can't relieve them in some way. Is it -not probable they have long and plentiful showers, such as we are told -fall continually for four months together, in our hot countries, at the -seasons when the heat is most intense? - -It may be the case, answered I; and we have another way of giving -them relief. There are some parts of China which from their situation -ought to be very hot, and yet, even in the month of July and August -the weather is so cold that their rivers freeze. This coldness arises -from the quantities of salt-petre with which the countries abound; -the exhalations, drawn up in great abundance by the heat are of a -cold nature. Mercury, if you please, shall be a little planet made of -salt-petre, and the sun, by attracting the cooling exhalations, will -thus prevent the evil it would otherwise be the cause of. However, -we may rest assured that nature would not place beings where it was -impossible for them to exist; and that habit, and ignorance of a better -climate, render this situation agreeable: Mercury therefore may perhaps -do very well without salt-petre, or abundant rains. - -After Mercury, you know, we find the sun. We cannot possibly place -inhabitants there: the _why not_ fails in this case. We conclude from -the earth being inhabited that other bodies of the same nature must -be so too: but the sun does not resemble the earth, and the rest of -the planets. He is the source of all that light which the planets only -reflect to each other after they have received it from him. They make -exchanges, if I may so express myself, with one another, but none of -them can bestow an original light. The sun is the sole proprietor of -that treasure; which he distributes freely on every side. The light, -thus issuing from the centre, is reflected from every solid body it -meets, and from one planet to another it proceeds in bright streams -that intermix, and cross each other in a thousand directions, forming -a splendid tissue of the richest materials. The grand luminary by -being placed in the centre is in the most advantageous situation for -animating each planet with his heat and radiance. The sun, then, is -of a peculiar nature, but what that nature is, we find it difficult -to imagine. Formerly it was believed to be a pure fire, but lately we -have been undeceived by observing spots on the surface. As certain new -planets had just before been discovered, (I shall give you an account -of these planets hereafter;) which entirely engrossed the attention -of the philosophers, a sort of mania for new planets seized their -minds, and they immediately concluded these spots were some; that they -performed a circle round the sun, and necessarily concealed some part -of his light by turning their dark side towards the earth. The learned -already, through these planets, complimented the different princes of -Europe. Some gave them the name of one prince; some of another, and -perhaps in time there would have been a great contest to know who had -the best right to name these spots. - -I don't like their plan, said the Marchioness. You told me, the other -day, that the different parts of the moon were named after learned -men; I thought that very proper: as princes monopolize the earth, it -is but fair that astronomers should have the sky for their share, and -not suffer princes to intrude on their domain. Allow them, however, -I replied, if territory should be wanting, to consign to them some -planet, or some part of the moon. As to these spots on the sun, they -can make no use of them; for instead of planets, we find they are only -clouds of smoke or dross arising from the sun. Sometimes these clouds -are greatly accumulated, sometimes we see little of them, and at other -times they totally disappear. Sometimes a number of them are combined -together, then they are separated into small parts; at one time they -are very dark, at another they grow pale. It appears as if the sun -was some kind of liquid; many people think it is melted gold, in a -continual state of ebullition, producing impurities, which the rapidity -of its motion casts up from the surface; they are afterwards consumed -and others produced. Only think what amazing bodies these are. Some -of them are seventeen hundred times[34] larger than the earth, for -you must know, the earth is more than a million times smaller than the -sun.[35] Imagine therefore what must be the quantity of this liquid -gold, or the extent of this ocean of light and fire! - -[Footnote 34: The largest of the sun's spots are scarcely three times -larger than the diameter of the earth, or twenty-seven times its bulk.] - -[Footnote 35: The earth is only a hundred, or to speak with more -exactness, a hundred and eleven times, smaller.] - -Other philosophers say, and with great plausibility, that the spots, or -at least the greatest part of them, are not newly produced, and then -destroyed after a certain time; but large, solid, masses, of irregular -forms, always subsisting; sometimes floating on the surface of the -sun, sometimes partly, or entirely buried in the liquid substance, and -presenting to our view different projections according to the size of -the part that remains uncovered. Perhaps they may be parts of some -great mass of matter which serves as aliment to the fire of the sun. -However, let the sun be what it will, it does not by any means appear -habitable.[36] It is a pity; the situation would be advantageous: -placed at the centre, its inhabitants would see the planets going -round them in regular orbits, whilst to us their motions seem to have -perplexing varieties, which are merely the effect of our not observing -them from the best place; that is, the centre of their circles. What a -sad thing it is: there is but one spot where the study of the celestial -bodies would be extremely easy, and at that spot there is nobody to -pursue the study. You forget yourself, answered the Marchioness. Were -any one placed on the sun, he would neither see the planets nor the -fixed stars; would not the light of the sun efface every other object? -The inhabitants would doubtless think themselves the only people in -existence. - -[Footnote 36: Some natural philosophers have however thought that the -sun might be the cause of heat without being itself hot; and that there -was a possibility of its being inhabited. M. Herschel believes its -population very abundant. Trans. Philos. 1795. Décade Philosophique.] - -I acknowledge my error, I replied: I was thinking of the situation of -the sun, without considering the effect of such an excessive light: but -although you have so properly corrected my mistake, yet you must allow -me to tell you that you have fallen into one yourself. The inhabitants -of the sun would not see any thing: they would be either incapable -of enduring so immoderate a light, or, were their eyes sufficiently -strong, of receiving it unless they were at some distance; therefore -the sun could only be a habitation for people without sight. In short, -we have abundant proofs that this luminary was not intended to be a -dwelling-place; and therefore we may as well continue our planetary -journey. We are now stopping at the central point which is always the -lowest part in any thing that is round; and, by the way, I should tell -you that in going from our world to this centre we have travelled -thirty-three millions of leagues. We must now return the way we came. -We pass by Mercury, Venus, the Earth and the Moon; all which we have -visited. Then we arrive at Mars. I don't know that there is any thing -remarkable in this planet. The days there are about half an hour longer -than ours; and the years twice the length of ours, except a month and a -half. Mars is four times less than the earth,[37] and the sun appears -rather smaller and less brilliant than it does to us.--In short, Mars -contains nothing calculated to arrest our attention. - -[Footnote 37: Its volume, or bulk is five times smaller.] - -But what a beautiful object is Jupiter, surrounded by his four moons, -or satellites! These moons are four little planets which, whilst -Jupiter revolves in twelve years round the sun, constantly go round him -as the moon does round the earth. But, interrupted the Marchioness, -how is it that there are planets which go round other planets, no -better than themselves? It seems to me that there would be much more -regularity and uniformity in assigning to all the planets but one sort -of orbit in which they should move round the sun. - -Ah! madam, I replied, were you but acquainted with the vortices of -Descartes; those vortices, so terrible in name, and so charming in the -ideas they give rise to; you would not talk in this way. My wits must -all go, said she, laughing. I must know what these vortices are. Make -me quite mad at once: now I have dipped into philosophy I can't trouble -myself about the care of my senses: spite of the world's laughter, we -will talk of the vortices. I did not know you had so much enthusiasm, -said I; 'tis pity it has no other object than vortices. - -What we call a vortex is a quantity of matter, whose detached parts -move all in the same direction, but allowed at the same time to have -some little movements peculiar to themselves, provided they still -pursue the general course. A vortex of wind, for instance, is a vast -number of little particles of air, turning all together in a circular -direction, and involving whatever comes in their way. The planets you -know are borne along by the celestial fluid, which is prodigiously -subtle and active. All the celestial matter, from the sun to the fixed -stars, constantly turns round, carries the planets along with it, and -makes them proceed round the sun in the same direction, but in longer -or shorter periods, according to their distance from the centre. Even -the sun is made to turn on his axis by being exactly in the midst of -this moving matter; you will therefore observe, that if the earth were -in the central situation she could not be exempted from this rotation. - -Such is the great vortex of which the sun is master; but the planets, -at the same time, form little vortices in imitation of the sun. Each -of them whilst turning round the sun, turns likewise on itself, and -carries in its motion a certain portion of the celestial matter, -which is ready to receive any impulse that would not prevent it from -following the general course: this is a vortex of any particular -planet, and it extends as far as the motion of this planet has any -influence. If a smaller planet comes within the vortex of a larger one, -it is irresistibly carried round that larger one, and altogether, the -large, and the small planet, and the vortex that encloses them, perform -their revolution round the sun. Thus at the commencement of creation we -obliged the moon to follow us because she came within the influence of -our vortex, and was by that mean subjugated to our will. Jupiter, the -planet we were speaking of, was more fortunate, or more powerful than -the earth. Four little planets were in his neighbourhood, and he became -master of them all; and we, who are a planet of some importance, would -probably have felt his power if we had been near him. He is a thousand -times larger than the earth;[38] and would easily have drawn us into -his vortex, and made us one of his moons; instead of this we have a -planet to attend on us: so true is it that the situation into which we -are thrown decides the fate of our lives. - -[Footnote 38: We may even say thirteen hundred times.] - -And how do we know, answered the Marchioness, that we shall always -remain where we are? I begin to tremble lest we should be foolish -enough to approach such an enterprizing planet as Jupiter, or that he -should come to us, for the sake of drawing us into his vortex; for -I can't help thinking, from your description of the agitated state -of this celestial fluid, that it must move the planets irregularly, -sometimes urging them nearer together, sometimes sending them to a -greater distance. We may as well expect to gain as to lose by such an -eccentric motion, said I; perhaps we may make a conquest of Mercury or -Mars, which are smaller planets, and incapable of resisting us. However -we have no occasion for either hope or fear; the planets will remain in -their places; and, like the former kings of China, they are forbidden -to aim at conquest. You have observed that when oil is mixed with -water, the oil swims at the top. Put any substance that is extremely -light on both these, and the oil will support it, so that it shall not -touch the water: but put a heavier body, of a certain weight, it will -pass through the oil, which is too weak to stop it, and keep falling -till it meets the water, which has sufficient force to bear it up. -Thus two liquors put together, being of unequal weight, will not mix, -but place themselves in different situations; and neither will one -rise, nor the other descend: pour on these other liquors which are of -a nature to remain separate, and the same effect is still produced. In -like manner the celestial matter which fills this grand vortex, is in -separate strata, encircling each other, and of unequal weight, like oil -and water, and some other liquors. Some planets likewise are heavier -than others,[39] each therefore stops in the layer which has the degree -of force necessary for supporting it, and keeping it in a state of -equilibrium; and you must be convinced that it can never go beyond this -stratum. - -[Footnote 39: The Cartesians carried their illusion so far as to -believe that so solid a mass as a planet could be steadily supported by -the ætherial fluid, the most subtle of all fluids.] - -I understand, replied the Marchioness, that the different degrees of -weight are sufficient to keep them in their proper ranks. I wish with -all my heart there was some such regulating power among us, that would -serve to fix people in the situation most suitable to them! You have -quite removed my uneasiness with regard to Jupiter. I am very glad he -will let us remain quietly with our little vortex, and single moon. I -feel very well contented with one attendant, and do not envy him his -four. - -You would do wrong if you did, said I; he has no more than are -necessary. He is five times farther from the sun than we, that is, -a hundred and sixty-five[40] millions of leagues distant from it, -consequently his moons receive, and reflect, but a feeble light: the -number therefore compensates for the little effect produced by each: -were they not separately so inefficient, four moons would appear -unnecessary, as Jupiter turns on his axis in ten hours, and of course -the nights are very short. The satellite which is the nearest to -Jupiter, performs its circle round him in two-and-forty hours; the -next in three days and a half; the third, in seven; the fourth, in -seventeen; and by the inequality of their progress, they form a most -pleasing spectacle for this planet. At one time they rise all four -together; then, almost immediately separate; sometimes they are all -at the full, placed in a line, one above another; afterwards they are -seen at equal distances in the sky; then when two are rising the other -two will set. Above all I should like to see the perpetual variety of -eclipses among them, for there is not a day passes in which they do not -eclipse each other, or the sun.[41] Surely as eclipses are so familiar -to the inhabitants of that world, they must be considered a subject of -amusement, rather than terror, as they are here. - -[Footnote 40: Calculating with more exactness, 179.] - -[Footnote 41: Or; we may add, in which they are not eclipsed by the -shadow of Jupiter, which happens the most frequently.] - -You will not fail, I suppose, said the Marchioness, to people these -four moons, though they are only little subaltern planets, intended -merely to give light to another during the night. Undoubtedly not, I -replied. These little planets are not unworthy of inhabitants because -they are unfortunate enough to be subjected to a larger planet. - -I think, then, answered she, these satellites ought to be like colonies -to Jupiter; that their inhabitants should, if possible, receive from -him their laws and customs, and in return, render him some degree of -homage, and always consider the great planet with respect. Would it -not be needful, said I, for the moons occasionally to send deputies -to Jupiter, who should take an oath of fidelity to him? I must own -the little superiority we possess over the people in our moon makes -me doubt whether Jupiter has much influence over the inhabitants of -his satellites, and I think the only superiority he can aspire to is -that of impressing them with awe. For of what a terrific size he must -appear! To the planets nearest to him he looks sixteen hundred times -larger than our moon appears to us.[42] Truly if the Gauls in ancient -times were afraid the heavens would fall and crush them to death, the -inhabitants of this moon may with greater propriety apprehend the fall -of Jupiter. Perhaps, she replied, that is the subject of alarm to them -instead of the eclipses, which you assure me they see without fear;[43] -for as they are exempt from one folly, they must be subject to some -other. Undoubtedly, answered I. The inventor of a third system, which -I mentioned the other day, the celebrated Tycho Brahe, one of the -greatest astronomers that ever lived, felt none of the vulgar terror -at an eclipse; he was too much accustomed to study the nature of such -a phenomenon; but what do you think he was afraid of instead?--If when -he first went out of doors the first person he saw was an old woman; or -if a hare crossed the path he had taken, Tycho Brahe thought the day -would be unfortunate, and returning in haste to his apartment, he shut -himself up without venturing to engage in any occupation whatever. - -[Footnote 42: Thirty-six times larger than we see the moon: and they -receive from him one thousand two hundred and ninety times more light.] - -[Footnote 43: Their solar eclipses are of much longer duration than -ours.] - -It would be unjust, said she, if such a man as he could not with -impunity overcome the fear of an eclipse, for the inhabitants of the -satellite we were speaking of, to be exempted from it on easier terms. -We will not spare them: they shall submit to the general doom; and if -they escape one error they shall be liable to another. - -A difficulty has just occurred to me, continued she, you must remove it -if you can: if the earth is so small in comparison of Jupiter, are we -visible to the inhabitants of that planet? I am afraid we are unknown -to them. - -Really I think so, answered I; the earth is certainly too small to be -distinguished by them.[44] - -[Footnote 44: The earth at that distance must appear only three seconds -and a half in diameter, as the planet Herschel does to us; but our -nearness to the sun necessarily prevents them from seeing us at all.] - -We can only hope that in Jupiter there may be some astronomers who, -after taking great pains to compose very excellent telescopes, and -availing themselves of the finest nights for making their observations, -may at length discover a very little planet which they had never seen -before. At first the learned give an account of it in their journal; -the rest of the people either hear nothing about it, or laugh at -it when they do; the philosophers are discouraged and resolve not -to mention it again, and but a few of the inhabitants who are more -reasonable than the others will admit the idea. By and by they examine -again; they see the little planet a second time; they are then assured -of its reality, and even begin to think it has a motion round the sun. -After observing it a thousand times, they find out that this revolution -is performed in a year: and at last, when the learned have been at -great pains to investigate the subject, the inhabitants of Jupiter know -that our world is in the universe. The curious eagerly look through -their telescopes, and with all their looking, can scarcely discern it. - -Were it not disagreeable, said she, to know that from Jupiter we can -only be seen through telescopes, I should amuse myself with the idea -of all the glasses being pointed towards the earth as ours are towards -him, and the mutual curiosity with which the two planets examine each -other, and enquire, _What world is that? What sort of people inhabit -it?_ - -Your imagination is too rapid, I replied; when the astronomers -of Jupiter become acquainted with our earth, they do not become -acquainted with us: they will not suspect the possibility of its being -inhabited; if any one should venture to express such an idea, how they -would laugh at him! Perhaps they would even persecute any philosopher -who should maintain the opinion. After all I think the inhabitants of -Jupiter are too much occupied in making discoveries on their own globe, -to concern themselves about us. Jupiter is of such extent, that if -they are adepts in navigation their Christopher Columbus must be fully -employed. The inhabitants cannot know, even by reputation, a hundredth -part of the other inhabitants. In Mercury, on the contrary, they are -all neighbours, living familiarly together, and hardly considering the -tour of their world more than a pleasant walk. If we are not visible -to Jupiter, much less can Venus be so, who is at a still greater -distance;[45] and Mercury must be most out of its reach of all, being -the smallest, and the most distant. However, the inhabitants can see -Mars, their own four satellites, and Saturn with all his moons. Surely -then they have planets enough to perplex their astronomers; nature, in -kindness, has hid from them the rest. - -[Footnote 45: Venus is not farther from Jupiter, but more concealed by -the rays of the sun.] - -What! cried the Marchioness; do you consider it a kindness? Without -doubt, answered I. This great vortex contains sixteen planets; nature -to spare us the trouble of studying the motions of so many, let us see -but seven: is not that a favour? But not feeling the value of this -mark of consideration, we have, with great pains, discovered the other -nine, which had been concealed from us: our curiosity brings its own -punishment in the laborious study which astronomy now requires. - -I see, she replied, by the number of planets you mention, that Saturn -must have five moons.[46] You are right, said I; and it is but just -that he should have so many, as he is thirty years in going round the -sun; and in some parts the nights last fifteen years, for the same -reason that on our globe, which turns in a year, there are nights, -beneath the poles of six months' duration. But Saturn, being at twice -the distance that Jupiter is from the sun, consequently ten times -farther than the earth; his five moons, faintly as they are illumined, -would not give sufficient light during his nights, he has therefore a -wonderful resource, the only one of the kind we have discovered in the -universe: 'tis a large circle or ring[47] which environs the planet, -and which, being sufficiently elevated to escape almost entirely the -shadow of Saturn, reflects the sun's light on the darkened parts, and -reflects it more strongly than all the five moons, because it is not so -high as the lowest of them. - -[Footnote 46: He has seven, and Herschel six. In all there are -twenty-five planets, without reckoning ninety-one comets known in 1800.] - -[Footnote 47: Its exterior diameter is sixty seven thousand seven -hundred leagues.] - -Really, said the Marchioness, with an air of deep reflection and -astonishment, all this is managed with wonderful order; nature had -certainly in these instances a view to the wants of living beings; -this admirable disposition of light was not the effect of chance. -Only the planets which are distant from the sun have been provided -with moons--the Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn; for Venus did not require -any; nor Mercury who already has too much light; whose nights are -extremely short, and probably considered a greater blessing than even -the days. But stop--I think Mars, who is farther from the sun than -we, is without a moon. We cannot conceal the fact, I replied; he -has none; but he doubtless has resources for the night which we are -ignorant of. You have seen phosphorus; matters of that kind, whether -liquid or dry, receive and imbibe the light from the sun, which they -emit with some force when in the dark. Mars perhaps has high rocks of -phosphorus that absorb, in the day-time, light enough to irradiate the -night. You must own it would be an agreeable sight for the rocks to -light up as soon as the sun was set, and without art, produce the most -magnificent illuminations, that with all their radiance, would not have -the inconvenience of casting any heat. In America, you know, there are -birds which in the dark will afford light enough to read by: how can we -tell whether Mars has not a great number of such birds, who, as soon -as the night is come, disperse themselves on every side, and give an -artificial day? - -I am not satisfied, answered she, either with your rocks or birds. -They would be pretty enough to be sure; but as nature has bestowed so -many moons on Saturn and Jupiter, it shews that moons are necessary. -I should have been very much pleased to find that all the worlds at -a great distance from the sun had some, if Mars had not formed a -disagreeable exception. Ah! replied I, if you were more deeply versed -in philosophy you must accustom yourself to see exceptions to the -best systems. We clearly see that some things are adapted in the most -perfect manner to their end; others we accommodate as well as we can, -or perhaps are obliged to content ourselves with knowing nothing about -them. Let us do so with respect to Mars, since our researches are -fruitless, and resolve to say no more about him. - -We should be very much surprised, were we on Saturn, to see during -the night a great ring, extending over our heads in a semi-circular -form from one end of the horizon to the other; and by reflecting the -light of the sun, would have the effect of a moon at every part of -the circle. And are we not to have inhabitants in this great ring? -said she, laughing. Though I am disposed to place them wherever I -can, answered I, I confess I dare not tell you there are any there; -this ring appears too irregular a dwelling. As for the five moons, -we can't dispense with inhabitants for them. If the ring, however, -were what some suppose, only a circle of moons, following each other -very closely, with an equal motion, and the satellites, five of these -moons escaped out of the ring, what numbers of worlds would the -vortex of Saturn contain! Be that as it may, the people in Saturn are -uncomfortable enough, even with the help of their ring. It gives then -light, it is true; but what sort of light, at that immense distance -from the sun? The sun himself, which appears to them a hundred times -smaller[48] than to us, seems but a little pale star, emitting but a -feeble light or heat. And could they be transported to our coldest -countries, such as Greenland and Lapland, you would see them ready to -expire with the heat. If water were conveyed to their planet it would -no longer be water, but a polished stone, and spirits of wine which -never freeze here, would become hard as diamond. - -[Footnote 48: Ten times less in diameter.] - -Your description of Saturn petrifies me, said the Marchioness; though -just now you almost threw me into a fever in talking of Mercury. Two -worlds, answered I, which are at the different extremities of an -immense vortex, must be totally unlike. - -Then, replied she, the people are very wise in Saturn, for you told me -they were all mad in Mercury. If they are not very wise, answered I, -they are at least, I suppose, very phlegmatic. Their features could not -accommodate themselves to a smile; they require a day's consideration -before they answer any question, and they would think Cato of Atica -unmanly and frivolous. - -I am thinking, said she, that all the inhabitants of Saturn are slow; -all those of Mercury are quick; amongst us some belong to the former -class, some to the latter; may not that be in consequence of the -earth's being placed just in the middle situation and participating -of both extremes? The men of our world have no determined character; -some are like the inhabitants of Mercury; others resemble those of -Saturn, in short we are a compound of all the other planets. That's -a good idea, replied I; we form such a ludicrous assemblage that it -might easily be imagined we had been brought together from a variety of -worlds. We are therefore very well situated for studying character, for -this is an abstract of all the planets. - -At any rate, rejoined the Marchioness, the situation of our world has -one great convenience; the heat is not oppressive as at Mercury or -Venus, nor the cold so benumbing as at Jupiter or Saturn. And we are in -a part of the earth that is not subject to the greatest degrees of heat -and cold experienced even on our own globe. If a certain philosopher -returned thanks to his Creator for having formed him a man, and not a -beast; a Greek and not a Barbarian; I think we ought to be grateful -for being born on the most temperate planet in the universe, and in -one of the most temperate parts of that planet. You ought likewise, -madam, said I, to be thankful for being young, and not old; young and -handsome, not young and ugly; a young and handsome French woman, not -a young and handsome Italian: there are many things to excite your -gratitude besides the temperature of your climate. - -Ah! replied she, let us be grateful for every thing, even the vortex in -which we are placed. The happiness we enjoy is but little, we must not -lose any of it; it is well to cultivate an interest in the most common -things. If we are only alive to strong emotions our pleasures will be -few, seldom attainable, and dearly purchased. Promise me then, said -I, that when such animated pleasures are within your reach you will -think of the vortices and me, and not neglect us entirely. Very well, -said she: but will philosophy always afford me new enjoyments? For -to-morrow, at least, answered I: I have the fixed stars in reserve for -you, which surpass all that you have yet examined. - - ══════════════ - - - - - _FIFTH EVENING._ - - ══════════════ - - EVERY FIXED STAR IS A SUN, WHICH DIFFUSES LIGHT TO ITS SURROUNDING - WORLDS. - - ══════════════ - - -The Marchioness was very impatient to know what the fixed stars -were. Are they inhabited, like the planets? said she, or are they -not peopled? What can we make of them? Perhaps you would find out -what they are, answered I, if you were to try. The fixed stars cannot -be at less distance from the earth, than twenty-seven thousand, six -hundred and sixty times[49] the earth's distance from the sun, which -is thirty-three millions of leagues: perhaps some astronomers would -tell you they are farther still. The space between the Sun and Saturn, -the most distant planet, is only three hundred and thirty millions of -leagues; that is but a trifle in comparison of the distance between the -sun, or earth, and the fixed stars, in fact, we don't take the trouble -to compute it. Their light, as you perceive, is brilliant: if they -received it from the sun, it must be very faint after travelling such -an immense journey, and by reflecting it to us it would be still more -weakened. It would be impossible for light, which had twice gone such -a long space, to appear so bright as that of the fixed stars. They are -therefore luminous in their nature, or in other words, they are so many -suns. - -[Footnote 49: Or even two hundred thousand times.] - -Do I mistake, cried the Marchioness, or do I see your drift? Are you -not going to say "the fixed stars are all suns: our sun is the centre -of a vortex which turns around him; why should not each fixed star -be also the centre of a vortex, turning round it? Our sun enlightens -planets; why should not every fixed star likewise enlighten planets?" I -need make no other answer, replied I, than Phœdrus made to Enone: _thou -hast named it_. - -But, rejoined she, you are making the universe so unbounded that I feel -lost in it; I don't know where I am, not what I'm about. What! are -they all vortices heaped in confusion on one another? Is every fixed -star the centre of a vortex, as large perhaps as ours?[50] The amazing -space comprehending our sun and planets is but a little portion of -the universe? An equal space, occupied by each of these vortices? The -thought is fearful; overwhelming! For my part, said I, I think it very -pleasing. Were the sky only a blue arch to which the stars were fixed, -the universe would seem narrow and confined; there would not be room to -breathe: now that we attribute an infinitely greater extent and depth -to this blue firmament, by dividing it into thousands of vortices, I -seem to be more at liberty; to live in a freer air; and nature appears -with astonishingly encreased magnificence. Creation is boundless in -treasures; lavish in endowments. How grand the idea of this immense -number of vortices, the middle of each occupied by a sun, encompassed -with planets which turn around him! The inhabitants of one of these -numberless vortices, on every side behold the suns of surrounding -vortices, although the planets belonging to them are invisible, as the -light they receive from their suns cannot penetrate beyond their own -vortex. - -[Footnote 50: That may be the case, but we have no proof that there are -planets turning round these stars.] - -You are directing my eye, answered she, to an interminable perspective. -I see, plainly enough, the inhabitants of the earth; then you enable -me to discover, with somewhat less clearness, those of the moon and -other planets contained in our vortex. After all that you require me -to view the people that dwell in planets belonging to other vortices. -I must confess they are so much in the back ground that with all my -efforts they are scarcely perceptible to me. In short do they not seem -almost annihilated by the very expression you are obliged to make use -of in describing them? You must call them the inhabitants of one of the -planets, contained in one, out of the infinity of vortices. Surely the -very idea of ourselves is as nothing when such a description is applied -to us, when we are thus lost amongst millions of worlds. For my part, -the earth begins to diminish into such a speck, that in future I shall -hardly consider any object worthy of eager pursuit. Surely people, who -form unnumbered schemes of aggrandizement, who are wearing themselves -out in following up projects of ambition, are ignorant of the vortices. -I think my augmentation of knowledge will encrease my idleness, and -when I am reproached for being indolent I shall reply, _Ah! if you -knew the history of the fixed stars!_ Alexander could not have been -acquainted with it, answered I; for a certain author, who believes that -the moon is inhabited, tells us very seriously that it was impossible -for Aristotle to avoid receiving so rational an opinion, (could -Aristotle be ignorant of any truth?) but that he never disclosed it for -fear of displeasing Alexander, who would have been miserable to hear -of a world that he could not subjugate. There would have been a still -greater reason for keeping the vortices of the fixed stars a secret; -if any body in those days had known them, they would not have thought -of ingratiating themselves with the monarch by talking of them. It is -unfortunate that I who am acquainted with the system should not be -able to reap any benefit from it. According to your reasoning it will -only be an antidote to the disquietudes of ambition; that is not my -malady. The weakness I am most addicted to is an excessive admiration -of beauty, and I fear the vortices will have no power to assist me in -overcoming it. The immense number of worlds destroys the grandeur of -this, but it does not lessen the charms of a fine pair of eyes or a -beautiful mouth, _they_ retain their power in spite of all the worlds -that can be created. - -Love is a strange thing, said she, laughing; it escapes every -corrective; there is no system that can abate its influence. But answer -me seriously; have you sufficient reason for believing this system? To -me it appears to rest on an uncertain foundation. A fixed star is of a -luminous nature like the sun, therefore you say it must, like the sun, -be a centre to a vortex containing planets which travel round the sun. -Now, is that a necessary consequence? - -Listen, madam, I replied; we are so naturally disposed to mingle the -follies of gallantry with our gravest discussions, that mathematical -reasoning partakes of the nature of love. Grant ever so little to a -lover, and presently you are forced to grant him a great deal more, -and so on till you don't know how to stop. In like manner admit any -principle a mathematician proposes, he then draws a consequence which -you are obliged to admit, and from that consequence another, and thus -before you are aware he carries you so far that on a sudden you wonder -where you have got to: these two characters always take more than you -mean to give them. You must own that when two things are similar in all -that I know of them, I may reasonably think them similar in what I am -unacquainted with in respect to them. From that principle I draw the -conclusion of the moon being inhabited because she resembled the earth; -and the other planets, because they resemble the moon. And because the -fixed stars bear a resemblance to our sun, I attribute to them all that -he possesses. You have already made too many concessions to draw back, -you must go on; do it therefore with a good grace. But, said she, in -admitting this resemblance between the fixed stars and our sun, we must -suppose that the inhabitants of another great vortex see it as a little -fixed star, visible only during their nights. - -That is indisputable, I replied. Our sun is so near to us in comparison -of the suns belonging to other vortices that his light must be -incomparably stronger to us than to them. When he is risen we can -discern no other heavenly body: so, in another vortex, another sun -eclipses ours, and permits it to appear only at night, with all the -other suns, then visible. With them, fixed to the blue firmament, our -sun forms a part of some imaginary figure. As to the planets that go -round him, as they are not seen at so great a distance, they are not -so much as thought of. Thus all the suns are daily luminaries to their -own vortex, and nightly ones to all the other vortices. Each reigns -alone in his own system; elsewhere, is but one of a great number. -Nevertheless, do not these worlds differ from each other in a thousand -instances, notwithstanding this equality? for a general resemblance -does not exclude a vast number of dissimilarities. - -Surely, answered I: but the difficulty is to find them out. For ought -we know one vortex may have more planets revolving round its sun, -another fewer. In one there are subaltern planets, turning round -the principal planets; in another they may be all alike. Here they -all collect round their sun in a circle, beyond which is an empty -space which extends to the neighbouring vortices; in other parts of -the universe they may have their orbits at the extremities of their -vortex whilst the centre is left empty. And very likely there are some -vortices without any planets; others, whose suns, not being in the -centre, have a circular revolution, carrying their planets along with -them; others, again, whose planets may rise and set with regard to -their sun according to the change of that equilibrium which keeps them -suspended--What would you have more? Surely here is enough for a person -who has never been beyond one vortex. - -All that is nothing, she replied, for the number of worlds. What you -have been imagining would suffice but for five or six, instead of -millions. - -If you talk of millions now, said I, how will you count them when I -tell you there are many more fixed stars than you discover; that with -telescopes an endless number are seen which are invisible to the naked -eye; and that in a single constellation, where we might before have -counted a dozen or fifteen, there have been found as many as we were -accustomed to observe throughout the heavens?[51] - -[Footnote 51: I conclude, from a pretty accurate calculation, that we -may perceive a hundred millions with a telescope that has an opening of -four feet; I have clearly distinguished fifty thousand, and my glass is -but two inches and a half in diameter.] - -Have pity on me, cried she; I yield; you have overwhelmed me with -worlds and vortices. Ah! said I, but I must add something more still; -you see that white part of the sky, called the milky-way. Can you guess -what it is?