decreased, the distance increased: and it being thought the connexion
between the various degrees of divergency and distance was immediate;
this naturally leads one to conclude, from an ill-grounded analogy, that
converging rays shall make an object appear at an immense distance: and
that, as the convergency increases, the distance (if it were possible)
should do so likewise. That this was the cause of Dr. Barrow's mistake is
evident from his own words which we have quoted. Whereas had the learned
doctor observed that diverging and converging rays, how opposite soever
they may seem, do nevertheless agree in producing the same effect, to
wit, confusedness of vision, greater degrees whereof are produced
indifferently, either as the divergency or convergency and the rays
increaseth. And that it is by this effect, which is the same in both,
that either the divergency or convergency is perceived by the eye; I say,
had he but considered this, it is certain he would have made a quite
contrary judgment, and rightly concluded that those rays which fall on
the eye with greater degrees of convergency should make the object from
whence they proceed appear by so much the nearer. But it is plain it was
impossible for any man to attain to a right notion of this matter so long
as he had regard only to lines and angles, and did not apprehend the true
nature of vision, and how far it was of mathematical consideration.

40. Before we dismiss this subject, it is fit we take notice of a query
relating thereto, proposed by the ingenious Mr. Molyneux, is his TREATISE
OF DIOPTRICS,[Par. I. Prop. 31, Sect. 9.] where speaking of this
difficulty, he has these words: 'And so he (i.e. Dr. Barrow) leaves this
difficulty to the solution of others, which I (after so great an example)
shall do likewise; but with the resolution of the same admirable author of
not quitting the evident doarine which we have before laid down, for
determining the LOCUS OBJECTI, on account of being pressed by one
difficulty which seems inexplicable till a more intimate knowledge of the