82 ; Double Stars and the 
pared with that which really exists, proves that there are not 
the heavens, two stars of the first magnitude, sufficiently 
near each other to render it probable that their distance 
ought to be considered as fortuitous. In return the magni- 
tude which we find in the first, presents us with examples of 
remarkable proximity. Who is not acquainted with the three 
brilliant stars of the second magnitude, in the belt of Orion, 
the two exterior of which are distant from the middle one, 
the one, only twenty-six, and the other eighteen minutes? 
Calculation proves that there are one thousand four hundred 
to one against the probability that this nearness is accidental. 
The constellation of the southern cross is still more remark- 
able. We there find, within the space of fifteen degrees 
hundredth | ce ar 
first m nitude, two of the second, one of the third, ana 
one of the fourth; and the doctrine of probabilities shows 
ities thowsand to om against an accidental combination 
‘of thi ure. ave good reason therefore to presume 
that tesa: stars are sdopondent one upon another 
These conjectures are confirmed when we examine the 
ples. "There: rauabheae not to in more that six or seven ene] 
from the first to the seventh = in which the: two 
stars forming the couple, should be distant from one to two 
Minutes, and there are fifteen already known. If we wish 
wseetdalive on greater distances for stars of the sixth mag- 
nitude, a find that there ought not to be more than 
culation would grant, bien: at ten or fifteen minutes, name! 
twenty-five instead of twenty-two. We may then re > i with 
abe a considerable number of pairs of stars from 
first to the sixth magnitude, in which the two stars are 
ele “sacl other from one t0-fifteen minutes; as be- 
