The schoole of skil containing two bookes: the first, of the sphere, of heauen, of the starres, of their orbes, and of the earth, &c. The second, of the sphericall elements, of the celestiall circles, and of their vses, &c. Orderly set forth according to art, with apt figures and proportions in their proper places, by Tho. Hill.

THE FIRST PART OF THE RVDIMENTS OF THE SPHERE OF HEAVEN, of the Starres, of the Orbes of the Starres, and the EARTH. (Book 1)

SEing this litle Book of the Sphere dooth intreat of that part of Astro∣nomy, which sheweth the diuers motions of the Celestiall Orbes and starres, the magnitudes and distances of their bodies from the Earth, with all the diuersities and néerenesse of appearaunces in the Planets, and fixed starres: there∣fore doth the Author write of the Principles of the same, in this Treatise of the Sphere, to the great commodity of many young Students in the Art. For this containeth onely the intreating of the Sphere: that is, of a perfect and very round body, containing diuers Circles, which the learned doo also call a Materiall Sphere: of the Cele∣stiall appearances that it describeth in the Instrument, named of them the Materiall Sphere.

Now this teacheth fiue definitions of the same: twoe of the Sphere, one of the Center, one of the Exe trée, and one of the Poles of the World.

1. What a Sphere is.

EVCLIDE in his eleuenth Booke, thus defineth a Sphere. A Sphere (which in Latine is a Globe) saith he, is a sound Figure, made by the turning of a halfe Circle, the Dia∣meter of which halfe Circle conti∣nuing so long steddy, vntill it bée brought again vnto the place, wher that Figure began to be drawne. Or thus: A Sphere is such a round and sounde body, which is described by the drawing about of the halfe Cir∣cle.

Theodosius teacheth another definition of the same: That the Sphere is a certaine massy Body, or sound Fi∣gure, inclosed with an vpper face or platforme, in whose middle is a Pricke, from which all lines drawn from the Circumference or platforme are equally distant one from the other: and this Pricke, of him named the Center of the Sphere; and like of the Globe.

[illustration]

[illustration]

The halfe Sphere is contained in the halfe of the Globe, and greatest Circle of the Sphere.

The Exe-trée of the Sphere is a right line, about which the Sphere fixed, doth the halfe Circle drawne a∣bout describe.

There are also two maner of Orbes, as the Solyde Orbe, and hollow Orbe: the Solyde is named the Globe or Sphere, which only containeth one round vpper face, and the same imbossed hollow outward: but the hollow Orbe differeth, in that the same hath two vpper faces, the one imbossed outward, and the other hollow within. Also the Orbes of all the fixed starres, and Planets, are like hollow, and not Solyde.

A materiall Sphere, is that which is made of ringes, or Circles, in such a manner framed, deuided, and dispo∣sed,

[illustration]

that the same in some maner may expresse and shew foorth to the eie, both the standing and motion of the Cir∣cles in the first moouer.

To the Sphere belong these differences, A Pricke, a Line, Dyametre, Parallels, an vpper face, a Center, Exe-trée, and Poles.

A Pricke or note is of no bignesse, but the beginning of Magnitudes, which in the order of nature goeth before them, and not made as a part: in that a Line is not made of Prickes, nor Prickes are the partes of a Line. For if an infinite number of Prickes were heaped and ioyned togither, yet woulde those neuer make a Line: so that a Line is caused, through the drawing of a Pricke into length.

A Line, is a length without bredth and déepnesse, and ended with two prickes, which cannot be comprehended, but by Imagination.

A Dyametre, is any right line drawne by the Center of a Circle, and middle of a Figure: whether the same be plaine, Solyde, round, or cornered: whose endes reache and come from side to side of the Circle about, and deui∣deth the Circle into two equall partes or iust halfes.

The Parallels are two right Lines equally drawne, which extended on any Platforme vnto an infinit length, doo alwaies kéepe one like distance, and neither draw nee∣rer, nor touch togither.

An vpper face, is a length and breadth without déepe∣nesse, made by the drawing of a Line into breadth: Of which, the plaine vpper face is that, which is expressed with those straight Lines which it hath: that neither the middle riseth vppe, or is raised at the endes, nor the same falleth within. The Sphericall vpper face is distingui∣shed, into an imbossed and hollow vpper face. The im∣bossed, is the outward compasse about of the Sphere, or bodies round: but the hollow vpper face, is the inwarde compasse about in the hollow Orbe, or the bodies hollow.

A Center, is the middle Prick in a Circle, from which all right Lines drawne vnto the compasse about the same,

are equall betwéene the one and the other. Also a Centre of the Sphere, is a middle Pricke in the Sphere, from which all right lines drawn vnto the imbossed vpper face, we agrée in length.

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The Exe trée, is a right line drawne by the Centre of ••e Sphere, and with both his endes pearcing vnto the ••des of the imbossed vpper face, about which the Sphere 〈◊〉〈◊〉 turned.

The Poles, are the verie endes of the Exe-trée, appea∣ing on each side, about which heauen is turned. Also the ••oles of the turning, are named the endes and tops, and named besides the ending pointes of the Exe-tree, drawne by the Centre of the Sphere: about which the Shere and Circles of the Sphere are turned.

The Poles of the Sphere, and Circles described in the Sphere, are pointes consisting in the vpper face of the Sphere, from which all right lynes drawne vnto the com∣passe of the Circles are equall.

[illustration]

Although euery greater Circle in the Sphere of the worlde hath his Poles, yet is oftner mention made of the Poles of the worlde, or Equinoctiall of the Zodiacke, and Horyzont.

The Poles of the world or Equinoctiall, are the two ex∣treame poyntes and both endings of the Exe trée of the world, about which the Sphere is turned.

The one of the Poles, which eleuated sheweth to vs dwelling into the North, and turneth alwaies about in our sight, is named the Boreall and North Pole, of the litle Beare neare to it: which Pole is continualy séene and knowne by the two starres neare to it; of which the one is notable and cleare, of the thirde bignesse, standing at the ende or top of the tayle of the little Beare, distant from the very Pole 4. degrées, and 9. minutes. But the other dim∣mer, of the fourth bignesse, not farre distant from the other star afore, is come nearer, and doeth scarcely differ nowe 50. minutes from the place of the true and very Pole.

If any will know the Pole of the world or Pole starre, let him turne his face towarde the North, the sky then be∣ing cleare; leauing the East on the right side, and west on the left side, and he shal see in the little Beare seauen stars, placed like to the forme of the starres of the great Beare, which are brighter. Of these stars three doe fashion the tayle, and that which is in the top of the tayle, is named the Pole star, which declineth in our time from the Equa∣tour 85 degrées, and 5••▪ minutes. So that beeing no fur∣ther off by this declination from 90 degrees, the distance of it from the very Pole shall remaine and bee 4. degrées, and 7. minutes: and this starre also in processe of time shall be ioyned with the Pole.

The other Pole, which through the swelling of the earth, is continually hid to vs of the North, is named the Meridionall or South Pole, right against as it were the North Pole. Beeing euermore so lowe depressed, as the

North Pole raysed, in any countrey to the North, aboue the Horizont.

The Poles of the Zodiacke, are continually so farre di∣stant from the Poles of the world, as is the greatest decli∣nation of the Sun, which in our time is founde and noted by obseruations to be of 23. degrées, 28. minutes, and 30. seconds. But the Borcall or North Pole of the Zodiacke, distant from the two dimme starres, in the tryangle of the Dragon (being stars of the sixt bignesse) which a right line by imagination drawne from the third starre in the tayle of the little Beare, vnto that constellation named Lyra, expresseth the same, that it is but a little further distance then two degrées.

The Poles of the Horizont, are the twoe extreame pointes or ends of the right lyne, drawne out of the Cen∣ter of the Earth, by the top ouer our head, vnto the opposit places of the Dyametre of the Merydyan: of which the one, directly ouer our heade, named the verticall poynte, and of the Arabians Zenith, the other right against, na∣med of them Nadir.

And the Poles of each of the greater Cyrcles, doe differ from their Circles 90. degrées, or a quarter of an other greate Circle of the Sphere. For by the 23. proposition of Theodosius of the Sphere, a right lyne drawne from the Pole of his Circle vnto the circumference, is equall to ech of the foure quarter sides, descrybed within the same Cir∣cle, which foure quarter sides, doe deuide the Circle into foure quarters.

Yet are each greater Circles of a Sphere, equall be∣twéene the one and the other. But seeing the equall right lynes, doe take away the equall compasses of the equall Circles, therefore should a lyne drawn from the Pole vn∣to the circumference of his Circle, take away of the grea∣ter Circle, one quarter of the other Circle drawne by the Pole, euen like as the sides of a quarter described within

the Circle. By which appeareth, that the Poles of the greater Circles, doe differ or be distant by a quarter from their Circles, as is aboue written.

What the World is, and into how many partes the same is deuided, with the motion of the celestiall Orbes.

THe Worlde after Orontius, is defi∣ned to bee a perfitte and an entire composition of all things: a deuine worke, but finite, and continual∣ly to be merueled at: adorned with all kindes of formes and shapes of bodies that nature coulde make, which in all partes are procreated and appeare: and those first created by God (so well in Earth as in Heauen) by his onely wor•• of nothing, to th'end the same might bée a proper mansio•• place for man, in which he might dayly behold, and mak knowne.

