Zetetic astronomy: Earth not a globe!: An experimental inquiry into the true figure of the earth etc.

"Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe!" by Parallax is a scientific publication written in the mid-19th century. This unique work presents a series of experiments and assertions arguing for the concept that the Earth is a flat plane rather than a globe, challenging widely accepted astronomical theories. The book seeks to dismiss common theories of the Earth's shape and motion through extensive empirical evidence and observations. The opening of this publication sets the stage for its central argument: the advocacy for “zetetic” inquiry, which emphasizes investigation and observation over theoretical assumptions. Parallax critiques established scientific thought and presents a series of observations—ranging from the behavior of water in canals to the visibility of distant landmasses—to support the claim that the Earth's surface is flat and stationary. The author introduces the notion that many phenomena typically attributed to a spherical Earth can be explained through the principles of perspective and the nature of light, laying the groundwork for subsequent chapters that expand on these experiments and claims.