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II

THE SOLAR SYSTEM1

The sun or centre to which our solar system belongs is a remote orb of another system existing prior to its formation. The planets of our solar system may be considered as satellites belonging to a planet, which planet belongs itself to a sun. The materials constituting our sun were thrown off from other bodies during revolutions round their common centre, owing to centrifugal force; and by the gravitation of such materials the sun assumed its form. It has the same dual motion as all celestial spheres—one upon its axis and the other in its orbit round the centre to which it belongs. Its internal portion is a mass of liquid fire, evolving heat, light and electricity, extending—like an atmosphere—to the orbit of the last planet comprised in the system.2 This last


1 See The Principles of Nature, p. 159 et seq., collated and compared.
2 The origin of planets from their parent sun is described elsewhere as follows: Within the circumference of the sun elementary particles of matter gather about a nucleus, which continues to increase in dimensions and variety of parts, gradually advancing in its endless revolutions toward the outer surface of this fiery orb, till it approaches the extreme verge. It has increased in density and consequent specific gravity, till at length it breaks loose from its parent and flies off at a tangent into illimitable space. It has at first the eccentric movement of a comet, which is—in fact—a newborn earth or planet. The extreme fluidity and rarefaction of its particles, their feeble cohesive attraction, together with the irregular orbital and axillary movements, give the new body a curious elongated form. It happens sometimes that the caudal extremity is so long drawn out and consequently so remote from its centre of gravity that a part or parts may become detached. These are henceforward

25

The Solar System

is the ninth in number and the first which came into being, moving in the same plane as the parent sun. The eighth was evolved next and was situated within the orbit of the former, in harmony with established principles of gravitation and of orbicular and rotary motion. The eighth and ninth planets are not yet recognised as bodies belonging to the solar system, but it can be affirmed in respect of the eighth that its density is four- fifths that of water and that its atmosphere is exceedingly rare, containing little oxygen and composed mostly of fluorine and hydrogen. No organic constitution corresponding to anything on earth could exist there. The human eye would be useless, for light is there of such a nature as to render the planet's darkness, at its darkest period, several hundred degrees lighter than the light which is received on earth from the sun. Like Uranus, it has six satellites, the farthest from the primary being the original extension of this, while the nearest is an accumulation of denser atoms from the planet. The


satellites or moons, which continue to revolve around and within the orbit of the new earth. In the lapse of ages, the attractive and repulsive, or centripetal and centrifugal forces become equalised; the outer surfaces have locked up a large portion of the free caloric within the embrace of their own substance and have thus condensed and hardened; a globular form has succeeded the oblate sphere and a regular orbit is defined and maintained. Oxygen and nitrogen have united in proper proportions to produce an atmosphere; oxygen and hydrogen have combined to constitute water; numerous other combinations have brought solid and permanent forms out of the amorphous mass of elementary materials. In all this beautiful, harmonious and ever-progressive development, oxygen has played a conspicuous part as a positive, energising, vitalising principle. It appears to have grasped and held fast in its embrace the very germs of vitality. Phosphorus is another form of its tangible development, not yet understood by chemists or physiologists. As no living plant or animal can exist in its absence, it is always found in the seeds and germinal principles, in the substance of bone, brain and nerves, and in yet other parts of organised and animated natures.—See Morning Lectures, pp. 60-63. It is an interesting fact that the enumeration of nine planets by Davis anteceded the discovery of Neptune.

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The Harmonial Philosophy

planet itself is denser than any of its satellites, and their respective distances therefrom, with their diameters and periods of revolution, are determined by their respective constituents and the relations which they bear to each other.

The next planet in the order of evolution was Uranus. During its first stages it was an accumulation of igneous particles, the rarity of which unfitted them for any other sphere of association. By virtue of inherent motion, its six satellites were developed successively. The harmony and magnificence displayed by this planet and its attendants are unsurpassed by any other body as yet discovered. Its atmosphere has a light reddish appearance, with a density in proportion to that of the planet itself, which is a little greater than the density of water. No life exists thereon, nor will life be possible until further condensation and development occur. Its atmosphere is igneous and carbonaceous, having one three hundred and sixtieth part of carbon to one of oxygen. The carbon is, however, unlike any element or gas known on earth. The satellites apparently observe a different direction in their orbicular movements from that of any other body or its appendages. The planet is also less in magnitude relatively than others, according to the law of progression.

