mat Cof. E. Now in the value of the folar preceffion the e of the obliquity was employed. Therefore tever is the angle E contained between the tor and the lunar orbit, the preceffion will be Cof. E and it must be reckoned on Cof. 23199 lutar orbit. B(fig. 8.) be the immoveable plane of diptic, VEDF the equator in its first fitubefore it has been deranged by the action moon, AGRDBH the equator in its new on, after the momentary action of the moon. EGNFH be the moon's orbit, of which N is leading node, and the angle N=5° 8′ 46′′. Ny the long. of the node be Sine Nov Revolution of 27 Therefore RS- X T Cof. But we must exterminate the angle E, because it changes by the change of the pofition of N. Now, in the triangle EN we have cof. E=cof. N'fin. r-cof. Nr=yca-db. And because the angle E is neceffarily obtufe, the perpendicular will fall without the triangle, the cofine of E will be ne≈gative, and we fhall have cof. E=bd—acy. Therefore the nutation for one month will be x mxt TX d e m T t T n while in N. We may confider these two expreffions of the monthly preceffion and nutation as momentary parts of the moon's action, corresponding to a certain pofition of the node and inclination of the equator, or as the fluxions of the whole variable preceffion and nutation, while the node continually changes its place, and in the space of 18 years makes a complete tour of the heavens. We must, therefore, take the motion of the node as the fluent of comparifon, or we must compare the fluxions of the node's motion with the fluxions of the preceffion and nutation; therefore, let the longitude of the node bez, and its monthly change = e Let T be 1, in order that n Revolution of N=18 years 7 months duce the lunar preceffion to the ecliptic, recollect that the equator will have the inclination at the end of every half revoluthe fun or of the moon, that is, when they through the equator, because the fum of all mentary changes of its pofition begins a ch revolution. Therefore if we neglect the ; we fhall then have t: n=ze, and t= of the mode during one month, which is degrees, and can produce but an infenfige, it is plain that the moon produces, in revolution, that is, while fhe moves from G, the greatest difference that she can in the of the equator. The point D, therefore, ay from G to H, is that in which the movequator cuts the primitive equator, and DE DF are each 90°. But S being the folftitial VS is alfo 90°. Therefore DS=vE. eb fore, in the triangle DGE, we have fin. ThereG=fin. EG: fin. D, EG:D. DEG X fin. G, EG X fin. E nearly. in the triangle DA we have fin. A: fin. or col E) = fin. D : fin. VA, =D: produced in the course of one month, ef- comes-db; therefore our fluent has a conftant d on the ecliptic, not conftant like the folar hot, but varying with the inclination or the part +db; and the complete fluent is men ele N, and afo by a change in the polition (db-db-x-(x2). a the ecliptic. 2 Now this is equal a manner we muft find the nutation SR to ma n —(db × verfed fine, z—1ac × verfed e ལ ed in the fame time, reckoned on the coof the folftices RL. We have R: fin. DS fine 2 z): For the verfed fine of ≈ is equal to (1-KS, and RSD fin. DS, D fin. E. But cof. 2); and the square of the fine of an arch is EG fin. E. Therefore RS-EG·sin. YE, = the verfed fine of twice that arch. This, then, is Kk 4 the the whole nutation while the moon's afcending therefore. of her quantity of matter. This plenome and thofe of the tides, are the only tacts w enable us to judge of this matter: and this w of the circumftances which has caufed this blem to occupy so much attention. Dr B LEY, by a nice comparifon of his obferva with the mathematical theory, as it is caled nifhed him by Mr Machin, found that the tion of preceffion computed by that theory too great, and that the theory would agree ter with the obfervations, if an ellipfe were ted for Mr Machin's little circle. He th that the fhorter axis of this clipfe, lying in colure of the foilices, thould not exceed Nothing can more clearly show the aftoni curacy of Bradley's obfervations than this re for it refults from the theory, that the pole really defcribe an ellipfe, having its fhort must be that of 18 to 168; for the mean cot. YE_ad+be. This, mul- in the folftitial colure, and the ratio of the fine de fine za be fine 22); therefore, wa we have it = amned the no (l—a3). We here the fecond term as infignificant. This gre quation of