BIB

771

CONTENTS OF PART I,

INTRODUCTION.

Object and sublimity of astronomy-Appearance of the heavens
to a common observer - Objects of this science lead to
sublime and interesting trains of thought-Its relation to
religion-The Scriptures direct our attention to this subject
-It is our duty to contemplate the works of God-Plan of the
following work

page 7

CHAPTER I.

ON THE GENERAL ASPECT, AND THE APPARENT MOTIONS OF

THE HEAVENS.

Preliminary Remarks

15

SECTION I.-On the apparent motions of the heavens during

the day.

Apparent movements of the sun, as seen at different seasons-

and as viewed from different regions of the globe-Sun's ap-

parent annual motion: how observed-How the motions of

the sun appear in southern latitudes, and at the poles-Stars

above the horizon during the day, and may sometimes be seen

while the sun is shining.

16

SECTION II.-On the apparent motion of the heavens during

the night.

General appearance of the starry heavens-How their apparent
motions may be perceived-Aspects of the stars in the southern
and in the northern regions of the heavens -Positions of the
Great Bear at different seasons-Caution to be observed in

making observations-Position of the pole and the pole star

-Positions of certain stars and constellations in the beginning

of January-Appearance of the stars at the equator and at the

north pole

25

SECTION III.-Conclusions deduced from the preceding fac's and

observations.

Earth appears sustained between two hemispheres of the

heavens-Rapid and astonishing motions,somewhere exist,

either in the earth or in the heavens-Reflections on the

power of the Deity.

36

CHAPTER II.

ON THE FIGURE AND MOTION OF THE EARTH.

SECTION I.-On the figure of the Earth, and the arguments which

prove that it is nearly in the shape of a globe.

Opinions formerly entertained on this subject-Four arguments

derived from different sources, particularly illustrated-Argu-

ment taken from an eclipse of the moon-Consequences

which flow from the globular figure of the earth-It is the best

adapted to a habitable world- Discovery of the true figure

of the earth, an important fact in the history of Provi-

dence

42

SECTION II.-On the motions of the Earth.

Motion actually exists-Rate of motion in the celestial bodies,

were the earth at rest-Rate of motion, if the earth move,

illustrated by a figure-Which of these motions is most proba-

ble, and correspondent to the wisdom of the Almighty-A cer-

tain rate of motion would shatter the universe to atoms-No

instance of a larger body revolving round a smaller-Argu-

ment for the earth's motion derived from the wisdom of the

Deity

55

SECTION III.-Reflections suggested by the motions of the Earth

and heavens.

At what rate we are carried through the regions of space during

the hours of sleep, and from one season of the year to an-

other Rapid motions in the heavens-Original cause of all

motion-Scene of wonders which such motions present-Prac-

tical instructions deducible from this subject

65

Its general appearance and effects in the visible creation-Its

magnitude illustrated, compared with other magnitudes-

Displays the glory of the Creator-Nature and physical con-

stitution of the sun-Description of the solar spots-Delinea-

tions of some of them-Bright solar spots-Conclusions re-

specting the constitution of the sun-Beneficial effects pro-

duced by this luminary--Displays the power and beneficence

of the Creator-An emblem of the Sun of righteousness

SECTION II.-The planet Mercury.

74

Arrangement of the planets in the solar system-Amplitude of

their orbits-Orbits of comets -Mercury: its distance, size,

and the velocity of its motion-Its motions and phases-

Quantity of light on its surface-Its temperature-Orbit

elliptical-Transits of-Is probably inhabited

SECTION III.-On the planet Venus.

91

Its distance, magnitude, motion, rotation, etc.-Discoveries

made on this planet by the telescope--Galileo and the senators

of Venice-Observations of Cassini-Schroeter's observations

and discoveries-Mountains on Venus-Apparent motions of

this planet-Its superior and inferior conjunctions-Descrip-

tion and delineation of its phases-Periodical revolution-Its

transits, etc.-Reflections on the morning star, as emblemati-

cal of intellectual light and joy

SECTION IV.-The Earth considered as a planetary body.

101

(1.) General view of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, magni-

tude, and method of finding its dimensions.-Earth a body

which reflects light in common with the other planets-Its

appearance from the moon-Planets dark bodies in themselves

- General aspect of the earth's surface-Magnitude of its con-

tinents, seas, and oceans-Its atmosphere, and the properties

with which it is invested-Dimensions of the earth-How

ascertained-Its circumference; mode of measuring it-

Various measurements of a degree of the meridian

114

(2.) Proofs of the annual motion of the Earth.-Gene al consi-

derations which render this motion highly probable - Demon-