a Ne 
Puates 6-15. 
Astronomy is that science which teaches the distribution and arrange- 
ment of the various heavenly bodies, their true and apparent motions in 
space, their magnitudes and distances, their physical structure, so far as 
known, and their mutual influences, so far as these influences are indicated 
by observations and established by induction. 
The high importance of this science is evident to every reflecting mind. 
Its elevated object needs only to be mentioned to awaken feelings of dignity 
and grandeur in the human breast ; for the conceptions and ideas it arouses 
of the infinity of the universe, and of the power, wisdom, and goodness of 
the Creator, excite in otherwise insensible dispositions, feelings of astonish- 
ment, admiration, and reverence. The benefits which human society (man) 
has derived from Astronomy, particularly with regard to the more accurate 
determination and division of time, the perfection of distant navigation, the 
fixing of the geography of places, &c., have been of infinite importance. 
To every cultivated mind, the exact knowledge of the true connexion and 
relation of our planet to the universe, if not absolutely indispensable, is yet 
most useful and attractive: it elevates the reflecting mind above an undue 
estimate of the size and importance of the earth, by showing its insignifi- 
cance in respect to the great whole; it enlarges the circle of ideas, calls to 
mind the infinite, the unchangeable, and awakens longings and hopes in the 
soul, whose realization and continuation beyond the stars may form one 
portion of future blessedness. 
Astronomy is divided first of all into three parts. 1. Spherical Astro- 
nomy, which teaches the knowledge of the various points and circles of the 
celestial sphere, the constellations, the position of the stars with respect to 
these points and circles, as also the phenomena occurring in the sphere of 
the Heavens. 2. Theoretical Astronomy, which enables us to determine 
from observation the true paths of the heavenly bodies, particularly of the 
planets. 3. Physical Astronomy, which gives the laws by which the mo- 
tions of the heavenly bodies are regulated, shows how these motions are to 
be calculated according to the rules of mechanics, and finally combines all 
that is known up to the present time, of the physical characters of the 
heavenly bodies. 
Practical astronomy is to be considered as the basis of these three divi- 
sions, which together form theoretical astronomy. This may be divided 
ito: 1. Observing Astronomy, which treats of the apparatus (instruments), 
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