The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.

CHAP. IX.

Of the Sun.

a 1.1 NExt Venus (the lowest Planet) is the Sun, theb 1.2 chiefe of all that consist of this aetheriall fire. The Sun is defined by Cleanthes and Chrysippus, an intellectuall Taper, gather'd and kindled from the vapours of the Sea.c 1.3 Possidonius defineth the Sun a most pure fire, greater then the earth, of a sphaericall fi∣gure (asd 1.4 Cleanthes also affirmes) answerable to that of the world.

e 1.5 That the Sun is fiery, is manifest in that it hath all the opera∣tions of fire,f 1.6 and forasmuch as he is fire, it followeth that hee must be nourished.g 1.7 The Sun is nourished by exhalations from the great Ocean.

h 1.8 According to the expansion of this subjected aliment, saith Cleanthes, in his motion from Tropick to Tropick. He moveth in a spirall line, from the Aequinoctiall towards the North, and to∣wards the South.i 1.9 Zeno saith, he hath two motions, one with

the World from East to VVest, the other contrary, through the Signes.

k 1.10 That the Sun is greater then the Earth, appeareth in that it enlightneth, not only all the Earth, but Heaven also. Again, the shadow of the Earth being conicall, argues the Sun to be greater then the Earth. Again, it is visible every where by reason of its magnitude.

l 1.11 The Sun is Eclipsed by interposition of the Moon betwixt us and that part of the Sun which is toward us (as Zeno in his book of the Universe.) For meeting the Sun, and coming under him, she seemeth to darken his light, and afterwards to disclose it a∣gain, as will appear in a basin of water.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Cic. nat. deor. 2.
• b 1.2

  Sto. p. 56, 57.
• c 1.3

  Laert.
• d 1.4

  Stob. p. 57.
• e 1.5

  Laert.
• f 1.6

  Cic.
• g 1.7

  ••tob. p. 56, Laert.
• h 1.8

  Stob.
• i 1.9

  Stob. p. 5••.
• k 1.10

  Laert.
• l 1.11

  Laert.