¶ The description of the Sphere or the frame of the world, right worthy to be red and studied on, of all noble wits, specially of all those that be desirous to attain any perfect knowledge in Cosmography, or true description of Reagions, Towns, or countries, set forth by Proclus Diadochus, and englished by wyllyam Salysbury. a king and queen Ptholomeus. ¶ To his very loving Cousin, Iohn Edwardes of Chryke Esquyer, William Salysbury, wisheth long life in continual health. WHere as of late days ye have written unto me to provide you some book, tracting in english of the description of the Sphere of the world Now at the last I come in, with mine answer, which even as it shall not altogether like you, So I trust (if ye have a respect to my benevolence) It shall not utterly mislike you. I walked myself round about all Paul's church yard, from shop to shop enquering of such a treactyse neither could I here of any that either wrote of this matter proposely, nor yet occasionaly. But what trow you did I than by my faith sir, I returned back even the same way (but wondering moche at the hap) and asked again for the same works in latin, whereof there were three or four of sundry Authors brought, and showed unto me, among all which (for the brevity and plains) I chose Proclus his doing. And this a Gods name intended I than (for thac complyshement of your will) to traducte into the english tongue. That was M. Thomas lynacte. But would God that he which translated it into the latin had taken so moche pain, for his country sake as to english the same also. english was his native tongue. Greek and latin as well known where as english to me of late years, was wholly to learn, the latin not tasted of, the Greek not once hard of, whom although even at this present I might rather and true lie with less reproach deny to have any knowledge in at all, than to profess the perfect phrase of any of them three. Why then shall I attempt for any man's pleasure to go about to translate a Science unknown, out of a tongue unknown, into a tongue no better known unto me. Surely I am very loath to do it. But yet because perhaps ye be so persuaded that I can do some what therein and peradventure would take it for unkindness that I would not take in hand, to prove the feyct to the uttermost of my power? I will therefore wrest it rather than truly turn it, and that for lack of farther cunning I can do none other, that you may be assured, that if ought be well done in this matter, it floweth out rather of the vehement love and fervent affection that your manifold demerits hath most deeply engrafted in my heart, than of any learning that I already was endued withal. Moreover I know well that you stamer somewhat both in the latin tongue and in this science also, and so do I in setting forth of the same, where fore you shall better understand me than a perfecter doer therein. And where you are else exceedingly well seen in all Geometrical devices, where you excel in all humaynefabricature and where you far pass all other men in universal knowledge, fine and subtile practice in all the Mathematical sciences, yet being almost ignorant (for the seldomnes of the science) in the speculation of the wonderful, goodly and divine fabricature of the world do so fervently desire some knowledge therein, I can no less but further you thereto to the uttermost of that small smatter that I have. Promessing farther that if I perceive you to profecten any whit thereby I will (GOD willing the same) be more earnestly diligent hereafter in perusing my said attempts. Thus far ye well. At Thames Inn, in Houlborne. Anno duni. 1550. ¶ To the gentle reader. a man wearing a hat and sword, surrounded by stars IN this of all other sciences (gentle reader) I dare best intermeddle as well in writing as otherwise not that I of all men can best skill on it, or that I can comprehend the celestial reasons, the subtile imaginations and the divine mysteries of the Arte. But because I know well all the professors of it, to be so free and so gentle hearted, and of such excellent humanity and natural judgement, that they will rather gladly accept and take in good worth, my good will and all others which offer themselves into the number of their retinue, than reject, dispute, and set at nought, where as the lewd manners of some that profess other sciences, is to gnarre, snuff, and snatch, at whom soever shall utter aught of his mind (specially if it serve but a hear breadth beside the line of their fantasy) in their faculties, even as though they were never ignorant them selves therein, either by the reprehension of other, they might attain greater glory and estimation, either else that they claim to themselves a private property in the sciences only, but which so it be, it is small commendation