The moon hoax : $b or, A discovery that the moon has a vast population of human beings — John Locke — John Shaqi
The moon hoax : $b or, A discovery that the moon has a vast population of human beings
John Locke · en
"Whilst passing across the canvass, and whenever we afterwards saw
them, these creatures were evidently engaged in conversation; their
gesticulation, more particularly the varied action of their hands
and arms, appeared impassioned and emphatic. We hence inferred that
they were rational beings, and although not perhaps of so high an
order as others which we discovered the next month on the shores of
the Bay of Rainbows, that they were capable of producing works of art
and contrivance. The next view we obtained of them was still more
favorable. It was on the borders of a little lake, or expanded stream,
which we then for the first time perceived running down the valley to a
large lake, and having on its eastern margin a small wood.
"Some of these creatures had crossed this water and were lying like
spread eagles on the skirts of the wood. We could then perceive that
they possessed wings of great expansion, and were similar in structure
to those of the bat, being a semi-transparent membrane expanded in
curvilineal divisions by means of straight radii, united at the back
by the dorsal integuments. But what astonished us very much was the
circumstance of this membrane being continued, from the shoulders to
the legs, united all the way down, though gradually decreasing in
width. The wings seemed completely under the command of volition, for
those of the creatures whom we saw bathing in the water, spread them
instantly to their full width, waved them as ducks do theirs to shake
off the water, and then as instantly closed them again in a compact
form. Our further observation of the habits of these creatures, who
were of both sexes, led to results so very remarkable, that I prefer
they should first be laid before the public in Dr. Herschel's own work,
where I have reason to know they are fully and faithfully stated,
however incredulously they may be received.-- * * * * * The three
families then almost simultaneously spread their wings, and were lost
in the dark confines of the canvass before we had time to breathe from
our paralyzing astonishment. We scientifically denominated them the
Vespertilio-homo, or man-bat; and they are doubtless innocent and happy
creatures, notwithstanding that some of their amusements would but ill
comport with our terrestrial notions of decorum. The valley itself we
called the Ruby Colosseum, in compliment to its stupendous southern
boundary, the six mile sweep of precipices two thousand feet high.
And the night, or rather morning, being far advanced, we postponed
our tour to Petavius (No. 20), until another opportunity." We have,
of course, faithfully obeyed Dr. Grant's private injunction to omit
those highly curious passages in his correspondence which he wished
us to suppress, although we do not perceive the force of the reason
assigned for it. It is true, the omitted paragraphs contain facts which
would be wholly incredible to readers who do not carefully examine the