202 , THE GREEK ASTRONOMY. 



the mode of constructing Solar and Lunar Tables, 

 and the Precession, were advances of the greatest 

 importance in astronomy, not only in themselves, 

 but in the new objects and undertakings which 

 they suggested to astronomers. The one detected 

 a constant law and order in the midst of perpetual 

 change and apparent disorder; the other disclosed 

 mutation and movement perpetually operating 

 where everything had been supposed fixed and 

 stationary. Such discoveries were well adapted to 

 call up many questionings in the minds of specu- 

 lative men; for, after this, nothing could be sup- 

 posed constant till it had been ascertained to be so 

 by close examination ; and no apparent complexity 

 or confusion could justify the philosopher in turnr 

 ing away in despair from the task of simplification. 

 To answer the inquiries thus suggested, new me- 

 thods of observing the facts were requisite, more 

 exact and uniform than those hitherto employed. 

 Moreover the discoveries which were made, and 

 others which could not fail to follow in their train, 

 led to many consequences, required to be reasoned 

 upon, systematized, completed, enlarged. In short, 

 the Epoch of Induction led, as we have stated that 

 such epochs must always lead, to a Period of 

 Developement, of Verification, Application, and 

 Extension. 



