A learned treatise of globes, both cœlestiall and terrestriall with their several uses / written first in Latine, by Mr. Robert Hues, and by him so published ; afterward illustrated with notes by Jo. Isa. Pontanus ; and now lastly made English ... by John Chilmead ...

CHAP II. Of the Circles which are described upon the Super∣ficies of th•…•… Globe.

ANd now in the next place we will shew wh•…•… Circles are described up∣on the Globe it selfe. And first of all there is d•…•…awn a circle, in an e∣quall distance from both the Poles, that is 90. degrees, which is called the AEquinoctiall, or AEquator; because that when the Su•…•… is in this Circle, dayes and nights are of equal length in all places. By the r•…•…volution of this Circle is defended a Naturall day, which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 For a day is 〈◊〉〈◊〉; Naturall and Artificiall. A Naturall day is defined to be the space of time, wher•…•… in the whole AEquator makes a full reuolution▪ and this is done in 24. hours. An Artific•…•…all day is the space, wherein the Sun is passi•…•…g thorough our upper Hemi∣sphaere: to which is opposed the Artificiall night, while th•…•… Sun is carried about in the lower Hemisphaere. So that an Artificiall day and night are comprehen•…•…ed within a Natu∣rall day.

The Parts of a dav are called houres; which are either Equall or Vnequall. An Equall houre is the 24. part of a Naturall day, in which space, 15. d•…•…grees of the AEquator do always rise, and as m•…•…ny are depre•…•…ied on the oppo∣site part. An Vnequall hour is the 12. part of

an Artificial day, betw•…•…xt the •…•…ime of the Suns rising and setting again. Th•…•…se hours are a∣gaine divided into Minutes. Now a Minute is the 60. part of an hour▪ in which space of time, a quarter of a degree in the AEquator, that is, 15. minutes do •…•…ise, and a•…•… many set.

PONT. The use of the AEqu•…•…tor consists chiefly in these things. First, it sheweth the time of the AEquinoxes, which are alwayes when the Sun falies upon the AEquinoctiall circle. And this is, when as the Sun enters into the first degree of Aries and Libra: according to that of Manil•…•…us.

Libra Ariesque parem reddunt noctemque diemque

In English thus.

The Sun in Libra, and Aries plac'd, each yeare:

The day and night are equall every where.

Secondly •…•…he AEquator divides the Heauens into two equall parts, or Hemisphaeres. whereof one is called the Septeutrionall or Northern Hemi∣sphaere: the other, the Meridionall or Southerne. Thirdly, it sheweth the ascension and descension of the parts of the Zodiack: whence the length of the Artificiall day and night, for any position of Sphaere, may be known. Fou•…•…thly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shewes what Starrs, and parts of the Eclipticke have any Declination.

The AEquator is crossed, or cut in two oppo∣site points, by an oblique Circle, which is cal∣led the Zodiack. The obliquity of this Circle is said to have been first observed by Anaximan∣der Milesius, in the 58. Olympiad. as Pliny writeth in hi•…•… lib. 2. Cap. 8▪ who also in the

same place affi•…•…mes, that it was first divided in∣to 12 parts, which they call Signes, by Cleo∣stretus Tenedius, in like manner as we see it at this day. Each of these Signes is again subdi∣vided into 30. parts: so that the whole Zodi∣ack is divided, in all, into 360. parts, like as the orher circles are. The first twelfth part where∣of, beginning at the Vernal Intersection, when the AEquator and Zodiack crosse each other, it assigned to Aries, the second to Taurus, &c. reckoning from West to East. But here a young beginner in Astronomy may justly doubt, what is the reason, that the first 30. degrees or 12, part of the Zodiack is attributed to Aries, whereas the first Star of Aries falls short of the Intersection of the AEquinoctiall and Zodiack no lesse then 27. degrees, The reason of this is, because that in the time of the Ancient Greekes, who first of all observed the places and situation of the fixed Starrs, and expressed the same by Asterismes and constellations, the first Star of Aries was then a very smal space distant from the very Intersection. For in Thales Milesius his time, it was two degrees before the Inter∣section: in the time of Meton the Athenian it was in the very Intersection: in Timocharis his time it came two degrees after the Intersection. And so by reason of it's vicinity, the Ancients assigned the first part of the Zodiack to Aries, the second to Tauru•…•…; and so the rest in their order: as it is observed by succeeding ages, euen to this very day.

PONT. Thales Milesius was the first that calculated the time of the AEquinoxe and Eclipses: and he flourished about the yeares of the Creation, 3370. which was about 634. yeares before Christ, Meton lived about 431 yeares before Christ, in the yeare of the Creation, 3517. He was the Son of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and was a man of excellent knowledg in Astronomy. He also first invented the Moones Circle of 19: yeares: whose first new Moon fell upon the 13 day of the month Scriophorion, which is the same with our 16 of June, being on a Fri∣day. Vid D•…•…dorum Siculum. Censorinus writes of him thus. Praeterea sunt &c. There are (saith he (besides, many other great yeares: as the Metonicall yeare which Meton the Athenian in∣vented and consisted of 19. common yeares &c. Timochares was by nation an Alexandrian, and he lived 300 yeares before Christ.

Vnder this Circle, the Sun and the rest of the Plane•…•…s finished their severall courses and periods, in their severall manner and time. The Sun keepes his course in the midedst of the Zodiaque, and therewi•…•…h describeth the Eclip∣tick circle. But the rest h•…•…ve all of them their latitude and deviations •…•…rom the Suns course, or Ecliptick. By reaso of which their digres∣sions and extravagations, the ancients as∣signed the Zodiaque 12. Degrees of Latitude. But our moderen Astronomers, by reason of the Evagations of Mars, and Venus, have ad∣ded on each side two degrees more: so that the whole latitude of the Zodiaque is confined

within 16. degrees. But the Ecliptick onely is described on the Globe, and is divided, in like manner as the other circles, into 360. de∣grees.

