322 
June, 
The Form of the Earth. 
whereas if we assume the Earth to be a flat surface we must 
have certain results occurring, viz., the varied appearance of 
the Moon’s surface and the varied size of the Moon, which 
we know do not occur. 
We need not therefore measure along canals, or apply any 
such trifling tests, to prove that the Earth is spheiical, 
when Geometry, by aid of the Moon, proves what the foim 
of the Earth must be. 
In order to attempt an escape from the preceding geome- 
trical proof, the advocates of the flat surface theory have 
asserted that the Moon also is flat and shaped like a coin, 
and therefore only one side can be seen by people in different 
parts of the Earth. Geometry again proves that this 
assertion must be incorrect, because if the Moon were in 
form like a disc it would appear circular in form to a person 
who was exadtly under the Moon, but it would appear ellip- 
tical in form to those persons who saw the Moon at any 
other altitude than exactly overhead. 
In these cases we have admirable examples of the power 
of Geometry to prove or disprove the theories, or assump- 
tions, of visionary schemers. There is a great tendency in 
some minds to start some theory, and then to cook facts and 
evidence to make this theory appear corredt ; and it not 
unfrequently happens that individuals who thus act imagine 
they are following out the rules of exadt science in what 
they do. As an example of this peculiarity the form of the 
Earth may again be taken. 
The Earth, it is stated, is not a sphere, but a spheroid. 
It is flattened at the Poles ; consequently the Polar diameter 
of the Earth is less by several miles than the Equatorial 
diameter. Now if it be stated that this spheroidal form of 
the Earth is merely a theory, hundreds of so-called scien- 
tific men would probably be annoyed at the ignorance of any 
person who could make such an assertion, for they would 
probably state that not only was the Eaith pioved to be 
spheroidal, but the adtual length of each degree of latitude 
had been calculated to within one foot. It is quite true 
that each degree of latitude has been calculated to a foot, 
but this calculation is based on the theory of the Earth 
being spheroidal and there being a certain proportion between 
the Polar and Equatorial diameters. 
The adtual facts relative to this theory having been so 
long considered a problem most satisfactorily proved, may 
now be described. 
It was, and is, assumed that the Earth in its most ancient 
condition was in a fluid or molten state. It was again 
