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by no means constitute the majority of mankind, who naturally prefer that which holds out some direct advantage. The geographer should therefore chiefly devote himself to what is practically important. He should follow the same rule in regard to history and the mathematics, selecting always that which is most useful, most intelligible, and most authentic. 20
Geometry and astronomy, as we before remarked, seem absolutely indispensable in this science. This, in fact, is evident, that without some such assistance, it would be impossible to be accurately acquainted with the configuration of the earth; its climata, note dimensions, and the like information.
As the size of the earth has been demonstrated by other
writers, we shall here take for granted and receive as accurate
what they have advanced. We shall also assume that the
earth is spheroidal, that its surface is likewise spheroidal, and
above all, that bodies have a tendency towards its centre,
which latter point is clear to the perception of the most average understanding. However we may show summarily that
the earth is spheroidal, from the consideration that all things
however distant tend to its centre, and that every body is attracted towards its centre of gravity; this is more distinctly
proved from observations of the sea and sky, for here the
evidence of the senses, and common observation, is alone requisite. The convexity of the sea is a further proof of this
to those who have sailed; for they cannot perceive lights at a
distance when placed at the same level as their eyes, but if
raised on high, they at once become perceptible to vision,
though at the same time further removed. So, when the eye
is raised, it sees what before was utterly imperceptible.
Homer speaks of this when he says,
Lifted up on the vast wave he quickly beheld afar. note
Odyssey v. 393.
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Strabo, Geography (English) (XML Header) [genre: prose] [word count] [lemma count] [Str.].