The Abyssinian philosophy confuted, or, Tellvris theoria neither sacred not agreeable to reason being for the most part a translation of Petrus Ramazzini, Of the wonderful springs of Modena : illustrated with many curious remarks and experiments by the author and translator : to which is added a new hypothesis deduced from Scripture and the observation of nature : with an addition of some miscellany experiments / by Robert St. Clair ... Defontium Mutinènsium admiranda scaturgine tractatus physico-hydrostaticis. English Ramazzini, Bernardino, 1633-1714. 1697 Approx. 240 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 154 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A57681 Wing R199 ESTC R3670 13459737 ocm 13459737 99636 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Burnet, Thomas, 1635?-1715. -- Telluris theoria sacra. Science -- Early works to 1800. Springs -- Italy -- Modena. Creation -- Early works to 1800. 2002-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-07 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-08 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2002-08 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Abyssinian Philosophy CONFUTED : OR , TELLVRIS THEORIA Neither Sacred , nor agreeable to Reason . Being , for the most part , a Translation of Petrus Ramazzini , Of the Wonderful Springs of Modena . Illustrated with many Curious Remarks and Experiments by the Author and Translator . To which is added , A New Hypothesis deduced from Scripture , and the Observation of Nature . With an Addition of some Miscellany Experiments . BY ROBERT St. CLAIR , M. D. Non mihi , sed rationi , aut quae ratio esse videtur . Milito securus quid mordicus hic tenet , dut hic . Scaliger . LONDON , Printed for the Author , and Sold by W. Newton , over against St. Bartholomew-Close-Gate , in Little-Britain , 1697. To the Truly HONOURABLE Sophronius Philalethes . THIS Treatise of the Wonderful Springs of Modena , publisht in Latin by Bernard Rammazzini Physician of that Town , & Translated by me , tho● it has upon view had the approbation of the most Knowing Mr. beside the most Eminent Physicians of the Colledge , and others , as the most admirable piece of Natural History that hath yet seen Day in our English World ▪ for therein are at once discovered the changes that Nature hath not made but in some thousand of years ; yet I thought it not adviseable for me to expose this stranger , how ingenious , soever to the publick view , and consequently censure , without providing him a friend before-hand ; especially seeing he is to appear against an Author , whose Reputation for Learning , and this his Hypothesis is so far establisht , that he has already brought it to many Impressions . Among all that I have the honour to be acquainted with , worthy Sir , I thought I could not address my s●lf , to a fitter Patron than your self . Whether the Dignity of the Subject , or the Modesty and Ingenuity with which the Author sets it out , be considered , this Treatise will merit your Approbation . Suffer therefore , worthy Sir , amidst the Croud of your other more Important Affairs , this Curious Searcher of Nature , and Stranger , under your Patrociny , to do that service to the Lovers of Knowledge , that Sir Matthew Hales makes the Clock-Maker to do to the Philosophers ; for he supposes that in a Country abounding with several Sects of Philosophers , yet unacquainted ●i●ll then , with the noble Invention of Watches and Clocks , a curiously contriv'd Clock were exp●s'd to publick view , yet so that they should have no access so look into the inside of it , The Epicureans would likely attribute it to the fortuitous concourse of Atoms , the P●rpate●ick to the contemperation of the Four Elements and the Cartesian to his three Principles , every one according to the Fancies he was prepossest with , but the Clock-Maker , whom he supposes behind the Curtain to hear all they say , steps out , and by opening the Clock , shews how wide they a● all of the Truth , by letting them see the Spring , and the contrivance of the Wheels , on which the Motion of his Engine depends , and that it was he who made it . In the same Manner , Nature her self , by the Pen of this Observing Italian , seems modestly to give a check to the presumption of her pretended Interpreters , who will pass a Iudgment on her most hidden Works , where they never could pretend to make the least observation , on which to found their Iudgment . The respect the Author shews to Scripture Authority , is the rather remarkable in him , that he is a Roman Catholick , who by us are charged with the contrary Vice , which makes the fault of the Theorist , a professed Protestant , more black , that is so bold in contradicting it , and making it speak untruth to accommodate it self to the capacity of the Vulgar , which tho' some P●ous Divines have allowed in passages of Scripture , where the Phaenomena of Nature are spoken of by the by , ( which yet I prove to be a mistake in the Confutation of the Theory ) yet to make the whole first chapter of Genesis , wherein the Spirit of God does è composito , give an account of the Creation false , is a piece of Presumption few have been guilty of besides our Theorist . As for the Confutation of the Theory , tho' the performance may be short of what the Subject requir'd , yet I hope the design will please you , which is to vindicate the truth of the Scriptures , for which I know you have a great veneration , from the false glosses and perversions of some that seem to have studied Divinity , for nothing else but to ridicule it , which they do the more remarkably , that almost in the same breath they pretend a great respect to it , in which I endeavour to prove , that the passages the Theorist cavils at , are to be understood to speak according to the Truth of the thing , and not according to the false Opinion of the Ignorant vulgar . If in this my small endeavour , I may find your Patrocin , I shall not care for the displeasure of these men of Ephesus , whose made it is to make Shrines to this their Diana of Hypothetical Philosophy , I mean who in their Closets make Systems of the World , prescribe Laws to Nature , without ever consulting her by Observation and Experience , who ( to use the Noble Lord Verulams words ) like the Spider , with great labour , spin a curious Cob-web out of their Brains , that is good fo● nothing but to be swept down , which tho' it has a great shew of reason , in effect , has no better right to that venerable Title , than the Fancies of those who are said to make Wind-mills in their Head. I have given the whole Book the Title of The Abyssinian Philosophy confuted , because as the Preface is a confutation of the Theory , so if you read Rammazzini from page 88 , at the end , to page 102. you will find that the Theory is much the same with the Abyssinian Philosophy , if not taken from it , which being evident to be a mere fiction , is ground enough for the Title , and Confuta●●●n enough tho' I should say no more . I shall not farther incroach upon your time , but here make an end , after I have subcribed my self , Worthy Sir , Your most Affectionate , and Devoted Servant . Ro● St. Clair . TO THE READER . WHen this Book came first to my hand , by the favour of a Friend , who about a year and a half a go , brought it from Italy , after once reading I was so taken with the principal matter of Fact therein contained , and the ●●genious things with which the Author Illustrates it , that I would not part with it till I could send it abroad in an English Dress , as being better than any other Argument , to shew the vanity of these Mens Labours , that would describe to us a World of their own Fancying instead of one of God's Making , who when they have set it out to the best advantage , can discover to us at the best , but a bare conjecture , which leaves the Mind uncertain , instead of satisfying it with solid Reason , and is unprofitable either as to Life or Religion ; yet if that were the worst of it , might be born with as other luxuriances of Humane Wit , that oftenspends it self on superfluities , when it is not sufficient for things of real use . Hoc habet ingenium humanum ut cum ad solida , Non sufficit in superracua se effundat . Verulum . But when they come to overturn the Scripture , to establish their own Prophane Fancies , as our Theorist has done , in favour of a Spurious Brat , of which he will needs be counted the Father ; in this I think every one according to his ability ought to oppose it . Yet what satisfactory account can we expect from such , of the Old World , and its great Change , so remote from us , that can give us so little account of the Present World , and the things in it , which yet would be by far more useful to us . The Theorist has indeed set out this Fiction of his , with all the advantages of a smooth stile , which I believe hath procur'd it so good a reception with the generality , who are more taken with fine Words , than plain , tho' solid Reasons ; but if we may judge of the Buyers Inclination by the tendency of the Book , I am yet willing to have the Charity for the Theorist , that 't was not the design of the Author ; they are the same Persons , who pretend they will not believe many things in Scripture , because they cannot see a Reason for them , and yet they do greedily entertain this Theory , and the Fictions of Des Cartes , which differ little from the Abyssinian Fiction or Hypothesis , as will appear to any that compares both , with what is in this Book translated from the Italian , only they have new vamp'd it , and set it out in another Dress to make it pass for their own . But after I had taken a nearer view of the Author's Opinion , and what he advances in favour of it , I found it so full of contradictions to Scripture and Reason , yet join'd with a very high conceit of his own Fancies , ( a fault I find very common among the Abyssinian Philosophers ) that I had once thought of not meddling with it , as an endless labour , upon which account also , I have not meddled with a Book Printed at Oxford , Anno De Antris Laethiferis , especially seeing the Learned and Pious Mr. Warren has already done it so fully , that he has left little to be added to it ; but considering that the bigness of his Book might obstruct the attaining of the end for which he design'd it , viz. to undeceive the generality of Readers , who being the least considering , perhaps have not allowed themselves Time to read so large a Treatise , or at least so attentively as it deserves ; upon this consideration , ( I say ) I resum'd my former thoughts , with design to be as brief as possible , yet without omitting any thing material in the Theory that deserv'd an Answer . The Author begins Tell. Theor. ch . IV. The Form of the Antediluvian Earth , was different from the present Form of it , which that he might not seem to dictate with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he promises to prove first from Scripture , secondly by Reasons , both a Priori & Posteriori . Now that we may see if the performance answer to so great undertakings , we shall first examine his main Arguments from Scripture , and especially that of St. Peter , 11. ch . 3. 5 , 6. ver . For this they willingly are ignorant of , that by the Word of God the Heavens were of Old , and the Earth standing out of the Water and in the Water . v. 6. Whereby the World that then was , being over flowed with Water , perished . Vpon this Rock ( says the Theorist , prophanely alluding to our Saviours words to St. Peter ) do we chiefly build the Theory as to Scripture Authority ; and we always thought this an unmoveable foundation , Which yet we shall find upon a due search , to be unstable as Water , and therefore cannot hold . The words of the Text the Theory explains thus , The Apostle manifestly distinguishes between the Old World and the New , and especially because of the different natural states , or their different shapes and qualities of Mat●er . Secondly , He intimates that the ●orm of the Antediluvian World was ●he cause of the Deluge . Thirdly , He says expresly , the World perisht in ●he Deluge . The Authour himself ●ays , That the Sacred ●riters , when they treat ●f Natural things , do not thereby intend to instruct us in Natural Philosophy , but to infuse into our Minds Holy Affections , and a Veneration of the God of Israel , whom they Preach . May we not thence infer , that to have prosecuted this noble design , would have been fitter for a Divine , than thus to abuse the Scriptures to another end , than that for which they were Written , when he founds a point of Philosophy upon this Text ; and farther , that seeing what he founds upon it , was contrary to the common opinion of the times that the Apostle wrote in , the Theorist has mist the meaning of the Text. For whom among the Writers of the Apostles time , or before , can he produce that was of the opinion , that the Earth did encompass the Waters , as an Egg-shell does the White and Yolk ; surely , seeing he seems so conversant in Antiquities , he might have thought it his interest to find at least one passage among them , to favour this Paradox of this , that it might not be reproach'd with being the Opinion of one Dr. only . And further we may infer , that as the Pen-Men of the Scripture , did not write to teach us Philosophy , so neither does the Apostle here reprove Men for Ignorance in a point of Philophy , ( especially Abyssinian ) but for Atheistical Principles , as first in denying God's Providence , v. 3. There shall come in the last day Scoffers , walking after their own lusts , and saying where is the promise of his coming , for since the Fathers fell asleep , all things continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation . Where the Apostle reproves Scoffers , who imagin'd that things went on by chance , and continued so in this first state from the Creation , without God's Direction , which he carries yet higher , that they disown the Power of God in the Creation , For this they willingly are ignorant of , that by the Word of God , &c. and as the charging of Men with wilful ignorance in a point of Philosophy , that there was no possibility of knowing , before this new found Philosophy , would have been very unjust , so it would have been a Coque à lasne , to have thus past from his subject and design of reproving Atheists , to reprove ignorance in a point of natural Philosophy , and that without giving any notice of it before hand , and such a reproof would have been no more suitableto the scope of the Apostle , than to have reproved them for ignorance of such a place as America , which was discovered but of late . But farther , this Text which the Abyssinian makes his unmoveable foundation , if the scope be seriously considered , gives a strong foundation of an Argument against him . The Apostle ( as we have already proved ) reproves those who are willingly ignorant of the Power of God , and who either denied it altogether , as the Epicureans did , who were a famous Sect at that time , and who disputed with St. Paul at Athens , Acts 17. 18. Or else such as pretended to give an account of the first Formation of all things , without taking notice of the Power of God in it , which was or among the Greek Philosophers in those times ; now this is the fault the Theois guilty of in the account Creation , all the Six days Works are in Scripture said to be performed by the Word or Power of God , but in the Theory all is said to be carried on by the Laws of Gravitation , without any mention made of the Power of God , which is the very thing that is ●ere condemned by the Apostle , and ●herefore what the Theory thinks ●o make most for it , militates most against it . This Charge is justify'd from the Theories own words , Tell. The. ch . 6. I have followed the most common Laws of Gravitation and Levity , and by their guidance alone , we have seen the Promogenial Mass after one or two alterations , and an unconstant shape , to have come into that stable form of the Earth built upon the Waters , that was to continue for some Ages . Seeing therefore the Theorist has willingly left out any mention of the Power of God in his whole Theory , contrary to the Tenour of the Scriptures , which ascribes all the Works both of Creation and Providence , to the Wisdom and Power of God , he may be said to be willingly ignorant of both , and to have written rather like a Disciple of Orpheus , than a Disciple of Moses . And yet his Laws of Gravitation , if rightly considered , will not answer the Phaenomena of the Creation , for the World was then but a making , and might be then compar'd to the Materials of a Clock , before an Ingenious Artisicer , which could never point out the Hours and Strike , imitate the motions of the Sun and Moon , as some are made to do , till the Artificer had first made the several Wheels , &c. in due proportion , and fitted them together , and last of all put a Spring or Motion to them , which I judge to have been compleated about that time , when he said all was very good , which Motion has been continued ever since , except when he hath been pleased by his Finger , to put a stop to some of the Wheels , as he did when the Sun and Moon stood still , or to make them run backward , as he did when the Shadow went back on the Dial of Ahaz , or to accelerate their Motions more than ordinary , among which may be reckon'd this of the Deluge , of which , and the Creation , 't is as easie for the Theorist to give an account , as if he had been one God Almighty's Counsel at that time . One might think that the sense of our natural blindness , even in things that most concern our selves , and that we have daily in our hands , might give a check to this presumption , but vain Man would be wise . Beside this Achillean Argument and Foundation of the Theory , from which ●he Author hopes never to be beat , he has others , which at the first view , ●nd as he is pleas'd to explain them , ●eem to favour his Cause very much , yet after examination , will be found to make no more for him than the former . One is taken from Psal. 24. 2. For he hath founded it upon the Sea , and establisht it upon the Floods , or upon the Rivers . What could one think of , more favourable for the Theory than this ? But if we compare this with other places of Scripture , it will not be found to make for his purpose ; for example , Psal. 2. ver . 3. And he shall be like a Tree planted upon the Rivers ; no body I believe , will make a Philo●ophical Argument of this , to prove that Trees in David's time were planted upon the surface of Rivers , but contenting himself with the scope of the Psalmist , which is to hold forth by this Simile , the flourishing condition of the Righteous , will never once call it in question , if Trees did grow on the surface of Rivers , and take it for granted , that by upon , the Psalmist meant upon the Banks of Rivers , in which sense we say , Lands lye upon such Seas as they are adjacent to , and Houses or Cities , seated upon the Banks of Rivers , to stand upon the Rivers : For the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the original , imports this , and in this sense may be explain'd , Prov. 6. 27. When he set a compass upon the Face of the deep , of which the Theorist says , If I rightly understand the matter , this is the place of the Earth firmly encompassing the Abyss , and what else can be understood by this Girth , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with which God is said to have encompass'd the Abyss , what is there in the present form of the Earth that can answer it , or to the Bounds or Globe which he hath put about the Sea. Yes the Theorist might have found another meaning in , Iob 38. Who hath shut up the Sea with doors , &c. ver . 11. And set Bars and Doors , and said , hitherto shalt thou come , and no farther , and here shall the pride of thy Waves be stay'd ; these Bars or Bounds are by all judged to be the Sea shore , by which God hath limited the Sea , that it shall no more return to overflow the Earth as it did before , as in Psal. 104 , 9. Thou hast set bounds that they pass not over , that they turn not again to cover the Earth . And in the common way of speaking among our Hydrographers , this Bounds is called a Girth , so they call the Coast round about England , the Girth of England . Since the Theorist contrary to his own position , will adduce Scripture to prove his Philosophical Paradoxes , by the same liberty we from ver . 5. of this Psalm , Who hath laid the Foundation of the Earth , that it should not be removed for ever . Infer that the Theorists Foundation is none of God's making , since it is suppos'd by him to have been removed , by falling under the Abyss , whereas before it was above it . And may not we infer from God's challenge to Iob , ch . 38. ver . 4. Where wast thou when I laid the Foundation of the Earth ? Declare if thou hast understanding , v. 6. Whereupon are the Foundations thereof fastened ? ( the very thing the Theorist pretends to tell ) and to which Iob ( whom without disparagement to the Theorist , we may imagine both a better Man and a Philosopher than he ) answers , chap. 42. ver . 3. Therefore have I utter'd that I understood not , things too wonderful for me , which I knew not ; may not we ( I say ) infer , that the Theorist is very presumptuous in thus taking up the Argument against God Almighty ? And may not we without breach of respect say , Theorice quid animum minorem aeternis consilijs Fatigas ? This is the Philosophy the Apostle Paul bids us beware of , Col. 2. 8. Beware lest any man spoil you through Philosophy and vain deceits , which will be very clear if we consider , that the Hypothetical was at that time the Philosophy in vogue among the Grecians , to whom being puft up with a conceit of their own Knowledge , the Gospel appeared Foolishness ; surely , the Apostle does not hereby condemn him that studies to know the nature of things , with their causes , &c. Vt varios usus meditando extunderet artes . Which is Natural Philosophy ; for Solomon the wisest of Kings , is in the Scripture commended for this , or him that studies the nature of , and way to manage his own Spirit , and its Thoughts , &c. which is Metaphysicks and Moral Philosophy , both in their places very subservient to Religion ; but he condemns the Abyssinian Philosophy , or the imposing of Poetical Fictions instead of solid Truth , on the understandings of People . Now that we have view'd the Theorist's strongest holds , and I hope beat him out of them , I think it will not be worth while to seek him out any where else , as to his pretences to Sacred Authority ; we come next to view his Philosophical holds , I hope though it be War time , we may view them without danger from Canons or Grenades , or at the worst they will be but Paper ones , and will do no great hurt ; and this comes in course , for after the Author has made the best he can of this place in St , Peter he distrusts the strength of his own Argument , for in the beginning he confesses , that the meaning of these words seems not to be so express and open , that the form of the Anted●luvian Earth may be thence concluded ; & therefore he has recourse to his Abyssinian Philosophy a very good second , as we shall find : Dignum patellâ operculum . He supposes the Chaos to have been made up of Particles , different as to shape , bulk , weight , &c. and that the grossest solid Particles by their weight falling downward , suddenly toward the Center , formed the Kernel of his Primogenial Earth , and that immediately there followed a new division of the remaining part into two , and no more , viz. Fluid and Volatile , or Air and Water , of which the thinnest and lightest part keeping uppermost , made the Air , and the grosser the Water , out of which were separated the Oily parts , which being lighter floated above it ; and last of all he supposes another purgation of the Air , from its Earthy Particles , which falling upon the Oily Particles , were by their viscidity entangled , and thus hindred from descending into the Abyss , and these Earthy Particles he supposes by the heat of the Sun , to have been burnt ●nto a hard crust , which made the Shell of the Primogenial Earth . This is the substance of the Hypothesis , from which as a Corollary , tho' not heeded by the Theorist , we may infer , a new sett of Principles , viz. Oil and Earth , unknown to the Learned World before this Abyssinian Philosophy . Now may Paracelsus keep to himself his three Principles Salt , Sulphur and Mercury , Aristotle his four Elements , Des Cartes his three Principles of Materia subtilis , globuli secundi elementi , & materia tertii elementi , and the most experienc'd Van Helmont , his Axiom Of Water and Seminal Principles all things are made ; tho' experience taught him , and others since him , that not only Oil , but also Salt , Earth , &c. are made of Water , which is known à posteriori , or by the effect , or experiment ( the Foundation of all the Knowledge we have of Nature . ) But as for the Antediluvian World , since it doth not so much concern us now , I shall leave the consideration of its Principles to the Abyssinian Philosophers , who demonstrate all things à priori . And yet in these separations , the Theorist is not so Philosophical as he pretends to be , for his division of the Chaos , into Fluid and Volatile , Water and Air , this is purely Abyssinian or Fictitious , the Air being own'd by all Philosophers Eluid as well as Water , nay rather more . But the Fifth and Last Separation of the Earth from the Air , is contradictory to common sense , as well as his own Laws of Gravitation ; for how could it come to pass that there remain'd so much Earth in the Air ( which is 1000 times lighter than Water ) after the four Separations mention'd , as to be sufficient to make up the crust of the Antediluvian Earth ? Why was it not carried down toward the Center , as fast as the Water , or at least the Oil ? The simile of Snow and Hail falling down from the Air , will not answer the case in hand , for they rise into the middle Region of the Air in form of a Vapour much rarify'd , by which ●●refaction the Surface of every particle of Water , being made larger , the body becomes lighter than so much Air , and so ascends till it come to the middle Region , where by its cold , 't is condens'd , and so falls down in Rain , Hail or Snow , according to the different degrees of cold ; that I may not seem to say this gratis , I shall illustrate ●t with an experiment , that will quadrate better with what I have said , than the Theorist's Simile ; let us suppose a small Carps Bladder , with the Air squeezed out , and the Mouth close tyed , to be thrown into a wide mouth'd Glass full of Water , it will sink to the bottom , but if the Vessel and all be put into the Pneumatick Engine or Air-Pump , and a Receiver fitted to it , upon exhausting the Air from the Receiver , that little which remains inclosed in the Bladder , will expand i● self very much , and so both togethe● will make an aggregate , lighter than Water , upon whic● it will rise to the top , because it has more Surface expos'd to its Pressure , than it had before . Now if the Theorist can prove that his Earthy Particles were thus capable of expansion and dilation , this Assertion of his , tho' but the Opinion of one Dr. shall have place among the probable ones , otherwise we will take it for no other than Abyssinian , or Fictitious . But suppose it to be true , we have no reason to think Fabulous or Strange Pliny's and Livy's Stories of Showers of Flesh , Stones , &c. seeing the whole Earth , the Mother of All did this Shower down out of the Air. And since our Author is Arbitrary in supposing , I think he might as well have suppos'd the Abyss to have been shut up in a Bag of Raw Hides , which would have supported the Earth from falling into his Abyss , till by being bak'd into a hard crust , it had been able to support it self ; and this will better fit his Interpretation of Ps. 33. 