must have impressed an Image on the human retina, and yet we have no evidence that they were ever really observed till modern times. Another case, still more in point, is the obscure and innermost ring of Saturn. It must have been often pictured on the retina of observers, and yet it was not really observed till a few years ago. Some, indeed, suppose that it must have been developed in recent times, but the ordinary laws of observation furnish us with a sufficient explanation.
When the rings of Saturn were fairly descried, the structure of the planet must have appeared still more marvellous. How contrary to all preconceived notions of the stars! But no sooner is the human mind struck with astonishment, than it seeks to divest the wondrous object of its singularity. There is an instinct that makes us seek for points of similarity. The idea of one presiding intelligence leads us to the conviction, that, however strange the phenomenon may be, it must be in harmony with the other works of God, and this, not merely in reference to adaptation, but to style. Every architect must conform to certain structural rules, without which he cannot erect any edifice; and we find design and adaptation in every building. But, over and above this, there is the undefinable idea of style, and we expect, amidst all diversity, to detect the manner of the man of genius. Genius confers a unity on works of the most diverse structure, and
