The Works of Sir Thomas Browne Volume II Part 10

[Sidenote: _What a Critical day is._]

As for the Critical daies (such I mean wherein upon a decertation between the disease and nature, there ensueth a sensible alteration, either to life or death,) the reasons thereof are rather deduced from Astrology, then Arithmetick: for accounting from the beginning of the disease, and reckoning on unto the seventh day, the Moon will be in a Tetragonal or Quadrate aspect, that is, 4 signs removed from that wherein the disease began: in the fourteenth day it will be in an opposite aspect: and at the end of the third septenary, Tetragonal again: as will most graphically appear in the figures of Astrologers, especially _Lucas Gauricus_, _De diebus decretoriis_.

Again, (Beside that computing by the Medical month, the first hebdomade or septenary consists of 6 daies, seventeen hours and an half, the second happeneth in 13 daies and eleven hours, and the third but in the twentieth natural day) what _Galen_ first, and _Aben-Ezra_ since observed in his Tract of Critical daies, in regard of Eccentricity and the Epicycle or lesser orb wherein it moveth, the motion of the Moon is various and unequal; whereby the Critical account must also vary. For though its middle motion be equal, and of 13 degrees, yet in the other it moveth sometimes fifteen, sometimes less then twelve. For moving in the upper part of its...o...b.. it performeth its motion more slowly then in the lower; insomuch that being at the height, it arriveth at the Tetragonal and opposite signs sooner, and the Critical day will be in 6 and 13; and being at the lowest, the critical account will be out of the lat.i.tude of 7, nor happen before the eighth or ninth day. Which are considerations not to be neglected in the compute of decretory daies, and manifestly declare that other numbers must have a respect herein as well as 7 and fourteen.

Lastly, Some things to this intent are deduced from holy Scripture; thus is the year of _Jubile_ introduced to magnifie this number, as being a year made out of 7 times 7; wherein notwithstanding there may be a misapprehension; for this ariseth not from 7 times 7, that is, 49; but was observed the fiftieth year, as is expressed, [SN: Levit. 25.] And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, a _Jubile_ shall that fiftieth year be unto you. Answerable whereto is the Exposition of the _Jews_ themselves, as is delivered by _Ben-Maimon_; that is, the year of _Jubile_, cometh not into the account of the years of 7, but the fourty ninth is the Release, and the fiftieth the year of _Jubile_. Thus is it also esteemed no small advancement unto this number, that the Genealogy of our Saviour is summed up by 14, that is, this number doubled; according as is expressed. [SN: Mat. 1.] So all the generations from _Abraham_ to _David_ are fourteen generations, and from _David_ unto the carrying away into _Babylon_, are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into _Babylon_ unto _Christ_, are fourteen generations.

Which nevertheless must not be strictly understood as numeral relations require; for from _David_ unto _Jeconiah_ are accounted by _Matthew_ but 14 generations; whereas according to the exact account in the History of Kings, there were at least 17; and 3 in this account, that is, _Ahazias_, _Joas_ and _Amazias_ are left out. For so it is delivered by the Evangelist: And _Joram_ begat _Ozias_: whereas in the regal Genealogy there are 3 successions between: for _Ozias_ or _Uzziah_ was the son of _Amazias_, _Amazias_ of _Joas_, _Joas_ of _Azariah_, and _Azariah_ of _Joram_: so that in strict account, _Joram_ was the _Abavus_ or Grand-father twice removed, and not the Father of _Ozias_.

And these second omitted descents made a very considerable measure of time, in the Royal chronology of _Judah_: for though _Azariah_ reigned but one year, yet _Joas_ reigned fourty, and _Amazias_ no less then nine and twenty. However therefore these were delivered by the Evangelist, and carry (no doubt) an incontroulable conformity unto the intention of his delivery: yet are they not appliable unto precise numerality, nor strictly to be drawn unto the rigid test of numbers.

Lastly, Though many things have been delivered by Authors concerning number, and they transferred unto the advantage of their nature, yet are they oft-times otherwise to be understood, then as they are vulgarly received in active and causal considerations; they being many times delivered Hieroglyphically, Metaphorically, Ill.u.s.tratively, and not with reference unto action or causality. True it is, that G.o.d made all things in number, weight and measure, yet nothing by them or through the efficacy of either. Indeed our daies, actions and motions being measured by time (which is but motion measured) what ever is observable in any, falls under the account of some number; which notwithstanding cannot be denominated the cause of those events. So do we injustly a.s.sign the power of Action even unto Time it self; nor do they speak properly who say that Time consumeth all things; for Time is not effective, nor are bodies destroyed by it, but from the action and pa.s.sion of their Elements in it; whose account it only affordeth: and measuring out their motion, informs us in the periods and terms of their duration, rather then effecteth or physically produceth the same.