7. where the Sea is by him said , to be gathered as in a Bag , for the hard crust of the Earth might be better compar'd to a Bottle than to a Bag. I would not have the Theorist think I put a jest upon him , in mentioning this of the Raw Hides , because notable Feats , past belief , in the laying of Foundations have been perform'd by this means , a memorable instance of which is to be seen to this day in the English Church at Vtrecht , where is a great Massy Pillar that was thus founded ; the account I had of it when I was at Vtrecht was this , when the Bishop of Vtrecht was building the Church , as they digg'd to lay the Foundation of this Pillar , they came to a Quick-Sand that swallowed up every thing that was put upon it , so that the raising of it was look'd upon as unpracticable , till the Bishop proposing a great reward to any that could bring the Foundation to bear , a Friezlander found out the way , and being overjoyed at the discovery , he told it to his Wife , which his Son hearing , told it to his Play-fellows in the Street , by this means it came to the Bishop's Ears , so that when the Ingineer came to demand his Reward , he refus'd to pay him , saying , he knew it already , which so incens'd the cruel Friezelander , that he kill'd his Child and Wife for divulging his Secret , and the Bishop for defrauding him of his Reward ; in memory of this there is a Picture of an Ox upon the Pillar , with this Inscription , Accipe posteritas quod per tua saeculaa nerres , Taurinis cutibus fundo solidata columna est . Upon a Pillar at the end of the Church , are twenty or thirty Hexameter Verses , giving an account of the whole Story . The Theorist needs not object , that the heat of the Sun , which is suppos'd to bake the Earth into a hard crust , might burn the Hides , for the Water in the Abyss will secure him from this fear , a confirmation of which may be seen in Buchanan's History , where he gives an account of a way practis'd in these times for boiling of Meat in raw Hides , by which they became hard like Iron , and were not burnt . But if we admit that the after-birth of the Earthy Particles , did ( in the order suppos'd by the Theorist ) fall upon the Oil , and there were by the heat of the Sun , bak'd into a hard crust , how will this agree with the Scripture ? Gen. 1. 9 Let the Dry Land appear , and it was so ; ver . 10. And God called the Dry Land Earth , &c. How was the Earth hardened by the heat of the Sun that was not yet made ? For the Earth was made on the third , and the Sun on the fourth , ver . 16. God made two great Lights , the greater 〈◊〉 Rule the Day , and the lesser to Rule the Night . But suppose the Sun could do this under the Line , how came it to be so soon bak'd under the Poles , ( where according to the Theory's supposition of the Poles , of the Ecliptick and Aequator coinciding ) the Sun could never rise above the Horizon ? Seeing now tho' the Sun shines half a year to these places , the Air is always very cold , and the Earth covered with Snow . But let us suppose the Earth to have been thus hardened by the heat of the Sun and Winds , then it must be granted , that it hardened sooner under the Line , than towards the Poles , and that before the crust was hard enough to support it self from falling into the Abyss , it had acquired some considerable weight , by reason of which pressing on the Surface of the Abyss , it would , according to the nature of all Fluids , give way , and rise towards the Poles ; where by reason of the greater rawness of the Crust , the Water would meet with less resistance , and so break the continuity of the Egg-shell ; for I do not see by any thing the Theorist advances , how the Water which in the natural Ballance alters its place with the 1 / 200000 of its weight , more on one side than on another , should in this case hold firm , except by the above mentioned supposition of the raw Hides . Methinks I see the Oil'd Cake or Crust , thus falling in at the sides , and rising towards the Poles , and so the whole Fabrick of the Egg-shell spoil'd : and therefore Gentlemen I will by your leave take the liberty to entertain you with another Hypothesis , while the Theorist is making a surer and better foundation than Water for his Primogenial Earth , or Egg-shell , but first crave leave to make an end of this search . The Theorist does not tell in what proportion the Earth was mixt with the Oil , for Nature does all her Work in proportion ; this the Apothecaries know in making their Plaisters , where according to the Rule of Art , there is of Oil and Wax each an ounce , and of Powders half an ounce , for a soft Plaister ; and for the hardest Plaister there is one ounce of Oil , two ounces of Wax , and Powders six drachms , which being cold makes a Mass hard , almost like a Stone ; but this , seeing it melts again with the heat , will not answer the end ; the good Women know a certain proportion of Butter and Flower , which , tho' I am ignorant of , yet seeing it bakes into a very hard substance , might do here , were it not very brittle . The Theorist may think this a ridiculous comparison , yet this I may be bold to say , and can make out if needful , that a good Woman that makes Butter'd Cakes to sell them again , does more service to the Publick , than the Doctor has done by his Theory . But he does very well to decline this , as being a thing impracticable , except he had been then on God Almighty's Council , or dispens'd out the Ingredients ; for if he had been then present , and but a bare Spectator , he could have done no more than now , i. e. to make a Conjecture good for nothing . But farther , the Oil must have been of some depth , to incorporate so great a quantity of Earth ; now the Theory does not tell where so great a quantity of Earth did stop in the Oil , whether near the surface , in the middle , or near the bottom , if they settled to the confines of the Oil and Water , the heat of the Sun , even under the Torrid Zone could not reach so far as to bake it into a hard Crust , except he be suppos'd to have been far more vigorous in his Actions , in his own , and the World's Infancy , than he is how in his old declining Age ; for at Sea , within the Tropicks , we do not find now , that the Sun-beams penetrate much below the surface of the Water , this is known by the experience of the Seamen , when ( under the Line ) they let down their Plumets ; for after they have been some time under Water 200 fathom deep , they bring them up so cold , that one cannot long hold his hand upon them , which observation the Mariners have improved to the cooling of their Liquors , better than we do here with Ice and Snow . It will be most convenient therefore , in my judgment , to suppose this forming of the Crust , on or near the surface of the Oil ; but by this means 't is very likely there would be a great quantity of Oil under that never incorporated with the Earth , or was never bak'd , so that when the Egg-shell broke , the Sea would be covered with it , like so much fat Broth , which , there being no more Earth to Rain out of the Air to incorporate with it , must have continued so to this day , except consum'd with the superfluous Waters after the Deluge . Yet further the Egg-shell or Crust was made before the Fishes and Fowls were produc'd out of the Water , which was on the Fifth day , Gen. 1. 20. And God said , let the Waters bring forth abundantly , the living Creature that hath life , and the Fowls , &c. ver . 23. And the Evening and the Morning were the fifth Day . Now how can this be consistent with a Crust of the Earth encompassing the Abyss , in which there must be no opening or hiatus ? Or else how could the Crust when it was first forming , be kept from falling in ? In which case this Abyss must be a very improper place for Fishes to live in , far more for their encreasing and multiplying ; for 't is observ'd now in Fish-Ponds , if the Water be quite Frozen , that the Fish dye for want of Air , and therefore in Holland where they have a great many Fish Ponds about their Houses , and great Frosts , they break the Ice from time to time , lest their Fish should dye for want of Air. 'T is remarkable that the Plants were produc'd the same day with the Earth , before the Sun and Moon , but the living Creatures , viz. the Fishes and Fowls were not made till after the fourth day , in which the Luminaries were made , that they might have the benefit of the Sun and Moon to direct them by their Light , in their removing to and fro to seek their Food ; but the Plants which receive their Nourishment standing still in the Ground , had not so great need of that Light , and therefore were made before . From this we may infer , that the order kept in this short History ; is not only to comply with the weak capacities of the Ignorant People , but to tell the Matter of Fact , and that there is no less reason for the Order of all the other parts of the History , tho' the Theorist has the confidence to ridicule it , as being fitted only to the capacities of Ignorant Slaves , newly come out of Aegypt . But supposing Fishes might live there for 1600 years as the Faetus does in the Mothers Womb , shut up in darkness , from the Air , and the Prolifick heat of the Sun ; how can our Theorist give an account of the production of Fowls out of the Water , that is consistent with the Scripture , for the Earth was made the third day , and firm enough to produce Plants , how , or at what ●ent got the Fowls out into the open Air ? Suppose they could make their way through the Egg-shell , in places nearer the Poles , where 't was still but like Mudd ; or was our Oil'd Cake not strong enough by this time to keep the Birds from flying out ? if not , surely they would be so daub'd with Oil or Earth , that they would never be able to raise themselves out of the Mudd , or when raised , to fly . But again , if the Fishes were thus inclos'd within the Crust , how could the Blessing of God upon Man take place ? Ver. 28. viz. That he should have Dominion over the Fishes of the Sea , seeing for 16 hundred years they were so far remov'd from his Habitation , likely some hundreds of miles , the whole Crust of the Earth being interpos'd between him and them . and expand it self with heat , which would be derogatory from the subtlety of the Cartesian Aether , upon which he and Seignor Spoletti the Venetian Ambassadour's Physician , were pleas'd to honour me with a visit at my Chamber ; the Experiment was this , I had a Glass Pipe , such as they make the Baroscopes of , blown into the shape of a round ball at the end , that was Hermetically seal'd and bended into a Syphon , whose legs were parallel ; but distant from another three inches , so that the leg on which the Ball stood , was nine inches long , but the other two feet long ; the shorter Leg , and the intermedial Pipe I fill'd quite with Water , to the lower end of the great Leg , so that there was no Air left in the space , then I put into it some filings of Steel , about a drachm and an half , and after the filings were laid along in the intermedial Pipe , I put to it Oil of Vitriol 30 or 40 drops , which mixing with the Water ( for otherwise strong Oil of Vitriol does not work upon the filings ) did immediately corrode the Iron , and sent up to the Ball so great a quantity of this generated Air as to fill it , and half the shorter Leg in a very little space , in which it was remarkable , that applying my warm hand to the Ball , it did expand it self in an instant , so much as to drive out the Water at the longer Pipe , but on with-drawing my hand , it contracted it self into half the Ball , where it has stood ever since December last year , now it 's November ; another thing very remarkable in this is , a considerable heat that is to be observ'd ever since , on the top of the Ball , such as is observed in the great end of fresh Eggs , and this tho' the Water , the other half , be very cold , and at the same time some of the Vapours got out into the open Air. At the first it had a saltish taste on the top of the Ball , which I could not observe in the Summer , but now in November I observe it very remarkable with the heat , and so it appeared to a young Gentleman that was with me at that time . Before I come to apply this to the subject in hand , it will be necessary to remark from Scripture , Gen. 7. 11. that there were then and still are , great Cavities in the Bowels of the Earth , full of Water , to which agree the Testimonies of the Authors mentioned in Ramazzini . These Cavities , seeing the Scripture says nothing to the contrary , we may suppose to have been made from the beginning , not as Deformities , but for noble and excellen● uses , and that by taking off the upper Crust from some parts of the Earth , and laying it on others , the everlasting Mountains , and a Bed for the Ocean were fram'd at the same time , and thus a passage was open'd for the Waters , that before encompass'd the Earth , to run into these Cavities : 't is not material for our purpose , whether this was all done in one day , as the Theory objects , or whether the Water could run so fast away from the Inland places , as to leave them quite bare , it is enough , if in that day the dry land did appear , as doubtless a great part of it did . The Theorist thinks this a very laborious Work : as if it were a hard thing for the Author of Nature ( who tells his Servants , that if they had Faith but as a grain of Mustard-Seed , they might remove Mountains into the Sea ) to remove the Mountains out of the Sea. 2. That this Abyss did communicate with the Ocean , which is a consequence of the first , and supported by the Testimonies of Ram. p. 125 , 158. 3. That in these Cavities might be generated Minerals and Metals , Ram. p. 32. and that by the colluctation of several contrary Salts in the Abyss , might be generated an Air and sometimes so suddenly as to make Explosions ; of which , and the first Supposition , Earthquakes , and the rocking of the Earth seem to be a pregnant instance , Vid. Brit. Bac. P. 73. Where 't is related that the Earth rose nine foot high , and was thrown some distance off , which sure was from an Exhalation or Wind pented in , and suddenly expanded . 5. We may allow also that there were Mountains in the beginning , which seems to be plain by Psal. 90. 2. in which the formation of the Earth , and the Mountains are mention'd as coaeval , and therefore are called everlasting Mountains , Gen. 49. 26. This may be by good consequence also inferr'd from the second chapter of Gen. wherein 't is said , there were Rivers , one of which , viz. Euphrates is to this day known by the name that it had then : from whence we may safely conclude , that the same Rivers had the same Mountains , from which they descended , that they have now . Now if we suppose , that at the time of the Deluge there happen'd such a conflict of contrary Salts , Acid and Alcali , as we have now mention'd in the Bowels of the Earth , there would be an Air generated , which in many places being penned up , might cause Earthquakes , and at the same time some of this Exhalation might escape into the open Air , from which might proceed the great Rains of forty days continuance , accompanied likely with great Thunder , Lightning , &c. to strike the greater terror into the Wicked , that in their fright they might not find the way to the Ark they had formerly so much despis'd , and that if they had thought of such things , they might be hindred by the great Rains ; by the Air inclos'd in the ●owels of the Earth we may ( as it happens in our Experiment ) imagine , that the Water of the Abyss was dislodg'd , and so came out to overflow the Earth : ( by which we may interpret the opening of the great depths ) and this at the passages by which the Abyss and Ocean did communicate , which so swell'd by degrees , till the top of the highest Mountains were covered ; Further we may infer , that the Antediluvian Air being infected with the Mineral Seams , and in a great measure compos'd of them , might occasion that shortning of Man's Life , which happen'd quickly after the Deluge ; which tho' it did not so visibly affect the stronger Constitutions of Noah and his Sons , might lay such a foundation of infirmities in their Posterity , as might in Moses days shorten their Life to 70 or 80 years . We may suppose likewise that ( as in our Experiment ) when the heat of the Effervescence was over , the Water fell in the greater Pipe , and rose in the shorter , so when this Ebullition was over in the Bowels of the Earth , the Waters returned by degrees into the Bowels of the Earth , and so the Ocean into the bounds set to it by God , as in Psal. 104. 6. Thou coverest it with the deep as with a garment : The Waters stood above the Mountains . ver . 7. At thy rebuke they fled , at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away , ver . 8. They go up by the Mountains , they go down by the Valleys , unto the place which thou hast founded for them , ver . 9. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over , that they turn not again to cover the Earth . One might represent the whole of this to the Eye thus , let there be a round Ball to represent the Earth , ( with a hole at the end , standing for the North Pole , at a , which Kircher supposes the Ocean to circulate thro' the Earth ) of glass f f f , full of risings to represent the Mountains b b b , let the Ball be fill'd with Water , and at the hole insert a Pipe g g g , which cement to the Neck , throw in by this Pipe some filings of Steel , after which some Oil of Vitriol , and keep the Ball inclining , so that the steams arising may not get out at the hole , but being pented in may drive out the Water at the Pipe , which if the Ball were the Center of the Earth , would over flow all the surface of the Glass , and cover the Mountains of it , but this being wanted , we may imagine another glass c c c divided in two as you see , so that they may be cemented together when the other glass ball is inclos'd , all the Water that runs out at the mouth of g g g , will over-flow the Hills b b b , &c. This is the substance of what I have to say of my Hypothesis , which if furnish'd with a good Library , with large Indexes , it were easie to make swell into a Volume big enough to deserve the title of a Theory ; among which I might perhaps find , even in the Relicts of the Fidler Orpheus himself , so much esteemed by our Theorist , or at least among the other PLACITA PHILOSOPHORVM , enough to favour it . Sed non equidem hoc stude o bullatis ut mihi nugis Pagina turgescat , dare pondus idonea fumo . And with this I leave the Theory at present , hastning to make an end . Of Perpetual Lamps . THere has been much written of Perpetual Lamps , said to be found in Burying places of the old Romans ▪ which at first seems past all belief ; for how can it be that a Lamp should have fuel for some hundreds of years , to maintain it in life ? And if it had fuel how could it in those close Vaults escape being suffocated in its own smoke ? I believe that the appearing of some light by the Work-mens Tools , hitting against some hard Stone or Brick in the dark , and so striking fire , might give rise to the first report , which Fame ; that never loses by going , has increas'd almost to a Miracle . For they say of them , that upon the Air 's coming to them , they , contrary to all other fires , do presently die . Or they might have met with such an ▪ Observation as a noble Lord told me he had communicated to him when at Rome , by a Gentleman of that place who made it ; and it was this , that searching Roma Subterranea for Antiquities , he came to a Brick-wall , which ordering to be digg'd thro' , he found to be the Wall of a Vault , or Burying-place , in which before the Light was brought in , he observ'd something like a Candle burning , which he lost sight of as soon as the Candle was brought in : and therefore removing it again , and directing himself by his Hand kept between the Light and his Eye , he found it , and by the description I had of it from that noble person , it was of the nature of Mr. Boyl's Glacial Noctiluca , for it was solid , and in a fortnights time did run per deliquium . But whatever be of truth in it , the Ingenious have made many Conjectures about the salving of this wonderful Phaenomenon . Des Cartes has attempted it by applying his Principles to it , but seeing they are Abyssinian , i. e. precarious , and the explication hardly intelligible , we pass it in silence . Athanasius Kircher , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 has given us his conjecture , which seeing it depends upon a Mechanical Principle , is by far more intelligible than any we can expect out of the Mint of a mere Abyssinian . He supposes that these Lamps are seated upon the opening of a Vein of Petrol●um ▪ running under ground , of which Italy and other hot Countries afford many ▪ and the Wick to be made of Linu● Asbeston which never wastes in the fire ; so that Nature constantly furnishing fresh fuel , and the Wick never ●alling , the flame may continue forever . But how plausible so ever this Conjecture be ▪ it will be of small use , because it cannot be had every where . Therefore the Ingenious Dr. Hooke has contriv'd , and imparted to the World several pre●●y ways , which are found to answer very well ; for by the poysing of his Lamp ▪ he orders it so , that the Oil may always be kept to the same height , upon the Wick , and consequently the flame , and that therefore the Wyck can never waste , because always in the flame , for it wastes not tho' in the midst of the flame , till it be expos'd to the open Air ; of which one may see more at large in his Treatise of Lamps : but with submission I am of opinion , that the weight of the Oil when the Lamp is full , will make the Lamp move heavily , and also make it wear out quickly . I have therefore a good while ago , thought these inconveniencies might be prevented by some Hydrostatical contrivance , seeing the main thing sought for here , is to keep the flame at the same height on the Wyck ; my way is this , let a Vessel a a a , be shap'd after the fashion here mark'd , an inch or more deep , and as broad as you may think fitting for the quantity of Oil you are to burn , let also a Pipe b b b , coming from the bottom almost as high as the Cistern , be filled first with Water c c c , so high as to cover the hole of the Pipe at the bottom , that the Oil d d d poured in afterwards may not get out at the Pipe b b b , and so be lost ; let the Vessel being almost brimsul , have a cover'd pierc'd with as many holes as 't is design'd to have Wycks , be fitted to the mouth of the Vessel , when the Wycks are lighted , if Water falls in by drops at the Pipe , it will keep the Oil always to the same heighth , or very near ( the weight of Water to that of Oil , being as 20 8 / 11 to 19 ) which in the depth of an inch or two , will make no great difference of height in the Oil , if the Water runs faster than the Oil wastes ; it will only run over at the top of the Pipe , what does not run over coming under the Oil , will keep it to the same height , this it will do perpetually without any fear of rub or let , the cover will keep the Soot of the Lamp from falling in●● the Oil , and keep it from thickening with it , The main use of such a contrivance is , where there is occasion for long digestions with a gentle heat . Some Thoughts about the way of making Oil of Sulphur Per Campanam . SUlphur at all times has been counted a wonderful product of Nature , and therefore by the Greeks is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Several attempts have been hitherto made by Chymists to analyse it , which they have hitherto done but in part ( that I know of ; ) yet by this they have discovered it to be a Mineral Oil , coagulated by a mineral Acid , and also the same is made evident , by the composition of it ; for if you mix Oil of Sulphur with Oil of Turpentine , they will coagulate into a gummy substance which being sublim'd , give true Brimstone . The main experiment insisted on is the making of Oil of Sulphur P. C. Only two or three ounces of Genuine Oil , can be had this way out of a pound , and all the 〈◊〉 seems lost , which I believe mostly to proceed from a defect in the way of making it . It is about fifteen years ago since first reading Le 〈◊〉 Preparation of Ol. Sulph . P. C. I thought it might be improved to the catching of all , or most of that which flies away thus . Suppose a ●at glass Cup , b b b , to have two or more Pipes coming in at the bottom , and rising pretty high in the glass a a a , suppose likewise another shap●d like a Matrass , fitted to the mouth of b b b , with a Ring at the bottom c c c , to keep it from falling into the Cup , and that the same Matrass is wide enough at top to admit of a crooked Pipe e e e , to come into it , and to be luted to it , to which must be fastened Adapters , with some Water in them , that the Acid Spirit passing , may find in the way wherewith to embody it self : now if Brimstone be put into a Cup , and so put into the Glass below , with the cautions usual in that case , and so kindled , and the Matrass fitted to it , the Air coming in by the Pipes will keep the flame in life , and carry up the lighter fumes by the neck , into the Adapters f f f , which with the Water may condense into an Acid Spirit . This Experiment might be varied , by inserting the Neck into the Wall of a very large Room , made tight for the purpose , as they do for Flower of Br●mstone , to see what dry Flowers it gives , and of what nature they are . Of Phosphorus . I Have seen in the Parisian Memoirs , lent me by the curious Dr. Sloane , an Experiment said to be made by one Mr. Homburg , about producing Phosphorus out of Quick-●●me and 〈◊〉 Armoniack ; 't is that which I casual●y lighted on , when living with the honourable and never to be forgotten Mr. Boyle ; for after I had by the force of the fire melted these two together into an Opack Glass , and the pieces of it were still hot in my hand ( during which time they are very hard ) I had the curiosity to see what the pieces which were very hot would do , if strock against one another in the dark , and was su●priz'd to see it not only strike fire , but also to retain a glimmering light in the places where the pieces hit one another , which I judge to proceed only from the Sea salt of the Sal-Armoniack remaining with the Quick-lime , p●t in a violent motion by the collision , and perhaps deserves no more the name of a Phosphorus , than the Sea Water that shines in the dark night , or refin'd Sugar , when 't is scrap'd ; a proof of which seems to be the dark spots that appear in the shining parts , which is in all probability from the greater quantity of the Quick-lime in the mixture , for of two 〈◊〉 there is but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IV. of the Glass , so that only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IV. of the Sal-Armoniack may be concluded to be there . This when cold ; runs p. d. which it continues for a long time ; and when set to evaporate , does retain its fluidity while upon fire a long time , but when removed , in an instant it coagulates into a hard Mass , which upon the least heat melts again , and therefore by Mr. Boyle was called the fusible Salt. I will not say that Mr. Hemburg had that from Mr. Boyle , or any of his friends ; for why might not he ●all on it by chance , as well as we , tho' this account was Printed two years after the honourable Mr. 