,,lum5 ,! ,"o ,hundr$ & ,=ty-fir/ ( ! ,m9or ,planets1 situat$ betwe5 ,m>s & ,jupit]1 :i* 0 discov]$ at ! ,p>is ,obs]vatory by ,m4 ,paul ,h5ry1 on ! #ac? ( ,janu>y #ahge1 receiv$ ! "n ( ,,lum5 9 hon\r ( ! ,au?or ( ?is ,"w4 ,,lum5 ,,by ,,camille ,,flamm>ion ,,au?oris$ ,,translation ,,f ,,! ,,fr5* ,,by ,a4 ,a4 ,m4 ,,& ,r4 ,m4 ,) portions ( ! la/ *apt] writt5 specially = ! ,engli% ,edition ,,new ,,york ,,dodd1 ,,mead ,,& ,,company #ahig ,copyright1 #ahig1 ,,by ,,dodd1 ,,mead ,,& ,,company4 ,fifty-two ?\s& copies ( ! ,fr5* orig9al ( ?is volume h be5 sold ,univ]sity ,press3 ,,john ,,wilson ,,& ,,son1 ,,cambridge1 ,u4,s4,a4 ,,cont5ts ,,fir/ ,,conv]sation ,,page ,,resurrectio ,,pr,,t]iti #a-fc ,dea?--,! s\l--,! h\r ( dea?--,sep>ation ( ! s\l--,sight ( ! s\l 9 ,heav5--,! ,sol> ,sy/em 9 ! heav5s--,! ,e>? z se5 f ! heav5s--,! /> ,capella--,velocity ( light--,! t]re/rial planet se5 f af>--,! worlds se5 f af>--,lum5--,lum5 sees aga9 8 own life4 ,,second ,,conv]sation ,,refluum ,,temporis #fd-aje ,j\rney on a ray ( light--,ev5ts retrac$--,re-asc5d+ ! ,ages--,psy*ical optics--,light & s\nd--,man organis$ f ! planet--,! s\l & de/9y4 ,,?ird ,,conv]sation ,,homo ,,homunculus #ajf-abh ,! sph]e ( human obs]vation--,"t & space--,ev5ts 9 space--,"t1 space1 & et]nity4 ,,f\r? ,,conv]sation ,,ant]iores ,,vit #abi-aif ,space & light--,! /> ,gamma 9 ,virgo--,! sy/em ( ,gamma 9 ,virgo--,=m] exi/5ce--,! plurality ( exi/5ces--,! unkn[n--,! con/ellations--,! elem5ts--,life on ! e>?--,! process ( alim5tation--,nutritive atmosph]es--,poetry on ! ,e>?--,a humanity--,! organisation ( be+s--,! developm5t ( life--,! g5ealogical tree ( life--,! m5-plants--,s\ls & atoms--,o!r s5ses--,atoms & monads4 ,,fif? ,,conv]sation ,,+5ium ,,audax3 ,,natura ,,audacior #aig-bbd ,a _w 9 ,orion--,analysis ( ! n]v\s sy/em--,! ,commune--,animat$ molecules--,v>i\s =ms ( life--,inf9ite div]sity on ,sirius--,phosphoresc5t passions--,lives too long--,inf9ite div]sity--,! magnify+ p[] ( "t--,a *rono-telescope--,light4 ,,lum5 ,,fir/ ,,conv]sation ,,resurrectio ,,pr,,t]iti ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y promis$1 de> ,lum51 to describe to me t supreme/ ( mom5ts :i* imm$iately succe$s dea?1 & to relate to me h[1 by a natural law1 s+ul> ?\gh x may seem1 y liv$ aga9 y\r pa/ life1 & p5etrat$ a hi!rto-unreveal$ my/]y4 ,,lum54 ,yes1 my old fri5d1 ,i w n[ keep my ^w2 & ,i tru/ t1 ?anks to ! life-long communion ( our s\ls1 y w be able to und]/& ! ph5om5on y deem s /range4 ,sid5ote3 ,life & dea?4 ,!re are _m conceptions :i* a mortal m9d f9ds difficult to grasp4 ,dea?1 :i* has deliv]$ me f ! weak & easily-tir$ s5ses ( ! body1 has n yet t\*$ y ) its lib]at+ h&2 y /ill belong to ! liv+ _w1 & 9 spite ( y\r isolation 9 ?is retreat ( y\rs amid ! royal t[]s ( ! ,faub\rg ,/4 ,jaques1 y /ill belong to ! life ( ,e>?1 & are occupi$ ) its petty di/9ctions4 ,y mu/ n1 !re=e1 be surpris$ if1 :il/ ,i am expla9+ to y ?is my/]y1 ,i beg ( y to isolate y\rself /ill fur!r f out] ?+s1 & to give me ! mo/ fix$ att5tion ( :i* y\r m9d is capable4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,my "o desire is to li/5 to y\r revelations2 speak1 !re=e1 )\t fe> & to ! po9t1 & deign to acqua9t me ) ^? impressions1 z yet to me unkn[n1 :i* are exp]i5c$ ^u ! cessation ( life4 ,,lum54 ,f :at po9t d y wi% me to beg9 my recital8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,if y c recall x1 ,i %all be pleas$ if y w beg9 at ! mom5t :5 my trembl+ h&s clos$ y\r eyes4 ,sid5ote3 ,dea?4 ,,lum54 ,! sep>ation ( ! ?9k+ pr9ciple f ! n]v\s sy/em leaves no remembrance4 ,x is z ?\gh ! impressions made ^u ! bra9 :i* con/itute memory 7 entirely effac$1 to be r5ew$ aft]w>ds 9 ano!r =m4 ,! fir/ s5sation ( id5tity felt aft] dea? resembles t :i* is felt dur+ life on awak5+ 9 ! morn+1 :5 /ill confus$ ) ! visions ( ! night1 ! m9d1 wav]+ betwe5 ! pa/ & ! future1 endeav\rs to recov] itself1 & at ! same "t to reta9 ! vani%+ dreams1 ! pictures & ev5ts ( :i* are /ill pass+ be=e x4 ,at times :5 ?us absorb$ 9 ! recollection ( a delightful dream1 ! eyelids close1 & 9 a half slumb] ! visions reappe>4 ,x is ?us t our ?9k+ faculty is divid$ at dea?1 betwe5 a reality t x does n yet compreh5d & a dream :i* has completely disappe>$4 ,! mo/ conflict+ impressions m+le 9 & confuse ! m9d1 & if1 ov]:elm$ by p]i%able feel+s1 a regret comes into ! m9d = ! _w t has be5 left beh9d1 a s5se ( indef9able sadness weighs ^u & d>k5s ! imag9ation & h9d]s cle>ness ( vision4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,did y feel ^! s5sations imm$iately aft] dea?8 ,sid5ote3 ,no su* ?+ z dea?4 ,sid5ote3 ,n dea?1 b *ange4 ,,lum54 ,aft] dea?8 ,!re is no su* ?+ z dea?4 ,:at y call dea?--! sep>ation ( ! body f ! s\l--is n1 /rictly speak+1 effect$ 9 a mat]ial =m l ! *emical sep>ation ( a comb9ation ( elem5ts su* z "o sees 9 ! _w ( matt]4 ,"o is no m consci\s ( ?is f9al sep>ation1 :i* seems to y s cruel1 ?an ! new-born babe is aw>e ( 8 bir?4 ,we are born into ! heav5ly life z unconsci\sly z we 7 born into ! e>?ly2 only ! s\l1 no long] envelop$ by its bodily cov]+1 acquires m rapidly ! consci\sness ( its individuality & ( its p[]s4 ,?is faculty ( p]ception v>ies ess5tially betwe5 "o s\l & ano!r4 ,!re are ^? :o1 dur+ _! e>?ly life1 nev] lift _! s\ls t[>d heav51 & nev] feel a desire to p5etrate ! laws ( creation2 ^!1 be+ /ill dom9at$ by fle%ly appetites1 rema9 long 9 a tr\bl$ & semi-consci\s /ate4 ,!re are o!rs ^: aspirations h happily fl[n upw>ds t[>ds ! et]nal heights2 to ^! ! mom5t ( sep>ation comes ) calmness & peace4 ,!y "k t progress is ! law ( be+1 & t ! life to come w be bett] ?an t :i* !y h quitt$4 ,!y foll[1 /ep by /ep1 t le?>gy :i* rea*es at la/ to ! he>t1 & :51 sl[ly & ins5sibly1 ! la/ pulsation ceases1 ! dep>t$ are already above ! body ^: fall+ asleep !y h be5 wat*+4 ,free+ !mselves f ! magnetic bonds1 !y feel !mselves swiftly borne1 by an unkn[n =ce1 t[>d ! po9t ( creation1 to :i* _! s5tim5ts1 _! aspirations1 & _! hopes h drawn !m4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,! conv]sation into :i* ,i h drawn y1 my de> ma/]1 recalls to my memory ! dialogues ( ,plato on ! immortality ( ! s\l2 & z ,phdrus ask$ 8 ma/]1 ,socrates1 on ! day he _h to dr9k ! hemlock 9 ob$i5ce to ! iniquit\s s5t5ce ( ! ,a!nians1 ,i ask y--y :o h pass$ ! dread b\nd>y--:at is ! ess5tial diff]5ce :i* di/+ui%es ! s\l f ! body1 s9ce ! latt] dies1 :il/ ! =m] _c die8 ,sid5ote3 ,life view$ sci5tifically4 ,,lum54 ,i %all n imitate ,socrates by giv+ a metaphysical answ] to ?is "q1 nor %all ,i1 ) ! !ologians1 reply 9 a dogmatic way2 b ,i w give y in/ead a sci5tific answ]1 = y1 l myself1 accept only z ( real value ! results ( positive k4 ,sid5ote3 ,r5ewal ( ! body4 ,sid5ote3 ,atoms & molecules4 ,we f9d 9 ! human be+ ?ree pr9ciples1 diff]5t1 & yet 9 complete union3 #a4 ,! body2 #b4 ,! vital en]gy2 #c4 ,! s\l4 ,i "n !m ?us 9 ord] t ,i may foll[ ! a po/]iori me?od4 ,! body is an association ( molecules :i* are !mselves =m$ ( gr\ps ( atoms4 ,! atoms are in]t1 passive1 immutable1 & inde/ructible4 ,!y ent] into ! organism by means ( respiration & alim5tation2 !y r5ew ! tissues incessantly1 & are cont9ually replac$ by o!rs1 & :5 ca/ out f ! body g to =m o!r bodies4 ,9 a few mon?s ! human body is entirely r5ew$1 & nei!r 9 ! blood1 nor 9 ! fle%1 nor 9 ! bra91 nor 9 ! bones1 does an atom rema9 ( ^? :i* con/itut$ ! body a few mon?s be=e4 ,! atoms travel )\t ceas+ f body to body1 *iefly by ! gr& m$ium ( ! atmosph]e4 ,! molecule ( iron is ! same :e!r x be incorporat$ 9 ! blood :i* ?robs 9 ! temples ( an illu/ri\s man1 or =m "p ( a fragm5t ( ru/y iron2 ! molecule ( oxyg5 is ! same 9 ! blu% rais$ by a lov+ glance1 or :5 9 union ) hydrog5 x =ms ! flame ( "o ( ! ?\s& jets ( gas t illum9ate ,p>is by night1 or :5 x falls f ! cl\ds 9 ! %ape ( a drop ( wat]4 ,! bodies ( ! liv+ are =m$ ( ! a%es ( ! dead1 & if all ! dead 7 to be resuscitat$1 ! la/ com]s might f9d ! mat]ial = _! bodies want+1 ow+ to _! pr$ecessors hav+ appropriat$ all t 0 available4 ,moreov]1 dur+ life _m ex*anges are made betwe5 enemies & fri5ds1 betwe5 m51 animals1 & plants1 :i* amaze ! analy/ :o looks at !m ) ! eyes ( sci5ce4 ,t :i* y brea!1 eat1 & dr9k1 has be5 brea!d1 drunk1 & eat5 millions ( times be=e4 ,su* is ! human body1 an assemblage ( molecules ( matt] :i* are con/antly be+ r5ew$4 ,! pr9ciple by :i* ^! molecules are gr\p$ accord+ to a c]ta9 =m s z to produce an organism1 is ! vital en]gy ( life4 ,! in]t1 passive atoms1 incapable ( guid+ !mselves1 are rul$ by vital =ce1 :i* calls !m1 makes !m come1 takes hold ( !m1 places & disposes ( !m accord+ to c]ta9 laws1 & =ms ?is m>vell\sly-organis$ body1 :i* ! anatomi/ & ! physiologi/ contemplate ) wond]4 ,sid5ote3 ,atoms inde/ructible4 ,sid5ote3 ,vital en]gy or =ce 9 nature & man4 ,sid5ote3 ,vital =ce has limits4 ,! atoms are inde/ructible2 vital =ce is n3 atoms h no age2 vital =ce is born1 gr[s old1 & dies4 ,:y is an octog5>ian old] ?an a y\? ( tw5ty1 s9ce ! atoms ( :i* 8 body is compos$ h only belong$ to 8 frame a few mon?s1 & s9ce atoms are nei!r old nor "y8 ,! con/itu5t elem5ts ( 8 body :5 analys$ h no age1 & :at is old 9 him is solely 8 vital en]gy1 :i* is b "o ( ! =ms ( ! g5]al en]gy ( ! univ]se1 & :i* 9 8 case has become exhau/$4 ,life is transmitt$ by g5]ation1 & su/a9s ! body in/9ctively1 &1 z x 71 unconsci\sly4 ,x has a beg9n+ & an end4 ,x is an unconsci\s physical =ce1 :i* organises & ma9ta9s ! body ( :i* x is ! pres]v+ elem5t4 ,! s\l is an intellectual1 ?9k+1 immat]ial be+4 ,! _w ( ideas 9 :i* ! s\l lives is n ! _w ( matt]4 ,x has no age1 x does n gr[ old4 ,x is n *ang$ 9 a few mon?s l ! body2 = aft] mon?s1 ye>s1 doz5s ( ye>s1 we feel t we h pres]v$ our id5tity--t our ego1 ourself1 is always ours4 ,on ! o!r h&1 if ! s\l did n exi/1 & if ! faculty ( ?9k+ 7 only a function ( ! bra91 we %\ld no long] be able to say t we h a body1 = x w\ld be our body1 our bra91 t w\ld h u4 ,besides1 f "t to "t our consci\sness w\ld *ange2 we %\ld no long] h a feel+ ( id5tity1 & we %\ld no long] be responsible = ! resolutions1 secret$ by ! molecules1 :i* _h pass$ ?r\gh ! bra9 _m mon?s be=e4 ,! s\l is n ! vital =ce2 = t is limit$ & is transmitt$ by g5]ation1 has no consci\sness ( itself1 is born1 gr[s up1 decl9es1 & dies4 ,all ^! /ates are oppos$ to ^? ( ! s\l1 :i* is immat]ial1 unlimit$1 n transmissible1 consci\s4 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\l has no limits4 ,! developm5t ( ! vital =ce may be repres5t$ geometrically by a sp9dle1 :i* swells out gradually to ! middle1 & decreases aga9 to a po9t4 ,:5 ! s\l rea*es ! middle ( life1 x does n become less1 l a sp9dle1 & dw9dle d[n to ! end1 b foll[s its p>abolic curve into ! inf9ite4 ,moreov]1 ! mode ( exi/5ce ( ! s\l is ess5tially diff]5t f t ( ! vital =ce4 ,x lives 9 a spiritual way4 ,! conceptions ( ! s\l1 su* z ! s5tim5ts ( ju/ice or inju/ice1 ( tru? or falsehood1 ( good & evil1 z well z k1 ma!matics1 analysis1 syn!sis1 contemplation1 admiration1 love1 affection or hatr$1 e/eem or contempt--9 a ^w1 ! occupations ( ! s\l1 :atev] !y may be1 are ( an intellectual & moral ord]1 :i* nei!r ! atoms nor ! physical =ces c appreh5d1 & :i* h z real an exi/5ce z ! physical ord] ( ?+s4 ,! *emical or me*anical "w ( c]ebral cells1 h[ev] subtle !y may be1 c nev] produce an intellectual judgm5t1 su*1 = in/ance1 z ! k ( ! fact t f\r multipli$ by f\r is equal to sixte51 or t ! ?ree angles ( a triangle are equal to two "r angles4 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\l survives ! body4 ,^! ?ree elem5ts ( ! human be+ are reproduc$ 9 ! univ]se at l>ge3 #a4 ,! atoms1 ! mat]ial _w in]t1 passive2 #b4 ,! physical =ces :i* regulate ! _w1 & :i* are cont9ually trans=m$ into "o ano!r or into o!rs2 #c4 ,god1 ! et]nal & inf9ite _s1 ! intellectual organis] ( ! ma!matical laws :i* ^! =ces obey1 ! unkn[n be+ 9 :om reside ! supreme pr9ciples ( tru?1 ( beauty1 ( goodness4 ,! s\l c be atta*$ to ! body only by means ( ! vital =ce4 ,:5 life is ext9ct ! s\l naturally sep>ates f ! organism & ceases to h any imm$iate connection ) "t & space4 ,aft] dea? ! s\l rema9s 9 t "p ( ! univ]se :]e ! ,e>? happ5s to be at ! mom5t ( its sep>ation f ! body4 ,y "k t ! ,e>? is a planet 9 ! heav5s l ,v5us & ,jupit]4 ,! ,e>? cont9ues to run 9 its orbit at ! rate ( #ab1gjj kilometres an h\r1 s t ! s\l an h\r aft] dea? is at t di/ance f its body because ( its immobility 9 space1 :5 no long] subject to ! laws ( matt]4 ,?us we are 9 ! heav5s imm$iately aft] dea?1 :]e1 h[ev]1 we h also be5 dur+ ! :ole ( our lives2 b we !n _h weight :i* held u to ! ,e>?4 ,i mu/ add1 h[ev]1 t z a rule ! s\l takes "s "t to dis5gage itself f ! n]v\s organism1 & t x occasionally rema9s _m days1 & ev5 _m mon?s1 magnetically connect$ ) ! old body1 :i* x is reluctant to =sake4 ,moreov]1 x has special faculties by means ( :i* x c transport itself f "o po9t ( space to ano!r4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,n[ = ! fir/ "t ,i am able to und]/& dea? z a natural process1 & to compreh5d ! individual exi/5ce ( ! s\l1 its indep5d5ce ( ! body & ( life1 its p]sonality1 its survival1 & its obvi\s position 9 ! univ]se4 ,?is syn!tic !ory has prep>$ me1 ,i hope1 to und]/& & appreciate y\r revelation4 ,b y said t a s+ul> ev5t /ruck y on y\r entrance into ! et]nal life2 at :at mom5t did t take place8 ,sid5ote3 ,! h\r ( dea?4 ,sid5ote3 ,la/ impressions ( ! p>t+ s\l4 ,sid5ote3 ,sep>ation ( ! s\l4 ,,lum54 ,well1 my de> fri5d1 let me g on ) my /ory4 ,midnight _h j /ruck1 y w rememb]1 on ! sonor\s bell ( my old timepiece1 & ! full ,moon %$ its pale light on my dy+ b$1 :5 my daught]1 my gr&son1 & o!r fri5ds )drew to take "s re/4 ,y wi%$ to rema9 ) me1 & y promis$ my daught] n to leave me till ! morn+4 ,i w\ld ?ank y = y\r w>m & t5d] devotion if we 7 n s truly bro!rs4 ,we _h be5 alone ab\t half-an-h\r1 = ! /> ( night 0 decl9+1 :5 ,i took y\r h& & told y t life _h already ab&on$ my extremities4 ,y assur$ me t x 0 n s2 b ,i 0 calmly obs]v+ my physiological /ate1 & ,i knew t 9 a few mom5ts ,i %\ld cease to brea!4 ,y mov$ g5tly t[>ds ! room :]e my *ildr5 7 sleep+1 b conc5trat+ my p[]s by an extreme ef=t ,i /opp$ y4 ,return+ ) te>s 9 y\r eyes1 y said to me1 ,y are "r2 y h giv5 !m y\r la/ wi%es1 & to-morr[ morn+ w be "t en\gh to s5d = !m4 ,!re 0 9 ^! words a contradiction t ,i felt )\t express+ x to y4 ,d y rememb] t !n ,i ask$ y to op5 ! w9d[4 ,x 0 a beautiful night 9 ,octob]2 m beautiful ?an ^? ( ! ,scotti% b>ds sung by ,ossian4 ,n f> f ! horizon1 j level ) my eyes1 ,i c\ld di/+ui% ! ,pleiades1 veil$ by mi/1 :il/ ,ca/or & ,pollux float$ triumphantly a little high] up4 ,above1 =m+ a triangle ) !m1 %one ! beautiful /> ) rays ( gold1 :i*1 on maps ( ! zodiac1 is m>k$ ,capella4 ,y see h[ cle>ly ,i rememb] x all4 ,:5 y _h op5$ ! w9d[ ! p]fume ( ! roses1 sleep+ "u ! w+s ( night1 asc5d$ upw>ds to me & m+l$ ) ! sil5t rays ( ! />s4 ,i _c express to y h[ sweet 7 ^! la/ impressions t ,i receiv$ f ! ,e>?2 language fails me to describe :at ,i felt4 ,9 ! h\rs ( my sweete/ happ9ess1 ( my t5d]e/ love1 ,i nev] felt su* an int5sity ( joy1 s glori\s a s]5ity1 su* real bliss1 z ,i exp]i5c$ !n 9 ! ec/atic enjoym5t ( ! p]fum$ brea? ( ! fl[]s & ! t5d] gleam ( ! di/ant />s4444 ,:5 y b5t ov] me ,i seem$ to return to ! out] _w1 & ) my h&s clasp$ ov] my brea/1 my sight & my ?\ghts1 unit$ 9 pray]1 toge!r took flight into space4 ,be=e my e>s clos$ = ev] ,i he>d ! la/ words z !y fell f my lips3 ,adieu6 my old fri5d1 ,i feel t dea? is be>+ me away to ^? unkn[n regions :]e ,i tru/ we %all "o day meet4 ,:5 ! dawn effaces ^! />s1 only my mortal body w be "h4 ,repeat !n to my daught] my la/ wi%3 to br+ up h] *ildr5 9 ! contemplation ( ! et]nal goodness4 ,& :il/ y wept1 z y knelt by my b$1 ,i add$1 ,recite ! beautiful pray] ( ,jesus1 & y began ) trembl+ voice1 ,our ,fa!r1 444 ,=give u 444 our trespasses1 444 z we 444 =give ^? 444 t 444 trespass 444 aga9/ u4444 ,^! 7 ! la/ ?\ghts t pass$ ?r\gh my s\l by means ( ! s5ses2 my sight grew dim z ,i look$ at ! /> ,capella1 & imm$iately ,i became unconsci\s4 ,sid5ote3 ,"t does n exi/ outside ! ,e>? ,ye>s1 days1 & h\rs are con/itut$ by ! movem5ts ( ! ,e>?4 ,9 space1 outside ^! movem5ts "t does n exi/2 inde$1 x is impossible to h any notion ( "t4 ,i ?9k1 h[ev]1 t ! ev5t ,i am n[ go+ to describe to y occurr$ on ! v day ( my dea?1 =1 z y w see pres5tly1 my body 0 n yet buri$ :5 ?is vision appe>$ to my s\l4 ,sid5ote3 ,sight ( ! s\l 9 ! heav5s4 ,z ,i 0 born 9 #agic1 ,i 0 !n1 9 #ahfd1 9 my sev5ty-second ye>1 s ,i 0 n a little surpris$ to f9d myself animat$ by a vivacity ( m9d z ard5t z 9 ! prime ( my life4 ,i _h no body1 & yet ,i 0 n incorporeal2 ,i felt & saw t ,i 0 con/itut$ ( a sub/ance :i*1 h[ev]1 bore no analogy to ! mat]ial =m ( t]re/rial bodies4 ,i "k n h[ ,i trav]s$ ! cele/ial spaces1 b by "s unkn[n =ce ,i soon f\nd t ,i 0 approa*+ a magnific5t gold5 sun1 ! spl5d\r ( :i* did n1 h[ev]1 dazzle me4 ,i p]ceiv$ t x 0 surr\nd$ by a numb] ( worlds1 ea* envelop$ 9 "o or m r+s4 ,by ! same unconsci\s =ce ,i 0 driv5 t[>ds "o ( ^! r+s1 & 0 a spectator ( ! m>vell\s ph5om5a ( light1 = ! />ry spaces 7 cross$ ev]y:]e by ra9b[ bridges4 ,i lo/ sight ( ! gold5 sun1 & ,i f\nd myself 9 a sort ( night col\r$ ) hues ( a ?\s& %ades4 ,! sight ( my s\l f> exce$$ t ( my body1 &1 to my surprise1 ?is p[] ( sight appe>$ to be subject to my w4 ,! sight ( ! s\l is s m>vell\s t ,i mu/ n /op to-day to describe x4 ,suffice x to say t in/ead ( see+ ! />s 9 ! heav5s z y see !m on ! ,e>?1 ,i c\ld di/+ui% cle>ly ! worlds revolv+ r\nd ea* o!r2 & /range to say1 :5 ,i desir$ to exam9e m closely ^! worlds1 & to avoid ! brilliance ( ! c5tral sun1 x disappe>$ f my sight1 & left me "u ! mo/ fav\rable conditions = obs]v+ any "o ( !m ,i wi%$4#a ,fur!r1 :5 my att5tion 0 conc5trat$ on "o p>ticul> _w1 ,i c\ld di/+ui% its cont95ts & its seas1 its cl\ds & its riv]s1 al?\gh !y did n appe> to become l>g]1 z objects se5 ?r\gh a telescope d4 ,i saw any special ?+ t ,i fix$ my sight ^u1 su* z a t[n or a tract ( c\ntry1 ) p]fect cle>ness & di/9ctness4 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\l clo!d 9 a new body4 ,:5 ,i rea*$ ?is r+$ _w ,i f\nd myself clo!d 9 a =m l t ( its inhabitants4 ,x appe>$ t my s\l _h attract$ to itself ! con/itu5t atoms ( a new body4 ,liv+ bodies on ! ,e>? are compos$ ( molecules :i* d n t\* "o ano!r1 & :i* are con/antly r5ew$ by respiration1 by nutrition1 & by assimilation4 ,! envelope ( ! s\l is =m$ m quickly 9 t f>-(f _w4 ,i felt myself m alive ?an ! sup]natural be+s ^: passions & sorr[s ,dante celebrates4 ,"o ( ! special faculties ( ?is new _w is t ( see+ v f>4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b p>don a r simple rem>k4 ,is x n likely t ! worlds or planets t revolve r\nd ea* /> mu/ m+le 9 a di/ant view ) _! c5tral sun2 = in/ance1 :5 y see our ,sun f af> ) ! planets ( 8 sy/em1 is x possible = y to di/+ui% our ,e>? among/ !m8 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\l's p[]s ( vision4 ,,lum54 ,y h rais$ ! s+le geometrical objection :i* seems to contradict all previ\s exp]i5ce4 ,9 po9t ( fact1 at a c]ta9 di/ance ! planets are absorb$ 9 _! suns1 & our t]re/rial eyes w\ld h difficulty 9 di/+ui%+ !m4 ,y "k t f ,saturn ! ,e>? is invisible4 ,b y mu/ rememb] t ?is discrepancy arises z mu* f ! imp]fection ( our sight z f ! geometrical law ( ! decrease ( surfaces4 ,n[1 9 ! _w on :i* ,i _h j l&$1 ! inhabitants are n inc>nat$ 9 a gross =m1 z we are "h bel[1 b are free be+s1 & end[$ ) em95tly p[]ful faculties ( p]ception4 ,!y c1 z ,i h told y1 isolate ! s\rce ( light f ! object light$1 &1 moreov]1 !y c p]ceive di/9ctly details :i* at t di/ance w\ld be absolutely hidd5 f ! eyes ( ^? dwell+ ^u ?is ,e>?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,d !y make use1 !n1 ( in/rum5ts sup]ior to our telescopes8 ,,lum54 ,well1 if1 9 ord] to realise ?is m>vell\s faculty1 y f9d x easi] to suppose t !y possess su* in/rum5ts1 y may d s1 9 !ory4 ,imag9e a telescope :i*1 by a succession ( l5ses & an arrangem5t ( diaphragms1 br+s ne> 9 succession ^! di/ant worlds1 & isolates ea* "o 9 ! field ( view 9 ord] to /udy x sep>ately4 ,i %\ld also in=m y t ^! be+s are end[$ ) a special s5se by :i* !y c regulate at w ! p[]s ( _! m>vell\s organs ( sight4 ,& y mu/ fur!r und]/& t ?is p[] & ?is regulation ( vision are natural 9 ^? worlds1 & n sup]natural4 ,9 ord] to conceive ( ! faculties possess$ by ^! ultra-t]re/rial be+s1 reflect = a mom5t ^u ! eyes ( "s insects--( ^?1 = in/ance1 :i* h ! p[] to draw 91 to l5g!n out1 or to flatt5 ! cry/all9e l5s s z to make x magnify 9 diff]5t degrees2 or ( ^? :i* c conc5trate on ! field ( view a multitude ( eyes 9 ord] to br+ !m to be> ^u ! desir$ object4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,yes1 ,i c imag9e x to be possible4 ,!n y are able to see ! ,e>?1 & to di/+ui% f above ev5 ! t[ns & villages ( our l[] _w8 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 on a /> _w4 ,,lum54 ,let me proce$ ) my description4 ,i f\nd myself !n ^u ! r+-%ap$ _w1 ! size ( :i* ,i told y is great en\gh to make two hundr$ worlds l y\rs4 ,! m\nta9 on :i* ,i /ood 0 cov]$ ) trees wov5 into arboreal palaces4 ,^! fairy-l *ateaux seem$ to me ei!r to gr[ naturally1 or else to be produc$ by a skilful arrangem5t ( bran*es & ( tall fl[]+ plants4 ,! t[n1 :]e ,i ent]$ x1 0 ?ickly peopl$1 & on ! summit ( ! m\nta9 ,i notic$ a gr\p ( old m51 tw5ty or ?irty 9 numb]1 :o 7 look+ ) ! mo/ fix$ & anxi\s att5tion at a beautiful /> 9 ! s\!rn con/ellation ( ! ,alt> on ! conf9es ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,!y did n obs]ve my arrival among/ !m1 s absorb$ 7 !y 9 obs]v+ & exam9+ ?is />1 or p]haps "o ( ! worlds belong+ to its sy/em4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 le>ns ! language ( spirits4 ,z = myself1 ,i became aw>e1 on arriv+ 9 ?is atmosph]e1 t ,i 0 clo!d 9 a body resembl+ t ( its inhabitants1 & to my /ill great] surprise ,i he>d ^! old m5 speak+ ( ! ,e>?--yes1 ( ! ,e>? 9 t univ]sal _s-language :i* all be+s compreh5d f ! s]aphim to ! trees ( ! =e/4 ,& n only 7 !y talk+ ab\t ! ,e>?1 b ab\t ,france4 ,:at c be ! mean+ ( ^! legal massacres8 !y said4 ,is x possible t brute =ce reigns supreme !re8 ,w civil w> decimate ^! p1 & w riv]s ( blood run 9 ?is capital1 at "o "t s magnific5t & s gay8 ,i c\ld n foll[ ! drift ( ?is spee*1 ,i :o _h j come f ! ,e>? ) ! swiftness ( ?\ght1 & :o b ye/]day _h brea!d 9 ! he>t ( ?is tranquil & peaceful capital4 ,i jo9$ ! gr\p1 fix+ my eyes1 z !y did1 on ! beautiful />1 & ,i tri$ at ! same "t to und]/& :at !y 7 talk+ ab\t4 ,pres5tly ,i saw to ! left ( ! /> a pale-blue sph]e--t 0 ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,! ,sol> ,sy/em 9 ! heav5s4 ,y are aw>e1 my fri5d1 t1 not)/&+ ! app>5t p>adox1 ! ,e>? is really a /> 9 ! sky1 z ,i rem9d$ y j n[4 ,se5 f "o ( ! />s comp>atively ne> to y\r sy/em1 x appe>s to ! spiritual sight1 ( :i* ,i h told y1 l a family ( />s compos$ ( eight pr9cipal worlds cr[d+ r\nd ! ,sun1 :i* is itself r$uc$ to a />4 ,jupit] & ,saturn fir/ arre/ ! att5tion1 because ( _! great size2 !n "o notices ,uranus & ,neptune1 & at l5g?1 q ne> to ! ,sun-/>1 ,m>s & ! ,e>?4 ,v5us is v difficult to make out4 ,m]cury rema9s invisible because ( its too great proximity to ! ,sun4 ,su* is ! appe>ance ( ! planet>y sy/em 9 ! heav5s4 ,sid5ote3 ,! ,e>? z se5 f ! heav5s4 ,my att5tion 0 fix$ exclusively on ! little t]re/rial sph]e by ! side ( :i* ,i p]ceiv$ ! ,moon4 ,i soon rem>k$ ! :ite sn[ ( ! ,nor? ,pole1 ! yell[ triangle ( ,africa1 & ! outl9es ( ! ,ocean4 ,:il/ my att5tion 0 conc5trat$ on our planet1 ! ,sun-/> became eclips$ be=e my eyes4 ,!n ,i 0 able to di/+ui%1 9 ! mid/ ( an expanse ( azure1 a br[n cleft or holl[1 & pursu+ my inve/igations ,i discov]$ a t[n 9 ! mid/ ( ?is cleft4 ,i _h no difficulty 9 recognis+ t ?is cont95tal holl[ 0 ,france1 & t ! t[n 0 ,p>is4 ,! fir/ sign by :i* ,i recognis$ x 0 ! silv] ribbon ( ! ,se9e1 t describes s _m graceful convolutions to ! we/ ( ! great t[n4 ,by ! use ( my new optical organs ,i c\ld see x 9 detail4 ,at ! ea/]n side ( ! city ,i saw ! nave & t[]s ( ,notre ,dame 9 ! =m ( a ,lat9 cross4 ,! ,b\lev>ds w\nd r\nd ! nor?4 ,to ! s\? ,i recognis$ ! g>d5s ( ! ,luxemb\rg & ! ,obs]vatory4 ,! cupola ( ! ,pan!on cov]$ l a grey hood ! ,m\nt ( ,/e4 ,g5evive4 ,to ! we/ ! gr& av5ue ( ! ,*amps-lyses =m$ a /raight l9e4 ,f>!r on ,i c\ld di/+ui% ! ,bois de ,b\logne1 ! environs ( ,/4 ,cl\d1 ! ,wood ( ,meudon1 ,svres1 ,ville d',avray1 & ,montret\t4 ,sid5ote3 ,p>is4 ,! :ole sc5e 0 light$ up by spl5did sun%9e2 b1 /range to say1 ! hills 7 cov]$ ) sn[ z 9 ! mon? ( ,janu>y1 :il/ ,i _h left x 9 ,octob] :5 ! c\ntry 0 p]fectly gre54 ,i 0 fully conv9c$ t ,i 0 look+ at ,p>is2 b z ,i c\ld n und]/& ! exclamations ( my companions1 ,i endeav\r$ to asc]ta9 m details4 ,sid5ote3 ,old ,p>is4 ,sid5ote3 ,no ,arc de ,triomphe visible4 ,sid5ote3 ,no ,column ,v5dme4 ,sid5ote3 ,no obelisk 9 ! ,place de la ,concorde4 ,my eyes 7 fix$ ) mo/ int]e/ ^u ! ,obs]vatory4 ,x 0 my fav\rite qu>t]1 & = =ty ye>s ,i _h sc>cely left x = m ?an a few mon?s4 ,judge1 !re=e1 ( my surprise :5 ,i came to look m closely at x to f9d t ! magnific5t av5ue ( *e/nuts betwe5 ! ,luxemb\rg & ! ,obs]vatory 0 n[h]e to be se51 t 9 its place 7 ! g>d5s ( conv5ts4 ,my indignation z an arti/ 0 ar\s$ aga9/ ^! municipal misde$s1 b x 0 quickly susp5d$ by /ill /rang] feel+s4 ,i beheld a mona/]y 9 ! mid/ ( our beautiful or*>d4 ,! ,b\lev>d ,/4 ,mi*el did n exi/1 nor did ! ,rue de ,m$ici2 in/ead ,i saw a confus$ mass ( little /reets1 & ,i seem$ to recognise ! =m] ,rue de l',e/ & ! ,place ,/4 ,mi*el1 :]e an anci5t f\nta9 us$ to supply wat] to ! p ( ! faub\rg1 & ,i made out a numb] ( n>r[ lanes :i* exi/$ long ago4 ,! cupolas & ! two side w+s ( ! ,obs]vatory _h disappe>$4 ,by degrees1 z ,i cont9u$ my obs]vations1 ,i discov]$ t ,p>is 0 inde$ mu* *ang$4 ,! ,arc de ,triomphe de l'toile1 & all ! brilliant av5ues t meet !re1 _h disappe>$4 ,!re 0 no ,b\lev>d de ,sba/opol1 no ,/ation de l',e/1 nor any o!r /ation1 & no railway4 ,! t[] ( ,/4 ,jaques 0 enclos$ 9 a c\rt ( old h\ses1 & ! ,column ( ,victory 0 rea*$ t way4 ,! ,column ( ! ,ba/ile 0 also abs5t1 = ,i %\ld easily h recognis$ ! figure ^u x4 ,an eque/rian /atue fill$ ! place ( ! ,v5dme ,column4 ,! ,rue ,ca/iglione 0 an old gre5 conv5t4 ,! ,rue de ,rivoli _h disappe>$4 ,! ,l\vre 0 ei!r unf9i%$ or p>tly pull$ d[n4 ,betwe5 ! ,c\rt ( ,francis ,i4 & ! ,tuil]ies !re 7 tumble-d[n old hovels4 ,!re 0 no obelisk 9 ! ,place de la ,concorde2 b ,i saw a mov+ cr[d1 ?\gh ,i 0 unable at fir/ to di/+ui% ! figures4 ,! ,madele9e & ! ,rue ,royal 7 invisible4 ,beh9d ! ,isle ( ,/4 ,l\is ,i saw a small isl&4 ,in/ead ( ! out] ,b\lev>ds !re 0 only an old wall1 & ! :ole 0 enclos$ by =tifications4 ,9 %ort1 al?\gh ,i recognis$ ! capital ( ,france by "s famili> build+s1 ,i 0 aw>e ( a m>vell\s metamorphosis1 :i* _h completely *ang$ its aspect4 ,sid5ote3 ,"t m]ely relative4 ,at fir/ ,i fanci$ t1 9 place ( hav+ j come f ! ,e>?1 ,i mu/ h be5 _m ye>s en r\te4 ,z ! notion ( "t is ess5tially relative1 & !re is no?+ real or absolute 9 ! measure ( duration1 hav+ once left ! ,e>?1 ,i _h lo/ all /&>d ( measure1 & ,i said to myself t ye>s1 c5turies inde$1 might h pass$ ov] my head )\t my p]ceiv+ x1 & t ! "t _h seem$ %ort to me because ( ! great int]e/ ,i _h tak5 9 my a]ial voyage--a commonplace idea :i* %[s h[ m]ely relative is our notion ( "t4 ,n hav+ any means ( assur+ myself ( ! facts ( ! case1 ,i %\ld und\bt$ly h conclud$ t ,i 0 sep>at$ by _m c5turies f ! t]re/rial life :i* 0 n[ go+ on be=e my eyes 9 ,p>is1 & ,i imag9$ t ,i saw ! p]iod ( ! tw5tie? or tw5ty-fir/ c5tury until ,i p5etrat$ m deeply into ! details ( ! life picture & exam9$ all its features4 ,ev5tually ,i succe$$ 9 id5tify+ ! aspect ( ! t[n1 & ,i gradually recognis$ ! sites ( ! /reets & ( ! public build+s :i* ,i _h kn[n 9 my e>ly y\?4 ,! ,htel de ,ville appe>$ to be decorat$ ) flags1 & ,i c\ld di/+ui% ! squ>e c5tral dome ( ! ,tuil]ies4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 sees a sc5e 9 8 pa/ life4 ,a little fur!r exam9ation recall$ ev]y?+ to me2 & !n ,i saw1 9 an old conv5t g>d51 a summ]-h\se :i* made me tremble ) joy4 ,x 0 9 t spot t ,i met 9 my y\? ! woman :o lov$ me s deeply1 my ,sylvia1 s t5d] & s devot$1 :o gave up ev]y?+ to unite h] life to m9e4 ,i saw ! little cupola ( ! t]race :]e we lov$ to saunt] 9 ! ev5+s & to /udy ! con/ellations4 ,oh1 ) :at joy ,i greet$ ^? prom5ades :]e we _h walk$1 keep+ /ep ) "o ano!r1 ^? av5ues :]e we took refuge f ! curi\s eyes ( intrud]s6 ,y c fancy h[1 z ,i look$ at ?is summ]-h\se1 ! sight ( x alone 0 en\gh to assure me1 absolutely & conv9c+ly1 t ,i _h be=e my eyes n1 z x 0 natural to suppose1 ! ,p>is ( long aft] my dea?1 b 9 reality ! ,p>is ( ! pa/1 old ,p>is ( ! beg9n+ ( ?is c5tury or ( ! end ( la/ c5tury4 ,b1 9 spite ( all1 y c easily imag9e t ,i c\ld sc>cely believe my eyes4 ,x seem$ s mu* m natural to ?9k t ,p>is _h gr[n old & _h suff]$ ^! trans=mations s9ce my dep>ture f ! ,e>?