A second consideration which promoteth this opinion, are confirmations drawn from Writers, who have made observations, or set down favourable reasons for this Climacterical year; so have _Henricus Ranzovius_, _Baptista Codronchus_[SN: De annis Climactericis.], and _Levinus Lemnius_[SN: De occultis naturae miraculis.] much confirmed the same; but above all, that memorable Letter of _Augustus_ [SN: Bel. lib.

5.] sent unto his Nephew _Caius_, wherein he encourageth him to celebrate his nativity, for he had now escaped Sixty three, the great Climacterical and dangerous year unto man: which notwithstanding rightly perpended, it can be no singularity to question it, nor any new Paradox to deny it.

For first, It is implicitely, and upon consequence denied by _Aristotle_ in his Politicks, in that discourse against _Plato_, who measured the vicissitude and mutation of States, by a periodical fatality of number.

_Ptolomie_ that famous Mathematician plainly saith, he will not deliver his doctrines by parts and numbers which are ineffectual, and have not the nature of causes; now by these numbers saith _Rhodiginus_ and _Mirandula_, he implieth Climacterical years, that is, septenaries, and novenaries set down by the bare observation of numbers. _Censorinus_ an Author of great authority, and sufficient antiquity, speaks yet more amply in his book _De die Natali_, wherein expresly treating of Climacterical daies, he thus delivereth himself. Some maintain that 7 times 7, that is, fourty nine, is most dangerous of any other, and this is the most general opinion; others unto 7 times 7, add 9 times 9, that is, the year of eighty one, both which consisting of square and quadrate numbers, were thought by _Plato_ and others to be of great consideration; as for this year of Sixty three or 7 times 9, though some esteem it of most danger, yet do I conceive it less dangerous then the other; for though it containeth both numbers above named, that is, 7 and 9, yet neither of them square or quadrate; and as it is different from them both, so is it not potent in either. Nor is this year remarkable in the death of many famous men. I find indeed that _Aristotle_ died this year, but he by the vigour of his mind, a long time sustained a natural infirmity of stomack; so that it was a greater wonder he attained unto Sixty three, then that he lived no longer. The Psalm of _Moses_ hath mentioned a year of danger differing from all these: and that is ten times 7 or seventy; for so it is said, The daies of Man are threescore and ten. And the very same is affirmed by _Solon_, as _Herodotus_ relates in a speech of his unto _Crsus_, _Ego annis septuaginta humanae vitae modum definio_: and surely that year must be of greatest danger, which is the Period of all the rest; and fewest safely pa.s.s thorow that, which is set as a bound for few or none to pa.s.s. And therefore the consent of elder times, setling their conceits upon Climacters, not only differing from this of ours, but one another; though several Nations and Ages do fancy unto themselves different years of danger, yet every one expects the same event, and constant verity in each.

Again, Though _Varro_ divided the daies of man into five proportions, _Hippocrates_ into 7, and _Solon_ into 10; yet probably their divisions were to be received with lat.i.tude, and their considerations not strictly to be confined unto their last unities. So when _Varro_ extendeth _Puertia_ unto 15. _Adolescentia_ unto 30. _Juventus_ unto 35. There is a lat.i.tude between the terms or Periods of compute, and the verity holds good in the accidents of any years between them. So when _Hippocrates_ divideth our life into 7 degrees or stages, and maketh the end of the first 7. Of the second 14. Of the third 28. Of the fourth 35. Of the fift 47. Of the sixt 56. And of the seventh, the last year when ever it happeneth; herein we may observe, he maketh not his divisions precisely by 7 and 9, and omits the great Climacterical; beside there is between every one at least the lat.i.tude of 7 years, in which s.p.a.ce or interval, that is either in the third or fourth year, what ever falleth out is equally verified of the whole degree, as though it had happened in the seventh. _Solon_ divided it into ten Septenaries, because in every one thereof, a man received some sensible mutation; in the first is Dedention or falling of teeth; in the second p.u.b.escence; in the third the beard groweth; in the fourth strength prevails; in the fift maturity for issue; in the sixt moderation of appet.i.te; in the seventh prudence, etc. Now herein there is a tolerable lat.i.tude, and though the division proceed by 7, yet is not the total verity to be restrained unto the last year; nor constantly to be expected the beard should be compleat at 21.

or wisdom acquired just in 49. and thus also though 7 times 9 contain one of those septenaries, and doth also happen in our declining years; yet might the events thereof be imputed unto the whole septenary; and be more reasonably entertained with some lat.i.tude, then strictly reduced unto the last number, or all the accidents from 56. imputed unto Sixty three.

