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in anticipation, and by means of which he traces his 

 course in the heavens, and directs his bark with safety 

 towards the ocean's vast and uniform horizon. 



When we reflect on the high degree of perfection to 

 which astronomy has attained, the admirable theories 

 which direct its practice, the numerous methods of cal- 

 culation and observation it possesses, and the marvel- 

 lous coincidence which exists between the results of the 

 actual observation of phenomena with those announced 

 beforehand, by means of these theories and methods, we 

 are tempted to believe that this noble science has reach- 

 ed the utmost limit to which the genius of man can ele- 

 vate it. So far, however, is this from being true, that 

 at no period has the science been more vigorously pur- 

 sued ; at none were astronomers more numerous or 

 more actively employed ; and never have they united, 

 in a higher degree, the power of genius with a profound 

 knowledge of physics and mathematics, combined with 

 ability in the use of the powerful instruments which the 

 mechanic arts have placed in their hands. 



The perfection to which I have described astronomy 

 as having reached, relates only to the solar system to 

 that restricted space in the heavens occupied by the 

 sun, the planets with their satellites, and the comets 

 which visit it at distant epochs. The solar system com- 

 poses the celestial universe peculiar to the inhabitants 

 of this world, and is but a point in the infinite space 

 filled with myriads of shining bodies, the desire to com- 

 prehend which is so much the more exciting and ardent, 

 as it elevates the mind to the contemplation of the di- 

 vine origin of all these wondrous works. Science is 

 now occupied with persevering ardor in this sublime 



