CHAPTER VII. Is the Universe Infinite?

IS THE UNIVERSE INFINITE?

Kant and the number of the stars—Extinct stars and dark nebulæ—Extent and aspect of the astronomical universe—Different kinds of universes—Poincaré’s calculation—Physical definition of the infinite—The infinite and the unlimited—Stability and curvature of cosmic space-time—Real and virtual stars—Diameter of the Einsteinian universe—The hypothesis of globes of ether pp. 148-159