--An infinity of little stars, invisible to our eyes on -account of their smallness, and placed so close to each other that they -seem but a stream of light. I wish I had a telescope here to shew you -this cluster of worlds. In some measure, they resemble the Maldivia -Isles, those twelve thousand little islands or banks of sand, separated -only by narrow canals of the sea which one might almost leap over. -The little vortices of the milky-way must be so close, that from one -world to another the people might converse or shake hands. The birds, -at least, I think, can go from one world to another; and pigeons may -be taught to carry letters as they do in our Levant from one town to -another. These little worlds must deviate from the general rule by -which the sun of any vortex effaces, at its rising, all the other suns. -In one of the little vortices contained in the milky-way the sun of -that particular vortex can hardly appear closer to its planets, or more -brilliant, than a hundred thousand other suns, in the neighbouring -vortices. The sky, then, is filled with a countless quantity of fires -almost close to each other. When they lose sight of their own sun, they -have thousands still remaining; and the night is not less enlightened -than the day; at least the difference is so trifling that we may say -there is no night. The inhabitants of those worlds, accustomed as they -are to perpetual light, would be very much astonished to hear of -miserable creatures who spend half their time in profound darkness; -and who, even during the light of day, see but one sun. They would -think we had fallen under the displeasure of nature, and shudder at our -condition. - -I don't ask you, said the Marchioness, whether they have any moons in -the milky-way; they could be of no use to the principal planets, since -they have no nights, and besides that, move in so small a space that -they could not be encumbered with subaltern planets. But, continued -she, by multiplying worlds so liberally, you give rise to a great -difficulty. The vortices, of which we see the suns, touch our vortex: -the vortices you say are round; can so many circles touch this single -one? I can't understand how it is. - -It shews a great deal of sense, answered I, to discover this -difficulty, and even to be unable to solve it, for it is in itself well -founded, and in the way you conceive it, unanswerable; therefore there -would be but little proof of wisdom in finding an answer to what was -incapable of any. If our vortex were in the figure of a die, it would -have six flat sides, which is very far from a circle; on each of these -sides might then be placed a vortex of the same shape. If instead of -six, it had twenty, fifty, or a thousand, flat sides, an equal number -of vortices might come in contact with it, each resting against one of -these sides. You know the greater number of flat sides a body has, the -nearer it approaches in form to a circle; so that a diamond cut into a -great number of facets, if they were extremely small, would be nearly -as round as a pearl of the same size. The vortices are only circular in -this manner. They have an amazing number of flat sides, each of which -is close to another vortex. These sides are very unequal; some larger, -some smaller. The smallest correspond to those of the milky-way. If -two vortices leave any space between, which must often be the case, -nature, to make the most of the extent, fills up the vacancy by one or -two, or perhaps a thousand, little vortices, which without incommoding -any of the others, form one, two, or a thousand more systems of worlds; -so there may be many more worlds than our vortex has sides; and I dare -say, though these little vortices are formed merely to fill up spare -corners of the universe that would otherwise have been useless; though -they may be overlooked by the neighbouring vortices, yet they are -quite satisfied with themselves. It is probably such little vortices -whose suns we cannot discover without telescopes, of which there is -a prodigious number. In short all these vortices are adjusted in the -best order imaginable; and as each of them must turn round its sun -without changing place, it is formed to move in the most easy and -commodious manner for that purpose. They, as it were, catch hold of -each other, like the wheels of a watch, and mutually assist the motion. -It is likewise true that in a sense they counteract one another: each -vortex if it had no external pressure would extend itself; but when -it attempts to swell it is repelled by the surrounding vortices, -which forces it to shrink back; then it extends again, and so on:[52] -some philosophers think that the fixed stars give such a sparkling, -intermittent light in consequence of this alternate expansion and -contraction of the vortices. - -[Footnote 52: The preservation of the starry system is more -satisfactorily explained by attraction; they are all kept in -equilibrium by their mutual attraction.] - -There is something agreeable, said the Marchioness, in the idea of -such a combat among the worlds, and the reciprocal emission of light -produced by it, which apparently is the only communication carried on -between them. - -No, no, I replied, that is not the only one. The neighbouring worlds -sometimes send us visitors, who come, in a very magnificent style. -These visitors are comets,[53] ornamented with brilliant flowing hair, -a venerable beard, or a majestic train. - -[Footnote 53: It is indisputably proved that the comets belong to our -solar system.] - -Ah! what ambassadors? said she, laughing. We could dispense with their -company, for they only frighten us. They only frighten children, -answered I, because their appearance is extraordinary; but there are -many children among us. The comets are merely planets, belonging to -another system. Their orbit was towards the extremity of their vortex, -which was perhaps differently compressed by those that surrounded it; -the lower side, on that account was flatter than the top, and the lower -side was next to us. These planets, beginning at the upper part to form -their circle, did not foresee that it would extend beyond the limit of -their vortex, at the lower part; in order, therefore, to continue their -circular journey, they were obliged to enter the extremities of the -next vortex, which we will suppose is ours. They always appear to us -extremely elevated, moving on the other side of Saturn. Considering the -prodigious distance of the fixed stars, there must be between Saturn -and the extremities of our vortex a great space void of planets. Our -enemies reproach us with the inutility of this space, but we find there -is a use for it, as it is devoted to the service of foreign planets -that occasionally enter our system. - -I understand, said she; we don't allow them to penetrate into the heart -of our vortex, and mix with our planets; we receive them as the Grand -Signior receives the ambassadors that are sent to him. He does not -honour them with a lodging in Constantinople, but assigns them one in -the environs. There is another point of resemblance, I replied, between -us and the Ottomans: they receive ambassadors without sending any in -return; and we receive the comets without sending any of our planets to -return their visits. - -From all these circumstances, answered she, we seem to be very proud: -yet we should not hastily form that conclusion; these strange planets -have a very menacing air with their beards and trains; perhaps they are -only sent to insult us; ours not having so imposing an appearance would -not be so well calculated to inspire those worlds with awe. The tails -and beards, I replied, are merely extraneous: the planets themselves do -not differ from ours; but in entering our vortex they assume the beard -or train from a certain illumination derived from our sun. This, by the -bye, has not been very well explained by our astronomers; however, they -are sure it is only some sort of illumination, and they must tell us -more of it when they can. Then I wish, rejoined she, that our Saturn -would take a beard or a tail, and frighten the other vortices; then -laying aside his terrific appendages, return to us and perform his -ordinary functions. He would do better to stay where is, answered I. -You recollect I explained to you the shock produced by the repulsive -power of each vortex: I think a poor planet must be violently shaken -in such a situation, and the inhabitants cannot feel much the better -for passing through it. We think ourselves vastly unfortunate when a -comet makes its appearance, whereas we ought to consider the comet -most unfortunate. I am not inclined to pity it, said the Marchioness; -I dare say all its inhabitants arrive here in good health, and it -must be extremely entertaining to them to go into a new vortex. We -who always remain in our own have but a dull life. If the people in a -comet have the sense to know the time at which they shall pass into -our vortex, those who have already been the journey, are just before -busily employed in describing to the rest what they will see. Speaking -of Saturn, they say: "You will presently see a planet with a great ring -round it. Then, you will discover one followed by four small planets." -Some of these people, perhaps are set to watch the moment of entering -our system: when it is arrived they cry _new sun, new sun_, as our -sailors exclaim _land, land_. - -I find then, said I, it is useless to attempt raising your compassion -for the comets: I hope, however, you will not refuse it to the -inhabitants of a vortex whose sun has been extinguished, and who are -thus condemned to perpetual darkness. Suns extinguished? cried she. -Yes, undoubtedly, I replied. The ancients saw certain fixed stars -which are no longer visible.[54] These suns have been deprived of their -light: ruin must have ensued throughout the vortex; a general mortality -on all the planets; for how could existence be maintained without the -sun? The thought is too dreadful, said she; is it not possible to evade -it? I'll tell you, answered I, what some very intelligent people have -imagined. They think that the fixed stars that have disappeared are -not extinct, but partly darkened; that is to say, that they have one -side obscure; the other luminous: that as they turn on themselves, they -first present the light part to us, and then the dark, when that is -the case we cease to see them. Apparently the fifth moon belonging to -Saturn is in this condition, for during one part of its revolution we -entirely lose sight of it; at which time it is not most remote from the -earth; on the contrary, it is then sometimes nearer than when visible. -Though this moon is a planet, and therefore cannot exactly guide our -opinion with respect to suns, yet we may suppose that a sun can be -partly covered by fixed spots. To spare you the pain of believing the -other opinion, we will adopt this, which is more agreeable: but I can -only receive it when applied to such fixed stars as have a regular -time for appearing and disappearing, as some have lately been observed -to do, otherwise we cannot suppose them half suns. What must we say to -the stars that disappear, and do not become visible after a time that -would certainly have been sufficient for turning on their axis? You are -too just to require me to believe that they are half suns: however I -will do all in my power to serve you; we will conclude that these stars -are not extinguished, but plunged in the unfathomable depth of the sky, -and thus become invisible; in this case the vortex would accompany its -sun, and all go on as usual. It is true that the greatest part of the -fixed stars have not any motion which removes them farther from us, for -if they were not always equally distant, they would sometimes appear -larger, sometimes smaller; but that is not the case. - -[Footnote 54: In 1572 and 1604, some beautiful stars appeared to burst -into light, and afterwards become extinct. Astron. Art. 792.] - -We will therefore suppose that some of the small vortices, being light -and active, slip betwixt the others, and return after they have made -their tour, whilst the larger systems remain immoveable. But there is -one inevitable misfortune: there are some fixed stars, which for a -long time are alternately visible and invisible, and at length totally -disappear. Half suns would re-appear at a regular time; others that -had retreated to an immense distance would at once disappear, and be -concealed for a very long time: exert therefore all your resolution, -madam; these stars are certainly suns which grow so dark as to be -invisible to us, then resume their brightness, and afterwards are -entirely extinguished. How, exclaimed the Marchioness, can a sun, a -source of light, become darkened? With the greatest ease, answered I, -if Descartes be in the right. He imagines that the spots on our sun, -being impurities, or vapours, may grow thick, collect together, form -themselves into a mass, and continue to encrust the sun till it is -quite hid. If, the sun is a fire connected with a solid matter, serving -as its aliment, we are not in a better condition; the solid matter may -be consumed. 'Tis said we have already had a fortunate escape: the -sun during several years, (the year, for instance, after the death -of Cæsar;) appeared very pale; owing to the encrustation which was -beginning to form. The sun had sufficient force to break and disperse -it; had it continued, we should have been lost. You make me tremble, -said the Marchioness. Now I know the consequences of paleness in the -sun, instead of going to my glass every morning to see if _I_ am pale, -I think I shall go and look whether _the sun_ is so. Take courage, -madam, I replied, it requires a good deal of time to ruin a system -of worlds. But, answered she, it seems as if time would inevitably -effect it. I cannot take upon me to deny it, said I. The immense mass -of matter which composes the universe is in continual motion, even -the smallest particles of it, and since there is this motion we are in -danger, for changes must happen, either slowly or rapidly, but always -in a time proportioned to the effect. The ancients were so vastly -wise as to imagine the heavenly bodies were of such a nature as never -to alter, because they had not observed any alteration in them. Had -they leisure to assure themselves of this by experience? Compared -with us the ancients were young: if flowers that last but a day were -to transmit their histories to each other, the first would draw the -resemblance of their gardener in a certain way; after fifteen thousand -ages of these flowers had elapsed, others would still describe him in -the same manner. They would say; "We have always had the same gardener, -the memoirs composed by our ancestors prove this to be the case; all -their representations exactly apply to him; surely he is not mortal -like us; no change will ever take place in him." Would the reasoning -of these flowers be conclusive?--it would have a better foundation -than that of the ancients respecting the celestial bodies; and had -there never to this day been observed any change in the heavens, though -they should appear likely to remain much longer without alteration, -I would not yet decide on them; I should think more experience -necessary. Should the term of our existence, which is but a moment, -be the measure for other durations? Ought we to assert that what has -lasted a hundred thousand times longer than we, must last for ever? -No, ages on ages of our duration would scarcely be any indication of -immortality. Truly, said the Marchioness, I think these worlds can -have no pretensions to it. I shall not do them the honour to compare -them with the gardener who outlives so many transient flowers; they -are but as those flowers themselves, springing up and fading away, one -after another: for I suppose, if old stars disappear, new ones become -visible; the species cannot otherwise be continued. Yes, answered I, we -need not fear the extinction of the species. Some will tell you these -new stars are only suns which re-approach us after having been for a -long time at a distant part of the heavens. Others think they are suns -that have broken through the crust that began to cover them. I easily -conceive the possibility of all this; but I think it equally possible -for new suns to be created. Why should not the matter that is fit to -compose a sun, after having been dispersed in various places, be at -length gathered together in one spot and then become the foundation of -a new system of worlds? I am the more inclined to this opinion because -it answers better to the grand idea I entertain of the works of nature. -Has she no way of producing and destroying plants and animals but by -a continual revolution? I am persuaded, and I doubt not that by this -time you are so too, that she exerts the same power with respect to the -worlds. But on such subjects we can only form conjectures. The fact is -that for nearly a century past, in which, by the help of telescopes, -almost a new heaven has been discovered, unknown to the ancients, there -have been few of the constellations in which some sensible alteration -has not taken place;[55] the greatest number of changes is observed in -the milky-way, as if more motion and bustle existed among this heap of -worlds. Really, said the Marchioness, I find the worlds, in short all -the heavenly bodies, so liable to change that I have quite overcome the -horror I felt at the idea of the suns being extinguished. Well, replied -I, to prevent you from relapsing, we will say no more about them, we -are arrived at the uppermost part of the heavens, and to inform you -whether there are any stars beyond that, exceeds my skill. You may -place more worlds or not; just as you are disposed. These invisible -countries should, in propriety, be left to the philosophers: they may -imagine them to exist, or not exist, or to exist in any way they chuse. -I shall content myself with having directed your mind to all that is -discernible by your sight. - -[Footnote 55: This is not proved.] - -Ah! she exclaimed, then I am acquainted with the whole system of the -universe! how learned I am! Yes, said I, you are learned enough in all -reason, and your knowledge is attended with this convenience,--you may -extract your belief of all I have told you whenever you think proper. I -only ask as a reward for my trouble, that whenever you see the sun, the -sky, and the stars, you will think on me.[56] - -[Footnote 56: As I have given these conversations to the public, I -think it would not be right to conceal any thing which passed on the -subject I shall publish another dialogue of the same kind that we had -a long while after these. It shall be entitled the "Sixth Evening," as -the rest were evening scenes.] - - ══════════════ - - - - - _SIXTH EVENING._ - - - ══════════════ - - ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS IN CONFIRMATION OF THOSE IN - THE PRECEDING CONVERSATIONS.--DISCOVERIES THAT - HAVE BEEN LATELY MADE IN THE HEAVENS. - - ══════════════ - - -For a long time the Marchioness and I said nothing about the plurality -of worlds, we had apparently forgotten that we had ever talked on the -subject. I went one day to her house, and just as I entered, two men -of some talents and celebrity were going out. You see, said she, what -visitors I have had; I assure you they are gone away with a suspicion -that you have turned my brain. I should be very proud of such an -achievement answered I; it would shew my power, for I think one could -not devise a more difficult undertaking. Well, replied she, I am afraid -you have accomplished it. I don't know how it happened, but whilst my -two friends, whom you met at the door, were here, the conversation -turned on the plurality of worlds; perhaps they had an invidious -design in directing it to that subject. I immediately told them all -the planets were inhabited. One of them said he was certain I could -not be of that opinion: in the most unaffected manner, I maintained my -sincerity; he continued to think I was only feigning, and I believe he -had too great a regard for me to admit the possibility of my having -really adopted so extravagant an opinion. The other, from esteeming -me less, did not doubt my veracity. Why have you made me obstinately -adhere to sentiments which people who have the greatest friendship for -me will not suffer themselves to believe me possessed with? But, madam, -answered I, why did you maintain these opinions seriously, when talking -with persons that I am sure would not gravely argue on any subject? -Should we thus trifle with the inhabitants of the planets? Let us, who -believe their existence, be content to remain a little select band, and -not disclose our mysteries to the vulgar. Vulgar! exclaimed she; do you -reckon those two men among the vulgar? They have good understandings, -said I; but they never reason. Grave reasoners, who are austere people, -would not hesitate to place them in that class. They however take their -revenge by ridiculing the reasoners. We should if possible accommodate -ourselves to persons of both characters; it would have been better to -speak jestingly of the planetary inhabitants to such men as your two -friends, since they are accustomed to pleasantry, than to enter on an -argument, for which they have no talents. You would have retained their -good opinion without depriving the planets of a single inhabitant. -Would you have meanly sacrificed the truth? answered she. Where is your -conscience? I must own, I replied, I have not much zeal for truths of -this nature; I would readily forbear to maintain them if it suited my -convenience. - -The cause which prevents people from believing the planets to be -inhabited is, that they appear to them only bodies placed in the -heavens to give light, instead of globes consisting of meadows and -fruitful countries. We readily believe that meadows and fields are -inhabited, but it is thought ridiculous to assert that mere luminous -bodies are. 'Tis in vain that reason informs us of fields in the -planets; reason comes too late, the first coup-d'œil has impressed -our minds before-hand, and this impression is not willingly parted -with. The planets, 'tis said, are only luminous bodies; what sort of -inhabitants then can they have? Our imaginations do not enable us to -distinguish their figures, therefore it is the shortest way to deny -their existence. Would you require me, for the sake of establishing -the idea of these inhabitants, whose interest cannot be very dear to -me, to attack all the powers of the senses and the imagination? Such -an enterprize would demand a vast deal of courage. Men are not easily -persuaded to see through their reason, rather than their eyes. Some -few persons are rational enough to believe, after a thousand proofs -have been given them, that the planets are worlds like ours, but they -do not believe it in the same way they would do, if they had not seen -them apparently so different; they always recur to the first idea they -had formed, and can never wholly divest themselves of it. These people -seem to _condescend_ to our opinion, and only patronize it from a love -of singularity. - -Is not that enough, said she; for an opinion that is merely probable? -You would be astonished, answered I, if I told you the word probable -was too modest for the occasion. Is it merely probable that Alexander -has been in existence? No, you consider it certain; and what is the -ground of your certainty? Is it not that you have had every proof -that such a subject requires, and that no circumstance leads you -to doubt the fact? You have never seen Alexander, nor have you any -mathematical demonstration of his existence. What would you say if -this were the case with respect to the inhabitants of the planets? -We cannot shew them to you, nor can you require us to demonstrate -their being, in a mathematical way; but you have all the evidence -that can be desired: the entire resemblance between the planets and -the inhabited earth; the impossibility of imagining any other use for -which they could be created; the fruitfulness and magnificence of -nature; the attention she seems to have paid to the wants of their -inhabitants, such as giving moons to those planets that were very -remote from the sun, and the greatest number of moons to the most -distant: and it is an important consideration that every thing is on -that side of the question, without any objections to counterbalance -it; you cannot for a moment doubt unless you resume the vulgar mode of -seeing and thinking. In fact it is impossible to have more evidence, -and evidence of a more determinate kind; how then can you treat this -opinion as a mere probability? But do you think, said she, I can feel -as certain that the planets are inhabited, as that Alexander has been -in existence? By no means, I replied; for although, on the subject -we are speaking of we have as many proofs as in our situation we can -receive, yet these proofs are not numerous. I protest, exclaimed she, -I'll renounce these planetary inhabitants, for I don't know whether -to believe there are any or not--it is not certain, yet it is more -than possible--I am quite perplexed. Do not be discouraged, madam, I -replied. Clocks that are made in the most common manner shew the hour; -those only that are made with more exquisite art, indicate the minutes; -in like manner common minds see a great difference between probability -and absolute certainty; but it is only superior understandings that -ascertain the degrees of certainty or of probability, and who, if I -may use the expression, can tell the minutes as well as the hours. -Place the inhabitants of the planets a little below Alexander in point -of certainty, but above a vast number of historical relations which -are not entirely proved; I think that is their proper place. I love -order, said she, you do me a kindness in giving arrangement to my -ideas: why did you not do this before? Because, answered I, whether you -attribute to this idea a little more, or a little less certainty than -it possesses is not of much consequence. I am certain you do not feel -so assured as you ought to do of the earth's motion: are you the less -happy on that account? Oh! as to that opinion, I am sure I do my duty; -you have no right to complain of me, for I firmly believe that the -earth turns. Yet I have not given you the most convincing proof of it, -answered I. You use me very ill, said she, to make one believe things -without sufficient reason; am I unworthy to hear the best arguments? -I wished to prove my opinions, I replied, by easy, entertaining -arguments; would you have had me make use of such solid, sturdy ones as -I should have attacked a doctor with? Certainly, said she; now fancy me -a doctor, and let me have this new proof of the earth's motion. - -With all my heart, answered I; it is this, and I am vastly pleased with -it, because I think I found it out myself; but it is so good and so -natural that I can hardly hope to have been the inventor. I am sure -an obstinate learned man who wished to oppose it, would be forced to -talk a great deal on the occasion; and that is the only way in which -a scholar can be overcome. It is evident either that all the heavenly -bodies go round the earth in four-and-twenty hours, or the earth, -turning on her axis, only imagines the motion in them. It is the most -improbable thing in the world that they should in reality go round the -earth in that short space of time, though we are not at first aware of -the absurdity of such an opinion. All the planets certainly revolve -round the sun: but these revolutions are unequal from the unequal -distances at which they are placed from the sun: the most remote, as -we might naturally suppose, take a longer time than the rest. This -order is observed even in the satellites that go round a large planet. -Jupiter's four moons, and the five belonging to Saturn, require a -longer or shorter time to move round their planet according to their -distance from it. It is further ascertained that the planets have a -rotation on their own axis; the time of this is likewise unequal; -we cannot tell the cause of such inequality, whether it depends on -the different size, or the degree of solidity of the planets, or on -the different degrees of rapidity of the vortices in which they are -enclosed, and the liquid matter by which they are carried along;[57] -this inequality however is certain, and in general we find that the -order of nature is such as to admit of particular variations in things -that are regulated by the same rules. - -[Footnote 57: We can assign no reason; the irregularity depends on the -original cause, whatever that cause may be, which at first determined -their motions.] - -I understand, said the Marchioness; I am quite of your opinion; if -the planets moved round the earth, the time employed by each would be -different, according to their various distances, as is the case in -their revolutions round the sun: is not that what you mean? Precisely -so, madam, answered I; their unequal distances from the earth would -produce an inequality in their revolutions round her: and the fixed -stars, being so extremely remote from us, so far beyond all that could -have a general movement round us, at least situated in a place where -such a motion must be very feeble, is there any probability of their -revolving round us in four-and-twenty hours, like the moon which is so -near to us? Ought not the comets likewise which do not belong to our -vortex, which have such irregular courses, and such different degrees -of swiftness, to be exempted from performing this daily circle round -our world? No, planets, fixed stars, and comets too, must all turn -round the earth! Were there but a few minutes difference in the time -of their revolutions we might be satisfied with it; but they are all -exactly equal, never varying in the slightest degree; surely this is a -suspicious circumstance. - -Oh! replied the Marchioness, I could venture to say this exactitude -existed only in our imaginations. I am glad that any thing inconsistent -with the genius of nature, which this equality in so many moving bodies -would be, should depend on our motion, and she, even at our expense, be -free from the charge of inconsistency. For my part, said I, I dislike -a perfect regularity, and I don't approve of the earth's turning every -day on her axis in exactly twenty-four hours; I am disposed to think -the time varies. Varies! she exclaimed; do not our clocks shew that it -is always equal? Oh! replied I, I don't depend on clocks, they cannot -always be perfectly right; and should they be so, and sometimes shew -that the earth has made a longer or shorter tour in four-and-twenty -hours than usual, it would be thought that we ought rather to suspect -them of being wrong than to attribute any irregularity to the -revolutions of the earth. That is paying an extravagant respect to her, -I should depend no more on the earth than on a clock; the one might be -put out of sorts almost by the same causes as the other, only I think -it would take longer time to produce a sensible irregularity in the -earth; that is the only advantage I should allow her to have over a -clock. Might not the earth by degrees get nearer to the sun, and then, -finding herself in a situation where the matter was agitated with -greater violence, perform her motion on her axis, and her revolution -round the sun, in a shorter time? In that case the years would be -shorter, and the days too, but we should not perceive the difference, -for we should still divide the year into three hundred and sixty-five -days, and the days into twenty-four hours. So that without living -longer than we do now, we should live a greater number of years: and -on the contrary, if the earth were to remove farther from the sun, -we should live fewer years, although our lives would be as long. In -all probability, said she, if that were possible, a long succession -of ages would make but a trifling difference. True, I replied; nature -does nothing abruptly, her method is to effect every alteration by such -gentle gradations that it is scarcely perceptible to us. We hardly -observe even the changes of seasons; others that are produced much more -slowly must in general escape our notice. Nevertheless every thing is -subject to mutability; even a certain lady who has been seen, through -telescopes, in the moon for about forty years, appears considerably -older. She used to be rather handsome; now her cheeks are fallen away, -her nose and chin are beginning to meet; in short all her charms are -fled, and it is even feared that her life is near its close.[58] - -[Footnote 58: We are not assured that this alteration has taken place -in the part of the moon that has some resemblance to a woman's head: -but there must be changes, if we judge by the volcano which has been -repeatedly observed. Astron. Art. 3339.] - -What are you talking of? cried the Marchioness. I am not jesting, -I replied. A figure has been observed in the moon which resembled -a woman's head rising from among the rocks, and in that part an -alteration is perceived. Some pieces have fallen off a mountain, and -left the points which appear like the forehead, nose and chin of an -old woman. Does it not seem, said she, as if some malignant power had -a spite against beauty, since the young lady's head is the only spot -in the moon that has undergone a change. Perhaps, answered I, to make -amends, the alterations on our globe may give additional beauty to some -face observed by the inhabitants of the moon, I mean some face formed -like those of the people in that planet, for we always try to discover -in distant objects, the resemblance of what we continually think of. -Our astronomers discern young ladies' faces in the moon; probably if -women were to examine it they would find handsome male faces. If _I_ to -look, I don't know whether I should not see your likeness, madam. I -must undoubtedly, said she, feel myself obliged to any body who could -find me there; but let us return to what we were talking of just now; -are there any considerable alterations on the earth? In all probability -there are, answered I. Many high mountains, at a great distance from -the sea, have on them beds of shells, which shew that they were -formerly covered with water. Sometimes likewise, at a distance from -the sea, are found stones containing petrified fishes. How could they -have got to that place unless the water had been there? Fables tell -us, that Hercules separated with his hands two mountains called Calpe -and Abila, which being situated between Africa and Spain obstructed -the ocean; and the sea immediately rushed in violently, and formed the -great gulph that we call the Mediterranean. Fables are not altogether -fabulous; they are histories of remote periods, disguised by two very -ancient and common defects; ignorance, and a love of the marvellous. -It is not very credible that Hercules separated the two mountains with -his hands; but I can easily believe that in the time of some Hercules, -(for there have been fifty), the ocean may have torn asunder, perhaps -with the assistance of an earthquake, two mountains more feeble than -the rest and have by that means rushed in between Europe and Africa. -Then a new spot was discovered on our globe, by the people in the -moon, for you recollect, madam, that the water forms a dark spot. It -is the general opinion that Sicily has been separated from Italy, and -Cyprus from Syria: new islands have sometimes been formed in the sea; -earthquakes have ingulfed some mountains, and produced others, as well -as changed the course of rivers. Philosophers give us reason to fear -that the kingdom of Naples and Sicily, being over great subterranean -vaults filled with sulphur, will some time or other fall in, when the -vaults are no longer strong enough to resist the fires contained in -them, which now have vent at such openings as Vesuvius and Ætna. All -this will be sufficient to diversify a little the appearance we make to -the inhabitants of the moon. - -I would rather tire them said the Marchioness, with a monotonous -appearance, than entertain them by the ruin of provinces. - -That is nothing, answered I, to what takes place in Jupiter. He appears -to be surrounded with belts, which are distinguished from each other, -or from the spaces betwixt them, by their different degrees of light. -These are land and seas--or at least parts of the planet differing in -their nature. Sometimes these lands grow narrower, sometimes wider. New -ones are formed in various parts, and some of the old ones disappear: -and all these changes visible only through our best telescopes, are in -themselves much more considerable than if our ocean were to inundate -all the land, and leave its own bed to form new continents. Unless the -inhabitants of Jupiter are amphibious, and live with equal ease either -on land or in water, I hardly know what can become of them.[59] We see -likewise great alterations on the surface of Mars, even from one month -to another. In that short time seas overflow large continents, and -retire by a flux and reflux a thousand times more violent than ours; -or if this be not the case, some change equivalent to it takes place. -Our planet is very quiet compared with these; we have great reason -to congratulate ourselves, especially if it is true that in Jupiter -countries as extensive as Europe have been set on fire. Set on fire! -cried the Marchioness; that would be a great piece of news there. It -would indeed, answered I. We have observed in Jupiter, for perhaps -twenty years, a long stream of light more brilliant than the rest of -the planet.[60] We have had deluges here, but very seldom; perhaps -in Jupiter they have now and then a large conflagration as well as -frequent deluges. But be that as it may, the brilliant light I spoke -of is very different from another, which apparently is as old as the -world, though it has but lately been discovered.[61] How can a light be -formed for concealment? said she, that is something quite out of the -common way. - -[Footnote 59: These lands surrounding Jupiter, which are sometimes few, -and sometimes in great numbers, are apparently clouds.] - -[Footnote 60: I don't know that this observation is authentic.] - -[Footnote 61: The zodiacal light. Astron. Art. 844.] - -This light, I replied, is only visible at twilight, which is most -frequently long enough, and of sufficient power to conceal it; and -when it is not hid by the twilight, either the vapours of the horizon -prevent us from seeing it, or without great attention we may even -mistake it for twilight. However, about thirty years since it was -discovered with certainty, and for some time gave great delight to the -astronomers, whose curiosity wanted stimulating by something new. They -might find as many new subaltern planets as they chose without feeling -any interest in them. The two last moons of Saturn, for instance, did -not enrapture them as Jupiter's satellites had done; custom destroys -the power of every thing. - -We see, during a month before and after the equinox of March, when -the sun is set and the twilight disappeared, a sort of whitish light -resembling the tail of a comet. It is seen before the dawn and -sun-rise, towards the equinox of September, and morning and night -towards the winter solstice. At other times, as I have before said, -the twilight conceals it; for we have reason to believe it always -exists. It has lately been conjectured that it is produced by a large -mass of matter, somewhat dense, which environs the sun for a certain -extent. The greatest part of his rays penetrate this covering, and come -to us in a straight line; but some of these rays by striking against -the internal surface are reflected back to us, either before the -direct rays can reach us in the morning, or after they have ceased to -enlighten us in the evening. As these reflected rays come from a higher -region than the direct ones, it is therefore earlier when we receive -them, and later before we lose them. - -On this ground I must retract what I said on the probability of the -moon having no twilight, for want of a surrounding atmosphere as dense -as that of the earth. She is no loser by it, if she can receive a -twilight through this thick air which surrounds the sun, and reflects -his light to places which could not have his direct rays. Then, -enquired the Marchioness, will not this be a source of twilight to all -the planets, without the necessity of a dense atmosphere to environ -each, since that which surrounds the sun may produce the same effect -for all the planets in the vortex? From the frugality of nature, I -am disposed to believe she has effected the purpose by this means -only. Yet, said I, in spite of this frugality, the earth would have -two causes of twilight, one of which (the dense air before the sun), -would be useless, and could only serve as an object of curiosity to -the frequenters of the observatory: but it may be that the earth alone -sends out exhalations sufficiently gross to produce twilight; and -therefore a general resource has been provided for the other planets, -if their evaporations are more pure and subtile. We, perhaps, of the -inhabitants of all the worlds in our vortex breathe the grossest air; -did the people of the other planets know that, with what contempt they -would survey us! - -That would be wrong, answered the Marchioness; we are not contemptible -for being surrounded by a thick atmosphere since the sun himself is -in the same situation. Tell me, is not this air produced by certain -vapours that you formerly told me issued from the sun; and may it -not be to moderate the power of the first rays which perhaps would -otherwise be excessive? I think it probable that the sun may be thus -veiled, to accommodate it to our use. That is a happy idea, madam, said -I; you have founded a pretty little system. We may add that this vapour -possibly falls back in a sort of rain to refresh the sun, in the same -manner as we sometimes throw water into a forge when the fire becomes -too fierce. We cannot attribute too much to the power of nature; but -all her operations are not made visible to us, therefore we cannot feel -assured of having discovered her designs, or her manner of acting. -We should not consider any new discovery a certain foundation for -reasoning on, though we are very much inclined to do it: philosophers -are like elephants, that in walking never put one foot to the ground -till they feel the other firmly supported. That comparison, said she, -is the more just because the merit either of elephants or philosophers -does not consist in external charms; we shall however do well to -imitate the superior judgment of both: inform me more of the new -discoveries, and I promise not to be in a hurry again to form systems. - -I have told you, I replied, all the news I have heard from the sky, -and I believe no later intelligence has been received. I am sorry it -is not so entertaining and wonderful as some observations I read the -other day in an abridgment of the Annals of China, written in Latin. -They there see a thousand stars at a time fall from the sky into the -ocean with an amazing noise; or dissolve and disperse in rain. This has -not merely been seen once in China; I have met with the same account -given at two remote periods of time, besides that of a star which goes -towards the east, and bursts with the noise of a gun. It is a pity -such sights should be confined to China, while this part of the world -is never favoured with them. It is not long since all our philosophers -thought they had had sufficient experience to pronounce the heavens -and all the celestial bodies incorruptible and incapable of change; and -at the same time people at the other end of the world were seeing stars -dissolve by thousands: there appearance must have differed very much -from ours. But, said she, I never heard that the Chinese were great -astronomers. No, answered I, but the Chinese are gainers by being at -so great a distance from us, as the Greeks and Romans were by being -separated by a long space of time; whatever is remote assumes the right -of imposing on us. - -Really I am more and more of opinion that Europe is in possession -of a degree of genius which has never extended to any other part of -the globe, at least not to any distant part. It is not perhaps able -to diffuse itself over a great proportion of the earth at once, and -some invincible fatality prescribes to it very narrow bounds. Let us -then make use of it while it is in our possession: and let us rejoice -that it is not confined to science and dry speculations, but equally -extended to objects of taste, in which I doubt whether any people can -equal us. Such, madam, are the things that should engage your attention -and constitute your philosophy. - - - - ══════════════ - - THE END. - - ══════════════ - - - - - AN ELEGANT POCKET COMPANION FOR THE LADIES. - - ══════════════ - - _New Series of the Monthly Visitor and New Family Magazine, - with fine Portraits and additional Embellishments._ - - ━━━━━━━━━ - - On the first of February, 1803, was published, price One Shilling, - enriched with a fine Portrait of - - THE LATE DOCTOR HUNTER, - - With valuable Particulars of his Life; also an interesting Scene in - Egypt, taken by M. 