History Dog days
the rising of sirius during period has been calculated 19 july (julian). writing same time, hesiod, however, considered worst , hottest part of summer days before sirius returned night sky. during period, sirius invisible earth apparently understood still in sky, augmenting power of sun: trees , grass on crete dried out august heat this effect of combination of sirius light sun s understood have effect on plants, animals, , women, men: about century later, alcaeus repeated theme, advising listeners steep lungs in wine before arrival of star since women @ foulest men weak since parched in head , knees . in 3rd century, aratus phenomena describes time sirius blighting bark of trees heat during time rises , sets sun. the kean priests of zeus rainmaker , lord of moisture observed annual sacrifices before rise of sirius prevent scorching drought. practice credited culture hero aristaeus. aristotle mentions proverbial heat of dog days part of argument against formulation of evolution in...