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A standard of reference for the arrangement of the stars may be had by comparing their distribution to a certain properly modified equality of scattering. The equality which I propose does not require that the stars should be at equal distances from each other, nor is it necessary that all those of the same nominal magnitude should be equally distant from us.

— William Herschel Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works (1880)

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More quotes by William Herschel

That the emission of light must waste the sun, is not a difficulty that can be opposed to our hypothesis.

Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works (1880)

This tends to confirm the hypothesis that all are composed of stars more or less remote.

Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works (1880)

I have made it a rule never to employ a larger telescope when a smaller will answer the purpose.

Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works (1880)

I have availed myself of the labors of preceding astronomers, but have been induced thereto by my own actual observation of the solar phenomena.

Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works (1880)

It is very probable that the great stratum called the Milky Way is that in which the sun is placed, though perhaps not in the very centre of its thickness.

Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works (1880)

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