Abstract
Two centuries ago the French mathematician-astronomer Pierre Simon de Laplace developed the nebular hypothesis which proposed that the solar system originated by condensation from vaporous matter. Laplace, who had become famous, decided to present a copy of one of his books to the Emperor Napoleon, who had been informed in advance that the book contained no mention of God. The emperor asked Laplace why he had never even mentioned the Creator of the universe in his book. Laplace replied tersely "that he had no need of that particular hypothesis" (1).