PUPIL. This is very singular. If the same side of the moon be always turned to the earth, the opposite side of course can never see it. TUTOR. And they must likewise be deprived of the earth as a moon. PUPIL. True. But how is it known that the same side of the moon is always opposed to the earth? TUTOR. The moon, like our earth, consists of mountains and valleys, which, when seen through a good telescope, are very beautiful. The mountainous parts appear as lucid spots and bright streaks of light: and as the same spots, &c. are constantly turned to the earth, she must keep the same side to the earth. PUPIL. It is very clear. Are there no seas? TUTOR. It was formerly imagined that the dark parts were seas, but later observations prove that they are hollow places or caverns, which do not reflect the light of the sun. Besides, if there were seas there would consequently be exhalations, and if exhalations, clouds and vapours, and an atmosphere to support them. That there are no clouds is evident, because when our atmosphere is clear, and the moon above our horizon in the night-time, all her parts appear constantly with the same clear, serene, and calm aspect. PUPIL. Has the moon then no atmosphere? TUTOR. If she has it is imperceptible to us: for, when she approaches any star, we cannot discover with our best telescopes any change of colour or diminution of lustre in the star till the instant it is lost behind her: whence it is clear, that she can have no such gross medium as our atmosphere to surround her. PUPIL. May we not then doubt whether she be inhabited or not, as without air we cannot breathe? TUTOR. The same Almighty Being who created us and gave us air to breathe, may have provided a different way for their existence. It does not hold good that, because we could not live there, she is not inhabited. Fish will live a considerable time in water under an exhausted receiver: and, I have heard of a toad being found in a block of marble. Your doubt therefore, I think, ought not to be admitted. PUPIL. I am satisfied. And must now beg to be informed how I may observe the moon’s motion. TUTOR. Her real motion round the earth, may be easily known by remarking when she is near any particular star. Thus, suppose you see her west, that is to the right of it, she will be approaching, then in conjunction with, and afterwards pass it towards the east. Her apparent motion is that of rising and setting, which is occasioned by the rotation of the earth on its axis. PUPIL. I remember not long since, when you shewed me Jupiter, that the moon was west of him: the next evening I saw her almost appear to touch him, and soon after at a great distance from him easterly. I now see that her real motion is from west by south to east, and her apparent motion from east by south to west. TUTOR. If you have no objection, I will now explain the cause of eclipses. PUPIL. So far from it, that it will give me the greatest pleasure.