The description and use of the globes and the orrery: To which is prefix'd, by way of introduction, a brief account of the solar systemHarris, Joseph
History
The description and use of the globes and the orrery: To which is prefix'd, by way of introduction, a brief account of the solar system
Harris, Joseph
Astronomical models; Globes
The _Vertical Circles_, and the _Parallels of Altitude_, are supplied
by a thin plate of brass, having a nut and screw at one end to fasten
it to the brass meridian in the Zenith point; which being done, the
lower end of it may be put between the globe it self, and the inner
edge of the horizon, and so turned round about to any point required.
[Sidenote: _Quadrant of Altitude._]
The fiducial edge thereof representing the _Vertical Circles_, and the
_Degrees_ upon it, describing the Parallels of Altitude. This thin
plate is called the _Quadrant of Altitude_.
The center of the horizon being the place of observation, it is
evident that this circle, and all the others belonging to it, are
continually changed, which way soever we move; wherefore we may
suppose the horizon, with its secundaries and parallels, to invest
the globe like a _rete_ or net; and to be moveable every way round
it. This is very naturally illustrated by the globes; if we move
directly North, or directly South, the change made in the horizon,
is represented by moving the brass meridian (keeping the globe from
turning about its axis) in the notches made in the wooden horizon,
just so much as we travelled. If our course should be due East, or
due West, the alterations made thereby are represented by turning the
globe accordingly about its axis, the brass meridian being kept fixed;
and if we steer betwixt the meridian and the East or West points,
then we are to turn the brass meridian, and also the globe about its
axis accordingly; the sum of which is, let the spectator be at what
point soever of the Earth’s surface, he’ll there gravitate, or tend
exactly towards its center, and imagine himself to be on the highest
part thereof, (the unevenness of the ground not being here considered)
wherefore if we turn the globe in such a manner as to bring the several
progressive steps of a traveller successively to the Zenith, we shall
then have the successive alterations made in the horizon, in every part
of his journey. This explication being well considered, will be of help
to young beginners, to conceive how the Earth is every where habitable;
and how passengers can travel quite round it; for since every thing
tends toward the center of the Earth, we are to conceive that point as
being the lowest, and not to carry our idea of downwards any farther.
Those that are diametrically opposite to us being as much upon the
upper part of the Earth as we are, there being no such thing in nature
as one place being higher than another, but as it is at a greater
distance from the center of the Earth, let it be in what country soever.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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