A Discourse Concerning Time - Softcover

William Holder

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0461954168 ISBN 13: 9780461954166

Publisher: HardPress, 2021

Synopsis

A Discourse Concerning Time by William Holder. This 17th-century treatise examines how humans measure and reckon time, arguing that measure arises from three primary, universal quantities: number, weight, and measure, with time derived from the motions of celestial bodies. Holder explains how the Sun’s and Moon’s movements establish natural standards for day, month, and year, and how artificial systems—hours, weeks, months, and the calendar—emerge from civil authority and practical needs. He analyzes the diurnal and annual motions, the differences between solar days and true days, and the complexities of reconciling solar, lunar, and civil reckonings, including the Epacts, Golden Number, and Dominical Letter. The work surveys various epochas, cycles, and periods (Dionysian, Metonic, Indiction, Julian), and discusses the consequences of calendar reforms, such as the Julian and later Gregorian adjustments. Throughout, Holder aims to illuminate why timekeeping matters for religion, commerce, and daily life, offering guidance for younger students and clergy while presenting a methodical, historical, and astronomical perspective on time.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0461954168
• ISBN 13: 9780461954166
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 126