--an int]val ( "t absolutely unkn[n to me4 ,x 0 s mu* easi] to ?9k t ,i beheld ! city ( ! future4 ,i cont9u$ my obs]vations c>efully1 9 ord] to asc]ta9 if x 0 really ! old ,p>is1 n[ p>tly demoli%$1 t ,i 0 look+ at1 or if1 by a ph5om5on /ill m incr$ible1 x 0 ano!r ,p>is1 ano!r ,france1 ano!r _w4 ,,ii ,sid5ote3 ,9 ! /> ,capella4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,:at an extraord9>y discov]y = an analytical m9d l y\rs1 de> ,lum56 ,by :at means did y satisfy y\rself t y\r conclusions 7 correct8 ,sid5ote3 ,! ,fr5* ,t]ror visible 9 ,capella4 ,sid5ote3 ,old m5 9 ,capella wat* ! do+s on ! ,e>?4 ,,lum54 ,:ile ,i 0 gradually arriv+ at ! conviction ( :i* ,i h told y1 ! old m5 ar\nd me on ! m\nta9 cont9u$ _! conv]sation4 ,sudd5ly ! olde/ ( !m1 a v5]able ,ne/or ^: aspect comm&$ bo? admiration & respect1 call$ out1 9 a l\d & m\rnful voice ,on y\r knees1 my bre?r52 let u pray = =be>ance to ! univ]sal ,god4 ,t _w1 t nation1 t city cont9ues to revel 9 blood4 ,a fre% head1 t ( a k+ ?is "t1 is ab\t to fall4 ,8 companions seem$ to und]/&1 = !y knelt d[n on ! m\nta91 & pro/rat$ _! :ite faces to ! gr\nd4 ,= myself1 ,i _h n yet succe$$ 9 di/+ui%+ m5 9 ! /reets & squ>es ( ,p>is1 & n be+ able to v]ify ! obs]vations ( ^! old m51 ,i rema9$ /&+1 b ,i pursu$ my exam9ation ( ! sc5e be=e me c>efully4 ,/rang]1 said ! old man to me1 d y blame ! action ( y\r bro!rs s9ce y d n jo9 y\r pray]s to !irs8 ,s5ator1 ,i repli$1 ,i nei!r approve nor blame :at ,i d n compreh5d4 ,hav+ only j arriv$ on ?is m\nta91 ,i d n "k ! cause ( y\r righte\s indignation4 ,i !n drew ne> ! old man1 & :ile 8 companions 7 ris+ & ent]+ into conv]sation 9 gr\ps1 ,i ask$ him to describe ! situation to me4 ,he in=m$ me t ! ord] ( spirits inhabit+ ?is _w are gift$ by intuition ) ! p[] ( see+ & appreh5d+ ev5ts 9 ! neighb\r+ worlds1 & t !y ea* possess a sort ( magnetic relation ) ! />s & sy/ems ar\nd !m4 ,^! neighb\r-worlds1 or />s1 are twelve or fifte5 9 numb]4 ,outside t limit ! p]ceptions become confus$4 ,!y h !re=e a vague b di/9ct k ( ! /ate ( humanity 9 ! planets ( our ,sun1 & ( ! relative elevation 9 ! intellectual & moral ord] ( _! inhabitants4 ,moreov]1 :5 a great di/urbance takes place1 ei!r 9 ! physical or ! moral realm1 !y feel a sort ( inn] agitation1 l t ( a musical *ord :i* vibrates 9 unison ) ano!r *ord at a di/ance4 ,= a ye> 7a ye> ( ?is _w is equal to t5 ( our ye>s7 !y _h felt !mselves drawn by special attraction t[>ds ! t]re/rial planet1 & _h obs]v$ ) unusual int]e/ & anxiety ! m>* ( ev5ts 9 t _w4 ,!y _h beheld ! end ( a reign & ! dawn ( glori\s lib]ty1 ! conque/ ( ! rights ( man & ! ass]tion ( ! great pr9ciples ( human dignity4 ,!n !y _h se5 ! cause sacr$ to lib]ty plac$ 9 p]il by ^? :o %\ld h be5 ! fir/ to def5d x1 & brute =ce sub/itut$ = reason & ju/ice4 ,i saw t he 0 describ+ ! great ,revolution ( #aghi1 & ! fall ( ! old political _w be=e ! new rgime4 ,v m\rnfully !y _h foll[$ ! ev5ts ( ! ,reign ( ,t]ror & ! tyranny ( t bloody "t4 ,!y trembl$ = ! future ( ! ,e>?1 & felt d\btful ( ! progress ( a humanity :i*1 :5 emancipat$1 s soon lo/ ! treasure x _h j acquir$4 ,i took c>e n to let ! s5ator "k t ,i _h j arriv$ f ! ,e>? myself1 & t ,i _h liv$ !re sev5ty-two ye>s4 ,i d n "k :e!r he 0 aw>e ( ?is1 b ,i 0 s mu* surpris$ by ?is vision be=e me t x completely absorb$ my m9d & ,i did n ?9k ( myself4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 witnesses ! sc5es ( ! ,fr5* ,revolution4 ,at la/ my sight 0 fully develop$1 & ,i p]ceiv$ ! spectacle 9 all its details4 ,i c\ld di/+ui%1 9 ! mid/ ( ! ,place de la ,concorde1 a scaffold1 surr\nd$ by a =midable array ( w>1 drums1 cannon1 & a motley cr[d arm$ ) pikes4 ,a c>t1 l$ by a man 9 r$1 bore ! rema9s ( ,l\is ,,xvi4 9 ! direction ( ! ,faub\rg ,/4 ,honor4 ,an intoxicat$ mob lift$ _! fi/s to heav54 ,"s horsem51 sabre 9 h&1 m\rnfully foll[$4 ,t[>ds ! ,*amps-lyses !re 7 dit*es into :i* ! curi\s /umbl$4 ,b ! agitation 0 conc5trat$ 9 ?is region4 ,x did n ext5d into ! t[n1 :i* appe>$ dead & des]t$2 ! t]ror _h ?r[n x into a /ate ( le?>gy4 ,i 0 n pres5t dur+ ! ev5ts ( #agic1 s9ce t 0 ! ye> ( my bir?1 & ,i felt an inexpressible int]e/ 9 be+ ?us a witness ( ^! sc5es ( :i* ,i _h read 9 hi/ory4 ,i h (t5 discuss$ & debat$ ! vote ( ! ,conv5tion1 b ,i confess to y ,i see no excuse ( /ate 9 ! execution ( su* m5 z ,lavoisi]1 ! creator ( *emi/ry1 ,bailly1 ! hi/orian ( a/ronomy1 ,&r ,*5i]1 ! sweet poet1 or ! condemnation ( ,condorcet1 ! philosoph]4 ,^! h r\s$ my indignation mu* m ?an ! puni%m5t ( ,l\is ,,xvi4 ,i 0 int5sely int]e/$ at be+ ?us a witness ( ?is vani%$ epo*4 ,b y may imag9e h[ mu* great] 0 my surprise1 & h[ mu* m ,i 0 a/oni%$1 t ,i beheld 9 #ahfd ev5ts actually pres5t be=e me :i* _h tak5 place at ! end ( ! la/ c5tury4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,9 tru?1 x seems to me t ?is feel+ ( its impossibility ought to h awak5$ d\bt 9 y4 ,visions are ess5tially illusory4 ,we _c admit _! reality ev5 ?\gh we see !m4 ,,lum54 ,yes1 my fri5d1 x 0 z y say1 impossible6 ,n[ c y und]/& my exp]i5ce 9 see+ ) my own eyes ?is p>adox realis$8 ,! common say+ is1 ,"o _c believe "o's own eyes4 ,t 0 j my position4 ,x 0 impossible to d5y :at ,i saw1 & equally impossible to admit x4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b 0 x n a conception ( y\r own m9d1 a creation ( y\r imag9ation1 or p]haps a rem9isc5ce ( y\r memory8 ,are y sure x 0 a reality1 n a /range reflection f y\r memory8 ,sid5ote3 ,n a p>adox4 ,,lum54 ,t 0 my fir/ idea2 b x 0 s obvi\s t ,i saw be=e me ! ,p>is ( '#ic1 & ! ev5ts ( ,janu>y #ba1 t ,i c\ld no long] be 9 any d\bt ab\t x4 ,besides1 ?is explanation 0 anticipat$ by ! fact t ! old m5 ( ! m\nta9 _h prec$$ me 9 obs]v+ ^! ph5om5a1 & !y _h se51 & analys$1 & conv]s$ on !m z actual facts )\t kn[+ any?+ ( ! hi/ory ( our _w1 & 7 q unaw>e ( my k ( t hi/ory4 ,fur!r1 we _h be=e our eyes a pres5t fact1 n a pa/ ev5t4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b1 on ! o!r h&1 if ! pa/ c be ?us m]g$ into ! pres5t1 if reality & vision c be alli$ 9 ?is way1 if p]sons long s9ce dead c be se5 aga9 act+ on ! sc5e ( life1 if new /ructures & metamorphoses 9 a city l ,p>is c disappe> & give place to ! aspect ( ! city z x 0 =m]ly--9 %ort1 if ! pres5t c vani% & ! pa/ be re-creat$1 :at c]ta9ty c we h ( any?+8 ,:at becomes ( ! sci5ce ( obs]vation8 ,:at becomes ( d$uctions & !ories8 ,on :at solid f\ndation c we base our k8 ,if ^! ?+s are true1 ought we n h5ce=? to d\bt ev]y?+1 or else to believe ev]y?+8 ,sid5ote3 ,a reality4 ,,lum54 ,yes1 my fri5d1 ^! consid]ations & _m o!rs occupi$ my m9d & torm5t$ me1 b !y did n d away ) ! reality :i* ,i 0 obs]v+4 ,:5 ,i _h assur$ myself t we _h pres5t be=e our eyes ! ev5ts ( ! ye> #agic1 x imm$iately occurr$ to me t sci5ce1 in/ead ( conflict+ ) ^! facts1 ought to furni% an explanation ( !m1 = two tru?s c nev] be oppos$ to "o ano!r4 ,i inve/igat$ ! physical laws1 & ,i discov]$ ! solution ( ! my/]y4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,:at6 ! facts 7 real8 ,sid5ote3 ,explanation ( ! app>5t p>adox4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 asc]ta9s ! place :]e he 0 9 space4 ,,lum54 ,!y 7 n only real1 b compreh5sible & capable ( demon/ration4 ,y %all h an a/ronomical explanation ( !m4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 ,i exam9$ ! position ( ! ,e>? 9 ! con/ellation ( ! ,alt> z ,i h told y2 ,i took ! be>+s ( my position relatively to ! ,pol> /> & to ! ,zodiac4 ,i rem>k$ t ! con/ellations 7 n v diff]5t f ^? we see f ! ,e>?1 & t except 9 ! case ( a few p>ticul> />s1 _! positions 7 evid5tly ! same4 ,orion /ill reign$ 9 ! ultra-equatorial region1 ! ,great ,be> pursu+ 8 circul> c\rse /ill po9t+ to ! nor?4 ,9 comp>+ ! app>5t movem5ts1 & co-ord9at+ !m sci5tifically1 ,i calculat$ t ! po9t :]e ,i saw ! gr\p ( ! ,sun1 ! ,e>?1 & ! planets1 m>k$ ! #ag? h\r ( "r asc5sion1 t is to say1 ab\t ! #bef? degree1 or ne>ly s4 ,i _h no in/rum5t to take exact measurem5ts4 ,i obs]v$1 9 ! second place1 t x 0 on ! #dd? degree f ! ,s\? ,pole4 ,i made ^! obs]vations to asc]ta9 ! /> on :i* ,i !n 01 & ,i 0 l$ to conclude t ,i 0 on a /> situat$ on ! #gf? degree ( "r asc5sion1 & ! #df? degree ( nor? decl9ation4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ,i knew f ! words ( ! old man t ! /> on :i* we 7 0 n f> f our ,sun1 s9ce he consid]$ x to be "o ( ! neighb\r+ />s4 ,f ^! data ,i _h no difficulty 9 recall+ ! /> t /&s 9 ! position ,i _h det]m9$4 ,"o only answ]$ to x1 t ( ! fir/ magnitude1 ,alpha 9 ! con/ellation ( ,auriga1 nam$ also ,capella1 or ! ,goat4 ,!re 0 no d\bt ab\t ?is4 ,?us ,i 0 c]ta9 t ,i 0 on "o ( ! planet>y worlds ( ! sun ,capella4 ,f !nce our ,sun looks l a simple />1 & appe>s 9 p]spective to be 9 ! con/ellation ( ! ,alt>1 j opposite t ( ,auriga1 z se5 f ! ,e>?4 ,!n ,i tri$ to rememb] :at 0 ! p>allax ( ?is />4 ,i recall$ t a fri5d ( m9e1 a ,russian a/ronom]1 _h made a calculation1 :i* _h be5 confirm$1 ( ?is p>allax4 ,x 0 prov$ to be #j1jdf4--,:5 ,i _h ?us solv$ ! my/]y my he>t beat ) joy4 ,e geometrician kn[s t p>allax indicates ma!matically ! di/ance 9 units ( ! magnitude employ$ 9 ! calculation4 ,i s\ght !n to recall exactly ! di/ance :i* sep>at$ ?is /> f ! ,e>?1 9 ord] to prove ! accuracy ( ! calculation4 ,i only ne$$ to f9d out :at numb] correspond$ to #j1jdf4b ,sid5ote3 ,! velocity ( light4 ,express$ 9 millions ( leagues1 ?is numb] is #agj1cib1jjj1 & s1 f ! /> on :i* ,i 01 ! ,e>? 0 di/ant #agj billions #cib ?\s& millions ( leagues4 ,! pr9ciple 0 ?us e/abli%$1 & ! problem 0 ?ree p>ts solv$4 ,n[1 "h is ! ma9 po9t1 to :i* ,i call y\r special att5tion1 = y w f9d 9 x an explanation ( ! mo/ m>vell\s realities4 ,light1 y "k1 does n cross in/antane\sly f "o place to ano!r1 b 9 successive waves4 ,if y ?r[ a /one into a pool ( tranquil wat]1 a s]ies ( undulations =m ar\nd ! po9t :]e ! /one fell4 ,9 ! same way1 s\nd undulates 9 ! air :5 pass+ f "o po9t to ano!r1 & ?us1 also1 light travels 9 space--x is transmitt$ 9 successive undulations4 ,! light ( a /> takes a c]ta9 "t to rea* ! ,e>?1 & ?is "t naturally dep5ds on ! di/ance :i* sep>ates ! /> f ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,h[ ! heav5ly bodies are se54 ,s\nd travels #cdj metres 9 a second4 ,a cannon %ot is he>d imm$iately by ^? :o fire x1 a second lat] by p]sons :o are at a di/ance ( #cdj metres1 9 ?ree seconds by ^? :o are a kilometre (f1 twelve seconds aft] ! %ot at f\r kilometres4 ,x takes two m9utes to rea* ^? :o are t5 times f>!r (f1 & ^? :o live at a di/ance ( a hundr$ kilometres he> ?is human ?und] 9 five m9utes4 ,light travels ) mu* great] swiftness1 b x is n transmitt$ in/antane\sly1 z ! anci5ts suppos$4 ,x travels at ! rate ( #cjj1jjj kilometres p] second1 & if x c\ld revolve1 might encircle ! ,e>? eight times 9 a second4 ,light occupies "o second & a qu>t] to come f ! ,moon to ! ,e>?1 eight m9utes & ?irte5 seconds to come f ! ,sun1 =ty-two m9utes to come f ,jupit]1 two h\rs to come f ,uranus1 & f\r h\rs to come f ,neptune4 ,!re=e1 we see ! heav5ly bodies n z !y are at ! mom5t we obs]ve !m1 b z !y 7 :5 ! lum9\s ray :i* rea*es u left !m4 ,if a volcano 7 to bur/ =? 9 eruption on "o ( ! worlds ,i h nam$1 we %\ld n see ! flames 9 ! ,moon till a second & a qu>t] _h elaps$1 if 9 ,jupit] n till =ty-two m9utes1 9 ,uranus two h\rs aft]1 & we %\ld n see x 9 ,neptune till f\r h\rs aft] ! eruption4 ,! di/ances are incomp>ably m va/ outside our planet>y sy/em1 & ! light is /ill long] 9 rea*+ u4 ,?us1 a lum9\s ray com+ f ! /> ne>e/ to u1 ,alpha1 9 ,c5taurus1 takes f\r ye>s 9 com+4 ,a ray f ,sirius is ne>ly t5 ye>s 9 cross+ ! abyss :i* sep>ates u f t sun4 ,! /> ,capella1 be+ ! di/ance above m5tion$ f ! ,e>?1 x is easy to calculate1 at ! rate ( #cjj1jjj kilometres ! second1 :at "t is ne$$ to cross ?is di/ance4 ,! calculation am\nts to sev5ty-"o ye>s1 eight mon?s1 & tw5ty-f\r days4 ,! lum9\s ray1 !re=e1 :i* came f ,capella to ! ,e>?1 trav]s$ space )\t int]ruption sev5ty-"o ye>s1 eight mon?s1 & tw5ty-f\r days be=e x 0 visible on ! ,e>?4 ,9 l mann]1 ! ray ( light :i* leaves ! ,e>? c only arrive at ,capella 9 ! same p]iod ( "t4 ,sid5ote3 ,"t occupi$ 9 ! transmission ( light4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,if ! lum9\s ray :i* comes f t /> takes ne>ly sev5ty-two ye>s to rea* u1 x foll[s t we see ! /> z x 0 ne>ly sev5ty-two ye>s ago8 ,,lum54 ,y are q "r1 & ?is is ! fact t ,i want y take note ( specially4 ,sid5ote3 ,a belat$ c\ri]4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,9 o!r words1 ! ray ( light is l a c\ri] :o br+s despat*es f a di/ant c\ntry1 & hav+ be5 ne>ly sev5ty-two ye>s on ! way1 8 news is ( ev5ts t occurr$ at ! "t ( 8 dep>ture sev5ty-two ye>s ago4 ,,lum54 ,y h div9$ ! my/]y4 ,y\r illu/ration %[s me t y h lift$ ! veil :i* %r\d$ x4 ,9 ord] to be /ill m exact1 ! light repres5ts a c\ri] :o br+s1 n writt5 news1 b photographs1 or1 /rictly speak+1 ! real aspect ( ! c\ntry f :5ce he came4 ,we see ?is liv+ picture su* z x appe>$1 9 all its aspects1 at ! mom5t :5 ! lum9\s rays %ot =? f ! di/ant orb4 ,no?+ is m simple1 no?+ m indubitable4 ,:5 we exam9e ! surface ( a /> ) a telescope we see1 n ! actual surface z x 0 at ! "t ( our obs]vation1 b su* z x 0 :5 ! light 0 emitt$ f t surface4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,?is be+ s1 if a />1 ! light ( :i* takes t5 ye>s to rea* u1 7 to be annihilat$ to-day1 we %\ld cont9ue to see x = t5 ye>s1 s9ce its la/ ray w\ld n rea* u be=e t5 ye>s _h elaps$4 ,sid5ote3 ,we see ! pa/1 n ! pres5t1 aspect ( ! />s4 ,,lum54 ,x is precisely s4 ,9 %ort1 ! rays ( light t proce$ f ! />s d n rea* u in/antane\sly1 b occupy a c]ta9 "t 9 cross+ ! di/ance :i* sep>ates u f !m1 & %[ u ^? />s n z !y are n[1 b su* z !y 7 at ! mom5t 9 :i* ^? rays set out to transmit ! aspect ( ! />s to u4 ,?us we behold a wondr\s trans=mation ( ! pa/ into ! pres5t4 ,9 ! /> we obs]ve we see ! pa/1 :i* has already disappe>$1 :ile to ! obs]v] x is ! pres5t1 ! actual4 ,/rictly speak+1 ! pa/ ( ! /> is positively ! pres5t ( ! obs]v]4 ,z ! aspect ( ! worlds *ange f ye> to ye>1 almo/ f day to day1 "o c imag9e ^! aspects em]g+ into space & advanc+ into ! inf9ite1 & ?us reveal+ _! phases 9 ! sight ( f>-di/ant spectators4 ,ea* aspect or appe>ance is foll[$ by ano!r1 & s on 9 endless sequ5ce4 ,?us a s]ies ( undulations be>s f af> ! pa/ hi/ory ( ! worlds :i* ! obs]v] sees 9 its v>i\s phases z !y successively rea* him4 ,! ev5ts :i* we see 9 ! />s at pres5t are already pa/1 & t :i* is actually happ5+ !re we _c z yet see4 ,realise to y\rself1 my fri5d1 ?is pres5tation ( an actual fact1 = x is ( importance to y to compreh5d ! precession ( ! waves ( light & to und]/& ! ess5tial nature ( ?is und\bt$ tru?4 ,! appe>ance ( ?+s1 borne to u by light1 %[s u ^? ?+s n z !y are at pres5t1 b z !y 7 9 t p]iod ( ! pa/ :i* prec$$ ! int]val ( "t ne$$ = ! light to trav]se ! di/ance :i* sep>ates u f ^? ev5ts4 ,we d n see any ( ! />s su* z !y are1 b su* z !y 7 :5 ! lum9\s rays t rea* u left !m4 ,sid5ote3 ,! planet ,e>? z se5 f af>4 ,x is n ! actual condition ( ! heav5s t is visible1 b _! pa/ hi/ory4 ,moreov]1 !re are di/ant />s :i* h be5 ext9ct = t5 ?\s& ye>s1 b :i* we c see /ill1 because ! rays ( light f !m _h set out be=e !y 7 ext+ui%$4 ,"s ( ! d\ble />s1 ! nature & movem5ts ( :i* we seek ) c>e & toil1 ceas$ to exi/ long be=e a/ronom]s began to make obs]vations4 ,if ! visible heav5s 7 to be annihilat$ to-day we %\ld /ill see />s to-morr[1 ev5 next ye>1 & = a hundr$ ye>s1 a ?\s& ye>s1 & ev5 = fifty & a hundr$ ?\s& ye>s1 or m1 ) ! exception only ( ! ne>e/ />s1 :i* w\ld disappe> successively z ! "t ne$$ = _! lum9\s rays to rea* u expir$4 ,alpha ( ,c5taur w\ld g out fir/1 9 f\r ye>s1 ,sirius 9 t5 ye>s1 & s on4 ,n[1 my fri5d1 y c easily apply a sci5tific !ory 9 explanation ( ^! /range facts ( :i* ,i 0 witness4 ,if f ! ,e>? "o sees ! /> ,capella1 n z x is at ! mom5t ( obs]vation1 b z x 0 sev5ty-two ye>s be=e1 9 ! same way f ,capella "o w\ld see ! ,e>? z x 0 sev5ty-two ye>s e>li]1 = light takes ! same "t to trav]se ! di/ance ei!r way4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,ma/]1 ,i h foll[$ y\r explanation att5tively4 ,b1 ,i ask y1 does ! ,e>? %9e l a />8 ,surely %e is n lum9\s8 ,sid5ote3 ,! o!r planets se5 f af>4 ,,lum54 ,%e reflects 9 space ! light ( ! ,sun2 ! great] ! di/ance ! m our planet resembles a />4 ,all ! light t radiates f ! ,sun on its surface is cond5s$ into a disc t becomes small] & small]4 ,se5 f ! ,moon our ,e>? appe>s f\rte5 times m lum9\s ?an ! full ,moon1 because %e is f\rte5 times l>g] ?an ! ,moon4 ,se5 f ! planet ,v5us ! ,e>? appe>s z bright z ,jupit] appe>s to u4 ,f ! planet ,m>s ! ,e>? is ! morn+ & ! ev5+ />1 pres5t+ phases l ^? ( ,v5us to u4 ,?us1 al?\gh our ,e>? is n lum9\s h]self1 %e %9es af> l ! ,moon & ! planets1 by ! light t %e receives f ! ,sun1 & reflects into space4 ,n[ ! ev5ts tak+ place on ,neptune1 if se5 f ! ,e>?1 w\ld h a delay ( f\r h\rs2 9 l mann] ! view ( life on ! ,e>? c\ld only rea* ,neptune 9 ! same "t2 ne>ly sev5ty-two ye>s1 !re=e1 sep>ate ,capella & ! ,e>?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,al?\gh ^! views are new & /range to me1 ,i n[ und]/& p]fectly h[1 s9ce ! light 0 ne>ly sev5ty-two ye>s 9 trav]s+ ! abyss :i* sep>ates ! ,e>? f ,capella1 y beheld n ! ,e>? z x 0 9 ,octob] #ahfd1 ! date ( y\r dea?1 b z x appe>$ 9 ,janu>y #agic4 ,& ,i compreh5d q z cle>ly t :at y saw 0 nei!r a ph5om5on ( memory1 nor a sup]natural exp]i5ce1 b an actual1 positive1 & inconte/able fact1 & t 9 v tru? :at _h long pass$ away on ! ,e>? 0 only !n pres5t to an obs]v] at t di/ance4 ,b p]mit me to ask y an incid5tal "q4 ,9 com+ f ! ,e>? to ,capella did y cross t di/ance ev5 m quickly ?an light8 ,sid5ote3 ,?\ght swift] ?an light4 ,,lum54 ,h ,i n already anticipat$ y\r "q 9 tell+ y t ,i cross$ ?is di/ance ) ! swiftness ( ?\ght4 ,on ! v day ( my dea? ,i f\nd myself on ?is />1 :i* ,i _h admir$ & lov$ s mu* all my life on ! t]re/rial globe4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,ah1 ,ma/]1 al?\gh ev]y?+ is ?us expla9$1 y\r vision is n ! less wond]ful4 ,truly x is an a/oni%+ ph5om5on t ( see+ ?us at once ! pa/ 9 ! pres5t 9 ?is extraord9>y mann]4 ,n less m>vell\s is ! ?\ght ( see+ ! />s1 n su* z !y are :5 "o makes ! obs]vation1 nor z !y h be5 simultane\sly1 b z !y h be5 at diff]5t epo*s accord+ to _! di/ances1 & ! "t t ! light ( ea* has tak5 9 com+ to ! ,e>?6 ,sid5ote3 ,light4 ,,lum54 ,i v5ture to say t ! natural a/oni%m5t t y feel 9 contemplat+ ?is tru? is only ! prelude to ! ?+s :i* ,i h n[ to unfold to y4 ,und\bt$ly1 x appe>s at fir/ sight v extraord9>y1 t by remov+ to a di/ance 9 space1 "o c become a witness ( long pa/ ev5ts1 & rem\nt z x 7 ! /ream ( "t4 ,b ?is is n m /range ?an :at ,i h yet to communicate to y1 & :i* w appe> to y /ill m imag9>y if y c li/5 a little long] to ! n>rative ( t day :i* foll[$ my dea?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,g on1 ,i beg ( y1 ,i am eag] to he> y4 ,,iii ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 sees 8 own life on ,e>?4 ,,lum54 ,on turn+ away f ! sangu9>y sc5es ( ! ,place de la ,rvolution1 my eyes 7 attract$ t[>ds a habitation ( some:at an antique /yle1 situat$ 9 front ( ,notre ,dame1 & occupy+ ! place ( ! pres5t squ>e 9 front ( ! ca!dral4 ,i saw a gr\p ( five p]sons be=e ! entrance ( ! ca!dral1 :o 7 recl9+ on wood5 b5*es 9 ! sun%9e1 ) _! heads uncov]$4 ,:5 !y rose & cross$ ! squ>e1 ,i p]ceiv$ t "o 0 my fa!r1 y\ng] ?an ,i c\ld rememb] him1 ano!r my "m1 /ill y\ng]1 & a ?ird a c\s9 ( m9e :o di$ ! same ye> z my fa!r1 n[ ne>ly =ty ye>s ago4 ,i f\nd x difficult at fir/ to recognise ^! p]sons1 = in/ead ( fac+ !m1 ,i saw !m only f on high above _! heads4 ,i 0 n a little surpris$ at ?is unlook$-= meet+1 b !n ,i rememb]$ t ,i _h he>d t my p>5ts liv$ 9 ! ,place ,notre ,dame be=e my bir?4 ,i _c tell y h[ pr(\ndly ,i 0 affect$ by ?is sight2 my p]ception seem$ to fail me1 & a cl\d appe>$ to obscure ,p>is f my view4 ,i felt z ?\gh ,i _h be5 c>ri$ (f by a :irlw9d2 =1 z y are aw>e1 ,i _h lo/ all s5se ( "t4 ,:5 ,i began aga9 to see objects di/9ctly1 ,i notic$ a troop ( *ildr5 runn+ across ! ,place de ,pan?on4 ,!y look$ l s*ool *ildr5 com+ out ( class2 = !y _h _! portfolios & books 9 _! h&s1 & 7 app>5tly go+ to _! homes1 gamboll+ & ge/iculat+4 ,two ( !m attract$ me especially1 = ,i saw !y 7 qu>rell+ & j prep>+ to fight1 & ano!r little fell[ 0 advanc+ to sep>ate !m :5 he receiv$ a bl[ on ! %\ld] & 0 ?r[n d[n4 ,9 an in/ant a woman ran to help him2 ?is 0 my own "m4 ,words fail me to tell my amazem5t :5 ,i p]ceiv$ t ! *ild to ^: rescue my "m came 0 my own self4 ,nev] 9 my sev5ty-two ye>s ( e>?ly life1 ) all ! unlook$-= *anges & /range ev5ts ) :i* x 0 cr[d$1 nev] 9 all its surprises & *ances h ,i felt su* emotion z ?is sight caus$ me2 ,i 0 completely ov]come :5 9 ?is *ild ,i recognis$--myself6 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y saw y\rself8 ,,lum54 ,yes1 myself1 ) ! blond curls ( six ye>s ( age1 ) my little coll> embroid]$ by my "m's h&s1 my little bl\se ( light blue col\r1 & ! cuffs always rumpl$4 ,!re ,i 01 ! v same z y h se5 9 ! half-effac$ m9iature t /ood on my mantelpiece4 ,my "m came ov] to me1 & %>ply reprov+ ! o!r boys1 took me up 9 h] arms1 & !n l$ me by ! h& into ! h\se1 :i* 0 close to ! ,rue d',ulm4 ,!re ,i saw t1 aft] pass+ ?r\gh ! h\se1 we reappe>$ 9 ! g>d5 9 ! mid/ ( a num]\s company4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,ma/]1 p>don me a criticism4 ,i confess to y t x appe>s to me impossible t y c\ld see y\rself2 y c\ld n be two p]sons2 & s9ce y 7 sev5ty-two ye>s old1 y\r infancy 0 pass$1 & _h totally disappe>$4 ,y c\ld n see a ?+ t no long] exi/$4 ,i _c compreh5d h[ :5 an old man y c\ld see y\rself z an infant4 ,,lum54 ,:y _c y admit ?is po9t on ! same gr\nds z ! prec$+ ones8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,because y _c see y\rself d\ble1 an infant & an old man1 at ! same "t4 ,sid5ote3 ,a logical inf]5ce4 ,,lum54 ,look at ! matt] m closely1 my fri5d4 ,y admit ! g5]al fact1 b y d n suffici5tly obs]ve1 t ?is la/ p>ticul> is logically inf]r$ f t fact4 ,y admit t ! view ,i _h ( ! ,e>? 0 sev5ty-two ye>s 9 com+ to me1 d y n8 t ev5ts rea*$ me only at t int]val ( "t aft] !y _h tak5 place8 9 %ort1 t ,i saw ! _w z x 0 at t epo*8 ,y admit1 likewise1 t z ,i saw ! /reets ( t "t ,i saw also ! *ildr5 runn+ 9 ^? /reets8 ,y admit all ?is8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,yes1 decid$ly4 ,,lum54 ,well1 !n1 s9ce ,i saw ?is troop ( *ildr51 & myself among/ !m1 :y d y say ,i c\ld n see myself z well z ! o!rs8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b y 7 no long] !re among/ !m6 ,,lum54 ,aga91 ,i repeat1 ?is :ole troop ( *ildr5 has ceas$ to exi/4 ,b ,i saw !m su* z !y 7 at ! mom5t ! ray ( light left ! ,e>?1 :i* only rea*$ me at ! pres5t "t4 ,& z ,i c\ld di/+ui% ! fifte5 to eighte5 *ildr5 9 ! gr\p1 !re 0 no reason :y ,i %\ld disappe> f among/ !m because ,i myself 0 ! di/ant spectator4 ,s9ce any o!r obs]v] c\ld see me 9 company ) my comrades1 :y %\ld ,i =m an exception8 ,i saw !m all1 & ,i saw myself among/ !m4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i _h n fully tak5 9 ! idea4 ,x is evid5t1 9 %ort1 t see+ a troop ( *ildr51 ( :om y 7 "o1 y c\ld n fail to see y\rself z well z y saw ! o!rs4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 sees himself a *ild4 ,,lum54 ,n[ y c und]/& into :at a /ate ( surprise ,i 0 ?r[n4 ,?is *ild 0 really myself1 fle% & bones1 z ! vulg> expression has x--myself1 at ! age ( six ye>s4 ,i saw myself z well z ! company 9 ! g>d5 :o 7 play+ ) me saw me4 ,x 0 no mirage1 no vision1 no spectre1 no rem9isc5ce1 no image2 x 0 reality1 positively myself1 my ?\ght & my body4 ,i 0 !re be=e my eyes4 ,if my o!r s5ses _h ! p]fection ( my sight1 x seem$ z ?\gh ,i %\ld h be5 able to t\* & he> myself4 ,i jump$ ab\t ! g>d5 & ran r\nd ! pond1 :i* _h a balu/rade ar\nd x4 ,"s "t aft] my gr&fa!r took me on 8 knees & made me read 9 a big book4 ,x is n possible = me to describe my a/oni%m5t4 ,i mu/ leave y to imag9e :at x 0 to me1 & to realise ! fact1 n[ t y und]/& ^u :at x 0 bas$4 ,suffice x to say1 t ,i _h nev] receiv$ su* a surprise 9 my life4 ,"o reflection especially puzzl$ me4 ,i said to myself1 ?is *ild is really me1 he is alive1 he w gr[ up1 & he ought to live sixty-six ye>s long]4 ,x is und\bt$ly myself4 ,& on ! o!r h&1 "h ,i am1 hav+ liv$ sev5ty-two ye>s ( ! t]re/rial life4 ,i :o n[ ?9k & see ^! ?+s1 ,i am /ill myself1 & ?is *ild is me also4 ,am ,i !n two be+s1 "o !re bel[1 on ! ,e>?1 & ! o!r "h 9 space--two complete p]sons & yet q di/9ct8 ,an obs]v]1 plac$ :]e ,i am1 c\ld see ?is *ild 9 ! g>d51 z ,i see him1 & at ! same "t see me "h4 ,i mu/ be two--x is inconte/able4 ,my s\l is 9 ?is *ild2 x is no less "h4 ,x is ! same s\l1 my own s\l4 ,h[ c x animate two be+s8 ,:at a /range reality6 ,= ,i _c say t ,i delude myself1 or t :at ,i see is an optical illusion1 = bo? accord+ to nature1 & by ! laws ( sci5ce1 ,i see at once a *ild & an old man--! "o !re beyond1 ! o!r "h :]e ,i am1 ! =m] joy\s & free-he>t$1 ! o!r p5sive & agitat$4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,9 tru? x is /range6 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 sees himself a "y man4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 witnesses ! ev5ts ( ! ,hundr$ ,days4 ,,lum54 ,yes1 b no less true4 ,y may se>* ?r\gh all creation & n f9d su* a p>adox4 ,well1 to proce$ ) my hi/ory1 ,i saw myself gr[ up 9 ?is va/ city ( ,p>is1 ,i saw myself ent] college 9 #ahjd1 & p]=m my fir/ milit>y ex]cises :5 ! ,fir/ ,consul 0 cr[n$ ,emp]or4 ,"o day z ,i pass$ by ! ,c>r\sel ,i got a glimpse ( ! dom9e]+ & ?\ghtful face ( ,napoleon4 ,i c\ld n rememb] hav+ se5 him 9 my life1 & x 0 int]e/+ to see him ?us pass across my field ( view4 ,9 #ahaj ,i saw myself promot$ to ! ,polyte*nic ,s*ool1 & !re ,i 0 talk+ ( ! c\rse ( /udies ) ,franois ,arago1 ! be/ ( comrades4 ,he already belong$ to ! in/itute1 & _h replac$ ,monge at ! s*ool1 because ! ,emp]or _h compla9$ ( ! ,jesuitism ( ,b9et4 ,i saw myself1 9 l mann]1 all ?r\gh ! brilliant ye>s ( my y\?1 full ( projects ( travels = sci5tific exploration1 9 company ) ,arago & ,humboldt1 travels :i* only ! latt] decid$ to und]take4 ,lat] on ,i saw myself dur+ ! ,hundr$ ,days1 cross+ quickly ! little wood ( ! old ,luxemb\rg1 & !n ! ,rue de l',e/ & ! av5ue ( ! g>d5 ( ! ,rue ,/4 ,jaques1 & ha/5+ to meet my belov$ "u ! lilac-trees4 ,sweet meet+s all to ourselves1 ! confid5ces ( our he>ts1 ! sil5ces ( our s\ls1 ! transports ( our ev5+ conv]sations1 7 all pres5t$ to my a/oni%$ sight1 no long] veil$ by di/ance1 b actually be=e my eyes4 ,i 0 pres5t aga9 at ! combat ) ! ,allies on ! ,hill ( ,montm>tre1 & saw _! desc5t into ! capital1 & ! fall ( ! /atue 9 ! ,place ,v5dme1 :5 x 0 drawn ?r\gh ! /reets ) cries ( joy4 ,i saw ! camp ( ! ,engli% & ! ,prussians 9 ! ,*amps-lyses1 ! de/ruction ( ! ,l\vre1 ! j\rney to ,gh5t1 ! entrance ( ,l\is ,,xviii4 ,sid5ote3 ,napoleon at ,/4 ,hel5a4 ,! flag ( ! isl& ( ,elba float$ be=e my eyes1 & lat] on ,i s\ght out ! f> ,atlantic isle :]e ! eagle1 ) 8 w+s brok51 0 *a9$4 ,! rotation ( ! ,e>? soon br\ght be=e my eyes ! ,emp]or 9 ,/4 ,hel5a sadly mus+ at ! foot ( a sycamore-tree4 ,sid5ote3 ,hi/orical ev5ts appe> 9 succession4 ,?us ! ev5ts ( ! ye>s z !y pass$ 7 reveal$ to me 9 foll[+ my own c>e]--my m>riage1 my v>i\s ent]prises1 my connections1 my travels1 my /udies1 & s on4 ,i witness$ at ! same "t ! developm5t ( contempor>y hi/ory4 ,to ! re/oration ( ,l\is ,,xviii4 succe$$ ! brief reign ( ,*>les ,x4 ,i saw ! b>ricades ( ! days ( ,july #ahcj1 & n f> f ! ?rone ( ! ,duke ( ,orleans ,i saw ! ,column ( ! ,ba/ile arise4 ,pass+ rapidly ov] eighte5 ye>s1 ,i p]ceiv$ myself at ! ,luxemb\rg at ! "t :5 t magnific5t av5ue 0 op5$1 t av5ue ,i lov$ s mu*1 & :i* has be5 ?reat5$ by a rec5t decree4 ,i saw ,arago aga91 ?is "t at ! ,obs]vatory1 & ,i beheld ! cr[d be=e ! door ( ! new amphi!atre4 ,i recognis$ ! ,sorbonne ( ,c\s9 & ( ,guizot4 ,!n ,i %udd]$ z ,i saw my "m's fun]al pass4 ,%e 0 a /]n woman1 & p]haps a little too sev]e 9 h] judgm5ts1 b ,i lov$ h] de>ly1 z y "k4 ,! s+ul> & brief revolution ( #ahdh surpris$ me z mu* z :5 ,i fir/ witness$ x4 ,on ! ,place de la ,b\rse ,i saw ,lamoricire1 :o 0 buri$ la/ ye>1 & 9 ! ,*amps-lyses1 ,cavaignac1 :o has be5 dead five or six ye>s4 ,! #bnd ( ,decemb] f\nd me an obs]v] on my solit>y t[]1 & f !nce ,i witness$ _m /rik+ ev5ts :i* pass$ be=e me1 & _m o!rs :i* 7 unkn[n to me4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,did ! ev5t pass rapidly be=e y8 ,,lum54 ,i _h no p]ception ( "t2 b ! :ole retrospective panorama appe>$ to me 9 successive sc5es--9 less ?an a day1 p]haps 9 a few h\rs4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,!n ,i d n und]/& y at all4 ,p>don y\r old fri5d ?is int]ruption1 a little too abrupt p]haps4 ,z ,i took x1 y saw ! real ev5ts ( y\r life1 n m]ely images ( !m4 ,b1 9 view ( ! "t necess>y = ! passage ( light1 ^! ev5ts appe>$ to y aft] !y _h happ5$4 ,if1 !n1 sev5ty-two t]re/rial ye>s _h pass$ be=e y\r eyes1 !y %\ld h tak5 sev5ty-two ye>s to appe> to y1 & n a few h\rs4 ,if ! ye> #agic appe>$ to y only 9 #ahfd1 ! ye> #ahfd1 consequ5tly1 %\ld only 9 #aicf appe> to y4 ,sid5ote3 ,! ana*ronism expla9$4 ,,lum54 ,y h gr\nds = y\r fre% objection1 & ?is proves to me t y h p]fectly compreh5d$ ! !ory ( ?is fact4 ,i fully appreciate y\r belief 9 me2 inde$ its consci\sness helps me 9 my explanations4 ,?us x is n necess>y t sev5ty-two ye>s %\ld be ne$$ 9 :i* to review my life1 = "u ! impulse ( an involunt>y =ce all its ev5ts pass$ be=e me 9 less ?an a day4 ,cont9u+ to foll[ ! c\rse ( my exi/5ce1 ,i rea*$ its lat] ye>s1 r5d]$ memorable by ! /rik+ *anges :i* _h come ov] ,p>is4 ,i saw our old fri5ds1 & y y\rself2 my daught] & h] *>m+ *ildr52 my family1 & circle ( acqua9tances2 & la/ ( all ,i saw myself ly+ dead ^u my b$1 & ,i 0 pres5t at ! f9al sc5e4 ,yes2 ,i tell y ,i _h return$ to ! ,e>?4 ,drawn by ! contemplation :i* absorb$ my s\l1 ,i _h quickly =gott5 ! m\nta91 ! old m51 & ,capella4 ,ev5 z a dream all fad$ f my m9d4 ,i did n at fir/ p]ceive ! /range vision :i* captivat$ all my faculties4 ,i _c tell y ei!r by :at law or by :at p[] s\ls c be transport$ ) su* rapidity f "o place to ano!r4 ,suffice x to say1 ,i _h return$ to ! ,e>? 9 less ?an a day1 & ,i _h ent]$ my *amb] ev5 at ! mom5t ( my decease4 ,also 9 ?is return+ voyage ,i _h travell$ fa/] ?an ! rays ( light1 h5ce ! v>i\s phases ( my life on ,e>? _h unroll$ !mselves to my sight 9 _! successive /ages z !y occurr$4 ,:5 ,i rea*$ half-way ,i saw ! rays ( light arriv+ only ?irty-six ye>s beh9d "t1 %[+ me ! ,e>?1 n z x appe>$ sev5ty-two ye>s ago1 b ?irty-six4 ,:5 ,i _h travell$ ?ree-qu>t]s ( ! way ,i saw ?