Hmm, evidently "Island Universe," goes back to Immanuel Kant in 1755, but the wikipedia article then uses the phrase in 2 more ways that suggest variously that it was an accepted concept of astronomers as being independent universes, followed by it being an accepted euphamism for a distance conglomeration of stars. Actually that last bit seems to be true, and also 20th Century.
At least Messier predates Holmes, so it's safe to say that "nebulous objects" could be found under the watchful eyes of astronomers.
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Date: 2010-11-20 04:20 am (UTC)At least Messier predates Holmes, so it's safe to say that "nebulous objects" could be found under the watchful eyes of astronomers.