Astronomy 



The combination of these two results must bring down 

 the temperature of Mars to a degree wholly incompatible 

 with the existence of animal life. 



(3) The quite independent proof that water-vapour can- 

 not exist on Mars, and that, therefore, the first essential 

 of organic life — water — is non-existent. 



The conclusion from these three independent proofs . . . 

 is therefore irresistible — that animal life, especially in its 

 highest forms, cannot exist. Mars, therefore, is not only 

 uninhabited by intelligent beings . . . but is absolutely un- 

 inhabitable. 



In contrast to his purely scientific interest in astronomy, 

 Wallace was moved by the romance of the " stars," akin to 

 his enthusiastic love of beautiful butterflies. Had it not 

 been for this touch of romance and idealism in his writings 

 on astronomy, they would have lost much of their charm 

 for the general reader. His breadth of vision transforms 

 him from a mere student of astronomy into a seer who 

 became ever more deeply conscious of the mystery both 

 ^' before and behind." 



" Rain, sun, and rain I and the free blossom blows ; 

 Sun, rain, and sun 1 and where is he who knows ? 

 From the great deep to the great deep he goes." 



And whilst facing with brave and steady mind the great 

 mysteries of earth and sky, of life and what lies beyond it, 

 he himself loved to quote : 



" Fear not thou the hidden purpose 

 Of that Power which alone is great. 

 Nor the myriad world His shadow. 

 Nor the sUent Opener of the Gate." 



Among the scientific friends to whom he appealed for 

 help when writing his astronomical books was Prof, (now 

 Sir) W. F. Barrett. 



t73 



