[21] If Taurus was originally considered the first constellation of the zodiac, instead of Aries, of which there are some indications, the change may well be explained by this change of method. It does not necessarily imply that the equinox was in Taurus when our zodiac was invented. It was near ω Arietis in b.c. 1000.
[22] A Babylonian treatise on astronomy recently published by the trustees of the British Museum supports Kugler’s view that truly scientific methods were not adopted before the sixth century b.c. This treatise formed the subject of a lecture given by Mr L. W. King before the Society of Biblical Archæology on Feb. 19, 1913.
[23] Gen. i. 6, 7; vii. 11.
[24] Ezek. xxxii. 18, 24.
[25] De Cœlo I. 3, and II. 1.
[26] But see note, pp.[75, 76].
[27] His life was saved by his illustrious pupil, Pericles, of whom the story is told that on one occasion, just as his army was embarking for an expedition, the sun was eclipsed, and his pilot was terrified. Pericles snatched off his cloak, and held it so as to hide himself from the man’s eyes. “Is that terrible? is that an evil omen?” he cried. “Then do not fear the disappearance of the sun, for it is just the same, only the thing that hides it is larger than my cloak.”
[28] Some late followers said that Pythagoras, alone amongst men, could hear the music of the spheres.
[29] See Heath’s Aristarchus of Samos, pp. 187-189 and 251, 252. I very much regret that as Mr. Heath’s book was only published this year, I have been unable to make use of it while writing of early Greek astronomy. I can now only advise any readers who may be interested in my brief sketch of this period to read Mr. Heath’s history, where they will find the opinions of modern writers summarized and discussed, and also the full text (in English) of the most ancient and reliable sources of information. It is a great encouragement to find that my statements are in agreement with his in nearly all essential points, but readers will mark the following important differences:—
1. Anaximander’s heavens are said to have been spherical, not hemispherical, and this seems to be clearly proved by the evidence quoted from ancient writers.