NON
CIRCULATING
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LIBRARY
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SCIENTIA
VERITAS OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
LURIBUS
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CIRCUMSPICE
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NON
CIRCULATING
Ims. Temp.
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"
THE
PHILOSOPHICAL WORKS
O F
FRANCIS BACON,
Baron of Verulam, Viſcount St. Albans,
and LORD HIGH-CHANCELLOR of England;
Methodized, and made English, from the ORIGINALS.
WITH
OCCASIONAL NOTES, to EXPLAIN what is Obſcure;
And fhew how far the feveral PLANS of the AUTHOR,
for the Advancement of all the Parts of Knowledge,
have been executed to the preſent Time.
In THREE VOLUMES.
By PETER SHAW, M. D.
VOL. III.
Multi pertranfibunt, & augebitur Scientia.
LONDON:
Printed for J. J. and P. KNAPTON, D. MIDWINTER and A. Wa R D,
A. BETTESWORTH and C. HITCH, J. PEMBERTON, J. OSBORN
and T. LONGMAN, C. RIVINGTON, F. CLAY, J. BATLEY,
R. HETT, and T. HATCHETT. M.DCC.XXXIII.
仲
​INSTAURATION
PART III.
A 2
Ref:
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PREFACE.
T
HIS third Part of the INSTAURATION feems to
have been generally misapprehended; perhaps for want of
carefully attending to its Office and Ufe, as they are di-
finetly laid down in the Novum Organum; and far-
ther explained in the Author's Aphorifms for compiling a juſt Hif-
tory
of Nature and Art ¹.
b
Indeed, the Work being pofthumous, and ufually publiſhed ſeparate,
the Connexion it has with the other Parts of the Inftauration, could
not be fully discovered, without more than ordinary Diligence, and
Attention: whence it has been too much confidered with regard to
itſelf, or the direct Matter it contains; and not fufficiently, as it fets
an Example for profecuting, and, in fome degree, executes, a principal
Part of the Author's general Scheme for the Rebuilding of Arts,
Sciences, and all human Knowledge, from their furet Foundations:
wherein its principal Merit and Excellence confift. For the Defign
and Tendency of this Work, is to lay the Foundations of Inductive
Hiftory; a Thing, fo far as appears, never attempted before .
d
The Sylva Sylvarum, therefore, is to be confidered as a Collection of
the beſt Materials, which the Author, by his fingle Abilities, could,in his
own Time, procure, in order to this End; that is, to furnish out a proper
Set of particular Hiftories, for the due Interpretation of Nature;
the Discovery of Caufes; the Investigation of Forms; and the raising
of Axioms; that should not only direct a general Practice, or the Per-
fection of Arts; but also conftitute a general Theory for perfecting the
Understanding. And if it be carefully remembered, that this was
the Author's View in collecting the Sylva Sylvarum, the Performance
will
a Part I. Aph. 117, 118, r19, 120, 121. Page 405 -409.
b See Vol. III. pag. 8- 16.
• See Vol. I. pag. 13, 14, 15, 44- 47.
d See the de Augmentis Scientiarum pag. 44. Novum Organum Vol. II. pag. 393. and
Vol. III. pag. 5.
See the Novum Organum Part I. paffim. And Part II. Sect. I. throughout.
V
"
vi
PREFACE.
will doubtless appear of a much higher, or nobler Nature, and to be
better executed, than Men have hitherto generally imagined.
And whoever duly confiders the Thing, will not wonder that the End
and Defign of the Sylva Sylvarum fhould have been mifconftrued; when
the Novum Organum, which was to be wholly employed upon it, has
been fo little understood: the one being only a part of the Matter, and
the other a part of the Inftrument, Engine, or Crane, for raiſing Artș
and Sciences, to their greatest Perfection.
Cr
66
It muft, indeed, be acknowledged, that the Sylva Sylvarum is far
from perfect; or from anfwering the Defign of a general History of
Nature and Art, in all that Extent and Fullness conceived in the
Mind of the Author. And thus much is freely confeffed by himself;
when he ingenuously declares, that "the Natural Hiftory he has been
"able to procure, is not fo copious, and fo well verified, as alone to
ferve for, or even adminifter to, a genuine Interpretation of Nature"
And again, that "it is a royal Work, requiring the Purfe of a Prince,
" and the Affiftance of a People; the Materials of the Understanding
being fo diffufive, that they must, like Merchandize, be imported from
"all Quarters," &c. & It were, therefore, extremely fupine, and incon-
fiderate, to expect that from the Labours of a fingle Perfon (otherwife
fufficiently employed) which is, in reality, the Work of many; and, if pro-
per Care be not taken, may prove the Work of Ages. We are likewife to
confider, according to the Intimation given above, that the Work did not re-
ceive the laft Hand of the Author; and, being published after his Death,
is, on that Account, not fo correct as it would have been, had he lived to
revife, and fit upon it, from Year to Year, in his ufual manner. But
imperfect as he left it, perhaps it may still be found a Work fingular
in its kind; and hitherto unequalled; or rather, not carefully continued.
For it might be proper, with prudent Moderation, and fuitable
Deference, to enquire, what has been done towards perfecting this ge-
neral Hiſtory of Nature and Art, fince the Time of the Author; upon
the Plan which he left us, and the Light be afforded for the Purpofe.
And, with due Reverence and Refpect to the past and prefent Age, it
Should feem as if the Author's Intention had been fomewhat mistaken; or
at leaft, as if his Example had not been exactly followed.
'Tis certain, that noble Collections of philofophical Materials have been
made in England, France, Germany, &c. as appears in the Philo-
fophical Tranſactions of the Royal Society of London; the Memoirs
of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris; the Acta Eruditorum,
and Ephemerides of the German Academicians, &c. But furely the
Matters
f See Novum Organum Part I. Aph. 117. See alfo Vol. I. pag. 13-15, 44• 47.
8 Vol. III. pag. 6, 7. Novum Organum Part I. Aph. 98, 111,0%,
PREFA CE.
vii
Matters thus collected, and treasured up, tho highly excellent and uſeful,
Seem rather accidental, or cafual; as Things themselves happen to turn
up; or as Mens Studies and Inclinations prompt and lead; than purpoſely
jought out, with a View to Inductive Hiſtory, and Axiomatical
Philofophy. And hence it happens, that when any particular Natural
Enquiry is gone upon, in the Inductive Method, we even at this Day
are at a loss for the Prerogative Inftances, capable of leading, in a fhort
way, to a juft Determination. So that the Perfons who ſhould act
the Part of Interpreters of Nature, are obliged to turn Hiſtorians ;
and instead of exercising the Understanding in forming a proper
Induction, are obliged to go in queft of Materials; and themfelves pro-
cure the requifite Facts, and make the needful Obfervations and Experi-
ments. No wonder, therefore, if the Structure of ferviceable and effec-
tive Philofophy rifes flowly, when the Materials for it are not yet col-
lected, and brought together, into any one, two, or more, general Repo-
fitories.
Barely to intimate this may fuffice for the prefent, in order to
bring us better acquainted with what the Author means by Induc-
tion; the Investigation of Forms; and the Interpretation of Nature;
that is, with the little regarded, but immenfely ufeful Doctrine of his
Novum Organum, or Philofophical Algebra; which, as we above
obferved, was to be folely employed upon proper Materials, collected in
the manner of the following Memoirs for a Hiftory of Nature and Art;
fo as, in due time, to procure a general Syftem of Inductive Hiftory; in
exact Conformity with Nature herfelf.
;
Such was the View and Defign of the following Memoirs and
to render them the more fubfervient to this End, the fitter for Uſe,
and the more capable of Improvement, we have altered their Order
and, according to the Author's Direction, placed them in the Store-
bouſe, or Repofitory, fo as to be readily found, when they come to be
wanted: that is, we have placed them in Alphabetical Order; which.
Seems, in a particular manner, to fuit the Rudiments of natural Know-
ledge, and the Embryo of ſcattered Hiſtory.
The Notes occafionally added, we hope, will more fully open the De-
fign and Scope of the Piece; fo as to render it generally intelligible;
and lead to its farther Advancement.
THE
T
1X
THE
CONTENTS
OF THE
Third VOLUME.
SYLVA SYLVARUM:
OR, THE
Phænomena of the Univerſe, &c.
INTRODUCTION.
SECT. I.
Of the just Method of Compiling a Natural and Expe-
rimental Hiſtory, for the Service of Philofophy, or the
farther Discovery, and Advancement, of Arts and
Sciences.
I.
"T
HE Deſign of the
enfuing Hiftory.
Page 3
2. The Foundation
ibid.
of the Defign.
3. An Exhortation to Men for re-
covering their Dominion over
VOL. III.
the Works of Nature; drawn
from the differences of Opinions.
Page 4
4. The Confinement of the Sci-
ences.
ib.
5. The Author's Reafons for leav-
ing the Novum Organum un-
2
finished,
The CONTENT S.
finished, to pursue the History 6. This Hiflory of large Extent.
of Nature.
Page 5
Page 6
A Set of Aphorifms for compiling a juft Hiftory of
Nature and Art.
7. That this Hiſtory be not wrote in
too ftrict a Method. Page 8
8. The End of this Hiftory to be
for Induction.
9.
ibid..
Its Bulk to be contracted. (1.) By
omitting all foreign Ornaments.
9
10. (2.) Deſcriptions of light Cu-
riofities; and (3.) Superftitious
Relations.
ib.
11. The Example of a Builder to
be followed in the Compilement.
ΙΟ
ib.
12. This Hiftory to be made Uni-
verfal; and to contain (1.) The
Hiftory of Generations, confifting
of five Parts.
13. (2.) The Hiftory of Preterge-
nerations, and (3.) The History
Arts.
I I
14. A more particular regard to be
had to the History of Arts. ib.
15. And among them, chiefly to
thofe that change and prepare
Natural Bodies.
1.2
16. The collecting of eminent In-
17.
Atances in Arts, to be more re-
garded than the perfecting of
Arts themfelves.
ib..
That common and mean Mat-
ters be received into this Hiftory.
ib.
13
18. That the Proportions of Pow-
ers, Magnitudes, and Distances
be noted.
19. In what manner the feveral
kinds of Matters are to be ad-
mitted into this Hiſtory. 14
20. To note, occafionally, Vanities
and Credulities.
b
ib.
21. Five Appendages to this Hif
tory, viz. (1.) Queries as to
Facts. (2.) The manner where-
in Experiments were made.
(3.) Notes and Admonitions.
(4.) Obfervations, Canons, and
Things that are, fubjoined to
thoſe that are not..
15
22. (5.) Received Opinions to be
Slightly touched.
23. The Work feasible.
16
ib.
SECT.
The CONTENTS.
xi
SECT. II.
Containing more precife Directions, and a Catalogue of
the Particular Hiftories, required to the true Interpre-
tation of Nature.
24.
M°
ORE particular Di-
rections for fuch as
would affift in compiling the Hif
tory abovementioned. Page 16
25. The Subjects to be choſe. 17
26. The Method of treating them.
ibid.
ib.
27. Hiftory and Experiments claim
the first place.
28. When Experiments are want-
ing, to indicate them. ib.
29. When Experiments come under
feveral Heads, to regard the
Matters, and not the Arts. ib.
30. To relate how the Experiments
were made.
18
31. To interpofe Admonitions, Cau-
tions, and Glances at the Inter-
ib.
pretation of Nature.
32. Hints at Caufes. Hints for
practical Ufes.
ib.
33. To fet down Optatives, or
Things next to impoffible. ib.
34. An Invitation, for others to
affift.
ib.
A Catalogue of particular Hif
tories, required for the In-
terpretation of Nature; or
laying the Foundations of
Inductive Hiftory. 19-29
A Catalogue of capital En-
quiries, regarding the more
immediate Service of Man-
kind.
29-32
a 2
MEMOIRS
xii
The CONTENT S.
MEMOIRS for a GENERAL HISTORY
O F
NATURE and ART.
ACCELERATION.
I.
Accel
Cceleration a Capital En-
quiry.
Page 32
AFFECTIONS.
1. That the Spirits retire in Af-
fections of the Body, illuftrated
in all the Senfes.
AIR.
ib.
1. The Trials to be made of Air.
33
2. Whether Air may turn to Wa-
ter.
ib.
34
3. In what State coldeft.
4. Whether Air may be condenfed
ib.
for Nourishment.
ALTERATION S.
1. Great Alterations of Bodies,
what.
ANIMALS.
35
1. The difference in Male and Fe-
male Animals.
2. Its Cauſe.
ib.
36
ib.
3. Of the Comparative Magnitude
of Living Creatures.
ANNIHILATIO N.
1. The impoffibility of Annihila-
Page 37
tion.
ATTRACTION.
1. Attraction by Similitude of
Subſtance in Wood.
2. In Salt-Water.
ib.
38
3. Attraction in Sugar and Wine.
BATHING.
ib.
1. The uſe of Bathing and Anoint-
ing.
ib.
BIRTH.
1. The Means of accelerating Births.
39
BLACK-MOORS.
1. The Colour of Black and
Tawny-Moors.
ib.
BLOOD.
1. The Blood of the Cuttle-Fish
black.
40
BONES
3
The CONTENT S.
xiii
BONES and TEET H.
1. Memoirs for the Enquiry of re-
ftoring Teeth in old Age. Page 40
2. Obfervations. (1.) That bony
Matter is plentifully fupplied to
the Head.
ib.
3. (2.) That Bones, at their Growth,
do not waste.
ib.
4. (3.) That bony Matter natu-
rally goes to the Extremities. ib.
5. (4.) The Contents of the Bones.
ib.
6. (5.) The Teeth have Senfation.
ib.
7. (6.) The Teeth in Men of three
kinds.
4I
8. (7.) Some Creatures have out-
growing Teeth.
ib.
9. (8.) No borned Beaft has upper
Fore-teeth.
ib.
10. (9.) The Mark in Horfes Teeth.
ib.
II. (10.) The Shedding, and new
growing of the Teeth.
ib.
12. (11.) How the Teeth are da-
maged.
ib.
13. (12.) Particular Enquiries a-
bout the Teeth.
ib.
14. (13.) That the Teeth may poffi-
bly be restored in old Age.
BUBBLE S.
42
1. Of Bubbles, and the Caufe of
the Sphericity of Liquors. ib.
BURIAL S.
1. Of burying Bodies in the Earth.
43
2. Experiments on Fruit, by bury-
ing; as alſo on Liquors.
ib.
3. Requifites to the making of Ex-
periments by Cold. Page 43
4. Experiments of burying precious
Stones, to recover their Luftre. ib.
CANTHARIDE S.
1. Whence Cantharides become cor-
rofive.
44
CATERPILLAR S.
1. The breeding of Caterpillars.
CATHARTICKS.
ib.
1. (1.) The Foundation of the En-
quiry into the Nature and Ope-
ration of Purgatives. 45
2. The first caufe of Purging; viz.
Indigestibility. (2.) Vellication.
(3.) Attraction.
ib.
3. (4.) Flatulency. (5.) Compref-
fion. (6.) Lubrication and Re-
laxation.
tion.
46
4. (7.) Abfterfion and Attenua-
ib.
5. The difference betwixt Purga-
tives and Diureticks.
47
6. That the fame Medicine may be
purgative and diuretick; in a
larger or fmaller Dofe.
CEMENT S.
ib.
1. Plaister growing as hard as
Marble.
ib.
2. Cements and Quarries growing
hard in the Air.
CHAMELEON.
48
1. Obfervations upon the Chame-
leon.
ib.
CHA-
$
xiv
The CONTENTS.
CHARACTERS of
MATTER.
1. The Appetites, Paffions, and
Characters of Bodies. Page 48
CLARIFICATION.
1. The Caufes of Clarification in
Liquors.
49
50
ib.
2. Three Causes of Clarification;
viz. (1.) Separation. (2.) Di-
Stribution; and (3.) The Refine-
ment of the Spirit.
3. Racking, and Brewing.
4. Experiments for clarifying by
Heat and Motion, with regard
to the even diftribution and re-
fining of the Spirits.
5. Clarification by Almonds.
COLD.
5I
CONCRETION.
1. The Cauſe of Concretion and
Diffolution in Bodies.
ib.
CONGELATION.
1. An Experiment for the congeal-
ing of Water into Crystal.
56
CONTRACTION.
1. Whether Water will contract?
COOLNESS.
ib.
1. Ways of gathering Wind for
Freshness.
CORAL.
52 1. The Growth of Coral.
1. The production of Cold, a noble
Enquiry.
52
2. The Cauſes, or Means of produc-
ing Cold.
ib.
COLOURS.
1. The Colours afforded by Metals.
53
2. Of altering the Colour of Hair
and Feathers.
COMPRESSION.
54
1. The Compreffion of Liquors. ib.
CONCOCTION.
1. Concoction and Crudity explain-
ed.
55
2. Two Periods of Concoction. ib.
3. Two kinds of abfolute Conver-
fions.
ib.
DEFORMITY.
57
ib.
1. Obfervations relating to the fhap-
ing of the Body, and preventing
Deformity.
DIVINATION.
ib.
1. An Enquiry begun, into natural
Divination and Discovery. 58
2. Attempts towards predicting the
wholefomness or unwholfomness of
Seafons, and Places.
59
3. Directions to try the Air of
Places.
60
4. Attempts for predicting cold
Winters, and hot Summers. ib.
5. The Prognofticks of Weather
near at hand; taken (1.) from
above. (2.) From Fire and Air.
(3.) From the Sea.
61
6. (4.)
The CONTENT S.
XV
6. (4.) From Animals. (5.) Birds.
(6.) Fishes. (7) Beafts. (8.)
Plants.
7. (9.) Men.
Page 62
(10.) Worms and
Vermin. (11.) Solid Bodies. 63
DRINK S.
1. The Turkish Drinks.
ib.
DRUNKENNESS.
1. Drunken Men Unprolifick. 64
2. The Phænomena of Drunkennefs;
with Conjectures at their Caufes.
ib.
3. How Drunkenness is fooner cauf-
ed, and prevented.
DUCTILITY.
ib.
1. The Phænomena and Nature of
ductile and tenfile Bodies.
DYING.
1. Of the Scarlet-Dye.
ECHO E S.
65
ib.
1. The Super-reflection of Echoes.
ELECTRICITY.
ib.
1. The Bodies that are Electrical.
66
2. The Bodies that are not Electri-
ib.
cal.
3. The Bodies difpofed to be at-
tracted.
ib.
4. Leading Experiments made with
Electrical Bodies.
EXERCISE.
ib.
1. Exercife of the Body. Its Ad-
vantages and Diſadvantages. 68
FAT.
1. That Flesh is convertible to Fat.
ib.
FEVER S.
1. The Effect of Southern Winds
upon Health.
FEWEL.
ib.
1. A Fewel that confumes little.
69
2. Attempts for making a cheap
Fewel.
FIRE-WORKS.
1. The Nature of Bitumen.
FISH.
ib.
70
1. Sea-Fish recommended for fref
Waters.
FIXATION.
1. Fixation of Bodies.
FLAME.
ib.
. ib.
1. The Commixture of Flame and
Air.
71
2. The fecret Nature of Flame,
farther open'd by an Experi-
ment.
72
3. The different Force of Flame, in
the midft, and on the fides. 73
The Continuance of Flame, in
Spirit of Wine.
4.
ib.
5. Obfervations relating to the pre-
ceding Experiments.
ib.
6. Experiments relating to the du-
ration of Candles, differently
prepared.
74.
7: Ex-
xvi
The CONTENTS.
7. Experiments for rendring Lights
durable; by ordering the Wiecks.
Page 74
8. (2.) By hardning the unctuous
Matter.
ib.
9. (3.) By affording due fupply to
the Flame.
75
10. The Structure of a Lamp,
for a lafting Light.
ib.
II. (4.) By skreening the Flame.
(5.) By regulating the Air. ib.
12. The rife of Water by means
of Flame.
76
FLESH.
1. Of eatable and uneatable Flesh,
in Beafts, Birds and Men.
FLYIN G.
ib.
1. Of Flying in the Air.
77
FOOD S.
1. The Caufes of Appetite and Sa-
tiety.
ib.
2. What Meats afford most Nou-
rishment.
10. (4.) By promoting Attraction
in the Body.
Page 81
11. (5.) Promoting the Act of Af-
fimilation.
ib.
12. The Author's Roman Unguent.
FRAGILITY.
82
1. The Caufe of Fragility and
Toughness.
FRICTIONS.
ila.
1. The Advantage of Frictions o-
ver Exerciſe.
FROST.
1. Of Mortification by Cold.
FRUIT.
ib.
83
1. Attempts for producing Fruit
without Core or Stone.
ib.
2. The means of making of Fruit
fweet.
84
GENERATION.
1. Why fome Creatures generate at
all Seafons, and fome at differ-
ent ones.
The different time of Geftation
in different Creatures.
ib.
ib.
3. An Experiment for making a
2.
Nutritive Drink.
78
85
3.
ib.
The Cauſe why fome Creatures
bring forth many, or few, at a
ib.
79
4. Farther Trials recommended
with Roots and Flefb.
5. Capons and Almonds.
6. Indian Maiz and Rice.
7. Pistachios, Milk, Oil of Al-
monds and Eggs
ib.
80
8. The mincing of Meat.
9. The feveral Means of converting,
or affimilating the Nourishment;
viz. (1.) Preventing its going
off by Urine and Sweat; (2.) by
Jtrengthening the Stomach; (3.)
by indulging Sleep.
ib.
Birth.
ib.
4. The Generation of Creatures by
Copulation, and Putrefaction. ib.
GLASS.
1. Sand of the Nature of Glass. 86
2. The Materials of Venice-glafs.
ib.
3. Of the Improvement of Glafs. 87
4. By making it (1.) more crystal-
line; (2.) ftronger; (3.) by co-
louring
The CONTENTS.
xvii
louring it in the Pots; and (4.)
by compounding it with other
Matters.
Page 87
GLOW.WORM S.
1. Of the Nature and Properties
of the Glow-worm.
GOLD.
ib.
1. The Foundations of an Enquiry
for the making of Gold. 88
2. The Rules, or Cautions, required
in the Work; viz. (1.) a tempe-
rate Heat; (2) a quickening of
the Spirit; (3.) equal Diffufion
of the Spirits; (4.) Detention
of all the Spirit; (5.) Choice
of a proper Subject; (6.) a due
allowance of Time.
89
3. An Experiment derived from
the preceding Rules.
ib.
4. The Caufes of the Properties of
Gold to be difcovered, in order
to make it.
GRAVITY.
90
ib.
1. Different Effects of Gravity, a-
bove and within the Earth.
2. Heavy Bodies fuftained by Wa-
ter..
ib.
3. Weight acquired by Solution. ib.
4. The floating of Solids upon Flu-
ids.
91
5. The different Motions of Bodies
of different Gravities.
GROWTH.
ib.
1. The Acceleration of Growth and
Stature, in Man.
ib.
HARDNESS and SOFTNESS.
1. The Cauſe of Hardness and
VOL. III.
Softness in Bodies.
Page 92
HEAT.
1. Expedients to discover the Power
of Heat, in Occlufo. ib.
2. The different Heats of Fire, and
boiling Water.
94
3. Of different Heats working the
Same Effects.
ib.
4. Of fubterraneous Heat. 95
5. Of the Heat under the Equi-
noctial.
!
ib.
6. The Qualification of Heat by
Moiſture.
ib.
ib.
7. The Relation betwixt Time and
Heat, in feveral Effects.
8. Their different Operations in o-
thers.
HICCUP.
96
1. Of the Cauſe and Cure of the
Hiccup.
HUNGER or APPETITE.
ib.
1. The Nature and Cauſes of Ap-
petite in the Stomach.
1.
97
IMAGINATION.
The Notion of the Tranfmiffion
of Spirits, and the Force of Ima-
gination, not to be rejected. ib.
2. Nor too credulously believed. 98
A third Admonition, not to
miftake the Fact.
4. The feveral Ways wherein the
Tranfmiffion of Spirits, and the
Imagination act; viz. (1.) by
aerial Effluvia.
ib.
3.
ib.
5. (2.) Spiritual Species; (3.) At-
tractions; (4.) cofmical Quali-
ties; (5) the Spirits of the
Mind; (6.) celeftial Influences;
b
(7.)
xviii
The CONTENT S.
(7.) the Operations of Sympa-
thy;
Page 99
6. (8.) The Sympathy of Indivi-
duals.
100
7. The Emiffions of fpiritual Spe-
cies, which affect the Senfes. ib.
8. The Emision of immaterial Vir-
tues from the Minds and Spirits
of Men, by Affections, Imagina-
tions, and other Impreffions. ib.
The Operations of the Affections
at a distance.
9.
ΙΟΙ
102
ib.
10. The Force of Imagination imi-
tating that of Senfe.
11. A Specimen of a ftrict Enquiry
into the Force of Imagination
upon other Bodies; and the Means
to ftrengthen it.
12. The Power of Imagination of
three kinds.
ib.
13. Whether ftrong Belief has any
Efficacy in procuring the thing
believed.
ib.
103
14. The Method of working by a
Second Perfon, in the Bufinefs of
Imagination, illuftrated by Ex-
ample.
15. Three Means of fortifying the
Belief; viz. by Experience,
Reaſon, and Authority. ib.
16. Three Ways of fortifying the
Imagination; viz. by Authori-
ty; quickening the Imagination;
and refreshing it.
17. How the Imagination may phy-
fically operate to great Distances.
104
ib.
18. No Experiments extant, that
demonftrate the Power of Imagi-
nation upon other Bodies.
105
19. Indications of new Experiments
for the Purpofe.
ib.
20. (1.) By Opinion; (2.) by pre-
tence of various Means, in Se-
quence; (3.) by Unctions, Per-
fumes, &c.
ib.
21. (4.) By a proper Choice of
Times; (5) by operating upon
the weakest Paffions; (6.) the
Enquiry to be extended to Plants,
and other Matters fuceptible of
light Motions.
The Notion of a dead Body
bleeding at the approach of the
Murderer.
107
22.
IMPOTENCY.
106
1. Impotency by Ligature, or tying
of the Point.
ib.
IMPULSE or MOTION.
1. The Nature of Impulse and
Percuffion.
ib.
2. Impulse requires Refiftance, or
weight in the moving Body. 108
3. The Caufe of Impulse. ib.
INCORPORATION.
1. The Incorporation of Powders,
and Liquors.
ib
INDURATION or PETRE-
FACTION.
1. Three Means of Induration, or
Petrefaction in Bodies ; viz.
(1.) Cold; (2.) Heat; and,
(3.) Affimilation.
2.
3.
100
ib.
Inftances of Induration.
Trials recommended for Indu-
ration.
ib.
4. (1.) By direct Cold; (2.) by
metallic Waters; (3.) by natural
Springs, and other Waters. 110
5. Trim
The CONTENT S.
xix
5.
Trials for Induration by Heat. 9. Whether Infects think.
Page 110
6. On Stone, Pewter, Clay, Cheefe,
and Chalk.
INFECTION.
III
1. Infectious Difeafes claffed. 112
INFUSION.
1. The Ways of making accurate
Infufions; viz. by Short Con-
tinuance, and renewal of the
Subject.
ib.
2. The fame Rule applicable in
113
Medicine.
3. Particularly in preparing the
Tincture of Rhubarb. ib.
4. That the Virtues of Purgatives
refide in their Spirit.
ib.
5. Infufions in Air, fimilar to thofe
in Water.
I 14
6. How to diſcharge the Spirits of
Bodies in fome Cafes. ib.
INSECTS.
1. Advantages of the Enquiry into
the Nature of Vivification. ib.
2. Inftances of the breeding of In-
fects; viz.Wood-lice, Bugs,Worms,
Fleas, Worms in Meal, Moths,
and Wevils.
115
3. Water-Infects, and the Gad-
fly.
116
.4. The Worm in Wine-Lees, and
Snow.
ib.
5. A Creature bred in the Fire of
a Furnace.
ib.
6. The Axiom of Vivification. ib.
7. Obfervation upon the feeding of
117
LASSITUDE.
ib.
1. The Cauſe and Remedy of Laf
fitude.
118
2. Why going up Hill tires the
Knees:
LEAPING.
ib.
1. The Ufe of Weights, and fwing-
ing the Arms, in Leaping. ib.
LIFE.
1. Of Motion after the Inftant of
Death, with a View to its Caufe.
119
2. The vital Spirits of fome Crea-
tures feated chiefly in the Head.
ib.
3. The Means of prolonging Life.
LIGHT.
120
1. The Refult of many Experi-
ments upon the fhining of rotten
Wood.
ib.
LIQUIFACTION.
1. The Caufe of Liquifaction in
Bodies.
121
2. The Caufe why Bodies are not
liquifiable.
3.
ib.
Some Bodies liquifiable by Fire,
others by Water.
MAGNETISM.
ib.
1. Leading Experiments upon the
Magnet.
MANNA.
Infects.
8. Their Time of living, their 1. The Origin of Manna:
firring after Death.
ib.
b2
122
124,
MA-
1
XX
The CONTENT S.
MATURATION.
1. The Means of ripening Liquors.
Page 124
2. The Ways of recovering flat
Liquors.
125
3. And preferving them fresh. 126
4. The Means of ripening Fruits.
ib.
5. Experiments of Maturation tri-
ed by Enclosure, in Apples. ib.
6. Experiments of Maturation, by
rolling and preffing.
127
7. By Solution of Continuity. ib.
MEDICINE.
127
1. Of the Order in which Reme-
dies fhould be uſed.
ib.
2. A Poultis, Fomentation, and
Plaifter, for the Gout; to be used
fucceffively.
3. Of Cure by Cuftom.
4. Of Cure by Excess.
128
ib.
129
5. Of Cure by Motion of Confent.
ib.
6. The Cure of Difeafes contrary
to Predifpofition.
ib.
7. Of Preparation before, and
Settling the Body after, Purging.
130
8. The Caufe of Mischief after
Purging.
ib.
ib.
9. Of Stanching of Blood.
10. Of Change of Aliment, and
Medicines.
13 I
ib.
11. Of Diet-drink.
12. The Virtues of medicinal
Earths.
ib.
13. Of Medicines that condense
and relieve the Spirits. 132
14. Of the propereft Simples for
Medicines.
ib.
ib.
15. A fafe Remedy for the Stone
in the Kidneys.
16. Stomachic Troches.
17. A Medicine for the Stomach.
133
b.
ib.
18. A Medicine for procuring fome
degree of Rejuvenescency. ib.
19. The Author's Ointment for
long Life.
20. His invigorating Wine; his
Wine against Melancholy; his
restorative Drink; his Prefer-
vative against Waste by Heat;
and his Water for prolonging
Life.
METALS.
134
1. Heads of Enquiry for the par-
рак
ticular Hiftory of Metals. 135
Of Separation.
1. Metalline Separation of three
general kinds; viz. (1.) Smelt-
ing.
ib.
2. Of Separation by Fire, or De-
part-waters, &c.
136
3. Of rendring the bafer Metals
finer:
ib.
4. (2.) Extraction; and (3.) Prin-
cipiation.
ib.
Of the Changes to be wrought
upon Metals.
1. The feveral Ways of changing
Metals.
ib.
2. (1.) By Tinging; (2.) Rufting;
(3.) Calcination; (4) Subli-
mation; (5.) Precipitation;
(6.) Amalgamation; (7.) Vi-
trification; (8.) Diffolution. 137
3. (9.). The branching and Sprout-
ing of metallic Solutions; (10.)
hardening
The CONTENT S.
xxi
hardening and foftening of Me-
tals; (11.) Toughness and Brit-
tleness; (12.) Volatility and Fix-
edness.
Page 138
4. (13.) Tranfmutation; and (14.)
the growth of Metals. 139
Of the Reduction or Reſtoration
of Metals.
1. The two Methods of Reduction.
ib.
2. Whether Time will reduce.
What hinders Reduction.
3.
ib.
ib.
4. Whether Restoration alters the
Metal.
5. What Metals unite.
ib.
ib.
Of the compound Metals in
Ufe, &c.
1. Pewter, its Compofition.
2. Brass, Bell-metal, Pot-metal,
Alchymy.
3. Imperfect Metals.
140
ib.
ib.
4. Compofitions of feveral Metals.
ib.
ib.
5. Metals to mix with Fofils.
6. Three Particulars to be re-
garded in Compofition. 141
7. Rules for it in respect of Uſe
and Profit.
ib.
8. Tranfmutations difficult. ib.
9. But new Incorporations practi-
cable.
10. Signs of Imbibition.
11. The Incorporation of metallic
Solutions.
New Compofitions of Metals.
1. Of Incorporating ftony Matters
with Iron.
2. Iron and Brass.
ib.
ib.
3. New Compounds for Statue-
metal.
143
4. For Bell-metal, String-metal,
&c.
ib.
5. Of the Drowning of Metals. ib.
6. The making of Gold and Silver.
MILK.
144
1. Of increaſing of Milk in Cattle
MIXTURE.
ib.
1. Experiments upon the fimple
Commixture of Liquors, without
Heat.
MOON.
ib.
1. Of the Influences of the Moon.
146
2. As to Heat, Putrefaction, Moif
ture, and Motion of the Spirits.
147
MOTIO N.
1. Motion of Gravity and Levity.
148
2. Motions by Imitation. ib.
3. The quickness of Motion in
Birds.
ib.
ib.
142
5.
12. Their Agreement or Difagree-
ib.
ment.
13. Whether the Disagreement be
owing to the Menftruum or the
Metal
ib.
149
4. Experiments relating to the mo-
tion of Bodies upon Preffure. ib.
Upon Percuffion, in the firing of
Gunpowder.
6. Motion of Liberty.
ib.
iba
M U
xxii
The CONTENTS.
MUSICK.
1. A Specimen of a proper En-
quiry into Mufick
Page 150
2. Sounds divided into muſical and
immufical.
ib.
NITRE.
1. Abundance of Nitre on certain
Shores,
3. Tones, what in the physical 1.
Senfe.
ib.
4. Produced by three Percuffions.
ib.
ib.
5. The Diapafon what.
6. The Caufe of Unifons in every
eighth Note.
ib.
7. That the Effect is not owing to
the Number.
151
8. The Concords in Mufick, and
the Difcords.
ib.
9. The Doctrine of Baſs and Tre-
ib.
ble.
10. No Mufick of quarter Notes.
ib.
11. The Caufe of Harmony. 152
12. Why mufical Sounds are more
wakeful than others.
ib.
13. Mufick has its Tropes and Fi-
gures.
ib.
14. Whence the great Influence of
Mufick upon the Mind. ib.
NATURE.
1. The Variety of Opinions about
the Spirits of Bodies. 153
2. Spirits; their Nature and Pro-
perties.
ib.
3. The Difference of tangible Parts
in Bodies.
ib.
4. The Enquiry not duly profe-
cuted, with regard to fubtile
Differences.
154
5. And the internal Proceffes of
Bodies.
ib.
NOURISHMENT.
ib.
The Nourishment of Animals,
before they are brought forth. ib.
ODOURS.
1. Sweet Odours of different kinds.
155
2. The corporeal Subftance of O-
dours.
ib.
3. The Caufe of fetid and fragrant
Odours.
ib.
4. Whence Putrefactions are ill-
Scented.
156
5. Why Some Putrefactions are
Perfumes.
via.
ib.
6. Powerful Operations of Efflu-
ib.
7. The Effects of Fumes, or Va-
pours.
ib.
8. The Fumes of the Earth re-
commended.
157
9. The Odours of Pomanders,
Sweet-bags, &c.
ib.
10. Vapours for cooling and con-
denfing the Spirits.
ib.
11. The Effects of bigh Perfumes.
ib.
12. Perfumes procuring Dreams.
ib.
14.
ib.
13. That Odours may nouriſh. 158
14. The Effects of Air and Odours,
with regard to Health.
15. Odours, why Sweetest at a
diftance.
ib.
16. Why strongest in dry Bodies. ib.
17. Orris, fweet chiefly in its Root.
159
PAINT-
The CONTENT S.
xxiii
PAINTING the BODY.
1. The Cuſtom of painting the Bo-
dy, in different Nations. Page
PASSIONS.
159
1. The Impreffions made by the
Paffions of the Mind, upon the
Body. In Fear.
2. In Grief, Joy, Anger.
3. Displeasure, Shame,
Wonder, Laughing.
4. In Luft.
ib.
160
Pity,
161
162
PENETRATION.
1. The restless Nature of Things,
and their defire to change, and
enter into one another.
PERCOLATION.
ib.
1. The return of Saltness in Pits
upon the Sea-fhore.
163
2. Experiments for the fweetning
of Sea-Waters, by Percolation.
ib.
3. Why Experiments are often
fruitless.
164
4. The Advantages of Separation
by Percolation.
ib.
5. Inftances in Gums and Gems.
ib.
ib.
6. The Feathers of Birds.
7. Clarification an inward Per-
colation.
ib.
165
8. Water clarified.
9. That Percolation may make Bo-
dies odoriferous, as well as clear.
PILOSITY.
ib.
1. The Caufe of Pilofity and Plu-
mage.
ib.
PLAGU E.
1. Prognofticks of the Plague from
Vermin, Infects, &c. 166
2. How Odours affect in the
Plague.
ib.
3. Antidotes preventive of the
Plague.
POISON S.
ib.
1. The Infections of Poifons, how
to be imitated.
2. Their ill Effects, how prevented.
ib.
167
ib.
3. Poisoning practifed in Gloves,
&c.
4. The venomous Quality of Man's
Fleſh.
ib.
ib.
5. The Plague, and poisonous Eƒ-
fects, from Effluvia.
6. The Vapour of burning of Coals
poiſonous.
POSTURES.
168
1. The best Poftures of the Body
for prolonging Life.
PRESERVATION.
ib.
1. Bodies preferved in Quickfilver.
2.
ib.
The prefervation of Liquors in
Wells and Vaults.
169
3. An Experiment for the prefer-
vation of Rofe-Leaves, &c. ib.
4. Prevention of Putrefaction, and
the Confervation of Bodies. ib.
5. The Caufes of Putrefaction,
how to be fufpended. 170
6. How when the Body to be pre-
ferved is large.
ib.
PRIN
xxiv
The CONTENTS.
PRINCIPLES of CHE-
MISTR Y.
1. Obfervations upon the two Che-
mical Principles, Sulphur and
Mercury.
Page 171
2. Inftances of Water turned into
Oil.
ib.
3. The means of converting Water
into Oil.
172
PUTREFACTION.
SALAMANDER.
1. How the Salamander may en-
dure the Fire.
SALT-WATER.
ib.
1. A way of making Salt-Water
fresh.
179
SEA.
1. The different Clearness of the
Sea.
breaking of the Sea.
ib.
ib.
1. An Enquiry into the Means of 2. The Caufe of the rolling and
introducing, and accelerating
Putrefaction; with its Causes.
ib.
2. Two Operations of the Spirits
of Bodies, in order to escape.
173
3. Ten practical ways of intro-
ducing Putrefaction.
ib.
4. The means of preventing Pu-
trefaction.
RAIN.
174
1. Whence the Scarcity of Rain
in Egypt.
176
RAINBO W.
1. Of fweetness of Odour from the
Rainbow.
RARIFACTION.
177
1. The Caufe of Swelling, and Di-
latation of Grain in boiling. ib.
REJUVENESENCY.
1. Of Cafting the Skin, and Shell,
in fome Creatures.
178
RIGHT and LEF T.
1. Of the Right and Left-fide. ib.
SENSES.
1. The Caufes of the Pleafures and
Difpleafures of the Senfes. 180
SEPARATION of BODIES by
GRAVITY.
1. Intimations of ways for Sepa-
rating Liquors by Gravity. ib.
SHADOW S.
1. The Motion of Shadows.
SHELL-FISH.
181
1. The Nature of Shell-Fifh. ib.
SICKNESS.
1. Why more are fick in Summer,
but most die in Winter. 182
2. Whether Heat and Moisture be
the Caufe of Peftilences. ib.
Epidemical Difeafes owing to a
Series of the Seaſons.
3.
SLEEP.
ib.
Creatures that fleep all Win-
ter.
ib.
2. How Cold may hinder Sleep.
183
3. Why
The CONTENT S.
XXV
3. Why fome Sounds promote Sleep.
Page 184
4. That Sleep may Nourish.
SNEEZING.
ib. 1. The Caufe of Sneezing.
ib.
A Draught for the particular Hiftory of Phonicks; or the
Doctrine of Sound and Hearing.
SECT. I.
Of the Existence and Non-Ex-
iftence of Sounds.
1. Inftances of Great Motions with-
out Sound, in the Celestial Bo-
dies.
186
2. In Winds, Waters, Solids. 187
3. Inftances of Smaller Motions,
with and without Sound, in Mu-
fical Inftruments, &c. ib.
4. In Solids, Air, Flame, White-
Powder, Burning-Glaffes. 188
5. Time required to render Sounds
perceptible.
6. The Smaller Sounds by Erup
tion of Air.
SECT. II.
189
ib.
Of the Production, Conſervation,
and Propagation of Sounds.
1. Sound falfely attributed to an
Elifion of the Air.
ib.
2. That local Motion of the Air,
is not neceſſary to Sound. 190
3. Seeming Inftances of the con-
trary.
4. Sounds preferved by Enclofure.
185, 186
7. By means of the pneumatical
Parts in Bodies.
ib.
8. The phyfical Production of
Sound in Strings.
SECT. III.
ib.
Of the Magnitude, Smallneſs,
and Damps of Sounds.
1. The ways of increafing the
Strength and deepness of Sounds,
in Horns.
2.
3.
ib.
In particular Buildings; in
Hawks-Bells, and Drums. 193
Sounds heard farther by Night
than by Day.
ib.
4. Two kinds of Reflection in Sounds.
ib.
5. The Advantage of Concavi
ties, and Sound-boards, in Mufi-
cal Inftruments.
193
6. The Obſervation transfered to
the Structure of particular Pla-
ces in Churches, &c.
194
Inftances to shew that Sounds
communicate with the Spirits of
Bodies.
7.
ib.
191
8.
5. Sounds producible without Air,
viz. in Water.
6. In Flame.
V o L. III.
ib.
192
9.
ib.
Inftances fhewing that Con-
cavities magnify Sounds. ib.
That Sounds pass thro' both
Solids and Fluids, but are thus
rendered exile.
C
195
10. In-
xxvi
The CONTENTS.
10. Inftances in Mufical Strings,
and Metalline Veffels, ftruck in
Water.
Page 195
11. That foft Bodies deaden Sounds
more than hard ones. ib.
12. Extended to Iron and Water,
hot and cold.
ib.
13. Two Experiments of Light di-
rected.
196
14. Bellows applied to the Hole of
a Drum.
ib.
4. Inftances where Water gives a
purling Sound.
ib.
ib.
5. Why the Tenor is the sweetest
part in Mufick.
6. Why no voluntary Motion, but
the Voice, makes a mufical, or
immufical Sound, at Pleafure. ib.
7. The Sound of Metals quenched
in Water.
ib.
8. Experiments recommended for
trying the Effects of unequal
Mediums upon Sound. ib.
SECT. VII.
Of the more Treble, and the
more Bafs Tones, or mufical
Sounds.
SECT. IV.
Of the Loudnefs or Softnefs of
Sounds; and their Propagation
to longer or fhorter Diſtances.
1. The Strength of Percuffion, a
principal Caufe of the Loudness
and Softness of Sounds. ib.
2. Sharpness of Percuffion, a Caufe
2. The Caufe of Breaking in the
of Loudness and Strength in
Voice.
ib.
Sounds.
ib. 3. Three ways of ftraining Mu-
fical Strings.
SECT. V.
Of the Communication of
Sounds.
1. That Sounds communicate, fhewn
in Bells.
1. The Caufe of Bafs and Treble
Sounds.
199
200
4. The Tone of Drinking-Glaſſes
varies with the quantity of Wa-
ter in them.
SECT. VIII.
ib.
197 Of the Proportion of Treble and
Bafs Tones.
2. And in wooden Inftruments. ib.
SECT.
VI.
Of the Equality and Inequality
of Sounds.
1. The Inequality of Sounds in
crack'd Bells, and boarfe Voi-
ces.
ib.
2. That Inftruments have different
Sounds, according to their Fi-
ib.
gures.
3. The Obfervation extended to
muſical Strings.
3
198
1. How to discover the Proportion
of Air ftruck, in Treble and
Bafs Tones.
ib.
ib.
2. viz. (1.) By the winding of
Strings. (2.) By the distance
of Frets. (3.) By the Bores of
Pipes.
Whether the Sound of an empty
Veffel, be the Diapafon to that
of the fame Veffel, when full.
3.
201
4. The
The CONTENT S.
xxvii
4. The Creation of a Note requires
a fenfible Difference from the
Sound.
Page 201
SECT. IX.
Of External and Internal Sounds.
1. The Notion of an internal Sound
illuftrated.
ib.
2. External and Internal Sounds
differently produced.
SECT. X.
202
Of the Articulation of Sounds.
1. That Sounds are not only in the
whole, but also in the small
Parts of the Air.
ib.
2. That unequal Agitation does not
confound the Articulation of
Sounds.
ib.
3. Great Distance confounds Sounds.
ib.
4. That Loudness and Lowness, in
Excess,confounds Articulation. ib.
5. Vaulting above and below hin-
ders Articulation.
ib.
6. The Motions of the Organs of
Speech, in expreffing the Letters.
4.
Whether Sounds move better
downwards or upwards.
ib.
SECT. XII.
Of the Duration of Sounds; and
the time they require in their
Generation, or Propagation.
1. The Continuance and melting of
Sounds, whence.
205
ib.
ib.
2. The Motion of Sounds.
3. An Experiment for determining
the Velocity of Sound.
4. That Sound moves flower than
Light.
206
5. The difference betwixt Sounds
and Colours, as to melting away.
ib.
SECT. XIII.
Of the Paffage and Interception
of Sounds.
ib.
1. Cautions required in making
Experiments about the Paffage
of Sounds.
2. That the pneumatical Parts of
founding Bodies co-operate moſt
when the Sides are ftruck. ib.
Sounds differently damped by
different Arches.
203
3.
7. The Voice and Articulation, how
form'd.
ib.
ib.
4.
Soft Bodies damp Sounds in their
firft Production.
207
ib.
5.
8. Intimations for making inani-
mate Things speak.
SECT. XI.
Of the Direction of Sounds.
1. That Sounds move every way,
and not neceſſarily in aftrait-
line.
204
2. Sounds when stopped go round.
ib.
3. Sounds go fartheft in the Front-
Lines to the Sounding Body. ib.
Whether large Sounds are damp-
ed, by going thro' ftrait Paffages.
SECT. XIV.
ib.
Of the Medium of Sounds.
1. Air the best adapted Medium of
Sound.
ib.
2. Whether Flame be a Medium of
Sound.
ib.
C 2
3. Whe
xxviii
The CONTENTS.
3. Whether other Fluids propagate 4. Whence the fuperior aptness of
Sounds differently from Water. Birds for imitating Voices. ib.
SECT.
Page 207
XV.
Of the Figures of the Concaves,
or Bodies, thro' which Sounds
are convey'd.
208
1. Trials of differently figured
Bores recommended.
2. And of differently figured Solids.
ib.
SECT. XVI.
Of the Mixture of Sounds.
1. What makes the trueft Har-
mony.
209
2. In what proportion to the Ori-
ginal, Sounds are propagated. ib.
SECT. XVII.
Of the Melioration of Sounds.
210
1. Sounds meliorated by Smoothness
in the founding Body.
2. By dry Weather, and long keep-
ing of the Inftrument.
ib.
3. By the mixture of open Air with
confined.
ib.
4. By Equality in the Body of the
Inftrument.
2II
5. By the intenfion of the Hearing,
and a fufpenfion of the other
Senfes.
SECT. XVIII.
ib.
Of the Imitation of Sounds.
1. Whence the imitation of Sounds
proceeds, in living Creatures. ib.
2. Birds imitate Sounds, without
being taught by Man.
3. Only Birds imitate human
Speech.
3
212
ib.
SECT. XIX.
Of the Reflection of Sounds.
1. Three kinds of reflections in
Sounds.
213
2. The Doctrine of Echoes; viz.
by what things they are made.
ib.
ib.
3. Their Motion.
4. The Super-reflection of Echoes.
214
5. To make an Echo repeat feveral
words diftinctly.
ib..
6. TheEcho at Pont-Charenton.ib.
7. There are certain Letters ex-
preffible by Echoes.
215
8. The difference of Echoes. ib.
9. Whether there be a Refraction
in Sounds.
SECT. XX.
ib.
Of the Relation and Difference
between Light and Sound.
1. The Particulars wherein Sound
and Sight agree.
ib.
2. The Particulars wherein they
differ.
SE C T. XXI.
2177
of the Sympathy and Antipathy
of Sounds with one another.
1. What Inftruments fuit beft in
Concert.
219
2. An Experiment of Sympathy,
recommended for the melioration
of Mufick.
ib.
3. The Experiment transfered. ib.
4. That the Organs of Senfe have
an Affinity with thofe Things
that affect them.
ib.
SECT.
The CONTENT S.
xxix
SCE T. XXII.
Of the Means of hindering or
improving the Hearing.
1. Inftances wherein the Hearing
is obftructed and promoted. 220
2. An Inftrument for Deafness. ib.
3. That Sound paffes thro' the Nof-
trils, if the Mouth be fhut. ib.
SECT. XXIII.
Of the fpiritural and fine Nature
of Sounds.
1. That Echoes argue the fpiritual
Nature of Sounds.
ib.
221
2. Sounds not Impreffions.
3. Extraordinary Properties of
Sound.
ib.
4. The fudden generation and de-
ftruction of Sounds, whence. ib.
The divifion of Sounds.
5:
6. Conclufion.
SPIRITS in Bodies.
ib.
ib.
1. Two kinds of Parts in Bodies.
SPONGE S.
222
1. The growth and nature of
Sponges.
SPRING S.
ib.
1. A way of making artificial
Springs.
ib.
STAMMERING.
1. The Caufe of Stammering. 223
SUGAR.
1. The ancient Preparations of
Honey to be fupplied by thofe of
Sugar.
ib.
SWEAT.
1. The nature and regulation of
Sweating.
224
2. The Caufe of Saltnefs in Sweat.
225
3. Why the upper parts of the Body.
Sweat moft.
ib.
4. Why People fweat moft in Sleep.
ib.
ib.
5. Cold Sweats.
6. Why Sweat is prejudicial in
fome Difeafes, and ferviceable in
others.
SWELLING.
226
1. The Caufe of Tumefaction in
Bruiſes.
226.
SYMPATHY and A N
TIPATHY.
I. The importance of the Doctrine
of Sympathy and Antipathy. ib.
2. The appetite of Union in all
Bodies, especially of three kinds.
227
ib.
3. Obfervations of Sympathy and
Antipathy with regard to medi-
cinal Uje.
4. An Inftance of Induration by
Sympathy.
228
5. The fecret Virtues of Sympathy
and Antipathy, in Gems and
cifible Objects.
ib.
6. Bracelets of three kinds. 229
7. The Caufe and Cure of the
Cramp, by external Applications.
ib.
8. An imperfect Axiom formed up-
9.
on it.
230
Whence the Virtue of Piony in
the Epileply.
ib.
10. In-
XXX
The CONTENTS.
10. Inftances of Virtue in Bodies
wore externally. Page 230
11. Inftances of Sympathetical Ef-
fects on different Creatures. ib.
12. Brains eaten to ſtrengthen the
Memory.
ib.
13.
The Ointment of Witches. ib.
14. The Diet of pregnant Women
affects the Infant.
231
15. Effects of a Hedge-hog's Flesh.
ib.
16. The flyptick Virtue of Mum-
and Skull-mofs.
my
ib.
235
39. The Weapon-falve.
30. The general Sympathy of Mens
Spirits.
TEETH.
ib.
1. The tenderness of the Teeth,
whence.
236
TIME.
1. The contrary Operations of Time
upon Fruits and Liquors.
TITILLATION.
17. That Blood attracts Salt. ib. 1. The Caufe of Titillation.
18. The Antipathy of the Sea-
hare to the Lungs.
19.
ib.
TOBACCO.
ib.
ib.
The Antipathy in living Bodies 1. The Means of meliorating To-
to dead ones; and in found ones
232
to corrupted.
20. Whether the Minds of Men
vents.
bacco.
TONGUE.
237
have fecret Notices of E-1. Whence the Tongue gives early
ib.
21. Whether an intermediate Per-
fon may have thefe Notices. ib.
22. Examples for operating by the
Imagination, in Animals. 233
23. In Plants and inanimate Bo-
dies.
ib.
24. The benumbing Faculty of the
Torpedo.
234
25. The Parts of Animals may
have more Virtue, if jeparated
from them living.
26. Trials to be made by feparating
the Parts of Individuals.
27. Love-Tokens.
28. The ftroking of Warts.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
Signs of Difeafes.
ib.
TRANSMUTATION.
1. The Air preys upon Moiſture.238
2. The force of Union to be fubdued
in Converfions.
3.
ib.
ib.
The means of producing Animals
of uncommon Colours.
4. Afundamental Obfervation with
regard to Tranfmutation. 239
5. Experiments relating to the
Tranfmutation of Air into Wa-
ter.
ib.
6. The feveral ways for converting
Air into Water.
241
A
The CONTENTS.
xxxi
A First DRAUGHT for the particular Hiftory of
VEGETABLES, and VEGETATION.
SECT. I.
Of the Acceleration of Germi-
I.
nation.
ib.
G
Rowth accelerated by hot
Beds.
Page 244
2. The Effects of different Steep-
ings.
3. Watering with an Infufion of
Dung, recommended.
4. Means of quickening the Spirit,
and promoting the Nutrition of
Vegetables.
245
ib.
5. Rofes growing in Water. 246
6. Vegetables growing in Water
only.
ib.
7. A double Advantage in accele-
ib.
rating Roots, &c.
8. Wheat not growing in Water.
ib.
9. The Doctrine of the preceding
Experiments.
ib.
10. The Advantages of housing
Plants.
SECT. II.
247
Of the retardation of Germina-
tion.
1. The feveral Means of making
Flowers come late.
ib.
SECT. III.
Of the Melioration of Trees,
Plants, and Fruits.
1. The Advantages of laying Stones
to the Roots of Trees.
248
2. How Trees are to be stirred and
cut, to make them thrive. ib.
3.
To baften the Growth of Cop-
pice-wood.
242, 243
ib.
4. To multiply Roots in Fruit-
trees.
249
5. To convert Boughs into Trees.
ib.
6. To render barren Trees fruitful,
by opening the Body and Root. ib.
7. To meliorate Fruits by South
Walls.
ib.
8. The Root of a Tree placed on a
North, and the Boughs on a
ib.
South Wall.
9. The Advantage of low Trees.
250
10. To produce plenty of Fruit. ib.
11. Digging about the Roots of
Trees recommended.
ib
ib.
ib.
12. To revive old Trees.
13. To make large Roots.
14. Melioration by shifting: 251
15. By flitting the Bark of Trees. ib.
16. Shade useful to fome Plants. ib.
17. Confiderations for augmenting
the Crops of Vegetables.
18. Nitre the Principle of Vege-
tation.
ib.
ib.
19. Seeds fown in a Sea-Onion.
252
20. Fruits feem ripened by prick-
ing.
ib.
ib.
21. To bring Cucumbers early. ib.
22. The Ufe of plucking of fome
Bloſſoms from Trees.
23. A Trial of plucking off all the
Bloſſoms recommended.
24. Whether Plants grow quicker
it
when watered with warm Water:
ib.
25. The
xxxii
The CONTENT S.
of Fruits.
25. The Melioration of Fruit by
Grafting.
Page 253
26. Transplantation and Regraft-
ing.
257
SECT. V.
ib. Of the Sympathy and Antipathy
of Plants.
27. Melioration of Figs, by cut-
ting off the top of the Tree. ib.
28. Melioration of cold Fruit, by
Wedges of hot Trees, and rich
Compofts.
ib.
29. Melioration of Herbs by pot-
ting, and watering with falt
Water.
1. The Sympathy and Antipathy of
Plants explained of Attraction.
ib.
2. Whence Plants become unfriend-
ly to each other, and whence
friendly.
258
254
3.
ib.
ib.
4.
30. Steeping Seeds in Milk.
31. To meliorate Cucumbers.
32. Melioration by Terebration and
Tapping.
ib.
33. Melioration by Retardation of
the Sap.
ib.
34. The Stock in Grafting to be
255
poorer than the Cion.
35. Melioration by Compofts. ib.
36. Melioration of Onions.
37. Melioration by potting of Fruit.
ib.
ib.
38. Trees when transplanted to re-
tain their former Pofition. ib.
39. Trees grow best against but-
trefs'd Walls.
ib.
256
40. Potting of Roots.
41. Covering them high with
Earth in Winter.
ib.
42. To procure Foliage to Trees,
by Grafting.
ib.
43. The Caufes of Barenness in
Trees.
ib.
SECT. IV.
Of Compound Fruits and
Flowers.
1. The Production of new Species of
Vegetables recommended. ib.
2. Experiments for compounding
Certain Flowers peculiar to
Corn Fields.
ib.
Trials recommended for melio-
rating the Taftes and Odours of
Vegetables.
ib.
5. To correct poiſonous and purga-
tive Plants, by Juxta-pofition.
259
ib.
6. The Sympathy betwixt Plants
and the Celestial Bodies.
7. The Effect of Moiſture upon Ve-
getables fhewn by an Example.
260
8. Whence the Noon-day Dew of
the Rofa Solis.
ib.
9. Honey Dews, why chiefly found
on Oak-Leaves.
261
10 Cucow-Spittle and Mildew. ib.
II. Whether Plants will attract
Water at a Distance.
ib.
SECT. VI.
Of rendring Fruits and Herbs
Medicinal.
1. The most likely Methods of pro-
ducing Alterations in Plants.
262
2. Four ways of rendring Plants
Medicinal.
ib.
SECT.
The CONTENT S.
xxxiii
ib.
SECT. VII.
Of Curiofities in Vegetation.
1. To produce different Fruits upon
the fame Tree. Page 263
2. To produce Fruits of different
Shapes.
ib.
3. Infcriptions on Trees and Fruit.
2. Why hot Trees have tall Trunks.
3. The Dwarfing of Trees by Co-
vering.
4. By planting Slips.
5. The requifites to Dwarfing. ib.
ib.
270
SECT. X.
264 Of the Rudiments and Excref
cencies of Plants.
4. To adorn Trees with Flowers.
ib.
5. To bring Trees into certain
Shapes.
ib.
6. To improve the Colours of Flow-
ers.
7. And of Fruits.
ib.
265
8. Whence different coloured Flow-
ers from the fame Seed.
ib.
266
9. Few Fruits red.
10. The various Colours of Plants.
ib.
11. To produce double Flowers. ib.
SECT. VIII.
Of the Generation of Plants, and
their Tranfmutation into one
another.
1. The Cauſes of Degeneration in
Plants.
267
2. The fame Seed degenerates by
often fowing in the fame Ground.
ib.
3. The Tranfmutation of Plants
poffible.
268
4. Six Rules for Effecting it. ib.
SECT. IX.
Of the Tallneſs, Lownefs, and
artificial Dwarfing of Trees.
1. Whence the Tallness of Trees, in
Coppices.
VOL. III.
269
1. The Nature and Growth of
Mofs.
ib.
ib.
2. Where it chiefly rifes.
3. Grows on old Ground, and old
Trees.
ib.
ib.
ib.
