Meteors: OR, A plain Description of all kind of Meteors, as well Fiery and Airy, as Watery and Earthy: BRIEFLY Manifesting the Causes of all Blazing-Stars, Shooting-Stars, Flames in the Air, Thunder, Lightning, Earthquakes, Rain, Dew, Snow, Clouds, Springs, Stones, and Metals.  
By W. F. Doctor in Divinity.  
LONDON, Printed for William Leake at the Crown in Fleetstreet, between the two Temple Gates, 1655.   

To the Reader.  
I Shall not beg your pardon for publishing this Book; for as 'tis none of mine (being written by a famous and learned Divine) so I do not set it forth relying on my own judgement, but had the opinions ●nd approbation of divers persons of known abilities, who knew best what is most useful for public Benefit. And I may (without breach of Modesty) affirm, that there is not in our Language any Book of so small a bulk, contains so much of the Doctrine of the Meteors. We daily behold and view divers Meteors, but very few are skilled in their Causes; but those that are not, may be informed. And I must tell you also, that this Book on perusal hath been found so advantageous, that a person of quality hath lately taken pains to make divers worthy Observations upon it, which here I have subjoined, because you should not pay for two Books instead of one. These Observations were never published till now, and I trust thou wilt find the Author did thee a Courtesy. Farewell.   

The Table.  

The first Book.  
WHy Meteors be called Unperfectly mixed. 3.  
Why they be called perfectly mixed. 3.  
The general cause of all Meteors, and first of the material cause. 4.  
The places in which they are generated. 10.   

The Second Book, of fiery Meteors. 13.  
The generation of the Impression, called Burned Stubble, or Sparkles of fire. 14  
Torches. 15  
Dancing or leaping Goats, ibid.  
Shooting and falling Stars. 16  
Burning Candles. 18  
Burning beams and round pillars, ibid.  
Burning Spares, ibid.  
Shields, Globes, or Bowls, 20.  
L●mps. ibid.  
Flying Dragons, or fire Drakes, ibid.  
The Pyramidal pillar, like a Spire or broached steeple. 23  
Fire scattered in the Air, ibid.  
Lights that go before men, and follow them abroad in the fields in the night season. 24  
Helena, Castor and Pollux. 27.  
Flames that appear upon the hairs of men and beasts 29.  
Comets, or blazing Stars. 30  
Apparitions. 35  
Colours, wide gapings, and deep holes which appear in the clouds. 36.  
Wide gaping. ibid.  
Round opening Hiatus. 37.   

The third Book, of Airy Impressions. 37.  
Of Winds. 38.  
Earthquakes. 41.  
Divers kinds of Earthquakes. 43  
How so great winds come to be under the earth. 46  
The signs and tokens that go before an Earthquake most commonly. 47  
Thunder. 50  
Lightning, 55  
Fulgetrum. ibid.  
Coruscation. 57  
Fulgur. 58  
The fourth kind, called Fulmen. 59  
The first kind. 60  
The second k●nd. 62  
The third kind. ibid.  
The marvailes of Lightning, and their causes. ibid.  
Storm Winds. 67  
Whirl winds. 70  
The fired Whirlwind, 72  
Circles. 73  
The Rainbow. 77  
The Milk way, called of some the way to S. James and Watling-street. 81  
Beams or streams of light appearing through a cloud. 86  
Of Many Suns. 89  
Many Moons. 92  
Wonderful apparitions. 94   

The fourth Book, Of watery Impressions. 100  
Of Clouds. 101  
Mists. 103  
Empty clouds. 104  
Rain. 106  
The signs of Rain. 109  
Monstrous or prodigious Rain. 111  
Dew. 115  
Hoare frost. 117  
Hail, Snow. 118, 120.  
Springs and Rivers. 121  
Fountains, Brooks, Rivers. 123  
Lakes. 125  
Hot Baths, ibid.  
The divers tastes that are perceived in wells, 126  
A recital of such Rivers and Springs, as have marvellous effects, whereof no natural cause can be assigned by most men, although some reason in a few may be found. 127  
Of the Sea. 132  
The saltness of the Sea, 133  
The ebbing and flowing thereof. 134   

The fifth Book, Of earthly Meteors, or bodies perfectly mixed. 135  
Of Earth●. 136  
Liquors concrete 139  
Metals 142  
Gold. 143  
Silver. 145  
Copper. 146  
Tin. 148  
Lead. ibid.  
Iron. 149  
Quicksilver. 150  
Stones. 151  
The divers kinds of stones 153  
The virtue of stones. 154   
FINIS.   

THE FIRST BOOK.  
FOr as much as we intent in this Treatise, to declare the causes of all those bodies that are generated in the earth called Fossilia, as well as those other Impressions named of their height Meteors (which no writer hitherto hath done, that we have seen) the common definition given by the most Writers, in no wise will serve us; and whether we may borrow the name of Meteoron, to comprehend the whole subject of our work, we are not altogether out of doubt; although the Philosopher deriving it from doubtfulness, giveth●us some colour so to take it; and peradventure we might be as well excused to apply it to Minerals, as other authors are to use it for earthquakes: yet to avoid all occasions of cavilling at words, we shall both define and also describe the subject of our matter on this manner: It is a body compound without life natural: and yet to stop one hole, because here wanteth the name of the thing to be defined; it is no new thing to them that have read Aristotle's works, 
Aristot.  to find a definition of that whereof there is no name. But what need you be so precise (will some man say)? mean you so to proceed in all your discourse? no verily, but because many of quick judgement, not considering the stile to be attempered to the capacity of the readers, will impute the plainness to the ignorance of the Author, we thought good in the beginning to pluck the opinion out of their minds that (as the common saying is) they may know, we have skill of good manners though we little use them.  
The Meteors are divided after three manner of ways: First, into bodies perfectly and imperfectly mixed: Secondly, into moist impressions and dry: Thirdly, into fiery, airy, watery, and earthly. According to this last division▪ we shall speak of them in four books following: but first we must be occupied a little in the general description of the same, that afterward shall be particularly treated of.  

Why they be called imperfectly mixed.  
THey are called imperfectly mixed, because they are very soon changed into another thing, and resolved into their proper elements of which they do most consist, as do all impressions, fiery, airy, watery: as snow into water, clouds into waters etc.   

Why they be called perfectly mixed.  
THe last sort, namely earthly Meteors, are called perfectly mixed, because they will not easily be changed and resolved from that form which they are in, as be stones, metals, and other minerals.  
According to the quality of the matter, they are divided into moist and dry impressions, consisting either of Vapours or Exhalations. Vapours are called moist, and exhalations dry, which terms must be well noted, because they must be much used.   

Of the general causes of all Meteors; and first of the material cause.  
THe matter whereof the most part of Meteors doth consist, 
The material cause.  is either water or earth: for out of the water, proceed vapours, and out of the earth come exhalations.  
Vapour, as the Philosopher saith, is a certain watery thing, 
What be vapours, and what exhalations.  and yet is not water; so Exhalation hath a certain earthly nature in it, but yet it is not earth.  
For the better understanding of Vapours, understand that they be as it were fumes or smokes warm and moist, which will easily be resolved into water, much like to the breath that proceedeth out of a man's mouth, or out of a pot of water standing on the fire. These vapours are drawn up from the waters and watery places by the heat of the Sun, 
What the middle region is, shall be told afterward  even unto the middle region of the air, and there after divers manner of meeting with coldness, many kind of moist Meteors are generated, as sometimes clouds and rain, sometime snow and hail; and that such Vapours are so drawn up by the Sun, it is plain by experience: for if there be a plash of water on a smooth and hard stone, standing in the heat of the Sun, it will soon be dry; which is none otherwise but that the Sun draweth up the water in thin Vapours: for no man is so fond to say, that it can sink into stone or metal; and it is as great folly to think it is consumed to nothing: for it is a general rule, 
A general rule.  That that which is once a thing, cannot by changing become nothing: wherefore it followeth, that the water on the stone, as also on the earth, is for the most part drawn up, when the stone or earth is dried.  
Exhalations are as smokes that be hot and dry, 
What Exhalations be.  which because they be thin, and lighter than Vapours, pass the lowest and middle Region of the air, and are carried up even to the highest Region, where for the excessive heat, by nearness of the fire, they are kindled, and cause many kind of impressions. They are also sometimes viscose, that is to say, clammy, by reason whereof, they cleaving together and not being dispersed, are after divers sorts set on fire, and appear sometimes like Dragons, sometimes like Goats, sometimes like candles, sometimes like spears.  
By that which is spoken of Vapours and Exhalations, it is evident, that out of the fire and air, no matter whereof Meteors should consist, can be drawn, because of their subtlety and thinness. For all Exhalation is by making a grosser body more thin: but the fire (we mean the elemental fire, and not the fire of the Kitchen chimney) is so subtle and thin, that it cannot be made thinner; likewise the air is so thin, that if it be made thinner, it is changed into fire; and as the fire, if it were made thicker, would become air; so the air being made grosser, would be turned into water. Wherefore to conclude this part, the great quantity of matter, that causeth these Meteors, is taken out of the earth and the water. As for the air and the fire, they are mixed with this matte● as with all other things, but not so abundantly, that they may be said th● material cause of any Meteor, though without them none can be generated. The efficient cause of all Meteors, 
The efficient cause.  is tha● cause which maketh them; even as the Carpenter is the efficient cause of an house. This cause is either first or second.  
The first and efficient cause is God the worker of all wonders, according to that testimony of the Psalmist, which saith, Fire, hail snow, ice, wind and storm, do his will and commandment; he sendeth snow like wool, etc. Almighty God therefore being the first, principal and universal cause efficient of all natural works and effects, is also the first cause of these effects, whose profit is great, and operation marvellous.  
The second cause efficient, is double, either remote, that is to say, far off or next of all. The farther cause of them as of all other natural effects, is the same; the Sun with the other Planets and Stars, and the very heaven itself in which they are moved; But chiefly the Sun, by whose heat all or at least wise the most part of the vapours and Exhalations are drawn up.  
The next cause efficient as the first qualities, are heat and cold, which cause divers effects in Vapours & Exhalations.  
But to return to the heat of the Sun, which is a very near cause, it is for this purpose two ways considered.  
One way, as it is mean and temperate; Otherwise, as it is vehement and burning. The mean, is by which he draweth vapours out of the water, and exhalations out of the earth, and not only draweth them out, but also lifteth them up very high from the earth into the air, where they are turned into divers kinds of Meteors.  
The burning heat of the Sun is, by which he burneth, dissipateth and consumeth the vapours and exhalations before he draweth them up, so that of them no Meteors can be generated.  
These two heats proceed from the Sun, either in respect of the place, or the time; but most properly according to the casting of his beams either directly or undirectly.  
In place where the Sun's beams strike directly against the earth and the water, the heat is so great, that it burneth up the Exhalations and Vapours, so that there are no fiery Meteors, much less watery: as it is in the South parts of the world, under and near to the Equinoctial line.  
But in places where the beams are cast indirectly and obliquely, and that where they are not too nigh to the direct beams, nor too far off from them; there is a moderate heat, drawing out great abundance of matter, so that in those Countries, many Meteors of many sorts are generated, as in the far North parts are few but watery impressions. Also in Autumn and Spring are oftener Meteors seen, then in Summer and Winter, except it be in such places where the Summer and Winter are of the temper of the Spring and Autumn. Let this be sufficient for the Efficient causes of impressions, as well first and principal, as second and particular. Concerning the formal and final cause, we have little to say, because the one is so secret, that it is known of no man: the other so evident, that it is plain, to all men. The essential Form of all substances, God's wisdom comprehendeth; the universal chief and last End of all things, is the glory of God. Middle Ends (if they may be so called) of these impressions are manifold profits to God's creatures, to make the earth fruitful, to purge the air, to set forth his power, to threaten his vengeance, to punish the world, to move to repentance; all which are referred to one end of God's eternal glory, ever to be prased, Amen.   

Of the places, in which they are generated.  
THe places in which Meteors are caused, be either the air or the earth: in the air be generated rain, hail, snow, dew, blazing stars, thunder, lightning, etc. In the earth be wells, springs▪ earthquakes, metals, minerals, etc. made, and as it were, in their mother's belly begotten and fashioned. But for the better understanding hereof, such as have not tasted the principles of Philosophy, must consider that there be four elements, Earth, Water, Aire, and Fire, one compassing another round about, saving that the waters by God's commandment are gathered into one place, that the land might appear. The highest is the sphere of the Fire, which toucheth the hollowness of the moons heaven: the next is the air, which is in the hollowness of the fire: the air within his hollowness comprehendeth the water and the earth, which both make but one sphere or Globe, or as the common sort may understand it, one ball. So each element is within another, as scales of a perch are one above anothes: or (to use a gross similitude) as the peeles of an Onion are one within another: after the same sort from the highest heaven to the earth that is lowest, 
What the regions of the air be  one part that is greater compasseth round about another that is lesser. But for this present purpose it is to be known, that the air is divided into three regions, the highest the middle and the lowest. The highest because it is next to the region of the fire, is exceeding hot: the lowest being next the earth and waters, is temperate, and by repercussion or striking back of the Sun beams waxeth hot, and by absence of them is made cold, being subject to winter and summer. The middle region of the air, is always exceeding cold, partly because the sun beams cannot be cast back so high, and partly because the cold that is there, between the heat above, and the heat beneath it, is so kept in, that it can not get out, so that it must needs be excessively cold: for the water and the earth, being both cold Elements, after the Sun setting in the night season, do cool the air, even to the middle region. But in the morning the Sun rising warmeth the air, so far as his beams which are beaten back from the earth and the water, can extend and reach; which is not so high as the middle region, and by heat on both sides is enclosed and kept, saving that a little thereof falleth down in the night, which the next day with much more is driven back again. Wherefore this region being so cold, is dark and cloudy, in so much that some doting Divines have imagined purgatory to be there in the middle region of the air. In the highest region be generated Comets or blazing stars and such like of divers sorts. In the middle region clouds, rain, storms, winds etc. In the lowest region, dew, frost, hoar-frost, mists, bright rods, candles, burning about graves, and gallows, where there is store of clamy, fatty or oily substance, also lights and flaming fires seen in fields, etc. And thus much for the general causes of all Meteors.    

THE SECOND BOOK  

Of Fiery Meteors.  
A Fiery impression, is an Exhalation set on fire in the highest or lowest region of the air, or else appearing as though it were set on fire and burning.  
They are therefore divided into flames and Apparitions. Flames are they which burn indeed, and are kindled with fire. These are discerned by four ways; by the fashion of them, by their place, by the abundance of their matter, and by the want of their matter. Their placing is after the abundance and scarcity of the matter whereof they consist: for if it be great, heavy and gross, it cannot be carried so far as the middle region of the air, and therefore is set on fire in the lowest region: if it be not so great, light, and full of heat, it passeth the middle region, and ascendeth to the highest, where it is easily kindled and set on fire.  
According to their divers fashions, they have divers names: for they are called burning stubble, torches, dancing or leaping Goats, shooting or falling stars, or candles, burning beams, round pillars, spears, shields, Globes or bowls, firebrands, lamps, flying Dragons or fire drakes, painted pillars, or broached steeples, or blazing stars, called Comets. The time when these impressions do most appear, is the night-season: for if they were caused in the day time, they could not be seen, no more than the stars be seen, because the light of the Sun which is much greater, dimmeth the brightness of them being lesser.   

Of the generation of the impression called burning stubble or sparkles of fire.  
The generation of this Meteor is this; 
Sparks of fire.  when the matter of the Exhalation is in all parts alike thin, but not compacted or knit together, than some part of it being carried up into the highest Region, by the fiery heat is set on fire before another part that cometh up after it, and so being kindled by little and little, flieth abroad like sparkles out of a chimney, insomuch that the common people suppose, that an infinite number of stars fall down, whereas it is nothing else but the Exhalation that is thin, kindled in many parts, sparkling as when sawdust or coaldust is cast into the fire.   

Of Torch's  
Torch's or firebrands are thus generated: 
Torches.  when the matter of the exhalation is long and not broad, being kindled at one end thereof in the highest region of the air, it burneth like a torch or firebrand, and so continueth till all the matter be burnt up, and then goeth out; none otherwise then a Torch when all the stuff is spent, must needs burn no longer.   

Of dancing or leaping Goats  
DAncing Goats are caused when the exhalation is divided into two parts, 
Dancing Goats  as when two torches be seen together, and the flame appeareth to leap or dance from one part to the other, much like as balls of wild fire dance up and down in the water.   

Of shooting and falling stars.  
A Flying, shooting, or falling star, 
Shooting Stars.  is when the exhalation being gathered as it were on a round heap, and yet not throughly compacted in the highest part of the lowest region of the air, being kindled by the sudden cold of the middle region, is beaten back, and so appeareth as though a star should fall, or slide from place to place. Sometime it is generated after another sort; for there is an exhalation long and narrow, which being kindled at one end burneth swiftly, the fire running from end to end, as when a silk thread is set on fire at the one end. Some say it is not so much set on fire, as that it is direct under some Star in the firmament, and so receiving light of that star, seemeth to our eyes to be a Star. Indeed sometimes it may be so; but that i● is not so always, 
The Epicurians Opinion.  nor yet most commonly, it may be easily demonstrated. The Epicureans, as they are very gross in determining the chief goodness: so they are very fond in assigning the cause of this Meteor. For they say, that the stars fall out of the firmament, & that by the fall of them, both thunder and lightning are caused: for the lightning (say they) is nothing else but the shining of that Star that falleth, which falling into a watery cloud, and being quenched in it, causeth that great thunder, even as hot Iron maketh a noise if it be cast into cold water. But it is evident, that the stars of the firmament cannot fall, 
Ps. 148  for GOD hath set them fast for ever; he hath given them a Commandment which they shall not pass. And though they should fall into the clouds, yet could they not rest there, 
The greatness of Stars  but with their weight being driven down, would cover the whole earth.  
For the least star that is seen in the firmament, is greater than all the earth. Here will step forth some merry fellow which of his conscience thinketh them not to be above three yards about, 
A proof of the Stars greatness  and say it is a loud lie; for he can see within the compass of a bushel, more than 20 stars. But if his bushel were on fir● 20 mile of, I demand how big it would seem unto him? He that hath any wit will easily perceive, that stars being by all men's confession, so many thousand miles distant from the earth, must needs be very great, that so far off should be seen in any quantity. Thus much for the shooting or falling stars   

Of burning Candles.  
WHen the Exhalation carried up into the highest part of the air, 
Burning candles.  is in all parts thereof of equal and like thinness, and also long, but not broad, it is set on fire and blazeth like a candle, until the Exhalation be quite consumed.   

