Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a globe! An Experimental Inquiry into the True Figure of the Earth (1881)
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Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a globe! An Experimental Inquiry into the True Figure of the Earth (1881)
Samuel Birley Rowbotham (1816–1884) was an English inventor and writer who wrote Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe under the pseudonym "Parallax". His work was based on his decade-long studies of the earth and was originally published as a 16-page pamphlet (1849), which he later expanded into a 430-page book (1881). According to Rowbotham's method, which he called Zetetic Astronomy, the earth is an enclosed plane, centered at the North Pole; he seems to prove modern astronomy unreasonable and contradictory--that the earth is a plane, or a disc, and not a globe--the sun, moon, and stars, self-luminous.
Inasmuch as this system of the world differs in every point of view from our own study of astronomy, and from all previous teachings on the subject, there must be a great error on one side or the other. 'Parallax,' as a writer, as a sound logician, clear, lucid reasoner, calm and self-possessed, has not been surpassed.
Seldom does one read such striking lessons on the art of reasoning as are afforded by this book. As a reasoner we much question if 'Parallax' can be surpassed; and the gentlemanly manner in which the discussions are conducted brought out that power to a very high degree.
No one could fail to admire his power as a disputant. In this book he meets the questions put to him by the most enlightened and scientific minds with a readiness of reply which may astonish his readers. Books on the Newtonian system, with their apparatus, orreries, &c., completely fail to interest most readers. 'Parallax' has the ability to do this.
The revelations of the author appear to completely astound his readers, who, for the greater part, are left with a strong impression that the previous teachers of astronomy must have been greatly in error. 'Parallax' is undoubtedly a gentleman of no mean intellect, and must have studied deeply to have reached such attainments.
The experiments mentioned in the book, divested of technicality in their recital, and understandable by all, are of such a nature as to cause a start of surprise at their simplicity and truthfulness. It is not for us to pronounce a verdict upon so important an issue; 'Parallax' may be in error, but as far as his reasonings from fact and experiment go, there is much to set scientific men thinking. His arguments consist of facts, and such as are patent to all degrees of mental capacity. In the discussions which follow, 'Parallax' certainly loses no ground, either in answer to questions or to some broad assertions quoted from learned authorities.
In this glorious century, the boasted age of progress and reform, in which the strides of intellect are so rapidly approaching perfection, one cannot be surprised that such a beautiful system of Zetetic Astronomy as that expounded by 'Parallax' should entirely contradict the doctrine taught by Newton. We are told that this Zetetic system is the only one which is consistent with common sense.
Whatever his hearers may think of his philosophy, they must admit that his book shows him to have read and thought much. His discourses are very pleasing and interesting, and he expounds his doctrines in a way that ought to offend none. Certainly Parallax' is a man of strong argumentative powers, sound logic, and convincing reasoning. It cannot be denied that he treats his subject in a very clever and ingenuous manner, and in the past has succeeded in drawing many over to agree with him.
