DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18826#0037
lect. i.] on perspective. SI
fituation of the nofe, a gradual addition of fome thin
fubftance to that fide of the nofe next to the affected
eye, would, I am perfuaded, in time, direct the center
beam of that eye, from its falfe, to its true, direction.
To fupport what has been faid on the nature of
the angle under which objects are viewed, I appeal
to all magnifying glaffes, which act by extending the
angle, and which may be confidered as an eye in ad-
vance ; and as counteracting that diminution of objects
which is the balls of perfpe£tive.
I mall remark further, that if the bodily powers of
man in fome inftances are exceeded by thofe of crea-
tures of inferior rank in the creation, yet his mental
abilities make him ample amends: of this, the fubject
of light is a dire£t proof: fince, however confined by
nature, art has extended its powers immenfely " be-
yond this vifible diurnal fphere." Not only are the
fplendid luminaries from whence we derive light and
heat, infpected by us, but other fyftems are explored,
and other funs examined. Perfpective has its ufes too
in the bufinefs, fuch at leaft was the opinion of that
great philofopher Huygens, who, wilhing to cal-
culate the dimenfions of a remote ftar, could only
attain his object by reverjing his telefcope, and thereby
reducing the fun to fimilar dimensions, as if placed at
afimilar diftance : veryjuftly, therefore may it be faid,
that this fcience is not confined to this terreftrial ball j
its principles extend into ether itfelf, and its laws re*
gulate the fplendors of the celellial luminaries.
But with regard to ourfelves, La dies and Gentle-
men, we are attending to perfpective as to the prin-
e 2 ciples
fituation of the nofe, a gradual addition of fome thin
fubftance to that fide of the nofe next to the affected
eye, would, I am perfuaded, in time, direct the center
beam of that eye, from its falfe, to its true, direction.
To fupport what has been faid on the nature of
the angle under which objects are viewed, I appeal
to all magnifying glaffes, which act by extending the
angle, and which may be confidered as an eye in ad-
vance ; and as counteracting that diminution of objects
which is the balls of perfpe£tive.
I mall remark further, that if the bodily powers of
man in fome inftances are exceeded by thofe of crea-
tures of inferior rank in the creation, yet his mental
abilities make him ample amends: of this, the fubject
of light is a dire£t proof: fince, however confined by
nature, art has extended its powers immenfely " be-
yond this vifible diurnal fphere." Not only are the
fplendid luminaries from whence we derive light and
heat, infpected by us, but other fyftems are explored,
and other funs examined. Perfpective has its ufes too
in the bufinefs, fuch at leaft was the opinion of that
great philofopher Huygens, who, wilhing to cal-
culate the dimenfions of a remote ftar, could only
attain his object by reverjing his telefcope, and thereby
reducing the fun to fimilar dimensions, as if placed at
afimilar diftance : veryjuftly, therefore may it be faid,
that this fcience is not confined to this terreftrial ball j
its principles extend into ether itfelf, and its laws re*
gulate the fplendors of the celellial luminaries.
But with regard to ourfelves, La dies and Gentle-
men, we are attending to perfpective as to the prin-
e 2 ciples