Of burning Beams and round Pillars.  
THese are caused, 
Burning Beams and round pillars  when the Exhalation being long and not very broad, is set on fire all at once, and so burneth like a great beam or log. The difference of Beams and Pillars is this; for beams are when they seem to lie in length in the air, but they are called Pillars, when they stand right up, the one end nearer to the earth than the other   

Of Burning Spears.  
BUrning spears are generated, 
Burning Spears.  when a great quantity of exhalations, which may be called a dry cloud, is set on fire in the midst, and because the cloud is not so compact, that it should suddenly rend, as when thunder is caused, the fire breaketh out at the edges of the cloud, kindling the thin Exhalations, which shoot out in great number like fiery spears, or darts, long and very small; wherefore they continue not long: but when they fail, within a short while after, more fire breaking out, they shoot as many more in their place: and likewise, when they are gone, others succeed, if the quantity of the matter will suffice, more than a dozen courses. This impression was seen in London, Anno Dom. 1560. the thirty day of january, at eight of the clock at night, the air in all other places being very dark; but in the North-east where this cloud burned, it was as light as when the day breaketh toward the Sun rising, in so much that plain shadow of things opposite was seen. The edge of this cloud was in the fashion like the rainbow, but in colour very bright, and oftentimes casting forth almost innumerable darts of wonderful length, like squibs that are cast into the air, saving that they move more swiftly than any squibs.   

Of Shields, Globes or Bowls.  
THese Meteors also have their name of their fashion, 
Shields, Globes or Bowls.  because they are broad, and appear to be round; otherwise their generation differeth not from the cause of the like impressions before mentioned.   

Of Lamps.  
THe Lamp consisteth of an Exhalation that is broad and thick, 
Lamps.  but not equally extended; namely, smaller at one end then at another, which being kindled about the midst thereof, burneth like a lamp. The cause why, as well this impression, as many other, appeareth round, is not for that always they are round indeed, but because the great distance causeth them to seem so. For even the square forms far off seem to be round. 〈◊〉 is written, that a Lamp fell down at Rome, when Germanicus Caesar set forth forth the fight of sword players.   

Of flying Dragons or fire Drakes.  
Flying Dragons, 
Flying Dragons, or fire Drakes,  or as Englishmen call them, fire-Drakes, be caused on this manner. When a certain quantity of ●apors are gathered together on a heap, ●eing very near compact, and as it were ●ard tempered together, this lump of ●apors ascending to the region of cold, ●forcibly beaten back; which violence ●f moving is sufficient to kindle it; although some men will have it to be ●used between 2 clouds, a hot and a ●●ld; then the highest part, which was ●iming upward, being by reason more ●btill and thin, appeareth as the Drains neck, smoking, for that is was ●ely in the repulse bowed or made ●●oked, to represent the Dragon's belly. ●e last part by the same repulse turned ●ward, maketh the tail, appearing ●aller for that it is both further off, ● also for that the cold bindeth it▪ ●is dragon thus being caused, flieth ●ng in the air, and sometime turneth ●nd fro, if it meet with a cold cloud eat it back, to the great terror of 〈◊〉 that behold it: of whom some 〈◊〉 it a fire Drake: some say it is the ●ill himself, and so make report others. More than 47 years' ago●, on May day, when many young folk went abroad early in the morning, remember by six of the clock in th● forenoon, there was news come to London, that the Devil, the same morning, was seen flying over the Thames▪ afterward came word, that he lighte● at Stratford, and there was taken an● set in the Stocks, and that though h● would fane have dissembled the matte● by turning himself into the likeness of a man, yet was he known well enough by his cloven foot. I knew some the● living, that went to see him, and returning, affirmed, that he was seen flying in the air, but was not take● prisoner. I remember also, that som● wished he had been shot at with Gun● or shafts, as he flew over the Thame● Thus do ignorant men judge of the things that they know not. As for th● Devil, I suppose, it was a flying Dr●gin, whereof we speak, very fearful to look upon, as though he had 〈◊〉 because he moveth, whereas it is n●thing else but clouds and smoke: 〈◊〉 mighty is God, that he can fear 〈◊〉 enemies with these and such like operations, whereof some examples may be found in holy Scripture.   

Of the Pyramidal Pillar like a spire or broached Steeppe  
THis sharp pointed pillar, 
Of Spires  is generated in the highest region of the air, and after this sort: When the Exhalation hath much earthly matter in it, the lighter parts and thinner (as their nature is) ascending upward, the grosser, heavier, and thicker, abide together in the bottom, and so is it of fashion great beneath, and small pointed above, and being set on fire it is so seen, and thereof hath his name.   

Of fire scattered in the air.  
FIre scattered in the air, 
Fire scattered.  or illuminations, are generated in the lowest region of the air, when very dry and hot Exhalations are drawn up, and meeting with cold clouds, are sent back again, which motions do set them a fire; whose parts being not equally thick or joined together, seem as though fire were scattered in the air: Yea sometimes, the whole air seemeth to burn, as though it would rain fire from Heaven, and so it hath come to pass, burning both Cities and Towns. Then judge how easy it was for God to rain fire upon Sodom and Gomorra, for their sins and wickedness.   

Of lights that go before men, and follow them abroad in the fields, by the night season.  
THere is also a kind of light that is seen in the night season & seemeth to go before men, 
Light that goeth before men, & followeth them in the night  or to follow them, leading them out of their way into waters, and other dangerous places. It is also very often seen in the night, of them that sail on the Sea, and sometime will cleave to the mast of the Ship, or other high parts, sometime slide round about the Ship, and either rest in one part till it go out, or else be quenched in the water. This impression seen on the land, is called in Latin Ignis fatuus, foolish fire, that hurteth not, but only feareth fools. That which is seen on the Sea, if it be but one, is named Helena; if it be two, it is called Castor and Pollux.  
The foolish fire is an Exhalation kindled by means of violent moving, when by cold of the night, in the lowest region of the air, it is beaten down; and then commonly, if it be light, seeketh to ascend upward, and is sent down again; so it danceth up and down. Else if it move not up and down, it is a great lump of glewish or oily matter that by moving of the heat in itself, is inflamed of itself, as moist hay will bek indled of itself. In hot and fennie Countries, these lights are often seen, and where is abundance of such unctuous and fat matter, as about Churchyards, where through the corruption of the bodies there buried, the earth is full of such substance: wherefore in Churchyards, or places of common burial, oftentimes are such lights seen, which ignorant and superstitious fools have thought to be souls tormented in the fire of Purgatory. Indeed the Devil hath used these lights (although they be naturally caused) as strong delusions to captive the minds of men with fear of the Pope's Purgatory, whereby he did open injury to the blood of Christ, which only purgeth us from all our sins, and delivereth us from all torments both temporal and eternal, according to the saying of the wiseman, The souls of the righteous are in the Hands of God, and no torment toucheth them. But to return to the lights, in which there are yet two things to be considered. First, why they lead men out of their way. And secondly, why they seem to follow men and go before them. The cause why they lead men out of the way, is, that men, while they take heed to such lights, and are also sore afraid, they forget their way, & then being once but a little out of their way, they wander they wot not whither, to waters, pits and other very dangerous places. Which, when at length they hap the way home, will tell a great tale, how they have been led about by a spirit in the likeness of Fire. Now the cause why they seem to go before men, or to follow them, some men have said to be the moving of the air, by the going of the man, which air moved, should drive them forward if they were before, and draw them after if they were behind. But this is no reason at all that the Fire, which is oftentimes three or four miles distant from the man that walketh, should be moved to and fro by that air which is moved through his walking, but rather the moving of the air and the man's eyes, causeth the fire to seem as though it moved, as the Moon to children seemeth, if they are before it, to run after them: if she be before them, to run before them, that they cannot overtake her, though she seem to be very near them. Wherefore these lights rather seem to move, then that they be moved indeed.   

Of Helena, Castor and Pollux  
WHen the like substance in the lowest region of the air, 
Helena, Castor, Pollux.  over the Sea, by the like occasion is set on fire, if be one only, it is called Helena; if their be two, they are called Castor, and Pollux. These impressions will oftentimes cleave to the mast, and other parts of Ships, by reason of the claminesse and fatness of matter. Helena was of the Heathen men taken as a Goddess, the daughter of Jupiter and Leda. Castor and Pollux were her brethren. Helena was the occasion that Troy was destroyed; therefore the Mariners by experience trying, that one flame of fire appearing along, signified tempest at hand, supposed the same flame to be the goddess Helena, of whom they looked for nothing but destruction. But when two lights are seen together, they are a token of fair weather, and good luck: the Mariners therefore believed that they were Castor and Pollux, which sailing to seek their sister Helena being carried to Troy by Paris, were never seen after and thought to be translated into the number of the Gods that gave good success to them that sail, as we read in the last Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, that the Ship wherein S. Paul sailed, had a badge of Castor and Pollux. A natural cause why they may thus foreshow either tempest or calmness, is this; One flame alone may give warning of a tempest, because that as the matter thereof is compact, and not dissolved; so it is like, that the matter of the tempest (which never wanteth) as wind and clouds, is still together, and not dissipated, then is it like not long after to arise. By two flames together may be gathered, that as this Exhalation which is very thick, is divided: so the thick matter of tempests is dissolved and scattered abroad by the same cause that this is divided. Therefore not without a reason, the Mariner to his mates may promise a prosperous course.   

Of flames that appear upon the hairs of men or beasts.  
THere is another kind of fiery impression, 
Flames upon hairs of men and beasts.  which is flames of fire upon the hairs of men and beasts, especially horses. These are sometime clammy Exhalations, scattered abroad in the air in small parts, which in the night, by resistance of the cold, are kindled, cleaving on horses ears, on men's heads and shoulders that ride or walk. In that they cleave upon hairs, it is by the same reason that the dew will be seen also upon hairs or garments, whose wool is high, as freeze mantles and such like. Another sort of these flames are caused, when men's or beasts bodies being chafed, send forth a ●at and clammy sweat, which is in like manner kindled as the sparks of fire that are seen when a black horse is curried. 
Livius. Servius Tullius.  Livius reporteth of Servius Tullius, that as he lay asleep, being a child, his hair seemed to be all on a flame, which for all that did not burn his hair or hurt him. The like history he reciteth of one Marius a Knight of Rome, that as he made an Oration to his Soldiers in Spain, they saw his head burning on a light fire, and himself not ware of it. Thus much concerning these Flames.   

Of Comets or Blazing Stars.  
A Comet is an exhalation hot and dry, 
Comets or blazing Stars▪  of great quantity, fat and clammy, hard-compact like a great lump of pitch, which by the heat of the Sun is drawn out of the Earth into the highest region of the Air, and there by the excessive heat of the place is set on fire, appearing like a star with a blazing tail; and sometime is moved after the motion of the Air which is circular, but it never goeth down out of the compass of sight, though it be not seen in the daytime for the brightness of the Sun, but still burneth until all the matter be consumed. An argument of the greatness is this, that there was never any Comet yet perceived but at the least it endured 7 days; but much longer they have been seen; namely forty days long, yea fourscore days; and some, six months together. Wherefore it must needs be a wonderful deal of matter that can give so much nourishment for so great and fervent fire, and for so long a time.  
There are considered in a Comet specially the Colour and Fashion, which both arise of the disposition of the matter.  
Their Colours be either white, ruddy, or blue. If the matter be thin, the colour is white; if it be meanly thick, then is the Comet ruddy, after the colour of our fire; but when the matter is very thick, it is blue, like the burning of brimstone. And as the matter is more or less after this disposition, so is the Comet of colour more or less like to these three principal colours: some yellowish, some duskish, some greenish, some watchet, etc.  
In Fashion are noted three differences; for either they seem to be round, with beams round about, or with a beard hanging downward, or else with a tail stretched out sidelong in length. The first fashion is when the matter is thickest in the midst, and thin round about the edges; the second is when the Exhalation is upward thick, and in length downward also meanly thick; the third form is like the second, saving that the tail hangeth not down but lieth aside and is commonly longer than the beard.  
The time of their generation is oftenest in Autumn or Harvest: for in the Spring there is too much moisture, 
The temper of the four quarters.  and too little heat to gather a Comet; in Summer is too much heat which will disperse and consume the matter that it cannot be joined together; as for Winter, it is clean contrary to the nature of a Comet which is hot and dry, Winter being cold and moist: therefore no time so meet as Autumn.  
Now for so much as many Learned men have gone about to declare the signification of Blazing stars, 
The signification of Comets.  we will omit nothing that hath any shadow of Reason, but declare what is written of them.  
Such things as are set forth of the betokening of Comets are of two sorts: The first is of natural; The second of Civil or Politic Effects.  
They are said to betoken Drought, Barrenness of the Earth and Pestilence.  
Drought, because a Comet cannot be generated without great heat; and much moisture is consumed in the burning of it.  
Barrenness, because the fatness of the Earth is drawn up whereof the Comet consisteth.  
Pestilence, for so much as this kind of Exhalation corrupteth the Air, which infecteth the bodies of men and beasts.  
The Second sort might well be omitted, 
Aristot.  saving that Aristotle himself disdaineth not to seek out Causes for some of them.  
Generally it is noted of all Historiographers, that after the appearing of Comets most commonly follow great and notable Calamities. Beside this, they betoken (say some) Wars, Seditions, Changes of Commonwealths, and the Death of Princes and Noble men.  
For what time Comets do shine, there be many hot and dry Exhalations in the Air, which in dry men kindle heat whereby they are provoked to Anger: of Anger cometh brawling: of brawling, fight and war: of war, victory: of victory, change of Commonwealths: then also Princes living more delicately than other men, are more subject to infection; and therefore die sooner than other men. If it were lawful to reason of this sort, we might induce them to betoken not only these few things, but all other things that chance in the world.  
Yet these predictions have a show of Reason: though it be nothing necessary; but it is a wonder to see how the Astrologians dote in such devices; they are not ashamed to an earthly substance to ascribe an heavenly influence, and in order of judgement to use them as very stars. Surely, by as good reason as to the Celestial stars they attribute Divine influences and effects. But this their folly hath been sufficiently detected by divers godly and learned men, and this place requireth no long discourse thereof. Wherefore this shall suffice, both for the natural Causes of Blazing stars, and also for all Flames in general. It followeth therefore that with like brevity we declare the Causes of Fiery Apparitions.   

Of Apparitions.  
AN Apparition is an Exhalation in the lowest or highest Region of the Air, 
Apparitions.  not verily burning, but by refraction of light either of the Sun or of the Moon seemeth as though it burned: which appearance of colour riseth not of the mixtion of the four qualities, as it doth in bodies perfectly mixed, as Herbs, Stones, etc. but only the falling of light upon shadow: the light is instead of white, and the shadow of darkness instead of black. These diversely mixed according to the divers dispositions of the Exhalation, which ministereth variety by thickness or thinness, cause divers Colours.  
There be commonly recited three kinds of Fiery Apparitions; Colours, Wide-gapings, and Deep holes which appear in the Clouds.   

Of Colours.  
Colours are here meant when there is nothing else to be noted but the Colours of the clouds: 
Colours in the Air.  and they are caused (as it is said) by casting the light into the shadowy Cloud, according as it exceedeth more or less in thickness; whereof some be very bright-white, and that is when the Exhalation is very thin; some yellowish, when the Exhalation is thicker; some ruddy, when it is meanly thick; and very black, when it is very thick. The red and ruddy Colours are seen in the morning and evening, when the light of the Sun is not in his full force: for at other times of the day his light is too vehement, clear, strong and piercing. Thus much of Colours.   

Of Wide-gaping.  
Wide-gaping is caused when an Exhalation is thick in the midst, and thin on the edges, 
Wide gaping of clouds in the Air.  than the light being received into it, causeth it to appear as though the sky did rend, and fi●e break out of it.   

Of round opening Hiatus.  
These holes called Hiatus, 
Round opening in the Air.  differ from Wide-gapings in nothing but that they be less, and therefore seem as though they were deep pits or holes, and not rending or gaping; And these be those Apparitions that appear Fiery, and yet be not so indeed. Therefore let this be sufficient to have showed the natural Causes of all Fiery Meteors.    

THE THIRD BOOK.  

Of Airy Impressions.  
UNder the name of Airy Impressions, be comprehended such Meteors, whose matter is most of the Air. Of this sort be Winds, Earthquakes, Thunder, Lightnings, Storme-Winds, Whirlwinds, Circles, Rainbows, The White Circle, called of some WATLING street, many Suns, many Moons.   

Of Winds.  
THe Wind is an Exhalation hot and dry, 
Winds.  drawn up into the Air by the power of the Sun, and by reason of the weight thereof being driven down, is laterally or sidelong carried about the Earth. And this Definition is not to be understood of general Winds that blow over all the Earth, or else some great Regions; but besides these there be particular Winds which are known but only in some Countries, and them not very large. These Winds oftentimes have another manner of generation, and that is on this manner;  
It must needs be confessed, 
The second kind of winds.  that within the globe of the Earth be wonderful great holes, caves or dungeons, in which when Air aboundeth (as it may by divers Causes) this Air that cannot abide to be penned in, findeth a little hole in or about those Countries as it were a mouth to break out of, and by this means bloweth vehemently: yet that force and vehemency extendeth not far; but as the wind that cometh forth of bellows, near the coming forth is strong, but far off is not perceived: so this Particular Wind, in that particular Country where it breaketh forth, is very violent and strong, in so much that it overthroweth both trees and houses, yet in other Countries not very far distant, no part of that boisterous blast is felt. Wherefore this Wind differeth from the general Winds both in Qualities and Substance or Matter: for the Matter of them is an Exhalation, and the Qualities such as the nature of the Exhalation is, very Airy, but not Air indeed: but of this particular Wind the Matter and Substance is most commonly Air.  
There is yet a third kind of Wind, 
The third kind of Wind.  which is but a soft, gentle and cool moving of the Air, and cometh from no certain place (as the general Wind doth) yea it is felt in the shadow under trees, when in the hot light and shining of the Sun it is not perceived. It cometh whisking suddenly, very pleasant in the heat of Summer, and ceaseth by and by; this properly is no Wind, but a moving of the Air by some occasion.  
As for the general Winds, they blow out of divers Quarters of the Air now East, now West, now South, now North, or else inclining to one of the same Quarters: Among which the East-wind following the nature of the Fire is hot and dry; the Southwind expressing the quality of the Air is hot and moist; 
The qualities of the winds and the four quarters of the world.  the Western blast agreeing with the Water's property, is cold and moist; the North that never was warmed with the heat of the Sun, being cold and dry partaketh the condition of the Earth. 
The quality of middle wind.  The middle Winds have middle and mixed qualities, after the nature of those Four principal Winds, more or less, as they incline toward them more or less.  
Generally the profit of all Winds, 
The profit of wind.  by the wonderful wisdom of the Eternal God, is very great unto his Creatures. For besides that these Winds alter the Wether. some of them bringing rain, some dryness, some frost and snow, which all are necessary; there is yet an universal Commodity that riseth by the only moving of the Air, which were it not continually stirred as it is, would soon putrify, and being putrified would be a deadly infection to all that hath breath upon the Earth. 
Joh. 3.  Wherefore this wind whose sound we hear, and know not from whence it cometh nor whither it goeth (for who can affirm from whence it was raised, or where it is laid down?) as all other Creatures beside, does teach us the wonderful and wise providence of God, that we may worthily cry out with the Psalmist and say, 
Psal. 104.  O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all etc. Let this be sufficient to have showed the generation of the Winds.   

