AN EXAMINATION OF Dr. BURNET'S Theory of the Earth.

Chap. IV.

Of the Perpendicular position of the Axis of the Earth to the plane of the Ecliptick.

Among other Characters of the Golden Age with which the Theorist endows his primitive Earth, one is a perpetual Spring which was then all the world over, all the parts of the years being of one and the same tenour, face, and temper. Then, says he, there was no Winter nor Summer, Seed time or Harvest, but a continual temperature of the Air and Verdure of the Earth. The reason which he brings for this assertion is, that at first the Axis of the Earth was parallel to the Axis of the Ecliptick, and consequently the plane of the Æquator being coincident with the plane of the Ecliptick, the Sun in its diurnal motion would seem to move always in the Æquator, making equal Dayes and Nights throughout the year.

Notwithstanding this fine description of the Theorist's, I hope to make it