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Coke, Esq. | Modern British Females - Madame Bonaparte | An Egyptian Lady, and Manner - Mrs. Montague | of passing the River Nile - Parisian Male and Female in the | on a Bundle of Rushes. - Costume of the Present Day | - -⁂ The above Work is recommended to the Attention of the Public in -general, but particularly to Ladies and private Families, being -calculated to inform the Mind on every valuable Topic, and will be -found a very useful Medium of Improvement to the rising Generation. - -The most prominent Features in this Miscellany are Memoirs -of illustrious Characters, with Manners and Customs of all -Nations--Anecdotes of eminent Men and Places--Original Communications -in Prose and Poetry--Selections from the most recent Productions -of Value--Dramatic Intelligence--and its Review of new interesting -Publications. Nor is a Miscellany conducted on such a Plan adapted to -the Young alone. To Persons also who possess small Ability for the -Purchase of Books, or have little Time for the Perusal of them, it must -prove a valuable Accession of Knowledge, preferable by far to most -other periodical Publications of the present Day, the Majority of which -sell for 1s. 6d. - -Each Number contains 108 Pages of small but neat Letter-press, -embellished by an elegant Portrait of the celebrated Individual, whose -Memoirs are presented to the Reader. Also, two whole length Figures of -a Male and Female Inhabitant of some Foreign Country characteristically -drawn, with an Account of the Manners and Customs of the Natives.--Four -Numbers constitute a pocket Volume. It is thus therefore capable of -becoming an instructive and entertaining Companion to those whose -Attention is assiduously directed to the Improvement of their own Minds. - -The _Old Series_ of this valuable Work is contained in Fifteen elegant -Pocket Volumes, enriched with upwards of Seventy Portraits of eminent -public Characters, price 3l. 13s. 6d. boards, or 4l. bound. - -Printed for the Proprietors, by _J. Cundee_, Ivy-Lane, Paternoster-Row; -where Communications (_post-paid_) are received for the _New Series_. - - ══════════════ - - - - - _A new and interesting Work, entitled_ - - A DICTIONARY OF THE WONDERS OF NATURE. - - ══════════════ - - _This day is Published_, - - _Closely and elegantly printed in a Pocket-size, containing - near 500 pages of Letter-press; and enriched with - curious and illustrative Copper Plates, - Price 5s. boards_; - - A - DICTIONARY - OF THE - _WONDERS OF NATURE_: - - ━━━━━━━━━ - - TRANSLATED PRINCIPALLY FROM THE WORKS OF - - A. S. S. DELAFOND, - - PROFESSOR OF PHYSIC AT BOURGES. - - ━━━━━━━━━ - - _Including extraordinary instances of_ - -Abstinence; Old Age; Curiosities in the Animal Kingdom; Singular -Antipathies; Remarkable Attachments; Extraneous Bodies; Phænomena -of the Human Bones; Brains; Wonderful Caverns; Forward Children; -Extraordinary Conformations; Remarkable Deafness; Apparent Death; -Extraordinary Divers; Wonderful Dwarfs; Dreadful Earthquakes which -have happened in various parts of the World; Extraordinary Eaters; -Curious Structure of the Eye; Instances of Fecundity; Fermentation; -Fire-damps; Subterranean Fires; Curious Fish; Wonderful Description of -Human Hair; Phænomena of Heat and Cold; Dreadful Hurricanes; Ice, and -Ice-houses described; Inundations, and the Properties of the Loadstone; -Powers of the Imagination; History of Mutes; Northern Lights Described; -Dreadful Maladies; Meteors; Remarkable Instances of Memory; Properties -of Mirth; Account of a Curious White Negro; Deviations from Nature; -Effects of Phosphorus; Rains; Extraordinary Men; Remarkable Accounts of -Monsters; Ventriloquists; Volcanoes; Thunder; Plants; Stones; Rocks; -Sleep-walkers; Petrified Bodies; Trees; Vegetation; Water-spouts; &c. -&c. including all the remarkable - - _PHÆNOMENA IN NATURE_; - -philosophically, and physically explained; forming the most curious and -interesting Collection of the Wonders of Nature ever published; the -whole alphabetically arranged; with a complete Index. - - ══════════════ - - To me be NATURE'S volume broad display'd, - And to peruse its all-instructive pages, my sole delight. - - ══════════════ - -⁂ Such is the interesting nature of the contents of this work, that it -is equally calculated to entertain and instruct every class of readers. - - ══════════════ - - London: - - _Printed by J. 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If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Bernard de Fontenelle</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Elizabeth Gunning</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Contributor: Jerome de la Lande</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: October 18, 2021 [eBook #66559]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Tim Lindell, Tom Cosmas and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CONVERSATIONS ON THE PLURALITY OF WORLDS ***</div> - - - - -<div class="figcenter" id="cover" style="width: 225px;"> - <img src="images/cover.png" width="225" height="403" alt="Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds, by Bernard De Fontenelle" /> -</div> - -<p class="smaller tdc">Transcriber Note: Toc Added to assist reader.</p> - -<h2>Table of Contents</h2> - -<table class="tblcont" summary="TOC"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Critical Account of the Life and Writings of the Author</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CRITICAL_ACCOUNT">iii</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Lines on Fontenelle</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#LINES_ON_FONTENELLE">X</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Preface</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#PREFACE">xi</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CONVERSATIONS">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>First Evening.</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#FIRST_EVENING">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>Second Evening.</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SECOND_EVENING">33</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>Third Evening.</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#THIRD_EVENING">59</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>Fourth Evening.</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#FOURTH_EVENING">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>Fifth Evening.</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#FIFTH_EVENING">110</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>Sixth Evening.</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SIXTH_EVENING">132</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - - - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_i">- i -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="frontispiece" style="width: 507px;"> - <img src="images/frontispiece.png" width="507" height="648" alt="" /> - <div class="caption">FONTENELLE.</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<h1><span class="smaller">CONVERSATIONS</span><br /> - -<span class="vsmall">ON THE</span><br /> - -<i>PLURALITY OF WORLDS</i>.</h1> - -<div class="figcenter" id="diamond" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc">BY</p> - -<h2>BERNARD DE FONTENELLE,</h2> - -<p class="tdc">One of the Forty belonging to the French Academy; and Secretary to the -Academy of Sciences.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_a.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3">WITH NOTES,</p> - -<p class="tdc">AND A CRITICAL ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S WRITINGS,</p> - -<p class="tdc">BY</p> - -<p class="caption3"><i>JEROME DE LA LANDE</i>,</p> - -<p class="tdc">SENIOR DIRECTOR OF THE OBSERVATORY AT PARIS.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_b.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc">Translated from a late Paris Edition, by</p> - -<p class="caption3">MISS ELIZABETH GUNNING.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc"> -<span class="antiqua">London:</span><br /> - -PRINTED BY J. CUNDEE, IVY-LANE;<br /> - -SOLD BY T. HURST, PATERNOSTER-ROW.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="tdc">1803.</p> - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">- iii -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_a.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CRITICAL_ACCOUNT"><span class="smaller">CRITICAL ACCOUNT</span><br /> - -<span class="vsmall">OF THE</span><br /> - -<i>Life and Writings of the Author</i>,<br/> - -<span class="vsmall">BY</span><br /> - -JEROME DE LA LANDE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p>Whenever I have entered into conversation with any -sensible woman on astronomy, I have always found that -she had read Fontenelle's Plurality of Worlds; and that -his book had excited her curiosity on the subject. As it has -been so much read already, it must continue to engage attention: -I therefore thought it would be useful to point -out its faults; to add some observations, without which -the reader would be led into error with respect to the vortices; -to make known the late discoveries; and to shew -what numbers, before our author, had written on the plurality -of worlds. But I have made no alterations in the text; -the reputation of Fontenelle renders him respectable, even -in his mistakes.</p> - -<p>The Astronomy for Ladies, which I have published as a -substitute for this book, would be more instructive, but less -amusing; therefore, as it will be but little read, I shall endeavour -to supply the defects of Fontenelle's work, by adding -to the original some ideas more exact than his own.</p> - -<p>M. Codrika has translated it into Greek, with explanations -taken from my Astronomy.</p> - -<p>M. Bode has translated it into German; and his translation -has already gone through three editions: the last is -that of 1798, Berlin, in octavo, Bernard de Fontenelle, -<i>Dialogen ueber die Mehrheit der Welten</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iv">- iv -</span></p> - -<p>When Voltaire published, in 1738, his Essays on the -Elements of Newton, he began with these words: "Here -is no Marchioness; no imaginary philosophy." It was supposed -that he here alluded to Fontenelle; this he contradicts -by saying: "so far from having his book in view, I -publicly declare that I consider it one of the best works -that ever were written." (Mem. de Trublet, p. 135).</p> - -<p>This book has been printed a hundred times; the handsome -edition of Fontenelle's Works, in folio, published at -the Hague in 1728,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> with figures by Bernard Pickart; the -still more beautiful edition of the Worlds alone, edited -by Didot the younger, in 1797, in folio, are master-pieces -of typography; but in them nothing is found but the original -work; therefore I consider our edition far preferable.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> That edition does not contain the account of the bees, which is in -the present edition.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I shall here give a short account of the author of this -work.</p> - -<p>Bernard le Bovier<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> de Fontenelle was born at Bouen, -February 11, 1657. He died January 9, 1757.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Lebeau writes the name le Bouyer, from the family name, in the -Mémoires de l'Académie des Inscriptions; but it is pronounced le Bovier. -(Mem. p. 19.)</p> - -</div> - -<p>The first efforts of his genius were directed to poetry: at -the age of thirteen he had composed a Latin poem: about -the year 1683 he devoted himself to literature and philosophy. -In 1699 he began l'Historie de l'Académie des Sciences, -which he continued with great success during forty-two -years. Few persons have contributed more to the progress -of the sciences than he has done, by accommodating -them to every capacity, and inspiring by his panegyrics, a -love of study. For my part, I feel a pleasure in acknowledging -that I am indebted to him for the germ of that insatiable -activity of mind I have experienced ever since the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">- v -</span> -age of sixteen. I could find nothing in the world like the -Academy of Sciences, and ardently wished for the happiness -of seeing it, long before I had any idea of the possibility -of one day belonging to it.</p> - -<p>In 1727 he published his Elemens de la Géométrie de -l'infini; this was merely the amusement of a man of genius -who had heard a little of geometry, and chose to hazard his -opinions on the subject.</p> - -<p>We may find an eulogium on our author in l'Historie de -l'Académie des Sciences for 1757, in the Mémoires de l'Académie -des Belles-Lettres, and in a work written entirely -on the subject, published by Trublet in the year 1761, entitled -Mémoires pour servir à l'Historie de la vie et des Ouvrages -de Fontenelle. In these memoirs a particular critique -shews us the various merits of Fontenelle's works: -there is also an article by Trublet in the edition of Moréri, -published in 1759.</p> - -<p>I have remarked in the twentieth book of my Astronomy, -that in every period of time it has been believed that the -planets were inhabited, on account of their resemblance to -the earth. The idea of the plurality of worlds is expressed -in the Orphics, those ancient Grecian poems attributed to -Orpheus (<i>Plut. de Placitis Philosoph. l. 2, cap. 13</i>.) Proclus -has preserved some verses in which we find that the -writer of the Orphics places mountains, men, and cities in -the moon. The Pythagoreans, such as Philolaüs, Hicetas, -Heraclides, taught that the stars were all worlds. Several -ancient philosophers even admitted an infinity of worlds beyond -the reach of our sight. Epicurus, Lucretius, and all -the Epicureans were of the same opinion; and Metrodorus -thought it as absurd to imagine but one world in the immensity -of space, as to say that only one ear of corn could -grow in a great extent of country. Zeno of Eleusis, Anaximenes, -Anaximander, Leucippus, Democritus, asserted -the same thing: in short, there were some philosophers -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">- vi -</span> -who, although they did not consider the rest of the planets -inhabited, placed inhabitants in the moon; such were -Anaxagorus, Xenophanes, Lucian, Plutarch, (<i>De Oracular. -defectu. De Facie in orbe Lunæ</i>,) Eusebius, Stobius. We -may see a long list of the ancients who have treated on the -subject, in Fabricius, (<i>Biblio. Græcæ, t. 1. cap. 20</i>.) and in -the Mémoire de Bonamy (Acad. des Inscriptions, tom. ix.) -Hevelius appeared as firmly persuaded of this opinion in -1647, when he talked of the difference between the inhabitants -of the two hemispheres of the moon: he calls them -<i>selenitæ</i>, and examines at length all the phœnomena observed -in their planet, after the example of Kepler (<i>Astron. -Lunaris</i>.) It was maintained at Oxford, in certain themes -which are mentioned in the News of the Republic of Letters, -June 1784, that the system of Pythagoras on the inhabitants -of the moon was well founded: two years afterwards -Fontenelle discussed this subject in his agreeable work. -There are farther details of the different astronomical opinions -at the end of Gregory's book. For the objections, -we may refer to Riccioli. (<i>Almagestum, tom. 1, p. 188, -204</i>). In 1686 the Plurality of Worlds was adorned by -Fontenelle with all the beauties of which a philosophical -work was susceptible. Huygens (who died in 1695) in his -book entitled Cosmothéoros, published in 1698, likewise -enters largely into the subject.</p> - -<p>The resemblance between the earth and the other planets -is so striking, that if we allow the earth to have been formed -for habitation, we cannot deny that the planets were -made for the same purpose; for if there is, in the nature of -things, a connection between the earth and the men who -inhabit it, a similar connexion must exist between the planets -and beings who inhabit them.</p> - -<p>We see six planets around the sun, the earth is the third; -they all move in elliptical orbits; they have all a rotatory -motion like the earth, as well as spots, irregularities, mountains: -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">- vii -</span> -some of them have satellites, the earth has one satellite: -Jupiter is flattened like our world; in short there is -every possible resemblance between the planets and the -earth: is it, then, rational to suppose the existence of living -and thinking beings is confined to the earth? From what -is such a privilege derived but the groveling minds of persons -who can never rise above the objects of their immediate -sensations?</p> - -<p>Lambert believed that even the comets were inhabited. -(Systême du Monde, Bouillon; 1770.) Buffon determines -the period when each planet became habitable, and when -it will cease to be so, from its refrigeration. (Suplèmens, -in 4to. tom. 11.) What I have said of planets that turn -round the sun, will naturally extend to all the planetary -systems which environ the fixed stars; every star being an -immoveable and luminous body, having light in itself, may -properly be compared with our sun. We must conclude -that if our sun serves to attract and enlighten the planets -which surround it, the fixed stars have the same use. It is -thought that the sun and fixed stars are uninhabitable because -they are composed of fire; yet M. Knight, in a work -written to explain all the phœnomena of nature, by attraction -and repulsion, endeavours to prove that the sun and -stars may be habitable worlds, and that the people in them -may possibly suffer from extreme cold. M. Herschel likewise -thinks the sun is inhabited (Philos. Trans. 179. p. 155, -et suiv.)</p> - -<p>Some timid, superstitious writers have reprobated this -system, as contrary to religion: they little knew how to -promote the glory of their Creator. If the immensity of -his works announce his power, can any idea be more calculated -than this to exhibit their magnificence and sublimity? -We see with the naked eye, several thousands of stars; in -every part of the firmament we discover with telescopes, innumerable -others; with more perfect telescopes, we still -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">- viii -</span> -find a multitude more. We compute, from the number -seen through Herschel's telescopes in one region of the sky, -that there are a hundred millions. Imagination pierces beyond -the extent of vision, beholding multitudes of unknown -worlds, infinitely more in number than those which are visible -to our sight; and ranges unrestrained in the boundless -space of creation.</p> - -<p>Our only difficulty with respect to the inhabitants of so -many millions of planets, is the obscurity of the final causes, -which it is difficult to admit when we see into what errors -the greatest philosophers have fallen; for instance Fermat, -Leibnitz, Maupertius, &c. in attempting to employ these -final causes or metaphysical suppositions of imagined relations -between effects that we see and the causes we assign -them, or the ends for which we believe them to exist.</p> - -<p>If the plurality of worlds be admitted without difficulty; -if the planets are believed to be inhabited, it is because the -earth is considered merely as a habitation for man, from -which it is inferred that were the planets uninhabited they -would be useless: but I will venture to assert that such a -mode of reasoning is confined, unphilosophic, and at the -same time, presumptuous. What are we in comparison of -the universe? Do we know the extent, the properties, the -destination, and the connexions of nature? Is our existence, -formed as we are, of a few frail atoms, to be considered -any thing when we think of the greatness of the -whole? Can <i>we</i> add to the perfection and grandeur of the -universe? These ideas are expressed by Saussure, who in -speaking of a traveller to Mont-blanc says: "if, during -his meditations, the thought of the insignificant beings that -move on the face of the earth offers itself to his mind, if he -compares their duration with the grand epochs of nature, -how great will be his astonishment that man, occupying so -small a space, existing so short a time, can ever imagine -that his being is the only end for which the universe was -created."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_ix">- ix -</span></p> - -<p>From these considerations d'Alembert, in the Encyclopedia, -(art. World) after examining the arguments for supposing -the planets inhabited, concludes by saying: <i>the -subject is enveloped in total obscurity</i>.</p> - -<p>But Buffon affirms that wherever there is a certain degree -of heat, the motion produces organized beings; we -need not enquire in what way, but imagine these to be the -inhabitants of the planets: if that should be the case, we -may conclude it highly probable that they are inhabited, -notwithstanding the preceding objections.</p> - -<p class="tdr"> -<i>LA LANDE.</i><br /> -</p> - -<p>1802.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_x">- x -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="LINES_ON_FONTENELLE"><i>LINES ON FONTENELLE.</i></h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">Muse! if thou canst, this picture's truth excel;</div> - <div class="verse">Strive to pourtray the <i>soul</i> of Fontenelle:</div> - <div class="verse">Him, to whose works, with wit and judgment warm,</div> - <div class="verse">Indulgent Nature, gave a magic charm.—</div> - <div class="verse">'Twas his to strew with flowers the toilsome road,</div> - <div class="verse">Which leads to Science in her dark abode;</div> - <div class="verse">And while he touch'd the pastoral reed, to prove,</div> - <div class="verse">That courtly pomp, must yield to rural love.</div> - <div class="verse">A Lucian rising from the silent tomb,</div> - <div class="verse">'Twas his, to pierce through Error's doubtful gloom;</div> - <div class="verse">And, with resistless eye, at once to dart</div> - <div class="verse">Full on the hidden secrets of the heart.—</div> - <div class="verse">Union divine!—in Fontenelle we find</div> - <div class="verse">A glowing genius, and a gentle mind!</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_b.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xi">- xi -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-top: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_a.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE"><i>PREFACE</i><br /> - -<span class="smaller">BY</span><br /> - -BERNARD DE FONTENELLE.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p><i>I find myself nearly in the situation of Cicero, when he -undertook to write in his own language on philosophical subjects, -that, till then, had never been treated of but in Greek. -He tells us that his works were said to be useless, because those -who delighted in philosophy, having taken the pains to study -the books written in Greek, would not afterwards think of -examining his Latin ones, which were not originals; and -that persons who had no taste for philosophy, would neither -care for the Greek nor the Latin.</i></p> - -<p><i>To which he answers, that exactly the contrary would happen; -that the unlearned would be allured to philosophy by the -facility of reading Latin works; and that the well-informed, -after studying the Greek authors, would be pleased to see how -the subjects were handled in Latin.</i></p> - -<p><i>Cicero might with propriety speak in this manner; his superior -genius and great celebrity assured him success in this -untried project, but I have not the same advantages to inspire -me with confidence, in a similar undertaking. I was -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xii">- xii -</span> -desirous of representing philosophy in a way that was not -philosophical; I have attempted to compose a book that shall -neither be too abstruse for the gay, nor too amusive for the -learned. But if what was said to Cicero should be repeated -to me, I could not venture to answer as he did: possibly in -attempting to find a middle way which would accommodate -philosophy to every class, I have chosen one that will not be -agreeable to any. It is very difficult to maintain a medium, -and I think I shall never be inclined to make a second attempt -of this nature.</i></p> - -<p><i>I should warn those that have some knowledge of natural -philosophy, that I do not suppose this book capable of giving -them any information; it will merely afford them some -amusement, by presenting in a lively manner what they have -already become acquainted with by dint of study. I would -also inform those who are ignorant of these subjects that it -has been my design to amuse and instruct them at the same -time: the former will counteract my intention if they here -expect improvement, and the latter, if they here only seek for -entertainment.</i></p> - -<p><i>I need not say that of all philosophical subjects I have -chosen that which is most calculated to excite curiosity: surely -nothing ought to interest us more than to know how our -own world is formed; and whether there be other worlds -similar to it, and inhabited in the same way: but let no one -be disquieted if unable to answer these enquiries; they who -have time to spare may examine such subjects; many have it -not in their power.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiii">- xiii -</span></p> - -<p><i>In these Conversations I have represented a woman receiving -information on things with which she was entirely unacquainted. -I thought this fiction would enable me to give the -subject more ornament, and would encourage the female sex -in the pursuit of knowledge, by the example of a woman who -though ignorant of the sciences, is capable of understanding -all she is told, and arranging in her ideas the worlds and -vortices. Why should any woman allow the superiority of -this imaginary Marchioness, who only believes what she -could not avoid understanding?</i></p> - -<p><i>'Tis true, she gives some attention to the subject, but what -sort of attention is requisite? Not such as will laboriously -penetrate into an obscure thing, or a thing that is spoken of -in an obscure manner; it is needful only to read with sufficient -application to render the ideas familiar. Women may -understand this system of philosophy by giving it as much attention -as they would bestow on the Princess of Cleves, in -order to understand the story and see all the beauties of the -work. I do not deny that the ideas contained in this book are -less familiar to the generality of females than those in the -Princess of Cleves, but they are not more abstruse, and I am -convinced that on a second perusal they would be perfectly -understood.</i></p> - -<p><i>As I did not wish to establish an imaginary system that -had no foundation, I have employed true philosophical arguments, -and as many of them as were necessary to establish my -opinions; but fortunately the ideas connected with natural -philosophy are in themselves beautiful, and whilst they satisfy -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiv">- xiv -</span> -the understanding, give as much pleasure as if formed -only to charm the imagination.</i></p> - -<p><i>To such parts of my subjects as did not possess these beauties -I have given extraneous ornaments; Virgil has done this -in his Georgics, where he renders a dry subject interesting -by frequent and agreeable digressions: Ovid likewise in his -Art of Love has pursued the same plan, although the matter -of his poem was far more pleasing than any thing he could -add to it: he seems to think it tiresome to speak constantly of -one subject—even of love. I have more need of embellishments -than he, yet I have used them sparingly. I have only -given such as the freedom of conversation authorised; I have -only placed them in parts that I thought required them; I -have inserted most of them in the commencement of the work -to accustom the mind by degrees to the objects I wish to present -to its attention, in short, I have derived them from my -subject, or formed them as much as possible to resemble my -subject.</i></p> - -<p><i>I did not venture to give any opinions on the inhabitants of -the different worlds, since they must have been entirely chimerical; -I have endeavoured to express all that might reasonably -be imagined, and even the conjectures that are added -are not without foundation. Truth and fiction are in some -measure blended, but always so as to be distinguishable from -each other: I do not undertake to justify such a composition; -the union of philosophy and amusement is the chief aim of -this work, but I know not whether I have adopted the right -method.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xv">- xv -</span></p> - -<p><i>It only remains for me now to address one class of persons; -they are perhaps the most difficult to satisfy, not because my -reasoning is inconclusive, but because they feel themselves -privileged to disregard the best arguments: I am speaking of -scrupulous people who may imagine religion is endangered by -placing inhabitants any where but on the earth. I respect -even an excessive scrupulosity when it arises from piety, nor -would I willingly hurt the feelings of any one from whom I -differed: but by rectifying a little error of the imagination -we shall find that this objection cannot affect my system of -giving inhabitants to an infinite number of worlds. When -you are told that the moon is peopled, you immediately figure -to yourself men like ourselves, and then a variety of theological -difficulties occur. The posterity of Adam cannot have -colonized the moon; therefore the inhabitants of that planet -are not descendants of our first parents; now it would be a -difficult point in theology to account for the existence of men -who had any other ancestor. No more need be said; every -imaginable difficulty is included in this, and the expressions -that would be necessary for a more full explanation are too -worthy of reverence to be employed in a work containing so -little of the serious as this. The objection then turns on the -existence of men in the moon, but it is the objectors themselves -who talk of men as its inhabitants; I have asserted no -such thing: I say there are inhabitants, and I likewise say -they may not at all resemble us. What are they then?—I -have never seen them; I do not speak from acquaintance -with them.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvi">- xvi -</span></p> - -<p><i>Do not consider it a subterfuge, to rid myself of the objection, -when I affirm that the moon is not peopled by men; you -will see that according to the idea I entertain of the endless -diversity of the works of nature, it is impossible such beings -as we, should be placed there. This opinion is supported -throughout the book, and it is an opinion which no philosopher -can deny: I think, therefore, on this ground, the following -conversations will be objected to only by those who have never -read them. But will this consideration suffice to deliver me -from the fear of censure? No; it rather gives me cause to -apprehend objections from every side.</i></p> - -<p class="tdr"> -<i>FONTENELLE.</i><br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">- 1 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_a.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONVERSATIONS"><span class="smaller">CONVERSATIONS</span><br /> - -<span class="vsmall">ON THE</span><br /> - -<i>PLURALITY OF WORLDS</i>.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p class="tdc">TO MR. L——.</p> - -<p>You desire me, dear Sir, to give you a particular -account of the manner in which my time -has been spent whilst at the Marchioness of -G—'s<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> in the country. To obey your injunctions -strictly, I shall be obliged to fill a volume, -and what is still more formidable, a volume of -philosophy.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> The lady here mentioned was Madame de la Mesangire -of Rouen. She was a beautiful brunette; but in compliance -with her desire to be concealed, the author has -spoken of her in the following pages, as having a fair complexion. -The park belonging to her residence, is described -in the "First Evening."</p> - -</div> - -<p>You expect to be entertained with a history of -splendid feasts, hunting, and card-parties; and -you will hear of nothing, but planets, worlds, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">- 2 -</span> -vortexes:<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> for the discussion of these latter subjects, -formed our principal amusement. Fortunately -<i>you</i> are a philosopher, therefore I have the -less reason to dread raillery from such a quarter; -on the reverse, I may even hope for your congratulations, -on having rendered the Marchioness -sensible to the charms of philosophy: we could -not have made a more valuable acquisition; for -youth and beauty, in every cause holds such -power, that if wisdom herself were desirous of -being welcomed by mortals, and would assume -the form of this lovely woman, surely with such -an exterior, and such fascinating eloquence, she -could not fail to attract every heart.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> The Vortexes of Descartes, occupied the attention of -the learned, for nearly a century; but this hypothesis was -superceded by a discovery of the laws of attraction. Although -Newton's famous book on principles was published -in 1687, Fontenelle always retained his educational prejudice -in favour of the Vortexes. A few years before his -death, he consulted me on a little work he had some time -since composed on the subject. I endeavoured to dissuade -him from making it public; but Falconet was afterwards -weak enough to do so. The book is entitled "Theory of -the Cartesian Vortexes, with Reflections on Attraction." The -author's name was never affixed to the work.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Notwithstanding all this, you must not expect -to be transported with admiration, whilst I -repeat the conversations I have held with her ladyship: -my genius should be equal with her's, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">- 3 -</span> -to relate what she said, in her own delightful -manner. Conscious of inability, I must relinquish -the attempt, and leave you to discern -through the recital, that rapidity of apprehension, -which characterizes the mind of the Marchioness. -From the wonderful quickness with -which she comprehends the most abstruse subjects, -I consider her already learned: at least, I -may be allowed to say, that after a little study, -she might attain the heights of science; when -many, who spend their lives amid the dull disputes -of vast libraries, remain for ever in the -deepest ignorance.</p> - -<p>Before I recount our various conversations, -perhaps you may expect some description of -their scene; some picture of the romantic country, -under whose shades the Marchioness is enjoying -the autumn. If so, you will be disappointed: -so many people have exercised their -talents on this gay species of writing, that I shall -dispense with the ceremony, and merely say, -that on my arrival I had the pleasure of finding -myself the only visitor.</p> - -<p>The two first days were passed in relating the -news of Paris, which I had just quitted. When -that subject was exhausted, an evening walk in -the park, suggested the discussion of those learned -topics, the commencement of which you will -find in the next page.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">- 4 -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FIRST_EVENING"><i>FIRST EVENING.</i><a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor"><span class="smaller">[5]</span></a></h2> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> This first book has been translated into a variety of languages; -it is the best eclogue that has been composed in the -last fifty years: the descriptions and imagery it contains are -perfectly suited to the style of pastoral poetry; indeed many -of the images would not have disgraced the pen of a Virgil.</p> - -<p class="tdr"> -<i>Dubos. Reflections on Poetry and Painting.</i><br /> -</p> - -</div> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3nb">THE EARTH IS A PLANET WHICH TURNS ON ITS AXIS, -AND GOES ROUND THE SUN.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p>After supper we went to take a walk in the -park. We felt the fragrant breeze of evening -peculiarly delightful, as the heat had been intense -during the day: the silvery rays of the -moon, gleaming through the foliage, formed an -agreeable contrast with the darkened shadows of -the landscape. Not a cloud intercepted or veiled -the smallest star. Every orb appeared a mass of -pure gold, rendered more brilliant by the rich -blue of the sky. The beauty of the scenery produced -a gentle reverie, from which, had not the -Marchioness been with me, I should not have -been easily roused; but in the company of so -interesting a woman I could not long abandon -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">- 5 -</span> -myself to the influence of the moon and stars. -Do you not think, said I, addressing myself to -her, that the charms of a fine night greatly exceed -those of the day? Yes, she replied, the -splendour of day resembles a fair and dazzling -beauty, but the milder radiance of night may be -compared to a woman of less brilliancy of complexion, -and more sweetness of expression. You -are very generous, resumed I, in giving the preference -to the brunette, whilst you are so fair. -It is however true, that an unclouded sun is the -most glorious object in nature; and it is equally -true, that the heroines of romance, the most -beautiful objects imagination can depict, have almost -invariably been represented with fair complexions. -Beauty, answered my companion, is -nothing, unless it interests our feelings. You -will not deny that the finest day never had the -power of inspiring so delightful a reverie as you -were falling into just now in contemplating the -loveliness of the evening. You are right, said I, -but the loveliest night I ever beheld, with all it's -shadowy beauty, would fail to give me such enchanting -sensations as the contemplation of the -fair face of the Marchioness de G——. I should -not be satisfied with your compliment, she replied, -did I even believe you sincere, since the -brightness of day, with which we have been -comparing fair women, has so little influence on -your heart. Why do lovers, who undoubtedly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">- 6 -</span> -can judge of what is most touching, address all -their poetic effusions to the night? To the ear -of day they neither confide their transports nor -their sorrows—why is it so entirely excluded -from their confidence? Probably, I answered, -because it is not calculated to inspire that delicious -sentiment, at once impassioned and melancholy, -which we feel in the stillness of night, -whilst all nature seems to repose. The stars appear -to move with more silent progress than the -sun: every object that decorates the heavens is -soft, and attractive to the eye: in short, we resign -ourselves more easily to reverie because we -feel as if no other being was at that time enjoying -the pensive pleasure that expands our soul. -Perhaps, too, the uniformity of day, in which -the sky presents no other object than the sun, is -less favourable to the wild and pleasing illusions -of fancy than the view of innumerable stars, scattered -with sportive irregularity, over the boundless -space. I have always felt what you describe, -said she, I love to see the stars, and am almost -inclined to reproach the sun for hiding them. -Ah! cried I, I cannot forgive him for concealing -so many worlds from my sight! Worlds! she -exclaimed, turning to me with surprise, what do -you mean? Forgive me, said I, you touched -the wildest chord of my imagination—I forget -myself in a romantic idea. And what is this romantic -idea? enquired the Marchioness. Ah! -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">- 7 -</span> -replied I, I am half ashamed of owning it:—I -have taken it in my head that every star may be -a world. I would not positively assert the truth -of my opinion, but I believe it because it affords -me pleasure; it has possessed my mind with irresistible -force; and I consider pleasure a needful -accessary to truth. Well, said she, since -your whim is such a pleasant one, make me a -partaker of it; I'll believe any thing you chuse -about the stars, provided it contributes to my -happiness. Ah! madam, I replied, 'tis not such -an enjoyment as you would find in seeing one of -Molière's comedies: it is an idea which can only -give delight to the understanding. What! exclaimed -she, do you think I am not susceptible -of pleasures which depend only on reason? I -will convince you of your mistake. Teach me -your system. No, answered I, I will not subject -myself to the reproach of having talked of -philosophy, in such an enchanting walk as this, -to the most interesting woman of my acquaintance. -No, seek for pedants elsewhere.</p> - -<p>For a long while I attempted, in vain, to excuse -myself; I was at last obliged to yield: I insisted, -however, for my reputation's sake, on a -promise of secrecy. Every objection being removed, -I wished to begin the subject, but found -the commencement extremely difficult; for, with -a person who was ignorant of natural philosophy, -it was necessary to converse in a very circuitous -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">- 8 -</span> -manner, to prove that the earth was a planet, the -other planets similar to the earth, and all the -stars so many suns which enlightened a number -of worlds. I once more assured her it would be -much better to talk on such trifles as other people, -in our situation, would amuse themselves -with. In the end, however, to give her a general -idea of philosophy, I pursued the following -plan.</p> - -<p>All philosophy, said I, is founded on two -things; an inquisitive mind, and defective sight; -for if your eyes could discern every thing to perfection -you would easily perceive whether each -star is a sun, giving light to a number of worlds; -on the other hand, had you less curiosity, you -would hardly take the trouble to inform yourself -about the matter, and consequently remain in -equal ignorance; but the difficulty consists in -our wanting to become acquainted with more -than we see: besides, it is out of our power to -understand much of what is even within the reach -of our sight, because objects appear to us very -different from what they are. Thus philosophers -pass their lives in disbelieving what they see, and -endeavouring to conjecture what is concealed -from them; such a state of mind is not very enviable.