4. And near Fountains.
5. The Mofs of Trees, what.
6. Why moift Trees yield little Mofs.
271
7. Why Trees grow Moffy in Clay
Grounds.
ib.
ib.
8. Experiments for making Trees
Molly.
9. Apple-Tree Mofs, a Perfume.
ib.
10. Mushrooms have two extraor-
dinary Properties.
ib.
11. The ways of producing Mufh-
rooms.
ib.
12. The Growth of Toad-Stools.
272
13. A Cake-like Excrefcence on
Trees.
ib.
14. The Fuz-ball, Jews-ear, and
Agarick.
ib.
15. The History of Miffeltoe. ib.
16. Experiments derived from it.
273
17. How Plants will grow that do
not fhoot in Boughs.
d
ib.
18. The
xxxiv
The CONTENT S.
18. The Prickles of Trees, what.
Page 273
19. The Caufe of Down on Plants.
274
20. Other Excrescences in Trees.
SECT. XI.
ib.
Of the Production of perfect
Plants, without Seeds.
1. That Earth will produce Plants
without Sowing.
ib.
2. That Water produces Plants. ib.
3. Plants growing on the Sea. 275
4. In Snow. In Stone. At the
bottom of Mines: and but ſeldom
in Sands.
ib.
SECT. XII.
Of Exotick Plants.
1. Foreign Earth producing fo-
reign Plants in Europe. ib.
2. How to preferve the Exoticks of
hot Countries.
276
8. Whence fome Plants are annual,
and others not.
ib.
SECT. XIV.
Of the Duration of Herbs and
Trees.
1. What Vegetables are moſt dura-
ble.
278
2. Maft-Trees lafting: and late
Trees the more durable.
3. Frequent cutting preferves Trees.
ib.
ib.
4. Experiments for making Plants
more durable.
ib.
SECT. XV.
Of the different Figures of Plants,
1. Whence the want of a regular
Figure in Vegetables. 279
2. Whence Plants put forth their
Leaves in a certain Order. ib.
3. Whence the exquifite Figures of
Flowers.
SECT. XVI.
ib.
3. Orange and Lemmon Seed yield of the principal Differences in
SECT. XIII.
Plants.
1. Why Some Plants Bloom before
they have Leaves.
280
ib.
2. The Caufe of Evergreens.
3. Some Trees that bear no Flowers,
yet produce Fruit, & vice verfa.
ing Sallading.
ib.
Of the Seaſons of Plants.
1. The earliest Flowers.
The next
in order. The latest.
ib.
2. The earliest Blooms.
ib.
3. The Order, wherein
and Fruit ripen.
Grain,
ib.
4.
4. Trees that ripen latest,
Soonest.
bloffom
Why fome Plants grow erect,
and others creep.
ib.
277
XVII.
ib.
5. Some Fruits and Flowers come
twice a Year.
ib.
6. Whence an early Summer in
Ruffia.
ib.
7. Whence Fruit and Bloſſoms come
together.
ib.
SEC T.
Of Compofts, and Helps for
Ground.
1. The ufual kinds of Manure.
281
2. A
The CONTENT S.
XXXV
2. A Jecond Kind. Page 281
3. A third, fourth, fifth and fixth
Kind.
282
SECT.
XVIII.
Of the Relations between Plants
and inanimate Bodies.
1. The two grand Differences be-
twixt animate and inanimate
Bodies.
283
2. The Secondary Differences. ib.
3. The Differences betwixt Plants
and Fofils.
ib.
4. The Affinity betwixt Plants and
Mould.
SECT. XIX.
ib.
Of the Relations between Plants
and Animals.
1. The radical and fecondary Dif-
ferences betwixt Plants and A-
nimals.
284
2. A Male and Female Kind in
Plants.
ib.
SECT. XX.
Miſcellaneous Experiments and
Obfervations upon the Subject.
1. Plants without Leaves. 285
2. The Indian Fig growing from
its own Branches.
ib.
3. Whence large and small Leaves
in Plants.
ib.
4. Whether a Saccharine Substance
be not obtainable from certain
Vegetables.
ib.
286
5. The Vegetables that afford Cloth-
ing, &c.
6. Three different kinds of Roots.
ib.
7. Some Tears of Trees combed
from the Beards of Goats. ib.
8. The way of transporting Exotick
ib.
Roots.
9. Uncommon Properties of the an-
cient Cinnamon.
ib.
10. Large Vines known to the An-
cients.
b.
11. Vines running along the Ground.
ib.
12. The Improvement of Vines. 287
13. The means of preferving Fruit.
ib.
ib.
14. To preferve Grapes.
15. What Plants are Efculent. ib.
16. What parts of Plants are Nu-
trimental.
288
17. Why fome Plants are ftronger
in the Seed, and others in the
Root.
ib.
18. Fruits divided into watry, oily,
and fweet.
ib.
19. Why Maft-Trees bear but once
in two years.
289
20. Why the Oak bears many baf
tard Fruits.
21. Two Mushroom-like Excrefcen-
ces of Trees.
ib.
ib.
22. The Cauſe of Trees bearing,
fome better above, and fome beft
below.
ib.
23. Why fome Trees bear beft when
old.
290
24. Whence milky Juices in Plants.
ib.
25. Few red Juices in Plants. ib.
26. Sweet Mofs.
ib.
27. Whence Hemlock procures an
eafy Death.
ib.
d 2
28. Why
xxxvi
The CONTENTS.
ib.
50. The feveral Difeafes of Corn.
51. Their Remedies.
ib.
52.
296
The Goodness of Seed, how
28. Why fome Fruits ripen fweet,
and others not. Page 29 1
29. Why fome Plants have a faline
Tafte.
30. The Experiment of Malting to
be extended.
31. The Enquiry for introducing
Sweetness into Bodies recom-
mended.
ib.
ib.
32. Why the skin of the Onion ri-
fes.
33. Whence fome Plants are curled.
292
ib.
34. Fir and Pine ſparkle in break-
ing.
ib.
35. Why Some Trees ftrike deep
Roots.
ib.
ib.
36. A Branch growing, that was
bare at the bottom.
37. The Nature and Use of the
Reed, or Cane.
293
'38. Different Juices in Vegetables.
ib.
39. The differences in Timber. ib.
40. Different Trees delight in dif-
ferent Soils.
294
41. The Nature of the Soil difco-
vered by the Herbs it produces.
ib.
42. More Super-plants beſides Mif-
letoe.
ib.
43. Some Winds and Weather per-
nicious to Trees.
ib.
44. Snows fertilize the Earth. ib.
45. When Rain is most ferviceable
to Fruits.
ib.
ib.
46. The differences of Soils. 295
47. Why Duft fertilizes.
48. Other means of Fertilization.
ib.
49. The antient ways of grafting
the Vine.
2
ib.
known.
ib.
53. The Roots of Sorrel ftrike deep.
ib.
54 The watering with Salt-water
recommended.
297
55. Why venomous Creatures de-
light in particular Herbs. ib.
56. Prognofticks of the Plenty and
Scarcity of certain Vegetables.
ib.
ib.
57. Probable Experiments of Profit
in Vegetables.
58. Peculiarities in fome Vegeta-
bles.
59. Conclufion.
VENER Y.
298
ib.
1. Why profufe Venery weakens the
Eyes.
299
ib.
2. Venery a fixth Senfe.
3. Why Men are most given to Ve-
nery in the Winter.
VINEGAR.
1. Vinegar, how made.
VISION.
ib.
300
1. Why Globes appear flat at a
distance.
ib.
2. Why both Eyes move the fame
way.
two.
301
3. Why one Eye fees ftronger than
ib.
4. The Caufe of double Vision. ib.
5. Why Pore-blind Men fee well
near hand.
ib.
6. Why Vision is beft, when the Eye
is fhaded.
ib.
7. Why
The CONTENT S.
xxxvii
7. Why the Eyes become red in An-
ger.
Page 302
8. Why the Sight has no difagree-
able Object.
ib.
9. How Objects appear by Re-
fraction.
ib.
10. Refractions to be tried after
Reflections.
ULCER S.
ib.
1. The Cure in fome Ulcers. 303
WATER.
1. Why Water looks black when
moved.
ib.
ib.
2. Trials to discover the Goodness
of Water.
3. How Water operates upon con-
tiguous Air.
304
WEATHER.
1. APrognoftick of hard Winters.
WINDS.
305
1. The Changes in the Body from
Winds.
WINE.
ib.
1. The Correction of Wine recom-
mended.
2. The Power of Wine.
WOUND S.
ib.
ib.
1. Wounds to be treated with Brass
Inftruments.
2. Wounds how best healed.
YAWNING.
306
ib.
1 Dangerous to pick the Ear in
Yawning.
ib.
INSTAU-
xxxviii
The CONTENTS.
INSTAURATION
PART IV.
SCALA INTELLECTUS;
OR, THE
Progreſs of the Underſtanding.
"T
HE Author's View to
free and restore the Sen-
fes.
Page 313
2. Yet expects no great Credit. ib.
3. Which the imperfect method of
philofophizing has gain'd. ib.
4. The Method chofe by the Au-
thor.
314
5. The Opinion that nothing is
knowable confidered.
ib.
6. The disadvantage of that Opi-
nion.
ib.
7. The Author's Agreement with
the Ancients.
315
ib.
8. His difference from them.
9. Tranfition to the Defign of the
Scala Intellectus.
ib.
10. The two ways of the Ancients.
316
11. The Scheme of the Scala In-
tellectus.
ib.
12. The Method of Enquiry it pur-
fues.
ib.
ib.
13. Is a new Method.
317
14. Its Advantages; viz. render-
ing Things intelligible.
13. Leaving the Reader both pof-
fefs'd of Power and Liberty. ib.
14. To imitate the Procedure in
Courts of Justice.
ib.
15. Suited to gain the Confent of
the Prudent.
ib.
16. Preſerves a due Respect for the
Ancients.
318
17. Shewing what Course the An-
cients took in their Enquiries. ib.
18. Setting all Men upon a Level.
319
19. And
The CONTENTS.
xxxix
21. Giving Earnest of Works. 320
22. And a Notion of the Extent of
the whole Inftauration.
ib.
19. And making them follow Ex-
perience.
Page 319
20. To the perfecting of Enquiries.
ib.
A Catalogue of General TABLES; for enquiring into all
the Works of Nature.
Table for a legitimate En-
Aquiry into Motion. 321
A Table of Enquiry for the
particular Hiſtory of Light
and Splendor.
322
Article I. The Colours of Light.
323
Article II. The Reflections of Light.
324
Article III. The Multiplications of
Light.
ib.
ibid.
325
Article IV. The Ways of arowning
Light.
Article V. The Operations or Ef-
fects of Light.
ib.
Article VI. The Continuance of
Light.
ib.
Article VII. The Directions, Mo-
tions, and Paffages of Light. ib.
Article VIII. The Transparency of
luminous and lucid Bodies. 326
Article IX. The Agreement and
Difagreement of Light.
ib.
THE
Hiſtory of LIFE and DEATH.
T
SECT. I.
HE general TABLE of
Enquiry; or a Set of
Heads for the particular
Hiſtory of human Life and
Death; with Directions for
the Conduct of the whole. 337
Article I. A previous Enquiry in-
to the nature of Durability; and
its Degrees, in inanimate and
vegetable Bodies.
ib.
Article II. Of Dryness, and the
Confumption of inanimate Bo-
dies, and Vegetables; with the
Manner and Process they fucceed
in; and the Ways of preventing
and retarding all three; the pre-
ferving of Bodies in their own
State; and, laftly, a more care-
ful Enquiry into the Ways of
Joftening, mollifying, malaxing,
and recovering of Bodies, af-
ter they once begin to be dried.
Article III. Of the lon
Life of Animals,
per Circumftance:
have a Share incre
·8
xl
The CONTENT S.
Article IV. As the Duration of
Bodies is of two kinds; the one
confifting in fimple Indentity,
the other in Repair; the first
whereof only obtains in Bodies
inanimate; the fecond in Vege-
tables and Animals; and is per-
formed by Alimentation; the next
Step of the Enquiry must be into
the Buſineſs of Alimentation, with
its Ways and Process. Page 338
Article V. An Enquiry into the
length and shortness of Life in
Men, according to the different
Ages of the World, Countries,
Climates, Places of Nativity,
and Habitation.
ib.
Article VI. Of the length and
Shortness of Life in Men, with
regard to their Origin and Pro-
pagation, as it were in an here-
ditary manner; alſo with re-
gard to their Complexions, Con-
ftitutions, Habits of Body, Sta-
ture, Manner and Periods of
Growth; and the formation and
knitting of the Limbs. ib.
Article VII. Of the length and
Shortness of Life in Men, ac-
cording to the times of their
Nativity: the Enquiry being
fo conducted, as at prefent, to
drop all aftrological and boro-
fcopical Confiderations; and re-
ceive only the more manifeft and
common Obfervations, if there
be
any; Juch as Birth in the
feventh, eighth, ninth and tenth
Month; happening by night or by
day, or in different Months of
the Year.
339
Article VIII. Of the length and
Shortness of Life in Men, with
regard to their Food, Diet, and
manner of Living, Exercife, &c.
the Confiderations of the Air,
which Men breathe, belonging to
the fifth Article, under the Head
of Habitation.
ib.
Article IX. Of the length and
Shortness of Life in Men, with
regard to their Studies, kinds of
Life, Paffions of Mind, and va-
ib.
rious Accidents.
Article X. A ſeparate Enquiry in-
to fuch Remedies as are thought
to prolong Life.
ib.
Article XI. Of the Signs and
Prognofticks of long and fort
Life: not fuch as denote Death
at hand; which belong to medi-
cinal Hiſtory; but fuch as ap-
pear and are obferved even in
Health; whether derived from
Phyfiognomy, or other Confidera-
339
Article XII. An Enquiry into thofe
Things which preferve and ex-
empt the human Body from
Arefaction and Confumption; or
at least, retard and ward off the
Tendency thereto.
tions.
340
Article XIII. An Enquiry into the
Particulars belonging to the en-
tire Process of Alimentation;
whereby the Body of Man is re-
cruited, in order to its Perfec-
tion, and the prevention of Lofs.
ib.
Article XIV. Of the Things which
difcharge the worn-out Mate-
rials, jupply new ones, and fup-
ple and moisten the Parts that
are dried and indurated. ib.
Article
The CONTENT S.
xli
Article XV. An Enquiry into the
Point of Death, and the Ave-
nues leading up to it, on all fides,
thro' want of Supply, and not
thro' Violence.
Page 340
Article XVI. A careful Enquiry
into the different States of the
Body, in Youth and Old Age;
obferving if there be any thing
that remains the fame, unimpa-
red by Age.
SECT. II.
ib.
17. The Duration of Fruit-Trees.
ib.
ib.
18. Largeness has fome relation to
Durability.
19. A capital Obfervation of the
Difference betwixt the Nourish-
ment of Plants and Animals. ib.
SECT. III.
The Hiftory of Deficcation; the
Prevention thereof; and the
ſoftning of dried Bodies: with
regard to the ſecond Article.
1. Deficcation by Fire.
2.
The Hiſtory of Durability; with
regard to the firft Article of
the Table of Enquiry. 341 3.
1. The Durability of Bodies inani- 4.
mate; viz. Metals.
2. Quickfilver.
3. Stones.
4. Vegetables.
5. Animal Subftances.
by Air.
Age.
Cold.
344
ib.
ib.
345
ib. 5.
Smoke.
ib.
ib.
6.
Salt.
ib.
ib. 7.
ib. 8.
Gums.
ib.
ib.
9.
Spirit of Wine.
Powders.
ib.
ib.
6. Bodies that have paffed the Fire.
7. Water and Oil.
8. Gums.
342
ib.
ib.
9. An uniform State requifite to
Durability.
ib.
10. Two capital Obfervations with
regard to the Spirits in Bodies.
ib.
11. The Duration of Plants :
viz. of the cold Kind. ib.
the Hot.
12.
13. The Duration of Shrubs.
of large Trees.
343
ib.
ib.
the odoriferous and refi-
14.
15.
nous Kind.
16.
the Afb, &c.
VOL. III.
10. Prevention of Deficcation, in-
fanced in fubterraneous Grana-
ries.
345
11. Confervatories of Snow. 346
12. In Meal.
ib.
13. In Liquors of the fame kind
with the Body.
ib.
ib.
14. Fruits how preferved.
15. The Confumption of Fewel. 347
16. The manuring of Ground. ib.
17. The Enquiry of mollifying or
Suppling the Parts once dried in
Vegetables.
18. In Leather.
19. In Oxen.
343
20. In Men.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
348
21. Larger Obfervations. 348-350
e
SECT.
xlii
The CONTENTS.
SECT. IV.
The Hiſtory of the Length and
Shortness of Life in Animals,
purfuant to the third Article
of the Table of Enquiry.
37.
34. Fish.
35. The Dolphin.
36. The Muræna.
The Pike.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
38. The Carp.
354
39.
The Salmon.
ib.
1. Preparation.
Page 350
40. The Whale.
ib.
2. The Age of Man.
ib.
41. The Crocodile.
ib.
3. Of the Elephant.
ib.
42. Larger Obfervations.3 54-356
4. The Lion.
ib.
5. The Bear.
ib.
6. The Fox.
ib.
7. The Camel.
ib.
8. The Horfe.
ib.
9. Deer.
351
10. The Dog.
ib.
11. The Ox.
ib.
12. The Sheep.
ib.
13. The Goat.
ib.
14. The Hog.
ib.
15. The Cat.
ib.
16. The Hare.
ib.
17. Birds.
ib.
18. The Eagle.
352
19. The Vulture.
ib.
20. The Kite.
ib.
SECT. V.
;
The Hiſtory of Alimentation,
and the Procefs of Nutrition
with regard to the fourth Ar-
ticle of the Table of Enquiry.
I. Aliment to be of a lower Na-
ture than the Body nourished.
356
2. Shewn in Vegetables, living
Creatures, and Men.
3. Nutrition requires a Prepara-
tion of the Aliment.
4. How Plants and Animals are
nouriſhed.
5. The Motion of the Aliment. ib.
6. Two Actions in Alimentation.
ib.
ib.
ib.
21. The Raven.
ib.
22. The Swan.
ib.
23. The Goofe.
ib.
24. The Stork.
25. The Phenix.
26. The Parrot.
ib.
27.
The Peacock.
353
28. The Cock.
ib.
29. The Turkey.
ib.
30. The Ring-dove.
ib.
31. The Pheasant.
ib.
32. The Sparrow.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib. 8. Nutriment paſſes thro' a ſlender
Neck in Fruits.
ib.
9. The feminal Power more lafting
in Plants than in Animals. ib.
10. The Degrees of Nutrition dif-
fer with the Age.
11. A Precept for farther En-
quiry.
357
7. The Difference betwixt the Aj-
fimilation of Vegetables and Ani-
mals.
ib.
ib.
33. The Estrich.
ib.
SECT.
The CONTENTS.
xliii
34. Gorgias.
ib.
SECT. VI.
The Hiſtory of the Length and
Shortness of Life in Man ;
with respect to the fifth, fixth,
ſeventh, eighth, ninth, and ele-
venth Articles of the Table of
Enquiry.
1. Particular Instances of long
Life in the Antediluvians. 358
2. In the Poftdiluvians.
3. Abraham.
4. Ifaac.
38. Diogenes.
39. Zeno.
40. Plato.
41. Theophraftus.
42. Carneades.
35. Protagoras.
ib.
36. Ifocrates.
ib.
37. Democritus.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
43. Orbilius.
ib.
ib.
44. Quintus Fabius Maximus. ib.
ib.
45. Mafiniffa.
361
ib.
46. Porcius Cato.
ib.
5. Jacob.
ib. 47. Terentia.
ib.
6. Ishmael.
ib. 48. Luceia.
ib.
7. Sarah.
ib. 49. Galeria Copiola.
ib.
8. Jofeph.
ib.
50. Livia.
ib.
9. Levi.
ib.
51. Junia.
ib.
10. Mofes.
ib.
52. The Taxation in Vefpafian's
11. Aaron:
ib.
time.
ib.
12. Phineas.
ib.
ib.
ib.
13. Joſhua.
14. Ehud.
15. Job.
16. Eli
17. Elisha.
54. The Emperors of Germany,
359 55. Auguſtus.
53. Admonition.
362
&c.
ib.
ib.
ib. 56. Tiberius.
ib.
ib. 57. Gordianus.
ib.
18. Efaiah.
ib. 58. Valerian.
ib.
19. Tobias.
ib. 59 Anaftafius.
ib.
20. Jews in the Captivity.
ib. 60. Anicius Juftinianus.
ib.
21. Simeon.
ib. 61. Helena Britanna.
ib.
22. Anna.
ib. 62. Theodora.
363
23. Egyptian Kings.
ib. 63. St. John.
ib.
24. Arcadians.
ib. 64. St. Luke.
ib.
25. Numa.
26. Solon.
27. Epimenides.
28. Xenophanes.
29. Anacreon.
30. Pindar.
31. Sophocles.
32. Artaxerxes.
33. Agefilaus.
ib. 65. Simeon.
ib.
ib. 66. Polycarp.
ib.
360 67. Dionyfius.
ib.
ib. 68. Aquila and Priſcilla.
ib.
ib. 69. St. Paul the Hermite.
ib.
ib. 70. St. Antony
ib.
ib. 71. St. Athanafius.
ib.
ib. 72. St. Jerom.
ib.
ib. 73. The Popes of Rome.
ib.
€ 2
74. Mif-
xliv
The CONTENT S.
74. Mifcellaneous Inftances of long
Life.
Page 364, 365
75. General Obfervations with re-
gard to Longevity.
76. The Inhabitants of the Northern
Regions longer lived than of the
Southern.
SECT.
VII.
Of Remedies conducing to long
Life; with regard to the tenth
Article.
365
1. Tranfition.
371
366
2. A Table of Cordials.
ib.
3. Gold.
ib.
ib.
4. Pearls.
ib.
5. Gems.
ib.
ib.
6. Bezoar.
372
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
77. High Situation conducive to
long Life.
78. Low-Lands ill fuited to Stran-
gers.
7. Ambergreafe.
8. Warm Medicines.
Coolers.
10. Admonition.
9.
367
79. The long lived Countries. ib.
80. Wholefome Air how known. ib.
81. The Equality of Air regards
long Life.
82. Inequality and Change of Air
where proper.
83. The Age of the Parents has an
Influence on the Children. ib.
84. The Particulars in Parents,
conducive to the long Life of
Children,
-
ib.
ib.
85. Prognofticks of long Life; from
the Complexion.
368
86. From the Hair.
ib.
11. Bleeding fufpected as to Lon-
gevity.
ib.
12. The Cure of emaciating Di-
feafes may contribute to long
Life.
SECT. VIII.
ib.
The Hiftory of Intentions; with
a View to the forming of prac-
tical Rules for the prolonga-
tion of Life: in purſuance of
the twelfth, thirteenth and
fourteenth Articles of the Ta-
ble of Enquiry.
87. From Baldness.
ib.
88. Hairiness on the Body.
ib.
89. The fize of the Body.
ib.
90. The Proportion of its
Parts.
ib.
1. Transition.
91. The Habit of the Body.
ib.
2. Admonitions.
92. Growth.
373
374, 375
ib.
93. Fleſhiness.
ib.
I.
94. The make of the Head.
ib.
95. Chest.
369
96. Eyes.
ib.
97. Times of Nativity.
ib.
98. Diet.
ib.
99. Courſe of Life.
370
100. Study.
101. A Country Life.
ib.
102. A Military Life.
ib,
The Hiſtory of operating upon
the Spirits; fo as to renew and
continue them in a young and
vigorous ſtate.
1. The Office of the Spirits. 375
2. Two kinds of Flame.
ib. 3. Effect of difcutient Medicines.
ib.
ib.
4. Purging
The
xlv
CONTENT S.
376
ib.
ib.
ib.
4. Purging Medicines. Page 375
The Temper required in the
Spirits.
5.
6. Effects of Vapours.
7. The Spirits condenfed four ways,
viz.
8. (1.) By Flight.
9. Virtues of Opium and Opiates.
nery.
ib.
39. The quantity of the Spirits.
-
36. The milder to be preferred.
ib.
37.
The Capital Opiates.
38. Frequent Excitation to Ve
ib.
ib.
40. Monaftic Life.
ib.
ib.
41. One a little less fevere.
382
10. Coffee.
14. Betel
15. Tobacco.
16. The fimple Opiates.
377
42. Seaſonable use of Venery. ib.
ib.
43. The Motion of the Spirits
ib. check'd three ways.
ib.
ib.
44. Viz. (1.) By Sleep.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
378
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
379
ib.
17. The compound Opiates.
18. Rules for prolonging Life by
Opiates.
19. An opiate Diet.
10. Opiate Fumes.
21. Distilled Waters of Opiates.
22. Opiates infpiffating the Spirits.
23. The milder Opiates or Sub-
ftitutes for the stronger. ib.
24. Saffron.
25. (2.) The Condenſation of the
Spirits by Cold.
26. The Spirits cooled three ways.
27. By the Air.
28. Nitre.
ib.
29. Its Nature and Effects.
30. How Nitre may be used. 380
31. The Subftitutes for Nitre. ib.
32. (3.) By appeafing the Spirits.
381
33. (4.) By checking their Impe-
tuofity.
59. The Spirits not to be diffolved.
60. How refreshed.
ib.
61. The Spirits to be regulated. ib.
62. How refreshed in Age. ib.
63. Old Men to retire from Bufi-
neſs.
385
64. Involuntary Studies waste the
Spirits.
ib.
ib.
ib.
paringly
65. The Mouth of the Stomach to
be regarded.
ib.
ib.
66, The
34. The degree of Heat beſt ſuited
to the Spirits.
35. Aromatics to be
used.
45. Admonition.
ib.
46. (2.) By regulating the Exer-
cife.
383
47. (3.) By governing the Paffions.
ib.
48. Senfual Pleafures.
ib.
49. Joy.
ib.
50. Grief.
ib.
51. Fear.
ib.
52. Anger.
ib.
53. Envy.
ib.
54. Pity.
ib.
55. Shame.
ib.
56. Love.
ib.
57. Hope.
304
58. Mifcellaneous Obfervations up-
on the Spirits.
ib.
ib.
xlvi
The CONTENTS.
66. The prefent Enquiry why more
diligently profecuted. Page 386
II.
The Hiſtory of the Operation
for excluding the Air from the
Body.
1. Exclufion of the Air has a dou-
ble Tendency to prolong Life. ib.
2. Bodies how dried.
3. The living in Caves.
4. Living on Mountains.
ib.
ib.
387
5. The Body to be guarded against
the Air.
ib.
6. Two ways of excluding the Air.
ib.
III.
The Hiſtory of the Operation
upon the Blood, and the pro-
per Heat for Sanguification.
1. Tranfition.
2. The Blood to be cooled.
3. By the use of Glyfters.
4. Warm Bathing.
390
ib.
ib.
ib.
5. Cafing the Body before Bathing.
390
6. The Use of Bladders filled with
cooling Liquors.
ib.
7. Condenfing the Blood. 391
8. The introducing a fixed and
durable Subftance into the Blood.
9. The Cautions it requires.
10. The Simples beft fuited to
Intention.
ib.
7. By clofing the Pores.
ib.
8. Bathing.
ib.
ib.
9. Paints.
ib.
the
10. Ufed by the Britons.
ib.
ib.
II. Brafilians.
ib.
11. Woods prefer'd.
ib.
12. Johannes de Temporibus. ib.
13. The Irish.
ib.
13.
12. The forts to be chofe:
How to be used.
ib.
ib.
14.
The external Use of Saffron. ib.
388
IV.
16. How to be practised.
ib.
15. Anointing with Oil.
17 Whether uſed in this manner
by the Ancients.
ib.
ib.
The Hiftory of the Operation
upon the Juices of the Body.
1. Two kinds of durable Subftan-
ces.
2. The Intention what.
392
ib.
ib.
ib.
3. Hardnefs how procurable
Juices.
to the
ib.
389
4. The Aliments to be chofe.
ib.
ib.
5.
The Bread.
ib.
18. Anointing how healthy.
19. Four Cautions to prevent ill
Effects from anointing.
20. Viz. Stopping the Sweat.
21. Heating the Body.
22. Oppreffing the Head.
23. And over-increafing the Spi-
rits.
ib.
24. Woollen Garments preferr'd to
Linen.
6. The uſe of Water for Drink.
ib.
7. Living in the cold Air.
ib.
ib.
8. Hot lying.
ib.
9. Cold-Bathing.
ib.
ib.
10. Exercife.
ib.
11. Frictions.
25. Accuſtomed Air lefs predatory.
2
The CONTENT S.
xlvii
11. Frictions.
Page 393
12. The procuring of Baljamick
Juices.
15. Unguents.
16. Quilts.
ib.
ib.
ib.
17. The Liver how to be regarded.
ib.
ib.
18. Pomgranate-Wine.
ib.
19. Creffes.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
13. Rofcidity of the Juices what.
15. Roſcidity not owing to Fat. ib.
16. Fat not diffipable even in mix-
ture.
17. Roafted Meats recommended. ib.
18. Sweet Things.
19. Drinks.
20. Mellow Wines.
21. Mead.
22. The Acrimony of Liquors cor-
rected.
23. The Drink of Grain improved.
25. Sauces, Pickles, &c.
V.
ib..
The Hiſtory of the Operation of
the Vifcera for protruding the
Aliment.
20. Aloes.
21. Chalybeates.
22. Sweet and unctuous Liquors.
29. Cooling Odours.
30. Mafticatories.
31. Vapours.
ib.
397
ib.
23. Sauce.
ib.
ib.
24. The Heart how to be regarded.
394
ib.
25. Wholefome Air.
ib.
ib.
26. The Morning Air.
ib.
27. Odours.
ib.
ib..
28. Thoſe of growing Vegetables.
398
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib
ib.
34. Paffions.
399
ib.
35. The Brain how to be regarded.
ib.
ib.
36. Bathing the Feet.
ib.
37. Fumes.
ib.
395
38. Hot Things to be avoided. ib.
39. Caftor.
ib.
ib.
ib.
VI.
ib.
ib.
1. The four grand Vifcera to be af
fifted.
2. Lefs Notice here taken of the
fecondary Vifcera.
3. A Regimen to be formed for
every Conftitution.
4. The Stomach how provided for.
5. Hot Liquors recommended.
6. Gold quenched in Wine.
7. Bread Steeped in Wine.
8. Quinces.
9. The best Simples for the
mach.
10. Pills.
11. Medicated Drinks.
12. Medicated Wines.
13. Morning Draughts.
14. Fafting.
ib.
Sto-
ib.
ib.
ib.
32. Cordials for Diet.
33. Gold and Bezoar.
The Hiſtory of the Operation
upon the external Parts for at-
tracting the Aliment.
1. The attractive Power of the ex-
ternal Parts to be excited. 400
2. This Attraction how caufed. ib.
3. The Caution it requires. ib.
396 4. Frictions.
ib. 5. Exerciſe.
ib.
ib.
ib.
6. To
xlviii
The CONTENT S.
6. To prevent its wafting the Spi-
rits.
ib.
7. Exercifes for Spreading the Jui-
ces thro' the Body. Page 400
8. The mortifying Regimen.
9. Stinging Nettles.
VII.
ib.
401
The Hiſtory of the Operation
upon the Food; fo as to make
it infinuate into the Parts of
the Body.
401
ib.
1. A free Table to be used.
2. Sauces to be allowed.
3. The Sauce and Drink to be fuited
to the Food.
ib.
4. Aromatic Liquors before Meals.
ib.
5. The due dreffing and preparing
of Meats.
ib.
6. Dry dreſſing preferred. ib.
7. Roasting, how best performed.
402
8. New Way of preparing Meats.
ib.
9. Stamping or Bruiſing of Fleſh.
ib.
ib.
10. Bread how best prepared. ib.
11. Drinks for long Life. ib.
12. The Food how to be prepared in
Old Age.
13. Meat and Drink to be pre-
viously mixed.
14. Expreſſions and fine Mincings
of Meats.
ib.
403
15. The want of Teeth, how re-
medied.
ib.
16. Some Excess in Meats
Drinks allowable.
and
ib.
VIII.
An Explanation of the Operation
upon the laſt Act of Affimi-
lating the Food.
1. Tranfition.
403
2. All Bodies have an Appetite of
affimilating.
ib.
3. This Appetite quickened by Heat.
ib.
4. Hard Bodies require more Heat
to make them affimilate.
5. Axiom.
6. The Rule it affords.
IX.
ib.
404
ib.
The Hiftory of the Operation for
mollifying the Parts, when
they begin to dry; or for fup-
pling or malaxing the Body.
1. Tranfition.
405
2. The Fable of Medea's Cauldron.
ib.
3. Bathing and Anointing to fup-
ple the Body in general. ib.
4. The common Baths of little fer-
vice.
405
5. The Baths and Unguents re-
quired for the Purpoſe. ib.
6. Malaxing by means of Blood. ib.
7. Baths of Blood.
8. Live Pigeons.
9. More agreeable Methods.
10. Salts to be added.
11. Conftringents.
ib.
ib.
406
ib.
ib.
ib.
12. A Courſe of Malaxing.
13. The Regimen during the Courſe.
b.
14. The Application of live Bodies.
ib.
15. The Enquiry for mollifying the
Vifcera not profecuted.
407
X. The
The CONTENT S.
xlix
X.
The Hiſtory of the Operation
for diſcharging the old Juices,
and ſupplying their Place with
new; or the Bufinefs of perio-
dical Renovation.
1. Tranfition.
Page 407
2. Tender Flesh procurable. ib.
3. Diet-Drinks diſcharge the old,
and procure new Juices. ib.
4. Advantage of familiar Purg-
ing.
408
5. Conclufion of the preceding En-
quiry.
ib.
SECT. IX.
The Hiftory of the Avenues, or
laft Approaches of Death; in
profecution of the fifteenth
Article of the Table of En-
quiry.
1. Transition.
2. Three Requifites in a living
Spirit.
4. Sudden Death caused by Ex-
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
409
ib.
3. The Relation
Spirit.
of Flame and
ib.
travafations.
5. By Contufions.
6. By Opium.
7. By Poifons.
8. By Drunkenness.
9. By Fear and Sadness.
11. By fudden Joy.
13. By Suffocation.
15. The Pulfe.
V O L. III.
410
ib.
10. By great Dilatations of the
Spirits.
12. By large Evacuations.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
14. The Motion of Refpiration. ib.
ib.
16. Force of Custom in Refpiration.
ib.
ib.
17. Refpiration different in dif-
ferent Creatures.
18. Fiſh how refreshed.
19. Heat deftructive to the Spirits.
411
ib.
ib.
20. Refreshment by Sleep.
21. Alimentation of the Parts. ib.
22. The Neceffity of Eating.
ib.
23: Dead Bodies wafte less than
live ones.
ib.
24. How large Bleedings prove
mortal.
412
25. More taken in to the Body than
diſcharged in a vifible Form. ib.
26. The Waste of Old Age whence.
ib.
27. The Requifites to Life fummed
up.
28. Admonitions.
ib.
ib.
39. The Forerunners of Death. 413
40. Convulfions, and a labouring
Pulfe.
ib.
ib.
41. Symptoms of Death.
42. Confequents upon Death. ib.
The Remains of Life, foon af-
ter Death.
43.
ib.
44. Means of recovering from ap-
parent Death.
ib.
45. Perfons fuppofed dead have re-
covered.
SECT. X.
414
Of the Differences between Youth
and Old Age; with regard to
the fixteenth Article of the
Table of Enquiry.
1. The natural Progress of Life.
2. Youth and Age compared.
f
415
ib.
3. The
1.
The CONTENT S.
3. The Difference of Affections be-
twixt Old and Young. Page 416
SECT. XI.
Improvable Axioms or variable
Canons, formed upon the pre-
ceding Hiſtory; for giving
Light into the Cauſe of the
Continuance, or Duration, of
Life, and the true Nature, or
Form, of Death.
1. Wafte bow caufed and pre-
vented.
418
2. Spirit the cause of Waste and
Diffolution.
ib.
3. Four Operations of the Spirit;
viz.
4. (1.) Arefaction.
5. (2.) Colliquation.
6. (3.) Putrefaction.
7. (4.) And Generation.
ib.
419
ib.
420
ib.
8. The two Spirits in Bodies. ib.
9. The Differences betwixt the
Lifelefs and the Vital Spirits. ib.
10. Two kinds of Vital Spirit.
421
11. A ſecond Difference betwixt
the Spirits.
ib.
12. The Office of the Vital Spirit.
ib.
13. The Subſtance of the Spirits.
422
14. The two Appetites of the Spi-
rits.
ib
15. The Method of mollifying the
hardened Parts.
423
16. The Bujiness of Malaxing,
how best performed.
ib.
17. The Heat required for prefer-
ving the Body young.
ib.
18. A Condenſation of the Spirits
424
required to long Life.
19. Fine Spirits confume the lefs.
425
20. Irregular Motion more confu-
ming than regular.
ib.
21. The Spirits how to be detained
in the Body.
22. The Spirit willingly
425
refides in
426
Fat.
23. A Difcharge of aqueous Moif-
ture tends to Prefervation. ib.
24. Exclufion of the Air tends to
lengthen Life.
427
25. An Intimation of a fhort Me-
thod of prolonging Life.
26. Balmy Juices to be procured.
ib.
428
27. The Means of procuring them.
ib.
28. A Method of external Alimen-
tation.
429
ib.
29. Concoction how to be ftrength-
ned.
30. Quick Renovation, how pro-
cured.
ib.
31. Malaxing, how to be per-
formed.
430
32. The old Parts, how to be re-
newwed.
ib.
33. The Cooling conducive to long
Life.
34. The great Obstacle to long Life.
43 I
ib.
35. The Regimen required to pro-
long Life.
ib.
36. The Relation bewixt Flame,
Air, and vital Spirit.
432
37. The Vital Spirit, how de-
ftroyed.
433
A
The CONTENTS.
li
1
A DRAUGHT for the particular HISTORY of
the WIND, &c.
SECT. I.
The Table of Enquiry: or, a
Set of Heads for the particular
Hiſtory of the Winds; with
the Conduct to be obſerved in
the Profecution.
T
Itle I. The Names of the
Winds.
441
Title II. General Winds.
442
ib.
ib.
ib.
Title III. Stated Winds.
Title IV. Serving Winds.
Title V. Free Winds.
Title VI. The different Qualities
of Winds.
443
Title VII. The local Origins of
Winds.
ib.
Title VIII. Accidental Generations,
or Productions, of Winds. ib.
Title IX. Extraordinary Winds,
and fudden Gufts.
444
Title X. The Things that contri-
bute to Winds, and excite or
appease them.
Title XI. The Limitations of the
Winds.
ib.
SECT. II.
The Hiftory of the Appellations
of the Winds; affigning to
each a proper, fixed, and de-
terminate Name: in Profecu-
tion of the firft Article of the
Table of Enquiry.
1. The ancient Names of the Winds
preferved.
448
2. The general Divifion of the
Winds.
3.
ib.
Their particular Divifion. 449
4. A Table fhewing the particular
Divifions of the Winds; with
regard to the Mariners Compafs.
ib. & 450
SECT. III.
Of free and general Winds; with
regard to the fecond and fifth
Articles of the Table of En-
quiry.
1. Winds may blow from all the
Points of the Heavens. 451
2. Some Countries without Rain.
ib.
General Winds, chiefly within
the Tropicks.
445
3.
Title XII. The Succeffions of the
Winds.
ib.
ib.
4.
Title XIII. Different Motions of
the Winds.
Title XIV. The Powers of the
Winds.
Title XV. Prefages or Prognof
ticks of the Winds.
Title XVI. Imitations of Winds.
448
A Breeze following the Sun in
the European Seas.
ib.
446
5.
The Motion of the higher Clouds.
ib.
447
6. Directions for discovering the
general Winds out of the Tro-
ib.
picks.
ib.
f 2
7. Wea-
lii
The CONTENT S.
7.
Weather.cocks to be observed.
Page 452
8. Whence the West Winds more
beneficial than the East. ib.
9. Whether the Sea moves from
East to West.
ib.
10. Indirect Phænomena, what. ib.
11. Conjectures at the Causes of the
conftant Breeze within the Tro-
picks.
ib.
12. This Breeze ceafes by Night.
ib.
13.
The Confequence, if the Air
moves with the Heavens. 453
SECT. IV.
Of ſtated Winds; with regard to
the third Article of the Table
of Enquiry.
1. The Subject of stated Winds
ib.
tread unfteddily.
2. Etefian or anniverfay Winds. ib.
3. Overflowing of the Nile impu-
ted to the Etefian Winds. ib.
4. Currents owing to ftated Winds.
ib.
5. The Discovery of the West-
Indies fuppofed owing to theſe
Winds.
ib.
6. Stated Winds from nowy
Mountains and marshy Grounds.
454
ib.
ib.
ib.
: From periodical Vapours.
8. Stated Winds from far.
9. Do not blow in the Night. ib.
10. Are generally weak.
11. The fated Winds of Europe.
ib.
ib.
12. The Bird-winds.
13. The Returns of the Winds not
known.
ib.
SECT. V.
Of Serving Winds; with regard
to the fourth Article of the
Table of Enquiry.
1. Serving Winds, what.
455
2. South and North Winds the
Serving Winds of the Globe. ib.
3. The Free Winds attend chiefly
the Spring and Autumn. ib.
4. And without the Tropicks. ib.
5. Srongest at Morning and Even-
ing.
ib.
6. Most frequent in cavernous
Countries.
ib.
7. The Coldness of Newfoundland,
whence.
ib.
8. The Weft Wind attends the Af-
ternoon.
456
ib.
9. The South the Night.
10. The Serving Winds, at Sea,
differ from thofe of the Conti-
ib.
11. The Waiting Winds at Peru.
nent.
ib.
12. Sea-Winds purer than Land-
Winds.
ib.
13. How rendered warm or cold.
ib.
14. Sea-Winds the Serving-Winds
of Countries.
457
15. Sea-Winds ftronger than Land-
Winds.
ib.
16. Recurrent Winds, what and
whence.
ib.
17. Breezes found about Waters.
ib.
18. Why Trees bend from the Sea-
Breezes.
ib.
SECT.
The CONTENT S.
Liii
SECT. VI.
Of the Qualities and Powers of
the Winds: in profecution of
the fixth and fourteenth Arti-
ticles of the Table of Enquiry.
1. The South-wind rainy. Page 457
2. The Weft-wind favourable. 458
3. The Paracelfift's reject the East-
wind.
ib.
4. The Eaft-wind accounted per-
nicious.
ib.
5. The more effential Differences of
the Winds.
ib.
6. The South-wind less stated than
the North.
ib.
7. The South-wind blows lower
than the North.
22. Sheep to respect the South-wind.
ib.
23. When Winds damage the Corn.
ib.
24. The Differences of the South
and North-wind, as to Health.
460
25. The Difference betwixt the
Eaft and Weft-wind.
26. Eaft winds deftructive in the
Spring.
ib.
ib.
27. The Weft-winds more boisterous
than the East.
ib.
28. Rain with an Eaft-wind. ib.
29. The more conftant and change-
able Winds.
ib.
ib.
30. Vifion and Hearing increased
by Winds.
ib.
8. The South, a fair Wind in A-
frica.
9. The South and Weft-winds,
whence rainy.
ib.
10. The Agreement betwixt the
South and West, and betwixt the
North and East Winds. ib.
11. The South and North-wind
from the Sea.
ib.
12. The South-wind ferene. 459
13. Caufes change of Weather. ib.
14. Blows after Froft.
15. The South-wind strongest by
Night.
ib.
ib.
16. North-winds make the largest
Waves.
ib.
17. Effects of the South and North-
wind, on the appearance of the
Sea.
ib.
ib.
18. Rain, how foretold.
19. The tumultuary Winds. 459
20. North-winds pernicious in Huf-
bandry.
ib.
21. Trees fooneft shed on the South.
ib.
31. The East-north-east Wind clou-
dy.
ib.
32. The Cardinal Winds not for-
my.
ib.
33. The calm and tempestuous
Winds.
ib.
46.1
ib.
34. The ftormy Winds.
35. Snowy Winds.
36. Whence the Properties of
Winds.
37. Drying IVinds.
38. March Winds.
ib.
ib.
ib.
39. Windy Years wholefome. ib.
40. The Power of the Winds in
the Temperature of particular
Countries.
ib.
41. The strength of the Winds.
ib.
42. Obfervations change with the
Poles.
462
43. The uncertainty of the Subject.
ib.
ib.
SECT.
liv
The CONTENTS.
SEC T. VII.
The Hiſtory of the local Origins
of Winds, in Profecution of
the ſeventh Article of the Ta-
ble of Enquiry.
1. Difficult to fix the Origin of
Winds.
ib.
2. The Poetical Notion of the Ori-
gin of Winds.
463
3. The Notion of fome fcriptural
Philofophers.
4. Air in the Bowels of the Earth.
ib.
ib.
5. That Air may burst out of the
Earth.
ib.
6. Winds generated like Rivers. ib.
ib.
7. Subterraneous Winds.
8. Swellings of the Sea more fre-
ib.
quent than Earthquakes.
9. Hollow, rocky Countries, windy.
464
10. Vents of Heat and Cold in the
Earth.
ib.
11. Warm Exhalations from the
Earth.
12. Winds in Pits.
23. The iffuing of Winds from
Clouds.
ib.
ib.
24. A third Origin of Winds near
the Earth.
466
25. Winds in the lower Air, from
a Surcharge.
26. The Generation of fome Winds
like thofe of Mifts.
27. Breezes, what.
28. The Rainbow fometimes refolv-
ed into Wind.
468
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
29. Some Winds generated below
the Tops of Mountains.
30. Winds in fair Weather.
31. Winds generated thro' the whole
height of the Atmoſphere.
SECT. VIII.
ib.
Of the accidental Productions or
Generations of Winds.
1. Accidental Productions of Winds,
what.
469
2. Winds most perceived in Vallies.
ib.
3. Winds where most found in Ci-
ties.
4. Cool Rooms.
Ground.
14. Winds before and after
quakes.
15. Air variously discharged out of
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
13. Air may burst from
under
ib.
5. Accidental Winds after Storms
at Sea.
ib.
Earth-
6. Winds in Gardens.
ib.
ib.
7. Winds beating against Hills. ib.
8. Winds in Capes.
470
465
ib.
ib.
the Earth.
16. That all Winds may proceed
from Vapours.
17. Winds from above.
18. Follow the shooting of Stars. ib.
19. Opening of the Clouds.
20. Clear Stars.
21. Halo's, &c.
SECT. IX.
Of extraordinary Winds, and fud-
den Gufts; with relation to
the ninth Article of the Table
of Enquiry.
ib.
ib.
ib.
1. Sudden Gufts, how generated. ib.
2.Storms with Fogs, violent at Sea.
3. Larger
22. The Winds how generated a-
bove.
ib.
ib.
The CONTENT S.
lv
3. Larger Whirlwinds uncommon.
Page 470
4. Their manner of Production. ib.
5. Burning Winds.
SECT. X.
471
Of the Things contributing to
original Winds; in purſuance
of the tenth Article of the
Table of Enquiry.
1. The ancient Doctrine of Winds
imperfect.
47 I
2. Winds from the Rotation of the
ib.
Air.
3. Whether the Moon and Stars
contribute to the Winds.
ib.
4. Influence of the Moon's Eclipfe
upon Winds.
ib.
472
5. Of the Full Moon.
6. The Effects of the Moon upon the
ib.
Air to be noted.
7. Winds at the Planets Conjunc-
tions.
8. At Orion's Rifing.
ib.
ib.
9. The Sun caufes many Winds. ib.
10. The Sun caufes the Breezes be-
twixt the Tropicks.
ib.
11. The Nights whence fultry.
ib.
12. Air made to act as Wind. ib.
13. Air put in Motion by Heat.
ib.
14. Wind by a Condenſation of the
Air.
15. Vaporous Winds.
21. The quantity and quality of
Vapours.
ib.
22. Winds from the Earth more
lafting.
ib.
23. The Winds from melted Snows.
474
ib.
ib.
24. From Ice.
25. From Sands.
26. From Sea-Vapours and Land-
Exhalations.
ib.
27. Winds from burning Vege-
tables.
ib.
ib.
ib.
28. The meeting of Winds.
29. Winds allay'd five ways.
30. Showers and Winds prevent
475
31. Winds how turned into Rain.
ib.
each other.
32. Winds rifing and falling with
the Sun.
ib.
33. Whether the ringing of Bells
may allay Wind.
ib.
34. Whirlwinds laid by Vinegar.
35. Prognofticks of Winds to be
confidered.
SECT. XI.
ib,
Of the Limitations of the Winds;
in purſuance of the eleventh
Article of the Table of En-
quiry.
1. Winds reach not to the Tops of
Some Mountains.
ib.
473
ib.
16. Vapours turned into Air.
17. And into Wind.
ib.
2. Vaporous Winds not high.
3. The Breadth of Winds.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
F.
18. How Vapours generate Wind
and Rain.
19. How fair Weather is produced.
20. Unequal Heat most productive
of Winds.
2
8. Little Whirlwinds very con-
fined.
4. Spreading Winds not violent, ib.
5. Stated Winds travel far. 476
6. Stormy Winds confined.
7. Sea-Winds confined.
ib.
ib.
ib.
c. Strong
Ivi
The CONTENTS.
9. Strong Winds continue longer
at Sea than Land. Page 476
10: Gentle Winds variable. ib.
11. Morning Winds laft the longest.
ib.
12. Strong Winds fall fuddenly. ib.
SECT. XII.
Of the Succeffions of the Winds;
with regard to the twelfth Ar-
ticle of the Table of Enquiry.
1. The Wind ſeldom Retrograde. ib.
2. The Succeffion of Wind and
477
Rain.
3. Varying IVinds coming to fettle
are conftant.
4.
ib.
The Eaft Wind interpofes be-
twixt the North and South
Wind.
ib.
5. The fate of the Winter, prog-
nofticated by the Succeffion of
Winds.
ib..
6. Revolutions of Wind and Wea-
ther.
ib.
SECT. XIII.
Of the Motions of the Winds;
in purfuance to the thirteenth
Article of the Table of En-
quiry.
1. Authors Speak inaccurately of
the Winds.
6. Vinds without Nurferies eafily
7
vary.
ib.
Whence Winds blow differently
Strong.
ib.
8. Moveable Nurſeries of Winds.
ib.
9. The Verticity of Winds whence.
479
ib.
10. From oppofite Nurferies. ib.
11. How the Winds blow from
different Nurferies.
ib.
12. Winds change their Direction
according to their Obftacles and
ib.
Reflections.
13. Some Nurseries of Winds fia-
ble, others moveable.
14. That Winds have a long
Courſe.
480
15. The Undulation of the Winds.
ib.
16. The difference between the Un-
dulation of the Winds and Wa-
ib.
ters.
may
17. Conflicts and compound Cur-
rents of Winds.
ib.
18. Contrary Winds meeting at
Sea.
ib.
19. Winds blowing contrary ways
at once.
20. Currents in the Air.
II.
481
ib.
2. The Excitation and Direction Of the Motion of the Winds in
ib.
ib.
of Winds.
3. The Experiment of producing
Vind in a clofe Turret, va-
ried.
4. Caufe of the Winds Excitation.
478
ib.
5. Its progreffive Motion from
Nurferies, or Springs. ib.
the Sails of Ships.
1. The Mafts of the English Men
of War.
ib.
2. The Mafis kave feveral pieces.
ib.
3.
ib.
5. The Pofition of the Sails. 482
6. The
The Pofition of the Mafts. ib.
4. The Sails.
I
The CONTENT S.
Ivii
Page 482
ib.
ib.
ib.
6. The Yards.
7. Figure of the Sails.
8. The Meaſure of the Main-fail
of the Main-maft.
9. Top-fail of the Main-maft. ib.
10. Maintop-Sail.
34. How fast a Ship may fail
with a fair Wind.
35. Traverfing.
483
ib.
36. The Origins of the Impulſe in
Sailing.
ib.
37. Afford Rules for increafing it.
11. Fore-maft Main-fail.
ib.
ib.
12. Top-fail.
ib.
13. Main Top-fail.
ib.
14. Mizzen-main Sail.
ib.
38. To fave the low Winds. ib.
39. Wing-fails from the Ship's
fides.
ib.
15. Top-mizzen Sail.
ib.
ib.
ib.
16. If two Mizzen-fails.
17. Main-fprit Sail
18. Top-fail.
ib.
19. Proportion of the Mafts and
Sails variable.
ib.
20. Whence the Sails fwell. 481
21. Greatest fwell in the Main-fail.
ib.
22. Sails arched by the Wind. ib.
23. A Wind near the Ship's Head
powerful.
ib.
ib.
24. Upper Sails powerful.
25. Sails, why not placed in a
Strait Line.
ib.
40. To prevent the Sails from be-
ing robbed of their Wind. ib.
41. The fecond Origin, the kind of
Stroke.
ib.
42. The Sails to be neither full
Stretched nor loofe.
484
43. The Success here not owing to
Judgment.
ib.
ib.
ib.
44. Spur-faſhion'd Sails.
45. A Sail within a Sail.
46. The third Origin, the place of
Percusion.
ib.
47. Two or Three Fore-mafts. ib.
III.
26. The Sails how best spread be- Of the Motion of the Wind, in
fore a Wind.
ib.
27. Why Ships fail better with a
fide Wind.
ib.
ib.
28. The best Wind for Sailing.
482
29. The Main Bow-fprit Sail jel-
dom useless.
30. An Impulse and a Direction
in Sailing.
31. The Mizzen Main-fail affifts
the Helm.
ib.
ib.
32. Ufe of the Mizzen Main-fail
in unfavourable Winds. ib.
33. Winds load the Ship.
VOL. III.
other Machines of human In-
vention.
1. The action of the Wind in turn-
ing Wind-mills.
484
2. How the Impulse is given. 485
3. Experiments upon altering the
Sails of Wind-mills.
A Trial of fix or eight Sails re-
4.
commended.
5. Oar-fails to be tried.
ib.
ib.
ib.
6. Windmills with large Sails to
be ftrong built.
7.
Wind-Coaches.
ib.
ib.
486
8. Carriages to be affifted by the
Wind.
go
ib.
SECT.
lviii
The CONTENT S.
J
SECT. XIV.
Of the Prefages or Prognofticks
of the Winds; in Profecution
of the fifteenth Article of the
Table of Enquiry.
1. Natural Divination to be cul-
tivated.
487
Page 486
2. Predictions of the Wind and
Weather, from the Sun.
3. Predictions from the Moon.
488
4. Halo's
5. Full-Moon.
6. Eclipfes.
ib.
ib.
ib.
7. Conjunctions of the Planets. ib.
8. Rifing of the Conftellations. ib.
9. Star-Shoots.
10. Small Stars invifible. ib.
11. Obfcurity of the Heavens.
12. Circles about the Stars. ib.
13. Thunder.
31. Dolphins.
32 Hogs.
33. Spiders.
34.
Sounds.
492
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
35. Trefoil.
36. Meats fweating.
37. The Hiftory of Rain to be con-
fulted.
SECT. XV.
ib.
Of imitating the Winds; with
regard to the fixteenth Article
of the Table of Enquiry.
1. Mens manner of Enquiring, too
confin'd.
4.9.2
2. The Ufe and Action of Bellows.
493
3. Fans.
4. Cool-Rooms.
489
ib.
ib.
ib.
5. Agreement between Winds and
Flatulencies in the Body.
ib.
ib.
6. Wind generated in Diftillations.
14. Lightning from different Points.
ib.
ib.
7. By Gunpowder.
ib.
ib.
8. By Mercury and Gold. 494
9. The Motion of the Winds, feen
by that of Water.
ib.
15. Great Heats.
16. From the Brothers at Sea. ib.
17. From the Clouds.
ib.
18. From Mifts.
490
19. The burning of Fire and Can-
dles.
20. From the Sea.
ib.
491
21. Tide.
ib.
22. From Hills and Woods.
ib.
23. Light Matters playing.
ib.
24. Water-Fowl.
ib.
25. Land-Fowl.
ib.
26. Ducks, Geefe, &c.
ib.
27. The Heron and Kite.
ib.
28. Raven.
ib.
29. Owl.
ib.
30. Birds flying early to their Nefts.
I
ib.
SECT. XVI.
Imperfect Axioms, or variable
Canons, formed upon the pre-
ceding Enquiry.
1. The Nature of Wind. 495
2. Winds produced by four Im-
pulfes.
ib.
3. The principal Cauſe of vapo-
rous Winds.
ib.
4. A ſmall ſupply of Air, may
prove a great Caufe of Wind. ib.
5. Violent Winds Jeldom proceed
from a bare furcharge of the
Air
ibe
6. Four
The CONTENTS.
lix
6. Four Acceffories to the Sur-
charge of the Air.
7. The Motion of the Wind
nerally lateral.
Page 495
gene-
496
ib.
ib.
8. Winds denfer than Air.
Winds laid five ways.
9.
ib.
10. Winds formed four ways.
11. Vapours and Exhalations the
matter of Winds.
ib.
12. Heat has a power to produce
Wind.
ib.
ib.
13. The degree of Heat required to
produce Winds.
14. The manner wherein Winds
blow.
497
15. Winds generated thro' the
whole height of the Atmosphere.
ib.
16. Serving Winds cool or warm,
according to the Country. ib.
SECT. XVII.
A Table of Particulars more im-
mediately ferviceable to Man-
kind or Defiderata with their
Approximations; drawn from
the preceding Enquiry.
1. More Advantageous Ships and
Windmills.
497
498
2. To predict the Winds.
3. To predict Difcoveries of new
Countries.
ib.
4. To predict Plenty and Scarcity.
ib.
ib.
5. To predict Sickneſs, &c.
6. The Hiftory of Agriculture and
Medicine to be confulted.
499
7. To raife and allay the Winds.
ib.
8. To produce ftrange Appearances
by: Wind.
ib.
?
J
J
g 2
A
•
1x
The CONTENT S.
A PLAN for the particular Hiſtory of Co N-
DENSATION and RARI FACTION,
in Natural Bodies.
I.
SECT. I.
Table of Enquiry for the
particular Hiftory of
Denfity and Rarity in
A particular" Hiftory of
natural Bodies.
SECT. II.
507
1. A Table expreffing the Denfity
ana Rarity, or specific Gravi-
ties, of different tangible Bodies,
in proportion to Gold; with the
Explanation and Ufes thereof.
512
2. The Table in alphabetical Or-
der.
ib.
The fame Table in the Order of
Nature.
513
3.
4. The Construction, Nature and
Ufe of the preceding Table. 515
The Weights employ'd.
5.
6. The Table, how made.
7.
The Apparatus.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
8. The Experiments, how perform-
ed.
9. Imperfection of the prefent Me-
thod, and a better directed. ib.
10. Experiments of Specific Gra-
vity vary..
516
11. Not made in three kinds of
Bodies.
ib.
12. Whether Bodies may acquire
weight by Condenſation. ib..
13. The Table to be improved. ib.
14. The Limits of Density in Bo-
dies.
517
15. Bodies not compofed of the four
Elements.
ib.
16. The Scale of Denfity in Bodies.
ib.
17. Whence denfe Bodies near the
Earth's Surface.
518
18. Mines to be enquired into. ib.
19. The lightest Bodies to be en-
quired after.
ib.
ib.
20. The vulgar Notion of Density
to be rectified.
