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collection of letters which, when subsequently put together would state the discovery. Translated Into English the anagram read, "The mother of the loves emulates the phases of Cynthia."

What we have said of the synodic motion of Mercury applies in principle to Venus, and need not therefore be repeated. In the following cut the apparent size of the planet is shown in various parts of its synodic orbit. As the planet passes from superior to inferior conjunction its globe continually grows larger in apparent size,

though we cannot see its entire outline. But the fraction of the disk illuminated continually becomes smaller, first having the shape of a half moon, and then the shape of a crescent, which grows thinner and thinner up to the time of inferior conjunction. In the latter position the dark hemisphere is turned toward us and the planet is invisible. Venus Is at its greatest brightness about halfway between Inferior conjunction and greatest elongation. It then sets about two hours after the sun, if east of it, and rises about two hours before the sun, if west of it.