60 



So/iir iiikI Phdiifii ri/ Krnhifion. 



the surroimdiug ring. The spheres formed from the rings^ 

 wouhl in tnrn tlirow off additional rings to form satellites. 



Now, if Ave look at the solar system, Ave discover in its 

 character and movements strong confirmation of this hypoth- 

 esis. We find there just Avhat woidd naturally occur Avere 

 this theory a correct one. Each planet reA'oh'es around the 

 central orb at its OAvn speed and in its oavu distinct orbit, 

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

 inal nebulous mass. The nebular theory constitutes there- 

 fore a conclusive and nearly satisfactory explanation of the 

 Avay in Avhicli those great demiurgic^ forces, heat aud graA-- 



Fi-. .-.. 



itation, have Avroiight out tlie results Ave see. In the plan- 

 et Saturn Ave haA'e an example, patent to any observer, of 

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

 tion of the planet Avas throAvn upon the screen. See Fig. 4, 

 page 59.) Through any telescope, CA'en of moderate poAver, 

 Ave may see that this planet is surrounded by rings, Avhich, 

 being nearly eqxial in density, haA-e not been broken up into 

 satellites by the unequal attraction of their A^arious 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. 