worthy. Yet because I am in a manner thoroughly persuaded that the doers in this heavenly knowledge will rather gently, and brotherly correct a fault, where fault is, than maliciously espy out two for one. I will be so unshamefastly bold as to set before them this mess of these mine unripe first fruits, trusting much more to their gentleness than in the worthiness of the preparation of the banquet. ¶ Of the Axtree, and the Poles. THe * Thoro we met. Diameter of the world is called his Axtree, diameter is a sign that denideth any fygurt into. ij equal parts. where about he moveth, and the ends of the Axtree are also called the Poles of the world. Of whom one is called the north Pole, & the other the South Pole. The Northern is he that is always seen in our habitation. And the Southern is that, which is never seen above our Horizon. And there be certain places on earth where as the Pole that is ever in our sight, can not be seen with them that dwell there. And the other Pole, which is ever out of our sight, is in sight to them. Again there is a place on earth where both the Poles have even like situation in the Horizon. ¶ Of the Circles of the Sphere. SOme of the circles of the Sphere, beparallels, some be oblyque, some other go cross over the Poles. The † Equal distance. parallels are they, that have the same Poles as the world hath. And there be .v. parallel circles. The Artik, the estival tropik, the Equinoctial, the Brumal tropik, the Antarctik. The Arctik circle is even the greatest of all those Circles that we have continually in sight, & he scarce lie toucheth the Horizon in one poynete, and is altogether prevented above the earth. And all the stars that are included in this circle, neither rise nor set, but a man shall espy them all the night long keep their course round about the Pole. And that Circle in our habitation is drawn of the further foot of ‡ The great bete, otherwise called Charles wain. Vrsa maior. The ✚ Summer. estival circle is most Northward of all the circles that be made of the son. Whom when the Son removeth into, he returneth back from his summers circuit, than is the longest day of all the year and the shortest night, and after this summer return, the Son shall not be perceived to progress any ferther toward the north, but rather to recoil into the contrary parts of the world, wherefore in Greek this Circle is called † The return. jonixos. The Equinoctial circle is the most greatest of all the .v. parallel circles, and is so parted of the Horizon, that the one half circle is above the earth, the other half circle lieth hid under the Horizon. The son being in this circle causeth two Equinoctials, one in the spring time, and the other in Harvest. The * Winter. Brumal tropik, is a circle most South of all the circles, that by the moving of the world be described of the son, which when the son is once entered into, he turneth back from his winters progress, than is the longest night, and the shortest day in all the year long. And beyond this winter mark, the son progresseth never a whit farther, but goeth into the other coasts of the world, wherefore this circle is also named Thonixos, as who say returnable. The † Right contrary to the arctic, Antarctik circle, is equal in quantity and distance with the Arctik circle, and toucheth the Horizon in one point, and his course is all together underneath the earth, and the Stars that be placed in this are always invisible unto us. The greatest of all the said circles is the Equinoctial, and than the Tropikes. And the lest (I mean in our habitation) are the Arctikes and these circles must be understand without breadth, and be reasoned of according to the situation of the stars, and by the beholding of the † An instrument of geometre. Dioptra. And but supposed only in our imagination. For there is no Circle seen in all the heaven but only ‡ commonly called the way to jerusalem, or the way to saint james. Galaxias. As for all the rest they be conceived by imagination. ¶ The reason why five parallel circles are only in the Sphere. Five † Even like fat. parallel Circles alone, are wont to be describe in the Sphere not because there be no more parallels than these in all the world. For the Son maketh every day one parallel circled equally distant to the Equinoctial (which may well be perceived) with the turning of the world: In so much that clxxxij parallel circles twice be describe of the son between the tropics, for so many days are within the two returns, and all the stars are daily carried withal, round about in the parallalel circles, How be it ever ye one of them can not be set out in the Sphere. And though they be profectable for divers things in * It is almost as much to say as Astronomy. Astrologia, yet is it impossible that even the stars may