_Of certaine generall properties of the earth._
In Geography when wee name the earth wee meane not the earth
taken seuerally by itselfe, without the seas and waters. But
vnder one name both are comprised, as they are now mingled one
with another and doe both together make vp one entire and round
body. Neither doe wee diue into the bowels of the earth, and
enter into consideration of the naturall qualities, which are in
the substance of Earth and water, as coldnes, drinesse moisture,
heauines, and the like, but wee looke only vpon the out side,
contemplating the greatnesse, scituation, distances, measuringe,
and other such affections which appeare in the superficies of it,
to the eyes of our bodies and mindes: These then of the earth and
water together, rules are to bee knowne,
1 _The earth and the water doe make one globe, i.e., one round or
sphericall body._
The naturall place of the water is to bee aboue the earth, and
soe it was in the first creation of it, compassing, the earth
round aboute as appeares Genes. 1. 9. But for the vse of man and
all other liuing creatures, God made a separation of them
caussing the waters to sinke downe into huge hollow channells,
prepared to receaue it, that so the drie land might appeare aboue
it. Notwithstanding which separation, they doe both still remaine
together, not couering one another as at first, but intermingled
one with another, and that soe exactly as they now make but one
round body, whereas at first they made two. Here therfore are two
poynts to be proued, 1. That they are one globe. 2. that this one
is round.
1 They are one globe hauing the same Center or middle pointe, and
the same surface or conuexe superficies, which will appeare by
these reasons.
1 Common experience. Take a lumpe of earth and any quantity of
water, and let them both fall downe together vpon the earth from
some high place, wee see that in the desc[~e]t they doe not
seuer, but keepe still together in on streight line, which could
not bee, if the earth and water were two seuerall round bodies
hauing seuerall centers. As for example suppose them to bee two
globes and let (_a_) bee the Center of the earth and (_b_) the
center of the water; fr[~o] (_c_) some high place aboue the earth
hurle downe earth and water, I say the earth will part from the
water in going downe and the earth will fall downe vpon (_d_) &
the water vpon (_e_) but this is contrary to experience & _ergo_
the supposition is false.
[Illustration]
2 The shadow which in Eclipses is cast vpon the Moone by the
earth and the water, is but one and not two, & therefore the body
is so likewise. This will appeare in the proofe of the next
point, v. 2.
2 _That both earth and water are one round body, not square,
long, hollow, of any other figure. This is proued by diuerse
reasons._
1 By Eclipses; when the earth, stands iust betweene the Sunne and
the Moone, then doth the shadow of the earth falling vpon the
Moone darken it wholy or in part. Now as is the fashion of the
shadow, such is the figure of the body, whence it falls, but the
shadow of the earth and water cast vpon the Moone is round, and
also one, therefore they are round and also one body.
[Illustration]
2 By the orderly and successiue appearing of the starres, as men
trauile from North to South, or from South to North, by sea or
land. For as they goe by degrees, they discouer new starres,
which they saw not before, and loose the sight of them they did,
which could not bee if the earth were not round. As for example,
let (_X.O.R._) the inward Circle bee the earth, (_Q.S.P._) the
outward, the Heauen: they cannot see the starre (_S_) which dwell
vpon the earth in (_X_) but if they goe Northward vnto (_O_) they
may see it. If they goe farther to (_R_) they may see the starre
(_P_) but then they loose the sight of the starre (_Q_) which
being at (_X_) and (_O_) they might haue seene. Because, as it
appeares in the figure, the earth riseth vp round betweene (_R_)
and (_X_).
[Illustration]
3 By the orderly and successiue rising of the Sunne and starres,
and settinge of the same. Which appeare not at the same time to
all countryes, but vnto one after another. As for example, let
(_F.C.B._) be the Circle of the earth, (_D.E.A._) the Circle of
the heauen from East to west, let (_A_) bee the Sunne or a
starre. When the Sunne (_A_) is vp, and shines vpon them that
dwell in (_B_) hee is not risen to them that dwell in (_C_)
againe when hee is risen higher and is come to (_E_) and so
shines vpon those that dwell in (_C_) hee is not yet vp to them
that dwell in (_F_). Againe when hee setts in the West, in (_D_)
and so is out of sight to the inhabitants in (_B_) hee is yet vp
to them that dwell in (_C_) and (_F_). Which shews plainely the
earth is round.
[Illustration]
4 By the different obseruations of Eclipses. One and the same
Eclipse appearing sooner to the Easterly Nations then those that
lye farther west, which is caused by the bulke of the earth
swelling vp betweene. As for example.