Of Earthquakes,  
AN Earthquake, 
Earthquakes.  is a shaking of the Earth which is caused by means of wind and Exhalations, that be enclosed within the caves of the Earth, and can find ●o passage to break forth, or else so narrow a way that it cannot soon enough be delivered.  
Wherefore, with great force and violence it breaketh out: and one while shaketh the Earth, another while rendeth and cleaveth the same: sometime it casteth up the Earth a great height into the Air, and sometime it causeth the same to sink a great depth down, swallowing both Cities and Towns, yea and also mighty great Mountains, leaving in the place where they stood, nothing but great holes of an unknown depth, or else great lakes of Waters.   

Of divers kinds of Earthquakes.  
DIvers Authors write diversely of the kinds of Earthquakes, 
Divers kinds of Earthquakes.  some making more and some less, but we shall be content at this time to comprehend them in four sorts.  
The first kind is when the Earth is shaken laterally, to one side, which is when the whole force of the wind driveth to one place, and there is no other contrary motion to let it. This wind, if it be not great, shaketh the Earth, that it trembleth as a man that hath a fit of an ague, and doth no more harm: but if it be great and violent, it looseth the foundations of all buildings, be they never so strong, and overthroweth whole Cities, but especially the great buildings, and not only such buildings, but sometimes also casteth down great Hills, that cover and overwhelm all the valleys under them. Many noble and great Cities have been overthrown by this kind of Earthquake. 
Twelve Cities overthrown with one Earthquake.  It is written, that twelve of the most beautiful Cities, and most sumptuous buildings in all Asia, were overthrown and utterly destroyed with an Earthquake. How often Antiochia, yea within short time was destroyed, they which have read the Histories, can testify.  
How terrible was the Earthquake that shook Constantinople a whole year together, 
Constantinople the chiefest City of Greece, now the Turks Palace.  that the Emperor and all the people, were fain to dwell abroad in the fields under tents and pavilions, for fear their houses would fall on their heads, it is recorded in the Chronicles, and worthy to be remembered.  
The second kind is, 
The second kind.  when the Earth with great violence is lifted up, so that the buildings are like to fall, and by and by sinketh down again: this is, when all the force of the winds striveth to get upward, after the nature of gunpowder, and finding some way to be delivered out of bondage, the Earth that was hoysied up, returneth to his old place.  
The third kind is a gaping, 
The third kind.  rending, or cleaving of the Earth, when the Earth sinketh down, and swalloweth up Cities, 
Earthquake on the Sea.  and Towns, with Castles, and Towers, Hills and Rocks, Rivers, and Floods, so that they be never seen again.  
Yea the Sea in some places hath been drunk up, so that men might have gone over on foot, until the time of tide or flood returning covered the place with Waters again. But in the land, where this Earthquake swalloweth up any City, or Country, there appeareth nothing in the place thereof, 
Aristot.  but a marvellous wide and deep gulf, or hole. Aristotle maketh mention of divers places, and regions that were overthrown with this kind of Earthquake.  
The fourth kind, 
The fourth kind.  is when great mountains are cast up out of the Earth, or else when some part of the land sinketh down, and in stead thereof arise Rivers, Lakes, or Fires breaking out with smoke and Ashes. It causeth also overflowings of the Sea, when the Sea bottom is lifted up, 
New Islands in the Sea.  and by this means arise many Islands in the Sea, that never were seen before. These and other such miracles, are often found In the Writers of Histories, also in the Philosophers, as Aristotle, 
Aristot.  Seneca, 
Seneca.  and Plinius. 
Plinius.   
Nevertheless, 
Plato.  the effects of some as most notable, it shall not be unprofitable to recite. 
A wonderful Earthquake.  Plato in his Dialogue entitled Timeus, maketh mention by the way of a wonderful Earthquake, 
Africa, Europe, Asia, the three parts of the earth Maremediterraneum, because it goeth thorough the midst of the earth.  whereby not only Africa was rend asunder from Europe and Asia (as it is indeed at this day, except a little neck by the red Sea) the Sea entering between them that now is called Mare Mediterraneum: but also a wonderful great Island, which he affirmeth, was greater than Africa and Asia both, called Atlantis, was swallowed up, and covered by the Waters, 
Atlantis an Island.  in so much, that on the Sea called Atlanticum, for a great while after, no Ship could sail, by reason that the same huge Sea, by resolution of the Earth of that mighty Island, was all turned into mud.  
The famous I'll of Sicilia was also sometime a part of Italy, and by Earthquake rend asunder from it● Seneca maketh mention of two Lands, Theron and Therea, 
Senecca. Theron & Therea. Arist. Herodotus. Egypt sometime a gulf of the Sea.  that in his time first appeared. It should seem both by Aristotle, and also by Herodotus, that Egypt, in ancient time, was a gulf of the Sea, and by Earthquake made a dry land. During the reigns of Tiberius the Emperor, twelve notable Cities of Asia were overthrown in one night, etc.   

How so great Winds come to be under the Earth.  
THe great Caves and Dens of the Earth, must needs be full of Air continually: but when by the heat of the Sun, the moisture of the Earth is resolved, many Exhalations are generated as well within the Earth as without; and whereas the places were full before so that they could receive no more, except part of that which was in them, were let out in such countries where the Earth hath few pores, or else where they are stopped with moisture, it must needs follow, that these Exhalations striving to get out, must needs rend the Earth in some place, or lift it up, so that either they may have free passage, or else room enough to abide in.   

Of signs and tokens that go before an Earthquake most commonly.  
THe first, 
The signs of an earthquake.  is the raging of the Sea, when there are no tempestuous Winds to stir it, yea, when the Air is most calm without Wind.  
The cause why the Sea than rageth, is, that the wind beginneth to labour for passage that way, and finding none, is sent back, and soon after shaketh the land.  
The second sign is calmness of the Air, and cold, which cometh to pass by reason that the Exhalation that should be abroad, is within the Earth.  
The third sign, is said to be a long thin strake of cloud seen, when the sky is clear; after the setting of the Sun. This (say they) is caused, by reason that the Exhalation or Vapour, which is the matter of clouds, is gone into the Earth.  
Others affirm, that it is the Exhalation that breaketh out of some narrow hole of the Earth, out of which the rest of the wind cannot issue, neither will it wait the time: wherefore within a while after, it seeketh and maketh itself by sudden eruption a broader way to be delivered out of prison.  
Also the Sun, certain days before it appeareth dim, because the Winds that should have purged and dissolved the gross Air, that causeth this dimness to our eyes, is enclosed within the bowels of the Earth.  
The Water in the bottom of deep wells is troubled, and the savour thereof infected, because the pestilent Exhalations that have been long enclosed within the Earth, do then begin a little to be sent abroad. For thereof cometh it, that in many places where Earthquakes have been, great abundance of smoke, flame, and ashes is cast out, when the abundance of brimstone that is under the ground, through violent motion is set on fire and breaketh forth. Finally, who knoweth not, what stinking Minerals and other poisonous stuff do grow under the Earth? wherefore it is no wonder, if Well-water, before an Earthquake, be infected: but rather it is to be marvelled, if after an Earthquake there follow not a grievous Pestilence, when the whole mass of infection is blown abroad.  
Last of all, there is heard before it in the time of it, 
Thundering under the earth.  and after it, a great noise and sound under the Earth, a terrible groaning, and a very Thundering, yea, sometimes when there followeth no Earthquake at all, when as the wind, without shaking of the Earth, findeth a way to pass out at. And these for the most part, or at least some of them, are forewarnings, that the most fearful Earthquake will follow, than the which there is no natural thing that bringeth men into a greater fear. 
Cato.  Cato was very curious to confess himself, that he repented that ever he went by water, when as he might have gone by land. But what land can be sure, if it be the Lords will by this work of his to shake it? what building so strong, that can defend us, when the more strong, the more danger, the higher, the greater fall?   

Of Thunder.  
THunder is a sound caused in the clouds by the breaking out of a hot and dry Exhalation beating against the edges of the cloud. 
Thunder.  It is often heard in Spring and Summer by reason that the heat of the Sun than draweth up many Exhalations, which meeting in the middle region of the Air with moist and cold Vapours, are together with them enclosed in a hollow cloud: but when the hot Exhalation cannot agree with the coldness of the place; by this strife being driven together made stronger and kindled, it will strait break out, which sudden and violent eruption causeth the noise which we call Thunder. A Similitude is put by great Authors, of moist wood that cracketh in the fire: 
A similitude.  we may add hereunto the breaking of an egg in the fire, of an apple or any like thing; for whatsoever holdeth and withholdeth enclosed any hot wind, so that it can have no vent, it will seek itself a way by breaking the skin, shell or case. It were no ill comparison to liken Thunder to the sound of a gun, which be both caused of the same or very like causes.  
The sound of Thunder is divers; after which men have divided the Thunder into divers kinds, 
Divers kinds of Thunders.  making first two sorts, that is, small Thunder and great. But as for the diversity of sounds, generally it comes of the divers disposition of the clouds, one while having more holes then at another; sometime thicker in one place then in another.  
The small or little Thunder is when the Exhalation is driven from side to side of that cloud making a noise, and either for the small quantity and less forcibleness, 
Small Thunder, and the kinds thereof.  or else for the thickness of the clouds walls, is not able to break them, but rumbleth up and down within the cloud, whose sides be stronger than the force of the Exhalation is able to break, it runneth up and down within, and striking against the cloud and moist sides, maketh a noise not unlike the quenching of hot i●on in cold water.  
And if the Exhalation be meanly strong, and the cloud not in all places or like thickness, it breaketh out at those thin places with such a buzzing as wind maketh blowing out of narrow holes.  
But if the cloud be so thin that it cannot keep in the Exhalation, although it be not kindled, than it bloweth o●t with like puffing as wind cometh out of a pair of bellows.  
A great Thunder is when the Exhalation is much in quantity, 
Great thunder and the kinds whereof.  and very hot and dry in quality; the clouds also very thick and strong, that easily will not give place to the wind to escape out.  
Wherefore if the Exhalation do vehemently shake the cloud, though it do not at the first disperse it, it maketh a long and fearful rumbling against the sides of the cloud, until at the last being made stronger by swifter motion, it dissolveth the cloud, and hath liberty to pass out into the open Air; the cloud dissolved droppeth down, and then followeth a shower of Rain.  
Otherwhiles it shaketh the cloud not long, but strait way rendeth it a long space and time, whose sound is like the rending of a Broadcloth, which noise continueth a pretty while.  
And sometime it discusseth the cloud at once, making a vehement and terrible crack like a gun, sometime with great force casting out stones, but most commonly fire which setteth many high places on fire. As in the year of our Lord 1561. the Fourth day of June, the steeple of Saint Paul's Church in London was set on fire, as it hath been once or twice before, and burned.  
The noise of Thunder though it be great in such places over which it is made, 
How far thunder is heard.  yet is not hard far off, especial-against the wind; Whereof we had experience also in the Year of our Lord, 1561. on Saint Mathias day in February, at the evening, when there was a great flash of Lightning and a very terrible crack of Thunder following; they that were but 15 Miles from London Westward heard no noise nor sound thereof; the Wind that time was Western.  
The effect of Thunder is profitable to men, 
The profit of thunder  both for that the sweet shower doth follow it, and also for that it purgeth and purifieth the Air by the swift moving of the Exhalation that breaketh forth, as also by the sound which dividing and piercing the Air, causeth it to be much thinner: which may be verified by an History that Plutarch in the life of Quincius Flaminius reporteth, 
Plutarch T. Quincius Flaminius.  that there was such a noise made by the Grecians, after their Liberty was restored, that the Birds of the Air that flew over them were seen fall down by reason that the Air divided by their Cry, was made so thin, tha● there was no firmity or strength in i● to bear them u●. And let this suffice for Thunder, which Lightning succeedeth in treaty, that seldom is from it in nature.   

Of Lightning.  
AMong the divers kinds of Lightnings which Writers in this knowledge do number, 
Lightning.  we shall treat only of four kinds; yet so, that under these Four all the rest may be comprehended. 
Fulgetrun. Coruscatio. Fulgur▪ Fulmen.  The names we must borrow of the Latin Tongue; the first is Fulgetrum, the second Coruscatio, the third Fulgur, the fourth Fulmen.   

Of Fulgetrum.  
FUlgetrum we call that kind of Lightning which is seen on Summer nights and evenings after a hot day. 
Fulgetrum.  The generation hereof is such; when many thin, light and hot Exhalations by the immoderate heat have been drawn up from the Earth, and by the absence of the Sun be destitute of the force whereby they should have been drawn further upward; yet something ascending by their own nature, in that they be light and hot, they meet with the cold either of the night in the lowest region, or else of the Air in the middle region; and so by resistance of contraries (as it hath been oft before rehearsed) they are beaten back, and with vehement moving set on fire. This Lightning commonly goeth out in the Air terrible to behold, not hurtful to anything, except sometime when the matter is earthy and gross, being stricken down to the earth, it blasteth corn and grass with other small hurt. Sometime it setteth a barn or thatched house on fire.  
The Colour of this Lightning as of all other, 
The colour of this Lightning.  is divers, partly according to the matter, and partly according to the light. If the matter be thin, it is white; if the substance be gross, it is ruddy, like flames of fire. In great light as in the day, it appeareth white; in the night, ruddy: yet sometime in the day time we may see it yellow, which is a token that the matter is wonderful thick and gross. Old Wives are wont to say that no night in the year except one, passeth without Lightning, but that is true as the rest of their Tales, whereof they have great store.   

Of Coruscation.  
Coruscation is a glistering of fire, rather than fire indeed; 
Coruscation.  and a glimmering of Lightning, rather than Lightning itself: which is two manner of ways: One way, when clouds that be lower than the upper part of the Earth, without the compass of our fight are inflamed, and the reflection of that flame is cast up into our sight, appearing in all points like Lightning, saving that the Air where it appeareth, is so clear, that we are persuaded, no Lightning can be there caused. Another way is, when there be thick clouds over us, and commonly a double order of clouds, one above another: if Lightning or any other Inflammation be in the upper part of these clouds, the light of them peirceth thorough the lower parts as thorough a glass, and so appeareth as though it Lightened, when perhaps it did Lighten indeed, yet that which we saw, was but the shadow thereof: and this is often without Thunder.   

Of Fulgur.  
FUlgur 
Fulgur.  is that kind of Lightning which followeth Thunder, whereof we have spoken before. For when that violent Exhalation breaks forth, making a noise as it beateth against the sides of the cloud, with the same violence it is set on fire, 
The lightning is not before the thunder, though it seem so.  and casteth a great light, which is seen far and near. And although the Lightning appear unto us a good pretty while before the Thunderclap be heard, yet it is not caused before the noise, if any Thunder at all follow, but either is after it or with it. Wherefore that we see it before we hear the Thunder, may be ascribed either to the quickness of our Sight that preventeth the Hearing, or else to the swift moving of the fire and the light thereof to our eyes, 
Sight preventeth hearing.  and the slow motion of the Sound unto our ears and Hearing.  
These three kinds of Lightnings are more fearful than hurtful, but the fourth seldom passeth without some damage doing.   

Of the fourth kind, called Fulmen.  
THe most dangerous, violent and hurtful kind of lightning is called Fulmen, whose generation is such as followeth: What time a hot Exhalation is enclosed in a cloud and breaking the same, bur●reth forth, it is set on fire and with wonderful great force stricken down toward the Earth.  
The crack of thunder that is made when this Lightning breaketh out, is sudden, short, and great, like the sound of a Gun. And oftentimes a great stone is blown out with it, which they call the Thunderbolt, which is made on this manner.  
In the Exhalation which is gathered out of the Earth, is much Earthly matter, 
The thunderbolt cast out of the clouds.  which clortering together by moisture, being clammy by nature, consisting of brimstone, and other metalick substance by the excessive heat, is hardened as a brick is in the fire, and with the mighty force of the Exhalation strongly cast toward the Earth, and striketh down steeples, and high buildings of stone, and of wood, passeth thorough them, and setteth them on fire; it cleaveth trees and setteth them on fire: 
Strongest things are most hurt of lightning.  and the stronger the thing is that resisteth it, the more harm it doth to it. It is sharp-poynted at one end, and thick at the other end, which is caused by reason that the moister part, as heavier, goeth to the bottom of it; so is the top small, and the bottom thick.  
Men write, 
How deep a thunderbolt goeth into the earth.  that the thunderbolt goeth never above five foot deep, when it falleth upon the Earth: which standeth with reason, both because the strength of it is weakened before it come so near the ground, and also because the continual thickness of the Earth breaketh the force, were it never so great.  
Both Aristotle, 
Aristot. Seneca. Plinius.  Seneca, and Plinius divide this lightning into three kinds.   

Of the first.  
THe first is dry, 
Day lightning.  which burneth not to be felt, but divideth and appeareth with wonderful swiftness: For being subtle and pure, it passeth thorough the pores of any thing, be they never so small; and such things as give place unto it, it hurteth not; but such things ●s resist, it divideth and peirceth. For ●t will melt money in men's purses, 
Money melted in men's Purses, and swords in Scabbards.  the purses being whole and unharmed. Yea, ●t will melt a sword in the scabbard, and not hurt the scabbard at all. A wine ●essell it will cleave, and yet the wine shall be so dull that by the space of three days, it will not run out. It will hurt a man's hand, and not his glove. It will burn a man's bones within him ●o ashes, and yet his skin and flesh shall appearefaire, as though nothing had come to him. Yet otherwise the whole man in the moment of an hour shall be burned to ashes, whereas his clothes shall not seem to have been touched. It will also kill the child in the mother's belly, and not hurt the mother: And all because the matter is very subtle, and thin, burning, and passing thorough whatsoever it be, that will not give it free passage.   

