An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature

This illustrated work of 1750 is notable for its early description of the Milky Way as being disc-shaped.

Both an amateur astronomer and a strongly religious man, Thomas Wright (1711–86) is known for his description of the Milky Way as disc-shaped. The various claims he made, based on a combination of his observations and his religious beliefs, are given in this illustrated and influential work of 1750.Although his yeoman father is said to have burnt his books to discourage excessive studiousness, Thomas Wright (1711–86) nevertheless acquired considerable knowledge in the fields of mathematics, navigation and astronomy. Later benefitting from the patronage of wealthy families, he also surveyed estates, designed gardens, and tutored aristocrats. He is best known, however, for his contribution to astronomy: this illustrated work of 1750 was his most famous publication. Written in the form of nine letters, the book quotes both poets and scientists in the opening discussion as Wright sets out to fuse, rather than separate, science and religion. Combining his observations of the Milky Way with his theological belief in a universe of perfect order, he notes, among other things, that our galaxy appears to be disc-shaped. While largely ignored by contemporary astronomers, Wright's ideas can be seen as a forerunner to more sophisticated conceptions of our galaxy's configuration.