</p> - -<p>In thinking on this subject, nature always appears -to me in the same point of view as theatrical -representations. In the situation you occupy -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">- 9 -</span> -at the opera you do not see the whole of its arrangements: -the machinery and decorations are -so disposed as to produce an agreeable effect at -a distance, and at the same time the weights and -wheels are hidden by which every motion is effected. -You behold all that is passing, without -concerning yourself about the causes; and so -perhaps do all the other spectators, unless among -the number some obscure student of mechanics -is puzzling himself to account for an extraordinary -motion which he cannot understand. -You see the case of this mechanical genius resembles -that of the philosopher studying the -structure of the universe. What, however, augments -the difficulty with respect to philosophers -is, that nature so conceals from us the -means by which her scenery is produced, that -for a long time we were unable to discover the -causes of her most simple movements. Figure -yourself, as spectators of an opera, the Pythagorases, -the Platos, the Aristotles; all these -men whose names are so celebrated. Let -us suppose them viewing the flight of Phæton, -rising on the wind; ignorant at the same time of -the construction of the theatre, and the cords by -which the figure is put in motion. One to explain -the phenomenon, says, <i>it is some hidden -virtue in Phæton which causes him to rise</i>; another -replies, <i>Phæton is composed of certain numbers -which produce his elevation</i>. A third says, <i>Phæton -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">- 10 -</span> -has a love for the top of the stage; he is uneasy at -any other part</i>. The fourth thinks, <i>it is not essential -to the nature of Phæton to rise in the air, but -he prefers flying up to leaving a vacuum at the top of -the stage</i>. Such were the ridiculous notions of -the ancient philosophers, which to my astonishment -have not ruined the reputation of antiquity. -After all Descartes and some other moderns appear: -they tell you that <i>Phæton rises in consequence -of being drawn by cords, fastened to a descending -weight, which is heavier than himself</i>. It -is no longer believed that a body can have motion, -unless acted upon by another body; that it -can rise and descend without a counterbalancing -weight; thus, whoever examines the mechanism -of nature is only going behind the scenes of a theatre. -If that be the case, answered the Marchioness, -philosophy is a very mechanical affair! -So much so, I replied, that I am afraid it will -fall into disrepute. In short, the universe is but -a watch on a larger scale; all its motions depending -on determined laws and the mutual relation -of its parts. Confess the truth, have you -not hitherto entertained a more exalted idea of -the works of nature? Have you not considered -them with more veneration than they deserve? -I have known some people esteem them less as -their knowledge encreased. For my part, said -she, I contemplate the universe with more awful -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">- 11 -</span> -delight now I find that such wonderful order is -produced by principles so simple.</p> - -<p>I know not, rejoined I, how you have acquired -such rational ideas, for, to say the truth, they -are not very common. The generality are affected -only by the obscure and marvellous. They -admire nature merely because they consider it a -sort of magic; something too occult for the understanding -to reach: to them a thing appears -contemptible as soon as they find the possibility -of explaining its nature: but you, madam, can -reason so clearly, that I have only to draw aside -the veil, and present the world to your inspection.</p> - -<p>What we behold at the greatest distance from -our earth is the azure heaven, that immense -arch to which the stars seem firmly to adhere. -They are called fixed, because they appear to -have no other motion than that of their sky, carrying -them from east to west. Between the -earth and the remote firmament are suspended, -at various distances, the sun, moon, and the other -five stars, denominated planets; Mercury, -Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> These planets -not being stationary at one point in the heavens, -but having unequal motions, vary with -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">- 12 -</span> -respect to their relative situations; the fixed -stars, on the contrary, always bear the same local -relation to each other. The chariot, for instance, -that you may distinguish, formed of -those seven stars, has always had that configuration, -and is likely to retain it; but the moon -sometimes approaches nearer to the sun; sometimes -retreats farther from it; the same is observed -of the other planets. Such were the observations -made by the Chaldean shepherds whose -continual leisure enabled them to give so much -attention to the heavenly bodies as to form the -rudiments of astronomy, for we learn that that -science took its rise in Chaldea,<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> as Geometry -was first studied in Egypt, where the inundations -of the Nile destroyed the boundaries of different -possessions, made the inhabitants desirous of -exact measures by which they could again separate -their own lands from those of their neighbours. -Thus astronomy is the offspring of idleness, -geometry of interest; and if we enquire into -the origin of poetry, we shall probably find that -she is the daughter of love.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> In 1781, M. Herschel discovered a sixth. Astronomy -by Lalande, third edition, 1792, Vol. 1, Art. 116.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> Perhaps in Ethiopia. Astronomy, Art. 260.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I am glad, said the Marchioness, you have -given me this genealogy of the sciences; astronomy -is the only one that will suit me: geometry, -according to your account of it, requires a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">- 13 -</span> -more selfish heart than mine; and I have not susceptibility -enough to attempt poetry with success; -I have, however, as much leisure as can -be needful for the study of astronomy; it is another -favourable circumstance that we are in the -country, leading a pastoral life. Do not mistake -madam, answered I, talking of planets and -fixed stars is not all that constitutes a pastoral -life. Was the conversation of the shepherds, in -the golden age, confined to astronomy? Ah, -said she, but it would be dangerous to conform -one's mode of life to their's. No, that of the other -shepherds you mention appears preferable to -me; therefore let us converse, if you please, in -the Chaldean style. After this disposition of the -stars was remarked, what followed? The next -thing, I replied, was to imagine the arrangement -of the different parts of the universe; that is what -the learned call making a system. But before I -explain to you the first of these systems, give -me leave to premise that we are all naturally -disposed to the same sort of madness as a certain -Athenian of whom you have heard, who had taken -it in his head that every vessel which went -into the port of Pyreum belonged to him. We -chuse to believe that every thing in creation is -destined to our service; and when we enquire of -some philosophers the use of such a prodigious -number of fixed stars, of which a smaller proportion -would have been sufficient for all the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">- 14 -</span> -offices they appear to perform; they coolly answer, -they were made to gratify our sight. On -this selfish principle it was for a long time supposed -that the earth was motionless in the midst -of the universe, whilst all the heavenly bodies -were created for the sole purpose of journeying -round, and distributing their light to her. Next -to the earth they placed the moon, after the -moon, Mercury, then Venus, the Sun, Mars, -Jupiter, Saturn; beyond all these the firmament -of fixed stars. It was imagined that the earth -was stationed exactly in the middle of the circles -described by these planets which extended in -proportion to their distance from the earth, and -that consequently the most remote planets required -a longer time to perform their revolutions, -which certainly is true. But, interrupted the -Marchioness, I can't see why you should disapprove -such an arrangement of the universe, it -appears to me sufficiently commodious and intelligible, -I really feel quite satisfied with it. I -have taken pains, answered I, to represent this -system in the most favourable point of view; -if I were to explain it exactly as it was -conceived by Ptolemy the author of it, and -his disciples, you would be quite shocked. -As the motions of the planets are irregular, -being sometimes quicker, sometimes -slower; going sometimes in one direction, -sometimes in another; now nearer to the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">- 15 -</span> -earth, then at a greater distance from it; the -ancients figured to themselves an endless number -of circles intersecting each other, by which they -endeavoured to understand the great variety of -movements. The confusion, however, caused -by such an infinity of circles was so perplexing -that, at the time no better system was known, -one of the kings of Castile,<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> a profound mathematician, -was daring enough to say, that if the -supreme Being had consulted him when he created -the world, he would have given him some -good advice. We are filled with horror at the -impiety of this expression, but it serves to shew -us how absurd must have been the hypothesis -which could prompt it. The advice this man -wished to have given, undoubtedly regarded the -suppression of so many circles, which did but -prevent the planetary motions from being understood. -Probably he would likewise have expunged -from the system two or three superfluous -firmaments, supposed to be above the fixed -stars. The philosophers, to explain some particular -motion of the heavenly bodies, placed, beyond -the heaven that bounds our view, a sky of -crystal, which communicated this motion to the -lower sky. Was a new movement discovered? -they had nothing to do but to form a second crystal -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">- 16 -</span> -firmament. In short skies of crystal were made -without any trouble. Why did they always chuse -crystal? enquired the Marchioness; would nothing -else have answered the purpose as well? -No, answered I, it was necessary to have a substance, -at once transparent and solid, for it was -Aristotle's opinion that solidity was essential to -the dignity of their nature, and as this was believed -by a great man, nobody thought of doubting -it. But since that time comets have been -seen which, being higher than was formerly imagined, -must have broken all the crystal of these -skies, in passing through them, and by that -mean, thrown the universe into confusion; it -was therefore found necessary to change the matter -of which these firmaments were composed, -into a fluid, such as air.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> Alphonsus, king of Castile died in 1284.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It is now discovered with certainty, by the researches -of later ages, that Venus and Mercury -turn round the Sun, and not round the earth, on -this subject the ancient system is absolutely exploded. -I will now acquaint you with another -which provides for every difficulty, one that does -not require any amendments of the king of Castile, -for its simplicity is so charming that one -cannot refuse to believe it. Yours, interrupted -the Marchioness, seems a sort of bargaining philosophy; -whoever offers a system that is effected -at the least expense, has the preference. 'Tis -true, said I; we have no other chance of understanding -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">- 17 -</span> -the plan by which the operations of nature -are carried on. Nature is a wonderful economist; -if a work is to be effected, and two -ways are practicable, we may be sure she will -adopt that which costs her the least, however -trifling the difference. This economy is notwithstanding -in every respect consistent with the surprising -magnificence which appears in all her -productions. Magnificence is employed in the -design, and frugality in the execution of it. Nothing -should excite our admiration so much as a -stupendous project effected by simple means: but -we are apt to cherish ideas of a very different -kind. We place the frugality in the designs of -nature, and her grandeur in the execution. We -imagine her forming a contracted plan, and executing -it with ten times the labour that is requisite: -what can be so ridiculous? I hope, she -replied, that the system you are going to explain -will strictly imitate nature; the simplicity you so -admire will spare me a great deal of trouble in -comprehending your instructions. Your hope -will be realized, said I, we have now no useless -incumbrances. At the appearance of a certain -German named Copernicus,<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> astronomy became -simplified; he destroyed all the unnecessary circles, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">- 18 -</span> -and crushed to pieces the crystalline firmaments.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> -Animated with philosophic enthusiasm, -he dislodged the earth from the central situation -which had been assigned it, and in its room -placed the sun, who was more worthy of such a -mark of distinction. The planets were no longer -supposed to perform their revolutions round the -earth, and enclose it in the centre of their orbits. -If they afford us light it is as it were by chance, -and in consequence of passing us in their course. -They all turn around the sun; the earth itself -not excepted; and as a punishment for the indolent -repose it had been thought to enjoy, Copernicus -made it take an ample share of the general -activity: in short of all these celestial attendants, -appointed for the service of our little globe, -the moon alone is left to move round it. Stop a -moment, said the Marchioness, your imagination -is so elevated with your subject, you have -explained it in such pompous language, that I -believe I have scarcely understood you. The -sun, you say, is immoveable in the centre of the -universe; which of the planets is next in succession? -'Tis Mercury, I replied. Mercury goes -regularly round the Sun in nearly a circular orbit, -of which that luminary is the central point. Next -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">- 19 -</span> -to Mercury is Venus, which turns in the same -manner round the Sun. Afterwards comes the -Earth, and being higher than Mercury and Venus, -describes a larger circle round the Sun than -either of those planets. Then follow Mars, Jupiter -and Saturn, in the order I have named -them; thus you see the circle of Saturn must be -the most extensive of all; it likewise requires a -longer time than the other planets to perform its -revolution. But, exclaimed she, you have forgotten -the moon. I shall recollect it presently, -said I; the moon never abandons the earth, but -is constantly going round it; but as the earth is -continually moving onwards in a circle round the -sun, the moon at once follows its motion, and -revolves round it; this attendant planet, therefore -only goes round the sun in consequence of -invariably continuing near to the earth.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> He was born in 1472, at Thorn, in Prussia Royal: he -died in 1543.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> Several of the ancients were of opinion that we should -admit the motion of the earth. Astron. Art. 1075.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I understand you, said she, and I love the -moon for remaining attached to us when we -were forsaken by all the other planets. Confess -that if your German could have alienated that -too, he would have done it without regret; for -one may see, in every part of his hypothesis, that -he was but little inclined to favour the earth. -He did well, I replied, to humble the vanity of -men who chuse to claim the best situation in the -universe; 'tis with pleasure I consider the world -mixing in the crowd of planets. Pshaw! cried -the Marchioness; do you think vanity can have -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">- 20 -</span> -any thing to do with a system of astronomy? Do -you suppose I feel humbler for knowing that the -earth goes round the sun? I assure you I esteem -myself just as highly as I did before. Certainly, -madam, I answered, men would be less concerned -about the rank they held in the universe -than that they enjoyed amongst their associates; -neither would the disputes of two planets, for -precedence, be so important in their judgement -as those of two ambassadors. Nevertheless, the -same disposition which induces a man of the -world to aspire after the most honourable place -in a room, will make a philosopher desirous of -placing the globe on which he lives in the most -distinguished situation in the universe. He likes -to consider every thing made for his use; he encourages, -without being aware of his vanity, so -flattering an opinion, and his heart becomes -deeply engaged about an affair of mere speculation. -Upon my word, she exclaimed, you are -calumniating human nature—how happened it -that the opinions of Copernicus were received, -since they are so very humiliating? Copernicus, -answered I, was himself very doubtful of the reception -they would meet with: it was a long while -before he could resolve to publish his system; at -last, however, he yielded to the entreaty of several -distinguished characters; but what do you -think was the consequence?—on the day they -took him the first printed copy of his book, he -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">- 21 -</span> -died: so he made use of the shortest way to escape -from all the contradictions he had been anticipating.</p> - -<p>Listen to me, said the Marchioness: let us -be just to every body: it certainly is difficult to -imagine we turn round the sun, for we never -change places; we rise in the morning where we -went to rest at night——I see from your look -that you are going to tell me, that as the earth -moves altogether——. Assuredly, said I, -it is the same thing as going to sleep in a boat -which was sailing down a river; on waking, you -would find yourself in the same boat, and in the -same part of the boat. Yes, replied she, but -here is a difference; when I awoke I should find -an alteration in the shore, and that would prove -that the boat had changed its place: it is not so -with respect to the earth, I there find every thing -as I left it. No, no, madam, you may observe -an alteration in the shore, as you do in the boat: -you will recollect that beyond all the planets are -the fixed stars, these are what we must consider -the objects on the shore. I am on the earth; the -earth describes a large circle round the sun; -when I look to the middle of this circle I find the -sun, and were not its brightness so dazzling as to -render the stars invisible, I should constantly -see, by looking beyond the centre, some of the -fixed stars opposite to the sun; by viewing them -however at night, I can easily determine how -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">- 22 -</span> -they were situated in the day, which renders my -observations equally accurate. If the earth remained -in the same place I should always find -the same fixed stars answering to the situation of -the sun, but as the earth moves on in her orbit, -I necessarily see other fixed stars at the point -which I had before examined. Such is our shore, -which is every day varying; and as the earth -goes round the sun in a year, I observe the sun, -during that space of time, successively answering -to different fixed stars which compose a circle; -this circle is called the Zodiac; shall I shew it -you by tracing a figure on the earth? No, said -she, I can dispense with that; it would give my -park too learned an appearance. I think I have -heard that a philosopher, shipwrecked on an -island with which he was unacquainted, cried -out to his companions on perceiving some lines -and circles drawn on the sand; <i>courage, my -friends! the island is inhabited; here are the footsteps -of men</i>. You must consider that such <i>footsteps</i> -ought not to be seen here.</p> - -<p>It would certainly, I replied be more in character, -to trace only the footsteps of lovers; that is -to say, your name, engraved by your adorers on -the bark of every tree. No more of adorers, -cried she; let us talk of the sun. I understand -perfectly why we imagined it performing the revolution -which is merely effected by our own motion, -but this circle requires a year; how, then, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">- 23 -</span> -does the sun appear to go round us every day? -You undoubtedly know, I replied, that if a ball -were rolled along this walk it would have two -sorts of motion; it would go towards the end of -the walk, and at the same time turn several times -on its own axis, so that the side of the ball which -is at first uppermost will presently descend, and the -other, of course, rise to the top. This is the case -with the earth: whilst she is proceeding, through -the year, in her orbit round the sun, she turns -on her own axis every twenty-four hours: each -part, therefore, of the earth loses, and recovers -sight of the sun during that time. When in the -morning we turn towards the sun, it seems to rise; -and when, by continued rotation, we again are more -distant from it, it appears to descend. That's curious -enough, said she; the earth undertakes every -thing, and the sun does nothing at all: and when -the moon, the other planets, and the fixed stars -appear to pass over us in four-and-twenty hours, -it is merely imagination. Exactly so, I replied, -and produced by the same cause. The planets -perform their revolutions round the sun in unequal -periods of time, in consequence of their different -distances from it; and one which we see -to day answer to a certain point in the zodiac, or -circle of fixed stars, will to-morrow at the same -hour answer to some other point: this is the effect -both of the progress which the planet has -made in its orbit and of that which we have made -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">- 24 -</span> -in ours. We move onward; the other planets -do the same, but we do not continue all in a line: -this occasions us to see them in such different situations, -and renders their course apparently -irregular. You now understand that such irregularity -depends only on the different points -from which we view them, and that, in reality -all their movements are directed by the most exact -order. It may be so, answered the Marchioness; -but I should be glad if their order did -not cost the earth so much: you seem to have -very little consideration for it, and to require an -astonishing agility in so large a body. But, said -I, do you think it more reasonable for the sun, -and all the other heavenly bodies, which are extremely -large, to perform in four-and-twenty -hours an immense journey round the earth? That -the fixed stars, being in the largest circle, should -travel, in the course of a day, more than twenty-seven -thousand six hundred and sixty times two -hundred millions of leagues?<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> All this must be -if the earth does not turn on her axis every twenty-four -hours. Surely there is much more rationality -in supposing our globe to turn, which would -give to each part but a journey of nine thousand -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">- 25 -</span> -leagues. Consider what a trifle are nine thousand -in comparison of the terrific number I have -just mentioned.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> According to later calculations, it would be a thousand -millions of times a million of leagues; but a person who did -not believe the motion of the earth would have no occasion -to admit this prodigious distance.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Oh! replied the Marchioness; the sun and -stars are made of fire, a swift motion is nothing -to them, but the earth does not seem formed for -motion. And should you think, I answered, if -experience had not proved the fact, that a large -ship, carrying a hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, -three thousand men, and a heavy freight of -merchandize, could be <i>formed for motion</i>?—Yet -a gentle breeze is sufficient to move it forwards, -because the water, being liquid, and easily divided, -makes a very slight resistance to the progress -of the ship, or if it be in the middle of a -river, it follows without difficulty the current of -the water, since there is then no impediment. -In like manner the earth, notwithstanding its -weight, is with facility carried through the sky -which is infinitely more fluid than water, and -which fills the immense space occupied by all -the planets. To what could the earth be fastened -so strongly as to resist the current of this celestial -fluid and remain motionless? We might as -well imagine a little wooden ball could resist the -tide of a river.</p> - -<p>But, said she, how can a body so ponderous -as the earth be suspended in your celestial fluid, -which from its great fluidity must be extremely -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">- 26 -</span> -light? It does not follow, I replied, that a substance -must be extremely light because it is fluid. -What do you think of the great ship we have been -talking of, which, with all its lading, is lighter -than the water that supports it? I won't have -any more to say to you, answered she, half angrily, -if you mention your ship again.<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> But tell -me, is it not dangerous to inhabit such a whirli-gig -as you represent the earth? If you are afraid, -said I, let us have the world supported by -four elephants, as the Indians do. Well! cried -she, here is a new system. I like those people -for providing such good foundations for the earth -to rest on, whilst we Copernicans are imprudent -enough to swim at random in this celestial fluid. -I dare say if the Indians knew there was the least -danger of the earth's being moved, they would -double the number of elephants.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> The Marchioness was in the right not to listen to such -an answer. It is absurd to pretend that the ætherial fluid, -so light and rare, can be capable of bearing along those -enormous masses, the planets.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It would be worth while, I replied, laughing -at the thought, we must not be sparing of elephants -if they can enable us to sleep in peace; if -you would find them serviceable to-night we'll -put as many as you please, and then remove -them one or two at a time as you find -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">- 27 -</span> -your courage return. No, said she, I don't think -there is any need for them, and to speak seriously, -I feel courageous enough to let the world turn -round. And I can venture to predict, answered -I, that in a little while its turning will give you -pleasure; will even inspire the most delightful -ideas, I sometimes imagine myself raised above -the surface of the earth, and remaining motionless -whilst its daily rotation continues. All the -different inhabitants pass in review; some fair, -some copper-coloured, some black. Now I see -heads covered with hats; then with turbans; -some shaven, others with flowing hair. As the -towns pass before me, I observe some have steeples, -some long spires with crosses on them, others -are ornamented with towers of porcelaine. -Then I behold large countries with no other -buildings than little huts: afterwards, immense -seas; then frightful deserts; and in short, all the -boundless variety which is to be found on the face -of the earth.</p> - -<p>Really, she replied, it would be worth while -to devote four-and-twenty hours to such a sight. -If I understand you, when we move, other countries -with their inhabitants pass into the situation -we are leaving, and so on, till in four-and-twenty -hours we again arrive at the same place.</p> - -<p>Copernicus himself, said I, could not have -comprehended it more clearly. The first that -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">- 28 -</span> -would succeed us<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> would be the English: we -should probably find them arguing on some political -topic with less gaiety than we are discussing -our philosophy. When we had dismissed them -we should discover a vast sea,<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> on which perhaps -would be some vessel, less at her ease than -we. Then come the Iroquois, eating one of their -prisoners of war, who does not even utter a -groan though still alive when they begin to devour -him.<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> After them the women of Jesso, who -employ all their time in preparing victuals for their -husbands, and painting their lips and eye-brows -blue to appear handsome in the eyes of the most -disgusting men in the world. Then the Tartars, -very devoutly going on a pilgrimage to their high -priest, who dwells in an obscure recess, enlightened -only by lamps, the rays of which direct -these votaries to the object of their adoration. -Afterwards the beautiful Circassians who make -no ceremony of granting all their favours to the -first that solicits them, except what they believe -the essential prerogative of their husbands. Then -the inhabitants of Little Tartary, who go to steal -women for the Turks and Persians. Last of all -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">- 29 -</span> -our countrymen, whom we should find entertaining -each other with the vagaries of their imagination.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> To speak more properly they would be one hundred -leagues northward.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> The Atlantic.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> We should next see the Pacific Ocean.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It is amusing enough, said the Marchioness, -to fancy oneself in a situation to see all these -things: but if I were taking the view I should -wish for the power of hastening or retarding the -earth's motion, according to the feelings with -which each object inspired me: I assure you I -should soon push on those that argued on politics, -and the others that devoured their enemies; -but there are some of the people you have been -speaking of that would excite my curiosity; the -handsome Circassians, for instance, whose customs -are so peculiar. But a serious difficulty -occurs to me respecting your system. If the -earth turns, we every moment change our atmosphere, -and respire that of a new climate. By no -means, madam, I replied; the air which surrounds -the earth rises only to a certain height, -twenty leagues perhaps at farthest;<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> this atmosphere -always turns with us. You have doubtless -observed the sort of shell in which a silk-worm -imprisons itself, and which it forms with such astonishing -art. It is composed of silk closely woven, -but covered with a light down. Thus it is -with regard to the earth, it is a solid body covered -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">- 30 -</span> -with an atmosphere extending to a certain -height, which adheres to, and moves with it, as -the down does with the firmer substance beneath -it. Above our atmosphere is the celestial matter, -incomparably more pure, subtile and active -than air.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> Even at two leagues it is no longer discernible.</p> - -</div> - -<p>You represent the earth in a very contemptible -light, said the Marchioness. Nevertheless on -this silk-worm's shell we find stupendous works, -furious wars, and universal agitation. Yes, answered -I, and while all this is going on, nature, -who does not concern herself about such frivolous -things, carries us all along, with an uninterrupted -motion, and amuses herself with the little ball.</p> - -<p>It appears very ridiculous, replied she, to give -way to so much anxiety, whilst one is living on -a thing that is perpetually turning; but unfortunately -we are not assured that it does turn, for, -to tell you the truth, all the precautions you take -to convince me that we should not feel its motion -are unsatisfactory. How could it avoid -giving some indication by which we should be -sensible of it?<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> The most common and natural -motions, said I, are the least felt: this observation -is true even in a moral sense: the motions -of self-love are so frequent in our minds, that for -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">- 31 -</span> -the most part we are not sensible of them, but -believe ourselves actuated by other principles. -Ah! you are beginning to moralize, said -she; moralizing and explaining natural philosophy -are a little different; I fancy you grow tired -of your subject: let us return home, we have had -enough for the first lecture. To-morrow we will -come here again—you with your systems, and I -with my ignorance.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> There are several; one of them is the aberration of -the stars. Astron. Book xvii.</p> - -</div> - -<p>In our way to the house, to give her a complete -history of systems, I told her that a third -had been invented by Ticho Brahe, who, from a -determination to keep the earth in a state of rest, -placed her in the centre of the universe, making -the sun revolve round her, and the planets round -the sun; for in consequence of some discoveries -which had been lately made, he found it impossible -to make the planets go round the earth. -The Marchioness, with her usual discernment, -concluded that it was mere whim to exempt the -earth from moving round the sun, when so many -other larger bodies were allowed to perform the -revolution; that the sun was rendered more unfit -for turning round the earth when incumbered -with the other planets, and in short that this system -was only calculated to support a prejudice -in favour of the earth's immobility,<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> without -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">- 32 -</span> -offering any thing to convince the judgment; we -therefore resolved to retain that of Copernicus, -which is more uniform and pleasing, and at the -same time unmixed with prejudice. In fact its -simplicity convinces, whilst its boldness excites -admiration.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> The ridiculous system of Ticho was invented out of -respect to the holy scriptures, not considering that their object -was more important than the refutation of popular -errors on natural philosophy.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">- 33 -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SECOND_EVENING"><i>SECOND EVENING.</i></h2> -</div> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3nb">THE MOON IS A HABITABLE GLOBE.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p>The next morning as soon as the Marchioness -was awake, I sent to enquire how she did, and -whether she had been able to sleep whilst the -globe was turning? I received for answer, that -she already felt quite accustomed to the motion; -and had slept as undisturbedly as Copernicus -himself. Soon afterwards, some company came -to spend the whole day with her; a tiresome custom -which is always observed in the country; yet -long as the visit was, we considered it a great -kindness in the guests, not to prolong it to the -next day; which I find is a common practice in -this part of the world: however, as they had the -civility to leave us, the Marchioness and I had -the evening to ourselves. We immediately went -to the park and resumed our astronomical conversation. -She understood so perfectly all I had -said on the former evening, that she disdained to -hear any repetition of the subject, and desired me -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">- 34 -</span> -to enter on a new one.—Well then, said I, since -the sun, which we concluded is immovable, can -no longer be considered a planet; and the earth is -proved to be one, and to move round the sun; you -will be the less surprised to hear, that the moon -is a world like ours; and to all appearance, inhabited.—I -never heard speak of peopling the -moon; she replied, but as a ridiculous, visionary -hypothesis.—It may be so, answered I; I only -adopt the interest of any party, in these cases, -as people do in civil wars; in which the uncertainty -of the event, induces them to hold a correspondence -with opposite sides, and even, when -possible, with their enemies. For my part, -though I believe the moon is inhabited, I can be -very civil to any one that disbelieves it; and I -always retain the power of going over to their -side without disgracing myself, if I found they -had the advantage: but in the present state of -the question I have the following reasons for -thinking the moon is inhabited.</p> - -<p>Let us suppose that no communication had -ever been carried on between Paris and St. Dennis; -and that a Parisian who had never gone out -of his own city should stand on one of the towers -of Notre-Dame, and at that distance view St. -Dennis: were he asked if he believed that St. -Dennis was inhabited like Paris, he would without -hesitation answer, No; I see inhabitants in -Paris, but I can discover none at St. Dennis, nor -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">- 35 -</span> -did I ever hear of any being there. Somebody -standing by, might answer, that we certainly cannot -see them from the towers of Notre-Dame, -but that is, because we are at too great a distance; -that from all we can discern of St. Dennis -it is very much like Paris; that it has steeples, -houses, walls; and therefore is very probably inhabited. -All this makes no impression on our -citizen; he insists upon it that St. Dennis is uninhabited -because he does not see any body in it. -The moon is our St. Dennis, and each of us is -this Parisian who has never left the city in which -he resides.</p> - -<p>Oh! you wrong us, interrupted the Marchioness; -we are not so stupid as your citizen; when -he sees that St. Dennis is constructed exactly on -the same plan as Paris, he must be out of his -senses not to believe it inhabited: but the moon -is very different from the earth. Be cautious, -madam, said I; if the moon's resemblance to the -earth prove it habitable, I shall force you to believe -that it is inhabited. I confess, answered -she, that if you can shew me the similarity, I -cannot pretend to deny its being inhabited, and -I see so much confidence in your looks that I am -afraid you will be triumphant. The two different -motions of the earth, which I never before -knew any thing about, make me fearful of hastily -rejecting any other opinion; but still, can it -be possible that the earth is luminous like the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">- 36 -</span> -moon?—that you know is essential to their similarity. -Indeed, madam, I replied, the luminous -quality of planets depends on less than you imagine. -The sun alone is, in his <i>nature</i>, luminous; -but the planets only reflect the light they receive -from him. He enlightens the moon; the moon -reflects his rays on the earth, and the earth is -undoubtedly in the same manner a source of -light to the moon; it is not farther from us to -the moon, than from the moon to us.</p> - -<p>But, enquired the Marchioness, is the earth -equally capable of reflecting the sun's light? I -see, answered I, you have an invincible partiality -for the moon. Light is composed of globules -which rebound from a solid substance, but pass -through any thing in which they find interstices, -such as air or glass: the moon, therefore, gives -us light in consequence of being a hard, solid body, -which sends back these globules. I suppose -you will not dispute the hardness and solidity of -the earth. See then the effect of an advantageous -situation—because the moon is at a distance -we only view her as a luminous body instead of -a large mass of matter similar to the earth. Our -globe, on the contrary, from having the ill luck -to be more closely inspected, appears only a -mass of dark soil, fit for nothing but to produce -food for animals; we do not perceive the splendour -of her light, because we cannot remove to -a distance from her. So it is, answered the Marchioness, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">- 37 -</span> -with the different ranks of society: we -are dazzled with the grandeur of situations superior -to our own, without considering how much -every condition of human life resembles all the -rest.</p> - -<p>'Tis precisely the same thing, I replied; we take -upon us to decide on every thing, but we are never -in a proper place for making our observations. -We would form an opinion of ourselves, and we -are too near; we would judge of others; they are -too distant from our view. We should be placed -between the earth and the moon to form a just -comparison; a spectator, not an inhabitant of -the world. I shall be inconsolable for the injustice -we do our world, said she, and the partial -regard we have for the moon, unless you can -assure me that the inhabitants of that planet are -as ignorant of <i>their</i> advantages, and consider our -globe a luminous body, without knowing that -from their own we derive so much light. I can -make you easy on that head, answered I; we are -certainly a luminary to them: they do not, it is -true, see us describe a circle round them,<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> but -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">- 38 -</span> -that does not signify. The reason of our appearing -to remain in the same place is this;—the side -of the moon which was turned towards us at the -creation, has always continued so; we always -observe the same eyes, mouth, and other features -of the face which, by the help of imagination, -we have contrived out of the spots on her -surface.<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> If the other half were presented to us, -we should see spots arranged in a different form: -this does not arise from the moon's not turning -on her axis; she turns in the same time that is -employed in going round the earth, that is, a -month; but whilst she is performing part of her -revolution on her axis, she at the same time performs -an equal part of her circle round the earth, -and thus, by putting herself in a new situation, -continues to shew the same side: therefore although -with regard to the sun and the rest of the -heavenly bodies the moon evidently turns on her -axis, yet when viewed from the earth she does -not appear to do so. All the other luminaries -seem to the moon to rise and set in the space of a -fortnight, but she constantly sees our globe in the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">- 39 -</span> -same part of the heavens.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> This apparent immobility, -were it invariable, would be thought -inconsistent with the nature of a planet; but the -moon has a sort of vibratory motion which sometimes -conceals a small part of the face, and exhibits -a part of the other side. Now, I can venture -to say that the inhabitants attribute this motion -to us, and imagine that we vibrate in the -heavens, like a pendulum.