364 LAPLACE. 
ous of knowing the numbers which govern the physical 
universe. It is in the Haxposition du Systéme du Monde 
that persons unacquainted with mathematical studies will 
obtain an exact and competent knowledge of the methods 
to which physical astronomy is indebted for its astonish- 
ing progress. ‘This work, written with a noble simplicity 
of style, an exquisite propriety of expression, and a seru- 
pulous accuracy, is terminated by a sketch of the his- 
tory of astronomy, universally ranked in the present day 
among the finest monuments of the French language. 
A regret has been often expressed, that Cesar, in his 
immortal Commentaries, should have confined himself to 
a narration of his own campaigns : the astronomical com- 
mentaries of Laplace ascend to the origin of communities. 
The labours undertaken in all ages for the purpose of 
extracting new truths from the heavens, are there justly, 
clearly, and profoundly analyzed ; it is genius presiding 
as the impartial judge of genius. Laplace has always 
remained at the height of his great mission ; his work 
will be read with respect so long as the torch of science 
shall continue to throw any light. 
The calculus of probabilities, when confined within just 
limits, ought to interest, in an equal degree, the mathe- 
matician, the experimentalist, and the statesman. From 
the time when Pascal and Fermat established its first 
principles, it has rendered and continues daily to render 
services of the most eminent kind. It is the calculus 
of probabilities, which, after having suggested the best 
arrangements of the tables of population and mortality, 
teaches us to deduce from those numbers, in general so 
erroneously interpreted, conclusions of a precise and 
useful character: it is the calculus of probabilities which 
alone can regulate justly the premiums to be paid for 
