The Study of Astronomy, adapted to the capacities of youth / In twelve familiar dialogues, between a tutor and his pupil: explaining the general phænomena of the heavenly bodies, the theory of the tides, &c.

by teacher of astronomy John Stedman

Pupil. Do you wish me to commit these to memory, Sir?

Tutor. It is very requisite; but as I know you are fond of verse, you shall hear what Doctor Watts says—

The Ram, the Bull, the heav’nly Twins,

And next the Crab the Lion shines,

The Virgin, and the Scales:

The Scorpion, Archer, and Sea-goat,

The Man that holds the Water-pot,

And Fish with glitt’ring tails.

Pupil. I like it much, as it will assist my memory.

Tutor. As the twelve signs correspond with the months of the year, the earth must pass over nearly one degree every day, one sign every month, and in twelve months complete a whole circle, or 360 degrees; therefore every sign must contain 30 degrees, because 30 multiplied by 12 is equal to 360.