Thirdly, Although this opinion may seem confirmed by observation, and men may say it hath been so observed, yet we speak also upon experience, and do believe that men from observation will collect no satisfaction.

That other years may be taken against it, especially if they have the advantage to precede it; as sixty against sixty three, and sixty three against sixty six. For fewer attain to the latter then the former; and so surely in the first septenary do most die, and probably also in the very first year; for all that ever lived were in the account of that year; beside the infirmities that attend it are so many, and the body that receives them so tender and inconfirmed, we scarce count any alive that is not past it.

_Fabritius Paduanius_[SN: De catena temporis.] discoursing of the great Climacterical, attempts a numeration of eminent men, who died in that year; but in so small a number, as not sufficient to make a considerable Induction. He mentioneth but four, _Diogenes Cynicus_, _Dyonysius Heracleoticus_, _Xenocrates Platonicus_, and _Plato_. As for _Dionysius_, as _Censorinus_ witnesseth, he famished himself in the 82 year of his life; _Xenocrates_ by the testimony of _Laertius_ fell into a cauldron, and died the same year, and _Diogenes_ the _Cynick_, by the same testimony lived almost unto ninety. The date of _Plato's_ death is not exactly agreed on, but all dissent from this which he determineth: _Neanthes_ in _Laertius_ extendeth his daies unto 84. _Suidas_ unto 82.

But _Hermippus_ defineth his death in 81. And this account seemeth most exact; for if, as he delivereth, _Plato_ was born in the 88 Olympiade, and died in the first year of the 108, the account will not surpa.s.s the year of 81, and so in his death he verified the opinion of his life, and of the life of man, whose period, as _Censorinus_ recordeth, he placeth in the Quadrate of 9, or 9 times 9, that is, eighty one: and therefore as _Seneca_ delivereth, the _Magicians_ at _Athens_ did sacrifice unto him, as declaring in his death somewhat above humanity; because he died in the day of his nativity, and without deduction justly accomplished the year of eighty one. _Bodine_ I confess, delivers a larger list of men that died in this year, [SN: _Method_. Hist.] _Moriuntur innumerabiles anno s.e.xagesimo tertio, Aristoteles, Chrysippus, Bocatius, Bernardus, Erasmus, Lutherus, Melancthon, Sylvius, Alexander, Jacobus Sturmius, Nicolaus Causa.n.u.s, Thomas Linacer, eodem anno Cicero caesus est._ Wherein beside that it were not difficult to make a larger Catalogue of memorable persons that died in other years, we cannot but doubt the verity of his Induction. As for _Sylvius_ and _Alexander_, which of that name he meaneth I know not; but for _Chrysippus_, by the testimony of _Laertius_, he died in the 73 year, _Bocatius_ in the 62, _Linacer_ the 64, and _Erasmus_ exceedeth 70, as _Paulus Jovius_ hath delivered in his Elogy of learned men. And as for _Cicero_, as _Plutarch_ in his life affirmeth, he was slain in the year of 64; and therefore sure the question is hard set, and we have no easie reason to doubt, when great and entire Authors shall introduce injustifiable examples, and authorize their a.s.sertions by what is not authentical.

Fourthly, They which proceed upon strict numerations, and will by such regular and determined waies measure out the lives of men, and periodically define the alterations of their tempers; conceive a regularity in mutations, with an equality in const.i.tutions, and forget that variety, which Physitians therein discover. [SN: _Cholerick men commonly shorter lived._] For seeing we affirm that women do naturally grow old before men, that the cholerick fall short in longaevity of the sanguine, that there is _senium ante senectum_, and many grow old before they arrive at age, we cannot affix unto them all one common point of danger, but should rather a.s.sign a respective fatality unto each. Which is concordant unto the doctrine of the numerists, and such as maintain this opinion: for they affirm that one number respecteth Men, another Women, as _Bodin_ explaineth that of _Seneca Septimus quisque annus aetati signum imprimit_, subjoins _Hoc de maribus dictum oportuit, hoc primum intueri licet, perfectum numerum, id est, s.e.xtum faeminas septenarium mares immutare._

Fiftly, Since we esteem this opinion to have some ground in nature, and that nine times seven revolutions of the Sun, imprints a dangerous Character on such as arrive unto it; it will have some doubt behind, in what subjection hereunto were the lives of our fore-fathers presently after the flood, and more especially before it; who attaining unto 8 or 900 years, had not their Climacters Computable by digits, or as we do account them; for the great Climacterical was past unto them before they begat Children, or gave any Testimony of their virility; for we read not that any begat children before the age of sixty five. And this may also afford a hint to enquire, what are the Climacters of other animated creatures; whereof the lives of some attain not so far as this of ours, and that of others extend a considerable s.p.a.ce beyond it.