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> This is an error, for if they consider the earth's situation -relatively to the firmament, they must see that she -performs a revolution in twenty-seven days: they certainly -always find her answer to their zenith, or at the same distance -from the zenith, but at the same time this zenith is -continually answering to some new point in the heavens.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> When the moon is viewed through a telescope its spots -bear no resemblance to the human face; but on contemplating -it with the naked eye, it is easy to imagine that form; -and it is become so common to talk of the face on the moon, -that even an astronomer can hardly divest himself of the -idea.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> The earth always answers to one side of the moon, but -not the same point in the sky.</p> - -</div> - -<p>All the planets, said the Marchioness, are like -us human beings, who always attribute to others -what belongs to ourselves. The earth says; <i>it is -not I who turn, it is the sun</i>. The moon says; <i>it -is not I who vibrate, but the earth</i>: there is error -throughout. I would not advise you to attempt -making any reform, answered I; you had better -consider the remaining proofs of the resemblance -which the earth and moon bear to each other. -Figure to yourself those two globes suspended in -the heavens. You know the sun always enlightens -one half of a circular body, whilst the other -half remains in the shade. There is then one -half of both the earth and the moon, which is enlightened -by the sun, or in other words, in which -it is day, and the other half in which it is night. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">- 40 -</span> -Observe likewise that as a ball moves with less -force and celerity after it has struck against a -wall from which it flies off to an opposite place, so -the light is weaker when reflected to us from a -body that only receives it. The pale light of the -moon is in reality the brilliancy of the sun, but -as we receive it merely by reflection, in coming -to us, it is deprived of its strength. Of course, it -shines with much greater splendour on the moon, -and for the same reason the dazzling light received -by our globe, from the sun, must appear -faint, when reflected back to the moon. That -part of the moon which to us appears luminous -during the night, is the side which has day-light; -and the part of the earth which is illuminated by -the day, when turned toward the dark side of the -moon, affords equal light to her. All this depends -on the mutual position of the earth and -moon. During the first days of the month, when -the moon is not discernible, she is placed between -the sun and us, and proceeding in the day -time with the sun: the luminous side is therefore -necessarily turned to the sun, whilst the dark -part is towards the earth. We are unable to see -the unenlightened side of the moon, but this dark -half viewing the part of our globe in which it is -day, is assisted by our light, and though invisible -to us, has the advantage of seeing the earth -as a full moon: it is then to the lunar inhabitants -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">- 41 -</span> -<i>full-earth</i>, if I may so express myself.<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> After -this, the moon advancing in her monthly -round, and no longer between the sun and earth, -turns towards us a small part of her enlightened -half, and that we call the crescent. At the same -time that part of the moon which is involved in -the obscurity of night, ceases so see all the luminous -side of the earth, and finds it continue to -decrease.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> We have a convincing proof of the light reflected from -the earth at this time, in the dusky light perceived on a -part of the moon that is not enlightened by the sun. Astron. -Art. 1412.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Enough—said the Marchioness, in her lively -manner; I shall easily learn the rest when I like: -let me stop a moment, and trace the moon through -her monthly circle. I see that in general that -planet and the earth have very different degrees -of light, and I imagine that when we have the -full-moon all the luminous side of the moon is -turned toward all the part of our globe which is -obscure; and that, at that time, the inhabitants -cannot discern us at all, but say they have <i>new-earth</i>. -I should not chuse to be obnoxious to -reproach for obliging you to enter into a long -explanation of any thing so easily understood, -but the eclipses—how are they effected? You -could guess it without difficulty, I replied. When -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">- 42 -</span> -we have a new moon, and she, being between us -and the sun, presents her dark side to our luminous -half, the shadow of this obscure part falls -on the earth; so that wherever the moon is in a -direct line under the sun, she hides that luminary -from our sight, and darkens a part of the enlightened -side of our globe; this, then, forms an -eclipse of the sun to us during the day-time, and -an eclipse of the earth to the moon during her -night. When the moon is at the full, the earth is -between her and the sun, the shaded side of the -earth towards the light side of the moon. If the -earth's shadow fall directly on the moon, it darkens -the luminous half that we see; 'tis then we -have an eclipse of the moon in our night, and the -moon, an eclipse of the sun in her day. What -prevents an eclipse every time the moon is between -the sun and us, or the earth between the -sun and moon, is this; it often happens that -these three bodies are not placed exactly in a -line, in which case the one that would occasion -the eclipse throws its shadow on one side of the -other and consequently does not obstruct its -light.</p> - -<p>I am very much astonished, said the Marchioness, -that there is so little mystery in eclipses, -and that being produced by such simple means, -every body does not discover the cause of them. -In truth, answered I, there are many people, who -from the emotions they feel at one of these phenomena, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">- 43 -</span> -appear to have little chance of finding -out the occasion of them at present. Throughout -the East-Indies, when the sun and moon are -eclipsed, the inhabitants believe that a great -dragon with his black claws is going to seize these -luminaries; and all the time the eclipse lasts, you -may see whole rivers covered with the heads of -these Indians, who have put themselves up to the -throat in water, because, according to their notions, -this is a very religious act, and will induce -the sun or moon to defend itself bravely -against the dragon. In America, it was thought -that the sun and moon were angry when they -were eclipsed, and every kind of absurdity was -practised to regain their favour. The Grecians -too, who had arrived at such a height of refinement—did -they not, for a long time, believe that -the moon was eclipsed by the power of sorcery, -and that the magicians caused her to descend -from the skies and cast a baneful influence on the -herbs? And were not we likewise in great alarm, -but two-and-thirty years ago,<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> at a total eclipse -of the sun? Did not an immense number of -people shut themselves up in caves and cellars; -and were they easily persuaded to leave them by -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">- 44 -</span> -the philosophers who wrote so much to re-assure -them?</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> 1654. There have been others in Europe in 1724, 1715, -and 1716.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Really, replied she, all that is too ridiculous. -There ought to be a decree passed to prevent any -body from ever talking of eclipses, lest the memory -of these follies should be perpetuated. The -decree, said I, should extend so far as to obliterate -the memory of every subject, for I can think -of nothing in the world which is not the monument -of some human folly.</p> - -<p>Answer me this question, said the Marchioness:—Are -the inhabitants of the moon as much -afraid of eclipses as those of the earth? How ridiculous -it is if the Indians of that world put themselves -up to the chin in water; if the Americans -believe the earth is angry with them; if the -Greeks imagine we are enchanted, and suppose -we shall injure their herbs; and in short, if we -are inflicting on them all the terror they have -caused us? I have no doubt but that is the case, -answered I; for why should the good folks in the -moon have more sense than we? What right -have they to frighten us, unless we can frighten -them? I dare say, added I, laughing; that, as -a prodigious number of men have been, and still -are, silly enough to worship the moon; so there -are some in the moon that pay their adorations -to the earth, and that they are kneeling to one -another. If it be so, she replied, we may pretend -to have an influence on the moon, and to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">- 45 -</span> -produce the crisis in the diseases of her sick people, -but as a little common sense in the dwellers -on that globe would be sufficient to destroy all -these honours, I must confess I am afraid they -will have the advantage over us.</p> - -<p>Don't alarm yourself, said I; 'tis not probable -that we are the only fools in the universe. -There is something in ignorance that is calculated -for general reception, and though I can only -guess the character of the people in question, yet -I have no more doubt, that could we form the -comparison, we should find ourselves equal to -them, than I have that the accounts are true that -we receive of their globe.</p> - -<p>What accounts do you receive enquired she. -Those, I replied, that are given us by the learned -who travel there every day by the assistance of -telescopes. They tell us that they have discovered -in the moon earth, seas, lakes, elevated -mountains, and profound abysses.</p> - -<p>You astonish me, cried the Marchioness: I -cannot imagine the possibility of discovering -mountains and abysses, from the great irregularity -they cause on the surface of the globe; but -how do they distinguish earth from sea? Because, -answered I, the water,<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> by suffering part of the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">- 46 -</span> -light to pass through it, and consequently reflecting -less than the earth, has, at a distance, the -appearance of dark spots; whilst the solid parts, -by reflecting all the light, look much more brilliant. -The illustrious M. Cassini, who has acquired -a greater knowledge of the celestial bodies -than any man in the world, discovered in the -moon something which separates, then re-unites, -and afterwards loses itself in a cavity. We have -reason to believe, from its appearance that this -is a river. In short all these different parts are -now so well known to us, that they have been -named after our great men. One place is called -Copernicus, another Archimedes, another Gabileus. -Other parts have fancy names; there is a -promontory of decams, a sea of nectar, and so -on; in fact our description of the moon is so particular, -that if a learned man was to take a -journey there, he would be in no more danger of -losing himself than I should in Paris.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> It is proved that there is no water in the moon, but -there are volcanoes; they may even be seen without a telescope, -which was the case on the 7th of March, 1794. <i>Philos. -Trans.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>But, said she, I should like to have a more -detailed account of the interior of the country. -The gentlemen of the observatory are not able to -give it you, I replied; you must make enquiry of -Astolfo, who was taken to the moon by St. John. -That is one of the pleasantest follies of Ariosto, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">- 47 -</span> -I'm sure you will be amused with it. I confess -it would have been better if he had not introduced -in it so respectable a name as that of St. John; -poets, however, will take licenses, and we may -venture to excuse this, for the whole poem is dedicated -to a cardinal, and one of our popes has -honoured it with a particular eulogium, which in -some editions is placed before the work. This is -the subject of the piece: Orlando, nephew to -Charlemagne, had lost his senses, because the -beautiful Angelica preferred Medore to him. -Astolfo, a valourous knight-errant was one day -carried by his hippogriffe to the terrestial paradise, -which was at the top of a very high mountain: -there he met with St. John, who informed him -that it was necessary, in order to cure Orlando -of his madness, for them to take a journey together -to the moon. Astolfo, delighted with the -opportunity of seeing a new country, needed no -entreaty, and in a moment the apostle and knight -took their course in a chariot of fire. As Astolfo -was no philosopher, he was surprised to find -the moon much larger than it appeared while he -was on the earth; his astonishment however increased -when he saw in it rivers, lakes, mountains, -towns, forests, and, what I should have -been equally surprised at, nymphs hunting in the -forests. But the most curious thing of all he saw -was a valley in which was to be found every thing -that was lost on the earth: crowns, riches, the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">- 48 -</span> -rewards of ambition, hopes without number, all -the time that had been devoted to gaming, all -the alms men had ordered to be distributed after -their death, verses dedicated to monarchs, and -the sighs of lovers.</p> - -<p>As to lovers' sighs, rejoined the Marchioness; -I don't know what became of them in Ariosto's -time, but at present I fancy there are none that -go to the moon. We should find a great many, -said I, were they only those that you have occasioned. -In short, the moon is so careful in collecting -all that is lost here that not a single -thing is wanting of the number: Ariosto has -even whispered that Constantine's donation is -there: the popes have assumed the government -of Rome and Italy by virtue of a donation from -that emperor, but the truth is we can't tell what -is become of it. There is but one sort of thing -that has not escaped to the moon, and that is—folly: -the people on earth have taken care not to -part with that; but to make the moon amends, -an incredible quantity of wit has taken its flight -thither, which is there preserved in phials; it is -a very subtile fluid, and easily evaporates unless -carefully corked up: on each of these phials is -written the name of the owner. I think Ariosto -puts them together without any order, but I like -better to imagine them placed neatly in long -rows. Astolfo was astonished to find full phials -belonging to many wise people of his acquaintance. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">- 49 -</span> -I am sure, continued I, mine has been -considerably augmented since I began to indulge -myself with you in philosophic and poetic reveries: -but I console myself by supposing that after -listening to all my fancies <i>your</i> wits must inevitably -become so volatile that at least a little phial -full will evaporate, and make its way to the -moon.</p> - -<p>Our knight-errant found his own among the -rest, and by St. John's permission took possession -of it and snuffed up all the bottleful like -Hungary water: but according to Ariosto he did -not carry it away with him; for, it soon returned -to the moon, in consequence of an extravagance -he was guilty of some time after. He did not -forget Orlando's phial which had occasioned his -journey; he had a good deal of trouble in carrying -it, for the hero's wit was naturally weighty, -and not a drop was wanting. At the end, Ariosto, -according to his general custom of saying -whatever he pleases, addresses, in beautiful language -the following apostrophe to his mistress: -"Who, my fair one, will ascend to the heavens, -to restore the senses of which your charms has -robbed me? Hitherto I have not complained, -but I know not what may be the extent of my -loss; should I continue the victim of your beauty, -I shall in the end become what I have represented -Orlando to be. However, I do not believe it is -necessary for me to traverse the airy regions for -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">- 50 -</span> -the recovery of my senses; all the faculties of my -soul, instead of mounting to such unattainable -height, are solacing themselves in the beam of -your eyes, and hovering round your lovely mouth. -Ah! have compassion on me, and suffer me to -take them back with my lips." Is not the thought -pretty? For my part, in adopting Ariosto's way -of thinking, I should dissuade people from ever -letting their wits escape, unless it were from the -influence of love; for you see how near they then -continue, and how easily they may be regained; -but when they are lost in any other way, as we, -for instance, are losing ours, in philosophising, -they fly directly to the moon, and are not caught -again at pleasure. Never mind, said the Marchioness; -ours will have an honourable station -among the philosophic phials; whereas, had we -lost them in the poet's way, they might perhaps -hover around some unworthy object. But, continued -she, to deprive me completely of mine, -tell me seriously whether you believe there are -men living in the moon, for you have not yet -given me a decided opinion. Do I believe it? -replied I; oh no, I don't believe there are men -in the moon. We see how much all nature is -changed even when we have travelled from here -to China; different faces; different figures; different -manners; and almost a different sort of -understandings: from here to the moon the alteration -must be considerably greater. When -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">- 51 -</span> -adventurers explore unknown countries, the inhabitants -they find are scarcely human; they are -animals in the shape of men, even in that respect -sometimes imperfect; but almost devoid of human -reason; could any of these travellers reach -the moon, they surely would not find it inhabited -by men.</p> - -<p>Then what sort of creatures are they? asked -the Marchioness impatiently. Upon my word, -madam, said I, I can't tell. Were it possible for -us to be endowed with reason, and at the same -time not of the human species; were we, I say, -such beings, and inhabitants of the moon, should -we ever imagine that this world contained so fantastical -a creature as man? Could we form in -our minds the image of a being composed of such -extravagant passions, and such wise reflections; -an existence so short, and plans so extensive; so -much knowledge of trifles, and so much ignorance -of the most important things; such ardent -love of liberty, yet such proneness to slavery; -so strong a desire for happiness, with so little -power of being happy? The people in the moon, -must be very clever to imagine such a motley -character. We are incessantly contemplating -our own nature, yet we are still unacquainted -with it. Some have found it so difficult to comprehend, -that they have said the gods had taken -too much nectar when they created men; and -when they had recovered their calm reason, they -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">- 52 -</span> -could not help laughing at their own work. Well, -we are not in danger of being laughed at by the -inhabitants of the moon, answered the Marchioness, -as they would find it so impossible to imagine -our characters; but I should be very glad if -we could find out theirs, for really, one feels a -painful degree of curiosity in knowing that there -are beings in the moon we see yonder, and not -having the means of discovering what they are. -How is it, I replied, that you have no anxiety to -be acquainted with all the southern part of the -world which is yet unknown to us? We and the -inhabitants of that part of the globe are voyaging -in the same vessel, of which they occupy the -head and we the stern. You see that the head -and the stern have no communication with -each other; that the people at one end know nothing -of the nature or occupations of those at the -other, and yet you want to be acquainted with -all that is going forward in the moon, that separate -vessel which is sailing in a distant part of the -heavens.</p> - -<p>Oh! replied she, I consider myself already acquainted -with the inhabitants of the southern -world, for they certainly must be very much like -us; and in short, we may know them better -whenever we chuse to give ourselves the trouble -of going to see them; we cannot miss them, for -they will remain in the same place; but these -folks in the moon——I am in despair about them. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">- 53 -</span> -Were I, I replied, gravely to answer you, <i>we know -not what may happen</i>, you would laugh at me, and -I should undoubtedly deserve it; nevertheless I -think I could defend myself in some measure -from your ridicule. A thought has come into -my head, which is whimsical enough, and yet -there is a wonderful deal of probability in it; I -don't know how it has acquired the power of imposing -that on my understanding, being in itself -so extravagant. I dare say I shall likewise bring -you to confess, contrary to reason, that there -may some day be a communication opened between -the earth and the moon. Recollect the -situation of America before it was discovered by -Christopher Columbus. The minds of its inhabitants -were involved in the most profound ignorance; -far from having any knowledge of the -sciences, they were not even acquainted with the -most simple and necessary arts: they went without -clothes; they had no weapon but the bow; -they had no notion that men might be carried by -animals; they supposed the ocean an immense -space, impassable by man, and bounded only by -the sky to which it was joined. It is true that after -they had been several years in contriving to -scoop out the trunk of a great tree, they ventured -to commit themselves to the water in this -rude sort of vessel, and went from one country to -another, borne along by the winds and waves: -but as their bark was very liable to be overset, they -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">- 54 -</span> -were frequently under the necessity of swimming -to overtake it, so that properly speaking they -were oftener in the water than in their ship. You -must suppose they would not have yielded a very -implicit credence to a person who had told them -that a navigation was carried on, incomparably -superior to theirs; that by its means, every part -of the liquid expanse could be resorted to; that -the vessels might be detained at one spot whilst -the billows were foaming around; that even the -speed with which they moved might be regulated; -in short, that the ocean, whatever its extent might -be, was no obstacle to the commerce of different -people. In a course of time, however, notwithstanding -their incredulity, a spectacle new and astonishing -presents itself to the eyes of these savages. -Enormous bodies, extending their white wings to -the blast, come sailing on the ocean with fearful -rapidity, and discharging fire on every side: these -tremendous machines cast on their shore men covered -with iron; guiding with facility the monsters -that carry them, and darting thunderbolts -from their hands to destroy all who attempt to -resist them.—"Whence come these awful beings? -Who hath given them power to ride on -the waters, and to wield the thunder of heaven? -Are they children of the sun? assuredly they are -not men!" I cannot tell, madam, whether you -feel as strongly as I do, the surprise of the Americans; -surely no event could ever have excited -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">- 55 -</span> -an astonishment equal to theirs. After thinking of -that, I will not assert that no communication can -be established between our world and the moon. -Did the Americans ever conceive the idea that -there would be any between their country and -Europe, of which they had never heard? There is, -I acknowledge, an immense space of air to travel -through before we could reach the moon; but -did those great seas appear to the Americans more -capable of being crossed? Really, exclaimed -the Marchioness, looking earnestly at me, you -are quite mad! Who denies it? answered I. It -is impossible you <i>should</i> deny it said she. The -Americans were so ignorant that they could not -imagine the practicability of crossing such an -extent of water; but we have science enough to -know that the air is passable, although we have -no machine which can transport us through it. -We do more than conjecture the possibility of -rising in the air, I replied; we have actually began -to fly. Several persons have discovered a -method of fixing on wings which supported them -in the air, of moving these wings, and by their -assistance, flying over rivers; these new-fashioned -birds, did not, to be sure, soar like the eagles, -and their flight has sometimes cost them an -arm or a leg; but, however, these attempts answer -to the first pieces of wood that were launched -into the water, and which served for the commencement -of navigation: there was a vast difference -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">- 56 -</span> -between these mere planks and great ships, -capable of going round the world; nevertheless, -by gradual improvements we have learned to construct -such vessels. The art of flying is but in -its infancy; in due time it will be brought to perfection,<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> -and some day or other we shall get to -the moon. Can we pretend to know every thing; -to have made every possible discovery? Pray -let us give posterity leave to make some improvements -as well as ourselves. I won't give them -leave, answered she, to break their necks by attempting -to fly. Well, I replied, though flying -be not perfected here, the inhabitants of the -moon, may perhaps excel us; and it will be the -same thing whether we go to them, or they come -to us. We shall then be like the Americans who -knew so little of navigation whilst it was thoroughly -understood at the other side of the globe. -Pugh! cried the Marchioness; if the people in -the moon were so expert, they would have been -here before this time. The Europeans, answered -I, did not find their way to America till -six thousand years had elapsed; they were all -that time in learning the art of navigation so -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">- 57 -</span> -completely as to pass over the ocean. Probably -the people in the moon are able to take little excursions -into the air, very likely they are now -practising; after they have acquired more experience -they will pay us a visit, and heaven knows -what surprise it will occasion us! You are insupportable, -exclaimed she, to combat me with -such chimerical arguments. Take care, said I; -if you provoke me I shall easily corroborate -them. Remember the earth has been made known -to us by little and little. The ancients positively -asserted that the torrid and frozen zones were -uninhabitable from the excessive heat of the one, -and cold of the others; and in the time of the -Romans the general chart of the world was made -little larger than that of their own empire, this -at once shewed the grand idea they had of themselves, -and their extreme ignorance of the earth. -Men were however discovered, in these extremely -hot, and intensely cold, climates, which discovery -has greatly augmented the number of inhabitants -on our globe. At one time it was believed -that the ocean covered every part of the -earth except what was then known. Antipodes -had never been heard of, and who could imagine -that men would be able to walk with their -heads downwards? Yet after all, the antipodes -were found out. Now the map must be altered; -a new half added to the earth!—You understand, -madam, what I am aiming at; these antipodes, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">- 58 -</span> -so unexpectedly discovered, should teach us to -think modestly of our attainments: we may yet -know much more of our own world, and then become -acquainted with the moon; till that time -we must not expect it, because our knowledge is -progressive: when we understand our own habitation, -we may be permitted to study that of our -neighbours. In truth, said she, viewing me attentively, -you enter into the subject so deeply -that one cannot but imagine you in earnest. Indeed -I am not, answered I; I only wished to shew -you the possibility of maintaining an extravagant -opinion, so as to embarrass, though not convince, -a person of sense. Truth alone makes her way -to the understanding; she can even convince -without exhibiting every proof: she is so adapted -to our capacities, that when first discovered, -we seem only to have met with an old acquaintance.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> Montgolfier's balloons, invented in 1783, have gone -a great way towards the fulfilling of this prediction, but it -is evidently impossible for it to be accomplished; these -globes can only carry us to a certain height, beyond that -we could not breathe.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Ah! this restores my tranquillity, said she. -Your sophistry disturbed my imagination. Let -us retire; I am now composed and inclined to go -to rest.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">- 59 -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THIRD_EVENING"><i>THIRD EVENING.</i></h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> -</div> - - -<p>The Marchioness wished to pursue our astronomical -researches during the day; but I told -her that as the moon and stars were the subjects -of our whimsical conversations, they ought to be -our only confidants; we therefore waited till evening, -and then took our usual ramble in the park, -which thus became sacred to learning.</p> - -<p>I have a vast deal of news to tell you, said I; -I yesterday told you that the moon, according to -all appearances, was inhabited; but I have recollected -a circumstance which would expose its -inhabitants to so much danger, that I don't -know whether I shall not retract my former opinion. -Indeed I will not suffer you to retract it, -answered she. Yesterday you prepared me to -receive a visit from the inhabitants of the moon, -in a few days; now you are going to refuse them -a place in the creation. You shall not trifle -with me in this way. You told me the moon -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">- 60 -</span> -was inhabited; I surmounted the difficulty of -believing it, and now I will continue to believe -it. Softly! said I; we should give but half an assent -to an opinion of this nature, and reserve the -other half in case we should find the opposite idea -better supported. I am not contented with -words, she replied; give me facts: remember -your comparison of the moon with St. Dennis. -But, answered I, the moon is not so similar to -the earth as St. Dennis is to Paris. The sun -draws out of the earth and water exhalations, -which rise to a certain height in the air, collect -together, and form themselves into clouds. These -clouds hover about the earth in irregular shapes, -sometimes shadowing one part, and sometimes -another. In viewing the earth from a distance, -the appearance of its surface would continually -vary, because a large space of country darkened -by a cloud would appear less luminous than the -other parts, and as the cloud dispersed, would -resume its brightness: from this cause the spots -on the earth would be seen to change their places, -assume different forms, and sometimes be entirely -dissipated. If, then, the moon had clouds in -its atmosphere, we should observe this variety -of spots; but we find them always confined to -the same place, which proves that the sun raises -no vapours from the moon. It is then a body -incomparably more solid than the earth, and its -more subtile particles easily dissipated as soon -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">- 61 -</span> -as they are put in motion by the heat. The -moon, therefore must be a mass of rock and -marble from which no evaporation proceeds; -for exhalations so naturally arise where there is -water, that we cannot admit the existence of -water where they are not found. What sort of -beings do you think could inhabit these barren -rocks; this country without water? Ah! cried -she, you forget that you have assured me the -seas in the moon were distinguishable. It was a -mere conjecture,<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> I replied; I am sorry to have -led you astray. These dark places that have -been taken for seas are probably only deep cavities: -at so great a distance it is excusable if we -don't always guess aright. But, said she, will -your objections oblige us to conclude that the -moon has no inhabitants? By no means, answered -I, we will neither decide one way or the -other. I must own my weakness, she replied; -I cannot bear to remain in suspense. I must believe -something: enable me to determine; let us -ascertain the existence of these people, or let us -annihilate them at once, and think no more about -them. But preserve them if possible; I have -formed an attachment for them, of which I shall -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">- 62 -</span> -not easily divest myself. I will not leave the -moon without inhabitants then, said I; for your -pleasure it shall be repeopled.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> This is not, now, even conjectured, for with a telescope -we may see irregularities at the bottom of what were supposed -to be seas.</p> - -</div> - -<p>As the spots in the moon never vary,<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> we certainly, -cannot believe that there are any surrounding -clouds which successively obscure the -surrounding parts; this however is not a proof -that there are no exhalations; our clouds are -formed of vapours, which at their first rising out -of the earth, were in separate particles, too small -to be visible to us; in ascending they meet with -a degree of cold that condenses, and unites them -into conspicuous forms; after which they -float in the air till they dissolve in rain. But -these exhalations frequently remain dispersed -and imperceptible, and fall back on the ground -in gentle dews. I suppose then that vapours of -this kind are exhaled from the moon, for it is incredible -that the moon should be a large mass, -composed of parts all equally solid, all in a state -of equal tranquillity, all incapable of being influenced -by the action of the sun. We know of -no body which has these properties, not even -marble. The most dense bodies are subject to -change, either from some secret and interior motion, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">- 63 -</span> -or from the action of external matter. As -the exhalations from the moon, do not form themselves -into clouds, and return in showers, they -can only become dew; for that purpose it is not -necessary that the atmosphere, which apparently -adheres to the moon as ours does to the earth, -should be exactly similar to our air, nor the vapours -exactly like ours; and that I think is probably -the case:<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> the matter must have a different -disposition in the moon, from that in the -earth; consequently the effects be different; however -all that is of no importance; since we find -that there is motion in the parts of the moon, -either internal, or produced by foreign causes, -we may again people it, as we have the means -of affording them subsistence; of producing fruit, -corn, water, and every thing that is needful. I -mean fruit, corn, &c. such as the moon can -produce, the nature of which I am unacquainted -with; and all these in proportion to the wants of -its inhabitants, of which I am likewise ignorant.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> M. Herschel has observed variations in them; which -he, with certainty, attributes to the industry of the inhabitants.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> The atmosphere of the moon, if there be any, is quite -invisible to us.</p> - -</div> - -<p>That is to say, answered the Marchioness, you -are sure every thing is right, without knowing -how it is; here is a little knowledge placed against -a great deal of ignorance, but we must be -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">- 64 -</span> -content with it: I am very happy to have inhabitants -restored to the moon; I am glad also that -you give them a surrounding atmosphere, for it -seems to me that a planet would be too naked -without one.</p> - -<p>These two different airs, said I, one belonging -to the earth, the other to the moon, tend to -prevent the communication between the two planets. -If it merely depended on the power of flying, -who knows, as I yesterday said, but we may -at some future time be sufficiently expert? All -things considered, I think we must not expect -this communication; the amazing distance at -which they are placed, would be a considerable -difficulty; and were this obstacle removed; were -the two planets nearer together, it would be impossible -to pass from one atmosphere to the other. -Water is the atmosphere of fishes; they never -pass into that of birds, nor the birds into theirs: -they are not prevented by the distance, but the -existence of both depends on their proper element. -Our air, we find, is mixed with more -dense and gross vapours than that of the moon; -therefore an inhabitant of that world would be -drowned if he entered our atmosphere, and fall -lifeless on the earth.</p> - -<p>Oh! how glad I should be, exclaimed the -Marchioness, for a shipwreck to cast a good -number of them on the earth, we might then examine -them at our leisure. But, I replied, if -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">- 65 -</span> -they were clever enough to navigate the surface -of our atmosphere, and from a curiosity to examine -us, should be tempted to draw us up like -fishes; would that please you? Why not? answered -she, laughing. I would voluntarily put -myself in their nets, just for the pleasure of seeing -the fishers.</p> - -<p>Remember, said I, you would be very ill by the -time you reached the top of our air; we are not -capable of breathing it above a certain height;<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> it -is said that at the summit of some mountains we -can scarcely do it. I wonder that people who -are silly enough to believe that corporeal genii -inhabit the purest regions of the air, should not -tell us, as the reason for our receiving such short -and unfrequent visits from these genii, that few -of them understand diving, and even those who -excel in it cannot remain long in our gross air.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> Respiration is difficult at the height of a league. Half -a league higher it must be impossible.</p> - -</div> - -<p>We see then there are many things to prevent -us from leaving our own world and going to the -moon. To console ourselves let us guess all we -can about it. In the first place I conjecture that -the inhabitants must see the heavens, the sun -and the stars of a very different colour from what -they appear to us. We view those objects through -a sort of glass which alters their appearance; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">- 66 -</span> -this glass is our atmosphere, pervaded with exhalations. -Some moderns assert that it is blue -as well as the sea, but we can only distinguish -the colour in the parts of those elements -that are most remote from the eye. The firmament, -say they, in which are the fixed stars, has -no light in itself, and consequently ought to appear -black,<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> but as we see it through our blue -air, it seems to us to be blue. If that is true, the -rays of the sun and stars cannot pass through the -air without receiving a slight tinge from its colour, -and losing a degree of that which is natural to -them. But supposing the air is not coloured, it -is certain that through a thick fog the light of a -flambeau, seen at some distance, appears of a -deep red, which is not its real colour; if therefore -our air be considered only a mist, it must -necessarily alter the colour of the sky, sun, and -stars. The celestial fluid alone could give us -light and colours in their original state. Therefore -as the atmosphere of the moon differs from -ours, it is either of a different colour, or else it -is another sort of mist, which varies the appearance -of the celestial bodies. In a word, the glass -through which the people in the moon view these -objects is of a different nature to ours.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> Desaussure tells us it appears black when viewed -at a league's distance from the earth.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">- 67 -</span></p> - -<p>On that account, replied the Marchioness, I -prefer our world to the moon; I think it impossible -for the assortment of colours presented to -their sight by the heavenly bodies to be so beautiful -as that they form when viewed through the -medium of our air. Let us suppose a red sky -and green stars; the effect is not so agreeable as -golden stars and a blue sky. One would think, -said I, you were chusing clothes or furniture; but -believe me, nature has a good taste; let us trust -to her for providing a set of colours for the moon, -there is no fear but it will be a pleasing one. She -has undoubtedly varied the appearance of the -universe at each different point of view, and in -all these varieties there is great beauty.</p> - -<p>I acknowledge her talents, answered she; at -each point of view she has placed a different sort -of glass, by which mean she has given the appearance -of variety to objects which remain always -the same. With a blue atmosphere, we -have a blue sky, and perhaps with a red atmosphere, -the inhabitants of the moon have a red -sky; yet this sky is absolutely the same. In -like manner she seems to have placed various -sorts of glasses before the eyes of our imagination, -through which the same object presents to -each of us a different appearance. To Alexander, -the earth appeared a proper place to convert -into an empire, for his sway; Celadon, -viewed it only as a fit residence for Astrea; a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">- 68 -</span> -philosopher considers it a large planet, travelling -through the heavens, and inhabited by a number -of madmen. I think the spectacle of nature cannot -be more varied than the prospects of different -imaginations.