284 Dr. Herschei/s Astronomical Observations 
of the nebulous matter in the brighter places will sufficiently 
account for their different degree of shining. 
This way of explaining the observed appearances being 
admitted, it will be proper to enter into an examination of the 
probable cause of the condensation of the nebulous matter. 
Should the necessity for such a condensing cause be thought 
to be admitted upon too slight an induction, a more detailed 
support of it will hereafter be found in the condition of such 
a copious collection of objects, as will establish its existence 
beyond all possibility of doubt.* 
Instead of inquiring after the nature of the cause of the 
condensation of nebulous matter, it would indeed be sufficient 
for the present purpose to call it merely a condensing prin- 
ciple ; but since we are already acquainted with the centripetal 
force of attraction which gives a globular figure to planets, 
keeps them from flying out of their orbits in tangents, and 
makes one star revolve around another, why should we not 
look up to the universal gravitation of matter as the cause of 
every condensation, accumulation, compression, and concen- 
tration of the nebulous matter ? Facts are not wanting to 
prove that such a power has been exerted ; and as I shall 
point out a series of phenomena in the heavens where astro- 
nomers may read in legible characters the manifest vestiges 
of such an exertion, I need not hesitate to proceed in a few 
additional remarks on the consequences that must arise from 
the admission of this attractive principle. 
The nebula, for instance, which has been described at the 
beginning of this article, as containing several bright nuclei, 
has probably so many predominant seats of attraction, arising 
* See Article 24. 
