SECTION I, BOOK I.

And we call that equinoctial location the sphere of equality, because at the time when the Sun resides in Aries or Libra—specifically at the spring and autumn intersection of the Equinoctial line—the days and nights are equal; furthermore, both hemispheres at that time typically coincide in an equal balance of heat and cold. This is truly how matters stand in the macrocosmThe "great world" or universe. In this period, philosophers believed the universe's laws were mirrored in small-scale "microcosms" like the human body or scientific instruments.: namely, there is an equality of temperature in both hemispheres.

And so, I have sufficiently described to you both the construction and the properties of this experimental instrumentoriginal: "instrumenti"; referring to the thermoscope or weather-glass described in the preceding pages., so that for me, in this con-

-test against the worldly PeripateticsFollowers of Aristotle. The author is framing his scientific demonstration as a battle against the traditional academic establishment of the 17th century., it may serve as a visual demonstration in place of the club of Hercules. Since, finally, I am bolstered by reasons drawn from the deep quiver of truth—which serve as secure and proven armor—and since this armor is like a protective shell or shield fortified by the authority of the Sacred Scriptures, through which I may uphold the cause of truth and sincere wisdom with greater courage, why (I pray) should I fear the multitude of my enemies? If God is with us, who can be against us? original: "Si Deus nobiscum, quis contra nos?"; a citation of Romans 8:31. For I know well that Truth itself, which conquers all things, will fight on my behalf.

A faint, large engraving of a scientific instrument, likely a thermoscope or weather glass, placed below the text. It depicts a circular glass bulb or sphere containing various horizontal and curved lines representing celestial or climatic divisions. Latin labels are visible within the sphere, including "Tropicus" (repeated), "Equinoctial", and "Antarctic Pole" at the bottom. The bulb is supported by a vertical stem that ends in a vessel or base at the bottom.