PONT. The whole latitude of the Zodiaqu•…•… is divided into two parts by the Ecliptick, which is the circle, or Circumference under which the Sun steeres his course continually. whence it is called in Latine, Via Solis, & Orbita Solis, the Sun•…•… high way. And in G•…•…eek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Circle divideing the Zodiack in the middest. And it is called the Ecliptick, be∣cause the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon ne∣ver haeppen, but when they are either in conjun∣ction or opposition under this line, or very near the same.

The Sun runneth thorough this Circle in his yearly motion, finishing every day in the yeare almost a degree by his Meane motion, that is 59. minutes, 8. seconds. And in this space, he twice cro•…•…seth the AEquator; in two points equally distant from each other. So that when he passeth over the AEquator, at the beginnings of Aries and Libra, the dayes and nights are then of equall length. And so like∣wise when the Sun is now, at the farthest distance from the AEquator, and is gotten to the begining of Cancer, or Capricorne, hee then causeth the Winter and Summer So Istice•…•…. I am not ignorant, that Vitruvius, Pliny, Thco•…•… Alexandrinus, Censorinus, and Columolla are of another opinion; (but they are upon an∣other ground,) when as they say, that the

AEquinoxes are, when as the Sun passeth through the eighth degree of Aries and Libra, and then it was the midst of Summer and win∣ter, when the Sun entered into the same degree of Cancer end Capricorne. But all these Authors defined the Solstices by the returning of the shadow of Dials: which shadow cannot bee perceived to return back again, as Theon saith, till the Sun is entered into the eighth degree of Libra and A•…•…ies.

PONT. The office and use of the Zodiack is. Fi•…•…st, in that, it is a rule or measure of the proper motion of the Planets. Secondly, By the helpe of the Zodiack the true place, of all the Starrs are sound: besides it may be knowne in what signe any fixed Starr or Planet may be said to be. Thirdly, It sheweth the Latitude of the Planets and fixed Starrs, Fourthly, All Eclip∣ses happen when the Sun and Moon are under the Ecliptique. Fifthly, The obliquity of the Eclip∣tique is the cause of the inequality of the artificial dayes and nights.

The space wherein the Sun is finishing his course through the Zodiack, is defined •…•…o be a Yeare, which consists of 365. dayes, and almost 6. hours. But they that thinke to find the exact measure of this period, will find themselves frustrate: for it is finished in an un∣equall time. It hath been alwayes a contro∣versie very much agitated among the Ancien•…•… Astronomers, and not yet determined. Philo∣laus a Pythagoraean determines it to bee 365. d•…•…yes: but all the rest have added something

more to this number. Harpalus would have it to be 369. dayes and a halfe: Democritus 365. dayes and a quarter, adding besides the 164 parts of a day. Oenopides would have it to be 365. dayes and almost 9. hours. Meton the Athenian determineth it to be 365. dayes 6. hours, and almost 19. minutes. After him Calipius reduced it to 365. dayes and 6. hours, which account of his was followed by Aristarchus of Samos, and Archimedes. of Syra∣cusa. And according to this determination of theirs, Julius Caesar defined the measure of his Civile yeare, having first consulted (as the report goes) which one Sosigines a Peripatetick, and a great Mathematician. But all these, •…•…x∣cept Philolaus, (who came short of the just measure) assigned too much to the quantity of a yeare. For that it is somewhat less then 365. dayes, 6. houres, is a truth, confirmed by the most accurate observations of all times, and the skilfullest Artists in Astronomicall affaires. But how much this space exceedeth the just quantity of a yeare, is not so easie a matter to determine. Hipparchus, and after him Ptolomy would have the 300. part of a day substracted from this measure: (for Jacobus Christmannus was mistaken, when he affirmed, that a Tropi∣call 〈◊〉〈◊〉, according to the opinion of Hip∣parchus and Ptolomy, did consist of 365. dayes, and the 300 part of a day) For they doe not say so, but that the just quantity of a yeare is 365. dayes, and 6. hours abating the 300. part of a day: as may be plainly gathered out

of Ptolomy, Almagest. lib. 3. Cap. 2. and a•…•… Christmannus himselfe hath else where rightly observed. Now Ptolomy would have this to be the just quantity of a yeare perpetually and im∣mutably: neither would he be perswaded to the contrary, notwithstanding the observati∣•…•…s of Hipparchus, conc•…•…ning the inequality of the Suns periodiacall revolution. But yet the observations of succeeding times, compared with those of Hipparchus, and Ptolomy, do•…•… evince the contrary. The Indians and Jewes substract the 110. parte of a day: Albategnius the 600. part: the Persians the 115. part: ac∣cording to whose account Messahalah and Al∣bumasar wrote the tables of the Mean moti∣on of the Sun. Azaphius, Avarius, and Ar∣zachel affirmed that the quantity assigned was too mcch, by the 126. parte of a day. Al∣phonsus abateth the 122. part of a day: some o∣thers, the 128. and some the 130. part of a day. Those that were lately imployed in the resti∣tution of the Romane Calendar, would have almost the 133. part of 1. day to be substracted, which they conceived in 400. yeares, would come to three whole dayes. But Copernicus observes that this quantity fell short, by the 115. part of a day. Most true therefore was that conclusion of Censorinus, that a year con∣sisted of 365. dayes, and I know not what certain portion, not yet discovered by Astro∣logers.

