FISSURES

, in the History of the Earth, are certain interruptions, mostly parallel to each other, that divide or separate the strata of it from one another, in nearly horizontal directions; and the parts of the same stratum in nearly vertical directions.

FIXED Line of Desence, a line drawn along the face of the bastion, and terminating in the curtain.

Fixed Signs of the Zodiac, according to some, are the four signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius. They are so called because the sun passes them respectively in the middle of each quarter, when that season is more settled and Fixed than under the signs which begin and end it.

Fixed Stars, are such as constantly retain the same position and distance with respect to each other; by which they are contradistinguished from erratic or wandering stars, which are continually varying their situation and distance.—The Fixed Stars only are properly and absolutely called stars; the rest having their peculiar denomination of planet or comet.