he consummation by
reason of clinging to the existing opinions of their age.

APPENDIX.

1. (Page 22.) "BRUNO, about the close of the last century, _guessed_ the
fundamental fact of the Nebular Hypothesis, and _Kant reasoned out_ its
foundation idea, and LAPLACE _developed it_."--CORRELATION AND
CONSERVATION OF FORCES.

We have learned to recognize on how very doubtful a basis many of the
received axioms of physical science are founded. This hypothesis has
been received with much unanimity and has firmly held its sway. Yet,
"BRUNO _guessed_ the fundamental fact," and this _figment of the
imagination_ has, for nearly a century, controlled the scientific mind.
Its paralyzing influences have affected other departments of physical
science, and true progress has been obstructed. The attempt to describe
minutely how the spheres were formed millions of years ago is but
presumption.

This hypothesis, from such an origin, unverified and unverifiable, is
too weak to support the superstructure which has been erected upon it.
This hypothesis discarded, it may be presumed that the earth was never
in a fluid or _wholly incandescent state_.

"It may be shown that all nebulae are crowded stellar masses."--HUMBOLDT.

_Action and Retro-action._

2. (Page 25.) "Considering the continued activity of the sun through
countless centuries, we may assume, with mathematical certainty, the
existence of some compensating influence to make good its enormous
loss."--COR. AND CON. OF FORCES.

If the earth receives the benefits of this activity, surely the
"compensating influence" must, in a like degree, go forth from the earth
to the sun. And, furthermore, if this influence (whatever its character)
may pass in the _one_ direction through space without known or visible
means of communication, _retro-action_ may be affected through the same
channel.

_The Earth and all Spheres framed alike._

3. (Page 26.) "The earth belongs to a system of planets analogous to
itself, having the same origin, the same destiny, situated around the
same centre and governed by the same motive power."--FLAMMARIAN.

_Mutual Relations of Earth and Sun._

4. (Page 27.) "A mysterious chain links together the celestial and
terrestrial forces. According to the ancient signification of the
Titanic myth, the powers of organic life, that is to say, the great
order of natur