+s z !y _h be5 eighte5 ye>s ago2 at ! half ( ! la/ qu>t]1 z !y 7 n9e ye>s previ\sly2 until f9ally ! :ole acts ( my life 7 cond5s$ into less ?an "o day because ( ! rapid rate at :i* my s\l _h travell$1 :i* f> surpass$ ! velocity ( ! rays ( light4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,0 n ?is a v /range ph5om5on8 ,,lum54 ,d any o!r objections rise 9 y\r m9d z y li/5 to me8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,no1 ?is is ! only "o2 or r1 ?is "o has puzzl$ & int]e/$ me s greatly t x has absorb$ all o!rs4 ,,lum54 ,i w\ld rem>k t !re is ano!r1 an a/ronomical "o1 :i* ,i w ha/5 to dispel1 = fe> x %\ld arise & cl\d y\r m9d4 ,x dep5ds ^u ! ,e>?'s movem5t1 n only ^u its diurnal rotation1 :i* 9 itself w\ld be suffici5t to prev5t my see+ ! facts 9 succession1 b ?is movem5t w\ld also be greatly accel]at$ by ! rapidity ( my return to ! ,e>?4 ,h5ce sev5ty-two ye>s w\ld pass be=e me 9 less ?an a day4 ,on reflection1 ,i 0 surpris$ t ,i _h n e>li] p]ceiv$ ?is2 yet z ,i _h only se5 a comp>atively small numb] ( c\ntries1 panoramas1 & facts1 x is probable t 9 return+ to our planet ,i _h only a fleet+ glance = a few mom5ts ( ! successive po9ts ( int]e/4 ,b h[ev] ?is may be1 ,i c b be> evid5ce t ,i h be5 witness to ! rapid succession ( ev5ts bo? ?r\gh\t ! c5tury & ( my own life4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,t difficulty _h n escap$ me2 ,i _h weigh$ ! ?\ght1 & _h come to ! conclusion t y _h revolv$ 9 space1 ev5 z a balloon is spun r\nd by ! rotation ( ! globe4 ,x is true t ! inconceivable spe$ ) :i* y w\ld be :irl$ ?r\gh space w\ld be likely to give y v]tigo1 nev]!less1 aft] he>+ y\r exp]i5ce1 ?is hypo!sis =ces itself ^u me1 t spirits ru% ?r\gh space ) ! lightness & velocity ( ?\ght2 & 9 rem>k+ on ! int5sity ( y\r gaze z y approa*$ c]ta9 p>ts ( ! ,e>?1 may x n be admissible to inf] t ?is v eag]ness to see c]ta9 localities1 might be ! reason ( y\r be+ drawn to !m1 & z x 7 fix$ above _! po9t ( vision8 ,,lum54 ,z to ?is ,i c affirm no?+1 because ,i "k no?+2 b ,i d n ?9k ?is is ! explanation4 ,i did n see all ! ev5ts ( my life1 b only a few ( ! ma9 ones1 :i*1 successively unfold+1 pass$ 9 review be=e me on ! same visual ray4 ,a magnetism drew me imp]i\sly z ) a *a9 to ! ,e>?2 or1 if y pref] x1 a =ce simil> to t my/]i\s attraction ( ! />s1 by reason ( :i*1 />s ( a less] degree w\ld inevitably fall ^u ^? ( ! fir/ magnitude1 unless reta9$ 9 _! orbits by c5trifugal =ce4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,9 reflect+ on ! effect ( ! conc5tration ( ?\ght ^u a s+le po9t1 & ( ! attraction :i* consequ5tly ensues t[>ds t po9t1 ,i _c b conclude t !re9 lies ! ma9spr+ ( ! me*anism ( dreams4 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\rce ( dreams4 ,,lum54 ,y say truly1 my fri5d2 ,i c confirm y 9 ?is rem>k1 z = _m ye>s ,i h made dreams ! subject ( a special /udy & obs]vation4 ,:5 ! s\l1 fre$ f ! att5tions1 ! preoccupations1 ! encumbrance ( ! body1 has a vision ( ! object :i* *>ms x1 & t[>ds :i* x is irresi/ibly drawn1 all disappe> except ! object4 ,t alone rema9s1 & becomes ! c5tre ( a _w ( creations2 ! s\l possesses x entirely )\t any res]ve1 x contemplates x1 x seizes x z its own1 ! entire univ]se is effac$ f ! memory 9 ord] t its dom9ation ov] ! s\l may be absolute4 ,i felt ?us on be+ drawn e>?w>ds4 ,i saw b "o object1 ar\nd :i* 7 gr\p$ ! ideas1 ! images1 & ! associations to :i* x _h giv5 bir?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y\r rapid flight to ,capella & y\r equally rapid return to ! ,e>? 7 gov]n$ by ?is psy*ological law2 & y act$ m freely ?an 9 a dream1 because y\r s\l 0 n imp$$ by ! ma*9]y ( y\r organism4 ,(t5 9 our =m] conv]sations h y disc\rs$ to me ^u ! /r5g? ( ! w4 ,?us1 will+ to d s1 y 7 enabl$ to return & to see y\rself ^u y\r dea?-b$ be=e y\r mortal rema9s _h be5 committ$ to ! du/4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 witnesses 8 own fun]al4 ,sid5ote3 ,8 flight to ! />s4 ,,lum54 ,i did return2 & ,i bless$ my family = ! s9c]ity ( _! grief4 ,i %$ a b5$iction on !m2 ,i soo!d _! grief1 & p\r$ balm ^u _! w\nd$ he>ts2 & ,i inspir$ my *ildr5 ) ! belief t ! body ly+ !re 0 n my real self--my ego--b m]ely ! %ell f :i* my s\l _h ris5 to a sph]e cele/ial1 inf9ite1 & f> beyond _! e>?ly k54 ,i witness$ my own fun]al procession1 & ,i notic$ ^? :o call$ !mselves my fri5ds & :o yet1 = "s trifl+ reason1 begg$ to be excus$ f foll[+ my rema9s to _! la/ re/+-place4 ,i li/5$ to ! v>i\s comm5ts ( ^? foll[+ my bi]1 & al?\gh 9 ?is region ( peace we are free f t ?ir/ = praise :i* cl+s to mo/ ( u :il/ on ,e>?1 nev]!less ,i felt gratifi$ to "k t ,i _h left pleasant memories beh9d me4 ,:5 ! /one ( ! vault 0 roll$ away1 t :i* sep>ates ! dead f ! liv+1 ,i gave a la/ f>ewell to my poor sleep+ body2 &1 z ! ,sun set 9 its b$ ( purple & gold1 ,i w5t out into ! air until night _h fall51 plung$ 9 admiration ( ! beautiful sc5es :i* unroll$ !mselves 9 ! heav5s4 ,! aurora borealis display$ itself above ! ,nor? ,pole 9 b&s ( gli/5+ silv]1 %oot+ />s ra9$ f ,cassiopeia1 & ! full ,moon rose sl[ly 9 ! ea/ l a new _w em]g+ f ! waves4 ,i saw ,capella sc9tillat+ & look+ at me ) a glance pure & bright1 & c\ld di/+ui% ! cr[ns surr\nd+ x1 z if !y 7 pr9ces d[]$ ) a cele/ial div9ity4 ,!n ,i =got ! ,e>?1 ! ,moon1 ! ,planet>y ,sy/em1 ! ,sun1 ! ,comets1 9 "o int5se1 ov]p[]+ attraction t[>ds a %9+ brilliant />1 & ,i felt myself c>ri$ t[>ds x in/9ctively ) a cel]ity f> great] ?an t ( an electric fla%4 ,aft] a "t1 ! duration ( :i* ,i _c guess1 ,i arriv$ ^u ! same r+ & ^u ! same m\nta91 f :i* ,i _h fir/ kept wat* :5 ,i saw ! old m5 occupi$ 9 foll[+ ! hi/ory ( ! ,e>?1 sev5ty-"o ye>s & eight mon?s ago4 ,!y 7 /ill absorb$ 9 ! contemplation ( ev5ts happ5+ 9 ! city ( ,lyons on ! #bcrd ( ,janu>y #agic4 ,i w av[ to y ! reason ( ! my/]i\s attraction ( ,capella = me4 ,= m>vell\s z x may seem1 !re are 9 creation invisible ties :i* d n break l mortal ties2 !re are means by :i* s\ls c commune ) ea* o!r1 9 spite ( ! di/ance t sep>ates !m4 ,sid5ote3 ,he meets ! _s ( 8 wife4 ,sid5ote3 ,!y recall _! life on ,e>?4 ,on ! ev5+ ( ! second day1 z ! em]ald ,moon en%r9$ itself 9 ! ?ird r+ ( gold--= su* is ! sid]eal measurem5t ( "t--,i f\nd myself walk+ 9 a lonely av5ue enamell$ ) fl[]s ( sweet p]fume4 ,saunt]+ along1 z if 9 a dream1 imag9e my delight :5 ,i saw com+ t[>ds me my beautiful & belov$ ,sylvia4 ,%e 0 at a ripe age at h] dea?1 & not)/&+ an indef9able *ange ,i recognis$ ! features1 ^: expression _h b deep5$ & spiritualis$1 9 happy correspond5ce ) h] sweet1 pure life4 ,i w n /op to describe to y ! joy ( our meet+1 ?is is n ! "t = x2 b p]*ance "s day we may h ! opportunity ( descant+ ^u ! diff]5t manife/ations ( affection 9 ?is _w & ! _w beyond ! grave1 & ,i only add n[ t toge!r we s\ght our native l& on ,e>?1 :]e we _h pass$ days ( peace & happ9ess4 ,we delight$ to turn our gaze t[>ds ! lum9\s po9t1 :i* our /ate ( exaltation enabl$ u to p]ceive 0 a _w--! "o ^u :i* we _h liv$ 9 e>?ly =m--we lov$ to w$ ! memory ( ! pa/ ) ! reality ( our pres5t1 & 9 all ! fre%ness ( our new & ec/atic s5sations we s\ght to recall & review ! sc5es ( our y\?4 ,x 0 ?us we actually saw aga9 ! happy ye>s ( our e>?ly love1 ! pavilion ( ! conv5t1 ! fl[] g>d51 ! prom5ades 9 ! *>m+ & delightful environs ( ,p>is1 & ! solit>y rambles t1 lov+ & belov$1 we took toge!r4 ,to retrace ^! ye>s we _h b to travel toge!r into space 9 ! direction ( ! ,e>?1 :]e ^! sc5es1 focus$ by ! light1 7 be+ photograph$4 ,n[1 my fri5d1 ,i h fulfill$ my promise 9 reveal+ to y ^! rem>kable obs]vations4 ,behold ! day breaks1 & ! /> ,lucif] is pal+ already "u its rosy light4 ,i mu/ return to ! con/ellations4444 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,j "o m ^w1 ,lum51 be=e we conclude ?is int]view4 ,c e>?ly sc5es be transmitt$ successively into space--if s1 ! pres5t c\ld be kept p]petually be=e ! eyes ( di/ant spectators1 & be limit$ only by ! p[] ( _! spiritual sight8 ,sid5ote3 ,! precession ( ev5ts z se5 9 space4 ,,lum54 ,yes1 my fri5d4 ,let u1 = example1 place our fir/ obs]v] on ! ,moon--he w\ld p]ceive t]re/rial ev5ts "o second & a qu>t] aft] !y _h happ5$4 ,let u place a second obs]v] at f\r times ! di/ance--he w\ld be cognisant ( !m five seconds lat]4 ,d\ble ! di/ance1 & a ?ird w\ld see !m t5 seconds aft] !y _h tak5 place4 ,aga9 d\ble ! di/ance1 & a f\r? obs]v] w\ld h to wait tw5ty seconds be=e he c\ld witness !m2 s on & on ) ev]-increas+ delay1 until at ! ,sun's di/ance2 eight m9utes & ?irte5 seconds mu/ elapse be=e !y c\ld become visible4 ,^u c]ta9 planets1 z we h se51 h\rs mu/ int]v5e betwe5 ! action & ! sight ( x2 fur!r (f /ill1 days1 mon?s ev5 ye>s mu/ elapse4 ,^u neighb\r+ />s e>?ly ev5ts are n se5 until f\r1 six1 t5 ye>s aft] _! occurr5ce2 b !re are />s s di/ant t light only rea*es !m aft] _m c5turies1 & ev5 ?\s&s ( ye>s4 ,inde$1 !re are nebul to :i* light takes millions ( ye>s to travel4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,!re=e x only ne$s a sight suffici5tly pi]c+ to witness ev5ts hi/oric or geologic :i* are long s9ce pa/4 ,c\ld n "o1 !re=e1 s gift$ see ! ,deluge1 ! ,g>d5 ( ,ed51 ,adam &4 4 4 4 ,,lum54 ,i h told y1 my old fri5d1 t ! ris+ ( ! sun on ?is hemisph]e puts to flight all spirits1 s ,i mu/ g4 ,ano!r int]view may be grant$ u "s o!r day1 :5 we c cont9ue our talk on ?is subject1 & ,i w !n give y a g5]al sket* :i* w op5 out = y new horizons4 ,! />s call me1 & are already disappe>+4 ,i mu/ away4 ,adieu1 ,qur5s1 adieu4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,physiological anatomy w\ld probably expla9 ?is fact by sugge/+ t a sort ( punctum ccum is displac$ 9 ord] to conceal ! object t "o does n wi% to see4 #b ,e "o kn[s t ! f>!r an object is1 ! small] x appe>s4 ,an object :i* is se5 "u an angle ( "o second1 is at a di/ance ( #bjf1bfe times its own diamet]1 :atev] x may be2 because z !re are #a1bif1jjj seconds 9 ! circumf]5ce1 ! ratio betwe5 ! circumf]5ce & its diamet] be+ #c1adaei #b1 x foll[s t ?is object is at a di/ance equal to #bjf1bfe times its own diamet]4 ,z ,capella sees ! semi-diamet] ( ! t]re/rial orbit only "u an angle #bb times small]1 its di/ance is #bb times great]4 ,capella is !re=e at a di/ance ( #d1dhd1jjj times ! radius ( ! t]re/rial orbit4 ,future micrometrical measurem5ts may modify ^! results conc]n+ ! p>allax ( ?is />1 b !y _c *ange ! pr9ciple ^u :i* ! conception ( ?is "w is gr\nd$4 ,,second ,,conv]sation ,,refluum ,,temporis ,i ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y\r revelations :i* 7 int]rupt$ by ! break ( day1 ,o ,lum51 h left me hung]+ & ?ir/+ to he> m ( ?is wond]ful my/]y4 ,z a *ild to :om "o %[s a delici\s fruit longs to h a bite1 & :5 he has ta/$ ( x begs = m1 s my curiosity is eag] to h r5ew$ enjoym5t ( ^! p>adoxes ( nature4 ,may ,i v5ture to submit to y a few que/ions 9 relation to ! subject1 :i* h be5 sugge/$ to me by ! fri5ds to :om ,i h communicat$ ! sub/ance ( y\r revelations1 & !n may ,i ask y to cont9ue ! n>rative ( y\r impressions ( ! regions beyond ?is ,e>?8 ,sid5ote3 ,sci5tific tru?1 n fancy or romance4 ,,lum54 ,no1 my fri5d1 ,i _c cons5t to su* curiosity4 ,h[ev] p]fectly dispos$ y\r m9d may be to accept my communications1 ,i am conv9c$ t all ! details ( my subject h n be5 equally appreh5d$ by y1 & are n 9 y\r eyes equally self-evid5t4 ,my recital has be5 call$ my/ical by ^? :o h n q und]/ood t x is nei!r a romance nor a phantasy1 b a sci5tific tru?1 a physical fact demon/rable & demon/rat$1 indisputable & z positive z ! fall ( an a]olite or ! motion ( a cannon-ball4 ,! reason :i* prev5ts y & y\r fri5ds f fully compreh5d+ ^! facts is1 t !y took place beyond ?is ,e>?1 9 regions =eign to ! sph]e ( y\r impressions1 & inaccessible to y\r t]re/rial s5ses4 ,naturally y d n compreh5d !m4 7,p>don my frankness1 b 9 ! spiritual _w "o is frank2 !re1 ev5 ?\ghts are visible47 ,y only compreh5d ^? ?+s :i* y p]ceive4 ,& z y p]si/ 9 reg>d+ y\r ideas ( "t & space z absolute1 al?\gh !y are only relative1 & !nce =m a judgm5t on tru?s :i* are q beyond y\r sph]e1 & :i* are imp]ceptible to y\r t]re/rial organism & faculties1 ,i %\ld n d y a true s]vice1 my fri5d1 9 giv+ y full] details ( my ultra-t]re/rial obs]vations4 ,sid5ote3 ,an inquir+ m9d4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,x is n1 ,i assure y1 9 a _s ( simple curiosity1 de> ,lum51 t ,i v5tur$ to draw y =? f ! bosom ( ! invisible _w1 :]e advanc$ s\ls p>take ( indescribable joys4 ,b ,i h und]/ood1 p]haps bett] ?an y1 ! gr&eur ( ! problem1 & x is "u ! inspiration ( an e>ne/1 /udi\s avidity t ,i seek = o!r aspects ( x1 /ill m novel ?an ^? y h giv5 me1 if ,i may say s1 or r m bold & m incompreh5sible4 ,z ! result ( reflection1 ,i h arriv$ at ! conclusion t :at we "k is no?+1 & t :at we d n "k is ev]y?+2 ,i am !re=e dispos$ to welcome ev]y?+ y tell me4 ,i beg ( y1 if y w all[ me1 to %>e y\r revelations4444 ,,lum54 ,! fact is1 my fri5d1 ,i assure y1 ei!r y are n suffici5tly able to und]/&1 or y are too will+ to believe3 9 ! fir/ case1 y d n fully compreh5d2 9 ! second1 y are too cr$ul\s1 & d n appreciate my communications at _! full value4 ,h[ev]1 ,i %all cont9ue4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,de> comrade ( my e>?ly life6 ,,lum54 ,! rema9+ facts1 :i* ,i %all n[ relate to y1 are /ill m extraord9>y ?an any t prec$$ !m4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i feel l ,tantalus 9 ! mid/ ( 8 lake1 or l ! spirits 9 ! tw5ty-f\r? canto ( ! ,purgatorio4 ,i am z eag] z ! ,hesp]ides hold+ out _! h&s = ! fragrant fruit1 or z ,eve 9 h] desire =4444 ,sid5ote3 ,travell+ on a ray ( light4 ,sid5ote3 ,lum5 sees ! ,revolution ( #ahdh4 ,,lum54 ,"s "t aft] my dep>ture f ! ,e>?1 ! eyes ( my s\l be+ /ill m\rnfully direct$ t[>d my native _w1 ,i f\nd t1 on an att5tive exam9ation1 ,i c\ld p]ceive at ! #de? degree ( nor? latitude & ! #ce? degree ( longitude1 a triangul> piece ( l& ( a sombre col\r1 nor? ( ! ,black ,sea1 on ! %ores ( :i* ,i saw1 t[>ds ! we/1 a griev\s numb] ( my compatriots madly engag$ 9 kill+ "o ano!r4 ,i recall$ to m9d t relic ( b>b>ism1 w>1 =m]ly call$ glori\s1 ) :i* y are /ill beset & burd5$1 & ,i rememb]$ t 9 ?is corn] ( ! ,crimea #hjj1jjj m5 fell1 9 ignorance ( ! cause ( _! mutual massacre4 ,"s cl\ds !n pass$ ov] ,europe4 ,at t "t ,i 0 n on ,capella1 b 9 mid space1 betwe5 t /> & ! ,e>?1 ab\t half ! di/ance f ,vega4 ,hav+ left ! ,e>? "s "t be=e1 ,i turn$ t[>d a gr\p ( />s1 t1 se5 f y\r planet1 are to ! left ( ,capella4 ,mean:ile my ?\ghts recurr$ f "t to "t to ! ,e>?1 & soon aft] tak+ ! obs]vation to :i* ,i h ref]r$1 my eyes be+ fix$ on ,p>is1 ,i 0 surpris$ to see x a prey to an insurrection ( ! p4 ,exam9+ x m att5tively1 ,i disc]n$ b>ricades on ! b\lev>ds1 ne> ! ,htel de ,ville1 & along ! /reets1 & ! citiz5s fir+ at "o ano!r4 ,! fir/ idea t occurr$ to me 0 t a new revolution 0 tak+ place be=e my eyes1 & t ,napoleon ,,iii4 0 de?ron$4 ,b1 by ! secret sympa?y ( s\ls1 my sight 0 attract$ to a b>ricade 9 ! ,faub\rg ,/4 ,anto9e1 ^u :i* ,i saw ly+ pro/rate ! ,ar*bi%op ,d5is ,augu/e ,affre1 ) :om ,i _h be5 slightly acqua9t$4 ,8 sightless eyes 7 turn$ t[>ds ! heav5s :]e ,i 01 b he saw no?+2 9 8 h& he held a gre5 bran*4 ,i 0 ?us witness+ ! days ( #ahdh1 & 9 p>ticul> t ( ! #be? ( ,june4 ,sid5ote3 ,he sees ! ev5ts ( #ahca4 ,a few m9utes--a few h\rs1 p]haps--pass$1 dur+ :i* my imag9ation & my reason s\ght 9 turns = an explanation ( ?is special sc5e4 ,to see #ahdh aft] #ahed6 ,:5 my sight 0 aga9 attract$ to ! ,e>?1 ,i rem>k$ a di/ribution ( tricol\r$ flags 9 a gr& squ>e ( ! city ( ,lyons1 ,try+ to di/+ui% ! (ficial p]son :o 0 mak+ ?is di/ribution1 ,i recognis$ ! uni=ms1 & ,i rememb]$ t aft] ! accession ( ,l\is ,philippe1 ! "y ,duke ( ,orleans _h be5 s5t to quell ! di/urbances 9 ! capital ( ,fr5* manufactures4 ,x foll[$ f !nce t1 aft] #ahed & #ahdh1 ,i _h be=e my eyes an ev5t ( #ahca4 ,pres5tly my glance turn$ to ,p>is on ! day ( a public fte4 ,! k+1 a co>se-look+ man1 ) a rubicund face1 0 te>+ along 9 a magnific5t *>iot1 & 0 j cross+ ! ,pont ,neuf4 ,! wea!r 0 spl5did4 ,"s fair ladies pos$1 l a basket ( lilies1 on ! :ite p>apet ( ! bridge4 ,float+ ov] ,p>is "s brightly-col\r$ creatures c\ld be se54 ,evid5tly ,i beheld ! en trance ( ! ,b\rbons into ,france4 ,sid5ote3 ,suppos$ explanation ( ?is /range slight4 ,i %\ld n h und]/ood ?is la/ /range sight if ,i _h n recollect$ t a numb] ( balloons1 9 ! =m ( animals1 _h be5 s5t up on t occasion4 ,f my high] altitude !y appe>$ to wriggle ab\t ! ro(s ( ! h\ses4 ,to see aga9 pa/ ev5ts 0 compreh5sible en\gh1 accord+ to ! law ( light4 ,b to see ?+s contr>y to _! real ord] 9 "t1 t 0 too fanta/ic1 & puzzl$ me beyond expression4 ,nev]!less1 z ,i _h ! ?+s be=e my eyes1 ,i c\ld n d5y ! fact4 ,i s\ght =?) = "s hypo!sis to acc\nt = ?is s+ul> ph5om5on4 ,at fir/ ,i suppos$ x 0 really ! ,e>? t ,i saw1 & t by a fiat ( fate1 ! secret ( :i* is kn[n only to ,god1 ! hi/ory ( ,france repeats itself1 & passes ?r\gh ! same phases t x has already trav]s$2 t ! c\rse ( ev5ts proce$ up to a c]ta9 maximum1 :]e !y %9e glori\sly = a "t1 & !n comes a reaction to ! orig9al /ate ( ?+s1 by an oscillation 9 human affairs l ! v>iations ( ! magnetic ne$le1 or l ! movem5ts ( ! />s4 ,! p]sonages :om ,i took = ! ,duke ( ,orleans & ,l\is ,,xviii4 7 p]haps o!r pr9ces1 :o 7 repeat+ exactly :at ! =m] _h done4 ,?is hypo!sis1 h[ev]1 appe>$ to be s v extraord9>y1 t ,i paus$ to consid] a m rational !ory4 ,admitt+ ! fact ( ! numb] ( />s1 ) planets mov+ r\nd !m1 is x n probable t a _w exactly l ! ,e>? exi/s some:]e 9 ! univ]se ( space8 ,sid5ote3 ,calculation ( probabilities4 ,! calculation ( probabilities supplies an answ] to ?is "q4 ,! great] ! numb] ( worlds1 ! great] w be ! probability t ! =ces ( nature h giv5 bir? to an organisation l t ( ! ,e>?4 ,n[ ! real numb] ( worlds surpasses all human calculation1 ei!r writt5 or possible to be writt54 ,if we c\ld und]/& :at inf9ite means1 we might v5ture to say t ?is numb] is inf9ite4 ,i conclud$1 !n1 t !re is a v high probability 9 fav\r ( ! exi/5ce ( _m worlds exactly l ! ,e>?1 on ! surface ( :i* ! same hi/ory is accompli%$1 & ! same succession ( hi/orical ev5ts takes place2 worlds :i* are inhabit$ by id5tically ! same species ( vegetables & animals1 & ! same humanity1 & :]e m5 & families l our own1 ,i d\bt n1 exi/4 ,9 ! second place1 ,i ask$ myself if ano!r _w analog\s to ! ,e>? might n also be symmetrical to x2 & !n ,i work$ out ! geometry ( ! problem1 & ! metaphysical !ory ( images4 ,i arriv$ at ! conclusion t x 0 possible = ! _w 9 "q to be l ! ,e>?1 b 9 an inv]se =m4 ,:5 y look at y\rself 9 a mirror1 y notice t ! r+ on y\r "r h& appe>s to be on ! r+-f+] ( y\r left h&4 ,?is expla9s ! symbol4 ,if y w9k y\r "r eye1 y\r reflection w9ks ! left eye2 :5 y advance y\r "r arm1 y\r image advances ! left arm4 ,x is n impossible t 9 ! inf9ity ( ! />s a _w exi/s exactly ! conv]se ( ! t]re/rial _w4 ,und\bt$ly 9 an inf9ity ( worlds ! non-exi/5ce ( a simil> _w1 p]haps ( millions ( !m1 w\ld be ! real impossibility4 ,nature ( necessity repeats h]self1 reproduces h]self1 b /ill "u all =ms plays ! game ( creation4 ,i ?\ght !re=e t ! _w on :i* ,i saw ^? ?+s 0 n ! ,e>?1 b a globe l ! ,e>?1 ! hi/ory ( :i* 0 precisely ! opposite ( y\rs4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i myself h _h ! idea also t x might h be5 z y say4 ,b 0 x n easy = y to make sure ( x by asc]ta9+ :e!r x 0 ! ,e>? or ano!r /> t y _h be=e y\r eyes1 by exam9+ its a/ronomical position8 ,sid5ote3 ,! solution ( ! problem4 ,,lum54 ,t is precisely :at ,i did imm$iately1 & ?is exam9ation confirm$ me 9 my op9ion4 ,! /> :]e ,i _h j witness$ f\r facts1 analog\s to f\r t]re/rial facts1 b inv]sely1 did n appe> to me to occupy its orig9al position4 ,! little con/ellation ( ! ,alt> no long] exi/$1 & on t side ( ! heav5s :]e y rememb] ! ,e>? appe>$ to be 9 my fir/ episode1 !re 0 an irregul> polygon ( unkn[n />s4 ,i 0 ?us conv9c$ t x 0 n our ,e>? t ,i _h be=e my eyes4 ,i c\ld no long] feel any d\bt ab\t x1 & ,i 0 satisfi$ t ,i _h n[1 = my field ( exploration1 a _w s mu* ! m curi\s t x 0 n ! ,e>?1 & t its hi/ory appe>$ to repres5t1 9 an inv]se ord]1 ! sc5es ( ! hi/ory ( our _w4 ,sid5ote3 ,hi/ory retrac$ ,sid5ote3 ,france ( ! pa/4 ,"s ev5ts1 x is true1 did n appe> to h correspond+ ones on ! ,e>?1 b 9 g5]al ! co9cid5ce 0 v rem>kable4 ,i 0 ! m /ruck ) ?is because ! contempt :i* ,i feel = ! in/igators ( w> _h l$ me to hope t a folly s absurd & s infam\s might n h exi/$ 9 o!r worlds4 ,b1 on ! contr>y1 ! great] "p ( ! ev5ts :i* ,i witness$ 7 combats or prep>ations = w>4 ,aft] a battle1 :i* appe>$ to me v mu* to resemble t ( ,wat]loo1 ,i saw ! battle ( ! ,pyramids4 ,an image ( ,napoleon z emp]or _h become fir/ ,consul1 & ,i saw ! ,revolution succe$ to ! ,consulate4 ,"s "t aft] ,i obs]v$ ! squ>e 9 front ( ! ,*teau ( ,v]sailles cov]$ ) m\rn+-coa*es1 & 9 an op5 pa?way f ,ville-d',avray ,i recognis$ ! botani/ ,jean ,jacques ,r\sseau sl[ly walk+ along1 &1 no d\bt1 at t mom5t philosophis+ on ! dea? ( ,l\is ,,xv4 ,i 0 p>ticul>ly /ruck ) ! gala ftes at ! beg9n+ ( ! reign ( ,l\is ,,xv41 wor?y successors ( ^? ( ! ,reg5cy1 dur+ :i* ! treasures ( ,france gli/5$ 9 preci\s /ones on ! f+]s ( ! ?ree or f\r ador$ c\rtesans4 ,i saw ,voltaire1 ) 8 :ite cotton cap1 9 8 p>k at ,f]ney2 & lat] on1 ,bossuet1 walk+ on ! little t]race ( 8 episcopal palace at ,meaux1 n f> f ! little hill ?r\gh :i* ! railway is n[ cut1 b ,i c\ld n see ! lea/ trace ( ! railway l9e4 ,9 ?is same succession ( ev5ts1 ,i saw ! highroads cov]$ ) dilig5ces1 & l>ge sail+ %ips on ! seas4 ,/eam & all ! factories t are mov$ by x n[1 _h disappe>$4 ,nei!r telegraphs nor any o!r application ( electricity exi/$4 ,balloons1 :i* m ?an once ,i _h se5 9 ! field ( obs]vation1 7 lo/ to sight4 ,! la/ t ,i saw 0 ! %apeless globe s5t up by ! bro!rs ,montgolfi] at ,annonay 9 ! pres5ce ( ! ,/ates-,g5]al4 ,! face ( ! ,e>? 0 q *ang$--,p>is1 ,lyons1 ,m>seilles1 ,havre1 & m especially ,v]sailles1 7 n recognisable2 ! fir/ f\r _h lo/ _! imm5se activity1 ! la/ _h ga9$ incomp>ably 9 magnific5ce4 ,sid5ote3 ,! mon>*y4 ,i _h =m$ a v imp]fect idea ( ! spl5d\r ( ! royal ftes at ,v]sailles4 ,x 0 a satisfaction to me to be pres5t at !m2 & x 0 n )\t int]e/ t ,i recognis$ ,l\is ,,xiv4 himself1 on ! spl5did t]race at ! we/1 surr\nd$ by a ?\s& nobles ^: brea/s 7 cov]$ ) decorations4 ,x 0 9 ! ev5+2 ! la/ rays ( gl[+ sun%9e 7 reflect$ on ! royal faade1 :il/ gallant c\ples gravely desc5d$ ! /eps ( ! m>ble /airs1 & pres5tly disappe>$ along ! sil5t & %ady av5ues4 ,my sight 0 fix$ 9 pref]5ce on ,france1 or at lea/ t[>d t region ( ?is unkn[n _w :i* repres5t$ ,france to me2 = abs5ce makes ! he>t gr[ fond]1 & :5 f> f "o's c\ntry "o ?9ks ( x all ! m1 & recurs ) ev] new int]e/ to ! ?\ght ( x4 ,d n believe t s\ls lib]at$ f _! bodies are scornful1 & indiff]5t1 & devoid ( memory4 ,our exi/5ce w\ld !n be a sad "o4 ,no2 we pres]ve ! faculty ( remembrance4 ,our he>ts are n :olly absorb$ 9 ! life ( ! _s2 & s x 0 ) an in/9ctive feel+ ( delight1 :i* y c imag9e1 t ?us ,i saw aga9 ! hi/ory ( ,france unfold$ be=e me z ?\gh its phases 7 be+ accompli%$ 9 an inv]se ord]4 ,sid5ote3 ,feudalism ,sid5ote3 ,joan ( ,arc4 ,sid5ote3 ,! ,crusades4 ,sid5ote3 ,! hi/ory ( ,france unroll$4 ,aft] ! p _h amalgamat$ into "o nationality1 ,i saw ! rule ( a s+le sov]eign e/abli%$4 ,aft] t came pr9cely feudalism4 ,maz>91 ,ri*elieu1 ,l\is ,,xiii41 & ,h5ry ,,iv4 appe>$ to me at ,sa9t ,g]ma94 ,! ,b\rbons & ! ,guises resum$ _! skirmi%es = me4 ,i ?\ght ,i c\ld di/+ui% ! night ( ,/4 ,b>?olomew1 ,i saw "s special ev5ts 9 ! hi/ory ( our prov9ces--= in/ance1 "o ( ! sc5es 9 ! sorc]y ( ,*aumont1 :i* ,i _h "t to obs]ve1 be=e ! ,*ur* ( ,sa9t ,jean1 & ! massacre ( ! ,prote/ants at ,vassy4 ,:at a com$y is human life6 ,alas6 too (t5 a trag$y6 ,sudd5ly ,i beheld 9 space ! magnific5t comet ( #aegg1 9 ! =m ( a sabre4 ,9 gr& array 9 ! mid/ ( a pla91 brilliantly decorat$1 ,i recognis$ ,francis ,i4 & ,*>les ,v4 salut+ "o ano!r4 ,l\is ,,xi4 ,i p]ceiv$ on a t]race ( ! ,ba/ile1 att5d$ by 8 two gloomy companions4 ,lat] on1 my sight 0 turn$ to a squ>e 9 ,r\51 :]e ,i obs]v$ flames & smoke1 & 9 _! mid/ ,i disc]n$ ! =m ( ! ,maid ( ,orleans4 ,conv9c$ z ,i 0 t ! _w ,i 0 look+ at 0 ! exact c\nt]p>t ( ! ,e>?1 ,i div9$ be=eh& ! ev5ts t ,i 0 ab\t to see4 ,?us1 aft] hav+ se5 ,sa9t ,l\is dy+ be=e ,tunis1 ,i 0 pres5t at ! eigh? ,crusade1 & subsequ5tly at ! ?ird1 :]e ,i recognis$ ,fr$]ick ,b>b>ossa by 8 be>d4 ,!n at ! fir/ ,crusade1 :5 ,pet] ! ,h]mit & ,godfrey rem9d$ me ( ,tasso4 ,i 0 n a little surpris$4 ,i !n expect$ to see1 9 succession1 ,hugh ,capet1 lead+ a procession1 array$ 9 8 (ficial robes2 ! ,c\ncil ( ,tauriacum decid+ t ! judgm5t ( ,god w\ld be pron\nc$ 9 ! battle ( ,fontanet2 ,*>les ! ,bald ord]+ ! massacre ( a hundr$ ?\s& m5 & all ! ,m]ov+ian nobility2 ,*>lemagne cr[n$ 9 ,rome3 8 w> aga9/ ! ,saxons & ! ,lomb>ds2 ,*>les ,m>tel hamm]+ away at ! ,s>ac5s2 ,k+ ,dagob]t f\nd+ ! ,abbey ( ,/4 ,d5is1 j z ,i _h se5 ,alex&] ,,iii4 lay+ ! fir/ /one ( ,notre ,dame2 ,brunehaut dragg$ along ! pavem5t by a horse2 ! ,visigo?s1 ! ,v&als1 ! ,o/rogo?s1 ,clovis ,m]oveus appe>+ 9 ! c\ntry ( ! ,sali5s3 9 a ^w1 ! hi/ory ( ,france1 f its v beg9n+1 unroll$ itself be=e me 9 an ord] inv]se to ! succession ( ev5ts--?is 0 :at actually happ5$4 ,_m hi/orical que/ions :i* 7 v important1 & :i* _h hi!rto be5 obscure to me1 7 r5d]$ cle>4 ,i asc]ta9$1 among o!r ?+s1 t ! ,fr5* 7 ! orig9al possessors ( ! "r bank ( ! ,rh9e1 & t ! ,g]mans h no "r to claim t riv]1 & /ill less to dispute ! possession ( ! left bank4 ,sid5ote3 ,old ,p>is ,sid5ote3 ,rome ( ! ,cs>s4 ,sid5ote3 ,judea4 ,sid5ote3 ,calv>y4 ,sid5ote3 ,dea? ( ,julius ,cs>4 ,!re 01 ,i assure y1 an imm5se int]e/ 9 tak+ "p1 if ,i may s express myself1 9 ! ev5ts ( :i* ,i _h b ! vague ideas d]iv$ f ! e*oes ( hi/ory1 (t5 deceptive1 & 9 visit+ c\ntries t are n[ totally trans=m$4 ,! va/ & brilliant capital ( mod]n civilisation became old to me1 & _h %runk to ! size ( an ord9>y t[n1 b 0 at ! same "t =tifi$ ) cr5ellat$ t[]s4 ,i admir$ 9 turns ! beautiful city ( ! fifte5? c5tury1 its curi\s types ( ar*itecture1 ! celebrat$ t[] ( ,nesle1 & ! ext5sive conv5ts ( ,sa9t ,g]ma9-des-,prs4 ,:]e ! t[] ( ,/4 ,jacques n[ /&s1 ,i recognis$ ! gloomy c\rt ( ! al*emi/ ,nicolas ,flamel4 ,! r\nd & po9t$ ro(s _h ! s+ul> effect ( look+ l mu%rooms on ! banks ( a riv]4 ,!n ?is feudal aspect disappe>$1 & gave place to a solit>y ca/le 9 ! ,se9e valley surr\nd$ by cottages2 & f9ally !re 0 no?+ b a f]tile pla91 :]e "o c\ld only di/+ui% a few huts ( savages4 ,at ! same "t ,i rem>k$ t ! seat ( civilisation 0 *ang$1 & 0 n[ 9 ! s\?4 ,i w confess to y1 my fri5d1 t ,i nev] felt great] delight ?an at ! mom5t :5 ,i 0 p]mitt$ to see ,rome ( ! ,cs>s 9 all its spl5d\r4 ,x 0 ! day ( a triumph1 & no d\bt "u ! rule ( ! ,syrian pr9ces2 = 9 ! mid/ ( magnific5t surr\nd+s1 gorge\s *>iots1 ! purple oriflammes ( ! ,s5ate1 & ( elegant wom5 & ( p]=m]s ( !atres1 ,i di/+ui%$ ! ,emp]or luxuri\sly recl9+ 9 a gold5 c>1 clo!d 9 delicately-col\r$ silk1 cov]$ ) preci\s /ones & ornam5ts 9 gold & silv]1 :i* glitt]$ 9 ! gold5 sun%9e4 ,?is mu/ h be5 ,heliogabalus1 ! prie/ ( ! sun4 ,! ,coliseum1 ! temple ( ,anton9us1 ! triumphal ar*es1 & ,trajan's column 7 /&+4 ,rome 0 9 all its anci5t beauty & gr&eur1 t la/ beautiful phase :i* 0 no m ?an a sc5e 9 a !atre to ^? cr[n$ buffoons4 ,a little lat] ,i 0 pres5t at ! eruption ( ,vesuvius1 :i* ov]:elm$ ,h]culaneum & ,pompeii4 ,i saw ,rome 9 flames1 j = a mom5t2 & al?\gh ,i 0 n able to di/+ui% ,n]o on 8 t]race1 ,i h no d\bt ,i beheld ! conflagration 9 ! ye> #fd1 & ! signal = ! p]secution ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,a few h\rs aft]1 my att5tion be+ /ill occupi$ 9 exam9+ ! ext5sive g>d5s by ! ,tib]1 ,i _h j se5 ! ,emp]or ne> a p>t]re ( roses1 :51 9 consequ5ce ( ! revolution ( ! ,e>? on its axis1 ,judea 0 pres5t$ to me4 ,h[ anxi\sly ,i reg>d$ x :5 ,i di/+ui%$ ,j]usalem & ! m\nta9 ( ,golgo?a4 ,jesus 0 climb+ ?is m\nta91 accompani$ by a few wom51 escort$ by a troop ( soldi]s1 & foll[$ by ! ,jewi% populace4 ,i %all nev] =get ?is spectacle4 ,x assum$ a totally diff]5t aspect to me f :at x did to ^? :o 7 liv+ at ! "t & :o took "p 9 x1 = ! glori\s future 7& ! pa/ also7 ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* 0 unfold$ = me z ! cr[n ( ! ,div9e sacrifice4444 ,i _c dwell on x2 y c und]/& :at v>i\s feel+s agitat$ my s\l on ?is supreme occasion4444 ,a little lat]1 return+ to ,rome1 ,i recognis$ ,julius ,cs> pro/rate 9 dea?1 ) ,antony beside him hold+ :at ,i ?9k 0 a roll ( papyrus 9 8 left h&4 ,! conspirators 7 ha/5+ d[n to ! banks ( ! ,tib]4 ,) a v natural curiosity ,i trac$ back ! life ( ,julius ,cs>1 & f\nd him ) ,v]c+etorix 9 ! c5tre ( ,gaul1 & ,i may /ate t none ( ! suppositions ( our mod]n hi/orians respect+ ! situation ( ,alesia are correct4 ,9 fact1 ?is =tress 0 situat$ on 4 4 4 ,,qu,,r5s44 ,ma/]1 p>don me = int]rupt+ y1 b ,i am anxi\s to seize ?is opportunity to "q y on a p>ticul> po9t respect+ ! ,dictator4 ,s9ce y h se5 ,julius ,cs>1 tell me1 ,i pray y1 if 8 face resembles t giv5 by ! ,emp]or ,napoleon ,,iii4 9 8 great "w on ! life ( t fam\s capta98 ,,lum54 ,i %\ld be delight$1 my old fri5d1 to enlight5 y on ?is po9t if x 7 possible = me to d s4 ,b reflect = a mom5t1 & y w see t ! laws ( p]spective =bid me4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,( p]spective8 ,y mean to say ( politics4 ,,lum54 ,no1 ( p]spective 7al?\gh ^! two ?+s /rongly resemble "o ano!r72 = 9 see+ great m5 f ! height ( heav51 ,i d n see !m z !y appe> to ! vulg>4 ,f ! heav5s we see m5 geometrically f above1 n face to face2 t is to say1 :5 !y are /&+ we h only a horizontal projection ( !m4 ,y may rememb] t once 9 a balloon1 z we pass$ ov] ! ,v5dme ,column at ,p>is1 y rem>k$ to me t ,napoleon se5 f t height 0 n above ! level ( o!r m54 ,x 0 j ! same ) ,cs>4 ,9 ! o!r _w mat]ial measures disappe>1 only intellectual measures exi/4 ,sid5ote3 ,roman hi/ory4 ,sid5ote3 ,build+ ( ! ,pyramids4 ,sid5ote3 ,! ,/one ,age4 ,to cont9ue1 h[ev]1 ,i retrac$ hi/ory1 f ,julius ,cs> to ! ,consuls1 & !n to ! k+s ( ,latium1 9 ord] to witness ! rape ( ! ,sab9es1 :i* ,i 0 pleas$ to obs]ve actually1 z a type ( anci5t mann]s4 ,hi/ory has embelli%$ _m ?