</p> - -<p>The varied appearance of objects viewed by -the imagination, I replied, is the most surprising, -for they are exactly the same things though -apparently so dissimilar: whereas there may be -other natural objects visible to the moon, and -some that are visible to us may not be seen -there; perhaps, for instance, there is neither -dawn nor twilight. The air that surrounds us, -rises to some height, receives the rays of light -that would not reach the earth, and by its density, -detains, and conveys to us a part of this -light which was apparently not destined for us: -thus you see the dawn and twilight are particular -favours conferred on us by nature; they are -degrees of light to which we are not regularly entitled, -and which are bestowed on us in addition -to our share. But the atmosphere of the moon, -being purer than ours, is probably not so well -calculated to reflect the rays which it receives before -the sun is risen, or after it is set. The poor -inhabitants have not then this light, which by -its gradual increase prepares us so agreeably for -the brilliancy of the sun; and in the evening reconciles -us to its loss, by a progressive diminution. -The moon, after the profound gloom of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">- 69 -</span> -night, receives the ardent blaze of the sun, as if -by the instantaneous drawing up of a curtain: on -the contrary, whilst still enjoying the dazzling -light of day, it is again plunged into extreme -darkness: day and night are not connected by an -agreeable medium, partaking of both. The people -in the moon never see the rainbow; for as -the dawn is produced by the thickness of our air -and vapours, so the rainbow is formed in the -clouds which are dispersed in rain; thus we are -indebted for the most beautiful appearances in -nature, to things, in themselves, far from agreeable. -Since the moon has neither dense vapours -nor rainy clouds, farewell to Aurora, and -the Rainbow! Alas! to what can they liken the -beauties of that country; what a source of comparison -are they deprived of!</p> - -<p>I should not much regret those comparisons, -answered the Marchioness; and I think the inhabitants -of the moon have ample amends made -them for the loss of rainbows and twilight by being -exempted from thunder and lightning; for -these likewise are formed in the clouds. They -have constant serenity of weather; never losing -sight of the sun. They have no gloomy -nights in which the stars are concealed. They -are unacquainted with those storms and tempests; -those elemental wars which seem to indicate -the wrath of heaven. Are they then to be -pitied? You speak of the moon as an enchanting -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">- 70 -</span> -spot, said I; yet I don't know whether it is -very delightful to be exposed throughout a day -that is as long as our fortnight<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> to a blazing sun, -without a cloud to temper the intensity of its -heat. It is perhaps owing to this that nature -has formed cavities in the moon, large enough to -be seen by our telescopes; they are not valleys -situated between mountains, but hollow places -in the midst of large plains. How do we know -whether the inhabitants, oppressed by the perpetual -radiance of the sun, may not take refuge -in these caverns? Perhaps they even build towns, -and constantly reside in these parts. We see -that here our subterraneous Rome is larger than -the Rome which is built on the surface: we have -only to remove the latter, and the other would -be a city such as we should find in the moon. A -large number of the people dwell in each cavern, -and from one cavern to another is a subterraneous -passage for the communication of the inhabitants. -You laugh at this idea; I have no objection: -but seriously, I think you are more -likely to be mistaken than I. You believe the -people in the moon must dwell on the surface, -because we are on the surface of our globe; you -should form quite a different opinion, and think -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">- 71 -</span> -that because we reside on the surface they dwell -in the interior parts; every thing must be very -differently conducted here and in the moon.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> During this time the sun rises and sets as it does in our -day.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It does not signify, replied the Marchioness; -I can't bear the idea of these people living in -perpetual darkness. You would find it still more -difficult to admit the opinion, said I, if you knew -that a great philosopher of ancient times had informed -us that the moon was the dwelling of -souls who had on earth rendered themselves -worthy of very exalted happiness. He supposes -that their felicity consists in listening to the music -of the spheres; but that when the moon comes -under the shadow of the earth, they are no longer -able to hear this celestial harmony, at which -time they utter the most piercing cries, and the -moon hastens on as fast as possible to relieve -them from this agonizing situation. We may -expect then, answered she, to have the virtuous -spirits sent here from the moon, for I suppose -they likewise honour our world by making it an -abode of the blessed: so in these two planets it -is thought a sufficient reward to superior goodness -for the soul to be transported from one -world to the other. Really, I replied, it would -not be a trifling enjoyment to take a survey of -different worlds; I often receive a great deal of -pleasure from such a journey, although but in -imagination; what must it be then to perform it -in reality? It would be much more delightful than -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">- 72 -</span> -going from here to Japan; in other words, than -crawling from one end of the earth to the other -with great labour, merely for the sake of seeing -men. Well, said she, let us make this tour to -the planets as we can; what should prevent us? -We will place ourselves at all those different -points of view, and at each of them survey the -universe. Have we any thing else to see in the -moon? You are not yet thoroughly acquainted -with that world, I replied. You recollect that -the two motions of the moon, by one of which -she turns on her axis, and by the other round us, -being equal, the latter always prevents the former -from withdrawing any part from our sight, -and consequently we always view the same side. -That half therefore is the only part that can see -our world, and as the moon, with regard to us, -must be considered not to turn on her centre, the -half to which we are visible, sees us always fixed -in the same part of the sky.<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> When it is -night, and the nights there are as long as our -fortnight, she sees at first only a very small part -of the earth enlightened; then a larger portion, -and at length the light seems hourly to spread -over the earth, till it becomes entirely luminous. -On the contrary these changes in the moon are -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">- 73 -</span> -visible to us only from one night to another, because -we are a long time without seeing her. I -should like to hear the mistakes which the philosophers -of that world fall into from the apparent -immobility of our earth, whilst all the other -heavenly bodies rise and set in the space of a -fortnight. Probably they consider the earth immovable -in consequence of her enormous size, -being sixty times larger than the moon; and -when the poets are disposed to flatter indolent -princes, I have no doubt but they compare them -to this orb in her state of majestic repose. It -does not however appear an entire immobility. -From the moon they must see the earth turn on -her axis. Our Europe, Asia, America, present -themselves one after another, in different shapes, -nearly as they are represented on our maps. Only -imagine what a novel sight this must be to travellers -coming from the other side of the moon -to that which is always facing us! How incredulously -<i>they</i> must have heard the accounts of the -first that spoke of it, who lived at the opposite -side. It is come into my head, said the Marchioness, -that from that half of the moon to the -other they make pilgrimages to come and examine -us, and that particular honours and privileges -are destined for those who have seen the -great planet. At least, answered I, they who -constantly see us have the privilege of being better -illumined during their nights; the inhabitants -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">- 74 -</span> -of the other side must be much less agreeably -situated in that respect.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> That is to say only at the same distance from the zenith -and the horizon.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Now, madam, let us pursue our journey to -the different planets; we have been long enough -at the moon. Next, in the road from the moon -to the sun, we find Venus. In talking of Venus -I shall resume my argument concerning St. Dennis. -Venus, as well as the moon, turns on her -axis and goes round the sun: with telescopes it -is seen that this planet, like the moon, is sometimes -a crescent, sometimes on the decrease -sometimes full, according to her different situations -relatively to the earth. The moon, according -to all appearances, is inhabited; why then -should Venus be destitute of inhabitants? But, -interrupted the Marchioness, with your <i>why nots</i> -you will put inhabitants in all the planets. Certainly, -I replied, this <i>why not</i> has the power of -peopling them all. We find that they are of the -same nature, all opaque bodies, illumined only -by the sun, and the reflection of his rays on each -other; and having all the same motions. So far -then they are alike, and yet we are to suppose -that these great planets were formed to remain -uninhabited, and that such being the natural -condition of them all, an exception should be -made in favour of the earth—let who will believe -it; I cannot. A few minutes, answered she, -have wonderfully confirmed your opinion. Just -now the moon was on the point of being quite -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">- 75 -</span> -deserted, and you cared very little about the -matter, and now, if one were to presume to -deny that all the planets are as full of inhabitants -as the earth, I see you would be quite in -a passion. It is true, said I, that in the positive -fit I had just now, if you had contradicted me on -the subject of these said inhabitants, I should not -only have maintained their existence, but in all -probability have described their formation. There -are certain moments when we feel assured of a -thing, and I never felt so fully persuaded of my -opinion as I was then; however, though my ardour -is now a little abated, I still think it would -be very strange for the earth to be so well inhabited, -and the other planets perfectly solitary; -and numerous as we know the inhabitants of the -earth to be, we do not see them all, our world -contains as many species of animals that are invisible -to us, as of those that we discern. From -the elephant to the hand-worm we can examine -them; there our sight is bounded: but after the -hand-worm is an infinitude of little animals not -discernible by the naked eye, and to which, in -point of size, he is an elephant. With magnifying -glasses, we may see a drop of water, vinegar, -or any other liquor, filled with little fishes or -serpents, which we should never have thought of -finding there; and some philosophers suppose the -taste of these liquors is produced by punctures -which the little animals make in the tongue. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">- 76 -</span> -Mix these liquors with certain things, expose -them to the sun, or leave it to corrupt, and you -will find new sorts of animals.</p> - -<p>Many masses, apparently solid, contains -scarcely any thing but a heap of these small animals, -which in so confined a situation find room -enough for their little movements. The leaf of a -tree is a world, inhabited by worms imperceptibly -small, to which it appears an amazing extent, -having mountains and caverns, and so large that -from one side of the leaf to the other the little -worms have no more communication with each -other than we have with the antipodes. From -such considerations I cannot doubt of a great -planet being inhabited. There have been found -even in very hard stones an endless number of -worms lodged in every interstice, feeding on -parts of the stone. Consider the countless numbers -of these little beings, and how many years -they could subsist on a quantity of food as big as -a grain of sand; and then though the moon should -be but a mass of rock, we may let it be eaten by -its inhabitants rather than not assign any to it. -In short every thing is animated; every thing is -full of life. Associate in your calculation all the -species that have been lately discovered, and -those that we may suppose are yet undiscovered, -with all that we are in the habit of seeing, and -you will surely confess that the earth is amply -stocked with living creatures; that nature must -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">- 77 -</span> -delight in bestowing life since she has created -such infinite variety of beings so small as to elude -our sight. Can you believe that after the earth -has been thus made to abound with life, the rest -of the planets have not a living creature in -them?</p> - -<p>My reason is convinced, answered the Marchioness; -but my imagination is overwhelmed -with such an infinite variety and number of inhabitants -existing in each of the planets; for as -there is no dull uniformity in nature, the difference -of species must be in proportion to the -number of beings—how can imagination grasp -such a vast idea? Imagination, I replied, is -not required to represent all this to us; we can -penetrate no farther than we are assisted by our -sight; we can only perceive, from a general -glance, that nature has established an inconceivable -diversity in her works. The human -face is formed every where on the same plan, but -still how great is the difference between the visages -of Europeans and of Africans or Tartars: -not only in separate nations do we find a distinguishing -character of countenance, even among -the same people every family seems formed from -a distinct model. How astonishing is the power -of nature in giving such variety to so simple an -object! In the universe we are but as a little -family whose faces resemble each other; the next -planet contains another family who have a different -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">- 78 -</span> -style of countenance. Probably the variations -are greater in proportion to the distance, -and could we compare the inhabitants of the -earth and moon, we should easily see that they -were nearer neighbours than those of the earth -and of Saturn. Here, for instance, our thoughts -are made vocal; the people in another planet -only express themselves by gestures; farther off, -they may dispense with any sort of conversation. -Here our reason is matured by experience; elsewhere -experience may add little to the understanding; -at a greater distance, children may -know as much as old men. In this world we give -ourselves more uneasiness about the future than -the past; on another globe, the past afflicts more -than the future; on a third, the people are neither -distressed by one nor the other, and they -perhaps are not the most unhappy. It is said -that we are possibly in want of a sixth sense belonging -to our nature, by means of which our -knowledge would be greatly augmented. This -sense is most likely in some other world, where -one of our five is wanting. There may even be -a very great number of natural senses, but in -the distribution of them among the planets, only -five have fallen to our share, and with these five -we remain satisfied because we don't know of -any more. Our sciences have certain limits -which no human understanding has exceeded: -at a particular point we stop, the rest is reserved -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">- 79 -</span> -for other worlds, where they are ignorant of many -things that we know. This planet is blest -with the delightful emotions of love, but at the -same time desolated by the fury of war. Another -enjoys perpetual tranquillity, but with this -uninterrupted peace, love is unknown, and calmness -degenerates into ennui. In short whatever -nature has done on a small scale, for the distribution -of happiness and talents among us, she -has undoubtedly performed on a more extensive -plan for the benefit of the universe; at once diversifying -and equalizing all.</p> - -<p>Are you satisfied, madam, said I? Have I -given your imagination room to exert itself? Do -you not already see the people of different planets? -No, answered she, with a sigh: all you have been -saying is so vague and unsatisfactory; there is -nothing in it for the mind to fix on. I want -something more determined; more marked. -Well then, I replied, I will not conceal any particulars -that I am acquainted with: I can give -you some information that you will acknowledge -to be undoubted, when I tell you my authorities. -Prepare to listen patiently if you please, for it is -a long story.</p> - -<p>In one of the planets, I shall not at present -tell you which, there is a people that are very -active, laborious and skillful. Like some of our -Arabs, they live by pillage, and that is their only -fault. They live together in the most harmonious -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">- 80 -</span> -manner, labouring incessantly and in concert, -for the common good: above all their chastity -is unexampled; it is true they have no great -merit in it; they are all sterile; there is no difference -of sex among them. But, interrupted -the Marchioness, were you not aware that the -author of this marvellous story wanted to make a -fool of you? How could such a nation be perpetuated? -No, I replied, very coolly, they did -not intend to make a fool of me; all that I have -told you is fact, yet the nation is perpetuated. -They have a queen whose royalty consists, not -in directing the business of the state, not in leading -her subjects to the field of battle, but in her -surprizing fecundity, she has millions of children; -in short the production of them occupies -the whole of her time. She has a large palace, -divided into a vast number of chambers, in each -of which a cradle is prepared for a little prince, -and she is confined successively in all these chambers, -always surrounded by her courtiers who -congratulate her on the noble privilege she enjoys -exclusively of her subjects.</p> - -<p>I see, madam, that you wish to enquire who -are her lovers, or, to give them a more respectable -appellation, her husbands. Some of the -eastern queens have seraglios of men; she apparently -does the same, but she keeps it a greater -secret than they; this may arise from modesty, -but it is acting with little dignity. Among these -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">- 81 -</span> -Arabs who are always in action, are found a few -strangers, in person very much resembling the -natives of the country, though extremely different -in disposition, for they are remarkably indolent; -they never stir out nor engage in any business; -and were not these persons kept for the pleasure -of the queen, they would hardly be suffered to -remain amongst so industrious a people. If, in -reality, notwithstanding the smallness of their -number, they are the fathers of many thousands -of children, they deserve to be excused from any -other employment; and it is a striking proof -that this is their only function, that as soon as -the queen has brought forth her ten thousand -children, the Arabs kill, without mercy, the -unhappy foreigners, then become useless to the -state.</p> - -<p>Have you done? enquired the Marchioness. -Thank heavens! Let us now resume a little common -sense, if we can. Where have you picked up -this romance? What poet is the inventor of it? -I again tell you, answered I, that it is no romance. -All this takes place on our globe, even -under our eyes.—If I must explain the mystery, -these Arabs are no other than bees.</p> - -<p>After this I gave her the natural history of -bees, of which she had before scarcely ever heard -more than the name. In concluding, you see, -said I, that in attributing to other planets what -is daily passing here, we should be accused of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">- 82 -</span> -telling the most extravagant falsehoods. The history -of insects, in particular, is a collection of -wonders. I have no doubt of it, she replied: -the silk-worm alone, with which I was better -acquainted than the bees, would afford abundant -materials for your descriptions. A people -undergoing such wonderful changes as to be totally -unlike what they formerly were; at one -part of their lives crawling, at another, flying: -in short a thousand incredible things might be -told of the character and manners of this nation.</p> - -<p>My imagination continued the Marchioness, -is beginning to work on the subject you have -given me—the inhabitants of all the planets: I -am conjecturing their figures; I can discern -some of them very distinctly, but I don't know -how to describe them to you. As to their figures, -said I, I advise you to leave the formation -of them to your dreams: we shall hear to-morrow -what they have suggested, and whether -they have been able to represent the inhabitants -of any of the planets.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">- 83 -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOURTH_EVENING"><i>FOURTH EVENING.</i></h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3nb">PARTICULARS CONCERNING THE PLANETS VENUS, MERCURY, -MARS, JUPITER AND SATURN.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p>The dreams of the Marchioness did not assist -her; they represented nothing that did not bear -a resemblance to what we see here. I had the -same complaints to make as certain people, -whose paintings are always fanciful and grotesque, -do at the sight of our pictures,—<i>Pshaw</i>, -say they, <i>these are all men; here are no objects of -imagination</i>. We therefore resolved to content -ourselves with the conjectures we should be able -to make concerning the inhabitants of the planets -as we continued our journey: we had last night -got as far as Venus. We are assured, said I, -that Venus turns on her axis, but it is not ascertained -in how long a time, consequently we cannot -tell the length of her days. Her years lasts -but about eight months, as she is not longer than -that in performing her revolution round the sun. -She is of the same size as the earth, therefore the -earth and Venus appear equally large to each -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">- 84 -</span> -other. I am glad of that, said the Marchioness; -then I hope the earth is to Venus the shepherd's -star, and the parent of love, as Venus is to us. -These appellations can be proper only for a pretty -little, brilliant, gay looking planet. True, -answered I; but do you know what makes Venus -look so beautiful at a distance?—it is the effect -of her being very frightful when near. With good -telescopes it has been seen that she is covered -with mountains, much higher than ours, sharp-pointed, -and apparently very dry.<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> This kind -of surface is the best calculated to reflect the -light with great brilliancy. Our earth, whose -surface is very smooth, compared with that of -Venus, and partly covered with water, probably -looks less beautiful at a distance. So much the -worse, said the Marchioness; I should like her -to preside over the loves of the inhabitants of -Venus; they must certainly understand what -love is. Oh! undoubtedly, I replied; the people -in that planet, are all Celadons and -Sylvanders, and their every-day conversations -are finer than the most admired in Clelia. Their -climate is very favourable to the tender passion. -Venus is nearer to the sun than we; and receives -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">- 85 -</span> -more light and heat: she is about two thirds the -distance of the earth, from the sun.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> M. Herschel's observations contradict this idea. Venus -has a very dense atmosphere, which prevents us from distinguishing -any thing on her surface; the brilliant appearance -of this planet arises from her proximity to the earth.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I can see, interrupted the Marchioness, what -sort of people the inhabitants are. They are -much like the Moors of Granada: a little dark, -sun-burnt people, scorched with the sun; full of -wit and animation, always in love, always making -verses, listening to music, having galas, -dances and tournaments. Give me leave to tell -you, madam, answered I, that you know but little -of the inhabitants of Venus. Our Moors of -Granada when compared with them would appear -as cold and stupid as Greenlanders.</p> - -<p>But what must the inhabitants of Mercury be? -We are above twice the distance from the sun -that they are. They must be almost mad with -vivacity. Like most of the negroes, they are -without memory; never reflecting; acting by -starts and at random: in short Mercury is the -bedlam of the universe. The sun appears there -nine times larger than it does to us: the light -they receive is so brilliant that our finest days -would be but twilight in comparison of theirs; -perhaps they would find them so dark as not to -be able to distinguish one thing from another. -The heat to which they are accustomed -is so intense, that they would be almost frozen in -our Africa. In all probability our iron, silver -and gold would be melted in their world, and -only be seen in a liquid state, as we in general -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">- 86 -</span> -have water, which in some degrees of cold becomes -a solid body. The inhabitants of Mercury -would not imagine that in another world those -liquors, which perhaps form their rivers, are the -hardest of all bodies. Their year lasts but three -months. The length of their day is not known to -us, because Mercury is so small and so near the -sun, that it exceeds the art of all our astronomers -to observe him with sufficient accuracy to -determine what sort of motion he has on his -centre: the inhabitants, I think, must wish it to -be performed in a short time, for scorched as -they are with the fierceness of the sun, the coolness -of night is undoubtedly very desirable to -them. The part which by rotation is deprived -of the sun's light, is illumined by Venus and the -earth, which must appear very large. As to the -other planets, being farther off than the earth, -they, seen from Mercury, appear much smaller -than to us, and afford very little light to that -planet.</p> - -<p>I don't feel so much for its inhabitants on that -account, replied the Marchioness, as from the -inconvenience they must suffer from such excessive -heat. Let us try if we can't relieve them in -some way. Is it not probable they have long -and plentiful showers, such as we are told fall -continually for four months together, in our hot -countries, at the seasons when the heat is most -intense?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">- 87 -</span></p> - -<p>It may be the case, answered I; and we have -another way of giving them relief. There are -some parts of China which from their situation -ought to be very hot, and yet, even in the month -of July and August the weather is so cold that -their rivers freeze. This coldness arises from -the quantities of salt-petre with which the countries -abound; the exhalations, drawn up in -great abundance by the heat are of a cold nature. -Mercury, if you please, shall be a little planet -made of salt-petre, and the sun, by attracting -the cooling exhalations, will thus prevent the -evil it would otherwise be the cause of. However, -we may rest assured that nature would not -place beings where it was impossible for them to -exist; and that habit, and ignorance of a better -climate, render this situation agreeable: Mercury -therefore may perhaps do very well without -salt-petre, or abundant rains.</p> - -<p>After Mercury, you know, we find the sun. -We cannot possibly place inhabitants there: the -<i>why not</i> fails in this case. We conclude from the -earth being inhabited that other bodies of the -same nature must be so too: but the sun does -not resemble the earth, and the rest of the planets. -He is the source of all that light which the -planets only reflect to each other after they have -received it from him. They make exchanges, if -I may so express myself, with one another, but -none of them can bestow an original light. The -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">- 88 -</span> -sun is the sole proprietor of that treasure; which -he distributes freely on every side. The light, -thus issuing from the centre, is reflected from -every solid body it meets, and from one planet -to another it proceeds in bright streams that -intermix, and cross each other in a thousand -directions, forming a splendid tissue of the richest -materials. The grand luminary by being -placed in the centre is in the most advantageous -situation for animating each planet with his heat -and radiance. The sun, then, is of a peculiar -nature, but what that nature is, we find it difficult -to imagine. Formerly it was believed to be -a pure fire, but lately we have been undeceived -by observing spots on the surface. As certain -new planets had just before been discovered, (I -shall give you an account of these planets -hereafter;) which entirely engrossed the attention -of the philosophers, a sort of mania for -new planets seized their minds, and they immediately -concluded these spots were some; that -they performed a circle round the sun, and necessarily -concealed some part of his light by turning -their dark side towards the earth. The -learned already, through these planets, complimented -the different princes of Europe. Some -gave them the name of one prince; some of -another, and perhaps in time there would have -been a great contest to know who had the best -right to name these spots.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">- 89 -</span></p> - -<p>I don't like their plan, said the Marchioness. -You told me, the other day, that the different -parts of the moon were named after learned men; -I thought that very proper: as princes monopolize -the earth, it is but fair that astronomers should -have the sky for their share, and not suffer princes -to intrude on their domain. Allow them, however, -I replied, if territory should be wanting, to consign -to them some planet, or some part of the -moon. As to these spots on the sun, they can -make no use of them; for instead of planets, we -find they are only clouds of smoke or dross arising -from the sun. Sometimes these clouds are greatly -accumulated, sometimes we see little of them, -and at other times they totally disappear. Sometimes -a number of them are combined together, -then they are separated into small parts; at one -time they are very dark, at another they grow -pale. It appears as if the sun was some kind of -liquid; many people think it is melted gold, in -a continual state of ebullition, producing impurities, -which the rapidity of its motion casts up -from the surface; they are afterwards consumed -and others produced. Only think what amazing -bodies these are. Some of them are seventeen -hundred times<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> larger than the earth, for -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">- 90 -</span> -you must know, the earth is more than a million -times smaller than the sun.<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> Imagine therefore -what must be the quantity of this liquid gold, or -the extent of this ocean of light and fire!</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> The largest of the sun's spots are scarcely three times -larger than the diameter of the earth, or twenty-seven -times its bulk.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> The earth is only a hundred, or to speak with more exactness, -a hundred and eleven times, smaller.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Other philosophers say, and with great plausibility, -that the spots, or at least the greatest part -of them, are not newly produced, and then destroyed -after a certain time; but large, solid, -masses, of irregular forms, always subsisting; -sometimes floating on the surface of the sun, -sometimes partly, or entirely buried in the liquid -substance, and presenting to our view different -projections according to the size of the part that -remains uncovered. Perhaps they may be parts -of some great mass of matter which serves as aliment -to the fire of the sun. However, let the -sun be what it will, it does not by any means appear -habitable.<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> It is a pity; the situation -would be advantageous: placed at the centre, -its inhabitants would see the planets going round -them in regular orbits, whilst to us their motions -seem to have perplexing varieties, which are -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">- 91 -</span> -merely the effect of our not observing them from -the best place; that is, the centre of their circles. -What a sad thing it is: there is but one -spot where the study of the celestial bodies would -be extremely easy, and at that spot there is nobody -to pursue the study. You forget yourself, -answered the Marchioness. Were any one placed -on the sun, he would neither see the planets nor -the fixed stars; would not the light of the sun -efface every other object? The inhabitants -would doubtless think themselves the only people -in existence.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> Some natural philosophers have however thought that -the sun might be the cause of heat without being itself hot; -and that there was a possibility of its being inhabited. M. -Herschel believes its population very abundant. Trans. -Philos. 1795. Décade Philosophique.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I acknowledge my error, I replied: I was -thinking of the situation of the sun, without considering -the effect of such an excessive light: but -although you have so properly corrected my mistake, -yet you must allow me to tell you that you -have fallen into one yourself. The inhabitants -of the sun would not see any thing: they would -be either incapable of enduring so immoderate a -light, or, were their eyes sufficiently strong, of -receiving it unless they were at some distance; -therefore the sun could only be a habitation for -people without sight. In short, we have abundant -proofs that this luminary was not intended -to be a dwelling-place; and therefore we may as -well continue our planetary journey. We are -now stopping at the central point which is always -the lowest part in any thing that is round; and, -by the way, I should tell you that in going from -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">- 92 -</span> -our world to this centre we have travelled thirty-three -millions of leagues. We must now return -the way we came. We pass by Mercury, Venus, -the Earth and the Moon; all which we have visited. -Then we arrive at Mars. I don't know -that there is any thing remarkable in this planet. -The days there are about half an hour longer -than ours; and the years twice the length of ours, -except a month and a half. Mars is four times -less than the earth,<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> and the sun appears rather -smaller and less brilliant than it does to us.—In -short, Mars contains nothing calculated to arrest -our attention.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">[37]</a> Its volume, or bulk is five times smaller.</p> - -</div> - -<p>But what a beautiful object is Jupiter, surrounded -by his four moons, or satellites! These -moons are four little planets which, whilst Jupiter -revolves in twelve years round the sun, constantly -go round him as the moon does round the -earth. But, interrupted the Marchioness, how -is it that there are planets which go round other -planets, no better than themselves? It seems to -me that there would be much more regularity -and uniformity in assigning to all the planets -but one sort of orbit in which they should move -round the sun.</p> - -<p>Ah! madam, I replied, were you but acquainted -with the vortices of Descartes; those -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">- 93 -</span> -vortices, so terrible in name, and so charming -in the ideas they give rise to; you would not talk -in this way. My wits must all go, said she, -laughing. I must know what these vortices are. -Make me quite mad at once: now I have dipped -into philosophy I can't trouble myself about the -care of my senses: spite of the world's laughter, -we will talk of the vortices. I did not know you -had so much enthusiasm, said I; 'tis pity it has -no other object than vortices.</p> - -<p>What we call a vortex is a quantity of matter, -whose detached parts move all in the same direction, -but allowed at the same time to have some -little movements peculiar to themselves, provided -they still pursue the general course. A vortex of -wind, for instance, is a vast number of little particles -of air, turning all together in a circular -direction, and involving whatever comes in their -way. The planets you know are borne along by -the celestial fluid, which is prodigiously subtle -and active. All the celestial matter, from the -sun to the fixed stars, constantly turns round, -carries the planets along with it, and makes -them proceed round the sun in the same direction, -but in longer or shorter periods, according -to their distance from the centre. Even the -sun is made to turn on his axis by being exactly -in the midst of this moving matter; you will -therefore observe, that if the earth were in the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">- 94 -</span> -central situation she could not be exempted -from this rotation.</p> - -<p>Such is the great vortex of which the sun is -master; but the planets, at the same time, form -little vortices in imitation of the sun. Each of -them whilst turning round the sun, turns likewise -on itself, and carries in its motion a certain -portion of the celestial matter, which is ready to -receive any impulse that would not prevent it -from following the general course: this is a -vortex of any particular planet, and it extends -as far as the motion of this planet has any influence. -If a smaller planet comes within the vortex -of a larger one, it is irresistibly carried -round that larger one, and altogether, the large, -and the small planet, and the vortex that encloses -them, perform their revolution round the -sun. Thus at the commencement of creation -we obliged the moon to follow us because -she came within the influence of our vortex, and -was by that mean subjugated to our will. Jupiter, -the planet we were speaking of, was more -fortunate, or more powerful than the earth. -Four little planets were in his neighbourhood, -and he became master of them all; and we, who -are a planet of some importance, would probably -have felt his power if we had been near -him. He is a thousand times larger than the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">- 95 -</span> -earth;<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> and would easily have drawn us into his -vortex, and made us one of his moons; instead -of this we have a planet to attend on us: so true -is it that the situation into which we are thrown -decides the fate of our lives.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">[38]</a> We may even say thirteen hundred times.</p> - -</div> - -<p>And how do we know, answered the Marchioness, -that we shall always remain where we -are? I begin to tremble lest we should be foolish -enough to approach such an enterprizing -planet as Jupiter, or that he should come to us, -for the sake of drawing us into his vortex; for I -can't help thinking, from your description of the -agitated state of this celestial fluid, that it must -move the planets irregularly, sometimes urging -them nearer together, sometimes sending them -to a greater distance. We may as well expect to -gain as to lose by such an eccentric motion, said -I; perhaps we may make a conquest of Mercury -or Mars, which are smaller planets, and incapable -of resisting us. However we have no -occasion for either hope or fear; the planets will -remain in their places; and, like the former -kings of China, they are forbidden to aim at conquest. -You have observed that when oil is mixed -with water, the oil swims at the top. Put -any substance that is extremely light on both -these, and the oil will support it, so that it shall -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">- 96 -</span> -not touch the water: but put a heavier body, of -a certain weight, it will pass through the oil, -which is too weak to stop it, and keep falling -till it meets the water, which has sufficient force -to bear it up. Thus two liquors put together, being -of unequal weight, will not mix, but place -themselves in different situations; and neither -will one rise, nor the other descend: pour on -these other liquors which are of a nature to remain -separate, and the same effect is still produced. -In like manner the celestial matter which -fills this grand vortex, is in separate strata, encircling -each other, and of unequal weight, like -oil and water, and some other liquors. Some -planets likewise are heavier than others,<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> each -therefore stops in the layer which has the degree -of force necessary for supporting it, and -keeping it in a state of equilibrium; and you -must be convinced that it can never go beyond -this stratum.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">[39]</a> The Cartesians carried their illusion so far as to believe -that so solid a mass as a planet could be steadily supported -by the ætherial fluid, the most subtle of all fluids.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I understand, replied the Marchioness, that -the different degrees of weight are sufficient to -keep them in their proper ranks. I wish with -all my heart there was some such regulating -power among us, that would serve to fix people -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">- 97 -</span> -in the situation most suitable to them! You -have quite removed my uneasiness with regard to -Jupiter. I am very glad he will let us remain -quietly with our little vortex, and single moon. -I feel very well contented with one attendant, and -do not envy him his four.