BOOK IV I. Proem 117 II. The Fortune of Wealth 117 III. The Fortune of Rank 118 IV. The Quality of Employment 120 V. Marriage 124 VI. Children 128 VII. Friends and Enemies 130 VIII. Travelling 132 IX. The Kind of Death 134 X. The Periodical Divisions of Time 137 APPENDIX NO. I. Almagest, Book viii, Chap. 4 144 II. Extract from the Almagest, Book II, Chap. 9 147 Table of Latitudes, from the Almagest 151 Extract from the Table of Ascensions, in the Almagest 152 III. Ptolemy’s Centiloquy 153 IV. The Zodiacal Planisphere, and plate 161 PREFACE Of all sciences, whether true or false, which have at any time engaged the attention of the world, there is not one of which the real or assumed principles are less generally known, in the present age, than those of Astrology. The whole doctrine of this science is commonly understood to have been completely overturned; and, of late, people seem to have satisfied themselves with merely knowing the import of its name. Such contented ignorance, in persons, too, sufficiently informed in other respects, is the more extraordinary, since Astrology has sustained a most conspicuous part throughout the history of the world, even until days comparatively recent. In the East, where it first arose, at a period of very remote antiquity,[1] and whence it came to subjugate the intellect of Europe, it still even now holds sway. In Europe, and in every part of the world where learning had “impress’d the human soil,” Astrology reigned supreme until the middle of the 17th century. It entered into the councils of princes, it guided the policy of nations, and ruled the daily actions of individuals. All this is attested by the records of every nation which has a history, and by none more fully than by those of England. Yet, with these striking facts before their eyes, the present generation seem never, until now, to have inquired on what basis this belief of their forefathers was established, nor by what authority the delusion (if it was one) could have been for so many ages supported. Among a thousand persons who now treat the mention of Astrology with supercilious ridicule, there is scarcely one who knows distinctly what it is he laughs at, or on what plea his ancestors should stand excused for having, in their day,