![]() It is probable that the second was not considered a constellation until, on the Phoenicians specially designating it, and employing it in navigation, it became known as one to the Greeks. Let no one any longer blame his ignorance for being merely acquainted with one Bear, when there are two. 489 Now, by the "Bear" and the "Wain," he means the Arctic Circle otherwise he would never have said, "It alone is deprived of the baths of the ocean," when such an infinity of stars is to be seen continually revolving in that part of the hemisphere. § 1.1.6 He tells us also, that the Ethiopians are far removed, and bounded by the ocean: far removed, - " The Ethiopians, utmost of mankind, These eastward situate, those toward the west." Nor was he mistaken in calling them separated into two divisions, as we shall presently show: and next to the ocean, - " For to the banks of the Oceanus, Where Ethiopia holds a feast to Jove, He journey'd yesterday." Speaking of the Bear, he implies that the most northern part of the earth is bounded by the ocean: "Only star of these denied To slake his beams in Ocean's briny baths." Iliad xviii. In addition to its vast importance in regard to social life, and the art of government, Geography unfolds to us the celestial phenomena, acquaints us with the occupants of the land and ocean, and the vegetation, fruits, and peculiarities of the various quarters of the earth, a knowledge of which marks him who cultivates it as a man earnest in the great problem of life and happiness. Nor is the great learning, through which alone this subject can be approached, possessed by any but a person acquainted with both human and divine things, and these attainments constitute what is called philosophy. Homer, Anaximander the Milesian, and Hecataeus, (his fellow-citizen according to Eratosthenes,) Democritus, Eudoxus, Dicaearchus, Ephorus, with many others, and after these Erastosthenes, Polybius, and Posidonius, all of them philosophers. They who first ventured to handle the matter were distinguished men. § 1.1.1 If the scientific investigation of any subject be the proper avocation of the philosopher, Geography, the science of which we propose to treat, is certainly entitled to a high place and this is evident from many considerations.
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