Of the second kind.  
The Second kind is moist: 
Moist lightning.  and because it is very thin, it burneth not to ashes, but only it blasteth or scorcheth trees, corn and grass: and by reason of the moistness it maketh all things black that it cometh near, as moist wood burning is smoky, 
Why it maketh black.  and maketh things near it to be black and smoky.   

Of the Third kind.  
THe Third kind is most like our common fire that we have here on the earth of gross and earthly substance; 
Gross lightning.  wherefore it leaveth a print where it hath been, or else consumeth it into ashes, if it be such a body as will be burned with fire.   

Of the Marvels of Lightning, and their causes.  
BEside the wonderful effects of lightning, 
The mmrvell of lightning.  that have been already remembered, there be many other which hereafter ensue, with the reason and causes unto them belonging; as thus:  
The nature of Lightning is, to poison beasts that are stricken therewith, 
Lightning poisoneth.  as though they had been bit by a Serpent. The cause of this is that the matter of Lightning is much infected with Brimstone & other poisonous metallike substance, because it is thin, and giveth them passage into every part of the body.  
It is notable that Seneca writeth how winevessels of wood being burned with lightning, 
Seneca. Wine not running, the Vessels being broken.  the wine would stand still, and not run out: the reason hereof, is, the swift alteration and change, whereby also all the clamminess of the wine is drawn to the outward most part, and so keepeth in the wine as in a skin, that by the space of three days it will not run. It will also poison wine, insomuch that they which drink thereof shall either be mad or die of it: the cause hereof was set● forth before.  
Lightning that striketh a poisonous beast, 
Lightning purgeth a poisonous beast.  purgeth it from the poison, in so much that it causeth a Serpent or Snake which it killeth, to breed worms, which otherwise it would not do: 
A Snake breedeth no Worms  but being purged from the natural poison by the swift piercing of the Lightning, nothing letteth but that it may breed worms as all other corrupt flesh will do.  
If Lightning strike one that sleepeth, it openeth his eyes; 
Lightning openeth his eyes that sleepeth, and closeth his that waketh.  and of one that waketh, it shutteth the eyes. The cause is this, that it waketh him that sleepeth, and killeth him, before he can close his eyes again. And him that waketh it so amazeth, that he winketh, as he will do at any sudden chance: so he dyeth, before he can open his eyes again.  
All living things turn their face toward the stroke of the lightning, 
Living things turn their face toward lightning.  because it is their nature, to turn their head if any thing come suddenly behind them. The rest that have their face toward it when it cometh, never turn before they be killed.  
The Reason why it killeth the child in the mother's womb, not hurting the mother, is the tenderness of the one and the strength of the other, when the lightning is not vehement; otherwise both should die together.  
Sometime Lightning burneth only the garments, shoes or hair of men, not hurting their bodies, and then the Exhalation is nothing vehement.  
Sometime it killeth a man, and there appeareth no wound without, 
Garments burnt, the body unhurt.  neither any hurt within, no not so much as any sign of burning: for then the Exhalation which being kindled is called Lightning, is wonderful subtle and thin, so swiftly passing thorough, that it leaveth no mark or token behind it.  
They that behold the Lightning, 
Lightning causeth blindness, swelling or Leprosy.  are either made blind, or their face swelleth, or they become Lepers; for that Fiery Exhalation received into the pores of their face and eyes, maketh their face to swell and break out into a Leprosy, and also drieth up the Crystalline humour of their Eyes, so that consequently they must needs be blind.  
Eutropius showeth that the same day in which Marcus Tullius Cicero was born, 
Eutropius, Marcus Tullius Cicero. Apulia.  a certain Virgin of Rome riding into Apulia, was stricken with Lightning, so that all her garments being taken from her without any rending, she lay stark naked, the lasing of her breast being undone, and her hose-garters untied, yea her bracelets, collars, and rings being all loosed from her: Likewise her horse lay dead, with his bridle and girts untied.  
The places of them that are burnt with Lightning, 
The wounds of Lighting cold.  are colder than the rest of their bodies, either because the greater heat draweth away the lesser, or else because that by the great violence the vital heat is quite extinguished in that place.  
The Sea-Calf is never hurt with Lightning: 
Sea Calf not hurt with lightning.  wherefore the Emperor's Tents were wont to be covered with their skins.  
The Bay Trees and Box Trees are never, 
Bays and Box Trees seldom hurt with Lightning.  or seldom stricken with Lightning; The Cause of these may be, the Hardness of their Skin, which hath so few Pore-holes, that the Exhalation cannot enter into them. 
The Eagle Jupiter's harness-bearer.   
The Eagle also among Fouls, is not stricken with Lightning; Wherefore the Poets feign, that the Eagle carrieth Jupiter's Armour, which is Lightning. The Reason may be the thickness and dryness of her feathers, which will not be kindled with so swift a fire.   

Of Storm Winds.  
A Storm Wind is a thick Exhalation, violently moved out of a Cloud, 
Storm winds.  without inflammation or burning.  
The Matter of this Storm is all one with the Matter of Lightning, that hath been spoken of: namely, it is an Exhalation very hot and dry, and also gross, and thick, so that it will easily be set on fire; but than it hath another name and other Effects.  
The Form or Manner of the generation is such;  
When abundance of that kind of Exhalation is gathered together within a Cloud, which needs will have one way out or other, it breaketh the cloud and causeth Thunder, as it hath been taught before: but if the matter be very thick, and the Cloud somewhat thin, then doth it not rend the Cloud, but falling down, beateth the Cloud before it, and so is carried as an arrow out of a bow.  
It doth always go before a great sudden shower: For when the Cloud is broken, the water must needs fall down. Also it is so gross and so thick, that it darkneth the Air and maketh all the Lowest Region of the Air to be in a manner as a dark Smoky Cloud.  
It causeth Tempests in the Sea, and Wonderful great Danger to them that bear Sail; whom if it overtake, it bringeth to utter destruction.  
So sudden is this kind, that it cannot be resisted with sudden help: so violent it is, that seeble force cannot withstand it.  
Finally, It is so Troublesome with Thunder, Lightning, Rain, and Beasts: besides these, Darkness and Cold, that it would make men at so near a Pinch, to be at their Wits End if they were not accustomed to such Tumultuous Tempests.  
Wherefore it were profitable to declare the Signs that go before it, to the End Men might beware of it.  
But they are so common to other Tempests, that either they are known well enough, or else being never so well known, in a Seldom Calamity they would little be feared.  
The Sea-ships subject to more Danger, have more Help, if it be used in Time: But no Signs foreknown can profit the Dweller of the Land to keep his House from Ruin, except it were to save his Life from the fall of his Mansion.  
The sudden violence of this Tempest to him is more seldom times, but more incurable when it cometh then to the Mariner who hath some Aid to look for by his coming▪ the other if he escape with his life, may comfort himself that he was near a great danger, and cast with himself to build up his House again.   

Of Whirlwinds.  
A Whirlwind, is a Wind breaking out of a Cloud, 
Whirlwinds.  Rolling or Winding round about, overthrowing that which standeth near it, and that which cometh before it, carrying it with him aloft in the Air.  
It differeth from a Stormy Wind in three points.  
First, in the Matter which is less in Quantity, and of thinner Substance.  
Secondly, in the Moving, which is Circular, Winding about: whereas the Storm bloweth Aslope and Sidelongs. Also a Whirlwind, in the Moving divideth not itself abroad and bloweth Directly, as the Storm doth.  
And Thirdly, in the manner of the generation; for a Storm doth always come out of one Cloud; but a Whirlwind sometime is Caused by means of two Contrary Winds that meet toether.  
In like manner, as we see in the streets of Cities, where the wind is beaten back from two walls, meeting in the midst of the street, there is made a little whirlwind, which whisking round about, taketh up the dust, or straws, and bloweth it about, after the very similitude of the great and fearful whirlwind.  
The reason of the going about is this, that when the walls beat back the wind from them, which aboundeth in that place, and those winds when they meet, by reason of equal force on both sides, can neither drive one the other back again, nor yet pass thorrow one the other; it must needs be, that they must both seek a way on the side at once, and consequently be carried round about, the one as it were pursuing the other, until there be space enough in the air, that they may be parted asunder.  
The matter of a whirlwind, is not much differing from the matter of storm and lightning, that is, an Exhalation hot and dry, breaking out of a cloud in divers parts of it, which causeth the blowing about. Also it is caused, as it hath been said, by two, or more winds, blowing from divers places, which may be of particular causes, that have been showed before in the Chapter of winds; this tempest is noisome to man and beast, Sea and Land, things living, 
The troubles of whirlwinds.  and life lacking: For it will take up both men and beasts, stones and clods of earth: which when it hath borne a great way, will not be so courteous as to set them down again, but negligently letteth them fall from a great height, or else violently throweth them down to the earth.  
It breaketh Trees, winding them about, and pulling them up by the roots. It turneth about a Ship, and bruiseth it in pieces with other mischiefs besides.   

Of fired Whrlewinds.  
SOmetime a whirlwind is set on fire within the cloud, 
Fired whirlwinds.  and then breaking forth, flieth round like a great cartwheel, terribly to behold, turning and over browing all dry things that it cometh near, as Houses, Woods, Corn, Grasse, and what soever else standeth in the way.  
It differeth not from a whirlwind, saving that it is kindled and set on fire, so appearing, else the generation of both is called one.   

Of Circles.  
THe Circle called Halon is a garland of divers colours that is seen about the Sun, 
Circles about the Sun, the Moon, and other Stars, Jupiter & Venus Planets.  the Moon, or any other Star, especially about Jupiter or Venus, for their great brightness. It is called of the Greeks a compassed plat, of the Latins, a Crown or Garland.  
The matter wherein it is made, is a cloud of equal thickness, or thinness, coming directly under the body of the Sun, the Moon, or other Stars, into which the light of the heavenly body is received & so appeareth round, because the Star is round: 
Circles in the water.  as a stone cast into the water, maketh many round circels, dilating in breadth, until the violence of the moving is ended; so is it in the air; the light beams piercing it, cause broad circles to be dilated, which appear white, 
The colours of circles.  purple, black, red, green, blue, and other colours, according to the disposition of the clouds matter. The cause of such colours, is showed before in the peculiar treaty of colours.  
This circle is oftener seen about the Moon, then about the Sun, because the heat of the Sun draweth the vapours too high, where it cannot be made. Also, because the night is a more quiet time then the day from wind, it is more often in the night, then in the day. Seldom, about other Stars, because their light beams, are too weak often to pierce a cloud: yet oftener about small stars than the Sun, because the light of the Sun pierceth the cloud more forcibly, than that this Halon can many times be cause.  
Otherwhiles it is seen about a candle, 
Circles at bout a candle.  which must be in a very thick and gross air of such proportionate thickness, that it may receive the light as the cloud doth from the stars, as in the smoky places, or hot houses.  
This kind of circle is sometimes like a Rainbow, saving that it is a whole circle unless the star under which it is caused, be not all risen, or else the cloud, in which it is seen, 
The fignes of these circles.  be not all come under the Star, or after it hath come under some part thereof, be dissolved from the rest.  
These Circles be sings of tempests and winds, 
Virgilius, Aratus, Poets.  as witness both Virgil, and Aratus.  
The Wind shall blow from that quarter, where the Circle first beginneth to break. The cause whereof is this, that the Circle is broken by the Wind that is above which is not yet come down towards us, but by this effect above; we may gather, both that it will come, and also from what quarter.  
A great Circle about the Moon, 
Sign of Frost.  betokeneth great cold and frost to follow after.  
But if it vanish away and be dissolved altogether, 
Sign of faite weather.  it is a sign of fair weather.  
If it be broken in many parts, 
Sign of tempest.  it signifieth tempest.  
If it wax altogether thicker and darker, 
Sign of rain.  it is a forewarning of rain.  
One alone, 
Ptolomeus Sign of fair weather.  after Ptolomee, pure and white, vanishing away by little and little, is a token of fair weather.  
Two or three at once, portendeth tempest: if they be ●uddy, they show wind to come; 
Sign of Snow.  and toward snow, they seem as it were broken and rocky.  
Being dark or dim, they signify all these foresaid events, with more force and abundance: it is oftener caused in Autumn and Spring, then in Winter or Summer: the cause is the temperateness of the time.  
The cause why it appeareth sometime greater, and sometime lesser, is in the quality of the matter, which as it is gross or thin, will more or less be dilated and stretched abroad, & also as some will have it, of the weakness of man's sight. Of which, Aristotle 
Aristotle.  bringeth an example in one Antipho, 
Antipho.  which did always see his own image before him in the air, as in a glass: which he affirmeth to have been for the weakness of his sight-beames that could not pierce the air, so that they were reflected again to himself.  
And thus much for Halon, and the causes, signs, or toke●s of it.   

Of the Rainbow  
THe Rainbow, 
rainbow  is the apparition of certain colours in a cloud, opposite against the Sun, in fashion of half a Circle. Possidonius said, it was the Sun's looking glass, 
Possidonius  wherein his image was represented, and that the blue colour was the proper colour of the cloud; red of the Sun; all the other colours of commixtion.  
It differeth manifoldly from Halon: for the rainbow is always opposite against the Sun: but Halon is directly under it.  
They differ not only in place, but also in fashion: the rainbow is but half a Circle: the Halon is a whole Circle.  
Likewise they vary in colour: for the rainbow is more dim, and of purple colour; the Halon, whiter and brighter.  
Also, in continance; for the Rainbow may continue longer than Halon.  
The image of the Rainbow may be seen on a wall, 
A 〈◊〉 stone 〈…〉  the Sun striking thorough a fix pointed stone, called Iris, or any other Crystal of the same fashion; also thorough some glass window.  
Halon is seen about Candles, in smoky places, as are baths and kitching.  
The manner of the generation of the Rainbow is such: There is opposite against the Sun, a thick watery cloud, which is already resolved into dewy drops of rain, 
A similitude.  is (for a gross similitude) is seen on the potlid, when the Water in the Vessel hath sodden, or is very hot, the lid will be all full of small drops of water, which come from the water in the Vessel; first, by heat resolved into smoke; after, when it cannot go at large, it is resolved again. Wherefore upon such a cloud, the Sun beams striking, as upon a smooth glass, do express the image of the Sun unperfectly, for the great distance. Or else the Sun beams striking into a hollow cloud, where they are refracted or broken, and so come to the eyes of him that beholdeth the Rainbow.  
The similitude thereof is seen, when men sail or row in Boats, 
The similitude of the Rainbow.  the Sun shineth upon the water, which casteth on the vessels side, the colours and image of the Rainbow.  
Lifewise, water in an urinal holden against the Sun, receiveth the light, and sheweth colours on the wall.  
There be two kinds of Rainbows, one of the Sun, 
Rainbow of the Sun.  another of the Moon; the one by day, the other by night: the Rainbow of the Sun often, 
Rainbow of the Moon.  but of the Moon very seldom, in so much that it can be but twice in fifty years, and that when the Moon is in the East or West, full in perfect opposition.  
It hath not been many times seen since the writing of Histories, yet sometimes, and for the rareness, is taken for a great wonder. Yet is it in colour nothing so beautiful as the suns, but for the most part white as milk: other diversities of colours are scant perceived. When it appeareth, it is said to signify tempest.  
The time of the Rainbow is often after the point of Autumn, both for the placing of the Sun in competent lowness, and also for abundance of matter, seldom or never is the Rainbow see about the midst of Summer.  
There may be many Rainebows at one time, yet commonly but one principal, of which the rest are but shadows and images; the second shadow of the first, the third of the second, as appears by placing of their colours.  
It remaineth to show why it is but half a circle, or less, and never more; and why the whole cloud receiveth not the same colours that the rainbow hath. The cause of the first is, because the centre or middle part of the rainbow, that is Diametrally opposite to the centre of the same, is always either in the Horizon (that is, the circle cutting off our fight of Heaven by the earth) or under it. The cause why the whole cloud is not coloured, is, because that in the midst, the beams as strong, pierce thorough, but on the edges where they are weaker, they are reflected or refracted.  
Now for so much as GOD made the rainbow a sign and Sacrament of the promise, some think it was never seen before the flood: their reason may be this, that the earth, after the first creation was then so fruitful, that it needed none or very little Rain, so that such dark clouds were not often gathered, the fruitful ground not so easily remitted his moisture, that then was fat and clammy, hard to be drawn up: so it might be, that there was no Rainbow before, as we cannot find that ever, it reigned before. But whether it were or not, it is certain, that then it became a Sacrament, whereas it was none before which when we behold, it behoveth us to remember the truth of God in all his promises, to his glory and our comfort.   