be describe in the Sphere, without all the parallel circles, or that the * length magnitude of days and nights may be precisely found out, without the same parallels: but in as much as they be not deemed to be so necessary for the first Introduction of Astrology, they are left out of the Sphere. But the five parallel circles for certain special instruction that they prohibit, for the first in sight of Astrology be described in the Sphere. The Arctik circle severeth the Stars which we ever see: the Estival tropik containeth the going back of the 〈◊〉 Son, and it is the furthermost part of his progress into the North. And the equinoctial Circle containeth the Equinoctials. And the Brumal tropik is the farther most point of the way of the son toward the South, and is even the mark of the winter return. The Antarctik Circle determineth the Stars whom we can not see. And so saying that they be very expedient for the introduction in to Astrology they be right worthy to take room in the Sphere. ¶ Of the appearance, & none apparaunce of the five parallel circles. ALso of the said five parallel circles, the arctic circle appeareth altogether above the earth. And the estival tropik circle is divided into two parts of the Horizon: whereof the greater part is above the earth and the lesser lieth underneath it. Neither is this Tropik Circle equally divided of the Horizon/ in every Town and Country, but according to the veriete of the Regions it hath diversities of uprisings: and this Estival circle is more unegually divided in the Horizon to them that dwell nearer the North than we do, and farther there is a place, where the Estival tropik is wholly above the earth. And unto them that draw nearer to the South than we, the Estival Tropik is more unevenly parted in the Horizon. furthermore, there is a cooste (but south from us) wherein the tropik Circle is equally divided of the Horizon. But in our habitation the estival tropik is so divided of the Horizon, that the whole circle being divided into viii. parts .v. parts shall be above the earth, and three under the earth. And in deed, it seemeth that Aratus meant by this ‡ A portion of the world between north & South wherein is variation of times. etc. Climate when he wrote his Book of Phaenomenon. Where as he speaking of this Estival tropik circle saytth on this wise. ¶ When this Circle divided is, in to eight parts even just, five parts above the earth and iii underneath remain needs must, The rests Son in summer hot, from this returneth back. ¶ And so of this division it followeth, the day to be of xu equinoctial hours, & the night of ix equinoctial hours long. And in the Horizon of Rhodes, the Estival tropik is so divided of the horizon that the whole circle being divided into xviii parts, there shall appear xxix divisions above the horizon, & xix under the earth, by which division it appeareth that the longest day in the Rhodes hath but xiiij equinoctial hours in it, and the night ix Equinoctial hours, with two half hours more beside. The Equinoctial circle in every habitation is so justly divided in the mids by the Horizon, that the one halfcircle, of it is above the earth, and the other halfcircle is undeneth the earth. And this is the cause that the † Equal Length of day & right. Equinoctials happen always in this circle. The Brumal tropik circle is so devidd of the Horizon that the lesser part shall be above the earth, and the greater part under the earth, and the unequalte of divisions hath even like diversity in all climates as it is supposed to be in the Estival tropik circle, and by this mean the divisions of both the tropical circles be precisely correspondent each to other. By reason whereof the longest day is of one length with the longest night, and the shortest day equal with the shortest night. The Antarctik Circle every whit, lieth hid under the Horizon. ¶ Of the bigness of the .v. parallel Circles. BUt of the said v. parallel circles, some keep still the same bigness throughout all the world and of some the bigness is altered by reason of the * Habyrations. Climates, so that some Circles be bigger than other, and some lesser than other. The tropik circles and the Equinoctial do no where alter their quantities, but the Arctikes vary in bigness, for somewhere they appear bigger, and some where less. For unto the Northward dwellers the arctic circles seem bigger: the Pole being raised on high, the arctic circle touching the Horizon must need also appear bigger and bigger, continually, and unto them that dwell farther North sometime, the Estival tropik shall wax the arctic circle, so that the Estival Circle and the arctic also, meet together and be taken but in stead of one. And in places that be yet farther. North, the arctic circles shall appear greater than the