The universe and the stars, being an original theory on the visible creation, founded on the laws of nature

Front matter

THE

UNIVERSE

AND THB

Preface

OF THli: AMERICAN EDITOR.

Human knowledge appears to have been liable to many eclipses and revivals, from the earliest days to our times. Many discoveries and observations have been made in all ages, forgotten since, and gradually recovered. If v^e now boast of great modern improvements in scientific and mechanical philosophy, we may lament that there is yet ample stores of hidden knowledge to be restored or acquired.

Both Americas were well known to several nations of the Eastern Hemisphere in ancient times, when colonized by them ; but this historical fact was since forgotten for ages ; and has even been deemed doubtful from Columbus time till lately.

Such positive fact is the sad picture of our aberrations and neglect of ancient knowledge, in Religion, Morals, History, Sciences and Arts. Among all the ancient Sciences, that of Astronomy, which was intimately connected with the patriarchal primitive Religion, and Zabeism the corruption of it, had experienced a sad degeneration during many ages; when the Earth was made a plane or convex centre of the Universe, borne on the waters or on the back of a turtle ! It is only at the revival of learning a few centuries ago that this noble science, the best leader to GOD, has been made to assume a new aspect ; altho' partly obscured by the phy-

PREFACE. d

^ical and mathematical superfluities that often encumber it.

Several worthy men deeply impressed with the belief that there is yet much knowledge to be revived, further spread or increased, have formed themselves, this very year 1837, into a free association for the purpose of restoring, spreading and increasing knowledge of all kind and on all topics. This American Institute OF LEARNING although hardly organized as yet, has at the outset already devised or contrived many useful plans, to be gradualy matured and effected. To the members of it will be due the foundation of an Eleutherium of Knowledge or free school of useful knowledge, an extensive mutual library and museum, and the gradual publication of valuable works on all the branches of human knowledge.

The first attempt and step in the last contemplated object, is the publication of this work, in order to revive the highest astronomical knowledge of 100 years ago, that has unaccountably been totaly neglected by the ploding scholars and teachers ever since.

As early as 1734, Thomas Wright of Durham in England Prof of natural philosophy and mathematics, devised two large views of the Celestial Mansions (one 18 feet long, another 9 by 6,) and in 1750 he published the actual valuable work, his original theory of the Universe, in which he states to have formerly published a Clava Celestis or Celestial key (see letter 3d) on the motions of the Planets, Comets and Stars.

The exact title of his theory was — An original theory or new hypothesis of the universe^ found upon the laics of nature^ and solving by mathematical principles the general phe^ nomena of the visible creation ; and particularly the Via Lactea: comprised in nine familiar letters, and illustrateil with upwards of thirty graven and mezzotinto plates by the best masters — By Thomas Wright of Durham — London, printed for the Author, and sold by H. Chapelle in Grosvenor Street, 1750 — one volume thin quarto.

It appears that this work was printed by subscription and in the list of 118 Subscribers, are found the names of many Noblemen, the Dukes of Bedford, Beaufort, Norfolk, Portland, Earls of Jersey and Pembroke, Lords Anson, Cornwallis, North, &c, with many Clergymen and Doctors.

There are 33 fine quarto plates, some of which are highly finished and beautiful, particularly those representing the Galaxy or Milky Way, the Pleiades, Persides &.c. Plate 16, perspective of the visible creation — Plate 31 finite view of the infinity of Starry Systems, and Plate 32, the section of the same.

In the frontispiece there is a large likeness of the Author, with the emblem of Eternity, the snake biting its tail. This picture represents Thomas Wright with very handsome features, and an intellectual forehead that would please the followers of both Lavater and Spurzheim.

We deem those letters quite equal to those of Fontenelle on the plurality of worlds, and Euler's on physical Astronomy : nay, we might venture to claim for them a higher rank yet ; since they dive deeper into infinite space and lead us nearer to the threshold of the central throne of GOD. Their style is not very elaborate nor florid ; but easy and famihar, besides being enlivened by many poetical quotations.