2.1. The Table fhews Particulars
unexpected.
519
22. Denfity related to Gravity. ib.
23. The Foundation of the hydro-
ib.
ftatical Balance.
24. The making of Gold defperate.
ib.
25. The Converfion of Lead, or
Quickfilver, into Silver, not def
perate.
520
26. Partial Converfions of Use. ib.
27. Lead increased.
ib.
28. A Table, fhewing the different
Expanfion of Bodies, whole and
in powder.
520
29. A Table to fhew the different
Expanfions of Bodies, crude and
diftilled.
521
30. The different kinds of Pulve-
rization, rarify differently. ib..
31. The preceding Tables to be im-
proved.
ib.
32. Pulverization not properly a
Rarifaction.
ib.
33. Wine
The CONTENT S.
lxi
33. Wine made much lighter than
Vinegar by Diftillation. 522
34. Tangible Bodies reducible to
Claffes, according to their specific
ib.
Gravities.
35. Pneumatical Bodies claſſed. ib.
36. The Imperfect.
37. After-fumes.
38. Confined and pure pneumatical
39.
Bodies.
ib.
ib.
ib.
A Table of pneumatical Bo-
dies, conformable to the prece-
ding Speculation; as they re-
ceive, in order, a greater de-
gree of Extenfion.
523
40. Levity affords not a corre-
ib.
Sponding Scale to Gravity.
41. The Expansion of pneumatical
Bodies hard to affign. 534
42. Fumes less rare than Air. ib.
43. After-fumes rarer than Fore-
fumes.
ib.
44. Crude Spirits denſer than Air.
ib.
45. Living Spirits rarer than Air.
ib.
46. Flame rarer than Air. 525
47. How to diſcover the Expanfion
of a pneumatical, with respect to
a tangible, Body.
ib.
48. An Experiment for the Pur-
poſe.
49. The Experiment, how to be
understood.
50. Expansion of Flame greater
than Fume.
526
ib.
ib.
51. An apparent contradictory
Phænomenon reconciled. ib.
52. Oil turned into Flame. ib.
The Ariftotelian Notion of the
53.
Rarity of the Elements ficti-
ib.
tious.
54. The preceding Enquiry not to
be misconstrued.
SECT. II.
ib.
Of Dilatations caufed by fimple
Introfufception, or the Admif-
fion of one Body into the Pores
of another.
1. Aftrict Method here purpoſely
neglected.
ib.
527
2. Dilatation upon Introfufception,
no proper Rarifaction.
3. Inftanced in tenfile Bodies. 528
4. Liquors mixed with Air. ib.
5. Bubbles.
ib.
6. No frothy Mixtures of Flame
and Air.
7.
ib.
ib.
ib.
Yet Flame and Air are mixed
in Gunpowder.
8. Powders compofed of Air, and
the pulverized Body.
9. Tumefactions in Animals.
10. Powting-Pigeons.
11. Refpiration.
12. Swelling of the Breafts.
13. The Penis.
14. The Eyes.
15. Dry Wood-work in Water. ib.
16. Jews-ears.
SECT.
III.
ib.
ib.
529
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
Of the Dilatations proceeding
from the innate Spirit expand-
ing itſelf.
1. Dilatation and Tumefaction,
natural and preter-natural. 529
2. Inftances in fermenting Liquors.
ib.
3. Vinous Liquors after Fermen-
tation.
4. Seeds.
ib.
ib..
5. Tears of Trees.
530
6. Gems
1xii
The CONTENTS.
6. Gems.
Page 530
2. Air dilated by Heat.
ib.
7.
Animal Sperm.
ib.
3. Cupping-glaffes.
ib.
8. Vitriol.
ib.
4. A hot Glaſs in Wäter.
ib.
9.
Stones.
ib.
5. Thermometer.
ib.
II. Dilatation in Sweat.
12. The Pulje.
13. Voluntary Motion.
14. Tumors.
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
10. Earth fwelling with Nitre. ib.
15. Stinging, and Bite of a Viper.
7. A heated Warming-pan applied
to the Head in Apoplexies. 535
8. Warmth recovering Life. ib.
9. Water how expanded by Heat.
6. Hero's Altar.
ib.
ib.
ib.
10. Oil, how.
ib.
16. Nettles.
ib.
II. Spirit of Wine.
ib.
17. Poifon.
ib.
12. Vinegar and Wine.
536
18. Blifters.
ib.
13. Unetuous Liquors.
ib.
19. Puftules.
531
14. Liquors in general.
ib.
20. Anger and Pride.
21. Animals fwelling.
ib.
22 Birds.
23. Putrefaction.
ib.
ib.
ib.
24. Vegetation.
25. Ruft.
ib.
ib. 15. Experiments of the Rarifac-
tion of Liquors, to be made in
Glaffes.
16. Bodies fluid with Heat. ib.
17. Glass, whether confumable.
ib.
ib.
26. Whether the Earth fwells. ib.
27. Earthquakes.
532
28. Tumefaction of the Sea.
29. Tumefaction in Wells. ib.
30. Sea fwelling against Storms.ib.
31. Whether fmall Parcels of Wa-
ter do not expand.
32. Wood-work fwelling.
ib.
537
18. The firft Procefs of Fufion. ib.
19. Steel and Iron do not fufe, ib.
20. Glass, how dilated by Heat. ib.
21. Shuddering Motion in Bullets.
ib.
ib.
22. Wood foftened by Heat.
23. Combustible Bodies, how re-
laxed.
533
ib.
33. Mufical Strings.
ib.
24. Flatulent Bodies.
ib.
34. Humors of Animals.
ib.
25.
Bread.
35. Juices of Plants.
538
ib.
26. Roafted Flefh.
ib.
36. Salts.
ib.
27. Fruits.
ib.
37. Things dried by Heat.
ib.
28. Baked Meats.
ib.
38. The Air.
ib.
29. Dry Bodies.
ib.
SECT. IV.
Öf the Dilatation and Relaxation
of Bodies, by the Means of
Fire, and actual, fimple, exter-
nal Heat.
1. Relaxations by Fire concern this
Enquiry.
534
SECT. V.
Of Dilatations by external Heat,
and Diftillations.
1. Two kinds of Expansion by
Diftillation.
538
2. The Action of Distillation. ib.
3. The
The CONTENTS.
Ixiii
3. The Dilatation Spurious in Di-
ftillation.
4. Different Heats.
5.
ib.
539
The Process of Diftillation. ib.
6. Diftillations improved, for the
Business of Converfions.
7. A new Digeftor applied, by an
Example, in Wood.
8. Water in Confinement.
ib.
549
ib.
9. The Example made general. ib.
10. Operations to be performed in
extendible Veffels.
54I
11. The Matters loft in Diftilla-
tions to be estimated.
SECT. VI.
SECT. VIII.
The Hiftory of Dilatation in
Bodies, by a Releaſement of
their Spirit.
1. The Spirits of Bodies how re-
leafed.
2. Ductility of Gold.
3.
544
ib.
Gold diffolved in Aqua Regia.
ib.
4. Quickfilver diffolved in Aqua
Fortis.
5. Lead.
ib.
6. Silver.
7. Copper.
Of the Dilatation and Relaxa-
tion of Bodies, by the Remif-
fion of Cold.
1. Bodies froze and thaw'd. 541
2. Fruits.
542
3. Liquors.
ib.
SECT. VII.
Of the Dilatation and Relaxa-
tion of Bodies by potential
Heat; or the auxiliary Spirits
of other Bodies.
1. Inftances of potential Heats to
be derived from medicinal Hif-
542
tory.
2. Medicines acting by Dilatation.
ib.
3. Their manner of Action. ib.
4. The Spirits more fenfible of Heat
than Air.
ib.
8. Tin.
9. Iron.
ib.
ib.
ib.
545
ib.
ib.
10. Metals open differently in dif-
ferent Heats.
ib.
11. To try whether Metals be dila-
ted in Subftance.
ib.
12. Whether metallic Solutions may
Support Metals.
546
13. Metals diffolving like Sand. ib.
14. Intimation of the Cauſe of So-"
lution.
ib.
SECT. IX.
The Hiſtory of Dilatation, upon
the meeting and uniting of
Bodies related.
1. The Dilatation of corresponding
Bodies explained.
547
2. Inftanced in Sugar and Water.
ib.
3. Paper, &c.
ib.
5. Whether the potential Heat of
Spirit may rarify.
4.
Dilatation of the Spirits upon
543
Joy.
ib..
6. That fecondary Qualities may
5.
act upon inanimate Bodies. ib.
Particular Menftruums for par-
ticular Subjects.
ib...
SECT
lxiv
S.
The CONTENT
SECT. X.
The Hiſtory of Dilatation by
Affimilation, or by the Conver-
fion of a groffer Matter to
fuch as is more fubtile.
1. Dilatation by Affimilation, how
produced.
548
ib.
2. Air affimilates Moisture.
3. Spirit affimilates a groffer Mat-
ter.
ib.
4. Tumors difcuffed by Perfpira-
tion.
ib.
5. Wind generated in the Body.
549
ib.
6. Alimentation caufes a Dilata-
tion.
7. Oil expanded into Flame. ib.
8. Gunpowder into Flame and Air.
ib.
9. Quickfilver and Gold expanded.
SECT. XI.
ib.
Of Dilatations, or Diſtractions,
by external Force.
1. The Motion of Dilatation double.
2. Bent Rods.
2. Ductility of Gold.
به باج
3. Silver.
Wax.
5. Ink.
6. Saffron.
SECT. XIH.
552
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
Of Contractions by the Emiffion,
or Diſcharge, of a Body re-
ceived.
552
1. Contraction, and Condenſation
to be treated ſeparate.
2. Contraction by Expulfion, reci-
procal to Dilatation by Introfuf-
ception.
3. Metals recoverable.
4. Metals, how condenfed.
5. Demetallized.
ib.
ib.
553
ib.
6. The Bufinefs of Demetallization
to be farther profecuted. ib.
No Reciprocal to Dilatation of
the Spirit.
ib.
7.
8. The Action of Heat and Age. ib.
SE C T. XIV.
Of Contractions by the fhrink-
ing of the groffer Parts, af-
ter the Diſcharge of the Spi-
rits.
3. Watch-Springs.
4. Cloth.
5. The Flesh in Cupping-glaſſes. ib.
6. The Rarifaction of the Air. ib.
7. Of Water.
8. Contraction and Congelation ex-
plained.
SE C T. XII.
549
550
ib.
1. Contraction inftanced in Skins.
ib.
555
2. Fruit.
ib.
3. Wood-work.
ib.
ib.
4. The Earth.
ib.
5. Contraction more than Dryness,
55 I
ib.
6. Clay vitrified.
ib.
7. Wood changed.
ib.
8. Metals calcined.
ib.
9. Metals vitrified.
ib.
551
11. Paper curled by Heat.
ib.
I2. Tin
Of Dilatations by Diffufion, or
Spreading.
1. Dilatation by Diffuſion, ſpuri- 10. Tumefiable Bodies changed.556
Ous.
The CONTENT S.
lxv
12. Tinder.
Page 556
23. Oils.
ib.
13.
Unctuous Bodies made empyreu-
matical
14. Eggs.
24. Effects of Frost on Metals. ib.
ib.
25. On Bones.
ib.
ib.
26. Petrified Juices.
ib.
15. Bread.
ib.
27. Clay turned to Stone.
ib.
28. Wood petrified.
ib.
16. The Caufe and Process of Con-
traction, upon the Escape of the
ib.
Spirit.
17.
The End of Contraction by
Fire.
SECT. XV.
ib.
Of the Contractions of Bodies
by actual external Cold.
1. Condenſation by Cold, the most
genuine Condenfation. 557
2. Inftances from the Thermometer.
ib.
3. To try if rarified Air may be
fixed.
4. Apparent Magnitude of the
Stars.
5. Dews.
6. Rain and Snow.
7. Diftillation.
ib.
29. To try if metallic Waters will
not petrify.
30. China Earth.
31. Eggs petrified.
562
ib.
ib.
32. Flame of Spirit of Wine. ib.
SECT. XVI.
The Hiſtory of the Contractions
of Bodies by potential Cold.
1. Tables of fecondary Qualities.
563
ib.
ib.
ib.
564
6. To try whether Nitre will con-
denfe by its potential Cold. ib.
7. Vinegar confolidating Unguents.
SECT. XVII.
ib.
559 Of the Contractions of Bodies by
Flight, and Antiperiftafis.
2. Stupefactives.
3. Water-canes.
ib.
4. Honey-dews.
5. Nitre.
558
ib.
ib.
ib.
8. Volatilized Metals.
ib.
9.
Melted Matters.
10. Vapours.
11. Sweating of Houſes.
ib.
12. Froft on Windows.
ib.
13. The Breath.
ib.
14. Linen.
ib.
15. Powders.
564
ib.
2. Inftanced in Fire.
ib.
16. Origin of Springs.
ib.
3. In the middle Region.
565
17. Mifts.
ib.
4. In Opium.
ib.
560
18. To attempt the Converfion of
Air into Water.
19. Air convertible into Water.ib.
20. Water how affected in freez-
ing.
21. Wine.
22. Acid Spirits.
VOL. III.
ib.
ib.
561
SEC T. XVIII.
Of the Contractions of Bodies by
Affimilation, or Converfion
into a denfer State.
1. Contraction by Affimilation, op-
pofite to Dilatation by Affimi-
h
lation
1. Contractions by Antiperiftafis,
oppofite to Contractions by Con-
Jent.
lxvi
The CONTENT S.
lation.
Page 565
2. Clay condenfed to Stone.
ib.
3. Wine to Tartar.
ib.
8. To try Aſhes and Water.
9. The Efficients of Dilatation. ib.
10. The Efficients of Contraction.
ib.
4. Scales of the Teeth.
ib.
ib.
5. Solids condenfing Fluids.
ib.
6. Aliment condenfed.
ib.
SECT. XIX.
Of the Contractions of Bodies by
external Violence.
1. The Action oppofite to Dilata-
tion by external Violence.
2. Inftanced in Air.
3. The Diving-bell.
566
ib.
ib.
4. The Law of Contraction. ib.
5. Flame compreffed.
ib.
6. Dilatation by Diffufion has no
11. The Actions without their Re-
ciprocals.
568
12. The Spurious Dilatations and
Contractions.
13. The fimplest Expansion.
14. The next fimple kind.
15. Condenfation by Fire,
SECT. XX.
ib.
ib.
ib.
what.
ib,
Variable Canons, or improvable
Axioms.
SECT. XXI.
Contraction of Bodies by Satu- Defiderata, and their Approxi-
Correlative.
567
7.
ration.
ib.
mations.
INSTAU-
The CONTENTS.
Lxvii
INSTAURATION
PART. V.
An ESSAY towards a Scientifical HISTORY
of Natural PHILOSOPHY,
SECT. I.
The Philoſophy of fuch as hold
one Principle of all Things.
"T"
HE Fable of the ancient
Cupid.
581
2. Corresponds to the Phi-
lofophy of Democritus. 582
The first Existence of Matter.
ib.
4. The importance of the Thing.
583
3.
5. Cupid hatch'd by Nox. ib.
6. The Atoms of Democritus.
584
7. The End of Exclufions. ib.
8. The Hiftory of the Democriti-
581
cal Philofophy.
585
9. The Origin of fcholaftic Forms,
and Ideas, in Matter. 586
10. The abfurd Notion of abstract
Matter.
587
11. The true phyfical Notion of a
firft Matter.
ib.
12. That firft Matter has a Form.
ib.
588
13. Matter naked.
14. The Sects that have fuper-
added Clothing to Matter. ib.
15. The Earth not made the Prin
ciple of Things.
16. Water made the Principle of
Things, in the Philofophy of
Thales.
ib.
589
h 2
17. Air
1x
xvi
The CONTENT S.
1
17. Air made the firft. Principle:
by Anaximenes. Page 589.
18. The Difpofition of Air for
conftituting a first Principle.
590
SECT.
II.
The Philofophy of thofe that:
maintain more than one Prin--
ciple of all Things.
1. The Philofophy of Parmenides
594
595
ib.
and Telefius.
2. Its Pofitions.
3. The Errors thereof.
4. The Principles of Telefius im-
proveable.
19. Fire made the first Principle
by Heraclitus.
20. The Clothing of Cupid.
21, The Errors of the ancient
lofophers, in laying down their
591
592
Phi-
5.
Principles.
ib.
596
The general Error in eſtabliſh-
ing Principles.
597
6. Four Confutations of the Prin
ciples of Telefius.
ib.
7:
The particular Confutation of
Telefius, why undertaken. ib.
·
Phyſical Effays upon different Subjects, with Regard to
the improvement of Natural Philoſophy..
I.
Of the Corpufcular Philofophy.
I
1. The Notion of Atoms either
true or nfeful.
599
2. The meaning of the Term, dou-
ble.
ib.
ib.
3. Atoms invifible.
4. The Subtilty of odorous Bodies.
600
5.
ib.
6. Objection, that there fhou'd be a
Vacuum amidst a plenty of Mat-
Hero's Notion of Atom and Va-
cuity, explained.
7.
ter.
II.
Of the Similarity and Diffimila-
larity of Atoms.
1. The Numbers of Pythagoras ex-
plained.
602
2. The Changes of Bodies, whence.
ib..
3. The Action of Separation to be
effected.
ib..
4. An Entrance to the Confutation
of Democritus's Atoms.
III.
tion.
603
601 Of the vulgar Divifion of Mo-
The difference betwixt the Spe-
culations of Hero and Demo-
critus.
8. Admonition...
ib.
ib...
1. The vulgar Divifions of Motion
Superficial.
ib,
2.9. Ave.
The CONTENT S.
Ixix.
2. Are but the Meaſures of Mo-
tion.
Page 604
3. Admonition for profecuting the
Enquiry after fimple Motions.
ib.
IV.
Of Motion, and the moving
Principles of Things.
1. The dead Principles of Motions
chiefly enquired into.
605
2. And the living ones neglected.
ib.
3. The Method of improving effec-
tive Philofophy.
ib.
V.
Of violent and projectile Motion.
1. Ariftotle's Diftinction of vio-
lent from natural Motion. 606
2. A fecond Opinion of violent Mo-
tion.
3. A third.
ib.
ib.
4, The true Notion of the Thing.
ib.
5. Exemplified in the harder So-
lids.
6.07
608·
6. In the fofter Solids.
7. May be influenced by the Air.
VI.
3. Fluids have an Appetite of Con-
tinuity.
4. But Solids a stronger.
5. This Appetite, whence.
6. Not owing to Air.
7. The probable Caufe.
VIII.
ib.
610
ib.
ib.
611
Of the Caufe of the Motion of
Explofion in Guns and Gun-
powder.
1.
The Phænomena of Gunpowder,
why not well explained.
2. A jufter Solution.
IX.
ib.
612
Of the quantity of Matter in the
Univerſe.
1. The total Sum of Matter al-
ways the fame.
ib.
2. That Nature fhou'd be fummon'd
to an Account.
613
ib.
3. Matter to be tortured.
4. Alterations procurable without
Separation.
ib.
5. That Spirits and fubtile Bodies
may be confined.
X.
614
ib. Of the Ebbing and Flowing of
Of the Correſpondence between
fenfible and infenfible Bodies.
VII.
ib.
Of apparent Reft, Confiftency
and Fluidity.
1. Reft in Bodies, how to be under-
Stood.
2. A falfe Reft.
609.
ib.
the Sea.
ib,
ib.
615
1. Five Motions of the Sea.
2. Currents.
3. Origin of Currents.
4. The Motion of the Currents to
be excluded.
5:
..
ib.
The Motion of the Flux and
Reflux to be chiefly confider'd.
6. This Motion either Undulatory
or Progreffive..
ib.
616
7. The
lxx
The CONTENT S.
7. The Tides may be owing to the
Attraction of fome Celestial Bo-
dy.
Page 616
8. Objection from the Ebbing and
Flowing of Springs. 617
That the Sea ebbs and flows
in Florida and Europe at the
Same time.
9.
ib.
10. The Caufe of the Effect, en-
quired into.
618
11. Whether the Tides correfpond
with the Phanomena of the
Moon.
619
12. The Tides have an Affinity
with the Diurnal Motion. ib.
13. Three Particulars comprizing
the Enquiry.
ib.
14. The Diurnal Motion Cofmical.
ib.
15. That the Celestial Motion is
continued to the Earth, argued
from the Motion of the fix'd
Stars and Planets.
16. From the Comets.
620
ib.
17. The conftant Wind betwixt the
Tropicks.
ib.
17. That the Waters move from
East to West.
621
18. Shewn by the Motion from the
Indian Ocean to the Atlantic.
ib.
19. The difference in the Times of
the Tides.
ib.
20. The strongest Tides, in Bays
that run from East to West.
623
21. The Diurnal or Cofmical Mo-
tion.
ib.
22. The Sexborary Reciprocation
of the Tide, whence.
624
23. The Velocity of the Tides Mo-
tion.
625
24. The Motion of the Tides cor-
refponds to the Moon's Motion.
ib.
25. Precepts and Admonitions for
the better profecuting of the En-
quiry about the Tides.
ib.
The End of the Contents.
PAG
ERRATA, in VOL. III.
AGE 4. Line 11. dele who. P. 34. l.
37. for covered r. difcovered. P. 55.
1. 39. for rea- r. reafon. P. 85. 1. 40. for
Pitcarin's r. Pitcairn's.
P. 95.
1. 27. for
Fire r. Time; and fo in the marginal Note.
P. 102. 1. 45. for Intenfion r. Intention. P.
286. 1. 20. for tranfpofing r. tranfporting, in
the marginal Note. P. 296. l. ult. for largest
(the Catch Word) r. Root. P. 313. 1. 42.
for all Things elfe, r. all other Things. P. .314
1. 22. dele and. P. 322. 1. 23. for Enqui-
ries r. Enquiry. P. 327. 1. penult. dele the
Comma at drawn, and place it at up. P. 360.
1. 19. place a Semicolon after Years.
P. 361
1. 13. dele with his Tongue. P. 362. 1. 12.
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marginal Note, for Emperor r. Emperors. P.
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cuting Enquiries. P. 459. 1. 20. in the mar
ginal Note, for North r. South. P. 482. 1. 19.
dele the Comma after Foot, and place it at
deep. P. 483. l. 16. in the marginal Note
for affords r. afford. P. 524. 1. 45. r. § 7.
P. 525. 1. 25. г. Chafing-dish. P. 585. 1. 7.
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P. 599 and 600. alter the running Title for
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P. 623. 1. 7. In the marginal Note, r. The.
Ibid. 1. 25. in the marginal Note, r. diurnal.
=
SYLVA SYLVARUM:
THE
Phænomena of the Univerſe
OR, THE
;
MODEL of a REPOSITORY of MATERIALS,
For Erecting a Solid and Serviceable
PHILOSOPHY,,
On the Baſis of
EXPERIMENT and OBSERVATION.
VOL. III.
B
(3)
SYLVA SYLVARUM:
THE
Phænomena of the Univerfe, &c.
INTRODUCTION
SECT.
I.
Of the juft Method of compiling a NATURAL and
EXPERIMENTAL HISTORY; for the Service
of PHILOSOPHY, or the farther Discovery and
Advancement of Arts and Sciences.
I.
A
S Mankind appear to us unacquainted with the ways both The Defign of
of judging and experimenting, we would attempt to remedy the ensuing Hi-
this Misfortune; and cannot perhaps deferve better offtory.
them, than by endeavouring to free them from the ty-
ranny of falſe Doctrines and Theories; raiſe them from the Languor they lie
under with regard to Experiments; and bring them, by a kind of learned
Experience, to a more clofe and exact Acquaintance with things themfelves:
ſo that the Underſtanding, being placed upon a fecure Eminence, máy dif-
cover the ready way of procuring of all the more uſeful and neceffary
things.
2. The foundation of this Defign muſt be laid in a History of Nature; for The Founda
all the Philofophy at prefent received, appears to us built upon too narrow tion of the De-
a Bafis of Natural History; and to have pronounced upon too few Premifes.fign.
For having feized on certain Traditions of Experience; and this fome-
times without a careful Examination; Men have trufted every thing else to
Con-
B 2
→ See the De Augmentis Scientiarum, Se&t. XII. of LEARNED EXPERIENCE.
+
Sect. I.
INTRODUCTION.
'An Exhorta-
of Nature;
Contemplation, Genius and Difpute; with the affiftance only of the common
Logick for their better Security.
3. But they are to be admonished, and earneſtly intreated, as they value.
tion to Men for their own Happineſs, to humble their Minds; and look for the Sciences
Recovering
their Dominion in the great World about them: for unless a careful and approved natural
over the Works and experimental Hiſtory be procured, we muſt quit all thoughts of Philofophy :
or can at beſt expect but very flender Advantage from it. There were
drawn from fwarms of Opinions among the ancient Philofophers; Pythagoras, Philolaus,
the Differences
of Opinions.
Xenophanes, Heraclitus, Empedocles, Parmenides, Anaxagoras, Leucippus, De-
mocritus, Plato, Ariftotle, Theophrastus, Zeno, &c. who all of them raiſed
Hypothefes at pleaſure, as fo many Fables of Worlds; and propagated and
publiſhed them, fome with more and fome with lefs Elegance and Proba-
bility. But in our Age the Genius's of Men are more confined, by the
founding of Schools and Colleges; yet Patricius, Telefius, Brunus, Severi-
nus, Gilbert and Campanella, have trod the Stage, and acted new Parts; tho
with little Applaufe, and little Choice of Subject. And in this way there
might infinite Opinions and Sects ariſe in all Ages: nor is there yet, or ever
will be, an End or Meaſure obferved in this matter. One lays hold of this,
another of that; different Men delight in different things: there is no dry
and pure Light amongst Mankind; but every one philofophizes out of the
narrow Cells of his own Imagination; the fublime Genius's, with more Sa-
gacity and Felicity; and the ordinary fort, with lefs Succefs, tho no lefs
Obftinacy d.
The Confine-
ment of the
Sciences.
4. But of late, by the Doctrine of certain learned Men, join'd perhaps
with fome diflike of the former licentioufnefs, and difference, in Opinions,
the Sciences are confined to a few particular Authors; and in this Confine-
ment impoſe upon the Old, and prejudice the Young: infomuch that every
thing is tranfacted as 'twere by an Edict; and Authority goes for Truth,
not Truth for Authority. This kind of Difcipline, however ufeful it may be
for the prefent, yet certainly excludes, and banishes, much better things. In-
deed we all experience and imitate the Sin of our firft Parents; they would
be as Gods: but we go farther, for we will be creating new Worlds, ever
going before and lording it over Nature; and would have all things be
as feems best to our own Folly, not to the divine Wisdom, or as they are in Nature.
And
The Author's Defign has a Tendency to make all Men of one Opinion; by bringing
them all to the Standard of Nature, which is ever one and the fame
one and the fame: for different
Opinions in Philofophy only proceed from our Ignorance of Nature, or a want of knowing
how things really are in themfelves.
Des Cartes, fince thefe, had greater Succefs, and made all Europe fond of a Philofophy
that now begins to be deſpiſed, and treated as a Dream: and this, 'tis probable, will ever be
the Cafe with falſe Philofophies; which are no better than Viſions, that pleafe for a time, but
either vaniſh at the approach of Truth, or elfe give way to new Succeffions of Fiction and
Illufion.
It ſhould ſeem that very few uſeful Diſcoveries have been made in Philofophy, but by the
Method of Induction at leaſt, it is evident that Mr. Boyle and Sir Isaac Newton proceeded
in that Method; as more fully appears in the Notes upon the Novum Organum.
e
Suppoſe Aristotle and his Commentators in Philoſophy, and thoſe we call the Claſſicks in the
Humanities.
f It were much to be wiſhed this juſt Cenſure might have its juſt Weight; and incline us to
Tearch prudently into the Wisdom of the Creation, without fondly imagining it is to be found at
the
Sect. I.
5
INTRODUCTION.
2
And 'tis a Queſtion, whether we diſtort Things or our own Minds the moſt ;
but we certainly ftamp the Seal of our own Image upon the Creatures
and Works of God, inftead of carefully infpecting and acknowledging the
Seals of the Creator: whence 'tis but juft, that we are again fallen from our
Empire over the Creation. And thus, tho, after the firft Fall, Man had ftill
fome Dominion left him over the rebellious Creatures; fo as by true and
folid Arts to fubdue and bend them to his Purpoſe; yet, by our Pride, and
Defire of being like God, and following the Dictates of our own Reafon *,
we have in great meaſure loft it. Therefore, if we have any Humility to-
wards the Creator; if we have any Reverence and Efteem of his Works;
if we have any Charity towards Men, or any Defire of relieving their Mife-
ries and Neceffities; if we have any Love for natural Truths; any Averfion
to Darkness; and any Defire of purifying the Underſtanding; Mankind are
to be moſt affectionately intreated, and befeeched, to lay afide, at leaſt for
a while, their preposterous, fantaſtick and hypothetical Philofophies, (which have
led Experience captive, and childishly triumphed over the Works of God ↳ ;)
and now at length, condeſcend, with due Submiſſion and Veneration, to
it ;
approach and perufe the Volume of the Creation; dwell fome time upon
and, bringing to the Work a Mind well purged of Opinions, Idols and
falfe Notions, converfe familiarly therein. This Volume is the Language
which has gone out to all the Ends of the Earth, unaffected by the confufion
of Babel; this is the Language that Men fhould throughly learn, and not
difdain to have its Alphabet perpetually in their Hands and in the Inter-
pretation of this Language they fhould fpare no Pains; but ftrenuouſly pro-
ceed, perfevere and dwell upon it to the lafti.
5. To promote this capital End we are willing to leave, for the prefent, The Author's
many principal Parts of our Novum Organum, or new Logick, unfinished; Reasons for
leaving the
as chufing to fet on foot, and promote, all the Parts of our INSTAU
Novum Orga-
RATION, rather than to perfect a few of them; with this ardent and con- num unfiniſh-
ftant Defire, that what was never attempted before, may not now be at- ed,to pursue the
tempted in vain *. We have alfo confidered, that tho doubtlefs there are Hiftory of Na-
ſpread
ture.
the Entrance of Things. For all that has hitherto been done in Philofophy, notwithſtanding
the modern Diſcoveries, is no more than the Dawn before Day-light.
g It is evident, that the Author here underftands by Reason, that frange Faculty we in-
dulge of reasoning about things, fo as to fquare and mould them to our own Fancy; instead of
reaſoning justly from clofe Obfervation and careful Experience, according to the Method
delivered in the Novum Organum.
h The meaning is, that when Phanomena are folved, as 'tis called, by Hypothefts and Rea-
foning, without confulting Nature and Experience, Men ufually applaud themfelves, as if they
had made fome wonderful Diſcovery, or had conquered Nature in certain Points; when at the
fame time ſhe is flipt thro' their Fingers; and the whole Procefs has been no more than the
fport of Fancy but the Remedy here is Induction. See Novum Organum, Part II. Sect. I.
and II.
i Tho this may feem a kind of Repetition of what has already been touched upon in the
De Augmentis and Novum Organum, it is not unfeafonable here, at the Entrance of a
Hiftory of Nature; to fhew what ought to be the primary View and Defign thereof: efpeci-
ally as the Mind is fo extremely prone to quit the Drudgery of Enquiry, and flip into the
facile Paths of Fiction and Fancy.
k It may feem ftrange that no Philofophers of former Ages, fhould have gone upon the
direct Enquiry into Nature, but all have turned afide to Theories, Hypothefes and Opinions; and
yet,
}
6
Sect. I.
INTRODUCTION.
fpread over Europe great numbers of extenfive, free, fublime, penetrating,
folid and fettled Genius's, fome whereof may perceive, and perhaps approve,
the Scope and Use of our new Logick, and yet not know how to proceed, and
apply themſelves to real Philofophy. If the Bufinefs depended upon the
reading of philofophical Books, Difpute, or force of Thought, they might
be abundantly qualified for it; but as we refer them to the History of Na-
ture, and the Experiments of Arts, they may ftick here, as at a thing un-
fuitable, or requiring too much Time and Expence; whilft we cannot defire
any one ſhould quit his former Knowledge, before we put him in poffeffion of
better. But after a faithful and copious History of Nature and Arts fhall be
collected, digefted, laid before, and opened to Mankind; there are hopes
that fuch great Genius's as thofe above-mentioned, who both in ancient and
later Times have been fo ready and expert, as by wonderful Artifice and
Workmanſhip to build Syftems of Philoſophy from the poorest Materials; will
not fail to raiſe more folid Structures, when poffeffed of good and found
Materials for the Purpoſe: and this tho they fhould chufe to proceed in the
old Way, rather than in that laid down by our new Logick; which appears
to us either the only one, or the beſt for the Purpoſe ". So that upon the
whole, tho our new Logick were perfected, yet could it not greatly promote
the Re-eſtabliſhment of the Sciences; without the Natural History we ſpeak
of whilft this Natural History may greatly promote the fame End, with-
out the Affiſtance of our new Logick. And therefore we judge it moſt
adviſeable, firſt, and above all things, to endeavour at procuring this
Hiftory.
This Hiftory of 6. But the History we conceive in our Mind, is a thing of large Extent,
large extent. and not to be procured without great Labour and Expence; as requiring the
affiftance of numerous Hands; and being rather the work of a Prince and
a People, than of a private Perfon. And tho we might perhaps of our-
felves be able to perform what appertains to the Conduct of the Underſtand-
ing"; yet the Materials of the Understanding are fo diffufive, that they re-
quire to be every where collected and imported to us, as it were by Factors
}
and
yet, for any thing extant to the contrary, this appears to have been the cafe, among the Greeks
efpecially; except a few faint Attempts. Tho perhaps, the ancient Egyptians, the Chaldeans and
the Chinese, followed Nature clofer than the Greeks. But the Chineſe Philofophy was very im-
perfectly known at the time of our Author: the most of what we know of it to this day, in
Europe, being handed to us by the late Jefuit Miffionaries.
1 The Author was well aware of the Difficulty there would be to bring Men into the right
Uſe of his new Logick; he ſuſpected that only the more Intelligent would thoroughly under-
ftand it and the more Intelligent generally abound in Schemes and Methods of their
own, which they are apt to prefer to thoſe of others. But fince the moft fuccessful Philo-
fophers among the Moderns, as particularly Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, Mr. Locke, and Sir Ifaac
Newton, have, in fome degree, followed the Method of Induction, and by that Means made
confiderable Diſcoveries; it is to be hoped Pofterity will rather follow fuch eminent Ex-
amples, than truft to any other Methods; which, tho more pompous and fhewy, and, in
appearance, expeditious, have, upon Trial and Experience, been rejected as deceitful and
erroneous.
If fuch a History of Nature, as the Author here defcribes, were procured, Men of com-
mon Capacities might then make new Diſcoveries with tolerable Eafe and Facility; fomewhat
like thofe of Sir Ifaac Newton, when the neceffary Facts, Obfervations and Experiments lay be-
fore him.
That is to the finiſhing of the Novum Organum. See that Piece, Part II. Sect. II.
ad finem.
Sect. L
INTRODUCTION.
and Merchants. To this we add, that 'tis trefpaffing too much upon
ourſelves, to beſtow our own particular Time and Labour in a matter that
lies open to the induftry of all Men: but for the principal part of the
Buſineſs, we will now fet about it; and, with diligence and exactneſs, pro-
poſe the manner and Platform of fuch a History, as may anſwer our De-
fign: left Mankind, remaining unadvertiſed, fhou'd deviate from the Pur-
pofe, conform themſelves to the Examples of the Natural Hiftories already
extant, and wander wide of our Intention. And what we have often ſaid,
muft here again be ftrongly repeated; viz. that tho the Genius's of all Ages
Should have united, or fhall hereafter unite, together; tho the entire Race of:
Mankind fhou'd have addicted, or shall addict, themſelves to Philofophy; tho the
whole babitable World were nothing but Universities, Societies, Colleges, and
Schools of learned Men; yet without fuch a natural and experimental Hiſtory
as we have now in view, there neither cou'd have been, nor can be, any progreſs
made in Philofophy, and the Sciences, worthy of Mankind. On the other
hand, when fuch a Hiftory is procured, and duly furnished, with the
addition of fuch auxiliary and leading Experiments, as either occur, or
fhall be ſtruck out in the courſe of Interpretation; the Enquiry into Na-
ture, and all the Sciences, will be but the work of a few Years: And therefore
this Hiſtory muſt either be procured, or the Bufinefs be deferted. For by
this means alone can the Foundations of a true and active Philofophy
be laid; and Mankind be made to fee, as if waked from a Dream, what a
difference there is between the Opinions and Fictions of the Brain, and real
effective Philoſophy; and again, what, at length, it is to confult Nature about the
things of Nature P. We will therefore in the first place, lay down certain
general Precepts or Rules for compiling a Hiftory of this kind; and afterwards
fet a particular Example or Pattern thereof before the Eyes of Mankind;
pointing out, as we proceed, thofe things whereto the Enquiry fhould be a-
dapted, and referred, as well as thofe to be fought after; that the whole foope
of the matter being well underſtood and foreſeen, other particulars may be
brought to the Minds of others, that had efcap?d ourfelves: and to this
HISTORY, we give the name of PRIMARY or MOTHER-HIS-
TORY
А
• Thefe Materials are now imported to England, and other Countries, in confiderable Plenty;
and a kind of Traffick, in Learning and Knowledge, fettled by means of the Philofophical
Tranfactions, the French Memoirs, the Acta Eruditorum, the German Ephemerides, and great
numbers of foreign Journals, of late publiſhed, and ſtill continued, in Holland, France, Germany,.
Italy, &c. fo that if Men were fufficiently difpofed to improve this Hiftory, it might foon
be finiſhed, to that degree of Perfection the Author feems to have intended.
or
P The truth and juftneſs of this Paragraph will appear to thoſe who confider the Thing
have read what is before delivered upon the ſubject of a NATURAL HISTORY, in the de Aug-
mentis & Novum Organum. And certainly there can be no fuch thing as a ferviceable and
univerfal Philofophy, without a copious and extenfive Hiftory of Nature and Arts, which are
the very matter of fuch a Philofophy; that when duly ranged, explained, deduced, or, as
the Author terms it, interpreted, and then form'd into Axioms, or short Directions for future.
Ufe, will feem brought to the utmoft Perfection requifite or poffible for Mankind.
If the Reader will bear in Mind this Scope and Deſign of the Author, he may form the
truer Judgment of the Sylva Sylvarum; which appears, for want of a proper Attention, to,
have been much undervalued.. See the Note upon Aphorifm II. below.
}
8
Sect. I.
INTRODUCTION.
That this Hif
tory be not
wrote in too
firift a Me-
thod.
The End of
this Hiſtory to
tion.
A Set of APHORISMS for compiling a juft HIS-
TORY OF NATURE AND ARŤ.
7:
N
APHORISM I.
ATURE appears in three States, or under three kinds of Regu-
lation: For (1.) She is either free, and proceeds in her ordinary
Courſe; or (2.) is forced out of it by the depravity and intractability of
Matter, and the violence of Impediments; or elfe (3.) She is bound and
wrought by Art and human Adminiftration. The first State regards the
production of all Species; the fecond the production of Monsters; and the
third the production of artificial Things. For in things Artificial, Nature takes
the ply from the over-ruling of Mankind; as they wou'd never have been
produced without human Affiftance: but by the labour and interpofition of
Man, there appears a perfectly new Face of Bodies; and as 'twere another
Univerſe or Scene of Things". Natural History, therefore, is of three
Kinds, and treats (1.) of the Freedom, (2.) the Errors, and, (3.) the Bonds
of Nature; whence it may juftly be divided into the Hiftory of Generations,
Pretergenerations and Arts; the latter whereof we alfo call mechanical and
experimental History But we do not direct that theſe three fhou'd be
treated apart; for the Hiftories of Monsters, in each Species, may very well
be join'd with the Hiftory of the Species, or Bodies, themfelves. Sometimes
alſo, things Artificial may be properly join'd along with Species; and ſome-
times 'tis better to ſeparate them whence 'tis very advifable to confider of
their Conjunction or Separation occafionally; for too frict a Method, and
no Method at all, equally occafion Repetitions and Prolixity.
8.
N
APHORISM II.
•
Atural History has two Ufes; the one with refpect to the things them-
ſelves that are committed to Hiftory; the other with refpect to the first
be for Induc- matter of Philofophy; or the Proviſion and Apparatus of a true Induction: the
latter is the thing we now intend; and was never intended before. For neither
Ariftotle, Theophraftus, Diofcorides, nor Pliny, much lefs the Moderns, ever
propoſed to themfelves this End of Natural Hiftory. And yet it is of the
utmoft Importance, that whoever fhall hereafter undertake to write any
Portion of Natural History, fhou'd determine not to ſtudy the pleaſure of
the Reader, nor even immediate Uſefulneſs itfelf; but every where to bunt up,
and collect together a quantity and variety of matters, to ferve for the forming
of true Axioms: and if they take but this into Conſideration, it will of itſelf
direct
See Mr. Boyle's Effays upon the Ufefulness of Natural Philofophy.
f See de Augment. Scientiar. Sect. I. of History.
The Reader will find this Aphorifm, and all the reft, exemplified by the Author, in his own
Specimen of a Hiftory of Nature, or the Sylva Sylvarum now preſently to follow.
Sect. I.
9
INTRODUCTION.
direct the Means of procuring the History we propofe; for 'tis the End that
governs the Means ".
9.
APHORISM III.
Ornaments.
ND as this is a Work of much Pains and Labour, the leſs fhou'd Its Bulk to be
A
it be burden'd with things fuperfluous. Men are therefore to be contracted.
(1.) By omit-
well advertiſed of three Particulars; that they may not mifemploy their ting all foreign
Time, in what might fwell the bulk of the Work, without adding to its
Merit. (1.) The firft Particular is, that all Antiquities, Quotations, and
Authorities of Authors, be laid afide; all Contefts, Controverfies, and con-
trary Opinions; together with all philological Ornaments: and let no Au-
thor be cited, but in doubtful Cafes; nor Controverfy mention'd, but in Sub-
jects of great Confequence and as for embellishment of Style, meta-
phorical Expreffions, and ſtudied Eloquence, with the like lighter Matters,
they ſhould be wholly rejected. And let whatever is received, be delivered
clofely and conciſely; that words may have the leaft fhare in it ". For no
one who collects, and lays up, materials for a Building, places them beau-
tifully for Shew, as in a Shop; but is only follicitous that they be found
and good, and poffefs not too much room in the Store-houſe: and this
Example fhould be carefully followed, in compiling our intended Hiſtory.
10. (2.) The common luxuriancy of Natural Histories, running out into nu- (2.) Deſcrip
merous Defcriptions, Characters and Figures of Species, and their curious va- tions of light
riety, makes little to the purpofe; fuch fmall variations being but the fport Curiofities.
and wantonneſs of Nature, and near approaches to the Individuals: fo that
tho there may be a beautiful and agreeable deviation in the things themſelves,
yet this affords but a flender, and almoſt needlefs, Information, to the im-
provement of the Sciences.
lations.
11. (3.) All fuperftitious Relations, and the Experiments of ceremonial Ma-And (3.) fu-
gick, are entirely to be dropt; tho without abfolutely excluding Things pro-perſtitious Res
digious; where the account of them is probable, and worthy of Credit: for
the Infancy of Philofophy, which is nurſed by Natural Hiſtory, fhould not
VO L. III.
u
C
be
Many Perfons, not attending to this End of the Sylva Sylvarum, have treated it as a
kind of Rhapsody, or trifling Collection of Rumors and Relations; without at all difcerning
the Drift and Tendency thereof; or entring into the Deſign and View of the Author. Such a
mifconftruction of fo capital a Work, undertaken with fuch great Labour, Thought, and Judg-
ment, muft needs be very difcouraging to thoſe who wou'd follow its Steps; efpecially, when
this kind of mifconftruction is found in Men eminent for Learning. And yet, unless this
plain and homely Method be purfued, in procuring a History of Nature; Mankind muft ſtill be
left to ftruggle with Difficulties, and grovel in Darkness. It fhou'd therefore be obſerved,
for the Encouragement and Benefit of others, that learned Men, or thoſe who commonly
paſs for fuch, may be very little qualified to judge of Philofophical Performances; or for dif
covering the excellency of thofe things, which, tho extenfively ufeful, are not drefs'd out with
Philological Ornaments, or other Embellishments, really foreign, and prejudicial, to the Invefti
gation of Truth.
4
w The Buſineſs is not now to gain upon Men's Affections, or win them over to Philoſe-
phy, by Eloquence, Similitudes, or the Art of Writing; which the Author practifed in the
de Augmentis, but carefully to enquire into, and juftly to copy, and defcribe, Nature, as
fhe is in herfelf; and here the Style cannot well be too plain and fimple.
10
Sect. I.
INTRODUCTION.
The Example
of a Builder to
be followed in
the Compile-
ment.
be fed with Fables. There may, perhaps, come a time (when a farther Pro-
greſs ſhall be made in the Enquiry into Nature) for touching theſe things
lightly to try if any natural Powers cleave to fuch Dregs, and can be fepa-
rated from them for Ufe; but in the mean time they muſt be ſet aſide.
The Experiments, likewiſe, of Natural Magick are to be carefully fifted, be-
fore they are received; particularly thofe which Sloth, and Credulity, have
admitted, and improved, from the vulgar Sympathies and Antipathies.
12. And no fmall Point will be gain'd, by thus difburdening Natural
History of thefe three fuperfluous Things, which might otherwife fill whole
Volumes. Nor is this all; for large Works require that the things received
into them, fhould, as well be concifely wrote, as fuperfluities omitted;
tho, doubtless, this ftrictnefs and brevity will afford lefs Pleaſure, both to
the Writer and the Reader: but it muft always be remembred, that the
Point of View here, is to procure and furniſh a Store-room or Repofitory;
not a Houſe to dwell in for Pleaſure; but to enter into upon occafion, as
any thing is required for Ufe, in the business of Interpretation that is to fuc-
ceed *.
This Hiftory to 13.
be made Uni-
verfal; and
to contain,
IT
APHORISM IV.
to 13. TT is alſo a capital thing in this our intended Hiſtory, that it be extenſive,
and made to the measure of the Universe; for the World is not to be
fqueez'd up to the narrowneſs of our Underſtanding, as it hitherto has been ;
but the Underſtanding is to be dilated, to receive the Image of the World,
as we find it for to regard only a few Phænomena, and to pronounce ac-
cording to them, is the bane of Philoſophy *.
(1.) The Hif-
tory of Genera-
sions, confifi-
ing of five
Partio
14. To proceed, therefore, with our diviſion of Natural Hiſtory into Gene-
rations, Pretergenerations, and Arts; we make the Hiftory of Generations to con-
fist of five Parts; viz.. (1.) The History of the Ether, and celeftial Bodies;
(2.) The History of Meteors, and the Regions of the Air; or all that ſpace be-
twixt the Moon and the Surface of the Earth; including alfo, for the fake of
Order, the Comets, both higher and lower; (3.) The Hiftory of the Earth and
Sea; (4.) The History of the Elements, as they are call'd, or Fire, Air, Earth,
and Water; taking the Elements not for primordial Matters, but larger
Maffes of natural Bodies. For the nature of things is fo. laid out, as to
form a very large quantity, or mass, of certain Bodies in the Univerſe ;.
where an eafy and looſe texture of Matter is required to their Structure,
as in theſe four Elements; whilft there is but a proportionably fmall quan-
tity of certain other Bodies in the Univerfe; thus fparingly ſupplied, by rea-
fon of a very diffimilar and fubtile Texture of the Matter, here made Or-
ganical;
* The Author's inductive Hiftories of Life and Death, Winds, Rarity and Density, are In
fances of the uſe to be made of this general History of Nature and Experiments. But this mat-
ter has been already fufficiently clear'd up in the Novum Organum. See Part II. of that
Work.
y And, in reality, a weakneſs, or fpesies of Folly. See the firft Part of the Novum Or
ganum.
J
Sect. I.
11
INTRODUCTION.
Z
ganical; and determined in many Particulars ; as in the Species of natu-
ral Bodies; Minerals, Plants, and Animals: whence we call the former
kind, larger Affemblages; and the latter, leffer Affemblages of Matter. And
theſe larger Affemblages make the fourth part of our Hiſtory. Nor do we
here confound the fourth Part with the fecond or third; by having men-
tioned Air, Water and Earth in each of them; becauſe in the ſecond and
third, their History is meant of the integral Parts of the World; and as
they relate to the Structure and Configuration of the Universe: whilft the
fourth contains the History of their Subſtance, and Nature, which prevails in
each fimilar part thereof, without regard to the whole. (5.) And Laftly,
the fifth part of our History contains the leffer Affemblages, or particular
Species of Bodies; about which alone all Natural History has hitherto been
principally employ'd.
>
15. The History of Pretergenerations, we before obferved, may be very (2.) The Hiſtory
of Pretergene
commodiously joined with the Hiftory of Generations; fo far as 'tis only pro-
digious, yet natural; referring the Juperftitious History of Miracles, of all rations.
kinds, to a peculiar Treatife by themſelves: tho this is not to be undertaken
immediately, at the entrance; but after fome farther Progreſs is made in
the Enquiry of Nature.
16. The Hiſtory of Arts, and Nature fashioned and changed by human And (3.) the
means, we divide into three Parts; as 'tis drawn either, (1.) from the mecha- History of Arts.
nick Arts; (2.) from the effective part of the liberal Sciences; or,
(3.) from the numerous Practices and Experiments which are not yet
formed into proper Arts; or which fometimes turn up in vulgar Experi-
ence, and require no Art at all. So that if a History were compiled of
Generations, Pretergenerations, Arts, and Experiments, there feems to be no-
thing omitted for enabling the Senfes to inform the Underſtanding and
thus we ſhould no longer friſk about, as it were, in little enchanted Circles;
but encompaſs the whole extent and circumference of the World.
b
A PHORISM
V.
17. Mong the ſeveral Parts of this Hiftory, that of Arts is the moſt A more parti
A
uſeful; as it ſhews things in Motion, and leads more directly to
cular regard to
be had to the
Practice. It likewife unveils, and takes off the Maſk from, natural Things; Hiftory of
which are generally concealed, and darkened, under a variety of Forms, and Arts.
external Appearances. Again, the Tortures of Art are like the Bonds and
Shackles of Proteus, which diſcover the ultimate Attempts and Endea-
vours of Matter: for Bodies will not be deftroyed, or annihilated, but ra-
ther change themfelves into various Shapes; and therefore the greater Care
- and
C 2
z The Author here intimates the phyfical Reason, why there are more of fome Bodies in
the Univerſe than of others; a thing fet down as deficient in the de Augmentis Scientiarum;
under the Doctrine of Tranfcendentals. See that Work, Sect. III. 4.
a See above, Aphorifm II.
b With this view the Author feems to have drawn up the Catalogue of particular Hiftories, in
the following Section.
12
Sect: I.
INTRODUCTION.
And among
change and
prepare natu-
ral Bodies.
and Diligence is to be uſed in preparing this Hiftory; tho it may feem to
fome but a mechanical and illiberal things.
18. Among Arts, thofe are to be prefer'd which treat, alter, and prepare,
them, chiefly natural Bodies and Materials; as Agriculture, Cookery, Chemistry, Dying, the
to those that Art of Glafs, Enamelling, Sugar-baking, Powder-making, artificial Fire-works,
the Art of Paper, &c. But thofe are of lefs fubftantial Ufe, which princi-
pally confift in the fubtile Motion of the Hand and Inftruments; as Wea-
ving, Carpentry, Building, the Art of Mills, Clock-making, &c. tho
thefe alfo fhould by no means be neglected; becaufe many things occur in
them, which regard the Alterations of natural Bodies: and again, becauſe
they give an exact Information of the Motion of Tranfpofition; which is a
thing of great moment in many respects.
garded than
The collecting 19. This Admonition muſt be well remembered thro' the Whole; that
of eminent In- not only fuch Experiments of Arts fhould be received as lead to the End of
ftances in Arts, the Art; but thofe alfo which any way turn up in it. Thus, for Example,
to be more re- tho it makes nothing for the Table, that the dufky Colour of Crabs and
the perfecting Lobſters changes to red in boiling; yet this is no improper Inftance in the
of Arts them- Enquiry into the Nature of Redness; as the fame thing likewife happens in
felves. the burning of Bricks. So again, that Meat fooner takes Salt in Winter
than in Summer, ferves not only to direct the Cook in his feaſoning of
it; but is alſo a good Inftance for indicating the Nature and Impreffion of
Cold. And therefore he will abfolutely miſtake our Purpofe, who thinks
to anſwer it by collecting the Experiments of Arts, to this End only, that
each Art may by fuch means be perfected the better: for altho we do not
entirely deſpiſe fuch a Procedure, in many Cafes; yet our direct Intention is
to turn the Rivers of mechanical Experiments, from every Quarter, into the Ocean
of Philofophy &. And the choice of eminent Inftances in each kind, which
ought principally, and with the utmoft Diligence, to be fearched out, and
hunted up, inuft be derived from the Doctrine or Knowledge of prerogative
Inftances.
That common 20.
and mean
Matters be re-
ceived into this
Hiſtory.
WE
APHORISM VI.
E muft next briefly repeat, in the way of Precept, what is more
largely difcuffed in our new Logick f, viz. That, first, the com-
moneft things be received into this Hiftory; and fuch as being familiarly
known
All the Objections that might be made to fuch a Hiftory, feem fufficiently obviated in
the Novum Organum, Part I. Sect. VII. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, &.c..
The utmoſt addrefs feems requifite to convince Mankind of the nobleness and great
utility of this Defign. There is a frange Reluctance, and a kind of Loathing in the Mind,
with regard to mechanical Experience, and the homely Obfervations of the Kitchen, the Dairy,
the Cellar, fervile Arts, and the like: and yet the most neceffary, and ferviceable part of all
Natural Philofophy, muſt be derived from fuch Obfervations. And they who defpife Nature
in theſe lower Works, muft expect that Nature will defpife them; or not admit them into
her fecret Operations. To give a fingle Inftance; is not a juft Knowledge of Fermentation,
in its Theory and Practice, a greater Enrichment to Natural Philofophy, and of more immediate
Service in Life, than the Doctrine of Curves; or the making of Gold?
e See this fully explained in the fecond Part of the Novum Organum, Sect. II. where the
important Doctrine of Inftances is largely profecuted..
See Part L Sect. VII. 3, 4, 5, 6, CTC.
Sect. I.
13
INTRODUCTION.
known might feem unneceffarily committed to Writing Secondly, even
ignoble, illiberal and trivial Matters; for Light and Inforination muſt be
fought from every Quarter; and Men in this cafe are again to become
Children and, thirdly, that fuch things muft alfo be here received, as feem
of too great Subtilty to be in themfelves of any Ufe: for the Matters to
be collected in fuch a Hiſtory, are not, as we before obſerved, collected for
their own fakes; and therefore their Dignity is not to be meaſured by itfelf:
but according to their fuitableneſs for entring the Body of Philofophy,
21.
APHORISM
VII.
Powers, Mag-
ET it be another Rule, that every thing, as well in the Bodies them- That the Pro-
Jeives, as their Powers, be, as much as poffible, delivered in Number, portions of
Weight, Measure and Proportion; for we intend not Speculations, but Works: nitudes, and
and it is a fuitable Mixture of Phyficks and Mathematicks, that produces Prac- Distances, be
tice. And therefore the exact Revolutions, and Diſtances, of the Planets, are noted.
to come in the History of the heavenly Bodies; the Circumference of the
Earth, and the Proportion of its Surface, with regard to that of the Water,
in the History of the Earth and Sea; what degree of Compreffion the Air
will fuftain, without a ſtrong Reluctance, in the Hiftory of Air; the relative
ſpecifick Gravities of one Metal in refpect of another, in the History of
Metals; with numerous Particulars of like kind; which are to be carefully
fearched out and noted. But when exact Proportions cannot be had, we muſt
take up with Eftimation, or indeterminate Comparifon as for example, if
we diftruſt the aftronomical Calculation of Diſtances, we muſt be content
to ſay, that Mercury is above the Moon, &c. So again, when mean Pro-
portions cannot be had, let the Extremes be given: as, for example, that
a weak Loadſtone raiſes ſuch a weight of Iron, in reſpect of the Stone, and
the ſtrongeſt fixty times its own weight; as I have feen in a very fmall
armed Magnet. But we are aware, that theſe determinate Inftances do not
eafily, or frequently occur; tho they ought to be endeavoured after, as
Auxiliaries, when the Matter greatly requires them, thro' the courſe of In-
terpretation. However, if they happen to occur, they ought to be in-
ferted; provided they do not too much retard the Progrefs of the History'.
A PHO-
Let no one, therefore, be rafh in cenfuring the Author's Sylva Sylvarum; which, when
well understood, feems pregnant with the proper Matter for a General History of Nature and
Experience; that ferves as the Bafis of inductive Hiftory, and folid univerfal Philofophy. Cer-
tainly, none but thofe of large and comprehenfive Views, or Men well verfed in Nature
and Experience, fhould judge of fuch a Performance. See the Note upon Aphorifm 11.
above.
h The Excellence of the modern Mathematical Philofophy, is perhaps in nothing more
confpicuous, than a careful obfervance of this uſeful Rule. Nor were it poffible to predic
Eclipfes to that Precifenefs we do at prefent, without a tolerably exact knowledge of the Orbits,
the relative Magnitudes and Distances of the celestial Bodies: which have been discovered by
repeated Obſervation, and brought into Tables.
The determining of thefe abfolute and relative Proportions of Powers, Magnitudes and
Distances, feems the principal Ufe of Mathematicks in Philofophy; and that whereto it fhould.
be chiefly confined; for Magnitude, or Quantity, is the proper Object of Mathematicks: but
when
14
Sect. I.
INTRODUCTION.
to
AⓇm
APHORISM VIII.
!
In what man- 22. S to the Authority of the Matters to be received into this Hiftory, it
ner the ſeveral
muft of neceffity be either good, doubtful, or bad: the first kind
kinds of Mat-;
ters are to be is to be propofed naked; the fecond with a Mark affixed; or with an It is
admitted into faid: I was told by a Perfon of Credit, &c. for it would be too tedious,
this Hiftory. and delay the Writer too much, to fet down the Arguments for and againſt
the credibility of what he delivers: nor would this greatly avail to the
Buſineſs in hand; becauſe, as we formerly obſerved *, the Truth of Axioms
will foon after prove the Falfity of Experiments, unlefs fuch falfe Experi-
ments ſhould ſuper-abound. But if the Inftance ſhould be a noble one, ei-
ther for Ufe, or becauſe much may depend upon it; then the Author muſt
by all means be mentioned: and that not barely, but with fome notice,
whether he took it from Report, or tranfcribed it, as Pliny generally did; or
whether he affirms it of his own knowledge; whether it were of his own,
or a more ancient, time; whether of that nature as to require many Wit-
neffes of its truth; or, laftly, whether the Author were folid and fober, or
vain and light; with the like Particulars, which regulate the force of Au-
thority'. In the third place, Matters of no Credibility, tho yet current
and famous; fuch as partly thro neglect, partly thro the ufe of Metaphors,
have prevailed in many Ages; as, that the Diamond tyes down the Load-
ftone, &c. are not to be rejected by Silence; but thrown out by exprefs
Words, that they may no longer moleft the Sciences.