</p> - -<p>You would do wrong if you did, said I; he -has no more than are necessary. He is five times -farther from the sun than we, that is, a hundred -and sixty-five<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> millions of leagues distant from it, -consequently his moons receive, and reflect, but -a feeble light: the number therefore compensates -for the little effect produced by each: were -they not separately so inefficient, four moons -would appear unnecessary, as Jupiter turns on -his axis in ten hours, and of course the nights are -very short. The satellite which is the nearest to -Jupiter, performs its circle round him in two-and-forty -hours; the next in three days and a -half; the third, in seven; the fourth, in seventeen; -and by the inequality of their progress, -they form a most pleasing spectacle for this -planet. At one time they rise all four together; -then, almost immediately separate; sometimes -they are all at the full, placed in a line, one -above another; afterwards they are seen at equal -distances in the sky; then when two are rising -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">- 98 -</span> -the other two will set. Above all I should like -to see the perpetual variety of eclipses among -them, for there is not a day passes in which they -do not eclipse each other, or the sun.<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> Surely -as eclipses are so familiar to the inhabitants of -that world, they must be considered a subject of -amusement, rather than terror, as they are -here.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">[40]</a> Calculating with more exactness, 179.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">[41]</a> Or; we may add, in which they are not eclipsed by -the shadow of Jupiter, which happens the most frequently.</p> - -</div> - -<p>You will not fail, I suppose, said the Marchioness, -to people these four moons, though -they are only little subaltern planets, intended -merely to give light to another during the night. -Undoubtedly not, I replied. These little planets -are not unworthy of inhabitants because they are -unfortunate enough to be subjected to a larger -planet.</p> - -<p>I think, then, answered she, these satellites -ought to be like colonies to Jupiter; that their -inhabitants should, if possible, receive from him -their laws and customs, and in return, render -him some degree of homage, and always consider -the great planet with respect. Would it not be -needful, said I, for the moons occasionally to -send deputies to Jupiter, who should take an oath -of fidelity to him? I must own the little superiority -we possess over the people in our moon -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">- 99 -</span> -makes me doubt whether Jupiter has much influence -over the inhabitants of his satellites, and -I think the only superiority he can aspire to is -that of impressing them with awe. For of what -a terrific size he must appear! To the planets -nearest to him he looks sixteen hundred times -larger than our moon appears to us.<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> Truly if -the Gauls in ancient times were afraid the heavens -would fall and crush them to death, the inhabitants -of this moon may with greater propriety -apprehend the fall of Jupiter. Perhaps, she -replied, that is the subject of alarm to them instead -of the eclipses, which you assure me they -see without fear;<a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> for as they are exempt from -one folly, they must be subject to some other. -Undoubtedly, answered I. The inventor of a -third system, which I mentioned the other day, -the celebrated Tycho Brahe, one of the greatest -astronomers that ever lived, felt none of the -vulgar terror at an eclipse; he was too much accustomed -to study the nature of such a phenomenon; -but what do you think he was afraid of instead?—If -when he first went out of doors the -first person he saw was an old woman; or if a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">- 100 -</span> -hare crossed the path he had taken, Tycho Brahe -thought the day would be unfortunate, and returning -in haste to his apartment, he shut himself -up without venturing to engage in any occupation -whatever.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">[42]</a> Thirty-six times larger than we see the moon: and -they receive from him one thousand two hundred and ninety -times more light.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">[43]</a> Their solar eclipses are of much longer duration than -ours.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It would be unjust, said she, if such a man as -he could not with impunity overcome the fear of -an eclipse, for the inhabitants of the satellite we -were speaking of, to be exempted from it on -easier terms. We will not spare them: they -shall submit to the general doom; and if they -escape one error they shall be liable to another.</p> - -<p>A difficulty has just occurred to me, continued -she, you must remove it if you can: if the -earth is so small in comparison of Jupiter, are -we visible to the inhabitants of that planet? I -am afraid we are unknown to them.</p> - -<p>Really I think so, answered I; the earth is -certainly too small to be distinguished by them.<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">[44]</a> The earth at that distance must appear only three seconds -and a half in diameter, as the planet Herschel does -to us; but our nearness to the sun necessarily prevents -them from seeing us at all.</p> - -</div> - -<p>We can only hope that in Jupiter there may be -some astronomers who, after taking great pains -to compose very excellent telescopes, and availing -themselves of the finest nights for making -their observations, may at length discover a very -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">- 101 -</span> -little planet which they had never seen before. -At first the learned give an account of it in their -journal; the rest of the people either hear nothing -about it, or laugh at it when they do; the -philosophers are discouraged and resolve not to -mention it again, and but a few of the inhabitants -who are more reasonable than the others -will admit the idea. By and by they examine -again; they see the little planet a second time; -they are then assured of its reality, and even -begin to think it has a motion round the sun. -After observing it a thousand times, they find -out that this revolution is performed in a year: -and at last, when the learned have been at great -pains to investigate the subject, the inhabitants -of Jupiter know that our world is in the universe. -The curious eagerly look through their telescopes, -and with all their looking, can scarcely -discern it.</p> - -<p>Were it not disagreeable, said she, to know -that from Jupiter we can only be seen through -telescopes, I should amuse myself with the idea -of all the glasses being pointed towards the -earth as ours are towards him, and the mutual -curiosity with which the two planets examine -each other, and enquire, <i>What world is that? -What sort of people inhabit it?</i></p> - -<p>Your imagination is too rapid, I replied; when -the astronomers of Jupiter become acquainted -with our earth, they do not become acquainted -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">- 102 -</span> -with us: they will not suspect the possibility of -its being inhabited; if any one should venture to -express such an idea, how they would laugh at -him! Perhaps they would even persecute any -philosopher who should maintain the opinion. -After all I think the inhabitants of Jupiter are -too much occupied in making discoveries on their -own globe, to concern themselves about us. Jupiter -is of such extent, that if they are adepts -in navigation their Christopher Columbus must -be fully employed. The inhabitants cannot -know, even by reputation, a hundredth part of -the other inhabitants. In Mercury, on the contrary, -they are all neighbours, living familiarly -together, and hardly considering the tour of their -world more than a pleasant walk. If we are not -visible to Jupiter, much less can Venus be so, -who is at a still greater distance;<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> and Mercury -must be most out of its reach of all, being the -smallest, and the most distant. However, the -inhabitants can see Mars, their own four satellites, -and Saturn with all his moons. Surely -then they have planets enough to perplex their -astronomers; nature, in kindness, has hid from -them the rest.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">[45]</a> Venus is not farther from Jupiter, but more concealed -by the rays of the sun.</p> - -</div> - -<p>What! cried the Marchioness; do you consider -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">- 103 -</span> -it a kindness? Without doubt, answered -I. This great vortex contains sixteen planets; -nature to spare us the trouble of studying the -motions of so many, let us see but seven: is not -that a favour? But not feeling the value of this -mark of consideration, we have, with great pains, -discovered the other nine, which had been concealed -from us: our curiosity brings its own punishment -in the laborious study which astronomy -now requires.</p> - -<p>I see, she replied, by the number of planets -you mention, that Saturn must have five moons.<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> -You are right, said I; and it is but just that he -should have so many, as he is thirty years in going -round the sun; and in some parts the nights -last fifteen years, for the same reason that on -our globe, which turns in a year, there are nights, -beneath the poles of six months' duration. But -Saturn, being at twice the distance that Jupiter -is from the sun, consequently ten times farther -than the earth; his five moons, faintly as they -are illumined, would not give sufficient light -during his nights, he has therefore a wonderful -resource, the only one of the kind we have discovered -in the universe: 'tis a large circle or -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">- 104 -</span> -ring<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> which environs the planet, and which, being -sufficiently elevated to escape almost entirely -the shadow of Saturn, reflects the sun's light on -the darkened parts, and reflects it more strongly -than all the five moons, because it is not so high -as the lowest of them.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">[46]</a> He has seven, and Herschel six. In all there are twenty-five -planets, without reckoning ninety-one comets known -in 1800.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">[47]</a> Its exterior diameter is sixty seven thousand seven -hundred leagues.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Really, said the Marchioness, with an air of -deep reflection and astonishment, all this is managed -with wonderful order; nature had certainly -in these instances a view to the wants of living -beings; this admirable disposition of light was -not the effect of chance. Only the planets which -are distant from the sun have been provided with -moons—the Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn; for Venus -did not require any; nor Mercury who already -has too much light; whose nights are extremely -short, and probably considered a greater -blessing than even the days. But stop—I think -Mars, who is farther from the sun than we, is -without a moon. We cannot conceal the fact, -I replied; he has none; but he doubtless has -resources for the night which we are ignorant of. -You have seen phosphorus; matters of that kind, -whether liquid or dry, receive and imbibe the -light from the sun, which they emit with some -force when in the dark. Mars perhaps has high -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">- 105 -</span> -rocks of phosphorus that absorb, in the day-time, -light enough to irradiate the night. You -must own it would be an agreeable sight for the -rocks to light up as soon as the sun was set, and -without art, produce the most magnificent illuminations, -that with all their radiance, would not -have the inconvenience of casting any heat. In -America, you know, there are birds which in -the dark will afford light enough to read by: how -can we tell whether Mars has not a great number -of such birds, who, as soon as the night is come, -disperse themselves on every side, and give an -artificial day?</p> - -<p>I am not satisfied, answered she, either with -your rocks or birds. They would be pretty -enough to be sure; but as nature has bestowed -so many moons on Saturn and Jupiter, it shews -that moons are necessary. I should have been -very much pleased to find that all the worlds at -a great distance from the sun had some, if Mars -had not formed a disagreeable exception. Ah! -replied I, if you were more deeply versed in philosophy -you must accustom yourself to see exceptions -to the best systems. We clearly see -that some things are adapted in the most perfect -manner to their end; others we accommodate as -well as we can, or perhaps are obliged to content -ourselves with knowing nothing about -them. Let us do so with respect to Mars, since -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">- 106 -</span> -our researches are fruitless, and resolve to say -no more about him.</p> - -<p>We should be very much surprised, were we -on Saturn, to see during the night a great ring, -extending over our heads in a semi-circular form -from one end of the horizon to the other; and -by reflecting the light of the sun, would have the -effect of a moon at every part of the circle. And -are we not to have inhabitants in this great ring? -said she, laughing. Though I am disposed to -place them wherever I can, answered I, I confess -I dare not tell you there are any there; this ring -appears too irregular a dwelling. As for the five -moons, we can't dispense with inhabitants for -them. If the ring, however, were what some -suppose, only a circle of moons, following each -other very closely, with an equal motion, and -the satellites, five of these moons escaped out of -the ring, what numbers of worlds would the vortex -of Saturn contain! Be that as it may, the -people in Saturn are uncomfortable enough, even -with the help of their ring. It gives then light, -it is true; but what sort of light, at that immense -distance from the sun? The sun himself, which -appears to them a hundred times smaller<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> than -to us, seems but a little pale star, emitting but -a feeble light or heat. And could they be transported -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">- 107 -</span> -to our coldest countries, such as Greenland -and Lapland, you would see them ready to -expire with the heat. If water were conveyed to -their planet it would no longer be water, but a -polished stone, and spirits of wine which never -freeze here, would become hard as diamond.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">[48]</a> Ten times less in diameter.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Your description of Saturn petrifies me, said -the Marchioness; though just now you almost -threw me into a fever in talking of Mercury. -Two worlds, answered I, which are at the different -extremities of an immense vortex, must -be totally unlike.</p> - -<p>Then, replied she, the people are very wise in -Saturn, for you told me they were all mad in -Mercury. If they are not very wise, answered I, -they are at least, I suppose, very phlegmatic. -Their features could not accommodate themselves -to a smile; they require a day's consideration -before they answer any question, and they -would think Cato of Atica unmanly and frivolous.</p> - -<p>I am thinking, said she, that all the inhabitants -of Saturn are slow; all those of Mercury -are quick; amongst us some belong to the former -class, some to the latter; may not that be in consequence -of the earth's being placed just in the -middle situation and participating of both extremes? -The men of our world have no determined -character; some are like the inhabitants -of Mercury; others resemble those of Saturn, in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">- 108 -</span> -short we are a compound of all the other planets. -That's a good idea, replied I; we form such a -ludicrous assemblage that it might easily be imagined -we had been brought together from a variety -of worlds. We are therefore very well situated -for studying character, for this is an abstract -of all the planets.</p> - -<p>At any rate, rejoined the Marchioness, the -situation of our world has one great convenience; -the heat is not oppressive as at Mercury or Venus, -nor the cold so benumbing as at Jupiter or -Saturn. And we are in a part of the earth that -is not subject to the greatest degrees of heat and -cold experienced even on our own globe. If a -certain philosopher returned thanks to his Creator -for having formed him a man, and not a -beast; a Greek and not a Barbarian; I think -we ought to be grateful for being born on the -most temperate planet in the universe, and in -one of the most temperate parts of that planet. -You ought likewise, madam, said I, to be thankful -for being young, and not old; young and -handsome, not young and ugly; a young and -handsome French woman, not a young and handsome -Italian: there are many things to excite -your gratitude besides the temperature of your -climate.</p> - -<p>Ah! replied she, let us be grateful for every -thing, even the vortex in which we are placed. -The happiness we enjoy is but little, we must -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">- 109 -</span> -not lose any of it; it is well to cultivate an interest -in the most common things. If we are -only alive to strong emotions our pleasures will -be few, seldom attainable, and dearly purchased. -Promise me then, said I, that when such animated -pleasures are within your reach you will -think of the vortices and me, and not neglect us -entirely. Very well, said she: but will philosophy -always afford me new enjoyments? For -to-morrow, at least, answered I: I have the -fixed stars in reserve for you, which surpass all -that you have yet examined.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">- 110 -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="FIFTH_EVENING"><i>FIFTH EVENING.</i></h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3nb">EVERY FIXED STAR IS A SUN, WHICH DIFFUSES LIGHT TO -ITS SURROUNDING WORLDS.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p>The Marchioness was very impatient to know -what the fixed stars were. Are they inhabited, -like the planets? said she, or are they not peopled? -What can we make of them? Perhaps -you would find out what they are, answered I, -if you were to try. The fixed stars cannot be at -less distance from the earth, than twenty-seven -thousand, six hundred and sixty times<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> the -earth's distance from the sun, which is thirty-three -millions of leagues: perhaps some astronomers -would tell you they are farther still. The -space between the Sun and Saturn, the most -distant planet, is only three hundred and thirty -millions of leagues; that is but a trifle in comparison -of the distance between the sun, or earth, -and the fixed stars, in fact, we don't take the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">- 111 -</span> -trouble to compute it. Their light, as you perceive, -is brilliant: if they received it from the -sun, it must be very faint after travelling such -an immense journey, and by reflecting it to us -it would be still more weakened. It would be -impossible for light, which had twice gone such a -long space, to appear so bright as that of the fixed -stars. They are therefore luminous in their -nature, or in other words, they are so many -suns.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">[49]</a> Or even two hundred thousand times.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Do I mistake, cried the Marchioness, or do I -see your drift? Are you not going to say "the -fixed stars are all suns: our sun is the centre of -a vortex which turns around him; why should -not each fixed star be also the centre of a vortex, -turning round it? Our sun enlightens planets; -why should not every fixed star likewise enlighten -planets?" I need make no other answer, replied -I, than Phœdrus made to Enone: <i>thou hast -named it</i>.</p> - -<p>But, rejoined she, you are making the universe -so unbounded that I feel lost in it; I don't -know where I am, not what I'm about. What! -are they all vortices heaped in confusion on one -another? Is every fixed star the centre of a vortex, -as large perhaps as ours?<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> The amazing space -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">- 112 -</span> -comprehending our sun and planets is but a little -portion of the universe? An equal space, occupied -by each of these vortices? The thought is -fearful; overwhelming! For my part, said I, -I think it very pleasing. Were the sky only a -blue arch to which the stars were fixed, the universe -would seem narrow and confined; there -would not be room to breathe: now that we attribute -an infinitely greater extent and depth to -this blue firmament, by dividing it into thousands -of vortices, I seem to be more at liberty; -to live in a freer air; and nature appears with -astonishingly encreased magnificence. Creation is -boundless in treasures; lavish in endowments. -How grand the idea of this immense number of -vortices, the middle of each occupied by a sun, -encompassed with planets which turn around -him! The inhabitants of one of these numberless -vortices, on every side behold the suns of -surrounding vortices, although the planets belonging -to them are invisible, as the light they -receive from their suns cannot penetrate beyond -their own vortex.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">[50]</a> That may be the case, but we have no proof that there -are planets turning round these stars.</p> - -</div> - -<p>You are directing my eye, answered she, to -an interminable perspective. I see, plainly enough, -the inhabitants of the earth; then you -enable me to discover, with somewhat less clearness, -those of the moon and other planets contained -in our vortex. After all that you require -me to view the people that dwell in planets belonging -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">- 113 -</span> -to other vortices. I must confess they are -so much in the back ground that with all my efforts -they are scarcely perceptible to me. In short -do they not seem almost annihilated by the very -expression you are obliged to make use of in describing -them? You must call them the inhabitants -of one of the planets, contained in one, -out of the infinity of vortices. Surely the very -idea of ourselves is as nothing when such a description -is applied to us, when we are thus lost -amongst millions of worlds. For my part, the -earth begins to diminish into such a speck, that -in future I shall hardly consider any object worthy -of eager pursuit. Surely people, who form -unnumbered schemes of aggrandizement, who -are wearing themselves out in following up projects -of ambition, are ignorant of the vortices. -I think my augmentation of knowledge will encrease -my idleness, and when I am reproached -for being indolent I shall reply, <i>Ah! if you knew -the history of the fixed stars!</i> Alexander could -not have been acquainted with it, answered I; -for a certain author, who believes that the moon -is inhabited, tells us very seriously that it was -impossible for Aristotle to avoid receiving so rational -an opinion, (could Aristotle be ignorant -of any truth?) but that he never disclosed it for -fear of displeasing Alexander, who would have -been miserable to hear of a world that he could -not subjugate. There would have been a still -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">- 114 -</span> -greater reason for keeping the vortices of the fixed -stars a secret; if any body in those days had -known them, they would not have thought of -ingratiating themselves with the monarch by -talking of them. It is unfortunate that I who am -acquainted with the system should not be able to -reap any benefit from it. According to your -reasoning it will only be an antidote to the disquietudes -of ambition; that is not my malady. -The weakness I am most addicted to is an excessive -admiration of beauty, and I fear the vortices -will have no power to assist me in overcoming -it. The immense number of worlds destroys -the grandeur of this, but it does not lessen the -charms of a fine pair of eyes or a beautiful mouth, -<i>they</i> retain their power in spite of all the worlds -that can be created.</p> - -<p>Love is a strange thing, said she, laughing; -it escapes every corrective; there is no system -that can abate its influence. But answer me seriously; -have you sufficient reason for believing -this system? To me it appears to rest on an -uncertain foundation. A fixed star is of a luminous -nature like the sun, therefore you say it -must, like the sun, be a centre to a vortex containing -planets which travel round the sun. Now, -is that a necessary consequence?</p> - -<p>Listen, madam, I replied; we are so naturally -disposed to mingle the follies of gallantry with -our gravest discussions, that mathematical reasoning -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">- 115 -</span> -partakes of the nature of love. Grant -ever so little to a lover, and presently you are -forced to grant him a great deal more, and so on -till you don't know how to stop. In like manner -admit any principle a mathematician proposes, -he then draws a consequence which you are -obliged to admit, and from that consequence -another, and thus before you are aware he carries -you so far that on a sudden you wonder -where you have got to: these two characters always -take more than you mean to give them. -You must own that when two things are similar -in all that I know of them, I may reasonably -think them similar in what I am unacquainted -with in respect to them. From that principle I -draw the conclusion of the moon being inhabited -because she resembled the earth; and the other -planets, because they resemble the moon. And -because the fixed stars bear a resemblance to our -sun, I attribute to them all that he possesses. -You have already made too many concessions to -draw back, you must go on; do it therefore with -a good grace. But, said she, in admitting this -resemblance between the fixed stars and our sun, -we must suppose that the inhabitants of another -great vortex see it as a little fixed star, visible -only during their nights.</p> - -<p>That is indisputable, I replied. Our sun is -so near to us in comparison of the suns belonging -to other vortices that his light must be incomparably -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">- 116 -</span> -stronger to us than to them. When he is -risen we can discern no other heavenly body: so, -in another vortex, another sun eclipses ours, and -permits it to appear only at night, with all the -other suns, then visible. With them, fixed to -the blue firmament, our sun forms a part of -some imaginary figure. As to the planets that -go round him, as they are not seen at so great a -distance, they are not so much as thought of. -Thus all the suns are daily luminaries to their -own vortex, and nightly ones to all the other -vortices. Each reigns alone in his own system; -elsewhere, is but one of a great number. Nevertheless, -do not these worlds differ from each -other in a thousand instances, notwithstanding -this equality? for a general resemblance does -not exclude a vast number of dissimilarities.</p> - -<p>Surely, answered I: but the difficulty is to find -them out. For ought we know one vortex may -have more planets revolving round its sun, another -fewer. In one there are subaltern planets, -turning round the principal planets; in another -they may be all alike. Here they all collect -round their sun in a circle, beyond which is an -empty space which extends to the neighbouring -vortices; in other parts of the universe they may -have their orbits at the extremities of their vortex -whilst the centre is left empty. And very -likely there are some vortices without any -planets; others, whose suns, not being in the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">- 117 -</span> -centre, have a circular revolution, carrying their -planets along with them; others, again, whose -planets may rise and set with regard to their sun -according to the change of that equilibrium -which keeps them suspended—What would you -have more? Surely here is enough for a person -who has never been beyond one vortex.</p> - -<p>All that is nothing, she replied, for the number -of worlds. What you have been imagining would -suffice but for five or six, instead of millions.</p> - -<p>If you talk of millions now, said I, how will -you count them when I tell you there are many -more fixed stars than you discover; that with telescopes -an endless number are seen which are -invisible to the naked eye; and that in a single -constellation, where we might before have counted -a dozen or fifteen, there have been found as -many as we were accustomed to observe throughout -the heavens?<a id="FNanchor_51" href="#Footnote_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_51" href="#FNanchor_51" class="label">[51]</a> I conclude, from a pretty accurate calculation, that -we may perceive a hundred millions with a telescope that -has an opening of four feet; I have clearly distinguished -fifty thousand, and my glass is but two inches and a half -in diameter.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Have pity on me, cried she; I yield; you -have overwhelmed me with worlds and vortices. -Ah! said I, but I must add something more still; -you see that white part of the sky, called the -milky-way. Can you guess what it is?—An infinity -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">- 118 -</span> -of little stars, invisible to our eyes on account -of their smallness, and placed so close to -each other that they seem but a stream of light. -I wish I had a telescope here to shew you this -cluster of worlds. In some measure, they resemble -the Maldivia Isles, those twelve thousand -little islands or banks of sand, separated only by -narrow canals of the sea which one might almost -leap over. The little vortices of the milky-way -must be so close, that from one world to -another the people might converse or shake -hands. The birds, at least, I think, can go from -one world to another; and pigeons may be -taught to carry letters as they do in our Levant -from one town to another. These little worlds -must deviate from the general rule by which the -sun of any vortex effaces, at its rising, all the -other suns. In one of the little vortices contained -in the milky-way the sun of that particular vortex -can hardly appear closer to its planets, or -more brilliant, than a hundred thousand other -suns, in the neighbouring vortices. The sky, -then, is filled with a countless quantity of fires -almost close to each other. When they lose -sight of their own sun, they have thousands still -remaining; and the night is not less enlightened -than the day; at least the difference is so trifling -that we may say there is no night. The inhabitants -of those worlds, accustomed as they are to -perpetual light, would be very much astonished -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">- 119 -</span> -to hear of miserable creatures who spend half -their time in profound darkness; and who, even -during the light of day, see but one sun. They -would think we had fallen under the displeasure -of nature, and shudder at our condition.</p> - -<p>I don't ask you, said the Marchioness, whether -they have any moons in the milky-way; they -could be of no use to the principal planets, since -they have no nights, and besides that, move in -so small a space that they could not be encumbered -with subaltern planets. But, continued -she, by multiplying worlds so liberally, you give -rise to a great difficulty. The vortices, of which -we see the suns, touch our vortex: the vortices -you say are round; can so many circles touch -this single one? I can't understand how it is.</p> - -<p>It shews a great deal of sense, answered I, to -discover this difficulty, and even to be unable to -solve it, for it is in itself well founded, and in -the way you conceive it, unanswerable; therefore -there would be but little proof of wisdom in -finding an answer to what was incapable of any. -If our vortex were in the figure of a die, it would -have six flat sides, which is very far from a circle; -on each of these sides might then be placed -a vortex of the same shape. If instead of six, it -had twenty, fifty, or a thousand, flat sides, an -equal number of vortices might come in contact -with it, each resting against one of these sides. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">- 120 -</span> -You know the greater number of flat sides a body -has, the nearer it approaches in form to a circle; -so that a diamond cut into a great number of -facets, if they were extremely small, would be -nearly as round as a pearl of the same size. The -vortices are only circular in this manner. They -have an amazing number of flat sides, each of -which is close to another vortex. These sides -are very unequal; some larger, some smaller. -The smallest correspond to those of the milky-way. -If two vortices leave any space between, -which must often be the case, nature, to make -the most of the extent, fills up the vacancy by -one or two, or perhaps a thousand, little vortices, -which without incommoding any of the others, -form one, two, or a thousand more systems of -worlds; so there may be many more worlds than -our vortex has sides; and I dare say, though -these little vortices are formed merely to fill up -spare corners of the universe that would otherwise -have been useless; though they may be overlooked -by the neighbouring vortices, yet they are -quite satisfied with themselves. It is probably -such little vortices whose suns we cannot discover -without telescopes, of which there is a prodigious -number. In short all these vortices are adjusted -in the best order imaginable; and as each of -them must turn round its sun without changing -place, it is formed to move in the most easy -and commodious manner for that purpose. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">- 121 -</span> -They, as it were, catch hold of each other, like -the wheels of a watch, and mutually assist the -motion. It is likewise true that in a sense they -counteract one another: each vortex if it had no -external pressure would extend itself; but when -it attempts to swell it is repelled by the surrounding -vortices, which forces it to shrink back; then -it extends again, and so on:<a id="FNanchor_52" href="#Footnote_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> some philosophers -think that the fixed stars give such a sparkling, -intermittent light in consequence of this alternate -expansion and contraction of the vortices.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_52" href="#FNanchor_52" class="label">[52]</a> The preservation of the starry system is more satisfactorily -explained by attraction; they are all kept in equilibrium -by their mutual attraction.</p> - -</div> - -<p>There is something agreeable, said the Marchioness, -in the idea of such a combat among -the worlds, and the reciprocal emission of light -produced by it, which apparently is the only -communication carried on between them.</p> - -<p>No, no, I replied, that is not the only one. -The neighbouring worlds sometimes send us visitors, -who come, in a very magnificent style. -These visitors are comets,<a id="FNanchor_53" href="#Footnote_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> ornamented with -brilliant flowing hair, a venerable beard, or a -majestic train.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_53" href="#FNanchor_53" class="label">[53]</a> It is indisputably proved that the comets belong to our -solar system.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Ah! what ambassadors? said she, laughing. -We could dispense with their company, for they -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">- 122 -</span> -only frighten us. They only frighten children, -answered I, because their appearance is extraordinary; -but there are many children among us. -The comets are merely planets, belonging to -another system. Their orbit was towards the -extremity of their vortex, which was perhaps -differently compressed by those that surrounded -it; the lower side, on that account was flatter -than the top, and the lower side was next to us. -These planets, beginning at the upper part to -form their circle, did not foresee that it would -extend beyond the limit of their vortex, at the -lower part; in order, therefore, to continue their -circular journey, they were obliged to enter the -extremities of the next vortex, which we will -suppose is ours. They always appear to us extremely -elevated, moving on the other side of -Saturn. Considering the prodigious distance of -the fixed stars, there must be between Saturn and -the extremities of our vortex a great space void -of planets. Our enemies reproach us with the -inutility of this space, but we find there is a use -for it, as it is devoted to the service of foreign -planets that occasionally enter our system.</p> - -<p>I understand, said she; we don't allow them -to penetrate into the heart of our vortex, and -mix with our planets; we receive them as the -Grand Signior receives the ambassadors that are -sent to him. He does not honour them with a -lodging in Constantinople, but assigns them one -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">- 123 -</span> -in the environs. There is another point of resemblance, -I replied, between us and the Ottomans: -they receive ambassadors without sending -any in return; and we receive the comets -without sending any of our planets to return -their visits.</p> - -<p>From all these circumstances, answered she, -we seem to be very proud: yet we should not -hastily form that conclusion; these strange planets -have a very menacing air with their beards -and trains; perhaps they are only sent to insult -us; ours not having so imposing an appearance -would not be so well calculated to inspire those -worlds with awe. The tails and beards, I replied, -are merely extraneous: the planets themselves -do not differ from ours; but in entering -our vortex they assume the beard or train from -a certain illumination derived from our sun. -This, by the bye, has not been very well explained -by our astronomers; however, they are -sure it is only some sort of illumination, and -they must tell us more of it when they can. Then -I wish, rejoined she, that our Saturn would take -a beard or a tail, and frighten the other vortices; -then laying aside his terrific appendages, return -to us and perform his ordinary functions. He -would do better to stay where is, answered I. -You recollect I explained to you the shock produced -by the repulsive power of each vortex: I -think a poor planet must be violently shaken in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">- 124 -</span> -such a situation, and the inhabitants cannot feel -much the better for passing through it. We -think ourselves vastly unfortunate when a comet -makes its appearance, whereas we ought to consider -the comet most unfortunate. I am not inclined -to pity it, said the Marchioness; I dare -say all its inhabitants arrive here in good health, -and it must be extremely entertaining to them to -go into a new vortex. We who always remain -in our own have but a dull life. If the people in -a comet have the sense to know the time at which -they shall pass into our vortex, those who have -already been the journey, are just before busily -employed in describing to the rest what they -will see. Speaking of Saturn, they say: "You -will presently see a planet with a great ring round -it. Then, you will discover one followed by -four small planets." Some of these people, perhaps -are set to watch the moment of entering our -system: when it is arrived they cry <i>new sun, new -sun</i>, as our sailors exclaim <i>land, land</i>.</p> - -<p>I find then, said I, it is useless to attempt -raising your compassion for the comets: I hope, -however, you will not refuse it to the inhabitants -of a vortex whose sun has been extinguished, -and who are thus condemned to perpetual darkness. -Suns extinguished? cried she. Yes, undoubtedly, -I replied. The ancients saw certain -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">- 125 -</span> -fixed stars which are no longer visible.<a id="FNanchor_54" href="#Footnote_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> These -suns have been deprived of their light: ruin must -have ensued throughout the vortex; a general -mortality on all the planets; for how could existence -be maintained without the sun? The -thought is too dreadful, said she; is it not possible -to evade it? I'll tell you, answered I, what -some very intelligent people have imagined. They -think that the fixed stars that have disappeared -are not extinct, but partly darkened; that is to -say, that they have one side obscure; the other -luminous: that as they turn on themselves, they -first present the light part to us, and then the -dark, when that is the case we cease to see them. -Apparently the fifth moon belonging to Saturn is -in this condition, for during one part of its revolution -we entirely lose sight of it; at which time -it is not most remote from the earth; on the -contrary, it is then sometimes nearer than when -visible. Though this moon is a planet, and -therefore cannot exactly guide our opinion with -respect to suns, yet we may suppose that a sun -can be partly covered by fixed spots. To spare -you the pain of believing the other opinion, we -will adopt this, which is more agreeable: but I -can only receive it when applied to such fixed -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">- 126 -</span> -stars as have a regular time for appearing and -disappearing, as some have lately been observed -to do, otherwise we cannot suppose them half -suns. What must we say to the stars that disappear, -and do not become visible after a time -that would certainly have been sufficient for turning -on their axis? You are too just to require -me to believe that they are half suns: however -I will do all in my power to serve you; we will -conclude that these stars are not extinguished, -but plunged in the unfathomable depth of the -sky, and thus become invisible; in this case the -vortex would accompany its sun, and all go on -as usual. It is true that the greatest part of the -fixed stars have not any motion which removes -them farther from us, for if they were not always -equally distant, they would sometimes appear -larger, sometimes smaller; but that is not the -case.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_54" href="#FNanchor_54" class="label">[54]</a> In 1572 and 1604, some beautiful stars appeared to -burst into light, and afterwards become extinct. Astron. -Art. 792.