102. Chap. 102. (99.)-The Power Of The Moon Over The Land And The Sea.

CHAP. 102. (99.)—THE POWER OF THE MOON OVER THE LAND AND THE SEA.

Hence we may certainly conjecture, that the moon is not unjustly regarded as the star of our life[1]. This it is that replenishes the earth[2]; when she approaches it, she fills all bodies, while, when she recedes, she empties them. From this cause it is that shell-fish grow with her increase[3], and that those animals which are without blood more particularly experience her influence; also, that the blood of man is increased or diminished in proportion to the quantity of her light; also that the leaves and vegetables generally, as I shall describe in the proper place[4], feel her influence, her power penetrating all things.

1. "Spiritus sidus;" "Quod vitalem humorem ac spiritus in corporibus rebusque omnibus varie temperet." Hardouin in Lemaire, i. 433.

2. "Terras saturet;" as Alexandre interprets it, "succo impleat;" Lemaire.

3. This circumstance is alluded to by Cicero, De Divin. ii. 33, and by Horace, Sat. ii. 4, 30. It is difficult to conceive how an opinion so totally unfounded, and so easy to refute, should have obtained general credence.

4. Lib. xviii. chap. 75.