Aristotle teacheth two definitions of the world: the one, that it is an apt frame wrought, consisting both of heauen and earth, and of the celestiall and inferiour bodies aptly distributed, and of other naturall thinges in them con∣tayned.

The other definition is, that the world is a perfit body, and most perfit rounde forme, contayning the ordinance and distribution of bodies, created by God to tend vnto a purpose, which by God, and through God is preserued.

The parts or Regions of the worlde, are two: as the E∣thereall, and Elementary.

The Etheriall region is the higher and vpper parte of the world, which encloseth the Elementary region, being wholy cleare and the light perfitte, and contayning the

Orbes of all the fixed starres and Planets, distinguished by a certaine order, frée of all mixture and all strange qua∣lities, nor harmed by any alterations. In which the cele∣stiall bodies are drawne about by certaine and continuall orders and times of the motions, that they may so cause the diuersities of times, dayes, yeares, and moneths: and as well in the Elementary nature, by his motion and light, ingender, mixe, and temper togither the first quali∣ties, and prepare also other effects.

The Elementary region, is the nether part of the world, which is contayned within the hollowe vpper face of the Moones Orbe and Sphere, in which are all corruptible bodies, and thinges harmed by diuerse alterations, except the minde of man: the causes of which, are the contrary actions of the first qualities. Also the foure Elements are simple bodies, which into parts of diuers forms cannot be deuided: yet through the mutuall commixion of these, are diuerse kinds of bodies caused. Therefore, whatsoeuer bo∣dies are in the Elementary region, bee either simple, myxt, or compound bodies: In that the mixt bodies, are all those which may be deuided into parts of diuerse kinds.

To these of the foure Elements, the next ioyning with∣in the hollow vpper face of the Moones Orbe, is the most thinne Ayre (being the lightest of the Elements) kindled, through the dayly moouing about of the celestiall circles: which for this congruency with the fire (named the ele∣mental fire) that is dayly drawn about by the Orbs com∣passing it, which may appeare by the Comettes, and other fiery kindes, ingendred in the same Element of a hot and dry vapoure, that are likewise caried about.

The next within that doth the ayre runne, being a hea∣uier Element then the fire, yet lighter then the water: which also is drawne about by a like motion, as may ap∣peare by the clouds, and other like impressions ingendred in the same, but to the nether region of the same, consist the

laterall motions, as wée dayly sée by the blowing of the windes. Farther, Vitellio in his tenth booke and 60. chap∣ter affirmeth, that the cloudes are distant from the vpper∣face of the earth 25000. paces, or 13. Germayne myles. But acording to same writers, they are vnequally distant from the earth: as somewhiles further off, and somewhiles néerer to the earth. For when the cloudes are furthest di∣stant from the earth, they are but 772000. paces, and be∣ing nearest the earth, are 288000. paces distant. To con∣clude, this Elemente compasseth and encloseth, both the earth and water by his largenesse.

The nexte Element to the Ayre which mooueth, is the water, for the same is mooued by a motion of flowing and ebbing which it maketh after the motion of the moone; in that it floweth sixe houres, and ebbeth so many, vntill the moone by the motion of the first moouer, hath passed about all the quarters of heauen. Also the water hath a motion, and that downward into the earth, so that these two ioynt ly annexed make as it were one body. Yet the earth bée∣ing the heauiest Elemente, hath a motion attributed as it were simply downwarde vnto the middle: notwithstan∣ding agréed of all men, that the same is immouable, and the Centre of the world.

These foure: that is, the fire, ayre, water, and earth, are named to be the foure Elements, and both the simple, and Original matters, of which all mixt bodies are compoun∣ded and made.

The proofe that there is onely fowre Elements, is this: that to each Element the two first qualities agrée, and the Combynations the like of the foure qualities: as of heate and dryeth, which consist in the fire: of moysture and heat, which rest in the ayre: of coldnesse and moysture, which be in the water: of drynesse & coldnesse, which is found in the earth.

By these it is euident, that there are but foure Ele∣ments:

of which heate excéedeth in the fire, moysture in the ayre, coldnesse in the water, and drynesse in the earth. To conclude, it appeareth, that heat with colde, and moysture with dryeth, cannot aptly be ioyned.

What the Starres are, and that, as to the motion of their Orbes, they are carried about.

THe Ethereall region contayneth the Starres, which are the thicker parts of their Orbs; perfit rounde, cleare, most pure and simple, and frée of any mixture, except the Moor which is darker then the others, yea variable and shadowed. And these fastened to their Orbes, by which in certayne continuall and appoynted times and orders, are drawne about, and per∣forme their returnes in the determinate spaces of times, and those continually agréeing in themselues, that they may so ingender the differences and orders of times, and in the inferiour nature prepare and cause the first qualli∣ties, and other effects.

The Sunne the fountaine of light, doth not onely giue light and make shine cleare the inferiour bodies, but the superiour also, by the brightnesse and light of his beames.

But the Stars seeing with a borrowed light they shine, which is far weaker then the sunnes, therefore with that strange light which they take properly of the sun doe they shine, although vnlike to the sun.

For into all the starres, which by nature are rounde a∣bout thynne, and penetrable, is the sunnes light equally shed and pearceth, and so filleth all, that they are subiect to no times of encreasing and decreasing of light.

But the Moone, séeing it is an vnperfit body, and that it hath the partes some where thynne, & somewhere thicker and better compact: therfore doth it not equally, nor round about receiue the sunnes light. So that the thynner parts take more of the sunnes light, and of the same doe clearer shine. But the lesser shadowed parts which also are seene, appeare darker, as the spots in the moone do shew.

That the bodies of the starres are round, doe the round formes in the Eclipses of the sun and moone shew: yea in what parts of the world those Eclipses happen, doe the bo∣dies also of the starres at that time appeare perfit round: Although the bodies of the starres be knowne (by sundry reasons) to be round as a bowl, yet by their great distance from the earth, appeare to vs as playne or flat.

Nor the Starres are not moued by their owne proper motions, but by the Accydentary, as vnto the motion of the Orbs, to which they hang, as partes vnto the motion of the whole. For to euery round body doe two proper mo∣tions onely belong, as a moning to and fro, and turning a∣bout. Therefore the Starres (séeing they be round) are by some proper and principall motion caried round. But the fixed Stars are not so moued rounde, in that they turned about, doe not altar the same face or body which they once turned and shewed to vs: but that the same shoulde of ne∣cessity happen like, being turned round in one place, about their Exe-trée, with the others in the same motion béeing in the parts far distant, and the others then set and hidde vnder the earth. Nor are they turned hither and thither, in that they neuer change the standing and place which they haue in their Orbe, which to those caried hither and thither woulde happen. Therefore, not by a proper and chiefe motion are they caried about, but by an accidentary drawing about of their Orbes, which what the same is, shall after appeare.

That Heauen is drawne round.

THe Ethereal region, do the Philo∣sophers also name quinta essentia, or as it were a fifte body, constituted aboue the foure Elementes, being incorruptible & deuine, consisting of the noblest and purest part of the ayre. Which also is placed aboue the holow vpper face of the moones Orbe, that reacheth vnto the hol∣low vpper face of the highest heauen, being most pure, per∣fitte rounde, continually caried about, and bright appea∣ring.

This parte of the world being the Etheriall region, is named heauen, which alwaies drawne about by a merue∣lous swiftnesse, is deuided into nine Orbes or Spheres. Although sundry Astronomers, as Alphonsus, Iohannes de monte regio, Purbachius, and others, haue added a tenth Sphere, through the third contrary motion founde in the eighth Sphere, named of Thebit benchore (the first inuen∣ter of the same (Motus trepidationis, or the going and com∣ming of the eight Sphere.

The first and vppermost Orbe, is named the first moo∣uer. The second is that, which is named the ninth Sphere or Christaline heauen, but of Ptholomy, named the firma∣ment or Orbe of the fixed starres. And the thirde is that, which (of them) named the eight Sphere, onely added through that motion of the trembling, or as it were a mo∣uing foorth and returne of that eight Sphere; which pro∣perly is caused, in the two small Circles about the heades or beginnings of Aries and Libra: through which diuerse motion of the eight Sphere, do the Equinoctials and Sol∣stices

come and beginne sooner by certaine daies, and the suns greatest declination deminished (and dayly doeth) to that in Ptholomie and Hipparcus time, which then was 23. degrées and 52. minutes, and 30. seconds. And for these haue Alphonsus and sundry others, attributed diuers motions to the eight Sphere, adding a ninth and tenth Sphere to it.

That there are but eight celestiall Orbs which may be seene.

ALthough Ptholomy affirmeth, that there are nyne Orbs equally distant, yet are there but eight which may perfectly be séene and decerned with the eie, both in the standing, variety of motions, and differing in the periodes or cour∣ses. Also they are in such order dis∣posed, that no Orbe hindereth the motion of another néere to it. As the Sphere of the fixed stars, and the seauen Orbs of the Planets. And most cer∣taine it is, that some of the fixed stars are drawn by a swif∣ter motion, and others by a slower motion, and that the Apogea or ascentions also of the Planets are changed, af∣ter the order of the signes.

The Orbs of the Planets thus containe and compasse one an other, as first the Sphere of Saturne being nighest the firmament (of which being compassed) doeth like con∣taine Iupiters sphere, and Iupiters, doth in the same maner inclose Marses sphere, and Marses in like order, the sunnes sphere, nexte the suns, doeth containe Venus sphere, which like doth compasse, Mercuries sphere, and Mercuries doeth containe the Moones sphere, being the lowest and smallest sphere. And euery of these spheres, hath a star a péece, na∣med

eractical stars or planets: which stars haue euery one their proper Orbe seueral, his motion seueral, and vnlike in time one to another, in that they appeare one whiles néere togither, and another whiles are séene far distant a∣sunder.