Lastly, The imperfect accounts that Men have kept of time, and the difference thereof both in the same and divers common Wealths, will much distract the certainty of this a.s.sertion. For though there were a fatality in this year, yet divers were, and others might be out in their account, aberring several waies from the true and just compute, and calling that one year, which perhaps might be another.

For first, They might be out in the commencement or beginning of their account; for every man is many months elder then he computeth. For although we begin the same from our nativity, and conceive that no arbitrary, but natural term of compute, yet for the duration of life or existence, we are liable in the Womb unto the usual distinctions of time; and are not to be exempted from the account of age and life, where we are subject to diseases, and often suffer death. And therefore _Pythagoras_, _Hippocrates_, _Diocles_, _Avicenna_ and others, have set upon us numeral relations and temporal considerations in the womb; not only affirming the birth of the seventh month to be vital, that of the eighth mortal, but the progression thereto to be measured by rule, and to hold a proportion unto motion and formation. As what receiveth motion in the seventh, to be perfected in the Triplicities; that is, the time of conformation unto motion is double, and that from motion unto the birth, treble; So what is formed the 35 day, is moved the seventy, and born the 210 day. And therefore if any invisible causality there be, that after so many years doth evidence it self as Sixty three, it will be questionable whether its activity only set out at our nativity, and begin not rather in the womb, wherein we place the like considerations.

Which doth not only entangle this a.s.sertion, but hath already embroiled the endeavours of Astrology in the erection of Schemes, and the judgment of death or diseases; for being not incontroulably determined, at what time to begin, whether at conception, animation or exclusion (it being indifferent unto the influence of Heaven to begin at either) they have invented another way, that is, to begin _ab Hora quaestionis_, as _Haly_, _Messahallach_, _Ganivetus_, and _Guido Bonatus_ have delivered.

Again, In regard of the measure of time by months and years, there will be no small difficulty; and if we shall strictly consider it, many have been and still may be mistaken. For neither the motion of the Moon, whereby months are computed; nor of the Sun, whereby years are accounted, consisteth of whole numbers, but admits of fractions, and broken parts, as we have already declared concerning the Moon. That of the Sun consisteth of 365 daies, and almost 6 hours, that is, wanting eleven minutes; which 6 hours omitted, or not taken notice of, will in process of time largely deprave the compute; and this is the occasion of the Biss.e.xtile or leap-year, which was not observed in all times, nor punctually in all Common-Wealths; so that in Sixty three years there may be lost almost 18 daies, omitting the intercalation of one day every fourth year, allowed for this quadrant, or 6 hours supernumerary. And though the same were observed, yet to speak strictly a man may be somewhat out in the account of his age at Sixty three, for although every fourth year we insert one day, and so fetch up the quadrant, yet those eleven minutes whereby the year comes short of perfect 6 hours, will in the circuit of those years arise unto certain hours; and in a larger progression of time unto certain daies. Whereof at present we find experience in the Calender we observe. For the _Julian_ year of 365 daies being eleven minutes larger then the annual revolution of the Sun, there will arise an antic.i.p.ation in the aequinoxes; and as _Junctinus_ [SN: Comment. in Sphaeram Ioh. de Sacro bosco.] computeth, in every 136 year they will antic.i.p.ate almost one day. And therefore those ancient men and Nestors of old times, which yearly observed their nativities, might be mistaken in the day; nor that to be construed without a grain of Salt, which is delivered by _Moses_; At the end of four hundred years, even the self same day, all the host of _Israel_ went out of the land of _Egypt_. For in that s.p.a.ce of time the aequinoxes had antic.i.p.ated, and the eleven minutes had amounted far above a day. And this compute rightly considered will fall fouler on them who cast up the lives of Kingdoms, and sum up their duration by particular numbers; as _Plato_ first began, and some have endeavoured since by perfect and spherical numbers, by the square and cube of 7 and 9 and 12, the great number of _Plato_. Wherein indeed _Bodine_[SN: Mat. Histor.] hath attempted a particular enumeration; but (beside the mistakes committible in the solary compute of years) the difference of Chronology disturbs the satisfaction and quiet of his computes; some adding, others detracting, and few punctually according in any one year; whereby indeed such accounts should be made up; for the variation in an unite destroys the total illation.

Thirdly, The compute may be unjust not only in a strict acception, of few daies or hours, but in the lat.i.tude also of some years; and this may happen from the different compute of years in divers Nations, and even such as did maintain the most probable way of account: their year being not only different from one another, but the civil and common account disagreeing much from the natural year, whereon the consideration is founded. Thus from the testimony of _Herodotus_, _Censorinus_ and others, the _Greeks_ observed the Lunary year [SN: _The Lunary year what._], that is, twelve revolutions of the Moon, 354 daies; but the _Egyptians_, and many others adhered unto the Solary account [SN: _The Solary year what._], that is, 365 daies, that is, eleven daies longer.

