when I bring London to this Brass Circle, it appears to lie on the North Side of the Equator, in 5112 Degrees distant from it.
Mighty well, Sir, said she, I now conceive what passing or crossing the Line is, which I have heard the Sailors make such a Fuss about; and I have read of strange Ceremonies and Duckings, which they make young Navigators undergo, at the first Time of their crossing the Equator: I perceive now, also, the true Meaning of several Allegorical Expressions, which, no doubt, are taken from hence, such as being a Latudinarian in Notions, &c. But pray, Sir, let us go on; now you mention that Brass Hoop, in which the Globes hang and turn round, pray let me know its Name and Use?
That Brazen Circle, Madam, said I, is called the Meridian.Meridian; and 'tis a greater Circle of the Sphere, which is supposed to pass thro' the Zenith and Nadir of any particular Place, thro' the North and South Points of its Horizon, and thro' the Poles of the World.
I See, said she, the latter part of what you say; but pray, what do you meanby
