On the Magnet

(if there are any) of the stars, both wandering and fixed, are revolved because of the daily motion; which can be excused by a single daily revolution of the Earth. Next, which will seem more probable: that the equinoctial circle of the terrestrial globe can complete a quadrant of a British mile (of which 60 are equal to one degree of the greatest circle on Earth) in a single second of an hour (that is, in about that time in which someone walking quickly can progress by only a single step); or that the equator of the primum mobile first moved sphere can traverse five thousand miles in that same time with an ineffable speed, and in the blink of an eye fly past about five hundred British miles, swifter than the wings of a lightning bolt (if indeed those are correct who most strongly attack the motion of the Earth)? Finally, will it be more likely to grant some motion to this most tiny terrestrial globe; or to add three huge spheres—I say the ninth, tenth, and eleventh, unmarked by any star—to the eighth sphere of the fixed stars with an insane effort; especially since, from these books on the magnet, it is clear from the comparison of the Earth and the terrella model magnet that circular motion is not so alien to the nature of the Earth as is commonly thought. Nor do those things which are brought forth from the Sacred Scriptures seem to oppose terrestrial mobility greatly: nor does it seem to have been the intent of Moses or the prophets to promulgate any mathematical or physical subtleties; but to accommodate themselves to the grasp and manner of speaking of the common people, just as nurses are accustomed to do with infants, and not to pursue every unnecessary triviality. Thus, in Genesis 1:16 and Psalm 136, the Moon is called a great luminary because it appears so to us; when, nevertheless, it is evident to those skilled in Astronomy that most stars, both fixed and wandering, are much larger. Wherefore, I do not think that any solid conclusion against terrestrial mobility can be drawn even from Psalm 104:5; although it is said that God founded the Earth upon its bases, that it should not be moved forever; for the Earth will always be able to remain in its own and same place, so that it is not moved by some wandering motion, or transferred outside its seat (in which it was first placed by the Divine Architect). We, therefore, acknowledging and adoring with a devoted mind the inscrutable wisdom of the Triune God (having more diligently investigated and observed in magnetic motions His admirable work), and led by not a few philosophical experiments and reasons, deem it sufficiently probable that the Earth, although resting upon its center as upon an immobile base and foundation, is nevertheless carried around circularly.

But omitting these things (about which I believe no one will ever have demonstrated anything more certain), those things which concern the causes of variation and magnetic declination beneath the horizon will undoubtedly find the greatest favor among all intelligent people and the sons of magnetic discipline (to speak in the manner of the Chemists).