+s1 & ,i discov]$ t mo/ ev5ts z repres5t$ to u are totally diff]5t f ! actual facts4 ,!n ,i saw ,k+ ,c&aules 9 ,lydia1 9 ! sc5e 9 ! ba? t y rememb]1 !n ! invasion ( ,egypt by ! ,e?iopians1 ! olig>*ical republic ( ,cor9?1 ! eigh? ,olympiad 9 ,greece1 & ,isaiah ! prophet 9 ,judea4 ,i saw ! build+ ( ! ,pyramids by troops ( ob$i5t slaves "u *iefs m\nt$ on drom$>ies4 ,! great dyna/ies ( ,bactria & ( ,india appe>$ be=e me1 & ,*9a %[$ ! m>vell\s skill 9 ! arts t %e possess$ ev5 be=e ! bir? ( ! we/]n _w4 ,i _h an opportunity to se>* = ! ,atlantis ( ,plato1 & ,i saw t ! op9ions ( ,bailly on t cont95t1 n[ subm]g$1 are n devoid ( f\ndation4 ,9 ,gaul ,i c\ld di/+ui% no?+ b va/ =e/s & swamps2 ev5 ! ,druids _h disappe>$1 & ! savage inhabitants /rongly resembl$ ^? t we f9d n[ 9 ,oceania4 ,x 0 truly ! /one age z x is une>!d = u by mod]n ar*ologi/s4 ,fur!r back /ill1 ,i saw t ! numb] ( m5 dim9i%$ by degrees1 & ! dom9ation ( nature seem$ to belong to a race ( ! great apes1 to ! cave be>s1 to lions1 hy5as1 & ! rh9oc]os4 ,a mom5t arriv$ :5 x 0 n only impossible to di/+ui% a s+le man on ! surface ( ! e>?1 b :5 n ! lea/ ve/ige ( ! human race 0 visible4 ,all _h disappe>$2 e>?quakes1 volcanoes1 deluges prevail$ ov] ! surface ( ! planet1 & ! pres5ce ( man 9 ! mid/ ( su* a *aotic /ate ( ?+s 0 no long] possible4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i %all confess to y1 de> ,lum51 t ,i h wait$ ) impati5ce = ! mom5t :5 y %\ld arrive at ! g>d5 ( ,ed51 9 ord] to le>n 9 :at =m ! creation ( ! human race on ! e>? 0 pres5t$ to y4 ,i am surpris$ t y d n seem to h ?\ght ( mak+ ?is important obs]vation4 ,,lum54 ,i relate to y only ! ?+s :i* ,i saw1 my curi\s fri5d1 & ,i refra9 f sub/itut+ ! dreams ( my imag9ation = ! evid5ces ( my sight4 ,i did n p]ceive ! lea/ trace ( t ,ed5 s poetically depict$ 9 ! primitive !ogonies4 ,n[1 ?is 0 v extraord9>y1 s9ce ! resemblance betwe5 ! _w t ,i _h be=e my eyes & ! ,e>? 0 s complete4 ,x 0 m ?an surpris+1 if ! t]re/rial p>adise 0 really ! cradle ( humanity4 ,b ,i d n see :y p>adise might n h be51 ) z good reason1 at ! end ( human society4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,inde$ ,i ?9k x w\ld be m j to suppose x to be at ! end r ?an ! beg9n+1 z ! result & ! recomp5se1 in/ead ( ! misund]/ood prelude1 to a life ( suff]+4 ,b s9ce y h n se5 x ,i %all n urge my "q4 ,sid5ote3 ,prehi/oric ages4 ,sid5ote3 ,a dy+ _w4 ,sid5ote3 ,! beg9n+1 n ! end ( ! ,e>?4 ,,lum54 ,f9ally1 9 conclud+ my obs]vations ( ?is s+ul> _w1 ^: hi/ory 0 exactly ! inv]se ( y\rs1 ,i saw m>vell\s animals1 ( mon/r\s =ms1 9 combat on ! %ores ( va/ oceans4 ,!re 7 enorm\s s]p5ts arm$ ) =midable paws2 crocodiles t flew 9 ! air1 su/a9$ by w+s organically long] ?an _! bodies2 mis%ap5 fi%es ) jaws wide en\gh to swall[ an ox2 birds ( prey /ruggl+ 9 t]rible battles 9 ! des]t isl&s4 ,!re 7 :ole cont95ts cov]$ ) =e/s1 trees ) enorm\s leaves entangl$ 9 "o ano!r2 a vegetation at once sombre & sev]e1 = ! vegetable k+dom 0 devoid ( bo? fl[]s & fruit4 ,! m\nta9s vomit$ =? cl\ds ( flame & vap\r1 ! riv]s fell 9 cat>acts1 ! gr\nd op5$ 9 imm5se *asms 9 :i* 7 engulf$ hills1 woods1 /reams1 trees1 & animals4 ,b be=e long x became impossible = me to p]ceive ev5 ! surface ( ! globe2 a univ]sal sea appe>$ to cov] x1 & ! vegetable k+dom1 l ! animal k+dom1 0 sl[ly effac$1 & gave place to a monoton\s v]dure int]sp]s$ ) lightn+ & :iti% smoke4 ,h5ce=? x 0 a dy+ _w4 ,i 0 pres5t at ! la/ palpitations ( its he>t1 int]mitt5tly reveal$ 9 ! gloom by fla%es ( flame4 ,!n x seem$ to me t x ra9$ ev]y:]e ov] its :ole surface1 = ! ,sun ?rew light on no?+ b cl\ds & torr5ts ( ra94 ,! hemisph]e opposite to ! ,sun appe>$ less sombre ?an be=e1 & "o c\ld p]ceive a dull light gleam+ ?r\gh ! tempe/s4 ,?is light increas$ 9 int5sity1 & spread ov] ! entire sph]e4 ,great crevasses became r$ l iron 9 ! furnace2 & z iron 9 a hot furnace becomes bright r$1 !n orange1 !n yell[1 !n 9 succession :ite & inc&esc5t1 s ! _w pass$ ?r\gh all ! progressive phases ( heat4 ,its volume increas$1 its movem5t ( rotation became sl[]4 ,! my/]i\s globe seem$ l an imm5se sph]e ( molt5 metal envelop$ 9 metallic vap\rs4 ,"u ! incessant action ( ?is int]ior furnace & ! elem5tal combats 7or comb9ations7 ( ?is /range *emi/ry1 x acquir$ enorm\s proportions1 & ! sph]e ( fire became a sph]e ( smoke4 ,!nce x w5t on develop+ )\t cessation1 & lo/ its p]sonality4 ,! ,sun1 :i* at fir/ _h %$ light on x1 no long] surpass$ x 9 brightness1 & x itself increas$ s mu* 9 circumf]5ce t x became evid5t to me t ! vapor\s planet w\ld soon lose its own exi/5ce & be absorb$ 9 ! enl>g$ atmosph]e ( ! ,sun4 ,x is a r>e exp]i5ce to be pres5t at ! end ( a _w4 ,& s 9 my en?usiasm ,i c\ld n prev5t myself f cry+ out ) a k9d ( vanity1 ,behold ! end ( ! _w1 ,o ,god6 & ?is1 !n1 is ! fate 9 /ore = all ! inhabit$ worlds6 ,?is is n ! end1 repli$ a voice 9 ! he>+ ( my s\l2 ?is is ! beg9n+4 ,h[ c ?is be ! beg9n+8 ?\ght ,i imm$iately4 ,! beg9n+ ( ! ,e>? itself1 repli$ ! same voice4 ,?\ ha/ se5 ov] aga9 ! :ole hi/ory ( ! ,e>? 9 ?us )draw+ f h] ) a velocity great] ?an t ( light4 ,?is decl>ation did n surprise me s mu* z ! fir/ episode ( my ultra-t]re/rial life1 = ,i 0 n[ famili>is$ ) ! a/oni%+ effects ( ! laws ( light2 ,i 0 h5ce=? prep>$ = e new surprise4 ,i _h "s d\bts ( ! fact1 9 consequ5ce ( c]ta9 details t ,i h n giv5 y to avoid di/urb+ ! unity ( my recital or break+ ! ?read ( my n>rative1 b :i* 7 nev]!less incomp>ably m extraord9>y ?an ! g5]al succession ( ev5ts4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b if x 0 really ! ,e>?1 h[ comes x t ! a/ronomical calculations y made 9 ord] to recognise h] 9 ! con/ellation ( ! ,alt>1 indicat$1 z y h po9t$ out1 t ! _w y 7 exam9+ 0 nei!r ! ,e>? nor a /> ( ! ,alt>8 ,sid5ote3 ,ev5ts retrac$4 ,sid5ote3 ,sid]eal p]spective4 ,,lum54 ,! fact is1 t ev5 t con/ellation _h itself *ang$ 9 consequ5ce ( my voyage 9 space4 ,9 place ( ! />s ( ! ?ird magnitude1 1 1 & 7alpha1 gamma1 zeta71 & />s ( ! f\r? magnitude1 1 1 & 7beta1 delta1 !ta71 :i* con/itute t figure z se5 f ! ,e>?1 my di/ance t[>ds ! nebul _h r$uc$ ^? />sa to little imp]ceptible po9ts4 ,x _h plac$ o!r brilliant />s !re1 :i* 7 no d\bt 7alpha7 & 7beta7 ( ,auriga1 1 1 7!ta1 iota1 eta71 & p]haps ev5 7epsilon7 ( ! same con/ellation--/>s diametrically opposite to ! prec$+ :5 se5 f ! ,e>?1 b :i* 7 necess>ily int]pos$ !re :5 ,i _h pass$ !m by4 ,! cele/ial p]spective _h already *ang$1 & x _h become1 9 tru?1 almo/ impossible to det]m9e ! position ( our ,sun4 ,sid5ote3 ,x 0 really ! ,e>? t ,lum5 saw4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i _h n ?\ght ( ?is inevitable *ange ( p]spective on ! o!r side ( ,capella2 & s x 0 really ! ,e>? t y saw1 & !re=e its hi/ory 0 unroll$ be=e y 9 an inv]se ord]--y saw anci5t ev5ts tak+ place aft] mod]n ev5ts4 ,by :at new process has light ?us enabl$ y to asc5d ! /ream ( "t8 ,fur!rmore1 de> ,lum51 y h in=m$ me t y h obs]v$ "s curi\s p>ticul>s relative to ! ,e>? itself4 ,i am wi%ful to ask y "s special que/ions on ^! details4 ,i %all li/51 !n1 ) int]e/ to ! extraord9>y hi/ory :i* ought to complete ?is recital1 p]suad$1 z be=e1 t x w fully rew>d my curiosity4 ,,ii ,sid5ote3 ,hi/ory read backw>ds4 ,,lum54 ,! fir/ circum/ance is connect$ ) ! battle ( ,wat]loo4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,no "o rememb]s t cata/rophe bett] ?an ,i d4 ,i receiv$ a ball 9 my %\ld] !re1 9 ! neighb\rhood ( ,mont ,sa9t-,jean1 & a sabre-cut on my "r h& f "o ( ,blu*]'s blackgu>ds4 ,sid5ote3 ,wat]loo beyond ! tomb4 ,,lum54 ,well1 my old comrade1 9 tak+ "p 9 ?is battle aga91 ,i f\nd x q diff]5t f :at x 0 9 ! pa/1 z y may judge f :at ,i w relate to y4 ,:5 ,i _h recognis$ ! field ( ,wat]loo1 to ! s\? ( ,brussels1 ,i di/+ui%$ fir/ a consid]able numb] ( dead bodies ly+ on ! gr\nd indiscrim9ately4 ,f> (f1 ?r\gh ! mi/1 ,i p]ceiv$ ,napoleon walk+ backw>ds1 hold+ 8 horse by ! bridle4 ,! (fic]s :o accompani$ him 7 m>*+ backw>ds also4 ,! cannon began to boom1 & f "t to "t ,i saw ! lurid gleam ( _! fla%es4 ,:5 my sight 0 suffici5tly habituat$ to ! sc5e1 ,i p]ceiv$ "s soldi]s com+ to life out ( ! et]nal night1 & by a s+le ef=t /&+ up4 ,gr\p aft] gr\p1 a consid]able numb]1 7 ?us resuscitat$4 ,! dead horses reviv$ l ! dead cavali]s1 & ! latt] rem\nt$ !m4 ,z soon z two or ?ree ?\s& m5 _h return$ to life1 ,i saw !m =m unconsci\sly 9 l9e ( battle4 ,! two armies took _! places front+ "o ano!r1 & began to fight desp]ately ) a fury t "o might h tak5 = despair4 ,z ! combat deep5$ on bo? sides1 ! soldi]s came to life m rapidly4 ,fr5*1 ,engli%1 ,prussians1 ,g]mans1 ,hanov]ians1 ,belgians--grey coats1 blue uni=ms1 r$ tunics1 gre51 :ite--arose f ! field ( ! dead & f\ght4 ,9 ! c5tre ( ! ,fr5* army ,i espi$ ! ,emp]or1 a battalion 9 squ>e surr\nd$ him2 ! ,imp]ial ,gu>d 0 resuscitat$4 ,_! imm5se battalions advanc$ f ! two camps & engag$ 9 a fi]ce onslaught2 f ! left & f ! "r1 squadrons advanc$4 ,! :ite manes ( ! :ite horses float$ 9 ! w9d4 ,i rememb]$ ! /range picture by ,raffet1 & ! spectral epigram ( ! ,g]man poet ,s$litz3-- ,la caisse sonne1 trange1 ,=tem5t elle ret5tit4 ,dans leur fosse ressuscit5t ,les vieux soldats pris4 ,& ?is o!r3-- ,c'e/ la gr&e revue1 ,qu' l'heure de m9uit ,aux ,*amps-lyses ,ti5t ,cs> dcd4 ,x 0 really ,wat]loo1 b a ,wat]loo beyond ! tomb1 = ! combatants 7 rais$ f ! dead4 ,besides1 9 ?is s+ul> app>ition !y m>*$ backw>ds "o aga9/ ! o!r4 ,su* a battle _h a magical effect1 & impress$ me m =cibly1 because ,i =esaw ! ev5t itself1 & ?is ev5t 0 /rangely trans=m$ 9 its c\nt]p>t image4 ,n less s+ul> 0 ! fact1 t ! long] !y f\ght1 ! m ! numb] ( combatants increas$2 at ea* gap made by ! cannon 9 ! s]ri$ ranks a gr\p ( resuscitat$ dead fill$ up ! gaps imm$iately4 ,:5 ! bellig]5ts _h sp5t ! :ole day 9 te>+ "o ano!r to pieces ) grape-%ot1 ) cannons & bullets1 ) bayonets1 sabres1 & swords--:5 ! great battle 0 ov]1 !re 0 n a s+le p]son kill$1 no "o 0 ev5 w\nd$2 ev5 uni=ms t be=e x 7 torn & 9 disord] 7 9 good condition1 ! m5 7 safe & s\nd1 & ! ranks 9 correct =m4 ,! two armies sl[ly )drew f "o ano!r1 z if ! heat ( ! battle & all its fury _h no o!r object ?an ! re/oration to life1 amid ! smoke ( ! combat1 ( ! two hundr$ ?\s& corpses :i* _h la9 on ! field a few h\rs be=e4 ,:at an exempl>y & desirable battle x 06 ,sid5ote3 ,reasc5d+ ! ages4 ,assur$ly x 0 ! mo/ s+ul> ( milit>y episodes1 & ! moral aspect ( x f> surpass$ ! physical1 :5 ,i f\nd t ?is battle result$ n 9 ! defeat ( ,napoleon1 b 9 plac+ him ^u ! ?rone4 ,in/ead ( los+ ! battle1 x 0 ! ,emp]or :o ga9$ x2 in/ead ( a prison]1 he became a sov]eign4 ,wat]loo 0 an #ah? ,brumaire6444 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,de> ,lum51 ,i d n half und]/& ?is new effect ( ! laws ( light4 ,if y h discov]$ x1 ,i %all be grateful to y if y w give me an explanation ( x4 ,,lum54 ,i h help$ y to div9e x by tell+ y t ,i remov$ f ! ,e>? ) a great] velocity ?an t ( light4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b tell me1 ,i pray y1 h[ does ?is retrogression 9 space enable y to see ev5ts 9 an ord] inv]se to t 9 :i* !y took place8 ,,lum54 ,! !ory is v simple4 ,suppose y set out f ! ,e>? ) ! velocity exactly equal to t ( light1 y w\ld always h ) y ! aspect t ! ,e>? assum$ at ! mom5t y set out1 s9ce y w\ld be rec$+ f ! globe ) a swiftness precisely equal to t :i* bore ?is v aspect into space4 ,?us1 ev5 if y voyag$ = a ?\s& ye>s or a hundr$ ?\s& ye>s1 ?is aspect w\ld accompany y always l a photograph :i* did n gr[ old2 :il/ ! orig9al is made old by ! ye>s t elapse4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i und]/ood ?is fact already 9 our fir/ conv]sation4 ,sid5ote3 ,retrogressive light pictures4 ,,lum54 ,well1 suppose n[ t y remove f ! ,e>? ) a velocity sup]ior to t ( light1 :at w happ58 ,y w f9d aga91 z fa/ z y advance into space1 ! rays t set out be=e y1 t is to say ! successive photographs :i*1 f second to second1 f in/ant to in/ant1 project _! rays into space4 ,if1 = example1 y set out 9 #ahfg ) ! velocity equal to t ( light1 y w\ld reta9 = ev] ! ye> #ahfg 9 sight4 ,if y w5t m quickly1 y w\ld f9d be=e y ! rays t _h set out 9 =m] ye>s1 & :i* bore ^u !m ! photographs ( ^? ye>s4 ,9 ord] fur!r to illu/rate ?is fact1 reflect1 ,i pray y1 on ! _m lum9\s rays t h set out f ! ,e>? 9 diff]5t epo*s4 ,let u suppose ! fir/ to be at "s in/ant ( ! #a/ ,janu>y #ahfg4 ,at ! rate ( #cjj1jjj kilometres a second1 x has1 at ! mom5t 9 :i* ,i am speak+ to y1 already pass$ a portion ( space f ! in/ant ( its dep>ture till x rea*$ a c]ta9 di/ance :i* ,i %all express by ! lett] ,a4 ,let u n[ suppose t a second ray sets out f ! ,e>? a hundr$ ye>s be=e1 on ! #a/ ,janu>y #agfg2 x is a hundr$ ye>s 9 advance ( ! fir/1 & is f\nd at a /ill great] di/ance--a di/ance t ,i %all express by ! lett] ,b4 ,a ?ird ray :i* ,i %all 9 l mann] suppose on ! #a/ ,janu>y #affg1 is /ill fur!r (f by a l5g? equal to ! di/ance t ! light w\ld travel 9 a hundr$ ye>s4 ,i call ! place :]e ?is ?ird ray rea*es1 ,c4 ,!n a f\r?1 a fif?1 a six?1 on respectively ! #a/ ,janu>y #aefg1 #adfg1 #acfg1 c41 are po/$ at equal di/ances ,d1 ,e1 ,f1 p5etrat+ m & m into ! inf9ite4 ,"h1 !n1 we h a s]ies ( photographs1 tak5 on ! same l9e1 f po/ to po/ 9 space4 ,n[1 ! m9d :i* travels on 9 pass+ successively by ! po9ts ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 ,d1 ,e1 ,f1 c retrace successively ! secul> hi/ory ( ! ,e>? 9 ^? epo*s4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,ma/]1 at :at di/ance are ^! photographs f "o ano!r8 ,sid5ote3 ,photographs ( ! life on ,e>? impr9t$ 9 space4 ,,lum54 ,! calculation is v easy4 ,! int]val :i* sep>ates !m is ( necessity t :i* light travels 9 a hundr$ ye>s4 ,n[1 at ! rate ( #ge1jjj leagues p] second1 y see at once t x travels #d1ejj1jjj leagues 9 a m9ute1 #bgj1jjj1jjj leagues 9 an h\r1 #f1dhj1hjj1jjj leagues 9 a day1 #b1cff1hbj1jjj1jjj 9 a ye>1 all[+ = leap-ye>s2 consequ5tly1 ! result w\ld be t ! int]val betwe5 two po9ts ( dep>ture at ! di/ance ( a c5tury f "o ano!r1 is ne>ly #bcf billions #fhb ?\s& millions ( leagues4 ,"h1 !n1 ,i say we h a s]ies ( t]re/rial photographs1 impr9t$ 9 space1 at correspond+ di/ances1 "o aft] ano!r4 ,let u n[ suppose t betwe5 ea* ( ^! c5t5nial pictures we %\ld f9d annual pictures1 betwe5 ea* ( :i* ! di/ance is pres]v$ 9 accordance ) ! "t t light travels 9 a ye>1 :i* ,i h j giv5 y2 !n betwe5 ea* ( ! annual pictures we h ^? ( e day1 & z ea* day conta9s ! photographs ( ea* h\r1 e h\r ! photographs ( its m9utes1 & e m9ute ( its seconds1 all succe$+ "o ano!r1 accord+ to _! respective di/ances ap>t--we %all h 9 a ray ( light1 or r 9 a jet ( light1 compos$ ( a s]ies ( di/9ct pictures 9 juxtaposition1 ! a]ial regi/] ( ! hi/ory ( ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,psy*ical optics4 ,:5 ! _s travels 9 ?is e!real ray ( pictures ) a swiftness great] ?an t ( light1 x sees 9 succession1 backw>ds1 ! anci5t pictures4 ,:5 x arrives at ! di/ance at :i* ! aspect ( ev5ts t set out 9 #agfg is to be se51 x has already retrac$ a hundr$ ye>s ( t]re/rial hi/ory4 ,:5 x rea*es ! po9t :]e ! aspect ( #affg has arriv$1 x retraces two c5turies4 ,:5 x atta9s to ! photograph ( #aefg1 x has se51 aga91 ?ree c5turies1 & s on successively4 ,i told y 9 ! beg9n+ t ,i direct$ my c\rse t[>d a gr\p ( />s situat$ at ! left ( ,capella4 ,?is gr\p prov$ to be at an incomp>ably great] di/ance ?an t />1 al?\gh f ! ,e>? x appe>$ to be close beside x1 because ! two visual rays are ne> "o ano!r4 ,?is app>5t proximity is solely due to ! p]spective4 ,9 ord] to give y an idea ( ! remot5ess ( ?is f>-(f univ]se1 ,i may tell y t x is n less va/ 9 size ?an ! ,milky ,way4 ,"o may !n ask to :at di/ance %\ld ! ,milky ,way be transport$ to r$uce x to ! app>5t size ( ?is nebula4 ,my le>n$ fri5d ,arago made ?is calculation1 ( :i* y mu/ be aw>e1 z he repeat$ x e ye> 9 8 c\rse ( lectures at ! ,obs]vatory1 t h be5 publi%$ s9ce 8 dea?4 ,x w\ld be necess>y to suppose ! ,milky ,way to be transport$ to a di/ance equal to #ccd times its own l5g?4 ,n[1 z light takes #ae1jjj ye>s to trav]se ! ,milky ,way f "o end to ano!r1 x foll[s t x _c take less ?an #ccd times #ae1jjj ye>s1 t is to say1 less ?an #e1jjj1jjj ye>s1 9 com+ f !nce4 ,i h asc5d$ a ray ( light f ! ,e>? to ^! remote regions1 & if my spiritual sight _h be5 m p]fect1 ,i %\ld h be5 able to di/+ui% n only ! retrogression ( hi/ory = #aj1jjj ye>s or #ajj1jjj ye>s1 b ev5 = #e1jjj1jjj ye>s4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,c ! m9d1 !n1 by its p[]s alone1 cross 9 ?is way ! immeasurable spaces ( ! heav5s8 ,,lum54 ,n by its own p[] alone1 b by mak+ use ( ! =ces ( nature4 ,attraction is "o ( ^! =ces4 ,x is transmitt$ ) a velocity incomp>ably sup]ior to t ( light1 & ! mo/ rigor\sly exact a/ronomical calculations are oblig$ to consid] ?is transmission z almo/ in/antane\s4 ,i w add t if ,i h be5 able to p]ceive ev5ts at su* di/ances1 x is n by ! appreh5sion ( a physical s5se t ,i "k !m1 b by a process incomp>ably m subtle1 :i* belongs to ! psy*ic ord]4 ,! movem5ts ( ! e!r1 :i* con/itute light1 are n lum9\s by !mselves1 z y "k4 ,! eye is n necess>y 9 ord] to p]ceive !m4 ,a s\l vibrat+ "u _! influ5ce p]ceives !m z well1 & (t5 incomp>ably bett] ?an an organic optical app>atus4 ,?is be+ psy*ical optics4 ,= example1 attraction crosses in/antane\sly ! #adh1jjj1jjj ( kilometres t sep>ate ! ,e>? f ! ,sun1 :il/ light occupies #dic seconds 9 ?is passage4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,:at l5g? ( "t did y\r voyage to t remote univ]se occupy8 ,,lum54 ,h ,i n told y t "t does n exi/ outside ! movem5ts ( ! ,e>?8 ,:e!r ,i employ$ a ye> or an h\r1 x w\ld h be5 exactly ! same p]iod 9 inf9ity4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i h ?\ght x ov]1 & ! physical difficulties seem to me enorm\s4 ,p]mit me n[ to submit to y a /range ?\ght t has j come into my head4 ,,lum54 ,x is to he> y\r reflections t ,i give y ?is n>rative4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i want to ask y if ! same inv]sion w\ld take place ) ! he>+ z well z ! sight8 ,if y c see an ev5t backw>ds f its real occurr5ce1 c y also he> a disc\rse backw>ds1 beg9n+ at ! end8 ,?is is p]haps a d>+ "q1 & app>5tly ridicul\s1 b 9 p>adoxes :]e c "o /op8 ,sid5ote3 ,light & s\nd4 ,,lum54 ,! p>adox is only app>5t4 ,! laws ( s\nd are ess5tially diff]5t f ! laws ( light4 ,s\nd travels only at ! rate ( #cdj metres a second1 & its effects h absolutely no?+ 9 common ) ^? ( light4 ,nev]!less x is evid5t t if we 7 to advance into ! air ) a velocity sup]ior to t ( s\nd1 we %\ld he> inv]sely ! s\nds t left ! lips ( a speak]4 ,if1 = in/ance1 "s "o 7 to recite an alex&r9e1 an auditor 9 mov+ ) ! a=esaid velocity1 />t+ at ! mom5t :5 he he>d ! la/ foot ( ! l9e1 w\ld f9d successively ! elev5 o!r feet :i* _h be5 utt]$ be=e1 & w\ld ?us he> ! alex&r9e backw>ds4 ,z to ! !ory itself1 x sugge/s a curi\s reflection1 t nature might h caus$ s\nd to travel1 n at ! rate ( #cdj metres a second1 & t its velocity1 :i* dep5ds on ! d5sity & ! ela/icity ( ! air1 might h be5 v mu* less4 ,:y1 = in/ance1 might x n h be5 transmitt$ at ! rate ( only a few c5timetres a second8 ,n[ see :at w\ld be ! result if ?is 7 ! case4 ,m5 w\ld n be able to speak to "o ano!r :5 walk+ toge!r4 ,let two fri5ds be conv]s+1 & suppose "o takes a /ep or two 9 advance1 or goes on1 say ! di/ance ( a metre2 n[1 if s\nd 7 to take _m seconds to cross ?is metre1 ! consequ5ce w\ld be t1 in/ead ( he>+ ! phrases spok5 9 _! "r ord] by 8 fri5d1 ! =emo/ walk] w\ld he> 9 an inv]se ord] ! s\nds convey+ ! ant]ior phrases4 ,9 t case we c\ld n speak :il/ walk+1 & ?ree-f\r?s ( mank9d w\ld n be able to he> "o ano!r4 ,^! rem>ks1 my fri5d1 induce me to sugge/ to y1 9 ?is connection1 = y\r consid]ation1 a subject well wor?y ( att5tion1 & :i* has hi!rto receiv$ little notice--t ( ! adaptation ( ! human organism to its t]re/rial environm5t4 ,! mann] 9 :i* man sees1 9 :i* he he>s2 8 s5sations1 8 n]v\s sy/em1 8 build1 8 weight1 8 d5sity1 8 walk1 8 functions--9 a ^w1 all 8 actions are regulat$ & con/itut$ by ! condition ( y\r planet4 ,none ( y\r acts are absolutely free & indep5d5t4 ,man is ! ob$i5t1 ?\gh unconsci\s1 creature ( ! organic =ces ( ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,! human organism d]iv$ f ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,organic life accords ) its habitat on ea* planet4 ,und\bt$ly ! human s\l1 n be+ a function ( ! bra91 & exi/+ by itself1 enjoys relative lib]ty2 b ?is lib]ty is limit$ by its faculties1 its p[]s1 & its en]gies2 x is det]m9$1 accord+ to ! causes :i* decide x1 at ! mom5t ( ! bir? ( e man4 ,c\ld "o "k exactly ! faculties ( 8 s\l & ! circum/ances :i* 7 to surr\nd 8 life1 "o c\ld write be=eh& t man's life 9 all its details4 ,! human organism is ! product ( ! planet4 ,x is n by a ,div9e fantasy1 by a miracle1 or by a direct creation t t]re/rial man is con/itut$ su* z he is4 ,8 =m1 8 figure1 8 weight1 8 s5se1 8 :ole organisation1 are d]iv$ f ! /ate or condition ( y\r planet1 ! atmosph]e t y brea!1 ! food t n\ri%es y1 ! gravity ( ! surface ( ! ,e>?1 ! d5sity ( t]re/rial matt]1 c4 ,! human body does n diff] anatomically f t ( "o ( ! high] mammalia1 & if y g back to ! orig9 ( species1 y w f9d gradual trans=mations e/abli%$ by unimpea*able evid5ce4 ,! :ole ( t]re/rial life1 f ! mollusc to man1 is ! developm5t ( "o s+le & sole g5ealogical tree4 ,! human =m has its orig9 9 ! animal =m4 ,man is ! butt]fly develop$ f ! *rysalis ( ! palontological ages4 ,f ?is fact ! consequ5ce results t on o!r worlds organic life is diff]5t f :at x is "h1 & t _! humanities1 :i*1 l our own1 are ! result ( =ces 9 activity on ea* planet1 diff] absolutely 9 _! =ms f t ( t]re/rial humanity4 ,= example1 on ! worlds :]e !y d n eat1 ! dige/ive app>atus & ! inte/9es d n exi/4 ,on ! worlds :i* are v highly electric1 ! be+s inhabit+ !m are gift$ ) an electric s5se4 ,on o!rs1 sight is adapt$ = ! ultra-violet rays1 & ! eyes h no?+ 9 common ) y\r eyes2 !y d n see :at y see1 & !y see :at y _c see4 ,! organs are adapt$ to ! functions !y h to fulfil4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,we are n1 !n1 ! absolute type ( creation8 ,creation itself is1 x appe>s1 a p]petual developm5t ( =ces 9 activity4 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\l & de/9y ,,lum54 ,! s\l itself is subject to a simil> law4 ,!re are z _m div]sities ( s\ls z ( bodies4 ,9 ord] t ! s\l %\ld exi/ z an indep5d5t be+ hav+ a consci\sness ( itself1 9 ord] t x %\ld pres]ve ! recollection ( its id5tity & be qualifi$ = immortality1 x is necess>y t ev5 9 ?is life x %\ld "k t x really exi/s4 ,o!rwise x is no m advanc$ ! day aft] dea? ?an ! day be=e dea?1 & falls z an ins5sible brea? into ! bl9d cosmos1 nei!r m nor less ?an any o!r c5tre ( unconsci\s =ce4 ,_m m5 on ! ,e>? boa/ t !y d n believe 9 any?+ b matt]1 )\t kn[+ :at !y say1 s9ce !y d n "k :at matt] is4 ,^! la/1 & ^?1 /ill m num]\s1 :o d n ?9k at all1 are n immortal1 s9ce !y h no consci\sness ( _! exi/5ce4 ,! spirits :o live really ! spiritual life are ! only ones :o are fitt$ = immortality4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,are !re _m ( !m8 ,,lum54 ,my fri5d1 behold ! dawn ( morn+ :i* invites me anew to return into ! dep?s ( space1 peopl$ ) ?+s unkn[n on ,e>?1 t fruitful m9e 9 :i* spirits f9d aga9 ! wrecks ( pa/ exi/5ces1 ! secrets ( _m my/]ies1 ! ru9s ( dis9tegrat$ worlds1 & ! g5esis ( future worlds4 ,& = ! re/1 x w\ld be sup]flu\s to l5g!n out ?is recital ) useless details4 ,my object has be5 to %[ y t1 9 ord] to h ! spectacle ( a _w & ( a sy/em exactly opposite to y\rs1 all t is ne$$ is to rec$e f ! ,e>? ) a velocity great] ?an t ( light4 ,9 ?is flight ( ! s\l t[>ds ! inaccessible horizons ( ! inf9ite1 "o retraces ! lum9\s rays reflect$ by ! ,e>? & by ! o!r planets = millions & myriads ( ye>s1 & :ile obs]v+ ! planets at ?is va/ di/ance "o c be pres5t 9 vision at ! ev5ts ( _! pa/ hi/ory4 ,?us "o asc5ds ! /ream ( "t to its s\rce4 ,su* a faculty ought to illum9ate = y ! regions ( et]nity ) a new light4 ,if1 z ,i hope1 y admit ! sci5tific value ( my expositions ( ^! ultra-t]re/rial /udies1 ,i look =w>d to unfold+ to y be=e long _! metaphysical consequ5ces4 ,,?ird ,,conv]sation ,,homo ,,homunculus ,sid5ote3 ,cl\ds no imp$im5t to vision4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i h li/5$ to y ) int]e/1 ,lum51 )\t1 ,i own1 be+ entirely conv9c$ t all y h told me is actually real4 ,inde$ x is difficult to believe t x is possible to see ) absolute c]ta9ty all ! ?+s ( :i* y speak4 ,:51 = in/ance1 !re are cl\ds across y\r field ( view1 y _c see cle>ly :at passes on ! ,e>?4 ,! same objection obta9s = ! int]ior ( h\ses4 ,sid5ote3 ,light a vibration ( e!r4 ,,lum54 ,y are mi/ak51 my fri5d4 ,! undulations ( e!r pass ?r\gh ob/acles t y w\ld believe imp5etrable4 ,cl\ds are =m$ ( molecules betwe5 :i* rays ( light frequ5tly pass4 ,9 ! contr>y case1 !re are "h & !re vi/as or gaps1 across :i* "o c only see obliquely4 ,! case is v r>e :5 no?+ c be di/+ui%$4 ,besides1 light is n :at x appe>s to be2 x is a vibration ( e!r1 & !re are o!r ways ( see+ ?an by means ( ! ret9a & ! optic n]ve4 ,! vibrations ( e!r are p]ceptible to s5ses o!r ?an ^? y possess4 ,!re=e1 if ?is be y\r sole objection1 x is1 ,i mu/ say1 f> f be+ an insurm\ntable "o4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y h a special faculty = resolv+ all d\bts4 ,p]haps ?is is "o ( ! gifts grant$ to spiritual be+s4 ,i h be5 oblig$ successively to admit1 t y h be5 transport$ to ,capella ) a swiftness exce$+ t ( light2 t y rea*$ ano!r _w z a _s2 t y\r s\l is lib]at$ f ! fle%2 t y\r ultra-e>?ly p]ception is able to di/+ui% f t height all t passes "h2 t y c advance or rec$e 9 space accord+ to y\r fancy2 & la/ly1 t ! cl\ds !mselves are no ob/acles to y\r cle>ly see+ ! surface ( our globe4 ,x mu/ be own$ t ^! are grave difficulties inde$4 ,,lum54 ,y are v mat]ial1 my old fri5d6 ,%\ld y be v surpris$ if ,i und]took to prove to y t all ^! difficulties exi/ only 9 "n1 & t all ! objections :i* oppose !mselves to y\r conception ( ph5om5a are ! effects ( ignorance8 ,:at %\ld y ?9k if ,i affirm$ t no "o has a s+le true idea ( :at takes place ^u ! ,e>?1 & t man utt]ly fails to und]/& nature8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,9 ! "n ( all ! indisputable tru?s ( mod]n sci5ce1 ,i %\ld d>e to ?9k t y 7 try+ to impose ^u me4 ,sid5ote3 ,! m>vels ( spectral analysis4 ,sid5ote3 ,pi]c+ nature ( ! s\l's sight4 ,,lum54 ,god =bid6 ,li/5 to me1 my fri5d4 ,! m>vell\s discov]ies ( contempor>y sci5ce ought to enl>ge ! sph]e ( y\r conceptions4 ,y h j discov]$ spectral analysis6 ,by ?is me?odic exam9ation ( a simple ray ( light %ot f a f>-(f />1 y le>n :at are ! elem5ts :i* compose ?is inaccessible /> & fe$ its brilliancy4 ,?is k1 my bro!r1 is ( m value ?an all ! conque/s ( ,alex&]1 ( ,cs>1 & ( ,napoleon1 ?an all ! discov]ies ( ,ptolemy1 ( ,columbus1 ( ,gut5b]g1 ?an all ! books ( ,moses & ( ,confucius4 ,only ?9k1 trillions ( leagues span ! abyss :i* sep>ates u f ,sirius1 f ,arcturus1 f ,vega1 f ,capella1 f ,ca/or & ,pollux1 & x is n[ possible to analyse ! sub/ances :i* con/itute ^! suns1 j z accurately z if y c\ld take !m 9 y\r h& & submit !m to ! crucible ( ! laboratory6 ,h[ !n c y refuse to admit t1 by processes :i* are unkn[n to y1 ! s\l's sight c be suffici5tly pi]c+ to see cle>ly a bright f>-(f _w1 & to di/+ui% ev5 its smalle/ details8 ,does n ! telegraph c>ry 9 an inappreciable mom5t y\r ?\ght f ,europe to ,am]ica ?r\gh ! dep?s ( ! ocean8 ,_c two p conv]se 9 a l[ voice at a di/ance ( ?\s&s ( leagues1 & /ill y hesitate to admit ! tru? ( my n>rations1 because y d n altoge!r compreh5d !m8 ,b c y expla9 h[ ! telegraphic message is transmitt$8 ,no1 y _c4 ,cease !n to reta9 d\bts :i* h n ev5 ! m]it ( be+ sci5tific4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,my objections1 le>n$ ma/]1 h n any o!r end 9 view ?an to elicit fre% light ^u ! subject4 ,i am f> f d5y+ ! tru? ( all y tell me1 & ,i b seek to =m a rational & exact idea ( x4 ,sid5ote3 ,! inadequacy ( ! e>?ly s5ses4 ,,lum54 ,be assur$1 my fri5d1 ,i d n take any (f5ce at y\r objections4 ,my only desire is to develop & enl>ge ! sph]e ( y\r conceptions4 ,i c at ?is v in/ant op5 y\r eyes to see ! utt] inadequacy ( y\r t]re/rial faculties1 & ! fatal pov]ty ( positive sci5ce itself1 by invit+ y to reflect t ! causes ( y\r impressions are solely modes ( motion1 & t :at is pr\dly t]m$ sci5ce is only a v limit$ organic p]ception4 ,sid5ote3 ,! limitations ( ! s5ses4 ,light by :i* y\r eyes see--s\nd by :i* y\r e>s he>--are diff]5t =ms ( motion by :i* y are impress$2 od\rs1 flav\rs1 c41 are emanations :i* /rike ^u y\r olfactory n]ve or t\* y\r palate2 ^! are solely vibratory motions :i* are transmitt$ to y\r bra94 ,y c only appreciate a few ( ^! movem5ts ?r\gh ! s5ses y possess1 pr9cipally ^? ( sight & he>+4 ,y1 9 y\r simplicity1 believe t y see & he> nature8 ,no?+ ( ! k9d4 ,all y d is to receive "s ( ! movem5ts 9 activity ^u y\r sublun>y atom4 ,t is all4 ,beyond ! impressions y receive !re are an inf9itely great] numb] unp]ceiv$ by y4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,p>don1 ma/]1 b ?is new aspect ( nature is n suffici5tly cle> = me to und]/& x4 ,w\ld y4444 ,sid5ote3 ,! ext5t ( ! gamut re vibrations ( s\nd4 ,sid5ote3 ,! ext5t ( ! vibrations ( light4 ,,lum54 ,?is aspect is inde$ new to y1 b att5tive reflection w enable y to grasp x4 ,s\nd is =m$ by vibrations 9 ! air :i* /rike ^u ! membrane ( ! tympanum & give y ! impression ( v>i\s tones4 ,man does n he> all s\nds4 ,:5 ! vibrations are too sl[ 7bel[ =ty a second71 ! s\nd is too l[2 y\r e> _c cat* x4 ,:5 ! vibrations are too rapid 7above #cf1jjj a second71 ! s\nd is too %>p2 y\r e> _c receive x4 ,above & bel[ ^! two limits1 !re=e1 human be+s d n p]ceive !m4 ,^! vibrations exi/1 h[ev]1 & are p]ceiv$ by creatures ( o!r k9ds1 z1 = example1 c]ta9 insects4 ,! same rules apply to light4 ,! diff]5t aspects ( light1 ! %ades & col\rs ( objects1 are equally due to ! vibrations :i* /rike ^u ! optic n]ve & give y ! impression ( ! diff]5t degrees ( int5sity 9 light4 ,man does n by any means see all t is visible4 ,:5 ! vibrations are too sl[ 7"u #deh billions a second71 light is too feeble2 y\r eye sees no?