The planet next developed was the sixth, named Saturn. Its original composition was extremely igneous, but a gradual accumulation of particles emanating from the sun organised it ultimately into denser matter than that of Uranus. The igneous composition being very active, the planet's emanations produced the nebulous zones or belts which now surround the primary. These zones, like the planet itself, existed for many ages in the form of a fiery atmosphere, at a distance from the primary in correspondence with the law of association and centrifugal force. The centre of Saturn is still an igneous, unstratified substance, the surface having become con-

27

The Solar System

densed chemically by the escape of internal heat and by the production of organising and vivifying gases. Such also are its rings, which show many seemingly uneven portions, appearances produced by the reflection of its satellites upon various parts of these belts during their revolutions and by frequent eclipses, as well as by their own situation, which is unfavourable at times to proper observation.1 The rings will be resolved ultimately into one sphere, which will produce another planet. The geography of Saturn is very beautiful. It is divided into two-thirds water and one-third earth, and, being free from volcanic disturbances, it presents an even surface. There are few prominences, and these are near the poles. The equator has only certain promontories, connected with still higher land, the dividing chasm of which forms the bed of a great body of water. Organic beings inhabited this planet for many thousands of years before our earth came into being, for which reason they have attained a higher development. There are four general classes of vegetable natures: (1) gigantic tree forms, produced near the poles, where light and heat are at a minimum; (2) trees similar to the Upas, but in appearance, not quality, for they bear delicious fruit of elongated shape, white internally and encompassed with a thick coating; (3) more perfect growths, rising a few feet only above the surface and yielding a kind of pulse-


1 Compare Camille Flammarion: Les Monies Imaginaires et les Mondes Reels, 1865. There is a very curious account of the possible state of astronomy on the planet Saturn, supposing that it is inhabited by intelligent observers. The effect is heightened by a hypothetical picture of the planet at midnight in the middle summer, 20th degree of latitude. The rings and moons are shining over a rocky promontory jutting out into the sea. An unversed reader will be astonished at the literature concerning the possible habitation of planets, from the days of Athanasius Kircher and his Iter Ecstaticum. According to this learned Jesuit of the seventeenth century, Saturn is a mournful domain; its angels have a scythe in the left hand, poisons in the right, and with these they deal vengeance upon the unjust and oppressors of earth,

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The Harmonial Philosophy

fruit which is exceedingly pleasant; (4) the most useful vegetable upon the surface of Saturn, of no great height but exceeding spontaneity, with long and slender roots and trunk, the fruit being fitted for the uses of the animal economy. It is produced at the equator twice in one of the planet's years. Of various intermediate formations it would be impossible to speak. There are five general classes of animal existence. The first is well organised, having fine vascular and muscular tissues. It is very large and strong, with joints in the hind legs only. The fore legs, composed of strong muscular and osseous substances, are elastic and pliable at need but immovable also at will. Being of great power, this animal genus is most useful to its masters. The eyes are small; the ears short and narrow; the head is wide and high; the mouth and proboscis are closely connected, the latter serving not only as a nasal organ but for drinking and transferring to the mouth the hard-shelled fruit, produced by the fourth vegetable form already mentioned. The disposition of the genus is firm and yet submissive. It constructs large caves to dwell in during the long night experienced at the pole, and during the correspondingly long day it roams about the seashore or seeks those places where the fruit on which it subsists grows in greatest abundance. The second class is not so graceful but is a degree more perfect. It associates with the former but is amphibious. Owing to a highly developed muscular and vascular system, it is irritable and excitable in disposition. It is saurian in form, but not in other respects. The third class is still finer in organisation, with great muscular power and celerity. It has four legs, the two hinder having feet resembling the human, while the foremost recall the limbs of the seal. In length and height it resembles the iguanodon. Though master naturally over all that ranks below it and repulsive in appearance, it is not antagonistic or destructive. The flesh is very tender in comparison with that of the former class, but

29

The Solar System

the osseous skin—like a complex network of scales—would be impenetrable by any instrument known on earth. The fourth class is broadly typical of the natural man.1 Two of its four limbs serve as organs of locomotion and the others answer to arms. It is more highly vertebrated, and has greater elasticity of muscles than those below it. The body is rather wide and not perfectly rounded, but the sacral bone and hips—being much distended—give great muscular power. Owing to the high shoulders and neck of corresponding length, there is conspicuous elasticity in the movements of the trunk. The mental organisation corresponds nearly to that of the human being, but the exterior understanding and knowledge surpass those of our race on earth. The head is round and long, indicating a wider scope of mental comprehension. The general disposition is one of strong attachments and social desires. To great concentration is added keen sense of natural right and justice. But the head is not very high in proportion to size, and there is consequently an absence of veneration for things unseen, though it obtains for those attested by the senses. The memory is retentive; intellectual faculties are strong; mechanical ingenuity gives rule over lower beings; while the sense of humour and a


1 It is said in another revelation—which, at least substantially, applies also to Jupiter—that the people of Saturn, owing to their exceeding refinement, purity and inwardness, are in constant fellowship with those who have passed on through the gate of death. The rarefaction of the atmosphere, compared with that of earth, conduces to this end. The social elements and enjoyments are as high and harmonious as in many portions of the Summer Land, on that side of it which looks toward the solar system. There is also a spiritual—meaning a disembodied—population associating with the almost spiritual but embodied inhabitants. The fact offers to those who can see an illustration of that which, in times to come, will be an experience also on earth. It is affirmed further—presumably as a collateral explanation of the communion under notice—that the orbits of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars pass through the heavens above the northern edge of the spiritual zone.—Views of our Heavenly Home, pp. 144, 145.