But it is the facts and results, views and deductions they evolve, that mainly deserve our attention. Thus it appears that 87 years ago, many of the later discoveries and surmises of Lambert and Herschell, had been anticipated by this keen observer, altho' we are not aware that they ever referred to him. We find there besides, some peculiar facts and observations not generally known, nor recorded in the annals of science, and we are led by this Author to the most expansive, sublime and religious conception of the Universe or Infinite Creation. This alone would stamp the work with sterling merit and deserves to recomend it to all those who wish to know GOD and his works.

Yet it is probably owing to this very merit, that our worthy Author has met with total neglect at the hands of his blinded countrymen. We have not yet found him quoted any where, and a Philosopher and Astronomer, equal to Plato, Copernic, Newton and Herschell, was to this day nearly unknown, until we found his work, and determined at once to restore him to life and fame, as an earnest of what we may yet do in the great undertaking to restore, spread and increase useful knowledge. Can we begin better, than by unfolding at once the hidden secrets of the everlasting creation of the Heavens? before w^e stoop to our paltry sphere, and the human ants crawling on it for a few years.

We have sought in vain for an account and biography of this worthy sage, in the best English works. He is neither found in Rees Cyclopedia, nor in the general Biographical Dictionary in 15 volumes. We have only found an account of Edward Wright another Astronomer, who died in 1615, and may have been his ancestor ; yet Thomas Wright certainly deserved as much notice. Was this omission wilful or accidental ? However, he lives as yet in this imperishable work, altho' gone to GOD or one of the Heavens, he was allowed to have a glimpse of.

This first American edition of this sublime work, is necessarily imperfect, as we have been compelled to omit the plates ; but this deffect will be obviated at a future period, when we mean to have them engraved and published apart.

We have taken the liberty to modernize the orthography of a few words, which have already undergone an alteration, within less than 100 years : we have also changed the style of printing all substantive nouns with Capitals. As to the notes we have generally inserted them in the text, between brackets. Our own notes to the nine Letters will be added at the end ; they are intended to illustrate some passages, and to point out what really belongs to this Author, or has since been borrowed by others from him.

We hope the American public, or at least the part thereof who are readers, willing to study the highest kind of Lore and lost knowledge, may profit by the perusal of these pages. If they avail themselves of the means therein un^ folded, to expand their souls to the knowledge of GOD, and become good and wise as HE wishes us to be, our aim will be attained.

Philadelphia, May 1st. 1837.

C. S. Rafinesque. Editor.

PREFACE

OF THE AUTHOR

The Author of the following Letters having been flattered into a belief, that they may probably prove of some use, or at least amusement to the world, he has ventured to give them, at the request of his friends, to the public. His chief design wdll be found an attempt to^vards solving the phsenomena of the Via Lactea, and and in consequence of that solution, the framing of a regular and rational theory of the known universe, not before attempted by any. But he is very sensible how difficult a task it is to advance any new doctrine with success, those who have hitherto attempted to propagate astronomical discoveries in all ages, have been but ill rewarded for their labours, though finally they have proved of the greatest benefit and advantage to mankind. This ungrateful lesson we learn from the fate of those ingenious men, who, in ignorant times, have unjustly suffered for their superior knowledge and discoveries; they who first conceived the Earth a ball, were treated only with contempt for their idle and ridiculous supposition, as it w as called ; and he who first attempted to explain the Antipodes, lost his life by it ; but in this age philosophers have nothing to fear of this sort, the great disadvantages attending authors now, are of a widely different nature, arising from the infinite number of pretenders to knowledge in this science, and much is to be apprehended from improper judges, though from real ones nothing ; for nothing is more certain than this, as much as any subject exceeds the common capacity of readers, so much will the work in general be condemned ; the air of knowledge is prone in finding fault, and this vain pretence generally leads people, who have no real foundation for their judgment to argue from, to ridicule what they are too sensible they do not understand. Thus the same disadvantages too often attend both in public and private an exceeding good production equally the same as a very bad one : but the author is not vain enough to think this work without faults, he has rather reason to fear, from the w eakness of his own capacity, that there may be many ; but he hopes the design of the whole will, in some measure, plead for the imperfection of the parts, if the merits of the plan should be found insufficient for his full pardon, in attempting so extensive a subject.