By which it agréeth, that their equall motions, to ap∣peare to vs vnequall, either through the Poles of the Cir∣cles, diuers from the Poles of the worlde about which they bée turned, as are the Poles of the Zodiacke, vnder which the eratical stars are continually drawn and moue; rather for that the earth is not the Center of those Orbes, by which the Planets are caried and moued about.

So that when we consider those mouings by the Cen∣ter of the worlde, then is caused, that they séeme to vs as they were encreased in a greater bignesse, when as we be∣holde and sée them néere hand, and that lesser in bignesse, when we sée them placed far off. Euen so in the equal cir∣cumferences of the Orbes, through the diuers distance of sight, wée like obserue the vnequall motions, by the equall times.

Yet indéede neyther of these happeneth, but that they are drawne aboute by vnchangeable spaces, beeing a like distant, and kéeping one manner of bignesse. For if this were, then the sun, or any other star being in the middle of heauen, should séeme or appeare bigger (which it doth not) then being in the East, or West part.

And the contrary we sundry times sée, when as the sun or any other star, appeareth bigger in the quarters of the East, and West; which is not caused by reason of the shor∣ter distance, but for that his beames in the vapors, which doe thicke ascend (both in the winter time, and in raynie weather) that hang in the ayre betwéene our sight, and the body of the star, are then broken: which breaking of them, doth cause the star to appeare far bigger to the eie, then in déede the same is.

And that a readier and easier knowledge may bee had (after the mind of Ptholomie) of the first moouer, and cele∣stial Orbs with the number of the Circles and Elements inclosed within the first moouer, conceiue this figure here following most aptly drawn and set out for thy further in∣struction.

This Figure declareth the number, dispo∣sition, and order of the celestiall Spheres, about the Globe of the Earth.

[illustration]

That there are two first motions of the celestiall Orbs.

ALthough the celestiall Orbs are se∣uerally drawne, by proper and vn∣like motions: yet be there two first motions, that are manifest, both by obseruation, and iudgement of the eie. The one is of the first mouer, which Ptholomy attributeth to the ninth Sphere, that is onely drawn about by an equall swiftnesse, from the East into the west, and from thence againe into the East, vppon the Poles of the worlde or Equatour, in the space of a naturall day or 24. houres. And this first mouer draweth with it al the other Orbs, much like a ship, which being at full saile, doth drawe and cary al her men, & other liuing things which are in the Shippe. So that by this motion of the first moouer, the neather Orbes, which the first mouer compasseth, are drawn once euery naturall day, or in the space of a day and night, about the earth. Al∣so this first mouer, doeth not onely describe and measure a naturall day, but causeth times, and diuersities of dayes and nights, with the proper motion of the sun; and it day∣ly bringeth vp stars to be séene, and carieth vp to the high∣est, and after hideth them againe, vnder our Horizont in the west. Besides it is the common measure of al the other motions.

The other motion is proper to the eight Sphere, and to the Orbs of the seauen Planets, in the which they are con∣trarily caried to the first mouer, as from the west into the east, in mouing vnder the Zodiacke, and about the Poles of the same: and not in Parallels from the Equatour e∣qually seperated; but are drawne much slower, yea and vnlike. As by a like example; when a ship by a most swift

course is caried into the west, yet may the Mariners and others in the ship walke forwarde in the meane time into the East: Euen so is this second motion of all the other Spheres vnder the Zodiack, vpon the Poles of the Eclip∣ticke. Also by a swifter motion are they caried, and sooner performe their courses, which are néerer to the earth▪ and contrariwise mooue by a slower pace, and in longer t••••e compasse and wander aboute the signes of the Zodiacke, which are further distant from the earth. Also in the mid∣dle of their courses (as it were) each doe often stacke or bee slow, and often times stay as vnmoueable, and sometimes are retrograde, after againe quicken their course, and by their swiftnes recouer that lost of the former tariance. So that they neuer kéepe one manner of way, but one whiles from the middle iourney of the Zodiacke doe wander into the North, and another whiles into the South. To con∣clude, they be ascended high from the earth, when they are named Apogei, and discended again vnto the earth, when they are named Perigei.

[illustration]

That there are two kindes of Starres, the fixed, and the Planets.

ALL the fixed stars that hang to the firmament (or as Ptholomie affir∣meth) to the eight Sphere, are na∣med fixed: not for that they consist vnmoueable, but that they moue so meruellous slow, that by iudge∣ment of the eie they cannot be per∣ceiued to mooue: yet the practitio∣ners haue and do find both by rea∣son and obseruations, that they alwaies seperated by vn∣moueable spaces one from the other, and are caried in pa∣rallels as it were in their Orbe.

Ptholomie, Aristillus, Timochares, with the obseruati∣ons of Hipparchus, ioyned vnto those which he knew, no∣ted that the fixed stars in a hundreth yéeres moued one de∣grée. But Copernicus being of later yeares (as about the yeare of Christ 1525.) that examined the obseruations of the auncient men, and compared them vnto those noted of him, founde that not so many as a hundreth yeares, but in seauentie and two yeares, that the fixed had gone one de∣grée: and that in euery Egiptian yeare (which containeth 360. dayes) the fixed to haue moued 50. seconds, and in a day 8. thirdes, and tenne fourths. And so performed their whole course, in twentyfiue thousand, eight hundreth, and sixtéene yeares, 25816.

Of these knowne and numbred of the ancient men, are 1022. which they haue deuided into sixe differences of magnitudes; and to these haue added certaine obscure, and certaine cloudy stars.

The fixed stars of the first bignesse, of which are num∣bred

to be fiftéene, and that both in bignesse and brightnes excéede all the other starres, and in body excéede the earth 107. that is, a hundreth seauen times, with a eleuen thrée∣score fourths.

The fixed stars of the second bignesse, of which are ac∣compted 45. do excéede the earth in greatnes almost eigh∣ty seauen times.

The fixed stars of the third bignesse, of which are num∣bred to be 208. doe ouerpasse or excéede the earth seauenty two times, with a third part almost.

The fixed stars of the fourth bignesse, of which are rec∣koned to be 474. that are fifty foure times greater then the Earth, with a halfe or a little more of the earth.

The fixed stars of the fift bignesse, of which are noted to bee 216. that excéede by their greatnesse the earth 31. times.

The fixed starres of the sixt bignesse, of which are noted to be 50. doe excéede the earth eightéene times, and a little more.

The darke stars, are accompted 3. in number: and the clowdy stars, are reckoned to be fiue.

The fixed stars do differ in brightnesse, standing, color, twinckling, and especially in the configuration. Many of the fixed stars also with the effects both in the bignesse and brightnesse, being notable and néere together, the ancient men that deuided them by a certaine reason, haue gathe∣red, digested, and fashioned them, into forty and eight ima∣ges or similitudes. And vnto them through the congru∣ence and similitude of the noted formes or figures, they gaue apt names: and for the same cause especially, that they might the easier and sooner be discerned, knowne, and noted by their peculiar names. Also they deuided the stars, by the standing into the North and South, and the signes of the Zodiacke. The Northerly stars that decline from the Ecclipticke into the North, are twenty and one in

number. The Southerly, that decline from the Ecclip∣ticke into the South, are fiftéene in number. The images that are named the signes, are twelue in number, which consist in the Zodiacke.

Of the celestiall Images, and of their diuers names, being in num∣ber, 48.

Of the Northerly.

• _1 THe litle Beare hath seuen stars, and of those, that star which is in the top of the tayle, is named the Pole star.
• 2 The great Beare, hath 27 stars, 8 without forme.
• 3 The Draggon hath 31. stars.
• 4 The image named Cephe us, hath 12 stars.
• 5 The image Bootes or Lauceator, hath 22. stars.
• 6 The Boreall or Northerly crowne hath 8. stars.
• 7 The image kneeling or Hercules, hath 28. stars.
• 8 The Harpe or Griepe falling, hath 10. among these the brightest is that named the Harpe.
• 9 The wilde Swanne or Griepe flying, hath 17.
• 10 The image Cassiopia, hath 13. stars.
• 11 The image Perseus carying the heade Algoll, hath 26. stars: of which, those which are on the lefte hande doe make the head Algoll or Gorgons, 3. without forme.
• 12 The Cartare, hath 14. starres, among those, that which standeth on the lefte shoulder, is the Goate: and the other two are named the Kids.
• ...

• 13 The image Ophiulcus or Serpentarius, hath 24. stars.
• 14 The Serpent, hath 11. stars.
• 15 The figure named the Arrow, hath 5. stars.
• 16 The Egle hath 9. stars, 6. without forme.
• 17 The Dolphin, hath 10. stars.
• 18 The deuision of the Horse, hath 4. stars.
• 19 The winged Horse or Pegasus, hath 20. stars.
• 20 The image Andromeda, hath 23. stars.
• 21 The Tryangle, hath 4. stars.

The Summe of all the Starres, are 360

The 12. Signes of the Zodiacke.