preceflion is to of 18", as ba to ab; that is, as radius s tangent of twice the obliquity of the This gives the greatest equation of prece 8, not differing half a fecond from Bradley fervations. On the whole, we have endeavoured fome account of this curious and importan nomenon. It is curious, because it affe whole celeftial motions in a very intricate m and received no explanation from the more ous application of mechanical principles fo happily accounted for all the other app ces. It is one of the moft illuftrious prouf Ifaac Newton's fagacity and penetration, catched at a very remote analogy betwee phenomenon and the libration of the moon practical and ufetul aftronomy, because bit. It is highly important to the progr enabled us to compute tables of fuch acc that they can be used with confidence for ming the LONGITUDE of a fhip at fea. This fixes its importance: but it is fill more impa to the philofopher, affording the moft incont ble proof of the universal and mutual grad of all matter to all matter. It left nothing folar fyftem unexplained from the theory of vity but the acceleration of the moon's mea tion; and this M. DE LA PLACE has at la ded to the lift of our acquifitions. PRECHE RECHAC, 2 towns of France: 1. in the dep. PRE No ftupendous pretipice denies Wealth, like fruit, on precipices grew, RFCIDANEOUS. See PRECEDANOUS. RECIGNY LE GRAND, a town of France, in Not far off heav'n, in the precincts of light. Milton. PRECIOSITY. n. f. [from pretiofus, Latin.] Tave; preciousness. 2. Any thing of high #t. Not ufed in either fenfe.-The index or ger was too naked whereto to commit their r. Brown.-Barbarians feem to exceed the curiofity of their application of these ties. More. PRECIOUS. adj. [precieux, Fr. pretiofus, Lat.] Saluable; being of great worth.-Many things, tech are most precious, are neglected. Hooker.Why in that rawnefs left you wife and children, Thole precious motives? Shak. ach precious deeds in one that promis'd nought Shak. But begg'ry. Thefe virtues are the hidden beauties of a foul, ich make it lovely and precious in his fight. 2. Coftly; of great price; as, a preci, dster. That riches grow in hell; that foil may best PRECIOUSLY. adv. [from precious.] 1. Vatly; to a great price. 2. Contemptibly. In PRECIOUSNESS. n. f. [from precious.] Vabenefs: worth; price. Its preciousness equaled the price of pearls. Wilkins. Thither they hafte with glad precipitance. Milton. 'Tis not likely that one of a thoufand fuck precipitancies should be crowned with fo unexpected an iflue. Glanville. So precipitancy of our underftanding is an occafion of error. Glanville.-We apply prefent remedies according unto indications, refpecting the acuteness of difeafe and precipitancy of occafion. Brown.-Hurried on by the precipi tancy of youth. Swift.-A rafhnefs and precipitance of judgment, and haltinels to believe fomething on one fide or the other, plunges us into many errors. Watts. (1.)* PRECIPITANT. adj. (precipitans, Lat.] 1. Falling or ruthing head:ong. Downright into the world's firft region throws His flight precipitant. Milton They leave their little lives Above the clouds, precipitant to earth. Philips 2. Hafty; urged with violent hafte. That troop fo blithe and bold, Precipitant in fear, would wing their flight. Pope 3. Rafhly hurried.-It was hard to difcern the rife, or apply a remedy to that precipitant rebellion. King Charles. (2.) PRECIPITANT, n. f. in chemistry, any li quor, which, when poured on a folution, feparates what is diffolved, and makes it precipitate, or fail to the bottom of the veffel. See CHFMISTRY, Index. *PRECIPITANTLY. adv. [from precipitant.} In headlong hafte; in a tumultuous hurry. (1.) * PRECIPITATE. adj. [from the verb.] 1. Steeply falling.-The four rivers, had they not falien fo precipitate, could not have had fufficient force to thrust themselves under the great ocean. Raleigh.- Prior Precipitate the furious torrent flows. 2. Headiong; hafty; rafhly hafty.-The archbifhop, too precipitate in preffing the reception of that which he thought a reformation, paid dearly for it. Clarendon. 3. Hafty; violent.-Mr Gay mortification of the bowels; it was the died of molt precipitate cafe I ever knew, having cut him off in three days. Arbuthnot. * PRECIPICE. 2. f. [præcipitium, Lat. preci, Fr. A headlong steep; a tall perpendicular without gradual declivity. Shak. You take a precipice for no leap of danger, And woo your own destruction." -Where the water dafheth more against the bottom, there it moveth more swiftly and more in pice; for in the breaking of the waves there sever a precipice. Bacon.