The Sun's Place in Nature:¹I

Abstract

WHEN, in 1886, it became my duty to give a course of lectures here, I thought it advisable to deal with the sun and stars, not with reference specially to solar physics, but in order to give a general idea of two important lines of work which were running then nearly parallel to each other, and promised soon to meet, with the greatest benefit to science. Only a very little was said in those lectures touching the relation of stars to nebulæ, and the various views which have been held time out of mind with regard to the special nature of both these classes of celestial bodies. Such questions, however, have always had the greatest interest for mankind, for those at all events among us who like to know something about the universe in which our lot is cast. No dividends, unfortunately or fortunately, depend upon the discussion or even the application of any branches of inquiry which are necessary in order to make progress along the lines of thought thus opened up; scant attention is paid to them by educational bodies, for they lead to no profession; but in spite of that, some of the noblest triumphs of the human mind have been made in that region where man finds himself face to face with the mysteries of the distant heavens.