ise and emerge above the earth. Consequently, the figures which
they form are unknown to us on account of the interposition of the
earth. The star Canopus proves this. It is unknown to our vicinity; but
we have reports of it from merchants who have been to the most distant
part of Egypt, and to regions bordering on the uttermost boundaries of
the earth.

CHAPTER VI

ASTROLOGY AND WEATHER PROGNOSTICS

1. I have shown how the firmament, and the twelve signs with the
constellations arranged to the north and south of them, fly round the
earth, so that the matter may be clearly understood. For it is from this
revolution of the firmament, from the course of the sun through the
signs in the opposite direction, and from the shadows cast by
equinoctial gnomons, that we find the figure of the analemma.

2. As for the branch of astronomy which concerns the influences of the
twelve signs, the five stars, the sun, and the moon upon human life, we
must leave all this to the calculations of the Chaldeans, to whom
belongs the art of casting nativities, which enables them to declare the
past and the future by means of calculations based on the stars. These
discoveries have been transmitted by the men of genius and great
acuteness who sprang directly from the nation of the Chaldeans; first of
all, by Berosus, who settled in the island state of Cos, and there
opened a school. Afterwards Antipater pursued the subject; then there
was Archinapolus, who also left rules for casting nativities, based not
on the moment of birth but on that of conception.

3. When we come to natural philosophy, however, Thales of Miletus,
Anaxagoras of Clazomenae, Pythagoras of Samos, Xenophanes of Colophon,
and Democritus of Abdera have in various ways investigated and left us
the laws and the working of the laws by which nature governs it. In the
track of their discoveries, Eudoxus, Euctemon, Callippus, Meto,
Philippus, Hipparchus, Aratus, and others discovered the risings and
settings of the constellations, as well as weather prognostications from
astronomy through the study of the calendars, and this study they set
forth and left to posterity. Their learning deserves the admiration of
mankind; for they were so solicitous as even to be able to predict, long
beforehand, with divining mind, the signs of the weather which was to
follow in the future. On this subject, therefore, reference must be made
to their labours and investigations.

CHAP