+4 ,:5 ! vibrations are too rapid 7ov] #gbg billions a second71 light outruns y\r organic faculty ( p]ception & is invisible to y4 ,above & bel[ ^! two limits ! vibrations ( e!r /ill exi/1 & are p]ceiv$ by o!r be+s4 ,y d n "k !re=e1 nor c y receive1 any impressions except ^? t c be made to vibrate ^u ! two *ords ( y\r organic lyre1 call$ respectively ! optic n]ve & ! auditory n]ve4 ,imag9e = "o in/ant ! ext5t ( all ! sights & s\nds :i* are n p]ceptible to y4 ,all ! undulatory movem5ts t exi/ 9 ! univ]se betwe5 ! figures ( #cf1jjj & ^? repres5t$ by #deh1jjj1jjj1jjj1jjj 9 ! same unity ( "t1 c nei!r be he>d nor be se5 by y1 & rema9 utt]ly unkn[n to y4 ,sid5ote3 ,man deaf to ! conc]t ( univ]sal h>monies by reason ( 8 limitations4 ,try to measure t di/ance6 ,contempor>y sci5ce is beg9n+ to p5etrate a little into ?is invisible _w1 & y "k t x has j calculat$ ! vibrations bel[ #deh billions 7^! are ! caloric invisible rays7 & ! vibrations above #gbg billions 7^! are ! *emical rays1 also equally invisible to ! human eye74 ,sci5tific me?ods c enl>ge ! sph]e ( ! p]ceptions b a little2 y rema9 isolat$ 9 ! mid/ ( inf9itude4 ,moreov]1 an endless numb] ( o!r vibrations exi/ 9 nature :i* h no correspond5ce ) y\r organisation1 & !re=e _c be receiv$ by y1 consequ5tly y rema9 = ev] utt]ly ignorant ( !m4 ,did y possess o!r /r+s to y\r lyre--t51 a hundr$1 a ?\s&--! h>mony ( nature c\ld m completely translate itself to y1 ea* ( ! myriad vibrations accord+ to _! k9d4 ,y w\ld p]ceive a numb] ( facts :i* are c]ta9ly pass+ ar\nd y1 ^: v exi/5ce y _c ev5 n[ guess1 & 9 place ( two dom9ant notes y w\ld be consci\s ( ! gr& conc]t ( h>monies ev]y:]e ab\t y4 ,b al?\gh ?us ignorant1 y are unconsci\s ( x1 because all ar\nd y are equally ignorant1 & !re=e x is impossible to comp>e y\r limit$ faculties ) ^? ( be+s mu* m highly organis$4 ,sid5ote3 ,7 ! eye a comb9$ spectroscope & telescope1 x w\ld see ! *emical elem5ts compos+ bodies4 ,! s5ses y d possess suffice1 h[ev]1 to indicate ! exi/5ce ( o!r s5ses1 n only m p[]ful1 b ( a totally diff]5t ord]4 ,by ! s5se ( t\*1 = example1 y c1 x is true1 feel ! s5sation ( heat2 b x is easy to conceive ! exi/5ce ( a special s5se1 analog\s to t by :i* light reveals to y ! aspect ( ext]ior objects1 & :i* w\ld r5d] man capable ( judg+ ( ! =m & sub/ance ( an object1 its int]ior /ructure1 & o!r qualities1 by ! action ( ! caloric waves radiat+ f x4 ,! same reason+ w\ld hold good on ! subject ( electricity4 ,y c\ld equally well conceive ! exi/5ce ( a s5se1 end[+ ! eye ) ! p[]s ( a spectroscope & telescope 9 "o1 ?us enabl+ x to see ! *emical elem5ts1 ( :i* bodies are compos$4 ,?us already1 f a sci5tific po9t ( view1 y h suffici5t gr\nd = imag9+ modes ( p]ception1 q diff]5t f ^? :i* *>act]ise human be+s4 ,^! faculties exi/ 9 o!r worlds1 & !re are endless ways ( p]ceiv+ ! action ( ! =ces ( nature4 ,sid5ote3 ,our t]re/rial s5ses are limit$4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,c]ta9ly1 ma/]1 ,i own t z y unfold ^! possibilities a new & s+ul> cle>ness enlight5s my und]/&+1 & y\r tea*+s appe> to me a true int]pretation ( ! reality4 ,i _h already dream$ t simil> m>vels might be possible1 b ,i _h n be5 able to expla9 !m1 envelop$ z ,i /ill am 9 my t]re/rial s5ses4 ,"o ?+ is c]ta91 we mu/ be lift$ out ( our e>?-b\nd limitations ere we are capable ( compreh5d+1 or ev5 ( attempt+ to judge1 ( ! scope ( ! univ]se4 ,?us1 be+ end[$ ) only a few limit$ s5ses1 we c b "k ! facts t are p]ceptible to !m4 ,! rema9d] is naturally unkn[n4 ,c x be t ! unkn[n is inf9itely m ?an ! kn[n8 ,sid5ote3 ,! ord9>y s5ses are ins5sible to _m physical movem5ts4 ,,lum54 ,?is rema9d] is imm5se1 & all y at pres5t "k w seem z no?+ by comp>ison4 ,n only d y\r s5ses n p]ceive physical movem5ts--su* z sol> & t]re/rial electricity ^: curr5ts cross 9 ! atmosph]e1 ! magnetism ( m9]als1 ( plants1 & ( be+s1 ! aff9ities ( organisms1 c41 :i* are invisible to y--b !y p]ceive /ill less ! movem5ts ( ! moral _w1 its sympa?ies & antipa?ies1 its pres5tim5ts1 its spiritual attractions1 c4 ,i only speak ! simple tru? :5 ,i say1 t all t y "k1 & all t y c\ld "k1 ?r\gh ! m$ium ( y\r e>?ly s5ses1 is z no?+ comp>$ to t :i* is4 ,sid5ote3 ,be+s exi/ ) o!r ?an our s5ses4 ,?is tru? is s pr(\nd t x might well be ass]t$1 t be+s exi/ ^u ! ,e>? ess5tially diff]5t f y1 possess+ nei!r eyes1 nor e>s1 nor any ( y\r s5ses1 b end[$ ) o!r s5ses1 & capable ( p]ceiv+ t :i* y _c p]ceive1 & :o1 :ile liv+ 9 ! same _w z y\rself1 "k t :i* y _c "k1 & =m an idea ( nature completely at v>iance ) y\r own4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,all ?is is utt]ly beyond my compreh5sion4 ,,lum54 ,moreov]1 my e>?ly fri5d1 ,i c add mo/ emphatically t ! p]ceptions y receive1 & t con/itute ! bases ( y\r sci5ce1 are n ev5 ! p]ceptions ( ! reality4 ,no4 ,light1 lucidity1 col\rs1 looks1 tones1 noises1 h>monies1 s\nds1 p]fumes1 flav\rs1 app>5t qualities ( bodies1 c41 are no?+ b =ms4 ,^! =ms ent] into y\r m9d by ! av5ue ( ! eye1 & ! e>1 by ! s5ses ( smell1 & ta/e1 & are repres5t$ to y by _! appe>ances1 b n ev5 by ! ess5ce ( ! ?+s !mselves4 ,! real nature ( ?+s entirely escapes y\r und]/&+1 & y are utt]ly incapable ( compreh5d+ ! univ]se4 ,sid5ote3 ,matt] is n solid4 ,matt] itself is n :at y believe x to be4 ,to speak absolutely1 !re is n any?+ t is solid2 y\r own body1 a piece ( iron or ( granite1 are n m solid ?an ! air y brea!4 ,all ^! ?+s are compos$ ( atoms :i* d n t\* ea* o!r1 & :i* are 9 p]petual movem5t4 ,! ,e>?1 atom ( ! ,heav5s1 moves 9 space ) a swiftness ( #fdc1jjj leagues a day2 b1 9 proportion to _! dim5sions1 ea* atom :i* con/itutes y\r own body & t circulates 9 y\r blood1 moves mu* m quickly4 ,if y\r vision 7 suffici5tly p[]ful to see ?r\gh ?is /one1 y w\ld no long] see x ?us1 because y\r sight w\ld pass ?r\gh & beyond x4444 ,sid5ote3 ,h[ man errs 9 ?9k+ 8 limit$ s5sations describe ^? ( ! univ]se4 ,sid5ote3 ,! diff]5ce ( organisms on ,m>s1 ,uranus1 c4 ,sid5ote3 ,! tie unit+ ! physical & spiritual _w ,b ,i see by ! di/urbance ( y\r bra91 & ! rapid movem5ts ( ! fluid :i* crosses y\r closely-conc5trat$ lobes1 t y no long] und]/& my revelations4 ,i w n !n pursue ?is subject :i* ,i h ?us m]ely lightly t\*$ ^u1 ) ! end 9 view ( !reby demon/rat+ h[ greatly y w\ld err1 did y atta* any importance to difficulties born ( y\r t]re/rial s5sations1 & to assure y t nei!r y nor any man ^u ! ,e>? c\ld =m ev5 an approximate idea ( ! univ]se4 ,:at is e>?ly man b a m]e pigmy6 ,ah6 if y 7 b acqua9t$ ) ! organisms :i* vibrate ^u ,m>s or ^u ,uranus2 if x _h b be5 grant$ to y1 to appreciate ! s5ses 9 action1 ^u ,v5us & ^u a r+ ( ,saturn2 if dur+ c5turies ( travel y _h be5 p]mitt$ to glance at & obs]ve ! =ms ( life 9 ! sy/ems ( ! d\ble />s2 at ! s5sations ( sight 9 ! col\r$ suns1 to glean ! impressions ( an electric s5se1 ( :i* y c "k absolutely no?+1 9 ! gr\ps ( multiple suns2 if a suitable comp>ison ( ?is ultra-t]re/rial /ate _h furni%$ y ) ! elem5ts ( a fre% k1 y w\ld !n h compreh5d$ t be+s exi/--:o c see1 he>1 feel1 or1 to be m accurate1 und]/& nature )\t eyes1 )\t e>s1 )\t s5se ( smell2 t an incr$ible numb] ( o!r s5ses exi/ 9 nature1 s5ses ess5tially diff]5t f y\rs2 & t !re are 9 creation an incalculable numb] ( m>vell\s facts :i* x is absolutely impossible = y to imag9e4 ,9 ?is g5]al contemplation ( ! univ]se1 my fri5d1 "o p]ceives ! solid>ity--! tie :i* unites ! physical ) ! spiritual _w2 "o sees f a high] gr\nd ! in/9ctive /r5g? :i* raises c]ta9 s\ls1 tri$ by ! co>s5ess ( matt] b purifi$ by sacrifice1 t[>ds ! high] regions ( spiritual light2 & "o und]/&s h[ imm5se is ! happ9ess res]v$ = ^? be+s1 :o1 ev5 :ile on ,e>?1 h succe$$ 9 gradually ov]com+ _! l[] nature4 ,,qu,,r5s44 ,to return to ! transmission ( light 9 space4 ,does n light lose itself at la/8 ,does ! aspect ( ! ,e>? rema9 et]nally visible1 & nev]1 on ! contr>y1 dim9i% 9 proportion to ! squ>e ( di/ance1 ?us becom+ f9ally annihilat$8 ,sid5ote3 ,! ^w end appli$ to space mean+less ,,lum54 ,y\r expression at la/ is )\t mean+1 because !re is no end 9 space4 ,light becomes att5uat$1 x is true1 ) di/ance1 ! sc5es become less vivid1 b no?+ is lo/ entirely4 ,any numb]1 :atev] x may be1 p]petually r$uc$ by half1 = example1 c nev] become equal to z]o4 ,! ,e>? is n visible to all eyes at a c]ta9 di/ance4 ,nev]!less x /ill exi/s1 ev5 ?\gh x may n be se5 by all2 & only spiritual sight c see x4 ,besides1 ! image ( a />1 borne ^u ! w+s ( light1 goes into ! unfa?omable dep?s ( ! my/]i\s abysses ( space4 ,sid5ote3 ,va/ regions exi/ )\t />s4 ,va/ regions exi/ 9 space )\t />s1 regions decimat$ by "t1 :5ce worlds h be5 successively remov$ by ! attraction ( ext]ior suns4 ,! image ( a /> 9 cross+ ^! d>k abysses1 w\ld be 9 a condition analog\s to t ( a p]son1 or object1 t ! photograph] _h =gott5 & left 9 ! cam]a4 ,x is n impossible t su* images enc\nt] 9 ^! va/ spaces an obscure /> 7cele/ial me*anics /ate ! exi/5ce ( _m su*7 9 a special condition ^: surface 7=m$ p]haps ( iod9e1 if "o is to cr$it spectral analysis7 w\ld be s5sitis$1 & capable ( fix+ ^u itself ! image ( ?is f>-(f _w4 ,?us t]re/rial ev5ts might be pr9t$ ^u a d>k globe4 ,& if ?is globe turns ^u itself1 l o!r cele/ial bodies1 x w\ld pres5t successively its diff]5t zones to ! t]re/rial image1 & w\ld ?us take a sort ( cont9u\s photograph ( successive ev5ts4 ,sid5ote3 ,images ( ?is _w's ev5ts photograph$ spirally ^u o!r globes 9 space4 ,foll[+ moreov]1 9 asc5d+1 or desc5d+1 a p]p5dicul> l9e to its equator1 ! l9e :]e ! images 7 reproduc$ w\ld no long] be describ$ 9 a circle1 b 9 a spiral2 & aft] ! fir/ movem5t ( rotation 0 f9i%$1 ! new images w\ld n co9cide ) ! old ones1 nor sup]impose !m1 b w\ld foll[ above & bel[4 ,! imag9ation c\ld n[ suppose t ?is _w is n sph]ical1 b cyl9drical1 & ?us see 9 space an imp]i%able column ar\nd :i* w\ld be engrav$ ! great ev5ts ( ! _w's hi/ory4 ,i h n myself se5 ?is realisation4 ,x is s %ort a "t s9ce ,i left ! ,e>?1 t ,i h b>ely done m ?an glance sup]ficially at ^! cele/ial m>vels4 ,be=e long ,i %all seek to v]ify ?is fact1 & see if its reality does n =m a "p ( ! inf9ite ri*ness ( ! a/ral creations4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,if ! ray :i* leaves ! ,e>? is nev] de/roy$1 ma/]1 our actions are !n et]nal8 ,,lum54 ,c]ta9ly !y are4 ,sid5ote3 ,actions c>ri$ = ev] on rays ( light4 ,an act once accompli%$ c nev] be effac$1 & no p[] c ev] cause x to be z if x _h nev] be54 ,say t a crime is committ$ 9 ! he>t ( a des]t c\ntry4 ,! crim9al goes f> away1 rema9s unkn[n1 & supposes t ! act :i* he has committ$ has pass$ = ev]4 ,he has wa%$ 8 h&s ( x1 he has rep5t$1 he believes 8 action oblit]at$4 ,b 9 reality no?+ is de/roy$4 ,at ! mom5t :5 ?is act 0 accompli%$1 ! light seiz$ x & c>ri$ x into space ) ! rapidity ( lightn+4 ,x became incorporat$ 9 a ray ( light2 et]nal1 x w transmit itself et]nally into inf9itude4 ,likewise a good action is done 9 secret2 ! b5efactor ?9ks x is conceal$1 b a ray ( light has tak5 possession ( x4 ,f> f be+ =gott51 x w live = ev]4 ,napoleon1 9 ord] to satisfy 8 p]sonal ambition1 0 volunt>ily ! cause ( ! dea? ( five millions ( m51 ^: ages av]ag$ ab\t ?irty ye>s1 & :o1 accord+ to ! laws ( life1 _h ?irty-sev5 m ye>s to live4 ,!re=e1 by ?is calculation1 he caus$ ! de/ruction ( #ahe millions ( ye>s ( human life4 ,sid5ote3 ,napoleon's puni%m5t4 ,8 *a/isem5t1 8 expiation1 consi/s 9 be+ c>ri$ along by t ray ( light :i* left ! pla9s ( ,wat]loo on ! #ah? ,june #ahae1 & to be ev] mov+ 9 space ) ! quickness ( light itself2 to h con/antly 9 sight t critical sc5e1 :]e he saw = ev] crumbl+ to pieces ! scaffold+ ( 8 va9 ambition2 to feel1 )\t respite1 ! bitt]ness ( despair2 & to rema9 b\nd to ?is ray ( light = ! #ahe millions ( ye>s = ^: de/ruction he 0 responsible4 ,by ?us act+1 9 place ( wor?ily fulfill+ 8 mission1 he has ret>d$ = a simil> l5g? ( "t 8 progress 9 ! spiritual life4 ,& if x 7 giv5 to y to see t :i* goes on 9 ! moral _w1 z cle>ly z y n[ see t :i* passes 9 ! physical "o1 y w\ld recognise vibrations & transmissions ( ano!r nature1 :i* impr9t 9 ! arcana ( ! spiritual _w1 n only ! actions1 b ev5 ! mo/ secret ?\ghts4 ,sid5ote3 ,speculation ^u ! problem ( communication by lum9\s signals betwe5 ! ,e>? & />s4 ,sid5ote3 ,an int]val ( two c5turies betwe5 "q & answ]4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y\r revelations1 ,lum51 are awful6 ,?us1 our et]nal de/9ies are intimately b\nd up ) ! con/ruction ( ! univ]se itself4 ,i h _m times speculat$ ^u ! problem ( communication betwe5 ! worlds by ! aid ( light4 ,_m physici/s h suppos$ t x w be possible to e/abli% communication betwe5 ! ,e>? & ! ,moon1 & ev5 ! planets1 by ! aid ( lum9\s signals4 ,b suppose "o c\ld make signs f ! ,e>? to a />1 by employ+ ! light1 = example1 a hundr$ ye>s mu/ come & g be=e ! signal f ! ,e>? c\ld rea* its de/9ation1 & ! response c\ld only return aft] ! same int]val ( "t _h elaps$4 ,two c5turies mu/ consequ5tly elapse betwe5 ! "q & its answ]4 ,! t]re/rial obs]v] w\ld h di$ long be=e 8 signal c\ld h rea*$ 8 sid]eal obs]v]1 & ! latt] w\ld d\btless h und]gone a simil> fate be=e 8 answ] c\ld h be5 receiv$6 ,,lum54 ,x w\ld1 9 fact1 be a conv]sation betwe5 ! liv+ & ! dead4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,p>don a la/ "q1 ma/]--"o p]haps a little indiscreet1 b a la/ "o1 = ,i see ,v5us is pal+1 & ,i feel t y\r voice w soon cease to be he>d4 ,if actions are ?us visible 9 e!real regions1 we c !n see1 aft] our dea?1 n only our own actions1 b also ^? ( o!rs--,i mean ^? :i* specially int]e/ u8 ,= in/ance1 a pair ( tw9 s\ls1 dwell+ 9 p]fect unity1 w\ld l to see aga9 = a ?\s& ye>s ! delightful h\rs pass$ toge!r on ! ,e>?2 !y w\ld ru% into space ) a rapidity equal to t ( light1 9 ord] to h always be=e _! eyes ! same h\rs ( joy4 ,9 ano!r s5se1 a husb& w\ld trace ) int]e/ ! entire life ( 8 companion2 & %\ld "s unexpect$ situation h pres5t$ itself1 he c\ld at leisure exam9e ! causes lead+ to ! same4 ,he might ev51 if 8 disembodi$ companion resid$ 9 "s neighb\r+ region1 call ^u h] to obs]ve1 9 common ) himself1 ^! retrospective incid5ts4 ,no d5ial c\ld be admissible be=e su* palpable evid5ce1 & might n ?is p[] ex]cis$ by ^! spirits give rise to "s /range revelations8 ,,lum54 ,y are v e>?ly1 my fri5d1 to ?9k t 9 ! ,heav5s memories ( a mat]ial k9d w be valu$1 & ,i am a/oni%$ t y c cont9ue to ?9k !m ( importance4 ,:at %\ld specially /rike y 9 all we h said dur+ ^! two int]views is1 t by virtue ( ! laws ( light1 we c see ev5ts aft] !y h be5 accompli%$1 al?\gh !y are pa/1 & inde$ :5 !y h entirely vani%$4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,believe me1 ma/]1 ?is tru? w nev] m be effac$ f my memory4 ,x is precisely ?is po9t :i* ,i f9d s exce$+ly m>vell\s4 ,=get1 ,i pray y1 my la/ digression4 ,to say ! tru?1 t :i* f our fir/ int]view has mo/ tax$ & surpass$ ! b\nds ( my imag9ation1 0 to ?9k t ! duration ( ! voyage ( ! _s c be n only nil--negative--b also retrograde6 ,sid5ote3 ,"t retrogressive4 ,"t retrogressive6 ,^! two words involve a contradiction 9 t]ms4 ,d>e "o believe x8 ,y />t to-day = a />1 & y arrive ye/]day6 ,:at d ,i say--ye/]day8 ,y w arrive !re sev5ty-two ye>s ago1 ev5 a hundr$ ye>s ago6 ,! f>!r y g1 ! soon] y w arrive6 ,t]ms 9 gramm> mu/ be remade = su* extraord9>y reckon+4 ,,lum54 ,?is is und5iable4 ,speak+ accord+ to t]re/rial /yle1 !re is n any error 9 ?is mode ( expression1 s9ce ! ,e>? 0 only 9 #agic1 c41 = ! _w 9 :i* we arriv$1 or = ! _w :i* we rea*$4 ,sid5ote3 ,app>5t p>adoxes an5t "t4 ,y h1 h[ev]1 on y\r little globe c]ta9 app>5t p>adoxes1 :i* give an idea ( ?is "o4 ,= example1 a telegram s5t f ,p>is at noon arrives at ,bre/ tw5ty m9utes be=e noon4 ,b ^! curi\s aspects ( p>ticul> application are n ( suffici5t significance = y to dwell ^u1 b r ! revelation ( :i* !y are ! metaphysical =m & ! outw>d expression4 ,"k t "t is n an absolute reality1 b only a transitory measure caus$ by ! movem5ts ( ! ,e>? 9 ! ,sol> ,sy/em4 ,reg>d$ ) ! eyes ( ! s\l1 & n ) ^? ( ! body1 ?is picture ( human life1 n imag9>y b real1 su* z x 01 dissimulation be+ impossible1 t\*es on "o side ! doma9 ( !ology1 inasmu* z x expla9s physically a my/]y hi!rto inexplicable3 ,i mean individual judgm5t ( ourselves aft] dea?4 ,f ! po9t ( view ( ! :ole "q1 ! pres5t ( a _w is no long] a mom5t>y actuality1 :i* disappe>s z soon z x has appe>$1 x is no long] a phase )\t consi/5cy1 a gate ?r\gh :i* ! pa/ is precipitat$ unceas+ly t[>ds ! future1 a ma!matical plan 9 space4 ,x is1 on ! contr>y1 an effective reality1 :i* flies away f ?is _w ) ! swiftness ( light1 s9k+ = ev] 9 ! inf9ite1 & rema9+ ?us an et]nal pres5t4 ,sid5ote3 ,ev5ts live = ev]4 ,! metaphysical reality ( ?is va/ problem is su*1 t "o c n[ conceive ! omnipres5ce ( ! _w ?r\gh\t all its duration4 ,ev5ts vani% f ! place 9 :i* !y 7 born1 b !y exi/ 9 space4 ,?is successive & endless projection ( all ! facts enact$ ^u e _w takes place 9 ! bosom ( ! ,inf9ite ,be+1 ^: ubiquity holds ev]y?+ 9 an et]nal p]man5ce4 ,sid5ote3 ,sci5tific explanation ( ubiquity4 ,! ev5ts :i* h be5 accompli%$ ^u ! surface ( ! ,e>? s9ce its creation are visible 9 space at di/ances proportion$ to _! remot5ess 9 ! pa/4 ,! :ole hi/ory ( ! globe1 & ! life ( ea* "o ( its inhabitants1 c\ld ?us be se5 at a glance by an eye :i* c\ld embrace t space4 ,we ?us und]/& optically1 z x 71 t ! et]nal ,_s1 pres5t ev]y:]e1 c see all ! pa/ at "o & ! same mom5t4 ,t :i* is true ( our ,e>? is true ( all ! worlds 9 space4 ,?us ! entire hi/ory ( ! :ole univ]se c be pres5t at once to ! univ]sal ubiquity ( ! ,creator4 ,i may add t ,god kn[s all ! pa/1 n only 9 consequ5ce ( ?is direct sight1 b also by ! k ( ea* ?+ 9 ! pres5t4 ,if a naturali/1 su* z ,cuvi]1 kn[s h[ to recon/ruct1 by ! aid ( a fragm5t ( bone1 any species ( ext9ct animals1 surely ! ,au?or ( ,nature kn[s by ! pres5t ,e>? ! ,e>? :i* is pa/1 ! ,planet>y ,sy/em1 & ! ,sun ( ! pa/1 & all ! conditions ( temp]atures1 aggregations1 & comb9ations1 by :i* ! elem5ts h produc$ ! complex condition ( ?+s at pres5t 9 exi/5ce4 ,sid5ote3 ,pres5t1 pa/1 & future1 all "o4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! future c be z completely pres5t to ,god 9 its actual g]ms1 z ! pa/ is 9 its fruits4 ,ea* ev5t is b\nd 9 an indissoluble mann] ) ! pa/ & ! future4 ,! future w be z inevitably ! outcome ( ! pres5t1 & is1 z logically d$ucible f x1 & exi/s 9 x z exactly1 z t ! pa/ itself is !re9 inscrib$ = ^? :o are able to deciph] x4 ,b--& ,i emphasise x--! ma9 po9t ( ?is recital is to /ate1 to make y und]/&1 t ! pa/ life ( all worlds1 & ( all be+s1 is always visible 9 space1 ?anks to ! successive transmission ( light across & ?r\gh ! va/ regions ( ! inf9ite4 ,,f\r? ,,conv]sation ,,ant]iores ,,vit ,sid5ote3 ,new horizons4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,two ye>s h fl$1 ,lum51 s9ce ! day :5 y grant$ me t my/]i\s int]view4 ,dur+ ?is p]iod1 unconsci\sly = ! inhabitants ( et]nal space1 b mo/ consci\sly = u dwell]s ^u ! ,e>?1 ,i h (t5 rais$ my ?\ghts to ! great problems 9 :i* y h initiat$ me1 & to ! horizons develop$ be=e my m9d's eye4 ,d\btless1 also1 s9ce y\r dep>ture f ! ,e>? y h made1 ?r\gh y\r obs]vations & /udies1 great advance ^u a field ( rese>* m & m va/4 ,d\btless1 also1 y h numb]less m>vels to decl>e to me1 n[ t my intellig5ce is bett] prep>$ to receive !m4 ,if ,i am wor?y1 & if ,i c compreh5d !m1 give me an acc\nt1 ,lum51 ( ! cele/ial voyages :i* h transport$ y\r _s into ! high] sph]es2 ( ! unkn[n tru?s :i* !y h reveal$ to y2 ( ! gr&eurs :i* !y h op5$ out to y1 & ( ! pr9ciples !y h taught y 9 ref]5ce to t my/]i\s subject1 viz41 ! de/9y ( man1 & o!r be+s4 ,,lum54 ,i h prep>$ y\r m9d1 my de> old fri5d1 to receive m>vell\s impressions1 su* z no e>?ly spectacle ev] has1 or c\ld produce4 ,x is1 nev]!less1 necess>y t y %\ld keep y\r und]/&+ free f all e>?ly prejudice4 ,t :i* ,i am go+ to unfold w a/oni% y1 b receive x f ! fir/ ) att5tion z an und5iable tru?1 & n z a romance4 ,?is is ! fir/ condition t ,i dem& f my e>ne/ pupil4 ,:5 y compreh5d--& y w compreh5d1 if y br+ to ! task a ma!matical m9d & an unprejudic$ _s--y w see t all ! facts :i* con/itute our ultra-t]re/rial exi/5ce are n only possible1 b also real1 & moreov]1 are 9 p]fect h>mony ) our intellectual faculties z already manife/$ ^u ! e>?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,be assur$1 ,lum51 t ,i br+ to y an op5 m9d1 cle>$ f all prejudice1 & ,i am eag]ly expect+ to he> revelations su* z ! human e> has nev] be=e he>d4 ,sid5ote3 ,space & ,light4 ,,lum54 ,! ev5ts :i* w =m ! subject ( ?is recital h n only ! ,e>? & its neighb\r+ />s = _! subject1 b !y w ext5d ov] imm5se fields ( sid]eal a/ronomy1 & make u acqua9t$ ) _! m>vels4 ,_! explanation w be solv$1 z 0 t ( =m] difficulties1 by ! /udy ( light1 a magic bridge ?r[n f "o /> to ano!r1 f ! ,e>? to ! ,sun1 f ! ,e>? to ! />s--( light1 ! univ]sal movem5t :i* fills space1 su/a9s worlds 9 _! orbits1 & con/itutes ! et]nal life ( nature4 ,take c>e1 !n1 to keep ev] 9 m9d1 ! fact ( ! successive transmission ( light 9 space4 ,sid5ote3 ,velocity ( ,light4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i "k t light1 :atev] x may be1 is ! ag5t by :i* objects are r5d]$ visible to our eyes1 t x is n transmitt$ in/antane\sly f "o po9t to ano!r1 b gradually1 l all motion4 ,i "k t x flies at ! rate ( #ge1jjj leagues a second1 t x runs #gej1jjj leagues 9 t5 seconds1 & #d1ejj1jjj ea* m9ute4 ,i "k t x takes m ?an eight m9utes to cross ! di/ance ( #cg millions ( leagues :i* sep>ate u f ! ,sun4 ,mod]n a/ronomy has made ^! facts famili>4 ,,lum54 ,d y p]fectly realise its undulatory movem5t8 ,sid5ote3 ,undulatory movem5t ( ,s\nd4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i ?9k s4 ,i comp>e x to t ( s\nd1 al?\gh x be accompli%$ ^u a scale incomp>ably m va/4 ,by undulation foll[+ undulation1 s\nd is diffus$ 9 ! air4 ,:5 ! bells peal =? _! sonor\s s\nd1 ?is is he>d at ! v mom5t :5 ! clapp] /rikes ! bell1 by ^? liv+ r\nd ! *ur*1 b is n he>d till "o second aft]1 by ^? liv+ at a di/ance ( #dib y>ds2 two seconds lat] by ^? at #gfe y>ds2 & ?ree seconds lat] /ill1 by ^? at a di/ance ( #ajic y>ds f ! *ur*4 ,?us s\nd only gradually rea*es "o village aft] ano!r z f> z x c g4 ,9 ! same way light passes successively f "o region 9 space to ano!r at a great] di/ance1 & travels )\t be+ ext+ui%$ into ! f>-(f realms ( ,inf9ity4 ,if we c\ld see f ! ,e>? an ev5t :i* is be+ accompli%$ ^u ! ,moon2 = in/ance1 if we _h suffici5tly good in/rum5ts to p]ceive f "h1 a fruit fall+ f a tree on ! surface ( ! ,moon1 we %\ld n see ! fact at ! mom5t ( its occurr5ce1 b "o second & a qu>t] aft]1 because light requires ab\t t "t to travel ! di/ance f ! ,moon to ! ,e>?4 ,simil>ly1 c\ld we see an ev5t tak+ place ^u a _w at t5 times great] di/ance ?an ! ,moon1 we c\ld n witness x until #ac seconds aft] x _h really happ5$4 ,if ?is _w 7 a hundr$ times f>!r (f ?an ! ,moon1 we c\ld n see an ev5t until #acj seconds aft] x _h tak5 place2 7 x a ?\s& times m di/ant1 we %\ld n see x until #acjj seconds1 or #ba m9utes #dj seconds _h elaps$4 ,& s on accord+ to ! di/ance4 ,sid5ote3 ,"t tak5 by ,light 9 travell+ f ! ,e>? to ! /> ,capella4 ,,lum54 ,exactly1 & y are aw>e t ! lum9\s ray s5t to ! ,e>? by ! /> ,capella takes sev5ty-two ye>s 9 rea*+ x4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t if we only receive ! lum9\s ray to-day1 :i* left its surface sev5ty-two ye>s ago1 ! d5iz5s ( ,capella see only t :i* happ5$ on ! ,e>? sev5ty-two ye>s ago4 ,! ,e>? reflects 9 space ! light t x gets f ! ,sun1 & f a di/ance1 appe>s z brilliant z ,v5us & ,jupit] appe> to y1 planets light$ by ! same ,sun t lights ! ,e>?4 ,! lum9\s aspect ( ! ,e>?1 its photograph1 j\rneys 9 space at ! rate ( #ge1jjj leagues a second1 & only rea*es ,capella aft] sev5ty-two ye>s ( incessant travel4 ,i recall ^! elem5t>y pr9ciples 9 ord] t y may h !m ?or\ghly fix$ 9 y\r memory2 y w !n be able to compreh5d1 )\t difficulty1 ! facts :i* h happ5$ to me dur+ my ultra-t]re/rial life s9ce our la/ int]view4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,^! pr9ciples ( optics are1 to my m9d1 cle>ly e/abli%$4 ,! day aft] y\r dea? 9 ,octob] #ahfd1 :51 z y h confid$ to me1 y f\nd y\rself rapidly transport$ to ,capella1 y 7 a/oni%$ to arrive !re at ! mom5t :5 ! philosophical a/ronom]s ( ! c\ntry 7 obs]v+ ! ,e>? 9 ! ye> #agic1 & witness+ "o ( ! mo/ significant acts ( ! ,fr5* ,revolution4 ,y 7 n less surpris$ to see y\rself aga9 z a *ild1 runn+ ab\t 9 ! /reets ( ,p>is4 ,!n1 leav+ ,capella & com+ ne>] to ! ,e>?1 y arriv$ at ! zone :]e t "p ( ! t]re/rial photography pass$ be=e y\r vision1 :i* %[$ y y\r infancy1 & y saw y\rself at six ye>s ( age1 n 9 memory1 b 9 reality4 ,out ( all y\r previ\s revelations1 ?is is ! "o ,i _h ! mo/ difficulty 9 believ+--,i mean1 9 grasp+ its mean+4 ,,lum54 ,t :i* ,i n[ wi% to make y compreh5d is /rang] /ill4 ,b x 0 fir/ necess>y = y to admit t "o1 be=e ,i c\ld adequately reveal to y ?is "o4 ,sid5ote3 ,retrospective survey ( life on ,e>?4 ,on leav+ ,capella & approa*+ ! ,e>?1 ,i saw aga9 my sev5ty-two ye>s ( e>?ly exi/5ce1 my entire life su* z x _h be51 pass$ be=e me2 =1 9 approa*+ ! ,e>?1 ,i pass$ ?r\gh successive zones ( e>?ly sc5es1 :]e ,i saw spread out z 9 a scroll ! visible hi/ory ( our planet1 because 9 go+ back t[>ds ! ,e>?1 ,i 0 cont9ually meet+ ! v>i\s zones :i* c>ri$ ?r\gh space ! visible hi/ory ( our planet1 compris+ t ( ,p>is z well z my own1 = ,i 0 !re4 ,tak+ ?us 9 "o day a retrospective survey ( ! road :i* x _h tak5 light sev5ty-two ye>s to trav]se1 ,i _h review$ my :ole life 9 t "o day1 & ,i p]ceiv$ ev5 my own int]m5t4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,x is z if1 on return+ f ,capella to ! ,e>?1 y _h se51 z 9 a mirror1 ! sev5ty-two ye>s ( y\r life photograph$ ye> by ye>4 ,! "o ! f>!/ f ! ,e>?1 b :i* _h />t$ ! fir/1 & 0 ! olde/1 %[$ ev5ts z !y 7 9 #agic2 ! second1 :i* left ! ,e>? a ye> lat]1 & _h n yet rea*$ ,capella1 conta9$ ^? ( #agid2 ! t5?1 ^? ( #ahjc2 ! ?irty-six?1 hav+ rea*$ midway on ! road1 gave ^? ( #ahbi2 ! fiftie?1 ^? ( #ahdc2 ! sev5ty-fir/1 ^? ( #ahfd4 ,,lum54 ,x is impossible to h bett] grasp$ ^! facts1 :i* seem s my/]i\s & incompreh5sible at fir/ sight4 ,n[ ,i c rec\nt to y t :i* happ5$ to me ^u ,capella1 aft] hav+ ?us witness$ ov] aga9 my exi/5ce on ! ,e>?4 ,i ,,lum54 ,:il/ n v long ago 7b ,i c no long] express t "t by e>?ly measurem5ts71 9 a melan*oly region ( ,capella1 ,i 0 contemplat+ ! />ry heav5s at ! beg9n+ ( a cle> night1 occupi$ 9 not+ ! /> :i* is y\r e>?ly ,sun1 & ne> x ! little azure planet1 y\r ,e>?1 ,i obs]v$ "o ( ! sc5es ( my *ildhood--my "y "m seat$ 9 ! mid/ ( a g>d51 hold+ an infant 9 h] arms 7my bro!r71 hav+ at h] side a little girl ( two summ]s 7my si/]71 & a boy two ye>s old] 7myself74 ,i saw myself at t age :5 man is n yet consci\s ( 8 intellectual exi/5ce1 ?\gh he be>s ev5 !n ^u 8 br[ ! g]m ( future promise4 ,:il/ dream+ ( ?is s+ul> spectacle1 :i* %[$ me myself at ! entrance ( my e>?ly c>e]1 ,i felt my att5tion drawn f y\r planet by a sup]ior p[]1 & direct$ t[>ds ano!r po9t 9 ! heav5s1 :i*1 ev5 at t mom5t1 seem$ to be l9k$ ) ! ,e>? & my c>e] !re1 by "s my/]i\s tie4 ,i c\ld n turn my gaze f ?is new po9t 9 ! ! heav5s1 my eyes be+1 z x 71 *a9$ to ! spot by "s magnetic p[] ,i 0 unable to resi/4 ,sev]al times ,i endeav\r$ to )draw my eyes1 & to fix !m on ! ,e>? ,i love s well2 b 9 va91 = ,i 0 ev] re-attract$ to ! same unkn[n />4 ,sid5ote3 ,! /> ,gamma 9 ,virgo4 ,sid5ote3 ,life on ! planet ( ,virgo4 ,?is />1 ^u :i* my eyes s\ght in/9ctively to div9e some?+1 belongs to ! con/ellation ( ,virgo1 ^: =m v>ies slightly z se5 f ,capella4 ,x is a d\ble />1 t is to say1 an association ( two suns1 "o ( a silv]y :it5ess1 ! o!r ( a bright gold5 yell[1 :i* revolve r\nd "o ano!r once 9 #age ye>s4 ,?is /> c be se5 f ! ,e>? ) ! nak$ eye1 & its sign is ! lett] 7,gamma71 9 ! con/ellation ( ,virgo4 ,ar\nd ea* ( ! suns :i* =m x !re is a planet>y sy/em4 ,my sight 0 fix$ ^u "o ( ! planets belong+ to ! gold5 sun4 ,on t planet !re are animals & vegetables z ^u ! ,e>?2 _! =ms be> a simil>ity to e>?ly ones1 al?\gh !re is an ess5tial diff]5ce 9 _! organisms4 ,_! animal k+dom is analog\s to y\rs2 !y h fi%es 9 ! seas1 quadrup$s 9 ! air1 9 :i* m5 c fly )\t w+s1 by reason ( ! extreme d5sity ( ! atmosph]e4 ,! m5 ( ?is planet possess almo/ ! same =m z ^? on ! ,e>?1 b no hair gr[s ^u _! heads1 & !y h ?ree l>ge ?9 ?umbs in/ead ( five f+]s on _! h&s1 & ?ree great toes at ! heel 9 place ( soles to _! feet1 ! extremities ( _! arms & legs be+ supple z india-rubb]4 ,!y h1 nev]!less1 two eyes1 a nose1 & a m\?1 :i* give !m _! resemblance to e>?ly be+s4 ,!y h n two e>s1 "o on ea* side ( ! head1 b "o only1 9 ! %ape ( a cone1 :i* is plac$ on ! upp] "p ( ! skull l a little hat4 ,!y live 9 societies & we> clo?+4 ,?us1 y see1 9 _! ext]ior !y diff] little f ! inhabitants ( ! ,e>?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,are !re1 !n1 9 o!r worlds be+s entirely di/9ct f u1 b :o1 not)/&+ _! dissimil>ities1 c be comp>$ ) u8 ,,lum54 ,a di/9ction pr(\nd & unimag9able by y sep>ates 9 g5]al ! animal life ( ! diff]5t worlds4 ,^! =ms are ! result ( elem5ts special to ea* globe1 & ( ! =ces :i* regulate !m3 matt]1 d5sity1 weight1 heat1 light1 electricity1 atmosph]e1 c41 diff] ess5tially on ea* globe4 ,ev5 9 ! same sy/em ^! =ms diff]4 ,sid5ote3 ,! sy/em ( ,gamma 9 ,virgo4 ,?us ! m5 ( ,uranus & ,m]cury d n 9 any way resemble ! m5 ( ! ,e>?2 ^? :o see !m = ! fir/ "t _c p]ceive t !y possess ei!r head1 memb]s1 or s5ses4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! =ms ( ^? 