Book Title: Jain Philosophy and Modern Science
Author(s): Nagrajmuni
Publisher: Anuvrat Samiti

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Page 188
________________ JAIN PHILOSOPHY & MODERN SCIENCE answered by assuming that the axis of the earth is inclined at an angle of 23% degrees to the orbit of its motion. This causes the summer solstice and the winter solstice to occur and it is by this process that the seasons are caused Gradually with the advance of science this hypothesis has become established, so much so that it has been approved by different states and has been included in the school syllabuses This theory gradually crossed the western boundaries and became well known to the people of the east also. Miscellaneous Investigation 174 When the Theory of the Earth's Rotation was being encouraged by the states, the theory of the sun's rotation became the subject of individual investigation From time to time individual suggestions have been put forth before the public In the essay "How round is the earth", written by Mr. Henry Foster and published in "The Sunday News of India', of the 2nd May, 1948, it has been observed that, "Many people have spent years trying to prove that the earth is flat; but few have revealed such zeal as the late William Edgell of Midsomer Norsten, Somerset. Edgell strove for over 50 years, in order to study the night skies, he never went to bed but slept in a chair. Also he created a still tube in his garden pointing towards the Pole Star which was visible through it This cccentric man eventually evolved the theory of a flat, basinshaped earth, with the sun moving north and south across it. He con

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