The milk way, called of some the way to S. James, and Watling Street.  
THe milk way is a white circle seen in a clear night, 
The white circle seed in the night  as it were in the firmament, passing by the sings of Sagittarius and Gemini.  
The cause thereof is not agreed upon among Philosophers, whose opinons I thought best to report, before I come to the most probable causes.  
First of all, Pythagoras is charged with a Poetical fable, 
pythagoras'  as though it had been caused by reason that the Sun did once run out of his path way, and burned this part, whereof it looketh white.  
Others, as Anaxagoras and Democritus said, 
Anaxagoras Democri●●●  that it was the light of certain Stars, shining by themselves, of their own light, which in the absence of the Sun might be seen. But this opinion is also false; for the Stars have no light of themselves, but of the Sun: also if it were so, it should appear about other Stars.  
Democritus is also reported to have said, that it was nothing else but innumerable little Stars, which with their confuse light, caused that whiteness: to this opinion, 
Cardanus.  Cardane seemeth to subscribe.  
The Poets have four fables of it: one of Phaeton, 
Phaeton.  which on a time guided the Chariot of the Sun, and wand'ring out of the way, did burn that place, wherefore of Jupiter he was stricken down with lightning.  
The second, That it is the high street in Heaven, 
Ovid. Me●a.  that goeth straight to Jupiter's palace, and both sides of it the common sort of gods do dwell.  
The third, 
Hebe.  that Hebe, one which was Jupiter's Cupbearer, on a time stumbled at a straw, and shed the Wine or Milk that was in the Cup, which coloured that part of Heaven to this day: wherefore she was put out of her office.  
The fourth, 
Apollo.  That Apollo stood there to fight against the Giants, which Jupiter made to appear, for a perpetual memory.  
Theophrastus, 
Theophrastus.  a Philosopher, affirmed, That it was the joining together, or came of the 2 half Globes, which made ●t appear more light in that place then another's.  
Others said, it was the reflection of the shining light of fire or star light, ●s it is seen in a glass, but than it should ●e movable.  
Diodorus affirmed, 
Diodorus.  that it was Heavenly fire, condensed or made thick into a circle, and so became visible, whereas the rest, for the pureness, clearness, and thinness, could not be seen.  
Possidonious, 
Possidonius.  whose mind to many seemeth very reasonable, said, it is the infusion of she hea● of the Stars, which therefore is in a Circle, contrary to the Zodiac, 
Zodiac.  (out of which the Sun never wandereth) because it might temp●● the whole compass with vital and livel●hea, Although in my mind he hath rather expressed the final cause, than th● efficient.  
Aristotle's opinion is, 
Aristotle.  that it should be the beams of a great Circle which 〈◊〉 caused by a cloud or Exhalation draw● up by those Stars, which be calle● Sporades. 
Sporades.  This opinion of Aristotle's 〈◊〉 misliked of most men that have travailed in this science; and worthily▪ For if it were of the nature of elements as Exhalations are, it would be at length consumed. But this circl●● never corrupteth, therefore it is not 〈◊〉 Exhalations. Also it neither increase● nor diminisheth, which is a plain pro●● that it consisteth not of elemental matter, although Aristotle seem to make double circle, one celestial, another elemental.  
The last opinion is, of them that 〈◊〉 it is the nature of heaven, thicker 〈◊〉 substance, than other parts of Heaven be, having some likeness to the substance of the Moon, which being light ●●ed by the same as all the Stars b● appeareth white. And this opinion I take to be most probable, because that sentence of Star light seemeth not so reasonably, to be only in that place, and not elsewhere.  
The final cause of this Milk-white circle, hath been already touched in the opinion of Possidonius, 
Possidonius  whereunto also Plinius in the 18. Book, 
Plinius  and 29. Chapter of his natural History agreeth, affirming, that it is very profitable for the generation and fruitful increase of things that grow on the earth.  
The Mathematicians that have measured the breadth thereof, affirm, 
The breadth of this circles  that toward the north it passeth over the Elliptical line of the ninth sphere, from the 18. degree of Gemini, unto 2 degrees of Cancer, which is 13. degrees and toward the South, from the 8 degree of Sagittarius, to the 13 degree of the same sign: and because it is there divided into two branches (as may easily be seen in a clear night) it reacheth from 24 of Sagittarius, to the 2 degree of Capricorn.  
This circle, if it be of the nature of Heaven, is unproperly placed among Meteors or impressions: but because of Aristotle's mind, who will have it to be an impression kindled, and their opinion which think it proceedeth of the light of Stars, it is not without good cause in this place treated of.   

Of beams, or streams of light, appearing thorough a Cloud.  
THere is yet another kind of impression caused by the beams of the Sun, 
Beams or streams.  stricken through a watery cloud, being of unequal thinness, and is thinner in one part then in another, so that it cannot receive the beams in any other form, then that they appear direct or slope downward of divers colours; and the same that are the colours of the Rainbow, though not so evident, because the reflection is not so strong. They vary in colours: some are more urple or ruddy, when the cloud is thicker; some yellow and whitish, when the cloud is thinner, and so other colours are caused likewise, whereof you may read the proper cause in the colours of clouds and other like parts of this Treatise.  
The common people call it the descending of the holy Ghost, or our Lady's Assumption, because these things are painted after such a 〈◊〉 Others say that it is rain, striking down in another place, as though they 〈◊〉 see the drops falling. And they are 〈◊〉 altogether deceived, but in the time; for soon after it will rain, because this impression appeareth out of a watery cloud. They are called by divers names, as Rods, Wands, Cords of Tents, unto which they are not touch unlike staves and little pillars, when they seem greater and thicker, many being joined together.  
The Rainbow, the Circles, and these light Beams, are all of one manner of generation, in so much that if you divide the Circle, it shall be a Rainbow; if you draw it straight in length, it maketh streams or beams. Herein they agree, namely, in form and matter, but they differ in outward form, which we may call fashion, as the one is round, the other half round, and the third direct, strait or falling aslope. Also they differ in place about which they stand: for streams are only about the Sun; Rainbows about the Sun often, and seldom about the Moon; but circles both about the Sun and the Moon, and also about any other of 〈◊〉 the Stars, yet rather and oftener about bright Stars.  
To make an end of these streams, they appear diversely, after the fashion and place wherein the cloud hangeth, in respect of the sun; for sometimes they are seen only in the edge of a cloud, all the breadth of that cloud: sometime thorough the midst of a cloud, being thinner 〈◊〉 then in other parts, and then they are spread round about like a tent or pavilion used in War. They are most commonly seen in such times as there 〈◊〉 abundancee of rain, which they by their apparition do signify not yet to be ended.  
And thus much concerning direct light beams, called Rods, etc.   

Of many Suns. 
Many Suns at once.   
IT is strange and marvellous to behold the likelihood of that which Alexander the Great, 
Alexander the great.  sending word to Darius, 
Darius.  said to be impossible, that Two Suns should rule the World. But oftentimes, men have seen, as they thought in the firmament, not only two Suns, but oftener three Suns, and many more in number thought not so often appearing. These, how wonderful soever they appear, proceed of a natural cause, which we will endeavour to express. They are nothing else but Idols or Images of the Sun, represented in an equal, smooth, and watery cloud placed on the side of the Sun, and sometimes one both sides, into which the Sun beams being received, as in a glass, express the likeness of fashion and light that is in the Sun appearing as though there were many Suns▪ whereas indeed there is but one, and all the rest are images.  
This thick and watery cloud, is not said to be under the Sun; for than it would make the Circles, called crowns or garlands: it is not opposite to the Sun, for than would it make the Rainbow: but it is said to be on the side where the image may be best represented. Also it may not be too far off, for then the beams will be too feeble to be reflected: neither yet too near; for if it so be, the Sun will disperse it: but in a competent and middle distance: for so representation of many Suns is caused.  
They are most often seen in the morning and evening, about the rising or going down of the Sun, seldom at noon time, or about the midst of the day, because the heat will soon dissolve them: yet have there been some seen, which began in the morning, and continnued all the day long, unto the evening. 
Many sm●l Suns like stars. Similitude.  Sometimes there appear many little Suns, like unto little stars, which are caused after the same sort as we do see a man's face to be expressed in all the pieces of a broken glass. So when the cloud hath many separations, there appear many Suns, on one, side of the true Sun, sometimes great and sometimes little, as the parts of the cloud separated are in quantity.  
They do naturally betoken tempest and rain to follow, 
The signification of many Suns.  because they cannot appear but in a watery disposition of the Air.  
Also, if they appear on the Southside of the Sun, they signify a greater tempest, then if they appear on the North-side. The reason is alleged, because the Southern Vapour is sooner resolved into Water then is the Northern.  
For a supernatural signification, they have oftentimes been noted to have portended the contention of Princes of kingdoms: As not long before the Contention of Galba, Otho, 
Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.  and Vitellius for the Empire of Rome, there appeared three Sun. Also of late, toward the slaughter of Lewis King of Hungary, were seen three Suns, betokening three Princes that contended for the kingdom, namely Ferdinnando since Emperor, John Vayvode, and the great Turk.   

Of many Moons.  
AFter the treaty of many Suns, it were not hard for any man without farther instruction to know the natural Cause of many Moons; 
Many Moons.  For they are likewise Images of the Moon, represented in an equal Cloud, which is watery, smooth and polished, even like a glass.  
Some call them (as Plinius saith) night-Suns; 
Plinius.  because they, joined with the light of the true Moon, give a great shining light, to drive away the shadow and darkness of the night.  
It were superfluous to write more of their Causes or Effects, which are all one with those that have been declared of the Suns.  
It may be doubted, 
Why other stars are not so represented.  why the other stars do not likewise expness their image in watery Clouds; and so the number of them, as to our sight, should be multiplied.  
It may be Answered that their light or beams are too feeble and weak to express any such Similitude or likeness in the watery Clouds. For although they have garlands or circles about them, that are caused in a Vapour that is under them, yet it is manifest that this Apparition hath not need of so strong a light as is required to print the images of them in the Clouds. Again, the Garlands are direct under, and therefore apt to receive such Apparition.  
It may be again Objected that the Stars have their Image perfectly and sufficiently expressed in glasses here on the Earth; 
Objection.  yea and at the daytime, when their light is either none, or most feeble and weak: as we see it is used at Midsummer to behold that great star called Syrius in a glass even at Noon-days. 
Syrius a great Star seen at noon in Summer.   
Also we see every night the image of the Stars in calm and quiet standing waters: then what should let but that their images might also be expressed in watery Clouds?  
Hereto may be answered that the Let is in the Cloud, 
An answer.  which is neither so hard as is the glass, nor yet so continual as is the water, but consisteth of innumerable small drops: so that except the light of the stars were stronger, it can in them express no uniform images of them, as it doth in glasses and in the water. Notwithstanding, in Writers of Wonders we read some such likething sometime to have chanced.  
There hath been often seen many Suns in the daytime and after the Sun setting: at the rising of the full Moon there have appeared many Moons, which was by this means, that the same Cloud that received the Sunbeams in the morning, tarried in the same place, and at the Moons rising was ready also to receive her image.   

Of Wonderful Apparitions.  
WE will close this Book with a brief declaration of the natural Causes of many things that are seen in the Air, 
Wonderful apparitions.  very wonderful and strange to behold, which in these latter Years have been often seen and beheld to the great admiration of all men, not without the singular providence of God, to forewarn us of many dangers that hang over us in these most Perilous Times.  
The apparitions of which, as it is most wonderful, so the searching of the Cause to us is most difficult: a great deal the rather, because no man hath hitherto enterprised (to my knowledge) to seek out any cause of them, but all men have taken them as immediate miracles, without any natural mean or cause to procure them.  
And I truly do acknowledge that they are sent of God as wonderful signs to declare his Power, and move us to amendment of life; indeed miraculous, but not yet so that they want a natural cause; for if they be well weighed and considered, it is not hard to find that they differ much from such Miracles as are recorded in the Scripture and admitted of Divines. So that as I abhor the Opinion of Epicurus to think that such things come by Chance, but rather by the determined purpose of God's providence: so I consent not with them that suppose when any thing is derived from any natural cause, God the chief and best Cause of all things is excluded.  
Some of these Wonderful Apparitions consist of Circles and Rainbows of divers fashions and placings, as one within another, the edge of one touching another, one dividing or going thorough another, with like placing of small Circles about great Circles or parts of small Circles, some with the ends upward, some downward; some aside, and some across; but all for the most part in uniform order constituted or placed for the order of them pleasant to behold, but for the strangeness somewhat fearful. Such a like Apparition is made with the Suns or Moons images joined unto these Circles set also in good and uniform order.  
The cause of all these is the meeting together of all those several Causes that make the Circles, Rainbows, Streams and Images of the Sun or Moon, which joined all together, make the wonderful sight of Rainbows, positions of Circles, 
Optice. Catoptrice  Crosses and divers Lights which pertain to the knowledge of Optice and Catoptrice that teach how by divers refractions and reflects, on's of beams such visions are caused. So that he which will know how they are generated, must return into the several Treatises of Rainbows, Circles, Streams & Images of the Sun or Moons and if in them he find not knowledge sufficient to instruct him, I must send him to the Demonstrations of Perspective, where he shall want nothing.  
Another sort of them, no less often beheld within these few years than the former, but a great deal more strange and wonderful to look upon, are the Sights of Armies fight in the Air, of Castles, Cities and Towns, with whole Countries, having in them Hills, Valleys, Rivers, Woods, also Beasts, Men and Fouls, Monsters of which there are no such kinds on the Earth, and finally all manner of things and actions that are on the Earth, as Burials, Processions, Judgements, Combats, Men, Women, Children, Horses, Crowns, Arms of certain Noble men and Countries, Weapons of all sorts, sometimes Stars●, Angels as they are painted with the Image of Christ crucified, beseiging of Castles and Towns, many things and gestures done by men or beasts, thevery Similitude of Persons known to the Beholders; as of late was seen the very Image of the Emperor Charles, insomuch that they which beheld it, put off their Caps, thinking verily it had been he: and of John Frederick Prince Elector of Saxony, who that time was Prisoner with the Emperor: Also the Image of small Crosses, which hath been not only in the Air, but also on the Earth, on men's apparel, on dishes, platters, pots, and all other things, so that the Jews have been full angry that they could neither wash nor rub them out of their apparel. In Germany also Fires and many such things as it were long stories seen in the Air.  
All these wonderful Apparitions may be caused two manner of ways; the one Artificially, the other Naturally.  
Artificially, by certain glasses and Instruments made according to a secret part of that knowledge which is called Catoptrice; 
Catoptrice.  and so peradventure some of them have been caused; but  
The most part (doubtless) Naturally, when the disposition of the Air hath been such, that it hath received the image of many things placed and done on Earth.  
And because it is apt to receive divers images, as well in one place as in another, these monstrous forms and strange actions or stories proceed of the joining of divers forms and actions: as if two Histories were confusedly painted in one, the whole Picture would be strange: or (as the Poet saith) if a Painter, 
Horarius.  to a man's head, should set a horse's neck, and after, divers feathers. Sometimes also one image is multiplied in the Air into many or infinite, as are letters and crosses which fill the Air, even beneath: And the light of the Sun received into little parts, maketh to appear as it were many small stars.  
Let this suffice concerning these wonderful Apparitions: once again admonishing the Reader, though I have enterprised to declare these by natural Reason, yet verily believing that not so much as one Sparrow falleth to the ground without God's providence. I do also ackowledg God's providence bringeth these to pass, to such ends as before I have showed, using these causes as means and instruments to do them.    

The Fourth Book.  

Of Watery Impressions.  
THose be Watery Impressions that consist most of Water.  
In the Treaty of them are wont to be handled these Impression; namely, Clouds, Rain, Dew, hoar Frost, Hail, Snow, Springs, and the great Sea itself.   

Of Clouds.  
A Cloud is a Vapour cold and moist, drawn out of the Earth and Waters by the heat of the Sun into the middle region of the Air; 
Clouds.  where by cold it is so knit together, that it hangeth until either the weight or some resolution causeth it to fall down.  
The place wherein the Clouds do hang, is said to be in the middle region of the Air, because men see it is necessary that there should be a cold which should make those Vapours so gross and thick, which for the most part are drawn so thin from the Earth, that they are invisible as the Air is.  
And although they are known often times, as Aristotle witnesseth, 
Astristor.  to be in the lowest region of the Air, near to the Earth, insomuch that sometimes they fall down to the Earth with great noise, to the great fear of men, and no less loss and danger: yet may it be reasonably thought that these Clouds were generated in the middle region of the Air far distant from the Earth, which by their heaviness do by little and little sink down lower into the lowest region, and sometimes also fall down to the Earth.  
The Common Opinion is, 
The height of the Clouds.  that they go not higher than nine mile; which because it leaneth to no reason, is uncertain.  
Albertus Magnus whose reason also is to be doubted of, 
Albertus Magnus.  affirmeth that the Clouds do scarce exceed Three miles in height when they are highest.  
And some let not to say that oftentimes they ascend not past the half of One mile in height.  
Again, Others pretending to find out the truth by Geometrical Demonstrations, make it above Fifty mile to the place where the generation of Clouds is.  
How these men take the distance from the Earth, it is uncertain: whether that they assign the least distance and mean it from the highest parts of the Earth as are hill tops, or from the common plain.  
Again, whether they that assign the highest distance to be from the lowest valleys of the Earth, or from the hill tops.  
The Reason before showed, moveth me to think that the most usual and common generation, I mean the condensation or making thick of these thin Vapours into Clouds, is in the middle region of the Air: but for the distance of the Clouds when they be generated, I think they be sometime Nine mile, sometime Three mile, sometime Half a mile, and sometime less than a Quarter of a mile from the Earth.   

Of Mists.  
THere be Two kinds of Mists; 
Mists.  the one ascending, the other descending.  
That which ascendeth, goeth up cut of the Water or the Earth as Smoak, but doth not commonly spread over all other parts: it is seen in Rivers and moist places.  
The other Mist that goeth down toward the Earth, is when any Vapour is lifted up into the Air, by the heat of the Sun, which being not strong enough to draw it so high that the Cold may knit it, suffereth it after it is a little made thick, to fall down again, so it filleth all the Air with the gross Vapours, and is called Mists, being usually a Sign of fair Wether.   

Of empty Clouds.  
THere be certain Clouds that are empty, 
Empty oleuds.  and send no Rain; they come of two sorts.  
One sort are the Remnants of a Cloud that hath reigned, which cannot be converted into water for their dryness.  
Another sort is of them that are drawn up out of wet and dry places, and be rather Exhalations than Vapours; that is, they be dry, hot and light, so that it were hard for them to be turned into Rain: they look white like flocks of wool, when the light striketh into them.  
There be also empty Clouds, which when the Winds have dispersed abroad any Cloud, are scattered over all the sky: but these Clouds though for a time they be empty, yet because they consist of such a substance as is watery, they may be, and are oftentimes gathered together, and give plentiful Rain.  
Of the Colours of Clouds we have spoken in the Second Book of Fiery Meteors, 
Of the colours of Clouds.  where those Colours and the causes of them are described, which seem to be Fiery, or may be thought to be Inflammations or burnings, as to be Red, Fiery and Yellowish.  
But besides those there be White, Black, Blue and Green.  
White clouds be thin, and not very Watery: so that the light received in them, maketh them to appear White.  
Black clouds be full of thick, gross and earthly matter that makes them look so dark.  
Blue clouds be full of thick drose and earthly, as the Black: so the light received in them, maketh them to seem Blue.  
Green clouds are altogether watery, resolved into water, which receiving into them the night, appear Green as Water doth in a great vessel, or in the Sea and Rivers.   