By these divers opinions here alledged, is manifestly discovered the error of Dion, which

is indeed a very ridiculous one. For he had a conceit that in the space of 1461. Julian yeares, there would be wanting a whole day for the just measure of a yeare; which hee would have to bee intercaled, and so the Ci∣vile Julian yeare would accurately agree with the revolution of the Sun. And Galen also, the Prince of Physitians, was grossely decei∣ved, when he thought that the yeares consisted of 365, dayes, 6. hours, and besides almost the 100. part of a day: so that at every hundred yeares end there must be a new intercalation of a whole day.

Now because the Julian yeare, (which was instituted by Julius Caesar, and afterward re∣ceived, and is still in 〈◊〉〈◊〉) was somewhat long∣er then it ought to have been: hen•…•…e it is that the AEquinoxes and Solstices have gotten before their ancient situation in the Calen∣dar. For about 432. yeares before the inca•…•…∣nation of our Saviour Christ, the Vernall AE∣quinoxe was obserued by Meton and Euct•…•…∣mon, to fall on the eighth of the Kalends of A∣prill, which is the 25. of March, according to the computation of the Julian yeare. In the year 146. besore Christ it appeares by the observa∣tions of Hipparchus, that it is to be placed on the 24. of the same month, that is the 9. of the Kalends of Aprill. So that from hence we may observe the error of Sosigenes (notwithstand∣ing he was a great Mathematician) in that above 100. yeares after Hipparchus, in institut∣ing the Julian Calendar, he assigned the E∣quinox•…•…

to be on the 25. of March, or the eight, o•…•… th•…•… Kalends of Aprill, which is the place it ought to have had almost 400. yeares before his time, This error of Sosigenes was derived to succeeding ages also: in so much that in Gal∣lens time, which was almost 200. yeares after Julius Caesar, the AEquinoxes were wont to be placed on the 24. day of March and September: as Theodorus Gaza reports. In the yeare of our Saviours Incarnation, it happened on the 10. of the Kalend•…•… of Aprill, or the 23, of March. And 140. yeares after, Ptolomy obserued it to fall on the 11. of the Kalends. And in the time of the Councill of Nice, about the yeare of our Lord 328. it was found to be on the 21. of March, or the 12. of the Calends of Aprill In the yeare 831. Thebit Ben Chorah observed the Vernal AEquinoxe to fall on the 17. day of March: in Alfraganus his time it came to the 16. of March. Arzachel a Spaniard in the year 1090. observed to fall on the Ides of March, that is the 15. day. In the year 1316. it was obserued to be on the 13. day of March. And in in our time. it is come to •…•…he 11. and 10. of the same month. So that in •…•…he space of 1020. yea•…•…s. or thereabout, the AEquinoctiall points are gotten forward no lesse then 14. dayes. The time of the Solstice also about 388. yeares be∣fore Christ, was observed by Meton and Eucte∣mon to fall •…•…pon the 18. dav of June: as Joseph Scaliger, and Jacobus Christmannus have obser∣ved. But the same in our time, is found to be on the 12. of the same month.

The Ecliptick and AEquator are crossed by two great circles also, which are call'd Colures both which are drawn through the Poles o•…•… the world, and cut the AEquator at •…•…ght An∣gles. The one of them passing thorough the pointes of both the Intersections; and is cal∣led the Equinoctiall Colure: The other passing through the points of the greatest distance of the Zodiack from the AEquator is therefore called the Solsticiall Colure.

PONT. The office of the Colures in general is. First to show the foure principall points of the Zodiack, in which, by reason of the motion of the Sun, there are caused the great changes of the Sea∣sons of the year. Of which points, two are in the AE∣quator, at Aries and Libra, determining the place of the AEquinoctial Colure: and Capricorn, which constitute the Solsticiall Colure. Secondly, To distinguish the AEquator Zodiack and the whole Sphaere of the Heavens into foure equall parts. The use of which is principally seen in examining the ascensions of the Signes. These Colures differ from each other, in that the Solsticiall Colure passeth through the Poles of the world, and also of the Zo∣diack: but the AEquinoctiall Colure passeth through the Poles of the world only.

Now that both the Colures, as also the AE∣quinoctiall points have left the places, where they were anciently sound to bee in the hea∣vens, is a matter agreed upon, by all those that have applyed themselves to the observa∣tions

of the Coelestiall motions: onely the doubt is, whether fixed Starrs have gone for∣ward unto the proceeding Signes, as Ptolomy would have it: or else whether the AEquino∣ctiall and Solsticiall points have gone back∣ward to the subsequent Signes, according to the Series of the Zodiack, as Copernicus opini∣on is.

PONT. What the opinion of Joseph Scaliger was, concerning the procession of AEquinoctial points thus diversly thought on by Ptolomy and Co∣pernicus, you have expressed in an epistle of his •…•…o Isaac Casaubon, there having been not long be∣fore a disputation holden concerning some certain Mathematicall question, at the intreaty of some of the chiefest of the States of the Low Countries; among which number Scaliger was chosen also, as an Arbitrator: which Epistle of his, was after∣wards Printed, amongst some other of his Epistles at Paris. What the Illustrious Tycho also thought concerning this point, you have in his Progym∣•…•…asmata Instaur. Astron. p. 255. But I will first set down Scaliger's opinion: and afterward adde Tychoe's, and some others also. Scaliger speakes thus.