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The Harmonial Philosophy

passion for pleasurable emotions render communications more subtle than those of our own race. While this class is a perfect example of animal intellectual being, the fifth and ultimate race of Saturn is alone truly man. The limbs are straight and round; joints and appendages display perfect adaptation; and the symmetry of body is unequalled by any other creature on that planet.1 The sternum is oval and full, joining the costals with a kind of bracework, which gives full space and free action to the visceral system. The lungs—divided into two hemispheres—are of an adipose, elastic, active substance. The heart also has two divisions and movements corresponding with those of the lungs. The ganglionic system is spread throughout the body, giving almost imperceptible motions to the motor nerves thereof. Not being composed of thick and heavy substance, the cranium imparts great activity to the senses in respect of external objects. The cerebrum is large and full, while the cerebellum and its divisions are still larger.


1 In his psychic descriptions of earths in the solar systems Davis was preceded by Swedenborg, with occasionally different findings as to their inhabitants. According to the Swedish seer, the people of Saturn are upright and modest, having little solicitude about food or raiment. They subsist on fruits and pulse, wearing light clothing only, with a coarse upper garment to keep out the cold. Each family lives by itself and consists of husband and wife, with their children. When the latter marry they are separated from the house of their parents and have no further care about it. All the Saturnians know that they will live after death, and they set therefore but little store by their bodies, beyond what is needful for life, the great object of which is to serve the Lord. They do not bury the bodies of the dead, but merely cover them with branches of trees. In respect of religion, the majority are worshippers of the Lord—that is to say, of Christ—according to the doctrines revealed by Swedenborg. They regard Him as the only God, and the Lord appears to them under an angelic form, meaning the form of a man. They have also communications with spirits, who instruct them concerning the Lord. There is, however, a certain sect which worships the nocturnal light of the Saturnian belt and regards this as the Lord, but they are not tolerated by the others and live in separation from these.—See Earths in the Universe and Earths in the Starry Heavens.

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The Solar System

The restiform, medulla oblangata and medulla spinalis are composed of such sensitive substances that a perfect system of motion and sensation results. The brain is exceedingly active, sending a refined ether of sensation throughout the nervous system. The brain is composed of innumerable cortical glands, each of which attracts and repels, performing systolic and diastolic motions. These glands are reservoirs from which proceed the fibres and nerves of sensation, conceived and produced thereby. Thus the nerves of sensation are connected with the corcula of the brain, as the veins and arteries are connected with the ventricles of the heart. The contraction and expansion of these cortical glands produce the involuntary motions of the system, while—by the same forces—the heart presses the blood throughout the body. The motions of lungs and heart are very powerful; the motion of the brain corresponds; and that of the whole illustrates the gigantic strength of all. The form is of singular beauty and the surface so fine that it is almost transparent. The external movements are of greater precision and governed by more decided judgment than our own. Physically and mentally, the organisation is most perfect, while the intellect is expansive and powerful, so that judgment controls entirely and weakness or disease is unknown. The prominent mental qualities are moral and intellectual; strong social attachments are governed by intellect; and great force of character is under the guidance of reason. The will is firm, though generally submissive; veneration is deep for that which judgment pronounces to be true. Causality is not developed so fully as comparison or analogical power. Perception is extremely vivid and penetrating. Reasoning is from the internal, truth being received through highly sanctioned convictions of interior principles. With telescopic mind these beings familiarise themselves with the earths between them and the sun and with their inhabitants. Their minds being free from imper-

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The Harmonial Philosophy

fection, from all that is opposed to righteousness, they associate with that which is pure and good. The perfection of their internal principle exceeds that of other human beings in our solar system. They associate with the knowledge of the Second Sphere, and receive no impressions but those which flow from internal realities. They inhabit buildings of ingenious, beautiful and peculiar structure. They form associations according to internal desire, and—not being governed by the inclinations of natural man—they take mates according to mutual inward approbation and are thus united in bonds of spiritual happiness and peace. Their minds are sufficiently expansive to comprehend at a glance the whole surface of their planet and the movements of the entire nation, which is united as one brotherhood. Such are the inhabitants of Saturn—an illustration of purity and goodness manifested as the result of perfected knowledge and highly unfolded powers.

