Chapter XIV. Number of the’ Modes of Prorogation（续 3）

+ The times of oblique descension of any arc of the zodiac are equal

to the times of oblique ascension of its opposite arc; as before explained.

t That is to say, at the time of the ist point of Aries transiting the cusp of each angle respectively.

thus, in either way, producing 64, the required number of times.

If, however, the preceding place should be distant from either angle two temporal hours, which are the third part of six, then, in that case, the third part of 12, the amount of the excess, must be taken, viz. 4: and, if the said two hours be the distance, as calculated from the mid-heaven, .the said 4 times are to be added to the 58 times; but, if it be the distance from the occidental angle, the 4 times are to. be subtracted from the 70.

In conformity with these rules now laid down, the amount of the times must necessarily be obtained*.

The anzretic and critical influences of all meetings or

*The calculation of time may be greatly facilitated by the use of a zodiacal planisphere, said to have been invented about thirty years ago by Mr. Ranger, who died without making his invention public. The invention consists of a set of instruments perfectly adapted, as far as relates to the zodiac, for astronomical, as well as astrological, purposes; and the completeness with which it solves, in the most intelligible. and expeditious manner, all the astronomical problems of the zodiac, deserves attention. Whether a similar planisphere was known in the days of Placidus, I am not aware; but it is worthy of remark that the following words occur in his “ Primum Mobile,” and seem almost to have been predicated of Mr. Ranger’s planisphere :— ‘If any one would provide himself with a Ptolemaic planisphere, with - “the horary circles, crepuscules, the zodiac’s latitude, and all other “ things requisite, it would be of very great service towards foreseeing ** the aspects.” (Cooper’s Translation, p.87.) Inthe Appendix will be found a plate, containing diagrams drawn by the instruments in question, which, though not completely filled up, will shew how easily, and, at the same time, how accurately, the measure of time in directions may be ascertained. The said diagrams have been adapted to the “exemplification” here given by Ptolemy; one of them being Jaid down for the latitude of Alexandria, and the other for the: latitude of southern Britain (51° 30’ N.), with similar positions of the preceding and succeeding places adverted to in the text.

Chap. XV.] | ‘-ProLEMY’sS TETRABIBLOS. 147

descensions of prorogators* remain to be determined; beginning, in due order, with such as are accomplished in the’ shortest time. And whatever else may happen, by means of any affliction or assistance offered (in the manner heretofore prescribed) during che actual transit of the meeting, is also to be decided on, as well as whatever may occur through other circumstances, arising out of the ingresses taking place at the time: because, should the places of both the significators be afflicted, and should the transit of the stars, at the then existing ingress, operate injuriously on the chief ruling places, it is then altogether probable that death will ensuet ; and, even though one of the placest may be disposed favourably to human nature, the crisis will still be important and perilous ; but, if both the places be so disposed favourably, some debility only, or transient malady, or hurt, will then happen. It is, however, necessary in these cases, to consider also what familiarity, or analogy, the peculiar properties of the places, thus meeting, may bear to the circumstances of the nativity.

In order to obviate the doubts which frequently arise, as to the particular star or place to which the aneretic dominion ought to be assigned, all the meetings should be duly contemplated and considered, each by each ; and thus, after considering those chiefly corresponding with the events.

* These meetings and descensions are technically termed “ direc-- “ tions.” | '

+ On these words Placidus has the following remark: “ ‘The revo- « lutions may possess some virtue, but only according to the consti- “tution of the stars to the places of the prorogators of the nativity, “and their places of direction, but no farther; as Ptolemy was of “ opinion, and briefly expresses himself in his Chapter of Life. <<‘ «Those who are afflicted, both in the places and conclusions of the “ «years, by the revolution of the stars infecting the principal places, “have reason o expect certain death.’” (p. 127, Cooper’s Transl.)

already past, and with the future events about to follow, or

with the whole together, it will be practicable to found an observation on the equality or inequality of their influence.