To note, occa- 23. It might likewife be proper to note, by the way, the Origin of
fionally, Vani- particular Vanities and Credulities: fuch, for inftance, as that a Power of
ties and Cre-exciting Venery is attributed to the Plant Satyrium, only becauſe its Root is
Sulities.
formed after the manner of Tefticles: whilft the Truth only is, that a new
bulbous Root grows, every Year, to the Root of the former Year; and
thus makes two: as appears from hence, that the new Root is always found
folid and fucculent; but the old one ſhrunk and fpungy. Whence 'tis no
wonder the one fhould float, and the other fink in Water: which yet has
been held as a ftrange thing; and given authority to the other fuppofed
Virtues of this Plant.
Арно-
when this Science is applied to the folving of Phænomena, in the way of Accommodation,
Hypothefis, or Suppofition; it then becomes imaginary and fantaſtical; and feems to act out
of its Office, not to the Improvement, but Subverfion, of Philofophy: as was remarkably the
Caſe in Aftronomy, before the ftrict inductive Procedure of Sir Ifaac Newton.
* See the Novum Organum, Part I. Sect. VII. 3, &c.
1 'Tis very remarkable, that the Author himſelf, and Mr. Boyle, by carefully obferving this
Rule, have incurred the Cenfure of Credulity: a Cenfure that has ftrangely fpread over Eu-
rope; and been credulously entertained by Perfons unacquainted with the exact and fcrupu-
lous Procedure of theſe two illuftrious Philofophers. Nor is it an eafy matter to recover their
Characters in this refpect; tho the Opinion itſelf is falfe and groundleſs. So little do the Bulk
of Mankind diſtinguiſh, betwixt original Report and that at Second-hand, tho ever ſo cau-
giously guarded.
Sect. I.
15
INTRODUCTION.
APHORISM
IX.
24.
T
Here remain certain ufeful Appendages to Natural History, capable of Five Appen-
fitting it more commodioufly to the fucceeding Bufinefs of the dages to this
Hiftory.
Interpreter: thefe are Five in Number.
25. And, First, Queries, not with regard to Caufes, but Matters of Viz. (1.) Q46=
Fact, are to be fubjoined; to follicit and provoke farther Enquiry. As in the ries as to Facts,
Hiftory of the Earth and Sea; whether the Caspian Sea ebbs and flows; and
at what times? Whether there be any fouthern Continent, or rather Iſlands?
and the like.
(2.)
The manner
26. Secondly, In all new, and curious, Experiments, the manner ufed in
making the Experiment, muſt be added; to leave the Judgment of Man- wherein Expe-
kind free, whether the Information by the Experiment be juft, or falla-ments were
cious: as alfo to excite their Induſtry to invent, if poffible, more exact made.
Methods of Trial m.
Admonitions.
(3.)
27. Thirdly, If there arife any Doubt, or Scruple, in a Relation, it ſhould Notes and
not be concealed, or fuppreffed; but clearly wrote down, in the way of Note,
or Admonition: for we defire this primary History ſhould be compiled with the
moſt religious and facred regard to Truth, in all Particulars; as being the
Volume of God's Works; and, with due reverence to divine Revelation, a
fecond Scripture.
28. Fourthly, It will alſo be proper, after the manner of Pliny, fometimes (4)
to interſperſe Obſervations; as in the Hiftory of the Earth and Sea, for example, Obfervations
Canons, and
that the Figure of the Earth, fo far as we hitherto know it, with respect to
Things that
the Water, is narrow and pointed to the South; but wide and fpreading are, fubjoin'd
to the North; directly contrary to the Figure of the Waters; and that the to thofe that
great Oceans cut the Lands in wide Channels between the North and South, are not.
not between the Eaſt and Weſt; unleſs perhaps in the Extremities of the
polar Regions. Canons, alfo, which are no other than general and univerfal
Obfervations, are juftly fet down; as in the Hiftory of the heavenly Bodies,
that Venus is never removed above forty-feven Degrees from the Sun; nor
Mercury above twenty-eight: and that the Planets above the Sun move
floweft, when fartheft from the Earth, and thofe below the Sun, fwifteft ».
29. Another kind of Obfervation must be likewife employed, as a thing
of confiderable moment, tho not hitherto in Ufe; viz. the fubjoining to
things that are, the things which are not as in the History of the heavenly
Bodies, that there is no oblong or triangular Star; but that all Stars are ei-
ther round, or gibbous, when fhorn of their Rays; or that the Stars are
placed irregularly, not in Squares, Pentagons, or other perfect Figure; and
fcarce any three of them in a right Line.
30. Lastly,
m And thus Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, Sir Ifaac Newton, and many of the modern Philofophers,
have tried over again, verified, confirmed, and improved upon, feveral Experiments of the
Author: as particularly thofe of Sounds, the Microscope, the Thermometer, the Prifm, &c.
n The Reader will find theſe larger Obfervations and Canons more frequently ufed in the
Author's Specimens of Inductive History, than in the Sylva Sylvarum. See particularly the
Hiftory of Life and Death; and the Hiftory of Winds, paffim.
16
Sect. II.
INTRODUCTION.
(5.)
30. Lastly, It may be of fome fervice to the Enquirer, tho a great preju-
Received Opi dice to the Believer, to have the Opinions now received, briefly touch'd; to-
gether with their Varieties and Sects; and related only in paffage, as a Hint
to the Underſtanding, and no farther.
nions to be
Mightly
touched.
APHORISM
X.
The Work fea- 31.
fible.
A
ND ſo much for the general Precepts for compiling our History of
Nature and Experience; which, if carefully obferved, its End will
be duly obtained, without fwelling above meaſure. But if, as thus limited
and circumfcribed, it ſhall ſtill appear a vaft Work to any pufillanimous
Spirit; let him caft his Eye upon Libraries; and, among other things, con-
fider the Bodies of the Civil and Canon Law, on the one fide; and the Com-
mentaries of Lawyers and Learned Men, on the other; and fee what a
Difference there is between this and that, as to bulk and number of Vo-
lumes. For my own part, who defire nothing more than to be a faithful
Secretary to Nature, and to receive and copy nothing but her Laws, I chufe
Brevity; and find it in a manner impofed upon me, by the thing itſelf:
but for Opinions, and Notions, and Speculations, they are without number,
without end.
SECT. II.
Containing more precife DIRECTIONS, and a Cata-
logue of the PARTICULAR HISTORIES,
required to the true Interpretation of Nature.
More particu- I.
lar Directions
I
T were now proper to fit upon the feveral Heads of Hiftories, and
examine Nature, Article by Article, what Particulars in each Hiftory
for such as
would assist in
fhould be principally enquired into, and wrote down; as certain
compiling the Topicks, directly conducing to the End above propofed: which would be to
Hiſtory above-proceed in the Great Caufe, wherein Mankind endeavour to recover their loſt
Right over the Creatures. But this is a Work of large extent; which, however,
we propoſe, in fome meaſure, to execute; by enquiring into feveral Cardinal
Virtues, or capital Powers of Nature, in order to a juft Interpretation of her
Works : fince we cannot promife for the Induſtry of others, upon this Head;
till Men ſhall have begun to cultivate a clofer Acquaintance with Nature.
mentioned.
But
And thus, for example, if the Hiftory were to be carefully continued, we fhould intimate,
by the way, that the Doctrine of Attraction is frequently wrefted, and injudiciously applied;
that mathematical Calculations are abuſed in numerous Inftances; and that falfe Imaginations
are every where indulged, of the modern Diſcoveries; to the prejudice and flow advance-
ment of univerfal Philofophy.
This the Author propoſed to proſecute, in ſeveral Sets of particular Enquiries, into capital
Subjects; as the Hiftory of Life and Death, the Hiftory of Winds, the Hiftory of Density and
Rarity,
I
Sect. II.
II.
17
INTRODUCTI o n.
But for more particular Directions, if any one fhall defire to affiſt us in
this Undertaking, we will here annex the precife Rules we propofe to follow
in the Work.
2. And first: As it were endleſs to purfue all Subjects, we make choice The Subjects to
of ſuch as are of greateſt importance for Ufe; moft convenient for quantity be chofe.
of Experiments; more difficult, and noble, for their Depth and Obſcurity; or
moſt exemplary, and extenfive, on account of their Richneſs, or difference
of Heads or Titles b.
3. In each Subject, after a fhort Introduction, or Preface, we immediately The Method of
lay down the particular Topicks, or Heads of Enquiry; as well to give light treating them.
for the prefent, as to follicit a farther Search in future: for tho we are not
Maſters of Things, yet we are Maſters of Queſtions. We do not, how-
ever, preciſely obſerve the order of Questions, in the History itself; left what
was intended for a Help ſhould prove a Hinderance ‹.
4. History and Experiments always hold the firſt Place; which, if they Hiftory and
exhibit an enumeration and ſeries of Particulars, are thrown into Tables; Experiments
claim the first
but otherwiſe are ſet down ſeparate.
place.
5. But as Hiftories and Experiments are frequently wanting, efpecially thofe when Experie
that give Light to the Enquiry, and would be crucial Inftances; by which ments are
alone the Underſtanding can be fatisfied of the true Caufes of Things; we wanting, to
direct the making of fuch new Experiments, fo far as we are able to fore- indicate them
fee, as appear proper to determine the Queftion. And theſe Directions are
the Defignations, or Intimations of Hiftories, which is all that we can offer;
as ourſelves are now but juſt firſt entering the Road of Hiſtory.
6. When feveral Experiments fall under two or more Titles; as in the When Experi
Hiftory of Plants, and the History of Gardening, where various Particulars ments come
under ſeveral
are common to them both; we judge the Enquiry is better conducted, by Heads, to re-
regarding the Bodies; but the Difpofition by regarding the Arts: for we pay gard the Mat-
little regard to the Arts themſelves; except fuch as conduce to the forming ters, and not
of Philofophy. But the Conduct in theſe Cafes will occaſionally be directed the Arts,
by the Things themselves.
V o L. III.
D
7. We
Rarity which were executed but the Hiftories of many other things; as thofe of Gravity and
Levity, Sympathy and Antipathy, Salt, Sulphur and Mercury, &c. were never publiſhed.
b Hence the Author has fhewn great Judgment, in pitching upon the Hiftory of Life and
Death: as the Prolongation of Life, is not only an intricate and multifarious Enquiry; but of the
utmost Importance to Mankind: and neceffary in order to the Improvement of all other
Arts and Sciences. And next to this, he cou'd not, perhaps, have made a better Choice, than
in beginning the Enquiry into Winds; as the right management of this Power in Nature,
might greatly conduce to ease the Labour of the Hand; procure Intelligence by Commerce;
and lay the Foundation for many other natural Enquiries.
Too rigid a Method, in fuch Enquiries as cannot be fully profecuted by any one Man, or
any fingle Age, is to be avoided: for Matter must ever direct Method. And we fhou'd
greatly miſtake the Defign of the Author, to imagine he has finifhed any fingle Enquiry: all
he endeavoured was but to begin them.
d What theſe Inftances are, is fully explained in the Novum Organum, Part II.
e To regard Arts themfelves, would be making Philofophy a Slave to prefent Advantage;
which is a fecondary Confideration: and by diverting Philofophy from its purpofe, Arts them-
felves would be Sufferers; for when Philofophy is improved and carried to its due height, the
improvement and perfection of all Arts, will follow of Confequence. And this particular ought
to be well regarded; otherwife, by catching at Shadows, we hall lofe the Subftance.
18
Sect. II.
INTRODUCTIO N.
To relate how
7. We explain the manner obferved in making all fubtile or more cu-
the Experi- rious Experiments
rious Experiments; to prevent Error, and excite others to contrive more
exact, and better Methods, of verifying or confirming them.
ments were
made.
To interpose 8. We frequently interfperfe Admonitions and Cautions, with regard to
Admonitions, the Fallacies of Things; and the Errors and Scruples that may occur in
Cautions, and the Enquiry, or Difcovery: in order, as much as poffible, to charm down
Glances at the all Fancies and falfe Conceits. We likewife, all along, fubjoin our Obferva-
tions upon History and Experiments; in order to promote, and prepare, the
Buſineſs of interpreting Nature.
Interpretation
of Nature.
Hints at Cau- 9. We here and there interpofe our Sufpicions, in the way of firſt Out-
fes.
lines, towards the Explanation of Caufes; but fo as rather to fuggeft
what may be, than to determine what really is the Cafe.
Hints for prac-
tical Ufes.
To fet down
or things next
10. We form, and fet down, Canons, tho variable; or imperfect and
improveable Axioms; which offer themſelves in the bufinefs of Enquiry:
but this without determining: for fuch Canons, or Axioms, may be uſeful,
tho not precifely true f
11. And tho Light be a nobler thing than the Objects it fhews; yet
being ever mindful of the Service of Mankind, we ftart Hints of Practice,
and recommend them to Men's Attention and Memory as well knowing,
that Mankind unfortunately labour under fuch a great degree of infenfibility
as fometimes not to fee, but ftep over, things that lye before their Feet;
unleſs put in mind thereof.
12. We propoſe, under every Subject that allows it, even Works and
Optatives; Things impoffible; at leaft fuch as are not hitherto difcovered: and, at the
to impoffible. fame time, fubjoin fuch, as being already known, and within the Power of
Man, nearly approach and reſemble thoſe Impoffibilities, and undiſcovered
Things; in order, at once, to encourage Mankind, and excite their In-
duſtry & And thus we hope, not only to furniſh out, in fome tolerable de-
gree, the third Part of our INSTAURATION, but in good meaſure alſo to
pave the way for the fourth and fixth ↳
An Invitation
for others to
affiſt.
g
13. Theſe are the particular Rules I purpofe to follow, in compiling.
what part I am able, of a found and ferviceable Natural and Experimental
Hiftory: which, to profecute in its full Extent, is, as we before obferved, a
Work too great for a fingle Perfon; whence we earnestly invite others to
take part of the Task. For their better Direction, we will here indicate-
fome of the particular Hiftories, which appear to us proper to be gone upon;
and fubjoin a Collection of thoſe we eſteem the moſt important for the Ufes
of Life.
A
f Duly to understand the Force and Ufe of thefe particular Rules, which the Author pre-
fcribes himſelf, in compiling his Hiftory, will give great Light into the Nature and Deſign of
the third, fourth, and fixth Parts of the Grand INSTAURATION.
8 With what Judgment this Rule was form'd; with what Skill and Addrefs obferved, by
the Author; and to what great Advantage, few will perceive that are not Inventors.
For the larger Obfervations, the Canons, and Axioms, that every where occur, were to be
verified, render'd ftrictly juft and true, in the fourth Part of the Inftauration, and then di-
rectly transferr'd into the fixth; fo that this laft, capital Part of the whole, was to be form'd
in the precedent Parts, and only drawn out in the fixth; the place deftined to receive that
pure, genuine and axiomatical Philofophy, which shou'd flow spontaneously from the preceding
rigid and fevere Enquiry.
Sect. II. INTRODUCTIO N.
19
i
A CATALOGUE of PARTICULAR HISTORIES,
required for the INTERPRETATION of NATURE;
or laying the Foundations of ISDUCTIVE HISTORY.
I.
HE Hiftory of the Heavenly Bodies; or Aftronomical
Hiftory.
TH
2. The Hiftory of the Configuration of the Heavens, and their Parts,
to the Earth and its Parts; or the Cofmographical Hiſtory b.
3. The Hiftory of Comets .
4.
C
The Hiſtory of fiery Meteors d.
5. The Hiftory of Lightning, Thunder, and Corrufcations®.
6. The Hiftory of Winds, fudden Gufts and Undulations of the Air.
7. The Hiftory of Rainbows 8.
8. The Hiftory of Clouds, as they appear above h.
9. The Hiftory of the blue Expanfe, the Twilight, mock-Suns, mock-
Moons, Halo's, the various Colours of the Sun and Moon, and of ill
the variety of appearances in the Heavenly Bodies, with regard to
the Medium ¹.
D 2
10. The
a The Author himſelf begun this; in his Effay toward a Philofophical Hiftory of the Heavens.
See the ninth Supplement to the de Augumentis Scientiarum. It has been continued by nume-
rous Writers, tho not precifely in his own manner. Among the principal are Meff. revelius,
Tacquet, de la Hire, Sir Ifaac Newion, Mr. Flamstead, Dr. Gregory, and Dr. Hailey.
b The Deſign of this Hiftory feems, in fome degree, fuperfeded, by the later Difcoveries s
which fhew the Configuration of the Heavens to be Optical, or depending upon the Nature of
Viſion. But the Author's meaning will be better understood, by his Specimen of animated Afro-
nomy. See the ninth Supplement to the de Augmentis Scientiarum.
The History of Comets is largely profecuted by Lubienicius, in his Theatrum Cometicum;
but more fatisfactorily by Hevelius, in his Prodromus Cometicus, and Cometographia. For the
Theory of the Comets, fee Sir Ifaac Newton's Principia; Dr. Gregory's Aftronomy; and
Dr. Halley's Paper upon the Aftronomy of Comets, in the Philofophical Tranfactions, Nº 297.
See Dr. Halley, Mr. Whifton, and feveral Papers in the Philofophical Tranfactions, upon the
Aurora Borealis. See aifo Morhof's Polyhiftor, Tom. II. Cap. 24. de Meteoris Igneis.
eThere are fome Papers upon this Subject in the Philofophical Tranfactions.
f See the Author's Hiftory of Winds, and Mr. Bohun's Difcourfe concerning the Origin and
Progrefs of Wind; printed at Oxford, 1671. See alfo the Philofophical Tranfactions; and
Morhof, de Meteoris Aereis.
The Foundation of this Hiſtory ſeems laid by des Cartes, the Archbishop of Spalato, Sir Ifaac
Newton, and M. Huygens, de Coronis & Parhelis. See alfo Marcus Marci de Arcu cœlefti;
printed at Prague in 1648. and Grimaldi's Phyfico-Mathefis, de Lumine, Coloribus, & Iride.
Ed. Bononia 1665. M. Mariotte, des Couleurs, &c.
For the later Writers upon this Subject, See Morhof's Polyhiftor, Tom. II. Cap. 27. de
Meteoris Aqueis.
i The Foundations of this History are laid in Sir Ifaac Newton's Treatife of Opticks. And
for other Writers upon it, See Morhof, de Iride, ac reliquis Meteoris emphaticis; and the
Philofophical Tranfactions.
20
Sect. II.
INTRODUCTION.
10. The History of common Rain, ftormy Rain, prodigious Rains,
Cataracts, Spouts, &c.
11. The Hiſtory of Hail, Snow, Froft, Hoar-frofts, Mifts, Dews',
&c.
12. The Hiſtory of all other Bodies, defcending from, or generated
above m.
13. The Hiſtory of Sounds in the upper Regions; if there be any be--
befides Thunder".
14. The Hiftory of the Air, confidered as a whole; or with regard to
the Configuration of the World.
15. The Hiftory of Seafons, or Temperatures of the Air; both with re-
gard to the difference of Countries, the accidents of Times, and
the periods of Years; as alfo of Inundations, Heats, Droughts, and
the like P.
16. The Hiftory of the Earth and Sea; their Figure, Circumference,
and Conformation to each other; with their Order of Extenfion, as
to breadth or narrowness; of the Islands, and Bays of the Sea; Salt
Lakes in the Earth; Iftmus's, Promontories, &c..
17. The Hiftory of the Motions of the terraqueous Globe, and of the
Experiments to be made for determining the fame.
18. The Hiftory of the greater Motions and Perturbations in the Earth
and Sea; Earthquakes, Tremblings, Chafms, New-Iflands, Floating-
Iflands, Breaches by the Entrance of the Sea, drowning of Lands,
Waftes deferted by the Sea, fiery Irruptions from the Earth, fudden
Irruptions of Water from the Earth¹, &c.
19. The Natural Geographical Hiſtory of Mountains, Valleys, Woods,
Plains, Deferts, Meers, Lakes, Rivers, Torrents, Springs; with
all the diverfities of their Origin, and the like; exclufive of Na-
tions, Provinces, Cities, and other civil Confiderations .
20. The Hiftory of the Flux and Reflux of the Sea, its Alternations,,
Undulations, and other Motions".
t
21. The
*The Royal Society of London, and the Royal Academy of Paris, appear to be collecting
together numerous Obfervations, made in different Parts of the World, with relation to this
Subject. See the Philoſophical Tranſactions, and French Memoirs, See alſo Bohun of Wind,
and Morhof, de Meteoris Aqueis..
1 Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Works, the Philofophical Tranfactions, and the French Memoirs,
contain many Particulars relating to this Hiftory. See likewife Morhof, de Meteoris Aqueis.
no P See Mr. Boyle's Memoirs for a general History of the Air; Morhof's Polyhiftor, de
Aere, and Boerhaave's Chemiſtry, in the Chapter of Air.
9 f Theſe ſeveral Hiftories are profecuted by Varenius, in his Geographia Generalis.
See Dr. Jurin's Edition of that Work; printed at Cambridge, 1712.
* See the Philofophical Tranſactions; and feveral of Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Pieces.
"See Voffius de Motu Marium; Dr. Wallis's Hypothefis about the Flux and Reflux of the Sea,.
in the Philoſophical Tranfactions; Sir Ifaac Newton's Principia Philofophia Naturalis. Mathe-
matica, and Morhof's Polyhiftor, Tom. II. Cap. 20. de Mare, &c.
Sect. II.
21
INTRODUCTION.
21. The Hiftory of other accidents of the Sea; its Saltnefs, diverfity
of Colour, Depth; and of the fubmarine Regions, Rocks, Mountains,
Valleys, &c.
II.
THE HISTORIES OF THE ELEMENTS, OR GREATER ASSEM-
BLAGES OF MATTER.
22. The Hiftory of Flame, and Bodies ignited
W
23. The Hiftory of Air, in Substance, not Configuration ».
24. The Hiftory of Water, in Subftance, not Configuration ▾.
25. The Hiftory of Earth, and its diverfity, in Subftance, not Con-
figuration".
III.
THE HISTORIES OF PARTICULAR SPECIES.
26. The Hiftory of the perfect Metals, Gold and Silver; with their
Ores, Veins, Marcafites; and the ways of working them from the
Mine a.
27. The Hiftory of Quickfilver. b
28. The Hiftory of Foffils; as Vitriol, Sulphur, &c.
29. The Hiſtory of Gems; as the Diamond, the Ruby, &c.
30. The Hiftory of Stones; as Marble, Flinte, &c.
f
31. The Hiftory of the Loadſtone .
♥ See Mr. Boyle of the Submarine Regions; and the Saltnefs of the Sea
figli's Natural History of the Danube, and of the Sea.
Mr. Boyle has touched upon this Subject, in his Treatifes of Phoſphori,
bility of Fire and Flame.
* See Mr. Boyle's Memoirs for a Natural History of the Air.
32..The
and Count Mar-
and the Pondera-
y See Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Works, paffim; Boerhaave's. Chapter of Water, in his New
Method of Chemistry; and Morhof's Chapter de Aqua, in his Polyhiftor, Tom. II. Cap. 19.
2 Mr. Evelyn has treated this Subject, in his Terra. For other Writers upon it, confult.
Morhof's Polyhifter, Tom. II. Cap. 21. de Terra.
á For the Writers in this way confult Webster's Metallographia; but fome of the principal
are Alonfo Barba, Lazarus Ercker, Glauber, Kunckel, Becher, and Stahl.
b. Georg. Agricola began this Hiftory, in his Work de re Metallica; and the Authors laft men-
tioned have continued it. There are alfo fome Papers upon this Head in the Philofophical
Tranfactions.
See Boerhaave's Chemistry; Stahl's feveral Chemical Pieces; Dr. Woodward on Foffils; and
the Philofophical Tranſactions: but a capital Work in this way, is Michael. Mercati Metallotheca,
publifhed at Rome, with Notes, by Johan. Mar. Lancifi, Anno 1717. See alfo Morhof's Poly
hiftor. Tom. II. Cap. 29. de Mineralibus in genere.
* Mr. Boyle has an exprefs Treatife upon this Subject; and for other Writers upon it, fee
Morhof's Poly hiftor, de Lapidibus, eorumque Generatione, &c. Tom. II. Cap. 30.
Mr. Boyle has fome curious Obfervations, up and down his Philofophical Works, relating to
this Subject. See alfo Dr. Lifter, Dr. Woodward, and the other Writers of Natural Hiftory.
The Subject of the Loadſtone is treated by Kircher, Mr. Boyle, the Philofophical Tranf
actions, Mr. Whifton, and many more..
22
Sect. II,
INTRODUCTION.
32. The Hiſtory of mifcellaneous Bodies, neither perfectly Mineral,
nor perfectly Vegetable; as Salt, Amber, Ambergreaſe &, &c.
33.
h
The Chemical Hiſtory of Metals and Minerals ".
34. The History of Vegetables, Trees, Shrubs, Plants, and their
Parts; as Roots, Trunks, Woods, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, Seeds,
Droppings, Tears, Weepings, &c.
35. The Chemical Hiftory of Vegetables *.
n
36. The Hiftory of Fish, their Parts, and manner of Generation'.
37. The Hiftory of Birds, their Parts, and manner of Generation m
38. The Hiftory of Beafts, their Parts, and manner of Generation "
39. The Hiftory of Serpents, Worms, Flies, and other Infects; their
Parts, and manner of Generation °.
40. The Chemical Hiftory of animal Matters P.
IV.
THE HISTORIES RELATING MORE IMMEDIATELY TO MAN.
41. The Hiſtory of the Figure, and external Parts of Man
; bis
Stature, Conformation, Countenance and Lineaments; with the Varie-
ties thereof, according to Nation, Climate, or other ſmaller Dif-
ferences 9.
42. The Hiſtory of human Phyfiognomy, to be drawn from the
foregoing
43. The
The later Writers of Natural Hiftory treat alfo of thefe. See Morhof's Polyhiftor. Tom. II.
Cap. 37. de Mediis Mineralibus.
See Becher, Kunckel, Stahl, and Boerhaave, in their Chemical Pieces.
i Mr. Ray's Hiftoria Plantarum, Dr. Grew's Anatomia Plantarum,
Malpighi's Ana-
tomia Plantarum, and feveral Papers in the German Ephemerides, nobly profecute this Subject,
in particulars.
A Method is chalk'd out, and a Foundation laid, for this Hiftory, in Boerhaave's Chemiſtry,
and ſome of Mr. Boyle's Pieces; as particularly his Hiftory of human Blood.
1 Hermanus Conringius has collected all the Authors, both ancient and modern, that treat
of this Subject. See alfo Willoughby's Icthyologia.
See Willoughby's Ornithologia, the Philofophical Tranſactions, and Morhof's Plyhift. Tom. II.
Cap. 46. Mifcella quadam de Animalibus.
See Dr. Harvey, de Generatione Animalium, Kerkringius's Anthropogenia Icnographia; the
French Memoirs; and particularly the Memoires de l'Academie Royalé, pour fervir à l'Histoire des
Animaux. See alfo Morhof, Polyhift. Tom. II. Cap. 45.
• See Aldrovandus, Sum. Bochart, Hook, Swammerdam, Rhedi, Andry, Malpighi, Sec.
P. Boerhaave has reduced this Subject to a juft Method; and put it in the way of a proper
Treatment. See the Proceſſes upon Animals, in his Chemiſtry.
9 The Chineſe appear to have cultivated this Subject more than the Europeans, even fo far
as from thence to form a Judgment of Men's Morals; their Guilt or Innocence, in Criminal
Cales, &c. See Wolfius upon the Chinese Philofophy, and the Miffionaries Letters. Confult alfo
Camillus Baldus upon Ariftotle's Physiognomica; as likewife his Pieces de humanarum Propen-
fionum ex temperamento Pranotionibus, &c. Ed. Bononia, 1664. & Scip. Clermont, de Con-
jeftandis latentibus animi affectibus.
See the Characters of Theophraftus, with Cafaubon's Notes; Morhof de Artibus divina-
toriis & Magia, in Polyhift. Tom. II. Lib. III. and Mr. Evelyn's Appendix to his Difcourfe upon
Medals.
Sect. II.
23
INTRODUCTIO N.
43.
The Hiftory of human Anatomy; or, of the internal Parts of
Man; with their Variety found in the natural Structure and Con-
formation; and not only as preternaturally altered by Accident or
Difeafes
44. The Hiftory of the fimilar Parts of Man as the Flesh, Bones,
Membranes, &c.
45. The Hiftory of the Humors in Man; the Blood, the Bile, the
Seed", &c.
46. The Hiſtory of the human Excrements; the Saliva, the Urine,
the Sweat, the Faces, the Hair of the Head, the Hair of the Body,
the Nails, the Skin of the Nails, &c.
47.
The Hiftory of the Faculties of the Body; Attraction, Digeftion,
Retention, Expulfion, Sanguification, Affimilation of the Aliment in-
to the Parts of the Body, and the Converfion of Blood, and the fine
part thereof, into Spirit ", &c.
48. The Hiftory of natural and involuntary Motions; as thofe of the
Heart, the Pulfe, the Lungs, Sneezing, Yawning, Erection of the
Penis, &c.
49: The Hiftory of the mixed Motions, compounded of natural and vo-
luntary; as Refpiration, Coughing, the making of Urine, going to
Stooly, &c.
50. The Hiftory of voluntary Motions; as, of the Organs of Speech,
the Motions of the Eyes, the Tongue, Jaws, Hands, Fingers, Throat
in fwallowing 2, &c.
a
51. The Hiftory of Sleep and Dreams ª.
52. The Hiftory of the various Habits of the Body; as to Fat, Lean,
Complexion, Conftitution ↳, &c.
b
53. The
Thefe Subjects have been diligently profecuted by the Modern Anatomifis, in all the
folid Parts of the Body; thus Dr. Willis and Malpighi have carefully traced and anatomized the
Brain, and Nerves; Steng, the Mufcles; Bellini and Malpighi the Tongue; Cacilius Folius and
du Verney the Ear; Bartholin the Lungs; de Graaff the Parts of Generation; Havers the Bones,
c. A fummary Hiftory of all which is given us by Boerhaave, in his Inftitutiones Medica.
"Tis pity but the Hiftory of the Animal Fluids were extant with equal exactneſs.
This Hiftory is almoft deficient, and requires a particular Chemical and Philofophical
Treatment. Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of human Blood; and Boerhaave's Proceffes upon Animals,
may pave the way for it.
This Hiftory alfo feems, in a manner, untouched: Boerhaave, in his Inftitutiones Medica, has
collected the fum of what has been done upon it. See alfo Morhof's Polyhift. Tom. II.
Lib. II. Cap. 47. de Homine.
w Neither has this Subject been profecuted as it deferves; but Boerhaave has made great uſe
of the prefent Diſcoveries, to fhew it to Advantage, in his Infiitutiones Medica.
xyz See the whole of thefe Doctrines, fo far as they are known at prefent, aphoriftically
deduced in Boerhaave's inftitutiones Medica.
a The History of Dreams feems ftill deficient; tho an Enquiry worthy the Profecution. But
the Foundations for the Hiftory of Sleep are laid by Boerhaave, in the Treatife abovemention'd,
b. Nothing very confiderable feems hitherto done, towards furnishing out this Hiſtory
24
Sect. II.
INTRODUCTION.
•
53. The Hiftory of human Generation .
54. The Hiftory of human Conception, Quickening, Geſtation, Birth",
&c.
55. The Hiftory of human Alimentation, all kinds of Eatables, Drinke
ables and Diet; with their Variety, according to the difference
of Nation, or leffer Matters .
e
56. The Hiſtory of the Growth and Increaſe of the human Body,
both in the Whole, and its Parts.
57. The Hiſtory of human Age, Infancy, Childhood, Youth, old
Age, long Life, Sport Life, &c. according to different Nations, and
leffer Differences §.
58. The Hiftory of Life and Death '.
59. The medicinal Hiſtory of Diſeaſes, with their Signs and Symp-
toms i
60. The medicinal Hiftory of Curation, Remedies, and Relief from
Diftempersk
61. The medicinal History of fuch things as preferve the Body in a
healthy State.
62. The medicinal Hiftory of fuch things as regard the gracefulness
and comeliness of the Body m, &c.
63. The medicinal Hiftory of fuch things as change the Body, and be-
long to an alterative Regimen ".
64. The Hiftory of Pharmacy.
n
65. The
This has been profecuted, tho not advanced to perfection; for it ftill remains unde-
termined, whether Generation is performed by means of the Animalcula in femine Maſculino,
or not tho the general Opinion feems to favour the affirmative.
d The Buſineſs of Conception and Quickening remains to be farther enquired into; nor,
perhaps, are the beft Methods of delivering Women in difficult Births hitherto diſcovered.
* This Subject has not been fatisfactorily profecuted; but Dr. Arbuthnot very lately fhew'd
how the Enquiry might be conducted to Advantage, in his Difcourfe of Aliments.
f Some Mechanical Attempts have of late been made to deduce this Hiftory; but not, per-
haps, with that Care and Exactness the Subject requires.
& There feems to be little fatisfactory, or ufeful, extant upon this Subject.
h The Foundations for this History are firmly laid by the Author, in his particular Enquiry
into Life and Death: but certainly the Subject has not been duly profecuted fince, as, its im
portance requires. See Morhof, Polyhift. Tom. I. Lib. II. Cap. 5. de Tempore.
ik How little that is folid and uſeful, has been done towards thefe two Hiftories, may ap-
pear from the Aphorifms of Boerhaave, de Cognofcendis & Curandis Morbis; which are a Summary
of the ancient and modern Doctrine upon the Subject. See alſo le Clerc's Hiftoire de la Me-
dicine.
1 Nothing in Medicine is, perhaps, more wanted than this Hiftory; efpecially with regard to
Heat and Cold, and other external and internal Caufes of Diftempers. See Quincy's Edition
of Sanctorius's Aphorifms; Keil's Tentamina Medica; and Wainwright on the Non-Na-
turals.
This Hiſtory alfo is, in great meaſure, deficient.
"The Author affords fome Notices for this Hiftory, in his Enquiry into Life and Death:
-but they appear to have been little regarded.
• The Hiftory of Pharmacy is by no means extant, in the manner required by the Author;
that is in the aphoriftical manner: with a due rejection of uncertainties, fuperfluities, phan-
taftical Traditions, ill-grounded Opinions, c. But for bulkiness and number of Writers, it
may rival moſt other Hiltories.
I
Sect. II.
25
INTRODUCTION.
•
65. The Hiftory of Chirurgery".
66. The chemical Hiftory of Medicines
0
67. The Hiftory of Sight, and visible Objects ».
68. The Hiftory of Painting, Sculpture, Statuary, &c.
69. The Hiftory of Sounds, and Hearing *.
70. The Hiftory of Mufick.
71. The Hiftory of Odours, and the Smelling .
72. The Hiftory of Taftes, and Tafting".
73. The Hiftory of the Touch, and its Objects".
74. The Hiftory of the Act of Venery, as a Species of Touch™.
75. The Hiftory of bodily Pains, as a kind of Touch *
76. The Hiftory of Pleafure and Pain in general v.
+
77. The Hiftory of the Paffions; as, Anger, Love, Bashful-
ness, &c.
78. The Hiſtory of the intellectual Faculties; as Thought, Imagi-
nation, Reafoning, Memory, &c.
79. The Hiſtory of natural Divinations b
C
80. The Hiftory of Difcernments, or occult natural Judgments .
VOL. III.
E
81.
n The Hiftory of Chirurgery feems profecuted more carefully than Pharmacy, and reduced
to a tolerable Simplicity; tho capable, perhaps, of much greater Certainty, and farther Im-
provement. See the prefent Summary of its Doctrine, in Boerhaave's Aphorifms de Cognofcen-
dis & Curandis Morbis.
• Materials for this History are extant in great Variety; but they require Verifying and Re-
jection. See a Summary of it, as it ſtands at prefent, in Boerhaave's Chemiſtry.
P The Foundation for this Hiftory is laid by Dr. Hook, in his Micographia; Leeuwenhoek, in
the Philofophical Tranfactions; Mr. Molyneux, in his Dioptricks; Sir Ifaac Newton, in his
Treatife of Light and Colours; Barrow's Lectiones Optica; and Gregory's Elementa Dioptrica
Catoptrica.
For this Hiftory confult, among others, Gerard de Laireffe, in his Principes du Deſſein,
Aftelodam. 1718. Felibien's Entretiens fur les Vies, fur les Ouvrages des plus excellens Peintres ;
or his Abregé de la Vie des Peintres, printed at Paris in 1715.
This Hiſtory is profecuted by Mr. Boyle; the Philofophical Tranſactions; French Memoirs,
and many of the modern Writers.
1 Mr. Malcolm feems to have begun the History of Mufick, in the folid rational Way in-
tended by the Author. See Mr. Malcolm's Treatife of Mufick, fpeculative, practical, and hifto-
cal; printed at Edinburgh, 1721.
tuv Mr. Boyle has laid the Foundations for theſe Hiftories, in his Enquiry into the Origin of
Forms and Qualities; and the feveral fubfequent Pieces to that leading Enquiry. See alfo
Morhof's Differtatio de Paradoxis Senfuum.
w The Author has fomewhat upon this Head, in his following Piece, or, Sylva Sylvarum.
And the learned Jacob. Thomafius wrote a Differtation, De Senfu Sexto, five Titillatione
Venerea.
* This uſeful Subject feems to remain uncultivated, except a little by Phyficians.
y The phyfical Enquiry into Pleaſure and Pain feems to be much neglected, tho a Matter
of great importance.
≈ See Des Cartes, M. Senault, and Mr. Hutchinson, upon the Paffions.
a Mr. Locke's Eſſay upon Human Understanding, may feem to have begun this Hiftory; to
which add Father Malbranche's Referche de la Verité, and the feveral Pieces of Mr. Berkley.
bc Confult upon theſe Heads, Morhof's Polyhift. Tom. II. Lib. III. De Artikus Divina-
toriis, & Magia.
+
26
Sect. II.
INTRODUCT 1 0 N.
:
81. The Hiftory of Cookery, and the Arts fubfervient to it; as
that of the Grafier, the Butcher, the Poulterer, &c.
82. The Hiftory of Bread, Paftery, and Baking, with the Arts fub-
fervient thereto; as the grinding of Flower, &c.
83. The Hiftory of Wines f.
84. The Hiftory of the Cellar, and different kinds of Drinks §.
85. The Hiftory of Confectionary Waresh.
86. The Hiftory of Honey .
87. The Hiftory of Sugar.
88. The Hiftory of the Dairy'.
89. The Hiſtory of the Bagnio; as fweating, bathing, and anointing
the Body m.
90. A mifcellaneous Hiftory with regard to neatness and elegance of the
Body as of Depilatories, Perfumes", &c.
;
91. The Hiftory of working in Gold; with the Arts thereto fubfervient°.
92. The Hiftory of working in Wool; with the Arts thereto belonging.
93. The Hiftory of working in Silk; with the Arts thereto belonging
1
94.
de There feems to be little extant upon thefe Subjects, in the true phyfical Way; or that
of natural Enquiry.
f
+
& Theſe Subjects have been profecuted by feveral; but ſtill there remain fuch confiderable
things to be done, by means of a few flight Improvements therein, as few would credit, ex-
cept Eye-witnefles. See Baccius's Hiftoria Natalis Vinorum; Sachius's Ampelographia, Haupt-
man de infignibus Viticultura. Erroribus; Rofa's English Vineyard vindicated; the Mystery of
Vintners; the Vinetum Britannicum; Willis de Fermentatione; Meibomius de Cerevifiis ; Glau-
ber's Works; Boerhaave's Chemiſtry; and Stahl's Zymotechnia Fundamentalis.
b This Hiftory feems, in a manner, deficient, and muſt be derived from the Hiftory of
Sugar.
This Hiftory of Honey, fhould include not only the ways of collecting the Honey; but
alfo the Manufactures thereof, into potable Liquors, Preferves, Medicines, Sugars, &c. which
has fcarce been touched upon; tho a Subject of great Utility. Glauber has given Intimations
about it; but there are few who regard them
k The phyfical History of Sugar deferves to be reckoned a capital Thing; as capable of
affording great Advantages to Mankind in general, and more particularly to the Inhabitants
of England. The Author feems apprized of it, and, in his Sylva Sylvarum, exprefly recom-
mends an Experiment to be made upon this Subject; which, in skillful Hands might prove
immenfely ferviceable. See Pifo's Hiftory of the Indies; Barlai Defcriptio Rerum fub Mau.
ritio in Brafilia geftarum; Angel. Sala Saccharologia; Mr. Boyle on the Ufefulneſs of Natural
Philofophy; Sir Hans Sloan's Natural History of Jamaica, Dr. Slare on Sugar; Dr. Stahl's
Zymotechnia Fundamentalis; and his Philofophical Principles of Chemiſtry.
This has been but little confider'd, by the profeffed Naturalifts and Philofophers, tho
worthy of their Attention. Some chemical Operators have a way of diftilling Brandy from
Whey and Buttermilk.
m Some Attempts have been made, by the Moderns, to revive the ancient Practice's in theſe
Particulars; but the Subject has not been duly cultivated, and improved, as it deferves.
"Tho it were eaſy to proſecute this Hiftory, yer, perhaps, little confiderable has been done
in it by the Moderns.
o p q r s t v u w x y z a b c d Theſe ſeveral Hiſtories are but imperfectly extant; and fome of
them ſcarce touched upon. Memoirs for them may be found in the Philofophical Tranf-
actions; the French Memoirs; the German Ephemerides; Morhof's Polyhiftor; the Writers
of
F
1
א
Sect. II.
27
INTRODUCTION.
94. The History of working in Flax, Hemp, Cotton, Hair, Briftles,
and other Subftances affording a Thread; with the Arts thereto be-
longing".
95. The Hiftory of working in Feathers ¹.
96. The Hiſtory of Weaving; with the Arts belonging to it t.
97.
The Hiftory of Dying
u
98. The Hiftory of working in Hides, Skins, and Leather; with the
Arts thereto fubfervient
99.
·
The Hiftory of Beds, Ticks, Down, and Feathers".
100. The History of working in Iron *.
101. The Hiftory of Stone-cutting.
102. The Hiftory of Bricks and Tiles ².
a
103. The Hiftory of Pottery ª.
104. The History of working in Plaister of Paris, Terras, and Cements.
105. The History of working in Wood".
106. The History of working in Lead §.
107. The Hiftory of Glafs, Glafing, and all vitrious Bodies *.
108. The Hiftory of Architecture in general f.
109. The Hiftory of Carriages, Coaches, Waggons, Litters &, &c.
110. The Hiftory of Printing, Writing, Sealing, Book-making, Ink,
Pens, Paper, Parchment, &c.
111. The Hiftory of Wax, natural and artificial¹.
112. The History of Twig-works; or the making of Ofier Baskets, &c.
113. The Hiftory of Mat-work; or the pleating, weaving, and working
of Straw, Rufhes, &c.
114. The Hiftory of the Laundry; all kinds of cleanfing, Scouring ", &c.
115.
E 2
of Natural History; and the Writers upon new chemical Diſcoveries; as, particularly, Glauber,
Becher, Kunckel, Homberg, and Stahl. But the due Execution we expect from the illuftri-
ous Academy of Sciences at Paris.
e The Hiftory of Glass has been laudably proſecuted by Neri, Merret, and Kunckel, in a re-
gular Series after one another; the two latter adding their Notes and Improvements upon the
former a Method deferving of Imitation in other Hiftories of Arts. See alſo Blancour's
Art of Glaſs.
* Architecture has of late been confiderably cultivated: the Foundations of it are laid by
Sir Henry Wotton, in his Elements of Architecture; M. Perrault's Architecture generale de
Vitruve, reduite en Abregé ; Leo Baptifta de Albertis, de Re Edificatoria; and Felibien's Entretiens
Hiftoriques de la Vie & des Ouvrages des plus celebres Architectes.
The modern Writers in Mechanicks have profecuted this Subject; particularly certain
Members of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris. See alſo Biſhop Wilkins's Dadalus z
Dr. Hook's mechanical Pieces; Wolfii Elementa Mathefeos; and the Writers of Gourſes of Ex-
perimental Philofophy.
See the firft Rudiments of this Hiſtory in Morhof, Struvius, and Stollius.
See the Hiſtory of Wax. in the Writers on Drugs; as Pomet, Lemery, and Savary's French
Dictionary of Commerce: but for the Hiftory of Wax-chandlery, I have not met with it; tho
there are fome Materials to be collected for it from Salmon's Polgyraphice, and the other
Writers of artificial Curioſities.
* im I do not find thefe Hiftories extant, in any tolerable Perfection.
28
Sect. II.
INTRODUCTION.
Į
115. The Hiftory of Agriculture, Pafturage, Wood-lands", &c.
116. The Hiftory of the Garden, or Horticulture °.
117.
The Hiſtory of Fiſh-ponds, and the breeding of Fiſh º.
118. The Hiftory of Hunting and Fowling.
119. The Hiftory of War, and the Arts fubfervient to it; as Armory;
Bow-making, Arrow-fmithery, Gun-fmithery, Gun-foundery, For-
tification", &c.
120. The Hiftory of Navigation, with all the practical parts thereof,
and the Arts thereto belonging ¹.
121. The Hiftory of Fencing, Wreſtling, and all kinds of manly
Exercifest.
122. The Hiftory of Horſemanſhip
123. The History of Sports, of all kinds".
124. The Hiftory of Fugling, flight of Hand, and feats of Activity".
125. A mifcellaneous Hiftory of various artificial Matters; as En-
amels, Paftes, Cements*, &c.
126. The Hiftory of Salts¹.
2
127.
n Many Materials for this Hiſtory are collected in the Philofophical Transactions, and the
French Memoirs. For particular Writers upon the Subject, See Morhof's Polyhift. Tom. II.
Part. II. Cap. 40. de Plantis & Vegetatione. Cap. 41. de Propagatione & Melioratione Planta
rum, &c. See alfo Mr. Evelyn and Dr. Bradley, upon the Subject..
• This Subject has been confiderably cultivated of late. See the Author's laft mentioned ;
Sharrock's. Hiftory of the Propagation and Improvement of Vegetables; Sir Kenelm Digby of
Vegetation; Dr. Laurence on Gardening; Mr. Hales's Vegetable Staticks; and Mr. Miller's
Gardener's Dictionary.
P This Subject has rather fallen under the Treatment of Sportfmen, than. Philofophers.
See, however, Rondeletius, and Salvianus, de Aquatilium Animalium Hiftoria; and Conringius's
Collection of the Writers on this Head. The Philofophical Tranfactions; the French Me-
moirs; Mr. Boyle's, and Mr. Ray's philofophical Pieces; and Willoughby's IEthyologia, like-
wife afford many Particulars to this Purpoſe.
4. See the Scriptores Rei accipitraria, publiſhed at Paris in 1612; and Paulus Merula's Dutch
Treatife of all kinds of Hunting; alſo the French Venerie Royale; and Johan. Caii Liber de
Canibus Britannicis.
The Writers upon this Subject are numerous; but a capital one is, Grabriel Naudé dè
Studio Militari, Ed. Roma, 1637. See alfo Schelius ad Caftra Polybiana; and Wolfit
Brevis Commentatio de Scriptis Mathematicis, at the End of his Elementa Mathefeos Univerfa.
See also Father Aquino's Lexicon Militare, printed at Rome 1724.
f This Subject is profecuted, in a large Volume, by Mynheer Witfen, in Low Dutch; and
might well deferve to be made English.
See Sir William Hope's New Method of Fencing, M. Thibaur's Academie de l'Epée; Morhof
Polyhift. Tom. II. Lib. IV. Sir Thomas Parkyns's Inn-Play; or, Cornifh-Hug Wrestler;
Petter, the Vintner of Amfterdam, in his Dutch Book printed at Amfterdam, 1674: But theſe
Subjects require to be more phyfically confidered.
" See M. Sorel; the Farrier's Guide; Gibfon's Method of dieting Horfes, &c.
•
v The Writers in this Way are numerous, and within every one's Obfervation; but the
phyfical Hiſtory of Sports feems to be ftill wanting.
•
The common Books upon theſe Subjects are not the things here intended: as being de-
ficient in deſcribing the particular Methods of training up, and habituating the Body, by pro
per Exerciſes, for Tumbling, Rope-dancing, &c.
* See Neri, Merret, Kunckel, and Blancour, upon the Art of Glaſs.
y Mr. Boyle, Sign. Guglielmini, M. Homberg, and Dr. Stahl, may feem to have laid the
Foundations of this Hiftory.
\
Sect. II.
29
INTRODUCTION.
1
127. A miſcellaneous Hiftory of various Machines and Motions *.
128. A mifcellaneous Hiftory of common Experiments, not yet formed
into Arts a
The Hiftories of pure Mathematicks ſhould alſo be written; tho thefe re-
quire Obfervation rather than Experiment. We therefore ſet down
129. A Hiftory of the Natures and Powers of Numbers ↳.
130. A History of the Natures and Powers of Figures ©.
b
A CATALOGUE of Capital ENQUIRIES regarding
the more immediate SERVICE OF MANKIND.
"A
N Enquiry into the Ways of prolonging Life ª
a
2. An Enquiry into the Means of restoring Youth in fome
degree b
3. An Enquiry into the Methods of retarding old Age.
4. An Enquiry into the ways of curing Difeafes accounted incurable.
5. An Enquiry after more eafy and less loathfome ways of Purging.
6. An Enquiry into the Ways of increafing the ftrength and activity of
the Body f
7. An Enquiry into the Ways of mitigating Pain, and increaſing the hu--
man Ability for enduring Torture &.
8. An Enquiry into the Ways of altering the Conftitution, or Habit of
the Body; as to Corpulency, Leannefs b, &c.
h
9. An Enquiry into the Ways of altering the Statures of Men¹.
10. An Enquiry into the Ways of altering the human Features *.
II. An
z See the feveral Writers upon Mechanicks; as, particularly, M. Varignon, and Wolfis
Elementa Mathefeos Univerfa.
a Numerous Experiments of this kind occur among the chemical Writers; more efpecially
in the philofophical and chemical Pieces of Mr. Boyle, Becher, Kunckel, Glauber, Homberg,
Stahl, Hoffman, and Boerhaave.
b See the French Memoirs; the Mathematical Picces in the Philofophical Tranfactions; and the
numerous modern Writers in Mathematicks; particularly Mr. Malcolm's late Work, entitled, 4
new Syftem of Arithmetick, theorical and practical.
← See the later Mathematicians; and, particularly, Wolfius's Elementa Mathefeos Univerfa..
a b c Theſe Enquiries the Author himſelf has begun, after his own Method of Induction, in:
the Hiftory of Life and Death: but who has followed him, in the fame. Method, upon theſe
important Articles ?
¿ The Attempts hitherto made to this purpoſe have been but feeble, and no way anſwerable
to the importance of the Subject; which is attended with more Difficulties than properly
belong to it.
• This Enquiry might now be cut fhort; by a prudent Ufe and Treatment of fome Mineral:
Purging Waters, and a more judicious Management of the purging Simples. But here, again,
more Difficulties are to be encountered, than naturally grow out of the Subject.
fg Theſe noble Enquiries feem to lie neglected; perhaps thro' an untimely Defpondency,
that little can be effected in them yet the ancient Athleticks, and the Spartan. Difcipline
might teach us better.
hik By a ſtrange Fatality, Phyficians proceed as if theſe kind of Enquiries did not belong to their
Art; which can never receive any great Improvement, whilſt it moves in ſo narrow a Sphere..
--
:
INTRODUCTION.
Sect. II.
30
11. An Enquiry into the Ways of improving and exalting the intellectual
Powers, or faculties of the Mind".
12. An Enquiry into the Ways of converting Bodies into one another m
An Enquiry into the Ways of producing new Species of Bodies".
13•
14. An Enquiry into the Methods of transplanting one Species of Bodies
into another
15. An Enquiry after new Inftruments of Deftruction, in the
War, Poifon, &c.
way of
16. An Enquiry into the ways of exhilirating the Spirits, and bringing
them to good Temper¶.
17. An Enquiry into the Ways of working by the force of Imagination.
18. An Enquiry into the Ways of accelerating the time in Maturation,
Ciarification, Putrefaction, Vegetation, and Affimilation'.
19. An Enquiry into the best, and cheapest, Methods of making rich
Con.pofts for Land.
20. An Enquiry into the Ways of operating upon the Air, as to the
raifing of Winds, Tempefts, and governing the Weather “.
21. An Enquiry into the Ways of procuring great Alterations in Bodies,
with regard to Hardness, Softness, Fluidity, Firmness, &c.
22. An Enquiry after the Methods of turning crude and watery Sub-
Stances, into oily and unctuous ones".
23.
See Sir Henry Wotton's Survey of Education; Mr. Locke on Education; and Morhof's
Polyhift. Tom. 1. Lib. I. Cap. XV. de Converfatione Erudita; & Lib. II. Cap. I. de Delectu
Ingeniorum, & Cap. II. de Officinis bonarum mentium; & Cap. III. de Facultatum animi Sub-
fidiis; & Cap. IV. de Subfidiis dirigendi Judicii.
mno The generality of Philofophers feem to lie under a kind of Incantation, with regard
to theſe Subjects; and inftead of enquiring diligently into them, make almoft the bare
mention of Tranfmutations, and new Productions, criminal: tho at the fame time fuch things
are effected, by ordinary Operators, every Day.
P Some may imagine, that this Enquiry lies too open it is certain that many extraordinary
things might be effected in this Way; and natural Enquiries must not ftop, becauſe they are
capable of being converted to bad Purpoſes. See Boerhaave's Chemistry; of the Ends and
Uses of the Art.
4 This capital Enquiry alfo lies uncultivated.
That fome extraordinary Effects are producible in this Way, muſt have come within every
one's Obfervation, and yet, who has duly profecuted the Enquiry, after the manner it is be-
gun by the Author in his Sylva Sylvarum ?
The Author has fome uſeful Obſervations upon theſe Heads in the following Piece; but
the Subject is by no means duly profecuted.
* See the Philofophical Tranſactions, Sir Kenelm Digby, Glauber, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Evelyn,
and the later Writers upon Husbandry and Agriculture.
This must appear a ſtrange Enquiry to the unphilofophical; and yet, whoever underſtands
the Scope, Deſign, and Tendency, of the Author's Hiftory of Winds, will not judge it a Sub-
ject above the reach of the human Capacity.
▾ That ſomewhat confiderable may be done in this Way, appears from Mr. Boyle's Philo-
fophical Enquiries; the Ufe of the Digeftor; and many Pieces in the Philofophical Tranſ
actions, French Memoirs, &c.
w As Nature does every Day in Vegetation, and Animalization. See Mr. Boyle's Philofo-
phical Works.
Sect. II.
3
INTRODUCTIO N.
} }
23. An Enquiry into the Methods of extracting new Foods, from Sub-
Stances not now used for that purpoſe *.
24. An Enquiry into the Ways of making new kinds of Threads,
Cloths, Stuffs, and Paper; for Apparel, Furniture, Hangings, &c.
25. An Enquiry into the Methods of improving the business of Natural
Divination 2.
26. An Enquiry after the Methods of deceiving, and impofing upon
the Senfes 2.
a
27. An Enquiry into the beft Ways of heightening the Pleafures of all
the Senfes.
28. An Enquiry into the Ways of producing artificial Metals, Mine-
rals, new kinds of Glass, Paftes, and Cements.
d
* This is an eafy Enquiry, and open to every one's Diligence; yet who has treated it ſuita-
bly to its Merit ?
Y Some Attempts have occafionally been made in this Way; as by the hatchelling of Nettle-
ftalks, the weaving of Spiders Webs into a kind of Silk, the making of incombuſtible Paper
from the Asbeftus, &c. but the Enquiry is not, that I have met with, duly profecuted.
2 So as, for example, to difcover the Tempers and Thoughts of Men, from their external
Appearances. This Enquiry alio is not profecured and brought to certain Rules for Practice;
at leaſt, not in Europe.
a See Morhof's Piece, De Paradoxis Senfuum; the Referche de la Verité; and Mr. Berkley's
Dialogues, c.
b The Author has hereafter many Obfervations to this purpoſe. The Enquiry feems not
difficult; but Men are, generally, too much taken up with enjoying the common Pleasures
of the Senfes, to bestow time in confidering how to heighten them, or difcover new ones.
The Profecution of this Subject has been generally left to mechanical Operators, and
accidental Trial : but if Philofophers were to take it in hand, it feems capable of great Im-
provements. See Mr. Boyle, Becher, Kunckel, Homberg, Stahl, &c.
& The Procedure of Dr. Childrey upon theſe Heads of Hiftories, is worthy of Imitation. In
a Letter to Mr. Oldenburg, Secretary of the Royal Society, dated July 12, 1669. he writes thus:
"I bought me as many Paper-Books, as my Lord Verulam has Hiftories at the end of his
"Novum Organum; in which I entered all the philofophical Matters, I met with, obſervable
in my Reading; and intend to continue it." The fame Gentleman, in the Year 1661.
publiſhed a Book entitled Britannia Baconica; or, the Natural Rarities of England, Scotland,
and Wales; hiftorically related, according to the Precepts of the Lord Bacon. And this was
followed by Dr. Plot's Natural Hiftories of Oxfordſhire and Staffordshire. See Wood's Athena
Oxonienfes, Vol. II. Pag. 468. under the Article Joſhua Childrey.
SYLVA
3 2
ACCELERATION.
SYLVA SYLVARUM:
O R,
MEMOIRS for a GENERAL HISTORY
O F
NATURE and ART.
Acceleration a
capital En-
quiry.
rits retire in
A
ACCELERATIO N.
CCELERATION, is a capital Thing in the Works of Na-
ture; and even, in divine Miracles, next to the creating of
the Matter whence all Accelerations, fhould be diligently en-
quired into. See the Articles BIRTH, GROWTH, CLARI-
FACTION, MATURATION, METALS, PUTRE FACTION, and VEGETATION.
AFFECTIONS.
That the Spi- All very offenfive Objects of the Senfes, caufe the Spirits to retire; and
Affections of the upon this Flight, the Parts are, in fome degree, deferted; whence they
Body, illuftra- fall into a Trepidation and Horror. In Sounds; the grating of a Saw, or
ted in all the any very harſh Noiſe, ſets the Teeth on edge, and makes all the Body fhiver.
Senfes.
In
a In all the Works of Nature and Art, nothing is more defirable and advantageous than
Expedition, joined with Perfection. Hence, to produce Vegetables, to erect Buildings, cure
Difeafes, and execute, in every kind, quick and thoroughly, is the Perfection of Art. There
are many Methods of Acceleration, which fhould feverally be fought and defcribed. Thus,
for inftance, one is by dropping intermediate Operations; as in the making of Vinegar, with-
out vinous Fermentation, or the Delay of converting the Liquor first into Wine. This we find
often done by accident, in Brewing; and might therefore be applied to fhorten the common tedi-
ous Process of Vinegar-making. So likewife a Species of Wines may be expeditiouſly produced,
without Fermentation; viz. by Maceration and Mixture. And thus may numerous Arts and
chemical Proceffes be shortened, and rendered more advantageous, by dropping an inter-
mediate Operation. And we cannot but wonder this Enquiry fhould have been fo remifsly
carried on in particular Arts, that feem more capable of being accelerated; eſpecially, as
Eftates might readily be raifed, by making Commodities foon fit for the market. The Bufi-
nefs of Acceleration is therefore a capital Enquiry in operative Philofophy; and deferves to be pro-
fecuted in all Arts and Sciences.
2
{
A I R.