In a system thus naturally tending to propagate the principles of virtue, and vindicate the Laws of Providence, we may indeed say too little, but cannot surely say too much ; and to make any further apology for a work of such nature, vs^here the glory of the Divine Being of course must be the principal object in view, would be too like rendering virtue accountable to vice for any author to expect to benefit by such excuse. The motive which induces us to attempt of any performance where no good reason can be supposed to be given for the omission, or neglect of it, will always be judged an unnecessary promulgation, and consequently every attempt towards the discovery of truth, the enlargement of our minds, and the improvement of our understandings will naturally become a duty. If therefore this undertaking falls short of being instrumental towards the advancing the adoration of the Divine Being in his infinite creation of higher works, and proves unable to answer all objections that may possibly arise against it, yet will its imperfections appear of such a nature to every candid reader, as to afford the Author a sufficient apology for producing them to the world : and it is to be hoped farther, that where a work is entirely upon a new plan, and the beginning, as it were, of a new Science, before unattempted in any language, the Author having dug all his ideas from the mines of nature, is surely intitled to every kind of indulgence.

To those who are weak enough to think that such enquiries as these are over-curious, vain and presumptive, and would willingly, suitable to their own ignorance and comprehension, set bounds to other people's labours, I answer with Mr. Huygens, '' That if our forefathers had been at this rate scrupulous, we might have been ignorant still, of the magnitude and figure of the Earth; or that there was such a place as America: we should not have known that the Moon is enlightened by the Sun's rays, nor what the causes of the eclipses of each of them are ; nor a multitude of other things brought to light by the late discoveries in Astronomy ; for what can a man imagine more abstruse, or less likely to be known, that what is novv as clear as the Sun."

Had we still paid that homage to a name, Which only God and Nature justly claim ; The western seas had been our utmost bound, Where Poets still might dream the sun was drown'd ; And all the stars that shine in southern skies ; Had been admir'd by none but savage eyes.

Dryden.

12 PKErACE.

Besides the nobleness and pleasure of these studies, Wisdom and Morality are naturally advanced, and much benefitted by them, and even religion itself receives a double lustre, "to the confusion of those who w^ould have the earth, and all things formed by the shuffling concourse of atoms, or to be without beginning." In astronomy, as well as in natural philosophy, though we cannot positively affirm every thing we say to be facts and truth, yet in so noble and sublime a study as that of Nature, it is glorious, as Mr. Huygens says, even to arrive at probability.

Notwithstanding then the disadvantages which ever have attended all new discoveries, either through the ignorance of the age, or the universal passion of ridicule in such contented creatures, as can't comprehend, yet ever attacking with a fool-hardy resolution, the advancing ensigns of knowledge, if ignorance was virtue, and wisdom vice ; I say, regardless of this noisy shore, it is sure our duty to spring forward, and explore the secret depths of infinity, and the wonderful hidden truths of this vast ocean of beings. -But how the heavenly bodies were made, when they were made, and what they are made of, and many other things relating to their entity, nature, and utility, seems in our present state not to be within the reach of human philosophy ; but then that they do exist, have final causes, and were ordained for some wise end, is evident beyond a doubt, and in this light most worthy of our contemplation.

He who through vast immensity can pierce,

See worlds on worlds compose one universe,

Observe how system into system runs,

What other planets, and what other suns;

What varied beings peoples ev'ry star ;

May tell why heaven made all things as they are.