Let (_X.O._) bee the Circle of the earth, and the greater the
Circle of the heauen from East to West. Let (_P.Q._) bee the body
of the Sunne, (_W.S._) of the Moone in the eclipse by reason of
the earth betweene it and the Sunne. It is manifest that the
inhabitants in (_O_) shall see the eclipse before the inhabitants
in (_X_) by certaine houres, according as the distance betweene
(_X_) and (_O_) is more or lesse. They that dwell in (_O_) shall
see it in (_S_) they that dwell in (_X_) see it not till it come
to (_W_) a great deale higher.
[Illustration]
5 That the water is round besides the naturall weight and
moisture of it, which being apt to yeeld and runne abroad, will
not suffer some places to ly high, and some low, like hills, &
dales, but though it be made rough and vneuen by tempest, doth
pres[~e]tly returne to their naturall smoothnesse and euennesse:
I say besides this: it is cleare by common experience; for if wee
stand on the land, and see a ship goe forth to sea, by degrees
wee loose the sight of it, first of the bulke then of the
mast, and all. So also one the other side they that are at sea by
degrees doe loose or gaine the sight of the Land: As for example.
Let (_A_) bee some steeple vpon the land (_B_) a shipp at sea: He
that stands at (_A_) shall by little and little loose the sight
of the ship, as shee goes out, & gett sight of her as shee comes
in. Both first and last hee shall haue the sight of the top mast
(_B_) when hee sees nothing else. Because the sea riseth vp
betweene his sight and the ship.
[Illustration]
These reasons and experiments may suffice to proue the roundnesse
of the earth and water; which might bee farther demonstrated by
shewing the falshood of all other figures regular or irregular
that can be giuen vnto it; that it is neither square, nor
three-cornerd, nor Piramidall, nor conicall on Taperwise,
nor Cylindricall like a barley rowle, nor hollow like a dish,
nor of any other fashion, as some haue imagined it to bee of.
Wee come to this second rule.
2 _The tops of the highest hills, and the bottoms of the lowest
vallies although in seuerall places they make the earth vneven,
yet being compared to the vast greatnesse of the whole, doe not
at all hinder the roundnesse of it._
Among all Geometricall figures the sphæriall or the round is the
most perfect, and amongst all naturall bodies the heauen is the
most excellent. It was therefore good reason the most beautifull
body should haue the most perfect and exquisite shape. Exact
roundnesse then is not found in any body, but the Heauens; the
earth is round as was showed before, but not precisely, with out
all roughnes and inæquality of its surface. There are hills like
warts and vallies like wrinkels in a mans body; and that both for
ornament and vse. Yet is there such vnformity in this varietie,
as that there is no notable and sensible inæquality made in the
earth by Hills and vallies. No more then if you should lay a fly
vpon a smooth Cartwheele, or a pinnes head vpon a greate globe.
Now that this is soe appeares by Sense and Reason. By Sense thus,
If wee stand on a hill or in a plaine, when wee may discrie the
country round about 15. or 20. miles; wee may behold the brim or
edge of the earth round about vs to bee in a manner euen and
streight, euen there, where the country is very hilly, and full
of mountaines. So that a farre of their height makes but a little
alteration and difference from the plaine Countreys, when wee
behold all togeather a farre of: though when wee come neere, the
alteration seemes more sensible.
By reason thus, the thicknesse of halfe the earth is (as shall be
shewed) about 4000 miles, now the plumb height of the highest
mountaines is not accounted aboue a mile and a halfe, or two
miles at the most. Now betweene two miles and foure thousand,
there is no sensible proportion, and a line that is foure
thousand and two miles long, will not seeme sensibly longer then
that which is foure thousand; as for example. Let (_O_) be the
center of the earth, (_XW_) a part of the circle of the earth
which runneth by the bottomes of the hils and superficies of
champion and even plaines (_WO_) or (_XO_) is the semidiamiter or
halfe the depth of the earth. (_S_) is a hill rising vp aboue
that plaine of the earth, (_WS_) is the plumb height of the hill.
I say that (_WS_) doth not sensibly alter the length of the line
(_OW_); for (_WS_) is but two miles. (_WO_) 4000 miles, and two
to 4000 alters not much more, then the breadth of a pinne to the
length of a pearch. So a line drawne from (_O_) the center to
(_S_) the top of the hill, is in a manner all one with a line
drawen to (_W_) the bottome of the hill.
[Illustration]
The third rule.
3 _The earth resteth immovable in the very midst of the whole
earth._
Two points are here to be demonstrated. _First that the earth
standeth exactly in the midst of the World. Secondly that it is
immoveable._ The former is proved by these reasons.
1 The naturall heavinesse of the earth and water is such, as they
will never cease mooving downewards till they come to the lowest
place; Now the center or middle point of the world is the lowest
place, and _ergo_ they must needs moue thither, as for example.
