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Astronomical Dialogues.
39

the Pole Star, as well as all other Altitudes of the Sun or Stars, is taken by an Instrument, which hath a Circular Edge like this Graduated Meridian, divided on Purpose into Degrees, Minutes, &c. with Sights fitted to it, to look up at the Object.

I Was just going to ask you about that, said she; for I remember to have often seen you peering up at the Stars, or catching the Sun-Beams with just such a kind of thing as you describe: But, pray, what Use is this Meridian of, on the Celestial Globe?

There, Madam, said I, it shews the Declination of the Sun or Stars, by bringing the Sun's or Stars Place in the Ecliptick on the Globe to it, as we did the Places of the Earth upon the other Globe, to find their Latitudes.

Sun's Declination.Declination! said she, there's a new Word for me to learn! which I suppose the Astronomers have coined, to avoid that of Latitude; which, when it relates to the Stars or Planets, I think you told me regards the Ecliptic only: Well! I doubt my Head will never retain the Memory of all these Cramp Terms.

Yes,