Pope,

To expect that so new an hypothesis should meet with universal approbation, would be an unpardonable vanity ; nor is it reasonable every reader should think the Author obliged to remove all his prejudices and partialities, so far as to give him the perfect picture of the universe he likes best. In many cases it would be so far from being better for the world, if all men judged and thought alike, that providence seems rather to have guarded against it as an evil, than any how to have promoted it as a general good : but the following theory regards the whole rather than individuals : and the many worthy Authors cited in the work who have all greatly favored this extensive way of thinking, will, I hope, be a sufficient excuse for forming these obvious conjectures into a theory, especially where so great a problem is attempted as the solution of the Via Lacteal phsenomenon, which has hitherto been looked upon as an insurmountable difficulty. How the Author has succeeded in this point, is a question of no great consequence; he has certainly done his best ; another, no doubt, will do better, and a third perhaps, by some rational hypothesis, may perfect this theory, and reduce the whole to infallible demonstration: The first system of the solar planets was far from a true one, but it led the way to perfection, and the last we can never too much admire. It is well known, that the first system of the planets was also but a conjecture, yet none will deny that it was a happy one.

The discovery of the magnet poles ; the government of the tides ; proportional distance and periods of the planets, &.c. have all their uses, and undoubtedly were designed to be known. Ignorance is the disgrace of mankind, and sinks human nature almost to that of reptiles. Knowledge is its glory and the distinguishing characteristic of rational creatures.

To enquiries of this sort, then sure we may say with 3IiUon, that

The subject is, no doubt, the noblest in nature, and as such, will always merit the attentention of the thinking part of mankind. Men of learning and science, in all ages, have ever made it their pecuhar study. Toward the latter end of the republic, and afterwards in the more peaceable times of Trajan and the Plinys^ we have no reason to doubt but that Astronomy was in the highest reputation : and notwithstanding Greece had been the chief seat of the philosophers, yet may we suppose Rome in those days little inferior in the knowledge of the stars, when we find men of the first figure in life become Authors upon the subject.

[Cicero translated the Phsenomena of Aratus into Latin verse. Julius Caesar, as Pliny relates, wrote of Astronomy in Greek, and is said to have left several books of the motion of the stars behind him, derived from the doctrine of the Egyptians, Ant, Chris, 45. He with Sosigenes reformed the Roman year, which was first invented by Numa Pompilius, Germanicus C^sar also translated Aratus^ Phsenomena into Latin verse Anno Dom, 15. Tiherius and Hadrian are also said to have written on Astronomy.]

We have many instances to shew, that Astronomy was in the greatest repute amongst the ancients of all ranks, and almost every where looked upon as one of the greatest, if not as one of the first qualifications of tlieir best men. As a confirmation of which, we find in the historical accounts of the Argives, a very warm contest betwixt the two sons of Pelops 1205 years before Christy thus testified by Lucian : w hen the Argives, by public consent, had decreed that the kingdom should fall to him of the two, who should manifest himself the most learned in the knowledge of the stars, Thyestes therefore is said to have made known to them, the constellation, or sign of the Zodiack calPd Aries : but Atreus at the same time discovering to them the course of the Sun, with his various rising and setting, demonstrating his motion to be contrary to that of the heavens, diurnal motion of the stars, was thereupon elected king.

[Hence arose the fable of the sun's going backwards in the days of Atreus^ as if struck with abhorrence of his bloody banquet. Vide Ovid^s metamorphosis.]

To recite more of the most eminent patrons and professors of this kind of learning here, will carry me too far from my present purpose ; for farther information therefore, I shall refer the inquisitive reader, to that curious catalogue in Sherhurn's sphere of Manilius, where so many ruling men of all ages and nations swell, and illustrate the number.

[Seven Emperors, nine Kings, and as many sovereign Princes. Charlemagne wrote Ephemerides^ and named the months and winds in High Dutch, 770. Rich, II. <fec.]

In a word, when we look upon the universe as a vast infinity of worlds, acted upon by an eternal agent, and crowded full of beings, all tending through their various states to a final perfection, and reflect upon the many illustrious personages, who have, from time to time^ thought it a kind of duty to become observers, and consequently admirers of this stupendious sphere of primary bodies, and diligent enquirers into the general lav^^s and principles of nature, who can avoid being filled with a kind of enthusiastic ambition, to be acknowledged one of the number, who, as it were, by thus adding his atom to the whole, humbly endeavours to contribute towards the due adoration of its great and divine Author.

