et the line be called the axis which is
drawn in the earth (as in a terrella) through the centre to the poles. They are called πόλοι by the Greeks from πολεῖν, to turn, and by
the Latins they are also called Cardines or Vertices; because the world rotates and is perpetually
carried around them. We are about to show, indeed, that the earth and a terrella are turned about them by a magnetick
influence. One of them in the earth, which looks towards the Cynosure, is called Boreal and Arctic; the other one,
opposite to this, is called Austral and Antarctic. Nor do these also exist on the earth or on a terrella for the sake of
the turning merely; but they are also limits of direction and position, both as respects destined districts of the world,
and also for correct turnings among themselves.
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/g/gilbert/william/on-the-magnet/book2.13.html
Last updated Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 16:19