The Limits of Astronomical Observation
It is not the true scientist who is so sure of everything as it is the man who jumps at the mere suggestions or hypothetical suggestions of scientists. For instance, with all the great telescopes and other instruments, but little comparatively has been done. As Mr. Garrett P. Serviss expresses it: “When we consider the facts of astronomy we perceive that the observers have hardly yet won the first battle. There is not yet a telescope in existence that is able to reveal a single one of the myriad worlds which we have reason to believe revolve in the light of the stars. . . . There are stars in the heavens thousands of times greater in actual brightness than our sun, but the mightiest of telescopes is unable to bring them near enough to show their disks.” And he further tells us that the telescopes will have to be built on a new plan before greater results in these directions may be expected.