Let (_O_) be the center of the world, (_CDE_) the heauens: it is
manifest that the lowest place from the heauens on all sides is
(_O_). Ssuppose the earth to be in (_A_) or in (_B_) some where
out of the center, I say it is not possible (vnlesse it be
violently held vp) that it should abide there, but it will
descend till it come to (_O_) the middle point.
[Illustration]
2 If the earth stood any where but in the midest we should not
see halfe the heauens aboue vs, as now we alway doe, neither
could there be any Æquinox, neither would the daies and nights
lengthen and shorten in that due order and proportion in all
places of the World as now they doe; againe Eclipses would never
fall out but in one part of the heavens, yea the Sunne and Moone
might be directly opposite one to another and yet no Eclipse
follow, all which are absurd. As for example, let the center of
the World be (_O_) let the earth stand in (_A_), a good way
distant from the center, it is manifest that the greater halfe of
the Heauens (_CIB_) will alwaies be aboue, and the lesser halfe
(_CDB_) below, which is contrary to experience. Thence also it
followes that the daies and nights will never be equall, for the
Sunne (_B_) will be alwaies longer aboue the earth whil'st he
moues from (_B_) to (_C_) then below, mouing from (_C_) to (_B_).
Againe the Sunne (_B_) may stand iust opposite to the Moone (_X_)
and yet noe Eclipse follow, the earth which makes the Eclipse,
standing out of the midst.
[Illustration]
3 The shadowes of all bodies on the earth would not fall in that
orderly vniformity as they now doe: for if the earth stood
towards the East, the shadowes would be shortest before noone, if
toward the west afternoone, if towards the North, the shadowes
would still fall Northward, if towards the South, Southwards, all
which experience shewes to be false. As for example, let the
earth stand Eastwards in (_A_) the shadow of any body vpon the
earth, as of the body vnder (_E_) will be shorter in the morning
when the sunne is in (_C_), then at noone when the sunne is in
(_X_). If the earth stand Southward in (_W_) the shaddow of any
body will alwaies fall south, as it doth in the figure (_Y_) and
(_Z_.)
[Illustration]
_The second thing to be proued was that the earth is immouable._
where wee must vnderstand a double motion, Streight, or Circular.
For the first it is cleare that with out supernaturall violence
it cannot bee moued in any streight motion, that is, vpward
downewarde, or toward any side; it cannot bee shoued out of his
place.
For the Second, whether abiding still in his place it may not
moue rounde, the question is disputed, and maintained one both
sides. Some affirme it may, and doth: who thinke there is greater
probabilitie the earth should mooue round once a day, then that
the Heauens should by reason of the incredible swiftnesse of the
heauens motion, scarcs conpetible to any naturall body; and the
more likely Slownesse of the earths mouing. Others deny it
grounding theire opinion vpon Scripture, which affirmes the earth
to stand fast, so as it cannot bee moued; and vpon Sence, because
wee perceaue it not to moue, and lastly vpon reasons drawne from
things hurled vp, and let fall vpon the earth. The arguments on
both sides wil bee more easie to bee vnderstood by the figure
that followes.
[Illustration]
In this figure it is manifest, that the earth in the midest,
cannot moue by any streight motion, vpward towarde (_N_) or
sideward toward (_M_) or any other way out of its proper place,
and therefore that opinion of _Copernicus_ and others, that the
earth should moue round once a yeere in such a Circle as (_MPR_)
is most improbable & vnreasonable. And reiected by the most.
But although it cannot moue streight, it may moue round. For
though it be a marueilous great body of vnconceaueable weight,
yet being equally poised on euery side, there is nothing can
hinder its Circular motion. As in a Globe of Lead, or any other
heauy substance, though it were 40. Fadome in compasse, yet being
set vpon his two Poles, it would easily bee turned round euen
with a touch of ones little finger. And therefore it is concluded
that this circular motion is not impossible. The probabilitie of
it is thus made plaine. The whole circuit of the Heauens, wherein
are the fixed Starrs is reckoned by Astronomers to bee
1017562500. that is a Thousand and seauenteene Millions of miles,
fiue hundred sixty two thousand, and fiue hundred miles. Let this
bee the compasse of the Circle (_NMOZ_.) So many miles doth the
Heauens moue in one day, till the same point come to the place
from whence it went; as till (_N_) moue round, and come to (_N_)
againe. This being the motion of the whole day 24. houres, how
many miles will (_N_) moue in one houre? it will moue 42398437
and a halfe. i.e. Forty two Millions three hundred ninty eight
thousand, foure hundred thirty seuen miles and an halfe. So many
miles will (_N_) moue in one houre, from (_N_) to (_M_.) A motion
so swift that it is vtterly incredible. Farre more likely it is,
the circuit of the earth (_ASXV_) being about 24000. i.e. twenty
foure thousand miles more or lesse, it should moue round once a
day. For then one point as (_X_) should moue in one houre from
(_X_) to (_V_) but a thousand miles, which motion although it bee
swifter then any arrow or bullet from a Cannons mouth, yet is it
incomparably slower then that of the Heauens, where so many
Millions are posted ouer in an houre.