Of Rain.  
AFter the generation of clouds is well known, 
Raine.  it shall not be hard to learn from whence the Rain cometh.  
For after the matter of the cloud being drawn up, and by cold made thick (as is said before) heat following, which is most commonly of the Southern wind, or any other wind of hot temper, doth resolve it again into Water, and so it falleth in drops, to give increase of fruit to the Earth, and move men to give thanks to God.  
There be small showers of small drops, and there be great storms of great drops.  
The showers with small drops, proceed either of the small heat that resolveth the clouds: or else of the great distance of the clouds from the Earth.  
The streams with great drops chose do come of great heat, resolving or melting the cloud, or else of small distance from the Earth. Whereof we see a plain experiment, when Water is poured forth from an high place the drops are small, but if it be not from high, it will either have no drops, or very great.  
The cause why rain falleth in round drops, is both for that the parts desire the same form that the whole hath, which is round, and also that so it is best preserved against all contrary qualities: like as we see Water poured upon dry or greasy things to gather itself into roundels, to avoid the contrariety of heat and dryness.  
It is not to be omitted, 
Why rain water is not salt.  that rain Water, although a great part of it be drawn out of the Sea, yet most commonly it is sweet not salt.  
The cause is, because it is drawn up in such small Vapours, and that salt part is consumed by the heat of the Sun.  
The rain water doubtless doth more increase and cherish things growing on the Earth, than any other Water wherewith they may be Watered, because the rain Water retaineth much of the Sun's heat in it that is no small comfort to all growing plants. The Water that cometh from Heaven, in rain, will sooner come to putrefaction, or stinking, than any other, because it hath been made very subtle by heat and also for that it is mixed with so many Earthly and corruptible substances.  
Rain water, 
Avicen.  that falleth in the summer, by Avicens judgement, is more wholesome than other Water, because it is not so cold and moist as other Waters be, but hotter and lighter.  
Sometime there is salt rain, 
Salt rain.  when some Exhalation which is hot and dry, is commixed with the Vapour whereof the rain consisteth.  
Sometime it is bitter, 
Bitter rain.  when some burned Earthly moisture is mixed with it.  
This rain is both unwholesome, and also unfruitful. In these countries, there is great store and plenty of rain, because the Sun is of such temperate heat, that it gathereth many Vapours, and by immoderate heat doth not consume them. But in the East parts, in some ho● Countries, it never or seldom is seen to rain, as in Egypt and Syria, but in stead of rain, Egypt hath the River Nilus, 
The River Nilus.  whose overflowings do marvilously fatten the Earth. In Syria and other like Countries they have more plentiful dew than we have, which doth likewise make their Earth exceeding fruitful.  
Seneca testifieth that the Rain soaketh no deeper into the Earth than ten Foot deep. 
Seneca.    

Of the Signs of Rain.  
FIrst, 
Signs of Rain.  If the Sky be red in the morning, it is a token of Rain, because those Vapours which cause the Redness, will be shortly resolved into Rain.  
If a dark cloud be at the Sun rising, in which the Sun soon after is hid, it will dessolve it, and rain will follow. If then appear a cloud, and after, Vapours are seen to ascend up to it, that betokeneth rain.  
If the Sun or Moon look pale, look for rain.  
If the Sun in the East seem greater than commonly he appeareth, it is a sign of many Vapours which will bring rain.  
If the Sun be seen very early, or few Stars appear in the night, it betokeneth rain.  
The often changing of the Winds, also showeth tempest.  
The most sure and certain sign of rain is the Southern wind, which with his warmness always resolveth the clouds into rain.  
When there is no dew at such times as by nature of the time there should be, rain followeth: for the matter of the dew is turned into the matter of watery Clouds.  
If in the West, about the Sun setting there appear a black cloud, it will rain that night, because that cloud shall want heat to disperse it.  
When much dust is raised up, and when the woods make a great noise, some tempest is towards.  
Hard stones will be moist, and sweat against rain: lamps and candles by sparkling, frogs crying, Trees breaking, leaves falling, and dust clottering, forewarn us of tempest.  
Fleas, flies and gnats, by't sore toward a tempest, Kin● feed greedily, birds seek their victuals more busily: for in the gross Air disposed to rain, their stomaches are hotter, and they more hungry. But these kind of signs pertain not so properly to meteorology, as to Mariners and Husbandry, which have a great many more than these. And Virgil in the first book of Georgikes, hath a great number for them that list to learn. Wherefore let these hitherto suffice.   

Of monstrous or prodigious rain.  
HItherto we have made mention only of natural rain, 
Of Monstrous Rain.  and that which is common, which no man doth marvel at. But there is some time such rain, that worthily may be wondered at: as when it raineth worms, frogs, fishes, blood, milk, flesh, stones wheat, iron, wool, brick, and quicksilver. For historic maketh mention, that at divers times, it hath rained such things whose natural cause, for the most part, we will go about to express, notwithstanding, accounting them among such wonders, as God sendeth to be considered for such ends, as we have before declared, 
Worms & Frogs.  Worms and Frogs may thus be generated: The fat Exhalations are drawn up into the Air, by a temperature of hot and moist, such vermin may be generated in the Air, as they are one the Earth, without copulation of male and female. Or else that with the Exhalations and Vapours, their Seed and Eggs are drawn up, which being in the clouds brought to form, fall down among the rain.  
Likewise the spawn of fishes, 
Fishes.  being drawn up, maketh fishes to rain out of the clouds. 
Milk.  The vehement heat of the Sun in Summer, and specially in hot Countries, draweth milk out of the Paps of Beasts and cattle, which being carried up in Vapours, and dissolved again into milk, falleth down like rain.  
After the same manner, 
Blood.  the Sun also from places where blood hath been spilt draweth up great quantity of blood, and so it raineth blood.  
It raineth flesh, 
Flesh.  when great quantity of blood being drawn up, it is clotted together, and seemeth to be flesh.  
Avicen saith, That a whole Calf fell out of the Air; 
Avicen.  and some would make it seem credible, that of Vapours and Exhalations, with the power of heavenly bodies concurring, a Calf might be made in the Clouds. But I had rather think, that this Calf was taken up in some storm of Whirlwind, and so let fall again, then agree to so monstrous a generation.  
It is a great deal more reasonable, 
Stones.  that stones of earthly matter gathered in clouds, should be generated as we said before of the Tunder-bolt. Yet some men think, that wind in Caves of the Earth breaking upward violently, carrieth before it, earth and stones into the air, which cannot long abide, but fall down, and are counted among prodigious rain. Exhalations that be earthly and drawn out of clay, 
Brick.  have much gross substance in them, which gathered together, and by great heat burned in the clouds, make brick, which is no great marvel.  
He that hath seen an Eggs-shel full of dew drawn up by the Sun into the Air, 
Wheat.  in a May morning, will not think it incredible, that Wheat and other Grain should be drawn up in much hotter Countries than ours is, much rather the Meal or Flower which is lighter.  
A certain mostinesse, like Wool, 
Wool.  as is upon Quinces, Willows, and other young Fruits and Trees, is drawn up of the Sun among the Vapours and Exhalations, which being clottered together, falleth down like locks of Wool.  
Quicksilver, 
Quicksilver.  all men know with small heat, will be resolved into most thin Vapours, whereof when quantity is drawn up, it falleth down again: As it is read, that once at Rome it reigned Quicksilver, wherewith the Brazen Money being rubbed it looked like silver.  
Titus Livius maketh mention that it reigned chalk, 
Chalk. T. Livius.  whereof the cause cannot be hid to them that read how stone and brick come in the Air.  
Iron hath also reigned out of the clouds, 
Iron.  and sundry times, as Histories witness, whereof this hath been the cause. The general matter of all metals which is quicksilver and brimstone, with the special matter of mixtion that maketh Iron, were all drawu together and there concocted into the metal: so came the strange Rain of Iron.  
Avicen saith he saw a piece of Iron that fell out of the clouds, 
Avicen.  that weighed about an hundred pound weight, whereof very good swords were afterwards made.   

Of Dew.  
Due is that Vapour which in Spring and Autumn is drawn up by the Sun in the daytime, 
Dew.  which because it is not carried into the middle region of the Air, abiding in the lower region, by cold of the night is condensed into water, and falleth down in very small drops.  
There is common Dew, and sweet Dew.  
One kind of sweet Dew is called Manna being white like Sugar, 
Manna.  which is made of thick and clammy Vapours, which maketh it so to fall thick and white. It falleth only in the East parts.  
As for that Manna which God reigned to the Israelites, it was altogether miraculous.  
In Arabia (as Plinius writeth) is a very precious kind of Dew that is called Laudanum, 
Plinius. Arabia.  which falling upon the herb Cusus, 
Laudanum. Cusus.  and mixed with the juice of that herb which Goats do eat, is gathered off Goat's hairs and kept for a treasure.  
There is another kind of sweet Dew that falieth in England, called the Meldews, which is as sweet as honey being of such substance as honey is: it is drawn out of sweet herbs and flowers.  
There is also a bitter kind of Dew that falleth upon herbs, 
Bitter dew.  and lieth on them like bran or meal; namely because it is of an Earthly Exhalation, and so remaineth when the moisture is drawn away: This Dew killeth herbs.  
The common Dew drunk of Cattle doth rot them, because the matter is full of viscosity, bringing them to a fluxion.  
There be Three things that hinder Dew from falling; that is, great heat, great cold, and wind; for Dew falleth in the most temperate calm time.   

Of Hoare-Frost.  
Whore frost, 
Hoare frost.  or white frost, is nothing else but dew congealed by overmuch cold. The South and East wind do cause dew, but the North and Northern winds do freeze the Vapours, and so it becometh hoar frost; which if that excessive cold had not been, should have turned into dew.  
The dew and the whore frost agree in three things, namely, in matter, in quality of time, and place of the generation. In matter they agree; for they are both generated of a subtle and thin Vapour, and also small in quantity.  
In quality of time they consent, for both are made in a quiet and calm time: for if there were great wind, it would drive away the matter, and so could there be no generation.  
Thirdly, they are both generated in the lowest Region of the Air; for (as Aristotle affirmeth) 
Aristot.  upon the high hills there is neither dew nor hoar frost.  
They differ also in three things. For the whore frost is congealed before it be turned into water; so is not the dew.  
Secondly, The dew is generated in temperate weather, the white frost in cold weather.  
Last of all, hot Winds, as the South and East, do cause dew; but cold winds as the North and West, do cause whore frost,  
Hoare frost doth often stink, because of the stinking matter whereof it consisteth, which is drawn out of lakes and other muddy and stinking places.   

Of Hail.  
Hail is a hot Vapour in the middle Region of the Air, 
hail.  by the cold of that Region made thick into a cloud, which falling down to the sudden cold of the lowest Region, is congealed into Ice.  
There be so many kinds of Hail, as there be of rain: The fashion of hail is sometime round, which is a token that it was generated in the middle region of the Air, or very near it; for falling from high, the corners are worn away.  
When the Hail stones are square, or three-cornered, the hail was generated near the earth.  
Oftentimes there is heard a great sound in the Cloud as it were of Thunder before hail, or of an Army fight, etc. The cause is, That Vapours of contrary qualities, being enclosed in the Cloud, do strive to break out, and make a noise, even as cold water doth, being put into a seething pot.  
In Spring and Harvest-time is often hail, seldom in Summer and Winter. In winter there want hot Vapours, in Summer the lowest region is too hot to congeal the rain falling down. In Spring and Autumn, there want neither hot Vapours to resist the cold, nor sufficient cold to harden the drops of that hot shower of rain.  
The hail stones are sometimes greater, and sometimes lesser; greater, with greater cold; and lesser, with lesser cold.  
There is seldom hail in the night, for want of hot vapours to be drawn up.  
Sometime hail and rain fall together, when the latter end of the cloud, for want of cold in the lowest region, is not congealed.  
Hailstones are not so clear as Ice, because they are made of gross and earthy vapours, Ice is congealed of clear water.  
Hail is sooner resolved into water, than Snow, because it is of a more sudden and swift generation.   

Of Snow.  
SNow is a cold congealed by great cold, 
Snow.  before it be perfectly resolved from vapours into water.  
Snow is white, not of the proper colour, but by receiving the light into it, and so many small parts; as in foam, or the white of an egg beaten.  
Snow is often upon high hills, & lieth long there, because their tops are cold, as they be near to the middle Region of the Air; for oftentimes it raineth in the valley, when it showeth on the Hills.  
Snow melting on the high Hills, and after frozen again, becometh 〈◊〉 hard, that it is a stone, 
Originals of Crystal.  and is called Crystal.  
Other matter of Snow, because they are common with Rain, are needless to be spoken of. To be short, feet is generated even as Snow, but of less cold, or else beginneth to melt in the falling.  
Snow causeth things growing to be fruitful, and increase, because the cold driveth heat unto the roots, and so cherisheth the plants.   

Of Springs and Rivers.  
THe generation of Springs is in the bowels of the Earth, and therefore something must be said of the body of the earth. The earth, though it be solid and massy, yet hath it many hollow gutters and veins, in which is always air to avoid emptiness: for the ignorant in Philosophy must be admonished, that all things are full, nothing is empty; 
Nothing is empty.  for nature abhorreth emptiness; so that where nothing else is, there is Air and Vapours, which by cold, as it hath often been said, will be resolved into drops, as we see experience in marble Pillars and such like hard stones toward rain.  
This Air and Vapours therefore being turned into drops of water, these drops sweat out of the earth, and find some issue at the length, where many being gathered together, make great abundance of water, which is called a Fountain or Spring. The cause why such Springs do run continually, is, because that Air can never want in those veins, which by cold will always be turned into water, so that as fast as the water runneth forth, so fast is air again received into the place, whereby it cometh to pass, that so many Springs are perpetual, and never dried: but if any be dried up, it is in a hot Summer, and such Springs also they be, whose generation is not deep in the earth, and therefore the Vapours may be made dry, and the earth warm, so the Spring may fail.  
There be four kinds of springs; fountains, brooks, Rivers and lakes.   

Of Fowtaines.  
Fountains be small springs, 
Fountains.  which serve for wells and conduits, when there is but one place where the Water is generated; and that is not very abundant, either because it is of small compass, or small veins, and not many.   

Of Brooks.  
Brooks, boornes or fords, 
Brooks.  be small streams of Water, that run in a channel like a river. They are caused when either the spring occupieth a great compass, or else two or three small springs meet together in one channel.   

Of Rivers.  
River's are caused by the meeting together, 
Rivers.  not only of many springs but also of many brooks and fords, which being received in divers places as they pass, are at the length carried into the broad Sea for the most part. Howbeit some Rivers as swallowed up into the Earth, which perchance run into the Sea, by some secret and unknown channels: some Rivers there be, that hide their heads under the Earth, and in another place, far off, break out again. They Write also, that some Rivers being swallowed up of the Earth, in one Island do run under the bottom of the Earth and Sea, and break forth in another Island. There be also many great Rivers, that run under the Earth in great Caves, which never break forth. 
Astristot.  Aristotle showeth of ponds and lakes, that be under the Earth. 
Seneca.  And Seneca speaketh of a pond that was found by such as digged in the Earth, with fishes in it, and they that did eat of them, died. As Eels that be found in dark places, as Wells that have been dammed up, etc. are poison,   

Of Lakes.  
LAkes are made by the meeting together of many Rivers, 
Lakes.  Brooks and Springs into one deep valley: whereof some are so great, that they have the name of the Seas, as the Lake called Hircane, or Caspian Sea. These Lakes sometimes unlade themselves into the Sea by small Rivers, sometimes by passages under the Earth.  
The cause of the swiftness of Rivers, is double; for they are swift, either for the great abundance of waters, or else because they 〈◊〉 down from an hilly place, as the River Rhine falleth down from the top of wonderful high hills.   

Of hot Baths.  
SOme waters that are generated and flow out of veins of Brimstone, 
Hot Baths.  are sensibly warm, and some very hot, because they run out of hot places. These waters being also drying by nature, are wholesome for many infirmities specially breaking forth of scabs, etc. Such are the Baths in the West Country, and S. Anne of Buck-stones well in the North part of England, and many other elsewhere.   

Of the divers tastes that are perceived in Wells.  
FOr a general reason, 
Tastes of waters.  the waters receive their taste of that kind of earth thorough which they run as thorough a strainer. Some salt, that run thorough salt veins of the earth: some sweet, that be well strained, or run thorough such minerals as be of sweet taste: some bitter, that flow out of such earth as is bitter by adustion or otherwise.  
Some sour or sharp, like vinegar, which run thorough veins of Allome, coperas, 
Aristotle. Well water used for Vinegar.  or such minerals. Aristotle writeh of a Well in Sicilia, whose water the Inhabitants used for Vinegar.  
In Bohemia 
Bohemia.  near to the City called Bilen, is a Well that the people used to drink of in the morning, in stead of bunrt wine.  
And in divers places of Germany, be Springs that taste of such sharpeness.  
Some have the taste of Wine; as in Paphlagonia is a Well that maketh men drunk which drink thereof; 
Paphlagonia.  which is, because that water receiveth the ●●●osity of Brimstone and other Minerals thorough which it runneth, and so filleth the brain as wine doth.   

