Did not Astronomy from this time make great progress?

Yes; it made considerable advances, being cultivated by the greatest geniuses, and patronized by the greatest princes.  The system of the Ptolemies, called the Ptolemaic, had hitherto been used, with some slight alterations; but Copernicus, an eminent astronomer, born at Thorn, in Polish Prussia, in 1473, adopted the system which had been taught by Pythagoras in Greece, five or six hundred years before the time of Ptolemy.  About the same time with Copernicus flourished Tycho Brahe, born in Denmark, 1546.

     Geniuses, men gifted with superior mental faculties.

     Mental, belonging to the mind.

     Faculties, powers of doing anything, whether menial or
     bodily; abilities; powers of the mind.

What next greatly forwarded this interesting science?

The introduction of telescopes by Galileo, who by their means discovered the small stars or satellites which attend the planet Jupiter; the various appearances of Saturn; the mountains in the Moon; the spots on the Sun; and its revolution on its axis.

     Satellites, attendants.

What celebrated Astronomer arose in England?

The immortal Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, at Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire, who has, perhaps, contributed more to the advancement of this science than any one who had before existed.  Dr. William Herschel, a native of Hanover, in Germany, born in 1738, likewise made many useful discoveries in Astronomy:  it was he who first discovered the seventh primary planet, which he named, in honor of King George the Third, the Georgium Sidus.  George the Third took him under his especial patronage, and constituted him his astronomer, with a handsome pension.  He resided at Slough, near Windsor, where he died, in 1822.

     Patronage, support, favor.

     Constituted, appointed to any particular office or rank.

     Pension, yearly allowance of money.

What other circumstance contributed to the advancement of Astronomy?

The increasing perfection of our astronomical instruments,—­by means of which, the most important and interesting discoveries with regard to the heavens have been made.  It is now supposed that the myriads of the heavenly bodies are all distinct worlds; it is certain, from observations made by the aid of the telescope, that the moon has its mountains, valleys, and caverns.  One of the greatest astronomers of our day was the eminent Father Secci.

What are generally meant by the Arts?

Systems of rules designed to facilitate the performance of certain actions; in this sense, it stands opposed to science.  The terms art and science are often incorrectly used.  Science relates to principles, and art to practice.  The word art is derived from a Greek word signifying utility, profit.  Arts are divided into liberal and mechanical.