To the Editor of the "Nonri-Cinwa Dany News"
Sm—I have made some careful search in the historical records of my country, but so far have failed to find any references to the two astronomical phenomena described in Mr, Piekett's letter printed in your valued paper of July 16.
The two dates of 1470 B.C, and 710 BE. correspond respectively to the 20th year of Emperor An-cha of the Shang dynasty and the 10th year of Emperor Wei of the Chow dynasty. Unfortunately very little concerning the reigns of these two rulers was handed down: indeed, in the ease of An-cha, we know almost nothing of him except that he. succeeded his father and was succeded by his son.
Although numerous mentions of eclipses and other unusual natural phenomena are given in Chinese books of history, there are only two brief legends recorded which would seem to show the sun stopping still Its course from east to west, The first was believed to have occurred some time in the reign of the First Emperor of Chin (Shih Wang-ti, 246-200 B.C). In the Yentants, now classed as a story-book only, it Is said that one day, at the earnest appeal of Prince Yen, the sun returned to the zenith again.
In the other case, told in the Shin Kee (Historical Records), an_astrologer, in the presence of Han Wen-ti, 179-187 B.C.), intimated that he was waiting for the sun to come back to the zenith, and it actually did so for a short while, according to the story.
Both these accounts are not ser-tously considered by Chinese historious as trustworthy, and no exact dates of their occurrence are given in the two books mentioned above.
I have been waiting for more learned readers to. reply to Mr. Pickett, and, as you see, am only two weeks after his Sze, Aug. 1.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.