[1.]
This important point seems not to have been realized by
all theorists.
[2.]
After this lecture was delivered Adams of Mount Wilson
reported that in November, 1914, the chief nebular line (5007A) and
another prominent nebular line (4363A) had entirely disappeared from the
spectrum of Nova Geminorum No. 2, whereas the second nebular line in the
green (4959A) remained strong; probably a step in progress from the
nebular to the Wolf-Rayet spectrum.
[3.]
Poincaré has made the following interesting
comments on Laplace's hypothesis: "The oldest hypothesis is that of
Laplace; but its old age is vigorous and for its age it has not too many
wrinkles. In spite of the objections which have been urged against it,
in spite of the discoveries which astronomers have made and which would
indeed astonish Laplace himself, it is always standing the strain, and
it is the hypothesis which best explains the facts; it is the hypothesis
which responds best to the question which Laplace endeavored to answer,
Why does order rule throughout the solar system, provided this order is
not due to chance? From time to time a breach opened in the old edifice
(the Laplace hypothesis); but the breach was promptly repaired and the
edifice has not fallen.''
