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 Optical Instruments have been so serviceable in the Advancement of Astronomy, that the Sciences which demonstrate their wonderful Properties ought next to be considered. Here also I must own my Obligation to Mr. Halley for this following Account of what the Ancients have done in them, and how much they have been out-done by Modern Mathematicians.

I suppose there are few so thorough-paced Fautors of Antiquity, as to brag much of their Skill, either in Opticks, or Dioptricks. Their Want of Opticks appears in their Want of Authors treating thereon; and yet much better in their Want of Ordonnance, (as it is called) in their Paintings, and Basse Relieve's, as has been already said in its proper Place. And as to Dioptricks, though some of the Ancients mention Refraction as a natural Effect of transparent Media, yet Des Cartes was the first who, in this Age, has discovered the Laws of Refraction, and brought Dioptricks to a Science. And the Invention of Telescopes and Microscopes; which must be wholly allowed to this Century, has received no small Improvements from the Study and Charge of Sir Paul Neile, and some other Members of Gre-