Now hereby the account of the one would very much exceed the other: A man in the one would account himself 63, when one in the other would think himself but 61; and so although their nativities were under the same hour, yet did they at different years believe the verity of that which both esteemed affixed and certain unto one. The like mistake there is in a tradition of our daies; men conceiving a peculiar danger in the beginning daies of _May_, set out as a fatal period unto consumptions and Chronical diseases; wherein notwithstanding we compute by Calenders, not only different from our ancestors, but one another; the compute of the one antic.i.p.ating that of the other; so that while we are in _April_, others begin _May_, and the danger is past unto one, while it beginneth with another.

Fourthly, Men were not only out in the number of some daies, the lat.i.tude of a few years, but might be wide by whole Olympiades and divers Decades of years. [SN: _The different account or measure of a year._] For as _Censorinus_ relateth, the ancient _Arcadians_ observed a year of three months, the _Carians_ of six, the _Iberians_ of four; and as _Diodorus_ and _Xenophon de aequivocis_ alleadgeth, the ancient _Egyptians_ have used a year of three, two, and one moneth: so that the Climacterical was not only different unto those Nations, but unreasonably distant from ours; for Sixty three will pa.s.s in their account, before they arrive so high as ten in ours.

Nor if we survey the account of _Rome_ it self, may we doubt they were mistaken; and if they feared Climacterical years, might err in their numeration. For the civil year whereof the people took notice, did sometimes come short, and sometimes exceed the natural. For according to _Varro_, _Suctoninus_ and _Censorinus_, their year consisted first of ten months; which comprehended but 304 daies, that is, 61 less than ours containeth; after by _Numa_ or _Tarquine_ from a superst.i.tious conceit of imparity were added 51 daies, which made 355, one day more then twelve revolutions of the Moon. And thus a long time it continued, the civil compute exceeding the natural; the correction whereof, and the due ordering of the Leap year was referred unto the Pontifices; who either upon favour or malice, that some might continue their offices a longer or shorter time; or from the magnitude of the year that men might be advantaged, or endamaged in their contracts, by arbitrary intercalations depraved the whole account. Of this abuse _Cicero_ accused _Verres_, which at last proceeded so far, that when _Julius Caesar_ came unto that office, before the redress hereof he was fain to insert two intercalary months unto _November_ and _December_, when he had already inserted 23 daies unto _February_; so that the year consisted of 445 daies; a quarter of a year longer then that we observe; and though at the last the year was reformed, yet in the mean time they might be out wherein they summed up Climacterical observations.

Lastly, One way more there may be of mistake, and that not unusual among us, grounded upon a double compute of the year; the one beginning from the 25 of _March_, the other from the day of our birth, unto the same again which is the natural account. Now hereupon many men frequently miscast their daies; for in their age they deduce the account not from the day of their birth, but the year of our Lord, wherein they were born. So a man that was born in _January_ 1582, if he live to fall sick in the latter end of _March_ 1645, will sum up his age, and say I am now Sixty three, and in my Climacterical and dangerous year; for I was born in the year 1582, and now it is 1645, whereas indeed he wanteth many months of that year, considering the true and natural account unto his birth; and accounteth two months for a year: and though the length of time and acc.u.mulation of years do render the mistake insensible; yet is it all one, as if one born in _January_ 1644, should be accounted a year old the 25 of _March_ 1645.

All which perpended, it may be easily perceived with what insecurity of truth we adhere unto this opinion; ascribing not only effects depending on the natural period of time unto arbitrary calculations, and such as vary at pleasure; but confirming our tenets by the uncertain account of others and our selves. There being no positive or indisputable ground where to begin our compute; that if there were, men have been several waies mistaken; the best in some lat.i.tude, others in greater, according to the different compute of divers states, the short and irreconcilable years of some, the exceeding error in the natural frame of others, and the lapses and false deductions of ordinary accountants in most.

Which duly considered, together with a strict account and critical examen of reason, will also distract the witty determinations of Astrology. That Saturn the enemy of life, comes almost every seventh year, unto the quadrate or malevolent place; that as the Moon about every seventh day arriveth unto a contrary sign, so Saturn, which remaineth about as many years, as the Moon doth daies in one sign, and holdeth the same consideration in years as the Moon in daies; doth cause these periculous periods. Which together with other Planets, and profection of the Horoscope, unto the seventh house, or opposite signs every seventh year; oppresseth living natures, and causeth observable mutations, in the state of sublunary things.

