34 THE WORXD. 



now learned three important facts in regard to our earth, and the 

 celestial bodies, viz: The ceaseless and uniform motion, the 

 rotundity of the earth, and the actual length Of a degree upon its 

 surface, and this is no small progress, supposing we commenced 

 entirely unacquainted with the subject. Fortunately, as we pro- 

 ceed to show the gradual improvement in astronomical knowledge, 

 we can also give a history of the science, and briefly notice those 

 eminent men, and their discoveries, whose labors have brought 

 astronomical science to its present state of perfection. Supposing* 

 that we are ignorant of the nature of the motion perceived in the 

 heavenly bodies, we will lay aside further observation for the 

 present, and notice some of the instruments employed in astrono- 

 mical discoveries. 



