The System of Saturn

are smaller, and both are contained within that number which we call "perfect" original: "perfectum... numero" — In the 17th century, the number 6 was considered a "perfect number" because it is the sum of its divisors (1+2+3=6). At the time of this writing in 1659, only six satellites were known in the solar system: Earth's Moon, the four moons of Jupiter, and Huygens' newly discovered moon of Saturn., so that this limit may seem to have been predetermined by the plan of the supreme Architect original: "summi opificis" — A common Enlightenment-era reference to God as a master builder or craftsman.. Moreover, I shall not pursue the manifold subjects for contemplation that will arise for the minds of philosophers regarding these celestial bodies, with which we have expanded the known world as if by a new addition.

Yet I would not want this one point to pass them by unnoticed; namely, what a significant argument this Saturnian world provides for establishing that most beautiful order of the entire universe which takes its name from Copernicus Huygens is referring to the Heliocentric system, where the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun. In 1659, this was still a matter of intense scientific and theological debate.. For if the four moons found around Jupiter original: "quaternæ circa Iovem repertæ Lunæ" — The Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto). were formerly able to remove the doubts of those who were reluctant to accept that system, then surely this single one wandering around Saturn will convince them more clearly now—and for the very reason that it is unique, it more closely mirrors the likeness of our own Moon. I will set aside for now that other aspect of Satur-