• _1 THe image named Aries hath 13. stars.
• 2 The image Taurus hath 23. of these fiue in the fore-head of Taurus, named Succulae or Hi∣ades, and the greatest star of Hi∣ades in the Southerly eie, na∣med Pallilicium, and Pleiades on the back of▪ Taurus, 11. without forme.
• 3 The images named Gemini, are 18. stars: of which Castor or Appollo goeth before, Pollux or Hercules, follo∣weth.
• 4 The image Cancer hath 9. stars, among these Prese∣pe, and the cloudie star in the Breast.
• 5 The image Leo hath 27. stars: of these, that which is in the heart of the Lion, named Regulus, 8. without forme; among which is that constellation, named Berenices bush of haire, betweene the tops or endes of the Lion and great Beare.
• ...

• 6 The image Virgo hath 26. stars: of these, that which is in the right wing, especially Northerly, is named Vin∣denuator, but in her left hand a bright star, named the ear•• of corne, 6. without forme.
• 7 The image Libra, and klées of the Scorpion, haue 8. stars, and 9. without forme.
• 8 The image named the Scorpion, hath 21. stars, the midle star (of the thrée stars) placed on the Body, is named the heart of the Scorpion, and 3. without forme.
• 9 The image named Sagitarius, hath 31, stars.
• 10 The image named Capricornus, hath 28. stars.
• 11 The image named Aquarius, hath 24. stars, and 3. without forme.
• 12 The images named Pisces, haue 34. stars.

The Summe of all the Starres, except Berenices bush, are 364.

Of the Southerly.

• _1 THe image named Coetus, hath 22. stars.
• 2 The image named Orion, hath 38. stars.
• 3 The image named the riuer, or E∣ridanus, or Potamos, hath 34. stars.
• 4 The image named the Hare, hath 12. stars.
• 5 The image named the Dog, hath 18. stars, of which that in the mouth, is named Alhabor, 12. without forme.
• 6 The image named the little Dog, or Caniculare star, hath 2. stars; of which the brightest is that named Proion or the Dog-starre.
• 7 The image named the Ship, hath 45. stars, of which a bright star going before in temone.
• 8 The image named the Water Serpent, hath 25. stars

• and 2. without forme.
• 9 The image named the Bucket or great Cup, hath 7. starres.
• 10 The Rauen or Crow, hath 7. stars.
• 11 The image named Centaurus, being one halfe like a man, and the other halfe like a horse, hath 37. stars.
• 12 The Beast which the Centaure doth holde, being a Wolfe, hath 19. stars.
• 13 The image named the Aulter, hath 7. stars.
• 14 The Southetly Crowne, hath 13. stars.
• 15 The Southerly fish, hath 11. stars, and 6. without forme.

The Summe of all the starres, are 316.

THe milkie way, which Ptholomie nameth Galaxian of the white and milkie colour, is a heape of most small stars, and dimme to sight; of which is a certaine confused gathering together, and abundance as it were encreased, that no seuerall light is decerned: and the same (in the ma∣ner of a girdle) compasseth and encloseth heauen about. The same also is vnequal, and differeth in the standing, la∣titude, haunt of stars, and in the colour very much. It is somewhere decerned clefte, but the parte going before, is neither whole, nor maketh a whole swathe or inclosure a∣bout, but lacketh about the swan and Aulter. And the part folowing whole, being in no place broken off with a space, and stretched thwartly in heauen: and from the partes of the Zodiacke Northerly, it passeth by Gemini, and Sow∣therly by Sagitarius, and Capricornus.

Of the Planets.

THe Planets, named otherwise the erring and wandering starres; not for that they erre by a wandering and vncertaine motion, but in that they are caried aboute by a diuers and vnlike motion. For sometimes they goe foreward, and sometimes retrograde; sometimes are hidden and cleane out of sight, after they appear and shew themselues. Againe, they goe before, and follow the Sun. They are caried swift, and their motions againe so stayed, that they are moued in a maner nothing at all, but séeme as they were stayed for a time. From the sunnes way, one while caried into the South, and another while caried into the North, and then vnto the same way drawne backe againe: so that their iourneies being passed and finished, they steadyly repeate their old courses by the like order. Of these are seauen, and each caried in their proper Orbs, and compasse about the Zodiacke, in vnlike spaces of time,

SAturne highest of the Planets, and most slow in course, being cold and dry, pale to a leady colour, and perfour∣meth his course in 30. yéeres, being ninty times, with an eight part greater then the earth. And the highest ascenti∣on or pointe of Saturnus Orbe (which at this day is in the 29. degrée of Sagitarius) is from the earth 20072. semidia∣metres, with a fourth part almost, and 15. minutes. But the lowest point of Saturns Orbe, is distant from the earth, 14378. with a third part, and 20. minutes.

IVpiter being next vnto Saturne, temperate, and so cleare or bright, that he giueth in a maner a shadow (especially when he is Perigeus or lowest discended to the earthward) and he compasseth about the Zodiacke in twelue yeares. But Iupiter giueth this proper shadowe, when neither the lights bée aboue the earth, nor Venus néere to him. Hée is greater then the earth, by ninty fiue times, and a half part almost. And the highest ascention of Iupiters Orbe, which possesseth the seauenth degrée of Libra, is from the earth 14369. with a fourth parte almost, and 15. minutes, but the lowest point of Iupiters Orbe, is from the earth distant 8853. semidiametres, with a ninth part and 45. minutes.

MArs béeing hot and dry, and shining with a fiery co∣lour, doeth goe about the Zodiacke, in the space of two yéeres. He is named the fiery Planet, of his shining with a fiery colour, or of the effect which foloweth by him, in that he burneth and dryeth vp. He is one time greater then the earth, and a little more then a third parte. The highest ascention of Marses Orbe, that obtaineth the 28. degrée of Leo, is now distant (after Albategnius) from the earth 8022. semidiametres: but the lowest poynt from the earth, is 1176. semidiametres.

THe Sunne obtaineth the middle place betwéene the Planets, wholy and throughly bright, being the foun¦taine and Author of light: which by his motion expresseth and deuideth the spaces of the Zodiacke, and by his going about, haue the signes their names. He is greater then the earth (after Ptholomie) a hundreth thréescore and sixe times, with thrée eight parts. But after Capernicus, the sun excéedeth the earth, a hundreth thréescore & two times, with eight parts lesse. The highest ascention or poynte of the suns Sphere, which n••w possesseth the seuenth degrée of Cancer, is from the earth distant 1179. semidiametres,

but the lowest poynt of the sunnes Orbe, is from the earth distant 1065. semidiametres.

VEnus next to the Sun, being cold and moist, white in colour, clearer and brighter shining then Iupiter, and is caried about (like the Sun) in a yeares space, and both goeth before and foloweth the sun; nor is further distant in the spring of the morning from him, then 46. degrées, and 47. minutes: but in the euening, she is seene digrssed from him, vnto 47. degrées, and 35▪ minutes. When she goeth in the morning before the sun, thée is named the day star: but when she followeth the sun in the euening, shée is then named the euening star. Lesser shee is then the earth, but her true quantity is yet vnknowne: for that some affirme her quantity to be the 28. part, and others the 37. part of the earth. The highest ascention of Venus Sphere, that obtaineth the 18. degrée, & 20. minutes of Taurus, is from the earth after Albategnius 1070. semidiametres, but the lowest poynt, is 166. semidiametres distāt from the earth.

MErcurie beeing lower then Venus, is variable and apte to bée changed, bright, but not white in colour; and is caried about the sunne like to Venus, as one whiles mouing before, and an other whiles following the sunne. Nor is hee further distant in the morning from him, then 29. degrées, and 37. minutes, and at the euening west∣warde, 27. degrées, and 37. minutes. He perfourmeth his whole course, in the space of a yéere, as the sun doth. Also he is iudged to be the seauenth part of 2••. or 22000. parte of the earth. Albategnius affirmeth, the Star of Mercurie, to be least of all the starres, and supposeth or accounteth him to be as one part, of 19000. parts of the earth. The highest ascention of Mercuries Sphere is from the earth▪ after Al∣bategnius) distant 166. semidiametres, but the lowest point in the same Orbe, is 56. semidiametres distant from the earth.

THe Moone being lowest of all the Planets, doth com∣passe about the whole Zodiack, in 27. dayes, 7. hours 43. minutes, and 7. seconds. She is lesser then the earth (after the iudgement of Ptholomie) by thrée hundreth nine times, and a vnity more then eight parts. For the triple proportion of the diametre of the earth vnto the moone, by deuiding aboue the fift parts, is euen the like, as 27. vnto 5. But lesser she is then the sun, by sixe thousand, fiue hun∣dreth, thirty and nine times. Copernicus (by his obserua∣tions) founde the earth greater then the Moone, by forty thrée times: lesse then an eight part: and of this, the sunne also is founde greater then the moone, by seauen thousand parts, lacking thréescore seconds. And the greatest distance of the new and full mòone from the earth: after the mind of Ptholomie, is 64. semidiametres, and 10. scruples: but after later obseruations, 65. semidiametres, and 30. scru∣ples. And the lowest to the earth, is 55. semidiametres, and 8. minutes.

THe Moone digressing from the Sun euery moneth, and taking or receiuing a newe light as it were, in that she (is changed, & taketh a new light of the sun) doeth after encrease by little and litle, conceiuing dayly a bigger forme and light, vntill shee come in right line against the sunne; at what time she shineth with full light: after retur∣ning againe vnto the sun, she waxeth olde by loosing of her light by little and little: and in the contrary maner cōmeth vnto the like formes of light, vntil she comming vnder the beames of the sun, bée quite out of sight. Also for that the moone hath a body, partly thin, partly thicke, solyde, and shadowed; therefore is she not equally filled round about with the beames of the sun, but that the same halfe of her Globe or body, which turned againe in heauen (that be∣holdeth the sun) is it which shineth, and the other halfe tur∣ned away from the suns light, is that which shineth not, but remaineth shadowed.