9 ! planet>y sy/em ( ,virgo1 t[>ds :i* my att5tion 0 be+ p]si/5tly drawn1 are ne>ly simil> to ^? ( ! inhabitants ( ! ,e>?1 :om !y also resemble morally & intellectually4 ,slightly inf]ior to ourselves1 !y belong to t scale 9 ! ord] ( s\ls :i* imm$iately prec$es t ( t]re/rial humanity z a :ole4 ,,qu,,r5s44 ,yet !re is a wide div]g5ce betwe5 human be+s !mselves 9 all t p]ta9s bo? to intellect & morals4 ,we 9 ,europe diff] greatly f ! tribes ( ,abyss9ia & f ! savages ( ! ,oceanic ,isles4 ,:at p d y take z a type ( ! highe/ degree ( intellig5ce on ! ,e>?8 ,sid5ote3 ,! ,arabs & _! intellig5ce4 ,,lum54 ,! ,arabs4 ,!y are capable ( produc+ _! ,kepl]s1 _! ,newtons1 _! ,galileos1 _! ,ar*im$es1 _! ,euclids1 _! ,d',alemb]ts4 ,besides1 !y sprang f ^? primitive hordes ^: roots rea* d[n to ! b$ rock ( humanity4 ,b x is n necess>y to *oose a p = a type4 ,x is bett] to consid] mod]n civilisation z a :ole4 ,nor is !re s m>k$ a di/ance z y appe> to suppose1 betwe5 ! bra9 capacity ( a negro & t ( ! ,lat9 race4 ,h[ev]1 if y insi/ ^u a comp>ison1 ,i c assure y t ! m5 ( ! planet ( ,virgo are almo/ on a p> intellectually ) ! ,sc&9avians4 ,sid5ote3 ,vital diff]5ce betwe5 ,virgo & ! ,e>?4 ,! mo/ vital diff]5ce :i* exi/s betwe5 _! _w & ! ,e>?1 is ! abs5ce ( sex4 ,nei!r plants1 animals1 nor human be+s h sex4 ,g5]ation is effect$ spontane\sly1 z ! natural result ( ! union ( c]ta9 physiological conditions 9 "s ( ! f]tile isles ( ?is planet1 man n be+ =m$ 9 ! womb ( 8 "m z ^u e>?4 ,x w\ld be useless to expla9 ! process1 to "o ^: e>?ly faculties prev5t him compreh5d+ ! facts ( a _w di/9ctly diff]5t f 8 own4 ,x results f ?is organic arrangem5t1 t m>riage 9 any =m does n exi/ 9 ?is _w1 & t ! fri5d%ips betwe5 human be+s are nev] mix$ ) ! c>nal desires1 :i* are inevitably manife/$ on ! ,e>? betwe5 p ( diff]5t sexes1 ev5 :5 ! attraction is mo/ pure4 ,probably y w rememb] t dur+ ! protozoic p]iod1 ! inhabitants ( ! ,e>? 7 all deaf1 dumb1 & sexless4 ,! division into sexes took place mu* lat] 9 ! hi/ory ( ,nature bo? among animals & plants4 ,be+ attract$ t[>ds ?is f>-(f planet ,i att5tively exam9$ its surface ) my spiritual sight1 & ,i 0 specially drawn1 )\t kn[+ ! cause1 to a :ite city1 resembl+ f af> a region cov]$ ) sn[2 b x is improbable t x 0 sn[1 z x is unlikely t wat] c exi/ on t globe 9 ! same physical & *emical conditions z ^u ! ,e>?4 ,^u ! bord]s ( ?is city an av5ue l$ to a neighb\r+ wood ( yell[ trees4 ,i soon rem>k$ ?ree p]sons :o seem$ to be sl[ly saunt]+ t[>ds ?is wood4 ,?is little gr\p 0 =m$ ( two fri5ds1 :o 7 9 close conv]sation1 & ( a ?ird1 :o diff]$ f bo? by 8 r$ g>m5t & ! burd5 he bore1 & :o 0 probably _! s]vant1 _! slave1 or "s dome/ic animal4 ,:il/ int5tly reg>d+ ! two pr9cipal p]sonages1 ,i obs]v$ ! "o to ! "r raise 8 face to ! sky1 z if "s "o _h call$ him f a balloon1 & turn 8 gaze t[>ds ,capella1 a /> :i*1 d\btless1 he did n see1 because = him x 0 !n daylight4 ,oh1 my old fri5d1 ,i %all nev] =get ! sudd5 surprise ?is sight gave me6 ,i c /ill sc>cely believe t ,i 0 n dream+4444 ,?is p]son on ! planet ( ,virgo1 :o 0 look+ t[>ds me )\t kn[+ x1 04444 ,c ,i tell y8 ,well1 x 0 myself6 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,h[ y\rself8 ,,lum54 ,yes1 my v self4 ,i recognis$ myself in/antly1 & y c judge ( my surprise6 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,c]ta9ly ,i c4 ,i _c compreh5d x at all4 ,sid5ote3 ,ant]ior exi/5ce ,,lum54 ,! fact is1 ! situation 0 s entirely novel t x dem&s explanation4 ,x 0 9 tru? myself1 & ,i 0 n long 9 f9d+ out1 n only t x 0 my =m] face & figure1 b also t ! p]son walk+ by my side 0 my de> ,ka?le51 an intimate fri5d1 & ! companion ( my /udies ^u t planet4 ,my gaze foll[$ !m z f> z ! ,yell[ ,wood1 across picturesque valleys1 b5ea? gold5 cupolas1 "u trees cov]$ ) l>ge orange-t9t$ bran*es1 & ?r\gh h$ges ( elms ) amb]-col\r$ leaves4 ,a purl+ brook babbl$ on ! f9e s&1 & we seat$ ourselves on its banks4 ,i recall sweet h\rs we h pass$ toge!r1 ! happy ye>s :i* h glid$ away 9 ?is f>-(f c\ntry1 ! frat]nal confid5ces1 & ! impressions we %>$1 9 ! mid/ ( woodl& sc5es1 ( sil5t pla9s1 ( mi/-cov]$ hills1 & ( little lakes :i* smil+ly reflect$ ! heav5s4 ,) aspirations rais$ t[>ds all t 0 gr& & sacr$ 9 nature1 we ador$ ,god 9 ,8 works4 ,) :at joy ,i saw aga9 ?is phase ( my previ\s exi/5ce1 & rivet$ anew ! gold5 *a91 ^: l9ks life on ,e>? _h brok56 ,9 tru?1 de> ,qur5s1 x 0 my v self :o !n 0 liv+ on t planet ( ,virgo4 ,i really saw myself1 & ,i c\ld foll[ 9 sequ5ce ! ev5ts ( my life & ! happie/ mom5ts ( t exi/5ce1 n[ s f> remote4 ,besides1 if ,i _h _h any d\bt ( my id5tity1 ! unc]ta9ty w\ld h ceas$ dur+ my obs]vation1 = :il/ pond]+ ^u ! matt]1 ,i saw ,b]?or--my bro!r dur+ t exi/5ce--come out ( ! wood1 approa* u1 & jo9 9 our conv]sation by ! side ( ! murmur+ brook4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,ma/]1 ,i fail /ill to compreh5d h[ y c\ld really see y\rself on t planet ( ,virgo4 ,7 y !n gift$ ) ubiquity8 ,c\ld y1 l ,francis ( ,assisi or ,apollonius ( ,tyana1 be 9 two places at ! same "t8 ,sid5ote3 ,sci5tific explanation ( ant]ior life on ,virgo4 ,,lum54 ,c]ta9ly n4 ,b 9 exam9+ ! a/ronomical co-ord9ates ( ! ,sun ,gamma 9 ,virgo1 & kn[+ its p>allax z se5 f ,capella1 ,i came to ! conclusion t ! light f ?is ,sun c\ld n employ less ?an #agb ye>s 9 trav]s+ ! di/ance :i* sep>ates x f ,capella4 ,i 0 !n actually receiv+ ! lum9\s ray :i* left t _w #agb ye>s be=e4 ,& x s happ5s t at t epo* ,i 0 absolutely liv+ ^u ! planet ( :i* we speak1 & t ,i 0 !n 9 my tw5tie? ye>4 ,9 v]ify+ ^! p]iods1 & 9 comp>+ ! diff]5t planet>y /yles1 ,i f\nd1 9 fact1 t ,i 0 born on ! _w ( ,virgo 9 ! ye> #deijd 7:i* corresponds to ! ye> #afgg ( ! ,*ri/ian era on ,e>?71 & t ,i di$--?r\gh an accid5t--9 ! ye> #deiac1 :i* corresponds to ! ye> #agfg4 ,ea* ye> ( ?is planet equals t5 ( y\rs4 ,:5 ,i saw myself1 z ,i h j told y1 ,i appe>$ to be ab\t tw5ty ye>s ( age accord+ to e>?ly reckon+1 b foll[+ ! way ( reckon+ on t planet1 ,i 0 only two ye>s old4 ,!re ! age ( fifte5 ye>s is (t5 rea*$1 :i* is consid]$ ! limit ( life on t globe1 & is equival5t to #aej ye>s on ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,light takes #agb ye>s to travel f ,virgo to ,capella4 ,! lum9\s ray1 or1 to speak m accurately1 ! aspect or photograph ( ! _w ( ,virgo1 takes #agb e>?ly ye>s to trav]se ! imm5se space :i* sep>ates x f ,capella2 consequ5tly1 ^u f9d+ myself ^u ?is la/ />1 ,i 0 receiv+ at t v mom5t ! image :i* left ! con/ellation ( ,virgo #agb ye>s previ\sly4 ,& al?\gh ?+s h *ang$ greatly1 ?\gh g5]ations h foll[$ g5]ations1 ?\gh ,i di$ !re myself1 & h _h "t to be born aga9 & live sev5ty-two ye>s on ! ,e>?1 nev]!less light _h tak5 all ?is "t to cross ! space :i* sep>ates ,virgo f ,capella1 & 0 br++ afre% to me impressions ( ev5ts long pass$ away4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,?is duration ( ! passage ( light be+ prov$1 ,i h n any objection to urge on ?is po9t1 b ,i frankly own t to cr$it an exp]i5ce ( su* amaz+ s+ul>ity1 taxes my imag9ation beyond its j limits4 ,sid5ote3 ,! hi/ory ( ea* _w is conta9$ 9 ! rays ( light4 ,,lum54 ,?is is n any imag9ation1 my old fri5d4 ,x is a reality1 et]nal & sacr$1 hold+ its fix$ place 9 ! univ]sal plan ( creation4 ,! light ( e />1 direct or reflect$--say o!rwise1 ! aspect ( ea* ,sun1 & ( ea* planet--is diffus$ 9 space1 accord+ to a rate ( rapidity already kn[n to y1 & ! lum9\s ray conta9s 9 itself all t is visible4 ,z no?+ c be lo/1 ! hi/ory ( ea* _w is conta9$ 9 ! light :i* incessantly emanates f x 9 successive waves1 et]nally travell+ into inf9ite space )\t any possibility ( its be+ annihilat$4 ,true1 ! t]re/rial eye _c read x2 b !re are eyes immeasurably sup]ior to y\r e>?ly ones4 ,sid5ote3 ,light is vibrations ( e!r2 ,sight1 p]ceptions ( ?\ght4 ,i make use ( ! t]ms sight & light1 9 ^! conv]sations1 9 ord] t y may compreh5d me2 b1 z ,i told y 9 a previ\s communication1 speak+ absolutely1 !re is n su* a ?+ z light1 only vibrations ( e!r2 nei!r is !re any sight1 only p]ceptions ( ! m9d4 ,moreov]1 ev5 ^u ! ,e>?1 :5 y exam9e ! nature ( a /> ) a telescope1 or bett] /ill ) a spectroscope1 y well "k x is n its actual /ate y h be=e y\r eyes1 b its pa/ /ate1 transmitt$ to y by a ray ( light :i* left x1 p]haps1 t5 ?\s& ye>s ago4 ,y "k1 besides1 t a c]ta9 numb] ( />s1 ( :i* y\r a/ronom]s on ! ,e>? are seek+ to det]m9e ! physical & num]ical prop]ties1 & :i* %9e brilliantly ov] y\r heads1 h long ago ceas$ ev5 to exi/--may inde$ h ceas$ to exi/ s9ce ! beg9n+ ( y\r _w4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,we "k ?is is s4 ,?us y h se51 unroll$ be=e y\r eyes1 y\r exi/5ce previ\s to ! la/ "o1 #agb ye>s aft] x _h fl[n by4 ,,lum54 ,say r "o phase ( ?is exi/5ce2 b ,i c\ld h be5 able1 & c\ld n[ inde$ review my entire life by go+ clos] to t planet1 z ,i h already done = my t]re/rial exi/5ce4 ,qur5s4 ,s1 ?r\gh ! m$ium ( light1 y h really se5 aga9 y\r la/ two inc>nations8 ,,lum54 ,precisely2 & :at is m1 ,i h se5 !m1 & cont9ue to see !m1 simultane\sly1 side by side z x 7 ( "o ano!r4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y see !m aga9 bo? at ! same "t8 ,,lum54 ,?is fact is easily expla9$4 ,! light f ! ,e>? takes sev5ty-two ye>s to rea* ,capella4 ,! light f ! planet ( ,virgo1 be+ once & a half f>!r (f ?an ,capella1 takes once & a half long] "t to travel1 :i* w\ld make x ab\t #agb ye>s4 ,z ,i liv$ sev5ty-two ye>s ^u ! ,e>?1 & "o hundr$ ye>s be=e t ^u ! o!r planet1 ^! two p]iods rea* me at precisely ! same "t ^u ,capella4 ,?us by simply look+ at ^! two worlds1 ,i h be=e me my la/ two exi/5ces1 :i* unroll !mselves z if ,i 7 n "h to see !m1 & )\t my be+ able to *ange any ( ! acts t ,i see myself ^u ! po9t ( accompli%+1 ei!r ^u ! "o or ! o!r1 s9ce ^? acts1 al?\gh pres5t & future to my actual obs]vation1 are 9 reality pa/4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,?is is inde$ a /range exp]i5ce6 ,,lum54 ,b :at /ruck me mo/ 9 ?is unexpect$ obs]vation ( two ( my previ\s exi/5ces 9 two diff]5t worlds1 ?us unroll$ be=e me1 0 ! odd resemblance betwe5 ^! two lives4 ,i f\nd t ,i _h almo/ ! same ta/es 9 ! "o z 9 ! o!r1 ! same passions1 ! same errors4 ,no?+ crim9al1 no?+ sa9tly 9 ei!r4 ,sid5ote3 ,explanation ( inh]5t ta/es4 ,fur!rmore 7extraord9>y co9cid5ce71 ,i h witness$ sc5es 9 ! fir/ analog\s to ^? ,i h se5 ^u ! ,e>?4 ,?is expla9s ! innate ta/es ,i br\ght into ! t]re/rial _w1 = ! poetry ( ! ,nor?1 ! poems ( ,ossian1 ! dreamy l&scape ( ,irel&1 = its m\nta9s & its ,aurora ,borealis4 ,= ,scotl&1 ,sc&9avia1 ,sw$51 ,norway ) its fiords1 ,spitzb]g5 ) its solitudes--all alike attract$ me4 ,old t[]s 9 ru9s1 rocks & wild rav9es1 sombre p9es s\gh+ ) ! nor!rn w9ds--all ^! appeal$ to me on ! ,e>?1 & seem$ to h "s my/]i\s l9k ) my deepe/ ?\ghts4 ,:5 ,i saw ,irel& = ! fir/ "t1 ,i felt z if ,i _h liv$ !re be=e4 ,:5 = ! fir/ "t ,i asc5d$ ! ,rigi & ! ,f9/]a>horn1 & saw ! sup]b sunrise ov] ! sn[y summits ( ! ,alps1 x seem$ z if ,i _h previ\sly se5 all ?is4 ,! spectre ( ! ,brock5 0 n new1 ! reason be+ t ,i _h 9 a =m] life inhabit$ simil> regions on ! planet ( ,virgo4 ,! same life1 ! same actions1 ! same circum/ances1 ! same conditions--analogies1 analogies6 ,almo/ all t ,i h se51 done1 ?\ght on ! ,e>?1 ,i _h already se51 done1 ?\ght a hundr$ ye>s be=e ^u t ant]ior _w4 ,i _h always suspect$ x6 ,tak+ x altoge!r1 h[ev]1 my t]re/rial life z a :ole 0 sup]ior to ! "o prec$+ x4 ,ea* *ild 9 com+ into ! _w br+s ) him diff]5t faculties1 special pr$ispositions1 innate dissimil>ities1 :i* no "o d5ies1 & c only be expla9$ to ! philosophical m9d1--or 9 view ( et]nal ,ju/ice1--by ! supposition ( works previ\sly accompli%$ by free s\ls4 ,b ?\gh my t]re/rial life 0 sup]ior to its ant]ior "o1 ev9c+1 z x did1 a m accurate & pr(\nd k ( ! sy/em ( ! ,_w1 x yet lack$1 ,i am b\nd to /ate1 ! possession ( c]ta9 moral & physical qualities :i* belong$ to me 9 my =m] exi/5ce4 ,on ! o!r h&1 ,i _h faculties on t ,_w :i* ,i _h n _h ^u ! ,e>?4 ,i may cite "o specially1 t ( fly+4 ,sid5ote3 ,fly+ )\t w+s4 ,i see t on ! planet ( ,virgo ,i c\ld fly1 j z easily z walk1 & ?is )\t ei!r a]onautic app>atus or w+s1 by simply /ret*+ my arms & legs1 z if ,i 7 swimm+ 9 ! wat]4 ,on closely exam9+ ! mode ( locomotion 9 use on t planet1 ,i see cle>ly t ,i h 7or r _h7 nei!r w+s1 balloon1 nor any k9d ( me*anical appliance4 ,at a giv5 mom5t ,i spr+ f ! gr\nd by a vigor\s leap1 &1 spread+ out my arms1 sail 9 ! air )\t fatigue4 ,at o!r times1 desc5d+ a /eep m\nta9 on foot1 ,i spr+ out into space1 ) feet press$ toge!r1 & float at w1 ) a sl[ & oblique motion1 to any po9t ,i wi%1 /&+ upright z soon z my feet t\* ! gr\nd4 ,sid5ote3 ,dreams br+ rem9isc5ces ( a =m] exi/5ce4 ,!n aga91 :5 ,i wi% to d s1 ,i fly sl[ly 9 ! mann] ( a dove :i* describes a curve 9 return+ to its dovecot4 ,all ?is ,i di/9ctly see myself do+ 9 ?is _w4 ,n once1 b a hundr$1 a ?\s& times h ,i ?us felt myself transport$ 9 my dreams on ,e>? s(tly1 naturally1 & )\t app>atus4 ,h[ c su* impossibilities s (t5 pres5t !mselves to u 9 our dreams8 ,no?+ c expla9 !m1 = no?+ analog\s exi/s ^u ?is e>?ly globe4 ,obey+ in/9ctively ?is innate t5d5cy1 ,i h frequ5tly so>$ into ! atmosph]e susp5d$ f ! c> ( a balloon1 b ! s5sation is n ! same2 "o does n feel "o's self fly+2 on ! contr>y1 "o has ! feel+ ( be+ /ation>y4 ,i n[ h ! key to my dreams4 ,dur+ ! slumb] ( my t]re/rial s5ses my s\l _h rem9isc5ces ( its ant]ior exi/5ce4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b ,i also (t5 feel1 & see myself fly+ 9 dreams 9 precisely ! way y describe1 )\t w+s or ma*9]y1 & simply by an ef=t ( w4 ,is ?is1 !n1 a pro( t ,i also h liv$ ^u ! planet ( ,virgo8 ,,lum54 ,i d n "k4 ,if y _h abnormal sight1 or in/rum5ts1 or eyes suffici5tly pi]c+1 y c\ld see ?is planet f y\r globe1 exam9e its surface1 & if1 p]*ance1 y _h exi/$ !re :5 x p>t$ ) ! lum9\s rays :i* h actually rea*$ ! ,e>?1 y might p]haps f9d y\rself aga9 !re4 ,b y\r eyes are too feeble to make a l rese>*4 ,besides1 x does n foll[ t because y h be5 able to fly1 t !re=e y h liv$ 9 t _w4 ,!re are a consid]able numb] ( worlds :]e fly+ is ! normal condition1 & :]e all ! human race possess ?is faculty4 ,9 reality1 !re are b few planets :]e ! liv+ creatures crawl z ^u ! ,e>?4 ,sid5ote3 ,plurality ( exi/5ces4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,! conclusion result+ !n f y\r exp]i5ce is1 t y h _h a life ant]ior to t ^u ! ,e>?4 ,d y1 !n1 believe 9 a plurality ( exi/5ces = ! s\l8 ,,lum54 ,y =get t y speak to a disembodi$ _s4 ,i ought to be well fitt$ to give su* evid5ce1 hav+ be=e me bo? my e>?ly life & my ant]ior life ^u ! planet ( ,virgo4 ,besides1 ,i c recall _m o!r exi/5ces4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,ah6 t is precisely :at ,i lack 9 ord] to possess a simil> conviction4 ,i c recall absolutely no?+ t prec$$ my bir? into ?is _w4 ,sid5ote3 ,! s\l's memory4 ,,lum54 ,y are yet 9 ! fle%2 y mu/ wait = fre$om f e>?ly fett]s be=e y c recall y\r spiritual life4 ,! s\l has only full remembrance1 full possession ( itself 9 its normal1 its cele/ial life2 t is to say1 betwe5 its inc>nations4 ,x !n sees n only its life on ! ,e>?1 b all its ant]ior lives4 ,h[ c\ld a s\l1 envelop$ 9 ! gross mat]ialities ( ! fle%1 & fix$ !re = a transitory "w1 recall its spiritual life8 ,w\ld n su* a remembrance ev5 prove hurtful8 ,:at trammels w\ld n be put ^u ! s\l's lib]ty ( action1 c\ld x see its life f ! beg9n+ to ! end8 ,:]e w\ld be ! m]it ( /riv+ if "o's de/9y c\ld be =ese58 ,s\ls inc>nat$ ^u ! ,e>? h n yet atta9$ to a suffici5tly elevat$ /ate ( advancem5t1 = ! memory ( _! ant]ior life to be ( use to !m4 ,sid5ote3 ,man is oblivi\s ( ant]ior impressions1 z 9 ! butt]fly4 ,! p]man5ce ( ! ant]ior impressions ( ! s\l is n manife/$ 9 ?is _w ( passage4 ,! cat]pill> does n rememb] its rudim5t>y exi/5ce 9 ! egg4 ,! sleep+ *rysalis _c recall ! days x sp5t 9 "w :5 x crawl$ ^u ! h]bage4 ,! butt]fly1 :i* flits f fl[] to fl[]1 has n any memory ( ! "t :5 its cocoon dream$1 z x hung susp5d$ f its web2 nor ( ! twilight1 :5 its l>v trail$ f plant to plant2 nor ( ! night1 :5 x 0 buri$ l a nut 9 its %ell4 ,?is does n alt] ! fact t ! egg1 ! cat]pill>1 ! *rysalis1 & ! butt]fly1 are "o & ! same be+4 ,9 c]ta9 cases1 ev5 ( t]re/rial life1 y h rem>kable examples ( =getfulness1 su* z t ( somnambulism1 ei!r natural or artificial1 & also 9 c]ta9 psy*ical conditions ( :i* mod]n sci5ce makes a /udy4 ,h5ce x is n surpris+ t dur+ "o exi/5ce we %\ld n rememb] our ant]ior ones4 ,uranic life & planet>y life repres5t two /ates1 free & di/9ct ! "o f ! o!r4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,/ill1 ma/]1 if we _h already liv$ a life be=e ?is "o1 some?+ ( x w\ld rema9 ) u1 o!rwise ^! ant]ior exi/5ces might z well nev] h be54 ,sid5ote3 ,h]$ity4 ,sid5ote3 ,dissimil>ities4 ,lum54 ,d y1 !n1 call x no?+ to be born on ! ,e>? ) innate t5d5cies8 ,su* a ?+ z intellectual h]$ity does n exi/4 ,take two *ildr5 ( ! same p>5tage1 receiv+ id5tically ! same education1 surr\nd$ by ! same c>e1 & hav+ 9 e respect simil> environm5ts4 ,n[ exam9e ea* ( !m4 ,are !y equal8 ,n 9 any way2 equality ( s\ls does n exi/4 ,! "o is born ) pacific in/9cts & great intellig5ce4 ,he w be good1 le>n$1 wise1 illu/ri\s p]*ance1 amid ! ?9k]s ( 8 age4 ,! o!r "o br+s ) him a dom9e]+1 envi\s p]haps1 or ev5 a brutal in/9ct4 ,8 c>e] def9es & acc5tuates itself z ea* ye> passes1 & w lead him ev5tually to high rank 9 milit>y life1 & w give him ! hon\r 7little to be covet$1 ?\gh /ill admir$ ^u ! ,e>?7 :i* is atta*$ to ! title ( an (ficial assass94 ,:e!r feebly or /rongly pron\nc$1 ?is dissimil>ity ( "*1 :i* dep5ds nei!r ^u family1 nor ^u race1 nor ^u education1 nor ^u mat]ial conditions1 is manife/ 9 e man4 ,reflect ^u ?is at y\r leisure2 y w arrive at ! conviction t x is absolutely inexplicable1 & c only be acc\nt$ = by belief 9 an ant]ior life ( ! s\l4 ,sid5ote3 ,creation ( ! s\l4 ,qur5s4 ,h n mo/ philosoph]s & !ologians taught t ! s\l & ! body are creat$ at "o & ! same "t8 ,lum54 ,& :i*1 pray1 is ! precise mom5t ( its creation8 ,is x at ! mom5t ( bir?8 ,legislation1 enlight5$ by anatomical physiology1 kn[s t a *ild lives be=e be+ deliv]$ f its ut]9e prison1 !re=e ! de/ruction ( an embryo ( eight mon?s is reg>d$ z murd]4 ,at :at p]iod d y !n suppose1 t ! s\l appe>s 9 ! fluid bra9 ( ! foetus or ( ! embryo8 ,qur5s4 ,x 0 ?\ght 9 old5 times t ! real spiritual quick5+ ( ! human be+ took place dur+ ! six? week ( ge/ation1 b ! mod]n belief is t x occurs at ! mom5t ( conception4 ,lum54 ,oh1 bitt] mock]y6 ,9 accordance ) ?is view y w\ld h ! et]nal designs ( ! ,creator dep5d5t 9 _! execution ^u caprici\s desires1 ^u ! int]mitt5t flames ( two amor\s he>ts6 ,y w\ld d>e to admit t our immortal be+ is creat$ by ! physical contact ( two human be+s6 ,y w\ld be dispos$ to believe t ! ,div9e ,head :i* gov]ns ! worlds1 is influ5c$ by intrigue1 by passion1 ev5 by crime6 ,y w\ld ?9k t ! numb] ( s\ls dep5ds ^u ! numb] ( fl[]s impregnat$ by ! t\* ( ! sweet poll5 du/ borne to !m on gold5 w+s8 ,is n su* a doctr9e1 su* a supposition1 an outrage ^u ! ,div9e dignity & ! spiritual gr&eur ( ! s\l itself8 ,& w\ld x n1 besides1 be ! complete mat]ialisation ( our intellectual faculties8 ,qur5s4 ,& yet---- ,lum54 ,yes2 t seems s to y1 because ^u y\r planet no s\l c inc>nate itself o!rwise ?an 9 a human embryo4 ,x is a law ( life on ! ,e>?4 ,b y mu/ look ?r\gh ! veil4 ,! s\l is n an effect4 ,! body s]ves x only z its g>m5t4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i admit t x w\ld inde$ be s+ul> t an ev5t ( su* dire importance z ! creation ( an immortal s\l %\ld spr+ f a c>nal cause1 %\ld be ! result ( casual unions1 m or less legitimate4 ,also1 ,i agree ) y t organic causes d n expla9 ! diff]5t degrees ( capacity ) :i* mank9d is born into ?is _w4 ,b ,i ask1 ( :at use w\ld be ^! v>i\s exi/5ces if1 on beg9n+ a new life1 we reta9 no remembrance ( ^? t prec$e x8 ,also1 if x is really desirable to h 9 prospect a j\rney )\t end ?r\gh endless worlds1 & an et]nal transmigration8 ,= at la/ !re mu/ be an end to x all1 &1 aft] _m ons ( voyages1 we mu/ "s day f9i% our exi/5ce & seek repose4 ,w\ld x n be z well to d s aft] "o exi/5ce only8 ,sid5ote3 ,! unkn[n4 ,,lum54 ,o m56 ,y d n compreh5d ei!r "t or space4 ,d y n "k t outside ! movem5t ( ! />s "t no long] exi/s1 & t et]nity is no long] measur$8 ,d y n "k t 9 ! inf9ite ext5t ( ! sid]eal univ]se space is b a va9 ^w1 no long] measurable8 ,y ignore all2 pr9ciples1 causes1 all escape y3 atoms ^u a movable atom1 y h n any exact appreciation ( ! univ]se2 & yet1 despite ignorance s d5se1 & compreh5sion s obscure1 y w\ld attempt to judge all1 to envelop all1 to seize all6 ,b x w\ld be easi] to put ! ocean into a nut%ell ?an x w\ld be to make y1 ) y\r t]re/rial bra91 und]/& ! law ( de/9y4 ,sid5ote3 ,no?+ creat$1 no?+ annihilat$4 ,c y n1 !n1 by mak+ a legitimate use ( ! faculty ( induction :i* has be5 giv5 y1 ga!r ! direct consequ5ces result+ f obs]vation support$ by reason8 ,obs]vation1 su/a9$ by pro(1 %[s conclusively t all are n equal on com+ into ?is _w2 t ! pa/ is n unlike ! future2 & t ! et]nity :i* is be=e u is equally beh9d u2 t no?+ is creat$ 9 nature1 & t no?+ is annihilat$2 t nature includes all ?+s exi/+1 & t ,god1 _s1 law1 numb]1 are no m outside nature ?an matt]1 weight1 motion2 t moral tru?1 ju/ice1 wisdom1 virtue1 exi/ 9 ! progress ( ! _w z surely z its physical reality2 t ju/ice decrees equity 9 ! di/ribution ( its de/9ies2 t our de/9ies are n accompli%$ ^u ?is e>?ly planet2 t ! empyrean heav5 does n exi/1 & t ! ,e>? is a /> 9 ! sky2 t o!r inhabit$ planets so> ) ours 9 ! va/ expanse2 op5+ out to ! w+s ( ! s\l an inexhau/ible field ( vision1 & t ! inf9ite 9 ! univ]se corresponds1 9 ! mat]ial creation1 ) ! et]nity ( our intellig5ce 9 ! spiritual creation4 ,sid5ote3 ,unkn[n =ces 9 nature4 ,sid5ote3 ,aff9ities4 ,are n c]ta9ties su* z ^!1 foll[$ by ! inductions ) :i* !y inspire u1 suffici5t to lib]ate y\r m9d f anci5t prejudices1 & to op5 out1 to an enlight5$ judgm5t1 a panorama wor?y ( ! vague yet pr(\nd desires ( our s\ls8 ,i c\ld illu/rate ?is g5]al sket* by examples & details :i* w\ld surprise y /ill m4 ,let x suffice = me to add t !re are 9 nature o!r =ces ?an ^? y "k1 :i*1 bo? 9 ess5ce & 9 mode ( action1 diff] f electricity1 attraction1 light1 c4 ,n[1 among ^! natural & unkn[n =ces !re is "o 9 p>ticul>1 ! /udy ( :i* w ultimately lead to s+ul> discov]ies 9 elucidat+ ! problems ( ! s\l & ( life4 ,?is is ! psy*ic =ce4 ,?is invisible fluidic =ce e/abli%es a my/]i\s bond1 unkn[n to !mselves1 betwe5 liv+ be+s1 & already 9 _m cases y h be5 able to recognise its exi/5ce4 ,take ! case ( two be+s 9 love 7z ! say+ is74 ,x seems impossible = !m to live ap>t4 ,%\ld circum/ances lead to _! be+ sep>at$1 our two lov]s become abs5t-m9d$1 & _! s\ls z x 7 leave _! bodies1 & span any di/ance :i* prev5ts !m re-unit+ ) "o ano!r4 ,! ?\ghts ( ! "o are %>$ by ! o!r1 & !y live toge!r despite _! sep>ation4 ,%\ld any mis=tune t\* "o1 ! o!r becomes imm$iately consci\s ( x2 & su* sep>ations h be5 kn[n to end 9 dea?4 ,h[ _m facts h be5 /at$ by tru/wor?y witnesses ( ! sudd5 app>ition ( a p]son to an intimate fri5d1 ( a wife to a husb&1 ( a "m to a son1 & vice v]s1 j at ! mom5t ( dea?1 ev5 ?\gh _m leagues might sep>ate !m6 ,! mo/ capti\s critic _c 9 ^! days d5y facts ?us circum/antially prov$4 ,tw9 *ildr5 liv+ t5 leagues ap>t1 & "u v diff]5t conditions1 are /rick5 at ! same "t ) ! same malady1 or if "o is excessively fatigu$1 ! o!r feels ! same )\t app>5tly any assignable cause4 ,& s on4 ,^! facts prove t ties ( sympa?y exi/ betwe5 s\ls & ev5 betwe5 bodies1 & give room = ! repeat$ reflection1 t we are f> f kn[+ all ! =ces op]at+ 9 nature4 ,if ,i communicate ^! views to y1 my fri5d1 x is *iefly to %[ t y c n only h a =eta/e ( tru? be=e dea?1 b also t e>?ly exi/5ce is n s entirely depriv$ ( light1 z to prev5t "o's reason recognis+ ! *ief *>act]i/ics ( ! moral _w4 ,besides1 all ^! tru?s w be emphasis$ by my fur!r n>ration1 :5 y le>n t x is n only ! previ\s exi/5ce be=e my la/ "o t ,i h se5 aga91 ?anks to ! sl[ness ( light1 b also my ante-p5ultimate planet>y life1 inclusive ( m ?an t5 exi/5ces prec$+ t "o 9 :i* we came to "k ea* o!r ^u ?is ,e>?4 ,,ii ,sid5ote3 ,plurality ( lives4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,reflection & /udy _h already incl9$ me1 ,lum51 to believe 9 ! plurality ( ! exi/5ces ( ! s\l4 ,yet ?is doctr9e lacks pro(s1 logical1 moral1 & ev5 physical1 z num]\s & z weighty z are ^? 9 fav\r ( ! plurality ( ! inhabit$ worlds4 ,i own t until n[ ,i _h grave d\bts on ! subject4 ,mod]n optics & m>vell\s calculations1 :i* enable u to t\*1 z x 71 ! o!r worlds1 %[ u _! ye>s1 _! seasons1 _! days1 & make u acqua9t$ ) ! v>ieties ( nature liv+ on _! surface4 ,all ^! elem5ts h enabl$ contemporane\s a/ronomy to e/abli% ! fact ( human exi/5ce 9 ! o!r worlds on a /rong & imp]i%able f\ndation4 ,b ,i repeat t x is n s ) pal+5esis1 ?\gh ,i am /rongly incl9$ t[>ds ! doctr9e ( ! transmigration ( s\ls 9 ! actual heav51 s9ce ?is is ! only way by :i* we c ga9 an idea ( et]nal life4 ,my desires1 h[ev]1 ne$ to be su/a9$ by ! help ( a light1 & inspir$ by a confid5ce ,i d n yet possess4 ,,lum54 ,x is precisely ?is light :i* we h "u consid]ation1 & w be br\ght out by ?is int]view4 ,i h1 ,i own1 an advantage ov] y1 s9ce ,i speak de visu1 & t ,i /rictly limit myself to int]pret ) exactitude ! ev5ts ) :i* my spiritual life is actually wov54 ,b s9ce y c see ! possibility & probability ( ! sci5tific explanation ( my /atem5t1 y _c fail z y li/5 to increase y\r light & augm5t y\r k4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,x is = ?is cause *iefly t ,i am always eag] to he> y4 ,,lum54 ,light1 y und]/&1 is ! means ( giv+ to ! dis9c>nat$ s\l a direct vision ( its planet>y exi/5ces4 ,sid5ote3 ,con/ellations4 ,aft] hav+ review$ my e>?ly exi/5ce1 ,i saw once m my life previ\s to my la/ "o1 ^u "o ( ! planets ( ,gamma 9 ,virgo1 light br++ to me ! =m] only aft] #gb ye>s1 & ! latt] aft] #agb ye>s4 ,i see myself at pres5t f ,capella z ,i 0 ^u ! e>? #gb ye>s ago1 & z ,i 0 ^u ,virgo #agb ye>s ago4 ,?us two exi/5ces1 bo? pa/ & successive1 are "h %[n me z pres5t & simultane\s1 by virtue ( ! laws ( light :i* transmit !m to me4 ,sid5ote3 ,&rom$a4 ,sid5ote3 ,effects ( p]spective4 ,ne>ly five hundr$ ye>s ago1 ,i liv$ ^u a _w ^: a/ronomical position z se5 f ! e>? is precisely t ( ! left brea/ ( ,&rom$a4 ,assur$ly ! inhabitants ( t _w d n suspect t ! d5iz5s ( a little planet 9 space h jo9$ ! />s by fictiti\s l9es1 trac+ figures ( m51 wom51 animals1 & div]s objects1 incorporat+ all ! />s 9 figures m or less orig9al1 9 ord] to give !m a "n4 ,x w\ld greatly a/oni% "s ( ^! planet>y p if !y 7 told1 t ^u ! ,e>? c]ta9 />s be> ! names ( ,he>t-(-!-,scorpion 7:at a he>t671 ,head-(-!-,dog1 ,tail-(-!-,great-,be>1 ,eye-(-!-,bull1 ,neck-(-!-,dragon1 ,br[-(-,capricorn4 ,y are1 ( c\rse1 aw>e t nei!r ! con/ellations drawn ^u ! cele/ial globe1 nor ! position ( ! />s ^u t globe1 are ei!r real or absolute1 b are only ! result ( ! position ( ! ,e>? 9 space1 & ?us are simply a "q ( p]spective4 ,g to ! top ( a m\nta9 & fix ^u a map ! respective positions ( all ! summits surr\nd+ y 9 t circul> panorama1 its hills1 its valleys1 its villages1 its lakes2 a map s con/ruct$ c\ld only s]ve = ! place f :5ce x 0 drawn4 ,n[ transport y\rself t5 miles f>!r2 ! same summits are visible1 b _! respective positions 9 reg>d to ea* o!r are diff]5t1 result+ f ! *ange 9 p]spective4 ,! panorama ( ! ,alps & ( ! ,ob]l&1 z se5 f ,luc]ne1 & ,pilatus does n 9 ! lea/ resemble t se5 f ! ,fulkhorn1 or f ! ,s*ynige ,platte above ,int]lak54 ,yet ^! are ! same summits & ! same lakes4 ,x is exactly s ) ! />s4 ,! same aspect is se5 bo? f ! /> ,delta 9 ,&rom$a & f ! ,e>?2 b !re is n a con/ellation t c be recognis$1 because all ! cele/ial p]spectives h *ang$2 />s ( ! fir/ magnitude h become ( ! second & ( ! ?ird2 :il/ o!rs1 ( less] magnitudes1 se5 ne>]1 %9e ) increas$ brilliancy2 &1 above all1 ! respective situation ( ! />s z reg>ds "o ano!r has completely *ang$ 9 consequ5ce ( ! diff]5t position ( t /> & ( ! ,e>?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,!re=e ! appe>ance ( ! con/ellation :i* "o has s long believ$ to be ineffaceably trac$ ^u ! vault$ sky is only due to p]spective4 ,9 *ang+ our position we *ange our p]spective1 & our sky is no long] ! same4 ,b1 !n1 ought we n to h a *ange ( cele/ial p]spective e six mon?s1 s9ce dur+ ?is int]val ! ,e>? has greatly alt]$ its position1 hav+ remov$ to a di/ance ( sev5ty-f\r millions ( leagues f ! place x =m]ly occupi$8 ,,lum54 ,?is objection proves t y h p]fectly compreh5d$ ! pr9ciple ( ! de=mation ( ! con/ellations z "o moves 9 any direction 9 space4 ,x w\ld be1 z y suppose1 if ! ,e>?'s orbit 7 ( a dim5sion suffici5tly va/ = ! two opposite po9ts ( ?is orbit to *ange ! view ( ?is cele/ial sc5]y4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,sev5ty-f\r millions ( leagues-- ,,lum54 ,are z no?+ 9 ! ord] ( cele/ial di/ances1 & c no m affect ! p]spectives ( ! />s1 ?an tak+ a /ep 9 ! cupola ( ! ,pan!on w\ld *ange ! app>5t position ( ! build+s 9 ,p>is to ! eye ( ! obs]v]4 ,sid5ote3 ,! *>ts ( ! ,middle ,ages4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,c]ta9 *>ts ( ! ,middle ,ages repres5t ! ,zodiac z an ar* 9 ! heav5s1 & place "s ( ! con/ellations1 su* z ,&rom$a1 ! ,lyre1 ,cassiopea1 & ! ,eagle1 9 ! same region z ! ,s]aphim1 ! ,*]ubim1 & ! ,?rones4 ,t1 !re=e1 0 simply fancy1 s9ce con/ellations h no real exi/5ce1 b are simply appe>ances due to p]spective4 ,,lum54 ,c]ta9ly ! old heav5 ( !ology has no legitimate place to-day1 & simple common s5se %[s t x does n exi/4 ,two tru?s _c oppose "o ano!r2 x is a necessity t ! spiritual heav5 %\ld accord ) ! physical heav51 & ! object ( my v>i\s conv]sations is ! demon/ration ( ?is tru?4 ,^u ! _w ( ,&rom$a ( :i* ,i speak1 !re is no?