The next planet evolved from the sun was Jupiter,1


1 Swedenborg testifies that he was permitted to enjoy longer social intercourse with the spirits and angels of Jupiter than with those of any other planet. He found more to admire in their character than was the case with those of most other earths in the solar system. As he beheld them, they had beautiful faces, beaming with modesty and sincerity; but it should be understood that he did not see them as they dwelt in flesh on their particular planets, but rather their spirits when the bodies had been laid aside in death. The distinction applies to all his planetary visions. He learned that Jupiter is fertile and thickly populated—the inhabitants being divided into nations, families and houses. Wars, depredations, murders, covetousness are unknown among them, for they are gentle and sweet in disposition. They do not walk erect but assist themselves with their hands as they advance—or as stated in the text above. In the warm zones they wear nothing but a covering about the loins. Their faces are eloquent in manifestation of thought, and this is one kind of their language, but they have also spoken words. As Davis says of our own earth, so Swedenborg testifies of all the planets—that the first language of human beings has ever been expressed by the face, as a likeness and index of the mind. It is the tongue of sincerity and belongs to the period when man had no thought which he was unwilling should appear on his countenance. This kind of language is as much superior

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The Solar System

which—together with its satellites—was denser than former developments, for the materials composing the sun had themselves condensed with the increase of the planets thrown off from the parent mass. The vegetable productions of Jupiter are more extensive than those of Saturn, and five classifications are possible: (1) An exceedingly large and bulky fruit-bearing tree, which is edible by the lower animals only; (2) trees which exude juice, flowing freely from cup-shaped growths, and very nourishing and invigorating; (3) a cereal having the character of wheat; (4) a class with variegated foliage, the extracts from which enter into the forms of the first animals; (5) a species of zoophyte, partaking of vegetable and animal life. Jupiter contains altogether about 300,000 species of plants. The animal developments are a degree less perfect than those of Saturn, and though there are a great many species they are not so generally disseminated as those of the vegetable kingdom. They admit of four general classifications: (1) Those which are rodent and ruminating, corresponding to


to words as sight is superior to hearing, and it is in agreement with the speech of angels. When man began to think one thing and express another vocal language was developed. The inhabitants of Jupiter regard good and just thinking on all occurrences of life as constituting the sum of wisdom. They acknowledge the Lord as supreme; they worship Him during their life and seek and find Him in death. He is seen by many in the form of a man; He instructs them concerning the truth and gives eternal life to those who worship Him. For them death is the process of being heaven-made. Their mortal period is for the most part thirty years—according to our years on earth; and those who have lived well do not die of disease, but fall tranquilly asleep and so pass into heaven. They mature more rapidly than ourselves and marry in the first flower of youth. Their greatest care is the education of their children, whom they love tenderly. Their houses are constructed of wood, lined with pale blue bark, having walls and ceilings perforated as with little stars, to imitate the sky. They regard the stars as abodes of angels. They use tents also as a refuge from noonday heat.—Earths in the Universe. It is difficult to think that Davis did not owe anything to his illustrious predecessor.

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The Harmonial Philosophy

Class I of Saturn, but dissimilar in disposition and habits. (2) A class which is nearly digitigrade and similar to the seal, being also amphibious. Its disposition is secretive, retiring and apparently submissive, but it is tyrannical over animals within its power. (3) A class answering in size to the natural man, and of incredible strength. It is at once ingenious and retiring, active when occasion requires, and it constitutes a connecting link between animal and human organisation. It is combative and secretive, has great firmness and self-will, possesses quick intuitive perceptions and a retentive memory, while its affections are as pure as the form would indicate. It associates with all things agreeable to its inclination, the latter being qualified by its sense of refinement. It is governed by natural instincts and reasons from things seen. (4) The human inhabitants of Jupiter are in closer relation to our conception of a perfect being than those of Saturn. Size, symmetry and beauty of form exceed those of earth, and they are well sustained by inward and physical forces, while mental organisation corresponds to material development. General contour is characterised by smoothness and evenness. The lower extremities are rather shorter than the upper, and walking is in an inclined position, using both hands and arms.1 The main characteristics are mechanical and intellectual, accompanied by strong affections and interior love for each other. The intelligence of these beings greatly excels those of earth, and they comprehend the laws and relations of their nature by one concentrated


1 It is on record that Davis received a multitude of communications, urging that some explanation of this passage was desirable, or alternatively dwelling on its absurdity; but he never altered or expunged anything until he had acquired some explicit and comprehensible reason for so doing. After many years he received, however, another revelation or vision, in which he learned that the above posture represented an attitude assumed in the religious ceremonies of a peculiar brotherhood.—Views of our Heavenly Home, p. 134. Compare, however, the revelation of Swedenborg, just quoted.