That Heauen hath a round fourme and to be carried circularly.

FIrst, heauen is equally distant roūd about from the earth, and of this is heauen perfect rounde, after the de∣finition of the Sphere. Which rea∣son is thus proued; that if heauen shoulde haue any other forme then perfect round, then of necessity must the stars change their distances frō the earth, what place vppon earth they shoulde purchase, as somewhere more, and some∣where lesse they shoulde bee distant; and the standing of them changed, should also alter their apparant bignesse, in that they should appeare greater being séene néere hande, and lesser, being séene far off. Yet neither of these happe∣neth, but that they cōtinually kéeping a sunder, are drawn about by vnchangeable spaces, and holding a like bignesse and distance, to all places of the earth.

That the stars about the quarters of the East or West, appeare sometimes greater, is not caused by reason of the shorter distance, but for that their beams in the vapours, which often times consist in the ayre betwéene the starres and our eie, are then broken; which breaking of them, cau∣seth the body of the star séene, to appeare much greater in the eie, then in déed it is.

[illustration]

[illustration]

That heauen is drawne circularly, is thus knowne; in that wée alwaies sée all the Stars, from the East into the West, to be drawne vpward, and that the hemisphere in our sight, is carried continually in distant cyrcles equi∣distant, neuer changing the standing or distance, one from another, neither in bignesse, as far as the iudgement of the eie can descerne, neither any whit lessoned. For they being drawue from the neather place (as from the earth) are ca∣ried by little and little. And after they be thus come vnto the highest of their iourney (as vnto the noon-stéede) they decline again by little and little, till they be brought down vnto the west quarter, and there set and hidden, vnder the earth: and these places and times, both of the risings and settings doe they repeate in certaine order. Therefore by these it appeareth, that they are drawne and carried by round.

By the second it is euident, that the Starres, which be néere the Pole Articke, are neuer hidden out of our sight, but are continually and vniformally drawn round about the Pole as the Centre: in such sort, that the stars neare to it make the lesser compasses, and the stars further off, doe define greater compasses. So that the starres fastened to their proper Orbs (as aforewritten) are cyrcularly caried. By which two motions of the stars, as well tending vnto the West, as otherwise; it plainly appeareth that heauen is drawn about and caried round.

A manifest demonstration appeareth of the former argu∣ment, by this figure here following.

[illustration]

That the Water and Earth are round Bo∣dies, and by a mutuall embracing doe make one Body, and one hollovv vpperface.

[illustration]

[illustration]

THat the earth is round, is thus pro¦ued. Wheras in euery vpper face, the length and breadth is conside∣red. The length of the vpper face of the earth, is from the West, into the East, or contrariwise. The bredth is from the South, into the North, or contrariwise. That the earth also to bee rounde, appeareth after length: in that the Sun, Moone, and Stars, doe nei∣ther arise, nor set at one instant time alike, to all persons dwelling in any parte of the earth. But doe much sooner appeare and shine to them dwelling vnto the East, and within a whiles after they shewe to them dwelling in the West.

By the second appeareth, that one and the like Eclipse

of the moone in diuers houres, is séen both in the East and West. For that which appeareth in the first houre of the night to them in the West, is séene to them in the East parte, in the second, thirde, or fourth houre, euen as they come nearer vnto the East: which would not be caused, if the night to both places should happen and bée at one mo∣ment, nor sooner woulde they appeare to them in the East part.

Againe, there bée certaine stars, which in their rising, doe appeare sooner to them in the East parts, then to them in the West, as Plinie writeth of Arbelis (being a towne in Asiria) where an Eclipse of the Moone was séene in the se∣cond houre of the night, which in Sicily, was séene in the first houre of the night. For the Assirians are more Ea∣sterly then the Sicilians, and therefore doeth the sun set soo∣ner with them, then with the Siciliaus. And when it was also the second houre of the night in Assiria, the Sun first set in Sicilia, about the first houre of the night. Moreouer the Pole of the world (acording to the diuersitie of places) is eleuated and depressed. So that the cause of the diuer∣sity of this appearance, is onely the swelling of the earth.

To be briefe, the beginnings and spaces of the dayes and nights, and that in diuers places of the earth do vary, and yet following in a maner, one order. But this varie∣ty could not happen, if the earth were not Sphericall, and all about equally rounde, herein excluding both vallies, and the toppes of hilles, which applied (vnto the body of the earth) cause no inequalitie or diuersity at all. For the swelling of the earth causeth, that the stars be not séene to∣gither in all countries, but drawne about by little and lit∣tle, by a certaine succession and order, that they so appeare sooner to them in the East part, then to them in the West, through the swelling as yet not aboue caried, which swel∣ling being high betwéene both, is a let and cause of the la∣ter appearing of them to the west: and by that meanes al∣so

kéepeth and hideth the stars the longer from their sight. So that by these it euidently appeareth, that the onely cause, is the swelling of the earth.

[illustration]

If the earth were fashioned with a déepe hollownesse, and compassed round about with a light inclosure, then should the stars risen, be soonest séene to them in the West partes, and much later appeare to them in the East. For that the higher inclosure to the hollownesse, as a wal built about, should be a let and hinderance to the sight of the be∣holders; in such sort, that those starres arising, it shoulde hinder their sight.

If the earth were formed with places standing in sharp piller forme, or in right line vp; then should the stars ap∣peare

set, and be hidden alike to those places, and no dif∣ferences of dayes should be caused, but that they shoulde haue one like day, and the sun also appearing to that fide, which they shewed: so that whiles the Sun runneth and compasseth about the backe parts, they should be without light of the sun, and should remaine al the time in shadow and darknesse. And if it should haue a Cubicke for me, then should they sée the sun sixe houres, and loose or be without light and sight of the sun, other eightéene houres.

If in round piller-wise, as if the howndes were playne vnto both the Poles, and the hollow partes should decline vnto the East and West, then should no stars continually appeare to them dwelling in the hollow: but that certaine stars should arise vp and set in the West, and other certain stars néere to both the Poles, should alwaies be hid.

To conclude, if the whole earth were framed with an equal playnesse throughout, then should the stars appeare at one moment to all countries; and setting againe, should hide the like out of sight: and by that meanes shoulde the dayes begin and end alike, and no differences shoulde bée obserued. To all such arguments, seing experience onely doth repugne or contrary them: It is therefore manifest, that the earth from the West towarde the East, riseth vp into an equall swelling.

If the earth also were plaine from the East vnto the West, then shoulde the starres arise so soone to them in the West, as to those of the East, which is a manifest error. Also, if the earth wéere playne, from the North vnto the South; and like from the South vnto the North: then the starres which were to some of a continuall appearance, should alwaies séene the fame and like, which way or in∣to what quarter soeuer a man goeth, which also is vntrue. But the cause which maketh the earth séene plaine, is through the ouer great quantity, which causeth it so to ap∣peare to euery mans sight.

But that the earth is round (according to latitude) the diuers eleuations of the Pole and stars (eyther alwaies in sight, or continually hidden) doth euidently declare.

For from the Equatour, in going forth easilie towardes the North, and that the Pole Articke be higher raysed, and the stars néere to the Pole raysed vp; then are the Stares right against like depressed, and as they were out of sight, and so much the more as they go further from the Equa∣toure: nor the Northerly stars neuer set, but continually drawne about (in sight) with heauen. But the contrarie happeneth, by going from the saide Cyrcle or Equatoure, vnto the contrary part. So that there is no greater cause of this diuersitie, than the swelling of the earth, which if the same shoulde bee plaine, the starres opposite or right a∣gainst (according to latitude about the Poles) shoulde of∣fer and appeare togither to all countries, which the swel∣ling of the earth hindreth to be séene.

An instrument, by which the round nesse of the Earth (according to la∣titude) may be proued, and all those may easily be shewed which are taught of the dayes Artificiall.

[illustration]

That the Water hath a like swelling, and runneth round.