〈◊〉 death ? But to pass this , this Liquor is very remarkable for dissolving sublimate corrosive , in the cold of which it dissolves its own weight . 〈◊〉 makes a Spirit of this Solution thus , 〈◊〉 of this Liquor , p. 111. dissolve in it sublim . 〈◊〉 p. 1. imbibe the Solution with brown Paper , and Destill , it comes over in form of a brownish colour'd Spirit , smelling like Musk ( says my Anthor ) some of the Mercury is reviv'd in the Receiver : three drops of this Liquor taken in a convenient vehicle , do greatly purifie the Blood , as he says ; as for the smell , 't is so far from having the smell of Musk , that rather it stinks of an Empyreuma ; and as for its use in Physick , 't is so far from having the promis'd Effects , that I have known it given from three to sixty drops , without any visible effect , and also that a Woman , to whom an hundred drops were given in a Venerial Distemper , had such pricking pains all over the body following , as could hardly be removed again : yet this , with all its Mistakes , has a famous Plagiary in Town , copied out in a Book called the Lond. Dispens . this man it seems has no regard to what he Writes , so he make a bulky Book , I could instance many cases in which this Rhapsodist has thus without any judgment play'd the Plagiary , if time would permit ; it were to be wished that a severe Censure were put upon such , who for a little Lucre ; will thus set out a Wild-fire to lead People into dangerous Mistakes , instead of setting up Beacons for them , by which they may be guided in so important a business as the practice of Physick , at least an Index Expur gatorus , made by an impartial and judicious Pen , might remedy the ill Effects of such Books , and prevent the multiplying of them for the time to come . ERRATA . PAGE 44. in the Margin , Tab. 11. f. p. 69. in the Margin , Tab. 11. f. 2. p. 70. l. 14. r. The Water overflowing and falling . ibid. l. 23. or being , r. are . p. 81. l. 18. by hidden passages , and the Sand it self . THE Abyssinian Philosophy CONFUTED : OR , TELLVRIS THEORIA Neither Sacred , nor agreeable to Reason . Being , for the most part , a Translation of Petrus Ramazzini , Of the Wonderful Springs of Modena . Illustrated with many Curious Remarks and Experiments by the Author and Translator . To which is added , A New Hypothesis deduced from Scripture , and the Observation of Nature . With an Addition of some Miscellany Experiments . By ROBERT St. CLAIR , M. D. Non mihi , sed rationi , aut quae ratio esse videtur . Milito securus quid mordicus hic tenet , aut hic . Scaliger . LONDON , Printed for the Author , and Sold by W. Newton , over against St. Bartholomew-Close-Gate , in Little-Britain , 1697. THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE . IF the Searchers after Nature , of which this Age has not a few , whose study is spent about things of greater Concern , and therefore are deservedly admired ; if , I say , these found it as easie to search into the inner parts of the Earth , as 't is to the Anatomists to take an exact View of the Bowels of a Man , and other Living Creatures , the one needed not envy the other ; and we should have as full a Knowledge of the Earth , as we have now of Living Animals , by the Industry of Anatomists . We know now , yea to our own no small Satisfaction , with our Eyes we see , how the Blood circulates , what is the Motion of the Chyle , the Lympha ; and other Fluids ; so that now to use Hippocrates his own Words , The Fountains of Humane Nature , and the Rivers with which the Body is watered , seem to be open'd . But as for the Earth , out of whose Treasures we draw our Nourishment , we can observe nothing but its outward side , and therefore we are ignorant of the more beautiful things that are hid ; and , which is to be grieved for , there is no way by which they may be known . For although the Miners have gone down into the Bowels of the Earth many Fathoms , yet they have never gone much deeper than half a Mile , which by Agricola is said to be the greatest Depth of the Mines . But what is that to the Depth of the Earth , whose Seme . diameter is said to be 3600 Mile . Wherefore , to tell the Truth , we know the Body of the Earth only superficially , and not within : Yet 't is lawful to judge , that 't is neither a sluggish nor unshapely Body , nor yet that all its Dignity is plac'd in its outward Surface , as in Statues , but that its more beautiful Parts are inward ; yea , we must think that 't is so shap'd and figur'd by the Great Creator , as to contain a Specimen of the Vital O Economy , and that the wonderful Functions thereof are perform'd in its Bowels , by a Law no less certain than unknown to us , especially the Circular Motion of the Waters ; of which , though they cannot be demonstrated to the Senses , yet by what appears outwardly , 't is evident that the matter is so ; neither has the Wit of Men stopt , till they had by all Art searcht into the State and Condition of the Subterraneous Regions , as far as could be . But seeing there is no other way by which we enter into the Earth , but by such Apertures , as either Nature has made of her own accord , or by Mines and Wells , which the Covetousness of Men has digged for Metals , or Necessity has put them on , for finding Veins of Waters ; and seeing that in this City there is a frequent digging of Wells to a notable Depth , ( as much as can be in a very plain place , and remote from Mountains ) from which a wonderful Spring of Water rises ; I thought good therefore to examine these Secrets of Nature , and to communicate to the Professors of Natural Knowledge , what I have observed of them , and my Thoughts threupon , seeing none has Written of these things expresly . I am not ignorant that some idle Men will speak ill of me , and others will not be wanting who will accuse me , as having spent may time about a thing of no moment : But that does little disquiet me , seeing I have the Examples of the most Learned , who have been taken up with the most minute things , of whom Virgil says , In tenui labor , at tenuis non gloria — But I can Answer such Men with the Words of Seneca treating of Natural Philosophy , You will say , what Profit is there in these things ? No greater can be ; To know Nature . Neither has the treating of this Subject any thing more beautiful , seeing it contains many things that may be useful , than that its Greatness takes up a Man ; nor is it followed for Profit , but for its Wonderfulness . Of the Wonderful Source of the SPRINGS of Modena . CHAP. 1. The Structure of these Fountains is described , and the most curious things which appear in the Digging of the Wells , and when the Water springs up , are remarked . But that I may not keep the Reader longer in Suspence , you must know for a certain Truth , which many Thousands of Experiments have already confirmed , That in any place within , or without the City , for some Miles round , one may open a Spring which shall constantly send forth most pure Water . And seeing every Citizen may take out of this great Stock , as much VVater for his private Uses as he pleases , without fear of wronging the Publick , or being Fin'd for it : Therefore when any will have a Spring in his own House , he calls some VVorkmen , and having agreed for the Price , which for the most part does not exceed the Sum of Forty Crowns , he shews them the place which he thinks most fit , and they without further consideration dig a Well in a place mark'd out for them ; and when they have come to the depth of about 63 Foot , they pierce the bottom with a great Auger , which when it has been driven down 5 Foot deep , immediately the VVater gushes out with so great Force , throwing up Stones and Sand , that almost in a Moment all the VVell is filled to the top , and the VVater flows out thence constantly . Moreover , that which in digging these Wells gives the greatest Trouble to the VVorkmen , is , the great abundance of VVaters flowing from the sides , by which they are sometimes much troubled , till they come to the depth of 28 Foot , where first the Potters Clay begins to appear : And therefore to keep off these VVaters which are none of the cleanest , when they first break Earth , they make a VVell pretty large , drawing out the VVaters that flow together on every side , till they come to the Bed of Clay ; then they build upon it , as on a solid Foudation , a VVall round about of Lime and well-burnt Bricks , made for the purpose , that so the VVell may be narrower ; and they carefully plaster the outer Surface of it with Clay , well wrought , pressing it with their Feet ; and thus they continue to do till they come to the Surface of the Earth : For by this means they hinder the Influx of VVaters from the sides , which being done , as if all were safe , and there were no more fear of the VVater coming from the sides , they carry on their digging to the lowermost place so successfully , that from the appearing of the Clay , they observe no more water to drop ; yea , which is wonderful , they are forc'd sometimes to moisten the Earth with VVater , that it may be more easily digged . 'T is also no small Disadvantage to the Diggers , before they come to the beginning of the Chalky or Clayie Ground , that the soft Earth falls in upon them by the Force of the Side-VVaters ; which Impediment is not overcome but with great Labour : But when at length they come to the Bed of Clay , and from thence to the greatest Depth● there is nothing to hinder them form getting by the usual boring the usual Eruption of VVater . For no Case is remembred in any place whatsoever within the City , or without the City , for some Miles , in which upon opening a Hole , and giving Vent to the inclosed VVaters , they did not immediately spring up on high . For the Diggers do with as great Assurance and Confidence fasten down their Augers in the bottom of the VVells , as one being to draw VVine , would pierce a Hogshead when 't is full . I was often present when this Phlebotomy , if I may so call it , was practis'd ; and I always observed the VVater to break out almost with the same Force , which at the first is muddy and full of Sand , but the next Day it appears clear enough . But when the VVater has broke out , and the Borer is pulled out , sitting on the Arms of the Auger , immediately two or three VVorkmen that are about the Mouth of the VVell draw out the VVater with all possible Diligence ; for seeing at that time the Force of the VVater drives out much Sand and Gravel , they say that by this means the Course of the VVater is promoted , and the VVells are made to send forth VVater more plentifully ; neither can the Stuff settling to the bottom stop the Hole . The Diggers of the VVells say , That some new-made Fountains have thrown up sometimes so much VVater with the Gravel and Sand , that the Ground giving way on every side , and threatning the Ruine of the adjacent Buildings , they have been forc'd to fill up the Fountain again with Earth and hewn Stones . But the Pebble Stones , which are thrown up by the force of the VVater , differ not much from those which are seen in the adjacent Rivers ; neither are they small , but some of them weigh 3 or 4 Ounces : Some of these are adorn'd with Veins of Gold , and pretty hard ; others are harder , and like the Rudiments of Pebble Stones . In some places where the Situation of the City is lower , the VVater arises above the Plain , from whence it runs easily down , but in higher places it stops below the Surface of the Plain ; so that 't is necessary to make Conduits under Ground , thro' which it falls into the publick Canals , which afterwards meet into one Canal that is Navigable , and by which they Sail conveniently enough even to Venice . For this Canal falls into the Scultenna , and the Scultenna into the Po. The Number of these Fountains is very great , so that now almost every House has one ; and their Numbers being increas'd , the old Fountains become fewer , as may be seen in the most Illustrious Family of the Sadalets , now belonging to the Castelvitrys , where the Pipes that now send forth no more VVater , are higher than those that at present do . These Fountains also are in the Gardens about the Town , and in the adjacent Villages , some of which rise above the Surface of the Earth . Moreover , the Diggers of the VVells say , that they have on Trial found them seven Miles from the City , beyond Scultenna : For having made an hole with an Auger , they say the VVater did boil up freely enough , throwing up Sand and Gravel . VVherefore the Limits of this hidden Spring are not known enough ; yet 't is reasonable to think , that it is extended farther from East to VVest , than from North to South , seeing in this Tract they are not found extended above four Miles . This is remarkable , that when the Hole is bor'd , and the VVater begins to break out , the next Fountains cease from running for some time ; yet after a little time they run again . I have been told by a Person of Credit , that when a VVell was bor'd in the Cloysters of the Nuns of St. Francis des Sales , he saw in another VVell near it the VVater sunk in a moment , which afterward ascended , till both the VVells being in an Equilibrium , the VVater settled in the same Horizontal Surface . I have often observed this Decrease , but not with so great Swiftness , in which the VVater did not sink so deep on a sudden , but rather by degrees ; and raising a few Bubbles , I observed it to decrease ; but when the new Well was filled , it ●ose again to its former height . Having often understood by the Diggers of the Wells , that they heard a great noise of the water running under the bottom of the Wells , and that when it first begins to be heard they take it as a sign , that 't is time to Bore . To be assur'd of this , I went down into the bottom of a Well in the beginning of February , holding a lighted Candle in my Hand , the Well being built in a place of no great light ; having staid there a little , I perceived a manifest Murmur and Noise , yet not such as I expected . Then I stampt on the Ground with all my force , upon which the Ground made a hideous Noise , so that I thought I had to do with Hell , and therefore quickly gave notice to those that were above , to pull me up with all possible speed , remembring that once the force of the Water throwing up the Earth prevented the boring . But though I did not stay long there , seeing nothing beside occurred to be observed but the oise of the Water , yet I felt so great a Heat there , that I did run down in Sweat ; and it was no small Pleasure to me to observe , when I was drawn up from that Thermometer , in so small an Interval of time , so many gradual Changes of Heat and Cold. At another time I try'd what was the temper of these Wells , in their greatest Depth , by letting down a Thermometer in the midst of Winter , and I found that it differ'd little from the Heat of the Dog-days in our Climate . The Diggers perceive no less Cold in the Summer-time in these Wells , and upon that account they refuse to undertake such a work in the middle of Summer ; seeing , beside the great Cold which oppresses them , such a difficulty of breathing also seises them , that they are almost suffocated ; a great quantity of Smoke rises likewise at the same time , so as to put out the Candles , which never happens in the Winter , for then they breath easily enough , and the Candle stands unmoved . The Diggers complain much of a bad Smell , when they dig in the Wells in a hot Season ; especially when they light on Stumps of Trees : For the rotten wood sends forth a most vile stink , which in the Winter-time they do not experience , though at that time they perceive a great Heat in these Wells . But seldom are these Wells digged , in which they do not meet with several sorts of Trees , as Oaks , Walnut-trees , Elm , Ash , some of which stand upright , and some lie along . But it appears not by any Mark , that they have been cut by Men's Hands ; and therefore we must think that these Woods were only the Habitations of wild Beasts in former times . These Trees when they are cut by the Diggers are soft enough , but when they are exposed to the Air , they grow hard like Coral . When they were making such a Well as this in the middle of April , I observed the rising of such a smoaky Exhalation , that the Digger could scarcely be observ'd in the bottom ; who also said he was very cold ; and that he could hardly breath ; and at the same time was troubled with a Cough : But when the Air on a sudden was changed to Cold , immediately the said Exhalation evanisht , and the Digger could breath freely enough ; and he said , he felt a moderate Heat . Being to try what Temper these Wells were of in the Months next to the Summer , I went down into a Well which a French Jeweller was digging in his House about the end of May , before it was bor'd , and I found such degrees of Cold , as are observ'd in this Climate about the beginning of Winter . During the time that I staid there my Chest and my Breast was so straitned , that my Heart did pant very much . I did not perceive a great noise of Waters in this as in others , yet the Ground being beat , did give a frightful Sound as before . While I was writing this , I thought fit to try the Temper of the Subterraneous Air in a Well that was then digging , by letting down into it at the same time a Thermometer and Barometer to several Depths , and marking the difference that is between the open Air , and that which is in the Wells when they are a digging ▪ and especially in the Summer Months , in which the Workmen seldom undertake such a business , by reason of the Inconveniences afore-mentioned . Wherefore I have set down the following Table , that it may be better known what is the difference between the Subterraneous and the Open Air ; which would be also very convenient and curious , if try'd in the VVinter time : But I do not doubt but the quite contrary things happen then which I will try with the first opportunity . The 12 day of June . The 23 day of June . The 27 day of June . The 1 day of July . The height of the Liquor in the Thermometer without the Well , G. 80. The height of the Liquor in the Thermometer without the Well , G. 77. The height of the Liquor in the Thermometer , G. 74. The height of the Liquor in the Thermometer without the Well , G. 78. In the Well to the depth of 18 Feet , G. 64. In the Well to the depth of 30 Feet , G. 51. In the Well to the depth of 45 Feet , G. 44. In the greatest depth of the Well , G. 40. The height of the Mercury in the Barometer , G. 80. The height of the Mercury in the Barometer , without the Well , G. 80. The height of the Mercury in the Barometer , without the Well , G. 78. The height of the Mercury in the Barometer , without the Well , G. 79. In the Well to the depth of depth of 15 Feet , G. 82. In the Well to the depth of 30 Feet , G. 84. In the Well to the depth of 45 Feet , G. 85. In the greatest depth of the Well , G. 86. 'T is also fit to be known , that no Force of Man is able to drain such Wells dry : For if the Water should be drawn incessantly with great Buckets , it were very much if the Water should be depress'd 6 or 8 Feet ; the more the Water is drawn out , these Fountains run more briskly : So that ● it happen at any time , that any of these flow something flowly they draw out the Water as fast as they can ; and by this kind of Remedy ( even as in Men's Bodies the Blood is taken away , that it may move more quick through its Passages ) the Load being as 't were taken off , they easily drive away the Sickness of these Fountains which is their flowness of Motion For the same end , they also either make a new Hole , or open the old one with an Instrument made of many wooden Cylinders , which they let down into the Wells with great Auger fastned in the end of it . But these Fountains are subject to no other Fault ; they maintain the same Purity of their Waters uncorrupted ; and as in moist Seasons they feel no Increase , so in the greatest Droughts ( such as we observ'd in these last Years , in which the whole Region on this and the other side of the Po did exceedingly want Water ) they suffe no Decrease . Moreover , these Waters are very warm in Winter , so that they send forth a Smoak ; but in Summer they are very cold . Some Days after the Eruption is made , when the Water has setled , they usually cover the Well with a Marble Stone , and as it were seal it , and afterwards convey the Water by Earthen Pipes from the same into Vessels of Marble , or of Stone , from which afterwards the Water is , by other Conduits , continually Bed of Clay is about 11 Feet , and sometimes 't is full of Cockle-shells ; it ends therefore about the depth of 39 Feet ; after that there appears another Bed of marshy Earth , about 2 Foot thick , compos'd of Rushes , Leaves of Plants , and Branches . This marshy Bed being taken away by the Diggers , another Bed of Clay of the same thickness with the former , presents it self , which terminates in the depth of about 52 Foot ; which being digg'd up , another Bed of marshy ground , not unlike the former , is seen ; which being removed , another Bed of Clayie Ground of the same nature with the former two , but not so thick , appears ; which lies upon another Bed of marshy Earth , which at last terminates on that last Plain , in which the Auger is fix'd , which is soft , and sandy , and mixt with much Gravel , and sometimes full of Sea-Products . These several Beds , with their Intervals , are observ'd in all the Wells , as well within the Walls of the City , as in the Suburbs , in a constant Order . Seeing in digging they often fall on Stocks of Trees , as I have frequently observed , which gives great trouble in the boring , to the Undertakers , 't is a manifest Proof that this Ground was once expos'd to the Air ; but I could never observe those Stocks of Trees in the Beds of Chalk , but in the marshy ones only , or in that space which lies between the Foundation and the beginning of the Clay . There have been also found in the greatest Depths of these Wells great Bones , Coals , Flints , and pieces of Iron . I do willingly pass by many things here , which the common People report , of extraneous things cast up by the Violence of the Waters at their first breaking forth , as Leaves of Oaks , Chesnut , Millet , Bean-husks , and many other things ; contenting my self with telling those things only of which I have been an Eye-witness , or have heard from Persons worthy of Credit . These are the things which belong to the History of the Wells of Modena , and which I have observ'd as I had occasion . CHAP. II. That these are not Standing , but Running Waters ; upon this occasion some things are brought in from the Hydrostaticks . SEing the Nature and Original of this hidden Source deserves to be as much enquir'd into , as that of the Nile did formerly , let us pass through these Subterraneous VVaters with the Sails of our Reason , seeing we cannot do it otherwise . First , we may freely affirm , That these Waters are not standing , as they are when shut up in a Hogshead , but are in con●inual motion , and that pretty quick : For the Noise of that wa●er which is heard before the Per●oration in the bottom of the Wells ●oes make it manifest enough . Neither can any object , that even stagnant VVaters are subject to great Commotions , as is known of the Vulsinian Lake , Thrasumenus and Benacus , of which the chief of the poets says , Teque adeo assurgens aestu , Benace , marino ! O Benacus , which like the Ocean roars ! For that is not constant ; yea , these Lakes for the most part are very still : But the Noise of the VVater before the Terebration is constantly heard , which I always perceiv'd distinctly as oft as I descended into these Wells ; and to this agree the Undertakers of these Wells who by the noise of the VVater guess that they have done with digging . But seeing the VVate rises so suddenly to the height 〈◊〉 68 Feet , casting forth Sand and Stones with force , 't is most certain that these Subterraneous VVaters descend from a high place , and are continually prest on by others that follow . Neither do I think that such a sudden rising of the VVater can be attributed to the weight of the superincumbent Earth , which drives the VVater upward by its Pressure . I know indeed , that VVater may be elevated above its Surface , when 't is driven up by some force lying upon it ; as Scaliger , writing against Cardan , demonstrates , by the Example of a Cylindrical Vessel with Pipes on both sides , and a Plug fitted exactly to its Capacity ; into which , being full of VVater , if you force down the Plug , it will raise the VVater in the Pipes , above the Surface of the VVater that is in the Vessel . But if , by the weight of the incumbent Earth , these VVaters were elevated , the Earth so superincumbent would be broke off from the rest , which is altogether improbable , there appearing no Marks of it . Beside , by what way could it come to pass , that these Waters should be so excellent , as to surpass all others , if they were without Motion , and kept as it were captive ? For every body knows , that standing Waters do no less differ from those that are moved , than dead Bodies differ from live ones , seeing we commonly call such as run , Living Waters . These Waters therefore do move , and stand not still here , but run down constantly either to the Sea , or are swallowed up in some Gulph . But whilst I conclude these VVaters to be running , an Objection of no small Value does occur , and 't is this : If the VVaters run away so violently , there seems to be no Reason why these Wells being digged , they should rise upwards . But it may be demonstrated by a Physical Experiment , that the Water cannot ascend in such as case . For let there be a Vessel full of Water , at whose side near the bottom , a Pipe is inserted at right Angles pierc't with many Holes , EFG ; and in the lower part let it have a Slit , HI . If now you give the Water free vent to run out , not only it will not ascend at the Holes , but neither will it descend at the Slit , but will all run out at the wide Mouth of the Pipe ; and it will be pleasant to see the Water hang out at the Slit , and not fall , ( till at the latter end ) the Vessel being almost empty , the Water will no more run out at the wide Mouth , but will all run down through the Slit. If therefore this Experiment hold , the supposed running of the Waters to places farther off , and their manifest ascent into these Wells at the same time , seem not to agree with the Laws of Hydrostaticks : For if they flow freely , and without stopping , without doubt they cannot rise on high ; which is confirmed by what the most Learned , Scaliger says in his Exercitations , who , enquiring whether VVaters may run under other waters , says , That near the River O●tus there is a Well on a high Hill , and that at the bottom a Stream runs swiftly and with great Noise . Altho' all this seems to be true and obvious to the Senses , yet the further Progress of these waters may in our case consist with the rising in these Wells ▪ which may be demonstrated in the same First Figure . For if you put your Finger to the Mouth of the Pipe D , yet so as not to stop it altogether , the Water will leap out on high at the same time , by the holes E , F , G , and flow down by the Slit H , and withal at the Mouth of the Pipe , the one Action not hindring the other ; and so according as there is more or less of the Orifice of the Pipe stopt with your Finger , more or less Water will be raised by the said Holes ; but it will never be rais'd to that height it would be , if the Mouth were quite stopt . It does not therefore disagree with the Laws of Hydrostaticks , if these Subterraneous Waters are running and go further , that at the fame time they should be raised to the height of 68 Feet in the Wells , yet so as not to exceed the height of the Cistern from whence they come , because the Passage at which they flow out is not large enough . 