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The Solar System

thought. They discern the uses of all things and their original adaptations. They reason perfectly by induction and from correspondences. Affections are breathed forth from their interiors, and the external expression is emblematic of love and purity. It is impossible for them to think one thing and speak another, to have more self-love than universal affection, or to conceive impure and unrighteous thoughts. Being thus free from all imperfections of this and other earths, they are open to the reception of light and truth, which correspond to the fire of spiritual purification. Their associations one with another are according to inward affinity, and they form a united, harmonious, spiritual brotherhood, regarding the internal of all things as the only reality in the universe. They observe great care in producing their offspring and in preserving their health. Disease is not known, and freedom from this imperfection enables them to generate rapidly. They are composed of finer elements than the man of earth and remain in their physical forms for a short period only—an average of thirty years. They do not die, but rather sink into repose by an expansion of their interiors, which seek still more agreeable spheres. In knowledge and refinement they occupy an intermediate position between the First and Second Spheres. They inhabit well-constructed edifices corresponding to a tent rather than a house on earth, and impervious alike to cold, water and light. As regards solar light, they receive only one twenty-fifth of that which the earth enjoys, but it strikes vertically on the equator, where their habitations are located. Jupiter abounds in all that enlists the affections of man, as objects of his deepest yearning, while aspiring to higher states of purity and peace.

Approaching nearer to the sun, four spheroidal bodies exist between Jupiter and Mars.1 They have been dis-


1 The clairvoyance of Davis did not lead him to perceive or conjecture the existence of other asteroids. It may be mentioned that the discovery

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The Harmonial Philosophy

covered within the present century and have been named, Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta. The fact that their orbits are exceedingly elliptic and constantly intersecting the planes of each other has suggested the hypothesis that they are formed from a comet which appeared in 1770. This is incorrect, and their true origin follows. When the atmospheric emanation of the sun terminated in that region now occupied by the orbit of Pallas the association of particles produced an igneous mass, according to principles previously established. Had this aggregation condensed properly, like other planets, there would have been produced a single sphere of lesser magnitude than Jupiter, though greater than that of Mars. It would have corresponded to the combined dimensions of the present four bodies. But there was not a perfect association of interior materials, and great convulsions were going on constantly throughout its composition. The interior heat was excessive, and evaporation could not take place with sufficient rapidity to relieve the expanding elements. The elements, moreover, could not associate chemically, nor could unity exist in the partly stratified exterior. Being thus internally divided and not perfectly under the influence of attraction and repulsion, an expansion of interior constituents rent the whole asunder, producing the present four asteroids. Under the direct influence of Jupiter and Mars—which had then nearly assumed their actual forms—uniformity of motion was imposed upon them, which motion obtained in the primary body. One being denser than another and the whole being denser than Jupiter prevented any nearer approach toward that planet. Movements and revolutions were, however, somewhat modified by foreign causes. The orbit of Pallas inclines most to the ecliptic, this body sustaining


of Astraea was almost coincident with the publication of The Principles of Nature. The hypothesis of Davis concerning the origin of the minor planets has no foundation.

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The Solar System

the highest position, with poles much flattened and equator bulged. Such is the origin of these asteroids, which—combined—make one planet, as may and will be confirmed by astronomical research. They have not developed anything beyond the vegetable kingdom, though the era is now approaching which will call a class of zoophytes into existence.

Being beyond the orbit of our own earth, the planet Mars is of superior quality and constitution.1 It abounds with vegetable productions, more numerous than those of Jupiter but less perfect, though again superior to ours. Animal formations are less extensive, but ascending from the lowest to man in successive modifications of form corresponding to interior principles. As regards man, he is in a much more exalted state than the humanity of this planet, both physically and mentally, without attaining the perfection and refinement which characterise the inhabitants of spheres already enumerated. Among vegetable products there may be noted: (1) A tree having a bulky, spiral trunk, long branches and broad leaves, in which green is combined with a bluish and reddish colour. The blossoms are very beautiful, and the round fruit recalls the cocoanut. It is the most useful tree upon the planet, and is used as a kind of bread, which is invigorating to the system. The bark is adapted for the manufacture of garments and in the building of habitations. (2) A vegetable growth, attaining no great height, and producing beautiful fine fibres, the staple


1 It is said to be a peer and representative of the earth in many particulars.—Views of our Heavenly Home, p. 141. Mars moves in an orbit which, at its greatest distance from earth, is directly above the extremity of the spiritual zone—on that side which is nearest to earth. The people of Mars would see the Summer Land stretching like a great belt. Jupiter and Saturn would be visible also, in appearance like suns, when in the aphelion of their orbits, and so also would their more remote and volatile relatives (see p. 166 of the present work). To all people of the habitable planets the Summer Land is like sunny Italy to an American, but more accessible in point of time.—Ibid.