Alterae literaetuae, &c. I received (saith he) •…•…eur second letters, the next day aster your former. In which you make mention of one that undertakes •…•…o discourse of the Magneticall direction of the Needle. Many indeed have endeavoured in this matter, and doc daily endeavour, being thereto incouraged by the rewards proposed by the Illustri∣ous States. To whose hands some have de∣livered

up their opinions in writing: and Arbi∣trators forthwith have been called about it. O•…•… which number, it was my chance to bee chosen f•…•… one: there being indeed amongst them many ex∣cellent, both Mathematicians and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 But those that professed the Mathematicks, were altogether unexperienced in Nauticall affaires: an•…•… the Navigators were as ignorant of Astronom•…•…∣call. Besides these Authors of whom wee were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 passe our judgments, performed nothing worth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great expectation. Neither hath that English∣man, who wrote a Book three yeares since, of the Magnet, produced anything answereable to th•…•… great opinion was raised of it. I my selfe hav•…•… often proposed, to these Mathematicians that pro∣fesse in this place, a thing which it seemes can ne∣ver sinke into their heads: insomuch that they entertained it with scorne and laughter. Hippar∣chus was the first that brought in that merry con∣ceit of the eight sphaeres moveing toward th•…•… East: and so perswaded Ptolomy, that the fix•…•…d Stars in the eighth sphaere moved all in the same order, situation, and distance from each other, to∣ward the East. Which Ptolomy so confirmed, that it had been a hainous matter for posterity to have doubted of the same. And first of all within the memory of our Fathers, Nicolaus Copernicus, that great restorer of Astronomy, perceived the weaknesse of this conceit of Hip∣parchus: and withall observed, that the eight Sphaere did not move toward the East, but that the AEquinoctiall points went forward in•…•…o the pre∣cedent Signes: and this he calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

But this observation of his, hee onely nakedly proposed, without any demonstration at all. But I have observed, that the Starrs have not (as Hipparchus and Ptolomy dreame) gone on to the subsequent parts: and that the Cynosure, or Polar Star was at the same distanoe from Pole in Eudoxus his time, as it is at this day. For proof of which assertion I have collected ma∣ny instances. which being granted, the procession of the AEquinoctiall point must necessarily fol∣low. For one of these two must needes be granted; to wit, either of the motion of the eighth Sphaere to∣ward the east, or else the progresse of the AEqui∣noctiall points into the precedent Signes. Now that the first is not to be admitted appeares mani∣festly, because that the fixed Starrs have not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all •…•…hanged their situation in respect of the Pol•…•…, since Eudoxus his time. Therefore the other must needs be granted. The AEquinoctiall points therefore, have gone forward to the ant•…•…cedent Signes. Which proposition notwithstanding the great Copernicus had no way to demonstrate, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the Phaenomena; by which that other motion might as well bee defended▪ as •…•…his. Wee therefore now have this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But what is it? Even nothing else, b•…•… the motion of the AEquinoctiall points into the precedent Signes. Now if the AEquinoctiall points be•…•… moveable; and the AEquinoctiall C•…•…cle b•…•…e de∣•…•…cribed by these points; the AEquinoctiall Circle •…•…hen must needs be moveable also: which is as true, as truth it selfe. And if the AEquinoctiall circle be moveable; his Pole must be moveable also; and

so the Poles of the AEquinoctiall must be divers from the Poles of the world. for the Pole of the World is immoveable; but this moveable. Besides, all the Meridian circles do passe through the Poles of the AEquinoctiall: and in the superficies of stone Dialls, the Meridian line, which is drawn for the placing of the Sun Diall, is understood to passe through the Poles of the AEquinoctiall; which is con∣fest by all men, and is most true. But because the Poles of the AEquinoctiall are moveable, the Meri∣dian line. that passeth through the same, must bee moveable also. And therefore it necessarily fol∣loweth, that after some certain number of yeares, there wil be no further use of these Meridian lines in the designing of the hours in Dialls; but a new Meridian line must be taken, and the situation of the Diall altered, though not the Diall it self. We may therefore conclude, that the Sun Dialls, after some certain time, will prove false, unlesse the Meridian line be rectified. This is demonstra∣ted of the very principles of the Mathematitcks. But besides this, we have some notable instances out of the Ancients, which do manefestly evince, that after some tearm of yeares, Sun Dialls doe not agree to their first designations: all which I have diligently collected. These things thus demonstra∣ted, I proposed them to these Mathematicians, that, because the whole businesses of the Magneticall Needle had dependance upon these Meridians, they would consider, whether or no, this doctrine, by me first proposed, might open the way to the matter in hand, &c.

Thus far Scaliger. Let us now heare Tycho. Inaequalitatis, inquit, circa motum, &c. That the reason (saith he) of the inaequality observed in the motion of the fixed Starrs, or as Copernicus calls it, the Anticipation of the AEquinoctiall points (which is a very subtile and ingenious speculation of his owne, that so he might reconcile and maintain the inventions of all that went before him) that this conceit, I say, doth not constare sibi, these 70. yeares obseruations of the Starr called Spica Vir∣ginis, since his first observing the same; doe mani∣festly prove. For in this space of time, the recipro∣cation of the AEquinoctiall points, or promotion of the Starrs, is swifter, by much, then he conceiued it would have been. So that, whereas now they ought to have finished but one degree in an hundred years space, or thereabout, they finished the same in 70. the quantity of the yeares being not so slow as hee imagined it to be: as appeares plainly by that wee have delivered in the former Chapter. For these two things do mutually cohere together in Coper∣nicus, that when the quantity of the yeare is great∣est, the motion of tho fixed Starrs should then bee slowest. But these things the accurate observat•…•… ons of these present yeares doe manifestly elude, for as much as they doe not answer his periodicall re∣stitutions.

Thus these two great lights of our times, Tycho, and Scaliger, to whom wee may adde the opinion of our Country-man Dr. Gilbert, who in his 6th book de Magnete, will have the praeces∣sion of the AEquinoctiall points to depend upon the

Magneticall mot•…•…n of the Poles of the Earth▪ And this is that English-man, as far as I can gather, whom Scaliger mentions in his fore-cited Epistle: Vnto whom I refer you for satisfaction in this point, in his lib. 6. cap. 8.

