For first, which seems to be the ground of this assertion, and not to be drawn into question, that is, the magnified quality of this Star conceived to cause, or intend the heat of this season whereby these daies become more observable then the rest: We find that wiser Antiquity was not of this opinion. For, seventeen hundred years ago it was as a vulgar error rejected by _Geminus_, a learned Mathematician in his Elements of Astronomy; wherein he plainly affirmeth, that common opinion made that a cause, which was at first observed but as a sign. The rising and setting both of this Star and others being observed by the Ancients, to denote and testifie certain points of mutation rather then conceived to induce or effect the same. For our fore-fathers, saith he, observing the course of the Sun, and marking certain mutations to happen in his progress through particular parts of the Zodiack, they registred and set them down in their Parapegmes, or Astronomical Canons; and being not able to design these times by daies, months or years (the compute thereof, and the beginning of the year being different, according unto different Nations) they thought best to settle a general account unto all; and to determine these alterations by some known and invariable signs; and such did they conceive the rising and setting of the fixed Stars; not ascribing thereto any part of causality, but notice and signification. And thus much seems implied in that expression of _Homer_, when speaking of the Dog Star, he concludeth----κακὸν δέ τε σῆμα τέτυκται, _Malum autem signum est_; The same, as _Petavius_ observeth, is implied in the word of _Ptolomy_, and the Ancients, περὶ ἐπισημασιῶν, that is, of the signification of Stars. The term of Scripture also favours it, as that of _Isaiah_, _Nolite timere à signis cœli_; and that in _Genesis_, _Ut sint in signa et tempora_: Let there be lights in the firmament, and let them be for signs and for seasons. The Primative and leading magnifiers of this Star, were the _Egyptians_, the great admirers of Dogs in Earth and Heaven. [SN: Dionysius Periegesi.] Wherein they worshipped _Anubis_ or _Mercurius_, the Scribe of _Saturn_, and Counseller of _Osyris_, the great inventor of their religious rites, and Promoter of good unto _Egypt_. Who was therefore translated into this Star; by the _Egyptians_ called _Sothis_, and _Siris_ by the _Ethiopians_; from whence that _Sirius_ or the Dog-star had its name, is by some conjectured.