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The Harmonial Philosophy

material for apparel. The inhabitants are divided into three great associated families or nations, governed by common principles, the result of superior knowledge and keen sense of justice.1 There is a peculiar prominence of the top of the head, indicative of high veneration. Cerebrum and cerebellum correspond in form and size, the latter extending upward at the junction of the two brains, rendering them highly susceptible of interior and true affection. Their form nearly approaches that of man on earth, but is of more perfect symmetry. Their movements exhibit a peculiar dignity and air of exaltation—reflections of an inward reality. The upper part of the face has a peculiar yellowish cast, with radiations from forehead and eyes, as also from the blush of the cheeks. The lower part is of different colour, being rather dark, though suffused by the radiations mentioned. There is no beard, but the dark tinge also encompasses neck and ears, extending backwards and joining with the hair on the neck. The top of the head is free from


1 Swedenborg says that the people of Mars are the best of all spirits on the earths of the solar system, being for the most part celestial men. Their speech insinuates itself into the interior hearing and is thus more perfect than ours. Ideas are more numerous and altogether language in Mars is nearer to that of angels. Emotion shines upon the face and thought in the eyes. Hypocrisy, pretence and deceit are unknown. There are no Governments, but there is division into district societies, being associations of congenial minds. Some have open communication with the angels of heaven, while any who think perversely or plan evil are ostracised from the rest. In regard to Divine Worship, the Lord is acknowledged as the only God and Governor of the universe, from Whom is every good. He leads and directs the people, appearing often among them. External characteristics are described much after the manner of Davis. In the picture of one Martian, the lower part of the face is described as black, although there is no beard. The tinge extends on both sides under the ears, and the upper part of the face is tawny. The food used is fruit, pulse and a globular fruit which springs out of the ground. Garments are woven from the fibrous bark of certain trees.—Earths in the Universe. Once more and obviously, Swedenborg and Davis used the same glass of vision.

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any such appearances. The structure is not tall, and as to physical appearance that which is beauty to them would be to us highly repellent, the standard in both cases resulting from habitual modes of thought rather than from knowledge of that which is intrinsically perfect. The only standard of beauty on any earth in the universe is that which obtains the general approbation of society. The attitude of these humanities is modest, and the female form is characterised by great delicacy, symmetry and straightness, accompanied by affability and courtesy. The settlements and habitations of the race are situated near the equator and a high degree of harmony obtains throughout; but as they have digressed a little from natural law there is some imperfection among them. Neither moral nor physical disease are, however, known. There are no arbitrary laws and hence none of the inequalities which result therefrom. Possessing a high moral principle, they are obedient to that which it dictates, such obedience being insured by union of interests and by affections and desires being centred in the workings of good and righteousness. Their minds are constantly open to the reception of all high things—light, life and purity. The science of correspondences gives them knowledge of internal truths. The light which they receive from the sun testifies to them concerning the light of celestial love. From the materials and form of their planet they infer a principle of motion; from the vegetable they infer motion and life; from animal existences they infer sensation; while from the organisation of man they conceive motion, life, sensation, in the union of these with intelligence. From such data they endeavour to understand their spiritual principle, which, however, is incapable of self-comprehension and is obscure to them as to us. Their knowledge, being pure and truthful, begets affection; their aspirations are high and pure; and our loftiest conceptions cannot transcend the peace that dwells among them. Sentiments

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The Harmonial Philosophy

arising in their minds become impressed instantly upon their countenances. Their soft blue eyes are their most powerful agents in conversation, eye speaking to eye. In their social relations they display the deepest attachment. Thus do peace, truth and love abound with them universally; light, life and knowledge serve as an index of higher and more perfect spheres. Such is the condition of dwellers on the fourth planet. The earth stands next in order, but the story of its creation and progression is held over until the description of other parts of the solar system has been completed.

In approaching the sun Venus is the next planet evolved from the central mass. Its physical appearance is less beautiful than that of other spheres which have been treated heretofore.1 There are very high mountains, and a great portion of the sphere is covered with water. The atmosphere is nearly like that which encompasses earth, though less rarefied, and it receives much more light from the sun than any planet receding therefrom. The trees are generally rather low, thick and extensively branched. There is much variegated foliage, and many useful plants exist on the surface. The animals are not so highly developed as those of remoter spheres. They are, however, very numerous, some strong and ferocious, corresponding to the lion, though of different form and aspect. The human inhabitants are like those of earth, with breasts wide and full, great activity and strength of the viscera and excellent general constitution. Mental dispositions are dissimilar. One race has a


1 Humanity in Venus is distinguished by Swedenborg into two races, still much after the manner of Davis. The first is mild and human; they acknowledge the Lord and affirm that they have seen Him on their planet. These people are on the side of Venus which looks away from the earth. But on the side which looks hither the people are savage and almost brutal, delighting in rapine and feeding on the spoils which they take in battle. They are giants for the most part and are stupid creatures, thinking nothing of eternal life and caring only for things relating to their land and cattle.—Earths in the Universe.

