They
Have Little Talent And Less Learning, And Do Nothing Beyond The
Preparation Of The Almanacs On The Rules Of
Calculation made by the
ancients; and when it chances that events do not agree with their
calculation they assert that
What they had calculated was the regular
course of things, but that the aberrant conduct of the stars was a
prognostic from heaven of something going to happen on the earth. This
something they make out according to their fancy, and so spread a veil
over their own blunders. These gentlemen did not much trust Father Matteo,
fearing, no doubt, lest he should put them to shame; but when at last they
were freed from this apprehension they came and amicably visited the
Father in hope of learning something from him. And when he went to return
their visit he saw something that really was new and beyond his
expectation.
"There is a high hill at one side of the city, but still within the walls.
On the top of the hill there is an ample terrace, capitally adapted for
astronomical observation, and surrounded by magnificent buildings which
form the residence of the Professors.... On this terrace are to be seen
astronomical instruments of cast-metal, well worthy of inspection whether
for size or for beauty; and we certainly have never seen or read of
anything in Europe like them. For nearly 250 years they have stood thus
exposed to the rain, the snow, and all other atmospheric inclemencies, and
yet they have lost absolutely nothing of their original lustre.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 1230 of 1256
Words from 334958 to 335217
of 342071
