I am in possession of an 1867 college level astronomy text book.
The following are its final paragraphs before the Appendix in the book which presents a summation of the nature of the universe as a whole as understood in 1867.
379. Structure of the Universe. -- The universe has been supposed, by many modern astronomers, to consist of an infinite number of star-clusters similar to the galaxy, and situated at inconceivably immense distances from it and from each other. In view, however, of the recent discoveries as to the nature of the nebulae proper, this hypothesis can not be considered as established; and the true structure of the universe remains a problem to be solved.
a. The hypothesis alluded to was a deduction from that which supposing every nebula to be resolvable into stars, banished those that seemed irresolvable to the uttermost depths of space. Spectrum analysis having exploded this idea, we are necessarily compelled to discard those extravagant conceptions as to the distance of these visible objects. For, since we can not penetrate to the remotest parts of the galaxy, or resolve every portion of its milky light into stars, there is no reason for believing that those star-clusters, which are readily resolvable, are beyond the confines of our sidereal system; while the fact, already mentioned, that clusters and nebulae are invariably abundant where stars are rare, and as invariably wanting where stars abound, affords presumptive evidence that all these bodies are physically connected with the same great system of the universe of which the galaxy itself is a portion.
b. What other creations occupy the infinitude of space beyond the reach of human vision aided by the utmost efforts of optical and mechanical skill, we can neither know nor perhaps conceive. There is reason for believing that light itself is gradually absorbed and thus extinguished in its journeyings from those remote regions of the universe, long before it could reach our little orb and give us intelligence of the worlds from which it sped. But that the works of God are infinite in extent as they are in perfection and beneficent design, we can not but believe; nor as we contemplate the wonders and glories of the starry heavens - those unfatomable abysses lit up by millions of suns, can we refrain from bowing in adoration and gratitude to Him who has endowed us with the intellectual power (far more wonderous the even those worlds themselves) to discover and survey their vastness and magnificence, and with those moral and spiritual capacities, by the due cultivation of which we may prepare ourselves for an existence in that future world where we shall be enabled, in a far higher degree, to contemplate His power and to understand His infinite wisdom and beneficence.
The following are its final paragraphs before the Appendix in the book which presents a summation of the nature of the universe as a whole as understood in 1867.
379. Structure of the Universe. -- The universe has been supposed, by many modern astronomers, to consist of an infinite number of star-clusters similar to the galaxy, and situated at inconceivably immense distances from it and from each other. In view, however, of the recent discoveries as to the nature of the nebulae proper, this hypothesis can not be considered as established; and the true structure of the universe remains a problem to be solved.
a. The hypothesis alluded to was a deduction from that which supposing every nebula to be resolvable into stars, banished those that seemed irresolvable to the uttermost depths of space. Spectrum analysis having exploded this idea, we are necessarily compelled to discard those extravagant conceptions as to the distance of these visible objects. For, since we can not penetrate to the remotest parts of the galaxy, or resolve every portion of its milky light into stars, there is no reason for believing that those star-clusters, which are readily resolvable, are beyond the confines of our sidereal system; while the fact, already mentioned, that clusters and nebulae are invariably abundant where stars are rare, and as invariably wanting where stars abound, affords presumptive evidence that all these bodies are physically connected with the same great system of the universe of which the galaxy itself is a portion.
b. What other creations occupy the infinitude of space beyond the reach of human vision aided by the utmost efforts of optical and mechanical skill, we can neither know nor perhaps conceive. There is reason for believing that light itself is gradually absorbed and thus extinguished in its journeyings from those remote regions of the universe, long before it could reach our little orb and give us intelligence of the worlds from which it sped. But that the works of God are infinite in extent as they are in perfection and beneficent design, we can not but believe; nor as we contemplate the wonders and glories of the starry heavens - those unfatomable abysses lit up by millions of suns, can we refrain from bowing in adoration and gratitude to Him who has endowed us with the intellectual power (far more wonderous the even those worlds themselves) to discover and survey their vastness and magnificence, and with those moral and spiritual capacities, by the due cultivation of which we may prepare ourselves for an existence in that future world where we shall be enabled, in a far higher degree, to contemplate His power and to understand His infinite wisdom and beneficence.
New Manual
of the
Elements of Astronomy
Descriptive and Mathematical
Comprising
The Latest Discoveries and Theoretic Views
With Directions for the
Use of the Globes, and for Studying the Constellations.
by
Henry Kiddle, A. M.,
Superintendent of the Schools, New York
Ivison, Blakeman & Company
Publishers,
New York and Chicago
Entered, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1867, by
Henry Kiddle
In the Clerk's Office of the District of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
of the
Elements of Astronomy
Descriptive and Mathematical
Comprising
The Latest Discoveries and Theoretic Views
With Directions for the
Use of the Globes, and for Studying the Constellations.
by
Henry Kiddle, A. M.,
Superintendent of the Schools, New York
Ivison, Blakeman & Company
Publishers,
New York and Chicago
Entered, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1867, by
Henry Kiddle
In the Clerk's Office of the District of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
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