Publisher's Synopsis
It is with humility really unassumed-it is with a sentiment even of awe-that I pen theopening sentence of this work: for of all conceivable subjects I approach the reader withthe most solemn-the most comprehensive-the most difficult-the most august.What terms shall I find sufficiently simple in their sublimity-sufficiently sublime in theirsimplicity-for the mere enunciation of my theme?I design to speak of the Physical, Metaphysical and Mathematical-of the Material andSpiritual Universe: -of its Essence, its Origin, its Creation, its Present Condition and itsDestiny. I shall be so rash, moreover, as to challenge the conclusions, and thus, in effect, toquestion the sagacity, of many of the greatest and most justly reverenced of men.In the beginning, let me as distinctly as possible announce-not the theorem which I hopeto demonstrate-for, whatever the mathematicians may assert, there is, in this world atleast, no such thing as demonstration-but the ruling idea which, throughout this volume, Ishall be continually endeavoring to suggest.My general proposition, then, is this: -In the Original Unity of the First Thing lies theSecondary Cause of All Things, with the Germ of their Inevitable Annihilation.In illustration of this idea, I propose to take such a survey of the Universe that the mindmay be able really to receive and to perceive an individual impression.He who from the top of Ætna casts his eyes leisurely around, is affected chiefly by theextent and diversity of the scene. Only by a rapid whirling on his heel could he hope tocomprehend the panorama in the sublimity of its oneness. But as, on the summit of Ætna, noman has thought of whirling on his heel, so no man has ever taken into his brain the fulluniqueness of the prospect; and so, again, whatever considerations lie involved in thisuniqueness, have as yet no practical existence for mankind.I do not know a treatise in which a survey of the Universe-using the word in its mostcomprehensive and only legitimate acceptation-is taken at all: -and it may be as wellhere to mention that by the term "Universe," wherever employed without qualification inthis essay, I mean to designate the utmost conceivable expanse of space, with all things, spiritual and material, that can be imagined to exist within the compass of that expanse. Inspeaking of what is ordinarily implied by the expression, "Universe," I shall take a phrase oflimitation-"the Universe of stars." Why this distinction is considered necessary, will beseen in the sequel.
