Figs. 2, 3, 4. 



THE STELLAR UNIVERSE. 

 CHAPTEE I. 



1. Retrospect of the solar system. 2. Inquiries beyond its limits. 

 3. This system surrounded by an extensive void. 4. This proved by 

 the absence of external perturbations. 5. And by comets, which are 

 feelers of the system. 6. Where then is the vast multitude of 

 stars which appear in the firmament ? 7. Absence of apparent 

 parallax. 8. Illustration of the effects of parallax. 9. Its apparent 

 absence favoured the Ptolemaic system. 10. Effects of parallax 

 explained. 11. Parallax of the planets visible. 



1. IN former parts of this series, we have taken a survey of the 

 group of globes which, in company with the ea^th, revoire round 

 the sun ; have reviewed their motions, compared their magnitudes 

 and distances, and explained the numerous analogies having the 

 force of a moral demonstration which prove that they are inhabited 

 worlds, playing in the economy of the universe parts in all respects 

 similar to that of the earth. Passing successively from planet to 

 planet, we have been oppressed by the stupendous dimensions pre- 

 sented to our contemplation. We have seen Jupiter a globe 

 fourteen hundred times the bulk of the earth revolving at a dis- 

 tance of five hundred millions of miles from the sun, attended by 

 his four moons : the Saturnian system, with its globe, a thousand 

 times more voluminous than that of the earth, its vast rings whirl- 

 ing round it, concentrically with each other and with the planet, 

 and shining upon either hemisphere, having the appearance of a 



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