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CHAP. III.
DEMOCRITVS also the most subtlest amongst all the ancient Phi∣losophers saith,* 1.1 that he suspecteth that there are diuers starres that runne, but neyther hath he set downe their number, nor their names, for as yet had he not comprehended the courses of the fiue Planets. Endoxus was the first that brought the doctrine of these motions out of Egypt into Greece, yet speakes he nothing of Comets; whereby it appeareth that this part had not beene sufficiently laboured and sought into by the Egyptians, who had been the most curious obseruers of the heauens. After him Conon a diligent enquirer after these things, likewise gathe∣red that these eclipses of the Sunne were obserued by the Egyptians: yet made he no mention of Comets, which he would not haue forgotten, if they had any waies made mention or giuen knowledge of them. Two onely amongst the Caldees, who are reported to haue studied this science, Epigenes and Apollonius Myndius a most cunning obseruer of the works of nature, differ amongst them∣selues: for the one saith that Comets by the Caldees are put amongst the num∣ber of wandering starres, and that their courses are well knowne. But Epigenes contrariwise saith that the Caldees haue no assured knowledge of Comets, but that in their iudgements they are kindled by some storme that is agitated and stirred in the ayre.