The Ancients do enjoyn us seriously to consider of present Solar and Lunar Eclipses, and there is something therein to be considered; but in reality I declare, that nothing of that powerful efficacy ever appeared unto me as they have delivered and given caution of, I mean Eclipses operate not with that violence, or so terribly as the Ancients have recorded and left in their writings to posterity, however they are with moderation to be handled; and the truth is, they do rather work generally than particularly. - William Lilly (1602.-1681.)