A recital of such Rivers and Springs as have marvellous effects, whereof no natural cause can be assigned by most men, although some reason in a few may be found.  
CLitumnus, 
Marvellous waters.  which maketh Oxen that drink of it white, 
Clitumnus Propert.  is a River or Spring in Italy, Propert, lib. 3. This may be the quality of the water, very phlegmatic. 
Boetia.  In Boetia is a River called Melas, 
Melas.  that maketh sheep black if they drink thereof.  
Seneca speaketh of a River that maketh red hairs: 
Seneca.  These two with the first may have some reason, that the quality of the reason may alter complexion, and so the colour of hairs may be changed, as we see in certain diseases.  
In Lybia 
Libya  is a Spring, that at the Sun rising and setting is warm, at midday cold, and at midnight very hot. This may be, by the same reason that wel-water is colder in Summer than it is in Winter. Seneca writeth, 
Seneca.  that there be Rivers whose waters are poison: this may be naturally the water running thorough poisonous Minerals, taking much fume of them. Other Wells that make wood and all things else that can be cast into them, stones, such wells be in England, the cause is great cold.  
Another Well maketh men mad that drink thereof. This also may have as good reason, as that which maketh men drink: As also that Well which maketh men forgetful by obstruction of the brain.  
The same Seneca speaketh of a Water, that being drunk, provoketh unto lust and lechery. And why may not that quality be in a Water which is mixed with divers Minerals and kinds of earth, which is in herbs, roots, fruits and liquors?  
S. Augustine speaketh of a Well in Egypt, 
S. August.  in which burning Torches are quenched, and being before quenched, are lighted.  
Among the Garamants is a Well so cold in the day, 
Garamants  that no man can abide to drink of it: in the night so hot, that none can abide to feel it.  
It is incredible that is written of a Well in Sicilia, 
Sicilia.  whereof if Thiefs did drink, they were made blind.  
In Idumea was a Well that one quarter of a year was troubled and muddy, 
Idumea.  the next quarter bloody, the third green and the fourth clear.  
Seneca writeth of another Well that was six hours full and running over, 
Seneca.  and six hours decreasing and empty: perchance because it ebbed and flowed with the Sea or some great River that was near it.  
In the Hill Anthracius is said to be a Well, 
Anthracius  which when it is full, signifieth a fruitful Year: when it is scarce and empty, a barren and dear Year. The sufficiency of moisture maketh fertility, as the want causeth the contrary.  
Men say there is a River in Hungary, 
Hungaria.  in which Iron is turned into Copper: which may well be, seeing Ink in which is but small Coperas, and artificially mixed of Iron, doth counterfeit Copper in colour. In this stream may be much Copperas, and that is naturally mixed.  
Both Seneca 
Seneca.  and Theophrastus 
Theophrastus.  witness that waters there be, which within a certain space, being drunk of sheep, (as Seneca saith) or of birds (as Theophrastus will have it) changeth their colours from black to white, and from white to black.  
Vitruvius 
Vitruvius.  writeth, that in Arcadia 
Arcadia.  is a Water called Nonacrinis, 
Nonacrinis.  which no Vessel of Silver, Brass, or Iron can hold, but it breaketh in pieces, and nothing but a Mules hoof will hold it and contain it.  
In Illyria, 
Illyria.  Garments that are holden over a most cold Well, are kindled and set on fire.  
In the Isle of Andros, 
Andros.  where the Temple of Bacchus 
Bacchus.  stood, is a Well, that the fifth day of January flowed wine.  
Isidore saith, 
Isidore.  there is a Well in Italy, that healeth the wounds of the eyes.  
In the Isle of Chios 
Chios.  is a Well that maketh men dull-witted that drink thereof.  
There is another, that causeth men to abhor lust.  
Lechnus, a Spring of Arcadia, 
Lechnus.  is good against abortions.  
In Sicilia are two Springs, 
Sicilia.  of which one maketh a woman fruitful, and the other barren.  
In Sardinia be hot Wells, 
Sardinia.  that heal sore eyes.  
In an Isle of Pontus, 
Pontus.  the River Astares overfloweth the fields, 
Astares.  in which whatsoever sheep be fed, do always give black milk.  
In Aethiopia 
Aethiopia.  is a Lake, whose water is like oil.  
Also many Springs of Oil have broken forth of the Earth, which cometh of the viscosity or fatness of the same earth.  
The Lake Clitory in Italy, 
Clitory.  maketh men that drink of it, to abhor wine.  
The Lake Pentasium 
Pentasium.  (as Solinus 
Solinus.  saith) is deadly to Serpents, and wholesome to men.  
Seneca writeth of certain Lakes that will bear men which cannot swim.  
And that in Syria is a Lake, 
Syria.  in which bricks do swim, and no heavy thing will sink.  
It is said, that the River Rhine 
Rhine.  in Germany will drown bastard Children that be cast in it, but drive aland them that be lawfully begotten.  
The River in Hypanis 
Hypanis.  in Sythia, 
Sythia.  every day brings forth little bladders, out of which flies do come that die that same night.  
Matrona. 
Matrona.  the River of Germany, as the common people say, never passeth day but he taketh some prey.   

Of the Sea.  
THe Sea, 
The Sea.  in this treatise hath place as a mixed substance: for else the element of Waters being simple, were not here to be spoken of.  
The Sea is the natural place of the Waters, into which all Rivers and other Waters are received at the length.  
And here it is to be understood, that the very proper and natural place of the water, 
The natural place of the water.  were to cover all the Earth, for so be the elements placed: the Earth lowest, and round about the Earth the Water, about the Water, the Air, and about the Air, the fire.  

Gen. 1.  But God the most mighty and wise creator of all things, that the Earth might in some parts be inhabited of men and beasts, commanded the Waters to be gathered into one place, that the dry land might appear, and called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of Waters he called Seas.  
In the Sea are these two things to be considered; the saltness, and the ebbing and flowing.   

Of the saltness of the Sea.  
THe saltness of the Sea, according to Aristotle's mind is caused by the Sun, 
Aristot.  that draweth from it all thin and sweet Vapours to make rain, leaving the rest as the settling or bottom, which is salt. But men of our time, peradventure more truly, do not take this for the only and sufficient cause to make so great a quantity of water salt, but say, that the Sea, by God's wisdom; is gathered into such valleys of the Earth, as were otherwise barren and unfruitful; such Earth's are salt, the Sea Water then mixed with that Earth, must needs be Salt; else Rivers by Aristotle's mind, should be salt as well as the Sea. The Reader may choose which opinion is most probable.   

Of the ebbing and flowing.  
THe ebbing and flowing of the Sea, 
Ebbing & flowing.  as Aristotle 
Aristot.  seemeth to teach, is by reason of Exhalations that be under the Water, which driveth it to and fro, according to contrary bounds and limits, as upward and downward, wide and narrow, deep and shallow. This opinion of Aristotle also, as more subtle than true, experience teacheth men to mislike, and to ascribe the cause of ebbing and flowing, to the course of the Moon, which ruleth over moisture as the Sun doth over heat: for from the new Moon to the full, all humours do increase; and from the full to the new Moon decrease again. Also, the very true time of the ebbing and flowing may be known by the course of the Moon, with whom, as the Lady of moisture, we will close up the fourth book of mayst and watery impressions.    

The fifth Book.  

Of earthly Meteors, or bodies perfectly mixed.  
THis last Treatise containeth such bodies whose chief matter is the earth, 
Earthly bodies.  and are called perfectly mixed, because they are not easily resolved into the chief matter whereof they are generated. These are divided into four Kind's. The first be divers sorts of Earth: The second be Liquors concrete: The third be Metals and Metallikes: The fourth be Stones.  
This division is not altogether perfect, both for that there be many of these Minerals which partake of two kinds, and also for that the names of these kinds may be said of others. Yet minding as plainly as can be, to declare the things themselves; the controversy and cavillation of names, shall not greatly trouble us, especially seeing we pretend not to teach Philosophers, but such as need a ruder and plainer instruction. They may therefore be content with this division, which shall not serve them to dispute of these matters, but to understand the truth of these things that they desire. Of these four therefore we will speak orderly and generally, not minding to treat of every particular kind (for that were infinite) but to open such universal causes, as they which have wit may learn (if they list) to apply unto all particulars.   

Of Earth's.  
THe Earth is an element, one of the four, cold and dry, 
Of Earth's.  most gross and solid, most heavy and weighty, the lowest of all other in place. When I say an Element, I mean a simple body uncompounded. This Earth is no Meteor, but as it was showed in the water, to the end there should be generation of things. There is no Element that we have which is pure and simple, but all are mixed and compound. Our fire is gross and compound, so is our air, our water, and our earth: but the earth notably and above the rest, is mixed. For the pure and natural Earth is dry and cold; but we see much to be moist, and much to be hot. The natural earth is black of colour: but we see many Earth's white, many yellow, and many red. So that first, the greatest part of the Earth is mixed with water, that maketh it to cleave together, with air and some fire, which make an oily, fat or clammy earth, as is clay made, etc.  
Another great part is dried, not into the natural dryness of the first quality, but as a thing once mixed, and after dried, either by cold, as sand, gravel, etc. or else by heat, as chalk, oaker, etc. And yet somewhat more plainly and particularly to discourse upon these causes, admitting the natural colour of the Earth to be black, of the water to be blue, of the air to be white, and of the fire to be ruddy, it followeth, that upon the mixtion of these colours, or chief domination of them, all things have their colour.  
The gross substance of the Earth therefore being diversely mixed with other Elements, and those mixtures again being eftsoons altered by divers and sometime contrary qualities, hath brought forth so many kinds of earth, as clay, marble, chalk, sand, gravel, etc. Clay is mixed with fat moisture, taking his Colour of the mixture with red from white; but being cold, it is not so fruitful as Marble, which is not always so moist as it. Chalk is an Earth by heat concocted, after divers mixtions, and dried up. Ochre, both yellow and red, with such like, are of the same nature, with mixtion of red, more or less.  
Sand and gravel, are dried Earth's, as it were frozen by cold: gravel is gross and apparent; sand, though it be finer, is of the same generation, consisting of many small bodies, which are congealed into stones. Sand seemeth to be clay dried by cold, and clotted together into small stones; whereof some are thorow-shining, which were the moist parts; the thick were of the gross part: the same is gravel, but of greater stones consisting. The like judgement is to be given of all other kinds of Earth, whose generation by the similitude of these will not be very hard to find out. They that list to know the divers kinds of Earth's, must have recourse to Plinius, Cardanus, 
Plinius. Cardanus.  and other Writers, that recite a great number of them: but these are the chief and most common kinds.   

Of Liquors concrete.  
WE take not liquors concrete so largely as the word doth signify, for than should we comprehend both the other kinds following. But only those liquors, called in Latin Succi, which are as it were middle between metals and stone, of which, some being fat and oily, do burn as Brimstone, Sea-coles, Jet, bitumen, etc. and the kinds of all these. Othersome do not burn, as Salt, Alum, Copperas Saltpetre, etc. and the kinds of these.  
Of the first sort, which are generated of Earthy and Airy Vapours, Fumes and Exhalations, the chief and most notable is Brimstone, which seemeth to be the matter of all dry and hot qualities that are in Earthly Meteors. The rest are generated of such like Vapours as Brimstone is, but then they be diversely mixed: as the coals have much Earth mixed with Brimstone; Jet seemeth to be all one but better concocted then coals. Of Amber is great contention, whether it be a mineral, or the sperm of a Whale: for it is found in the Sea, cast upon the shore. Now the Whale's seed being of the very same qualities, is taken more and less concrete of divers hardness; some almost as hard as Amber: some softer, and some liquid: yet Cardan plainly defineth, that Amber is a Mineral. Whether he have reason or experience, contrary to the vulgar opinion, let them consider that list to contend. These Minerals that will resolve with fire, it is apparent, that they were concrete with cold: in that they burned, it is manifest, they have a fat and clammy substance mixed with them, as the other kind hath not, which will not resolve so well with fire as with Water; which be salt, copperess, saltpeeters, etc. These burn not, being watery, Earthy, and not fat, unctuous, nor clammy.  
These be of divers colours, black, as Coals, and Jet, because there is much Earthy substance mixed with their sulphurous matter. Some be shear, as Salt, and Allome, having a substance Watery dried, and concrete. Copperas is green, because it hath much cold matter that is blue, mixed with it. Salt, the most common and necessary of all these liquors concrete, that be moist and not fatty, hath two manner of generations; one natural, and the other artificial. The natural generation is when it is first generated in the Earth; after cometh the water of the Sea, and is infected with it; out of which the Salt is again artificially gathered. Of these liquors concrete, be those strange wel● and springs infected, of which was spoken in the latter end of the fourth book. Most notably Brimstone causeth the hot Baths, and burneth in Aetna of Sicilia, and Vesuvius of Italy, 
Aetna and Vesuvius.  casting up the Pumice stones, of which is no place here to treat.   

Of Metals.  
MEtals 
Metals  be substances perfectly mixed, that will melt with heat and be brought into all manner of fashions that a man will.  
Of these the Alchemists say there be Seven kinds to answer to the Seven Planets; Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Led, Iron, and Quicksilver that they call Mercury. 
Mercury.  But saving their Authority, Quicksilver is no more a Metal then Brimstone, which is as necessary to the generation of Metal as Quicksilver is. For they all agree, that all Metals are generated of Sulphur, that is Brimstone, which because it is hot they call the father; and Mercury, that is Quicksilver, which because it is moist, they call the mother: so by as good reason may they call Brimstone a Metal as Mercury.  
Then there remaineth but Six perfect Metals; Gold, Silver, Copper, Tin, Led and Iron.   

Of Gold.  
THat most unprofitable and hurtful of all Metals, 
Gold.  Gold which most men dispraise, and yet all men would have, is of all other Metals the rarest: it is only perfect, the rest are corruptible.  
Gold never corrupteth by rust, 
Why Gold rusteth not.  because it is pure from poisonous infection, and most solid, that it receiveth not the Air into it which causeth all things to corrupt. It is perfectly concocted with sufficient heat and mixture of Sulphur: all other Metals either are not so well concocted, or else they have not the due quantity of Brimstone.  
This opinion hath also place among the Alchemists, 
The opinion of the Alchemists.  that because Nature in all her Works seeketh the best End, she intendeth of all Metals to make Gold; but being let, either for want of good mixture, or good concoction, she bringeth forth other Metals, indeed not so precious, but much more profitable; and the less precious, the more profitable: for there is more use to the necessities of man's life in Iron and Lead, then in Gold and Silver; but either the beauty or the perfection, or at least the rareness of Gold and Silver have obtained the estimation of all men, so that for them is sold all manner of things, holy and profane, bodily and spiritual.  
What pains do not men take to win Gold? Every man hath one way or other to hunt after it: but the Alchemist despising all other ways as slow, unnatural and unprofitable, laboureth either to help Nature in her work, as of unperfect Metals to make perfect, or else to force Nature to his purpose by his Quintessences and Elixirs, so that whatby purging, what by concocting, what by mixing of Sulphur and Quicksilver and much other like stuff, at length he turneth the wrong side of his gown outward, all the teeth out of his head, and his body from health to a Palsy, and then he is a Philosopher, and so he will be called.   

Of Silver.  
SIlver 
Silver.  the most pure Metal next unto Gold, hath indifferent good concoction in the Earth, but it wanteth sufficient heat in the mixture that maketh it pale.  
It is found (as they say) running into divers veins, as all other Metals be, but this most specially, after the shape and fashion of a tree lying along with a body or stock, of proportion like to the body of a tree, also with armest, branches, leaves and fruits.  
This Metal Silver lacketh sufficient heat, and therefore cometh neither to the colour, solidity nor perfection of Gold, and is generated in cold countries, near unto the North and South Poles, in so great quantity, that the Husbandmen when they plow their ground, turn up silver among he clods in their daily labours, which they do hide and conceal, lest the greedy Princes for Covetousness of the Metal, should overturn and destroy their land.  
The Gold Mines are chose most found in the hot Countries of India and Aethiopia, because in them is sufficient of heat for that unhappy generation.  
This Silver also the Alchemists would fain make by Ai●; but Mercury the chief Master of the Work, is so subtle and so sly, that nothing can hold him, nothing can kill him: for if the glass be not very thick, he will soon break out of prison, and so there is nothing left.   

Of Copper.  
COpper in colour coming nearest to Gold, being not so solid nor massy (for of all Metal Gold is the heavyest) giveth way to Corruption, being infected with that green Mineral Copperas.  
Hereof be divers kinds, Brass, Latin and such like, which differ in digestion; the Copper being purest, is of best digestion and nearest unto Gold: and so the rest in like degrees.  
Copper is most like Silver in the weight and in the hammering: wherefore the Alchemists have learned to make it white, that it deceiveth men's sight and handling: but the Gold miths do easily try it, and by the taste of counterfeit Silver make Copper again.  
Copper or Brass doth always grow near to the Mine of Copperas, which running with it in the digestion or natural concoction, hindereth it of perfection, maketh it to stink, and to be eaten of a green rust.  
Much ado the Alchemists have to tu●n it into Gold, if it might be: they dispute very reasonably and conclude almost necessarily in their Talk, that it may be converted into Gold as a body that wanteth little of perfection, which may be easily added unto it: but in conclusion of the work, it is an harder matter to bring to pass, than it was to purpose, before they had done it, to build an Abbey at every Miles end upon Salisbury Plain, as one was minded.   

Of Tin.  
Tin 
Tin.  whereof great plenty groweth in the West parts of England, in beauty and colour cometh nearest to Silver, and of Silver wanteth nothing but solidity and hardness: for Tin is raw and undigested metal, also very porose and compact, which causeth it to crash when it is broken or bitten: so it faileth of heat in the commixtion, and also sufficient digestion in the Earth: otherwise it is a fair and profitable metal, to serve the use of them unto whom Silver and Gold are not so plentiful.   

Of Lead.  
LEad 
Lead.  also found in great abundance within this Realm, is a raw and undigested metal as Tin is, but yet of better digestion than commixtion: for it is mixed with a gross earthy substance, which maketh it to be in colour so black and so fowl to corrupt: so that of the same Fumes and Exhalations (which if they had been pure and well digested, if the place and matter would have suffered should have been concrete into Silver) for lack of the same, Lead is generated, which coming plentifully, doth better service than Silver.   

Of Iron.  
IRon 
Iron.  the most necessary and profitable of all other metals (and yet as ill used of many as any other) is generated of such substance as Silver is, but mixed with a red Mineral which eateth it with red rust, and also being of too extreme digestion, passing ●ll other metals in hardness. And as other metals to the perfection of Silver want sufficient concoction, whereby ●hey come not to the same hardness: ●o Iron passeth and exceedeth Silver in immoderate digestion. But though it ●ome not to the perfection of Silver, God forbid that all Iron had been tur●ed into Silver: for than we should ●ore have miss it then silver or gold, ●e want of which would hinder us ●othing at all.   

Of Quicksilver.  
THough Quicksilver be no metal, 
Quicksilver.  yet because it is the mother of all metals, something is here to be spoken of it.  
There be divers and sundry opinions, both of the generation and also the qualities of it, which make the generation hard to find out. For if the quality were certainly agreed upon, there were an easier way found to try out the generation.  
Some affirm that it is exceeding hot, and that they would prove by the swift piercing thereof into other things that be porose.  
Others say it is exceeding cold, and that they prove by the exceeding weight of it. As for the piercing, they say it is caused of the exceeding moistness, of which quality both parts d● grant that it is. Concerning the generation, some have said that it is pur● and Elemental water: some again have thought that it droppeth out o● heaven, and is a part of the heavenl● stance. And others say that it is generated in the Clouds, and falleth down in the fields in a Circle, on those round Circles which are seen in many fields, that ignorant People affirm to be the rings of the Fairies dances.  
It is certain that Quicksilver hath divers times fallen out of the Clouds, as we have declared in the Treatise of Wonderful and Marvellous Rain: but whether it so fall in circle's it is doubtful. The most probable opinion is, that it is generated of moist Vapours of the Earth, coacted by cold, much like to Water, as Brimstone is of hot fumes, coacted by cold, much like to fire. And thus much of metals.   

Of Stones.  
Stone's, 
Stones.  the fourth kind of Earthly mixed bodies have two manner of generations, by most contrary qualities for heat doth harden moist bodies into stones; and we see that, clay, it maketh exceeding hard brick.  
Also the Thunderbolts in the clouds are generated by heat, as before hath been showed. But cold doth by congealing, generate many more stones than heat doth; for the most part of all the stones that are digged out of the Earth, are generated by cold, which is able to convert any other kind of mixed substance into stone, as hath been partly showed in the nature of wells and springs, of which, there be some in England, which by their cold, turn wood, or any like thing into stones. I have seen a piece of rotten wood, which to sight was very light, and like wood, but in handling, a very stone that was taken out of such a Wel. Also of other things taken out of the Earth, turned into stones, I have seen and found myself, fl●●s; with head and wings, very hard stones; also, I have seen a heart, a birds tongue, a beasts stone, a pear, a plum, and divers other things turned into hard stones.   