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The Solar System

mild and gentle countenance, the index of inward purity; their conjugal affections are good; they reason principally from externals and are enlightened therein, but they have no high conceptions of things in the universe. Male and female are usually associated purely; the general disposition is that of affection one for another; but there are manifest imperfections in customs and national privileges. Mental organisation, as a whole, corresponds to that of earth. But there is another race—very tall, stout and physically energetic—which is inferior to our own. Those who constitute it are of savage and ferocious disposition, having no conception of right or the beauty of goodness and refinement, and receiving no spontaneous promptings from spiritual principles in man. They form themselves into armies, go forth to plunder the stores of other nations, and when they return from these barbarous expeditions they rejoice in devouring the booty, which includes living children. Thus there are two distinct nations inhabiting the surface of Venus, but the beauty and magnificence of other planets are not by them imagined. The institutions and forms of government which prevail among the superior race far exceed those of earth, because they are in closer agreement with the laws of their nature and the universe. But though they are surrounded with many beauties and clean associations they are not in a happy condition, having little knowledge of higher spheres, for the materials of Venus are less perfect than those of the further planets and so also must be the composition and situation of all its ultimates.

The atmosphere surrounding Mercury is exceedingly luminous, though the light and heat derived from the sun are not so excessive as might be supposed, for the materials of this planet have not much affinity either for light or heat. It rejects therefore that which would be otherwise received and retains what is suitable to sustain life and action among the forms upon its surface. Some

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portions of the planet are very uneven, while others are smooth and beautiful. The vegetable productions are neither so refined nor so numerous as those of other spheres. There are only three general classes of plants, of which the highest are but a few inches. All are full and gross, and there are neither flowers nor trees. Two barren deserts cover almost one-third of the planet, while excessive subterranean heat produces commotion of water near the desert borders. A corresponding excitement of atmospheric elements causes great winds in the same vicinity, driving hot sand and water before them, and causing much destruction of life. The animals are imperfectly formed; species are few, and they would be repulsive if seen by us. They are combatant and prey upon each other. Their chief classes are amphibious and digitigrade. The human inhabitants are also not numerous, compared with those of other spheres, and are imperfect in physical organisation.1 They manifest the same incessant activity as the other animals. Their mental constitution is peculiar, combining strong at-


1 Swedenborg, on the contrary, says that the women are beautiful, but smaller than those on earth, though their height is about the same. The men also are slighter. The latter are clothed in raiment of dark blue, fitting close to the body. The women wear linen caps, which are at once artless and graceful. We hear nothing of their draperies. The people generally count little on things corporeal and terrestrial, for—knowing that there is a life after death—they are concerned with those that are heavenly. They have knowledge of the solar system and of the earths in the starry heavens. They are averse to verbal discourse, because it is material, and when the Swedish seer conversed with them—apart from intermediate spirits—it was by a kind of active thought. They are not distinguished by judgment but are engrossed in matters of simple knowledge. They do not look at the husk but at that which lies within. There are oxen on Mercury, not differing specifically from those on our planet, except that they are smaller. The temperature is medium—neither excessively hot nor cold, and Swedenborg explains here that heat does not arise from proximity to the sun, but from altitude and density of atmosphere and from the direct or oblique incidence of the solar rays.—Earths in the Universe.

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tachments, concentration and memory. Each desires to be thought more enlightened than any other being in existence, and all presume upon their memory to sustain pretensions in respect of superior intelligence. They do not investigate causes but rather the uses of things. Moreover, they do not depend upon their sensualities or inclinations as a source of knowledge, but seek the internal. A person endeavouring to display elegance and beauty in his speech would be disregarded altogether, since they dislike having their ears addressed instead of their understanding. Hence the shades of meaning that are thrown upon any subject by skill of this kind are rejected, and there is retained only the substance of conversation. They regard words and technicalities as too often mere false sheaths concealing a corrupt interior. They admire truth and the goods of truth, excelling to this extent the dwellers of earth and Venus; but—like the situation of their planet—they are imperfect in all other respects. They have no well-organised communities, being governed by an ignorant arbitration which prevails among them. It should be remembered, however, that Venus has not been peopled by human beings for more than about eight thousand years, in place of the innumerable ages of other habitable spheres. War and persecution prevail to an extreme extent, malice and all things belonging to ignorance and folly. There are all characters of ferocious animals. The implements of destruction are curiously hewn stones, thrown from a sling and causing horrible incisions. At the present time a violent battle is about to be waged. The countenance of this people is full and dark, the body is covered with a kind of hair, and the whole appearance is repellent, recalling the orang-outang. As now existing, there are displayed all results arising from degraded situation and depressed intellect. Conditions are more unfavourable than those of dwellers on any other planet; and yet they are instruments for the accomplishment of more perfect ends, rudimentary

