1876.] 
Sidereal Astronomy. 
59 
Number 
of Stars. 
Simple. 
Multiple. 
Proportion. 
1st magnitude 
18 
13 
5 
S. 
072 
M. 
0’28 
2nd ,, 
59 
44 
15 
073 
0*25 
3rd „ 
180 
136 
44 
076 
0*24 
4th „ 
550 
433 
1x9 
079 
0*21 
807 
628 
179 
076 
0 # 24 
The proportion of the multiple systems to the simple 
stars diminishes gradually with the magnitude, and very 
probably, as we have just explained, partly on account of the 
diminution of brightness of the satellites, and partly owing 
to the less number of observations. We ought, then, to 
consider that we are very near the truth in taking the ave- 
rage of the first three magnitudes for the general average — 
that is to say, 74 simple stars and 26 multiple stars in every 
hundred. Hence we arrive at the following general con- 
clusion : — 
The suns, which constitute the fundamental bases of the 
universe, are either simple suns — like that which illuminates 
us — or systems composed of two or more suns associated together 
by a physical bond. The number of simple suns is greater 
than that of multiple suns. The proportion between the 
two appears to be, in round numbers, 3 to 1. One-fourth of 
the stars of heaven is formed of multiple stars. 
If the universe contains 75 millions of stars from the first 
magnitude to the smallest telescopic magnitude, it is then 
by millions and by tens of millions that we must count the 
multiple stars. Far from being an exception in nature, 
they, on the contrary, play a considerable part in the general 
organisation of the universe. 
V. Multiple and Coloured Suns. 
Our white and solitary sun — our solar system formed of a 
single focus, round which gravitate obedient worlds following 
regular orbits — does not constitute the type and model of 
universal creation. There are multiple suns shining with 
various hues, sometimes varying their colours, sometimes op- 
posing one another, sometimes successively alternating them 
in the same sky ; suns of dissimilar volume and mass, adding 
sometimes in the same direction, sometimes in two contrary 
directions, to drag out of shape the singular orbits of the 
unknown worlds which gravitate under their power. No 
sight is more magnificent than the telescopic contemplation 
of these strange suns. When during the silent night, 
