LET. VI.

Kepler and Galileo.

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bours of those, who, since the time of Coper-nicus, had been preparing the way, and layingthe foundation for his discoveries and pursuits.And this information is the more necessary, asmany peffons, who have but a flight acquaint-ance with the progress of astronomical learning,are apt to entertain very erroneous opinionsupon the subject. As the labours of many, areattributed to one Hercules, so, by a like exag-geration, Sir Isaac Newton is said to be theauthor of all the discoveries and improvementswhich have ever been made in this science. Butas his merit is too great to stand in need of suchextravagant additions, it will be proper to divesthim of this false glory, by ascribing to him thatonly to which he has an undoubted claim.

The first founder of modern astronomy wasKepler: and if it be the privilege of genius tochange received ideas, and to announce truthswhich had never before been discovered, he mayjustly be considered as one of the greatest menthat had yet appeared in the world. Hippar-chus, Ptolemy, Tycho Brahe, and even Coper-nicus himself, were indebted for a great partof their knowledge to the Egyptians, Chal-deans, and Indians, who were their masters inthis science : but Kepler, by his own talents andindustry, has made discoveries, of which notraces are to be found in all the annals of an-,trinity.

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