'T is convenient that some Account be given of these Phaenomena , observ'd hither to by none that I know , seeing there is no part of Philosophy more curious , yet less cultivated , than Hydrostaticks . First therefore , 't is no wonder that the Water ( while it has a free Course and Passage through the wide Mouth of the Pipe ) does not run also at the Holes ; yea , of necessity it must be so : For the Water has a free Descent , neither does it meet with any Obstacle to make it rise , as it does in Pipes bended upwards ; so neither will it descend by the Cleft , because of the Pressure and the Force it has acquir'd in descending , like a solid Body , which suffer it not to turn from its Course ; in the same manner as Bodies thrown , are carricd in a Horizontal Line for some space , while the Force continues . But the Reason why the Orifice of the Pipe being straightned , the Water presently leaps on high , and runs down through the Slit , in my Opinion is this : That when the lower parts of the Water are pressed by the upper ( as the most famous Mr. Boyle has made evident in his Hydrostatical Paradoxes ) and are urged with Violence to run out , the Passage being straitned , by applying the Finger to the Mouth of the Pipe ; some of the Water when it cannot overcome the Obstacle , seeks a Passage to it self where it can : From whence it comes to pass , that the less the Water runs out at the Mouth of the Pipe , with the greater Force it runs out at these Holes . But when the Pressure is abated , and the Vessel is almost empty , none runs out at the Mouth of the Pipe , but what remains , runs slowly through the Slit , being the shorter way . From hence it appears , that the direct Pressure must be estimated by the weight of the Pillar of Water , whose Base is equal to the Horizontal Surface it rests on , and its Height equal to the perpendicular Depth of the Water . For Example : In a Vessel constituted in a Horizontal Plain , any part of the bottom that can be assigned may be a Base to a Pillar of water of the same Height with the whole water in the Vessel . And in the foregoing Figure , when it flows freely through the Pipe C D , 't is prest by a Pillar of water , which has the same Base with the Orifice of the Pipe CD ; which Pillar of water forces it self by a lateral Pressure into the Pipe , and so to run out ; by the force of which Pressure it comes to pass , that all the water in the Vessel runs out by this Imaginary Pillar . Many things are said of this Pressure of the water by Hydrostatical VVriters , to wit , that the under parts are prest by the upper , and the upper parts are prest by those that are under . Moreover , they are prest side ways by one another ; which Diversity of Pressures they endeavour to prove by several Experiments ; and in effect , every one may experience this lateral pressure in himself , when he is in the watery up to the Neck ; for he will feel a pressure on every side , and some difficulty of Breathing , which yet is not to be thought to proceed only from the lateral pressure of the water , but another Cause : For when the Expansion of the Chest is necessary to Respiration , 't is not so easily perform'd in the water Element , as in the Air , by reason of its Grossness : For as Fishes need a greater force for swimming , than Birds for flying , as Borellus demonstrates , by reason of the grosser Body of the water , which must be moved out of its place , and circulate into that left by the Fish : So a Man sunk in the Water up to the Neck , needs a greater force for opening his Chest , than if he were in the Air. And from hence it is , that Inspiration in the Water is more difficult than Expiration . This happens only because the pressure is unequal ; for the pressure of the Pillar of Air and Water on the Chest without , exceeds the pressure of the Pillar within the Chest , that is only of Air , so much as the weight of the Pillar of Water which covers the Chest , exceeds the weight or pressure of the Pillar of Air within the Lungs , and of the same height with the Water about the Chest ; for Fluids press only according to the perpendicular heights , and not the grosness of their Pillars , as is plain in Syphons , in whose Legs , tho' of different thickness , the Liquor rises but to the same Horizonal Height . Likewise all do agree , that not only the bottom , but also the sides of the Vessel are prest ; which pressure some say is considerable , but others not . Tho. Cornelius thinks it to be equal to the perpendicular Pressure : For supposing the Water to press by inclin'd Lines , and that a Body sliding down by inclin'd Lines , acquires as great a Velocity as if it fell down by a Perpendicular , equal to the height of the Plain , he thinks the lateral Pressure to be equal to the Perpendicular . On the other Hand , Becher , in his Physica Subterranea , says , That the Water presses directly on the bottom , but far less on the sides ; which Conjecture he grounds on this , That the little Ramparts of Earth sustain the Pressure of the Ocean it self , that it overflows not the adjacent Fields ; yea , he endeavours to make it out by a Mechanical Experiment , that the Pressure of the Water is only upward and downward . If Mr. Becher had considered that Hydrostatical Axiom , viz. That Fluids press only according to their perpendicular Altitudes , he would not have been frighted by the Extent of the great Sea at Amsterdam , from owning so evident an Hydrostatical Truth as this is , That the Lateral Pressure of Fluids is equal to the Perpendicular : For suppose the Banks there to be Three Fathom , or Eightteen Feet , above the Harlem Meer , and the adjacent Lands , which they defend from the Inundation of the Sea , and that the weight of every Cubical Foot of Water is 76 lb. 9 ℥ ½ , and 48 gr . this multiplied by 18 f. the Perpendicular Height will amount to 1381 ½ lb , ℥ 1. g. 384. which is the Weight or Lateral Pressure that lies on a Square Foot at the bottom , which a Rampart of Earth , made strong for the purpose , and 100 Foot thick , may be well allowed able to support . 'T is true , this Computation is made for fresh Water ; but the addition of Salt in the Sea-water , which is about 1 lb of Salt to 41 lb of Water , will not so much alter the Reckning . For my part , as I do not believe the lateral pressure of the VVater to be equal to the perpendicular , so I do not think it despicable ; for it may be shown , that the lateral pressure is less than the perpendicular , by taking notice of this only , That there is a greater Endeavour of the VVater to descend by a perpendicular Line than an inclin'd one : But suppose that some parts in the sides of the Vessel suffer a pressure , equal to the perpendicular pressure , as are these which be at the bottom , and in which those inclin'd ones would end , which have the same Depth with the whole VVater ; yet in other parts the lateral pressure cannot be admitted so great . The Author here seems like one groping in the dark for the Truth , and yet when he has got it between his Hands he lets it slip : For he supposes , that the Pressure by inclin'd Lines is , at the bottom , equal to the Pressure by Perpendicular Lines ; yet he will not own the same in the intermedial parts . Indeed the Pressure by Inclin'd Lines in the intermedial Parts is not equal to that Perpendicular Pressure which is at the bottom ; but 't is equal to that perpendicular Pressure which is on the same Horizontal Surface , which may be made evident thus : Take a Glass Tube , such as they use for Baroscopes , but open at both ends , a b ; stop the upper end a with your Finger , and so immerse it into the Vessel e f g h , filled with Water to m l , inclining , till it come to the Horizontal Surface i k , and then take your Finger off , the Water will rise by the Pressure at the Orifice b , till it has come to the Surface m l , which is the same height it would have come to if the Pipe had been Perpendicular , as in c d. Farther , Suppose a Pipe bended in the end at the right Angles p q , immersed to the same Surface i k , as before ; upon taking away your Finger form p , it will rise up as high as before , to the Surface m l : Now 't is evident to any that considers the Figure of the Pipe , that the Pressure at q is Lateral , and as forcible as if it were Perpendicular : This may be made more pleasant to the Eye by putting Oil into the Pipe , as the Honourable Mr. Boyle shews in his Paradoxa Hydrostatica , Paradox . 7. And yet 't is not to be thought so little of as Becherus says : for seeing the sides of Vessel are no small hindrance to the Fluid that it descends not , the Force which the Fluid exerces on the sides cannot be small . Seeing then , as was before said , the parts of a Fluid are crowded on one another , as if they were in a Press , 't is not without Reason that Moderns from this do fetch a Solution of that old , yet difficult , Problem , which has wearied subtile VVits , VVhy a Diver , in the bottom of the Sea , is not opprest by the incumbent VVater . They commonly say that it happens , Because the Diver is lifted up by the water under him , and on the sides the parts of his Body are prest with the same force ; neither can they be driven inward , seeing all is full ; so that there is no fear of the Luxation of a Member , or painful Compression . Yet the most ingenious Mr. Boyle thinks the Difficulty is not answered enough ; for though by reason of the equal Pressure of the Ambient Fluid , there follows no Luxation , yet there appears no Reason why there is no Pain felt by the compression of the Parts one against another . VVherefore the same Author recurs to the strong Texture of the Animal , which can resist the Pressure . It might be solv'd thus . There is an Air lodged in the Pores of all Animal Iuices , which two together keep distended and full the Fibres , which are tubulous , as Sir Edmund King has very ingeniously discovered long ago ; and it is by the Pressure of the Ambient Fluid ( which is equal on every side ) that this Air being forc'd into less Compass , the sides of the Fibres come closer together , which causes no more pain to the Fibres , than the Bladder , ( which yet is a very sensible part ) suffers upon its being contracted , when the Urine is expelled . If it were not Rashness to think any thing can be added to the Reasons of so many most famous Men , I would say , that seeing the Body of a Living Man is specifically lighter than VVater , tho' not much ; and therefore being more prest by the Collateral VVater , according to the Principle of Archimedes , the Syphon in which the Diver is that is less prest ought to be lifted up , and therefore he ought to feel no Pressure . But because the Diver under water may be diversly considered , either as he descends by a perpendicular Line , or ascends by it , or is moved by inclining Lines , or as being fastned to the bottom , and sticking on a Rock , he remains immovable ; in any of these cases he cannot be subject to a dolorous Pressure . I have learned from a skilful Diver , that when a Swimmer will descend perpendicularly , and go to the bottom in a straight Posture , he drives the water upward with his Hands as with Oars ; and when he will rise again , driving the water with his hands towards the bottom , he returns the same way . From whence it comes to pass , that such as are unskilful in Swimming , when they strike the water contrary ways , are stifled . It is worth the while to enquire into the Reason of these Effects , having never seen them in any Author , tho' there were need of a Delian Swimmer here , as they say . I think then , that when a Swimmer drives the superincumbent water with his hand upward , he therefore descends ; because such a Syphon being so smitten is less prest , and therefore is lifted up , the other being deprest in which the Swimmer is ; just as in a Scale suspended , and put in an Aequilibrium , if one of the Scales be hit below , that will be lifted up , and the other of necessity will descend . Therefore the Body of the Swimmer being put in the Pillar that is more prest , will of necessity descend ; but when at the same time he does this with both hands , he makes his Descent more easie . But when he will rise perpendicularly , and in a straight Posture from the bottom , by striking the water with his hands toward the bottom , he makes that Syphon more prest ; and therefore the Swimmer being plac'd in the other , must of necessity ascend : Just as when the Scale is put in an Aequilibrium , if I hit the Scale in the hollow part , that will be deprest , and the other lifted up . The same Reason holds , when he ascends or descends by Lines inclin'd to the Horizon . Therefore whether he ascend or descend , or whatever way he move , he ought to be under no dolorous Pressure , how deep soever the Water be . For seeing , according to the most ingenious Borellus , Bodies do not appear heavy but when they are in rest ; a● appears in an Example given by him of two Sacks of Wool , one of which being put on the other , does not exerce its weight , or press it , but when 't is resting , and not when it descends . Therefore the Swimmer descending in the Water perpendicularly , ought not to suffer any Pressure in the VVater descending with the same Swiftness . But when he is carry'd up by the same way , seeing by his Body he thrusts upward the VVater lying upon him , which he does not by his own Strength , but by the help of the Collateral Syphon , and therefore needs no help of his Muscles to overcome the Resistance of the superincumbent VVater ; neither ought he to have the sense of a dolorous Pressure , to which the Circulation of the Ambient Fluid coming in behind , does not a little contribute , by not suffering any part of the Body to be mov'd out of its place . Upon the same Account he ought not to feel any dolorous Pressure , if he ascend or descend by inclin'd Lines , or stick without Motion to the bottom : For the other Collateral Syphon being more prest , does always exerce its Force , and the subjacent VVater lifts up the Diver , that is specifically lighter than its self upward . The Author here supposes the Body to be specifically lighter than Water , which I judge to proceed from the Air inclosed in the Chest ; for when that is out , the Body sinks by its own weight ; and this gave perhaps the first rise to Anatomists to discover whether a Child was Still-born , or not ; for if its Lungs do swim in the Water , 't was not Still born , but has breathed the Air ; but if they sink , then they conclude the Child to have been Still-born . As for the Divers rising or falling by the Motion of his Hands , 't is the same Case as in an Oar , when the Blade of it moves with greater force than the Water , it makes resistance to the Oar , which therefore not advancing , the Boat of necessity must : So when a Man presses the Water quickly downward , it makes resistance to his Hands ; and therefore the Water not giving way fast enough , the Body must be thrust upward ; just as in the Air , if a Man between two Chairs did forcibly thrust them down with his two Hands , he must be lifted up , because they do not give way . The Author says , the Pressure is not felt when the Diver is ascending or descending , because the Water being in motion , does not press upon the Body : But it might be made manifest that it does ; and Experience makes it beyond Contradiction , that they feel no Pressure when the Water is at rest ; and the Divers do own , that they feel a Pressure rather in the going down in the Diving-Bell , than afterward ; as the Honourable Mr. Boyle told me be had communicated to him by the Laird of Melgum , who practis'd this way of Diving , in these Words ; The Compression of the Air being such , as going down did hurt me ; but below , and staying there , was as familiar to me as that above . CHAP. III. That these Fountains cannot be derived from a Subterraneous River . SEing then that it is clear enough from what was said before , that the flowing of these VVaters toward the Sea , may consist with their rising here , and in any place , it seems to follow , that there is a great subterraneous River under it , from which these Fountains do spring : And truly this is the common Opinion among us , which yet I cannot assent to . I am not ignorant , that there are some Rivers that hide their Head under Ground , and after some time do rise again . Some again there are that never rise above Ground , as it happens in the Veins of the Body ; some do appear in the Surface , and some do never . Of this Seneca speaks very well . Nature governs the Earth as it does our Bodies , in which are Veins and Arteries ; and Nature hath so formed it like our Bodies , that our Ancestors have call'd them Veins . Pliny says , That the Nile is often swallowed up in Gulphs , and after a long time is spew'd up again . They report the same of Niger , a River of Aethiopia , which rising out of the same Lake that the Nile does , and running towards the VVest , when it meets with a Chain of Mountains , it finds hidden ways ; and appearing again on the other side of the Mountains , discharges it self into the Atlantick Ocean . In like manner , Tigris in Mesopotamia being stopt by the Mountain Cancasus , hides it self under Ground , and is lost in a great Cave ; but afterward breaking out near to Babylon , is mixt with Euphrates . To say nothing of Alphaeus , a River in Achaia , whom the Poets feign to pass a great way not only under Ground , but also under the Sea it self , and to rise again in the Fountain called Arethusa : This is known by the Offals of the Sacrifice , which being thrown down the River , were , every fifth Summer , at the time of the Olympiack Games , cast up by this Fountain . And also the Seas themselves are thought to communicate by occult Passages , as the Mediterranean with the Red Sea , and the Caspian with the Euxine , as the most Learned Kircher makes out by good Conjectures . Father Avril a Iesuit , in his Travels into Tartary , says , that 't is more probable that it discharges its self into the Persian Gulph , of which this is his main Proof ; That they who inhabit about the Persian Gulph , do every Year at the end of Autumn observe a vast quantity of Willow-Leaves : Now , in regard this sort of Tree is altogether unknown in the Southerin part of Persia , which borders upon that Sea ; and for that quite the contrary , the Northern part , which is bounded by the Sea of Kilan , or the Caspian-Sea , has all the Sea-Coasts of it shaded with these Trees ; we may assure our selves with Probability enough , that these Leaves are not carried from one end of the Empire to the other , but only by the Water that rowls them along thro' the Caverns of the Earth . So far Father Avril . Who further , for establishing a Circulation of VVaters from Pole to Pole , describes a great VVhirlpool under the North Pole , of which also Olaus Magnus and Helmont have written , by which a great quantity of VVaters is absonb'd , which falling into the Bowels of the Earth , is return'd by the South Pole. Some say that this changes its Course once in half a year , going in at the South Pole , and coming out again at the North. Tho' all this be true , supposing also that within the Bowels of this Earth there is exercised something like an Animal O Economy ; and that one may , not without Reason , imagine divers Ebbings and Flowings of VVaters , seeing , as Seneca says , the whole Earth is not folid , but hollow in a great many parts ; yet I cannot allow as some do , that this is a great broad River , from which these Fountains break forth . This Opinion of a great River has so firmly possest the Minds of all Men , that if a little Earth quake happen , the Inhabitants are in great Foar lest the Town , which otherwise is greatly shaken with Earthquakes , should be swallow'd in a moment of time ; imagining it to be plac't on the arch'd Roof of a great River . I confess the Conjectures are not slight , on which may be grounded the Opinion of such a Subterraneous River , which gives Water to these Fountains ; especially the Noise of the VVaters in the bottom of the Well before the Perforation , and the assurance Men have , that in every place where a Well is digg'd , Water will boil up , casting up Sand , Pebbles , and many other things ; which seem to evidence its being some great River , or at least some great Receptacle . But one Reason , to wit , the super-exceeding Greatness of this imaginary River , which must be admitted of Necessity , is of so great weight , that it overturns all Conjectures that would seem to confirm the Opinion of so great a River running under this Ground . For Europe has no River so big as this subterraneous River must be , to which neither the Po , nor the Rhine , nor the Danube , are to be compared . 'T is known well enough by what we have before said , and all the Inhabitants are convinced , that not only within the Compass of the City , which is a Mile in Diameter , in any place , may be made a Fountain , which will constantly send forth Water ; but also without the Town for some Miles , without having any regard to the Situation , such Fountains may be made , but especially by the Aemilian way ; as also beyond the River Scultenna a great plenty of these Springs and Fountains is observ'd . Therefore the breadth of this subterraneous River ( unless its Course were along this way , in which case it would be extended 4 Miles ) should be extended 6 or 7 Miles . But who can believe that under this Plain , on which this City is plac'd , a River of so great Extent should continually flow , with so great a weight lying upon it ! I will not deny , that from South to North the Source is not so much extended , seeing these Fountains are not observ'd above 4 Miles ; which , whether it be for want of Experience , or that this is truly its Bounds , I dare not affirm . But if we will suppose a subterraneous River , which hath a Channel of 4 Miles , every one I think will doubt it : Nor will he so easily give Credit to this Opinion , especially seeing this Arch that must keep up so great a VVeight 68 Feet deep , is not of Flint or Pumice-stone , but altogether made up of Earth gathered by degrees . Truly , if this Prodigy of Nature were situated in a Mountainous Region , I should not be much against admitting the greatest Subterraneous width . For if we take notice of the Caves and Subterraneous Recesses which are fam'd in Geographers , we shall find them to be made amongst the Rocky and steep Caverns of the Earth , seeing Rocks and Stones are the Bones and Strength of it . From whence Ovid says , Magna parens terra est , lapides in corpore terrae , Ossa reor dici — The Earth is our great Mother , and the Stones Therein contain'd , I take to be her Bones . VVe find the Corycaean Cave in Cilicia ( of which Pliny , Solinus , and others write , that being a very large Promontory with a wide Mouth , and full of Woods within ; 't was 52 Miles broad , so as to be very light , and both a Cave and a Port ) to have been plac'd in the Mountain Corycus . The River Tigris , which we have often mention'd , hides its Head , and as often rises again , but only when he sees himself stopt with a Chain of Mountains . For disdaining that any stop should be put to his Swiftness , from which he takes his name , he finds himself a way by the wide Bowels of the Mountains , and runs hid , till being swell'd with the accession of VVaters , he runs out into the open Plain . The River Timavus , famous enough among the old Poets ( about whose true place , whether 't was near Padoua , or Tergeste in Istria , there were so many Contentions among the Learned of the last Age , as may be seen in Leander ▪ Albertus , Bernardinus Scardeomus , Iohannes Candidus ) though he seem to draw all his Water from ●ine Fountians , as Breasts sticking out in the Mountain Timavus ▪ yet he borrows them from another place , viz. a Subterraneous River , discharging it self by the Cavernous VVindings of the Mountains , into the Sea ; for which he is so proud as to be called , the Father and Fountain of the Sea. Seeing we have made mention of Timavus , and wonderful things are told of him by VVriters , viz. That he Ebbs and Flows according to the Motion of the Sea ; and that he increases so much , as to overflow the adjacent Country ; but in the ebbing of the Sea he runs gently enough , and carries with himself the Sweetness of his VVaters even to the Ocean , without mixture . Ut Doris amara suam non intermiceat undam . Ecgl. 10. That Doris mix not her salt Wa●●es with thine . As the chief of the Poets did formerly say of Alphaeus : Therefore I am willing to 〈◊〉 the Contemplation of so curious things . The most Learned Kircher does very well explain the Cause of this prodigious Increase , and how the River keeps its VVaters free from Saltness , even to its Mouth . For he says , That a great abundance of VVater is cast out from the Bowels of a Mountain near a Village called St. Cantians , about 14 Miles distance from the Nine Fountains of Timavus , and that there 't is swallowed up by a manifest Gulph , nor does it appear more : He thinks therefore , that the VVater being swallow'd up by hidden Channels , runs into the Sea ; and that therefore in the flowing of the Sea ; the Salt VVater drives back the Fresh that meets it with great Violence , as being of less Force ; and so this Subterraneous River is stopt in its Course , which not finding room to which it may retire , breaks violently out at the foremention'd Fountains in the Mountain Timavus , communicating with the same Subterraneous River . Vnde per or a novem vasto cum murmure montis , It mare praeruptum , & pelago praemit arva sonanti . Aen. I. 1. Whence through Nine Mouths a Sea from Mountains raves , Which the whole Country drowns in foaming Waves . By this means 't is not hard to understand , how according to the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea , there appears so proportionate a Vicissitude of Ebbing and Flowing in Timavus . and yet the Waters remain fresh : For the Sea does not beat back the Waters of Timavus , nor stop his Course in the Surface , but meeting the Subterraneous River swallowed up in the foresaid Valley , forces it to flow back , and throw out its Waters by these Nine Mouths ; and from hence is the prodigious Increase of the River Timavus . But when the Sea ebbs , and gives leave to that Subterraneous River to run , Timavus also at the same time , when that great Regurgitation of the Water ceases , runs quietly enough , and with all his Sweetness , into the Adriatick . Neither Kircher nor Falloppius , determine what Sea they suppose to flow into these Cavities ; for the Mediterranean does not rise high enough to answer the case , seeing it flows but a Foot at