Page:Medical Heritage Library (IA b30513546).pdf/24

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12
Astronomical Dialogues.
That as she whisk'd it tow'rds the Sun,
Strow'd mighty Empires up and down.

The very same, Madam, said I.

Go on then, said she.

This Star here by the Wire, Madam, said I, we call the Pole Star, and the Point near it, thro' which the Wire runs, the North Pole of the World. And let the Earth be where it will, in its Annual Course round the Sun, this North Point on the Earth, and here placed on the Globe, will always be either exactly or nearly under that North Pole Star or Point, in the Heavens. But of this more when I shall further explain to you the Motions of the Earth; and this Position of the Earth's Axis is so firmly fixed and determined by the Author of Nature, that from it there hath never yet been observed any considerable Variation.

Pray, Sir, said she, proceed: When I come to look over Fontenelle again, I perceive I shall understand him and you much better.

Madam, said I, the outward Figures of these two Globes you see are nearly alike; but tho' they are hung also, andfitted