i6 DESIGN IN NATURE 



PLATE VIII 



Plate viii. shows photographs of transcendently fine spiral nebulae. The first three figures of the plate reveal 

 left-handed spiral nebulae ; the fourth figure displaying a right-handed spiral nebula. The nebulae have an astral 

 centre or core, and are symmetrical, each nebula being composed of two portions which wind into each other from 

 opposite points, either from above and below, or from the sides. These spiral arrangements in the heavens are 

 very striking, and demand the most careful consideration. Dr. Isaac Roberts, who has devoted much attention to 

 the subject, says of them : " The records of these features are now so numerous and accordant that they cannot 

 be attributed to accidental or fortuitous circumstances " (" Stars, Star-clusters, and Nebula;," vol. ii. p. C7). 



Fig. 1.— Photograph of Spiral Nebula Ijl iv., Ui'seb Majoris, by Dr. Isaac Roberts, F.R.S. Lord Rosse observed this nebula between 

 1851 and 1862, and detected its spiral natui-e. He says that light, mottled, faint nebulosity fills up the space between the arms. The 

 photograph shows the nebula to be a left-handed spiral with bright stellar nucleus, and with both stellar and elongated condensations 

 in the convolutions. (Photographs of Stars, Star-clusters, and Nebulae.) 



Fig. 2.— Photograph of Spiral Nebula M. 100, ConiEe Berenicis, by Dr. Isaac Roberts, F.R.S. This nebula forms a most exquisite 

 left-handed spiral, with the nucleus very sharply stellar in the midst of faint nelmlosity. The convolutions, according to Dr. Roberts, 

 are strikingly perfect, and have several aggregations of nebulosity iii them ; three or four fiiint stars are also involved. (Photographs 

 of Stars, Star-clusters, and Nebiilse.) 



Fig. 3. — Photograph of Spiral Nebula M. 51, Canuni Venaticoruni, by Dr. Isaac Rolierts, F.R.S. Lord Rosse describes this nebula, 

 and figures it as a strong, left-handed, spiral structure. According to Dr. Roberts the nucleus of the large nebula consists of a small 

 bright star in the midst of a patch of very dense nebulosity, from which the convolutions radiate in approximately symmetrical forms. 

 The convolutions are broken up into numerous stars and star-like condensations, and there are wisps of nebulosity, with a star involved 

 in each of them. One of these appears to have been deformed, probably by the action of the second nucleus, as indicated by the 

 disarrangement of symmetry. (Photographs of Star.s, Star-clusters, and Nebulfe.) 



Fjg. 4. — Photograph of Spiral Nebula M. 74, Piscium, by Dr. Isaac Roberts, F.R.S. This nebula forms a beautiful right-handed 

 spiral. It is the reverse of the spirals seen at Figs. 1, 2, and 3 ; these, as stated, being left-handed spirals. Lord Rosse describes it 

 as a spiral nebula with the centre formed of stars, and several stars visible through the nebula. According to Dr. Roberts the 

 convolutions are studded with many .stars and star-like condensations — the nebulous matter forming the convolutions being broken 

 up into stars and star-like loci which vary in brightness. Dr. Roberts remarks that every spiral nebula photographed by him has 

 a stellar nucleus siirroumied by dense nebulosity in the centre of revolution. (Photographs of Stars. Star-clusters, and Nebulje.) 



I add a striking photograph of the Great Nebula in the constellation of Andromeda, wlxich, according to recent 

 astronomical authorities, shows a world in process of formation. For vastness and grandeur it transcends every- 

 thing yet discovered. The photograph reproduces the outstanding features and details of the nebula, and has been 

 faithfully rendered at Fig. 6. 



Tn the photograph, the Great Nebula is seen more or less sideways, and presents an elliptical form. Viewed 

 from before it would be nearly circular. The new sun, all but completed, occupies the centre of the system, 

 and is distinguished by its greater luminosity. The vast circular rings and spiral folds which invest it are beUeved 

 to be undergoing a process of condensation at their free margins, and preparing matter for the formation of future 

 planets. They present an arrangement similar to that witnessed in the Milky Way. Already the sites of various 

 heavenly bodies differing considerably in magnitude are indicated — some of them being in position. This is 

 especially the case in the outer coils of the Nebula, where planets formed and in process of formation are seen. The 

 whole system is evidently in a state of flux, and if it could be examined as a near object a scene of unparalleled 

 activity would doubtless present itself— matter moving in all directions in apparent confusion, but in reahty in 

 obedience to law and order, and according to a well-considered, preconceived, predetermined plan. 



Some parts of the Nebula are semi-transparent, and stars are seen through and beyond it. The spectroscope, 

 however, indicates that the gaseous period has been passed and, in all probability, the fluid stage reached. Changes 

 of a far-reaching nature are evidently occurring slowly but surely in strict sequence, and according to unalter- 

 able laws. 



The distance of the Nebula from the earth is inconceivably great, and its size so enormous that it completelv 

 dwarfs our solar system. An approximate idea of its vast dimensions may be formed from the following calculation. 

 " Light— which travels at the rate of 185,000 miles a second, and could cross our solar system in a little over four 

 hours— would require more than five years to pass from one end of it to the other." 



The following graphic account of the Great Nebula is from the pen of Mr. Norman Lattey : " Far away, 

 floating in the immeasurable depths of infinite space, gleams a tiny patch of luminosity. To the naked eye it looks 

 like a hazy star, and is visible in this country from September to January on clear nights. Astronomers call it the 

 Great Nebula in Andromeda. It is really the immense spirit of a yet unborn universe, whose story of creation 

 has only reached the first chapter, and cannot be concluded for countless centuries. There are, of course, other 

 nebulae in the sky in various stages of evolution ; but they are mostly mere tangled masses of glowing gas, 'shape- 

 less and inert, as yet untouched by the vitalising power of motion which is essential in order that their dead matter 

 may be converted into Hving worlds 



