| 711 | 712 | 713 | 714 | 715 |
| 1 | 306 | 613 | 919 | 1225 |
|
therefore the space a o is throughout of one and the same
brightness, and s faces only four degrees of the hemisphere d e f g
h, and also the whole of the earth s h, which will render it
darker; and how much must be demonstrated by calculation. [Footnote:
This passage, which has perhaps a doubtful right to its place in
this connection, stands in the Manuscript between those given in
Vol. I as No. 117 and No. 427.]
8
73.
THE REASON OF THE INCREASED SIZE OF THE SUN IN THE WEST.
Some mathematicians explain that the sun looks larger as it sets,
because the eye always sees it through a denser atmosphere, alleging
that objects seen through mist or through water appear larger. To
these I reply: No; because objects seen through a mist are similar
in colour to those at a distance; but not being similarly diminished
they appear larger. Again, nothing increases in size in smooth
water; and the proof of this may be seen by throwing a light on a
board placed half under water. But the reason why the sun looks
larger is that every luminous body appears larger in proportion as
it is more remote. [Footnote: Lines 5 and 6 are thus rendered by M.
RAVAISSON in his edition of MS. A. "De meme, aucune chose ne croit
dans l'eau plane, et tu en feras l'experience en calquant un ais
sous l'eau."--Compare the diagrams in Vol. I, p. 114.]
713
Page
Quick Jump
|