THis by two reasons is prooued, the first is most certaine, by a mark or marks standing on the sea banke, like as a tower, stéeple, or such like erected of purpose, so that a shippe sayling into the déepe, and carried so far off, that no more of the sides or bottom can be descerned, sauing the top of the mast, which only ap∣peareth

to the sight. Or thus, that a marke stoode on the sea banke, and a ship passing forth of the hauen, sayling so far into the sea, that the eie of the beholder being néere the foote of the mast cannot decerne the marke (the ship in the meane time staying or standing still) so that his eie being in the top of the mast, shall perfectly sée that marke: but the others eie being néere the foote of the mast, shoulde ra∣ther better sée the marke, than he which is in the top of the mast, as may more euidently appeare, by lynes drawne from either place vnto the mark: so that the manifest cause of this, appeareth to bee none other, then the swelling of the water. But here are all other impediments excluded that may otherwise hinder; as mists, foggs, and such like vapours ascending. Also a like reason of the impediments of this aboue written, is, for that the water ariseth into a swelling, which hindreth the sight of the bottom or sides of the ship (that being in a high place doeth not hinder the sight of the same) as the top of the mast, which either excée∣deth or is equall with the swelling of the water. For men sayling on the mayne sea, sée nothing round about but the Sky and the Sea: but comming nearer the banks, do by litle and litle descry and sée, either high hilles or cliffes, as if they were rising forth of the water. Also to those that dwell on a high ground, the sun first ariseth, and last set∣teth. And to this agréeth, that out of the higher places, both more and further may bée séene into the sea, then in vallies or lower places. By all these therefore it is euident that the vpper face of the water swelleth, as by the exam∣ple following more plainly shall appeare: but an other ex∣ample of the same shall bée here rehearsed, by a similitude of one part as the whole. The similitude of which matter conceiue by this example, that experience dayly teacheth vs of the drops of water, which although they bée small, yet powred on drie wollen cloth, run into a round or bun∣ching forme; which without doubt shoulde not be caused,

if the part folowed not the nature of the whole of his kind. Now the example aboue promised doeth here appeare, in which by the letter A. is the shippe ment to come vnto the marke C. In which being in the poynte A. that is in the bothom of the shippe, cannot sée the marke standing in C. through the swelling of the water. But he which is in the top of the mast, as in the poynt B. without all impediment may sée the sayde marke. That the selfe same or like to it, may be on land, as from the point D. none excepte hée bée foolish or starcke mad will affirme the like.

[illustration]

By the second it is manifest that the water by nature is caried and runneth downewarde, and stideth or falleth from higher vnto lower places, so long, vntill it hath filled and bee euen with the earth, through the staying of high heapes of earth, hilles or such like mighty and high banks inclosing it about that it run no further, nor make no hol∣lownes in the middle of the earth, as a Center of the earth. Which therfore gathereth betwéene the empty places, so long, vntill it hath filled and be euen with the earth; and

that the whole togither, through the hollownesse thus made equall, doeth fashion and kéepe a round forme.

So that the earth, with the sea, and waters running a∣bout it, do make one round body, and fill all the whole vp∣per face: the earth also gaping and open somewhere, re∣ceiueth water into those hollow places, but a parte of the earth appearing somewhere aboue it, staying and inclo∣••••ng it about with strong inclosures and banks (wrought by diuine myracle) that the bare places of the earth, might be a commodious dwelling and féeding for all beastes, and other liuing creatures.

And y^• this is true, shall bée prooued by other two rea∣sons. The first, by sundry perygrinations, in which ma∣ny and most large parts of the earth are found toward all the quarters of the worlde, which euidently witnesseth, that the earth is not as Plinie and others writeth; which imagined that the earth is compassed about with water, and appearing so out of the water, like an Aple or Ball swimming aboue the water, whose one halfe sheweth out of the water, and the other halfe hid in the water. Which reason Ptholomie doeth not allowe, but simply affirmeth, that the earth with the sea and waters, make one round body, by filling of the empty places, and both to haue one vpper face. Also Vitruuius in his ninth booke writeth, that the earth is placed in the middle of the world, and is natu∣rally ioyned together with the sea in the place of the Cen∣ter. But what the forme of the earth is, aboue the waters, is yet not throughly knowne, by reason of the sea which runneth betwéene it in diuers partes, and breaketh it into sundry parts, like to gobbets or péeces.

Ptholomie affirmeth the earth to bée knowne, vnto the longitude of the halfe Cyrcle, that is 190. degrees, with∣out any running betwéene of the sea in that space; for that the earth is wholy ioyning together. But into latitude, he affirmeth the space to be much lesser, as 79. degrées, and

of this opinion, is both Strabo and Aristotle.

By the second it appeareth, that the water with the earth, doeth equally make one hollow vpper face, and the same to be perfect round; but whether is bigger, is great∣ly to be doubted: although the learned Nouius, and sundry other late writers, doe affirme the face of the earth to bee bigger then the water.

By the third (which is the Ecclipses) In that of nece∣sity the earth must haue such a forme with the waters run¦ning in it, as the shadowe of the earth frameth and coun∣terfeiteth in the Moones Ecclipses; in that the shadowe sheweth and expresseth the forme of the bodie shadowed. But the shadow of the earth to be included round aboute with a round vpper face, the wise both sée & know. There∣fore the whole Globe, compounded of the earth and wa∣ters, is comprehended with a round vpper face. For it is manifest, that the moone before and after the full, is séene horned, and the part shadowed of the whole cyrcle, is easi∣ly to be descerned from that bright circumference. So that the moone entring into shadow, or going out of the same, is likewise in the same maner horned: and the part dark∣ned, is alwaies descerned from the cleare circumference of the whole Cyrcle imbossed. Therefore of necessity must the beginning of the shadow, which seperateth the parte lighted, from the shadowed, not bée fully straite, nor vne∣qual, nor vallied or winding, but round: and for that cause appeareth the vpper face of the shadowe not to bée plaine, but round.

By these is also manifest, as by the first, that there is no difference betwéene the Centre of the earth, and Centre of the water: but that the one, is the Centre of both the Ele∣ments, ioyning togither into one round body, and tending vnto the one and the same Centre of the earth. For the earth (séeing it is the heauier) is opened, and receiueth the waters falling into those places.

By the second it is euidente, that the place of the water, which ought to run ouer and couer the whole earth, is o∣therwise chaunged and appoynted by the Diuine will, for the benefit of all liuing creatures.

By the thirde appeareth, that the opinion of certaine Peripateticans is false; which affirmeth the water to bee ten times greater then the earth; and that to one parte of the earth, is ten portions of the water increased. But sea∣uen times greater then the earth it cannot be, vnlesse the earth rounde about were wasted and impayred, by the Centre of the grauity (as it were setling and resting vpon) should yéelde, and giue place to the waters, as the heaui∣er. Seeing the Spheres are togither in a triple reason of their measures, then if the earth were an eight part, to se∣uen parts of the water, the diameter of it could not be the greater; as from the Centre of the waters vnto the cir∣cumference of them: that is, by double so much vnto the diameter of the water, as by this figure here vnder drawn appeareth: where this letter A. is the Center both of the earth and water, B. the Centre both of the magnitude and earth, G. A. D. the diametre of the waters, A. B. D. the diameter of the earth. If the waters are seuen times big∣ger then the earth, the diameter of them must néedes bée double so much vnto the diameter of the earth, as héere from G. D. vnto A. D. By which example thus drawne, the whole earth receiueth the Center of the waight, gy∣uing place to the waters, and all couered with waters; to which generall experience gainsayth and denieth, much∣lesse therefore can it be greater ten times. By which is to be concluded, that the water is but litle in quantity, in re∣spect of the earth, although it may séeme very bigge, being vp to the edges of the vpper face of the earth. And if the waters had béene more bigger then the earth, they had drowned or couered the whole earth, euen of late yeares.

[illustration]

That the earth employeth the middle place of the Worlde, and is the Center of the whole.

A Ristarchus Samius, which was 261 yeares, before the byrth of Christ, tooke the earth from the middle of the world, and placed it in a pecu∣liar Orbe, included within Mar∣ses and Venus Sphere, and to bee drawne aboute by peculiar moti∣ons, about the Sunne; which hée fayned to stande in the myddle of the worlde as vnmoueable, after the manner of the fixed stars. The like argument doth that learned Copernicus, apply vnto his demonstrations. But ouerpassing such rea∣sons, least by the newnesse of the arguments they may of∣fend or trouble young students in the Art: wee therefore (by true knowledge of the wise) doe attribute the middle seate of the world to the earth, and appoynte it the Center

of the whole, by which the risings, & settinges of the stars, the Equinoctials, the times of the increasing and decrea∣sing of the dayes, the shadowes, and Ecclipses are decla∣red.

The earth round about is equally distant from heauen: therefore, according to the definition of the Center, the earth is the Center of the world.

That the stars haue alwaies one bignes, in what place soeuer any shall beholde them: therefore are they in an e∣quall distance from the earth.

The roundnesse of the earthly globe, hath a proportion vnto the roundnesse of heauen; that is, the certaine and proportionall parts in the earthly Globe, doe answere to certaine proportionall partes of heauen: therefore is the earth the Center of the world.

In that siftéene Germaine miles on earth, doe answere to a degrée of the Meridian: and that in euery houre doe fiftéene degrées arise of the Equinoctiall; which coulde not be, if the earth were not in the middle of the world. For the vnequall Arks, should otherwise appeare in the equal times: and the equall partes of the Meridian, shoulde the vnequall spaces on earth answere: which experience day∣ly witnesseth vnto the contrary. And hereof it ensueth, that the earth stands in the middle of the world.

In euery Artificiall day, doe sixe signes appeare, and sixe like set vnder the earth: therefore is the earth in the middle of the worlde, and is also as a pricke, to which the halfe doth regularly moue dayly. The like is in the oppo∣sition of the Sunne and Moone, when either light is in the Horizont: which could not be, if the earth should approch or come néerer vnto one part, then vnto the other.

If it were néerer to eyther of the Poles, then could not the vniuersall Equinoctials bee: for that the one Arke al∣waies (either in the day and night time) should be greater then the other. The Eccclipses also coulde not bée in the

changes and full moones: For that there shoulde then bée vneuen spaces from the South vnto the North, and from the East vnto the West.