33
•
In Taftes; the taking of a Potion, or Pills, caufes the Head and the Neck
to fhudder. In Smells; the like Effect follows, tho lefs perceived, becauſe
there is a Remedy at hand, by ſtopping the Nofe: but, in Horſes, that
can uſe no fuch help, the Smell of Carrion, efpecially that of a dead Horfe,
makes them fly away, and ſtart, as if they were mad. In Feeling; if a Perfon
comes out of the Sun, fuddenly into the Shade, there follows a Chilnefs, or
ſmall ſhivering over all the Body. And, even in the Sight, which has no odious
Object, coming into fudden Darkneſs induces a kind of Shuddering ".
AIR.
Air.
1. Great Diligence is required in the Choice of certain Bodies and Places, The Trials to
as it were, for tafting and trying of Air; to diſcover the wholeſomneſs or be made of
unwholefomnefs, both of the Seafons, and Seats for Habitation. There are
fome Houſes wherein Sweet-meats, and Pies, will grow mouldy fooner than
in others and a Piece of raw Fleſh or Fiſh, will fooner corrupt in fome
Airs than in others. They are noble Experiments that can affift in this
Diſcovery; as affording a Natural Divination of Seafons better than thoſe of
Aftronomers. And, again, they teach Men where to chufe their Dwelling,
for Health.
Water.
2. 'Tis reported, That if Earth be taken up, adjoining to the River Nile, Whether Air
and preferved from wet and wafte, it will not alter in weight till the 17th may turn to
Day of June; which is the Day the River begins to rife: but then grows
more and more ponderous, till the River comes to its height. This, if
true, muſt be caused by the Air; which then begins to condenſe; and fo
turns in the Mould to a degree of Moiſture, and produces weight. Tobacco
cut, weigh'd, and dried by the Fire, lofes weight; and being laid in the
open Air, recovers it again. And it fhould feem, that as foon as the River
begins to increafe, the whole Body of the Air adjacent fuffers a Change:
for, 'tis affirmed, that upon the very Day the River firft rifes, great Plagues
fuddenly break out in Cairo 4.
V o L. III.
F
3. Star-
b 'Tis worth obferving, how cloſely, and aphoriftically, the Author traces Nature; and fimply
endeavours to exprefs the naked Fact, or Phænomena; all along laying the Foundation for a
jult Interpretation. And let not the Ufe of the Word Spirit be here objected to, till a better
can be ſubſtituted; or till the Enquiry into the Affections be thoroughly purfued. See the
Author's Enquiry into Life and Death; and that about Rarity and Denfity, with regard to Ani-
mal Spirits. It might here be added, that fome particular Notes in Mufick, efpecially on the
Organ, caufe the Body to fhudder vifibly; and fometimes the Seats in the Churches to
tremble that martial Mufick makes fome turn pale, whilft it caufes the Heart and Pulfe to
beat ftronger, &c. But the Intention of our Notes is not to profecute the Author's Defign;
only to give Intimations for farther Enquiry.
:
It feems ftrange, that this Enquiry fhould not have been farther profecuted; efpecially,
confidering the Foundation laid for it in Mr. Boyle's Memoirs for a general Hiftory of the Air.
One Reaſon may be, the little Knowledge Men generally have of chemical Bodies : a proper
Set whereof might, perhaps, be contrived for difcovering the more confiderable Ingredients
of the Atmosphere, in particular Countries and Places, with the fame Certainty as we do thofe
of Mineral Waters.
d Mr. Boyle has feveral Confiderations upon this Head: but perhaps the Fact itself is not
fufficiently verified; and, till it be, it were improper to produce a number of fimilar Inftances:
which
I
34
A I R.
In what state
coldest.
3. Star-light, and bright moon-fhiny Nights, are colder than cloudy
Nights: the Cause may be the drynefs and thinnefs of the Air, which there-
by becomes more piercing and fharp. For large Continents are colder than
Inlands. And tho the Moon may incline the Air to Moiſture; yet when it
fhines bright, it argues the Air to be dry. Cloſe Air is alfo warmer than
open Air for the caufe of Cold, is, perhaps, an expiration from the Earth,
which in open places is ftronger; and Air, itſelf, if unaltered by that Ex-
piration, is not without fome fecret degree of Heat; as 'tis not without fome
fecret degree of Light otherwife Cats and Owls could not fee in the Night;
but the Air then hath a little Light, proportionable to the viſual Spirits and
Organs of thoſe Creatures e.
Whether Air
4. Onions will often fhoot as they hang in a Room; fo will Orfin, and
may be con-
denfed for
the greater House-leek, for two or three Years together; if the Root be
Nourishment. wrapt in a Cloth befmeared with Oil, once in half a Year: and the like is
reported of the Stalks of Lillies. Theſe Plants feem to have a ſtrong, denfe
and fucculent Moisture, not apt to exhale; and is thence capable of fup-
plying the Sprout from the old Store, without the help of the Earth: and
this fprouting is chiefly found in the late Spring, or early Summer; which
are the times of putting forth. We fee alfo, that Stumps of Trees, lying
out of the Ground, will fprout for a Seafon. But it is a noble Experiment,
and of great Confequence, to find whether thefe Bodies gain weight in
fprouting. For if not, then what they ſend out in the Sprout, they lofe in
fome other part; but if they increaſe in weight, then it fhews that the Air
may be fo condenfed, as to become a denfe Body: whereas the general Courfe
and Period of Things, here above the Earth's Surface, is to rarify, and
not condenſe. This wou'd alfo fhew, that the Air may nourish; which is
another matter of Confequence. Note, that to try this, the Experiment
of the Houſe-leek fhou'd be made without oiling the Cloth; otherwiſe the
Plant might receive Nouriſhment from the Oil &.
ALTER A-
which kind of Procedure is apt to make Facts pafs for Truths, without being carefully examined.
See Profper Alpinius, Johan. Varot, &c. and compare them with Mr. Boyle's Memoirs for a gene-
ral Hiftory of the Air.
What is the adequate Meaſure of Cold? The direct Senfes only determine of Cold and
Heat for themſelves. Is the Fact ftrictly and univerfally true; that bright Nights are colder
than Cloudy ones? There fometimes happen very fharp mifty Nights. Is the caufe of Cold
covered? What Judgment can ſafely be form'd of the modern Mechanical Doctrine of Cold
and Froft? With what degree of certainty is Rarefaction made the Meaſure of Heat? How
far can the Informations of the Thermometer be fafely trufted? Are Thermometers arrived
at their Perfection? How does the Moon incline the Air to Moifture? Has Air any Light from
within itſelf; not owing to the Sun and Stars? Thefe particulars fhould be farther enquired in-
See the Article COOLNESS, in this Piece: See alfo the Hiftory of Winds, and Mr. Boyle's
Experimental History of Cold.
10.
A compariſon of this with Mr. Hales's Vegetable Staticks, may give us fome Notion of the
Author's Sagacity, and Forefight into the Iffues and Confequences of Experiments unmade in
his own Time.
This is a capital Enquiry, and has been profecuted by Mr. Boyle, and many of the Members
of the Royal Society, the French Academy, and more particularly of late by Mr. Hales; fo far
as to fhew that Air may be fixed, and condensed into a folid nutrimental Subftance. And may
not then this Discovery admit of fome very ufeful Applications, and farther Improvements?
ANIMA L S.
35
ALTERATION S.
1. There are many great Alterations of Bodies, befides thofe that tend to Great Altera-
Concoction and Maturation: for whatever fo alters a Body, that it returns no tions of Bo-
dies, what,
more to what it was, may be call'd a great Alteration; as when Meat is
boil'd, roafted, fry'd; Bread baked; Cheef made; Charcoal prepared, &c.
But to apply Philofophical Notions to vulgar Terms; or to fay, where theſe
Notions cannot be aptly reconcil'd, that there wants a Term for it, is but the
Shift of Ignorance: for Knowledge will always remain a wandring and indi-
gefted Thing, if it be no more than a mixture of a few obvious Notions,
and not built upon a fufficient number of Inftances, well compared toge-
ther.
2. The Conſiſtences of Bodies are very various; denfe, rare; tangible,
pneumatical; volatile, fix'd; determinate, indeterminate; hard foft;
cleaving, not cleaving; congealable, uncongealable; liquefiable, not li-
quefiable; fragile, tough;
fragile, tough; flexible, inflexible; tractile, intractile; po-
rous, folid; equal and ſmooth; unequal, veiny and fibrous; with a grain;
entire, &c. to refer all which to Heat, Cold, Moiſture, and Drought, is
a fruitless Speculation.
ANIMAL S.
mals.
1. The difference between Male and Female, in fome Creatures, is not The difference
to be ſeen but in the parts of Generation: as in Horfes, Dogs, Doves, &c. in Male and
But fome Species of Creatures differ in Magnitude, and that varioufly; in Female Ani-
moſt the Male is the greater; as in Man, Pheaſants, Peacocks, Turkeys,
&c. but in fome few, as Hawks, &c. the Female is the largeſt. Some differ
in the Hair and Feathers, as to Quantity, Curl and Colour; thus He-Lions
are Shaggy, and have large Mains; but the She-Lions are fmooth like Cats.
Bulls are crifper upon the Forehead than Cows. The Peacock, Pheaſant-cock,
and Goldfinch-cock, have fine Colours; but the Hens not: and generally
the Cock-birds have the fairest Feathers. Some differ in particular Parts;
as Bucks have Horns, Does none; Rams have Horns more wreath'd than
Ewes; Cocks have large Combs and Spurs, Hens little or none; Boars
have great Fangs; Sows much lefs; the Turkey-cock hath large fwelling
Gills, the Hen hath lefs; Men have generally deeper and ftronger Voices
than
F 2
h Are not thefe great Alterations of Bodies a kind of Tranfmutations? They have this
Characteriſtick of Tranfmutations, that they are inconvertible, by any Art hitherto known,
into the fame Bodies again. To fpeak the Truth; Men appear to have perplexed themſelves
about the Terms Alterations and Tranfmutations; and imagined I know not what Mysteries,
and Impoffibilities in them: whereas in the Judgment of the Senfes, and even of an exact
and thorough Scrutiny, many natural and artificial Operations are Tranfmutations; whatever
difficulty there may be in conceiving the Modus of the Thing. And if this imaginary Diffi-
culty were once got over, I am perfuaded many confiderable Difcoveries of Changes and Al-
terations in Bodies would be made publick; which are now concealed for fear of popular Odi-
um, and Cenfure. See the Articles, CONCOCTION, GOLD, and TRANSMUTATION.
See this profecuted in the Novum Organum; paffim.
36
ANIMAL S.
Its Caufe.
Creatures.
than Women. Some differ in Faculty; as the Cocks among Singing-Birds
are the best Singers.
2. The chief Cauſe of all this, fhou'd ſeem that the Males have more
Heat and Strength than the Females; as appears from hence, that all young
Male-creatures are like Females: and fo are Eunuchs, and caftrated Creatures
of all kinds. Now Heat generally caufes largenefs of Growth, where
there is Moiſture enough to work upon: but if any Creature has too much.
Heat in proportion to its Moiſture, there the Female is the larger; as in
Hawks and Sparrows. And if the Heat be ballanced with the Moisture,
there is little difference to be feen between Male and Female; as in Horfes
and Dogs. We fee alfo, that the Horns of Oxen and Cows are ufually lon-
ger than of Bulls; which is cauſed by an abundance of Moifture, in the
former, and wanting in the Horns of the Bull. Again, Heat caufeth Pilo-
fity and Crifpation; and fo likewife, Beards in Men. It alfo expels the
finer Moiſture; which want of Heat cannot do; and hence the Beauty and
Variety of Feathers in the Male Birds. Heat alfo caufes many Excrefcences,
and much folid matter; which want of Heat cannot do: and this is the
cauſe of Horns, and their largenefs; as likewife of the Combs and Spurs
of Cocks, Gills of Turkey-Cocks, and Fangs of Boars. Again, Heat ra-
rifies and dilates the Pipes and Organs of the Body, whence the deepneſs of
the Voice in Men. And thus Heat may refine the Spirits, and cauſe the
Cock-finging-Bird to excel the Hen *.
Of the compa- 3. There are Fishes larger than any Beasts; as the Whale is much larger
rative magni- than the Elephant and Beafts are generally larger than Birds. Fishes living
tude of living not in the Air, have not their Moiſture drawn and drained by the Sun: be-
fides, they in a manner reft continually, and are fupported by the Water;
whereas Beafts confume with Motion and Labour. Beafts are larger than
Birds; perhaps becauſe they continue longer in the Womb than Birds, and
there nourish and grow; whereas Birds, after the Egg is laid, receive no
further Growth or Nouriſhment from the Female: for the fitting does but
vivify, not nouriſh.
ANNIHI-
*The Reader will all along obferve, that the Author only makes Attempts for difco-
vering the Caufes of Things; and does not pretend to have found them. The Discovery of
Caufes is a particular Work; that was to be profecuted by numerous, exact, and rigorous
Enquiries, in the fourth Part of the INSTAURATION, according to the inductive Method laid
down in the Novum Organum. The prefent Collection therefore of Differences betwixt Male
and Female Creatures, is to be farther enlarged, examined, and proved; whether they pro-
ceed from Heat, or a certain original fubtile difference in the Conformation of the Parts; or
both, or any other auxiliary and concurrent Cauſes. See Memoires de l'Academie Royale pour
fervir a l' Hiftoire des Animaux.
true.
Thefe fhou'd be conftrued noble Attempts towards laying a Foundation for the physical
Reasons of Things; tho, upon fuller Information, they were to be found erroneous, or not ftrictly
If the Reader has diligently peruſed the de Augmentis Scientiarum, & Novum Organum,
he will have no farther occafion to be told how the Sylva Sylvarum is to be understood; the
purpoſes it was intended to anfwer; the ufes to be made of it; and the many improve
ments it muft neceffarily require.
ATTRACTION.
37
ANNIHILATIO N.
hilation.
'Tis certain, that Matter cannot be annihilated: for as it was the The impoffibi
Work of Omnipotence to make fomewhat out of nothing; fo it re-lity of Anni-
quires the like Omnipotency to turn fomewhat into nothing. It was
therefore well faid by an obfcure Chemift; that there is no furer way of
working Strange Tranfmutations in Bodies, than by ftrenuously endeavouring to
reduce Bodies to nothing. And herein is contained a great Secret, as to the Pre-
fervation of Bodies; for if we can keep them from turning into Air, by ex-
cluding the Air from them; from going into the Bodies adjacent, by chu-
fing thoſe utterly heterogeneal; and laftly from having any Circulation with-
in themſelves; they can never change; tho in their Nature ever fo pe-
riſhable. We fee, how Flies, Spiders, &c. acquire a Sepulchre in Amber,
more durable than the Monuments and Embalmings of Kings. And Í
ſuſpect the like of certain Bodies put into Quick-filver. But then they muſt
be thin; as a Leaf, a piece of Paper or Parchment: for if they have a
greater Thickneſs, they will alter within themſelves, tho they wafte not.
See the Article PRESERVATION.
ATTRACTION.
I
Wood.
1. The Turkish Bow fhoots fo forcibly, that an Arrow from it has pierced a Attraction by
Steel Target, or piece of Braſs, two Inches thick but what is more ftrange, fimilitude of
the Arrow, tho headed with Wood, hath gone thro' a piece of Wood, Substance. in
eight Inches thick. And 'tis certain we formerly uſed in Sea-fight, certain
fhort Arrows, which they call'd Sprights, without any other Head, than
Wood, fharpened; and thefe difcharged out of Mufkets, would go thro'
the fides of Ships, where a Bullet would not enter. This depends upon one of
the greatest Secrets in Nature; viz. that SIMILITUDE OF SUBSTANCE WILL
CAUSE ATTRACTION, where the Body is wholly freed from the Motion of Gra-
vity for if that were away, Lead wou'd attract Lead, and Gold attract
Gold, and Iron attract Iron, without the help of the Loadſtone. But this
fame Motion of Gravity, being a mere Motion of the Matter, and having no
affinity with the Form, or Kind, deftroys the other Motion; except itſelf be
deſtroy'd by a violent Motion, as in theſe Inftances of Arrows; for then
the Motion of Attraction by Similitude of Subftance begins to fhew itſelf n
2. 'Tis
m There is fomewhat of Moment couched in this Paragraph; efpecially with regard to the
Nature of Corruption, or Putrefaction. Nor is the Subject, tho it has paffed thro' many
Hands, well profecuted. To acquire a Command over Putrefaction, in natural Bodies, wou'd
be acquiring a capital Command: and yet the Foundation of the Enquiry is laid here,
Is the Fact here delivered, well verified, and abfolutely afcertained? It is a thing of that
importance to Phyficks, as to require the strictest Examination: and perhaps the whole of
Chemistry depends upon this Doctrine of Similitude; where Simile Simili gaudet may paſs for
an Axiom, deduced from numerous Experiments; and fo well verified, as poffibly to deferve
a place in the Philofophia Secunda, or fixth Part of the Author's INSTAURATION. Sir Ifaac New
son's whole System of Phyficks refts upon the Principle of Attraction. See the Note upon the
Article GLASS.
38
BATHING.
In Salt-Water.
Attraction in
Sugar and
Wine.
The Ufe of
Bathing and
Anointing.
2. 'Tis faid, That falt Water will diffolve Salt fooner than fresh. The
Caufe may be; that the Salt in the Water, by Similitude of Subftance at-
tracts the Salt new put in; whereby it diffufes in the Liquor more ſpeedily.
This is a noble Experiment, if true; for it fhews a Means of making more.
quick and eafy Infufions: and is likewife, a good Inftance of Attraction, by
Similitude of Substance. Try it with Sugar put into Water formerly fugared,
and in other Water unfugared°.
૧
3. Put a Lump of Sugar to Wine, part above, and part under the Surface;
and the Sugar above the Wine will foften and diffolve fooner than that with-
in it: the Wine entering the under part of the Sugar, by fimple Infufion,
or fpreading; whilft the upper part is likewife affected by Suction . For all
fpongy Bodies expel Air, and attract Liquor, if it be contiguous: as we ſee
in a Sponge, with one part dipt in Water. 'Tis worth enquiring, how to
make more accurate Infufions by help of Attraction ". See the Articles
ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM, and SYMPATHY.
'T
B.
BATHING.
IS ſtrange that the Ufe of Bathing is dropt: with the Romans and
the Grecians it was as ufual as eating or fleeping; fo 'tis among the
Turks at this day; whilft, with us, it remains but as a part of Medicine. I
guefs, the Ufe of it among the Romans was found hurtful; as, making the
Body foft, and eaſy to wafte. For the Turks 'tis more proper, becauſe their
drinking Water, and feeding upon Rice, and other Food of little Nouriſh-
ment,
• Tho an Experiment may be ever fo eafily made, yet, thro' a ftrange Indolence, the Ge-
nerality had rather believe or disbelieve it, upon hearing, than rife and try it. And till this in-
dolent Temper be conquered, no wonder if Experimental Philofophy languiſh; and our
common Diſcourſes, and Books, continue full of nauseous Repetitions of Facts, handed down
from Age to Age unverified. Let this Experiment therefore be tried with care, by adding only
a fmall Proportion of Salt or Sugar to the Water at firft; for every one knows, that when a
Liquor is fully faturated with a Subſtance; it will diffolve no more of that Subftance, tho it may
of another. There are fome Experiments to this purpoſe in the Philofophical Tranfactions and
French Memoirs.
P This Experiment is easily tried.
9 What was formerly attributed to Suction, is now, in great meaſure, found owing to
Impulſe, or the Preffure of the Air and for that kind of Suction which happens in flender
Glafs Tubes plunged in Water, as well in Vacuo as in the open Air, 'tis now called by the Name
of Attraction; with little difference as to the Phenomenon, or its Cauſe.
Thus
What does the Author mean by making more accurate Infuſions by the help of Attraction?
Perhaps he had a View to that Way which the Chemifts call per Deliquium; where a Salt, or
other Body, attracts the Moiſture of the Air, and runs into a Liquor with it. And this, in
many cafes, is a better Method than that by diffolving the Body in common Water.
Sugar, Salt of Tartar, &c. will relent and run by the moiſture of the Air, or by being fufpen-
ded over Water, &c. by which they imbibe the lighter and more fubtile Particles of the Fluid:
and if the brisk and fprightly Mineral Waters contain any material, liquid Spirit; whereto
their Virtue is owing; were not this a proper Expedient or Encheirefis for catching and de-
taining it, in a neutral Subftance, as it naturally flies off at the Spring-head, or from the
containing Veffel?
BLACK-M o o R s.
39
ment, makes their Bodies fo folid and hard, that Bathing cannot well foften
them too much. Befides, the Turks are great Sitters, and feldom walk;
whence they ſweat lefs, and need bathing more: yet, Bathing, and efpecial-
ly Anointing, may be fo ufed as greatly to promote Health, and long Life 2.
See the Article SWEAT.
BIRTH.
Births.
The Births of living Creatures may be accelerated in two refpects: the The Means of
one, if the Embryo ripen and come to perfection fooner; the other, if accelerating
there be fome CAUSES of Expulfion from the Mother's Body: the former is
good, and argues Strength; but the latter bad, and proceeds by Accident,
or Diſorder. Whence the antient Obſervation is true, that a Child born in
the Seventh Month commonly does well, but born in the eighth Month generally
dies. For where there is fo great an Anticipation of the ordinary Time, this
feems owing to the ftrength of the Child; but when the Anticipation is leſs,
to fome Indifpofition of the Mother ».
BLACK-MOORS.
Tawny
Moors.
The heat of the Sun may make Men black in fome Countries; as in The Colour of
Æthiopia, Guinea, &c. Fire has not the fame Effect; as we ſee in Glass- Black and
Men, who are continually about the Fire. Perhaps, Fire licks up and ex-
hales the Spirits and Blood of the Body; whence it always makes Men look
pale and fallow; whilft the Sun, which is a gentle Heat, only draws the
Blood to the outward Parts; and rather concocts than drinks it up: whence
all Ethiops are fleshy, plump, and large lipped: which fhews Moiſture
retained, and not exhaled. We fee alfo, that the Negroes are bred in
Countries abounding with Water, by means of Rivers, or otherwife for
Meroe, the Metropolis of Ethiopia, ſtood upon a great Lake; and Congo,
where the Negroes are, is full of Rivers; the Confines of the River Niger,
where Negroes alfo abound, are well watered; and the Region of Cape
Verde is peftilent, thro' Moiſture: but the Countries of the Abyſſenes, Bar-
bary, and Peru, where the Natives are tawny, olive-coloured, and pale,
prove generally more fandy and dry. And the Ethiopians, perhaps, are
fanguine and ruddy, if their black Skins would fuffer it to be feen.
BLOOD.
a Some Attempts have of late been made to revive the ancient Practice of Bathing, tho
rather the cold than the warm and temperate kind. See Sir John Floyer, and Dr. Baynard on
the Subject. There can be little question made of the Uſefulneſs of both kinds, when proper-
ly employ'd but the Rules for applying them are not well deduced, and established.
Dr. Hoffman has fet an Example for regulating the ufe of warm Bathing: fee his Pieces upon
Mineral Waters. But for the Subject of Anointing, it feems in a manner neglected; tho ca-
pable of great Improvement: as may, in fome meaſure, appear by the Author's Hiflory of
Life and Death.
b This Paragraph may ferve to direct the Enquiry into the proper Methods of haftening
Delivery.
This fhort Collection of Obfervations contains the Foundations of a noble Enquiry; the
Cauſe of Blacknefs in the Moors and leads directly up to the Diſcovery, that this Blackness
is feated in the Reticulum Mucofum. See Malpighi, Ruyfh, and the modern Anatomifts.
40
BONES and TEETH.
The Blood of
black.
BLOOD.
'Tis ftrange, that the Blood of all Birds, Beafts, and Fifhes, fhould be of
the Custle-Fish a red Colour; and only the Blood of the Cuttle black, as Ink. One would
think, this proceeded from the high Concoction of the Blood; for, we ſee, in
the common Black-puddings, that boiling turns the Blood of them black:
and the Cuttle-Fish is accounted fine eating.
BONES and TEETH.
Memoirs for 1. To reſtore the Teeth in old Age were a capital Work. There are
the Enquiry of five kinds of hard Subftances in animal Bodies; viz. (1.) Skull, (2.) Teeth,
restoring Teeth
in old Age.
(3.) Bones, (4.) Horns, and, (5.) Nails. The greateſt Quantity of
hard Subſtance, is feated towards the Head; for there are the Skull, the
Teeth, the maxillary Bones, the Offa Petrofa, and the Horns; fo that the
Structure of animal Bodies, is like that of a Houfe; where the Walls, and
other parts, have their Columns and Rafters; but the Roof is of Tile,
Obfervations. Lead, or Stone. Birds have three other hard Subftances; viz. (1.) the Bill,
(1.) of like matter with the Teeth, for no Birds have Teeth. (2.) The Shell of
That bony
Matter is plen- the Egg. And, (3.) Quills: their Spurs being but as a Nail. No living
tifully supplied Creatures that have hard Shells; as Oifters, Cockles, Mufcles, the Tor-
to the Head. toife, &c. have Bones within them, only fmall Griftles .
(2.) 2. Bones, after full Growth, continue at a ſtay; ſo does the Skull: but
That Bones, at Horns, in fome Creatures, are caft and renewed. The Teeth ftand at a
their Growth,
do not waste. ſtay, except their wearing: Nails grow continually; and Bills and Beaks will
overgrow, and fometimes be caft; as in Eagles and Par rots.
(3-)
That bony
3. Moft hard Subftances go to the Extremities of the Body; as the Skull,
Horns, Teeth, Nails, and Beaks: only the Bones are more inward, and
Matter natu- clad with Fleſh. The Entrails are all without Bones, except that a Bone is
rally goes to
the Extremi fometimes found in the Heart of a Stag; and, perhaps, fome other
ties.
(4.)
Creatures f
4. The Skull contains the Brain, as a kind of Marrow. The Back-bone
The Contents holds a kind of Marrow, having an Affinity with the Brain; and the other
of the Bones. Bones hold another kind. The Jaw-bones have no Marrow feparated, but a
little pulpy Matter diffuſed in them. The Teeth, likewife, are faid to have
a kind of diffufed Marrow, which caufes the Senfe and Pain of the Part; but
'tis rather a Nerve: for Marrow has no more Senfe than Blood &. Horn is
alike throughout, and fo are the Nails.
(5.)
5. None of the hard Subftances have Senfe" but the Teeth; and thefe have
The Teeth have Senfe not only of Pain but of Cold. The Teeth, in Men, are of three
Senfation.
kinds ;
Is the black Juice of the Cuttle-Fish, the proper Blood of the Creature? Confult the
Naturalifts.
• We have here a little Model of a Natural Enquiry, conducted in the regular Way, fo as
to exhibit a ſhort View, and Example, of the inductive Method laid down in the Novum Organum.
f Confult the Naturalifts; or, rather, Nature herſelf.
eh 'Tis eſteemed a modern Diſcovery, that the Marrow and Bones have no Senſation.
2
i Viz. By means of the Nerves that line their Cavities.
BONES and TE ET H.
TEETH.
41
Some Creatures
have out-grow-
kinds; viz. (1.) Sharp, as the Fore-teeth; (2.) Broad, as the Back-teeth; (6.)
which we call Ginders; and, (3.) Pointed, or canine; which are between The Teeth in
Men of three
both. But ſome have had their Teeth undivided; and confifting of one whole kinds.
Bone, with a little Mark in the place of the Diviſion; as Pyrrhus had.
6. Some Creatures have over-long, out-growing Teeth, call'd Fangs, (7.)
or Tufks; as Boars, Pikes, Salmons, and Dogs. Some Creatures have
Teeth againſt Teeth; as Men, and Horfes and fome have Teeth, eſpecially ing Teeth.
their Maſter-teeth, indented one within another, like Saws; as Lions, and
Dogs. Some Fishes have divers Rows of Teeth in the Roofs of their
Mouths; as Pikes, Salmons, Trouts, &c. and many more in falt Waters.
Vipers, and other Serpents, have venomous Teeth; which are fometimes
miſtaken for their Sting *.
No horned
Beast has upper,
7. No horned Beaſt has upper Teeth'; and no Beaſt that has Teeth above (8.)
wants them below: but tho the hard Matter be of the fame kind, it is no
confequence, that becauſe this bony Matter does not go into upper Teeth Fore-teeth.
it mult needs go into Horns; nor, vice versa: for Does, that want Horns,
have no upper Teethm.
J
(9.)
The Mark in
Horfes Teeth.
8. Horſes, at three Years old, have a Tooth, which they call the Coll's
Tooth; and, at four Years old, there comes the Mark Tooth; which has a
Hole big enough to receive a Pea: and this Tooth wears shorter and
ſhorter every Year; till, at eight Years old, the Tooth is fmooth, and the
Hole worn out; and then, they fay, the Mark is out of the Hore's Mouth ». (10.)
9. The Teeth, in Man, firft breed at a year and half from th Birth and new
The Shedding
they are afterwards caft, and new ones come about feven: but many have growing of the
Hind-teeth grow at twenty, and fome at thirty or forty Years old. Quare, Teeth.
the manner of their coming. They fay of the old Countess of Desmond,
who lived to ſeven Score, that the bred her Teeth twice or thrice; cafting
her old ones, and others coming in their place.
ª
:
(11.)
10. The Teeth are much damaged by Sweet meats ; painting with Mer- How the Teeth
cury by things over-hot, or over cold; and by Rheums.
And the are damaged.
Tooth-ach is one of the fharpeſt of Pains.
11. The following Particulars fhould be confidered; viz. (1.) The (12.)
Means of preferving the Teeth. (2.) The Ways of keeping of them White. Particular En-
VOL. III.
G
(3.) The
It has been difcovered, that the Teeth in Vipers, is not the feat of the Venom; but a
particular Bag, that lies underneath the Tooth, in the Gum. See Dr. Mead's Effays on Poifons.
1 This muft, I fuppofe, be meant of Fore-teeth only; for, even Calves, have upper
Hind-teeth.
m Viz. Fore-teeth.
» See Mr. Chambers's Dictionary, under the Article Horſe.
• Do Children always caft their Teeth? and, do the Teeth often grow even and regular,
after once hedding?
P It feems to be ufually attended with fome degree of Pain, Swelling, and Inflammation of
the Gum: whilft the Tooth, being large and broad, makes its way flowly; fo as to be ſe-
veral Months, or perhaps Years, in cutting, and coming to a level with thofe in the fame
Jaw.
4 This is denied by fome with regard to Sugar; tho they allow it true of unwashed Raifins.
Sugar is extremely penetrating in fome cafes; but how stands the Fact, in refpect of the
Teeth?
quiries about
the Teeth.
42
BUBBLE S.
t
(3.) The Ways of drawing of them with leaſt Pain. (4.) The Cure of the
Tooth-ach. (5.) The Ways of fixing in artificial Teeth. (6.) And laſtly,
The Ways of reſtoring Teeth in Old Age.
(13.)
12. The Inftances that render the laſt Attempt probable, are, (1.) The
That the Teeth late coming of the Teeth in fome Perfons: (2.) The renewal of the
may poffibly be Beaks in Birds, and Horns in Beafts. Let trial therefore be made, whe-
reftored in old
ther Horns may be procured in Beafts that are not borned; and bow * ?
Age.
And whether the Head of a Deer, that by Age is more Spitted, may be
brought again to be more branched. For theſe Experiments, and the
like, will fhew, whether the Growth of fuch hard Matter can be pro-
voked by Art? It ſhould alſo be tried, whether Birds might not be
made to have greater or longer Bills, or greater and longer Talons; by do-
ing fomething to them when young? And, whether Children may not have
fome Waſh, or the like, to make their. Teeth grow better and ſtronger?
Coral is ufed as a help to the Teeth of Children'.
・of the Spheri-
city of Li-
quors.
BUBBLES.
of Bubbles,
Bubbles are Air within, and a fine Skin of Water without: where it feems
and the Cauſe fomewhat ftrange, that the Air ſhould rife fo fwiftly, while it is in the body
of the Water; and when it comes to the top, be ftaid by fo weak a Cover.
But the ſwift afcent of the Air, while under Water, is owing to a Motion of
Percuffion from the Water; whilſt itſelf defcending, drives up the Air;
and not to a Motion of Levity in the Air. In this common Experiment of
producing Bubbles in Water; the Sphericity and Encloſure of the Bubble
proceeds from the Appetite of refifting Separation, which Fluids have; tho in
a lefs degree than Solids. This is alfo manifeft in the little Looking-glaffes,
which Children make with Ruſhes and Spittle; and in the Caſtles of Bubbles,
which they make by blowing into foapy Water'. We fee it alſo in the
Drippings of Spouts; which, if there be Water enough to follow, will
draw themſelves into a ſmall thread, rather than difcontinue; but if there be
no other way left, they caft themſelves into Rounds; which is the Figure that
faves the Body moſt from Diſcontinuance: Whence alfo proceeds the Round-
nefs of Bubbles, as well with regard to the Skin of Water, as the Air with-
in; fince the Air likewiſe, to avoid Diſcontinuance, throws itſelf into a round
Figure.
In order to this, let a previous Enquiry be made into the Nature of that the Chirurgeons
call a Callus; which feems to proceed from a fluid Subſtance, ouzing thro' the Pores of a
Bone, and concreting extremely hard upon the broken Part; fo as to become a Cement, and
add to the bony Matter, whereof the Part before confifted. This might eaſily be transferred,
and practiſed upon the Skulls of hornlefs Animals; to try, if an artificial kind of Horns could
not be thus procured. But I am fenfible the propofing of fuch Experiments looks ridiculous
to many; who, however, are willing to admit them, when fully verified.
This Enquiry has, by no means, been duly profecured. Phyficians and Chirurgeons feem
to think it below their notice; and moft Philofophers are otherwife engaged. Tho, perhaps,
they might deferve as well of Mankind, by difcovering particular Methods of making Life
more eafy, as by ranging the wider Fields of Science,
The Author has feveral times apologized for, and fhewn the Neceffity of, obfer.
ving the meanest and commoneft Experiments, in order to a Hiftory of Nature and
Art.
BURIAL S.
43
1
Figure. And, for the fmall Stop of the Air, before the Bubble burſts; it
fhews, that Air, of itſelf, has no great Appetite of aſcending ".
BURIAL S.
dies in Earth.
1. Burials in Earth, ferve for the Prefervation, Condenſation, and Indura- Of burying Bo
tion of Bodies. If Condenſation, or Induration, be intended; the Bodies may
be buried ſo as for the Earth to touch them; as in making artificial Porcel-
lane, &c. And the like may be done for Conſervation, if the Bodies are
hard and folid; as Clay, Wood, &c. But if the Defign be the Preferva-
tion of ſoft and tender Bodies; we muſt either put them in Caſes, ſo that
they may not touch the Earth, or elſe vault the Earth, ſo that it may hang
over them; for if the Earth touch them, it will do more hurt by its pu-
trefying Moiſture, than good by its virtual Cold; unleſs the Earth be very
dry and fandy.
2. An Orange, a Lemmon, and an Apple, wrapt in a Linen Cloth, being Experiments
buried for a Fortnight, four Foot deep in the Earth of a moift Place, and on Fruit, by
in a rainy Seaſon, came out no ways mouldy or rotten; but a little harder burying
than they were, and otherwiſe freſh in their Colour; tho their Juice was
fomewhat flatted. But, by being buried for a Fortnight longer, they be-
came putrefied.
3. A Bottle of Beer, and another of Wine, buried in like manner, be- On Liquors.
came more lively, better tafted, and clearer. A Bottle of Vinegar, fo bu-
ried, came out more lively, more odoriferous, and ſmelling almoft like a
Violet. And, after a Month, all the three came out as freſh and lively, if
not better than at firft.
4. It might be a profitable Experiment, to preferve Oranges, Lemmons, Requifites to
and Pomegranates, till Summer; for their Price would then be greater. the making
This might be done by putting them in a Pot, or Veffel, well covered, that Experiments
by Cold
the moiſture of the Earth come not at them: or elſe by putting them in a
Confervatory of Snow. And, in general, whoever would make Experi-
ments with Cold, fhould be provided of a Confervatory of Snow; a large Vault,
at leaſt twenty Foot under Ground; and a deep Well x
5. There is a Tradition, that Pearls, Corals, and Turcois-ftones, which have Experiments
loft their Colour, may have it recovered, by burying them in the Earth; of burying pre
which is a thing of great Profit, if true: but upon trial of fix Weeks, there
followed no Effect. It were proper to try it in a deep Well, or in a Con- Luftre.
G 2
ſervatory
"This Subject has been re-confidered by Mr. Boyle, Sir Ifaac Newton, and many more; tho,
perhaps, without being carried much farther than it is here by the Author.
Do they actually bury their Earth in China, for making their Porcellane ? or, Is there any
Neceffity for burying it? Would not the bare Trituration, and Washing of a proper terreſtrial
Matter fuffice?
w But the Fruit must not be fuffered to freeze for that would ſpoil them, without a parti
cular Remedy; as by thawing them in cold Water.
* See the Author's New Atlantis, and Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold.
y It is a ferviceable and juft Obfervation, that Experiments which fail of the End propofed
in making them, are no leſs inftructive than thoſe that ſucceed.
cious Stones, te
recover their
44
CATERPILLAR S.
fervatory of Snow, where the Cold may be more conftringent; fo as to
make the Bodies more compact, and refplendent z.
C.
Whence Can-
tharides be-
C
CANTHARIDE S.
Antharides are bred from a Worm, or Caterpillar, peculiar to certain
Fruit-trees; as the Fig, the Pine, and the wild Briar; which bear ſweet
come corrofive. Fruit, having a kind of fecret Pungency, or biting Sharpneſs: for the Fig-
tree abounds with a ſweet and corrofive Milk; the Pine-apple has a Kernel
that is pungent and abfterfive; and the Fruit of the Briar being eaten, is faid
to make Children fcabby a. No wonder, therefore, if Cantharides have a
corrofive Quality; for all other Infects are bred from a duller Matter. The
Body of the Cantharis is bright coloured; and, perhaps, the delicate coloured
Dragon-fly may have fome corrofive Quality ь.
CATERPILLAR S.
The breeding
Caterpillars are one of the commoneft Worms, that feed on Dew and
of Caterpillars. Leaves we fee infinite Numbers of them bred and nouriſhed upon Trees
and Hedges; whereby the Leaves, are in great meafure, confumed. They
breed chiefly in the Spring; becauſe then there is both Dew and Leaf: and
commonly when the Eaft-winds have blown much; on account of the Dry-
nefs of that Wind. For to all Vivification upon Putrefaction, 'tis requifite the
Matter be not too moift: and therefore they have Cobwebs about them;
which is a Sign of a flimy Dryness. Green Caterpillars breed in the in-
ward Parts of unblown Rofes, where the Dew fticks but the largeft Cater-
pillars, and the greateſt Numbers, breed upon Cabbages; which have a
fat Leaf, that is apt to putrefy. The Caterpillar, towards the end of Sum-
mer, turns to a Butterfly; or, perhaps, fome other Fly. There is a Cater-
pillar that has a Fur or Down upon it, and ſeems to reſemble the Silk-
worm c. See the Articles GENERATION and INSECTS.
CA
!
z This Enquiry of Burials feems to have been much neglected; particularly deep Burials,
which might be properly recommended to Miners; and profecuted in Fermentations, Putre-
factions, Digeftions, and certain other chemical Operations. The Advantages of Vaults, in
comparison of Cellars, are reckoned very confiderable, with regard to fermented Liquors :
What therefore would be the Confequence of having deeper Vaults? The Air of different
Places on the Surface of the Earth, produces different Effects in certain Cafes; as in Brewing,
Dying, &c. How, therefore, would the fame Operations be affected, or altered, in different
Mines, abounding with different Effluvia, befides Air of different Denfities?
a The Fact is, perhaps, not verified. And allowing that Scabbinefs enfued upon eating of Black-
berries; let it be enquired, whether this proceed from eating the Fruit? or, from the little Infects
that uſualy fwarm upon the Berries and may poſſibly ſtick to the Skin of fuch as handle them.
b How far the Food of a Creature may remain unaltered, or pafs unchanged into the Body
of the Creature, is not hitherto afcertained. The Enquiry is noble, and uſeful: but who-
ever would fucceed in it, muft, perhaps, have more than a bare mathematical and mechanical
Knowledge; at least, he fhould alfo take into confideration, the Doctrine of Menftruums, or
Solvents for Liquors, capable of diffolving and tranfmuting fome things more than
others, appear to abound in all animal Bodies.
• The Natural History of the Caterpillar, may have been well profecuted, as to the Changes
and different Phænomena of the Creature from the Egg, or Aurelia to its perfect State : but
å
1
its
CAT HAR TICK S.
45
CATHARTICKS.
(1.)
Nature and
1. The Operation of Purgatives, and the Caufes thereof, have been thought The Founda-
a great Secret; and, according to the flothful manner of Men, referr'd to tion of the En-
a hidden Property, a fpecifick Virtue, and the like Shifts of Ignorance. quiry into the
The Caufes of purging are feveral; all plain, and well fupported by Ex- Operation of
perience. The first is, that whatever cannot be overcome and digefted, Purgatives.
the Stomach either throws up by Vomit, or tranfmits to the Inteftines; and
by this Motion of Expulfion in the Stomach and Guts, other parts of the The first Cauſe
Body are moved to expel by confent; for nothing is more frequent than of purging In-
digeftibility.
Motion of Confent in the human Body. This Surcharge of the Stomach is
caufed, either by the Quality of the Medicine; or by its Quantity. The Qua-
lities are three; viz. (1.) Extreme Bitterness; as in Aloes, Coloquintida, &c.
(2.) Loathfomness, and a horrible Tafte; as in Agaric, black Hellebore, &c.
And, (3.) A fecret Malignity, that often does not appear much in Tafte;
as in Scammony, Mechoacan, Antimony, &c. And obferve, if any
purging Medicine hath neither of the two firſt manifeft Qualities, it is to be
ſuſpected a kind of Poiſon; as working either by Corroſion, or by a ſecret
Malignity, and Enmity to Nature: whence fuch Medicines are warily to be
prepared, and preſcribed. The Quantity of what is taken down, alſo cauſes
Purging; as a great Quantity of new Milk from the Cow; and a great Quan-
tity of Meat: for Surfeits often turn to Purgings, both upwards and down-
wards. Hence Purges generally operate two or three Hours after they are
in the Stomach; which firft makes trial, whether it can concoct them.
And the like happens after Surfeits; or Milk taken in too great plenty.
(2.)
2. A fecond Caufe is Vellication of the Orifices of the Parts, eſpecially of Vellication.
the Meſenteriac Veins. Thus Salt, or any fuch`thing, that is fharp and
biting, applied to the Anus, provokes the Part to expel; as the Smell of
Muſtard provokes Sneezing; and any ſharp thing to the Eyes, provokes
Tears. So that all Catharticks have a kind of twitching and biting; befides
the griping which proceeds from Wind. And if this Vellication be in a
violent degree, it proves little other than Corrosion, or Poifon; as fome-
times happens in Antimony; eſpecially if it be given to Bodies not replete
with Humours: for, where Humours abound, thefe guard and defend
the Parts.
(3.)
3. The third Caufe is Attraction: for purging Medicines have a direct Force Attraction.
of Attraction, like drawing Plaifters in Chirurgery. And Betony, fternuta-
tory Powders, and the like, put up the Nofe, draw Phlegm and Water
from the Head and fo Apophlegmatifms, and Gargarifms, draw the Rheum
down by the Palate. And by this Virtue, fome Purgatives may attract one
Humour,
:
its philofophical Hiſtory, with regard to the Interpretation of Nature, and human Ufes has not,
perhaps, been greatly regarded. There are, however, fome curious Papers relating to this
Subject, in the Philofophical Tranſactions and French Memoirs. See alfo Rhedi of the Gene-
ration of Infects.
21
And we might add, rather verified, than contradicted, by later Obſervation.
For the Differences of Motions, See the Novym Organum, Part II. Sect. 11.
46
CATHARTIC S.
(4.)
Humour, and fome another, according to the received Opinion; as Rhubarb
purges Choler; Sena, Melancholy; Agaric, Phlegm, &c. yet more or
lefs, they draw promifcuouſly. Note alfo, that beſides a Sympathy between
the Purgative and the Humour, fome Medicines may draw one Humour
more than another; becauſe ſome Medicines work quicker than others:
thoſe that draw quick, draw only the light and fluid Humours; whilſt thoſe
that draw flow, work upon the more tough and viscous. Men muſt there-
fore beware how they take Rhubarb, and the like Medicines alone, familiar-
ly; for fuch things carry off only the lighteſt part of the Humours, and
leave the remaining Mafs more obſtinate f.
4. The fourth Caufe is Flatulency; for Wind in motion moves to Expul-
Flatulency. fion and, in effect, all Purgatives have a raw Spirit, or Wind; which is
the principal Cauſe of Tortion, and Griping, in the Stomach and Belly. And
therefore moſt Catharticks loſe their Virtue by boiling; and, for that reafon,
are given chiefly in Infufion, Juice, or Powder &.
Compreffion.
tion.
5. The fifth Caufe is Compreffion; as when Water is fqueezed out of a
Spunge. Thus the catching of Cold caufes a Loofenefs, by contracting
the Skin and external Parts. Cold, likewife, caufes Rheums and Defluxions
from the Head: and fome aftringent Plaiſters ſqueeze out purulent Matter.
This kind of Operation is not found in many Medicines. Myrobalanes have
it; and, perhaps, Peach-bark: for this Virtue requires Aftrition, but fuch
as is not grateful to the Body; pleafing Aftriction rather keeping in, than ex-
pelling the Humours: and therefore fuch an ungrateful Aftriction is found
in the things of an harſh Taſte.
(6.)7
6. The fixth Caufe is Lubrication and Relaxation; as appears in emollient
Lubrication Medicines: for example, Milk, Honey, Mallows, Pellitory of the Wall, &c.
and Relaxa- There is alſo a ſecret Virtue of Relaxation in Cold: for the Heat of the Body
binds the Parts and Humours together, which Cold relaxes as we fee in
Urine, Blood, and the like; which, when cold, break and diffolve. And by
this kind of Relaxation, Fear loofens the Belly; becaufe the Heat retiring
towards the Heart; the Inteftines, and other Parts, are confequently re-
laxed. In the fame manner Fear caufes trembling of the Nerves. And of
this kind of Purgatives are fome Preparations of Mercury.
(7.)
7. The Seventh Caufe of Purging is Abfterfion, or Scouring, and Attenuation
Abfterfion and of the more viſcous Humours; rendering them more fluid, and cutting be-
Attenuation.
с
tween
Partly thro' a want of Attention, and partly thro' a fondness for Simplicity, and the Hu-
mour of accounting for Things upon fome one fingle Principle, this ufeful Doctrine of the
Ancients is in danger of being laid afide by the Moderns. But the Distinction here made by
the Author, may reconcile all Parties, if they would but attend to Nature; and not indulge
any particular Vanity in philofophizing. See the Medicinal Works of Dr. Frid. Hoffman.
f Perhaps this Deduction is almoft fitted for an Axiom.
Both Apothecaries and Phyficians may receive confiderable Information from this begin-
ning of an Enquiry in their own Way; and how much more, if it were duly profecuted, ex-
tended, and transferred from Purgatives to Alteratives, Cardiacs, Cephalics, Stomachics, &c?
See the Article INFUSIONS.
Here feems to be an excellent Foundation laid, for that highly uſeful and important Enquiry
into the Effects of Cold and Heat on the Body, with regard to Health and Sickness; tho almoſt
overlooked by Phyficians.
CEMENT S.
47
tween them and the Parts; as in the nitrian Waters; which waſh Linen easily.
But this cutting must be effected by Sharpnefs, without Aftriction; as in Salt,
Wormwood, Oxymel, and the like.
Diureticks.
8. There are Medicines that move by Stool, and not by Urine; fome by The difference
Urine, and not by Stool. Thoſe that purge by Stool, are fuch as enter betwixt Pur-
little into the Mefenteriac Veins; but either at firft are indigeftible by the gatives and
Stomach, and defcend immediately to the Guts; or elfe are afterwards re-
jected by the Mefenteriac Veins, and fo again turn downwards to the Guts:
and of theſe two kinds moft Purgatives are. But thofe that operate by Urine,
are fuch as are well digeſted by the Stomach; and well received alfo by the
Mefenteriac Veins, whence they reach as far as the Kidneys and theſe Me-
dicines being opening and penetrating, promote the Office of the Liver,
in driving down the Serum of the Blood to the Kidneys. For Diureticks
do not work by Rejection and Indigestion, as Solutives do.
9. There are feveral Medicines, which taken in a greater quantity, move That the fame
Medicine may
by Stool; and in a ſmaller by Urine: & vice versa. Of the former fort is be Purgative
Rhubarb. The Cauſe ſeems to be, that the Stomach in a fmall quantity and Diuretick,
digefts and overcomes Rhubarb; as being neither flatulent nor loathfome; in a larger or
and fo fends it into the Mefenteriac Veins; whence, being opening, it pro-Smaller Dofe,
motes Urine: but in a greater quantity, the Stomach cannot overcome it; and
therefore it goes to the Inteftines. Pepper, by fome of the Ancients, is noted
to be of the other kind; which taken in a fmall Dofe, moves Wind in the
Stomach and Guts, and fo expels by Stool*; but in a greater quantity dif
fipates Wind and itſelf getting into the Mefenteriac Veins, thus paffes to the
Liver and Kidneys; where, by heating and opening, it provokes Urine in
plenty
CEMENTS.
Marble.
1. There is a Cement compounded of Flower, the Whites of Eggs, and Plaifter grows
powdered Stone, that becomes hard as Marble; wherewith the Pijcina Mi- ing as hard as
rabilis, near Cuma, is faid to have its Walls plaifter'd. And 'tis found, that
the Powder of Load-ftone and Flint, made into Pafte, by the addition of
Whites of Eggs and Gum-Dragon, will in a few Days acquire the Hardneſs of
a Stone m.
i Has the Liver any Share in the Separation of the Urine?
2. Certain
* Is Pepper certainly found to be Purgative, in a large Dofe, and Diuretick in a ſmall
one?
I Perhaps when this ufeful Enquiry comes to be duly profecuted, and the method of Re-
jection and Verification practiſed upon it, there may be found fome fmall inaccuracies in what is
here delivered; but the Doctrine, in general, feems the best that is extant; as following Nature
clofe, without giving into Opinion, Hypothefis, or the vanity of any temporary Philofophy.
And if this Method were to be carefully purfued, by proper Perfons, for a few Years; cou'd
any Man question whether our prefent ftate of Phyfick wou'd not be improved? But we feem
to act as if we were not follicitous about the improvement of Medicine, or elfe deſpaired
of it.
m Cements are uſeful Things in Arts and practical Philofophy. Mr. Boyle mentions a few:
but Operators generally keep them as Secrets. There is one made of a kind of Stone, barely by
pulverizing
2
48
CHARACTERS of MATTER.
Cements and 2. Certain Cements have been found very foft under the Earth, yet har-
Quarries
den in the Sun, to the degree of Marble: and there are ordinary Quarries
growing hard
in Somerfelfhire, which cut foft to any bignefs; and in the Building prove
in the Air.
firm and hard
Obfervations
upon the
Chameleon.
Bodies.
n
>
CHAMELEON.
The Chameleon is a Creature about the fize of an ordinary Lizard:
his Head unproportionably big, and his Eyes large. He moves his Head'with-
out turning his Neck, (which is inflexible) as a Hog doth: his Back is
crooked; his Skin ſpotted with little Tumours, lefs eminent nearer the
Belly; his Tail lender and long: on each Foot he has five Toes; three
on the out-fide, and two on the infide; his Tongue is of a great length
in refpect of his Body, and hollow at the end, which he will dart out to prey
upon Flies. He is of a Green Colour; and a dusky Yellow, but brighter
and whiter, towards the Belly; yet fpotted with Blue, White and Red.
If he be laid upon Green, the Green predominates; if upon Yellow, the Yel-
low predominates; but not fo, if he be laid upon Blue, Red, or White; on-
ly the green Spots receive a more orient Luftre laid upon Black, he look-
eth all Black, tho not without a mixture of Green. He feeds not wholly
upon Air; tho that may be his principal Suftenance: For fometimes he
catches Flies. Yet thofe who have kept Chameleons a whole Year together,
cou'd never perceive them feed upon any thing, unleſs it were Air; and ob-
ſerved their Bellies fwell, after they had fwallowed down the Air, and clo-
fed their Jaws; which they commonly open againſt the Rays of the Sun.
CHARACTERS of MATTER.
The Appetites, The differences of preffible and impreffible; figurable and not figurable;
Paffions, and mouldable and not mouldable; fciffible and not ſciſſible; &c. are vulgar No-
Characters of tions, applied to the common Inftruments and Uſes of Men; but all them Ef-
fects of fome of the following Caufes. (1.). The yielding or not yielding of Bodies,
fo as to fhrink into a ſmaller ſpace, or preſerve their external Bulk, and not
fly back. (2.) The ftronger or weaker Appetite in Bodies to Continuity.
(3.) The difpofition of Bodies to contract, or not to contract; to extend,
or not extend. (4) The fmall or great quantity of pneumatical Spirit in
Bodies P. (5.) The Nature of the pneumatical Spirit, whether Native, or on-
ly
pulverizing and mixing it with Water, that immediately Cements broken Glafs, and China
Ware with great Strength; and fits them for Ufe. So likewife a very large Bottle, broken into
feveral pieces, may thus be fet together again, and render'd uſeful, in two or three Minutes;
as I have ſeen.
n With regard to this Subject, it were proper to enquire into the ancient Method of treating
Stone, for Amphitheatres, Obelisks, c. and if a kind of artificial Stone could not be uſe
fully introduced. See a late Pamphlet upon this Head. But let the fimpleft Methods be firft
followed. There is fomething extraordinary to be found in Gypfum.
Query, Whether any Information can be had from the History of the Chameleon, for the
Condenſation of Air into Nutriment? See the Article AIR.
P The Doctrine of pneumatical Spirits feems at prefent diſcountenanced; thro' an Affection
of accounting for all Things, upon fimple, general, and mechanical Principles. But if Men
are
CLARIFICATION.
19.
49
ly common Air. (6.) The Nature of the native Spirits in the Body, whether
active and eager, or dull and gentle. (7.) The emiffion or detention of the
Spirits in Bodies. (8.) The dilatation or contraction of the Spirits in Bodies,
while they are detained. (9.) The collocation of the Spirits in Bodies, whe-
ther equal or unequal; and whether the Spirits be collected or diffuſed.
(10.) The denfity or rarity of the tangible Parts. (11.) The equality or
inequality of the tangible Parts. (12.) The digeftion or crudity of the
tangible Parts. (13.) The nature of the Matter, whether fulphureous or
mercurial, watry or oily, dry and terrestrial, or moist and liquid: For the fulphu-
reous and mercurial Natures feem to be Radical, and Principal Natures . (14.)
The placing of the tangible Parts, lengthwife or tranfverfe; more inward, or
more outward, &c. (15.) The porofity or cloſeneſs betwixt the tangible Parts,
and the ſize of the Pores. (16.) The difpofition and poſition of the Pores.
CLARIFICATION.
1. Many Liquors are at first thick and turbid; as Muft, Wort, exprefs'd The Caufes of
Juices of Fruits, Herbs, &c. but fettle and clarify by Time. To fine them
are in earneſt; let them ftrictly enquire, whether thefe Spirits have not an actual Exiftence;
and do not really perform many Operations, and produce many Effects in Nature? It muſt
be obferved that the word pneumatical does not fignify immaterial: 'tis fufficient to make a
Thing pneumatical that it be as light as Air. And let due Enquiry be made, whether all pneu-
matical Spirits are not a Compoſition of Air, intermixed with the fubtile parts of Bodies, under
the Form of a fine Effluvium? What is it in the Kernel of a Nut that exhales thro' the Shell,
and leaves the Kernel ſhrunk and withered? What occafions ftale Eggs to fhrink from their
Shell? How do violently purging and poifonous Plants lofe their Virtue and Effect, and
become innocent, by long keeping? What occafions Exploſion in certain Chemical Operations;
the fwelling of Nitie in Diftillation, or? Let theie Enquiries be purfued; and the Eye of the
Underſtanding be kept ever fixed upon Nature.
1 Whence the Author intended particular Enquiries into them.
• What Author has duly fearched out the particular Characters and Paffions of Matter? 'Tis
a moft extenſive part of Phyficks, that remains to be derived from a cloſe inſpection of Na-
tural Podies; their different Forms, Tendencies, Endeavours, Relations, Affections, &c. For
thefe are not hypothetical Things; nor to be idly refolved into Attraction, and Sympathy,
mechanical Structure, and partial Notions of Philofophy: but to be inveftigated, regiſter'd,
and tabled. Chemistry has done fomething towards it; but the Enquiry ftops fhort, and the Par-
ticulars have not been justly collected, marſhalled, and drawn into Tables for Ufe. The Lord
Bacon feems to have directed his Natural Enquiries principally this way; but who has follow'd him?
Some Attempt ſhould, at leaft, be made; and the general Properties of Matter be carefully di-
ftinguiſhed from the particular. Are there not eight general Properties of Matter, common to
all the Bodies in the Univerfe; viz. (1.) Extenfion; (2.) Impenetrability; (3) Gravity;
(4.) Figurability; (5.) Divifibility; (6.) Motion; (7.) Reft; and (8.) Communication of
Motion? To theſe perhaps may be added; (9.) Solidity; and (10.) Elafticity; as all Fluids
are poffibly Solid and Elaftick in their minuteſt Particles. Thefe general Properties of Matter
ſeem to have come under mathematical, rather than phyfical Confideration. But the
particular Properties of Bodies are not to be found by Reafoning, Mathematicks, and the gene-
ral Laws of Motion; but barely by diligent Experiment and Obfervation: fuch as the Attrac-
tion betwixt Light and Bodies, Water and Salts, Metals and Menftruums, Gold and Quickfilver,
Aqua Regia and Gold, Spirit of Wine and Rofins, Sulphur and Oils, &c. 'Tis a careful Col-
lection, and Arrangement, of theſe particular Laws of Bodies, that muft let us into the fecret
Operations of Nature, and enable us to produce extraordinary Effects.
VOL. III.
H
Loon
Clarification in
Liquors.
50
CLARIFICATION.
Three Causes
of Clarifica-
tion.
Viz. (1.)
Separation.
(2.)
Diftribution.
foon is a Capital Work; and a Spur to Nature, that makes her mend her
pace befides, it is of confiderable Ufe in making Drinks fpeedily potable,
and ferviceable; but to diſcover the means of accelerating the Operation, we
muſt previouſly know the Causes of Clarification.
2. The firſt Caufe is, the feparation of the groffer Parts of the Liquor from
the finer. The fecond, the equal distribution of the Spirits of the Liquor among
the tangible Parts: which always renders Bodies clear and untroubled. And the
third is the refining of the Spirit itself; which thereby gives the Liquor more
Splendor and Luftre.
3. (1.) Separation is effected by weight, as in the ordinary fettling of Li-
quors; by Heat, Motion, Precipitation, Sublimation, Adhefion, and
Percolation. (2.) The even diſtribution of the Spirits, is effected by a gentle
Heat; by Agitation, or Motion; the admixture of fome other Body,
which has a power to open the Liquor, and to make the Spirits pafs thro'
(3.) it the better. (3.) The refining of the Spirit, is likewife effected by Heat ;
finement of the by Motion; and by the admixture of fome Body, which has a power of
attenuating.
