CELESTIAL SPHERE.
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12. Canis Minor. Canicula. The Lesser Dog. This constellation is also called Procyon from the bright star on the Dog's shoulder. Προκύων, Procyon, signifies, "rising before the Dog," i. e. before the greater Dog, Sirius.
This star, as well as Sirius, was considered by the ancients as contributing to the heat of the Dog-days:
"Jam clarus occultum Andromedæ Pater
Ostendit ignem; jam Procyon furit,
Et stella vesani Leonis
Sole dies referente siccos."
(Hor. III. Od. 29. 17.)
Ostendit ignem; jam Procyon furit,
Et stella vesani Leonis
Sole dies referente siccos."
(Hor. III. Od. 29. 17.)
Cum vero in vastos surget Nemeæus hiatus;
Exoriturque canis, latratque canicula flammas,
Et rabit igne suo, geminatque incendia solis.
Man. v. 207.
Exoriturque canis, latratque canicula flammas,
Et rabit igne suo, geminatque incendia solis.
Man. v. 207.
These are all the constellations of the old celestial sphere. Twenty northern, twelve southern, and twelve on the Zodiac, making the total of forty-four.
