Sentence:  Clavius goes on to use the large number of orbs in Fracostoro's theory as another reason to prefer the Ptolemaic system, then couples this issue with that of the relative capacity of the theories to save the phenomena, then finally reiterates the lack (as he sees it) of conflict between the Aristotelian natural philosophy and the <WSD>eccentrics</WSD> and epicycles of mathematical astronomy. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A disk or wheel with its axis off centre, giving a reciprocating motion.