the most , which is in the Adriatick ; if they meant the Atlantick , which in some places is observ'd to rise 9 Fathom , in many to 2 1 / 2 , to 3 or 5 ; yet perhaps that will not answer the case neither ; for it has a great way to come , before it can come to reach the place ; and when it has swelled to the height there , considering the Nine Mouths of Timavus are in a Mountanous Countrey , which may be justly supposed elevated far above the Sea when at the highest , this Solution of the Phenomen will not hold . It seems to me more rational to explain it thus : I suppose the Water comes from St. Cantians , to run under Ground in a Canale 〈◊〉 , which it fills quite ( so that there is no passage for the Air that way ) till it come to the Basin a b c , which it fills so , as to overflow into the Sea below , and that this Basin is not much lower than the Mouth of Timavus ; for thus the Ascent of the Water into these Nine Mouths will be more easily procured . I suppose likewise , that this Basin a b c has another Passage g h ▪ by which the outer Air communicates with the Water in this Basin , and by which the Water in the Flux of the Sea runs out at h ; then the Water that overflow● and fall into the Sea when it is at the Ebb , because the Air gets out at the Holes below near the Surface ; when the Surface of the Sea k k k is elevated by the Waters flowing into this lower Basin through Subterraneous Passages , and the Holes near its Surface ( by which the Air got out before ) being now stopt , the Air is crowded between the Surface k k k below , and that in the Basin , and thus ▪ acquires a greater Elasticity than the Air that presses the Surface within the Pipe g h ; and therefore , according to the Laws of Hydrostatisks , the Water in that Pipe must ascend : Now if the Sea flow two Eathom below , it may raise the Waters in the Pipes g h near as much , so that it may run out at h. I think , the flowing of Springs and Lakes , such as the Ingenious Mr. VValker told me is reported to be found in Cornwall on the top of a Hill , and in other places , may be explained very well after this manner . Our Countrey-man Falloppius gives a Reason of this surprizing Phaenomenon of Nature , not much differing from this , whose words I thought fit to add here : But you must note , that although the River th●n abo●nd with Water , yet that Water is fresh , as ●tis also when it decreases ; for 't is always fresh ; but from whence does that come ? You must understand , that in the Country of Carni there is a Castle called St. Cantians , from whence rises a great quantity of Water , which when it has scarcely appear'd , is swallow'd up by the Earth , and appears no more . Now the Village of St. Cantians is 14 Miles distant from the River Timavus . I believe therefore that the Water flowing from the Mountain in abundance , is the Cause of the Increase of Timavus ; for I think that this Water flows plentifully by these Subterraneous Passages , which meeteth with other secret Passages , by which the Sea runs into the Mountain next to the River ; and that so there is a Congress made , and dashing of the Sea Water against the other , which runs down from the Mountain farther off ; and seeing the flowing of the Sea is more forcible than the fresh Water , ( for the Salt Water is more gross than the fresh ) it happens that the fresh Water flowing from the high Mountains , yields to the other when it meets with it ; from whence it comes , that when in cannot run to the Sea , it recoils up to the top of the Mountain ; and from hence 't is , that all the Mountain abounds with Water , and the Timavus increases and decreases . Such Phaenomena of Nature sporting it self , may be more easily observ'd in the Mountainous Countries than elsewhere , seeing the Mountains , because of their solid Texture , have empty Spaces and Kettles , which serve not only for Cisterns of Water , but also for Receptacles of Fire , as in Sicily ; which therefore Aristotle calls , full of Caverns . So Virgil , describing Aristaeus going down into the secret places of Paeneus , a River in Thessaly , running between Olympus and Ossa , wrote these Verses . Iamque domum mirans genetricis & humida regna , Speluncisque lacus clausos , lucosque sonantes Ibat , & ingenti motu stupefactus aquarum , Omnia sub magna labentia fl●mina terra Spectabat diversa locis . — In English thus : He wandring goes thro' Courts , and Chrystal Realms , Loud Groves and Caves , which Water overwhelms ; And with tumultuous Waves ●stonisht found All the great River's running under Ground . There are many of these Subterraneous Rivers in this and other Countries : There is one very remarkable at Bourdeaux in France , which runs under the Church of St. Sorine ; and it seems under or near a Pillar of that Church , in which there is made a hole large enough to put in ones Head , which has another , hole at the bottom going down thro the Pillar to the River , to which if you apply your Ear , you may hear the noise of the Water falling down , even at the time when the Organs ( which make a great Noise ) are playing : There is upon the Right Hand a broad pair of Stairs , with a great Arched Gate , that take down to this Subterraneous River , from which they force Water into a Marble Cistern that stands in the Church-yard covered with another great Stone , yet open on the sides , at which the ignorant People take up Water ; believing , by the Insinuation of the Crafty Priests , that 't is by the Gift of St. Sorin an Excellent Collyrium for sore● Eyes This Water as they force into the Cistern by the Pipes laid under ground on the Waxing of the Moon , so they let it gradually out by other Pipes on the Wane of the Moon ; which makes the People think that it depends on the Course of the Moon . Populus vult decipi . Let us hear Seneca , speaking to the purpose ; There are also under the Earth less known Laws of Nature , but as sure ; believe the same to be below , that is above : There are also great Caves , there are great Vaults and wide Places formed by the Mountains hanging over them . Then although we must confess , that in some places Rivers of great bigness flow under the Earth , we must not therefore believe that in this great Plain on this side the Po , there is so great a subterraneous Cavity , and that Fields of so great a largeness could stand without Ruine for so long time . I must add moreover , that the Depth of this River , in respect to its Breadth , ought not to be small , because Nature builds all her Caves and Subterraneous Passages Archwise ; which all must have a Depth proportionable to the Breadth , otherwise they lose their Force ; and commonly they are of a Circular Figure , or coming near to it , i. e. As deep as they are broad , which in this case must be at least 4 Mile . But this Cavity is of no Depth almost , yea , but a few Feet , viz. As much as the Auger had made in boring : For passing an Iron Rod throw the Hole , the bottom is presently found , as I have often try'd with others that have been with me . Moreover , seeing the Diggers in the very Terebration , often fall on Stocks of Trees , as my self have often observed ; we must confess therefore , that these Trees have been before in open Air : And seeing in the bottoms of these Wells are often found Bones , Coals , and Pieces of Iron , we are likewise forc'd to believe , that People have formerly liv'd on that Ground ; or we must think , that this great River at that time had a Cover of 6 or 8 Foot , and that this our Plain did afterwards grow higher , by the daily Descent of Waters from the Apennine , and the paring off of the upper Ground . But the above mention'd Difficulties do still occur . But let us suppose this great River runs this way , and that hitherto he has suffer'd a Bridge ; from whence , I pray , comes so great a plenty of Water to fill this great Cavity , which we must always suppose to be full , to make the Water rise up in the Wells ? Seeing to sustain the Royal Dignity of the Po , scarcely so many Rivers running into it from the Apennine and the Alps are sufficient ? And on the other hand , we may affirm that the Po comes far short of this Subterraneous River . Lastly , If this River must be 4 Miles broad , I do not see why in all the Extent of this Source , the Depth of the Wells is always found the same ; for the Wells which are digg'd near the sides of this great Arch , would be deeper than those elsewhere : But there is almost no difference in the Depth of these Wells . We cannot therefore give way to the Vulgar Opinion of this Subterraneous River , notwithstanding the Conjectures mentioned , which we shall shortly Answer . And far less must we believe , that there are many Subterraneous Streams flowing from the same Cistern , and distinguish'd by Intervals , which give Water continually to these Fountains . For how can it be , seeing there are so many thousands of Fountains , and continually such Wells are made both in the City and Suburbs , that the Undertakers never fell upon such Interstices in the boring ? As I have often told ; and which one can never admire enough , there is no need of any Caution here ; no need of Diligence in choosing a place , seeing any place markt out either in the City or without , for many Miles , is fit for the Building of these Wells ; and all the Difficulty in digging these Wells , is in keeping out the Side-waters , which sometimes flow in in great quantity , so that they need a Wall of Bricks to keep it out : But when the VVorkmen have come to this last Bottom , then as having got their wish , they begin their Perforation with as great Assurance of getting VVater by their Auger , as if they had Moses his Rod. Neither is the Opinion of some to be entertain'd , who think that the subterraneous Spaces from which these VVaters flow , were formerly the Channels of Scultenna and Gabellus , between which two Rivers Modena is now plac'd ; which Rivers , as they imagine , after they had descended from the Apennine , did join their Waters in this place ; and therefore , through length of Time , the Mountains decreasing and the Fields rising , the Water rises to this height in these Wells when they are digg'd ; or in a hole made with Sand wet with Water , which is supply'd from these Rivers by hidden Passages ; And the Sand it self , that they may give Credit to so plausible a Thought , they give an Example ; for they say , That near a Stream , a Hole being made in the Sand , tho' dry on the Surface , the VVater appears ; which also by the Observation of Pliny the younger , is known to be done in the Sea-shore . For after this Author , with his accustomed Elegancy in a Letter to Plin. Gallus , described the Pleasantness of his Countrey-Village by the Sea-side , in the end of his Epistle he makes this Relation , as worthy to be taken notice of : It has Wells , or rather Fountains ; for the Nature of all that Shore is wonderful ; in whatever place you move the Ground , you meet with Water ; and that so fresh , as not to have the least saltness from the Vicinity of the Sea. By these words the most Learned Man seems to give some Specimen of our Fountains , seeing there also , in whatever place the Ground is digg'd , there is Moisture : Yet 't is gather'd , by the same Pliny's words , that the VVaters of these VVells did not spring up . I believe the same will happen in any Sea-Coast , except some Bed of Clay intervene , for the VVaters do easily follow the Sand : Therefore 't is no wonder , that in any place of Pliny's Countrey-House the VVater appears fresh , being strain'd through the Sand from the nearest Sea , and so depriv'd of its Saltness . But 't is no way probable , that the Case is so in our Ground : For tho' I do not deny that these Rivers did formerly run in deeper Channels , yet that that they give VVater to this Spring , I can no ways be induc'd to believe . For these Springs are perpetual , neither do they know any Increase or Decrease ; when yet these Rivers , not only in Summer , but also sometimes in VVinter , have their Sands dry , as we have seen of late Years , by reason of the hot Season ; seeing all the VVells except these , tho' digg'd deep , gave no VVater in the Neighbouring Countreys , to the great loss both of Men and Cattel . But the flowing of a most pure VVater from these Fountains is so uniform and constant , that 't is improbable they should depend on the unconstant and unequal state and course of these Rivers ; for the VVater decreasing in the deeper Veins , the Pressure would also decrease , and so these Fountains would be diminished . Moreover , seeing the Countrey of Rhegium , Parma , and all on this side the Po , is plac'd in the same Plain ; and many Rivers descending from the Apennine , glide over these Countries . I do not see , why they do not enjoy the same Prerogative when VVells are digg'd deep in them . But no where that I know of are such Fountains observ'd , so everlasting , and subject to no Alteration . Therefore we may lawfully judge the Cistern that furnishes VVater at the same rate to this Source , to be perpetual , never failing , and not temporary . CHAP. IV. Of the Ancient State and Form of the Countrey on this , and the other side of the River Po. THerefore having discuss'd the Opinions which take most among our Countrymen , of the Nature of this hidden Source , it may be thought fit that I should now tell my own : But before I do that , I think it worth while to enquire , and as far as Conjecture will allow to discover , what was in those times the outward Face of this Countrey which we inhabit ; seeing by the digging of these VVells in the Land of Modena , 't is known enough , that the Situation of this Countrey , which is called Gallia Cispadana , and Transpadana , was very low and deprest in old times , in comparison of what 't is now . Plato , when he brings in Critias speaking , writes , that there are two things which bring great and sudden Changes in the Earth , and totally abolish the Monuments of the most ancient Countreys . The VVorld felt the first Calamity in the Universal Deluge , the other being reserved against the Day of Judgment , and the Destruction of wicked M●n , as Peter says , when a New Heaven , and a New Earth shall appear . 'T is most certain , that the Face of the whole Earth was most notably changed , in that Universal Drowning and Overturning of all things . But some think that such a Change follow'd , that the state of the VVorld before the Flood was quite different from what 't was afterwards , which yet I cannot assent to . There is lately come from England a Book , whose Title is , The Sacred Theory of the Earth , by Thomas B●●net . This Learned Man endeavours to demonstrate , that the Earth before the Deluge in its first Original , had another Form than now it appears to have ; so that there were neither Seas nor Isles , nor Mountains nor Valleys , nor Rivers any where , but the whole Body of the VVaters lodg'd in the Caverns of the Earth . Now he feign'd such a Face of the Earth , to the end that it may be perceiv'd without the Creation of new VVaters , from what Store-house a quantity of VVater may be drawn sufficient to cover the Face of the Earth , tho' it had Mountains , which we must imagine to have been higher by far than the present ones : So that , according to his Reasoning , neither Rains , how great soever , nor Theo●● Rabbah of Moses , viz. Abyss of VVaters hid in the Caverns of the Earth , could be sufficient for that Universal Deluge . But he thinks that the Mountains , Valleys , Seas , Isles and Rocks , might have appeared in that great cleaving of the whole Body of the Earth , pieces of it being broke off here and there , and swallow'd up in the great Gulph ; while those , which stood in their former state , made a shew of Isles , Mountains , and Rocks ; but these which were wholly covered by the VVaters , had the Name of Sea and Lakes ; and so the Earth appeared after the Deluge all broken , torn , and of a quite different Aspect . This Fancy , however it may be taken for new , yet certainly is not the Fiction of our Times , but more ancient by far . Franciscus Patritius , a Man famous enough for Learning , in a certain Book of his , Of the Rhetorick of the Ancients , written in Italian , and Printed at Venice by Franciscus Senensis , Anno 1562. The first Dialogue has a pleasant Story , which he says Iulius Strozza had from Count Balthazzar Castillon , and he had from a certain Abyssine Philosopher in Spain . This wise Abyssinian did say , That in the most ancient Annals of Aethiopia , there is a History of the Destruction of Mankind , and the breaking of the Earth : That in the beginning of the World the Earth was far bigger than now 't is , and nearer to Heaven , perfectly round , without Mountains and Valleys , yet all Cavernous within like a Spunge , and that Men dwelling in it , and enjoying a most pure Aether , did lead a pleasant Life ; and that the Earth brought forth excellent Corn and Fruits without Labour . But when , after a long Flux of Ages , Men were puft up with Pride , and so fell from their first Goodness , the Gods in Anger did shake the Earth , so that a great part of it fell within its own Caverns ; and by this means the Water , that before was shut up in dark Holes , was violently squeez'd out , and so Fountains , Lakes , Rivers , and the Sea it self , took its Original : But that Portion of the Earth , which did not fall into these Caverns , but stood higher than the rest , made the Mountains : That the Isles and Rocks in the midst of the Sea , are nothing but Segments of the Earth remaining after the sudden fall of its Mass. I am willing , for the satisfaction of the Curious , to give the Author 's own words , as more tending to our purpose . In the first Ages , said the Reverend Old Man , after the last Renovation of the VVorld , the Earth we dwell on was not of that Form , nor so little as 't is at present , but far greater , and of a perfect roundness ; because then it did take up as much place , as it now takes up with the whole VVater and Air together : So that between it and Heaven there was not any thing interpos'd , but a most pure Fire , which is called Aether , being of a most pure and vital Heat . The Earth then was of so large an Extent , and so near to Heaven . But within , and in the Surface , 't was very Cavernous , within which were scattered the Elements of Air and VVater ; and towards the Center was scattered a Fire , to warm the places remotest from Heaven , and therefore obscure and cold . Because the other Caverns nearer the Surface of the Earth were illuminated from Heaven by the Openings above , and by its VVarmth filled with Life ; and all these Caverns were inhabited by Men , and other Animals , for the use of which the VVater and Air were scattered over the Caverns . The Earth then was like a Spunge , and Men dwelt within it ; their Life was very happy , and without any Evil , because there was not among Men either War or Sedition . Nor did they live inclos'd in Cities , as they do now , for fear of wild Beasts and other Men ; but they liv'd promiscuously , and the Earth produc'd its Fruits for their Necessity , without any Labour of theirs . Further , the Mildness of the Air and Aether were so great , that the Seasons did not vary as they do now : And knowing then the Truth and the Vertues of all things , they found they were good ; they knew also the Vertues of the Stars , their Senses being nourished in a most pure Aether , from whence they had the Knowledge of things Celestial and Elemental . 'T is come to our Knowledge , that in the most ancient Annals of Aethiopia , among many others , were found Aegypt , Aethiopia , Persia , Assyria , and Thracia . Now hearken , O Count , says the Aethiopian , attentively , what occasioned the Fall of the Earth , and the Ruine of Mankind . The Men of Assyria knowing all things , and by means of their VVisdom doing VVonders , were well pleased with it ; from this Self conceit grew in them a great Love of themselves ; by which the Flower of their VVisdom being darkned by degrees , they waxed proud , and began to think themselves Gods , and to compare themselves to Saturn , that then had the Government of the VVorld ; who , as he is slow to Anger , and ripe in Counsel , was not at all moved at the first : But when their Pride increas'd , he in Anger depriv'd them of the Influxes of his Mind ; from which Privation there grew in them Ignorance , from which flow Pride and Insolence ; and they began to seek how to get up into Heaven , and dethrone him : which when Saturn saw , being in his great VVisdom unwilling to defile his Hands with Humane Blood , of himself resigned the Government , and gave it into the Hand of Iupiter his Son ; who , after he had taken on him the Government of the VVorld , being born to Action , made a League with his Brother Pluto , who Reign'd in the Roots of the VVorld toward the Center : The one began to shake it terribly below , and the other to thunder upon it from above , with which terrible shaking and thundering , the Earth open'd in many places , and broke , so that it fell into its own Caverns , which by that were raised and filled up . From whence it came to pass , that it both became less , and infinitely further off from Heaven , and was buryed in its self , with all the things contained in it . And the Elements which stood highest , were , by its weight and restriction , squeez'd out , the lighter and purer did fly higher , and drew nigher to Heaven ; but of them which were shut up in the Ruins , and were before lodg'd in the Caverns , part remain'd below , and part chang'd their place . And it came to pass , that where the great Bulk of Earth fell , and could not be swallowed up of the Caverns , it remained on high , and afterwards being prest hard together by its own weight , and condens'd by the Cold , because of its distance from Heaven , became Mountains and Rocks ; and where in the fall great pieces of thick Earth were swallowed up , the VVaters were by this discovered , from whence came Seas and Lakes , Rivers and Fountains , great and little Isles , and Rocks scattered up and down the wide Sea. The Gold , the Silver , and other Metals , which in the beginning had been most fair and precious Trees , were covered in the Ruins . But there are some Remains of the Seeds shak'd off at that time , which now are digg'd with so great Labour , being neither so pure , nor of great Vertue , as formerly : And the Diamonds , Carbuncles , Rubies , Emeralds and Chrysoliths , Saphires , Topazes , and other Jewels , which be now found , are the thickning of the Rocks of the first Age ; and they are , in memory of these first times , to this day had in great Esteem , admir'd and reverenced as the most ancient things . The Porphyres , the Alabasters , Serpentines , and other fair Marbles of different Colours , are no other than some Particles of the Virgin Earth , which was nearest to Heaven , and in the Fall were thickned , and united , either by their own Weight , or some other , or by Cold : From whence 't is , that by the Searchers after Metals and Marble , there have been found many both Sea and Land Animals , turn'd into Stone and Volatils ; yea , many times Mens Bodies that have been all taken hence , inclos'd in their first shape in most solid Stone , without any opening . And from hence 't is , that there are seen so many thousands of Fishes , Oysters , and Cockles congealed , and Figure of divers Animals ; which some through ignorance of things pa● admir'd so much . These terrible things did at that time hap●pen on the Earth ; but the Animals and Men that were foun● Dwellers in the Caves , remain'● all bury'd by the Earth falling o● them ; and an infinite numbe● of those who dwelt in the oute● parts , by the terrible shaking be● neath , and the frightful Nois● above , died of Fear ; and amon● the others , all the Assyrians . I● the other Countries few remained alive , and these also conti●nued , either by the Fall , or thro● Fear , many Days in a Transe● and without Pulse . But afte● they were recover'd , they con●tinued astonisht and full of grea● Fear , that shortned their ow● Life , which at the first was ve●ry long , and their Childrens There was also among Men a Stupidity , which made them ignorant of all things , and was the Effect of the first Astonishment after the Fall of their first Fathers ; and yet if they seem'd to know any thing , they saw it through a thick Cloud . Moreover , since the Fall , if a Man had the Truth revealed to him by chance , Fear made him keep it secret ; for in all remain'd a Memory , the Knowledge of Truth being the occasion of their Parents Pride , and that of their Ruine . For if any had the Boldness to discover it , he darkned it a thousand ways , for fear of being reproved , and severely punisht by another . For this Reason the Sciences have been taught in dark Sayings , in Fables , in Figures and Numbers , in Sacred Rites , and in a thousand other hidden ways . And from thence 't is belike , that Princes and others , who would be powerful in the Earth , have chosen to follow the Opinion of the common People , and have persecuted with all Rigour those that would tell the Truth . Fear therefore having possessed all Men , by which they were disperst , such as remain'd began to join themselves together , and to beget Children , to help them and defend them ; they encompast themselves with Fences and Ditches , in which time they reverenc'd and perform'd Obedience to the Aged . After this as the number of their Posterity increas'd , and the Ties of Affinity decreas'd , they divided their Goods that were hitherto common , and so parted Friendship . After which all things went into Confusion , every one robbing , cheating , and killing another , and inventing new Tricks to defraud his Neighbour : From this , as Boldness grew in those that were of fiercer Spirits , and more ingenious to hurt , others became more fearful ; which Fear sharpned their Wit , so that consulting together , they found out the Name of Peace and Justice . Afterward they contrived a long Chain of Words , with which tying Justice and Peace by the Feet , by the Arms , by the Middle , and by the Neck , in a thousand ways , they thought to keep her , that she should not depart from their State , committing the keeping of these Chains , which they call'd Laws , into the Hands of wary Men , and of their own Temper , which they called Judges and Magistrates . By these Artifices did the timorous secure their Lives and Goods from the Injuries of the more powerful ; till at length one that was bolder than the rest , associating himself with the fearful and weak , became their Patron . These also were thrust from their place . After this rate have the Societies of Men been managed hitherto , and so they are at present , and will be for the time to come . When the timorous join'd themselves together , there arose Counsellors ; and when they were called into Judgment , there arose Judges . This now , Noble Sir , is the great History which the wise Abyssinian told the Count , worthy to be had in great Veneration , and highly to be esteem'd . Helmont seems to have entertain'd an Opinion about the Face of the Earth before the Deluge , not unlike to this ; his Words are these : From whence I conceive the Earth to have been in one piece , and undivided ; for asmuch as 't was be-water'd with one Fountain ; and lastly , to have had no Isles , but the whole Globe was Sea on one side , and Earth on the other . This was the Face of the World before the Deluge , after which the Earth did open into several shapes , and out of the Abyss of these Chinks did the Waters break out . But let us leave the Opinion , no less disagreeing with the Interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures , than with Nature it self . Scaliger speaking of the Asserters of that Opinion , about the Generation of the Mountains , says , That they piously dote , who have told , that the Earth was pulled out of , and sav'd from the Deluge . Yet 't is certain , that the Earth in that Universal Deluge did not suffer an ordinary Change , so that the Fortune of things being changed , Thetis and Vesta chang'd their places ; from whence Ovid says , Quodque fuit campus , vallem decursus aquarum Fecit , & eluvie mons est deductus in aequor , E'que paludosa siccis humus aret arenis . In English thus : Torrents have made a Valley of a Plain , High Hills by Deluges born to the Main ; Steep standing Lakes suckt dry by thirsty Sand , And on late thirsty Earth now Lakes do stand . I believe it has not happened otherwise to this Countrey of ours : For I conceive , that in the first beginning of the World , all this Plain , than which Italy has not a greater , and which the Po does now divide into Gallia Cispadana , and Transpadana , was once a Sea , and a part of the Adriatick . So in the Universal Deluge , the Mountains being par'd off , and bar'd , so that they lookt like Bodies extenuated by a Disease , as Plato wrote of the Atlantick Island ; we have reason to think that this Bay of the Sea was filled with Sand , and so became a Valley ; and afterwards , in process of time , by continual Descent of Waters from the Apennine , and the Alps , and other particular Deluges , ( such as was that which happen'd Anno 590. in Gallia Cisalpina , than which 't is thought there has not been a greater since the Days of Noah , as Pa●●●vin●us says in his Fifth Book of the Antiquities of Verona ) this Ground did grow up by degrees , and by many Lays or Beds , to the height we do now see it of . Both Ancient and Modern Writers judge the same of the most famous and greatest Plains in the Earth , as in Egypt , &c. which Aristottle says formerly was a part of the Sea ; and Herodot calls it , the Gift of the Nile ( seeing the Etymology of Nile is derived from Limus , Slime ) which he likewise says of the Countreys about Ilium , Teuthrania , and Ephesus , to wit , that they were sometime a part of the Sea : Yea , the same Herodot hath left it in Writing , that if the Nile turn'd its Course into the Arabick Gulph , it would at length cover it all with Slime . Polybius says , that the Lake Maeotis and the Euxine Sea are constantly fill'd with plenty of Sand , which great Rivers do continually bring into it , and that the time would be when they should be made even with the Continent ; taking an Argument from the Taste of the Water , viz. That as Maeotis is sweeter than the Pontick , so the Pontick is sweeter than the Euxine . Modern Writers think no less of the great and plain Countreys , among whom is the most Learned Kircher , who in his Mundus Subterraneus , says , from the Arabick Antiquities , and other Observations , That the great Plain , which lies between the Arabick and Persian Gulph , before the common Deluge , was covered with Sea-waters . And he also thinks , That the Sandy Desarts of Tartary were formerly the place of Waters , and all one with the Caspian Sea , and afterwards in length of time to have been rais'd to a greater height , and turned into great Fields . Neither need we to go so far off for Examples . We understand by History , that Ravenna , as well as Venice , was plac'd in the Sea ; but seeing now 't is 5 Miles from the Sea , no body knows how much Land has accrew'd to it by the retiring of the Sea ; a Prodigy truly worthy of Wonder , that where Ships did sail before , now there are Groves of Pine-trees . Upon the same account may we call the Land of Ferrara , the Gift of Eridanus , by reason of the slimy Water which this Royal River did by many Mouths discharge into the Adriatick for some Ages ; by which it came to pass , that a Colony of Fishes was by a true Metamorphosis chang'd into an Habitation of Men ; for which Ovid says , — Vidi factas ex aequore terras , Et procul à pelago conchae jacuere marinae . I 've seen the Seas oft turned to a Plain , And Lands were tilled where was before the Main . Tho' I dare not absolutely say , that all the Countrey which lies between the Apennine and the Alps , was a Sea formerly ; yet by what is observ'd in the digging of the Wells , Oyster-shells , and other Sea Products being found in their greatest Depth , it may be not without Ground conjectured , that the Adriatick did at least come thus far , or that the Bays communicating with the Sea , did stagnate here . Yet 't is without doubt from the Writings of the Ancients , that between the ● Aemilian Way ( in the middle of which is seated Modena ) and the Po , there was a Lake reaching from the Adriatick even to Placentia , which , from the Neighbourhood of the Po , they called Padusa , into which many Rivers descending from the Apennine , discharg'd a great quantity of Waters . Virgil makes mention of this Lake in these Verses : — Piscosove amne padusae Dant sonitum rauci per stagna loquacia cygni . Or murmuring Swans that sound their fanning Wings Padusa's Fishy Banks upon , or Ecchoing Springs . But Iohn Baptista Aleottus , in his most Learned Book against Caesar Mengolus of Ravenna , shews , by strong Reasons and Authorities , that no River from Splacentia to the Coast of the Adriatick Sea , did come into the Channel of the Po , but that they all discharged themselves into this Padusa ; for which he brings the Authority of Strabo , who writes , That this Lake was a great Hindrance to Hannibal , when he would have pass'd his Army into Etruria ; which Lake being not long after , by the Diligence of M. Scaurus the Surveyor , dried up , was turned into most fruitful Fields , many Rivers being brought within their own Banks to enter into the Po , as Tarus , Parma , Entia , Gabellus , Scultenna , the Rheine , and other Rivers of no small Note . Upon this account we may reasonably think , that the Po was not so famous of old , nor had the Name of Royal , till by the Accession of so many Rivers he had enlarg'd his Power . And therefore Herodot , a most ancient Writer , deny'd that there was any River found , called Eridanus ; which was no small matter of admiration to Pliny , that when Herodot wrote his History at Thurium in Italy , he knew no River by the Name of Eridanus . But seeing Herodot , as Pliny relates , made his History 310 Years after the founding of Rome , we may thence conjecture , That the Po did at that time run with less Glory , and in a straiter Channel ; or that the Historian spoke of another River . There is distinct enough mention made of this Lake in the forecited Iohan. de Argenta , and especially in Leander Albertus in his Description of Italy , who measures the Length of this Lake from Lamon by Ravenna , even to Scultenna , and tells all the Rivers which within this space descended from the Mountains into this Lake , and there ended their Course ; and that Hercules , the first Duke of Ferrara , suffered the Bononians to bring the Rheine within his Banks , that so he might enter into the Po ; by which it came to pass , that many Valleys of Ferrara , and also Bononia , were turned into most fruitful Lands . But when afterward the Rheine had broke over his Banks in the time of Hercules the Second , when the Fields were again turn'd into Water , and many Contentions arose among the Bononians and Ferrarians ; at length the same Prince granted , that the Rheine might be again brought into the Po. Therefore we must observe , that the Situation of this Countrey , in which Modena is now plac'd , was very low , seeing this Countrey border'd upon Padusa , into which so many Rivers did run ; of the lowness of which Rushes , Coals , Bones , Stocks of Trees , found in the Depths of 63 Feet , are most sure Proofs ; all which make it evident , that this Ground was sometime exposed to the Air , and that it had no other Aspect than now the Valleys of Como have . Therefore 't is not without cause , that Cluverius , in his Description of Italy , thinks a certain place o● Pliny deserves amendment . For Pliny , when he had described certain Islands floating in several places , like the Cyclades , as in the Caecuban Lands , the Reatine , the Lake of Vadimon , writes , that the same is observ'd in the Land of Modena . But Cluverius for Matiensis plac'd Mutinensis ; forasmuch as one may see such floating Islands made of Slime and Reeds in the Valleys of Como . Yet 't is out of all question , that the Situation of this Town , together with the adjacent Lands , in the space of 1800 Years , has grown 14 Foot ; for in this Depth Causways of Flint , and Shops of Artificers are found by digging , which certainly then was the Plain of the Town , when the Colony of the Romans was brought hither : Further , when I was writing this , there was found a Piece of Adrian the Emperours Coin , of Corinthian Brass , in the Depth of 18 Feet . History testifies , that Mantuae at that time was not far from the Marshes ; for Appianus Alexandrinus tells us , that Marcus Antonius and Pansa , in the Siege of Mutina , did fight amongst the Fenns , and in Grounds overgrown with Reeds ; and afterwards near Mutina , in a little Isle of the River Labinius , ( when at that time the Land of Modena was extended so far ) the Triumviri met , and establisht that horrible Banishment of their Countrymen ; when yet in this our Age there are no Vestigies either of Fenns or Islands , only most pleasant Fields are to be seen . So that with the Prince of Poets we may cry out , Tantum aevi long inqua valet mutare vetustas . Such wondrous Changes great length of time does bring . Yet this growing up of the Ground , which is observ'd by the great Depth of these Wells , ( I do not speak of the deeper parts , whether Humane Industry cannot reach ) was but slowly made , and by Slices , as it were , through length of time , as the several Lays of Earth do witness , which are observed in all Wells constantly in an equal Order and Distances when they are digged ; so that this growing up of the Ground so well distinguish'd , and so remarkable in the digging of all Wells , ought to be thought rather the Product of so many Ages , than the tumultuary and confus'd Work of the common Deluge . This doubtless then was the Face of the Countrey on this and the other side of the Po , which being formerly covered with Waters , and not habitable , now is remarkable for its Largeness , and the Fertility of its Fields , and has in it many Towns and Cities : For if we turn over old Authors , we shall find no mention made of Towns or Cities below Brixillus and Cremona , near the Po , even to the Adriatick ; but as many as were , and yet are in the Region on this side the Po , were built either near the Roots of the Apennine , or not far from them , as Bononia , Modena , Regium , Parma , &c. But we may infer , both from what was said before , and also from the little that this Sandy Bed , through which these Subterraneous Waters do run , wants of being in the same Level with the Sea , that the Sea did cover this Countrey in the beginning of the World. For if , according to the Observation of Aleottus de Argenta , a most diligent Hydrographer , whom we before cited , the Rheine , from the Foot of the Hills near Bononia to the Po , into which it does now no more run , has a Declivity of 123 Feet , 7 Inches ; and the Po from thence to the Sea has a Descent of 15 Foot 7 Inches ; and therefore the whole Declivity of the Rheine , and perpendicular Height to the Sea-shore , will be 139 Foot , omitting the smaller measures , the Plain out of which these Fountains spring , and that Mutina stands on ( which is distant about 10 Mile from the Roots of the Mountains ) will differ no more than 20 or 40 Foot from the Level of the Sea , as one may conjecture , seeing I have not leisure to examine these matters exactly , nor is it any great matter : But if we might dig further down , other Beds would doubtless appear , till we meet at last with the Plain , which was formerly the bottom of the Sea. But 't is better to search into other things , and to get out of these profound Abysses , if we can go no further . CHAP. V. What is the Nature and Condition of this hidden Spring . AS in the Works of Art , 't is not so safe from the Similitude of Effects which fall under our Eye , nor without fear of a Mistake , to infer the same Artifice of Mechanical Parts ; as may be seen by the Example of two VVatches , which tho' they have the same outward Form , and exactly perform the same Operations as to time , yet may have the inward Structure quite different ; so 't is less safe to make the same Judgments of the curious VVorks of Nature , and to determine what Instruments it uses , and what is its ways of working : VVherefore 't is much , as Aristotle says , if things obscure and hid to our Senses be explained by Possibilities . Seeing I am come so far , that I must at length tell what I think of the Nature of this admirable Spring , I believe I have done the part of a good Guesser , if by sounding this Ford , I can tell things probable and agreeable to the Laws of Nature , instead of things certain . VVe may therefore conjecture , that the Sea in this our Countrey had secret Commerce with the Appennine , to which it was adjacent in the beginning of the World , and that it still has ; and that it laid a Foundation by several subterraneous Passages in its Bowels for several Storehouses of Waters , of which this may be believed to be one , from whence these Fountains derive their Original , and that the Water is expanded over all this Vein of Sand , in which such a Spring is discovered : But when the Stop is taken away , and the Flood-gates are opened , it rises on high as in Aqueducts . And this Thought of mine , as it does not contradict Nature , so it shuns those Difficulties , which the foremention'd Opinion of an Immense Space , through which a subterraneous River flows , does incur . That a great abundance of VVaters may secretly flow a long way , through Sand , is neither against Reason nor Experience , seeing 't is the Property of Sand easily to drink up VVater , and therefore has the Name of Sinking Sand. Pliny and Solinus say , that the Nile , the greatest of Rivers , being swallowed up in the Sands , runs hid a great way , tho' nothing of that is known in our Times . Seneca also testifies , that some Rivers fall into Caves , some are by degrees consumed , and never appear again . The most Learned Kircher says , that in Westphalia , near the Village Altembechem , there is a certain sandy Plain , in which every Day the Water breaks out with great Violence , so as to overflow the whole Countrey , and afterwards sinking into the Sand , disappears , the Surface of the Sand remaining dry . The River Guadiana in Spain , as some relate who have observ'd it , when it has come to a certain Plain , is gradually swallowed up , and without noise of the Earth ; which is a most certain Proof , that this River does not fall into a Gulph , but runs away by these Beds of Sand. In like manner I do believe , that the VVater descends by secret Passages from a Cistern in the Roots of the adjacent Mountains , that communicates with the Sea , till it come into this deep sandy Plain , mixt with much Gravel ; so that there is no need to conceive any Plain of great width and depth , by which these subterraneous waters may constantly run down , but a few intersperst spaces may suffice , because of the Mixture of Sand and Gravel . Helmont says , that Sand is Original Earth , and the Seat of the VVaters , but that the rest of the Earth is the Fruit of this Original Earth , and that not without Reason , seeing the reducing of this Sand into VVater is more difficult than of any other Body . This same Author makes this Sand the last Bounds of digging , beyond which to proceed were lost Labour , because of the continual Conflux of Sand and VVater . But he thinks that this Sand is extended from the Shell of the Earth to the Center , and abundance of Water lodges in it ; so that the Water which is kept in it is a thousand times bigger than what is in the whole Ocean . All Seas , Rivers and Fountains , even in the top of the Mountains , owe their Original to this invisible Ocean , so that the Water does every where follow the vital Sand. Telesus seems to have been of the same Judgment , who said , the bottom of the Sea was a Fountain of that Interiour Ocean , which agrees with that Opinion of Plato concerning the Gulph , from whose Bosom all Waters go out , and into which they all fall back again . Whatever be of Truth in this Opinion , of an Invisible Ocean lurking in the Sand , which Helmont conceiv'd ingeniously , and upon probable enough Arguments ; yet I think none will deny , but Water may run a long way through Beds of Sand ; and when some Passage is open , may be rais'd again , especially if it be urg'd by Water descending from a higher Ground . And I think that 't is probable the matter is so in our Fountains , to wit , the Water flows out of some Cistern plac'd in the neighbouring Mountains , by subterraneous Passages , where the Earth is firm and hard ; but when it has come into the Plain , it expatiates far over the Sand , and in the way is lifted up to this height when a Hole is made with an Auger , according to the Laws of Hydrostaticks . And I think this is a more expeditious and easie way of explicating the Nature of this never-enough-admired Spring , than to imagine a great Vault , ( of which there are no Marks ) and a Town with a whole Countrey hanging over it . To give some Specimen how ●his flowing of the Water may be according to my Explication : Suppose , as in Fig. 2. that there is a Cistern in the Bowels of the Apennine , drawing Water from the Sea , and that the Water is carry'd by subterraneous Pipes from the same Cistern , and spread over this deep and sandy Plain A B C , mixt with much Gravel ; which sandy Plain being brought into much lesser Bounds , the Water is forc'd to run down by a more narrow space than it had in the beginning , and to follow its Course till it come into the Sea , or some great Gulph . Therefore Wells EFGH being digg'd , without any Choice in all the Tract lying upon this Spring , and a Hole being made by the Auger , the Water of necessity must be lifted up on high , being forc't by another , which descending from a higher Ground , presses on that which goes before , and drives it up . By this means these Waters receive a plentiful Supply from their Father Apennine , as does the Well of Waters which flows from Lebanon , of which there is mention in the Sacred History . But 't is , by far , more probable , that the Water is sent from the Sea into such a Cistern , than from Showers , or melted Snows , seeing Rain and Snow-waters run away for the most part by Rivers above Ground ; neither can they enter into the ground so deep ; as Seneca also testifies , That there is no Rain so great , which wets the ground above Ten Foot : For as he says , when the Earth is glutted , if any more fall , it shuts it out . And truly , how could it come to pass , that they should flow at the same rate as well in moist as in dry Seasons , if the Rain-Water came hither , and they did not rather get their VVaters from the Sea , which being strained through the Sand , and deprived of all Salt , they return to the Sea again with Interest . Truly , I could never yet understand , how that secret Cistern , from which VVaters are sent to these Fountains , should not be unconstant , if they received Moisture for a time from the Rains and Snows ; and sometimes increase , sometimes decrease ; and therefore , according to the Increase and Decrease of the Pressure , some Alteration should appear in these Fountains . But the Beds of Clay , which divide the impure from the most pure VVaters , as most strong Fences , do hinder the Rain VVaters from being mix'd with these subterraneous VVaters . And Plato thought , that a clayie Ground was the last Bounds of digging in the search of VVell-waters , obliging every one to dig to the Chalk ; and if there was no VVater found in that Depth , he suffer'd as much to be taken from the Neighbours as they had need of , to which Pliny subscribes , saying , That when Potters Clay appears , there is no more hopes of getting Water , nor need Men dig longer ; which yet agrees not with what is observed here . As I have deduc'd the Original of this VVater from the Sea , so I do not deny , that many Fountains owe their Originals to Rains and melted Snow ; yet with this difference , that the Fountains which have their Spring from the Sea by hidden Passages continue perpetual , but those which rise from Showers and temporary Springs at some time of the year , are diminished , and quite dry up ; as happens in great Droughts ; such as Baccius mentions to have been Anno 1556. in which not only all the Fountains , but also great Rivers dried up . The Countrey on this and the other side of the Po did experience such a Season almost for two Years together , viz. in 1687. and 88 in which time the Lands were unpleasant because of the Drought , and VVells were digg'd in other places , but to no purpose ; yet little alteration was to be observed in these our Fountains , nor yet in the moistest Season of all ; which made the Year 1690. fatal for Dearness of Provision , and Epidemick Diseases ; so that these our Fountains seem to be of the same nature with that Fountain in Tyanus , consecrated to Iupiter , of which Philostratus says , That it suffer'd neither Increase nor Decrease ; and therefore by the Natives is called Vnquenchable . Or like the VVell of Aesculapius , which as Aelius Aristides , a most famous Orator , relates , was a VVell of Pergamus a City of Asia , of such a nature , that it was always full to the brim ; and how much soever was drawn from it , it never decreas'd . Neither have we Reason only to think , that many Fountains take their Original from the Sea , but also many Lakes communicate with it . The Lake of the Vulsinians , whose Depth is not yet found out , for discovering of which I have seen between Narthana and Bisentina Ropes let down for some Hundreds of Fathoms , but in vain . This Lake , I say , both Summer and VVinter , discharges it self by the River Martha perpetnally into the Tyrrhenian Sea , neither does it receive any Rivers , and the Mountains which encompass it are never white with Snow . Beside , in the same Lake , when the Air was very calm , and the surface of the VVater was smooth , I observed often intestine Motions like Currents in the Ocean , which was known by the Fishermens Nets , which being sunk under Water , were snatcht violently from their hands ; an evident Proof of some hidden Commerce with the Sea. Iulius Obsequens , in his Book of Prodigies , relates , That the Lake Albinus , in the Consulate of Valerius and M. Valerius , was suddenly raised up , when no Rain fell from Heaven , neither could there be known any Cause of so sudden a swelling . I cannot be ignorant that the Original of Fountains and Rivers from the Sea is called in question . Gaspar Bartholinus , who follows the glorious Footsteps of his Ancestors , Printed a Treatise at Hafnia , wherein he endeavours to prove that Opinion to be absurd , which deduces the Original of Fountains and Rivers from the Sea ; so that all Fountains , as well temporary as perpetual , according to him , owe their Original to Rain . Suppose , as he ingeniously endeavours to prove , that for maintaining the Perpetuity of the Fountains in a dry Season , a Collection of the Water of the precedent Rains in some Receptacle within the Cavity of the Mountains is sufficient . But truly , I cannot see how in some Fountains their Regularity and equal flowing can hold out for so long a time , as is observ'd in ours for so many Ages ; seeing in whatever Season , either dry or moist , there appears no sign of Increase or Decrease . But Scaliger answers to those things which use to be objected against the Opinion of the Original of the Fountains and Rivers from the Sea , in opposition to Cardan , saying , There is no reason why the Sea-water , before it come to the Mountains , does not break out every where , in these words : But , O Cardan , he whom in the 2d of Genesis , the Divine Man says to have finisht all things , was so good an Architect , so wise a Water-Bailif , that Julius Frontinus is nothing to him : He therefore did so skilfully join the Pipes of his Aqueducts , and fit them for bearing the Burthen , as to free you from this fear . But truly , this Difficulty which is objected about the sufficient strength of the subterraneous Passages , gives no less trouble ( excepting the greater distance ) to the Asserters of the other Opinion , who attribute the Original of Fountains and Rivers to Rains. But how Water is furnisht to the Fountains from the Sea , which being heavy of its own nature , must flow back into the Sea from whence it came , making as it were a Circle , is not agreed upon among those , who admit the Original of Fountains to be from the Sea , as may be seen in Gaspar Schottus , who rehearses many Opinions of the Ancients and Moderns , and examines them . So true is it what Aristotle says , That 't was an old Doubt , why seeing so great a quantity of Water runs to the Sea , it does not thereupon become bigger . Some think that the Sea-water ascends above its own Original by the attractive force of the Earth , some by shaking and the Sea-tide , some by force of the inclosed Spirit , which drives up the Water to the top of the highest Mountains ; others do attribute it to the Pressure of the Air , which by perpetually breaking down the Surface , lifts the VVater up on high ; some recur to the Divine Providence : There are others who say , That the Sea-water flows with a natural Motion , whether from the bottom of the Sea , or the sides , to the Springs of Fountains plac'd in the most high Mountains , because the Sea is higher than the Earth , as the same Schottus thinks . But I like better the Opinion of Des Cartes , of which was also our Countrey-man Falloppius , who thinks that the Sea-water , by reason of the subterraneous Heat , is raised in form of a Vapor to the highest Mountains ; and there , by reason of the ambient Rocks condens'd into Water , as is usual in Chymical Distillations , so that the Mountains are like Heads of the Alembicks , by the Cold of which the exalted Vapors are condensed into Water , which afterwards breaks out into Springs . Iulius Caesar Recupitus tells , in his History of the burning of Vesuvius , that at the same time it did send forth two Streams , one of Fire towards the shoar , another of Water on the other side that looks to the Plain of Nola , the Fire not only keeping time with the Waters , but also producing them : For 't is to be thought that by force of the violent Heat diffus'd over the Mountains , so great a quantity of Waters was exhaled from some Cistern that held the Sea-water , that it was sufficient for making a Torrent . Perhaps it might be as convenientby deduc'd from the Rarefaction of the Air inclos'd within the Bowels of the Mountains , pressing down the Surface of the Water , and so forcing it out another way . Neither do the Beds of Stone and Chalk , which Bartholine objects , withstand the lifting of the Vapors upward : For supposing the Mountains are , as all confess them to be , cavernous within , such Beds as these might afford