An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature: And Solving by Mathematical Principles the General Phænomena of the Visible Creation, and Particularly the Via Lactea

Thomas Wright

doi:10.1017/CBO9781107447370

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An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature

An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature

And Solving by Mathematical Principles the General Phænomena of the Visible Creation, and Particularly the Via Lactea

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Thomas Wright

Publisher:: Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:: June 2015
Print publication year:: 2014
First published in:: 1750
Online ISBN:: 9781107447370
DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107447370

Subjects:: History of Science, Physics and Astronomy, Astronomy: General Interest, History, Philosophy and Foundations of Physics, General Science
Series:: Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy

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Although his yeoman father is said to have burnt his books to discourage excessive studiousness, Thomas Wright (1711–86) nevertheless acquired considerable knowledge in the fields of mathematics, navigation and astronomy. Later benefitting from the patronage of wealthy families, he also surveyed estates, designed gardens, and tutored aristocrats. He is best known, however, for his contribution to astronomy: this illustrated work of 1750 was his most famous publication. Written in the form of nine letters, the book quotes both poets and scientists in the opening discussion as Wright sets out to fuse, rather than separate, science and religion. Combining his observations of the Milky Way with his theological belief in a universe of perfect order, he notes, among other things, that our galaxy appears to be disc-shaped. While largely ignored by contemporary astronomers, Wright's ideas can be seen as a forerunner to more sophisticated conceptions of our galaxy's configuration.

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An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature

And Solving by Mathematical Principles the General Phænomena of the Visible Creation, and Particularly the Via Lactea

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Frontmatter
pp i-ii

PREFACE
pp iii-viii

Contents
pp ix-x

A LIST OF THE SUBSCRIBERS
pp xi-xii

LETTER THE FIRST - concerning the Opinions of the most eminent Authors whose Sentiments upon this Subject have been published in their Works
pp 1-8

LETTER THE SECOND - Concerning the Nature of Mathematical Certainty, and the various Degrees of Moral Probability proper for Conjecture
pp 9-17

LETTER THE THIRD - Concerning the Nature, Magnitude, and Motion of the Planetary Bodies round the Sun
pp 18-26

LETTER THE FOURTH - Of the Nature of the heavenly Bodies continued, with the Opinions of the Antients concerning the Sun and Stars
pp 27-36

LETTER THE FIFTH - Of the Order, Distance, and Multiplicity of the Stars, the Via Lactea, and Extent of the visible Creation
pp 37-47

LETTER THE SIXTH - Of General Motion amongst the Stars, the Plurality of Systems, and Innumerability of World
pp 48-57

LETTER THE SEVENTH - The Hypothesis, or Theory, fully explained and demonstrated, proving the side real Creation to be finite
pp 58-66

LETTER THE EIGHTH - Of Time and Space, with regard to the known Objects of Immensity and Duration
pp 67-76

LETTER THE NINTH - Reflections, by way of General Scolia, of Consequences relating to the Immortality of the Soul, and concerning Infinity and Eternity
pp 77-84

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An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature

And Solving by Mathematical Principles the General Phænomena of the Visible Creation, and Particularly the Via Lactea

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