C ^^2, ) 
Let us then ( for Example ) fuppofe the Dog-Star to 
be fo. The Diftance from us to the Sun being about 
lOO times the Sun's Diameter ( as is demonftrable from 
the Sun's Diameter being 32 Minutes) it is evident 
that the Angle under which the Dog-Star is feen in Mr. 
Hugens's Telefcope, muft be near the fame with the 
Angle of its Parallax to the Sun's Diftance, or Semi- 
diameter of the Earth's Annual Courfe ; fb that the Pa- 
rallax to- the whole Diameter, can be but double fuch 
a quantity, as even to Mr. Hugcnss nice OWervation is 
altogether inftnfible. 
The Diftance therefore of the fixt Stars feems hardly 
within the reach of any of our Methods to determine; 
but from what has been laid down, we may draw fome 
Conclufions that will much illuflrate the Prodigious 
vaftnefs of it. 
I. That the Diameter of the Earth's Annual Orb 
( which contains at leaft 1 60 Millions of Miles) is but 
as a Point in comparifon of it ; at leaft it muft be above 
6000 times the Diftance of the Sun; For if a Star ftiould 
appear through the aforefaid Telefcope half a Minute 
broad ( which is a pretty ienfible Magnitude ) the true 
apparent Diameter would not exceed 18 3d. Minutes, 
which is lefs than the <5oooth. part of the apparent Dia- 
meter of the Sun, and confequently the Sun's Diftance 
not the 6000th. part of the Diftance of the Star. 
a. That could we advance towards the Stars 09 Parts 
of the whole Diftance, and have only loo Part remain- 
ing, the Stars would appear little bigger to us tlian 
they do here : For they would ftiew no otherwife than 
they do through a Telefcope, which Magnifies an Flun- 
dred fold. 
3. That at leaft Nine Parts in Ten, of the Space be- 
tween us and the fixed Stars can receive no greater 
Light from the Sun, or any of the Stars, than what we 
have from the Stars in a clear Night. 
4. That 
