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
"It is not worth while for us to express an opinion as to the truth
or falsity of the narrative, as our readers can, after an attentive
perusal of the whole story, decide for themselves. Whether true or
false, the article is written with consummate ability, and possesses
intense interest."--_Philadelphia Inquirer._
"These are but a handful of the innumerable certificates of credence,
and of complimentary testimonials with which the universal press of
the country is loading our tables. Indeed, we find very few of the
public papers express any other opinion. We have named the _Journal of
Commerce_ as an exception, because it not only ignorantly doubted the
authenticity of the discoveries, but ill-naturedly said that we had
fabricated them for the purpose of making a noise and drawing attention
to our paper.
"Col. Webb of the _Courier and Inquirer_ has said nothing upon the
subject; but he only feels the more, and we are this moment assured
that he has made arrangements with the proprietors of the Charleston
steam-packets to take the splendid boat William Gibbons of that line,
and charter her for the Cape of Good Hope, whither he is going with all
his family--including Hoskin.
"We yesterday extracted from the celebrated Supplement, a mathematical
problem demonstrating an entirely new, and the only true method of
measuring the height of the lunar mountains. We were not then aware of
its great importance as a demonstration, also, of the authenticity of
the great discoveries. But several eminent mathematicians have since
called and assured us, that it is the greatest mathematical discovery
of the present age. Now, that problem was either predicated by us, or
by some other person, who has thereby made the greatest of all modern
discoveries in mathematical astronomy. We did not make it, for we know
nothing of mathematics whatever; therefore, it was made by the only
person to whom it can rationally be ascribed, namely, Herschel the
astronomer, its only avowed and undeniable author."--_Editor of the
Sun._
FOOTNOTES:
[1]
"As when the Moon,[2] refulgent lamp of night!
O'er heav'n's clear azure spreads her sacred light,
When not a breath disturbs the deep serene,
And not a cloud o'ercasts the solemn scene;
Around her throne the vivid planets roll,
And stars unnumber'd gild the glowing pole,
O'er the dark trees a yellower verdure shed,
And tip with silver ev'ry mountain's head;
Then shine the vales, the rocks in prospect rise,
A flood of glory bursts from all the skies."
HOMER.