And the Re-
Spirit
Racking.
Brewing.
4. 'Tis a common practice to draw Wine, or Beer, from the Lees, which
we call Racking; whereby the Liquor will clarify much fooner: for the
Lees, the they keep the Drink in Heart, and make it lafting; yet throw
up fome fpiffitude: and this Inftance is referable to Separation. On the
other hand, it were proper to try what will be the Confequence of adding
more Lees than its own to the Liquor; for tho the Lees make the Liquor
turbid, they refine the Spirits. Take, therefore, two Veffels of new Beer; and
rack the one from its Lees, and pour them into the unrack'd Veffel; and
ſee the Effect. Put fome quantity of ſtale Beer into new; and fee whether
it will not accelerate the Clarification, by opening the body of the Beer,
and cutting the groffer Parts, whereby they may fall down into the
Lees "
5. The longer that Malt, Herbs, or the like are infufed in the Liquor, the
more thick and troubled the Liquor becomes; but the longer they are
boiled in the Liquor, the clearer it proves. The Reafon feems plain
becauſe
Do the Lees of fermented Liquors, after fome certain Time, contribute ro keep the Li-
quor alive; and make it more durable? Or is it not better, as well in Malt-Liquors, as in
Wines, to rack, after the first Fermentation is over?
As Vintners find by Experience.
The Fermentation will be in fome meaſure renew'd; and the Liquor afterwards become
fine again. It is a common Practice, when Wines prove thin and poor, or begin to fall off,
to add the Lees of richer Wines to them; whereby a confiderable degree of Melioration is pro.
cured.
u Is not this a frequent Practice among the Brewers, or rather their Coopers? And in order
to fave their ftale Beer for more uſeful purpoſes, do they not employ artificial Acids, for fining
their Drink, and giving it that har fhnefs, fharpnefs, and ftalenefs of Tafte, which enhances
its Price? The common Practices of Tradefmen might confiderably enrich our prefent
operative Philofophy.
w That is, Decoction makes a more thorough and intimate Solution than long continued In-
fufion; where the Liquor is clogged with more Matter than it can incorporate, and hold tran-
fparently diffolved, for want of Heat and Boiling.
CLARIFICATION.
51
becauſe in Infusion, the longer the Operation continues, the more of the
grofs Body goes into the Liquor; but in Decoction, tho more of this grofs
Matter goes out, yet it either purges at the top, or fettles to the bottom:
and therefore the moſt exact way of Clarifying, is, firſt to infuſe, and then to
draw off the Liquor and boil it; as they do for Beer: where Malt is firſt in-
fuſed in the Water, and the Infufion afterwards boiled with the Hop *.
6. Put hot Embers about a Bottle, fill'd, almoft to the neck, with new Experiments
Beer: let the Bottle be well ſtopped; and renew the Embers every twenty for clarifying
four Hours, for ten Days; then compare it with another Bottle of the fame by Heat and
Motion, with
Beer fet apart. Take alfo Lime, both flaked and unflaked, and fet Bot-
regard to the
tles in it as above. Let other Bottles be fwung, or carried in a Wheel- even diftribu-
barrow, upon rough ground, twice a Day: but then the Bottles fhould not tion and refin-
be quite filled; for if the Liquor come cloſe to the Stopple, it cannot play, ing of the Spi-
nor flower. And when they are thus well fhook, pour the drink into another its
Bottle, ſtopped clofe, after the ufual manner; for if it continue with much
Air in it, the drink will grow flat; and not fettle fo perfectly in all its parts ².
Let it ſtand twenty four Hours; then put it again into a Bottle with Air;
and thence into a Bottle ſtopped, as above: and fo repeat the Operation
for ſeven Days. Note, that in emptying of one Bottle into another, you
muſt be quick, left your drink pall. It were proper alfo to try this in a
Bottle with a little Air below the Neck, without emptying.
7. With regard to Percolation, both internal and external, trial fhould be
made of clarifying by Adheſion, as with Milk ſtirred into new Beer; for per-
haps the groffer part of the Beer will cleave to the Milk: the doubt is, whe-
ther the Milk will ſeparate again ª. Alfo for the better clarifying by Per-
colation, when they tun new Beer, they paſs it thro' a Strainer; and pro-
H 2
bably
* Is not this a vulgar Error in Practice? And might not all the Trouble and Expence of
boiling the Wort be faved; to the great advantage of the Liquor? What the Author here
alledges may amount to this; that a rich Decoction of Malt ferments, and clarifies, better than a
thin Infuſion: but cou'd not an Infufion of Malt be made as rich as is neceffary; and thus,
tho it fermented not fo violently, yielded not fo many-Lees, or threw not up fo large a head,
be much more readily fermented, and fined, or made into a wholfomer, thinner, and brighter
Liquor, than by Decoction? The Experiment has been tried with Succeſs.
And if the Operation is well perform'd, the heated Liquor may become Vinegar; instead
of clarifying and ripening in its own Form. But this Experiment is, perhaps, more inftructive
than if it were to have had the intended Succeis.
z It may belong to this Enquiry to examine, what Effects the London Drays have upon the
Beer they carry thro' the Streets; and whether the Liquor is not thus fhook to Advantage;
after being cleared off as they call it; and now made to ferment afreſh, with conſiderable
Violence; fo as afterwards to fall fine the fooner, and ripen better which feems to be the
Cafe. And after finding the Effects of Motion and Heat; let the Enquiry be directed to
Reft, and Coolness, in the buſineſs of fermented Liquors : for both theſe feem to have a con-
fiderable ſhare in Clarification; infomuch, that after the first Fermentation is over, it is a
practice among the curious, to remove their Liquors into cool Cellars and perhaps the
Cellar now cannot be too cool, if defended from Winds and Froft.
a Milk, if thoroughly feparated from its Cream, does not permanently unite with fer-
mented Liquors, but ufually curdles, and precipitates all their groffer Parts to the bottom: in-
fomuch that a ſmall addition of Milk perfectly well skimmed, will precipitate the Colour out
of Red Wine, and leave it almoft pellucid, like Water; tho without otherwife hurting the
Wine.
52
COLD.
bably the finer the Strainer is, the clearer the Liquor will become
8. In Egypt, they prepare, and clarify, the Water of the Nile, by putting
Clarification it into great Stone Jars; and ftirring it about, together with a few ſtamped
by Almonds. Almonds, wherewith they alſo befmear the mouth of the Veffel; and after
it has refted fome time, draw it off. It were proper to try this Method of
clarifying with Almonds, in new Beer; or Muft, to haften the Clarifica-
See the Articles, DRINKS, MATURATION, and PERCOLATION.
tion <.
COLD.
1. The Production of Cold is a thing very worthy of Enquiry; both for
The Produc- Ufe and the difcovery of Caufes. For Heat and Cold are the two Hands of
Uſe
tion of Cold, Nature. Heat, we have in readineſs, from Fire; but for Cold, we muſt
• noble Enqui- wait till it comes; or feek it in Caves or Mountains: and when all is done,
we cannot obtain it in any great degree: for Furnaces are much hotter than
the Summer's Sun; but Vaults, or Hills, not much colder than a Winter's
Froſt.
a
ry.
2. The first Means of producing Cold, is that of Nature, or the Expira-
The Caufes or tion of it from the inward Parts of the Earth in Winter, when the Sun has
Means of pro- no power to overcome it.
ducing Cold.
3. The fecond Cauſe of Cold, is the Contact of cold Bodies; for Cold is
active and tranfitive into Bodies adjacent, as well as Heat; as we ſee in
thofe Things that are touched with Snow, or cold Water. And therefore,
whoever would fully enquire into Nature, muft refort to Confervatories of
Snow and Ice; fuch as they ufe, for Delicacy, to cool Wine in Summer:
which is a poor and contemptible Ufe, in refpect of others that may be made
of fuch Confervatories £.
4. The third Caufe is, the primary Nature of all tangible Bodies: for all
tangible Things are of themfelves cold; unless they have an acceffory heat
by Fire, Life or Motion: even Spirit of Wine, and Chemical Oils, tho fo
hot in Operation, are to the Touch cold: and Air itſelf condenſed a little.
by blowing, is cold %.
5. The
b No confiderable Advantage can be well expected from external Percolation in clarifying fer-
mented Liquors; as all Turbidnefs feems to proceed from a continuance, or renewal of their
Fermentation: fo that tho a turbid fermenting Liquor were paffed thro' a Paper Filtre, or a filtring
Stone, it prefently grows turbid again. Internal Percolation therefore, or Precipitation, as
by whites of Eggs, skimmed Milk, Iſing-glass, &c. feems better adapted for the Clarification
of thefe Liquors.
The Vintners fometimes make ufe of this Expedient: but are Almonds better for the
purpoſe, than skimmed Milk; the Whites of Eggs; or Ifing-glass? There is alſo faid to be a
certain Seed ufed upon the Coaft of Cormandal and Malabar, for clarifying Water. See the
Philofophical Tranfactions, N° 249.
d Obferve, what has been fully explained in the Novum Organum; that to diſcover the
Causes of Things, is finding the Means to produce them, whence Causes, and the Means of Pro-
duction are convertible Terms.
e What Inſtances are there to fhew that Cold expires from the Earth ?
f See the Author's NEW ATLANTIS, and Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold.
* See Boerhaave's Chemistry, under the Chapter of Fire.
COLOURS.
53
5. The fourth Caufe is Denfity; for all denfe Bodies, as Metals, Stone,
Glafs, are generally colder than others, and longer in heating than fofter
Bodies. But earthy, denfe, and tangible Bodies, are of the Nature of Cold.
For all tangible Matter being cold; it follows, that where the Matter is moft
denfe, the Cold is the greater.
h
6. The fifth Caufe of Cold, is a quick Spirit inclofed in a cold Body;
as appears from attentively confidering Nature in many Inftances. Thus,
Nitre, which has a quick Spirit, is cold; and colder to the Tongue than a
Stone: Water is colder than Oil, as having a quicker Spirit: Snow is
colder than Water, becauſe it hath more Spirit: fo Salt put to Ice, as in
producing artificial Ice, increafes the activity of Cold: fo fome Animals
which have a quick Spirit of Life, as Snakes and Silk-worms, are cold to
the Touch; and fo Quickfilver is the coldeft of Metals, becauſe fulleft of
Spirit.
7. The fixth Cauſe, is the Expulfion of Spirits, that have fome degree
of Heat for the baniſhing of Heat muſt needs leave a Body cold;
as in
the Operation of Opium, and Stupefactives, upon the Spirits of living
Creatures.
8. Seventhly, the fame Effect muft follow upon the Exhalation of warm
Spirits. There is an Opinion that the Moon is magnetical of Heat, as the Sun
is of Cold and Moiſture: it were therefore not amifs to try it with warm
Waters; the one expos'd to the Rays of the Moon, the other with fome
ſkreen betwixt the Beams of the Moon and the Water; as we ufe to the
Sun for Shade; thus to difcover whether the former will cool fooner,
It were alſo proper to enquire, what other means there may be, to draw
forth the fmall degree of Heat which is in the Air; for that may be a
fecret of great Efficacy in producing cold Weather. See the Articles, AIR,
COOLNESS, and HEAT.
COLOURS.
tals.
1. Metals give beautiful orient Colours, in Diffolution; Gold gives an The Colours af
excellent Yellow; Copper an excellent Green; Tin an excellent Azure. forded by Mes
So likewife in their Calces or Rufts; as in Vermilion, Verdigreafe, Cerufe, &c.
and again, in their Vitrifications: for by their ſtrength of Body they endure
the Fire, or Aquæ fortes, and are thereby put into an uniform Poſition, and
ftill
This Introduction of Spirits has been already apologized for, and recommended to a
particular Enquiry. See the Article AIR.
This Enquiry is nobly profecuted by Mr. Boyle; but the Subject is fo fruitful, as not to
be ftill exhaufted; or the Caufes of the Effect fufficiently difcovered: and till they are,
Practical Philofophy muft needs remain imperfect. Nor were it eaſy to convince Men of the
confiderable Effects already produced by a proper application of Cold; as particularly in the
freezing of Wines, and other fpirituous, and faline Liquors. See the Effay larely publiſhed
upon this Subject; entitled, An Effay for Concentrating Wines, and other fermented Liquors ;
or taking all the fuperfluous Water out of them to Advantage.
54
COMPRESSION.
Of altering
the Colour of
Hair and Fea-
sbars.
The Compref-
fion of Li-
quors.
k
ftill retain part of their principal Spirit ; which two Particulars are chiefly
required to make Colours bright and lightfome.
2. Living Creatures generally change their Hair with Age, fome earlier
and fome later; thus dappled Horſes turn white; old Squirrels grifly; &c.
Cygnets turn from grey to white; Hawks from brown to white: and fome
Birds change their Colour upon Moulting; as the Robin-red-breaſt, after
Moulting, grows Red again by degrees: fo do Gold-finches upon the Head.
The Cauſe may be, that Moisture chiefly colours Hair and Feathers; but
Dryness turns them Grey and White: for Hair in Age grows drier; fo do
Feathers. But Feathers after Moulting, are young; or the fame as the Fea-
thers of young Birds. So the Beard being younger than the Hair of the
Head, ufually grows Hoary later. Hence one might devife means of alter-
ing the Colours of Birds; and preventing Grey-hairs m.
COMPRESSION.
It has been obferved, that a large Veffel of Liquor, being drawn out in-
to Bottles; the Liquor returned into the Veffel, would not fill the Veffel
again, fo full as it was; and that this holds more in Wine than in Water.
The Cauſe may be trivial; or the Liquors ſticking to the fides of the Bot-
tles: but, perhaps, alfo the Liquor in the Veffel is not fo much com-
prefs'd as in the Bottles; becauſe in the Veffel it meets with Liquor chiefly ;
but in the Bottles a finall quantity of Liquor meets with a large Surface
in the fides of the Bottles, which may compreſs it fo, that it fhall not ex-
pand again
CON-
* That Metals ſhould hold a Spirit, will found very odd to many. The Author produces
feveral Inftances for it. He does not however defire we fhou'd reft in them; but recommends
all to further Enquiry, and confequent Verification or Rejection. See the Articles, FIXATION,
HEAT, NATURE, and SPIRITS.
1 Tho the buſineſs of Colours may feem to have been abundantly profecuted, by feveral
eminent Enquirers; yet there are many Particulars in it that require a farther difcuffion;
efpecially with regard to Practice: which is the thing that tries the Validity, the Perfection,
and the Uſefulneſs of Diſcoveries. But feveral Arts depending upon Colours; as Painting,
Dying, Callico-Printing, s. are deficient in many particulars, for want of a thorough
and commanding Knowledge in this Subject. Thus the making of fixed and permanent mine-
ral, or metalline Colours, without Acids and Alkalies, is a Defideratum; the foundation for fup-
plying which, may feem here laid by the Author. It alfo deferves a particular Enquiry, how
the Bufinefs of Colours ftands with the Chineſe.
m For a beginning to this Enquiry, See the Article TRANSMUTATION: but who has con-
tinued it?
A Has quantity of Surface a power of Compreffing? Or what Force is capable of com-
preffing Liquors? But for the Phenomenon itſelf, is not the principal Reaſon of it, the Exha-
lation of the more fubtile Parts of the Liquor in the Operation; whilft a flender Stream of
the Liquor expofes a large Surface to the Air, for a confiderable Time? The Fact appears
tolerably verified by the Experience of Vintners, and Diftillers; particularly the latter, who
find a confiderab'e waſte of their high rectified Spirits, by meaſuring them out of one Veffel
into another: and no wonder, as Spirits evaporate fafter, and rife much fooner in Diftil-
lation than Water. And thus a Quantity of Proof-Brandy left in a Cup, expoſed to the Air
for a few Days, will be reduced to Phlegm; and lofe half its original Quantity, which was
chiefly Spirit of Wine.
CONCRETIO N.
55
CONCOCTION.
1. The Word Concoction, or Digeftion, is chiefly taken from Obfervation Concoction and
upon living Creatures, and their Organs; and thence transferred to Liquors, Crudity ex-
Fruits, &c. Thus Men fpeak of Meat concocted, Urine and Excrements plained.
concocted and the four Digeftions; viz. in the Stomach, Liver, Arteries,
Nerves, or in the feveral Parts of the Body, are likewife called Concoctions:
and all are made the Works of Heat. Thefe Notions are but ignorant
Catches at a few things that lie more obvious to Mens Obfervation. The
moſt conſtant Notion of Concoction is, to fignify the degrees of Alteration
of one Body into another, from Crudity, to the ultimate Action, or Process,
which is perfect Concoction. Whilft a Body to be converted, is too ſtrong for
the Efficient that ſhould convert it, that Body remains crude and inconcocted,
and the Procefs is to be called Crudity and Inconcoction. 'Tis true, Concoction
is, in great part, the Work of Heat P, but not of Heat alone; for all
things that promote Converfion, as Reft, Mixture of a Body already con-
cocted, &c. are alfo means of Concoction.
2. There are two Periods of Concoction; the one Affimilation, or abfolute Two Periods of
Converfion; the other, Maturation: the former is moſt confpicuous in Concoction.
Animal Bodies; where there is an abfolute Converfion and Affimilation of the
Nouriſhment into the Body: likewife in the Bodies of Plants; and again,
in Metals; where there is a full Tranfmutation. The other, which is Matu-
ration, appears in Liquors and Fruits; where there is not deſired, nor pre-
tended, an utter Converfion; but only an Alteration to that Form, which is
moſt proper for human Ufe; as in the clarifying of Drinks, ripening of
Fruits, &c.
3. But there are two kinds of abfolute Converfions. The one is, when a Two kinds of
Body is converted into another before exifting; as when Nourishment is abfolute Con-
turned into Flefh; which we call Affimilation: the other, when the Conver- verfions.
fion is into a new Body that did not præ-exift; as if Silver ſhould be
turned into Gold, or Iron into Copper: and this Converfion is better, for Di-
ftinction fake, called Tranfmutation a. See the Article ALTERATIONS.
CONCRETION.
Concretion and
Concretions of Bodies are generally refolved by the contrary Agent. Ice, The Cause of
which is Water congealed by Cold, is diffolved by Heat: and Salt and Sugar, Diffolution in
which are made by Heat and Drynefs, are diffolved by Cold and Moiſture. Bedies.
P Are there not many true Concoctions performed without any fenfible Heat at all?
particular regard, in this Enquiry, be had to Menflruums.
The
Let a
1 Tho not perhaps for the fake of the Thing itſelf, and the Service of Philofophy as by rea-
of an Abufe of the Word; Tranfmutations are, indolently, reckoned Impoffibilities. The
Force of Diftinctions in Philofophy, is great. And thus to diftinguish betwixt Affimilatory, and
Tranfmutatory Operations, may prove eminently ferviceable; as Affimilations are not denied:
and as, perhaps, all the pretended Tranfmutations may come under Affimilations. But there
are few who could bear to hear this Doctrine explained: and, perhaps, the beft Explanations are
Works, and palpable Inſtances.
$6
CONTRACTIO N.
Water into
Crystal.
The Caufe is, that thefe Operations are rather Returns of the Bodies to their
former Natures, than Alterations: whence the contrary Operations are the
Cure. But Oil neither eafily congeals with Cold, nor thickens with Heat;
becauſe the Spirit of the Oi!, by either means, exhales little: for Cold
keeps it in; and Heat, unleſs vehement, does not call it forth. As for
Cold, tho it take hold of the tangible Parts, yet it rather makes the Spirits
fwell, than congeals them; as when Ice is congealed in a Cup, it fwells in-
ftead of contracting, and fometimes breaks the Cup.
CONGELATION.
the
An Experi- 'Tis credibly reported, that in deep Caves there are penfile Cryſtals, and
ment for the degrees of Cryſtal, that drop from above; and, in ſome others, rife from
Congealing of below: and tho this be chiefly the Work of Cold", yet, perhaps,
Water that paffes thro' the Earth, acquires a Nature more clammy, and
fitter to congeal, and become folid, than Water of itſelf. Therefore ex-
poſe a heap of Earth, to violent Frofts, laid upon a hollow Veſſel; placing
a Canvaſs between, to prevent the Earth from falling in: and pour Water
upon it, in fuch quantity as to foak thro'; and fee whether it will not make
a harder Congelation at the bottom of the Veffel; and lefs apt to diffolve
than ordinary. I ſuppoſe alſo, that if the Earth be made narrower at the
Bottom, than at the Top, in the Faſhion of a Sugar-loaf inverted, it will
help the Experiment: as making the Ice lefs in Bulk, where it iffues; for
Smallness of Quantity is a Help to Tranfmutation *.
Whether
Water will
contract?
CONTRACTION.
It is ftrange, how the Ancients took Experiments upon Truft; and yet
built great Matters upon them. 'Tis confidently delivered, by ſome of
their beſt Writers, that a Veffel filled with Aſhes, will ftill receive the fame
Quantity of Water it would have done without the Aſhes. But this is utterly
falfe; for the Water will not go in by a fifth Part: which, I fuppofe, is
the Quantity of Difference between the Ashes lying clofe, and loofe:
for Ahes alone, if hard preffed, lie clofer; but with Air be-
tween them, loofer; and, with Water, clofer again. For I have not
certainly
The Author continually proceeds upon the Existence of Spirits, in all kinds of Bodies: it
were therefore proper, for general Satisfaction, and the fure Diſcovery of the Truth, that a
particular Enquiry were inftituted about the Spirits of Bodies. The firft Heads for ſuch a
Hiſtory might easily be drawn out; but who will profecute and fill them up?
This has been thought a late Diſcovery.
t M. Tournefort has a remarkable Paper to this Purpofe in the French Memoirs.
Is Cryſtallization the Work of Cold, or not rather of Temperature, fomewhat inclining
to Coolness? Let Nature, and Experience, be conſulted.
v This Conjecture feems derived from Experience, or, at leaſt, comports well with it. See
Stahl's Principles of Chemistry: and make trial of earthy Waters; or ſuch as have pafled thro'
Lime-fone, &c.
w Let the Earth be not Mould; but calcarious. And have we not a natural Inflance of the
thing in fome old Walls; where Water ftraining thro' the Mortar, becomes a hard concreted
Subftance? Let Enquiry be made into the Nitrum Murale, or Calcarious Nitre of Dr. Lifter.
This perhaps might deferve to pafs for an Axiom.
2
DEFORMITY.
57
certainly found, that Water will contract, by being mixed with Aſhes, or
Duft y.
COOLNESS.
'Tis practiſed in Gaza, as a Contrivance for Coolness in great Heats, to Ways of ga
bed Veffels of Earth in the Walls of their Houſes, to gather Wind from thering Wind
the Top, and convey it down, thro' Spouts, into the Rooms. And, 'tis for Freshness.
faid, there are ſome Rooms, in Italy and Spain, for Freſhneſs, and gather-
ing the Wind in the Heats of Summer: but theſe are Ways of penning in
the Wind, and ſetting it looſe again; ſo as to make it reverberate, and
go round in a Circle; rather than the former Device, of Spouts in the
Wall z
CORAL.
In the Sea, to the Southweſt of Sicily, is found plenty of Coral. 'Tis The Growth
of Coral
a fubmarine Plant, that hath no Leaves: it branches, only, when under
Water; 'tis foft, and of a green Colour; but being brought into the Air,
becomes hard, and fhining red. 'Tis alfo faid to have a white Berry;
but we find not the Berry brought over with the Coral. Perhaps 'tis caft
away as uſeleſs. Enquire better of it, to discover the Nature of the Plant ³.
D.
DEFORMITY.
T is reported, that if Whelps, or other young Creatures, be put into a Obfervations
Box, this prevents their growth in Height, and makes them increaſe in relating to Sha-
Breadth or Length; as they have room: if this be practicable, and the ping the Body,
Creature, ſo preffed, furvives the Operation; it may be a means of pro- Deformity.
and preventing
ducing dwarf Animals of a very ſtrange Figure. This is certain, that Pref-
fure, or Moulding the Parts of Creatures, whilft they are very young, con-
fiderably alters their Shapes: as ftroking the Heads of Infants was noted of
old to make the Macrocephali; a long ſhaped Head being at that time in
eſteem and the railing, gently, the Bridge of the Nofe, prevents the
Deformity of a Saddle-nofe. Which Obfervation, well confidered, may
teach a Method of making the Bodies of Men and Women, in many re-
ſpects, more comely, and regular, than they would otherwife be; viz. by
V O L. III.
Form-
I
y What is the Fact, with regard to the Contraction, or Dilatation of Liquors, upon the Ad-
dition of dry Bodies to them, that either diffolve, or remain undiffolved therein ? If an Ounce
of Sugar were diffolved in a Pint of Water, how much higher will the Water rife in a hollow
graduated Cylinder? There feems to be fome Subtilty in this Affair, not yet clearly com-
prehended; perhaps for want of juftly diftinguifhing betwixt Continuity and Contiguity, Mix-
ture, Solution, Aggregation, and Texture. See Dr. Stahl upon the Subject. See alfo, an Ex-
periment to this purpofe in the Philofophical Tranfactions, Numb. 331. where two Liquors are
Thewn to poffefs lefs Space upon mixing.
ว
See more to this purpofe in the Author's Hiftory of Winds.
Particularly confult Mr. Boyle, and Count Marfigli, upon this Head.
58
DIVINATION..
tural Divina-
tion and Dif
covery.
Forming and Moulding them in Infancy: as by ftroking up the Calves of
the Legs, to keep them from falling too low; and by ftroking up the
Forehead, to keep it from finking. It is a common Practice to fwathe
Infants, that they may grow better fhaped; and, young Women, by wear-
ing ftreight Stays, keep themſelves from being grofs and corpulent .
DIVINATION.
An Enquiry 1. All Bodies have Perception, tho, not Senfe: for when one Body is ap-
begun, into na- plied to another, there enfues a kind of Election, either to embrace, or ex-
pel; and whether the Body be alterant, or altered, Perception constantly
precedes Operation; otherwiſe all Bodies would be alike.
And this Percep-
tion, in fome kind of Bodies, is fo exquifite, that the Senfe is dull, in com-
pariſon of it.
Thus the Thermometer will fhew a minute Difference of
Heat, or Cold, which the human Feeling cannot difcover. And this Percep-
tion appears fometimes at a Diſtance, as well as upon Touch: for Example,
when the Loadſtone attracts Iron; or Flame the Naphtha of Babylon, afar
off. It were, therefore, a noble Enquiry to diſcover the more fubtile Percep-
tions of Bodies; for this would prove another Key to open Nature, as well as
the Senfe does; and fometimes better. Befides, 'tis a principal Means of
NATURAL DIVINATION; for what appears early, in thefe Preceptions,
follows long after in great Effects. It will alfo ferve to diſcover what is
hid, as well as to foretel what is to come. Thus the Senfe cannot inform us,
whether Seeds be old or new; but upon the Experiment of ſteeping them in
Water, the new ones will ſprout fooner. So the Taste cannot diſcover the
beſt Water; but the quick Evaporation of it in Boiling, and many other
Experiments, will difcover it. So in Phyfiognomy, the Lineaments of the
Body
b Let Enquiry be made, whether inveterate Distempers, arifing from an ill Conformation of
the Parts, have not been cured by dry Friction, or Stroking. Has not a Straitnefs of the Cheft,
and a Relaxation of the Uvula, been helped by this means? Have not extraordinary Cures in
Chirurgery been made by proper Bandages, and Rolling? Inftances of this kind fhould be
collected, as primary Parts of the Enquiry, that fhew the Power of Art, and tend to increafe
for what has once been done, may be done again.
it.;
Men can never expect to know what may be done in this Way, without a careful Enquiry
into the Subject; and diſcovering prudent, rational, and effectual Methods for putting the
thing in practice. But we feem to dread the Enquiry; as if childishly afraid of acquiring and
exerting a Power over Nature. Till this Charm is broke, we must take our Bodies as the
Nurſe is pleaſed to ſwaddle and faſhion them.
d Is this meant of the general Law of Attraction and Repulfion in Bodies; or rather of
particular Relations betwixt particular Bodies?
e This is an important Obfervation, and requires to be thoroughly verified, extended, and
enriched, by all the eminent Inftances that can any way be collected.
f Is this Tradition of the Naphtha verified? If more Inftances are wanted, obferve the
Snuff of a Candle newly blown out, and applied near to the Flame of another Candle: the
Catching of Spirit of Wine, Oil of Turpentine, Calico, c. upon the approach of Flame;
the near approach of two Drops of Water upon an Oil-cloth; of two Particles of Quickſilver
upon a Board, &c. But a more eminent Inftance of this kind, is feen in the Attraction of
Glafs, which will operate to the Diſtance of many Yards, by the help of Friction and a pro-
per String; as Mr. Steven Gray has lately fhewn.
8 It cannot, perhaps, be too much obferved, that the View of the Author is, not only tỏi
enquire himſelf, but more directly to fet Mankind upon enquiring.
DIVINATION.
59
Body will diſcover thofe natural Inclinations of the Mind, which Diffimula-
tion may conceal, or Difcipline fupprefs. Divination, indeed, is attained
by other Means; fo that if we know the Cauſes, and the Concomitants, we
may judge of the Effect to follow; and the like may be faid of Diſcovery :
but we here chiefly confider that Divination and Discovery, which is to be
had from an early or fubtile Perception.
2. The Tendency of Air, or Water, to corrupt or putrefy, may doubtless be Attempts to
found, before it breaks out into manifeft Effects; as the producing Difeafes, wards predict.
Blafts, or the like. Great and early Heats in the Spring, without Winds, ing the Whole-
portend a peftilential Seafon; and, generally, fo do Years with little Wind someness or
Unwholeſome
or Thunder. Great Droughts in Summer, lafting to the end of August, and nefs of Sea-
fome gentle Showers upon them, and then dry Weather again, portend a fons, and
peftilential Summer, the Year following; for, about the end of Auguft, the Places,
Sweetneſs of the Earth, which goes into Plants and Trees i, is exhaled; fo
that nothing then can breathe from the Earth, but a grofs Vapour; which is
apt to corrupt the Air: and this Vapour, by the firſt Showers, if gentle, is
releaſed, and comes forth abundantly. Whence thoſe who go out into the
Air, foon after fuch Showers, are often taken fick; and, in Africa, they
do not ftir out of Doors foon after the firft Showers. But if the first
Showers prove violent, they rather wash and fill the Earth, than fuffer it to
breathe forth prefently. And if dry Weather return, this fixes and continues
the Corruption of the Air, begun upon the firft Showers, and makes it un-
wholeſome, even to the next Summer: unleſs a very froſty Winter dif-
charge it; which feldom fucceeds fuch Droughts. The leffer Infections of
the Small-Pox, Purple Fevers, Agues, &c. in the preceding Summer, and
hovering all the Winter, portend a great Peftilence the following Summer;
for Putrefaction rifes not to its Height at once. It were proper, to lay a
Piece of raw Flefh, or Fifh, in the open Air; and if the Matter putrefy
quickly, it may be accounted a Sign of a Difpofition in the Air to Putre-
faction. But, to be informed whether the Putrefaction is quick, or flow,
compare this Experiment with the like made in another Year. It were alfo
proper, in the fame Year, and at the ſame time, to lay one Piece of Fleſh
in the open Air; and another of the fame kind and fize within Doors: for
if there be a general Difpofition in the Air to Putrefaction, probably, the
Fleſh will fooner putrefy abroad, where the Air has more power; than in the
Houfe, where it has lefs. And this Experiment fhould be made about the end
of March; that Seafon being likelieft to diſcover what the Winter has done,
and what the following Summer will do, upon the Air. And becauſe the
Air
I 2
h Men do not, perhaps, fufficiently confider how few capital Diſcoveries can be made in
Nature by the direct Uſe of the Senfes. Certainly the unaffifted Senfes reach not below the
Surface of Things: but Experiments go deep, and, as the Author expreffes it, enter the Bofom
of Nature. See the Preliminaries to the Augmentis Scientiarum, Sect. II. 5-10; and the
Novum Organum, paſſim.
i Does an actual Sweetness afcend from the Earth into Vegetables? or, are the Juices of
the Earth converted, and rendered fweet, by the Operation they undergo in Plants, Flowers,
and Fruits ?
60
DIVINATION.
Directions to
Places.
Air receives a great Tincture and Infufion from the Earth, it were proper to
try the Experiment, both upon a Pillar, or Pole of Wood, fome height in
the Air; and upon the Earth's Surface. Try whether May-dew will putrefy
quickly, or no; for that, likewife, may difclofe the Quality of the Air,
and Vapour of the Earth. A dry March and a dry May, portend a
healthful Summer; if there be a fhowery April between: otherwife, 'tis a
Sign of a peftilential Year *.
3. To difcover the Difpofition of the Air, is of ftill more Ufe for the
try the Air of choice of dwelling-Places; at leaft, for Lodges, on account of Health.
And, in this caſe, 'tis proper to make trial, not only of the Aptneſs of the Air
to corrupt; but alfo of its Moisture, Drynefs, and Temper, as to Heator Cold.
In fome Houſes Sugar will relent, and baked Meats grow mouldy, fooner
than in others; and the Wainfcots will alfo fweat in fome more than in others,
fo as almoſt to run with Water: all which are chiefly cauſed by the Moiſture
of the Air. To examine this Matter: before a Houfe is built, expofe Wool,
or a Sponge, in the place you would try; and comparing it with other Places,
fee whether the Subftance expofed does not grow moift, or gain in
weight; and judge of the place accordingly. So in fome Places, either
from the Nature of the Earth, or the Situation of Woods and Hills, the
Air is more unequal than in others: and, as Inequality of Air is an Ene-
my to Health; fet two fimilar Thermometers in different Places, the fame
Hours of the fame Day, where no Shade nor Encloſures are; and mark to
what height the Liquors rife; and if you find them rife unequally, con-
clude the place where the Liquor rifes higheſt to be the warm Air, and
the other the colder; and this in proportion to the Difference
Attempts for
4. The Means of predicting cold and long Winters, and hot and dry Summers,
predicting cold
ſhould likewiſe be fought; as well for the Diſcovery of the Caufes, as with
Winters, and
Bet Summers. regard to Provifions. (1.) If Wainscot, or Stone, that ufes to fweat, be
drier in the beginning of Winter, or the Eaves of Houfes drop more flowly
than ordinary; it portends a hard and froſty Winter: for it fhews an In-
clination of the Air to dry Weather; which, in Winter, is always joined
with Froft. (2.) Generally, a moift and cool Summer portends a hard
Winter; becauſe the Vapours of the Earth not being diffipated by the Sun,
in the Summer, they rebound upon the Winter" (3.). A hot and dry
Summer and Autumn, eſpecially if the Heat and Drought extend far
into September, portends an open beginning of Winter; and Cold to
fucceed,
* This Enquiry has been little profecuted; tho Dr. Sydenham, and Mr. Boyle, have done
fomewhat in it. There ſeems ſtill wanting, a competent Set of Obfervations upon the Wea
ther, the Meteors, and the various Phænomena, Changes, and Revolutions in the Atmo-
ſphere; with a direct View to the Caufes thereof. For fo long as we remain ignorant of
Cauſes, we can never fafely predict, and govern Effects. Whence the principal Endeavours
of the Author, in this Piece, are justly directed to the Investigation of Causes; fo far as they
are knowable.
1 This Subject has been profecuted, in fome degree, by particular Perfons; but not with
that Variety of Experiments the Thing requires. See Mr. Boyle's Memoirs for a general.
Hiftory of the Air.
How does this agree with what was just before obferved, That Drynefs occafions a hards
Winter 2
DIVINATION.
61
fucceed, towards the latter part of the Winter, and the beginning of the
Spring for till then, the former Heat and Drought prefide; and the Va-
pours are not fufficiently multiplied. (4.) A warm, open Winter, portends
a hot and dry Summer; for the Vapours difperfe into the Winter Showers:
whereas Cold and Froft keep them in, and convey them to the late Spring,
and following Summer. (5.) Birds that change Countries at certain Seafons, if
they come early, fhew the Temper of the Weather, according to the Country
whence they came : as the Winter-Birds; viz. Woodcocks, Feldfares, &c.
if they come early, and out of the Northern Countries, with us, fhew
cold Winters. But, in the fame Country, Birds fhew a Temper of Seafon,
like to that wherein they come; fo Swallows, Bats, Cuckoos, &c. which
appear towards Summer, if they come early, fhew a hot Summer to
follow "
ther near
(1.)
at
From above.
5. The more immediate Prognofticks of Weather, to follow foon after, are The Prognof
more certain than thofe of Seafons. The Refounding of the Sea upon the ticks of Wea-
Shore; and the Murmur of Winds in the Woods, without apparent Wind; hand; taken,
ſhew Wind to follow for fuch Winds breathing chiefly out of the Earth,
are not, at the firft, perceived, unleſs pent up by Water or Woods; and
therefore a Murmur out of Caves, likewife, portends the fame. The up-
per Regions of the Air, perceive the Collection of the Matter of Tempeſts
and Winds, before the Air below and therefore the Obfcuration of the
fmaller Stars, is a Sign of a Tempeft. Great Mountains perceive the
Difpofition of the Air to Tempefts, fooner than the Valleys, or Plains below:
hence, they ſay in Wales, that when certain Hills have their Night-caps on,
they fore-bode Miſchief. The Cauſe may be, that Tempeſts, which are
commonly bred above, in the middle Region, as they call it, are fooneft
perceived to collect in the places near it. The Air and Fire have fubtile
(2.)
Perceptions of a rifing Wind, before Men find it. The Trembling of a Can- From Fire and
dle will diſcover a Wind, that, otherwife, we feel not; and the Curvature
of Flame, fhews the Air beginning to fluctuate: and fo do Fire-coals, by
cafting off the Aſhes more than ufual. The Caufe may be, that no Wind is
at firſt, till it hath ftruck and driven the Air, apparent to the Senſe; but
Flame is eaſier to move than Air: and for the Aſhes, no wonder if an un-
perceived Wind ſhould ſhake them off; fince we commonly try which way
the Wind blows, by throwing Grafs or Chaff, or fuch light things, into
the Air ".
6. When Wind breathes from under the Sea, as it caufes a Refounding of
the Water, fo it does fome light Motion of Bubbles, and white Circles of
Froth for the Wind cannot be perceived by the Senfe, till there is an
Eruption of a great Quantity from under the Water, fo as to collect into a
Body: whereas, at firft, it comes but in ſmall Portions. And any light
thing.
Should it not be carefully obferved, for a Series of Years, what degree of Truth and
Certainty there is in thefe kind of Aphorifms, in order to their being made Rules and Canons?
• Theſe kind of Obſervations lay a Foundation for diſcovering, as it were, the premedi-
tated Acts of Nature, from flight Intimations; and may, doubtlefs, be carried to a great
length, if Men will not be wanting to themfelves.
Air.
(3.)
From the Sea。.
62
DIVINATION.
1
(5.)
Birds.
thing that moves, when we find no Wind, fhews a Wind at hand; as when
Feathers, or the Down of Thiftles fly about in the Air.
(4.) 7. As for Prognofticks of Weather from Animals, let it be noted, that Crea-
From Animals. tures living in the open Air, muft needs receive a quicker Impreffion from
the Air than Men, who dwell chiefly within Doors: and eſpecially Birds,
that live in the freeft, and cleareft Air; and are apteft, by their Voice, to
tell what they find; and likewife exprefs it by the Motion of their Flight.
Water-Fowls; as Sea-gulls, Moor-hens, &c. when they flock, and fly together
from the Sea towards the Shores; and Land-Birds; as Crows, Swallows, &c.
when they fly from the Land to Water, and beat the Waters with their
Wings; fore-fhew Rain and Wind. The Caufe may be, the Pleaſure that
both Kinds take in the Moiſture and Denfity of the Air; thence defiring to
be in Motion, and upon the Wing, whitherfoever they would otherwife go:
for, no wonder, if Water-Fowl delight moſt in that Air which comes neareſt
to Water and many Land-Birds, alfo, delight in Water, and a moift Air.
For the fame Reafon alfo, many Birds prune their Feathers; Geefe gaggle;
and Crows feem to call upon Rain: all which is expreffing the Pleaſure they
ſeem to receive in the relenting of the Air. The Heron, when the foars
high, fhews Winds but Kites, flying aloft, fhew fair and dry Weather.
The Cauſe may be, that they both mount moft into the Air of that Tem-
per wherein they moft delight. The Heron, being a Water-Fowl, takes plea-
fure in denſe Air; and being but heavy of Wing, requires the help of the
groffer Air. But the Kite affects not fo much the Groffness of the Air,
as its Coldneſs and Frefhnefs; for being a Bird of Prey, and therefore hot,
The delights in the freſh Air, and often flies against the Wind; as Trouts
and Salmons fwim against the Stream. Yet all Birds may find Eafe in high
Air; as Swimmers do in deep Water: for, when aloft, they fuftain them-
felves by the ſpread of their Wings, without Motion.
(6.)
Fishes.
(7.)
Beafts.
(8.)
Plants.
&. Fishes; when they play towards the Top of the Water, commonly
foretel Rain. The Caufe may be, that a Fiſh hating Drynefs, will not ap-
proach the Air till it grows moift; and when 'tis dry will avoid it, and
fwim lower.
9. Beafts generally delight in a moift Air; which makes them feed the
better: whence, Sheep will go early in the Morning to feed against Rain.
Cattle, Deer, and Rabbits, alſo feed hard before Rain: and a Heifer will
tofs up her Nofe, and fnuff in the Air againſt Rain.
9. Trefoil fwells in the Stalk against Rain, and fo ftands more upright;
for, by wet, the Stalks of Plants rife up, and the Leaves bow down. A
ſmall red Flower grows in the Stubble-fields, and called by the Country
People Wincopipe; which, if it open in the Morning, a fair Day is fure to
follow P.
10. Even
P What is the Botanical Name and Nature of this Flower? If it afford any fuch certain
Indication of the Weather, it may be worth enquiring after. There are feveral_late In
ventions for diſcovering the Moiſture of the Air; as by fufpending a Sponge at one End of a
Balance; with Weights in a Scale at the oppofite End: the expofing of ftrong Oil of Vitriol
to
DRINK S.
63
10. Even in Men; Aches, Hurts, and Corns, are more fenfible either
towards Rain, or Froft: the one caufing the Humours to abound; and the Men.
other making them fharper: whence both Extremes will bring the Gout.
11. Worms, Vermin, &c. alfo forefhew Wet: for Earth-worms will creep
out, Moles caft up, and Flies bite more, againſt Rain.
(9%)
(10.)
Worms, and
Vermin.
12. Solid Bodies alfo fore-fhew Rain; as Stones and Wainſcot, when they (11.)
fweat and Boxes, and wooden Pegs, when they draw out and wind hard; Solid Bodies,
tho the former be but from an external Caufe; the Stone or Wainscot, turn-
ing and beating back the Air againſt itſelf but the latter proceeds from
an internal Swelling in the Body of the Wood a. See the Articles WEA-
THER and WINDS.
DRINK S.
They have in Turkey, and the East, certain Confections called Servets, The Turkish
which are like candid Conferves, and made of Sugar and Lemmons, Sugar Drinks.
and Citrons, or Sugar and Violets, and fome other Flowers, with a Mixture
of Ambergreefe, for the more delicate and by diffolving theſe in Water,
they make their Drinks; being forbid the Uſe of Wine by their Law.
it
But
may ſeem ſtrange, that no Englishman, Dutchman, or German, fhould fet.
up Brewing in Conftantinople; confidering the Turks have fuch a Quantity of
Barly. Frugality might, indeed, recommend the drinking of Water, to the
Generality; but the Better-fort might well be at the Expence of Malt-Li-
quor. This want of Malt-Liquor among the Turks, however, is the lefs to be
wondered at, becaufe France, Italy, and Spain, have not yet given into.
the Ufe of Beer or Ale; which, perhaps, if they did, would mend both.
their Health and their Complexions. 'Tis likely to be a profitable At-
tempt to any one who fhould begin Brewing in Turkey. See the Articles
CLARIFICATION, and MATURATION.
DRUN-
to the Air: the fixing of a Wheat-beard, to move like the Index of a Dial, ec. But what do
they really indicate with regard to the actual Change of Weather? Do they not rather
denote the proportionable Quantity of Moiſture in the Air?
But it
4 Moſt of theſe Particulars are put into the Road of a proper Enquiry, and Examination, in-
the Author's Hiftory of Winds; and till that Hiftory be duly profecuted, and the true Interpre-
tation of Nature pursued, but little Precision can be rationally expected in the Subject. See
Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Pieces, the Philofophical Transactions, the French Memoirs, &c.
is of a greater Importance to confult Nature herfelf; and procure better Information from care-
ful Obfervations: which are to be ranged and ordered, according to the Directions of the
Novum Organnm.
'Tis not eaſy to be credited, without Trial, how pleaſant a Liquor may be made in this
Way; and, by an eafy Encheirefis, how nearly approaching to the fineſt Wines.
We find it in the Nature of Men to extol fome one thing above all others; and this
frequently to a degree of Superftition and Bigotry. Thus fome write Panegyricks upon Water ;
fome upon Wine; and fome upon Malt-Liquors; to the Difparagement of the reft. But who
enquires foberly into thefe Things; and gives to each its juſt ſhare of Merit? Have not all the
Liquors their proper Ufes, under due Regulation? And may not Water, in fome Cafes, be juſtly.
preferred to Malt-Liquors; Malt-Liquors to Wine, and vice verfa? Surely theſe things deferve to
be fettled by Experience and Reafon; and fhould not be left fluctuating at every one's Caprice..
For the Turks might be glad of any Pretext to indulge themfelves in fpirituous Liquors,
that could not well be conftrued Wine, or the Juice of the Grape.
64
DRUNKENNES S.
Drunken Men
DRUNKENNES S.
1. 'Tis generally allowed, that the Sperm of drunken Men is unfruitful:
unprolifick. the Cauſe may be, that 'tis over-moiftened, and wants Spiffitude". And
we have a merry Saying, That they who go drunk to Bed, beget Daughters.
The Phanome- 2. Drunken Men are taken with a Defect in voluntary Motion; they
na of Drun- reel, they tremble, they cannot ftand, nor fpeak, ftrongly becauſe the
kenness, with
Conjectures at
Spirits of the Wine opprefs the animal Spirits, occupy part of their place,
their Caufes. and fo make them weak, and lefs able to move. Hence drunken Men are
apt to fall aſleep and Opiates and Stupefactives induce a kind of Drunken-
nefs, by the groffness of their Vapour; as Wine does by its quantity of Vapour.
Befides, they rob the animal Spirits of the Matter whereby they are nouriſhed:
for the Spirits of the Wine prey upon this Matter, as well as the animal
Spirits do and thus make the animal Spirits lefs apt for Motion.
How Drun-
kenness is foon-
prevented.
•
3. Drunken Men, (1.) imagine all turns round; and (2.) that external
things are coming upon them; (3.) they do not well difcern Objects afar off;
and (4.) thoſe they ſee near at hand, they fee out of their places; and
(5.) fometimes double. (1.) They imagine that Things turn round; becauſe
the Spirits themſelves turn; being comprefs'd by the Vapour of the Wine:
for all Fluids turn upon Compreffion; and it is the fame to the Sight, whe-
ther the viſual Spirits move, or the Object, or the Medium. And long
turning round, caufes the fame Imagination. (2.) Things feem to come upon
them, becauſe the viſual Spirits themfelves draw back; which makes the
Object appear to come forwards: befides, when they fee Things turn
round, and move, Fear makes them think they are coming upon them.
(3.) The Caufe that they cannot fee Things afar off, is the weaknefs of the Spi-
rits; for in every Vertigo, there is a Darkneſs, join'd with a femblance of
turning round; as appears alfo in the lighter fort of Swoonings. (4.) The
Caufe of feeing Things out of their places, is the Refraction of the vifual Spirits:
for the Vapour is as an unequal Medium, and gives the Sight of Things out
of place, as in Water. (5.) The Caufe of feeing Things double, is the ſwift
Motion of the Spirits: for the Motion of the viſual Spirits, and the Motion
of the Object, make the fame appearance; and for the fwift Motion of the
Object, if a muſical String be vibrated, it appears double or treble.
4. (1.) Men are fooner drunk with fmall Draughts, than with larger:
er caused, and And, (2.) Again, Wine fugar'd inebriates lefs than pure Wine. (1.) The
Caufe of the former is, that the Wine defcends not fo faft to the bottom of
the Stomach, but ſtays longer in the upper Part, and fends Vapours faſter
to the Head; and confequently inebriates fooner. For the fame reaſon,
Sops in Wine, quantity for quantity, inebriate more than Wine itſelf.
(2.) The Cauſe of the fecond Cafe, is, that Sugar infpiffates the Spirits, and
makes
u How is the Fact?
It ſhould alſo be examined, whether the Sop does not imbibe more of the Spirit of
the Wine, in proportion, than of its other Parts. This is easily tried by Diftillation.
I
ECHOES.
65
makes them not fo eafily refolvable into Vapour w. Nay, 'tis thought fome
Wine. And
Remedy againſt Drunkenneſs, to drink fugar'd Wine after pure Wine.
the fame effect is wrought, either by Oil, or Milk, taken upon hard
drinking *.
DUCTILITY.
All ductile and tenfile Bodies, as Metals, that will draw into Wire; and The Phenome-
Wool and Tow, that will draw into Yarn or Thread; have a ſtrong refiftance to na and Nature
Diſcontinuity; which makes them follow the Force that draws them; with- of ductile and
out forfaking their own Body y. Viſcous Bodies likewife, as Pitch, Wax, senfile Bodies,
Bird-lime, &c. will draw and rope. But the difference between fibrous
Bodies and viscous Bodies, is plain; for all Wool, Tow, Cotton, and Silk,
have, befides their Appetite of Continuance, with refpect to the tenuity of
their Thread, a defire of Moiſture; and by Moiſture to join and incorpo-
rate with other Thread, eſpecially by means of a little wreathing. And Gold
or Silver Thread, cannot be made without twifting. See the Article
HARDNESS.
DYING.
!
There is in fome places, particularly in Cepbalenia, a little Shrub call'd of the Scarlete
Holly-Oak, or Dwarf-Oak; upon the Leaves whereof rifes a Tumour like a Dye.
Bliſter; which they gather, and rub out of it a certain red Duft, that turns
to Worms; theſe they kill with Wine, when they begin to quicken: and
with this Duft they dye Scarlet.
I
E.
ECHOES.
N the City Ticinum in Italy, is a Church that hath Windows only The Super-
from above. 'Tis in Length a hundred Feet, in Breadth twenty, and in reflection of
Height near fifty; having a Door in the middle. It reflects the Voice twelve Echoes:
or thirteen Times, if you ftand cloſe by the end of the Wall, over againſt the
V O L. III.
K
Door.
The Operation of Sugar upon inflammable Spirits, by bare Digeftion, or Solution, feems
to be little confider'd. There may be a valuable Secret in it.
* Thefe Facts may require to be better verified; but fame danger attends the drinking of
Milk upon Wine: efpecially if the Wine be tart; or any acid Humour lodge in the Sto
mach, as there frequently does: for it might thus produce a hard Curd in the Stomach; and
prove mortal; as it appears to have done in fome Inftances. But the Experiment with Oil is
both fafer, and probably more fuccefsful. Understand the fame of a Glafs of Vinegar.
y It deferves to be obferved both in the prefent, and all other Cafes, how follicitous the
Author is to exprefs the naked Phænomena, real Appearance, or precife Natures of Things
without any help of Imagination: and let not the words Appetite, Refiftance, Difcontinuance, &c.
be rejected, ſo long as they exprefs no more than appears.
See the late Calculations of the Ductility of Gold, c. by Mr. Boyle, Dr. Halley, &c.
a There is a Paper to this purpofe in the Philofophical Tranfactions, N° 40. See alfa the
French Memoirs, An. 1711. Sur une nouvelle Pourpre,
hepr
سے جدا
A
66
ELECTRICIT Y.
The Bodies
trical.
b.
Door. The Echo fades and dies by little and little, as at Pont-Charenton
And the Voice founds, as if it came from above the Door. If you ſtand at
the lower end, or on either fide of the Door, the Echo holds; but not if
you ftand at the Door, or in the middle, juft oppofite to it. Note, that
all Echoes found better againſt old Walls than new; becauſe the old are more
dry and hollow. See the Article SOUNDS.
ELECTRICITY.
1. The following Bodies are Electricals. Amber, Jet, Diamond, Sap-
that are Elec- phire, Opal, Amethyst, Bristol-Stone, Crystal, Clear Glass, Glafs of Antimony,
various metalline Fluores, Talc, Sulphur, Maftic, hard Sealing-Wax, hard Ro-
fin, and Arfenick ª.
The Bodies
Electrical,
2. The following Bodies are not Electrical. Emerald, Agate, Cornelian,
that are not Pearl, Jafper, Chalcedony, Alabaster, Porphyry, Coral, Marble, Touch-Stone,
Blood-Stone, Emery, Ivory, Bone, Ebony, Cedar, Cypress, Pitch, foft Rofin,
Camphire, Galbanum, Ammoniacum, Storax, Benjamin, Loadstone, Afpbal-
The Bodies dis-
poſed to be at
grafted.
tùm.
3. Gold, Silver, Brass and Iron, are not Electrical, tho ever fo finely
poliſh❜d.
Sal-gem, Roch Alum, and the Lapis Specularis, will attract in the Winter,
if the Air be ſharp and clear.
4. The following Bodies are apt to be attracted, if the Mafs of them is
fmall; viz. Chaff, Wood, Leaves, Stones, all the Metals, in Leaf and in
Ore; Earth, Water, Oil.
Leading Expe- 5. If a Needle be made of any Metal, and placed after the manner of the
riments madel magnetick Needle, and a Lump of Amber, gently rubbed, be applied to one
with electrical end thereof, the Needle will turn.
Bodies.
6. Amber, heated before the Fire, whether to a degree of warmth,
ſcorching, or inflammability, will not attract.
7. A red-hot Bar of Iron, Flame, a burning Candle, or an ignited Coal,
being applied to light Bodies, or poiſed Needles, will not attract them.
8. If Amber be in a great Lump, and poliſh'd, it will attract, without
rubbing; but if the Lump be fmall or dirty, it requires Friction to make it
attractive.
9. Cryſtal, Talc, Glaſs, and other electrical Bodies, do not attract if
burnt, or confiderably heated.
10. Pitch, foft Rofin, Benjamin, Afphaltum, Camphire, Galbanum,
Ammoniacum, Storax, and Affa foetida, have no attractive Virtue in warm
Weather, but in cold a fmall one.
11. Moiſt Air blown upon Amber, or other electrical Bodies, either by
the Mouth, or otherwife, ftifles their attractive Virtue.
b For an account of the Echo at Pont-Charenton, ſee the Article SOUNDS.
< Here ſeem to be collected the first Elements of an Enquiry into Electricity.
12. If
d Might not more be added to the Number? See Dr. Plot's Catalogue of Electrical Bodies, in
the Philofophical Tranſactions, N° 245.
Is this well verified?
ELECTRICIT Y.
67
12. If Paper, or Linen, be fpread between Amber, and light, chaffy
Matters, there enfues no Motion, nor Attraction.
13. Amber, and other electrical Bodies, are not excited to Attraction by
receiving the Sun's Rays, as they are by Friction.
14. Amber being rubbed, and expoſed to the Sun's Rays, retains its at-
tractive Virtue the longer; or lofes it not fo foon as if it had ſtood in the
Shade.
15. Heat procured to Amber, and other electrical Bodies, by a burning
Concave, does not increaſe their attractive Virtue.
16. Burning Sulphur, and flaming Sealing-wax, have no attractive
Virtue.
17. Amber attracts beft when applied to light Bodies, or poiſed Needles,
immediately after Friction.
18. The electrical Virtue continues as ftrong, for a ſmall time, as at the firſt.
19. Flame is not attracted by Amber, applied within the Sphere of its
Activity.
20. Á Drop of Water is drawn up into a Cone, upon the Application of
Amber.
21. If electrical Bodies be rubbed too hard, it hinders their attracting.
22. Such electrical Bodies as fcarcely attract in clear Weather, have no
Virtue at all when the Air is thick and cloudy.
23. Water thrown upon Amber ftifles its attractive Virtue; tho Water
itſelf is attracted by Amber.
f
24. Sarca fo furrounded by Amber as to touch it, attracts; but not at
all, if the Amber be interpofed without touching.
25. Oil, applied to Amber, does not hinder its Virtue; nor deftroy it
tho rubbed on with the Finger.
26. Amber, Jet, and the like Bodies, have a ſtrong electrical Virtue, and
retain it long, tho excited with a ſmall degree of Friction: but Diamond,
Cryſtal, and Glaſs, muſt be long rubbed; fo as to grow manifeftly hot, be-
fore they will attract.
27. Amber, tho near applied, will not attract fuch Bodies as are cloſe
to Flame.
28. Amber, and other electrical Bodies, attract the Smoke arifing from
an extinguiſhed Candle: and where the Smoke rifes thick and grofs, the
Amber attracts it ftrongly; but weaker, as the Smoke afcends higher, and
becomes rarer.
29. The Matters attracted by electrical Bodies, receive no manifeft Al-
teration but in their Tendency. See the Articles ATTRACTION, MAG-
NETISM, and SYMPATHY.
K 2
f What is Sarca? Was not Sarcocolla the thing intended ?
EXERCISE.
It is obfervable, that many of the Experiments above fet down, are capital or leading
Experiments; whence it appears ftrange, that the Enquiry has not been farther profecuted,
or driven to fome folid Conclufion before this time. See Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, Mr. Hauksbee,
Mr. Steven Gray, &c. in the Philofophical Tranfactions, &c.
I
68
FEVER S
EXERCISE.
tages.
¹:
Exercife of the Much Motion and Exercife is good for fome Bodies; but Sitting, and
Body.
lefs Motion, for others. If the Body be hot, and free from fuperfluous-
Moiſture, too much Motion is hurtful: and 'tis an Error in Phyficians, to
call out fo much upon Exerciſe ". Men fhould likewife beware how they
ufe Exercife, and a fpare Diet, at the fame time: but if much Exercife,
then a plentiful Diet; and if a fpare Diet, then little Exercife is beft. The
Its Advan Advantages of Exercife are, (1.) that it fends Nouriſhment into the Parts more
forcibly (2.) that it helps to expel by Sweat, and fo makes the Parts
affimilate more perfectly; (3.) that it renders the Subftance of the Body
more folid and compact; and therefore lefs apt to be confumed, and preyed
And Difad upon by the Spirits. The Disadvantages of it are, (1.) that it makes the
Spirits more hot and predatory; (2.) that it abförbs, and over attenuates the
Moiſture of the Body; (3.) that it makes too great a Concuffion of the
internal Parts, eſpecially if it be violent; whilft thefe Parts rather delight in›
Reft. But, in general, much Exercife is an Enemy to long Life; which
is one Reaſon why Women live longer than Men; viz. becauſe they uſe
lefs Action 1.
vantages.
"
F.
FAT.
That Flesh is
convertible to
Fat.
fouthern
N
Early all Flefh may be turned into a fatty Subftance, by cutting it to
Pieces, and putting it into a Glafs, covered with Parchment; then
letting the Glafs ftand fix or feven Hours in boiling Water. This may be a
profitable Experiment for making Fat, or Greafe: but then it muſt be
practifed upon fuch Flefh as is not edible; viz. that of Horfes, Dogs,
Bears, Foxes, Badgers, &c. *
k.