+ resembl+ ! con/ellation ( ,&rom$a4 ,se5 f ! ,e>?1 ^? />s :i* appe> jo9$ & h s]v$ on ! cele/ial l&scape to di/+ui% ! daught] ( ,cepheus & ,cassiopea1 are 9 reality spread out 9 space at all sorts ( di/ances1 & 9 e direction4 ,"o _c f9d ei!r !re or else:]e ! lea/ ve/ige ( ! trac+s ( t]re/rial my?ology4 ,sid5ote3 ,! poetry ( ! heav5s lo/4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,all its poetry is lo/4444 ,i %all feel1 h[ev]1 a c]ta9 satisfaction 9 believ+ t = a "p ( my life ,i h re/$ on ! bosom ( ,&rom$a4 ,x is a pleasant fancy4 ,!re is 9 x a my?ological p]fume & a com=t+ s5sation4 ,i %\ld l to be transport$ !re )\t fe> ( ! mon/]1 & )\t solicitude = ! "y ,p]seus be>+ ! head ( ! ,m$usa1 & m\nt$ on 8 fam\s ,pegasus4 ,b n[1 ?anks to ! scalpel ( sci5ce1 !re is no long] an unveil$ pr9cess b\nd to a rock on ! sea-%ore1 nor a virg9 hold+ an e> ( gold5 corn1 nor ,orion pursu+ ! ,pleiades2 ,v5us has vani%$ f our ev5+ sky1 & old ,saturn has let fall 8 scy! 9 ! night4 ,sci5ce has caus$ ^! anci5t my?s to disappe>6 ,i regret its progress4 ,sid5ote3 ,! facts ( a/ronomy gr&] ?an its fancies4 ,,lum54 ,d y1 !n1 pref] illusion to reality8 ,d y n "k t tru? is immeasurably m beautiful1 gr&]1 & inf9itely m m>vell\s ?an error1 h[ev] t may be embelli%$8 ,:at c be comp>able 9 all ! my?ologies pa/ & pres5t1 to ! rapt sci5tific contemplation ( cele/ial gr&eurs & ! sublime movem5ts ( nature8 ,:at impression c /rike ! s\l m pr(\ndly ?an ! fact ( ! expanse cr[d$ ) worlds1 & ! imm5sity ( ! sid]eal sy/ems8 ,:at voice is m eloqu5t ?an ! sil5ce ( a />-lit night8 ,:at wild flight ( imag9ation c\ld conceive an image surpass+ t1 ( ! int]/ell> voyage ( light1 /amp+ ) ! seal ( et]nity ! transitory ev5ts ( ! life ( ea* _w8 ,?r[ (f1 !n1 my fri5d1 y\r old errors & become wor?y ( ! maje/y ( sci5ce4 ,li/5 to :at foll[s3-- ,sid5ote3 ,description ( ! _w ( ,&rom$a4 ,sid5ote3 ,! elem5ts4 ,by reason ( ! "t light employs 9 com+ f ! sy/em ( ,&rom$a to ,capella1 ,i h se5 aga91 9 ?is ye> ( #ahfi1 my ante-p5ultimate exi/5ce1 already end$ five hundr$ ye>s ago4 ,t _w is v s+ul> accord+ to our ideas4 ,x has only "o k+dom on its surface1 & t ! animal k+dom4 ,! vegetable k+dom does n exi/ !re4 ,b t animal k+dom is v diff]5t f ours1 & ( a sup]ior k9d1 al?\gh x is end[$ ) five s5ses simil> to ^? on ! ,e>?4 ,x is a _w )\t sleep & )\t fixity4 ,x is entirely envelop$ 9 a rose-col\r$ ocean1 less d5se ?an t]re/rial wat]1 & m d5se ?an our atmosph]e4 ,x is a sub/ance hold+ a middle place z a fluid1 betwe5 air & wat]4 ,t]re/rial *emi/ry does n produce any simil> sub/ance1 !re=e x w\ld be 9 va9 to try & repres5t x to y4 ,c>bolic acid gas t c be held invisible at ! bottom ( a glass1 & c be p\r$ out l wat]1 w give y ! ne>e/ idea ( x4 ,?is is due to a fix$ quantity ( heat & electricity held 9 p]man5ce ^u t globe4 ,y are aw>e t ! composition ( all ?+s ^u ! ,e>?1 :e!r m9]al1 vegetable1 or animal1 is 9 ?ree /ates1 solid1 liquid1 & gase\s1 & t ! sole cause ( ^! diff]5t conditions is ! heat radiat$ f ! ,sun ^u ! surface ( ! ,e>?4 ,! int]ior heat ( ! globe has n[ h>dly any appreciable effect ^u its surface4 ,sid5ote3 ,degree ( heat fixes ! condition ( matt]4 ,sid5ote3 ,effect ( ! ,e>? fly+ (f at a tang5t4 ,less sol> heat w\ld liquefy gases & solidify liquids4 ,great] heat w\ld dissolve solids & evaporate liquids4 ,a m or less quantity ( heat w\ld produce liquid air 7yes1 liquid air71 & m>ble w\ld be turn$ into gas4 ,if by any cause :atev] ! e>?ly planet 7 "o day to fly (f f its orbit at a tang5t1 & ru% away into ! glacial obscurity ( space1 y w\ld see all ! wat] on ! ,e>? become solid1 & gases 9 _! turn become liquids2 !n z to solids !mselves 444 y w\ld see6 ,no1 y c\ld n see ?is by rema9+ ^u ! ,e>?1 b y c\ld f ! dep?s ( space witness ?is curi\s spectacle1 %\ld y\r globe ev] indulge 9 ! freak ( escap+ f its orbit at a tang5t4 ,& note fur!r1 t %\ld ?is colossal cold ev] take place sudd5ly1 all creatures w\ld f9d !mselves imm$iately froz5 on ! spot1 & ! globe w\ld c>ry into space ! s+ul> panorama ( ! :ole human race1 & e animal immovably congeal$ = all et]nity1 9 ! v>i\s attitudes assum$ by ea* individual & ea* creature1 at ! mom5t ( ! cata/rophe4 ,sid5ote3 ,worlds 9 a glacial /ate4 ,life arre/$4 ,sid5ote3 ,! awak5+ out ( glacial repose4 ,!re are worlds n[ 9 ?is /ate4 ,!y are ecc5tric worlds1 ! life ( ^: inhabitants has be5 ins5sibly arre/$ by ! rapid flight ( _! planet away f ! ,sun1 & !y h be5 trans=m$ into millions ( /atues4 ,mo/ ( !m are ly+ d[n asleep1 see+ t ?is pr(\nd *ange ( temp]ature takes _m days 9 its accompli%m5t4 ,!re !y are by millions1 pell-mell1 dead1 or1 to be m accurate1 sunk 9 a complete le?>gy4 ,! cold pres]ves !m4 ,?ree or f\r ?\s& ye>s lat]1 :5 ! planet returns f its d>k & froz5 aphelion to its brilliant p]ihelion1 t[>ds ! sun--^: f]tilis+ heat c>ess+ its surface ) welcom+ rays w rapidly increase--& :5 x has rea*$ ! degree :i* betok5s ! normal temp]ature ( ^! be+s1 !y w be resuscitat$ at ! age at :i* !y 7 :5 ov]tak5 by sleep2 !y w take up _! affairs f ! mom5t ( _! int]ruption 7long int]ruption inde$67 )\t any consci\sness t !y _h slept a dreamless sleep = s _m ages4 ,"o may see "s cont9u+ a game1 or f9i%+ a phrase ^: fir/ words h be5 utt]$ f\r ?\s& ye>s ago4 ,all ?is is p]fectly simple1 = we h se5 t "t does n 9 reality exi/4 ,?is1 on a l>ge scale1 is exactly :at passes on a small "o on ! ,e>? :5 y revive infusoria1 :i* take a fre% lease ( life "u ! ra91 aft] sev]al ye>s ( app>5t dea?4 ,sid5ote3 ,_w ( ,&rom$a4 ,b to return to our _w ( ,&rom$a2 ! rose-col\r$ & quasi-liquid atmosph]e1 surr\nd+ x entirely z an ocean )\t isl&s1 is ! abode ( liv+ be+s1 :o are p]petually float+ 9 ! dep?s ( t ocean :i* none h ev] s\nd$3 f _! bir? to _! dea? !y h n "o mom5t's repose4 ,incessant activity is ! condition ( _! exi/5ce4 ,%\ld !y become /ation>y !y w\ld p]i%4 ,9 ord] to brea!1 t is to say1 to enable ?is fluid elem5t to p5etrate to _! bosom1 !y are con/ra9$ to keep _! t5tacles 9 unceas+ motion1 & _! lungs 7,i use ?is ^w ! bett] to be und]/ood7 con/antly op54 ,sid5ote3 ,process ( n\ri%m5t4 ,! ext]nal =m ( ?is human race resembles t ( ! sir5s ( antiquity1 b is less elegant1 & _! organism approa*es t ( ! seal4 ,d y see ! ess5tial diff]5ce betwe5 _! con/itution & t ( t]re/rial man8 ,x is t on ! ,e>? we brea! )\t be+ consci\s ( ! act1 & obta9 oxyg5 )\t ex]tion1 n be+ compell$ ) difficulty to conv]t v5\s into art]ial blood by ! absorption ( oxyg54 ,^u ?is o!r _w1 on ! contr>y1 ?is n\ri%m5t is only obta9$ ) lab\r & at ! price ( incessant ef=t4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,!n ?is _w is inf]ior to ours 9 ! scale ( progress8 ,,lum54 ,)\t any d\bt1 see+ t ,i inhabit$ x be=e com+ ^u ! ,e>?4 ,b d n ?9k t ! ,e>? is mu* sup]ior by reason ( our be+ able to brea! :il/ we are asleep4 ,d\btless1 x is a great advantage to be furni%$ ) a pneumatic me*anism1 :i* op5s involunt>ily e "t t our organism ne$s ! lea/ brea? ( air1 & :i* acts automatically & unceas+ly night & day4 ,b man does n live on air alone2 8 e>?ly organism requires to be n\ri%$ ) some?+ m solid1 & ?is solid some?+ does n come to him involunt>ily z does air4 ,sid5ote3 ,lab\r ( life on ! ,e>?4 ,:at is ! result8 ,look = a mom5t at ! ,e>?4 ,see :at sorr[1 :at desolation6 ,:at a _w ( mis]y & brutality6 ,multitudes b[$ d[n ) b5t backs to ! soil1 :i* !y dig ) toil & pa91 t !y may ga9 _! daily bread6 ,all ^! heads b5t d[n to ! grossness ( matt]1 9 place ( be+ rais$ up to ! contemplation ( nature6 ,all ^! ef=ts & ^! lab\rs1 br++ 9 _! wake feebl5ess & disease6 ,all ?is traffic to amass a little gold at ! exp5se ( o!rs6 ,man tak+ advantage ( 8 bro!r man6 ,ca/es1 ari/ocracies1 robb]y & ru91 ambitions1 ?rones1 w>s6 ,9 a ^w1 p]sonal int]e/s1 always selfi%1 (t5 sordid1 & ! reign ( matt] ov] m9d4 ,su* is ! normal /ate ( ! ,e>?1 a condition =c$ by ! law :i* rules ov] y\r bodies1 compell+ y to kill 9 ord] to live1 & to pref] ! possession ( mat]ial goods t _c be e>n$ beyond ! grave1 to ! possession ( intellectual gifts1 :i* ! s\l c keep z a ri* & inali5able possession4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,y speak1 ma/]1 z if y ?\ght x 7 possible to live )\t eat+4 ,,lum54 ,d y1 !n1 believe t ! be+s ( e _w 9 space are subject to an op]ation s ridicul\s z ?is8 ,happily1 9 _m ( ! worlds1 ! _s is n subject$ to su* ignom9y4 ,sid5ote3 ,atmosph]ic nutrition4 ,x is n s difficult z y may suppose1 on fir/ ?\ghts1 to believe 9 ! possibility ( atmosph]ic nutrim5t4 ,! ma9t5ance ( life among man & ! animals dep5ds ^u two causes1 respiration & nutrition4 ,! fir/ is f\nd naturally 9 ! atmosph]e2 ! second is d]iv$ f n\ri%m5t4 ,nutrition produces blood2 f ! blood come ! tissues1 ! muscles1 ! bones1 ! c>tilages1 ! fle%1 ! bra91 ! n]ves1 9 a ^w1 ! organic con/itu5ts ( ! body4 ,! oxyg5 we brea! c itself be consid]$ z a nutritive sub/ance1 inasmu* z x comb9es ) ! pr9cipal alim5ts absorb$ by ! /oma*1 & completes ! =mation ( ! blood & ! developm5t ( ! tissues4 ,sid5ote3 ,! process ( alim5tation4 ,n[1 to imag9e nutrition pass+ entirely into ! doma9 ( ! atmosph]e1 x is only necess>y to obs]ve t1 z a :ole1 a complete alim5t is made up ( album51 ( sug>1 ( fat1 & ( salt1 & to imag9e also t an atmosph]ic fluid1 9 place ( be+ compos$ ( azote & ( oxyg5 only1 %\ld be =m$ ( ^! diff]5t sub/ances 9 a gase\s /ate4 ,^! alim5ts are f\nd 9 ! solids t y absorb2 dige/ion is ! function :i* sep>ates !m1 & :i* causes !m to assimilate ) ! organs to :i* !y belong4 ,:51 = example1 y eat a morsel ( bread1 y introduce into y\r /oma* a gra9 ( />*1 a sub/ance insoluble 9 wat]1 & :i* is n f\nd 9 ! blood4 ,! saliva1 & ! pancreatic juice1 trans=m ! insoluble />* into soluble sug>4 ,! bile1 ! pancreatic juice1 & ! inte/9al secretions1 *ange ! sug> into fat4 ,bo? sug> & fat are pres5t 9 ! blood1 & x is by ! processes ( alim5tation t sub/ances are sep>at$ & assimilat$ 9 y\r body4 ,x a/oni%es y1 my fri5d1 t aft] liv+ five ye>s--accord+ to t]re/rial reckon+--9 ! cele/ial _w1 ,i c rememb] all ^! mat]ial t]ms1 & condesc5d to make use ( !m4 ,b ! memories t ,i h br\ght f ! ,e>? are /ill vivid1 & z we speak on ?is occasion on a "q ( organic physiology1 ,i d n feel a%am$ ( call+ ?+s by _! own names4 ,if1 !n1 we suppose t 9 place ( be+ comb9$ or mix$ 9 ! con/itution ( bodies1 solid or liquid1 ^! alim5ts c\ld be f\nd 9 a gase\s /ate 9 ! composition ( ! atmosph]e1 we %\ld create by ?is means nutritive atmosph]es1 :i* w\ld disp5se ) dige/ion & its att5dant co>se & humiliat+ functions4 ,t :i* man is capable ( imag9+ 9 ! re/rict$ sph]e ( 8 obs]vation1 ,nature has put 9 practice 9 m ?an "o spot ( ! univ]se4 ,besides1 ,i c assure y t :5 "o has ceas$ to be accu/om$ to ?is mat]ial process ( ! introduction ( n\ri%m5t into ! dige/ive tube1 "o _c avoid be+ impress$ ) its co>s5ess4 ,?is 0 ! reflection ,i made a few days ago :il/ obs]v+ "o ( ! ri*e/ c\ntries on y\r planet4 ,i 0 /ruck by ! suave & angelic beauty ( a maid51 recl9+ 9 a gondola z x float$ g5tly on ! blue wat]s ( ! ,bosphorus be=e ,con/ant9ople4 ,r$ velvet cu%ions1 embroid]$ ) brilliant silks1 ^: heavy tassels ( gold t\*$ ! wat]1 =m$ ! divan ( ?is "y ,circassian4 ,be=e h] knelt a little black slave play+ ^u "s /r+$ in/rum5t4 ,h] =m 0 s juv5ile & graceful1 h] b5d$ arm s elegant1 h] eyes s pure & innoc5t1 h] p5sive br[ s calm "u ! light ( heav51 t = an in/ant ,i 0 captivat$ by a k9d ( retrospective admiration = ?is ma/]piece ( liv+ nature4 ,well6 :ile ?is pure vision ( awak5+ y\?1 sweet z a fl[] op5+ its petals to ! sun's rays1 held me 9 a k9d ( pass+ en*antm5t1 ! b>k rea*$ ! l&+-/age1 & ! maid51 lean+ on a slave1 seat$ h]self on a c\* ne> a well-spread table1 ar\nd :i* o!rs _h already ga!r$4 ,%e began to eat6 ,yes6 = ne> an h\r %e 0 eat+6 ,i c\ld sc>cely tol]ate ! e>?ly recollections recall$ by ?is ridicul\s spectacle4 ,to see a be+ l t p>tak+ ( food ?r\gh ! m\?1 & mak+ h] *>m+ body ! receptacle = ,i d n "k :at sub/ances6 ,:at vulg>ity6 ,ma/icat+ morsels ( "s k9d ( animal :i* h] pe>ly tee? did n disda9 to *ew1 & aga9 fragm5ts ( ano!r animal :i* h] virg9al lips op5$ )\t hesitation to receive & swall[6 ,:at a diet3 a m$ley ( +r$i5ts drawn f cattle1 or f de]1 :i* h liv$ 9 ! mire & aft]w>ds be5 slaught]$4 ,horror6 ,i turn$ away ) sadness f ?is /range contra/1 & direct$ my gaze to ! sy/em ( ,saturn1 :]e humanity ne$ n /oop to su* necessities4 ,sid5ote3 ,victims to ! /ruggle = exi/5ce4 ,! float+ be+s belong+ to ! _w ( ,&rom$a1 :]e my antep5ultimate exi/5ce 0 pass$1 are submitt$ to a /ill m degrad+ mann] ( su/a9+ life ?an are ! inhabitants ( ! ,e>?4 ,!y h n ! advantage ( f9d+ ?ree p>ts ( _! nutrim5t suppli$ by ! air1 z is ! case on y\r globe3 !y mu/ "w to obta9 :at may be call$ _! oxyg51 &1 )\t ceas+1 !y are condemn$ to use _! lungs 9 ord] to prep>e ! nutriti\s air !y ne$1 )\t sleep+1 & )\t ev] feel+ satisfi$1 because1 despite _! incessant toil1 !y _c absorb m ?an a small quantity at a "t4 ,?us !y pass _! entire life1 & f9ally die victims to ! /ruggle = exi/5ce4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,bett] f> nev] to h be5 born6 ,b does n ! same reflection apply to ! ,e>?8 ,:at is ! use ( be+ born1 to we>y "o's self ) endless "w & worry1 to turn 9 ! same daily treadmill = sixty or a hundr$ ye>s2 to sleep1 to eat1 to "w1 to speak1 to run1 to err1 to agitate1 to dream1 ad inf9itum8 ,( :at use is all ?is8 ,w\ld n "o be j z advanc$ if "o 7 ext+ui%$ ! day aft] bir?1 or1 bett] /ill1 if "o did n take ! tr\ble to come into ! _w8 ,nature w\ld n g on 9 any worse fa%ion1 & ev5 if x did1 no "o w\ld be ! wis]4 ,& "o might ask1 ( :at use is ,nature h]self1 & :y does ! univ]se exi/ at all8 ,sid5ote3 ,humanity 9 ,&rom$a4 ,sid5ote3 ,humanity4 ,,lum54 ,t is ! great my/]y4 ,yet mu/ all de/9ies be accompli%$4 ,! _w ( ,&rom$a is decid$ly an inf]ior "o4 ,to give y an idea ( ! poor m5tal calibre ( its inhabitants1 ,i w cite two examples1 select+ ! subjects ( religion & politics1 z ^! are g5]ally ! be/ crit]ions ( ! value ( a p4 ,9 religion1 9 place ( seek+ = ,god 9 nature1 & ( bas+ _! judgm5t on sci5ce1 in/ead ( aspir+ to ! tru?1 & ( us+ _! eyes to see & _! reason to compreh5d--9 a ^w1 9 place ( e/abli%+ ! f\ndations ( _! philosophy ^u k z exact z possible ( ! ord] :i* gov]ns ! _w--!y are divid$ into sects1 :o are volunt>ily bl9d1 & believe !y r5d] homage to _! pret5d$ ,god by ceas+ to reason1 & ?9k !y adore ,him1 9 ma9ta9+ t _! an?ill is unique 9 space2 by recit+ phrases & 9 injur+ o!r sects1 & alas6 by bless+ swords1 & burn+s at ! /ake1 & 9 au?oris+ massacres & w>s4 ,_! doctr9es conta9 ass]tions :i* seem expressly imag9$ to outrage common s5se4 ,^! are precisely ^? :i* con/itute ! articles ( _! fai? & belief6 ,!y are /upid 9 politics4 ,! mo/ intellig5t & pure-m9d$ d n und]/& ea* o!r4 ,!re=e ! ,republic seems to be a =m ( gov]nm5t :i* _c be realis$4 ,trac+ ! annals ( _! hi/ory z f> back z possible1 "o sees a p1 c[>dly & indiff]5t1 delib]ately *oos+1 r ?an gov]n !mselves1 to be l$ by an individual claim+ to be _! ,basileus1 _! k+4 ,?is *ief deprives !m ( ?ree-f\r?s ( _! res\rces1 keep+ = himself & 81 ! atmosph]e conta9+ ! greate/ am\nt ( rose-ess5ce--t is to say1 t he keeps ! be/ 9 ! l& = 8 own use2 he numb]s 8 subjects1 & f "t to "t s5ds !m to fight ) neighb\r+ peoples1 :o1 l !mselves1 are subject to a simil> ,basileus4 ,m>%all+ !m l %oals ( h]r+s1 he directs !m on ei!r side t[>ds ! field ( battle1 :i* !y call ! field ( hon\r1 !y !n de/roy "o ano!r l furi\s fools1 )\t kn[+ :y1 & )\t1 = t matt]1 ! p[] to compreh5d1 z !y d n ev5 speak ! same language4 ,& d y imag9e t ^? :o1 mo/ fav\r$ by *ance1 live to return1 feel any hatr$ aga9/ _! ,basileus8 ,no?+ ( ! k9d4 ,! remnant ( ! army :o live to see _! homes aga91 ?9k no?+ m natural ?an to celebrate _! ?anksgiv+s 9 company ) ! dignit>ies ( _! sects1 supplicat+ _! ,god to grant long life to1 & to p\r bless+s ^u1 ! wor?y man :om !y designate _! fa!r & k+4 ,sid5ote3 ,organisation ( ! be+s on ,&rom$a4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i ga!r f ?is n>ration1 t ! inhabitants ( ,delta ,&rom$a are1 bo? physically & intellectually1 greatly our inf]iors1 = ^u ! ,e>? we d n regulate our affairs 9 ?is mann]4444 ,9 %ort1 ^u _! globe !re is only "o liv+ k+dom1 & t a mobile "o1 )\t repose1 )\t sleep1 kept 9 p]petual agitation by reason ( an inexorable fate4 ,a _w l ?is /rikes me z be+ v fanta/ic4 ,,lum54 ,:at1 !n1 w\ld y say ( ! "o ,i inhabit$ fifte5 c5turies ago8 ,a _w also conta9+ only "o k+dom1 & t n a movable "o1 b1 on ! contr>y1 z fix$ z is y\r vegetable k+dom8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,h[6 ,animals & m5 held d[n by roots8 ,,iii ,sid5ote3 ,organisation ( be+s on ,&rom$a4 ,,lum54 ,my exi/5ce ant]ior to t ^u ! _w ( ,&rom$a 0 pass$ ^u ,v5us1 a planet ne> to ! ,e>?1 :]e ,i c rememb] myself z a woman4 ,n t ,i h directly se5 myself !re1 =1 accord+ to ! law ( light1 x w\ld require ! same l5g? ( "t to travel f ,v5us to ,capella z x w\ld f ! ,e>? to ,capella1 & ,i consequ5tly see ,v5us only z x 0 sev5ty-two ye>s ago1 & n z x 0 n9e hundr$ ye>s ago1 :i* 0 ! epo* ( my exi/5ce ^u t planet4 ,my f\r? life1 previ\s to my t]re/rial "o1 0 pass$ ^u an imm5se annul> planet belong+ to ! con/ellation ,cygnus1 situat$ 9 ! zone ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,?is s+ul> _w is inhabit$ solely by trees4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,t is to say1 t s f> only plants are !re1 & nei!r animals nor intellig5t speak+ be+s8 ,,lum54 ,n exactly4 ,!re are only plants !re1 x is true4 ,b 9 ?is va/ _w ( plants !re are vegetable races m advanc$ ?an ^? exi/+ ^u ! ,e>?4 ,!re plants live z we d--feel1 ?9k1 reason1 & speak4 ,sid5ote3 ,reason+ plants4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b ?is is impossible6 ,p>don6--,i w\ld say improbable1 incompreh5sible1 & entirely inconceivable4 ,,lum54 ,^! intellig5t vegetable races really exi/--s mu* s1 t ,i myself belong$ to !m4 ,fifte5 c5turies ago ,i 0 a tree possess$ ( reason4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b tell me1 h[ c a plant reason )\t a bra91 & speak )\t a tongue8 ,,lum54 ,tell me1 ,i beg ( y1 by :at process y y\rself ?9k1 & by :at trans=mation ( motion y\r s\l translates its mute conceptions into audible language8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i am seek+1 ,o ,ma/]1 b ,i fail to f9d1 ! mat]ial explanation ( ?is fact1 h[ev] ord9>y x may be4 ,sid5ote3 ,facts n impossible because unkn[n4 ,,lum54 ,we h no "r to decl>e an unkn[n fact impossible1 :5 we are s ignorant ourselves ( ! laws regulat+ our own be+4 ,because ! bra9 is ! physiological organ ( intellig5ce plac$ at ! s]vice ( man on ! ,e>?1 d y !re=e believe t !re are simil> bra9s & sp9al m>r[s ^u all ! worlds 9 space8 ,?is w\ld be an error too *ildi%4 ,! law ( progress gov]ns ! vital sy/em ( ea* _w4 ,?is vital sy/em diff]s accord+ to ! secret nature ( ! special =ces peculi> to ea*4 ,:5 a _w has rea*$ a suffici5t degree ( evolution to fit x = ent]+ into ! s]vice ( moral life1 m9d1 m or less develop$1 appe>s on x4 ,sid5ote3 ,gradation ( ! human race4 ,d n imag9e t ! ,et]nal ,fa!r creates at once a human race on ea* globe4 ,n s4 ,! fir/ /ep 9 ! ladd] ( ! animal k+dom receives ! human transfiguration by =ce ( circum/ance1 & by natural law1 :i* ennobles x1 z soon z progress has br\ght x to a /ate ( relative sup]iority4 ,sid5ote3 ,! developm5t ( life4 ,d y "k :y y h a *e/1 a /oma*1 two legs1 two arms1 & a head furni%$ ) visual1 auditory1 & olfactory s5ses8 ,x is because ! quadrup$s1 ! mammalia1 :i* prec$$ ! appe>ance ( man on ! ,e>?1 _h !m already4 ,monkeys1 dogs1 lions1 be>s1 horses1 ox51 tig]s1 cats1 c41 & be=e !m ! horn$ rh9oc]os1 ! cave-hy5a1 ! elk1 ! ma/odon1 ! oppossum1 c41 & prior to ^! ! pleiosaurus1 ! i*?yosaurus1 ! iguanodon1 ! pt]odactyl1 c41 & aga9 be=e ^! ! fi%es1 ! cru/acea1 ! mollusca1 c41 h be5 ! result ( ! vital =ces 9 action ^u ! ,e>?1 dep5d5t ^u ! /ate ( ! soil1 ( ! atmosph]e1 ( inorganic *emi/ry1 ( ! quantity ( heat1 & ( t]re/rial gravity4 ,! e>?ly animal k+dom has foll[$1 f its orig91 ?is cont9u\s & progressive m>* t[>ds ! p]fection ( its typical =ms ( mammalia1 free+ itself m & m1 f ! grossness ( its mat]ial4 ,man is m beautiful ?an ! horse1 ! horse ?an ! be>1 ! be> ?an ! tortoise4 ,a simil> law gov]ns ! vegetable k+dom4 ,heavy1 co>se vegetables )\t leaves & )\t fl[]s began ! s]ies4 ,!n1 z ! ages advanc$1 _! =ms became m pure1 & graceful leaves appe>$ fill+ ! woods ) sil5t %ad[s4 ,fl[]s 9 _! turn began to beautify ! g>d5s ( ! ,e>?1 & spread sweet p]fumes 9 an atmosph]e until !n insipid4 ,sid5ote3 ,! g5ealogical tree ( life4 ,to ! scrut9is+ eye ( ! geologi/ :o visits ^! t]ti>y1 second>y1 & primordial di/ricts1 ?is d\ble progressive s]ies ( two k+doms is to be se5 to ?is day4 ,!re 0 a p]iod ^u ! ,e>? :5 a few isl&s _h b j em]g$ f ! bosom ( ! w>m wat]s1 into an atmosph]e sur*>g$ ) vap\r1 :5 ! only liv+ ?+s di/+ui%+ ?is inorganic k+dom 7 long float+ filam5ts held 9 susp5sion 9 ! waves4 ,seawe$ & sea-wrack 7 ! fir/ =ms ( vegetation4 ,on ! rocks1 live creatures = :i* "o has no "n4 ,!re1 sponges swell out4 ,"h1 a tree ( coral lifts up itself4 ,fur!r on1 ! ,m$us deta* !mselves & float l balls ( jelly4 ,are ^! animals8 ,are ^! plants8 ,sci5ce does n answ]4 ,!y are animal-plants1 zoophites4 ,b life is n limit$ to ^! =ms4 ,!re are creatures n less primitive1 & z simple1 :i* typify a special species4 ,^! are ! annelides1 worms1 fi% 9 ! =m ( a simple tube1 creatures )\t eyes1 e>s1 blood1 n]ves1 w1 a vegetative species1 yet end[$ ) ! p[] ( motion4 ,lat] on rudim5t>y organs ( sight & ( locomotion appe>$1 & life became less elem5tal4 ,!n fi%es & amphibi\s creatures came into exi/5ce4 ,! animal k+dom began to =m itself4 ,sid5ote3 ,=mation ( ! animal k+dom4 ,:at w\ld h be5 ! result if ! fir/ creature _h nev] quitt$ its rock8 ,if ^! primitive elem5ts ( t]re/rial life _h rema9$ /ation>y at ! po9t ( _! =mation1 & if1 = any cause :atev]1 ! faculty ( locomotion _h nev] _h a beg9n+8 ,! consequ5ce w\ld h be51 t 9 place ( ! sy/em ( t]re/rial vitality be+ manife/$ 9 two diff]5t directions1 viz41 9 ! _w ( plants & ! _w ( animals1 x w\ld h cont9u$ manife/+ itself solely 9 ! fir/ direction1 ) ! result t !re w\ld h be5 b "o k+dom in/ead ( two1 & ! creative progress w\ld h op]at$ 9 t k+dom z x op]at$ 9 ! animal k+dom4 ,x w\ld n h be5 arre/$ at ! =mation ( s5sitives1 sup]ior plants :i* are already gift$ ) a v]itable n]v\s sy/em2 nor w\ld x h /opp$ at ! =mation ( fl[]s1 :i* are already bord]+ on ours 9 _! organic functions2 b1 cont9u+ its asc5sion1 w\ld h produc$1 9 ! vegetable k+dom1 t :i* has already be5 produc$ 9 ! animal k+dom4 ,z x is1 _m vegetables feel & act2 "h w\ld h be5 vegetables feel+ & mak+ !mselves und]/ood4 ,! ,e>? w\ld n h be5 on t acc\nt depriv$ ( ! human species4 ,only mank9d1 in/ead ( be+ gift$ ) locomotion z x is1 w\ld h be5 fix$ by ! feet4 ,su* is ! /ate ( ! annul> _w 9 :i* ,i liv$ fifte5 c5turies ago 9 ! he>t ( ! ,milky ,way4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,( a tru?1 ?is _w ( m5-plants a/oni%es me m ?an ! previ\s "o1 & ,i f9d x difficult to picture to myself ! life & mann]s ( ^! s+ul> be+s4 ,sid5ote3 ,m5-plants4 ,,lum54 ,_! k9d ( life is inde$ v diff]5t f y\rs4 ,!y nei!r build cities nor make voyages2 !y h no ne$ ( any =m ( gov]nm5t2 !y are ignorant ( w>1 t sc\rge ( t]re/rial humanity1 & !y h no?+ ( t national self-love call$ patriotism :i* is "o ( y\r *>act]i/ics4 ,prud5t1 pati5t1 & gift$ ) con/ancy1 !y h nei!r ! mobility nor ! fragility ( ! d5iz5s ( ! ,e>?4 ,life !re rea*es an av]age ( five or six c5turies1 & is calm1 sweet1 uni=m1 & )\t revolutions4 ,b d n ?9k t ^! m5-plants live only a vegetable life4 ,on ! contr>y1 !y h an exi/5ce bo? p]sonal & positive4 ,!y are divid$1 n by ca/e1 regulat$ by bir? & =tune1 accord+ to t absurd cu/om on ! e>?1 b by families1 ^: native value diff]s precisely accord+ to its k9d4 ,!y h an unwritt5 social hi/ory1 b no?+ :i* happ5s among/ !m c be lo/1 inasmu* z !y h nei!r emigrations nor conque/s1 b _! records & traditions are h&$ d[n f "o g5]ation to ano!r4 ,ea* "o kn[s ! hi/ory ( 8 own race4 ,!y h also two sexes1 z ^u ! ,e>?1 & unions take place !re 9 a simil> mann]1 b are pur]1 m dis9t]e/$1 & inv>iably affectionate4 ,nor are ^! unions always consangu9e\s2 impregnation c ev5 be effect$ at a di/ance4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b1 aft] all1 h[ c !y communicate _! ?\ghts if x be true t !y ?9k8 ,& besides1 ma/]1 h[ 0 x possible = y to recognise y\rself on ?is s+ul> _w8 ,sid5ote3 ,mann] ( life ^u ,cygnus4 ,,lum54 ,! same reply w satisfactorily answ] y\r d\ble "q4 ,i 0 look+ at t r+ 9 ! con/ellation ( ,cygnus1 be+ drawn !re ) p]si/5ce by "s irresi/ible in/9ct4 ,x surpris$ me to see only vegetable gr[?s ^u its surface1 & ,i pr9cipally rem>k$ _! s+ul> mann] ( gr\p+3 "h two & two1 !re ?ree & ?ree1 f>!r (f t5 & t51 besides o!rs 9 l>g] clu/]s4 ,"s 7 seat$1 z x 71 ^u ! br9k ( a f\nta91 o!rs appe>$ to be repos+1 ) little %oots spr++ up r\nd !m4 ,i s\ght to f9d !re ! k9ds famili> to me on ! ,e>?1 su* z p9es1 oaks1 popl>s1 will[s1 b ,i c\ld n f9d any ( ^! botanical gr[?s4 ,at la/ ,i fix$ my eyes ^u a plant 9 ! %ape ( a fig-tree1 )\t ei!r leaves or fruit1 b full ( brilliant sc>let fl[]s1 :5 sudd5ly ,i saw ?is enorm\s fig-tree /ret* out a b\gh l a gigantic arm1 raise ! extremity ( ?is arm to its head1 & pluck "o ( ! magnific5t fl[]s ornam5t+ its cr[n1 & !n pres5t ! same1 ) an incl9ation ( ! head1 to ano!r fig-tree gr[+ "s little di/ance ap>t1 ( sl5d] & graceful =m1 & be>+ sweet blue fl[]s4 ,?is "o appe>$ to receive ! r$ fl[] ) a c]ta9 pleasure1 = x ext5d$ a bran*1 or "o might say a cordial h&1 to its neighb\r1 :i* 0 app>5tly held 9 a long clasp4 ,"u c]ta9 circum/ances1 z y "k1 a ge/ure is suffici5t = mak+ y\rself kn[n to ano!r4 ,?us1 !n1 ! mean+ ( ?is tableau 0 borne 9 ^u me4 ,?is ge/ure ( ! fig-tree 9 ! ,milky ,way awoke )9 me a _w ( memories4 ,?is ,man-,plant 0 myself z ,i 0 fifte5 c5turies ago1 & 9 ! fig-trees ) ! violet fl[]s :i* 7 gr\p$ ar\nd me ,i recognis$ my *ildr52 = ,i recollect$ t ! t9ts ( ! fl[]s borne by ! (fspr+1 are ! result ( ! admixture ( ! two col\rs di/+ui%+ _! p>5ts4 ,sid5ote3 ,faculties ( m5-plants4 ,^! ,m5-,plants see )\t eyes1 he> )\t e>s1 & speak )\t l>ynx4 ,h y n fl[]s ^u ! ,e>? :i* c discrim9ate n only night f day1 b also ! diff]5t h\rs ( ! day1 ! height ( ! sun above ! horizon1 a cle> sky f a cl\dy "o1 & m1 :i* p]ceive div]s s\nds ) exquisite s5sitiv5ess2 &1 9 f9e1 n only he> ea* o!r p]fectly1 b also ! butt]fly mess5g]s4 ,^! rudim5ts are develop$ to a v]itable degree ( civilisation ^u ! _w ( :i* ,i speak1 & ^! be+s are z complete 9 _! k9d z y on ! ,e>? are 9 y\rs4 ,_! intellig5ce1 x is true1 is less advanc$ ?an ! av]age intellect ( t]re/rial humanity2 b 9 _! mann]s & mutual relations1 !y %[ 9 all ways a sweetness & ref9em5t1 :i* might (t5 s]ve z a model to ! dwell]s ^u ! ,e>?4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,h[ is x possible1 ma/]1 t !y see )\t eyes1 & he> )\t e>s8 ,sid5ote3 ,light & s\nd are only modes ( motion4 ,,lum54 ,y w cease to be a/oni%$1 my old fri5d1 if y w b reflect t light & s\nd are no?+ else ?an two modes ( motion4 ,9 ord] to appreciate ei!r "o or ! o!r ( ^! two modes ( motion1 y mu/ 7& t is suffici5t7 be end[$ ) an app>atus 9 correspond5ce ) !m1 :i* might be only a simple n]ve4 ,! eye & ! e> are ! app>atus = y\r t]re/rial nature4 ,9 ano!r natural organisation ! optic n]ve & ! auditory n]ve =m q diff]5t organs4 ,besides1 light & s\nd are n ! only two modes ( motion 9 nature4 ,i c ev5 say t light & s\nd are ! result ( y\r mann] ( feel+1 & n ( any?+ real4 ,sid5ote3 ,nature possesses myriads ( modes ( motion4 ,!re are 9 nature n "o1 b t51 tw5ty1 a hundr$1 a ?