Page:Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury (1661).djvu/382

 bed in the plain of the Ecliptick, and this we will divide into four equal parts with the two diameters Capricorn Cancer, and Libra Aries, which, at the same time, shall represent unto us the four Cardinal points, that is, the two Solstices, and the two Equinoctials; and in the centre of that circle we will place the Sun O, fixed and immoveable.

Let us next draw about the four points, Capricorn, Cancer, Libra and Aries, as centres, four equal circles, which represent unto us the Earth placed in them at four several times of the year. The which, with its centre, in the space of a year, passeth through the whole circumference, Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, Libra, moving from East to West, that is, according to the order of the Signes. It is already manifest, that whilst the Earth is in Capricorn, the Sun will appear in Cancer, and the Earth moving along the arch Capricorn Aries, the Sun will seem to move along the arch Cancer Libra, and in short, will run thorow the Zodiack according to the order of the Signes, in the space of a year; and by this first assumption, without all question, full satisfaction is given for the Suns apparent annual motion under the Ecliptick. Now, coming to the other, that is, the diurnal motion of the Earth in it self, it is necessary to establish its Poles and its Axis, the which must be understood not to be erect perpendicularly upon the plain of the Ecliptick, that is, not to be parallel to the Axis of the grand Orb, but declining from a right angle 23 degrees and an half, or thereabouts, with its North Pole towards