Further satisfaction may yet be had from the learned discourse of _Salmasius_ lately published, [SN: _De annis Climactericis._] if any desire to be informed how different the present observations are from those of the ancients; how every one hath different Climactericals; with many other observables, impugning the present opinion.

CHAPTER XIII

Of the Canicular or Dog daies.

Whereof to speak distinctly: among the Southern constellations two there are which bear the name of the Dog; the one in 16 degrees of lat.i.tude, containing on the left thigh a Star of the first magnitude, usually called Procyon or Anticanis, because say some it riseth before the other; which if truly understood, must be restrained unto those habitations, who have elevation of pole above thirty two degrees.

Mention thereof there is in _Horace_[SN: Iam Procyon fuerit et stella vesani Leonis.], who seems to mistake or confound the one with the other; and after him in _Galen_, who is willing, the remarkablest Star of the other should be called by this name; because it is the first that ariseth in the constellation; which notwithstanding, to speak strictly, it is not; unless we except one of the third magnitude in the right paw in his own and our elevation, and two more on his head in and beyond the degree of Sixty. [SN: _What the Dog-star is._] A second and more considerable one there is, and neighbour unto the other, in 40 degrees of lat.i.tude, containing 18 Stars, whereof that in his mouth of the first magnitude, the _Greeks_ call Se?????, the _Latines canis major_, and we emphatically the Dog-Star.

Now from the rising of this Star, not cosmically, that is, with the Sun, but Heliacally, that is, its emersion from the raies of the Sun, the Ancients computed their canicular daies; concerning which there generally pa.s.seth an opinion, that during those daies, all medication or use of physick is to be declined; and the cure committed unto nature.

And therefore as though there were any feriation in nature, or just.i.tiums imaginable in professions, whose subject is natural, and under no intermissive, but constant way of mutation; this season is commonly termed the Physitians vacation, and stands so received by most men. Which conceit however general, is not only erroneous, but unnatural, and subsisting upon foundations either false, uncertain, mistaken or misapplied, deserves not of mankind that indubitable a.s.sent it findeth.

For first, which seems to be the ground of this a.s.sertion, and not to be drawn into question, that is, the magnified quality of this Star conceived to cause, or intend the heat of this season whereby these daies become more observable then the rest: We find that wiser Antiquity was not of this opinion. For, seventeen hundred years ago it was as a vulgar error rejected by _Geminus_, a learned Mathematician in his Elements of Astronomy; wherein he plainly affirmeth, that common opinion made that a cause, which was at first observed but as a sign. The rising and setting both of this Star and others being observed by the Ancients, to denote and testifie certain points of mutation rather then conceived to induce or effect the same. For our fore-fathers, saith he, observing the course of the Sun, and marking certain mutations to happen in his progress through particular parts of the Zodiack, they registred and set them down in their Parapegmes, or Astronomical Canons; and being not able to design these times by daies, months or years (the compute thereof, and the beginning of the year being different, according unto different Nations) they thought best to settle a general account unto all; and to determine these alterations by some known and invariable signs; and such did they conceive the rising and setting of the fixed Stars; not ascribing thereto any part of causality, but notice and signification. And thus much seems implied in that expression of _Homer_, when speaking of the Dog Star, he concludeth----?a??? d? te s?a t?t??ta?, _Malum autem signum est_; The same, as _Petavius_ observeth, is implied in the word of _Ptolomy_, and the Ancients, pe??

?p?s?as???, that is, of the signification of Stars. The term of Scripture also favours it, as that of _Isaiah_, _Nolite timere a signis cli_; and that in _Genesis_, _Ut sint in signa et tempora_: Let there be lights in the firmament, and let them be for signs and for seasons.

The Primative and leading magnifiers of this Star, were the _Egyptians_, the great admirers of Dogs in Earth and Heaven. [SN: Dionysius Periegesi.] Wherein they wors.h.i.+pped _Anubis_ or _Mercurius_, the Scribe of _Saturn_, and Counseller of _Osyris_, the great inventor of their religious rites, and Promoter of good unto _Egypt_. Who was therefore translated into this Star; by the _Egyptians_ called _Sothis_, and _Siris_ by the _Ethiopians_; from whence that _Sirius_ or the Dog-star had its name, is by some conjectured.

And this they looked upon, not with reference unto heat, but clestial influence upon the faculties of man, in order to religion and all sagacious invention; and from hence derived the abundance and great fertility of _Egypt_, the overflow of _Nilus_ happening about the ascent hereof. And therefore in hieroglyphical monuments, _Anubis_ is described with a Dogs-head, with a Crocodile between his legs, with a sphere in his hand, with two Stars, and a water Pot standing by him; implying thereby, the rising and setting of the Dog-star, and the inundation of the River _Nilus_.