The first Star of Aries, which in the time of Meton the Athenian, was in the very Ver∣nall Intersection, in the time of Thales Mile∣sius was two degrees before the Intersection. The same in Timochares his time, was behind it two degrees 24. minutes: in Hipparchus time, 4. degrees, 40. minutes: in Albumasars time, 17. d•…•…grees, 50. minutes: in Albarenius his time, 18. degrees, 10 minutes: in Arzachels time, 19. degrees, 37. minutes: in Alphonsus his time, 23. degree•…•…, 48. minutes: in Co∣pernicus and Rhoeticus his time 27. degrees, 21. minutes. Whence Franciscus Baroccius is convinced of manifest error, in that hee af∣firmes that the first Star of Aries, at the time of our Saviours Na•…•…ivity, was in the very Vernall intersection: especially contend∣ing to prove it, as he doth, out of Ptolo∣mies observations, out of which it plainly appeares, that it was behind it no lesse then 5. degrees.

In like manner the places of the Solstices are also changed, as being alwayes equally distant from the AEquinoctiall points. This m•…•…tion is finished upon the Poles of the E∣cliptick, as is agreed upon, both by Hippar∣chus and Ptolomy, and all the rest that have come after them. Which is the reaso that

the fixed Starrs have alwayes kept the same latitude, though they have changed their de∣clination. For confirmation whereof, many testimonies may be brought out of Ptolomy, lib 7. cap. 3- Almag. I will onely all dg one, more not able then the r•…•…st, out of Petolomies Georgr. lib. 1. cap. 7. The Starr which wee call the Polar Starr, and is the last in the taile of the Beare, is certainly known in our time to be scarse three degrees distant from the Pole: which very Starr, in Hippar∣chus his time, was above 12. degrees distant from the Pole: as Merinus in Ptolomy affirms. I will produce the whole passage, which is thus. In the Torrid Zone, (saith hee) the whole Zodiack passeth over it, and therefore the sha∣dowes are cast both wayes, and all Starrrs there are seen to rise and set. Onely the little Beare begins to appear above the Horixon in those places, that are 5 0 furlongs Northward from Ocele. For the Parallel that passeth through Ocele 〈◊〉〈◊〉 distant from the AEquator 11. gra. ⅖. And Hipparchus affirmes, that the Starr in the end of the little Beares taile, which is the most Southward of that Constellation, is distant from the Pole 12. degrees▪ ⅖. This excellent testimony of his, the Interpreters have, in their translating the place, most strangely corrupted (a•…•… both Johannes Werne∣rus, and after him Peter Nonius have observed) setting down in stead of 500. Quinque mille, 5000▪ and for Australissimam, the most Southern, Borealissimam, the most Norther∣ly:

being led into this error, perhaps, because that this Starr is indeed in our time the most Northern. But if these testimonies of Ma∣rinus and Ptolomy in this point bee substract∣ed, Strabo in his lib. 2. Geogr. shall acquit them of this crime. And hee writes thus. It is affirmed by Hipparchus (saith he) that those that inhabit under the Parallel that run∣neth through the Countrey called Cinnamo∣mifera (which is distant from Meroë South∣ward, 3000. furlongs▪ and from the AEquinoct∣iall, 8800.) are situated almost in the midst, betwixt the AEquator and the Summer, Tro∣pick, which passeth through Syene (which is distant from Meroë 5000. Furlongs) And these that dwell here, are the first that have the Con∣stellation of the little Bear, inclosed within their Arctick Circle, so that it never sets with them: for the bright Starr, that is seen in the end of the taile (which is also the most Southward of all) is so placed in the ve∣ry Cirele it self, that it doth touch the Hori∣zon. This is the testimony of Strabo, which is the very same that Ptolomy and Merinus affirme; saving that both in this place, and elsewhere, he always assignes 700. Furlongs in the Earth, to a degree in the Heavens, ac∣cording to the doctrine of Eratosthenes: where∣as both Marinus and Ptolomy allow but 500. onely: os which wee shall speak more here∣after.

Let us now come to the lesser Circles

which are described in the Globe. And these are all Parallel to the AEquator: as first of all the Tropickes, which are Circles drawn through the points of the greatest declination of the Ecliptick, on each side of the AEquator. Of which, that which lookes toward the North Pole, is called the Tropicke of Cancer: and the other, bordering on the South, the Tropicke of Capricorne. For the Sun, in his yearly mo∣tion through the Ecliptick, arriving at these points, as his utmost bounds, r•…•…turneth again toward the AEquator. This Retrocession is cal∣led by the Greekes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the Parallel Circles, drawn through the same points, are likewise called Tropickes.

PONT. The use of those tropickes is, First, to shew when the Sun, in an oblique Sphaere, is neer∣est the verticall point of any place, and so likewise when the farthest off. Secondly, they shew, when the Sun, in his Diurnall motion, maketh the longest or shortest dayes in the yeare. Thirdly, they are▪ as it were, the limits and bounds, wherein the Sun finisheth his yearly course. Fourthly, they distin∣guish the Torrid Zone in the heavens, from the two temperate Zones.