Now for the saluing of all the cælestiall Phænomena, or
appearances, the truth is the same, if wee suppose the earth to
moue, as if wee beleeue it to stand still. The riseing of the
Sunne and Starres, the motions of all the Planets, will keepe
Correspondence that now. Nor neede wee feare logging, or that
steples and towers would totter downe, for the motion is regular,
and steady without rubbes, and knocks. As if you turne a globe
about, it will goe steadyly, and a fly will set fast vpon it,
though you moue it apace. Besides the whole body the ayre is
carryed about with the whirlinge of the earth, so that the earth
will make noe winde, as it turnes swiftly about; as a wheele
will, if it bee turned apace.
Notwithstanding all this, most are of another opinion, that the
earth standeth still without all motion, rest rather befittinge
so heauy and dull a body then motion. The maine reason brought to
establish it is this. Let a stone bee throwne downe out of the
ayre from (_W_:) if the earth stand still, it is manifest it will
fall vpon (_X_) iust vnder it; as wee see it doth by common
experience, a stone will fall downe from any height vpon the
place wee aymed at, but let the earth moue, the stone will not
light vpon (_X_) but some where else as one (_S_:) for (_X_) will
bee moued away, and gone to (_V_.)
So againe let two peices of ordinance that will shoote at equall
distance bee discharged one iust towards the East, the other
towards the West; if the earth moue (as they say it doth) towards
the West, the bullet that is discharged Eastward will fly farther
then that Westward. For by the contrary motion of the earth hee
will gaine ground. But experience hath proued this to bee false,
shewing that the bullets, will both fly at equall distance.
To salue this, answere is made that the earth by its swift motion
carries with it and that steadily not only all bodies resting or
moueing vpon it, but also the whole Sphære of Aire (_WEQ_) with
all things whatsoeuer that are moued in it naturally or
violently, as clouds, birds, stones hurled vp or downe, arrowes,
bullets, and such like things violently shott forth: as may
appeare in the figure.
The fourth rule.
4 The earth, though it bee of exceeding greate quantity being
considered in itselfe, yet being compared to the Heauens,
especially the higher sphæres, is of noe notable bignes, but may
be accounted as a point or pricke in the middest of the world.
That the earth is noe bigger then a point or pinns head in
comparison of the highest heauens will easily appeare vnto vs, by
these reasons.
1 The starres which are many times bigger then the earth, seeme
yet to vs to bee noe bigger then a greate pinns head, or such
like quantity; therefore much lesse shall the earth appeare to
bee of any sensible magnitude.
2 Wee alwaies beholde halfe the heauens aboue vs, which could not
bee if the earth had any sensible proportion to the heauen.
3 All obseruations of hights and distances of the coelestiall
bodies, which are made on the superficies of the earth, are as
exact, and true, as if they were made in the very center of the
earth. Which were impossible, vnlesse the thicknes of the earth
were insensible in regard of the Heauens.
4 All Sunn Dialls which stand on the superficies of the earth,
doe as truely cast the shadowes of the houres, as if they stood
in the Center. As for example.
The starre (_S_) appeares like a point or pricke to them that
dwell in (_A_) wherefore the earth (_OX_) will appeare much lesse
to the sight of him that should behold it from (_S_), nay it
would not bee seene at all. Againe halfe the Heauens (_BFE_) are
alwayes seene to th[~e] that dwell in (_A_) wanting some two
minutes, betweene (_ED_) and (_BC_) which difference is
alltogether insensible. Againe if wee obserue the height of the
starre (_S_) aboue the Horizon (_BE_) it will bee all one namely
(_BS_) whether wee obserue it in the topp of the earth, in (_A_)
or in the middle in (_O_.) For, (_A_) and (_O_,) are so little
distant one from another, that (_AS_,) and (_OS_) will bee
paralell lines, and bee esteemed but as one line. The fourth
reason concerning Dialls, is cleare by the framing and
construction of them: wherein either the lower end of the Cocke
(or Gnomon) whereat all the houre lines meet, or the vpper end
and knobb (as in many Dialls) is supposed to bee the Center of
the earth.
[Illustration]