Ancient apparitions of the comet of 1680, on the hypothesis of a revolution of 575 years–Their coincidence with famous events–Whiston 's theory of the earth: our globe is an ancient comet, whose movements and constitution have been modified by comets–The catastrophe of the Deluge caused by the eighth anterior apparition of the comet of 1680–Final catastrophe : burning of the earth–Future return of our globe to the condition of a comet.

The comet of 1680 is one which has been made the subject of considerable discussion. If we adopt the calculations of Halley, confirmed in the first instance by Newton, it would be that which appeared in the years 531 and 1106 of our era, announced in the year B.C. 43. the death of Cæsar, presided at the taking of Troy, and eleven or twelve centuries earlier, was the direct cause of the deluge mentioned in the Mosaic records.

In 1106, the apparition of this celebrated comet did not, it is true, coincide with any great historical event; but, according to the chroniclers, it was of great brilliancy, ‘ resembling a flaming torch, covering with its rays a great portion of the heavens, and filling all minds with terror.’