\s& diff]5t modes ( motion4 ,^u ! ,e>? y are s =m$ z to be able to appreciate *iefly ^! two1 :i* con/itute almo/ ! :ole ( y\r life 9 its ext]nal relations4 ,^u o!r worlds !re are o!r s5ses ) :i* nature c be appreciat$ "u its v>i\s aspects4 ,"s ( ^! s5ses take ! place ( y\r eyes & ( y\r e>s1 & o!rs are 9 t\* ) p]ceptions entirely =eign to ^? :i* are receiv$ by t]re/rial organs4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,:5 y spoke to me j n[ ( ! m5-plants 9 ! _w ( ,cygnus1 ! idea occurr$ to me to ask if e>?ly plants possess a s\l8 ,sid5ote3 ,=m det]m9$ by s\l4 ,sid5ote3 ,s\ls ( plants4 ,,lum54 ,mo/ c]ta9ly4 ,t]re/rial plants are gift$ ) a s\l j z mu* z are animals & m54 ,)\t a pot5tial s\l no organisation c\ld exi/4 ,! =m ( a plant is det]m9$ by its s\l4 ,an acorn & ! k]nel ( a pea* are plant$ side by side 9 ! same soil1 ! same situation1 "u ! same conditions2 :y %\ld ! fir/ produce an oak & ! second a pea* tree8 ,because an organic =ce inh]5t 9 ! oak w con/ruct its special k9d ( vegetable1 & ano!r organic =ce1 ano!r s\l inh]5t 9 ! pea*1 w equally draw to itself o!r elem5ts necess>y = its special body1 j z ! human s\l1 9 ! con/ruction ( its body1 uses ! means put by nature at its disposal4 ,only ! s\l ( ! plant has n any self-consci\sness4 ,sid5ote3 ,s\ls & atoms4 ,sid5ote3 ,p]sonality ( ! s\l4 ,! s\ls 9 vegetables1 9 animals1 & 9 m51 h already atta9$ to t degree ( p]sonality & ( au?ority1 :i* enables !m to b5d at w1 & to comm& & gov]n at pleasure1 all ^? non-p]sonal =ces :i* exi/ 9 ! bosom ( immeasurable nature4 ,! human monad1 = example1 be+ sup]ior to ! monad ( salt1 or ( c>bon1 or ( oxyg51 absorbs & incorporates !m 9 its /ructure4 ,our human s\l 9 our t]re/rial body ^u ! ,e>? gov]ns1 )\t be+ consci\s ( x1 all ! elem5t>y s\ls =m+ ! con/itu5t p>ts ( its body4 ,matt] is n a solid & compassable sub/ance4 ,x is an assemblage ( c5tres ( =ces4 ,sub/ance has n any importance4 ,f "o atom to ano!r !re is a great di/ance 9 proportion to ! dim5sions ( atoms4 ,at ! head ( ! div]s c5tres ( =ces :i* con/itute & =m ! human body is ! human s\l1 gov]n+ all ! ganglionic s\ls1 :i* are subord9at$ to x4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i mu/ frankly own1 mo/ wise in/ructor1 t ,i fail to cle>ly grasp ?is !ory4 ,,lum54 ,!n ,i w illu/rate x = y by an example :i* w demon/rate ! tru? ( all ,i h said1 & conv9ce y t x is a fact4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,a fact8 ,are y1 !n1 a re9c>nation ( ! ,pr9cess ,s*eh]azade1 & h y be5 fasc9at+ me ) a new tale f ! ,arabian ,nights8 ,,fif? ,,conv]sation ,,+5ium ,,audax3 ,,natura ,,audacior ,sid5ote3 ,!ta 77 9 ,orion4 ,,lum54 ,y "k ! spl5did con/ellation ( ,orion :i* reigns l a sov]eign ov] y\r w9t] nights1 & ! curi\s multiple /> 7!ta7 :i* is to be f\nd bel[ ! sword susp5d$ f ! ,belt1 & %9es 9 ! mid/ ( ! fam\s nebula4 ,?is sy/em ( ,orion is "o ( ! mo/ s+ul> :i* is to be f\nd 9 ! va/ treasure-h\se :i* conta9s su* a v>iety ( cele/ial jewels4 ,x is compos$ ( f\r pr9cipal ,suns dispos$ 9 a quadrilat]al =m4 ,two ( ^! ,suns1 =m+ :at ,i may call ! base ( ! quadrilat]al1 are accompani$1 ! "o by a s+le ,sun1 ! o!r by two ,suns4 ,?us x is a sy/em ( sev5 ,suns ar\nd ea* ( :i* circulate inhabit$ planets4 ,sid5ote3 ,a _w 9 ,orion4 ,i 0 on a planet turn+ r\nd "o ( ! second>y ,suns4 ,?is revolv$ r\nd ano!r ( ! f\r pr9cipal ,suns4 ,t 9 its turn circulat$1 9 conc]t ) ! o!rs & at ! same "t1 ar\nd an invisible c5tre ( gravity 9 ! int]ior ( ! quadrilat]al4 ,i d n insi/ on ^! movem5ts1 b ! cele/ial me*anism expla9s !m4 ,sid5ote3 ,day ,suns & night ,suns4 ,i 0 !re=e light$ & w>m$ on my planet by sev5 ,suns at ! same "t2 by "o l>g] & m brilliant 9 appe>ance ?an ! o!r six1 because x 0 ne>] to me2 by a second v l>ge & equally bright2 by a ?ird ( mod]ate size1 & by two :o 7 l tw9s4 ,^! diff]5t ,suns are nev] all toge!r above ! horizon4 ,!re are day ,suns & night ,suns2 t is to say1 !y h !re no night prop]ly s call$4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,really8 ,are !re 9 ! heav5s d\ble & multiple ,suns8 ,sid5ote3 ,inhabitants ( ,!ta ,orionis4 ,,lum54 ,yes1 a v great numb]4 ,! sy/em ( :i* ,i am speak+ to y1 among/ o!rs1 is kn[n to ! a/ronom]s ( ! ,e>?1 :o c\nt by ?\s&s 9 _! catalogues1 sy/ems ( d\ble />s1 ( multiple />s1 & ( col\r$ />s4 ,y c /udy !m y\rself ) y\r telescope4 ,n[1 on ! planet ( ,orion1 :i* ,i h j m5tion$ to y1 ! inhabitants are nei!r vegetables nor animals4 ,!y c\ld n be plac$ 9 any classification ( t]re/rial life1 nor 9 ei!r ( ! two great divisions ( ! vegetable & animal k+doms4 ,9 tru? ,i d n "k ) :at to comp>e !m 9 ord] to give y an idea ( _! =m4 ,h y ev] se51 9 botanic g>d5s1 ! gigantic tap]+ plant ! ,c]eus giganteus8 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i "k ?is plant v well4 ,its "n comes f its resemblance to ! wax tap]s1 plac$ 9 ?ree or m bran*$ /&s1 ) :i* *ur*es are light$4 ,sid5ote3 ,analysis ( ! n]v\s sy/em4 ,sid5ote3 ,plant-be+s4 ,,lum54 ,well1 ! m5 ( ,orionis be> "s lik5ess to ?is =m4 ,only !y move sl[ly1 & ma9ta9 an upright position by means ( a process ( suction analog\s to t ( ! ampull ( c]ta9 plants4 ,! l[] "p ( ! v]tical /em1 :]e x re/s on ! gr\nd1 is slightly elongat$1 l a />fi%1 ) little app5dages :i* fix !mselves to ! soil by means ( suction4 ,^! be+s (t5 g 9 troops1 & *ange _! latitude accord+ to ! seasons4 ,b ! mo/ s+ul> peculi>ity ( _! organisation is t :i* illu/rates ! pr9ciple ( :i* ,i h spok5 to y1 ( ! union ( elem5t>y s\ls 9 ! human body4 ,"o day ,i visit$ ?is _w1 & f\nd myself 9 ! mid/ ( an ,orionic l&scape4 ,i beheld a be+ /&+ !re l a plant t5 metres high1 )\t leaves or fl[]s4 ,he consi/$ 9 fact ( a cyl9drical /alk1 ! upp]mo/ "p ( :i* sep>at$ into _m bran*es l ^? ( a *&eli]4 ,! c5tral /em1 z well z ^? ( ! bran*es1 measur$ ab\t a ?ird ( a metre 9 diamet]4 ,! tops ( ! /alk & ( ! bran*es 7 cr[n$ ) a diadem ( silv] fr+e4 ,sudd5ly ,i saw ?is be+ agitate 8 bran*es & !n vani%4 ,! fact is t 9 ?is _w individuals1 al?\gh q well1 fall to pieces lit]ally 9 an in/ant4 ,sid5ote3 ,dea? by dis9tegration4 ,! molecules ( :i* !y are con/itut$ fall altoge!r to ! gr\nd4 ,! p]sonal exi/5ce ( ! individual comes to an end4 ,8 molecules sep>ate & are disp]s$4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,!y dis9tegrate1 & ! atoms fly ap>t1 l truants f s*ool4 ,,lum54 ,j s4 ,i c recollect ?is dis9tegration ( ! body (t5 took place 9 _! lives4 ,sometimes x 0 ! result ( contr>iety1 sometimes ( fatigue1 & 9 o!r cases ( a want ( organic accord betwe5 ! diff]5t p>ts4 ,!y exi/ 9 _! entirety actual & complete1 !n sudd5ly !y are r$uc$ into ! mo/ simple elem5t>y =m4 ,! c]ebral molecule1 :i* con/itutes ea* "o 9 reality1 feels itself desc5d+ 9 consequ5ce ( ! fall ( its si/] molecules ( ! long bran*es1 & x arrives at ! surface ( ! gr\nd solit>y & indep5d5t4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,?is mode ( dissolution w\ld sometimes be a v conv5i5t proce$+ "h bel[4 ,to get out ( an emb>rass+ situation1 = example a conjugal sc5e la ,molire1 or a bad qu>t] ( an h\r su* z ,rabelais describes1 or a m\rnful situation su* z ! scaffold = an execution1 "o w\ld only h to let loose "o's con/itu5t atoms1 &--bid good-bye to ! company4444 99 99 99 99 99 ,sid5ote3 ,animat$ molecules4 ,,lum54 ,y seem to reg>d ! matt] z a joke1 b ,i assure y x is an und\bt$ reality4 ,x w\ld exi/ on ! ,e>? z well z on ! planet ( ,orion1 if ! pr9ciple ( au?ority 7 n s firmly fix$ ) y4 ,!re x is only 9 an elem5t>y =m4 ,y\r body is =m$ ( animat$ molecules4 ,accord+ to "o ( y\r mo/ em95t physiologi/s1 y\r sp9al m>r[ is a s]ies ( c5tres1 l9k$ toge!r indep5d5tly1 & yet "u control4 ,! ess5tial con/itu5ts ( y\r blood1 ( y\r fle%1 & ( y\r bones1 are 9 a l case4 ,!y are prov9ces self-gov]n$1 b subject to a sup]ior au?ority4 ,! work+ ( ?is sup]ior au?ority is a condition ( human life--a condition :i* is less exclusive among/ ! inf]ior animals4 ,ea* r+ ( ! worm call$ lombric is a complete worm1 s t a lombric repres5ts a s]ies ( simil> be+s con/itut+ a v]itable liv+ coop]ative society4 ,cut into r+s1 ! worm w\ld be s _m indep5d5t individuals4 ,9 ! tape-worm1 a solit>y worm1 ! head is ( m importance ?an ! re/ ( ! body1 & possesses ! faculty ( reproduc+ ! re/ ( ! body aft] x has be5 cut (f4 ,! lee* is ano!r example ( unit$ individuals4 ,cut x into five or six r+s1 & ! op]ation gives y z _m lee*es4 ,?us also1 a cutt+ ( a bran* ( a tree w gr[4 ,9 l mann] a crab's claw or a liz>d's tail w be reproduc$4 ,9 reality ! v]tebrate animals1 su* z man1 are ess5tially composite 9 /ructure4 ,! sp9al m>r[1 & its highe/ expansion 9 ! bra91 consi/ ( segm5ts plac$ 9 juxtaposition1 ) n]v\s c5tres1 ea* ( :i* possesses an elem5t>y s\l4 ,sid5ote3 ,p[] ( ! p]sonal s\l4 ,! law ( au?ority 9 action on ! ,e>?1 has det]m9$ 9 ! animal s]ies a prepond]at+ direction4 ,y are compos$ ( a multitude ( be+s gr\p$ toge!r1 & dom9at$ by ! pla/ic attraction ( y\r p]sonal s\l1 :i* f ! c5tre ( y\r be+ has =m$ y\r body f ! embryo1 & has unit$ r\nd itself1 9 a microcosm1 a :ole _w ( be+s1 :o h n any consci\sness ( _! individuality4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,on ! planet ( ,orion nature itself is !n 9 a /ate ( absolute ,republicanism4 ,,lum54 ,republicanism gov]n$ by law4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,b :5 a be+ f9ds itself ?us dis9tegrat$1 h[ c he aft]w>ds recon/itute himself z a :ole8 ,,lum54 ,by an act ( ! w1 & (t5 )\t ! lea/ ef=t1 & ev5 by a casual desire4 ,al?\gh sep>at$ f ! c]ebral molecule1 ! corporeal molecules are /ill intimately connect$ ) "o ano!r4 ,at a giv5 mom5t !y comb9e1 & ea* takes its place4 ,! direct+ molecule draws ! o!r f a di/ance1 z ! load/one attracts iron fil+s4 ,,qu,,r5s4 ,i c easily picture to myself ! spectacle ( ?is ,lilliputian army1 :5 summon$ by a :i/le1 draw+ to its c5tre to organise a reunion2 all ! little soldi]s climb+ "o ov] ! o!r1 & 9 a mom5t tak+ _! places to recon/ruct ! man-tap] t y h describ$ to me4 ,"o really ought to leave ! ,e>? to behold su* r>e wond]s6 ,,lum54 ,y /ill judge ( univ]sal nature by ! atom t y h be=e y\r eyes1 & y are only qualifi$ to compreh5d ! facts :i* are )9 ! sph]e ( y\r obs]vations4 ,b ,i assure y ! ,e>? is n ! type ( ! univ]se4 ,sid5ote3 ,v>i\s =ms ( life4 ,?is _w ( ,orionis1 ) its sev5 revolv+ ,suns1 is peopl$ by an organic sy/em analog\s to t :i* ,i h j describ$ to y4 ,i liv$ !re #bdjj ye>s ago1 & ,i c see myself !re aga9 9 accordance ) ! "t t light occupi$ 9 com+ f t po9t 9 space to ,capella4 ,:5 !re1 ,i 0 acqua9t$ ) ! _s :o 9 ?is c5tury 0 inc>nat$ on ! ,e>? & publi%$ 8 /udies "u ! "n ( ,allan ,k>dec4 ,we did n recollect t we _h kn[n "o ano!r be=e1 dur+ our t]re/rial life1 b we (t5 felt attract$ to "o ano!r by peculi> intellectual sympa?ies4 ,n[ t he has return$1 l myself1 into ! _w ( spirits1 he also rememb]s ! s+ul> republic ( ,orion & c see x4 ,yes1 ?is is v curi\s1 b x is q true4 ,y h no idea1 on y\r poor planet1 ( ! unimag9able div]sity :i* sep>ates ! worlds 9 _! geological1 z mu* z 9 _! physiological organisations4 ,sid5ote3 ,s5se ( sight 9 spirits4 ,^! conv]sations may s]ve to ?r[ light on y\r k ( ?is g5]al tru?1 s important 9 ! conception ( ! univ]se4 ,b ! sci5tific s]vice t ^! conv]sations c specially r5d] y is 9 mak+ y und]/& t light is ! mode ( transmission ( univ]sal hi/ory4 ,) ! p[]ful visual faculty :i* we enjoy "h1 we c di/+ui% ! surface ( di/ant worlds4 ,! eye ( our p]isprit is n id5tical ) ! bodily eye4 ,9 ! t]re/rial sight ! rays div]ge1 s t a v small object1 plac$ q ne> ! eye fills ! int]val ( ! two rays1 :il/ at a great] di/ance1 a l>g] object is necess>y to fill ! space1 proportionately increas$1 :i* sep>ates ! same rays4 ,9 our eye1 on ! contr>y1 ! visual rays ent] 9 p>allel l9es1 s t we see ea* object 9 its real proportions1 & 9 its normal size1 its app>5t size be+ q unaffect$ by di/ance4 ,we d n see ! :ole ( l>ge objects1 b only sections ( !m proportion$ to ! op5+s ( our special ret9a1 b ^! p>ts are se5 by u ) equal cle>ness at any di/ance 7:5 !re is no atmosph]e to veil ?is di/ance74 ,a tree 9 a prairie on a cele/ial body1 z f> z ,!ta ( ,orion is f ,capella1 is p]fectly visible to u4 ,on ! o!r h&1 9 accordance ) ! law ( ! successive transmission ( ! rays ( light1 all ! ev5ts 9 nature1 & ! hi/ory ( all ! worlds1 are depict$ 9 space z a univ]sal tableau1 ! mo/ true & ! mo/ magnific5t 9 all nature4 ,sid5ote3 ,inf9ite div]sity 9 ,sirius4 ,z ^! conv]sations w h %[n y1 ,i h trav]s$ a great _m diff]5t cele/ial c\ntries1 & h actually /udi$ creation )\t fix+ myself 9 any place4 ,i hope 9 ! c\rse ( ! next c5tury to be re9c>nat$ on a _w dep5d5t on ! tra9 ( ,s9us4 ,! humanity !re is m beautiful ?an t ( ! ,e>?4 ,bir? is effect$ by means ( an organic sy/em less ridicul\s & less brutal ?an t ( ! ,e>?4 ,b ! mo/ rem>kable *>act]i/ic ( ! life on ?is _w is1 t !re m5 p]ceive ! physico-*emical op]ations :i* take place = ! ma9t5ance ( ! body4 ,f ea* molecule ( ! body1 s to speak1 proce$s a n]ve :i* transmits to ! bra9 ! v>i\s impressions t x receives1 s t ! s\l absolutely kn[s its body1 & rules ov] x z a sov]eign4 ,sid5ote3 ,vegetable life 9 ,aldeb>an4 ,!re is an imm5se v>iety among/ ! worlds4 ,on "o ( ! planets ( ! sy/em ( ,aldeb>an1 v curi\s f ?is po9t ( view1 ! vegetables are all compos$ ( a sub/ance analog\s to ! load/one1 because silica & magnesia pr$om9ate 9 its con/itution4 ,! animals fe$ on ?is sub/ance only4 ,mo/ ( ! be+s inhabit+ ?is _w are incombu/ible4 ,^u ! _w ( :i* ,i speak night is illum9$ by phosphoresc5t lights4 ,i h visit$ o!r worlds :]e night does n exi/ at all1 :]e day & night d n succe$ ea* o!r z ^u ! ,e>?1 because e portion ( _! sph]es is cont9u\sly suppli$ ) light by sev]al suns1 :i* nev] leave !m 9 d>kness = an in/ant4 ,!re sleep is unnecess>y1 ei!r = man1 = animals1 or = plants4 ,^u y\r planet sleep consumes a ?ird portion ( y\r life1 its prim>y cause be+ ! rotation ( ! e>? on its axis1 :i* produces day & night 9 succession1 on ! v>i\s p>ts ( ! globe4 ,^u ^! worlds :]e x is always day1 ! inhabitants nev] sleep1 & x w\ld greatly surprise !m to le>n1 t !re exi/s a humanity :]e a ?ird ( life is pass$ 9 a le?>gy resembl+ dea?4 ,sid5ote3 ,phosphoric light ,n f> f ?is1 a _w revolves :]e night is almo/ unkn[n1 al?\gh x does n possess a nocturnal sun1 z 9 ! quadrilat]al ( ,orion1 & x has no satellites4 ,! rocks ( its m\nta9s1 be+ ( a *emical composition t rem9ds "o ( ! phosphates & ! sulphates ( b>ytes1 /ore up ! sol> light receiv$ dur+ ! day2 & dur+ ! night !y radiate a sweet1 calm1 transluc5t light1 :i* illum9es ! sc5]y ) a tranquil nocturnal cle>ness4 ,!re1 also1 "o sees curi\s trees1 be>+ fl[]s :i* %9e 9 ! ev5+ l fire-flies4 ,^! resemble horse-*e/nuts1 b ! sn[y fl[]s are lum9\s4 ,phosphorus ent]s l>gely into ! composition ( ?is curi\s & s+ul> _w4 ,its atmosph]e is con/antly electrical2 its animals are lum9\s1 z well z its plants1 & its humanity p>takes ( ! same nature4 ,sid5ote3 ,! passions phosphoresc5t4 ,! temp]ature is v high1 & ! inhabitants h n mu* ne$ to inv5t clo!s4 ,n[1 x happ5s t c]ta9 passions are manife/$ by ! illum9ation ( "p ( ! body4 ,?is is1 on a l>ge scale1 :at takes place on a small scale 9 y\r t]re/rial mead[s1 :]e "o sees 9 ! sweet summ] ev5+s ! gl[-worms sil5tly consum$ 9 an amor\s flame4 ,9 ! fire-flies ( ! nor?1 t y see 9 ,france1 ! male is w+$ & is n lum9\s2 ! female1 on ! contr>y1 is lum9\s1 b does n possess ! a]ial faculty4 ,9 ,italy ! two sexes are w+$1 & bo? c become lum9\s4 ,! humanity :i* ,i am describ+ to y has all ! advantages ( ?is latt] type4 ,c]ta9 =ms ( t]re/rial life are to be met ) among ! sid]eal humanities4 ,?us we f9d 9 "s ( !m1 ! same ?+ t takes place on ! ,e>? 9 ! ant _w1 :]e1 on ! day ( _! a]ial unions1 all ! males die ( exhau/ion2 & aga9 9 ! _w ( bees1 :]e ! procreators are pitilessly sacrific$2 & among/ spid]s1 :]e !y are dev\r$ by _! companions unless !y c imm$iately escape4 ,we f9d reproduc$ ! habits ( a great numb] ( insects1 :i* nev] see _! (fspr+1 & lay _! eggs 9 surr\nd+s 9 :i* ! newly-born w f9d _! fir/ food4 ,! human body on ?is ,e>? owes its =m & its /ate ( be+ to ! atmosph]ic environm5t1 & to ! conditions ( d5sity1 ( weight1 & ( nutrition1 by means ( :i* t]re/rial evolution op]ates4 ,! human be+ proce$s f ! fusion ( a microscopic mascul9e corpuscle ) a m9ute fem99e ovule4 ,?is fusion gives bir? to a little cell :i* is trans=m$ into ! embryo1 9 :i* gradually appe> ! he>t1 ! head1 ! limbs1 & ! diff]5t organs4 ,! n]v\s sy/em ( ?is embryo may be comp>$ to rays ( delicate ?reads1 proce$+ f a c5tral po9t :i* w become ! bra94 ,"u ! influ5ce ( ! ,sol> light & ( ! vibrations ( ! air1 "o ( ^! n]ves is develop$ at its extremity1 & =ms ! eye4 ,?is is undef9$ at fir/1 & almo/ bl9d 9 an elem5t>y /ate1 l ! eyes ( ! trilobites & ( ! fi%es ( ! ,silurian p]iod1 b x develops into ! admirable eyes ( birds1 ( ! v]tebr1 & ( man4 ,! s5ses ( smell & ta/e proce$ f ! n]ves 9 ! same way4 ,^! la/ two s5ses1 ) t ( t\*1 are ! mo/ primitive1 ! e>lie/1 & ! mo/ necess>y to life4 ,!re are b two ( ! s5ses :i* place man 9 communication ) ! out] _w--sight & he>+1--b ! eye is ! sole organ :i* puts u 9 communication ) ! :ole univ]se4 ,millions ( ^! little n]ve-?reads proce$ f ! bra91 ?r\gh ! body1 )\t produc+ any o!r ?an ! five s5ses1 unless we except c]ta9 s5sations ( t\*1 :i* are intimate & p]sonal1 & :i* h ev5 be5 describ$ z a six? s5se4 ,y %all he>4 ,n[ !re is no reason :y t :i* has tak5 place & be5 arre/$ on our little planet1 %\ld take place & be arre/$ 9 ! same fa%ion else:]e4 ,9 pro( ( ?is ,i mu/ tell y t ,i visit$1 n long s9ce1 two worlds on :i* human be+s h two s5ses ( :i* we h n any idea on our ,e>?4 ,"o ( ^! s5ses may be describ$ z electrical4 ,"o ( ! little n]ve-?reads ( :i* ,i h j told y is develop$ into a multitude ( ramifications :i* =m a sort ( cornet4 ,^!1 "u ! scalpel & ! microscope1 appe> to be tubes plac$ 9 juxtaposition1 ! out] extremity ( :i* receives ! electric fluid & transmits x to ! bra91 mu* z our optic n]ves receive ! waves ( light1 & our auditory n]ves receive ! undulations ( s\nd4 ,! be+s provid$ ) ?is s5se p]ceive ! electrical condition ( bodies1 ( mat]ial ?+s1 ( plants & fl[]s1 ( animals1 ( ! atmosph]e1 & ( cl\ds4 ,to ^! be+s ?is electric s5se is a s\rce ( k :i* is :olly =bidd5 to u4 ,_! organic s5sations are all diff]5t f y\rs4 ,_! eyes are n con/ruct$ l y\rs2 !y d n see :at y see2 !y see :at y d n see4 ,!y are consci\s only ( ! invisible violet rays4 ,b _! mode ( exi/5ce diff]s f y\rs1 especially ?r\gh _! electric s5se4 ,! electric con/itution ( _! _w is ! cause ( ! exi/5ce & ( ! developm5t ( ?is s5se4 ,ano!r s5se ) :i* ,i 0 /ill m /ruck1 & :i* 0 ( q a diff]5t "*1 ,i f\nd on a second _w4 ,?is 0 ! s5se ( ori5tation4 ,ano!r ( ! n]ve-?reads proce$+ f ! bra9 produc$ a species ( w+$ e>1 v light1 by means ( :i* ! liv+ be+ p]ceives 8 direct be>+s4 ,he is consci\s ( ! po9ts ( ! compass1 & turns to ! nor? or ! s\?1 ! ea/ or ! we/1 in/9ctively4 ,! atmosph]e is full ( emanations :i* y nev] p]ceive4 ,?is s+ul> s5se ori5ts ! possessors ( x infallibly4 ,x enables !m also to discov] ?+s conceal$ 9 ! int]ior ( ! ,sun1 & gives !m an insight into "s ( ,nature's secrets :i* are absolutely hidd5 f y4 ,i w\ld ?us demon/rate to y t 9 ! va/ doma9s ( creation an inf9ite v>iety exi/s1 & t et]nity w be inexhau/ibly occupi$ 9 ga!r+ & p>tak+ ( its fl[]s & ( its fruits4 ,!re are worlds :]e old age is unkn[n--:]e lov]s are consum$ 9 a deliri\s fantasy1 transport$ by ! intoxication ( ! body1 & c>eless ( ! morr[4 ,! active sex nev] survive ^! nuptials2 ! passive sex1 ovip>\s1 hav+ secur$ ! p]petuity ( ! species1 sleep _! la/ sleep4 ,^? cele/ial worlds1 :]e "o nev] gr[s old1 are n )\t _! advantages4 ,sid5ote3 ,life too long ,sid5ote3 ,a _w )\t w>4 ,worlds exi/ 9 :i* ! vital movem5ts1 respiration1 assimilation1 ! organic p]iods1 day & night1 ! seasons & ! ye>s1 are all ( extreme l5g?4 ,al?\gh ! n]v\s sy/em ( ! human inhabitants is highly develop$1 & ?\ght has a prodigi\s activity1 life !re appe>s to be ( an endless l5g?4 ,^? :o die ( old age h liv$ m ?an a ?\s& ( ^! ye>s1 b !y are s r>e t ! memory ( a few only h be5 pres]v$ 9 ! hi/orical records ( ?is humanity4 ,w> betwe5 ! nations has nev] be5 inv5t$1 because !re is only "o race1 "o p1 "o language4 ,! natural con/itutions ( ^! organisms are rem>kable4 ,diseases are almo/ unkn[n2 !re are no doctors4 ,z a result ( ?is great m5tal activity1 ! l5g? ( life becomes a p]spective )\t end1 & be=e long becomes a burd54 ,h5ce suicide is almo/ univ]sal4 ,?is cu/om has be5 habitual f v anci5t times4 ,! few old m5 :o f any special motive h n put an end to _! lives1 are look$ ^u z exceptional be+s1 orig9als1 & m or less ecc5tric4 ,suicide is ! g5]al law4 ,b1 my de> fri5d1 x is impossible = me to describe to y all ! curiosities ( ! univ]se4 ,let x suffice t ,i h rais$ ! veil suffici5tly1 to give y a glimpse ( ! incomm5surable div]sity t exi/s1 9 ! animat$ productions ( all ! v>i\s sy/ems dissem9at$ ?r\gh space4 ,sid5ote3 ,inf9ite div]sity ,:ile accompany+ me 9 _s 9 ?is int]/ell> voyage1 y h pass$ sev]al h\rs away f ! ,e>?4 ,x is well to isolate "o's self ?us at times among/ ! cele/ial solitudes4 ,! s\l obta9s a full] possession ( itself1 & 9 its solit>y reflections x p5etrates pr(\ndly into ! univ]sal reality4 ,t]re/rial humanity1 y und]/&1 is1 z reg>ds moral z well z physical life1 ! result virtually ( ! =ces ( ! ,e>?4 ,human /r5g?1 figure1 weight1 all dep5d on ^! =ces4 ,! organic functions are det]m9$ by ! planet4 ,if life is divid$ ) y betwe5 "w & re/1 betwe5 activity & sleep1 x is because ( ! rotation ( ! globe1 & day & night4 ,9 ! lum9\s globes1 & ^? light$ by _m ,suns alt]nately1 !y d n sleep4 ,if y ne$ to eat & dr9k1 x is 9 consequ5ce ( ! insuffici5cy ( ! atmosph]e4 ,! bodies ( ! be+s :o d n eat are n con/ruct$ l y\rs1 s9ce !y h no ne$ ( a /oma* & inte/9es4 ,! t]re/rial eye enables y to see ! univ]se 9 a c]ta9 way1 ! ,saturnian eye sees 9 a diff]5t mann]4 ,sid5ote3 ,o!r s5ses ?an ^? ( ! ,e>?4 ,!re are s5ses :i* p]ceive o!r ?+s ?an ^? :i* y p]ceive 9 nature4 ,ea* ( ! worlds is inhabit$ by a race ess5tially diff]5t1 & sometimes ! inhabitants are nei!r vegetables nor animals4 ,!re are m5 ( all possible =ms1 ( all dim5sions1 ( all weights1 ( all col\rs1 ( all s5sations1 ( e v>iety ( *>act]i/ics4 ,! univ]se is inf9ite4 ,our t]re/rial exi/5ce is only "o phase ( ! inf9ite4 ,an inexhau/ible div]sity enri*es ?is m>vell\s field ( ! et]nal ,s[]4 ,! function ( sci5ce is1 to /udy all t ! t]re/rial s5ses are capable ( p]ceiv+4 ,! function ( philosophy is1 to =m a syn!sis ( all def9$ & det]m9$ ideas & facts1 & to develop ! sph]e ( ?\ght4 ,:at w\ld y say if ,i told y n only ( ! physical diff]5ces ( humanity1 b also ( its moral & intellectual div]sities8 ,its v>ieties are great--too mu* s1 inde$1 = y to ?or\ghly und]/& !m4 ,z an in/ance1 ,i w give y j "o notewor?y example4 ,9 y\r t]re/rial humanity1 intellectual or moral wor? c\nts = no?+ 9 advanc+ a man1 :atev] may be ! value ( 8 ideas1 or ! wor? ( 8 p]sonal "*1 unless he possesses ! means & ! det]m9ation to pu% himself =w>d4 ,no "o seeks = hidd5 m]it4 ,a man mu/ ne$s make 8 own way1 & /ruggle aga9/ intrigue1 cupidity1 & ambition--a /rife :i* is ! antipodes ( :at ought to be4 ,x results1 !re=e1 t ! noble/ & mo/ wor?y p rema9 9 obscurity1 :il/ position1 weal?1 & social di/9ction are (t5 %[]$ on wor?less intrigu]s4 ,ah well6 ,i rec5tly visit$ a _w belong+ to "o ( ! mo/ lum9\s regions ( ! ,milky ,way1 :]e an intellectual ord] absolutely diff]5t exi/s2 :]e ! con/itution ( ! ,gov]nm5t is su*1 t only ^? di/+ui%$ = _! virtues are plac$ at ! head ( ! ,/ate2 & _! function is to seek out1 & place 9 responsible positions1 m5 wor?y ( ! tru/4 ,9 t c\ntry1 9 %ort1 ! se>* is z eag] = ! discov]y ( m]it & intellig5ce1 z x is 9 y\rs = gold & diamonds4 ,all is done !re = ! b5efit ( humanity4 ,!y h n inv5t$ any ,academy1 z !y _c conceive t a man ( wor? 7in/ead ( be+ s\ght aft]7 %\ld be compell$ to wa/e 8 "t 9 visits ( c]emony1 & f9d1 probably1 t a titl$ nobody 7:o has kn[n bett] ?an he h[ to cajole votes7 has be5 pref]r$ to himself4 ,s true x is1 t ! sy/em prevail+ 9 o!r worlds is f> m enlight5$ ?an t ( y\rs4 ,sid5ote3 ,! magnify+ p[] ( "t4 ,n[1 my de> t]re/rial fri5d1 y "k :at ! ,e>? is 9 ! univ]se2 y "k some?+ ( :at ! heav5s conta92 & y "k also :at ,life is1 & :at ,dea? is4 ,we %all soon see ! dawn ( morn+1 :i* puts spirits to flight & br+s our conv]sations to an end1 z ! approa* ( y\r t]re/rial day causes ! brightness ( ,v5us to fade away4 ,b ,i %\ld l to add to ! prec$+ ideas a v int]e/+ rem>k sugge/$ by ! same obs]vations4 ,x is ?is3 ,if y set out f ! ,e>? at ! mom5t t a fla% ( lightn+ bur/s =?1 & if y travell$ = an h\r or m ) ! light1 y w\ld see ! lightn+ z long z y cont9u$ to look at x4 ,?is fact is e/abli%$ by ! =ego+ pr9ciples4 ,b if1 in/ead ( travell+ exactly ) ! velocity ( light1 y 7 to travel ) a little less velocity2 note ! obs]vation t y might make3 ,i w suppose t ?is voyage away f ! ,e>?1 dur+ :i* y look at ! lightn+1 la/s a m9ute4 ,i w suppose also1 t ! lightn+ la/s a ?\s&? "p ( a second4 ,y w cont9ue to see ! lightn+ dur+ #fj1jjj times its duration4 ,9 our fir/ supposition ?is voyage is id5tical ) t ( light4 ,light has occupi$ #fj1jjj t5?s ( seconds to g f ! ,e>? to ! po9t 9 space :]e y are4 ,y\r voyage & t ( light h co-exi/$4 ,n[ if in/ead ( fly+ ) j ! same velocity z light1 y _h fl[n a little less quickly1 & if y _h employ$ a ?\s&? "p ( a second m to arrive at ! same po9t1 in/ead ( always see+ ! same mom5t ( ! lightn+1 y w\ld h se51 successively1 ! diff]5t mom5ts :i* con/itut$ ! total duration ( ! lightn+1 equal to #ajjj p>ts ( a second4 ,9 ?is :ole m9ute y w\ld h _h "t to see fir/ ! beg9n+ ( ! fla% ( lightn+1 & c\ld analyse ! developm5t ( x1 ! successive phases ( x1 to ! v end4 ,y may imag9e :at /range discov]ies "o c\ld make 9 ! secret nature ( lightn+1 increas$ #fj1jjj times 9 ! ord] ( its duration1 :at frightful battles y w\ld h "t to discov] 9 ! flames6 :at p&emonium6 :at unlucky atoms6 :at a _w hidd5 by its volatile nature f ! imp]fect eyes ( mortals6 ,sid5ote3 ,vision ( ! analys+ eye4 ,if y c\ld see by y\r imag9ation suffici5tly1 to sep>ate & c\nt ! atoms :i* con/itute ! body ( a man1 t body w\ld disappe> be=e y1 = x consi/s ( ?\s&s ( millions ( atoms 9 motion1 & to ! analys+ eye x w\ld be a nebula animat$ by ! =ces ( gravitation4 ,did n ,sw$5borg imag9e t ! univ]se by :i* he 0 surr\nd$1 se5 z a :ole1 0 9 ! =m ( an imm5se man8 ,t 0 an?ropomorphism4 ,b !re are analogies ev]y:]e4 ,:at we "k mo/ c]ta9ly is1 t ?+s are n :at !y appe> to be1 ei!r 9 space or 9 "t4 ,b let u return to ! delay$ fla% ( lightn+4 ,:5 y travel ) ! velocity ( light1 y see con/antly ! sc5e :i* 0 9 exi/5ce at ! mom5t ( y\r dep>ture4 ,if y 7 c>ri$ away = a ye>1 at ! same rate1 y w\ld h be=e y\r eyes ! same ev5t = t "t4 ,b if1 9 ord] to see m di/9ctly an ev5t :i* w\ld h tak5 only a few seconds1 su* z ! fall ( a m\nta91 an avalan*e1 or an e>?quake1 y 7 to delay1 to see ! comm5cem5t ( ! cata/rophe 79 slack5+ a little1 y\r /eps on ^? ( light71 y w\ld see ! progress ( ! cata/rophe1 its fir/ mom5t1 its second1 & s on successively1 9 ?us ne>ly foll[+ ! light1 y w\ld only see ! end aft] an h\r ( obs]vation4 ,! ev5t w\ld la/ = y an h\r in/ead ( a few seconds4 ,y w\ld see ! rocks1 or ! /ones susp5d$ 9 ! air1 & c\ld ?us asc]ta9 ! mode ( production ( ! ph5om5on1 & its incid5tal delays4 ,already y\r t]re/rial sci5tific k enables y to take in/antane\s photographs ( ! successive aspects ( rapid ph5om5a1 su* z lightn+1 a meteor1 ! waves ( ! sea1 a volcanic eruption1 ! fall ( a build+1 & to make !m pass be=e y graduat$ 9 accordance ) _! effect on ! ret9a4 ,simil>ly y c1 on ! contr>y1 photograph ! poll5 ( a fl[]1 ?r\gh ea* /age ( expansion to its completion 9 ! fruit1 or ! developm5t ( a *ild f its bir? to maturity1 & project ^! phases ^u a scre51 depict+ 9 a few seconds ! life ( a man1 or a tree4 ,sid5ote3 ,a *rono-telescope4 ,i see 9 y\r ?\ghts t y comp>e ?is effect to t ( a microscope :i* w\ld magnify "t4 ,t is exactly :at x is2 we ?us see "t amplifi$4 ,?is process _c /rictly speak+ be call$ t ( ! microscope1 b r t ( a *ronoscope or ( a *rono-telescope 7to see "t f af>74 ,! duration ( a reign might1 by ! same process1 be augm5t$ accord+ to ! good pleasure ( ! p>ti politique4 ,?us1 = example1 ,napoleon ,,ii4 reign$ only ?ree h\rs1 b "o c\ld see him reign = fifte5 ye>s successively1 by disp]s+ ! #ahj m9utes ( ! ?ree h\rs ov] ! l5g? ( #ahj mon?s 79 remov+ "o's self f ! ,e>? ) a velocity a little inf]ior to t ( light72 s1 by sett+ out at ! v mom5t t ! ,*amb] _h proclaim$ ,napoleon ,,ii41 "o w\ld arrive at ! la/ m9ute ( 8 suppos$ reign1 only at ! end ( fifte5 ye>s4 ,ea* m9ute w\ld be se5 = a mon?1 ea* second = twelve h\rs4 ,sid5ote3 ,light transmission 9 space4 ,! conclusions ( ?is disc\rse are bas$ entirely on ?is pr9ciple1 my de> ,qur5s4 ,i h endeav\r$ to %[ y t ! physical law ( ! successive transmission ( ,light 9 space1 is "o ( ! fundam5tal elem5ts ( ! conditions ( et]nal life4 ,accord+ to ?is law e ev5t is imp]i%able1 & ! pa/ is always pres5t4 ,! image ( ! ,e>? z x 0 #fjjj ye>s ago1 is actually n[ 9 space at ! di/ance t light cross$ x #fjjj ye>s s9ce4 ,! worlds situat$ 9 t region see ! ,e>? ( t epo*4 ,we c\ld see aga9 our own direct exi/5ce & our diff]5t ant]ior exi/5ces4 ,all t we ne$ = ?is is to be at ! prop] di/ance f ! worlds 9 :i* we _h liv$4 ,!re are />s :i* y see f ! ,e>?1 & :i* no long] exi/1 because !y became ext9ct aft] !y _h emitt$ ! lum9\s ray :i* has only j rea*$ y4 ,9 ! same way y might he> ! voice ( a man at a di/ance1 :o might be dead be=e ! mom5t at :i* y he>d him1 if1 p]*ance1 he _h be5 /ruck ) apoplexy imm$iately aft] he _h utt]$ 8 la/ cry4 ,sid5ote3 ,!re are liv+ =ms unkn[n to ,e>?4 ,i am v mu* pleas$ t ?is la/ sket* has enabl$ me at ! same "t to trace = y a picture ( ! div]sities ( exi/5ce & ( ! possibility ( liv+ =ms unkn[n to ! ,e>?4 ,"h also y see ! revelations ( ,urania are gr&] & m pr(\nd ?an ^? ( all h] si/]s4 ,! ,e>? is only an atom 9 ! univ]se4 ,i mu/ pause "h1 = all ^! num]\s & div]se applications ( ! laws ( light are n app>5t to y4 ,on ! ,e>?1 9 ?is d>k cav]n1 z ,plato appropriately t]m$ x1 y vegetate 9 ignorance ( ! gigantic =ces 9 action 9 ! univ]se4 ,! day w come :5 physical sci5ce w discov] 9 light ! pr9ciple ( e movem5t & ! inn] reason ( ?+s4 ,already )9 ! la/ few ye>s spectrum analysis has demon/rat$ to y t by ! exam9ation ( a lum9\s ray f ! ,sun1 or f a ,/>1 y c le>n :at sub/ances con/itute t ,sun & t ,/>4 ,already y c det]m9e1 across a di/ance ( millions & millions ( miles1 ! nature ( cele/ial bodies f :i* a ray ( light has come to y6 ,& ! /udy ( light w af=d /ill m spl5did results1 bo? 9 exp]im5tal sci5ce1 & 9 its application to ! philosophy ( ! univ]se4 ,sid5ote3 ,anticipations4 ,b ! refraction ( ! e>?'s atmosph]e is project+ beyond ! z5i? ! light %$ =? by ! di/ant ,sun4 ,! vibrations ( ! light ( day w let me talk ) y no long]4 ,f>ewell1 my good fri5d4 ,f>ewell6 or r1 au revoir6 ,great ?+s are go+ to happ5 ar\nd y4 ,aft] ! /orm ,i %all p]haps return = "o la/ visit to give y pro( ( my exi/5ce1 & to %[ t ,i h n =gott5 y4 ,!n1 lat]1 :5 y\r life ^u ?is little planet is done1 ,i %all come to y once m1 & toge!r we w take our real j\rney ?r\gh ! unspeakable spl5d\rs ( spe$4 ,nor c y ev]1 9 y\r wilde/ dreams1 =m ev5 a fa9t idea ( ! /up5d\s surprises1 ! inconceivable wond]s :i* !re await y4 ,,! ,,end 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcrib]'s ,notes3 ,page #cb1 ,sid5ote1 h *ang$ to e 7! place :]e he 0 97 ,page #aci1 repeat$ ^w ! delet$4 ,orig9al read 7,ev5 9 ! ! same sy/em7 ,page #afj1 p]iod add$ to text 7surprise y /ill m47 ,page #agb1 ,sid5ote1 ,adrom$a *ang$ to ,&rom$a 7,_w ( ,&rom$a7 ,page #agi1 oxgy5 *ang$ to oxyg5 7call$ _! oxyg57