Archimedes Texts

464
the height of Heaven above, or depth of the Earth beneath: for
that each of them appeareth to men of ordinary capacity, to have
equally an infinite extent. And yet no man that is in his right
mind will by these words circumscribe and bound the diligence
of Astronomers, whether in demonstrating the most contemptible
Minuity of the Earth, in comparison of Heaven, or in searching
out Astronomical Distances: Since those words speak not of the
Rational, but real Dimention; which to a Humane Body,
whilst confin'd to the Earth, and breathing in the open Air, is al
together impossible. Read the whole 38. Chapter of Job, and
compare it with those Points which are disputed in Astronomy,

and Physiologie. If any one do alledge from Psal. 24. That ^{*} The
Earth is founded upon the Seas, to the end that he may thence
infer some new Principle in Philosophy, absurd to hear; as, That
the Earth doth float upon the Waters; may it not truly be told
him, That he ought not to meddle with the Holy Spirit, nor to
bring him with contempt into the School of Physiologie.
For the Psalmist in that place means nothing else but
that which men fore-know, and daily see by experience; namely,
That the Earth (being lifted up after the separation of the Wa
ters) doth swim between the Grand Oceans, and float about the
Sea. Nor is it strange that the expression should be the same
where the Israelites sing, ^{*} That they sate on the River of Baby

lon; that is, by the River side. or on the Banks of Euphrates and
Tygris.

If any one receive this Reading without scruple, why not the
other; that so in those same Texts which are wont to be alledged
against the Motion of the Earth, we may in like manner turn our
eyes from Natural Philosophy, to the scope and intent of Scri
pture. One Generation passeth away, (saith Ecclesiastes) and a

nother Generation cometh: But the Earth abideth for ever. ^{*} As
if Solomon did here dispute with Astronomers, and not rather put
men in minde of their Mutability; when as the Earth, Mankindes
habitation, doth alwaies remain the same: The Suns Motion
doth continually return into what it was at first: The Wind is
acted in a Circle, and returns in the same manner: The Rivers
flow from their Fountains into the Sea, and return again from
thence unto their Fountains: To conclude, The Men of this
Age dying, others are born in their room; the Fable of Life is
ever the same; there is nothing new under the Sun. Here is no
reference to any Physical Opinion. [...] ον [...] εσὶα is Moral of a thing in it
self manifest, and seen by the eyes of all, but little regarded: Tis
that therefore which Solomon doth inculcate. For who knows not
that the Earth is alwaies the same? Who sees not that the Sun
dotharise from the East; That the Rivers continually run into