72 THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 
far-away planets of Uranus and Neptune can be seen with a disc. 
In addition to all this a good knowledge of the constellations can 
be obtained. Many double, binary, quadruple and multiple stars 
can be seen, and many other interesting objects of study. 
It is not my intention in this paper to plunge the Hamilton 
Astronomical Society into the slough of calculations, nor to detail 
the laborious calculations by which astronomers have arrived at the 
many great discoveries that have been made. What I wish to do 
is to make plain a few principles necessary, and indicate the road 
by which the student may arrive to those fields of scientific know- 
ledge and pursuits. Before doing this, however, let me say a word 
regarding the history of Astronomy, but my time will permit of only 
a few remarks. ‘The history is nearly as old as the human race. 
From the earliest ages men have gazed upon the starry expanse. 
To the early traveller of the East the planetary system served as 
compass, clock, calendar and barometer. 
Our knowledge of Astronomy is due primarily to the Chaldeans, 
Chinese, Indians and Egyptians. They named the planets, grouped 
the stars and marked the sun’s track in the sky. Astrology was 
cultivated in very remote ages. The Jews practised it, and Astrolo- 
gers of subsequent periods played very important parts in devining 
the future of individuals. Many of the predictions came true, as 
was remarked by Pascal, ‘‘as misfortunes are common the Astrolo- 
gers are often right.” The destines of individuals and nations were, 
at a very early date, attributed to the influences of the stars. We 
read that the stars in their courses fought against Sisera; then we 
have the phrases ‘‘ unlucky star,” ‘born under unlucky star,” “mark 
my stars,” “‘moon struck;” also “‘contemplate” is a term simular 
for Templum (a Temple); was formerly a space marked upon the 
sky in imaginary lines and traced on the ground in accordance with 
the supposed diagram. ‘This Temple became a place for heavenly 
contemplation. 
In our old poets we have allusions to the influences of 
the stars: 
? 
““ Now glowed the firmament 
With living sapphires; Hesperus, that led 
The starry host, rode brightest, till the moon, 
Riding in clouded majesty, at length 
Apparent queen, unveiled her peerless light, 
And o’er the dark her silver mantle threw. ”—JAZz//o72. 
