So numerous are the objects which meet our view in the heavens, that we cannot imagine a part of space where some light would not strike the eye: but as the fixed stars would not be visible at such distances, if they did not shine by their own light, it is reasonable to infer that they are suns; and if so, they are in all probability attended by systems of opaque bodies, revolving about them as the planets do about ours. But although there be no proof that planets not seen by us revolve about these remote suns, certain it is, that there are many invisible bodies wandering in space, which, occasionally coming within the sphere of the earth's attraction, are ignited by the velocity with which they pass through the atmosphere, and are precipitated with great violence on the earth. The obliquity of the descent of meteorites, the peculiar matter of which they are composed, and the explosion with which their fall is invariably accompanied, show that they are foreign to our planet. Luminous spots altogether independent of the phases have occasionally appeared on the dark part of the moon, which have been ascribed to the light arising from the eruption of volcanoes; whence it has been supposed that meteorites have been projected from the moon by the impetus of volcanic eruption; it has even been computed, that if a stone were projected from the moon in a vertical line, and with an initial velocity of 10992 feet in a second, which is more than four times the velocity of a ball when first discharged from a cannon, instead of falling back to the moon by the attraction of gravity, it would come within the sphere of the earth's attraction, and revolve about it like a satellite. These bodies, impelled either by the direction of the primitive impulse, or by the disturbing action of the sun, might ultimately penetrate the earth's atmosphere, and arrive at its surface. But from whatever source meteoric stones may come, it seems highly probable, that they have a common origin, from the uniformity, we may almost say identity, of their chemical composition. The known quantity of matter bears a very small proportion to the immensity of space. Large as the bodies are, the distances that separate them are immeasurably greater; but as design is manifest in every part of creation, it is probable that if the various systems in the universe had been nearer to one another, their mutual disturbances would have been inconsistent with the harmony and stability of the whole. It is clear that space is not pervaded by atmospheric air, since its resistance would long ere this have destroyed the velocity of the planets; neither can we affirm it to be void, when it is traversed in all directions by light, heat, gravitation, and possibly by influences of which we can form no idea; but whether it be replete with an ethereal medium, time alone will show.