Wichita eagle., 1890-03-02
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.
From the supplement to the Edin burgh
Journal Of Science

In this unusual addition to our journal
we have the happiness of making known TO
the British public, and thence 10 the whole
civilized world, recent discoveries in astron-
omy which VIII build an imperishahle monu-
ment to the age in which we live, and confer
upon the present generation of the human
race proud distinction through all future
time. 1t has been POLITICALLY said that the
stars OF heaven are the hereditary regalia of
man as the intellectual sovereign of the ami
NAL creation. He may now fold the zodiac
around him with q loftier consciousness of
his mental supremacy.
1t is impossible to contemplate any great
astronomical discovery without feelings
closely allied 10 a sensation of awe. and
nearly akin to those with which departed
spirit may be supposed 70 discover the reali-
ties of u future state Bound by the irrevo-
cable laws Of nature to the globe on which
we live, creatures ''ciose shut up in Infinite
expanse," it seems like acquiring a fearful
supernatural power when any remote mvs-
terious works Of the Creator Weld tribute TO
our curiosity.
II seems almost @ presumptuous usurpation
Of powers denied Us by the divine viii when
man, in the pride and confidence of his skill,
steps forth, far beyond the apparently natural
boundary of his privileges, and demands the
secrets and familiar fellowship of other
worlds. We are assured that when the i'm
mortal philosopher TO whom mankind is in
debted for the thrilling wonders now first
made known had at length adjusted his new
and stupeudous apparatus with certainty Of
SUCCESS, he solemnly paused several hours be-
fore he commenced his observations, that he
T-p eit,Jf
which he knew would fl the minds OF mvri-
ads % his fellow men with astoniShnent, and
secure his name bright, if not transcendent
conjunction with that OF his venerable father
TO all posterity. And we'll might he pause
From the hour the first human pair opened
their eyes TO the glories of the blue armament
above them, there has been 10 accession 10
human knowledge at ali comparable in sub
lime interest TO that which he has been the
honored agent in supplying: and ne are taught
10 believe that, when work alrea.iv nrepar-
ing for the press, IN which his discoveries are
e-.Sodied in detail, shall be laid before the
public, they viii be found of uncomfortable
Importance 70 some Of the granGest opera
tons of civilized life.
To render our enthusiasm inteiEgibe we
viii state at oEce that by means of 4 tele-
principle, The younger Herschel. at dis obsezv-
Htory in the southern hemisphere, has al
ready MADE the most extraordinary discov-
cries in every planet of our solar system; has
discovered planets in other solar systems: has
obtained n distinct view of objects in the
moon, fully equal to that which the unaided
aye commands of terrestrial objects al the dis
tance of hundred yards; has stflr1uativeiy
settled the question whether this satellite be
inhabited, snd by what order O. beings: has
firmly established a new theory Of colnotary
pAenomela, and has solved or corrected near
~ every leading problem of mathematical
astronomy.
For Our early aad almost exclusive iafor-
nation concerning these facts we are indsbt-
hd TO the devoted friendship OF Dr. Andrew
Grant, the pupil o. the older, and Tor several
years past the insapSr2ble coadjutor of the
younger AeTsche! The n-nGrrensis OF the |
latter at the Cape OF Good Hepo. and the IN
'aefatisahle s;1TNriRte7den- ~ his telesco-s
during tbs whole period Of Is construction
aud operation, Dr.. Grant has been eaahlel r |
supply us with intelligence equal. in genera
interest 1t Least TO thai which d.. Ue-s-be, /
himself has transmitted 10 TIE Rovpi society
Indeed our correspondent assures US that RI
Foiunlnous documents now before commit |
tee Of that iI.Ssl ration contSin uttse more TIA,
details and mathematical illustrations Of IN,
iacfs cofcnUnirate6 20 Us in his own aInpl. |
correspondence. For permission To indui- |
Sss friendship & communicating tHis iuvalu !