But if all were silent, _Galen_ hath explained this point unto the life; who expounding the reason why _Hippocrates_ declared the affections of the year by the rising and setting of Stars; it was saith he, because he would proceed on signs and principles best known unto all Nations. And upon his words in the first of the Epidemicks, _In Thaso Autumno circa Equinoxium et sub virgilias pluviae erant multae_, he thus enlargeth. If (saith he) the same compute of times and months were observed by all Nations, _Hippocrates_ had never made any mention either of Arcturus, Pleiades or the Dog-star; but would have plainly said, in _Macedonia_, in the month Dion, thus or thus was the air disposed. But for as much as the month Dion is only known unto the _Macedonians_, but obscure unto the _Athenians_ and other Nations, he found more general distinctions of time, and instead of naming months, would usually say, at the aequinox, the rising of the Pleiades, or the Dog-star. [SN: _How the Ancients divided the seasons of the year._] And by this way did the Ancients divide the seasons of the year, the Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

By the rising of the Pleiades, denoting the beginning of Summer, and by that of the Dog-star, the declination thereof. By this way _Aristotle_ through all his books of Animals, distinguis.h.i.+ng their times of generation, lat.i.tancy, migration, sanity and venation. And this were an allowable way of compute, and still to be retained, were the site of the Stars as inalterable, and their ascents as invariable as primitive Astronomy conceived them. And therefore though _Aristotle_ frequently mentioneth this Star, and particularly affirmeth that Fishes in the Bosphorus are best catched from the arise of the Dog-star, we must not conceive the same a meer effect thereof. Nor though _Scaliger_ from hence be willing to infer the efficacy of this Star, are we induced hereto; except because the same Philosopher affirmeth, that Tunny is fat about the rising of the Pleiades, and departs upon Arcturus, or that most insects are latent, from the setting of the 7 Stars; except, I say, he give us also leave to infer that these particular effects and alterations proceed from those Stars; which were indeed but designations of such quarters and portions of the year, wherein the same were observed. Now what _Pliny_ affirmeth of the Orix, that it seemeth to adore this Star, and taketh notice thereof by voice and sternutation; until we be better a.s.sured of its verity, we shall not salve the sympathy.

Secondly, What slender opinion the Ancients held of the efficacy of this Star, is declarable from their compute. For as _Geminus_ affirmeth, and _Petavius_ his learned Commentator proveth, they began their account from its Heliacal emersion, and not its cosmical ascent. [SN: _What the Cosmical._] The cosmical ascention of a Star we term that, when it ariseth together with the Sun, or the same degree of the Ecliptick wherein the Sun abideth: [SN: _What the Heliacal ascent of Star is._]

and that the Heliacal, when a Star which before for the vicinity of the Sun was not visible, being further removed, beginning to appear. For the annual motion of the Sun from West to East being far swifter then that of the fixed Stars, he must of necessity leave them on the East while he hasteneth forward, and obscureth others to the West: and so the Moon who performs its motion swifter then the Sun (as may be observed in their Conjunctions and Eclipses) gets Eastward out of his raies; and appears when the Sun is set. If therefore the Dog-star had this effectual heat which is ascribed unto it, it would afford best evidence thereof, and the season would be most fervent, when it ariseth in the probablest place of its activity, that is, the cosmical ascent; for therein it ariseth with the Sun, and is included in the same irradiation. But the time observed by the Ancients was long after this ascent, and in the Heliacal emersion; when it becomes at greatest distance from the Sun, neither rising with it nor near it. And therefore had they conceived any more then a bare signality in this Star, or ascribed the heat of the season therunto, they would not have computed from its Heliacal ascent, which was of inferiour efficacy; nor imputed the vehemency of heat unto those points wherein it was more remiss, and where with less probability they might make out its action.

Thirdly, Although we derive the authority of these daies from observations of the Ancients, yet are our computes very different, and such as confirm not each other. For whereas they observed it Heliacally, we seem to observe it Cosmically; for before it ariseth Heliacally unto our lat.i.tude, the Summer is even at an end. Again, we compute not only from different ascents, but also from divers Stars; they from the greater Dog-star, we from the lesser; they from _Orions_ we from _Cephalus_ his Dog; they from _Seirius_, we from _Procyon_; for the beginning of the Dog-daies with us is set down the 19 of _July_, about which time the lesser Dog-star ariseth with the Sun; whereas the Star of the greater Dog ascendeth not until after that month. And this mistake will yet be larger, if the compute be made stricter, and as Dr.

