hath calculated a Table for the Diameter of the divers new Moones. But now there is no reason so probable to salve this appearance, as to place an orbe of thicker aire, neare the body of that Planet, which may be enlightened by the reflected beames, and through which the direct raies may easily penetrate.
But some may object that this will not consist with that which was before delivered, where I said, that the thinnest parts had least light.
If this were true, how comes it to passe then, that this aire should be as bright as any of the other parts, when as tis the thinnest of all?
I answer, if the light be received by reflection, then the thickest body hath most, because it is best able to beate backe the raies, but if the light be received by illumination[1] (especially if there be an opacous body behinde,
- ↑ Hist l. 1. c. 7. § 11.
