On the Formation of the Universe. 139 



tricity ; the general one arising from the difference in the 

 rapidity of emission ; the change of direction by percussion, 

 and the change of velocity by the same cause. But the 

 cause of the obliquity of their orbits is one, and therefore 

 renders that obliquity a surer basis of calculation. If the 

 point of percussion were not in the plane of the equator 

 of the solar wheel, the two bodies would evidently be 

 thrown out of that plane, and the relative obliquities of the 

 two bodies in each pair, would at least approach an inverse 

 proportion to their quantities of matter With regard to the 

 coincidence among their nodes and perihelia, it may be re- 

 marked, that the greater asteroid of the lower pair would, 

 in all probability, commence its formation near the greater 

 one of the higher pair ; and likewise the smaller one of the 

 lower pair near the smaller one of the higher. This would 

 obviously be true on the very probable supposition that not 

 a very long space of time intervened between the formation 

 of the upper and the lower pair. The same remark may 

 be extended to the other planets ; for it is obvious, that on 

 account of mutual attraction, each planet would commence 

 its formation as near as possible to the one next above it. 

 It may also be remarked, that the smaller asteroid of each 

 pair would take the direct course towards the greater one, 

 and of course immediately after percussion, it would have 

 the most rapid motion, and eventually the largest orbit. On 

 this subject a close inspection of the demonstration respect- 

 ing the rotary motion of the system, will be conclusive. In 

 this respect theory agrees v/ith the actual state of the aste- 

 roids. The explosive theory proposed by Dr. Olbers, is 

 indeed practicable : but if the asteroids had been separated 

 from a solid planet, they would still float through the hea- 

 vens, the obvious fragments of spheres ; and if they had 

 been separated from a pulverulent or plastic or fluid planet, 

 they would have been driven into a muhitude of parts, unless 

 the planet had been thoroughly divided by regular and uni- 

 form strata of the exploding substance, a most wonderful 

 device in an omnipotent Creator to split a planet, and make 

 its parts move irregularly. But it would seem as if the cir- 

 cumstance alone respecting the atmosphere might put the 

 subject at rest. 



The ring of Saturn, while in its present situation with re- 

 gard to the planet, could never have been in a state wholly 