_Bainbrigge_ late professor of Astronomy in Oxford, hath set it down [SN: Bainb. Canicularis.]. Who in the year 1629 computed, that in the Horizon of _Oxford_ the Dog-star arose not before the fifteenth day of _August_; when in our Almanack accounts, those daies are almost ended.

So that the common and received time not answering the true compute, it frustrates the observations of our selves. And being also different from the calculations of the Ancients, their observations confirm not ours, nor ours theirs, but rather confute each other.

Nor will the computes of the Ancients be so Authentick unto those, who shall take notice, how commonly they applied the celestial descriptions of other climes unto their own; wherein the learned _Bainbrigius_ justly reprehendeth _Manilius_, who transferred the _aegyptian_ descriptions unto the _Roman_ account; confounding the observation of the _Greek_ and _Barbarick_ Spheres.

Fourthly, (which is the Argument of _Geminus_) were there any such effectual heat in this Star, yet could it but weakly evidence the same in Summer; it being about 40 degrees distant from the Sun: and should rather manifest its warming power in the Winter, when it remains conjoyned with the Sun in its Hybernal conversion. For about the 29 of _October_, and in the 16 of _Scorpius_ and so again in _January_, the Sun performs his revolution in the same parallel with the Dog-star.

Again, If we should impute the heat of this season, unto the co-operation of any Stars with the Sun, it seems more favourable for our times, to ascribe the same unto the constellation of _Leo_. Where besides that the Sun is in his proper house, it is conjoyned with many Stars; whereof two of the first magnitude; and in the 8{th} of _August_ is corporally conjoyned with _Basilicus_; a Star of eminent name in Astrology, and seated almost in the Ecliptick.

Fifthly, If all were granted, that observation and reason were also for it, and were it an undeniable truth, that an effectual fervour proceeded from this Star; yet would not the same determine the opinion now in question; it necessarily suffering such restrictions as take off general illations. For first in regard of different lat.i.tudes, unto some the canicular daies are in the Winter; as unto such as have no lat.i.tude, but live in a right Sphere, that is, under the Equinoctial line; for unto them it ariseth when the Sun is about the Tropick of Cancer; which season unto them is Winter, and the Sun remotest from them. Nor hath the same position in the Summer, that is, in the Equinoctial points, any advantage from it; for in the one point the Sun is at the Meridian, before the Dog-star ariseth; in the other the Star is at the Meridian, before the sun ascendeth.

[Sidenote: _What lat.i.tudes have no Dog-daies at all._]

Some lat.i.tudes have no canicular daies at all; as namely all those which have more then 73 degrees of Northern Elevation; as the territory of _Nova Zembla_, part of _Greenland_ and _Tartary_; for unto that habitation the Dog-star is invisible, and appeareth not above the Horizon.

Unto such lat.i.tudes wherein it ariseth, it carrieth a various and very different respect; unto some it ascendeth when Summer is over, whether we compute Heliacally or Cosmically; for though unto _Alexandria_ it ariseth in Cancer; yet it ariseth not unto Biarmia Cosmically before it be in Virgo, and Heliacally about the Autumnal Equinox. Even unto the lat.i.tude of 52, the efficacy thereof is not much considerable, whether we consider its ascent, Meridian, alt.i.tude or abode above the Horizon.

For it ariseth very late in the year, about the eighteenth of _Leo_, that is, the 31 of _July_. Of Meridian Alt.i.tude it hath but 23 degrees, so that it plaies but obliquely upon us, and as the Sun doth about the 23 of _January_. And lastly, his abode above the Horizon is not great; for in the eighteenth of _Leo_, the 31 of _July_, although they arise together; yet doth it set above 5 hours before the Sun, that is, before two of the clock, after which time we are more sensible of heat, then all the day before.

Secondly, In regard of the variation of the longitude of the Stars, we are to consider (what the Ancients observed not) that the site of the fixed Stars is alterable, and that since elder times they have suffered a large and considerable variation of their longitudes. [SN: _What the longitude of a Star is._] The longitude of a Star, to speak plainly, is its distance from the first point of numeration toward the East; which first point unto the Ancients was the vernal aequinox. Now by reason of their motion from West to East, they have very much varied from this point: The first Star of Aries in the time of _Meton_ the _Athenian_ was placed in the very intersection, which is now elongated and removed Eastward 28 degrees; insomuch that now the sign of Aries possesseth the place of Taurus, and Taurus that of Gemini. Which variation of longitude must very much distract the opinion of the Dog star; not only in our daies, but in times before and after; for since the World began it hath arisen in Taurus, and if the World last, may have its ascent in Virgo; so that we must place the canicular daies, that is, the hottest time of the year in the Spring in the first age, and in the Autumn in Ages to come.