A decorative woodcut headpiece features symmetrical ornate scrolls and flowers. Two reclining cherubic figures, known as putti, are nestled among the foliage.

ON THE APPARENT

MAGNITUDE

OF THE SUN WHEN LOW

AND HIGH.

FIRST LETTER.

You indicated, my dear Naudé Gabriel Naudé (1600–1653) was a French scholar and librarian who shared Gassendi's interest in the "new science" and skepticism., that I became obscure while I wished to be brief. Behold, then, as I expand at length. I had said that the Sun, when near the horizon and residing within vapors, is seen to be larger than when This refers to the "horizon illusion," where the sun or moon appears much larger near the horizon than when high in the sky.