( 201 ) 
A Differtatkn concerning the Figure of the Earthy 
by the tf(eVerend John Theophilus Defaguliers, 
IL. 2). F. % S. 
T HAT the Earth (that is, our Terraqueous Ha- 
bitation) is of a fpherical Figure, or nearly fucli, 
has been prov’d fo often, and by fo many unanfwei- 
able Arguments, that to repeat them here muff needs 
be tedious to this learned Society. But^as a little Va- 
riation from a true Sphere (belides the irregulaiity of 
high Hills and deep Vallies) does not hinder us from 
calling the Earth a Globe ^ fo, to determine what that 
Variation may be, fince modern Phiiofophers are di- 
vided about it, may be a Subjed not ungrateful at this 
Time. , 
Monfieur CaJJini fays : « That the Earth is an ob- 
cc long Spheroid, higher at the Poles than the ./Equator, 
“ making the Axis longer than a Diameter of the ALqua- 
“ tor about thirteen French Leagues, which he de- 
“ duces from comparing his Father’s Mcafures of the 
“ Meridian, from Tar is to the Tyrenaean Moun- 
ts tains, with thofe of M^onlieur Ttcard ■, of which an 
46 Account may be feen in the Memoirs of the Royal 
44 Academy for 1713. But having afterwards con- 
<• tinued the Meridian, which is drawn through Francey 
44 from Tarts to T)unkerque , he ftill draws Confe- 
ct quences to prove the Earth an oblong Spheroid*, 
44 but then makes the Axis exceed the ^Equatorial 
“ Diameter 34 Leagues. 
G g 
Vox. XXXMf. 
44 Sir 