FEVER S.
The Effect of 'Tis noted by the Ancients, that the Southern Winds blowing much,
without Rain, caufe a feverish Difpofition of the Year; but not, if
Rain attend them: for tho the Southern Winds may difpofe the Air
to breed Fevers; yet, when Showers are joined, thefe refrigerate in part,
Winds upon
Health.
and.
h Viz. Without confidering the precife Cafes, where it is proper, and where improper.
i Does not this ſhort Aphorifm contain the Foundation of the whole Enquiry into the Ad-
vantages and Difadvantages of Exercife to the Body? And yet, in what Light does the Doctrine
of Phyſicians appear upon the Subje&? Alii aiunt, alii negant and the Patient is left with--
out a Rule.
·
* Has this Experiment been verified? Or can Flesh, cleared of all its Membranes, and fine
unctuous Skins that lie betwixt the Mufcles of Animals, be converted into Fat, by ſo eafy an
Operation as that of the Balneum Maria? And how far is the fame, or a fimilar Method,
practicable upon both vegetable and animal Subftances, by means of the DIGESTOR? And
would not the fame Inftrument turn many vegetable Subftances into Oil, more readily than
long continued Coction? The Digeftor ſeems fitted to diſcloſe many Secrets in Nature; tho, at
prefent, it appears to lie neglected..
FE WEL.
69
and check the fultry Heat of the Southern Wind. And hence the Obferva-
tion holds not on the Sea-coafts; becauſe the Vapour of the Sea refreſhes,
without the Affiftance of Showers
1
FEWEL.
m
1. 'Tis reported, that at the Foot of a Hill near the Dead Sea, there is a A Fewel that
black Stone, whereof the Pilgrims make Fires, which burns like a Coal, confumes little.
without diminishing; only grows brighter and whiter That this
.
fhould be true, is countenanced by Iron; which, when red hot, burns
without confuming: but the Strangenefs is, that this Fewel fhould continue
any time; for Iron, when taken out of the Fire, grows prefently dead. It
were a thing of great Uſe and Profit, to find a Fewel that would burn
ftrong, and durably. And, perhaps, there may be fuch Candles as they
Say are made of Salamander's Wool; being a kind of Mineral, which
whitens alfo in the burning, and confumes not P.
Flame muſt be made of
fomewhat, and is commonly made of a tangible Body, which hath weight;
but 'tis not impoffible it fhould be made of Spirit, or light Vapour,
in a Body; fuch as the Matter of an Ignis Fatuus: but then the Va-
pour can only laft a fhort time; tho, by the help of Oil, Wax, and
other Candle-ſtuff, the Flame might be continued, and the Wieck not
burn ::
cheap Fewel
2. Seacoal lafts longer than Charcoal; and Charcoal made of Roots, be- Attempts for
ing coaled in large Pieces, lafts longer than ordinary. Turf, Peat, and making a
Cow-fheards, are cheap Fewel, and laft long. Small-coal, or Briar-coal,
put among Charcoal, makes it laft longer. Sedge is a cheap Fewel to
brew or to bake with; and 'tis good for little elfe. Trial fhould be
made of fome Mixture of Seacoal and Earth: if fuch Artifice be prac-
tiſed clandeftinely, as the Seacoal-men ufe it, to increaſe the Bulk of
the
1 A competent Set of clofe Obfervations feems ftill required, to let us fully into the Caufe of
Fevers: how mechanically foever the Moderns may have accounted for them.
m Is the Fac certain?
a Does red hot Iron burn without confuming?
•
May not two or three red hot Bars of Iron, laid a-crofs, like Sticks, on a Fire, be blown
by Bellows into a manifeft Flame?
PIs not this a Preparation of the Asbestos?
The Nature of the Ignis Fatuus, remains to be enquired into: at prefent, it feems chiefly
uſed as a Term, and a help to Diſcourſe.
• See Mr. Boyle upon the Subject of Phoſphori.
+
Are there not immenfe Quantities of a black ſtringy Earth, or Peat, to be found fit for
Fewel, in most Counties of England? Is not this Earth an extremely proper Fewel for Iron?
May not great Quantities of Iron-Stone, or Iron-Ore, be found adjacent to fuch Pear? And:
is not this Peat eafily changed into a better Coal, for moft Purpoſes, than the common Pit
or Seacoal; and fuperior, in many Refpects, to the Turf of Holland?
$
Trial, is faid, to have been made to advantage; by ufing what they call Sleck, or common
Seacoal accidentally broke, or purpofely ground fmall, and formed with fat River Mud, into
Cakes, or Balls, of a proper Size for the Fire: by which Means they obtain a cheap, durable
Fewel, tho fomewhat offenfive by its Smoke and Smell, almoſt like that of the Dutch Turf
or preffed Wine-Lees; which likewife make a fulphureous kind of Fewel, that burns bluish,
with a difagreeable Odour. See fomewhat to this general Purpofe, in Mr. Boyle's Effays upoz
the Ufefulness of Philofophy..
70
FIXATION:
The Nature of
Bitumen.
Sea Fish re-
commended
ters.
the Coal, 'tis deceit; but if ufed honeftly, and publickly, 'tis good Huf-
bandry. See the Article FLAME.
FIRE-WORKS.
Some imagine, that Wild-fires, principally compofed of Bitumen, cannot
be quenched with Water, becauſe the original Concretion of Bitumen is a
Mixture of a fiery and watery Subftance; which Sulphur is not. And at the
Place, near Puteoli, which they call Vulcan's Court, is heard, under the Earth,
a horrible Thunder of Fire and Water conflicting together: and in the fame
Place break out Spouts of boiling Water. Now this Place yields great
Quantities of Bitumen; whereas Etna, Vefuvius, and the like fiery Moun-
tains, which conſiſt of Sulphur, dart out Smoke, and Aſhes, and Pumice;
but no Water. 'Tis alfo reported, that Bitumen mixed with Lime, and
put under Water, will make a kind of artificial Rock; the Subſtance grows
fo hard". See the Article GRAVITY.
FISH.
It appears that Fish, accuftomed to falt Water, rather delight in freſh.
So Salmons and Smelts affect to get into Rivers, tho it be againſt the Stream.
for freſh Wa- At the Haven of Conftantinople are great Quantities of Fifh from the Euxine
Sea, that, coming into the freſh Water, grow intoxicated, and turn up their
Bellies; fo as to be taken with the Hand. There feems not to have been
fufficient Experiments made of putting Sea Fish into fresh Water-Ponds,
and Pools ▾. 'Tis a thing of great Uſe and Pleaſure; for thus one might
have them new, at a diftance from the Sea: and, perhaps, the Fiſh will eat
the pleaſanter, and may breed. It is faid, that Colchester Oysters, which
are put into Pits, where the Sea goes and comes, yet, not fo as to exclude
fresh Water, when the Sea empties, grow by this means fatter, and fuller w.
Fixation of
Bodies.
FIXATION.
W
Gold is the only Subftance, that has no volatile Parts, yet melts with
eaſe. The melting fhews it not jejune, or wanting in Spirit ; fo that its
v
fixing,
The Buſineſs of Fewels is far from being advanced to Perfection. Let an Enquiry be made
into the Ways of using Cast Iron for Fewel. It feems to have been little obferved, that Iron
is a Fewel; or capable of yielding a great degree of Heat, in proportion to the Fire that acts
upon it. See Dr. George Erneft Stahl's three hundred chemical Experiments and Obfervations,
printed at Berlin, 1731.
u The Natural History of Bitumen, or Aſphaltum, ſeems to lie in obfcurity; and its philofo-
phical, or chemical Hiftory, is fcarce touched upon. First, therefore, let the Subftance be well
defined and defcribed; then chemically treated, analyfed, and compared with Naphtha, Petreol,
Camphire, Sulphur, Pitch, Rofin, pitchy Coals, and the Caput Mortuum of Amber, &c. See
Boerhaave's Chemistry.
Some few Trials of this kind feem to have been made of late. See Mr. Chambers's
Univerfal Dictionary, under the Article, FISHERY, &C.
w There are ſome Papers upon this Subject in the Philofophical Tranfactions, and the French
Memoirs; but, perhaps, it has not been cultivated as it deferves.
* That is, Gold is a very fixed Body in the common Fires: but is it not extremely volatile
in the Focus of a Burning-concave ?
y See the Note upon the Article COLOURS.
FLAME.
71
fixing is not from a Poverty of Spirit to fly out; but the equal fpreading,
and clofe Coacervation of its tangible Parts: whereby the Spirits have the
lefs Appetite, and Opportunity of eſcaping a. It were, therefore, proper
to try whether Glafs in melting lofes weight : for the Parts of Glafs are
evenly spread; but not ſo cloſe as in Gold. This appears from its eafy
Admiffion of Light, Heat, Cold; and its want of Gravity. Other fix'd
Bodies have little or no Spirit; fo that there is nothing to fly out: as in
the Bone-Aſhes, whereof Cupels are made; which ftand the Fire without
Lofs. So that there are three Caufes of Fixation; viz. (1.) the even Dif
fufion of the Spirits, with the tangible Parts; (2.) the Clofeneſs of the tan-
gible Parts; and (3.) the Jejunenefs, or extreme Comminution of the Spi-
rits. The two firft may be joined with a liquifiable Nature; the laſt not.
See the Articles GOLD, GRAVITY, TRANSMUTATION, &c.
FLAME.
and Air.
1. Flame and Air do not mix, except it be in an Inſtant, or in the vital The Commix-
Spirits of Vegetables, and Animals. The force of Gunpowder hath been ture of Flame
afcribed to a Rarefaction of the earthy Subftance into Flame. To ex-
amine the matter clofely; Nitre contains an extraordinary, crude, and
windy Spirit, which firſt, by the heat of the Fire, fuddenly dilates itſelf; and
thus dilated, blowes abroad the Flame, like internal Bellows. Whence
Brimſtone, Pitch, Camphire, Wild-fire, and many other inflammable mat-
ters, tho they burn violently, and are hard to quench; yet make no fuch
fiery Wind, as Gun-powder does. On the other hand, Quickfilver heated,
and pent in, hath the like force with Gun-powder. The vital Spirits of
Animals are a Substance compounded of an airy and flamy Matter; and tho
Air and Flame, will not well mix, when free; yet they may when bound
in by a fixing Body. So their Aliments, Water and Oil, do not well mix.
of themſelves; but in the Bodies of Plants, and living Creatures, they do ɛ.
No
a May not fome of the Matter which flies off from Gold, expofed to the action of a Burning-
Glass, be called its Spirits, or mercurial Part; and the remaining purple Glafs its jejune,
fpiritleſs, or fixed Part?
b By long continued melting, Glafs is found to loſe in weight; and at the fame time to
increaſe proportionably in hardneſs.
Does the Matter of the Cupel ſuſtain no diminution in Cupellation ?
a Dr. Stahl, in his Chemical Pieces, has given more light to this Affair, from direct Expe-
riment and Obſervation, than would be eaſily credited. And till his Diſcoveries are under-
ſtood, and even carried much farther; we fhall not fully perceive the depth of the Lord
Bacon's Sagacity, in driving at the Causes of natural Things.
• This Subject requires an attentive Examination, The Author is intent upon it in other
parts of his Works; as, particularly, in his Hiftory of Life and Death. It contains perhaps one
of the greateſt Myfteries in all Phyficks; and a Secret poffibly the next to that of the Union
betwixt Soul and Body. But let the exacteft Care be had in the Enquiry, to go no farther
than Experience, Obfervation, cloſe Reaſoning, and, in one word, precife Induction car-
ries us.
f Is not the Force of Quickfilver confined, and endeavouring to get looſe, in a ftrong Di-
geftor, expoſed to a violent Heat, greater than that of fired Gunpowder, weight for weight?
& Great part of the Myſtery lies here. But is it certain, that Water is the Food of Air, or
that Water is convertible into Air; as Oil is into Flame? The Author brings Inftances to
prove
72
FLAME.
No wonder therefore, that a fmall quantity of Spirits, in the Cells of the
Brain, and Canals of the Nerves, are able to move the whole Body, with
fo great Force as we fee in Wrestling, or Leaping; and with fo great
Swiftnefs, as in running Divifions upon the Lute fuch is the force of Air
and Flame when they incorporate ¹.
The fecret Na- 2. A fmall wax Candle, being fet in a Socket, and placed upright in a
ture of Flame, Porringer of heated Spirit of Wine; if both the Candle, and the Spirit of
Wine be lighted, the Flame of the Candle will open itſelf, and become
four or five times bigger, than otherwiſe it wou'd have been; and appear
Globular, not Pyramidal: Whilſt the inward Flame of the Candle
keeps its Colour; without turning Blue, like the Flame of Spirit of
Wine.
ment.
-
Farther open'd
3. This noble Experiment fhews two remarkable Things: The one, that
by an Experi- two Flames quench not each other; but remain perfect, permanent Bo-
dies; as Air, or Water. And therefore Flame wou'd ftill afcend upwards
in the fame Magnitude, if not quenched on the fides; and the grea-
ter the Flame is at the bottom, the higher it rifes. The other Thing is,
that Flame doth not mix with Flame, as Air with Air, or Water with
Water; but only remains Contiguous; as in confiftent Bodies. Hence
alfo the pyramidal Form of Flame is merely accidental; as the furround-
ing Air, by quenching the fides of the Flame, fqueezes it into that Form;
for of itſelf it wou'd be round: and, therefore, Smoak rifes in the
Figure of an inverted Pyramid; for the Air quenches Flame, but receives
Smoak. Note, alfo, that the Flame of a Candle, within the Flame of the
Spirit of Wine, is difturbed; and doth not only open and move upwards,
but wave to and fro as if Flame, of its own Nature, were it not
quenched, wou'd roll and turn, as well as move upwards. By all which
it fhou'd ſeem, that the fixed Stars are true Fires or Flames, as the Stoicks
held; finer perhaps, and more rarified; than our Flame is. For, (1.) they
are Globular and Determinate; (2.) they have Rotation; and (3.) they
have the Colour and Splendor of Flame: fo that Flame above feems du-
rable, conſiſtent, and in its natural place; but with us a Stranger, momen-
tary, and impure; like Vulcan halting with his Fall «.
:
4. Hold
prove it in his Hißory of Winds; but the Doctrine is not, perhaps, fo firmly and clearly efta•
bliſhed, as it requires. The Experiments of Mr. Boyle are rather conftrued against; but has
not Sir Ifaac Newton given confiderable Light to this Matter, in his Queries?
h Confult Mr. Boyle, and farther Experience upon the Subject.
i Obferve the Method of arguing from Experiments by Induction; according to the Laws
of the Novum Organum: but remember, that all is fubmitted to Verification, and the Proof of
Axioms.
* Here we have an Inſtance of the capital Ufe of Leading Experiments; the Advantage of the
Rules of Philofophizing, lately laid down by Sir Ifaac Newton; and the farprizing Lengths
whereto obvious Experiments may reach, in difclofing the Works of Nature. In fhort, almoſt
every new Experiment that is made, may be a means of opening a new Scene in Nature;
eſpecially when exactly verified, and extended by Induction; or according to Sir Ifaac New
ton's Regula Philofophandi. See more to this purpofe in Dr. Pemberton's Introduction to his
View of Sir Ifaac Newton's Philofophy.
FLAM E.
73
4. Hold an Arrow in Flame, for ten Seconds; and the Parts on the The different
outfide will appear more burnt, black, and turned almoſt to a Coal, force of Flame i
in the midft,
whilſt thofe in the middle will appear as if the Fire had ſcarce touched them. and on the
This is an Inftance of Confequence, for difcovering the nature of Flame; fides.
and fhews that Flame burns more violently towards the fides, than in the
middle; and that Heat, or Fire, is not violent or furious, but where
checked and reſtrain'd. Whence the Peripateticks feem properly to anſwer
the Objection, that if a Sphere of Fire encompass the Earth, all Things
would be burnt up; by alledging, that pure elementary Fire, in its own
place, and not irritated, has but a moderate Heat m.
5. The Continuance of Flame, according to the difference of the Body The Continu
inflamed, and other Circumftances, is worthy the Enquiry; chiefly becaufe ance of Flame.
Flame tho almoft momentary, yet receives degrees of more, and lefs.
A Spoonful of Spirit of Wine, a little heated, burnt for a hundred and fix- In Spirit of
teen Seconds. The fame quantity, mixed with the fixth part of a Spoon-Wine.
ful of Nitre, burnt but ninety-four Seconds. Mix'd with the like quan-
tity of Bay-Salt, eighty three Seconds. Mix'd with the like quantity of
Gun-powder, which diffolved into a black Water, a hundred and ten
Seconds. A Cube of yellow Wax, equal to half the Spirit of Wine, fet
in the midſt, burnt only the space of eighty-feven Seconds. Mix'd with
the fixth part of a Spoonful of Milk, it burnt a hundred Seconds; and
the Milk was curdled. Mix'd with the fixth part of a Spoonful of Water,
it burnt eighty-fix Seconds; and with an equal quantity of Water, only
four Seconds. A fmall Pebble was laid in the midft, and the Spirit of
Wine burnt ninety-four Seconds. A piece of Wood, the bignefs of an
Arrow, and about a Finger's length, being fet up in the midft, the Spi-
rit of Wine burnt ninety-four Seconds. So that the Spirit of Wine fimple,
endured the longeft; and the Spirit of Wine with Bay-Salt, and the
equal quantity of Water, the ſhorteſt time.
!
6. Note, that in the Experiment of Wax, the Wax diffolved in the burn- Obfervations
ing, tho without incorporating with the Spirit of Wine, fo as to produce relating to the
one Flame; but where the Wax floated, the Flame forfook it; till at last periments.
it ſpread all over, and put the Flame quite out. Confider, whether the
more ſpeedy extinction of the Flame be caufed by its great Vigour in
burning; or by the Refiftance of the additional Body, and the Averfion
thereof to take Flame: which will appear by the quantity of the Spirit of
Wine, that remains after the Flame goes out. It feems to be the latter; be-
VO L. III.
L
caufe
This Obfervation is profecuted by Dr. Hook, in order to fhew the Nature of Fire and
Flame.
m It were proper to collect the feveral Inftances that fhew the weak effects of Flame,
in the internal, and its Strength on the external Parts; as in firing of Brandy on the Finger;
the burning of inflammable Spirits on Linen, wit out fingeing; the burning of Oil without
touching the Wieck, &c. See Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, Dr. Stahl, &c. and M. Homberg on
Phosphorus, &c. See alfo the Chapter of Fire, in Boerhaave's Chemifry.
Hence it is evident, that the Spirit of Wine was not high rectified; and therefore theſe
Experiments can by no means be depended upon, for Precifion or Exactnefs; but fhou'd be
repeated with perfectly dephlegm'd Spirit.
74
FLAME.
duration of
rently prepa-
red.
caufe the Mixture of the Things leaft apt to burn, goes out the fooneft.
And Note, by the way, that Spirit of Wine burnt, till it goes out of itſelf,
will burn no more; and taftes not fo hot in the Mouth as it did; nor yet
four, as burnt Wine does; but flat and dead º.
Experiments 7. Pure Wax, made into a Candle, and Wax mix'd into Candle-ftuff,
relating to the (1.) with Water, (2.) Spirit, (3.) Milk, (4.) Bay-Salt, (5.) Oil, (6.) Butter,
Candles, diffe. (7.) Nitre, (8.) Brimftone, and (9.) Saw duft, feverally; in the propor-
tion of a fixth part to the Wax; and made into Candles of the fame
Weight and Wieck with that of Wax, burnt thus. That with Saw-duſt con-
fumed the fafteft; but burnt fair till fome part of the Candle was wafted;
and the Duft gathered about the Snuff, which then grew big, long, and
burnt dimly; and the Candle wafted in half the time of the pure Wax.
The Candles with Oil and Butter confumed a fifth part fooner than the pure
Wax. Next, burnt out the Candle of pure Wax itfelf: Then that with
Bay-Salt; which lafted about an eighth longer than the Wax. Next followed
that with Spirit; which lafted about a fifth part longer than the Wax.
Then followed thofe with Milk and Water, with little difference; only that
with Water confumed the floweft. And in theſe four laft, the Wieck ſpit
forth little Sparks. That with Nitre would not keep lighted above
twelve Seconds; and all the while ſpit out portions of Flame; which after-
wards turn'd to Vapour. The Candle with Brimstone kept lighted much
like to that with Nitre; but, in a ſhort time, it hardned, and caked about
the Snuff: fo that the mixture of Bay-Salt with Wax, gains an eighth part;
and that with Water a fifth, in point of Duration º.
by ordering
the Wieck.
Experiments 8. Trial was made with different Wiecks; viz. (1.) of ordinary Cotton,
for rendring (2.) Sewing Thread, (3.) Rufh, (4.) Silk, (5.) Straw, and (6.) Wood.
Lights durable, The Silk, Straw, and Wood flamed a little, till they came to the Wax,
and then went out; the Thread confumed fafter than the Cotton by a fixth
Part; next confumed the Cotton; and the Rub confumed flower than the
Cotton, by at leaſt a Third. The Cotton and Thread gave a Flame much
alike; but the Rufh much lefs, and dimmer &
(2.)
the unctuous
9. Good Houſe-wives, to make their Candles burn the longer, lay them,
By hardning one by one, in Bran, or Flower; which rendring them harder, they thus con-
fume the flower: infomuch as to burn twice as long as Candles of the fame
fort, not ſo treated. For Bran and Flower have a power to harden; fo that
both Age, and lying in the Bran, conduces to their laſting. And Wax Can-
Matter.
dles
• It is fufficiently known that high rectified Spirit of Wine burns dry, without leaving the
leaſt Moiſture behind; and that this Spirit is a thing immenfely different from Wine. The
Effay I published upon inflammable Spirits, may give fome farther Light in this matter.
P To determine the beſt and cheapeſt Materials for Candle-ftuff, may require fome Atten-
tion, and a variety of Experiments. Wax is an excellent fubftance for the purpofe; were it
but near fo cheap with us as in the Eaft-Indies: whence it might deferve a particular Enquiry,
how to render it cheaper in Europe, and with what Subſtitutes, we are in this Cafe provided.
See the Articles FAT, FEWEL, and FIRE-WORKS.
·
9 It is no bad Expedient, which the poor People have in fome Parts of England, to
dip Ruſhes in their melted Kitchen-ftuff, or common Train-Oil, and burn them about the
Houfe, instead of Candles. The Wax-cloth, which comes by way of Wrapper, from the
Eaft-Indies, is much neater; and makes an agreeable Taper.
FLAME.
75
}
dles burn longer than Tallow ones; becauſe Wax is more firm and hard
than Tallow º.
(3.)
10. The Duration of Flame alfo depends upon the eaſy ſupply of the
Nouriſhment: Thus, in the Court of England, there is a Service, they call By due Supply
All-Night; being a kind of a great Cake of Wax, with a Wieck in the to the Flame.
middle; which thus derives its fupply at a diſtance t. So Lamps alſo laſt
the longer; becauſe their Veffel is much broader than a Taper or Can-
dle.
น
11. Take a Turret-Lamp of Tin, made fquare; the height of the Tur- The Structure
ret being thrice that of the lower part, whereon the Lamp ftands: make of a Lamp, for
only one Hole in it, at the end of the Return fartheft from the Turret:a lafting Light:
reverſe it, and fill it full of Oil by that Hole; then fet it upright; put
a Wieck in at the Hole; light it: and it will burn flow and long; becauſe
here alſo the Flame derives its Nouriſhment afar off And as the Oil
waſtes and defcends, fo the top of the Turret gradually fills with Air;
from the Rarefaction of the Oil by Heat. It were proper to make a Hole
in the top of the Turret, and try when the Oil is almoft confumed, whe-
ther the Air generated by the Oil will enflame, if a Candle be applied to
it, in letting of it out. It were proper alfo to have the Lamp made, not of
Tin, but of Glafs; to fhew how the Vapour, or Air, gathers by degrees
in the top ".
(4.)
12. Another thing conducing to the duration of the Flame, is the Cloſe-
nefs of the Air, wherein the Flame burns. The Wind blowing upon the By skreening
Candle waſtes it apace. Hence a Candle lafts longer in a Lanthorn than at the Flame.
Large. And there are Traditions of Lamps and Candles, that have burnt
a very long time in Caves and Tombs *.
(5.)
13. The laft particular, to the fame purpofe, is the Nature of the Air,
wherein the Flame burns; whether it be hot or cold, moift or dry. The By regulating
Air, if very cold, irritates the Flame, and makes it burn more fiercely ; the Air.
and fo forwards the Confumption. The Air once heated, makes the Flame
L 2
burn
2
* If Hardneſs be a principal Reaſon why Wax burns more durably than Tallow; cou'd not
away be found, to render Tallow nearly as hard as Wax?
Í ſuppoſe from its burning all Night, without any freſh Supply.
* For the Conftruction of Lamps, fee Dr. Hook's LAMPAS; and Mr. Boyle's Contrivance
of a Lamp, in the Philofophical Tranfactions.
How is the fupply of a Lamp render'd eafier, by deriving its Fewel from a confi-
derable diſtance? Or what is the beft Diſtance to be obſerved betwixt the Fewel and the
Flame !
▾ There is a curious Diſcovery intimated in this Direction, which few feem to have at
tended to, except Dr. Stahl. See his Experimenta, Obfervationes, & Animadverfiones, 300
numero.
w There are fome very late Applications of Glaſs Veffels for Lamps. Confider the
nature of the Convex Lamp: and try to improve the common Structure. See Dr. Hook's
Lampas.
* What degree of Truth is found in thefe Relations or what the precife Matter of Fact ?
See the Writers upon Antiquities; and the Chemical Philofophers, upon the Subject of Phoſphori,
particularly Mr. Boyle.
I
76
FLESH.
The rife of
Water
by means of
Flame.
Of eatable and
uneatable
Flesh; lin
Beaßs.
Birds
And Men..
burn milder; and fo promotes its Continuance. The Air, if dry, is indif
ferent; and, if moift, it quenches the Flame, in fome degree, (for Lights go
out in the Damps of Mines,) or makes it burn more dully, and fo prolongs
its duration Y.
14. Set a lighted Candle at the bottom of a Bafon of Water, and turn
the mouth of a Glaſs over the Candle; and the Water will rife into the
Glafs. For the Flame of the Candle, when cover'd, being fuffocated by the
cloſe Air, leffens by degrees; during which time there is fome little gradual
afcent of Water. But upon the Inftant the Candle goes out, there is a fud-
den rife of a great deal of Water; the body of the Flame now filling no
more fpace, fo that the Air and the Water fucceed. The effect is the
fame, if, instead of Water, Flower or Sand be put into the Bafon.
FLESH.
1. Of Flefh, fome is edible, and fome not; except in Famine; as hav-,
ing commonly too much bitterneſs of Tafte: and therefore cholerick
Creatures, are not eatable; fuch as Lions, Wolves, Squirrels, Dogs, Foxes,
Horfes, &c. b. But Kine, Sheep, Goats, Deer, Swine, Rabbits, Hares, &c. are
mild and fearful Creatures. Yet Horfes, which are Beafts of Courage, we
find are eat by fome Nations: whence the Scythians were call'd HORSE-
EATERS; and the Chinese eat Horſe-fleſh at this Day; and fome Epicures.
have eat Colt's-flesh baked.
2. Among Birds, the Carnivorous, and Birds of Prey, are commonly
not good to eat. The reafon is rather the cholerick Nature of fuch
Birds, than their feeding upon Flesh; for Pewets, Gulls, Ducks, &c. which
feed upon Fleſh, are good Meat, when very young. And thofe Birds of
Prey that feed upon Fleſh, as Hawks, Rooks, Owls, &c. are tolerable Food.
«.
eat:
3. Man's Flesh is not eaten; (1.) becauſe Men, in Humanity, abhor it .
(2.) Becauſe no living Creature that dies of itfelf, is good to
whence the Canibals eat only the Fleſh of the flain. And (3.) becauſe there
muſt generally be fome Diſparity between the Nouriſhment, and the Body
nourished yet we fee, in great Weakneffes and Confumptions, Men
have been fuftained with Woman's Milk. 'Tis faid, that Witches gree-
dily devour Man's Flefh ; which, if true, may proceed, from hence, that
C
d.
human
y This Subject requires a farther Experimental Enquiry into the Nature of Fire and Flame.
The three hundred. Experiments and Obfervations of Dr. Stahl, mentioned above, have a par-
ticular Tendency this way.
z May not fome very confiderable Difcoveries be derived from this Experiment? And does
not the late noble Fire Engine, foraifing Water, depend upon this Power?
a Which may in fome meaſure fhew, that fuch powdry Bodies approach to the Nature of
Fluids.
b Have theſe Creatures a greater quantity of Bile, in proportion, mixed with their Blood,.
than others?
C
This is farther explained in the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
d What Truth is there in that Report of the fine Tafte of human Flesh; for which it is
ſaid to be coveted by fome Americans? And by what means was the eating of Man's Fleſh
introduced in that Country; whilft it is fo detefted by other Nations? Was this thro' Choice, or,
Neceffity ?
FOOD S.
77
A
human Fleſh ſends up high and pleafing Vapours, which ſtir the Imagi
nation; for the Felicity of Witches is chiefly in Imagination. See the Articles
FOODS and POISONS.
FLYING.
Of
'Tis anciently reported of the Leucadians, that out of Superftition, they of flying in the
ufed to precipitate a Man from a high Cliff into the Sea; firft tying Air.
about him many large Fowls; and fixing to his Body various Feathers, ex-
panded, to break the Fall. And doubtlefs Birds of a good Wing, might fly
loaded with a confiderable Weight: and Feathers fpread broad and clofe, will
likewife buoy up a great Weight. The farther Application of this Experi-
ment for flying, may be thought upon. See the Article GRAVITY.
FOODS.
The Cauſes of
1. Some Foods may be uſed long, and in quantity, without cloying; as
Appetite and
Bread, lean Fleſh, &c. others, tho pleaſant, glut fooner; as Sweet meats, Satiety, viz.
Sweet-meats,
fat Things, &c. The Caufe is, that Appetite confifts in emptiness of
the Stomach; or its upper Orifice being poffeffed with fomewhat that is
aftringent, and therefore cold and dry. But Things fweet and fat are
more filling, and float and hang more about the Mouth of the Stomach;
and go not down fo fpeedily and again turn fooner to Bile; which is hot,
and always allays the Appetite.
2. Another Caufe of Satiety, is too great Cuftom; and the Appetite of
Novelty whence the fame Meats continually taken, induce loathing. To
affign the reafon for the Difguft of Satiety; and of the Pleaſure of No-
velty; and to diſtinguiſh, not only in Meats and Drinks, but alſo in Mo-
tions, Love, Company, Delights, Studies, which they are that Cuſtom
makes more grateful, and which more irkfome, were a large Field. But
for Meats, the Caufe is Attraction; which is quicker, and keener towards
new Things, than towards fuch as have left a Relifh by former Ufe.
And generally 'tis a Rule, that whatever is a little ungrateful at firſt, is
rendred grateful by Cuftom; but whatever is too pleaſing at firſt, quickly
turns to Satiety.
3. Vegetables have fome Parts more nourishing than others: thus Grain What Meats
and Roots nourish more than Leaves; infomuch that the Order of the afford most
Nouriſhment..
Folietani was put down by the Pope, upon finding Leaves unable to nouriſh
the Body &. Whether there be that difference in the Flesh of living Crea-
tures, is not yet well known as whether Livers, and other Entrails, be
not more nouriſhing than the outward Fleſh. We find that amongſt the
Romans a Goofe's Liver was a great Delicacy; whence they had artificial
Means
e See Biſhop Wilkins's Dedalus; and confider the Expedients of Friar Bacon, and fome
later mechanical Writers for this purpoſe.
f Is there not ſomewhat deeper in this Affair, depending chiefly upon the Juices, or what
may properly be called the Menftruums of the Stomach? See the Article CONCOCTION.
g What were the particular Rules to which this Order obliged themselves? Were they re
trained to feed on the Leaves of Trees only? For there feems to be confiderable Nourin
ment in boiled Lettice, Cabbage, and other Plants of a large and tender Leaf,
Lov
2401
J
!
78
FOOD S.
An Experi-
ment for ma-
king a nuiri-
tive Drink.
Farther Trials
recommended
with Roots and
Flesh.
Capons and
Almonds.
Means to make it fair and large; but whether it were more nourishing,
does not appear. It ſeems certain, that Marrow is more nourishing than
Fat. And, I conceive, that a Decoction of Bones and Sinews, ſtamped,
and well ſtrained, wou'd make a very nouriſhing Broth". We find alſo that
Scotch Skinck, a Pottage of ftrong Nouriſhment, is made with the fkins and
finews of Beef, long boil'd. Felly likewife, is chiefly made of knuckles of
Veal. The Pulp within the Craw-fiſh, or Crab, is more nouriſhing than the
Fleſh. The Yolks of Eggs are more nouriſhing than the Whites. Whence it
fhou'd ſeem that the Parts of living Creatures which lie more inward, may
nouriſh better than the outward Fleſh. And for the nouriſhing of aged
Men, or Perfons in Confumptions, fome fuch Thing might be deviſed, as
ſhould be half Chyle, before it comes into the Stomach
4. For Example; Parboil two large Capons, upon a foft Fire, for an
Hour, till the Blood difappear in that form. Add, in the Decoction, the
peel of a fweet Lemmon, or Citron, and a little Mace. Throw away the
Shanks, and mince the two Capons, Bones and all; and put them into a
large Boulter. Then take a fweet, and well-feafon'd Kilderkin, contain-
ing four Gallons of eight Shilling Beer, new as it comes from the Tun;
make a large Bung-hole in the Kilderkin, at which thruft in the Boulter, with
the Capons: let it ſteep, and work three Days and Nights, with the Bung-hole
open; then cloſe the Veffel: and fo let it continue a day and a half. Now
draw it into Bottles; and drink it after three Days ftanding. It will keep fix
Weeks, drink freſh, and flower and mantle exceedingly; but tafte not newish
at all.
It is an excellent Drink for a Confumption; to be uſed either
alone, or mixed with other Beer. It quenches Thirft; and has nothing of
Windinefs. Note, it is impoffible, that Meat and Bread, either in Broths,
or taken with Drink, fhou'd get into the Veins, and external Parts, fo fine,
and with fo much eafe, as when thus incorporated, and made almoſt
Chyle beforehand ¹.
-
5. Trial of the like kind might alfo be made with Potatoes, Bur-Roots,
and Artichoak Bottoms; which are nourishing Meats and with other
Flesh; as Pheasant, Partridge, Pig, Venifon, but efpecially that of Fawns,
&c.
6. A Mortreſs or Soop, may be made of the Flesh of Capons, ftamped,
ftrain'd, and mix'd with an equal quantity of Almond-Butter ". This is an
excellent Meſs, for nouriſhing thoſe that are weak; and better than Jellies.
% Has any
h 'Tis found fo by means of the DIGESTOR.
confiderable Light been given to this Affair, by the modern Enquirers?
See the Author's NEW ATLANTIS.
So
i No fafe Induction can be made from a few Inftances; efpecially fuch as are not Capi
tal: Let the Enquiry therefore be farther continued.
* See the NEW ATLANTIS.
1 The Author here fpeaks from Experience: and certainly the Receipt is well calculated,
and deferves to be tried; efpecially in Confumptive Habits; or worn out Conftitutions; and
Perfons grown weak and feeble with Age.
m What the Author here means by Almond-Butter; is, perhaps, no more than a rich Emul-
fion of blanched Almonds, rather than a direct unctuous Subftance.
FOOD S.
79
So is the Cullis of Cocks, boil'd thick, with the like mixture of Almond-
Butter for the Cullis, or Soop, of itſelf, is more favoury and ftrong, and
not fo fit to nouriſh weak Bodies; but the Almonds, that are not of fo
high a taſte as Fleſh, ferve to qualify it.
7. Indian Maiz has an excellent Spirit of Nourishment; but it must be Indian Maiz
thorowly boil'd, and made into a Maiz-Cream, like Barly-Cream. I judge and Rice.
the fame of Rice, made into a Cream; for Rice is a principal Food in
Turkey, and other Eaſtern Countries: but it muſt be thorowly boiled, on
account of its hardness; and becauſe, otherwife, it binds the Body too
much.
8. Pistaches, if good, and not mufty, join'd with Almond-Milk, or Piſtaches.
made into a Milk of themfelves, which is like Almond-Milk, tho greener;
are an excellent Nouriſhment: but 'tis proper to add a little Ginger, be-
cauſe they are not without fome fubtile Windineſs ".
9. Milk, warm from the Cow, is found a great Nouriſher; and a good milk.
Remedy in Confumptions: but as it is milking, there fhould be put into
it two little Bags; the one of Powder of Mint, the other of Powder of
Red-Rofes; for thefe keep the Milk, in fome degree, from turning, or
curdling in the Stomach. Put in Sugar alfo, for the fame Reaſon, and
partly for the Tafte's fake. But a large Draught fhou'd be taken at once;
that it may ſtay the lefs time in the Stomach, and fo not curdle. And
let the Cup into which it is milked, be fet in a large Veffel of hot Water;
that it may be had warm. Cow's Milk, thus treated, I judge better for a
Confumption than Affes Milk; which indeed turns not fo eafily, but is a little
harfh. Cow's Milk is doubtlefs more proper for Sharpnefs of Urine,
Exulcerations of the Bladder, and all Intentions where Lenifying is required.
Womens Milk likewife is preſcribed, when all others fail; but I commend
it not, as approaching a little too near the Juices of the Body, to be very
nouriſhing; except in Children, to whom 'tis natural P
10. Oil of fweet Almonds, newly drawn, and mix'd with Sugar, a little oil of Al-
Spice, and ſpread upon toafted Bread, is an excellent Nourisher; but monds.
then to keep the Oil from frying in the Stomach, a large draught of
mild Beer fhould be taken after it and to prevent its relaxing the Stomach
too much, uſe a little Cinnamon-Powder.
11. The
The Preparations of this kind feem in a manner neglected by Phyficians and Apothe-
caries; and are turn'd over to the Women: tho as capable, perhaps, of proving ferviceable
in certain Distempers, as fome Remedies now in ufe.
• What fay the Phyficians, and Men of Experience, to this? Their Practice runs the con-
trary way: but upon what foundation of Reafon and Certainty? Affes Milk is faid to be
thinner, and therefore imagined capable of paffing the finer Veffels, where thicker Milk
would be excluded. But is this any other than a Conjecture? And cou'd not Cows Milk be
properly diluted to an equal tenuity with Affes Milk? The Difference muft be deter-
min'd by a fufficient number of competent Experiments; as well of the Physical and Che-
mical, as Medicinal kind.
P See this Subject farther profecuted in the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
80
FOOD S.
Eggs.
The Mincing
of Meat.
Nourishment;
11. The Yolks of Eggs are fo well prepared by Nature for Nouriſhment,
as to require nothing more than Poaching, or foft Boiling; tho they may
be taken raw, when new laid, along with Malmfey, or fweet Wine;
whereto may properly be added, a few Slices of Eryngo Root, and a
little Ambergreefe: by which means, befides the immediate Faculty of
Nourishing, fuch Drinks will be made corroborative; and not expel too
faft by Urine: for too plentiful a Difcharge by Urine, hinders Nouriſh-
ment.
12. Mincing of Meat faves the Grinding of the Teeth; and therefore
contributes to Nourishment, eſpecially in Age; or where the Teeth are
weak: but Butter is not fo proper for weak Bodies: it were therefore ex-
pedient to moiften the minced Meat with Claret and Sugar, lightly aro-
matized with Cinnamon or Nutmeg.
The ſeveral
13. There are feveral Means of converting the Nourishment to its right Uſe:
Means of con- the first is, to procure that it be not diverted, or drawn away; or, to provide,
verting, or af- that the Kidneys attract not an over-Proportion of the Blood into Urine. To this
fimilating the add Ariftotle's Precept; that Wine be avoided in all Confumptions: becauſe
viz. (1.) Pre- the Spirit of Wine preys upon the rofcid Juice of the Body, and robs the
venting its go- animal Spirits of their Nourishment. Therefore, if the Confumption pro-
ing off by U-ceed from the Weakneſs of the Stomach, enforce the Ufe of Wine; but
rine, and let it alway be burnt, that the more fubtile Spirits may evaporate. Add
Sweat.
mach.
(2.)
alfo, that too great Wafte of the Nouriſhment be prevented, by Exhala-
tion and Sweat: fo that, if the Patient be apt to fweat, this muſt be gently
reſtrained. But chiefly, Hippocrates's Rule is to be followed; who adviſes
quite contrary to what is in ufe: viz. that the Cloathing next the Skin, be, in
uſe
Winter, dry, and often changed; but, in Summer, feldom changed, and fmeared
over with Ol: for certainly, any Subftance that is fat, fomewhat fills up
the Pores of the Body, and prevents Sweat: but the more cleanly way is,
to have the Linen fmeared lightly over with Oil of fweet Almonds; and
to ſhift as often as is proper.
14. The fecond Means is, to fend the Nourishment more forcibly into the Parts,
By firengthen- by strengthening the Stomach; and, as the Stomach is chiefly comforted by
ing the Sto- Wine, and hot things, which are otherwiſe prejudicial, 'tis proper to ufe
external Applications to the Stomach: but it has been found, that the Quilts
of Rofes, Spices, Maftich, Wormwood, Mint, &c. are not fo ferviceable as
a Cake of new Bread, fprinkled with Sack, or Alicant; then dried a little be-
fore the Fire, wrapt in a clean Napkin, and laid to the Stomach: for all
Meal has a great Power of Aftriction; fo as to harden Fleſh, or Flowers,
laid in it whence, alfo, a Bag, quilted with Bran, is very ſerviceable; tho
it dries too much, and therefore fhould not lie on too long.
(3.)
15. The third Means is, to diftribute the Nourishment better by Sleep for
By indulging Bears, and other Creatures that fleep in Winter, grow exceeding fat: and,
Sleep. indeed, Sleep greatly nouriſhes the Spirits; not only becauſe the Nouriſh-
ment is leſs ſpent in Sleep; but it alſo helps to propel the nutrimental Mat-
This may deſervedly appear an uſeful Caution.
ter
FOOD S.
ter into the Parts. Therefore, in aged Men, weak Bodies, and fuch as
abound not with Bile, a fhort Sleep after dinner contributes to nouriſh: for in
fuch Bodies there is no fear of an over-hafty Digeftion; which is the Incon-
venience of Afternoon-fleeps. Sleep alfo in the Morning, after taking fomé-
what of eafy Digeftion; as Milk from the Cow, nourishing Broths, or the
like; promotes Nutrition: but this ſhould be done fitting upright; that the
Fluid may paſs the more fpeedily to the bottom of the Stomach.
(4.)
Attraction in
the Body.
16. The fourth Means is, to provide that the Parts themſelves may attract
the Nourishment strongly. Ariftotle excellently obferves, that a great reafon By promoting
why fome Plants furvive living Creatures, is becauſe they yearly put forth new
Leaves, and Boughs; whereas, living Creatures, after their period of Growth, put
forth nothing that is young, but Hair and Nails; which are Excrements, and no
Parts. And it is certain, that whatfoever is young draws Nouriſhment better
than what is old: but the Pith of the Obfervation is this, that the young
Boughs, and Leaves, drawing the Sap up to them, the Sap thus nouriſhes the Body
in its Paffage. This we find remarkably illuftrated in the frequent Cutting,
or Trimming of Hedges, Trees, and Herbs; which conduces much to
their Duration. The Obfervation fhould, therefore, be transferred to the
promoting of Nutrition in living Creatures: the nobleft and principal
Ufe whereof is, for the Prolongation of Life; the Restoration of Youth, in
fome degree; and mollifying of the Parts of the Body. For there are fome
Parts in Animals, that are eaſily nouriſhed and repaired; but others, with
greater Difficulty: and the Point of View is, to renew fuch as are eafy to
nouriſh, that the others alfo may be refreſhed; and, as it were, made to im-
bibe Nouriſhment in the Paffage. Draught-Oxen, put into good Pafture,
recover the Flesh of young. Beef; and Men, after long emaciating Diets,
grow plump, fat, and almoſt new Creatures: fo that we may conclude, the
frequent and prudent Ufe of emaciating Diets, Purgings, and, perhaps, fome
kinds of Bleeding, to be a principal Means of prolonging Life, and restoring fome
degree of Youth: for Death comes upon living Creatures, like the Torment
of Mezentius; whilft the more reparable Parts of the Body, as the Spirits,
Blood, and Fleſh, die in the Embraces of the Parts lefs reparable; as the
Bones, Tendons, and Membranes. The fame Obfervation may be applied
to the nouriſhing of emaciated Bodies: and therefore gentle Friction draws
on Nourishment, by heating, and making the Parts a little hungry. This
Friction fhould be uſed in the Morning. It is alfo beft done by the Hand,
or a Piece of ſcarlet Wool, moiftned with Oil of Almonds, that is mixed
with a little Bay-falt, or Saffron. The Currying of Horfes conduces to make
them fat, and fleek .
!
17. The fifth Means of converting the Nourishment to its proper Ufe, is, to
(S-)
promote the At of Affimilation; which is done by fome outward Emollients, Promoting the
V o L. III.
that Act of Affimi-
lation,
M
This whole' Affair is more largely profecuted in the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death;
whereof the Doctrine here delivered, may be conſtrued the Baſis: and ferve as an eminent'
Inftance of the Deſign and Uſe intended to be made of the whole sylva sylvarum, in furniſh-
ing the Matter for numerous particular Hiſtories.
82
FRICTION S.
The Author's
guent.
that make the Parts more apt to affimilate. For this purpoſe I have a com-
pound Ointment, of an excellent odour; which, I call Roman Ointment. It is
to be ufed between Sleeps; for it is in the latter Sleep, that the Parts chiefly
affimilate. The Ointment is prepared as follows:
18. UNGUENTUM FRAGRANS, SIVE ROMANUM:
The Sweet, or, Roman Unguent.
Take of Deer's Suct, four Ounces; Oil of fweet Almonds, two Ounces: fet
Roman Un- them upon a very gentle Fire; and ftir them till they are melted. Add
Orrice Root, and Damask Rofes, powdered, together, two Drams; of
Myrrh, a Dram; of Cloves, a Scruple; of Civet, eight Grains; of Muſk,
twelve Grains; of expreffed Oil of Mace, two Drops; and as much Rofe-
Water as fuffices to keep the Unguent thin. Let all theſe be put together
in a Glafs; and fet upon hot Embers, for the Space of an Hour, and ſtirred
well with a Juniper Stick. See the Articles FRICTIONS, HUNGER, and
NOURISHMENT.
FRAGILITY.
The Cauſe of
Some Bodies are fragile, and others tough: fome fragile Bodies break
Fragility and only where the Force is applied; fome fhatter into many Pieces. The Caufe
Toughness.
of Fragility is an Impotency to be extended ": whence Stone is more fragile
than Metal; and fo, fictile Earth is more fragile than crude Earth; and dry
Wood, than green. The Caufe of this Unaptnefs to Extenfion, is a De-
ficiency of Spirits; for 'tis the Spirit that promotes the Extenſion of Bodies:
and this Indifpofition is ever concomitant with Porofity, and Dryness in the
tangible Parts. Tough Bodies have more Spirits, fewer Pores, and
moiſter tangible Parts: whence Parchment, or Leather, will. ftretch; but
Paper, not and woollen Cloth will tenter; but linen hardly x,
The Advan-
FRICTIONS.
Friction makes the Parts more full and fleſhy; as appears not only in Men,
tage of Fric- but in the Currying of Horfes, &c. becauſe it draws a greater Quantity
tions over Ex- of Spirits, and Blood, to the Parts; and alfo attracts the Aliment more
ercife. ! forcibly from within: again, becauſe it relaxes the Pores; and ſo makes
fo
better way for the Spirits, Blood, and Aliment: and laftly, becauſe it dif-
fipates and digeſts any uſeleſs or excrementitious Moiſture, that lies in the
Fleſh all which confpire to promote Affimilation. Frictions alfo fill up,
and fatten the Body, more than Exercife; becaufe, in Frictions, the inward
Parts
'Tis great pity, that the preceding Doctrine fhould not have been better obferved, and
cultivated, by Phyficians. To a Neglect in this Matter, the Imperfection we daily experience in
Medicine, may be, in a good meafure, attributed.
This Unguent requires fome Skill, to prepare it in the manner directed.
u This feems a convertible Term, rather than a Cauſe; but the Cauſe is cloſer attempted
by what follows.
* See more to this purpofe in Mr. Boyle's Enquiry into the Origin of Forms in Bodies;
Dr. Clarke's Notes upon Rohault's Phyficks; and the Writers upon Metallurgy.
FRUIT.
83
Parts are at rest; which, in Exerciſe, are often hurt and bruiſed too much v.
See the Article EXERCISE.
FROST.
In the cold Countries, if the Extremities of the Body be frozen and of Mortifica
mortified, and the Perfon approaches a Fire, the Parts affected prefently tion, by Cold.
rot off; becauſe the few Spirits remaining in thoſe Parts, are thus fuddenly
drawn out and thence Putrefaction is completed. But Snow applied,
does good; as preferving thoſe Spirits that remain, till they can revive:
beſides, Snow may have a fecret Warmth ². Warm Water alfo proves fer-
viceable; becauſe it opens the Pores by degrees, without working fuddenly
upon the Spirits. This Experiment may be transferred to the Cure of Gan-
grenes but here, beware of a dry Heat; and uſe things that are Cooling,
with an inward Warmth and Virtue of Cherishing. See the Articles
PUTREFACTION, and TRANSMUTATION.
FRUIT.
Fruit without
1. To produce Fruit without Cores, or Stones, requires abundance of Attempts for
Moiſture; for the Core, and Stone, are made of a dry Sap: and we fee, 'tis producing
poffible to make a Tree yield only Bloffoms, without Fruit; as, in Cherries, Core or Stone,
with double Flowers: much more Fruit, without Stone or Core. 'Tis
reported, that the Cion of an Apple-Tree, grafted upon a Colewort-ftalk,
yields a large Apple, without a Core. 'Tis not improbable, if the inner
Pith of a Tree were taken out, fo that the Juice may rife only by the Bark,
this might work the Effect: for it has been obferved, in Pollards, that if the
Water get in at the Top, and they become hollow, they put forth the more.
It is alfo delivered for certain, that if a Cion be grafted the fmall end down-
wards; it will make the Fruit have little or no Core, or Stone . See the
Articles VEGETABLES, and VEGETATION.
M 2
2. Fruits
y This is a very material Diſtinction; and ſhould be well regarded in Practice: thus, for
example, Exercife in the Cafe of unfound Vifcera, might prove highly prejudicial; whilſt
Friction might have all the good Effects, propofed by Exercife, without any danger.
2.That Snow may have a fecret Warmth, feems countenanced by certain Phænomena and
Obfervations; as making the Hands glow; preferving Corn in the Ground, c. See
Mr. Boyle's experimental Hiftory of Cold.
a It is obfervable, that the true Caufes of Gangrenes, Mortifications, Corruptions, and all the
Changes leading up to them; as Digeftion, Chylification, Sanguification, beginning Putre-
faction, the Generation of Pus, Ichor, and all the morbifick Humours; are very little en-
quired into Whence no wonder, if Medicine and Chirurgery remain imperfect. If it might
give any Light to this Affair, we would venture to ask, whether the Body has not a Chemistry
peculiar to itself; whereby all thefe Operations are filently brought about? And, before the An-
fwer is returned, let the Matter be well confidered, and examined; at least, in fome
one capital Change; as that of the Aliment into Chyle; that of the Chyle into Blood; thoſe of
the Blood into fpecificated Juices; and that of any of the Juices, or Blood itfelf, into Pas, &c.
Let the Uſe of Instances of Approach be remembred here; and upon all the like Occafions.
See the Novum Organum, Part 11.
• Thefe Conjectures fhould not be eſteemed Impoffibilities: for there are, doublefs, many
extraordinary Difcoveries ftill to be made in Vegetation; as we fee fome very confiderable
OneS
7
84
GENERATIO N.
The Means of 2. Fruits grow fweet, (1.) by rolling, or preffing them gently with the
making Fruit Hand, &c. (2.) by Rottennefs; as Medlars, Services, Hips, &c. (3.) by
Sweet.
Why fome
Creatures ge-
nerate at all,
Conso
Time; as Apples, Wardens, &c. (4.) by certain particular Maturations;
as by laying them in Hay, Straw, &c. and, (5.) by Fire; as Roaſting,
Stewing, &c. (1.) The Cauſe of the Sweetness by rolling, and preffing, is
Emollition; which thofe Operations properly introduce: as in beating of
Stock-fiſh, &c. (2.) By Rottennefs; becauſe the Spirits of the Fruit, thus
gather heat, and thereby digeft the harder Parts; for in all Putrefaction there
is a degree of Heald (3.) By Time, and keeping; becauſe the Spirits of the
Body always feed upon the tangible Parts, and attenuate them. (4.) By
particular Maturations; becaufe of fome degree of Heat, And, (5.) By
Fire; becaufe 'tis the proper Work of Heat to refine, and incorporate; for
all Sournefs confifts in fome Groffnefs of the Body: and all Incorporation
makes the Mixture of the Body more equal in the Parts; which conſtantly
induces a milder Tafte. See the Articles CONCOCTION, MATURATION,
PUTREFACTION, TRANSMUTATION, and VEGETABLES.
I.
G.
GENERATION.
Ome Creatures generate but at certain Seafons of the Year; as Deer,
Sheep, Rabbits, &c. and moſt forts of Birds, and Fifties
others,
and some at at any time of the Year; as Man, and all domeſtick Creatures, as Horſes,
different Sea Dogs, Cats, &c. The Cauſe of Generation, at allSeaſons, ſeems to be Full-
nefs; for Generation proceeds from Redundancy. This Fullness arifes either-
from the Nature of the Creature, if it be hot, moiſt, and fanguine, or from
plenty of Food. For the first; Men, Horfes, Dogs, &c. which breed at
all Seafons, are full of Heat and Moiſture, Doves are the fulleft of Heat
and Moiſture, among Birds, and therefore breed often; the tame Dove,
almoſt continually. But Deer are melancholy, dry Creatures; as appears.
by their Fearfulneſs, and the Hardneſs of their Flesh. Sheep are a cold.
Creature; as appears by their Mildness, and their feldom Drinking. Moſt
Birds are of a dry Subftance, in compariſon of Beafts. Fishes are cold. For
the Second Caufe; viz. Fullness of Food; Men, Kine, Swine, Dogs, &c.
feed full and we fee that thofe Creatures which, when wild, generate fel-
dom; generate often, when tame: which proceeds from Warmth, and
Fullness of Food. The Rutting-time of Deer, is in September; for they
require the whole Summer's Feed and Grafs, to make them fit for Genera-
tion and if Rain come early, about the middle of September, they go to
rut
ones have lately been. Confult, in particular, the French Memoirs; and Mr. Hales's Vege
table Staticks,
a Is this univerfally true? In particular, does it extend to Animal Fleſh, in the caſe of
Mortifications, exc?
* Theſe are noble Attempts at the Discovery of Causes: but let them be ftill farther
purfued.
GENERATION
85
Creatures.
rut fomewhat fooner; if Drought, fomewhat later. So Sheep, in respect of
their fmall Heat, generate about the fame time; or fomewhat before. But,
for the moft part, Creatures that generate at certain Seafons, generate in
the Spring; as Birds and Fishes: the End of Winter, and the Warmth and
Chearfulness of the Spring, preparing them for it. Another Reaſon why
fome Creatures generate at certain Seafons, is the relation of their time of
Bearing, to the time of Generation; for no Creature goes to generate,
while the Female is full, or employed in fitting, or rearing her Young:
and therefore, if the Eggs, or young Ones, be taken out of the Nefts of
Birds; the Birds will fall to generate again, three or four times fucceffively.
2. Some Creatures remain a longer time in the Womb, and fome a The different
fhorter. Women commonly go nine Months; the Cow, and the Ewe, Time of Gefla-
tion in differens:
about fix; Does, about nine; Mares, eleven Months; Bitches, nine Weeks;
but Elephants are faid to go two Years. There are here two Enquiries be-
longing to Birds; viz. the Distance between the Treading, and the Laying
of the Egg and again, between the Laying, and the Hatching. A-
mong Birds, there is a lefs Difference of Time, than among other Crea-
tures; yet fome there is for the Hen fits but three Weeks; the Turkey-
hen, Gooſe, and Duck, &c. a Month.. The Caufe of this Difference may
be, either from the Nature of the Kind, or the Conftitution of the Womb;
that is, according as the Hardness, or Drynefs thereof, concurs with the
former Caufe for the Colt, the Fawn, and the Calf, have about four Years
Growth; but Whelps, which come to their Growth within three Quarters
of a Year, continue but nine Weeks in the Womb. As there is lefs Di-
verfity among Birds, in the Time of their bringing forth; fo is there alſo,
in the Time of their Growth: most of them coming to Maturity within a
Year.
;
:
3. Some Creatures bring many young ones at once; as Bitches, Hares, The Caufe
Rabbits, &c. fome ordinarily but one; as Women, Lioneffes, &c. This
why some
Creatures
may be cauſed, either by the Quantity of Sperm required, to produce one bring forth
of that Kind; which, if lefs be required, may produce a greater Number; many, or few..
if more, a ſmaller or, by the Partitions, and Cells of the Womb; which at a Birth.
may feparate the Sperm.
4. Some Creatures are generated by Copulation between the Male and The Generation
Female; fome by Putrefaction; and many of thofe by Putrefaction, after- of Creatures
wards procreate by Copulation: The Caufe of all Vivification, is a gentle and Putreface
by Copulation,
and tion.
* Let this Doctrine of Fullness be compared with that of Dr. Pitcairn, Dr. Freind, &c. with
respect to the Caufe of the Menfes; which they deduce from Plenitude, Laxity, or Moisture, c.
See Freind's Emmenologia, and Pitcarin's Elementa.
& 'See the Account of Elephants in the Philofophical Tranfactions, Numb. 277 and 358.
b See Dr. Harvey, Highmore, &c.
This Enquiry may deferve a farther Profecution; notwithſtanding the prefent Doctrine of
Animalcula in Semine Mafculino.
may
k Is there any certain, inconteftible Inſtance of Generation by Putrefaction? This
prove a Queſtion not to be determined haftily; and, perhaps, the proper Experiments for
determining it, are, at prefent, little confidered. Let, therefore, a Set of proper Experiments
bee
86
GLASS:
Sand of the
Nature of
Glafs.
The Materials
of Venice
Glass.
and proportionable Heat, working upon a glutinous and yielding Subftance. The
Subftance being glutinous, produces two Effects: the one, that the Spirit
is detained, and cannot break out; the other, that the Matter being gentle
and yielding, is driven forward by the Motion of the Spirits, after fome
Swelling into Shape and Members. Therefore all Sperm, and all the Matter
whereof Creatures are produceed by Putrefaction, have a Cloſeneſs, Lentor,
and Tenacity. So that the Generation by Sperm only, and by Putre-
faction, have two different Cauſes; viz. (1.) Creatures of an exact Shape,
as thofe procreated by Copulation, cannot be produced by a weak and
cafual Heat; nor from a Matter which is not exactly prepared, according
to the Species. (2.) There is a longer time required to the Maturation of
perfect Creatures; for if the time of Vivification be long, the Spirit will
exhale before the Creature is mature; unless it be included, where it may
have a continuance of Heat, accefs of Nouriſhment, and clofeneſs to keep
it from exhaling: and fuch places are the Matrices of Females. Therefore
all Creatures by Putrefaction, are of a more uncertain Shape; formed in a
ſhorter time; and require not fo perfect an Encloſure tho ſome Cloſeneſs
be commonly neceffary 1. See the Articles, CATERPILLARS, PUTREFAC-
TION, and TRASMUTATION.
