Masterpieces of Science 



found in the rays reflected from living matter, 

 especially from vegetation, that might enable us 

 to distinguish them from rays reflected by matter 

 not endowed with life. But this hope has not 

 been realized, nor does it seem possible to realize 

 it. The astronomer cannot afford to waste his 

 energies on hopeless speculation about matters of 

 which he cannot learn anything, and he therefore 

 leaves this question of the plurality of worlds to 

 others who are as competent to discuss it as he 

 is. All he can tell the world is 



He who through vast immensity can pierce, 

 See worlds on worlds compose one universe; 

 Observe how system into system runs, 

 What other planets circle other suns, 

 What varied being peoples every star, 

 May tell why Heaven has made us as we are. 



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