60 



Solar (111)1 I'hi nrtarif Emluilnn. 



the surrounding ring. The spheres formed from the rings- 

 would in turn throw off additional rings to form satellites. 



NoAv, if Ave look at the solar system, we discover in its 

 character and movements strong confirmation of this hypoth- 

 esis. We find there just Avhat would naturally occur were 

 this theory a correct one. Each planet revolves around the' 

 central orL at its own speed and in its OAvn distinct orbit, 

 and in a direction in common with the rotation of the orig- 

 inal nebulous mass. The nebular theory constitutes there- 

 fore a conclusive and nearly satisfactory explanation of the 

 way in which those great Irlemiurgic forces, heat and grav- 



V\v:. r>. 



itation, have wrought out the results we see. In the plan- 

 et Saturn we have an example, patent to any observer, of 

 the probable truth of the nebular theory. (A representa- 

 tion of the planet was thrown upon the screen. See Fig. 4, 

 page 59.) Through any telescope, even of moderate power,, 

 we may see that this planet is surrounded by rings, which, 

 being nearly equal in density, have not been broken up intc 

 satellites by the unequal attraction of their various parts. 

 Though these rings seem solid and uniform through the tel- 

 escope, it is reasonably certain that they are composed of 

 many small bodies, rotating in the same plane, and so pre- 

 senting the appearance of a flat surface. 