If the earth were not as the Center of the worlde, then of necessity shoulde these ensue, that the earth shoulde ap∣proch, either néerer to the East, or West, or South part: and when any of the starres (aswell the fixed as Planets) shall come vnto that part, they shall appeare nearer to vs, then being in any other part of heauen: and by that aboue saide, they shall also appeare greater: which is altogether vntrue, and we also sée the contrary in that (as aboue wri∣ten) they alwaies appeare of one greatnesse, eyther being in the East, or in the West. Also one halfe of heauen is al∣waies aboue the earth, and the other halfe vnder the earth: and this is not onely found and knowne in one quarter of the earth, but the like in euery place (as the Equinoctials do witnes) then which there can be no more euident tryal.

A third reason may bée alleadged, if any imagined the earth vpon the Center, to be parted into two equal halfes, and that the eie is placed in the Center: then shall the eie sée no more then the halfe of heauen. By which appea∣reth, that the swelling of the earth, from the Center vnto his compasse about, in making a comparison vnto heauen is as in a maner nothing.

And it is knowne to the learned in Astronomie, that a∣ny of the fixed starres, is by many times greater then the earth: which if any behold them, they appeare as poynts in heauen. Now how much lesser would the earth appear, if a man should behold it from his place.

Here learne by this demonstration following, that the earth standing without the Center, in the poynt B. being to the Meridiane, as is the poynte A. nearer; and when a star shall come vnto that poynte, then shall it bée nearer to the earth, and in the opposite poynt, as is I. shall bee from the same much further, than in any other place, and shall

euen there lesser appeare, which by experience, is quite contrary. Further graunt that C. D. be the thwart Hor∣rizont, yet the contrary, for the second reason, E. B. K. be∣ing the Equatour, which from the said Horrizont is deui∣ded into two vnequall parts, and by this consequent also must the Zodiacke bee deuided into two vnequall partes, from the said Horrizont: for that those two Cyrcles, (as hereafter shall bee taught) doe crosse one another into e∣quall parts.

[illustration]

Therefore when the sun, by his proper motion, carried from the East into the West, shall come vnto the crossings of the Equatour and Zodiacke, and that the greater part of these Cyrcles shall be vnder the earth, it cannot be that the Equinoctium or a like day and night, can bee through out the earth, no not vnder the right Sphere, much lesse can it be vnder the thwart Sphere.

IF this be vnpossible, it shall be also as vnpos∣sible, that sixe signes may alwaies bee aboue the earth, and the other sixe vnder the earth; but rather that more of the signes shall be vn∣der the earth, and more of them aboue: euen

as the earth is imagined to be deuided from the Horrizont aforesaid, into two equall parts; like as when it shall bée in the Center of the whole, and that from each Center of the greater Cyrcles, the earth is deuided into two partes. As all these (to any beholding the materiall Sphere) are forthwith knowne at the first sight: so by a third reason is to bee noted, that when any imagineth, by the lyne E. F. that the earth in the poynt G. standing as in the Center of the whole, is deuided by the middle, as well beeing in G. as H. for the excéeding distance from the Cyrcumference, is vnpossible to sée alwaies the halfe heauen.

If the Earth be not in the middle of the Worlde, then of necessitie shall it possesse some of these standings.

[illustration]

FIrst, the earth is placed without the Are trée of the world, yet in such sort, that it is equally distant from either Pole: that is, that the Equi∣noctiall may be in the plaine vpper face, as in the letter D. appeareth.

Secondly, that it is standing on the Exe-trée of the world, yet with∣out the playne vpper face of the E∣quinoctiall; that is, that it be néerer to eyther of the Poles, as in the poynt B. or G.

Thirdly, that it is neyther standing in the Exe-trée of the world, nor in the plaine of the Equinoctiall, as in the poynts, A. C. F. E.

The first standing béeing graunted, these absurdities shoulde then ensue, through the diuers placing, in diuers and sundry places of the playne Equatoure.

1 In the right Sphere, should neuer the Equinoctium (or a like day and night) be caused, in that the Horrizont shoulde neuer cut or part the Equinoctiall into two equall halfes.

2 In the thwart Sphere, shoulde no Equinoctiall bee, and somewhere againe should the Equinoctiall be, but not in the middle Parallell, betwéene the two Tropickes; that is, it should not happen the sun being in the Equinoctiall, but in an other lesser Parallell Cyrcle, being néerer to ey∣ther Tropicke poynt.

3 The time from the rising, vnto the Noone tide, shuld not be equall to the time from the Noone tyde vnto the set∣ting of the sun.

4 The magnitudes and spaces betwéen the fixed stars, both in the East and West, shoulde not be séene equall or a like.

In the second standing, if that the earth should bee pla∣ced

on the Exe-trée, and not in the myddle of the worlde, then should these absurdities ensue.

In euery Climate, the playne of the Horrizont shoulde cut heauen into two vnequall halfes, except those places hauing the right Sphere: yea, and the Zodiacke shoulde be deuided into two vnequall Arks, so that there should be somewhere more, and somewhere lesse then sixe signes of the Zodiacke séene aboue the Horrizont, which is contra∣ry to all experience.

[illustration]

2 The Equinoctiall shadowes, both of the rising and set∣ting of the sun, shuld not agrée, in such sort that they might fall in right line. Neither the shadowe of the rising of the sun in the Solstitial or longest day, should make or stretch in right lyne, with the shadowe of the suns setting, in the Brumall or shortest day, et econuerso

In the third standing, if neyther it should be on the Exe∣trée of the worlde standing, nor in the plaine of the Equa∣tour; then should the same absurdities ensue, which are vt∣tered in the two former.

To conclude, wheresoeuer the earth is generally placed without the myddle of the world, there is the reason of the dayes equal increasing & decreasing in the thwart Sphere confounded, and there shall eyther no Equinoctials at all

bee caused, when the sunne occupieth the myddle way be∣twéene either Tropicke. Nor the Moone alwaies shadow the suns light, although she commeth right against the bo∣die of the sun. And the earth not standing in the myddle of the world, shall not shed or stretch his shadow to the moon. So that all these absurdities and vaine argumentes doe grant, that the earth cannot bee in any other place, then standing in the middle of the world.

That the Earth abideth fixed and vnmoueable, in the myddle of the world.

THat neyther the earth, in right nor Cyrculare motion is drawn about the Exe tree of the world, nor about any other Exe-trée, but to rest and stay in the myddle of the worlde; both holy scriptures confirme, and Phisicke reasons prooue. For the Psalme sayth, which stablished the earth vpon his foundation, that it shall neuer bee moued. And Ecclesiastes in the first chap∣ter sayth: that the earth standeth for euer, and the sun both riseth, setteth, and goeth about vnto the place where he a∣rose. Also that the sun is drawne about, the Psalme doth manifestly witnesse, where it is saide: that for the sun, hée hath placed a Tabernacle in them, and he, as a Bride∣groome going forth of his chamber, doth reioyce as a Gy∣ant to runne his course, which goeth forth from the vtter∣most bound of heauen, and returneth about vnto the ende of it againe. Also it is knowne and numbred among my∣racles; that God would haue the sun to continue.

The Phisicke reasons are these.

THat of one simple body, is onely one simple motion. That the earth is a simple bodie: therefore therevnto agréeth but one simple motion.

But of the simple motions, I haue before taught, that the one is in right maner, and the other in Cyrculare forme. That the right motion sée∣keth downwards vnto the myddle, whether being caried, they settle and rest. Therefore is the motion of the earth not cyrculare about.

By the second appeareth, that euerie graue or heauie matter by nature, is thrugh his waight caried after a most straite lyne vnto the Center, and both fetleth, stayeth, and resteth at the same; where it neither falleth, or is caried a∣ny further. So that all graue matters, as the parts of the earth, and those which consist of the earth, are sent or cari∣ed by a most straight leading vnto the earth, and at his vp∣per face shall stay and rest. And weare it not that they are staied through the fastnesse of the earth, they should so long be caried downwardes, vntill they came vnto the Center. Also the earth through his fastnesse, receyueth and beareth all thinges falling on it. Therefore doeth the earth much more (beeing within the Center) stay and rest fixed and vnmoueable, bearing all other heauie things falling on it, séeing the earth is heauiest of all others.

By the third it is euident, that if the earth shoulde bee moued or caried, it should of necessity be either drawne in right, or cyrculare motion. If it should be caried in a right maner (séeing it is the heauiest of all others) it shoulde by his swiftnes moue and goe before all other heauie things, and shoulde leaue behinde the liuing creatures, and other things fastned to it, and shoulde also leaue them hanging

behinde in the Ayre.

If the earth should be drawne about by a cyrculare mo∣tion, & should in a daies turne (at the least) be caried about the Exe-trée, from the West into the East, as either alone or with the first Orbe: then euery day, should many most disordred things, and contrary to experience happen. For it shoulde bée a most spéedy motion, and swiftnesse insepe∣rable, which should draw cyrcularly all the whole earthly body rounde about in 24. houres. And therefore that the earth is caried with so swifte motion, shoulde not onely o∣uerthrowe buildinges, but high hilles, and greatly shake and harme all thinges fastned and growing on the earth: yea all liuing beasts, and other creatures dwelling on the face of the earth, shoulde bee likewise shaken and harmed. Also the cloudes, foules, and whatsoeuer liueth and han∣geth in the Ayre, should bée caried and lefte behinde at the setting in the West. For by the swift turning about of the earth should all things be ouer turned, and left behind by a greate and long space; if by such a swiftnesse, the earth should be turned about the Exe-trée of the world. Or if by the motion of the earth, the ayre, and all things hanging in the ayre, should be drawne with a like swiftnesse; then should they appeare to stay, or not to be moued at all. And further, if a stone or any waighty thing cast vpward shuld not light againe downe right on the same place: as may be séene in a shippe, at sayling. So that to all these, doeth euident experience deny, that by no motion, the earth is a∣ny thing moued, dut continually stayeth and abideth.