The distance of the Tropicks from the AEquator, is diversly altered, as it may plainly appear, by comparing the ob∣servations of later times, with those of the Ancients. For, not to speak any thing of Strabo, Proclus, and Leontius Mechanicus,

who all assigned the distance of either Tro∣picke from the AEquator to bee 24. degree•…•… (for these seeme to have handled the matterbut carelessely) we may observe the same from the more accurate obseruations of the greatest Ar∣tists. For Ptolomy found the distance of either Tropicke to be 23. gr. 51. min. and ⅓▪ just as great, a•…•… Eratosthenes and Hipparchus had found it before him: and therefore he conceived it to be immutable. Machomethes Aratensis observed this distan to bee 23. degrees, 35. mi∣nutes, right as Almamon King of Arabia had done before him. Arz•…•…l the Spaniard found it to be in his time, 23. degees, 34. minutes. Almehon the Son of Albumasar, 23 degrees, 33. minutes, and halfe a minute. Prophatius a Jew, 23. degrees, 32. minutes, Purbachius and Regio∣montanus, 25. degrees, 28. minutes Johan. Wernerus, 23 degrees, and 28. minutes, and an half: and Copernicus found it in his time to be just as much.

PONT. This distance of the Tropickes from the AEquator, is caused by the Suns greatest decli∣nation, as the Astronomers call it. which greatest declination of the Sun hath been, at divers times, found to be variable. For begining as sar back∣ward, as possibly we can, and so driving it down by the Olympiads, and the yeare of Christ, even to these present times, according to Tychoes cal∣culation. wee find it to bee thus, both in the de∣gree and minute, as is here expressed in this ensu∣ing Table.

	gr. m. 11.
Aratus	24. 0. 0.	Olympiad.
Hipparchus	23. 51½	124.
Eratosthenes		127.
Ptolomaeus	23. 51. 20,	An Christi 140.
Albategnius	23. 35. 0.	749.
Arzahel	23. 34. 0.	1070.
Almeon	23. 33 ½.	1140.
Prophatius Judaeus	23. 32. 0.	1300.
Purbachius	23. 29. 30.	1458.
Regiomontanus	23. 30. 0.	1490.
Copernicus	23. 38 30.	1500.
Tycho Brahe	23. 31. ½.	1592.

To which we may adde these words out of Ty∣choes. 1. Book of new Star which appeared An. 1572. p. 101. where he saith, that by certain obser∣vations it hath been found, that both the Suns great∣est declination, as also the other Intermediat by the same reason are alter'd, as it is testified by the whole current of the most skilfull Artists, in a continuall succession of time: so that Ptolomies time, & some certain yeares before him, it was found to be 23. gr▪ 51. ½ but it doth not appear by any certain testimo∣ny to have been ever greater. Whence may be col∣lected, that Aratus, whome we have set in the first place, who assignes 24. gr. speakes with the largest, and as it were, at randome, and (as our learned Au∣thour hath also observed of Strabo, Proclus and Le∣ontius Mechanicus) not so accurately as he should have.

There are also two other lesser circles des∣cribed in an equall distance from the Poles, to that of the Tropickes from the AEquator?

which circles take their denomination from the Pole on which they border. So that one of them is called the Arctick or North circle; and and the oppsite circle the Antarctick or South∣erne. In these circles the Poles of the Eclip∣tique are fixed, the Solsticiall Colure crossing them in the same place. Strabo, Proclus, Cleo∣medes, all Greek Authors, and some of the La∣tines also, assigne no certain distance to these circles from the Poles: but make them various and mutable, according to the diversity of ele∣vation of the Pole, or diverse position of the Sphaere: so that one of them must be concei∣ved to be described round about that Pole which is elevated, and to touch the very Hori∣zon, and is therefore the greatest of all the Pa∣rallels that are alwayes in sight: and the other must be imagined, as drawn in an equall dist∣ance from the opposite Pole; and this is the greatest of those Parallels that are alwaies hid∣den.

PONT. The Arctique, and Antarctique cir∣cles do shew, 1. The Poles of the Zodiaque and their distance from the Poles of the world, 2. They doe distinguish the frigid Zones from the Temperate, and with the Tropiques and AEquator they helpe to divide the whole Heaven into five parts or regions which they call Zones.

Besides these circles expressed in the Globe, there are also some certain other circles in fa∣miliar use with the Practicall Astronomers, which they call Verticall circles. These are greater circles drawn from the Verticall point

through the Horizon, in what number you please: and they are called by the Arabians A∣zimuth, which appellation is also in common use among our ordinary Astronomers. The of∣fice of these circles is supplied by the help of a Quadrant of Altitude, which is a thin plate of brass divided into 90. degrees. This Quadrant must be applied to the vetrex of any place, when you desire to use it, so that the lowest end of it, noted with the number of 90. may just touch the Horizon in every place. This Quadrant is made moveable, that so it may be fastened to the verticall point of any place.

PONT. Concerning the moveableness or muta∣bility of the Arctique, and Antarctique Circles, Joseph Scaliger reports himself to be the first that observed it, out of the Ancient Greek Authors: as you may see in his Comentaries upon Manilius, re∣vised, and published by himself a little before his death. Neither doth he think that any ancient La∣tine Author within 400. yeares after those Greek Writers, nor scarcely any before Sacrobosco's time, can be found to have determined them to be im∣moveable. But because there are many excellent things to be met withall in that pssage of his, and that he sets down the same by way of demonstration; I have thought it not impertinent, seeing our Au∣thor hath given a touch at it, to set down Scaliger's opin•…•…n in his own words: as you have them upon those verses of Monilius, lib. 1. Astron.

Circulus ad Boreā fulgentem sustinet Arcton, Sexque fugit folidas a coeli vertice partes.

