1 489 ] 
raiir People, unacquainted with critical Learning,' 
round Affertions pafs for Proof j and in this manner, 
beyond Queftion, tht ChineR have frequently ini- 
pofed upon credulous unskilful Europeans. 
' 3 £?D: 61 8; begin the Reign of the Emperors of die 
Race of Tang j and about this time other Weftem 
Strangers came into China (/). From them therefore 
the Chinefe might learn what farther Improvements 
we may chance' to meet with in their AJironomy , 
bcfides thofe for which they are affuredly indebted 
to the Jefuits . 
It was obferved but now, that in computing the 
Places of the heavenly Bodies, the Chinefe at belt knew 
nothing but their mean Motions:. Butin fuch Com- 
putations it is neceffary to begin from forne Radix , 
Or cither': European Tables gehhrally begin with the 
Gommen cement of the ChriftiaU fyEra\ the Chinefe 
appear never to haye known any. One Epoch indeed 
they have, but intirely imaginary, called Chang- 
Then (m), and Which began feme time or other at 
Midnight o r at. .the Of the Winter.. Sptftfce, 
,3/ 3£i at JP ' 1 rr stA-Ao ' -a d a C + * 1 ./> ^ g y 
when the Star, Moon, and 5: ftaffets,. 
Mats, ' Men'urj^ and ■ Venus-,. were , all in Con j unftion 
and the Moon without any Latitude. 
This extraordinary' £po& ' began, according io the 
able Aftronomers, J 4 JI 27 
m face, in the Year before 
Vi H ! . i • ' T? . , 7 . • 'DJllQ &lh. XI 
ars 
preTh'e \Wintjep, 
Kir.i. 
with 
%{ u ?\- 3 0 f:*U moT 
