(108)
prodromus contains some mistakes, of which he chiefly singles out one, as most considerable, in Hevelius's Observation of Febr. 818, and declares thereupon, That he, and several very intelligent Astronomers of France and Italy concurring with him therein, (whereas M. Hevelius to him seems to stand single, as to this particular) found by their Observations, That this Comet could not, on that day of February, be there where M. Hevelius placeth it, viz. in Prima Arietis; unless it be said, That it visited that Star of Aries on the 18th, and returned thence the 19th, into its ordinary course; in which, according to his, and his several Correspondents Observations, the Comet on Febr. 17. was distant from that first Star of Aries at least 1 degree and 17 minutes; and on February 19. (he having missed, as well as his other Friends, the Observation on Febr. 18.) was advanced in its way 12 or 13 minutes, but yet distant from the said Star some minutes above a whole degree, and consequently far from having then passed it. After which time M. Auzout affirms to have seen it, as well as several others, for many days, and that until March 717: observing, That about Febr. 26. or 27, when the Comet was nearest to the often mentioned first of Aries, it approached not nearer thereunto, then at the distance of 50 minutes.
This important Difference between two very Learned, and very deserving Persons, being come to the knowledge of some of the ablest Philosophers and Astronomers of England, hath been by them thought worthy their Examination: and they being at this very present employed in the discussion thereof; by comparing what hath been done and publish'd by the Dissenters, and by confronting with them their own Domestick Observations, are very likely to discern where the mistake lies; and having discern'd it, will certainly be found highly impartial and ingenuous in giving their sense of the same.
