An entire body of philosophy according to the principles of the famous Renate Des Cartes in three books, (I) the institution ... (II) the history of nature ... (III) a dissertation of the want of sense and knowledge in brute animals ... / written originally in Latin by the learned Anthony Le Grand ; now carefully translated from the last corrections, alterations, and large additions of the author, never yet published ... by Richard Blome.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Asterisms and Constellations.

I. The Num∣ber of the fix'd Stars. THo' the Fix'd Stars be dispers'd throughout the immense Space of Heaven, and can no more be numbred than the Sand on the Sea-shoar; yet the Astronomers have been pleased to deter∣mine a certain Number of them, which they have discover'd by the help of their Telescopes, as being nearer to us, and more in view. Of these they count 1022; which they have divided into 6 Classes or Ranks.

II. The diffe∣rence of the Mag∣nitude of the Stars. The greatest Stars of all are called, Stars of the First Magnitude; and of these there are 15.

The next to these are called, Stars of the Se∣cond Magnitude, of which there are 45.

After these follow those that are of the Third Magnitude, being 208 in number.

Of the Fourth Magnitude, there are 474.

The fifth Classis of Stars, are those of the Fifth Magnitude; and of these there are 217.

The sixth Rank or Order of Stars contains 49, and are the least of all. To which, for the ma∣king up of the Number, 9 Stars called Obscure, are added, and 5 called Misty or Cloudy, because they can hardly be perceived.

III. All the Stars that belong to one of these Or∣ders, are not equal. It is to be observ'd, that all the Stars that are of one Classis, do not appear to us of the same Bigness and Brightness; but in every one of these Divisions, there are some that are Greater, some Less, and some of a Midling-size, between both. For the Dog-Star is the biggest of them all; and tho' the Lyre or Harp be of a very conspicuous Magnitude, yet can it not be compared with it; and the same may be said of the others Orders or Divisions. For the Eye of the Bull doth far ex∣ceed the Lions-Heart, and the Virgins Ear of Corn.

IV. How the Stars come by their several Names. To the end these Stars might be the better distinguish'd and remembred, the Astronomers have reduc'd them to certain Constellations, and affixed some Signs or Figures to them, according as they imagin'd them to have some resemblance or agreement with such and such Animals or things.

V. The Number and Cha∣racter of the Con∣stellations in the Zodiack. The Astronomers reckon up 48 of these Figures or Constellations, whereof some are in the Zodiack, others without it in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

In the Zodiack are 12 Constellations: Aries, or the Ram, express'd by this Character ♈, as repre∣senting the Head and Horns of a Ram: Taurus, ♉, the Bull, the Head and Horns of an Ox: Gemini, or Twins, ♊, two Bodies, with their Arms and Legs twisted together: Cancer, the Crab, ♋, the Claws of a Crab, with their Retrograde going: Leo, the Lion, ♌, representing a Lion's Tail: Virgo, the Virgin, ♍, resembling a Wing, or the folded Gown of a Damsel: Libra, the Balance, ♎, the Beam of a pair of Scales: Scorpius, the Scor∣pion, ♏, the Body and Tail of a Scorpion: Sagit∣tarius, the Archer, ♐, an Arrow, apply'd to a Bow: Capricornus, ♑, the Head and Horns of a Goat, with the Tail of a Fish: Aquarius, the Water∣man, ♒, the pouring of Water out of a Pitcher: Pisces, the Fishes, ♓, two Fishes tied together with a String.

VI. Each Sign contains 30 Degrees. The Astronomers attribute to each Sign of the Zodiack 30 Degrees, tho' the Asterisms them∣selves be unequal, some of them being shorter, and others longer: For if 360 be divided by 12, the result will be 30.

VII. What are the most conspicuous Stars in every Sign, and first in Aries. In ARIES 3 Stars are most conspicuous, 2 in the left Horn of the fourth Magnitude, and 1 of the third, between the Horns; which Tycho calls the Bright Star in the top of the Rams Head.

VIII. What in Taurus. The most considerable Star in the Sign TAU∣RUS is placed in his left Eye, being a Star of the first Magnitude, and is therefore called the Bulls Eye. Near to it are other 5 Stars, which are called Hyades: And those 6, formerly 7 Stars, that appear on the Back of the Bull, are called Pleiades and Vergiliae, in the midst of which is a Star of the third Magnitude, commonly called the Bright Star of the Pleiades.

IX. What Stars are in Gemini. There are 2 Principal Stars in GEMINI of the second Magnitude, whereof that in the North Head of the Twins, is called Castor; as that in the South, Pollux. There is also another Star of the same Magnitude in the right Foot of Pollux, towards Orion. There is also one of the fourth Magnitude, called Propus, because it is placed near the left Foot of Castor.