</p> - -</div> - -<p>We will therefore suppose that some of -the small vortices, being light and active, slip -betwixt the others, and return after they have -made their tour, whilst the larger systems remain -immoveable. But there is one inevitable misfortune: -there are some fixed stars, which for a -long time are alternately visible and invisible, -and at length totally disappear. Half suns -would re-appear at a regular time; others that -had retreated to an immense distance would at -once disappear, and be concealed for a very -long time: exert therefore all your resolution, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">- 127 -</span> -madam; these stars are certainly suns which -grow so dark as to be invisible to us, then resume -their brightness, and afterwards are entirely -extinguished. How, exclaimed the Marchioness, -can a sun, a source of light, become darkened? -With the greatest ease, answered I, if -Descartes be in the right. He imagines that the -spots on our sun, being impurities, or vapours, -may grow thick, collect together, form themselves -into a mass, and continue to encrust the -sun till it is quite hid. If, the sun is a fire connected -with a solid matter, serving as its aliment, -we are not in a better condition; the solid matter -may be consumed. 'Tis said we have already -had a fortunate escape: the sun during several -years, (the year, for instance, after the death -of Cæsar;) appeared very pale; owing to the encrustation -which was beginning to form. The -sun had sufficient force to break and disperse it; -had it continued, we should have been lost. You -make me tremble, said the Marchioness. Now -I know the consequences of paleness in the -sun, instead of going to my glass every morning -to see if <i>I</i> am pale, I think I shall go and look -whether <i>the sun</i> is so. Take courage, madam, -I replied, it requires a good deal of time to ruin a -system of worlds. But, answered she, it seems as if -time would inevitably effect it. I cannot take upon -me to deny it, said I. The immense mass of -matter which composes the universe is in continual -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">- 128 -</span> -motion, even the smallest particles of it, -and since there is this motion we are in danger, -for changes must happen, either slowly or rapidly, -but always in a time proportioned to the effect. -The ancients were so vastly wise as to -imagine the heavenly bodies were of such a nature -as never to alter, because they had not -observed any alteration in them. Had they -leisure to assure themselves of this by experience? -Compared with us the ancients were -young: if flowers that last but a day were to -transmit their histories to each other, the first -would draw the resemblance of their gardener in -a certain way; after fifteen thousand ages of these -flowers had elapsed, others would still describe -him in the same manner. They would say; -"We have always had the same gardener, the -memoirs composed by our ancestors prove this -to be the case; all their representations exactly -apply to him; surely he is not mortal like us; -no change will ever take place in him." Would -the reasoning of these flowers be conclusive?—it -would have a better foundation than that of -the ancients respecting the celestial bodies; and -had there never to this day been observed any -change in the heavens, though they should appear -likely to remain much longer without alteration, -I would not yet decide on them; I should -think more experience necessary. Should the -term of our existence, which is but a moment, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">- 129 -</span> -be the measure for other durations? Ought we -to assert that what has lasted a hundred thousand -times longer than we, must last for ever? -No, ages on ages of our duration would scarcely -be any indication of immortality. Truly, said -the Marchioness, I think these worlds can have -no pretensions to it. I shall not do them the honour -to compare them with the gardener who -outlives so many transient flowers; they are -but as those flowers themselves, springing up -and fading away, one after another: for I suppose, -if old stars disappear, new ones become -visible; the species cannot otherwise be continued. -Yes, answered I, we need not fear the -extinction of the species. Some will tell you -these new stars are only suns which re-approach -us after having been for a long time at a distant -part of the heavens. Others think they are suns -that have broken through the crust that began to -cover them. I easily conceive the possibility of -all this; but I think it equally possible for new -suns to be created. Why should not the matter -that is fit to compose a sun, after having been -dispersed in various places, be at length gathered -together in one spot and then become the -foundation of a new system of worlds? I am -the more inclined to this opinion because it answers -better to the grand idea I entertain of the -works of nature. Has she no way of producing -and destroying plants and animals but by a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">- 130 -</span> -continual revolution? I am persuaded, and I doubt -not that by this time you are so too, that she exerts -the same power with respect to the worlds. -But on such subjects we can only form conjectures. -The fact is that for nearly a century past, -in which, by the help of telescopes, almost a -new heaven has been discovered, unknown to the -ancients, there have been few of the constellations -in which some sensible alteration has not -taken place;<a id="FNanchor_55" href="#Footnote_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> the greatest number of changes is -observed in the milky-way, as if more motion -and bustle existed among this heap of worlds. -Really, said the Marchioness, I find the worlds, -in short all the heavenly bodies, so liable to -change that I have quite overcome the horror I -felt at the idea of the suns being extinguished. -Well, replied I, to prevent you from relapsing, -we will say no more about them, we are arrived -at the uppermost part of the heavens, and to inform -you whether there are any stars beyond -that, exceeds my skill. You may place more -worlds or not; just as you are disposed. These -invisible countries should, in propriety, be left -to the philosophers: they may imagine them to -exist, or not exist, or to exist in any way they -chuse. I shall content myself with having directed -your mind to all that is discernible by your sight.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_55" href="#FNanchor_55" class="label">[55]</a> This is not proved.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">- 131 -</span></p> - -<p>Ah! she exclaimed, then I am acquainted -with the whole system of the universe! how -learned I am! Yes, said I, you are learned -enough in all reason, and your knowledge is attended -with this convenience,—you may extract -your belief of all I have told you whenever you -think proper. I only ask as a reward for my -trouble, that whenever you see the sun, the sky, -and the stars, you will think on me.<a id="FNanchor_56" href="#Footnote_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_56" href="#FNanchor_56" class="label">[56]</a> As I have given these conversations to the public, I -think it would not be right to conceal any thing which passed -on the subject I shall publish another dialogue of the -same kind that we had a long while after these. It shall be -entitled the "Sixth Evening," as the rest were evening -scenes.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">- 132 -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="SIXTH_EVENING"><i>SIXTH EVENING.</i></h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3nb">ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS IN CONFIRMATION OF THOSE IN -THE PRECEDING CONVERSATIONS.—DISCOVERIES THAT -HAVE BEEN LATELY MADE IN THE HEAVENS.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<p>For a long time the Marchioness and I said -nothing about the plurality of worlds, we had apparently -forgotten that we had ever talked on the -subject. I went one day to her house, and just -as I entered, two men of some talents and celebrity -were going out. You see, said she, what -visitors I have had; I assure you they are gone -away with a suspicion that you have turned my -brain. I should be very proud of such an achievement -answered I; it would shew my -power, for I think one could not devise a more -difficult undertaking. Well, replied she, I am -afraid you have accomplished it. I don't know -how it happened, but whilst my two friends, -whom you met at the door, were here, the conversation -turned on the plurality of worlds; perhaps -they had an invidious design in directing it -to that subject. I immediately told them all -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">- 133 -</span> -the planets were inhabited. One of them said -he was certain I could not be of that opinion: in -the most unaffected manner, I maintained my -sincerity; he continued to think I was only feigning, -and I believe he had too great a regard for -me to admit the possibility of my having really -adopted so extravagant an opinion. The other, -from esteeming me less, did not doubt my veracity. -Why have you made me obstinately adhere -to sentiments which people who have the greatest -friendship for me will not suffer themselves to believe -me possessed with? But, madam, answered I, -why did you maintain these opinions seriously, -when talking with persons that I am sure would -not gravely argue on any subject? Should we thus -trifle with the inhabitants of the planets? Let -us, who believe their existence, be content to -remain a little select band, and not disclose our -mysteries to the vulgar. Vulgar! exclaimed -she; do you reckon those two men among the -vulgar? They have good understandings, said -I; but they never reason. Grave reasoners, -who are austere people, would not hesitate to -place them in that class. They however take -their revenge by ridiculing the reasoners. We -should if possible accommodate ourselves to persons -of both characters; it would have been better -to speak jestingly of the planetary inhabitants -to such men as your two friends, since they are -accustomed to pleasantry, than to enter on an -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">- 134 -</span> -argument, for which they have no talents. You -would have retained their good opinion without -depriving the planets of a single inhabitant. -Would you have meanly sacrificed the truth? answered -she. Where is your conscience? I must -own, I replied, I have not much zeal for truths -of this nature; I would readily forbear to maintain -them if it suited my convenience.</p> - -<p>The cause which prevents people from believing -the planets to be inhabited is, that they appear -to them only bodies placed in the heavens -to give light, instead of globes consisting of meadows -and fruitful countries. We readily believe -that meadows and fields are inhabited, but it is -thought ridiculous to assert that mere luminous -bodies are. 'Tis in vain that reason informs -us of fields in the planets; reason comes -too late, the first coup-d'œil has impressed our -minds before-hand, and this impression is not -willingly parted with. The planets, 'tis said, are -only luminous bodies; what sort of inhabitants -then can they have? Our imaginations do not -enable us to distinguish their figures, therefore -it is the shortest way to deny their existence. -Would you require me, for the sake of establishing -the idea of these inhabitants, whose interest -cannot be very dear to me, to attack all the -powers of the senses and the imagination? Such -an enterprize would demand a vast deal of courage. -Men are not easily persuaded to see -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">- 135 -</span> -through their reason, rather than their eyes. -Some few persons are rational enough to believe, -after a thousand proofs have been given them, that -the planets are worlds like ours, but they do not -believe it in the same way they would do, if they -had not seen them apparently so different; they -always recur to the first idea they had formed, -and can never wholly divest themselves of it. -These people seem to <i>condescend</i> to our opinion, -and only patronize it from a love of singularity.</p> - -<p>Is not that enough, said she; for an opinion -that is merely probable? You would be astonished, -answered I, if I told you the word probable -was too modest for the occasion. Is it -merely probable that Alexander has been in existence? -No, you consider it certain; and what -is the ground of your certainty? Is it not that -you have had every proof that such a subject requires, -and that no circumstance leads you to -doubt the fact? You have never seen Alexander, -nor have you any mathematical demonstration -of his existence. What would you say if this -were the case with respect to the inhabitants of -the planets? We cannot shew them to you, nor -can you require us to demonstrate their being, -in a mathematical way; but you have all the -evidence that can be desired: the entire resemblance -between the planets and the inhabited -earth; the impossibility of imagining any other -use for which they could be created; the fruitfulness -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">- 136 -</span> -and magnificence of nature; the attention -she seems to have paid to the wants of their -inhabitants, such as giving moons to those planets -that were very remote from the sun, and the -greatest number of moons to the most distant: -and it is an important consideration that every -thing is on that side of the question, without any -objections to counterbalance it; you cannot for -a moment doubt unless you resume the vulgar -mode of seeing and thinking. In fact it is impossible -to have more evidence, and evidence of -a more determinate kind; how then can you -treat this opinion as a mere probability? But -do you think, said she, I can feel as certain -that the planets are inhabited, as that Alexander -has been in existence? By no means, I -replied; for although, on the subject we are -speaking of we have as many proofs as in -our situation we can receive, yet these proofs -are not numerous. I protest, exclaimed she, -I'll renounce these planetary inhabitants, for -I don't know whether to believe there are -any or not—it is not certain, yet it is more -than possible—I am quite perplexed. Do -not be discouraged, madam, I replied. Clocks -that are made in the most common manner shew -the hour; those only that are made with more -exquisite art, indicate the minutes; in like manner -common minds see a great difference between -probability and absolute certainty; but it is only -superior understandings that ascertain the degrees -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">- 137 -</span> -of certainty or of probability, and who, if I may -use the expression, can tell the minutes as well -as the hours. Place the inhabitants of the planets -a little below Alexander in point of certainty, -but above a vast number of historical relations -which are not entirely proved; I think that -is their proper place. I love order, said she, -you do me a kindness in giving arrangement to -my ideas: why did you not do this before? Because, -answered I, whether you attribute to this -idea a little more, or a little less certainty than -it possesses is not of much consequence. I am -certain you do not feel so assured as you ought -to do of the earth's motion: are you the less happy -on that account? Oh! as to that opinion, -I am sure I do my duty; you have no right to -complain of me, for I firmly believe that the -earth turns. Yet I have not given you the most -convincing proof of it, answered I. You use me -very ill, said she, to make one believe things -without sufficient reason; am I unworthy to hear -the best arguments? I wished to prove my opinions, -I replied, by easy, entertaining arguments; -would you have had me make use of -such solid, sturdy ones as I should have attacked -a doctor with? Certainly, said she; now fancy -me a doctor, and let me have this new proof of -the earth's motion.</p> - -<p>With all my heart, answered I; it is this, and -I am vastly pleased with it, because I think I -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">- 138 -</span> -found it out myself; but it is so good and so natural -that I can hardly hope to have been the -inventor. I am sure an obstinate learned man -who wished to oppose it, would be forced to talk -a great deal on the occasion; and that is the only -way in which a scholar can be overcome. It -is evident either that all the heavenly bodies go -round the earth in four-and-twenty hours, or -the earth, turning on her axis, only imagines the -motion in them. It is the most improbable thing -in the world that they should in reality go round -the earth in that short space of time, though we -are not at first aware of the absurdity of such an -opinion. All the planets certainly revolve round -the sun: but these revolutions are unequal from -the unequal distances at which they are placed -from the sun: the most remote, as we might -naturally suppose, take a longer time than the -rest. This order is observed even in the satellites -that go round a large planet. Jupiter's four -moons, and the five belonging to Saturn, require -a longer or shorter time to move round their planet -according to their distance from it. It is -further ascertained that the planets have a rotation -on their own axis; the time of this is likewise -unequal; we cannot tell the cause of such -inequality, whether it depends on the different -size, or the degree of solidity of the planets, or -on the different degrees of rapidity of the vortices -in which they are enclosed, and the liquid matter -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">- 139 -</span> -by which they are carried along;<a id="FNanchor_57" href="#Footnote_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a> this inequality -however is certain, and in general we -find that the order of nature is such as to admit -of particular variations in things that are regulated -by the same rules.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_57" href="#FNanchor_57" class="label">[57]</a> We can assign no reason; the irregularity depends on -the original cause, whatever that cause may be, which at -first determined their motions.</p> - -</div> - -<p>I understand, said the Marchioness; I am -quite of your opinion; if the planets moved round -the earth, the time employed by each would be -different, according to their various distances, as -is the case in their revolutions round the sun: is -not that what you mean? Precisely so, madam, -answered I; their unequal distances from the -earth would produce an inequality in their revolutions -round her: and the fixed stars, being so -extremely remote from us, so far beyond all that -could have a general movement round us, at -least situated in a place where such a motion -must be very feeble, is there any probability of -their revolving round us in four-and-twenty hours, -like the moon which is so near to us? Ought -not the comets likewise which do not belong to -our vortex, which have such irregular courses, -and such different degrees of swiftness, to be exempted -from performing this daily circle round -our world? No, planets, fixed stars, and comets -too, must all turn round the earth! Were -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">- 140 -</span> -there but a few minutes difference in the time of -their revolutions we might be satisfied with it; -but they are all exactly equal, never varying in -the slightest degree; surely this is a suspicious -circumstance.</p> - -<p>Oh! replied the Marchioness, I could venture -to say this exactitude existed only in our imaginations. -I am glad that any thing inconsistent -with the genius of nature, which this equality in -so many moving bodies would be, should depend -on our motion, and she, even at our expense, be -free from the charge of inconsistency. For my -part, said I, I dislike a perfect regularity, and -I don't approve of the earth's turning every day -on her axis in exactly twenty-four hours; I am -disposed to think the time varies. Varies! she -exclaimed; do not our clocks shew that it is always -equal? Oh! replied I, I don't depend on -clocks, they cannot always be perfectly right; -and should they be so, and sometimes shew that -the earth has made a longer or shorter tour in -four-and-twenty hours than usual, it would be -thought that we ought rather to suspect them of -being wrong than to attribute any irregularity to -the revolutions of the earth. That is paying an -extravagant respect to her, I should depend no -more on the earth than on a clock; the one might -be put out of sorts almost by the same causes as -the other, only I think it would take longer time -to produce a sensible irregularity in the earth; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">- 141 -</span> -that is the only advantage I should allow her to -have over a clock. Might not the earth by degrees -get nearer to the sun, and then, finding -herself in a situation where the matter was agitated -with greater violence, perform her motion -on her axis, and her revolution round the sun, -in a shorter time? In that case the years would -be shorter, and the days too, but we should not -perceive the difference, for we should still divide -the year into three hundred and sixty-five days, -and the days into twenty-four hours. So that without -living longer than we do now, we should live -a greater number of years: and on the contrary, -if the earth were to remove farther from the sun, -we should live fewer years, although our lives -would be as long. In all probability, said she, -if that were possible, a long succession of ages -would make but a trifling difference. True, I -replied; nature does nothing abruptly, her method -is to effect every alteration by such gentle -gradations that it is scarcely perceptible to us. -We hardly observe even the changes of seasons; -others that are produced much more slowly must -in general escape our notice. Nevertheless every -thing is subject to mutability; even a certain lady -who has been seen, through telescopes, in the -moon for about forty years, appears considerably -older. She used to be rather handsome; -now her cheeks are fallen away, her nose and chin -are beginning to meet; in short all her charms -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">- 142 -</span> -are fled, and it is even feared that her life is near -its close.<a id="FNanchor_58" href="#Footnote_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_58" href="#FNanchor_58" class="label">[58]</a> We are not assured that this alteration has taken place -in the part of the moon that has some resemblance to a woman's -head: but there must be changes, if we judge by the -volcano which has been repeatedly observed. Astron. -Art. 3339.</p> - -</div> - -<p>What are you talking of? cried the Marchioness. -I am not jesting, I replied. A figure has -been observed in the moon which resembled a -woman's head rising from among the rocks, and -in that part an alteration is perceived. Some -pieces have fallen off a mountain, and left the -points which appear like the forehead, nose and -chin of an old woman. Does it not seem, said -she, as if some malignant power had a spite -against beauty, since the young lady's head is -the only spot in the moon that has undergone a -change. Perhaps, answered I, to make amends, -the alterations on our globe may give additional -beauty to some face observed by the inhabitants -of the moon, I mean some face formed like those -of the people in that planet, for we always try -to discover in distant objects, the resemblance -of what we continually think of. Our astronomers -discern young ladies' faces in the moon; -probably if women were to examine it they would -find handsome male faces. If <i>I</i> to look, I -don't know whether I should not see your likeness, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">- 143 -</span> -madam. I must undoubtedly, said she, -feel myself obliged to any body who could find -me there; but let us return to what we were -talking of just now; are there any considerable -alterations on the earth? In all probability there -are, answered I. Many high mountains, at a -great distance from the sea, have on them beds -of shells, which shew that they were formerly -covered with water. Sometimes likewise, at a -distance from the sea, are found stones containing -petrified fishes. How could they have -got to that place unless the water had -been there? Fables tell us, that Hercules separated -with his hands two mountains called -Calpe and Abila, which being situated between -Africa and Spain obstructed the ocean; and the -sea immediately rushed in violently, and formed -the great gulph that we call the Mediterranean. -Fables are not altogether fabulous; they are -histories of remote periods, disguised by two -very ancient and common defects; ignorance, and -a love of the marvellous. It is not very credible -that Hercules separated the two mountains with -his hands; but I can easily believe that in the -time of some Hercules, (for there have been fifty), -the ocean may have torn asunder, perhaps -with the assistance of an earthquake, two mountains -more feeble than the rest and have by that -means rushed in between Europe and Africa. Then -a new spot was discovered on our globe, by the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">- 144 -</span> -people in the moon, for you recollect, madam, -that the water forms a dark spot. It is the general -opinion that Sicily has been separated from -Italy, and Cyprus from Syria: new islands have -sometimes been formed in the sea; earthquakes -have ingulfed some mountains, and produced -others, as well as changed the course of rivers. -Philosophers give us reason to fear that the kingdom -of Naples and Sicily, being over great subterranean -vaults filled with sulphur, will some -time or other fall in, when the vaults are no longer -strong enough to resist the fires contained in -them, which now have vent at such openings as -Vesuvius and Ætna. All this will be sufficient -to diversify a little the appearance we make to -the inhabitants of the moon.</p> - -<p>I would rather tire them said the Marchioness, -with a monotonous appearance, than entertain -them by the ruin of provinces.</p> - -<p>That is nothing, answered I, to what takes -place in Jupiter. He appears to be surrounded -with belts, which are distinguished from each -other, or from the spaces betwixt them, by their -different degrees of light. These are land and seas—or -at least parts of the planet differing in their -nature. Sometimes these lands grow narrower, -sometimes wider. New ones are formed in various -parts, and some of the old ones disappear: -and all these changes visible only through our -best telescopes, are in themselves much more -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">- 145 -</span> -considerable than if our ocean were to inundate -all the land, and leave its own bed to form new -continents. Unless the inhabitants of Jupiter -are amphibious, and live with equal ease either -on land or in water, I hardly know what can become -of them.<a id="FNanchor_59" href="#Footnote_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> We see likewise great alterations -on the surface of Mars, even from one -month to another. In that short time seas overflow -large continents, and retire by a flux and -reflux a thousand times more violent than ours; -or if this be not the case, some change equivalent -to it takes place. Our planet is very quiet -compared with these; we have great reason to -congratulate ourselves, especially if it is true -that in Jupiter countries as extensive as Europe -have been set on fire. Set on fire! cried the -Marchioness; that would be a great piece of -news there. It would indeed, answered I. We -have observed in Jupiter, for perhaps twenty -years, a long stream of light more brilliant than -the rest of the planet.<a id="FNanchor_60" href="#Footnote_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> We have had deluges -here, but very seldom; perhaps in Jupiter they -have now and then a large conflagration as well -as frequent deluges. But be that as it may, the -brilliant light I spoke of is very different from -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">- 146 -</span> -another, which apparently is as old as the world, -though it has but lately been discovered.<a id="FNanchor_61" href="#Footnote_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> How -can a light be formed for concealment? said she, -that is something quite out of the common way.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_59" href="#FNanchor_59" class="label">[59]</a> These lands surrounding Jupiter, which are sometimes -few, and sometimes in great numbers, are apparently -clouds.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_60" href="#FNanchor_60" class="label">[60]</a> I don't know that this observation is authentic.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_61" href="#FNanchor_61" class="label">[61]</a> The zodiacal light. Astron. Art. 844.</p> - -</div> - -<p>This light, I replied, is only visible at twilight, -which is most frequently long enough, and of -sufficient power to conceal it; and when it is -not hid by the twilight, either the vapours of -the horizon prevent us from seeing it, or without -great attention we may even mistake it for twilight. -However, about thirty years since it was -discovered with certainty, and for some time -gave great delight to the astronomers, whose -curiosity wanted stimulating by something new. -They might find as many new subaltern planets -as they chose without feeling any interest in them. -The two last moons of Saturn, for instance, did -not enrapture them as Jupiter's satellites had -done; custom destroys the power of every thing.</p> - -<p>We see, during a month before and after the -equinox of March, when the sun is set and the -twilight disappeared, a sort of whitish light resembling -the tail of a comet. It is seen before -the dawn and sun-rise, towards the equinox of -September, and morning and night towards the -winter solstice. At other times, as I have before -said, the twilight conceals it; for we have -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">- 147 -</span> -reason to believe it always exists. It has lately -been conjectured that it is produced by a large -mass of matter, somewhat dense, which environs -the sun for a certain extent. The greatest part -of his rays penetrate this covering, and come to -us in a straight line; but some of these rays by -striking against the internal surface are reflected -back to us, either before the direct rays can -reach us in the morning, or after they have -ceased to enlighten us in the evening. As these -reflected rays come from a higher region than -the direct ones, it is therefore earlier when we -receive them, and later before we lose them.</p> - -<p>On this ground I must retract what I said on -the probability of the moon having no twilight, -for want of a surrounding atmosphere as dense -as that of the earth. She is no loser by it, if she -can receive a twilight through this thick air -which surrounds the sun, and reflects his light -to places which could not have his direct rays. -Then, enquired the Marchioness, will not this -be a source of twilight to all the planets, without -the necessity of a dense atmosphere to environ -each, since that which surrounds the sun may -produce the same effect for all the planets in the -vortex? From the frugality of nature, I am disposed -to believe she has effected the purpose by -this means only. Yet, said I, in spite of this -frugality, the earth would have two causes of -twilight, one of which (the dense air before the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">- 148 -</span> -sun), would be useless, and could only serve as -an object of curiosity to the frequenters of the -observatory: but it may be that the earth alone -sends out exhalations sufficiently gross to produce -twilight; and therefore a general resource has -been provided for the other planets, if their -evaporations are more pure and subtile. We, -perhaps, of the inhabitants of all the worlds in -our vortex breathe the grossest air; did the people -of the other planets know that, with what -contempt they would survey us!</p> - -<p>That would be wrong, answered the Marchioness; -we are not contemptible for being surrounded -by a thick atmosphere since the sun himself is -in the same situation. Tell me, is not this air -produced by certain vapours that you formerly -told me issued from the sun; and may it not -be to moderate the power of the first rays which -perhaps would otherwise be excessive? I think -it probable that the sun may be thus veiled, to -accommodate it to our use. That is a happy -idea, madam, said I; you have founded a pretty -little system. We may add that this vapour -possibly falls back in a sort of rain to refresh the -sun, in the same manner as we sometimes throw -water into a forge when the fire becomes too -fierce. We cannot attribute too much to the -power of nature; but all her operations are not -made visible to us, therefore we cannot feel assured -of having discovered her designs, or her -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">- 149 -</span> -manner of acting. We should not consider any -new discovery a certain foundation for reasoning -on, though we are very much inclined to do it: -philosophers are like elephants, that in walking -never put one foot to the ground till they feel -the other firmly supported. That comparison, -said she, is the more just because the merit -either of elephants or philosophers does not consist -in external charms; we shall however do -well to imitate the superior judgment of both: -inform me more of the new discoveries, and I -promise not to be in a hurry again to form systems.</p> - -<p>I have told you, I replied, all the news I have -heard from the sky, and I believe no later intelligence -has been received. I am sorry it is not -so entertaining and wonderful as some observations -I read the other day in an abridgment of -the Annals of China, written in Latin. They -there see a thousand stars at a time fall from the -sky into the ocean with an amazing noise; or -dissolve and disperse in rain. This has not -merely been seen once in China; I have met -with the same account given at two remote periods -of time, besides that of a star which goes -towards the east, and bursts with the noise of a -gun. It is a pity such sights should be confined -to China, while this part of the world is never -favoured with them. It is not long since all our -philosophers thought they had had sufficient -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">- 150 -</span> -experience to pronounce the heavens and all the -celestial bodies incorruptible and incapable of -change; and at the same time people at the other -end of the world were seeing stars dissolve by -thousands: there appearance must have differed -very much from ours. But, said she, I never -heard that the Chinese were great astronomers. -No, answered I, but the Chinese are gainers -by being at so great a distance from us, as -the Greeks and Romans were by being separated -by a long space of time; whatever is remote assumes -the right of imposing on us.</p> - -<p>Really I am more and more of opinion that -Europe is in possession of a degree of genius -which has never extended to any other part of the -globe, at least not to any distant part. It is not -perhaps able to diffuse itself over a great proportion -of the earth at once, and some invincible -fatality prescribes to it very narrow bounds. Let -us then make use of it while it is in our possession: -and let us rejoice that it is not confined to -science and dry speculations, but equally extended -to objects of taste, in which I doubt -whether any people can equal us. Such, madam, -are the things that should engage your attention -and constitute your philosophy.</p> - - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-top: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="caption3">THE END.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" >AN ELEGANT POCKET COMPANION FOR THE LADIES.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc"><i>New Series of the Monthly Visitor and New Family Magazine,<br /> -with fine Portraits and additional<br /> -Embellishments.</i></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="tdc">On the first of February, 1803, was published, price One Shilling,<br /> -enriched with a fine Portrait of</p> - -<p class="tdc">THE LATE DOCTOR HUNTER,</p> - -<p class="tdc">With valuable Particulars of his Life; also an interesting Scene in Egypt,<br /> -taken by M. Denon;</p> - -<p class="tdc">No. 9,</p> - -<p class="tdc">Continued Monthly, of a New Series of</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>THE MONTHLY VISITOR</i>,</p> - -<p class="tdc">AND</p> - -<p class="tdc antiqua larger">New Family Magazine,</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>For JANUARY, 1803</i>.</p> - -<p class="tdc">Printed in a neat pocket-size, and containing a valuable Collection of -interesting Matter in the various Branches of Literature.</p> - -<p class="tdc">The following is a List of Embellishments (with Biography) already -given in the New Series.</p> - -<table summary="list"> -<tr> - <td style="padding-right: 0.5em;">Duke of Bedford<br /> - Dr. Jenner<br /> - John Locke<br /> - Lord Bacon<br /> - Miss De Camp<br /> - T. W. Coke, Esq.<br /> - Madame Bonaparte<br /> - Mrs. Montague<br /> - Parisian Male and Female in the<br /> - Costume of the Present Day</td> - <td class="bdl"> </td> - <td>Turkish Male and Female, &c.<br /> - Chinese Male and Female, &c.<br /> - Egyptian Male and Female, &c.<br /> - Garnerin's Ascent and Descent in <br />the Parachute<br /> - Modern British Females<br /> - An Egyptian Lady, and Manner of <br />passing the River Nile <br />on a Bundle of Rushes.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>⁂ The above Work is recommended to the Attention of the Public -in general, but particularly to Ladies and private Families, being calculated -to inform the Mind on every valuable Topic, and will be found a -very useful Medium of Improvement to the rising Generation.</p> - -<p>The most prominent Features in this Miscellany are Memoirs of illustrious -Characters, with Manners and Customs of all Nations—Anecdotes -of eminent Men and Places—Original Communications in Prose and -Poetry—Selections from the most recent Productions of Value—Dramatic -Intelligence—and its Review of new interesting Publications. Nor -is a Miscellany conducted on such a Plan adapted to the Young alone. -To Persons also who possess small Ability for the Purchase of Books, or -have little Time for the Perusal of them, it must prove a valuable Accession -of Knowledge, preferable by far to most other periodical Publications -of the present Day, the Majority of which sell for 1s. 6d.</p> - -<p>Each Number contains 108 Pages of small but neat Letter-press, embellished -by an elegant Portrait of the celebrated Individual, whose Memoirs -are presented to the Reader. Also, two whole length Figures of -a Male and Female Inhabitant of some Foreign Country characteristically -drawn, with an Account of the Manners and Customs of the Natives.—Four -Numbers constitute a pocket Volume. It is thus therefore capable -of becoming an instructive and entertaining Companion to those -whose Attention is assiduously directed to the Improvement of their own -Minds.</p> - -<p>The <i>Old Series</i> of this valuable Work is contained in Fifteen elegant -Pocket Volumes, enriched with upwards of Seventy Portraits of eminent -public Characters, price 3l. 13s. 6d. boards, or 4l. bound.</p> - -<p>Printed for the Proprietors, by <i>J. Cundee</i>, Ivy-Lane, Paternoster-Row; -where Communications (<i>post-paid</i>) are received for the <i>New Series</i>.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc"><i>A new and interesting Work, entitled</i></p> - -<p class="caption3">A DICTIONARY OF THE WONDERS OF NATURE.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc"><i>This day is Published</i>,</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>Closely and elegantly printed in a Pocket-size, containing<br /> -near 500 pages of Letter-press; and enriched with<br /> -curious and illustrative Copper Plates,<br /> -Price 5s. boards</i>;</p> - -<p class="tdc"> -<span class="larger">A</span><br /> -<span class="big">DICTIONARY</span><br /> -<span class="larger">OF THE</span><br /> -<span class="big"><i>WONDERS OF NATURE</i>:</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="tdc">TRANSLATED PRINCIPALLY FROM THE WORKS OF</p> - -<p class="tdc larger">A. S. S. DELAFOND,</p> - -<p class="tdc">PROFESSOR OF PHYSIC AT BOURGES.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="tdc"><i>Including extraordinary instances of</i></p> - -<p>Abstinence; Old Age; Curiosities in the Animal Kingdom; Singular -Antipathies; Remarkable Attachments; Extraneous Bodies; Phænomena -of the Human Bones; Brains; Wonderful Caverns; Forward Children; -Extraordinary Conformations; Remarkable Deafness; Apparent -Death; Extraordinary Divers; Wonderful Dwarfs; Dreadful Earthquakes -which have happened in various parts of the World; Extraordinary -Eaters; Curious Structure of the Eye; Instances of Fecundity; Fermentation; -Fire-damps; Subterranean Fires; Curious Fish; Wonderful -Description of Human Hair; Phænomena of Heat and Cold; Dreadful -Hurricanes; Ice, and Ice-houses described; Inundations, and the Properties -of the Loadstone; Powers of the Imagination; History of Mutes; -Northern Lights Described; Dreadful Maladies; Meteors; Remarkable -Instances of Memory; Properties of Mirth; Account of a Curious -White Negro; Deviations from Nature; Effects of Phosphorus; Rains; -Extraordinary Men; Remarkable Accounts of Monsters; Ventriloquists; -Volcanoes; Thunder; Plants; Stones; Rocks; Sleep-walkers; Petrified -Bodies; Trees; Vegetation; Water-spouts; &c. &c. including all the -remarkable</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>PHÆNOMENA IN NATURE</i>;</p> - -<p>philosophically, and physically explained; forming the most curious and -interesting Collection of the Wonders of Nature ever published; the -whole alphabetically arranged; with a complete Index.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">To me be NATURE'S volume broad display'd,</div> - <div class="verse">And to peruse its all-instructive pages, my sole delight.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>⁂ Such is the interesting nature of the contents of this work, that it -is equally calculated to entertain and instruct every class of readers.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 137px;"> - <img src="images/diamond.png" width="137" height="23" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="tdc antiqua">London:</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>Printed by J. Cundee, Ivy-Lane</i>;</p> - -<p class="tdc">Sold by T. HURST, Paternoster-Row; and may be had of<br /> -every Bookseller in the Empire.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px; padding-bottom: 4em;"> - <img src="images/double_line_c.png" width="200" height="12" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="caption3nb">Transcriber Note</p> - -<p>Minor typos corrected. 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