142 Part 2 The First Inequality, in Imitation of the Ancients must either compare the observed position with the computed position, w +, or abridge extend the are between the are between the body of the planet and the same node, so that from the former operation the posi on the orbit might be given, and from the latter, d by addi 5 positi¢ the ecliptic position, This is actually accomplish 1, or subtractiny acconding as the node precedes or follows the pl my considered unnecessary. Coper Such care concerning the planets nicus did not forego it in treating the moon, and Tycho Brahe diligently em braced it for the sake of precision. To continue: in the referring process which we have been considering, wv, both of which I can seek using there are two things [would like to kn the same procedure and dia m Let A be the sidereal position of AB the arc of the ecliptic, and upon it let AC be set equal to AB, and let the planet be observed be- neath C. Further, from C let an arc eclip- bbe drazon perpendicular to the tic, and let it be CE. Now in the first place the an- cients thought that since E is the position on the ecliptic and C the position of the orbit of the planet 1, the planet is at the point opposite the sun when the sun is at E, the planet being observed at C. However, as was said above, those who con- structed the tables thought that the planet is not exactly at oppo- sition to the sun unless arc AB, the elongation of the place opposite the sun from the same node, is made equal to AC (the observed distance of the planet from the node). Now the truth of the matter is quite different. The planet is, indeed, seen in opposition to the sun at that time, but it really is not, and the advantage w seek from the planet’s opposition to the sun is more harmed by making, AC and AB equal, than they themselves were hoping it would be corrected, For why are the planets observed at opposition to the sun? In order, of course, that they then lack the second inequality of longitude, And when the point ‘opposite the sun is at B and the planet is at C, both being between the nodes and the limits, the planet is more wrapped up in the second inequality of lon- gitude than if the point opposite the sun were at E, the planet remaining at C. For let G be the sun, the center of the planetary system, at whicl all the orbs intersect the ecliptic, whether in the Copernican or the Brahean form. Let G be joined to A and E, points on the ecliptic, and let the earth be on the line EG, at H. Let HC be joined, and from H let the sun G be observed opposite E, while from the same point H let the planet be seen at C, its sidereal position along the line HC. Therefore, in this sighting, the planet is really on the line HC. It s, however, far below the fixed stars. Let it be at the point 1 on the line HC, and let a straight line be drawn from G through I, which