this use , to stop the Vapors lifted upward by force of the Heat , and let them fall down by various Chinks as Veins , to which these Beds , especially such as are gravelly and stony , are passable ; from whence the Fountains arise , which are called Mouths of the Veins . Therefore 't is a more ready way , and more agreeable to the Laws of Nature , to draw the Original of Fountains , which are perpetual , and subject to no Alteration from the Sea , by the continual Ascent of Vapors in the great Receptacles of Nature . And 't is reasonable to think it so in our Case , both from the old state of the Countrey on this side the Po , and also the perpetual Fires that the Neighbouring Mountains maintain , which at their wide Mouths sometimes throw up much Fire and Ashes , with Stones , with so great a Noise and Crashing , that it is heard sometimes 12 Miles off ; which truly is not new , seeing Pliny mentions this , who writes , That in the Land of Modena the Fire comes out on set Days ; and tells it as a Prodigy , that two Mountains met together , Smoke and Fire coming out ; and that in the Day time a great multitude of Roman Horsemen and Travellers were looking on . But that is especially seen in Mount Gibbius , where there are many Fountains , from which Petroleum flows . An Account of some very remarkable ones I had from my Brother who saw them , and was confirmed to me by Seignior Spoletti , Physician to the late Ambassadors from Venice , and Professor of Physick at Padoua , when he was at my Chamber . They be seen on a side of one of the Apennine Mountains , half way betwixt Bologna and Florence , near a place called Petra Mala , about Five Miles from Fierenzola ; 't is in a spot of Ground of three or four Yards Diameter , which incessantly sends up a Flame rising very high , with no Noise , Smoak , or Smell , but gives a very great Heat , and has been observed to be thus in all times , except of great Rains which put it out for a while ; but when that is over , it burns with greater violence than before ; the Sand about it when turn'd up sends forth a Flame , but within 3 or 4 Yards round about it there are Corn Fields . The People that live near to it , believe that there is a deep Hole there ; but he found it to be firm Ground . There are 3 or 4 more of those near , but they do not burn so vehement by as this . When I was thinking on a more exact History of these Fountains of Petroleum , than is in Writers . I understood by Letters from Malliabecchius , ( to whom , as Prince of the Learned ) whatever happens new in Learning is presently brought ) that the most Learned D. Olinger , the Kings Professor at Copenhagen , had lately Published a Book , which he found among some Manuscripts , under the Name of Franciscus Areostus , of the Oil of Mount Zibinius , or the Petroleum of Modena , which Book that most Renowned Author Dedicated to the same Malliabecehius , with a Preface to the Reader : A great Reproach of our floth , who stay till some rise from the remotest Countreys to illustrate our Matters by our own Writings . Though I derive the Original of our Fountains from the Sea first , then from some Cistern of VVater plac'd in our Mountains , into which the Vapors , sent up by the inclos'd Heat , are returned in form of VVaters . I would not thence infer , that this Cistern is plac'd in the tops of the Apennine Mountains , but I believe rather that 't is plac'd in the Foot of the Mountain , than in the top ; for though , as I show'd before , 't is not always , necessary , that the VVaters , though inclos'd within Pipes , should reach to the height of their Cistern , which happens as often as their Passage being stratinted , they have not free Liberty to flow out , as in Fig. 1. But if we should place this Cistern in the tops of the Apennine Mountains , probably the VVaters might rise higher in them , when yet they do not rise to the surface of the Ground . But I cannot certainly conjecture in what part , whether near the foot of the Mountain , or in their inner parts , this Cistern of VVaters is plac'd by the Divine Architect . I have spar'd no Labour nor Experiences to find out the Head of this Spring , and therefore I diligently viewed not only the Plain towards the Mountains , but the Mountains themselves , and could find no Marks of it . I observ'd indeed some small Lakes , but such as dry up in the Summer , and so become Pasture for Cattel ; of the number of which is the Lake Paulinus , 25 Miles distant from this . I thought best therefore to fetch the Original of these Waters from another source , viz. From some secret Cistern of water plac'd in the inner parts of the Apennine Mountains . And it is certain , that the inner parts of the Mountains are cavernous , and that there are in them Cisterns of water , from whence Fountains and Rivers draw their Original . Lucan feign'd to himself a great Cistern of water in the heart of the Apennine , from which all the Rivers of Italy did flow , that run into both the Seas . I am willing to bring in here his Verses , seeing to reason in so abstruse matters with the Philosophers , or to conjecture with the Poets , is the same thing . Fontibus his vastis immensos concipit amnes , Fluminaque in gemini spargit divortia ponti . In laevum cecidere latus veloxque Metaurus , Crustuminumque rapax , & junctus Sapis Isauro , Quoque magis nullum tellus se solvit in amnem , Erldanus fract as deducit in aequora silvas ; Dexterior a petens montis declivia Tybrim Vnda facit — Hence from vast Fountains do great Rivers flow , And into double Seas divorce do slide In several Channels , down on the left side Metaurus swift and strong Crustumium flow . Isapis join'd to Isaurus , Sonna too , And Aufidus the Adriatick beats . Eridanus , than which no River gets More Ground , Whole Forests rowls into the Sea o'return'd . But seeing 't is known enough by what we have related in the History of these Fountains , that this Spring is not so old as the world , seeing the last Plain in which the Auger was fastned was formerly in the open Air , as the Trees in it make evident . If in the beginning of the World these Waters had flown as they do now , the force of the water would easily have thrown off that weight , as it happens sometime when the boring is delay'd . Then one will say , When , and how had this admirable Source its Original ? To this I may answer , That there are no Monuments of this , nor can it be absolutely known when these waters began to flow ; yet 't is certain , that this Accumulation of the Ground hath not happen'd but after great Land-Floods , they leaving a great deal of Mud here ; otherwise , as I was saying , the force of the water would have thrown off the weight . Therefore I am inclin'd to believe , that after the Plain was thus rais'd , some new ways were open'd by a great Earthquake , so that the waters might flow from the Cistern placed in the adjacent Mountains , which receives them by a continal evaporation from the Sea , and so might flow from that sandy Ground , and so to have kept their Course for many Ages , before the wit of Man reach'd hither , and open'd the Veins of the Earth with the Auger as with a Launce . And 't is known by many Observations , that some Fountains die by Earthquakes , and some rise ; as Ovid says , Lib. 15. Met. Hic fontes natura novos emisit , & illic Clausit , & antiquis tam multa tremoribus orbis Flumina prosiliunt , aut excaecata residunt . In English thus : Here Nature , in her Changes manifold , Sends forth new Fountains , there shuts up the old ; Streams , with impetuous Earthquakes , heretofore Have broken forth , and sunk , or run no more CHAP. VI. The Progress and End of these Waters is enquired into , and a Reason is given of those things which are observ'd in the digging of the Wells . 'T IS worth the Enquiry , What is the Progress of these our waters that flow under ground , and whether they go ? But here I stick , and there is no place but for Conjecture . I have often enquir'd of the Undertakers , Whether they felt the Auger to be carried by Violence to any side ; but I could understand nothing certain of them . But seeing the length of this Source is far greater than its breadth , I think it more agreeable to truth , that these waters flow from East to VVest , according to the lenghth of the Aemilian way , which Tract of Ground is six Mile long , and but four broad , as far as I have had occasion to observe ; but when it has pass'd the way , we may judge that either 't is sunk into these Wells of the Earth , or by secret turnings and windings falls into the Sea , according to the Laws by which the water circulates in the Body of the Earth , which we read described by Ecclesiastes in these words , All Rivers enter into the Sea , yet it does not overflow ; the Rivers return to the place from whence they came , thither they return again . And the Heathen Poets , as Lucretius , in these Verses , Lib. 1. Debet ut in mare de terris venit humor aquai . In terr as itidem manare ex aequore salso . As Rivers run from Earth , and fill the Main , So some through secret Pores retur● again . But also is proved by the most grave and modern VVriters , with many Reasons , as Arias Montanus , Varenius , Vossius , Becher , and many others , whom the most famous Lanzon , Physician of Ferrara , cites in his Animadversions , full of variety . It may be doubted , and that not without reason , whether the course of these waters must be for ever . And truly , seeing from the times of the Roman Common-wealth , even to this Age , there hath been so great an accumulation of the Earth , as well in the City as in the adjacent Lands , and in the Channels of Rivers , there is no place left of doubting , but the course of these Fountains will at length cease , the Causes continuing the same , to wit , while the next Rivers take away with them the spoil of the Mountains , and therewith cover the Plains that lie under . Therefore , as these Fountains for a far better use did rise many Feet above the Surface of the Earth , but now rarely reaches its Surface ; so we must think , that the time will come in which these waters must stand in their VVells , having no descent by which to run down : And these Changes , which succeed in great length of time , and without a VVitness , if we consider the present state of things , hardly deserve Credit ; yet the thing it self speaks that they have truly happened , and will still follow : But because ( to use Aristotile's words ) the things are done in great length of time in respect of our Life , they are hid from us , and the ruine of all Nations does happen before the change of these things , is told from the beginning to the end . But this is the common Fate of Cities that are plac'd in the Plains , that after many Ages they are almost half buried ; or , ( as the Egyptian Priest in Plato says of the Cities of Greece ) are carried by the force of the Rivers into the Sea ; though on the other hand , Towns which are plac'd on the tops of the mountains , their Foundations being par'd , do tell the Injuries of Time : A sure Proof , that there is nothing constant and firm in this world , but that we must look for the City that is on high , and is to continue for ever . But why these Fountains , seeing they are supposed to take their Original from the Sea , have no ebbing or flowing , as some Fountains , of which Writers take notice ; as is that which Pliny the Younger mentions in the Land of Como , which ebbs and flows three times in a Day . I think this to happen , because water is furnisht to these Fountains from the Sea , by the Ascent of Vapors ; which evaporation , though it be not always equal , because of the subterraneous Fires sometimes weaker , sometimes stronger , yet 't is enough if it be such as is sufficient to keep the Cistern full always to the same height , on which depends the Equality of Flux of these our Fountains for so many Ages , whatever come of the water that sometimes overflows , and is dispersed another way . But why some Fountains at certain times flow , and at other times ebb , many Causes are brought , of which ( I mean those which draw their Source from the Sea ) the Cause is the ebbing and flowing of the Sea , by force of which it comes to pass , that as the Sea ebbs and flows , these Fountains are sometimes observed full , and sometimes empty . We said , that in the Winter-time a great Heat was perceiv'd in these Fountains , and in the Summer time a great Cold ; as appears also by the The● mometer let down to several Depths , and the Table before marked shews : Which Observations seem not a little to favour the Defenders of an Antiperistasis ; and so much the rather , that these Observations were not made in a Mountanous , but in a Champion Countrey . For I do not think it safe to try it in Mines , and the Caverns of the Mountains ▪ because of the Metallick Exhalations , and divers Salts and kinds of Marcasites , with which they are pregnant ; for when such Substances are sprinkled with Water , they grow hot like Quick lime , and raise divers Exhalations , which the Mineral Waters do testifie that break out hot ; to which you may add , there are many Store houses of Fire , which may not a little alter the subterraneous Region , which happens not in great Plains , as is the Countrey on this and the other side of the Po. Indeed , the most Learn'd Mr. Boyle has gathered many things of the Temper of the Air under Ground ; all which yet he says he had from such as made Observations on many Mines ; where he also relates , that in the same places , and at the same times of the Year , there is found a different temper of the subterraneous Regions , because of the different Nature of Salts . And he says , That from some Mines are felt hot Effluvia in the Summer-time . And 't is observed , that not only out of the Caverns of the Mountains , hot Exhalations breath in the Summer-time , but also frequently a most cold Air. In Etruria , near the Lake of the Vulsinenses , near the Town Martha , is a little Cave at the foot of a most high Mountain , which is not above 6 or 8 Feet deep ; but in the side of the Cave at a little Chink the Wind blows so cold that it may be compar'd to the Coldness of the North Winds . The Fathers of the Order of the Mimims of St. Francis de Paula , who have a Church with a Monastery near it , use this Cave as a Vault for their Wine ; and in the Summer-time draw their Wine from thence as cold , as if it had been in Snow ; yea , if they keep their Summer Fruits there sometime , they draw them out sprinkled with a cold Dew , as I have observed , during my stay with them , in the Dog days . But in the great Plains where all the Earth is solid , and does not keep so many kinds of Salts or Fires inclos'd , if we might go down deeper by digging , a greater Certitude might be had of this subterraneous Temperature . But in these VVells of ours I perceived this Reciprocation of Heat and Cold sensible enough , as often as I descended into them at different times ; but that there might happen no Deception by the Senses being preposses'd with Heat or Cold , I observed it manifestly by a Thermometer exactly sealed . But whatever is the nature of Cold or Heat , ( for 't is not proper in this place to enquire whether they are bare Qualities or Corpuscles causing such a Sensation in us . ) Antiperastis , as I think , ought not to be banish'd out of the Schools ; for it may be explained right enough both ways . Whether therefore , according to the Diversity of Climates and Countreys , there be a different Temper of the Air under Ground , yet 't is certain that the Thermometer being let down , does speak with distinct Notes , that there is at least in the first Region of the Earth , ( whatever be of the deeper and Central parts of the Earth ) this Reciprocation of Heat and Cold , according to the different Changes of the Year ; and always in a quality opposite to that which the external Air , in which we live , hath : So that here may be used that Sentence of the Noble Hippocrates , Lux orco tenebrae Iovi ; Lux Iovi tenebrae orco . But before we come out of these VVells , it will be fit to give the Reasons of some Phaenomena that are observ'd in the digging of them . It was said before , that there is a great Rest in the Air in the VVinter-time , so that the Candles continue burning ; there is no smoaky Exhalation , and they easily draw their Breath ; but in the Summer-time there is raised a thick Cloud , the Lights are put out , and the Diggers are almost kill'd . But from whence this ? VVhen rather in the Winter-time , because of the Heat , more intense at that time , and equal to the Summers Heat , it might seem consonant to Reason , that in a moist place a smoaky Exhalation should be rais'd , which should trouble the Air , and put out the Lights ; but in the Summer , by reason of the Cold which lodges in these VVells , not much unlike the Cold in the VVinter , it would seem reasonable that the Air should be more pure , nor so intangled with gross Vapours , as to be unfit for Respiration ! VVhether 't is that the Heat , which in the VVinter-time is in these Wells by reason of an Antiperistasis , being greater , hath force to dissipate these Vapors ; but in the Summer-time , by reason of the Cold , they cannot be dissolved ! Or rather , that the Exhalations in the Winter , that are raised by the Heat in these VVells , are lighter than the external and thicker Air , and so do ascend more easily , but in the Summer are heavier than the external Air ; and therefore stagnating there , cause a difficulty of breathing , and put out the Lights when kindled . But here I cannot but wonder , why in the Mines , though of great depth , as are those in Hungary , the Miners continue any time of the Year with their Candles lighted , and that in any season ; nor do they feel so great an Inconvenience in breathing : But in our Wells that are in the open Air , and communicate with the open Air , not by turnings , but in a streight Line , the VVorkmen in the Summer-time are almost suffocated , and their Lights put out ; so that in the Dog-Days there is no hiring of them to work . Perhaps this falls out , because the Mines in the Mountains and dry places have not so gross an Air , but such as is sufficient for Respiration ; but these being digg'd in a Champion Countrey , and moist Ground , send forth Streams more plentifully ; so the Air being filled with them is unfit for Respiration . I deny not but in the Mines the Miners are sometimes troubled with shortness of Breath , partly by reason of their own Breaths , and partly because of the Metallick Exhalations ; yea , are sometimes killed ; so that to prevent the Danger of being stifled , they use Air-Pumps , for taking up the fowl Air , and letting in fresh ; a Description of which you may see in Agricola . Beside , they dig a Pit some distance from the Mine , tending downwards , from which a Mine is extended to the place where the Diggers work , which serves for a Wind Pipe ; and by bringing in fresh Air , and driving the old to the Mouth of the Pit , does much refresh the VVorkmen , and frees them from the danger of being stifled ; but that is only done in the deeper Mines , as Agricola and Mr. Boyle relate . The Lights therefore are put out in the Summer-time in these VVells , and the Diggers are seiz'd with a great Difficulty of breathing , because the Air in it is fill'd with gross Vapours ; which thick and ponderous Vapors cannot ascend in the hotter and lighter Air , but are to lodge there by reason of their weight . But the Vital Light requires of necessity a thinness , and empty spaces in the Air , in which it may lay down its Fulginous Effluvia , and needs fresh Air for its Food , otherwise it quickly dies . It was observed before , in rehearsing the curious things that occur in the digging of these VVells , that there are three Beds of Clay two of 11 Foot , another below it of less thickness , with marshy Beds between them of two Feet thick . I have often times studied to find out the Generation of these-Beds , examining with my self how they are distinguish'd in this Order of time thro' the whole Tract . I know there have been amongst our Countreymen some who think , that these Beds of Clay are the Product of the Universal Deluge . But this Author , whose Name I now pass in silence , lest I should seem to contend with the Ghosts , ( for he died this year ) tho' he was born in this Countrey , yet having liv'd always abroad , was surely never present at the digging of those Wells , but hath had from others all that he says of them : For if he had seen the Structure of these Fountains , he would never have written , that the Clay in these VVells was 24 Feet deep , and the marshy Ground as thick : For there are three Beds of Clay , two of 11 Foot apiece , and one less , with their Beds of marshy Ground between of two Foot a piece . Therefore this Conjecture for the Truth of the Universal Deluge , taken from the thickness of the Clay , is of no weight . I am perswaded therefore , that after the Universal Deluge , whose Vestigies are perhaps deeper , these Beds of Clay were produc'd by three particular Floods , yet great and most ancient ; so that from one Flood to another much time interceded , in which the stagnation of the Water , and the Ground putrifying together with the leaves and roots of Reeds , gave Original to these intermedial marshy Beds . I can easily believe , that this Bulk of Clay was made of the Earth drawn down from the Mountains , by the hasty Descent of the Waters into these Valleys ; seeing for gathering of Clay for the Potters , 't is usual with us to convey the VVater into Pits made by art , out of the Rivers Scultenna and Gabellus , by which means the Water being exhaled by the Heat of the Summer , there settles much Clay in them , which the Potters afterwards use for making their Vessels . And Pliny testifies , That the Potters Art excelled in this City of old , because of the Excellency of the Clay , and its toughness , saying , That Modena was famous in Italy for Potters Work ; when at that time , as he says , Luxury had come to that height , that Potters Work cost more than Porcelline . And we have reason to think , that this diversity of Beds , which is seen in great Plains , has been made by several inundations and accumulations of the Ground : But from whence that diversity of Beds comes , which is also found in the Mountains , is not so easie to determine . Agricola says , there were sixteen Beds of different Colours in the Mines of the Mountain Melibochus , and of different heights ; but if one could dig deeper , doubtless a great many others would appear . If we would stick to the Opinion of our Faloppius , 't will not be a hard matter to understand the Generation of these Beds , and their Diversity in the Mountains ● for he thinks , that the Mountains were made by a dry Exhalation shut up in the Bowels of the Earth , which he gathers from their Pyramidical Figure ; yea , he thinks they are nourished by such an Exhalation , and grow by peace-meal ; from whence it comes to pass , that , as in Sublimation of Antimony , Flowers of different sorts are gathered according to the diversity of the Pots , so he thinks the same to happen in the Caverns of the Mountains , according to the different Generation of Metals and Fossils . But when in the Creation , Mountains were built by the great Artificer , 't is fit to own they were made in their whole Perfection ( as being the first Former of all things ) and with so many Beds for various uses . Bartholine , in the Discourse before cited , shews ingeniously the use which these Beds give , especially those of Clay , for the generation of Fountains , whether they be made of Rains , as the temporary ones ; or of Sea-water , as the perpetual or regular ones : For these Beds are of special use for the Collection of Waters into one Receptacle , and likewise for their running a long way , otherwise they should be lost ; neither would there be any Reason , why they should break forth in one place more than another ; which use , without doubt , these Beds of Clay perform in these Fountains ; for while these Waters run through the sandy Plain , 't is reasonable to think , that there is another Bed of Clay lying under ; so that being shut up above and below , they follow their course as it were thro' a Pipe , except when they break out into the Air , a way being open'd to them by these Wells . Therefore supposing the hidden Expansion of these Waters over the Sandy and Gravelly Plain , 't is no wonder if a Noise be perceiv'd in the bottom of these Wells , while the Water runs through the Gravel , ( which Gravel 't is more probable to be there made of the Sand , than to fall from the Mountains , ( seeing a great part of it is so soft , that by the only rubbing of your Fingers it is broke ) and if the Water be rais'd in all the Wells to the same height , seeing there is the same Cause which drives it on high , to wit , the pressure of the Water descending from an higher place , and from the same Receptacle . And lastly , If they be equally pure and wholsom , seeing they are of the same Disposition . For the same Reason the same Waters are the more lively , the more is drawn from them , and their slowness is corrected when it happens ; because by the Sand thrown up , and sinking to the bottom , the hole made with the Auger is sometimes stopt ; a sure Proof that these VVaters run through a sandy Plain , but not at all through an immense wide Space ; which may be further known by the depression and failing of the Ground , that is observed sometimes to happen when too much Water and Sand has run out . CHAP. VII . The Proportious inquir'd into , that the Elevation of Water in a streight Pipe , inserted into a Horizontal one , has to the height of its Cistern . THE Nature of Fluid Bodies is so abstruse and intricate , that it could never be enough explained by the most solid Wits . Among the Ancients Archimedes has left us a few Theorems , but of great moment , in a Book which he has written , De Insidentibus Humido , Of things that Float ; which Book , that I may use Tully's own words of Crantor's Books , Is not great , but golden . Among the Moderns , the Honourable Mr. Boyle , Galilaeus , Sterinus , Borellus ; and lastly , D. Guilielminus , a Noble Mathematician of Bononia , have chiefly cultivated this most noble part of Philosophy ; who though they all , by many Observations and Hydrostatical Experiments have dived far into the wonderful Properties of Fluids , yet have left room for a further Enquiry : For if in any case Seneca's words are of value , 't is in this the greatest and most intricate of all , in which even when much is done , the Age following will find something more to do . Seeing then , according to our Hypothesis , the Waters of this hidden Source are movable and running , and withal ascend on high ; because , as was said before , the Passage by which they go out , and fall into a Gulph , is straitned ; and seeing the Ascent into these Wells is constant and perpetual , nor can be done without some proportion to the height of their Cistern ; because this Cistern is supposed by us to be in the Foot of the nearest Apennine Mountains , and higher by far than the Elevation of these Waters from the bottom of the Wells to the top ; therefore I thought it would not be unprosftable nor unpleasant , if I endeavoured to shadow out , if not exactly to describe , such a Proportion . Suppose then there be a Vessel ABC full of Water , to which a Pipe DE is fastned in a Horizontal Line , and whose Orifice is half shut , so that