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materials ascending to higher stages gradually. Only as the highest elements are separated from the lowest do they rise to assume newer and more perfect forms. Thus human dwellers in Venus and Mercury are in some particulars superior to those of the earth, but—speaking generally—they are much more gross and imperfect. Concerning that luminous centre of our solar system from which all the planets and their satellites have been formed, it is yet incessantly giving off rarefied particles and exerting an orderly influence upon all under its rule.1 It cannot decrease in magnitude, for it has attained the degree of density belonging to a more interior centre. It is counterbalanced by the magnitude of its whole planetary system, has formed all that its substance can well produce, and the whole is conjoined harmoniously, having motions in accordance with the established law of gravitation, and order and uniformity manifested from first to last. An ascending degree of refinement is evident throughout, from the first evolved body even to the last. Mercury, the last in formation, is composed of denser materials than any other planet, whence it takes the lowest point and observes the greatest velocity of motion. As we recede therefrom a superior refinement is observed in each planet successively and a


1 Swedenborg, like Davis, does not venture to suggest that the sun is itself a habitable and inhabited globe. It is otherwise with some makers of imaginary voyages through the solar system, and a notable instance is the Voyages de Ceton dans les Sept Planetes, by Marie-Anne de Roumier, which appeared at the Hague in seven volumes, 1765. I do not know whether it has any bibliographical value, but it is at least very difficult to find. According to this romance, the sun is the abode of those who have been great on earth. Astronomers who have penetrated the mysteries of the universe find rest therein, from Thales to Isaac Newton. But there are those who are native to the day-star, and these have diaphanous bodies, so that their thoughts are visible in their heads and their emotions in their hearts. No material interest clouds the nobility of their sentiments; they are entirely devoted to the pursuit of knowledge, for which they have excellent opportunities, as their span of life is nine thousand years.

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corresponding modification in motions and relations to each other. The law of progression is established also, though in comparison with Jupiter and Saturn retrogression may seem to be indicated by the less perfect planets which were formed subsequently. But it must be remembered that the lowest contains the highest undeveloped, while the highest pervades the lowest. The composition of Mercury includes in an undeveloped state all that Saturn manifests, and therefore typifies a higher formation. Nothing is too low in the universe to represent something above it, nor is anything so advanced that it is not the lowest degree of that which is still more perfect. It follows that there is unceasing progression as there is transformation everywhere. The sun itself is a never failing symbol of all material formations, the vortex, the centre, containing all that has been since brought into existence, as connected with our planetary system. The materials therein became impregnated and active by virtue of inherent forces, resulting in the teeming productions now manifested. It is therefore a body corresponding to the Sun of the Universe, while all its offspring are in analogy with those greater planets which that Sun brought into being. The satellites on their part correspond to those planets which the greater planets—or rather suns—produced. Thus our solar system typifies that of the Univercoelum.

The vegetable formations of each planet indicate the character of those primary particles which produced them. They represent also higher stages of formation. We have seen how this movement and life lead us on to conceive sensation, which itself leads us on to instinct, that is, to the animal kingdom, between which and man an unbroken connection exists. Man stands as the ultimate of all, combining motion, life, sensation and intelligence. The humanity of Mercury is indicative of higher forms existing otherwhere, and an unbroken chain connects the dwellers in the lowest planet with

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those comparatively spiritual beings whose place is in the highest. So also vegetable forms give true conceptions of uses leading to more perfect ends. Plants receive nourishment from the mineral kingdom as well as the atmosphere. The animal kingdom receives nourishment from the vegetable. So is one necessary to the other. But without general principles, putting forth general uses, none of these forms would have existed. Cause and effect are in fine inseparable, and this truth establishes a link between every particle in the universe, while it offers to our thought the highest representation of the original design conceived by the Great Positive Mind. So in our solar system1 are all things in the universe represented; and as it is impossible for the mind to form an adequate conception of anything beyond the harmonious system to which we belong, here is the appropriate field for present investigation. Thought is unlimited, but thought is not knowledge. Within our comprehension, however, lies the great law of correspondence, the knowledge of which leads to peace and happiness.


1 In a chapter on the beauty and glory of the planets, it is stated that our particular solar system is comparatively a young formation and that many of its operations are as yet crude and deficient, when contrasted with those of similar but older systems which move through the firmament. The surfaces and climates of the earth appear to be notable instances of crudity in form and operation.—Views of our Heavenly Home, pp. 129, 130, edition of 1878.