I judge it will be quite unnecessary to say any thing about the order of the work, since that would be only a repetition of the table of contents, to which the reader is referred, as to the properest account that can here be given.

LETTER I. Opinions of the most eminent Authors^ whose

Sentiments on the folloicing Subject have

been published in their Worhs,

Sir,

Reflecting upon the agreeable conversation of our last meeting, which you may remember chiefly turned upon the Stars, and the nature of the planetary bodies ; a subject, which is generally allowed to give true pleasure to all those who take delight in mathematical enquiries; and having not a little regard to the repeated request in your late letters : I have at length undertaken to explain to you, as far as I am able, my theory of the Universe^ and the ideas I have formed of the known creation.

The hypothesis upon which this new Astronomy is founded, and now reduced into a regular system, was the result of my Astromomical studies full fifteen years ago, hence I hope you AAill allow, I have more than observed Horace^s celebrated aphorism,

[The first scheme of this hypothesis was planed in the year 1734, representing in a section of the creation, eighteen feet long and one broad, several thousand w orlds and systems, and a great number of emblematical figures, now in the Author's possession, together with a scheme of the entire creation, completed since, nine feet long and six broad, more fully illustrating upon the same construction the innumerability of systems and worlds.]

The subject I have often observed, you have listened to with a pleased attention, and I am the more encouraged to explain it at large to you, as I am persuaded you don't want to be convinced of its valuable uses and importance.

I remember you have often told me, that to apply ourselves to the study of nature, was the surest and readiest way to come at any tolerable kowledge of ourselves, however difficult the task might prove either in the attempt, or the attaining it, and the less to be neglected, as it never fails to introduce a proper knowledge of the Divine Being, as a certain consequence along with it, and such a knowledge, as wjU naturaliy make every man, who has but a tolerable share of common sense, and is not a slave to another's reason, without any other evidence or motive, in all stations, and under all circumstances. Act

JUSTLY, LIVE CHEERFULLY, and DIE full of hopC

in the expectation of a happy sequel, in Fu-^ turity.

Eternity is written in the skies : Mankind's Eternity, nor Faith alone ; Virtue grows there

Dr. Young.

A learned Author on the attributes, recommending these studies as a reasonable and moral service, says, " Sure, it is most becoming such imperfect creatures as we are, to contemplate the works of God with this design, that we may disern the manifestations of wisdom in

LETTER I. 19

them ; and thereby excite in ourselves those devout affections, and that superlative respect, which is the very essence of praise."

Who turns his Eye, on Nature's midnight faee^

But must enquire what hand beliind the scene,

What Arm Almighty, put these wheehng globes In motion, and wound up the vast machine ?

The enchanting idea Milton had of the subjects of Astronomy, whose truly stiblime way of thinking and writing perhaps was never so nearly equalled, or attempted before this reverend Author's Night-Thoughts appeared, is finely shown in the eighth book of his Paradise Lost, where he makes his Adam^ so earnestly attentive to the angel Gabriel, as to cease relating the mysteries of creation.

The Angel ended, and his ^^dam's ear So charming left his voice, that he awhile Thought him still speaking ; still stood fix'd to hear.

Milton^ s own ideas of the universe too, which no doubt he had gathered from astronomical authors, and had reconciled himself to, we are fully made acquainted with in the same book, where the Arch-angel says, in answer to Adam'^s enquiries.

Other Suns perhaps

With their attendant Moons thou wilt descry, Conomunicating male and female light, Which two great sexes animate the world, Stor'd in each orb, perhaps with some that live ; For such vast room in nature, unpossest By living soul, desert and desolate,

Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute Each orb a glimpse of light, convey M to far Down to this habitable, which returns Light back to them, is obvious to dispute.