He proceeds after this manner. Describantur circuli AEquinoctiali paralleli XC &c. Let there be described (saith he) 90. Parallel circles to the AEquinoctiall, and these will be the same that Gaminus calles, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, alwayes appear∣ing. Now among all those, That which toucheth the Horizon in the point of intersection of the Ho∣rizon and Meridian, will be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the greatest of those that alwayes appeare, and so conseqvently, the Arctique Circle of that place: now because the Horizons are moveable, the Arctique Circles must also be moveable. So in the Climat wherein Cnidus lies, the eleva∣tion of the Pole being thirty six degrees, Ev∣doxus determines the Artique Circle also to be so many degrees from the Pole▪ in like manner in another Climate, it will bee diverse, according to the diversity of the elevation of the Pole. Thus Hipparchus 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. At Athens (saith he) the greatest of the Circle alwaies appearing is distant from the Pole thirty seven degrees: but that in Rhodes thirie sixe degrees: and look how great the Altitude of the place is, the same must the distance necessarily be, betwixi the Pole and that point, by which the Artique circle is described. And therefore the Ancient Greekes alwayes defined the Arctique cir∣cle to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Sive 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The most Nor∣therne point that their Horizon, or place of habi∣tation had. So that the Artique circle is nothing else, but the pointe of their habitation which touch∣eth

the Horizon. For in describing, they have both one common point. Only in this they differ, that the center of the Arctique circle is the Pole of the world; but the center of the Horizon is the Verti∣call circle, or Zenith of the place,

[illustration]

As for example. A. F. D. E. is the Horizon: A. G C. H. the Artique circle A. D. the Me∣ridian: A. the point of Intersection of the Hori∣zon with the Meridian; in which place also the Artique and Horizon in describing doe mutually touch each other. B. the Pole: C. the Zenith of the place. I. the opposite point of the diameter of the Actique circle, Now if the elevation of the Pole bee full 45. degrees, as it is at Vienna in Franc•…•…, then the point I. will be the same with C that is to say, the opposite part of the Ar∣ctique cir•…•…le will touch the Zenith of the place. Ent if the elevation of the Pole be lesse then 45°

degrees, the Zenith will then fall without the cir∣cle: but if it be greater, it will fall within. S•…•… that by this meanes it will come to passe, that the nearer wee are to the AEquator, the lesser these circles will bee: and contrarywise, the farther we live off the AEquator, the greater they are: But under the AEquinoctiall it self, that is in a right position of Sphaere, there is no Artique circle at all: Pytheas writes, that those that inhabit Thule, now call Iseland, have a Tropick for their Ar∣ctique circle. Whether therefore this Circle fal within or without the Tropicke, the distance of it from the poi•…•…t, l. Will be as great, as is the diffe∣rence betwixt the elevation of the Pole, and the elevation of the Equinoctiall above the Horizon of the place. As for Example: The elevation of the Pole at Rome is 41. degrees, therefore the AE∣quinoctiall is elevated above the Horizon 48. gr. 20. m. and the difference is 7. degrees 40▪ m. And therefore the Zenith, or verticall point of Rome, falleth 7. degrees, 40. m. without the circumference of its Arcticke circle. So this distance which those that inhabite Iseland, is 43. gr. as having their Pole elevated 66. degrees 30. m. So that the Tre∣pick with them toucheth the very point of inter∣section of the Meridian and Horizon. And there∣fore, Martianus Cappella designes the Artick cir∣cle to be. Semper apparens, & contingens con∣finia Finitoris, nunquam mersus assurgent. A circle that alwayes appeareth, and toucheth upon the skirts of the Horizon, yet never goeth under it. By these words Confinia Finitoris, hee meaneth the intersection of the Horizon and

Meridian 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the most Northerly point.

These grounds being thus laid, we see that as many habitations as there are, so many Arctick circles there are also, and the same not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, fixed and unchangeable, but different according to the diversity of paces. So that, by this we may plainly •…•…erceive the errour of our moderne Artificers, who, in their Artificiall Globes, describe this circle con∣trary to the doctrine and practise of the Ancients, drawing it on the Poles of the Ecliptique above the Pole of the world. Fur such an Arctick circle there cannot be, but only to those that inhabit Syene by the Nile: for with them, the Pole is elevated 23. gr. 30. m. These things considered, the Arctick cir∣cle ought not to have any place in the Materiall Globe, unlesse it be made for the inclination of some certain place: otherwise there can be no such Arct∣icke circle.

These things, when I first proposed in Aquitaine, where were many, both learned and unlearned, Noble and Paedants, it cannot be imagined with with what scorne and hissing they entertained them. And at length, when my constancy would not give place to their stubborne ignorance; I thought I should have been beaten among them. Yet at last, having nothing to defend themselves with, they said, that, however it were, these circles were use∣full for the distinction of the Zones. At which answere of theires, I had much adoe to forbeare laughing. For this division of the world into Zones, is quite cashiered in these our times, when as the whole world hath at length been fully discove∣red

by the Navigations of the Portugals and Spa∣niards. And for this purpose, to confute these Mathematicians, I alledged these words of Strabo, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Polybus therefore did not, (saith he) in making certain Zones, which are to be limited by the Arcticke circles: two of which line under the said Arctiques, and other terminated betwixt the Arctiques, and the Tropiques. For this is a Maxime: That determinate things cannot bee bound by uncertain and indeterminate limits. This their Philosophy therefore is vaine and fri∣velous. But yet their impudence ends not so. For you shall hardly meet with any of those Mathe∣maticians, that will not presently conclude him madd, that should but dare to descend any whit from the doctrine of John de Sacrobosco, in the point of these circles. Yet one of them, not long since, being as it seemes, advised thereto by the former edition of Manilius, confesseth by the way, and as it were unwillingly, that the Ancients made other use of the Arcticke circle s; then wee now doe. And yet he would not be thought to have learned this of me: notwithstanding these kind of fellows are the most ignorant in matters of Anti∣quity, in the world. Who should be the first broa∣cher of this ridiculous conceit, I cannot guesse, otherwise, then that it must needs bee some latine Writer, and thaet 400. yeares later then any of the Greeke Authors. And I know not whether