Estival tropik circle. Than at the last, there is a place so far North, where that the Pole appeareth over head, and the arctic circle serveth for the Horizon, & remaineth with it in the moving of the world, and is as wide as the equinoctial: in so much that the three circles (to say) the arctic, the equinoctial, and the Horizon be placed in one order and situation. Again to them that dwell more South, the Poles appear more lower, and the arctic circles lesser, yet again there is a place being South in respect of us which lieth under the equinoctial where the Poles be under the Horizon, and the arctic Circles be altogether gone: so that of the five parallel Circles there remain but three circles, (that is) the two Tropiks, and the Equenoctiall. ¶ Of the number of the parallels. Neither for such sayings, is it to be thought that there continue .v. parallels always but so many to be imagined for our habitation sake, for in some Orisons, there be but three parallels only, and there be habitations on earth, where the estival tropik circle toucheth the horizon: and even for the tropik Circle is the second taken, which is called the habitation under the Pole. The third habitation is of whom we spoke a little before, which is named the habitation under the equinoctial. ¶ Of the order of the .v. parallel Circles. Wherefore, neither the order of the five parallel Circles, is every where the same, but in our habitation the first shallbe called the Arctike, the second the estival tropik, the third the Equinoctial, the fourth the Brumal, the v. the Antarctik. But they that dwell more North than we, some time the first is accounted as the estival tropik, the second as the arctic: the third as the Equinoctial: the four as the Antarctik: the .v. as the brumal tropik, & because the arctic circle is wider than the equinoctial the said order must need be observed. ¶ Of the power of the five Parallels. Likewise, Neither are the powers of the same .v. parallel circles alike. For the circle that is or estival tropik is to ‡ Tois antiposin. them that dwell in a contrary habitation, the Brumal tropik. Contrary wise that which unto them is the Estival tropik circle is the Brumal tropik unto us. But such as dwell under the equinoctial, even the three circles be in power estival tropics unto them, I mean those that dwell just under the course of the Son, for in conferring one to another, that which is the Equinoctial with us shallbe their Estival tropik Circle. And both the Tropikes shallbe Brumals. So than the Estival tropik circle may be said by nature bnyversally all the world over, which is next to that habitation: therefore unto them that dwell under the equinoctial the equinoctial itself serveth for the estival tropik, as wherein the son hath his course directly over their head, & all the parallel circles shall take the room of the Equinoctials, being divided by equal divisions in the Horizon. ¶ Of the space between the Parallels. Neither the spaces of the circles one from the other do remain the same throughout all habitations: but after the description of the Spheres, they are discussed on this sort. Let any Meridian be divided in lx parts, the Aretik shall be described from the Pole lxvi parts of. And the same on the other side, shallbe .lxv. part distant from the Estival, and the Equinoctial shallbe from either of the Poles lxiiij divisions of. The Brumal tropik circle standeth from the antarctik .lxv. parts of. Neither have these Circles the same distance between them in every town and Country. But the tropiks in every declination shall have even like space from the Equinoctial. Yet have not the tropiks equal space from the Arctiks at every Horizon, but in some place less, and in some place more distance. Likewise the Arctiks have not in every declination one certain space from the Poles, but somewhere less, and somewhere more. All the Spheres, be made for the Horizon of Grece. ¶ Of the Colurs. THere are Circles that go cross overthwart the Poles which of some men be called Colurs. And they be so framed that they contain within their circuit the Poles of the world. And be called † unperperfect. Colurs, by reason of those portions of them that be not seen. As for other circles they be seen whole, the world moving round about. And there are certain parts of the Colurs invisible, even those parts that from the Antarctik lie hid under the horizon. And these circles be signed by the tropical points and they divided into two equal parts, the circle that passeth thorough the mids of the zodiac. ¶ Of the zodiac. THe Circle of the xii. signs is ‡ Slont wise. oblyque and is compounded of three parallel circles: of whom two are said to show the breadth of the zodiac, and one is called passing thorough the mid signs: thus toucheth he the two