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[[page number]] 201)

of [[underline]] Cancer [[/underline]], beholds the Disk of the Sun gradually emerging from behind the Northward Side of the Hill, which is nearly perpendicular, and this in such a manner, that a very sensible Differ-ence is perceived in the Sun's Motion every Evening, and at length the whole Disk emerges for three Days together, but the second very evidently more distant than the first and last.  Now as the Sun's Declination on those three Days does not vary above one third of a Minute, it will be very easy to discover, whether the Obliquity of the Ecliptic is the same as it was in Dr. Plot's Time, or not.  For if it is but 23 [[degrees]] 28' 20", as the [[underline]] French [[/underline]] [[strike through]] A  [[/strike through]] Astronomers assert, then the Sun's Disk will not intirely emerge from behind the Hill, unless Mr. [[underline]] Flamstead's [[/underline]] Observations were faulty:  But if the Emersion is entire, and for three Days only, as formerly, we may then reason-ably conclude, that the greatest Obliquity has been invariable for 60 years at least; and if for 60, why not for 6,000?  However, this [[underline]] Solar Occultation [[/underline]] will be a very agreea-ble sight to the Curious who reside in those Parts; and if they transmit their obser-vations to you to be communicated to the Publick, it will be a very acceptable Favour to all Lovers of Astronomical Enquiries.  (Gent. Mag. 1738. p. 263.)
See p. 310.
Yours VC,   R. [[underline]] Brookes. [[/underline]]

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