- 1 ere long that precipice must tread, Whence none return. Sandys (2.)* PRECIPITATE. n. f. A corrofive medicine made by precipitating mercury.I rubbed the fuper-excrefcence with the vitriol ftone, or sprinkled it with the precipitate. Wiseman. (3.) PRECIPITATE, n. f. in chemistry, a fubftance which, having been diffolved in a proper menftruum, is again feparated from its foivent, and thrown down to the bottom of the vellel by pouring fome other liquor upon it. See CHEMIS TRY, Index. (4.) PRE (5.) PRECIPITATE, Red. (4.) PRECIPITATE OF CASSIUS. See PASTE, $9. ? See PHARMACY, (6.) PRECIPITATE, WHITE. I idex. (1.) TO PRECIPITATE. v. a. precipito, Lat. precipiter, Fr. in all the fenfes.] 1. To throw headlong. She had a king to her fon in-law, yet was precipitated, and banished the world into a Bunnery. Bacon. Ere vengeance Precipitate thee with augmented pain. Milton. -They were wont, upon a fuperitition, to preci pitate a man from fome high cliff into the fea, tyng about him with ftrings many great fowls. Wilkins Hertelf involv'd in clouds, precipitates her flight. Dryden. 2. To urge on violently. The virgin from the ground Precipitates her flight. Dryden. 3. To haften unexpectedly.-Short intermittent and fwift recurrent pains do precipitate patients into confumptions. Harvey. 4. To hurry blindly or rafhly. If they be daring, it may precipitate their defigns. Bacon. Dear Erythrea, let not such blind fury Precipitate your thoughts. Denbam. 3. To throw to the bottom. A term of chymiftry oppofed to fublime-Gold endures a vehement fire long without any change, and after it has been divided by corrofive liquor into invifible parts, yet may preiently be precipitated, so as to appear again in its own form. Grew. (2.) To PRECIPITATE. v. n. long. * 1. To fall head after the deluge, and the burying it in the f underneath amongst the fand, was to retrench luxury of the productions of the earth. So many fathom down precipitating, Thou'dft ihver like an egg. Shak. 2. To fall to the bottom as a sediment in chymitry. By strong water every metal will precipitate. Bacon. 3. To haften without juft preparation.— Neither on the other fide did their forces increase, which might halten him to precipitate and affail them. Bacon. * PRECIPITATELY. adv. [from precipitate.] 1. Headlong; fteeply down. 2. Haftily; in blind hurry. It may happen to those who vent praife or cenfure too precipitately, as it did to an English poet, who celebrated a nobleman for erecting Dryden's monument, upon a promife which he forgot, till it was done by another. Savift. Furious he finks, precipitately dull. Pope. (1.)* PRECIPITATION. n. S. [precipitation, Fr. from precipitate.] 1. The act of throwing headlong. Let them pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock, That the precipitation might down-ftretch Below the beam of fight. Shak. 2. Violent motion downward.-That could never happen from any other caufe than the hurry, precipitation, and rapid motion of the water, returning at the end of the deluge. Woodward. 3. Tumultuous hurry; blind hafte.-Here is none of the hurry and precipitation, none of the bluftering and violence, which must have attended thofe fuppofititious changes. Woodward. 4. In chemiftry, fubfidency: contrary to fublimation.-Separation is wrought by precipitation or fublimation. Bacon. The precipitation of the vegetative matter, (2.) PRECIPITATION. See CHEMISTRY, * PRECIPITOUS. adj. { præcipites, Lat. Headlong; fteep.-Monarchy, together with could not but be dafhed in pieces by fuch a pitous fail as they intended. K. Coaries. 2. H fulden.—The attempts of some have been pre tous. Brown.-How precious the time is, precipitous the occafion. Evelyn. 3. Rath; be Advice unfafe, precipitous and bold. D PRECISE. adj. precis, Fr. præcius, Li 1. Exact; ftrict; nice; having ftrict and deter nate limitations.-Not without precie direc from God himself. Hooker.-It is as much as do to keep the term of mine honour preci e. §22 -The law in this point is not precife. Bacon The hour precife Exacts our parting. In human actions there are no degrees and cife natural limits defcribed. Taylor.-The re ings must be precife. Arbuthnot. The prese ference between a compound and collective is this, that a compound idea unites things different kind, but a collective, things of the kind. Watts. 