From various sources, therefore, we have the years A.D. 300, 306, 338, 527, 528 and 521. The former dates take account only of the precession of the Equinoxes on a fixed zodiac, whereas the latter take into account also a direct motion of this so-called “fixed” zodiac which amounts to 8´´ per year, and which has to be applied to the precession. It is further to be observed that the Epochs 338 and 306, variously derived above, are unified by the adoption of 58·1´´ as the total annual precession of the Equinoxes on the first point of As’wini. It needs but quotation of authority for this increment of 8´´ in order to establish the date of zodiacal coincidence beyond disputation, at all events within the limits of a very few years. The above questions have an historical interest. Varahamihira, who mentions the coincidence of the solstices with the cardinal constellations Makaram and Katakam as having taken place in his day, has not been finally placed by the chronologists. Astronomical notes made by him have chiefly been used for this purpose, and the writing of his book the _Brihat-samhita_, in which the above note occurs, is on these grounds fixed at A.D. 505. But then we have to remember that Mihira speaks only in general terms when he refers to the coincidence of the zodiacs. He had no instruments which would have enabled him to make a close observation, but he could make certain approximations from the meridian transit of some of the chief stars in the constellations. We have no reason, therefore, to expect more than an approximate agreement of the date of Mihira with that of the true coincidence of the zodiacs. The _Graha Laghava_, which is in general use in India, gives this latter as A.D. 522 or 444 Shaka. The Shaka Epoch is known to be A.D. 78. Dr. V. V. Ramanan gives reasons for accepting the year A.D. 525. In the present state of the controversy I see no reason against this Epoch. CHAPTER XXIII LUNAR INFLUENCE The average notion of the Moon’s action is that it affects the tides and lunatics. Beyond this the popular encyclopedia does not go, and the average man himself is not observant of anything in Nature except the way of his fellow-man. A little study, however, will show that the Moon, while influencing the tides, affects also all fluidic life on the globe. It appreciably affects the sap-cells of plants and trees. It exerts a direct influence on blood pressure in the animal body, and consequently affects the brain and nervous system of human beings, and excites a variety of passions and impulses which are but remotely connected with the lunar orb itself.