the water does not flow with a full Stream : Let there be likewise in the middle of the Pipe D F another glass Pipe HI inserted perpendicularly ; therefore granting a free Passage to the water , I say , that the water will be lifted in the middle Pipe HI to such a height , that if the height of the water contain'd in the Vessel be of eight parts , the elevation of the water in the streight Pipe HI shall be of six parts ; and such a Proportion will answer to any Division of the Mouth of the Pipe D F. For if the Orifice of the Pipe D F be wholly shut , so that no water runs down , none is ignorant that the water in the Pipe HI of its own nature must place its self in the same Horizontal Line with the water contain'd in the Vessel , to which effect two things doubtless concur with equal force , to wit , the pressure of the water contain'd in the Vessel , and the resistance of the Obstacle that wholly obstructs the Hole in the Pipe , which stop is eqvivalent to a Power pressing with equal force against the water stagnating in the Vessel ; if then the elevation of the water in such a case is a produce arising from two Causes equally working , to wit , the pressure of the water , and the resistance of the stop , it will follow , that when the Orifice of the same Pipe D F shall only be stopt in part , the ascent of the water in the intermedial Pipe H I , whatever it be , will be a Product of the same Pressure , as in the first Case , and the virtual Pressure of the Stop , but working unequally ; from hence it comes to pass , that when the Pressure of the superincumbent water in the Vessel that presses it to flow out , is in the same degree and energy as before ; and on the other hand , the force of the Stop is removed , the water cannot be lifted up so high in the Pipe erected perpendicularly , as to reach the height of the water contain'd in the Vessel , but must of necessity be under it ; so that if the height of the water were in supposition eight Foot , and operated with such a Pressure as were equal to that height , but the Stop should not act but half , i. e. as four ; these two working together , and making the ascent of the water , there cannot but happen an Effect , which is between these two Agents , as 6 is between 8 and 4 , i. e. in an Arithmetical Proportion ; and therefore in the supposed Case the Water will be only raised in the streight Pipe H I to 6 parts , which Elevation is half the Aggregate of the height of the water contain'd in the Vessel , and the power of the Stop. This was my Reasoning before I try'd whether the thing agreed to it ; which I did , by inserting a wooden and square Pipe into the side of the Vessel , as in Fig. 3. and fitting a glass Pipe divided into 8 parts , and erected perpendicularly to the same Pipe ; then putting a stop to the Pipe , which might only obstruct the half of it , I let the water run out , and observed that the water did rise in the glass Pipe in the same proportion , to wit , as 6 to 8 : Yet I must confess , that the ascent of the water did not so exactly answer to the greater or lesser Obstacles put to the hole of the Pipe , because perhaps of the difficulty of fitting divers Doors to the Orifice , and because of the Undulation of the water produc'd in the Glass Pipe from the Impetus , where 't is observed to go out . Having therefore communicated these my Observations to the most famous Bocchabadatus , Mathematician to the Great Duke , and my intimate Friend from our Childhood , ( for I always thought it the part of an ingenuous Man , that I may use Pliny's words , to confess by whom I have profited ) he prompted me with a Method by which I might obtain my Desire . When therefore he thought that the diversity of Stops might be supplied , if to the hole of the Pipe , from whence the water should come out , another streight Pipe of the same bigness were set , but with a proportion to the height of the Cistern . I made Trial , and the thing succeeded according to my desire . So in Fig. 4. supposing the Altitude of the Water in the Vessel to be of 8 parts , and the Pipe MN to be only of 4 parts , by which means 't is equivalent to an Obstacle that takes up half the breadth of the Aperture , letting the water run out , and the Vessel always remaining full , the water in the Pipe HG appear'd suspended in E , to wit , in the height of 6 parts , which is half the Sum of 8 and 4 , the height of the Water and the resistence of the Obex . In like manner in Fig. 5. when the Pipe is of the height of 6 parts , the water in the Glass Pipe E F was seen to rise to S , to wit , to 7 parts The same was observed ( as in Fig. 6. ) when the Pipe E H pouring forth the water , was of ● parts , i. e. equivalent to an Obstacle stopping the fourth part of the Orifice ; for in the Glass Pipe the water stood in T , i. e. in part 5. and that as exactly as Physical Experiments will admit , as every one may easily try . I do not doubt but the same will happen in any other case ; therefore Reason and Experience do sufficiently prove , that the Water is raised in a middle Arithmetical Proportion between the force of the Obstacle , and the height of the water in the Cistern . While on this occasion I diverted my self in making various Hydrostatical Experiments in the Dog-days , I happened to make a very curious Observation , to wit. That though the height of the water be the same in the Vessel , and the same Horizontal Pipe be inserted into it ; yet in the perpendicular Pipes , according to the difference of their Situation , there is a notable difference of the altitude of the water in one and the other , as in Fig. 7. Let the Vessel A B C D be full of Water , the Pipe D H be inserted into it , and shut in the Extremity , and let F G H I be the Glass Pipes erected perpendicularly , but M the Pipe pouring out water . Therefore in the Pipe F G , according to what was said before , the water will rise to O , i. e. to parts 5. for the height of the Pipe M pouring out the water is suppos'd 2. and the height of the water contain'd in the Vessel is as 8. But if the Pipe F G be transferred to H I ( the Orifice where it was fastned being stopt ) the water will be raised higher , i. e. to N , to almost 7 degrees ; which would likewise happen , if at the same time two Glass Pipes F G H I stood upright , and the Pipe M should pour out water , the Vessel being always full ; for this different height of waters is perceiv'd well enough in every case . One may try the same , not only when the Pipe that pour'd out the water is longer or shorter , but also when many Pipes of different lengths , and with proportion to the height of the water contain'd in the Vessel , send forth water at the same time , and many Glass Pipes are interjected , seeing many cases may be fain'd according to every ones Fancy . But seeing there is no small Undulation in the Glass Pipes , because the water running out at M , falls back upon its self ; this Inconveniency will in some measure be shunned , if the Pipe F H be something bended , that so both the Glass Pipes , and the Pipes sending forth the water be inclin'd to one side ; for in this case there will happen less Undulation , and the different heights of the water may be more easily viewed . The Reason of this Phaenomenon I judge to be , that the Impetus of the Water running from the Cistern out at M , withdraws some of the water from the Pipe F G , so that it cannot rise so high ; and the same Impetus coming to H I , finding now no Vent , makes it rise higher , even to N. This new Observation I communicated to the same Boccabadatus , who , as he did not a little wonder at the novelty of the thing , so being a most ingenious and exact Searcher into natural things , he did not cease to enquire into the Cause of it ; yea , afterwards he told me he had the Demonstration of it , which he said he would insert into his Work which he is to publish , about Mechanick Force . I thought fit to propose this Phaenomenon to the Lovers of Hydrostaticks , thinking it worthy of the consideration of the more acute VVits , to the end it may be discovered from whence this Diversity of Pressures proceeds . CHAP. VIII . About the Goodness and Excellency of the Wells of Modena . THerefore having sail'd over these Subterraneous Waters , according to the best of my Understanding , as far as I could in a dark Navigation , in which neither the Stars nor the Needle did guide me , it remains that I furl my Sails , and hasten to the Land. Georg. 4. But that I may not pass over with a dry Foot the nature of these Fountains , so far as they are useful to Men ; and lest , as the Custom is of those that are thirsty , I drink quietly . I shall touch only at some things relating to this Subject , though it seem to be beyond my purpose . 'T is an old Dispute , what in the Class of Simple Waters is most wholsom ? seeing some prefer Rain-waters , others prefer Fountain-waters ; in some places River-waters are most preferred , in others Well-waters . Hippocrates seem'd to prefer Rain-waters to all others ▪ for these he called the sweetest ▪ the thinnest , and the clearest of all ; seeing what is thinnest and lightest of the water is exalted and drawn up by the Sun : Yet 't is certain Hippocrates spoke of Rain waters in the Summer-time , which they call Horaiae , i. e. Early , seeing among waters that want Art , he commends these , which in the Summer time ▪ fall down from the Sky when it thunders ; but these that fall in Storms he pronounces bad . Celsus , Galen , Avicenna , Paulus , and others , following Hippocrates , judge the same . On the other hand , Pliny does greatly discommend Rain-waters ; yea , he is so angry , that he thinks the O pinion which commends them , to endanger Men's Lives ; neither does he think it an Argument of Levity that they have been raised to Heaven , seeing Stones also have been rais'd to Heaven ; and further , VVaters , when they fall from the Clouds , may be infected by the Exhalations of the Earth , so that Fountain-water to him seems preferable to them , when Plenty of them may be had . But if the thing be duly considered , there will be no place left to dispute ; for all Rain-waters , as also Fountain-waters being not of the same Goodness , seeing every Countrey has not the same Atmosphere , nor the same Ground thro' which the water passes , seeing also ; according to Theophrastus , such as the Earth is , such is the Water ) it often happens , as Co●taeus adverts , that in some places for the Purity of the Air , the Rain-waters are better , but in other places the Fountain or River-waters are the best ; as the water of the River Nile , whose much wish'd-for Inundation keeps all Egypt every Year solicitous . But 't is no wonder that the water of the Nile excels in Goodness all others , seeing running a long way over a Countrey burnt with the heat of the Sun , 't is concocted , and is tossed by sudden Falls from the highest Mountains , and attenuated . Hence Athenaeus testifies , That when Philadelphus King of Egypt betroth'd his Daughter Berenice to Antiochus King of Assyria , he willed her to take with her the Water of the Nile . Yet when other things do not agree , it seems the Fountain-waters ought to be preferred to Rain-waters , and all others ; for Rain-waters are drawn from all sorts of Filth , Dung and Dead Bodies themselves ; and though Hippocrates judged them best , yet he adds , That they have need of being boil'd and strain'd . Wherefore 't is not without Reason , that some do disprove making of Syrup of Poppeys with Rain-water ; and they think that Hippocrates spoke according to Reason , and not Experience . So among the Moderns , the most experienc'd Etmuller says , That Rain-water kept always something Earthy behind it , though distilled a hundred times . But so will any Water do as well as Rain water . But Well-waters , seeing they have no Motion but when they are stirred , and in the bottom have much Slime , and Rain-waters being gathered of Snow and Rains , and running over divers kinds o● Earths , and are therefore by Hippocrates call'd disagreeing , cannot have that Purity and Simplicity which the Fountain-waters have , which are concocted by the Heat pent up in the Bowels of the Earth , and are strain'd through the same Earth . Therefore our most pure Fountain-waters , as they have the first place in the Rank of plain waters , so they yield to none of the most famous Fountains of our Times ; for as much as the Marks , by which the most sincere Waters , and fittest for Humane Use , are commended , do appear in these in a most eminent manner . The chief Quality that is wanted in water , and which contains the rest , by way of Excellency , is , that it partake most of the nature of the Air. So Pliny hath written , That wholsom water ought to be most like to the Air. On which Account Cassiodorus commended the Virgin Water , so famous then at Rome , that running most purely it resambled the Air. For water ought to be pure , like the Air , light and clear , free of smell and taste , thin , and susceptible of Heat and Cold. But the waters of these Fountains are such ; for they are clear like the Air , free of smell and taste , do most quickly receive any other quality , and being weigh'd are lighter than any others . Though Physicians do not seem to value much the Argument taken from the Lightness ; and the Divine Master calls these light , which are soon hot and soon cold . And Pliny writes , That 't is in vain to examine by the Balance the goodness of the Waters ; seeing it seldom happens that one is lighter than the other ; which Brasavolus try'd in several kinds of Waters , before Hercules the Second Duke of Ferrara : Yet seeing there are not wanting more subtile ways of knowing even the least difference of weight in waters , according to the Doctrine of Archimedes , Levity is not altogether to be neglected , for Levity signifies the absence of the Terrestrial parts , and is a sure Proof of greater simplicity . Truly 't is without doubt , that if there were two Vessels of the same capacity , and full of the same water , and in one of these , divers kinds of Salts were dissolved in a certain quantity , though the water did not grow in bulk , yet the one will be of greater weight than the other , and will be filled with strange qualities ; wherefore Gravity and ▪ Levity are not to be slighted . I will not deny , that some waters naturally light , are worse than others that are heavier , because of the evil qualities of the Soil through which they pass . Athenaeus says , That the waters of Amphiaraus and E●treria being compar'd together , do not differ in weight , yet the one is wholsom and the other not . So Tit●aresius , a River of which Homer speaks , running into Penaeus , is not mixt with it , but swims over it like Oil : Yet Pliny says , his waters are deadly . And he says , That Penaeus refuses to suffer his silver-colour'd waters to be mix'd with the others deadly waters . If we infuse a whole Glass of Antimony in water , otherwise light , no weight will be added to it to judge of ; but none is ignorant what Disorders it raises in the Body . And it is necessary to confess these things to be true of the lightness of the water considered alone , but if with other marks of goodness there be lightness join'd , it will be no small accession to its goodness . Herodotus describes a Fountain of Aethiopia , the water of which he says was of such lightness , that nothing could swim in it , no , not a Stick , nor what was lighter than a Stick ; and such as used those waters were called Macrobii , i. e. Long-liv'd . Gelen himself commends the lightness of the water for a probable conjecture of its goodness . But if the lightness be alone , says he , 't will not be a sufficient mark of good water : which one may also say of all the other Signs , seeing none of it self , and separately is a sufficient Mark of its goodness . But a surer Mark of the goodness of water is , if it be not heavy in the Bowels ; for this is truly the lightest , and this kind of lightness is more to be esteemed than that which may be try'd with the Scale . For we must not presently , because 't is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Deprived of all quality , so as to be pure , clear , void of smell and taste , give Sentence , and pronounce it innocent ; but we must bring another Proof , viz. How they affect the Bowels ; for it may be that it has all external Marks of Goodness , yet has a more secret Noxiousness , which cannot be found out by the external Sense . This therefore will be the true and safer judgment of waters , which is brought from Experience it self : And truly that water is to be thought light by the Effect , which makes not the Bowels feel any weight in passing ; for which kind of lightness the waters of Modena are very commendable , as not weighting the Stomach when one drinks a full Draught of them , but easily pass through the whole Body , and are voided by Sweat and Urine . But above all these , Hippocrates chiefly commends these Fountains , whose waters come forth of deep Springs , which are cold in Summer , and warm in Winter ; but all these things are observed in these Fountains , seeing they rise 68 Foot high ; and in Summer are very cold , but in Winter are warm , yea , exhale some small Vapors . Neither must we refer the Heat which is found in these waters in the Winter-time to metallick Exhalations , or a mixture of Salts with an acid Mineral , seeing that is perceiv'd only in the Winter-time by an Antiperistasis . All know that there are as many differences of Waters as of Places ; for Fountain and Well-waters do easily drink up the different qualities of the Ground , through which they pass , which are innumerable ; yet those waters are thought more wholsom , that run through thick Sand and Gravel , because they carry nothing from such a matter upward , which cannot be said of that which runs through Clay and soft Sand. But the waters of these Fountains flow a long way through Sand , which is called Male , a Proof of which is a great abundance of Dross , Sand , and Gravel , which these Fountains use to throw up at their first coming forth . Moreover , these waters , according to my Observation , and of many others , continue without Corruption for a long time . For it is found by Experiment in long Navigations , that the water of Neuceria did stink , but ours continued pure . I am not ignorant , 't is a Question among Physicians no less curious than worthy to be known , Whether the sudden Corruption of the water be a mark of its Goodness or Badness ? Perhaps Hippocrates himself gave cause of doubting , who , after he had commended Rain water , says , They soon putrifie , except they be boil'd and strained again . Galen , Paulus , Avicenna , and some of the Ancients ; amongst the Moderns , Ioubertus , Salius , Augenius , Bruvierinus , and many others , take the waters readiness to putrifie for a sign of goodness , providing other Notes agree . For the chief Property of water is , say they , that they be quickly altered by any external Cause ; and from thence they think its inclinableness to Putrefaction to arise : But these which continue long free of Corruption , say they , partake of an aluminous nature : Such are the waters of Tyber , which are kept in Earthen Vessels for Months and Years , under Ground , without Corruption . On the other hand , there are some who think an inclinableness to Putrefaction among the faults of water ; among whom is Costaeus , who says , That it is a mark of the best water , that they do not so easily corrupt : And is deservedly oppos'd to Avicenna , who thought that Rain-waters were soon corrupted , because they were thinner : For rather from thinness of the Substance one might argue , that their Substances are less subject to Corruption , as is known of distilled waters , and Spirits of VVine , which truly is thinner than VVine , and not only does not putrifie it self , but also preserves other Bodies free from Corruption . Seeing then Experience it self makes it plain , that those which are most simple do less putrifie , but those which have a greater Heterogenity , because of the Disagreement of the Internal Parts , and a continual Fermentation , are more easily corrupted . Therefore I am easily induc'd to believe , that the Curruption of the water is rather to be attributed to its Pravity , than Goodness . But the Reason why the Rain waters sooner putrifie , may be this , that when by the Heat of the Sun the water is rais'd from the Earth , all sorts of Filth are raised with it , and a great quantity of Volatile Salts is mixed with it : which made Becher say , That all Rain-waters being putrified and distilled , did give an ardent Spirit . But if promptitude to Putrefaction were a Sign of Goodness , why may we not say the same of Eatables , which naturally do soon putrifie ; such as are Fleshes , Fishes , VVorts , early Ripe Fruits , and the like , viz. That these Aliments are better than those which do not so soon putrifie , seeing they are sooner alter'd by the concocting Faculty . Weaker Foods have a shorter Life . Hippocrates , as Valesius interprets , says , they make Men's Lives shorter ; and such as cat these Meats are infirm and weak , and cannot live so long . So Bread of Wheat well fermented , and well bak'd , gives a most excellent Nourishment , and long Life , to sound Bodies ; and Bread of all Food does least putrefie . Upon which account 't is , that Levinus Lemnius commendeth it . For ( says he ) Bread long kept does indeed grow mouldy , and grows dry , but does not putrefie . Therefore 't is not a little to the Praise of our Fountains , that they do not corrupt ; so that having other Marks of Goodness , they are to be reckon'd the best of Waters . 'T is an old Commendation of Waters , if Pulse be quickly boil'd in them , as Pliny , Athenaeus , Vitruvius , Galeus , Paulus ; and among the Modern Physicians , Langius , Costaeus , Bruvierinus , and others , do testifie . But 't is known , that this also is common to unwholsom Waters ; for the difficulty of boiling some Pulse is not always by the Fault of the Waters , but very often of the Grains themselves , as they have grown in this or the other Ground , as Theophrastus testifies , when he said , That there are many places which always bring forth Pulse that are easily boil'd , others there are which bring forth Grains hard to be boil'd Yea , Plutarch says , That of two Furrows join'd together , one brings forth a hard Crop , the other not . The Women themselves know that well enough , who if they have Pulse that are not easily boil'd , use to macerate them a Night in water with a Sack full of Ashes , by which means the close Texture of the Grain is open'd by the force of the Salt in the Ashes . And I think none will look upon the water , so made lixivial , as simple ; or will commend it for daily drinking in whole Bodies . Yet I cannot deny , that salt and crude waters , very far distant from the best , may be for some sickly Natures ; or in a neutral state of Health , instead of Medicine , which Hippocrates hath taught expresly in these words : But whatever are salt and crude , are not fit for all to drink of ; yet there are some Natures to whom such Waters are convenient to be drunk . Whatever were hard to be boiled , the Greek call'd Ateramnia , transferring likewise the same word to a stubborn and inflexible Mind . So Grains hard to be boil'd were call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , such as are those which Theophrastus says , grow in a thick tough Earth , and as it were clayie ; as at Philippi , when the Pulse which Egypt bears , both by reason of the nitrous Soil , and the Heat , are easily boil'd . Likewise water , in which Grains were hardly boil'd , was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which word Hippocrates us'd to signifie the crudity of water in many occasions , of which Erotianus hath in his Onomasticon made a Collection . Therefore , as the Difficulty of the Pulses being boil'd is not always the Fault of the waters , so their being easily boil'd is not a Mark of their Goodness ; which sometimes is proper to the Seeds , sometimes to the VVaters ; yea , more effectual in some waters that are not of the best ; seeing in nitrous and lixivious water Pulse , Roots , and Worts are sooner boil'd . Upon this account in Rain-waters , as being full of Saline Particles , all kind of Grains are sooner boil'd than in Fountain-water , which is more pure and defecated . Upon this account Horatius Augenius , preferring Rain-water to others for making of Ptisan , when he had taken notice that Barley did sooner boil in this , than in Spring-water , of his own accord confesses , That the Rain-VVaters are not sincere ; which made him go into this Opinion as a Paradox , That the purer the water is , and less mixt , the less 't is fit for the use of Life . But in our Fountain-waters , Pulse of all sorts is easily enough boil'd , and any other kind of Aliments , which , as I dare not discommend in them , so I think is no way to be taken for a Mark of the best . But certainly that is a greater Criterion for judging of the Goodness of plain VVaters , which , as Vitruvius says , is taken from the Habit of Men's Bodies that live about those waters ; to wit , if they be robust , clear Complexions , sound , and not blear-ey'd . Now 't is known enough , that both Citizens , and such as live in the Suburbs here , are of a good Habit of Body , and subject to none of these Distempers ; and the good Health which those of Modena enjoy beyond other Towns on this side the Po , is not so much to be ascribed to the wholsomness of the Air , as to the goodness of the Waters ; as in Egypt , where their long Life , according to Alpinus , is attributed to the water of the Nile . Seeing therefore in the most strict Censure , the waters of these Fountains are not only innocent , but wholsom , truly this City has nothing in which it may envy any other as to this point ; yea , seeing its waters are carried to the neighbouring places in the Summer-time , the Nucerian water is now out of use , to the great benefit of the sick . So in the Summer-time they run to these Fountains in all kinds of Fevers , ( for the use of water , that I may not say the abuse , is grown so frequent , that it seems the only Febrifuge ) and chiefly to the Fountain which is called Abyssus , as to the VVell of Esculapius , of which we spoke before . VVherefore I need not fear to make use of what Claudian says of Aponus , That they are at least amongst our Countrey-folks . — Commune Medentum Auxilium , praesens numen inempta salus . Physicians common Aid , a present Help , A Powerful Deity , and an unpurchas'd Health . And so much may suffice concerning the Nature and Properties of the VVells of Modena ; and if I have said something like probable , 't is well ; but if not , then both for the Dignity and the Difficulty of the matter , Volutatum est dolium in Cranio . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A57681-e490 Theor. l. 1. p. 114. Tell. Th. l. 1. c. 5. Tell. Th. c. 5. p. 35 , 36 , 37. ☞ Ram. p. 58 , 76. Notes for div A57681-e4340 Fig. 1. Exer. 100. De motu Anim . P. 1. prop. 215. Notes for div A57681-e5270 ☜ ☜ Notes for div A57681-e7150 Ep. 2. Lib. 4. Notes for div A57681-e9590 Lib. 5. Hist. Nat. c. 9. c. 35. Lib. 3 Quaest. Nat. c. 28. Cant. 4. L. 3. Quae. Nat. c. 7. De Leg. Dial. 8. Notes for div A57681-e11180 Lib. 7. De re Metallica . Notes for div A57681-e11830 In Lucul . Notes for div A57681-e12580 5 Aph. 26. Lib. 31. N. 11. c. 3. One may rather say Saline . In Thal. De Bonit . aq . c. 1.