438 PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [aNNO lOgQ. 



thought of a more exact calculation than this emendation, introduced by Pope 

 Gregory the xiith, which they ground upon the late astronomical observations 

 of the learned Tycho Brahe ; yet since the difference is not so great as to make 

 any sensible error in many ages, and since that error may be easily corrected by 

 the omission of an intercalary day, I think it not fit for so small a nicety to 

 make a new dissension in the church. Much less am I of their opinion, who 

 think this correction of the year therefore to be rejected, because it comes re- 

 commended by the church of Rome ; which would be all one as to refuse some 

 wholesome potion, because it is prescribed by a physician whose manners we do 

 not approve of. And thus far I agree with Mr. Dee. 



But I cannot subscribe to his opinion, that this reformation should be made 

 by the subtraction of JO days out of one year alone. For though I grant that 

 this were a quick cure of a lingering disease, yet it is against all rules of art in 

 curing one malady to make 10. For the defalcation of 10 days in one year must 

 cause endless disturbance in tlie commonwealth in all contracts, where neces- 

 sarily a certain time is defined. And therefore when Julius Caesar the dictator 

 corrected the Roman year by the help of Sosigines, after this manner, that is, 

 by subtraction of days, that year in which he did it was called by the ancients 

 annus confusionis, by reason of the great confusion and inconveniences which 

 thereby happened : and I doubt not but that the year 1582, in which the defal- 

 cation of 10 days was made by the bull or edict of Pope Gregory, might also be 

 justly stiled annus confusionis. So that such examples as these are not to be 

 imitated. 



I shall therefore recommend that course, which was long since proposed by 

 many able mathematicians to Pope Gregory, on the first notice of his purpose of 

 correcting the calendar, viz. that for 40 years time there should be no bissextile 

 or intercalary years, or as we call them leap-years, inserted in the calendar : by 

 which course it is most evident, that 10 days will be subtracted in 40 years, and 

 these 40 years each of them will be anni sequabiles, consisting of 365 days ; as 

 our common and ordinary years do, without any alteration in the whole year. 



On the Credibility of Human Testimony. N° 257, P- 359. 



Moral certitude absolute, is that in which the mind of man entirely ac- 

 quiesces, requiring no further assurance : as if one, in whom I absolutely con- 

 fide, shall bring me word of 1200l. accruing to me by gift, or a ship's arrival ; 

 and for which therefore I would not give the least valuable consideration to be 

 insured. 



Moral certitude incomplete has its several degrees, to be estimated by the 

 proportion it bears to the absolute. As if one in whom I liave that degree of 



