WILLIAM.
LETTER XVI.
William to his Mother.
Sir Charles and his Lady went yesterday to pay a visit, and took Emilia and Edward with them. Charles and I remained at home with Dr. Bartlett. After our lessons were finished, we requested him to walk with us; the evening was very fine, the sun was setting. Dr. Bartlett proposed ascending a neighbouring hill, that we might see the sun set—for, said he, it is a fine sight.
CHARLES.
You have often told me, Sir, that the sun did not move, but the earth on which we live goes round the sun. If so, why do you say, the sun sets?
DR. BARTLETT.
That is a manner of speaking which has been taken from the earliest times, and the term is generally used, though the same sense is not annexed to it. They thought formerly that the sun moved round the earth, which it seems to do; but we now know better, after further enquiries, and various observations.
CHARLES.
Should we then say that the sun moves?
DR. BARTLETT.