any other taught this doctrine before John de Sa∣crobosco: ceartainely he is the most ancient I can readily think on. As therefore our men are in an errour, in making the Arcticke to bee an Immu∣table circle, so likewise are the Ancients, and those among us that follow them, to be blamed, for making this circle to be Parallel to the other three: whereas the Parallel circles in a Sphaere have the same Pole with the Sphere it self. But the Pole of the Arctique is the same alwayes with the Pole of the World: whereas the Pole of the other three altereth, as do the Tropicall, and Equinoctiall points. For the AEquinoctiall and Tropicall points doe anticipate their places in the Zodiaque: insomuch, that in a certain tearme of yeares, they are removed forward a degree. Now the AEqui∣noctiall, and Tropicall circles, are no other then what are described by those points, which in them∣selves are moveable. Therefore are their Poles also moveable. But wee shall suffer for these things too, I doubt not, untill that length of time shall have beaten this into the heads of such men, with whom strength of reason is able to prevaile nothing at all:

And this is the opinion of Scaliger, and the Ancients, concerning the Artique circles: which Johanne•…•… Pincierus, a learned man, in his lib. 2•…•… cap. 13. Parergor. Otij▪ Marpurg. hath late∣ly examined, and indeavonred to confute the Ar∣ctique circle (saith he) is thus described by Pro∣clus. Arcticus circulus, &c. The Arctique circle is the greatest of all those circles that are alwayes in sight, and it toucheth the Horizon in

one point, and is seen also above the earth. And the Antarctique he defines thus. The Antartique is a circle equall and Parallel to the Arctique, and lies wholy hid under the earth. These circles therefore, in the opinion of Proclus, are moveable, andare described by a point that toucheth the Horizon a∣bout the Pole that is nearest to it: and they are al∣so changed, with the Horizon, as often as a man mo∣veth either Northward or Southward. So that the nearer they are to the Pole, the lesser they are: and so contrariwise, the farther off they are from the same, the•…•… are so much the greater: and consequent∣ly it followes, because they have no fixed place, that therefore they cannot be described upon a Sphaere or Globe.

But from hence there ariseth three inconvenien∣cies. First, that these Arctiques described by Pro∣clus, are not of any use in distinguishing the Frigid Zone from the Temperate, by reason of their uncer∣tain situation, and mutability. The next is, that with those that inbabite within twenty three de∣grees and an halfe of the Pole, (which is as much as the Suns greatest declination from the AEquator) the Arctique circle will bee the same with the Tropique of Cancer, and the Antartique with that of Capricorne. So that they will have but two lesser circles or Parallels, which will make but three Zones in all, two cold ones; and a torrid. For in this confusion of the circles, there will be no distinction betwixt the cold, and the temperate Zones, And which is more, they that dwell under the AEquator. will have

no Arctiques at all. Lastly there are certain acci∣dents proper to, certain Climates, which cannot he assigned them, unlesse there bee fixed and certain limets set to distinguish the cold Zones from the temperate.

As for example, If it be enquired, what pro∣perties are incident to those that inhabite betwixt the Tropique of Cancer and the Arctique circle: and what to those under the Arctique circle it self: and lastly, what betwixt the Arctique circle and the Pole of the World. To these questions there can be no answere made without these fixed Arctique cir∣cles. Besides this, it would take away much light and futhera•…•…ce, both from Geographicall Maps, and Astronomicall instruments, if these Arctique circles might not bee described in them: Which could not possibly bee described in them, but that they might change evermore with the Ho∣rizon.

These and the like inconveniences are easily avoided, by placeing the Arctique circle, as usually it is, on the Poles of the Zodiaque. Neither am I any way swayed with the Authority of Joseph Sca∣liger, adhering to Proclus his Doctrine of the mutability of the Arctique Circle: although I am n•…•…t ignorant, how rare a thing it is▪ for such Judgment, matched with so great knowledg, to fall into an errour. And as for that testimony which they bring out of Strabo, lib. 2. Geogr. that it is sufficient, if there be Arctique circles in the temperate Climes, and that those that have any,

have not all the same: this is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (to use Straboes own words) nothing to the argu∣ment in hand, and concludes nothing. For then they should be of no use at all. I cannot therefore assent to a man, whose Tenent is dissonant both from the nature of the thing, and reason it self.

But to return at length to Proclus: who, seeing that he acknowledgeth that there are five Zones: two of which are terminated betwixt the Poles, and the Arctique and the Antarctique circles: and other two bordering upon the same, which are the two temperate Zones, and are bounded on one side by the Arctique, and the other, by the Tropickes: betwixt both which lieth the Torrid Zone. he himself seems tacitely to approve these Immoueable Artiques, without which there can be no set constant limits of the Frigid and temperate Zones.

Thus Scaliger and Pincierus. Now concer∣ning the opinion that the Ancientes had of those Zones, namely, that some of them were inhabited through extream cold, and some through parch∣ing heat; notwithstanding these are discovered at length to be but vaine dreames, by the late Sea∣voyages both of the Portugals and our owne Countrimen: yet can it not be denyed, but that in each of them there are certain speciall and pecu∣liar Occurrences. So that, if, but for doctrine sake. it were good that these circles should not bee taken away, neither are wee to despise it, if by the industry of later times, any thing hath been added to the inventions of the Anci∣ents, which may any whit bee usefull for the

instruction of learners, or may any way conduce so the clearing of things, in themselves obscure and in∣tricate.

Notes

• The AEqua∣tor.
• A day Na∣turall and Artificiall.
• Houres e∣quall and un•…•…quall.
• The mutati∣on of the AEquinox. and Solsti∣ces,
• The Co∣lures.
• The Tropick
• The Arct∣ique, and Antarct∣ique circles.
• The Verti∣call circles,