equal circles and parallels, the Estival tropik in the first degree of Cancer, and the Brumal tropik in the first degree of Capricorn. The breadth of the zodiac is twelve degrees. This circle is called oblyque because he crosseth over the parallels awry. ¶ Of the Horizon. THe † The under. Horizon is a Circle that sondreth us, the part of the world seen, from the part that can not be seen, so he divideth the whole Sphere of the world into ii parts, even that he leaveth the one half sphere above the earth, and tother half sphere underneath the earth. And there be ii Orisons, one sensible, the other imagined by understanding. The sensible Horizon is that, which of our sight is limited at the utmost of our ‡ Look kenning. So that his Diameter is not passing. M. furlongs, even throughout. The horizon that is imagined by understanding, is for the speculation of the Sphere of the fixed stars, and he divideth the whole world into ii parts. Wherefore there is not the same Horizon, throughout every habitation & town, but to a man's ‡ Sight witting he remaineth the same for the space of four C. furlongs almost. So that the length of the days, the Climate, and all the appearances remain the same still. But with the more number of furlongs for the diversity of the habitation, the Horizon, the Climate, yea and all the appearances shall vary. So than the change of habitation must needs happen in going southward or Northward, beyond four C. furlongs. And they that dwell in one parallel for every exceeding great number have a new Horizon, but they keep the same Climate and all the appearances likewise. the beginnings & endings of days chance not at the self same time to all that dwell in the same parallel. But after very exact curiosity the lest moving in the world hither or thither, even for every point the Horizon is changed the Climate and the appearances do vary. The Horizon in the Spheres is not after that manner describe, for all the other circles are carried together from East to West, with the moving of the world, and the Horizon is immounable by his own nature as long as he keepeth the same situation. And so if the Horizon were set out in Spheres when they should be turned about, he might so happen to move, and sometime to be overhead, and that were a thing most inconuenyent and farthest out of reason in Sphere matter. yet for all hat, there may be a place assigned for the horizon in the frame of the Sphere. ¶ Of the Meridian Circles. THe ‡ Mid day, Meridian is a cicrle that goeth through the Poles of the world, & thorough the ‡ That point is commonly called zenith. point that is just over our heads. In whom when the son is come to, he causeth mid day, and mid night. And this circle is also immovable in the world, as long as the self same situation is kept in all moving of the world. Neither is this circle drawn in ‡ globes Spheres that be painted with stars, by cause he is immovable and receiveth no mutation. But to man's conjecture by wit for iij. C. furlongs almost, the meridian a bideth the same. But after a more exact imagination, for every foot stepped into East or West, there waxeth another meridian. But than go North or South even ten M. furlongs and the same meridian shall serve but going from East West ward altereth the meridian. ¶ Of the Circle Galaxias. THe circle of ‡ Called of the comen people Watling street, and in Washle, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Galaxias is obliqne also, and this to, goeth over the tropiks awry and it is of the substance of fine Clouds, and the only visible circle in the heavens, neither is it certain what breadth he is of for it is narrower in one place than in another. And for that cause the circle Galaxias is left out in many Spheres. And it is one of the greatest circles. And they be called the greatest Circles which have the same * Is even the myddelmoste poyncte in a thin●●. centre as the Sphere hath. And there be vij of the greatest circles, the Equinoctial, the zodiac, that which goeth thorough the mids of the signs, and that which goeth by the Poles, the Horizon of every habitation, the Maridian, and the circle of Galaxias. ¶ Of the .v. zones. THe outward fashion of the earth is ✚ Koun He, as a Pall. Spherical and is divided into .v. zones, of whom ii which be about the Poles are called the cold ones, because they be very far from under the course of the Son, and be little inhabited for the great coulth: and their compass is from the arctiks to the Poles ward. And the zones that be next unto them, because they be measurably sytuat towards the course of the son be called temperate, and about in the Firmament upon the tropiks and arctiks Circles, between whom they lie. Now the fifth which among the said four circles is middlemost, for that it lieth under