2. Forial; finical; folemnly fuperftitiously exact.-The raillery of the wit king Charles II's reign, upon every thing w they called precife, was carried to so great at travagance, that it almost put all Chriftianity of countenance. Addifon. PRECISELY. adv. [from precife.} actly; nicely; accurately.-Doth it follow, that things in the church are unholy, which the hath not himfeif precifely inftituted? HookerLord had once precifely fet down a form of exe ting that wherein we are to serve him. Hoole He cannot fo precifely weed this land In his tract my wary feet have kept, **PRECISENESS. n. f. {from precise.] Ex: nefs; rigid nicety.-I will diftinguith the cate though give me leave, in the handling of the not to fever them with too much precifeness. B con. When you have fixed proper hours for pa ticular ftudies, keep to them, not with a fuperf tious precifeness, but with fome good degrees of regular conftancy. Watts. PRECISIAN. n. s. [from precife.} _ 1. O who limits or reftrains.-Though love ufe reas for his precifian, he admits him not for his cous fellor. Shak. 2. One who is fuperftitiously rig ous. Thefe men, for all the world, like our pr Drasts hans be. A profane perfon calls a man of piety a pr fign. Watts. PRE PRECISION. . f. [precifion, Fr.] Exact li PRECOP, or PEREKOP. See PREKOF. PRECORDIA, in anatomy, a general name for Shak. The like precurfe of fierce events, As harbingers preceding ftill the fates. * PRECURSOR. n.f. [præcurfor, Lat. precurFr.) Fore-runner; harbinger.Jove's lightning's, the precurfers Of dreadful thunder claps. Shak. Tempeft. This contagion might have been prefaged upon confideration of its precurfors, viz. a rude winter, and a clofe, fulphurous and fiery air. Harvey on the Plague.-Thomas Burnet played the precurjor to the coming of Homer, in his Homerides. Pope. PRECISIVE. adj. [from precifus, Lat.] Ex- PRECOCIOUS. adj. [precocis, Lat. precofe, 12. Hocker. PRECONCEIVE. v. a. [ pre and conceive.] man opinion beforehand; to imagine bend.-In a dead plain the way feemeth the because the eye hath preconceived it shorter the truth. Bacon.-Fonducfs of preconceived rs is not like to render your reports fuf Glanville-The reafon why men are fo in governing is, because most things fall out tally, and come not into any compliance their preconceived ends. South. PRECONCEPTION. n.j. [præ and concepOpinion previously formed.-According to Potions and preconceptions, formed in our we shape the difcourfe of reafon itself. PRECONTRACT. n. f. [ præ and contract. PRECY, a town of France, in the department of the Cote d'Or; 7 miles S. of Semur en Auxois. (1.) PREDA, a town of the Italian republic, in the department of Panaro, diftrict and late duchy of Modena: 18 miles WSW. of Modena. (2.) PREDA DI MARIGNONE, a town of Sardinia; 33 miles NE. of Castello Arragonese. (3.) PREDA DI SAS VOMINIS, a town of Sardinia, 25 miles NE. of Caftello Arragonefe. * PREDACEOUS. adj. [from prada, Lat.] Living by prey.-Thofe are endowed with poifon, because they are predaceous. Derham. PREDÁL. adj. [from præda, Lat.] Robbing; practifing plunder. This word is not countenanced from analogy. Sarmatia, laid by predal rapine low. S. Bogfe. * PREDATORY, adj. [prædatorius, Lat. from prada, Lat.] 1. Plundering; practising rapine.— The king called his parliament, where he exaggerated the malice and the cruel predatory war made by Scotland. Bacon. 2. Hungry; preying rapacious; ravenous.-Exercise maketh the fpirits more hot and predatory. Bacon. * PREDECEASED. adj. [præ and deceafed. Dead before.-A memorable trophy of predeceased valour. Shak. (1.)* PREDECESSOR.n.f.[predeceffeur, Fr. præ and decedo, Lat.] 1. One that was in any state or place before another.-Many days were spent to follow their flying predeceffors. Sidney.-Ancient ordinances, rites and approved customs of our venerable predeceffors. Hooker.-If I feem partial to my predecessor in the laurel, the friends of antiqui ty are not few. Dryden.-The prefent pope is well acquainted with the fecret hiftory, and the weaknefs of his predeceffor. Addison.- The more beauteous Cloe fat to thee, But happy thou from Cupid's arrow free, 2. Ancestor. Prior (2.) PREDECESSOR, properly fignifies a perfon who has preceded another in the fame office: in which fenfe it is diftinguished from ANCESTOR. * PREDESTINARIAN. n.f. [from predeftinate.} One that holds the doctrine of predeftination. Why |