Page:The Works of Francis Bacon (1884) Volume 1.djvu/549

 THE THEORY or Tin: FIKMAMENT. different forms, such as is found in many of the heavenly bodies, is the property of other lines ; and Mtli good reason (Jilhert ridicules these, because it is not likely that nature should have formed wheels, which, for example, contain one cr two miles in circumference, in order that a ball tf a finger s breadth should be sustained : for of so little magnitude does the body of a planet ap pear to be, compared with those circles round which they pretend it is to be carried. The fifth is, that stars are parts of their sphere, as if tied therein by a nail. But this is most clearly a revery of those who deal in mathematics, not in nature, and are so stupidly intent on the motion of bodies, that they entirely forget their substances. For that fastening is a particular disposition of compact and consistent things, which have firm cohesions, because of the pres sures of the parts. But it is utterly to be unlocked for, if it be applied to soft or liquid substances. The sixth is that a star is a denser part of its sphere of action ; for the stars are not only not parts, but neither are they denser ; for they are not homogeneous with either, and that in degree only, but they are entirely heterogeneous, and differ in substance; and, besides, that substance, as to density, is rarer, and more expanded than an ethereal one. Over and above these there are many other conceits of equal whimsicality ; but these shall suffice for the subject now under discussion. Again, these observations have been made on the fanciful dicta of philosophy respect ing the heavens. But as to what respects the hypotheses of astronomers, the refutation of them is generally without any use ; for neither are they asserted for truths, nor is it impossible that, al though they may vary and be contradictory in themselves, the phenomena should equally be preserved and harmonize. Therefore, if you please, between astronomy and philosophy, as if linked together by an expedient and legitimate bond, be so circumspect a mediator, that, on the one hand, astronomy may have her previous hypotheses, which are best adapted to expedite calculations ; on the other, philosophy, such as approach nearest to the truth of nature ; and so that the hypotheses of astronomy may not pre judice the truth of a thing, and that the decisions of philosophy may be such as may easily be ex plained with regard to the phenomena of astro nomy. And so much for hypotheses. Now, as to astronomical observations, which are assiduously accumulated, and continually are pouring down like water from the sky, I have a great wish to admonish men on that head ; lest, haply, that be true of them, which is so elegantly fabled of the fly in ^Esop, that sitting on the harness of a chariot, contending for victory at the Olympic games, cried out, &quot; see what dust I excite !&quot; Just so, any petty observation, vacil lating, at one time, in the instrument, at this, in the eye, and at that, in a calculation, and which possibly may be a reality, on account of some true change in the heavens, calls ini &amp;gt; new firmaments, new spheres, and new cin-lt &amp;gt;. And we do not make these remarks in order th.it any relaxation in the taking of observations or the study of history should take plaee, hotli which we are of opinion should by all means be Mitnn- lated and intently prosecuted; but only thai, in rejecting or changing hypotheses, the hi^h- .t prudence and a mature gravity of judgment be displayed. Wherefore, having now laid open the road as to the motions themselves, we will say a few words also as to their nature. We have already said, then, that there are four kinds of motions of the higher order in the heavens : an ascending and descending motion through the whole expanse of the heavens; a motion, to the breadth of the zodiac, stretching out towards south and north : a motion in the course of the zodiac, quick, slow, progressive, retrograde, stable ; and the motion of elongation from the sun. And let not any one object, that that second motion of the breadth of the zodiac or of the signs* thereof may be refer red to that great cosmical motion, since there is an inclination by turns towards the south and the notth; which as well as the curves themselves from one tropic to the other are alike, except that the latter motion is merely curvilinear, but the former hath also many turnings, and lies inmost at much less distances-^ For neither hath this point escaped our consideration. But assuredly the constant and perpetual motion of the sun in the ecliptic, considered apart from all latitude and exclusively of the signs of the zodiac, which same sun does yet communicate with the rest of the planets, as to their paths within the tropics, does not allow us to entertain this opinion. Wherefore, we must seek for different sources of this and of the other three motions. And these are the points, with regard to the heavenly mo tions, which appear to us to be fraught with a less degree of inconvenience. But we must see what they may be found to deny, and what to affirm. They deny that the earth revolves. They deny that there are in the heavens two motions from the east to different points of the west; and they affirm one, that outstrips and consequently leaves behind others. They deny any oblique circle and its different polarity, and they affirm spiral curves. They deny a primum mobile separated and forced asunder; and they affirm .1 cosmical consent, as it were the common bond of the system. They affirm that a diurnal motion ia found not in the sky or heavens, but in the air, in waters, evei. n what are placed on the superficies of the earth, as far as relates to their tur/.iaij See note on &quot; draconet,&quot; p. 420. t &quot;Te slnuoso in pertore fill.&quot; Pert. 5, tl N