Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/287

 Knowledge of the Properties of the Load-stone. The Figure of the Earth could formerly only be guessed at; which Sir William Temple's admired Epicurus (e) did, for that Reason, deny to be round; wherein he seems to have been more reasonable, than in many other of his Assertions; because he thought it an Affront to the Understanding of Man, to be determined by bare Conjectures, in a Matter which could no other Way be decided. Whereas now, most Parts of the Ocean being made easily accessible, the Latitudes, and respective Bearings of every Place are commonly known: The Nature and Appearances of Winds and Tides are become familiar, and have been nicely examined by Intelligent Men in all Parts of the World: The Influence of the Moon, joyned with the Motion of the Earth, have been taken in upon almost infallible Grounds, to found Theories of the Sea's Motion upon. And there are great Numbers of other noble, pleasant and useful Propositions in Geography, Astronomy and Navigation, which ultimately owe their Original to the Discovery of that single Quality of this wonderful Stone, that it always points towards the North. If these Sciences have brought to us the Wealth of the Indies, if they