X. What in Cancer. In CANCER, scarce any Stars appear, besides one of the third Magnitude, near to the right Claw, and 3 others of the fourth, 2 whereof are most noted, whereof 1 stands towards the North, the other towards the South.

XI. What in Leo. The LION is adorned with divers bright Stars, 2 whereof are of the first Magnitude. That which is seen in his Breast, is called the Lions Heart, or Regulus; and that in his Tail, the Lions Tail. Besides these there are 2 other, the one in his Neck, the other in the utmost part of his Back; to which, if the next Stars in his Loyns be added, they, together with those of the Heart and the Neck, will represent the Figure of a long Square.

XII. What in Virgo. In the VIRGINS left Hand is an Ear of Corn, in which there is a Star of the first Magni∣tude, commonly called, the Virgins Ear of Corn. There are also other Stars of the third Magnitude, disperst all along the Virgins Body.

XIII. What Stars are in the Scorpion. SCORPIUS, besides 2 Stars of the second Magnitude plac'd in the further part of his Claws, and 2 more of the third Magnitude in his Tail, hath another in the midst of his Body, called the Scorpion's Heart, plac'd between 2 Stars of the fourth Magnitude.

XIV. What in Libra. LIBRA consists of 2 very bright Stars, which are called the Scales.

XV. What in Sagittarius. In SAGITTARIUS are 4 Stars more considerable, which being plac'd on his Right shoulder, constitute a Trapezium or Table; besides 3 or 4 that do somewhat resemble a Bow: Beyond the midst of which, there is another of the third Magnitude, which represents the form of an Arrow.

XVI. What in Capricorn. The Chief Stars in CAPRICORN are 4 of the third Magnitude. There are 2 in his Tail that have a greater lustre than the rest; and two other in his Horns, the uppermost whereof hath a small Star joyned to it.

XVII. What in Aquarius. In AQUARIUS, the most conspicuous Stars are some of the third Magnitude about his shoul∣ders, with 4 others about his right Hand; the one whereof is, as it were, plac'd in the midst of a Triangle, constituted by the other 3. And there is another in his right Hand of the third Magni∣tude; besides which there are many other of the fourth Magnitude, and more especially one at the end of the pouring forth of the Water, which is of the first Magnitude.

XVIII. What in Pisces. The Constellation PISCES consists of many small Stars; there being but few amongst them that are as big as those of the fourth Magnitude: And tho' these Fishes are at some distance from each other, the one in the Neighbourhood of Aquarius, under the Neck of Pegasus, and the other near to the Ram or Aries, under the Breast of Andromeda; yet they are tied together with a kind of loose Riband, which is also adorn'd with several Stars of the first Magnitude.

XIX. The Nor∣thern Con∣stellations, without the Zodiack The Constellations without the Zodiack, are either Northern or Southern. The Northern, which appear in our Hemisphere, are 21; the particular account whereof here follows, begin∣ning with that Constellation which is next of all to the Pole.

1 The Little Bear. And this is URSA MINOR, the Lesser Bear; which consists of 7 Stars, 4 whereof repre∣sent a square Figure; whereof the uppermost in the Neck of the Bear, is of the second Magnitude; another lower than it, of the third; a third on the Back, of the fourth; and the last in the Back also, of the fifth. The hindermost and brightest of the other 3, is called the Pole-Star, because it is nearer to the Pole of any other.

2 The Great Bear. URSA MAJOR, the Greater Bear, consists likewise of 7 Stars, whereof the 4 that represent a square, exhibit so many Wheels, and the other 3, the Beam of the Wain, and the Oxen or Horses that draw it; and therefore was called by the Ancients, Plaustrum majus, or the Greater Wain.

3 Bootes. BOOTES, the Herdsman, or rather the Driver of the Oxen, called also Arctophylax, the Bearward, consists of many Stars of the third Magnitude, plac'd in the shoulder, back and knees of this Figure. But one of them is more famous than any of the rest, placed between his Thighs, on the rim or edging of his Coat, being of the first Magnitude, and is called Arcturus.

4 The Dra∣gon. The DRAGON consists of many Stars, but none of them greater than those of the third Mag∣nitude; only there are 2 in the Head of it, that are brighter than the rest.

5 The Crown of Ariadne. The CROWN of ARIADNE, plac'd at the Right shoulder of Bootes, represents a half Circle, compos'd of 5 Stars; whereof 3 are of the fourth Magnitude, one of the fifth, and another of the second, which is called the Bright Star of the Crown.