Of divers kinds of stones.  
Stone's may first be divided into rude and beautiful: the rude contain those great Rocks, 
Rocks.  which are generated by many small parts joined together, and the common pebble stones that be found every where in the Earth, 
Pibble stones.  among gravel, and on the shore of the Sea, or banks of the Rivers. These are generated of gross and Earthly humours, congealed by cold: and because they be neither fair of colour, nor thorough shining, and also common, they are contemptible. The fair or beautiful stones, be either great or small. The great be as marble of divers kinds and colours, alabaster, 
Marble.  and such like, which being hard and well concocted, may be polished and become beautiful. Their colour is as they are mixed, being uncongeled, so is their pureness. The small are more precious, and they be either thick or pellucide. The thick be neither so fair nor so precious, 
Aehates. Jasper. Prassios.  as the Achates, the Tasper, Prassios, etc. These consisting of a pure matter, and not very watery, are congealed into such stones. The clear stones be liquore concrete, as the Diamond, the Saphir, the Emerald, etc. they are praised for their greatness, hardness, clearness, 
Diamond. Saphir. Emerald. The praise of precious Stones.  and fair colours, of which enough hath been spoken, saving that some be of opinion, that these be generated by heat, because the best are found in hot countries, in the East, and in the South. Answer may be made, that the hotter the Air is, the colder is the Earth: so that reason is of small force.   

Of the virtue of Stones.  
SOme perchance, 
The virtue of Stones.  would look that we should make a long discourse of the virtue of stones, and would be well content that we should treat of divers properties of gems and precious stones, which matter though it be out of our purpose (which considereth only the generation) yet seeing it is not out of their expectation, some thing briefly, and yet sufficiently shall be said of the virtue of stones.  
That virtue that is ascribed unto them, is either Natural or Magical. 
The virtue of Stones, either natural or magical, Magnes.  Natural virtue, is either that which is known to have a natural cause, or a natural effect, as the Magnes or Loadstone to draw Iron, which is by a simitude of nature, & such an appetite as is between the Male and the Female. Also, the said Magnes moveth toward the North, and as some say, there is another kind found in the South, that draweth toward the South. They say, that there are great hills of this stone in the North and South, which maketh it look that way.  
Others bring a Mathematical reason, which because it is more curious than can be understood of the common sort, not exercised in Geometry, I omit.  
The Jet and Amber draw hairs, 
Jet and Amber draweth chaff.  chaff, and like light matter, but being before chafed, for heat is attractive.  
Also the precious Stone called Astroites, 
Astroites, a Stone moveth in vinegar.  moveth itself in Vinegar, the sharpness of the Vinegar piercing it, and the air excluded driving it forward.  
These virtues because I have seen, I have set for an example; generally all other like natural virtues, proceed of like natural causes, which by their effect, the ingenious must seek to find out.  
As for Magical Virtues, they be they which are grounded on no reason, or natural cause; which if they take effect, it is rather of the superstition and credulity of him that useth them, then of the virtue of the stones. As that an Emerald increaseth love, a Saphir favour, a Diamond strength, and such like virtues, 
Albertus Magnus,  of which Alberius in his Age, surnamed the Great, took pains to write a Book, which I suppose to be Englished.  
To conclude with the cause why Stones melt not, as Metals do, may be gathered by that which hath been said before, because they are congealed past that degree, and also because there is left in them no unctuous or clammy matter. Let this suffice for Stones; and and so the whole purpose is at an end.    

OBSERVATIONS On Dr. F. his BOOK OF Meteors.  
By F. W.  
LONDON, Printed for William Leake at the Crown in Fleetstreet.   

CHAP. I.  
Of the Earth.  
IT is a great Question amongst Philosophers, Whether the External and Visible Riches and Plenty which groweth and springeth on the face of the Earth: or the Internal and Hidden Treasure be more precious and valuable?  
Flowers and Fruits, Corn and cattle, and all other external terrestrial Births are of most rare and exquisite use for mankind: but the Earth is an Element not only beautified without, but most richly stored within with great Varieties of admirable Creatures, both pleasant, rare and profitable for humane Content and Conservation.  
From this very Consideration the Philosophers of Old reckoned and esteemed the Earth as the first and most ancient of all the Gods, and so styled her 
* Ils l'appelloient lamere grand & la mere de dieux. Antoine du verdier En la Relligions de Pagens.  The Grandmother or Mother of all the Gods. And the Heashens did not only honour the Earth as a Mother, but did adore her as a Goddess, giving her the names of Ops, Cibele, Rhea, Proserpina, Vesta, Ceres, and other Appellations to signify the diversities and several effects and virtues which she produced.  
The Earth was called Ops, 
Ops.  which signifieth Aid, because she affordeth aid and comfort to all Creatures inhabitant on her: And Pausanias reports that near the River Crasside in Greece, there stood a little Temple dedicated to the Earth, wherein she was adored Dea largi pectoris as the Goddess of the open and large breast, freely feeding all her Children which in numerous companies were ranged by her.  
Her Robe was rich and glorious, embroidered with the most pleasant flowers of all colours: and she was adorned with a Mantle of Tissue whose ground was a beautiful Green, signifying her great Plenty of all things wherewith Mankind might be affected, as most valuable and precious; and such are her rich Mines of Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, and Iron: or yet more highly prized Commodities, as precious Stones, and rare rich Gems of all kinds.   

CHAP. 2.  
Of Metals.  
THe visible beauty of the Earth is obvious to every eye, which is not the subject here in hand: Her abstruse and hidden riches, Preciosa periculaterrae, as Boetius calls them; her precious Metals and Mines, which force men to be so bold and ingenious, are the matter of this Discourse: These Aristotle calls Corpora perfectè mixta, inanimate bodies of complete mixture, made up of Sulphur and Quicksilver, the veins of the Earth being composed of a fit temper for such production: Some Philosophers make the 〈◊〉 of Metallum, from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifies a change effected in the Subterranean Veins with long labour and much difficulty.  
Some Naturalists are more short, and seem more plain; affirming, That Metals is that which is pliable by the hammer, and hard: Stones are hard, but not pliable, and Wax and Mud are pliable, but not hard.   

CHAP. 3.  
Of the number of Metals.  
Metals are seven in number, as the Planets are; Gold, Silver, Amber, Iron, Led, Brass, Copper. Gold presenteth the Sun, Silver the Moon, Amber called Electrum Mercury, Iron Mars, Led Saturn, Brass Venus, and Copper Jupiter; or else the seven may be distinguished thus: All Metal is perfect, soft and pure as Gold; or it is pure and hard as Silver; or it is hard and impure as Iron; or it is soft and impure as Led: And for Amber, it is compounded of Gold and Silver, as Cyprus Copper is made of Brass and Iron, containing an equal substance of Brass and Iron, which causeth that too much concocted, and high tincted is easily changed into Brass, and rechanged again into Copper.   

CHAP, 4.  
Of Gold.  
GOld is Metallnm puriffimum, the purest Metal of all others; and nature never took delight to make a more perfect elementary substance than Gold is; and therefore in price and estimation, is far above all other riches.  
The Composition of Gold is proportioned in equal quality, fitly Correspondent in the symmetry of the elements which compound it; it is even in the Originals so purified already, as are the simple & pure Elements, in such sort, that by their conjunction together in equal power, there is engendered so delicate and perfect a mixture of indissoluble union, composing an accord so faithfully, that there is made thereby an incorruptible Past, which is permanent to all eternity, in the excellency and goodness thereof; wherefore Gold cannot be vanquished by injury of time and antiquity; neither can contain in it felt, nor support any excre●●ncy and superfluity of Rust; for though it be put into the water or fire, and there remain a long space; yet it is never stained, nor accepteth it any other quality but what is Natural. Nor yet doth Gold fail any whit, which is a sole privilege belonging to this royal Metal, all other being subject to alteration and corruption, for though Gold be drawn into the smallest wire, and be extenuated as fine as the threads in the Spiders wed; and though it be buried in the most piercing medicaments as are Sublimatum, Verdegrease, Salt, Venegar, and that it remain three thousand years therein, it will not for all that be corrupted, but rather the more refined, provided the Gold be perfect, and not sophisticated and false.   

CHAP. 5.  
Where Gold is found.  
GOld is found in divers manners, to wit, mixed with Sand as in Bohemia: on the shore-side amongst the water near to Goldborough & Risegrond; and amongst the stones in mountains, as in Calcutta, and in the Indies.  
The Generation of Gold is usually on the tops of Mountains, because that there in the highest places the Sun doth more easily purify that which retaineth too much earthiness in it: and when the Rain and Torrents do flow down, they carry the Gold down with them to the foot thereof, where it is gathered amongst the sand, or else in waters near thereunto, whether it is driven by the violence of floods, except the Ground perhaps open with those inundations, and the Gold fall into the gaping jaws of the Earth, and so stick there. Now it is observable, that that which is found in the entrance of the Mine, is not the purest, but is as an earnest to invite to farther labour and pains. That which is found in Waters and Rivers is fished for, and is in form of little Grains: In Rocks and Mountains it is taken out by delving and digging. And there be three sorts of Mines, some are called Pendent, some Jacent, and some Oblique and turning: Pendent are those which are found in the superficies and tops of Mountains: Jacent are low, and lie in plain fields: Oblique have a cross Course, whether it be to that which is Pendent, or Jacent, all whereof is driven by Rivers into the next floods.   

CHAP. 6.  
Of Silver.  
THe most noble amongst Metals next to Gold, is Silver; for though Copper in colour, and Led in weight do nearest approach unto Gold; yet in Tenuity of substance, in pureness and fastness, Silver is so like unto it, that good silver may be rightly said to be imperfect Gold in substance; sailing in colour, and that by succession of time, it is sometimes changed into Gold, as in many years' space Lead turneth into Silver. The Mines of Silver are more ordinary than Mines of Gold; and it is usually engendered in four manners, to wit, either in the Earth, or in Brass, or in Lead, or in Stones, which being purged and melted, yield some quantity of Silver. In the Mountain called Mons Regius, stones retain very much Silver, which being put in the fire, there is found in every pound of silver that runneth out of them, half an ounce of Gold at least.  
Silver is many times found to be mixed with Copper, as in Alsaria, near to the Rhine in the Mountains of S. Anne, and in Messein. When Silver is separated from Lead, it leaveth a scum which is called Lithargyrium, which is a kind of impure Lead.   

CHAP. 7.  
Of Quicksilver.  
Quicksilver is called Materia Metallaris, the matter of the Metals; and though it have the name of Silver, yet in nature it approacheth nearer to Gold; for it is like unto it in Tenuity and weight, and to Silver only in colour. And notwithstanding the opinions of many Chemists, Quicksilver is not a Metal, but a Water condensate, not by heat (for it is not hardened) nor by cold (for then it would be a stone or metal) but by some other terrestrial rare and pure portion, whereby it cometh to be weighty and cold, splendent and liquid, and is therefore ranked amongst those metalline substances which differ but little from water; and it is common in experience, that the Mountains wherein Quicksilver is found, are very green and full of fountains.   

CHAP. 8.  
Of Electrum or Amber.  
MAny Authors, Philosophers, and Chemists, disagree in their opinions and discourse of Amber; some reckon Amber amongst pliable and hard metalline substances; others will not acknowledge it but to be but the gum of a Tree producing Rosin which is common in Arabia.  
Philemon writeth, that in two places of Scythia, Amber is digged out of the ground like a kind of stone, and in one place it is white, and in another it is yellow; to omit this Argument, and to agree with those who allow Amber to be a Metal, is most consonant to reason: The nature and property of it is a mean betwixt Gold and Silver, and such is the true and natural Amber: as for that which is used for Beads, it is but artificial.  
Amber partaketh more of Gold than Silver, because it is more pure, & more apt to be wrought; for if it consist more of Silver, it could not endure the forge and hammer.  
Vessels are made of Amber, some for beauty, some for profit: and if composed of true and good Amber, they will discover poisons by cracking, and making signs of an Arch within: for when the rare humidity thereof cometh to be consumed by the force of venom, it cracketh, and the colour changing in the Vessel, it seemeth in stead of the great splendour thereof, there doth a kind of stain represent it self like unto an Arch. Now that this Metal is more rare, is ignorance that knoweth not the virtue; or avarice, that greedily thirsteth after Gold and gain.   

CHAP. 9  
Of Iron.  
IRon is taken out of the Earth, and to make it Malleable, the mass thereof is laid to dry in the Sun; and that which is Earthy, doth soften and moulder with the Rain, as that which is moist doth melt with the Sun; which as the venom of it is consumed in the Furnace by the fire, by how much more it is purged in the fire, by so much the more it is pure in its goodness, in such sort as that which is earthy, doth at last turn to schales and dross, and the most subtle part thereof doth convert into Steel.   

CHAP. 10.  
Of Steel.  
THe common Steel is artificial extracted Iron, Iron more excellently purged, and a little Marble added thereunto; but in many places there is Natural Steel, namely in Persia very good, and in the Chaldean Isle, and near Damascus, whereof the best Cemiters and Falchions in the world are made, which cut so well, that there is no Razor, be it never so well steeled and tempered, that hath a more keen and sharper edge; for this cause some say, That there are some kinds of Steel and Iron so excellent, that weight for weight, they are esteemed of greater price then Gold.   

CHAP. 11.  
Of Lead.  
LEad is a gross dull Metal, Procreated and Consistent of more impure Quicksilver, and more feculent and crass Sulphur; it lest endures the fire of any Metal, and therefore soon melteth. Galen saith, Led buried long in moist subterranean Caves and holes, increaseth in magnitude and weight, and therefore is a Cover (if well considered) less proper for any buildings but where the Roofs are of infinite strength. There be divers kinds of Lead, some red, some white, some balck, and a fourth sort of a m●an quality betwixt white and black, found in the mountains of Bohemia. The Ore of Lead is melted in furnaces, and is let run through pipes out of the furnace, whether the Workmen will. Lead is an incongruent and malignant Metal to all others; and if but one ounce be mixed incorporated with one hundred ounces of Silver or Gold, the mixture will reader the whole mass brittle and fragil; and so it will be in all like proportions.   

CHAP. 12.  
Of Tin.  
TIn is a white Metal somewhat like to Silver for i●s splendour & whiteness, and yet not much above Lead for its softness and porosity. And this is the difference betwixt Tin and white Lead, that the one is engendered where there is some Silver mine or vein, but the other is generated apart without the company of so rich a Neighbour.   

CHAP. 13.  
Of Brass.  
BRass is a more impure Metal: which composed of much sulphurous matter, is more hot, light, and less pory, and so less subject to corruption and rust by reason of all moisture and humidity (almost) consumed in it.  
In times past, it was very usual to make Shields and Bucklers, and Pike●, & Lances thereof, as Homer reports how Menelaus pursued Paris with a brazen Lance. This Metal is proper for trumpets, because it maketh a great noise in Doric music, and inflameth men to Combat: That of Cyprus is harder, and therefore better than any other.   

CHAP. 14.  
Of Copper.  
COpper, or Orichalcum, is Latin, or as some call it as factitium, artificial brass; it represents with it a golden Complexion, but is somewhat more yellow than Gold; some because of Copper, make two kinds of Brass, the one Natural, the other Artificial; the best hath spots of shining Gold intermin gled; and the Merchants tell us, that in Nova Hispania in America, a piece of it hath been found of two hundred pound weight. The Artificial brass, commonly called Copper or Latin, is very ordinary; and the most excellent is that which in four pounds of brass, doth contain in it one pound of white Lead. Also when the white Lead is mixed to the eight part of brass, then is the Copper very good; but it is base when mixed with black Lead: the use of Copper is chiefly for fair instruments, as Ordinance, Cauldrons, and such like, wherein it is more excellent than brass; and it giveth no ill taste or smell to meat boiled in it.  
FINIS.   

The Table.  

OF the Earth in general, Chap. 1 page 159  
Of Metals, Chap. 2. p. 161  
Of the number of Metals, Chap. 3. p. 162  
Of Gold, Chap. 4. p. 163  
Where Gold is found, Ch. 5. p. 165  
Of Silver, Ch. 6. p. 166  
Of Quicksilver, Ch. 7. p. 167  
Of Electrum or Amber, Ch. 8. p. 168  
Of Iron, Ch. 9 p. 170  
Of Steel, ibid.  
Of Lead, Ch. 11. p. 171  
Of Tin, Ch. 12. p. 172  
Of Brass, Ch. 13. p. 173  
Of Copper, ibid.   

Printed or sold by William Leake, at the sign of the Crown in Fleetstreet between the two Temple Gates: These Books following.  

YOrk's Heraldry, Folio  
A Bible of a very fair large Roman letter, 4●  
Orlando Furioso, Folio Calais learned Readins on the Stat. 21. Hen. 8. Cap. 5. of Sewers.  
Perkins on the Laws of England. wilkinson's Office of Sheriff's Persons Law.  
Mirror of Justice.  
Topics in the Laws of England  
Sken de significatione verbor●.  
Delaman's use of the Horizontal Quadrant.  
Wilby's 2d set of Music, 3, 4,, 5, & 6 Parts.  
Corderius in English.  
Exercitatio Scholastica.  
Nyes Gunnery and Fireworks.  
Cato Major with Annotations.  
Mel Helliconium, by Alex. Ross.  
The History of Vienna and Paris.  
Lazarillo de Tormes two Parts.  
Posing of the Accidence.  
Man become guilty, by John Francis Senalt, and Englished by Henry Earl of Monmouth.  
The Idiot in 4 books.  
The life and Reign of Hen. the eighth, written by the L. Herbert.  
Aula, 〈◊〉 or the house of Light.  
The For● Royal of ● ly-Scriptures. by 1. H. ●  
A Tragedy of Christ's Passion, written by the most learned Hugo Grotius, & Englished by Geo. Sands.  
Mathematical Recreations, with the general horological Ring, and the double horizontal Dial, by William Outhtred.  
The Garden of Eden, or an Accurate description of all Flowers & Fruits now growing in England, with particular rules how to advance their Nature and Growth as well in Seeds and Herbs, as the secret ordering of Trees and Plants, by Sir Hugh Plat. Knight, the 2d Edition enlarged.    

PLAYS.  

Hen. the Fourth. Philaster.  
The Wedding. The Hollander. Maid's Tragedy.  
King and no King.  
The grateful Servant.  
The strange Discovery.  
Othello the Moor of Venice; The Merchant of Venice.