ormed by the section of a cone by a
plane surface inclined at an angle to the vertical axis of the cone,
greater than the angle between the axis and the generating line.

Now, this is a curve which possesses most attractive properties. It is
the curve which the earth and other planetary orbs describe around the
centre of the solar system, as if nature intended that we should take
this figure as a guide in choosing the most advantageous social system.
It possesses a centre, C, in view of all the particles which compose the
curve, and connected with them by close ties. It has two foci, S and
S', fixed points, by the aid of which we may trace the curve.

In the interpretation of this figure, the centre of the curve represents
the throne of monarchy. There is no tendency here to revolutionize the
State, to banish the ruling power, and institute a Republican form of
government; but inasmuch as we saw the weakness of an absolute monarchy
in large and populous States, as represented by the circle, the wisdom
of an elliptical social system has ordained that there shall be two
foci, or houses of representatives of the people, who shall assist in
regulating the progress of the nation. Here we have a limited monarchy;
the throne is supported by the representatives of the people; and the
nearer these foci of the nation are to the centre (_i.e._, in
mathematical language, the less the _eccentricity_ of the curve), the
more perfect the system becomes--the greater the happiness of the
community.

In cases where the _eccentricity_ becomes very great, the beauty of the
curve is destroyed, and ultimately the ellipse is merged into one
straight line. Most learned Professors, here we have a terrible warning
of the awful result of too much eccentricity. Whether we regard the life
of the nation or of the individual, let all bear in mind this alarming
fact, that eccentricity of thought, habit, or behaviour may result, as
in the case of this unfortunate ellipse, which once presented such fair
and promising proportions to the student's admiring gaze, in the
'sinister effacement of a man,' or the gradual absorption of a State
into an uninteresting thing 'which lies evenly between its extreme
points.'

The great examples of Bacon, of Milton, of Newton, of Locke, and of
others, happen to be directly opposed to the popular inference that
eccentricity and thoughtlessness of conduct are the necessary
accompaniments of talent, and the sure indicat