dent, I have never hesitated to sacrifice them both in favor of repetition, whenever occasion seemed to require it for his advantage. The results of the calculations of dimension and of distance, &c. are generally mentioned in the Lectures in round numbers; but a table of the Sun and Planets will be found preceding the Index, in which these results are more accurately given, from the best authorities. This little volume, will, it is presumed, serve to convey such an account of the celestial bodies, and of the real motions of some of the most obvious of them, as can be most readily conveyed in familiar language. If the reader would advance in the same track of acquirement, 'Ferguson's Astronomy,' with Dr. Brewster's Notes and supplementary chapters' in 2 vols. 8vo. and a volume of plates, may be recommended to him; though, it is to be regretted, with a caution, that the calculations of dimension and distance, and the recitals of some phenomena, consistent with the state of the science in Ferguson's time, have not been corrected to the time at which Dr. Brewster published this otherwise interesting and valuable work. If, however, the reader be desirous of forming himself for an observer, The Elementary Treatise on Astronomy by the Rev. A. Mylne, A.M.' which is intended for the use of those who are not much conversant in mathematical studies,' and which is accompanied with four maps of the constellations, will be very useful to him. But if he be desirous of following the movements of the celestial bodies, an excellent guide will be found in the annual volume entitled 'Evenings Amusements, or the Beauties of the Heavens displayed, by William Frend, Esq. M. A.'; but it contains some opinions relating to the Newtonian doctrines, 6 which, as they are presumed to belong only to their author, may be termed singularities. These Lectures were followed by four others on the subject of Meteorology by my friend Luke Howard, whose long and ardent attention to whatever relates to atmospherical phenomena, qualified him to render the subject eminently interesting and instructive; and I have the pleasure of announcing his intention of giving his Lectures to the public at no distant period. W. P. London, July, 1817. CONTENTS. Plate 1, to face the Title-page. 2, to face page 116. Table of the Sun and Planets, to be placed preceding the index. ERRATA. page 61, line 24, for 38 read 58. 108, note, omit all after Water-bearer. 164, note, for convex read concave. 176, 6th line from bottom, for latitude read declination. 177, line 15, for latitude read declination. LECTURE 1. Introduction of the subject-Sketch of the history of Astronomy -Theories of Pythagoras, Ptolemy, Tycho Brahe, and Copernicus-Discoveries of Kepler and Newton-General view of the Copernican or Solar system. THE subject before us comprehends a class of natural phenomena of the utmost dignity and interest: compared with these phenomena, it has been truly said, that tempests, volcanoes, earthquakes, and even the deluge, rank among the minor occurrences of a divine administration. The objects of the science of Astronomy are so numerous and so remote, as to seem to defy the utmost powers of man to understand more of them than can be comprehended merely by common observation. The first thought of an uninstructed observer would naturally be,-Where can the astronomer begin? by what means is it practicable that he should discover any thing in regard to the dimension, and distance, and motion, of objects so numerous and so remote? Let us however take advantage of what the astronomer has done. We shall gather much, without entering into minute detail, without attempting to proceed to the utmost limits of which the science is susceptible,—that will indeed astonish us by its magnificence; and that - |