पृष्ठ 295 / 1391

How ridiculous then to look for these in the map of the heavens,

in which the imperfection of matter comes in everywhere as a

disturbing element, marring the symmetry of day and night, of

months and years, of the sun and stars in their courses. Only by

problems can we place astronomy on a truly scientific basis. Let

the heavens alone, and exert the intellect.

Still, mathematics admit of other applications, as the

Pythagoreans say, and we agree. There is a sister science of

harmonical motion, adapted to the ear as astronomy is to the eye,

and there may be other applications also. Let us inquire of the

Pythagoreans about them, not forgetting that we have an aim

higher than theirs, which is the relation of these sciences to

the idea of good. The error which pervades astronomy also

pervades harmonics. The musicians put their ears in the place of

their minds. 'Yes,' replied Glaucon, 'I like to see them laying

their ears alongside of their neighbours' faces-some saying,

"That's a new note," others declaring that the two notes are the

same.' Yes, I said; but you mean the empirics who are always

twisting and torturing the strings of the lyre, and quarrelling

about the tempers of the strings; I am referring rather to the

Pythagorean harmonists, who are almost equally in error.