But before I presume to plan my own discoveries and conjecture into a theory, both in justice to those who have in some measure been in the same way of thinking, and also as a defence of myself for producing so new an hypothesis to the world, which otherwise (though any apology made to you I know will be unnecessary) may appear to too many but an idle Chimera of my own. I judge it will be highly proper, by way of strengthening my own arguments, and adding more weight to what I shall myself advance in the following letters, to give you in this the opinions of the most able writers, whose works I have read upon the subject. I mean so far as relates to the now general received notion that the Stars are all Suns, and surrounded with planetary bodies, with which I shall set out ; and shew you, it is not a thing merely taken for granted, but has ever been the concurrent notion of the learned of all nations, as shall be further shewn, in its proper place, and as nearly as possibility will admit of, demonstrated to be truth.

The following is an extract from Mr. Toland, in his account of the works of Jordanus Bruno.

" The divine efficacy (says this Author in his infinite creation) cannot stand idle, without the want of will or power ; but any imbecillity in such a being argues imperfection, and since any finite produce compared with infinity is as nothing, or rather as the beginning of good, it must be no less idle, and invidious in producing a finite effect, than in producing none at all.

" Hence, as all finites, singly considered, are but as commencements of something more to be expected.

•' Omnipotence, in making the creation finite, will appear to be no less blameable for not being able, to make it otherwise ; i. e, infinite agent upon a finite subject, which is repugnant to reason."

It follows then, that creation must be not only extensively, but intensively indefinite, and beyond the reach of the human understanding to comprehend ; and that the one is as necessary as the other, i, e, an infinite expanse is as reconcileable to our reason, as infinite parts are to our senses.

All the attributes of the Divine Being are, as any one of them, incomprehensible to his creatures ; why should our imagination then be supposed to extend beyond the divine activity ?

" Thus, adds the above Author, the excellency of God is adequately magnified, and the grandeur of his empire made manifest ; he is not glorified in one, but in numberless Suns ; not in one Earth, or in one world, but in ten thousand thousands of infinite Globes."

An infinite representation of an infinite original, and a spectacle befitting the excellency and eminence of him, that can neither be fully conceived, imagined, or comprehended.

What read we here ? th' existence of a God 1 Yes, and of other beings, man above ; Natives of iEther ! sons of higher climes !

Dr. Young.

^ LETTER I.

" If the existence of this one world be good or convenient, it is not less good or convenient that there be infinite others like it.

" The infinite efficient cause vs^ould be absolutely defective, without an infinite effect ; and besides, by conceiving the infinity of the universe and innumerable beings, the understanding rests satisfied, and is reconciled with the idea of an eternity ; whereas,, by asserting the contrary, it is unavoidably plunged into innumerable difficulties, and unsolvable inconveniencies, paradoxes, and absurdities."

Again, says the same writer, " did we but consider and comprehend all this, oh! to what much further considerations and comprehensions should we be carried ! as we might be sure to obtain that happiness by virtue of this science, which in other Sciences is sought after in vain.

This prospect vast, what is it ? weigh'd aright,

*Tis nature's system of divinity,

That every student of the night inspires.

Dr. Young.

'Tis elder Scripture, writ by God's OAvn hand ; Scripture authentic ! uncorrupt by man.

" This then is that philosophy, which opens the senses, which satisfies the mind, which enlarges the understanding, and which leads mankind to the only true beatitude, whereof they are capable according to their natural state and constitution ; for it frees us from the sollicitous pursuit of pleasure, and from the anxious apprehensions of pain, making us to enjoy the good things of the present hour, and not to fear more, than we hope from the future ; since that

LETTER I. 2 J

same Providence, or Fate or Fortune, which causes the vicissitudes of our particular being, will not let us know more of the one, than we are ignorant of the other."

And farther, " From these contemplations, if we do but rightly consider, it will follow, that we ought never to be dispirited by any strange accidents, through excess of fear or pain, nor ever be elated by any prosperous event, through excess of hope or pleasure ; whence we have the path to true morality, and following it, we shall of course become the magnanimous despisers of what men of weak minds fondly esteem, and be wise judges of the history of nature, which would be written in our minds, and consequently be chearful and strict executioners of the divine laws, which would thus be engraved in the center of our hearts. Seeking, as it were, in ourselves, an approbation of our own action, which alone is capable of true content and happiness."