434 
ME. W. HTJGGINS AND DE. W. A. MILLEE ON 
parts of the universe which lie within the range of experiment, and so of our more 
immediate knowledge, renders it not presumptuous to attempt to apply the process of 
reasoning from analogy to those parts of the universe which are more distant from us. 
Upon the earth we find that the innumerable individual requirements which are con- 
nected with the present state of terrestrial activity, are not met by a plan of operation 
distinct for each, but are effected in connexion with the special modifications of a general 
method embracing a wide range of analogous phenomena. If we examine living beings, 
the persistence of unity of plan observable amidst the multiform varieties of special 
adaptation of the vertebrate form of life may be cited as an example of the unity of 
operation referred to. In like manner the remarkably wide range of phenomena which 
are shown to be reciprocally interdependent and correlative of each other, by the recent 
great extension of our knowledge in reference to the relation of the different varieties 
of force and their connexion with molecular motion, exhibits a similar unity of opera- 
tion amidst the changes of the bodies which have not life. 
The observations recorded in this paper seem to afford some proof that a similar unity 
of operation extends through the universe as far as light enables us to have cognizance 
of material objects. For we may infer that the stars, while differing the one from the 
other in the kinds of matter of which they consist, are all constructed upon the same 
plan as our sun, and are composed of matter identical, at least in part, with the mate- 
rials of our system. 
The differences which exist between the stars are of the lower order , of differences of 
particular adaptation, or special modification, and not differences of the higher order of 
distinct plans of structure. 
There is therefore a probability that these stars, which are analogous to our sun in 
structure, fulfil an analogous purpose, and are, like our sun, surrounded by planets, 
which they by their attraction uphold, and by their radiation illuminate and energize. 
And if matter identical with that upon the earth exists in the stars, the same matter 
would also probably be present in the planets genetically connected with them, as is the 
case in our solar system. 
It is remarkable that the elements most widely diffused through the host of stars are 
some of those most closely connected with the constitution of the living organisms of 
our globe, including hydrogen, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Of oxygen and nitrogen 
we could scarcely hope to have any decisive indications, since these bodies have spectra 
of different orders. These forms of elementary matter, when influenced by heat, light, 
and chemical force, all of which we have certain knowledge are radiated from the stars, 
afford some of the most important conditions which we know to be indispensable to the 
existence of living organisms such ‘as those with which we are acquainted. On the 
whole we believe that the foregoing spectrum observations on the stars contribute 
something towards an experimental basis on which a conclusion, hitherto but a pure 
speculation, may rest, viz. that at least the brighter stars are, like our sun, upholding 
and energizing centres of systems of worlds adapted to be the abode of living beings. 