6 Engonasi. ENGONASI, the Man, according to some Hercules, Kneeling, comprizeth several Stars all of the same Magnitude; of which one especially is more conspicuous in the Head of this Figure, for its being of an equal size, with another Star like it, found in the Head of Ophiuchus.

7 Lyra, or the Harp. LYRA, the Harp, which by some is called the Falling Vultur, hath the most eminent Star of the first Magnitude, next to the Dog-Star; be∣sides which it contains some few other Stars, 2 whereof are of the second Magnitude.

8 The Swan. The SWAN is an illustrious Constellation within the Milky-Way, resembling the Form of a Cross; and hath a very notable Star of the second Magnitude.

9 Cepheus. CEPHEUS hath his Head pointing to the Swan, and his right Foot standing on the Tail of the Little Bear. It contains but few bright Stars, besides 3 of the third Magnitude, one in the Right shoulder, another in his Girdle, and a third in his Right knee.

10 Cassiopeia CASSIOPEIA hath 5 Stars of the third Magnitude, over against the Great Bear, the least being in the midst of them; 3 of these are on the outside, one of them being called the Bright Star of the Chair; another upon her Breast, called Schedir; the third near her Flank; all which repre∣sent the Figure of a Triangle.

11 Perseus. PERSEUS is plac'd between the Feet of Cassiopeia and the Bull, the most bright Star of which Asterism, that on the Back, is of the second Magnitude. It hath also another famous one of the third Magnitude, which being placed in the Head of Medusa in the Left hand of Perseus, is therefore called the Head of Medusa, and the other 4 are call'd Gorgons.

12 Androme∣da. ANDROMEDA is an Asterism under Cas∣siopeia, on the Left-side of Perseus; very remark∣able, because of 3 Stars it hath of the second Mag∣nitude; one whereof is on the Left Foot, above the Triangle, the other in the Girdle, above the Fishes; the last in the Head, which is common to her and Pegasus.

13 Deltoton, or the Tri∣angle. DELTOTON, or the Triangle, consists of 3 Bright Stars of the fourth Magnitude, one whereof is at the top, and the other 2 at the Basis of it, with another Star of the fifth Magnitude, near to it.

14 Auriga. AURIGA, the Wagoner or Wain-Driver, hath a Star of the second Magnitude in the Left Foot, where there is also another of the fourth Magni∣tude. But the most noted of them all is a Star of the first Magnitude very illustrious, on the Left shoulder, called Capra, the Goat.

15 Pegasus. PEGASUS, or the Flying-Horse, is a notable Constellation, by reason of a large square compo∣sed by 4 of its Stars of the second Magnitude. Besides which it contains other 3 of the third Magnitude, the one in the Knee, the other in the

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Neck, and the third in the Opening of the Mouth, which is therefore call'd the Mouth of Pegasus.

16 The Dol∣phin. The DOLPHIN, seen between the Constel∣lation of the Colt and the Eagle, has 10 Stars, whereof 5 are of the fifth Magnitude: The other, except that which is in the Tail, do constitute the Figure of a Lozenge.

17 The Arrow. The ARROW hath 5 Stars, of which, that at the Point is of the fourth Magnitude.

18 Eq••ule••s, or the Colt. The COLT is nothing else, but as it were the shadow of the Head of Pegasus, in which are seen 4 Stars, all of them of the fourth Magnitude.

19 The Eagle. The EAGLE is considerable for 3 Stars, re∣presenting the situation or position of Orions Gir∣dle. The 2 that are at each end, are only of the third Magnitude; as likewise 2 others at the end of his Tail: The Star which is in the middle is of the second Magnitude, and out-shines the rest, being therefore call'd, the Bright Star of the Eagle.

20 Serpenta∣rius. SERPENTARIUS OPHIUCHUS, or the Serpent-Bearer, is a great Asterism; for its Head is near to the Head of Hercules; its Feet rest upon the Scorpion; the Head of the Serpent reacheth to the Northern Crown, and its Tail to the Eagle. Its greatest Star is only of the third Magnitude. Yet there is one of these that is very considerable by the right Ham, between the Scor∣pion and Sagittary, which in the Fourth year of this Century was accounted amongst the Great Stars.

21 The Serpent of Ophiu∣chus. The SERPENT of Ophiuchus, is famous for several Stars of the third and fourth Magnitude, in the middle Joynt of the Neck, next to that Hand in which Hercules holds his Club.

XX. The Sou∣thern Con∣stellations, without the Zodi∣ack. The Southern Signs are 15 in Number, without the Zodiack.

1 The Whale. The first is the WHALE, situate under the Fishes and the Ram, having a vast wide Mouth, in the midst whereof is a Star of the first Magni∣tude, the Bright Star of the Jaw-bone of the Whale; and hath another of the same Magnitude answering to it, in the midst of the Point of his Tail; besides other Stars over his whole Body, of the third and fourth Magnitude.

