364 LAPLACE. 



cms of knowing the numbers which govern the physical 

 universe. It is in the Exposition du Systeme 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 scru- 

 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 Caesar, 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 