By the fourth it is manifest, that in the motion and tur¦ning about of the Cyrcle, the Center abideth vnmoueable: which is the earth, placed in the myddle of the world, and is as the Center of the worlde. Therefore is the Earth knowne to be vnmoueable.

That the Earth compared vnto Heauen, is as a poynt.

ALthough to the vnskillfull in this Arte, the magnitude and largenes of the earth séemeth to be of an excéeding greatnesse, that no bond or ende can be decerned with the eie; nor any hauing trauailed into farre countries, could hytherto finde any bounds of the same: yet the greatnesse of the earth compared vnto the mighty largenesse of hea∣uen is accompted but a pricke; as the Geomitricall rules declare.

The earth also is a very small thing, in respect of hea∣uen: yea so litle in comparison, as a pepper corne, or seede of Colliander, vnto a Cyrcle of a thowsande paces com∣passe.

For if the earth compared to the firmament, were of a∣ny sensible greatnesse, a man shoulde not sée the halfe of heauen, nor the halfe Cyrcle of the Equinoctiall or Zodi∣acke. And howe much greater the earth shoulde be, by so much the lesser should a man sée the halfe of heauen. But the contrary is knowne, in that on any plaine of the earth or vpper face of the sea, a man alwaies séeth the halfe Sphere of heauen, the other halfe (in the meane time) re∣mayning hid: and of this the halfe dyameter of the earth is so small, vnto the distance of the firmament, that it may take away nothing in a maner of the halfe Sphere, extant to the eye.

Besides these, if the earth should be imagined to be pla∣ced in any of the Orbes of heauen, it woulde appeare but small in respect of them: for being imagined in the Moones Orb; the earth should appeare thrice as great as the moon is decerned from thence, and somewhat bigger. And from the suns Orbe, the earth should be decerned twice so large

as Venus doth here appeare to vs. And if in Marses Sphere you would say that the earth is equall to a small star; But from the firmament, Saturns Sphere, or Iupiters (if a man could decerne it) the earth shoulde appeare so small, that a man would be abashed at the sight of it.

And here an ignorant man, might greatly wonder, that so small a body, yea rather a pricke (as it is accounted of the learned) should containe in it so many Realmes, Pro∣uinces, Citties, Towns, Flouds, Mountaines, Woods, Ualleyes, Seas, Riuers, Lakes, and many other greate matters, ouer long to be written.

That the earth also is as a Pricke, is declared by sun∣dry reasons following.

By the first, that round about the earth, the magnituds and distances of the stars, in their times, are decerned and séene euery where equall and alike.

By the second, that the Gnomons or dyall shadowes, and the Centers of the Sphericall borderes or Cyrcles, placed in any part of the earth, do somuch auaile, and kéep the considerations and guydings about of shadowes, so re∣gularly, and agréeing to the rule and matter, as if those (in very déede) shoulde bee placed in the myddle poynte of the earth.

By the third, that the Horizont doeth euery where de∣uide the whole heauen into two equall halues. For that in euery moment, doe sixe signes of the Zodiacke appeare a∣boue the Horizont, and in the night time being a fayre sky are they to bée séene with the eye, and so many (at that in. stant) hid within the Horizont: so that by a cōtinuall draw¦ing about of heauen doe sixe signes appeare, and as many right against those sixe, set vnder the earth. If the magni∣tude of the earth shoulde bée of any light portion vnto hea∣uen, then so much of the Center (the vpper face drawne a∣boute) shoulde parte or deuide heauen into equall halfe Spheres.

[illustration]

The other Spheres reatching from any part of the vp∣per face, shoulde deuide the same into vnequall portions. Neither halfe the Zodiacke should alwaies appeare, but a portion, much lesser than halfe the Zodiack should be séen aboue the earth, so that the greater parte of the earth, through the folydnesse excluded and hidden, should not af∣ter be séene.

By the fourth, the Equinoctiall shadowes, both of the rising and setting of the sun, doe make a right line, euen as if they should be streached out and lie on the plaine, caried by the Center of the earth. So that all these should not be caused, if the magnitude of the earth in respect of heauen, should be of a sensible, or of any portion to it. To conclude, Ptholomie vseth alwaies the body of the earth for the Cen∣ter of the worlde, not deuiding the vpper face from that which is not in sight of the earth.

Certaine affirme, that one degrée of the greatest Cyrcle in heauen contayneth 57051. common Germaine miles. Of which one degrée of any earthly Cyrcle in the vpper face of the earth, doeth amount to 15. Germayne myles. And that one minute of the celestiall degrée, expresseth, 9509. Germayne miles, which (if this bée true) and cer∣tainly knowne, then is it not vainely thought and gessed, that the earth is as a Pricke, in respect of heauen.

To finde the compasse of the Earth, and by it the Dyameter.

THe whole compasse of the earth, ac∣cording to Ambrosius, Theodosius, Macrobius, and Eratostenes, doth contayne 5400. Germaine myles, and the dyameter of the same, doth contayne 1718 4/22. Germayne miles.

But the authority of Eratoste∣nes (after the minde of Plinie) is more to bee regarded, then the other thrée Philosophers, which prooueth by demonstration and reasons, that the compasse of the whole earth is, 252000. furlongs.

Yet Hipparchus finding faulte at Eratostenes, doeth af∣firme the compasse of the earth, to be of 277000. furlongs. And a furlong is here (after the agréement of the Geome∣tricians) of a hundreth, twenty, and fiue paces.

And this sentence is not here mente, that there is any ambiguity or vncertainty in this reason: but that the one affirmed lesser, and the other more furlongs. For after E∣ratostenes, doe 700. furlongs answere to one degrée: but after Hipparchus, 774. furlongs answere to a degrée. So that there is no other diuersity in the matter, but onely the number.

Ptholomie that was after Eratostenes, attributed seuen hundred fifty furlongs of the earthly merydiane, to one de¦grée of the celestial meridiane. So that by all these appea∣reth, that the magnitude of the earth is as yet vnfounde out, through the difficultie of measuring. And this whole compasse is not onely ment of the earth, but of the earth and water ioyntly togither, both which are saide to make one Sphere.

Also Eratostenes gathereth the compasse of all the earth∣ly Orbe, by the proportion of the perticular, or the degree of the celestiall Cyrcle, vnto the like space on earth. For he affirmeth, that to one degrée of the celestiall Equatour, answere 700. furlongs, or 15. Germayne myles, but Pto∣lomie attributeth to a degrée, 500. furlongs.

Which is thus to be vnderstoode, that a Cyrcle be ima∣gined on earth, directly vnder the Equinoctiall or Mery∣dian lyne, deuiding the earth into twoe halfes: and that this Cyrcle be likewise deuided into 360. parts or degrées as the celestiall Cyrcles are.

And ech of these parts doth like vnto the celestial parts, containe 700. furlonges, or 15. Germaine myles. This nowe being tryed and found, what the whole Summe ey∣ther of the furlongs, or myles of the whole cyrcumference of the earth, which contayneth 360. parts or degrées: you shall easily finde and knowe the same by this maner. Mul∣tiply the whole compasse of the earth; that is, the 368. de∣grées, by the 700. furlongs, or fiftéene Germayne myles, and the whole compasse shal either appeare to be 252000. furlongs, or 5400. Germayne myles.

This whole compasse of the earth, deuide by 22. and the number comming thereof, shall bee the 22. part of the compasse of it; that is, 11454 12/22. furlongs, or 254 ••0/22. Ger∣mayne myles.

And abate this 22. part, from the whole Summe of the circumference, and the number in furlongs shall remaine and be 240545 10/22. and in GErmayne miles 5154 1••/22.

And if any of these sums be deuided a part by 3. it shal be found in furlongs to be 80181. a halfe, and a third part, or 3/2. 10/66. And in Germaine myles 1718 4/22. that is; the dya∣meter of the earth, aswell in the furlonges, as Germayne miles.

And Archimedes by sundry labours, and witty inuenti∣ons, and by Geometrical practise, hath found, that the like

proportion is of the Circumference of the whole Cyrcle vn to the diameter of the same, as is 22. vnto 7. that is, the diameter thrice, with a seauenth part and a halfe.

But whensoeuer any man will (by the cyrcumference of the Cyrcle) gather and finde his diameter, worke the numbers thus, as this example teacheth. First, set down 22. at the left hand, toward the right hand 7. and the cyr∣cumference betwéen those two numbers, 22. 5400. 7. Af∣ter multiply the first by the second, that is, 7. by 5400. the number increased, which is, 47800. deuide by the thirde, that is, 22. and you shall finde in the quotient, 1718 4/22. Germayne myles.

Or thus in furlongs, the number being set downe alike 22. 252000. 7. then multiplie the first by the second, as 7. by 25200. and the increase shall be 1764000. after the increased number: deuide by the third, as by 22. and the diameter shall be, 80181 18/22.

If any couet to finde the vpper face of the earth, by the dyameter, and cyrcumference known, worke one into the other, and you shal haue that you séeke. But if you desire to knowe the thicknesse of the earth, then ioyne the super∣ficiall solydenes of the Sphere, vnto the sixt part of the di∣ameter, and you shall obtaine your desire.

[illustration]