2 The River Eridanus. ERIDANUS is a long and winding Asterism betwixt Orion and the Whale. The end of which, towards the South, is invisible to us.

3 The Hare. The HARE, besides other of the Stars where∣of it is composed, hath 4 of the first Magnitude, and other 4 smaller ones in his Ears.

4 Orion. ORION is a Constellation, adorned with many bright Stars. Of these, 2 principal ones are in his Shoulders, 3 in his Girdle, which are called Three Kings; 1 in his right Knee, and another in his left Foot, called Rigel.

5 The Great Dog. The GREAT DOG hath not his equal for Brightness, and is commonly call'd Sirius, as being supposed to Dry all things. About his right Feet he hath some Stars of the third Magnitude.

6 The Little Dog. The LITTLE DOG riseth before the Greater, and is, as it were, the Harbinger of his Rising. Besides the Star which is in his Neck, of the third Magnitude, he hath another Bright one in his Thigh of the second Magnitude, called Procyon.

7 The Ship A••go. The Ship ARGO hath but a few Stars that are conspicuous, except it be about the Mast. In its Helm is a very noted Star, called Canopus.

8 Hydra. HYDRA, the Hydre, a Water-Serpent, is a long extended Asterism; for with its Head it toucheth the Claws of the Crab, and its Tail is near to Libra, or the Ballance. It hath a very bright Star in its Breast of the first Magnitude, called the Heart of the Water-Snake.

9 Crater, the Bowl. The BOWL, or Cup, is placed upon the Middle part of the Hydra, having some Stars of the fourth Magnitude, representing an half Round.

10 The Crow. The CROW is very remarkable, by reason of the Table in it, consisting of 4 Stars, whereof 3 are of the third Magnitude, and another of the fourth.

11 The Cen∣taur. The CENTAUR, besides 14 visible Stars, hath others that are not conspicuous to us; where∣of 1 is of the first Magnitude, at the right Fore∣foot of the Horse. In his hind Legs are 4 Stars, which represent a very remarkable Cross. The Uppermost and Lowermost are of the second Mag∣nitude; but the Right and Left of the third.

12 The Wolf. The WOLF, or Wild-Beast, doth with his Head reach the middle part of the Scorpion; it hath no Stars bigger than of the fourth Magni∣tude.

13 The Altar. The ALTAR, or Censer, is for the most part hid from us under the bending of the Scorpions-Tail. It hath no greater Stars, than of the third Magnitude.

14 The Sou∣thern-Crown. The SOUTH-CROWN hath one very notable amongst the rest, of the third Magni∣tude; and is the same which is called by some Ura∣niscus, or the Petty-Heaven.

15 The South-Fish. The SOUTH-FISH contains many Stars, and those of the fourth Magnitude, under the left Leg of Aquarius. In its Mouth it hath a Princi∣pal one of the first Magnitude, called Foma∣hant.

XXI. What those Stars are that are Unformed. Tho' the Constellations of the Zodiack, toge∣ther with the North and South, are reduced to the Number of 48; yet we are to know that the Astronomers could not comprize them all into Figures, but were fain to leave some in the Inter∣vals of them, which they called Unformed, as being comprehended in no Figure or Image.

XXII. What the Galaxy, or Milky∣way, is. The Astronomers also make mention of the Galaxy, or Milky-way, which is nothing else but a vast multitude of thick-set Stars, that by their weak Light represent the appearance of Milk in a clear Sky, as the Telescope hath informed us. Whereby ARISTOTLE is convinc'd of a mani∣fest Error, who suppos'd the Milky-Way to be a Meteor; who yet therein is to be pardoned, because he wanted the Helps that we have to discern it better.

XXIII. How the Sun, or any Planet, is said to be in a Sign. We are to observe, that when that the Sun, or any Planet, is said to be in a Sign: As for Example, in the Ram, or in the Bull; the meaning thereof is, that it is plac'd under it, or that it intervenes, or is intercepted between our Eye and that Sign. For it is certain, that the Zo∣diack, and its Signs, are at a vast distance from the Planets. But this way of speaking hath ob∣tain'd, because the Planets appear to us, as if they were in the Region of the fix'd Stars. For our unassisted Sight cannot discern which of the Stars are farther from, or nearer to us. Hence it is, that because we know that the Planets are nearer to us than the Stars, we understand them

to be so placed, as to be between us and the Signs. But the Stars that are without the Zodiack are said to be in that Constellation, or rather to belong to it, between which and the next Pole of the Zodiack they are placed.