the way of son is named the hot, and it is divided of the Equinoctial of the earth, into ii which lieth and about, under the Equinocciall of the world. But of the two temperate zones, one is inhabited of them that be of our habitation being in length nigh a. C. M. furlongs, and in breadth, about half the same. ¶ Of the Celestial Signs. THe signs that be blazed with stars are divided into three parts, some of them be placed in the circle of the zodiac. Some be called Northern, and some be called Southern. And they that be situate in the circle of that zodiac be xii. ‡ Lyvelynges. Beasts, whose names we have declared in another place, in which twelve beasts there are certain stars, who for certain notable marks espied in them, have taken their proper names for the fixed stars that be in the back of Taurus be called * The. 7. stars, which mariners do use in trienge of costs. Pleiades. And the stars that be placed in the head of Taurus be .v. in number and are called * 7. stars, in whose rising and going down it lightly raineth; always. Hyades. And the Star that standeth before the feet of Gemini is called Propus, and that cloudelyke substance, that is in Cancer, is called * The crib. Praesepe. And the two Stars that stand nigh Presepe are called † The Asses. Asini. And the bright Star that is in the heart of Leo, (according to the name of his place) is the lions heart, and it is called of some men, the Royal Star, for that they that are borne under it are thought to have a royal nativity. The fair Star that styeketh at fingers ends of the left hand of Virgo, is called the ✚ Or the ear. Spike. But the little star that is fastened by the right wing of Virgo is named Protrigetes. And the four Stars that be at the right hands end of Aquarius are called ‡ The water pot. Vrna. The stars that be spread one after another behind Pisces tail are called the lines. And in the South line, there are ix Stars, and in the North line .v. The bright star that is seen in the lines end is called † The Knot. Nodus. So many are accounted for the Northern as be set betwixt the zodiac and the North. And they be these † The great bear. Vrsa maior. † The liteli bear, Vrsa minor. And ‡ The drake, or Dragon. Draco that lieth betwixt both. Vrsa ‡ or boors. Arctophilax The crown. Corona, Engonasin, the Serpentine, the Serpent, the Harp, the Bird, the A-row, the Eagle, the dolphin, Protome Hippi, the Horse that standeth by Hipparchos, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Perseus, † The driver. Auriga, Deltoton. And he that was stellified of Callimachus, Bernykes hear. Again there be certain stars who for certain plain appearances that they have in them, have had their names given them. For the no table Star that lieth above the mydsh ankes of Arctophilar is called † This lieth at the rail of the great 〈◊〉. Arcturus. And the shining star that is set by the Harp, even by the name of the whole sign is called the Harp, and the Stars that be at the top of Perseus' left hand are named the Gorgones. And the thick small stars that are espied at the right hands poyncte of Perseus, make as it were a sith. And the clear Star that is set in the left shoulder of the driver is called the Goote. But the two little stars that be at the outermost of his hand be called the kids. And all those be Southern signs, that lie on the South side of the zodiac. And their names be these. Orion, the Centaurus, the Beast that Centaurus holdeth in his hand. Thyrsylochus whom Centaurus setteth before, the sensar, the Southern fish, the Whale, the water powered of Aquarius, the flood of Orion, the South Crown, which of some is named ‡ The hevenling. Vraniskos, the Rod that lieth by Hipparchos. And again in these there be certain stars that have taken them proper names. For the bright star that is in Prokyon, is called Prokyon. And the glistering star that is in the dogs mouth, for that she is thought to cause more fervent heat, is called the Dog, even by the name of the whole sign. The Star that shineth in the top of the stern of Argo, is named Canopus, and this is uneath seen in the Rhodes, except it be from high places. But in Alexandria, she is not seen at all, where the four part of the sign, doth scantly appear above the Horizon. ¶ FINIS. ¶ Faults escaped in printing. ¶ The first leaf, second page, read Chyrk, for Chrykes. third leaf, second page, the xxi line, read Thavies, for Thames. sixth leaf, second page, last line, read Tropicos, for jonixios. And in the vii leaf, first page, last line, read Tropicos, for Thomxios. ¶ Imprinted by me Robert wire. In the year of our Lord GOD a. M.D.L. dwelling at the sign of saint Iohn Evangelist, in saint martin's parish beside Charing cross. ✚ ¶ And finished the xi day of February. ¶ Cum privilegio, ad imprimendum solum.