GLASS.
1. 'Tis reported, that in the Valley near Mount Carmel, in Judea, there is a
Sand, which has a great Affinity with Glass; infomuch, that other Minerals
laid in it, turn to a glaffy Subftance, without Fire: and again, that Glaſs put
into it, turns to the Mother-fand m. The thing is very ftrange, if true; and
may be cauſed by fome natural Furnace, or Heat, in the Earth; yet they
ſpeak not of any Eruption of Flames. It were proper to try, in Glafs-
works, whether the crude Materials of Glafs, mixed with Glafs already
made, will not facilitate the making of the Metal, with lefs Heat". See the
Article TRANSMUTATION.
2. The cryftalline Venice Glafs, is reported to be equal Parts of Stones
from Pavia, by the River Ticinum; and of the Aſhes of a Weed, called by
the Arabs, Kali, and gathered in a Defart between Alexandria and Rojetta.
'Tis
be made, upon animal Flesh, by means of Putrefaction; with the exacteſt care, to guard a
gainst Flies, and other Infects, or their Eggs: and let the Judgment of the Experimenter remain.
unprejudiced by the prefent prevailing Syftem of Generation. This is fpoke from an Intima-
tion of fome extraordinary Phanomena in fuch Experiments. See certain Papers upon the
Subject, in the Philofophical Transactions.
This is a Subject of great importance; and to be diligently enquired into by farther Experi-
ment and Obſervation. 'Tis a great Misfortune, that Men fhould be apt to raife, and fix a
Doctrine upon too few Experiments, (and run great Lengths with it; from whence 'tis hard
to return) without waiting for a fufficient Number, before they draw the Concluſion : this
hafty kind of Induction, is highly prejudicial to Philofophy.
m What is the Fact?
n It may, perhaps, pafs for an Axiom; "that all Converſions are forwarded by the Ad-
"mixture of fome Proportion of the Body intended." At leaſt, this is a very uſeful Rule,
in artificial Operations; and capable, by right Application, of producing confiderable Effects.
It ſhould ever be remembred, that Simile fimili gaudet. See the Article CONTRACTION.
GLOW-WORM S.
'Tis by the Egyptians uſed, firft for Fewel; then they crush the Aſhes into
Lumps like a Stone; and fo fell them to the Venetians for their Glaſs-
works °
87
3. Four things fhould be tried upon Glass; viz. (1.) the Means to make of the Im-
it more cryftalline; (2.) to make it more ftrong againft Falls, and Fire; provement of
tho it come not to the degree of Malleability; (3.) to colour it by Tinctures,
Glass.
equal to precious Stones; (4.) to make a compound Body of Glass and
Galletyle, that fhall have the Colour milky, like a Chalcedon; and be a Sub-
ftance between Porcellane and Glafs.
4. For the firft; enquire exactly, the feveral Materials whereof the Glafs By making it,
in ufe is made; viz. Window-glafs, Normandy and Burgundy Glafs, Ale- (1.) more cry-
houſe Glaſs, and English Drinking Glafs and confider the Reafon of its falline,
Coarfeneſs or Clearnefs; from thence to affign fome Additions to the
coarfer Materials, for raifing them to the Whiteness, and cryftalline Splendor
of the finest fort.
5. For the fecond; we fee Pebbles, and ſome other Stones, will cut as
fine as crystal; which, if they will melt, may be a Mixture for Glaſs, and
render it more tough and cryftalline. Befides, Metals will vitrify; and,
perhaps, fome Portion of the Glafs of a Metal, mixed in the Pot of ordi-
nary Glafs-metal, will make the whole Mafs more tough.
6. For the third; enquire into the Ways of making coloured Window-
glass, fuch as is tinged in the Pot; and not by Colours laid on.
(2.)
Stronger
(3.)
By colouring ie
in the Pot.
And, (4) by
7. And lastly; enquire of what Stuff Galletyle is made, and how the
Colours in it are varied; and then confider how to make the Mixture of compounding is
Glafs-metal, and that whereof I have ſeen an Example P.
GLOW-WORMS.
with other
Matters.
worm.
The Nature of the Glow-worm is not hitherto well obferved. They breed of the Nature
chiefly in the hotteſt Summer Months; and not in open Champain, but in and Properties
Buſhes and Hedges. Whence, perhaps, their Spirit is very fine; and not to of the Glow-
be fubtilized but with the Summer Heats: and, by reafon of the Fineneſs,
it may readily exhale. In Italy, and the hotter Countries, there is a Fly
they call Lucciole, that fhines as the Glow-worm; and is, perhaps, the fly-
ing Glow-worm. But this Fly is chiefly found in Fens and Marfhes; tho
they are not feen but in the heat of Summer: and Sedge, or other green
of the Fens, affords as good Shade as Buſhes. Poffibly the Glow-worms of
the cold Countries, ripen not fo far as to be winged. See the Articles
CATERPILLAR, LIGHT, PUTREFACTION, and VISION.
GOLD.
• See this Hiſtory deduced and illuftrated in Neri's Art of Glass; with Dr. Merret's Notes:
or rather Kunckel's Edition of the fame Work.
P Tho the Art of Glass may feem carried to a great height, there is still room for Improve-
ments in it. See Mr. Boyle, and M. Homberg upon the Subject. But fome particular Glass
Men, of late, have, perhaps, got a few valuable Secrets, that are not known to Philofophers
and Writers
They have been found winged in England, and ſhining in hot Weather. There are fome
curious Óbfervations and Experiments upon the Glow-worm, in Mr. Boyle's Philofophical
Verks; and the Philofophical Tranfactions, particularly Numb. 72 and 176.
1
88
GOLD.
The Founda
tions of an
Enquiry for
the making
of Gold.
GOLD.
1. The World has been much abuſed by the Opinion of making Gold.
The Work itſelf, I judge poffible; but the Means hitherto propofed for
effecting it, are, in Practice, full of Error and Impofture; and, in Theory,
full of vain Imaginations. For to fay, that Nature has an Intention to
make all Metals Gold; that if fhe were freed from Impediments, fhe would
perform her own Work; that if the Crudities, Impurities, and Leprofities
of Metals were cured, they would become Gold; and, that a little Quantity
of the Medicine, in the Bufinefs of Projection, will turn a Sea of the bafer
Metal into Gold by Multiplication; all thefe are but Dreams: and fo are
many other fuppofed Grounds of Alchemy. To help the matter; the
Alchemifts alfo call in many Vanities from Aftrology, Natural Ma-
gick, fuperftitious Interpretations of Scriptures, auricular Traditions, feigned
Teftimonies of ancient Authors, and the like. 'Tis true, they have
brought to light many profitable Experiments; and thereby made the
World fome Amends: but we would treat the Tranfmutation of Bodies, and
the Experiments concerning Metals and Minerals, fo as to lay open the true
Ways and Paffages of Nature, which lead to this great Effect. And herein
we commend the Chinese, who defpair of making Gold; but apply to the
making of Silver: for 'tis more difficult to make Gold, the moft ponderous
of Metals, than to make Silver, from Lead, or Quickfilver; both which
are more ponderous than Silver: fo that they need, rather, a farther degree
of Fixation, than any Condenſation.
Condenſation. In the mean time, we will direct an
Experiment for the Maturation of Metals, and, thereby, for turning fome
of them into Gold; for, we conceive, that a perfectly good Concoction, Di-
geftion, or Maturation of fome Metals, will produce Gold. I knew a Dutch-
man, who had wrought himſelf into the belief of a great Perfon, by un-
dertaking to make Gold: his Difcourfe was, that Gold might be made;
but that the Alchemifts over-fired the Work: for, he faid, the making of Gold
required
So have moſt of the Philofophers, who were well verfed, and intimately acquainted
with the Ways and Works of Nature and Art; but a thing may be poffible that is not
practicable, Let the Doctrine, and Difcoveries of Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, and Sir Ifaac Newton,
be confulted upon this Occafion. A Summary of the ancient and modern Doctrine, upon
this Subject, may be found in Boerhaave's Chemistry. It were, perhaps, lefs judicious,
to confult Morhof and Becher upon this Point; tho Men of extraordinary Parts, Learning,
and Experience: but M. Homberg and Dr. Stahl, cannot fo well be excepted to. However,
the Matter is not to be decided by Authorities, but Experience.
Confult, upon this Occafion, Kircher's China Illuftrata; and the late Miffionaries Letters,
particularly thofe of Father le Compte, &c. See alſo Morhof's Polyhift. de Philofophia Na-
turali Chinenfium & Indorum:
The Author feems to agree with fome of the Moderns, that to make a Subſtance as
ponderous as. Gold, is to make Gold. But, is Gravity the Form, or effential, and conftituent
Property of Gold ? and, muſt all the other Properties; as Yellowneſs, Fixedneſs, &c. follow,
of direct Confequence?
▾ On what precice and internal Knowledge of the conſtituent. Parts of Metals, does this
Rule, for Practice, depend? does it relate to their truly Mercurial Part? and has the Existence
of this Part been fufficiently proved, by Experience, to the Senſes:?
GOLD.
89
required a very temperate Heat; as being, in Nature, a fubterraneous Work,
where little Heat comes; tho more required to the making of Gold than of
any other Metal; and therefore, that he would do it with a great Lamp;
which should carry a temperate and equal Heat: and, that it was the Work
of many Months. The Device of the Lamp might be Folly; but the Over-
firing now uſed; the equal Heat required; and making the Operation the
Work of fome time, are no bad Intimations.
Work ; viz.
}
2. The first Caution is, that a temperate Heat be used; for they are ever The Rules, or
temperate Heats that digeft and maturate. But here we mean, temperate Cautions, re-
according to the Nature of the Subject: for that may be temperate to Fruits, quired in the
and Liquors, which will not work upon Metals. The fecond is, that the (1.)
Spirit of the Metal be quickened"; and the tangible Parts opened: for, with- A Temperate
out theſe two Operations, the Spirit of the Metal wrought upon, will not Heat.
be able to digeft the Parts. The third Caution is, that the Spirits Spread (2.)
themselves even, to make the Parts clofe and pliant. And this requires a of the Spirit.
A quickening
Heat that does not rife and fall, but continues equable. The fourth is, that (3.)
no part of the Spirit be emitted; for, if the Spirit goes out, the Body of Equal Diffu
the Metal will grow hard and churliſh. And this may be prevented, partly fion of the Spi
by a due Regulation of the Fire; and partly by the Clofenefs of the con- (4.)
taining Veffel. The fifth Caution required is, that Choice be made of the Detention of
likeliest and best prepared Metal for the Purpoſe; as this will facilitate the all the Spirit.
Work. The fixth and laft Caution is, that time enough be allowed for the (5.)
Operation: not to prolong Hope, as the Alchemifts do; but to give Nature
a convenient Space to work in.
rits.
Choice of a
proper Subject.
(6.)
3. Theſe Principles appear juft and certain: we will next, therefore, de- A due allow-
rive a Trial out of them; which may be improved by farther Meditation, ance of Time.
(1.) Make a ſmall Furnace for a temperate Heat; fuch as may keep the
Metal continually melted, and no more this, above all things, importing ment derived
An Experi
to the Work". (2.) For the Material, take Silver, which, in Nature, fym-from the pre-
bolizes moſt with Gold: put in alſo, with the Silver, a tenth part of Quick-ceding Rules.
filver ; and a twelfth part of Nitre, to quicken and open the Body of the
Metal and let the Work be continued fix Months, at the leaft. (3.) I
recommend alfo, fome oily Subftance to be thrown in at times; fuch as
they uſe in the recovering of Gold, which, by being long tortured with Se-
parations, is become churlish : and this, to lay the Parts more clofe and
VOL. III.
N
›
Z
fmooth,
"What is the precife meaning of quickening the Spirit of a Metal? The Alchemiſts talk
much of a fermentative Motion; and endeavour to illuftrate the thing by the Effects of Yeaſt,
on Wort. But 'tis very unfafe arguing by Analogy, in thefe Cafes; tho it may well deſerve the
Enquiry, whether Metals have not a Fermentation, fui Generis; in what precife manner
Amalgamation operates; and whether a running Mercury does not, in a proper Senfe, contain a
metallic Spirit?
W
Suppofe Silver, therefore, were the Metal to be wrought on; the Furnace fhould have the
fame degree of Heat as a Tefting-Furnace.
* But not in Gravity: for Quickfilver and Lead, are fpecifically heavier than Silver.
Was the extremely Volatility of Quickfilver confidered, in ordering this for an Ingedient;
when the whole is to be expofed to a Heat capable of keeping Silver fluid?
There is Sagacity fhewn in this particular Direction: and, perhaps, any unctuous vege
table, or animal Matter will fuffice.
90
GRAVITY.
fmooth; which is a principal matter. For Gold is the clofeft, and there-
fore the heaviest of Metals; and likewife the moft flexible and ductile.
(4.) To make Gold from Quickfilver, is not to be expected; becauſe of the
great Gravity of Gold and again, becaufe Quicksilver will not endure a
ftrong Fire. Next to Silver, I fhou'd think Copper were the fitteſt to be
the Subject.
The Causes of 4. Gold has great Gravity; Clofenefs of Parts; Fixation; Ductility, or
the Properties Softnefs; is of a yellow Colour, and not fubject to Ruft. Therefore the fure
of GOLD, to be
way to make it, is to know the CAUSES of thefe feveral Natures; and the Axioms
difcovered in
order to make concerning them. For if a Man can make a Metal, that has all thefe Pro-
perties; let others difpute whether it be Gold or no .
it.
Different Ef-
vity,above and
within the
Earth.
с
GRAVITY.
b
1. It is affirmed, as an ufual Experiment, that a Lump of Ore at the
fects of Gra- bottom of a Mine, may be raiſed by two Men, which, on the Surface of
the Earth, requires the Strength of fix. This Inftance fhould be tried to
the full for it is probable, that the power of Gravity is weakened both
far above, and deep within the Earth. The former, becauſe the Appetite of
Union between denfe Bodies and the Earth, in regard to Diſtance, is more dull:
the latter, becauſe the Body has, in part, attained its end, when deſcended to
fome depth in the Earth. But as for Motion to a Point, which was the
Opinion of the Ancients, it is a mere Vanity 2.
Water.
Heavy Bodies 2. The Dead-Sea, which throws up Bitumen, is fo glutted, that living
fuftained by Bodies thrown into it, bound, have been born up by it: which fhews that
all finking in Water proceeds from an over-weight of the Body, in refpect
of the Water; fo that Water may be made ftrong enough to fupport
Iron: of which I fee no Ufe but Imposture. All Metals, except Gold, ſwim
upon Quickfilver, for the fame Reafon.
Weight acqui-
red by Solu-
Fion.
3. Weigh Iron, and Aqua-fortis, feverally; then diffolve the Iron in the
Aqua-fortis, and weigh the Solution; and you will find it weigh as much as
the Bodies did afunder: notwithſtanding a great wafte, by a thick Vapour
that
2 If a proper Set of ſuch Axioms were once procured, we might rationally expect either to
effect this, and even much greater Matters; or elſe to know the precife Reafons of their imprac-
ticability As Sir Ifaac Newton has fhewn why Teleſcopical Glaffes muft neceffarily remain
imperfect, unless we cou'd alter the Nature of Light, or the Laws of Refraction; and as we
certainly know the Cause why Water will rife but to a certain height in Pumps, and Mercury
in the common Barometer. Thefe Enquiries having fallen into better Hands than the Enqui
ries about Tranfmutations; is, perhaps, the Reaſon, why the Diſcoveries in the former are more
numerous, and better verified, than in the latter. See the Articles, ALTERATION, CONCOC-
TION, FIXATION and TRANSMUTATION.
b 'Tis an Axiom, or indentical Propofition, that a Body having all the Properties of Gold, is
Gold. For the Method of conducting all fuch Enquiries, See the Novum Organum, Part II.
Sect. I.
Is the Fact verified to this Day?
d Bating for the Form of Expreffion, does not this Paragraph intimate the Subſtance of the
prefent Doctrine of Gravity; tho not the Ratio, or precife Line of Defcent in heavy Bo-
dies?
eHere is a Foundation for the modern Improvements in Hydroftaticks, by an eafy Tranf
lation and Enlargement.
GROWTH.
21
that iffued during the Diffolution: which fhews, that the opening of a Body
may increaſe the Weight. This was tried once or twice; but I know not
whether there were any Error committed f.
4. A Solution of two Drams of Quickfilver, in two Ounces of Aqua- The Floating
fortis, will not fupport a Flint, the ſize of a Nutmeg: yet, no doubt, to in- of Solids upon
creafe the weight of Water, will increaſe its power of fupporting; as we ſee Fluids.
in Brine, which, when ftrong, will bear an Egg.
?
But it ſeems that the
weight of Quickfilver, above the weight of a Stone, doth not compenfate
the weight of a Stone, above the weight of Aqua-fortis.
Motions of Bo-
dies of diffe
rent Gravi
5. Two Bodies of unequal weight, as Wood and Lead, join'd toge- The different
ther, being thrown out of the hand, with the light end foremoft, will turn,
and the heavier end get before; unleſs the Body be over long: for the den-
fer Body ſuſtains a ftronger preffure of Parts from the firſt Impulfe; which ties.
is the Cauſe of all violent Motion: and when the hinder part moves fwifter,
(as enduring lefs Preffure) than the fore part can make way for it; the Bo-
dy muſt needs turn over: becauſe it can thus more eafily draw the lighter
part forward b.
6. Galilæo well obferves, that if an open Trough of Water be moved
faſter than the Water can follow; the Fluid gathers in a heap behind:
which he ſuppoſes to be the caufe of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea;
viz. becauſe the Earth moves fafter than the Sea. Which Theory, tho
falfe yet the firſt Experiment is true. The unequal preffure of Parts, ap-
pears manifeftly in this; that if you take a Body of Stone, or Iron, and
another of Wood, of the fame magnitude and ſhape, and throw them with
equal Force; you cannot throw the Wood fo far as the Stone or Iron. '.
k
>
GROWTH.
Man.
The Acceleration of Growth, or Stature, muft proceed, either, (1.) from The Accelera-
due Nouriſhment; (2) the Nature thereof; or (3) the quickning and tion of Growth
exciting of the natural Heat. (1.) As for the first; exceſs of Nouriſhment is and Stature in
hurtful; as making the Child to grow corpulent; or more in Breadth
than Height: like Plants, which, if they fpread much, are ſeldom tall.
(2.) As for the Nature of the Nourishment; it fhou'd not be too dry; whence
Children in Dairy Countries grow taller than where they feed more upon
Bread and Fleſh. There is alfo a received Tale; that boiling of Daify-Roots,
which are great Dryers, in Milk, will make Dogs little. But fo much is true;
that an over-dry Nouriſhment, in Childhood, retards the Stature. The Nou-
N 2
rishment
Compare this with an exact Trial of the fame kind, in the Philofophical Transactions,
f
N° 331.
g See the Article CONTRACTION.
h Compare this with Sir Ifaac Newton's Laws of Motion.
See the Author's Treatment of this Subject in the Novum Organumn; and the fifth Part of
his INSTAURATION.
k Is this Conjecture abfolutely falfe? See Sir Ifaac Newton, and Dr. Halley upon the Sub-
ject.
! This Subject has been profecuted by many; but by few perhaps, to greater Advantage
than by Sir Ifaac Newton.
I
92
HEAT.
The Cauſe of
Hardness, and
dies.
riſhment must alfo be of an opening Nature; for that attenuates the Juices,
and promotes the Motion of the Spirits upwards. (3.) As for the quickening
of natural Heat; this must be effected chiefly by Exercife: and therefore,
Childrens going to Shool, where they fit long, hinders their Growth; where-
as Country-People, that go not to School, are commonly of better Stature¹.
And again; Men muft beware how they give Children any thing that is
cold, in its Operation; for even long Sucking hinders both the Wit and
Stature. It has been tried, that a Whelp fed with Nitre, in Milk, became
very little; but extremely lively for the Spirit of Nitre is cold. And tho
Nitre be an excellent Medicine, in full grown Perfons, for the Prolongation of
Life; yet in Children and young Creatures, it hinders Growth; and all
for the fame Reafon: Heat being requifite to Growth. But after a Man
is come to middle Age, Heat confumes the Spirits; which the Coldneſs of
the Spirit of the Nitre helps to condenfe and correct ".
SOM
:
H.
n
HARDNESS and SOFTNESS.
OME Bodies are hard, and fome foft. Hardness is caufed chiefly by the
jejuneneſs of the Spirits; and their difproportion to the tangible Parts:
Softness, in Bo- both which, if in a greater degree, make them not only hard, but fra-
gile, and lefs capable of Preffure; as Steel, Stone, Glafs, dry Wood, &c.
Softness proceeds from the great quantity of Spirits, and the more equal
ſpreading of the tangible Parts; which thereby become more fliding: as in
Gold, Lead, Wax, &c. But foft Bodies are of two Kinds; the one eaſily
giving way, without altering the Bulk by rifing in other places: as in print-
ing of Wax, the Wax does not rife, but only the deprefs'd part gives
place; and the other remains as it was. The Second kind alters the Bulk in
yielding; as Water, or other Liquors; which, if a Stone be thrown into them,
cafily give way but then they rife over; which is a falfe yielding; as being
a yielding in place, and not in Subſtance ».
Expedients to
diſcover the
Power of Heat,
in occlufo.
HEAT.
1. Of all the Powers in Nature,
Nature, and in the Works of Art.
1 How far is this verified by Experience?
Heat is the chief; both in the Frame of
It is likewife certain, that the effects of
Heat
m See the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
n The Author does not appear to mean the Chemical Spirit of Nitre; but the native Spirit,
naturally contain'd in the crude Salt And certainly it deferves a careful Examination, what
are the true Virtues and Uies of Nitre. Dr Stahl and Dr. Hffmun, have begun the Enquiry;
but the Phyſicians of England feem to neglect the Medicine: I know not whether from find-
ing of little Efficacy; or thro' want of Attention. The Author recommends it highly;
and fo do many Foreigners.
See Mr. Boyle's Effays upon Fluidity and Firmness; Volatility and Fixednefs, &c. and Sir
Ifaac Newton's Queries, at the End of his Opticks. But the Subject feems to require a ftill
more exact and practical Enquiry.
HEAT.
Heat are most advanced, when it operates upon a Body without lofs,
or diffipation of the Matter; which always defrauds the Account: and
therefore the power of Heat is beſt perceived in Distillations, perform-
ed in cloſe Veffels and Receptacles P. Yet there is a higher degree;
for however Diftillations may keep the Body confin'd in Cells and Cloy-
fters, yet they allow it room to turn into Vapour; return into Liquor;
and to feparate one part from another. So that Nature here expatiates, tho
not at full Liberty; whereby the true and ultimate Operations of Heat are
not attained. But if Bodies may be alter'd by Heat, and yet no fuch Re-
ciprocation of Rarefaction, Condenſation, and Separation, admitted; pro-
bably this Proteus of Matter, being held by the Sleeve, will undergo many
Metamorphofes. Take, therefore, a fquare Veffel of Iron, in form of a Cube;
and let it have thick and ſtrong Sides. Put into it a Cube of Wood, that
may fill it quite clofe; let it have a cover of Iron, as ftrong as the Sides;
and lute it well, after the manner of the Chemifts. Then place the Veffel
within burning Coals, kept quick kindled, for a few Hours. Now take
the Veffel from the Fire; open it, and fee what is become of the Wood .
I conceive, fince all Inflammation and Evaporation are entirely prevented,
and the Body ftill turned back upon itſelf, that either the Wood will
be converted into a kind of Amalgama; or that the finer part will be turned
into Air; and the groffer ſtick, as it were baked, upon the fides of the Vef-
fel; being become a denfer Matter than the crude Wood itſelf.
2. For another Trial; put Water into the like Veffel, ſtopped as before;
but ufe a gentler Heat, and remove the Veffel fometimes from the Fire;
and again, when cold, renew the heating; and repeat the Process alter-
nately, for a few times and if once the Water, which is one of the fim-
pleft of Bodies, be changed in Colour, Odour, or Tafte, after the manner
of compound Bodies, there is a great Work effected in Nature; and a
confiderable Entrance made into ftrange Changes of Bodies, and new Pro-
ductions as alſo a way opened to do that by Fire in a fhort time, which the
Sun and Age do in a long one. The Effects of this clofe Diftillation,
which is like the Wombs and Matrices of living Creatures, where nothing ex-
pires, nor is ſeparated, may be admirable; tho without aiming to make the
Pigmies of Paracelfus, or any fuch prodigious Follies: but perhaps the Ef
fects
P The Author feems to mean what the Chemifts call Circulation, or Digeftion; where the
Subject ifes in Vapour, and is returned back upon itfelf,
What is the DIGESTOR more than an obvious Improvement of this Contrivance? But
who has purfued the Experiment, befides. M. Papin?
There may be danger in the Tial, from the bursting of the Veffel; unless a weaker part
be purpofely left at the Top, that hall give way fooner than the Sides, and fo the Exploſion,
if any hou'd happen, be directed up the Chimney. The fear of this Accident has, perhaps,
derer'd many froin making the Experiment; or, at leaft, from applying it to Quickfilver, and
other metallick Bodies. But Prudence, and mechanical Skill, may direct a Veffel to be made,
that fhall t be liable to any fatal Contingency,
This Experiment allo may require fome Caution, to prevent its proving mischievous; for
Water heated in Confinement, has a great explofive Power. A skilful and wary Operator
fhou'd be, therefore, employ'd in thefe kinds of Experiments.
2
93
94
HEAT.
Water.
fects of this Heat, will be fuch, as wou'd fcarce be imagined, if the Force
of it be entirely kept in t.
The different
3. Fire applied to burning Wood, makes it firft luminous; then black and
HEATS of Fire brittle; next, jagged; and thus reduces it to Afhes: but fcalding Water
and boiling has none of thefe Effects. The Caufe is, that by Fire the Spirit of the Body is
firſt rarified, and then emitted; the Refinement and Attenuation whereof pro-
duces Light whilft the Emiffion produces, firft Fragility, and next, Dif
folution into Ashes: and this at the time that no other Body enters. But in
Water the Spirit of the Body is not rarified fo much; and befides, part of
the Water enters; which encreaſes the Spirit, and in ſome degree extinguiſhes
it whence hot Water will quench Fire. Again, in Bodies, where the
Water, does not enter much, but only the Heat paffes; we fee, hot Water
produces the Effects of Fire: thus there is fcarce any difference between Eggs
boil'd, and roafted"; but in Fruit, and Flesh, where the Water in fome
meaſure enters, the difference is much greater ▾.
fects.
Of differenc 4. The Heat of the Sun, for ripening of Fruits, and the heat of Vivification in
Heats working living Creatures, are both fupplied by the beat of Fire: and the Heats of the
the fame Ef- Sun, and Life, are reprefented one by the other. To fet Trees at the back
of a Chimney, ripens the Fruit the fooner. Vines drawn in at the Window of
a Kitchen, have yielded Grapes a Month before other Vines. Stoves at the
backs of Walls, produce Oranges here in England. Eggs are hatched by the
warmth of an Oven. And 'tis reported, that the Oſtrich lays her Eggs under
Sand; where the heat of the Sun hatches them w.
5. The
The Author has judiciouſly reaſoned up to the Experiment: which now alone must deter-
mine of the Fact. The uncommon Effects of a flight DIGESTOR, with a ſmall degree of
Heat, employ'd in a few Subjects, might be fufficient Encouragement to urge the Discovery;
and prefs Nature clofer, in a variety of Subjects. The Mine is open, and Chemiſtry expects
Enrichment from it.
u Let the Instances wherein hot Water and Fire agree be fought; and again, thoſe wherein
they differ; and let them be ranged, or tabled, according to the Direction of the Novum Orga-
num, Part II. Sect. I. where the general Method of conducting Enquiries is deliver❜d.
are fome particulars, for this purpoſe, to be found in the Philofophical Tranfactions, and French
Memoirs.
There
The different Natures and Effects of different kinds of Heat, have been but little attended
to; tho a very material Article in Chemical Operations where it will, perhaps, be found, that
the Heat of Water may perform Operations, which cou'd not be effected by the Heat of Sand,
vice verfa: and this, not becauſe they are different degrees of Heat, about which alone the
common Chemiſtry feems to be concerned ; but becauſe the Heats are of different Natures, or
have different Properties. The Foundation for the Enquiry is here laid by the Author: and, if
duly profecuted, might give great Light to Chemistry, and Natural Philofophy. Thus, in par-
ticular, may not Vitriol be purified, in an extraordinary manner, for certain purpoſes; by a`re-
peated diffolution of the Body, per fe, in a Glafs Veffel, fet in Balneo Maria, without any ad-
ditional Moiſture within the Glafs? And can this Operation be performed by the heat of a
Lamp, Sand, Aſhes, naked Fire, or any other than a moist Heat? See Philofophical Tranfac-
tions, N° 103.
w This Paragraph is Correlative to the preceding; as containing Inftances wherein different
Heats agree; according to the Direction of the Novum Organum. And unleſs that Piece be
well underſtood, and kept in Mind, the Reader cannot eaſily perceive the Tendency, and Me-
rits of the prefent Work: which is not intended for Curiofity, Agreeablenefs, Amuſement,
or
:
HEAT.
95
5. The Water of Wells is warmer in Winter than in Summer; fo is the of fubterra-
Air in Caves: Becauſe in theupper Parts, under the Earth, there is a degree neous Heat.
of Heat; (as appears in Veins of Sulphur, &c.) which, being fhut up clofe,
as in Winter, is greater; but if it perfpire, as in Summer, lefs.
6. In Peru, and feveral Parts of the Weft-Indies, tho under the Line, the of the HEAT
Heats are not fo intolerable as in Barbary, and the fkirts of the Torrid under the
Zone 7. The CAUSES may be thefe; (1.) the ftrong Breezes which the motion Equinoctial.
of the Air in great Circles of the Earth produces, refrigerate; whence the
Noon in thoſe Parts is not near fo hot, when the Breezes are great, as about
ħine or ten a-Clock in the Morning. (2.) The length of the Night, and the
Dews thereof, which abate the Heat of the Day. (3.) The Continuance of
the Sun, in respect of the Seafon; for under the Line the Sun croffes the Equi-
noctial, and makes two Summers, and two Winters; but in the fkirts of
the Torrid Zone, it doubles, goes back again, and fo makes one long Sum-
mer a.
7. The bottom of a Veffel of boiling Water is not fo hot, but that a The Qualifi-
Man may apply his Hand to it: The ČAUSE may be, that the moiſture of cation of
Water allays Heat where it touches; and therefore Moiſture, tho it pafs HEAT by
not thro' Bodies, without Communication of Subſtance; as Heat and Cold Moiſtures.
do; yet works manifeft Effects, by its qualifying of Heat and Cold; as in
the prefent Inſtance. We fee likewife, that Waters diftill'd with a Bath-
beat, differ much from Waters diftill'd by direct Fire. So Pewter-diſhes with
Water in them, do not eaſily melt; but without it, readily: nay, Butter
and Oil, which in themſelves are inflammable, yet by virtue of their Moi-
fture have the like Effect a
8. Fire and Heat have fimilar Operations in numerous Inftances.
dries Bodies that eafily expire; as Parchment, Leaves, Roots, Clay,
Heat The Relation
&c. betwixt Fire
fo
;
or Pleasure; but folely levell'd at the Inveftigation of Caufes; the Discovery of Forms; and the
production of Capital Effects. To inculcate this more than once, may not be unfeaſonable
as Men appear but little acquainted with the Thing in general, or the direct Defign, and im
menfe Utility, of the prefent Hiftory, in particular.
* Viz. With regard to the Body, and the Heat or Coldnefs of the Air without: but how
ftands the particular, with regard to the Thermometer, or other ftill more exact Methods of Trial?
See Mr. Boyle, in the Entrance of his Hiftory of Cold; and the Pieces of M. Amontons, and
others, in the French Memoirs.
y This Enquiry deferves to be farther profecuted. See Mr. Boyle's Pieces of the Subterraneal
and Submarine Regions, &c.
z I have heard the Fact attefted by Travellers.
a See Varenii Geographia Generalis.
b This Experiment may be tried without danger of burning, provided the Water be made
to boil ſtrongly; and the bottom of the Veffel, in that State, be immediately clapt upon the
hand, and not continued after the bubbling, or boiling Motion, of the Water ceafes.
Is there not fome more deep and latent Cauſe of this Effect? For the bottom of the Vef-
fel will burn the Hand, after the Water ceaſes to boil: tho the Water, perhaps, now remains
as moist as before.
d How are Pewter Veffels affected, when fet over the Fire with Fluid Bodies in them that are
not moiſt, as Quickſilver, for Inſtance? To diſcover the true Natures of Heat and Fire are ſub-
tile Enquiries, upon which very great Matters depend. Sir Ifaac Newton has left us ſome cong
fiderable Hints for the Profecution, in his Queries at the End of his OPTICKS.
and Heat, in
feveral Effects.
96
CUP.
HIC Н
fo does Time or Age. Heat diffolves and melts Bodies that retain their
Spirits, as in many Liquefactions; and to doth Time in fome Bodies of a
fofter Confiftence: as appears in Honey and Sugar, which by Age grow
more liquid; and in old Oil, which is always more clear, and hot in me-
dicinal Ufe. Heat caufes the Spirits to fearch fome Iffue out of the Body;
as in the Volatility of Metals : fo does Time; as in the Ruft of Metals *.
But generally Heat does that in a fmall time, which Age doth in a long
h
one ,
f
Their different 9. Some Things which have paffed the Fire, are ſofteſt at firſt, and
Operations in by time grow hard; as Crumbs of Bread. Some are harder when
others.
as
they come from the Fire; and afterwards give, and grow foft again;
the Cruft of Bread, Bisket, Sweatmeats, Salt, &c. For in thoſe things that
grow hard with Time, the Operation of the Fire is a kind of melting: and
in thoſe that grow foft with Time, the operation of the Fire is a kind of
baking and whatever the Fire bakes, Time in fome degree diffolves. See
the Articles AIR, COLD, and COOLNESS.
HICCUP.
Of the Caufe Sneezing has been obſerved to ſtop the Hiccup. The CAUSE may be, that
and Cure of the Motion of the Hiccup is a rifing up of the Breaft, which fneezing fome-
the HICCUP. what depreffes; and diverts the Motion another way. The Hiccup proceeds,
(1.) from fullness of Meat; efpecially in Children; which caufes an extenfion
of the Stomach. (2.) It is alſo cauſed by acid Meats, or Drinks, pricking
and vellicating the Mouth of the Stomach. This Motion is eafed either,
(1.) by a Diverfion, or (2.) a Detention of the Spirits: by Diverfion, as in
Sneezing; by Detention, as in holding the Breath: which fomewhat helps to
ftop the Hiccup. Putting the Perfon into an earneft Study, does the
like. Vinegar alfo, applied to the Noftrils, or gargled in the Mouth, has
the fame effect; as being Aftringent, and fuppreffing the Motion of the
Spirits. See the Articles SNEEZING and YAWNING.
e
HUNGER,
By Time and Age we are here, perhaps, to underftand no more than Opportunity: as length
of Time has no direct Agency upon Bodies itfelf; only affords an opportunity for their being
acted upon by the Air, with its feveral Ingredients; which proving a kind of Menftruum,
works upon, and tinges itſelf with, the finer Particles of Bodies; and fo at length leaves them
effete, or reduced to a kind of Calx, or Caput Mortuum: and thus are introduced Drynefs,
Rottennefs, Corruption, Changes, and, poffibly, Regenerations, or new Combinations, in all
the fublunary Bodies: for the Sum of Matter is ever the fame.
f This may illuſtrate the preceding Note; as not Time, but the aqueous or corrofive Spirit,
or ſome particular Power in the Air, feems to be the Cauſe of Ruft.
g For all Metals, even Gold itſelf, is Volatile, with a fuitable degree of Heat; as we ſee
în the Burning Concave.
h And therefore Heat is a Capital Power in Nature.
i Here again we have the Foundation of a noble Enquiry, directly leading to the produc-
tion of confiderable Effects. But for the way of profecuting it to purpoſe, confult the Second
Part of the Novum Organum.
k Or a ſudden Fright.
1 Do the Caufes here affign'd reach to that Hiccup in Compound Fevers, and other Dif-
eafes; which is ufually accounted a fatal Symptom; and for which no certain Remedy is
hitherto known?
IMAGINATION.
97
HUNGER, or APPETITE.
:
:
APPETITE in
The Appetite is excited chiefly by Things that are cold and dry; for The Nature
Cold is a kind of Want in Nature, that calls for fupply; and fo is Drynefs and Causes of
therefore (1.) all Acids, as Vinegar, juice of Lemmons, &c. provoke the Stomach.
the Appetite. And the Diſeaſe call'd Appetitus Caninus confifts in an
acid Phlegm, lodged in the Mouth of the Stomach m. (2.) Again, the Ap-
petite is moved by four Things; as thefe induce a Contraction in the Nerves
placed at the Mouth of the Stomach which is a great Caufe of Appetite.
(3.) But Onions, Salt, and Pepper, in baked Meats, provoke the Appe-
tite by vellicating thofe Nerves. (4.) Wormwood, Olives, Capers, &c.
which participate of Bitterness, excite the Appetite by Abfterfion. So that
there are four principal CAUSES of Appetite: viz. (1.) Refrigeration of the
Stomach, join'd with fome degree of Drynefs; (2.) Contraction; (3.) Vel-
lication; and (4.) Abfterfion; befides Hunger, which is an emptinefs. And
yet over-fafting often caufes the Appetite to ceafe; for, want of Meat makes
the Stomach attract the Humours and fuch as are light and cholerick
damp the Appetite moft ». See the Article FOODS.
I.
ME
I.
IMAGINATION.
and the Force
EN are to be admonish'd, not to reject Operations by the Tranf- The Notion of
miffion of Spirits, and the Force of Imagination; only becauſe the the Tranfmif
Effects fometimes fail: for, as in Contagions from Body to Body, the Infection on of Spirits,
may be often received by the paffive Body; but, by the Strength and good of Imagination,
Difpofition thereof, be repulfed and thrown out, before it forms into a Difeafe; not to be re-
fo much the rather in Impreſſions from Mind to Mind, or from Spirit to jected.
Spirit, the Impreffion may be made; but, being encountered and over-
come by the Mind, and the paffive Spirit, produce no manifeft Effect °.
And therefore, thefe Impreffions operate moft upon weak Minds, and
Spirits; as thofe of Women; fick Perfons; the Superftitious and Fearful;
VOL. III.
Children
O
m Is this certain? Perhaps no Caufes in all Phyficks are lefs known, than the true and pro-
per Caufes of Difeafes; which alone can direct the Phyfician: and without them, all is guefs-
Work, Diffidence, and Darkness. The improvement of Medicine, therefore, requires a tho-
rough Enquiry into the Causes of Diseases. See the Article MEDICINE.
ת
Perhaps it were not amifs to begin the Enquiry for improving Medicine, with the Sto-
mach; which diftributes to other Parts the Supplies of Health and Sicknefs. The Foundations
for fuch an Enquiry are nobly laid by the Author; but few feem to have followed him clofely,
in the tracing of Nature, finding out her ways, and investigating the Caufes of Health and
Difeafes. His History of Life and Death affords an illuſtrious Example, for entring upon,
and conducting, medicinal Enquiries.
This may deferve to be well confider'd, as opening a new Scene in Nature: but let the
Judgment be well guarded here, and not give way to Vanities, Superftitions and Illufions.
The Bufinefs is to find out the Laws and fecret Workings of Nature, by clofe and attentive
Obfervation; without coining any Thing.
98
IMAGINATION.
Nor too credu-
Children, and young Creatures". As for their want of Power upon Kings
and Magiftrates; it may be afcribed to the weakneſs of the Imagination, in
the Imaginant for 'tis hard for a Witch or a Sorcerer to put on a Belief, that
they can hurt fuch Perfons .
2. Men are alfo to be admoniſhed, on the other hand, that they do not eafily
louſly believed. give Credit to thefe Operations; only becauſe they often fucceed: for this Succefs
is frequently owing to the Force of Affection, and Imagination, upon the
Agent; and operates by a fecondary Means upon a different Body: for
Example, if a Man wear a Planet-Seal, or a Bone-Ring, believing strongly
that it will help him to obtain his Miftrefs; preferve him unhurt in Fight;
or the like; it may make him more active and induftrious; more confident
and perfifting, than otherwife he would be. Now, we know, that the Effects
of Induſtry and Perfeverance, eſpecially in civil Buſineſs, are great: For Au-
dacity, in fome meaſure, binds and conquers the weaker fort of Minds;
and the State of human Actions is fo variable, that to try Things often,
and never give over, works Wonders! It were therefore a Fallacy, and
Miftake, to afcribe that to the Force of Imagination, upon a foreign Body,
which is but the Force of Imagination upon the proper Body: for Imagination,
and vehement Affection, work ftrongly upon the Body of the Imagi-
A third Ad-
monition, not
Fact.
nant.
3. Men ſhould alſo be admonished, not to mistake the Fact, or Effect; and
to mistake the rafhly conclude that done, which is not. For wife Judges do not haftily
believe the Confeffions of Witches, nor the Evidence against them: the
Witches themfelves being imaginative; and often believing they do what they
do not and People are credulous in this Point; and ready to impute Accidents,
and natural Operations, to Witchcraft. 'Tis worth obferving, that both in
ancient, and later Times, the great wonders related of Witches flying in
the Air, transforming themſelves, &c. are always faid to be wrought, not
by Incantations or Ceremonies, but by anointing themselves all over : which may
justly lead one to think, theje Fables are the Effects of Imagination: for Oint-
ments ſtop the Pores, fhut in the Vapours, and fend them to the Head ex-
tremely. The particular Ingredients of thefe magical Ointments, are, probably,
Opiate and Soporiferous and anointing of the Forehead, Neck, and along
the Back-Bone, is uſed for procuring deep Sleeps. If it be faid that
this Effect is better procured by inward Potions; we anſwer that the Ingre-
dients of the Ointinent are ſo ſtrong, that if uſed internally, they might
kill the Perfon; and therefore work powerfully as Externals.
The ſeveral 4. All Operations by Tranfmiflion of Spirits, and by Imagination, operate at
ways wherein
the Iranfmif. a Distance, not in Contact; and are as follows. (1.) The Tranfmiffion, or
fion of Spirits, Emiſſion, of the thinner and more airy Parts of Bodies; as in Odours and In-
and the Imagi- fections and this of all others is the moft Corporeal. But there are many
nation act, viz.
(1.)
By Aerial Ef-
Auvia.
لا
I
P Nefcio quis teneros oculus mihi fafcinat Agnos.
of
4 Let Judgment be fufpended; at leaft till the Author has been fully heard. and 6.105
Surely there is grear Sagacity and Judgment fhewn in deriving thefe Particulars; whilft the
Facts themſelves are fteadily kept in View: infomuch that a little farther profecution of the
Subject, might, perhaps, unravel the whole Secret of Witchcraft.
IMAGINATION.
99
of theſe Emiffions, both wholfome and unwholfome, that yield no Scent; as
the Plague and many wholeſome Airs, as they appear to be by dwelling in
them, and other Proofs, differ not in Smell from others. Under this Head,
we rank all Imbibitions of Air, where the Subſtance is material, in the Form of
Odour; fome whereof are ſtrange, and very fuddenly diffused; as in the
alteration which the Air receives in Egypt, upon the rifing of the River
Nile'.
5. (2.) The Tranfmiffion or Emiffion of what we call fpiritual Species; as
the viſible and the audible: which move fwiftly, and to a great Diſtance;
but then they require a Medium well difposed: and this Tranfmiffion is
eaſily ſtopped.
(2.)
Spiritual Spe-
C185.
(3.)
6. (3.) The Emiſſions which cauſe Attraction of certain Bodies at a Distance;
as the Attraction of Amber, Jet, and other electrick Bodies; the Attraction Attractions.
of Gold, as to Quickfilver at a diſtance, &c.
น
lities.
7. (4.) The Emiffion of Spirits, and immaterial Powers and Virtues, in thoſe (4.)
Things which work by the general Configuration and Sympathy of the World; Cofmical Qua
not by Forms, or celeftial Influences, but by the primitive Nature of
Matter, and the Seeds of Things. Of this kind is the Operation of the
Loadſtone, by Confent with the Globe of the Earth; the Motion of
Gravity, by the Confent of denſe Bodies with the Earth"; fome difpofition
of Bodies to Rotation, and particularly from Eaft to Weft; whence the prin-
cipal Flux and Reflux of the Sea; viz. by Confent of the Univerfe, as a
part of the diurnal Motion. Theſe immaterial Virtues have this peculiar
Property, that the difference of Medium does not obftruct them; but they
paſs through all Mediums, tho at determinate Diſtances ›.
the Mind.
8. (5.) The Emillions of Spirits, or the Operation of the Spirits of the Mind (5.)
upon other Spirits: and this is of a double Nature; including the Operations The Spirits of
of the Affections, if they be vehement; and the Operation of the Imagina-
tion, if it be ftrong. But theſe two are fo coupled, that we must treat
them together; for when an envious, or amorous Afpect infects the Spirits of
another, the Affection and Imagination are united".
9. (6). The Influences of the heavenly Bodies, befides thofe two manifeft (6.)
ones of Heat and Light.
Celestial Influ-
(7.)
10. (7.) The Operations of Sympathy, brought by the Writers of natural ences.
Magick into an Art; which is, in order to fuperinduce any Virtue or Difpofi- The Operations
tion in a Perfon, to chufe the living Creature, wherein that Virtue is moft emi- of Sympathy.
02
nent;
f See Mr. Boyle's Treatife of Effluvia, &c. particularly his Memoirs for a general History of -
the Air.
t See the Articles SOUND, and VISION.
u See the Articles ATTRACTION, and ELECTRICITY.
See the Article MAGNETISM.
w See the Article GRAVITY.
* See the Novum Organum. Part II. Sect. I.
y See the feveral kinds of Motions: Nov. Organ. Part II. Sect. II. and the Articles
NATURE, SPIRITS, and SYMPATHY.
z The fubfequent part of the Difcourfe regards chiefly theſe two Particulars jointly. See
below § 12, &c.
100
IMAGINATION.
57.
(8.)
nent; of this Creature to take the Parts wherein that Virtue chiefly lies; and
again to take thefe Parts in that Time and Act, where and when the Virtue is
moft exerciſed; and then apply it to that part of the Man wherein the fame
Virtue chiefly confifts. Thus for Example, To fuperinduce Courage; take a
Lion, or a Cock; and chufe the Heart, Tooth or Paw of the Lion; or the
Heart or Spur of the Cock: take theſe Parts immediately after the Lion, or
the Cock, has been in Fight; and let them be worn upon a Man's Heart, or
Wrift.
:
11. (8.) The laſt Operation is an Emiffion of immaterial Virtues; fuch as
The Sympathy
of individuals. We heſitate to propofe, they are fo prodigious; we mean the Sympathy of
Individuals for as there is a Sympathy of Species, fo perhaps of Individuals,
that is of Things, or the Parts of Things, which having been once contiguous
or entire, there remains a Tranfmiffion of Virtue from the one to the other;
as between the Weapon and the Wound: whence the Operation of the
Weapon-falve, and Things of that kind, are blazed abroad
Species which
affect the Sen-
[85.
C
The Emiffions 12. The Emiffions of Spiritual Species, fhould be treated under their pro-
of Spiritual per Titles, of Vifibles and Audibles, apart: but there are fome general Ob-
fervations common to them both. Thus (1.) They both feem to be incor-
poreal. (2.) They work ſwiftly. (3.) They operate at great Diſtances.
And (4.) In curious Varieties. (5.) They are not effective of any Thing;
or leave no Works behind them; but are mere Energies: for their working
upon Mirrors, and places of Echo, does not alter any thing in theſe Bo-
dies; but 'tis the fame Action with the Original, only reflected. The fha-
king of Windows; the percuffion of the Air by loud Noifes; and the
Heat cauſed by Burning-glaffes; are rather Concomitants than Effects of
the audible and visible Species. (6.) Laftly, They ſeem of ſo tender and
weak a Nature, as to affect only fuch an attenuated Subftance as the Spirit
of living Creatures.
immaterial
The Emiſſion of (13.) 'Tis reported, that when Children have been exposed, or taken away
Virtues from young from their Parents; and afterwards came into their Parents Prefence
the Minds and unknown; the Parent has felt a fecret Joy, or other Alteration, upon it £.
Spirits of Men, An Egyptian Soothfayer made Antony believe that his Genius, tho otherwife
by Affections, brave and confident, was, in the Prefence of Octavius Cæfar, poor and
Imaginations, cowardly; and therefore advised him to abfent himſelf. The Soothsayer
was thought to be fuborn'd by Cleopatra, to make Antony live in Egypt.
However, the Opinion of a predominant, or mastering Spirit of one Man
over another, is ancient, and ſtill received, even in vulgar Opinion %.
and other Im-
preffions.
a See the Article SYMPATHY.
g There
are
b Let not the Author here be confider'd otherwife than as an Enquirer: it were very
hard if a Philofopher were to be thought tainted with all the Superftitions he is obliged to ex-
amine. See hereafter § 22.
e See the Article NATURE, SPIRITS, and SYMPATHY. See alfo the de Augmentis Scientiar.
Sect. VIII. 7. and the Fable of Proferpina in the Sapientia Veterum.
See above, §. 5.
As they are under the Articles SOUND and VISION.
f Let the Fact be fully enquired into.
8 Every Man has it in his Power to examine this Matter: and are we not all affected in this
manner? Have not fome certain Perfons an awe upon us, not only in Courts of Justice, and
I
the
IMAGINATION.
IQL
!
M
Honly
are Opinions abroad, that fome Men of an ill and melancholy Nature, in-
cline the Company where they come, to be dull and fad; whilſt others of a
jovial Temper, difpofe the Company to Mirth and Chearfulneſs and again,
that fome Men are lucky to be in ones Company, or employ'd in Buſineſs;
and others unlucky. And certainly, 'tis agreeable to Reafon, that there
fhould be fome light Effluxes from Spirit to Spirit, when Men are in Preſence
one with another, as well as from Body to Body. It has been obſerved, that`.
old Men, who loved young Company, and been continually therein, were
long lived; their Spirits, as it fhould feem, being recreated by their Com-
pany. Such were the ancient Sophifts and Rhetoricians; that conftantly had
young Auditors and Difciples; fuch as Gorgias, Protagoras, Ifocrates, &c. Jocrates prost the Ger
who lived till they were an hundred Years old. So likewife did many of the zeme bably List.
Grammarians and School-maſters, as Orbilius, &c. b
& Cavartbe
tions at a Dio
14. Audacity and Confidence in Civil Buſineſs, have fuch great Effects, that The Operations
one may reaſonably fufpect, befides the daring, earneftnefs, perfifting, and of the Affec-
importunity, there fhould be fome fecret Binding and Stooping of other Mens fance.
Spirits to fuch Perfons. The Affections make the Spirits more powerful
and active; eſpecially thoſe that draw them into the Eyes; which are two: n
Love and Envy. For Love; the Platonifts hold, that the Spirit of the Lo-
ver paffes into the Spirit of the Perfons loved; which caufes the defire of re-
turn into the Body whence it was emitted: whereupon follows that Appe-
tite of Contact and Conjunction in Lovers. And 'tis obferved, that the
Aſpects which procure Love, are not Gazings, but fudden Glances and Dart-
ings of the Eye. Envy, which is call'd an evil Eye, feems to emit fome-
malignant and poiſonous Spirits, that take hold of the Spirits of another;
and is faid likewife to be of greateſt Force, when the caft of the Eye is
oblique. This Paffion has alſo been noted as most dangerous, when an en-
vious Eye is caft upon Perfons in Glory, Triumph, and Joy: Becauſe at
fuch Times the Spirits come moft into the outward Parts; and fo meet the
Percuffion of the envious Eye. And it has been obferv'd, that after great
Triumphs, Men have been ill-difpos'd for fome Days. The Opinion of Fascination
Fafcination is ancient and noted, for both Effects; viz. for procuring Love,
and Sickness from Envy; and Fafcination is ever by the Eye. Yet if there
be any fuch Infection from Spirit to Spirit; no doubt it works by Prefence,
and not by the Eye alone; tho moft forcibly by the Eye m. Fear and Shame
are likewiſe infectious: the ſtarting of one Perfon, will make another ready
to ſtart; and when a Man is out of Countenance, in Company, others blufh
with him.
of Roman
people find for Cats when fe
15. Thofe
que. ip. Cato blush At
d. A
the Courts of Princes, but in common Converfation? And does not our Spirit ftoop, or
ſtrike Sail as it were, to one Man more than another? And this as well from having only
heard his Character, as being in his Company? Theſe Particulars fhould not be flightly paf
fed over; if they are Phænomena in Nature.
&C.
h See the Author's Hiſtory of Life and Death.
i See the Author's Effays upon Ambition, Anger, Boldness, Nature in Men, Vain-Glory,
k See the Author's Effays upon Love and Envy.
1 Nefcio quis teneros Oculus mihi fafcinat Agnos.
Do not we all form our Conjecture, how a Perfon ftands affected to us, from the Eye ?
· Yowa
102
IMAGINATION.
1
The Force of 15. Thofe Effects which are wrought by ftriking the Senfes, and by
Imagination, things in fact, are likewife produced, in fome degree, by the Imagination:
imitating that
of Senfe.
thus, if a Man fee another eat four things, which fet the Teeth on edge;
this Object taints the Imagination, and fets his Teeth alfo on edge, by Afpect.
So if a Man fee another turn long, and fwiftly; or if he look upon Wheels
that turn; himſelf grows giddy. So if a Man be upon a high Place, with-
out Rails, or good Hold, unleſs he be uſed to it, he is ready to fall: for,
imagining a Fall, it puts his Spirits into the very Action of a Fall. So upon
feeing others bleed, or ftrangled, or tortured, many are ready to faint;
as if themſelves bled, or fuffered ".
A Specimen of
of Imagi-
nation upon
16. We come next, to confider the Force of Imagination upon other Bo-
a ftrict Enquiry dies, and the Means to exalt and ſtrengthen it. By Imagination we here under-
into the Force ſtand the Reprefentation of an individual Thought. 'Tis of three kinds : the
first, joined with Belief of what is to come: the fecond, joined with a Con-
other Bodies; fcioufnefs of what is paſt and the third regards things prefent, or as if
and the Means they were prefent; for, under this, we comprehend feigned Imaginations:
to ftrengthen as if one thould imagine fuch a Man vefted as a Pope; or to have
Wings, &c. We ſingle out, for the prefent, that Species attended with
Faith, or Belief of what is to come. The Enquiry into this Subject, by In-
duction, is extremely difficult; becauſe the things reported are full of Fables;
and new Experiments can, in this Cafe, hardly be made, but with extreme
Caution °.
it.
The Power of
three kinds.
17. The Power of Imagination is of three kinds; the first upon the Body of
Imagination of the Imaginant; including likewife the Child in the Womb: the fecond is,
the Power of it upon inanimate Bodies; as Plants, Wood, Stone, Me-
tal, &c. and, the third is, its Power upon the Spirits of Men, and living
Creatures. And this laft fhall be our prefent Subject.
Whether strong 18. The Problem is, whether a Man's conftant, and strong Belief, that fuch
Belief has any a thing ſhall be; as, that fuch an one will love him; or that fuch an one will
Efficacy in pro- grant his Request, or the like, has any Force in procuring the thing itſelf.
shing believed. And here, again, we muft warily diftinguifh; for 'tis not meant, that
curing the
this Belief fhould affift, by making a Man more refolute or induftrious; in
which Cafe, a constant Belief has a great Effect; as was above obferved;
but merely by a fecret Operation; as by binding, or changing the Spirit of another.
And here it is hard to make any new Experiment; for I cannot command my
ſelf to believe what I pleafe and fo, no Trial can be made. Nay, 'tis
worfe; for whatever a Man imagines doubtingly, or with fear, muft needs do
n
burt;
Might not, therefore, confiderable Effects be wrought by working, properly, upon the
Imagination? whence, could not this Art be improved and advantageously introduced into
Medicine? And Query, whether the remarkable Cures performed by Operators for Worms
in the Gums, Tongue, &c. are not owing to this Caufe? See the Philofophical Tranf
actions, Numb. 213,&c.
• The Author, probably, choſe to begin this Enquiry, upon account of the great Difficulties
wherewith it is attended according to his Intenfion, expreffed in the Introduction to this Piece
of Sylva Sylvarum, and followed in feveral Inftances; as, particularly, in his Enquiry into
Life and Death; Winds, &c. tho he has alſo a great regard to Utility, in all his Enquiries,
This deferves a particular Attention on feveral Accounts.
IMAGINATION.
103
burt; if Imagination have any Power at all: for a Man oftener repreſents to
himſelf the things he fears, than the contrary.
انتے مجھے
19. The only Means is, therefore, to work by another Perfon in whom The Method of
Belief may be created, and not by ones felf; till one has found, by Ex- working by a
Second Perfon,
perience, that Imagination prevails; for then Experience works Belief in ones in the Business
Jelf; if the Belief, that fuch a thing fhall happen, be joined with the Belief of Imagina-
that ones Imagination may procure it. For example; I once related to a tion, illuftrated
Man, curious and vain enough in theſe Matters, that I faw a Juggler, who by Example.
having a Pack of Cards, would tell another what Card he thought of. My
pretended Man of Learning told me, I was miftaken; for, faid he, it was
not the Knowledge of the Perfon's Thought; but the enforcing of a Thought
upon him, and binding his Imagination by a ftronger; fo that he could
think of no other Card. And thereupon he aſked me a Queſtion or two,
which I thought he did craftily, as knowing before-hand the ufual Feats
of the Juggler; and particularly, whether I remembred, if himſelf told the
Card the Man thought; or bid another tell it? I anſwered, the latter.
Whereto he replied; fo I thought: for himself could not have put on fo
Strong an Imagination; but by telling the other the Card, who believed that
the Juggler could do ftrange things, the third Man caught a strong Imagina-
tion. I hearkened to him, thinking, for a Trifle, he fpoke prettily. Then
he aſked, if I remembred whether the Juggler bid the Man think the Card
firſt, and afterwards told the other, in his Ear, what he ſhould think ; or
whether he whiſpered in the Man's Ear who fhould tell the Card, ſaying,
that fuch a Man fhould think fuch a Card; and, after, bid the Man think a
Card? I answered, he firft whifpered the Man in the Ear, that fuch a Man
fhould think fuch a Card. Upon this, my learned Gentleman ftrangely
exulted, and pleafed himfelf, faying, you may fee my Opinion is right for if
the Man had thought firft, his Thought had been fixed; but the other
imagining first, bound his Thought. Which, tho it did fomewhat fink.
with me, yet I made light of it, and faid; I thought it was Confederacy be-
tween the Juggler and the two Servants: tho, indeed, I had no reaſon to
think fo; for they were both my Father's Servants: and the Juggler had ne-
ver played in the Houſe before. This Juggler alfo cauſed a Garter to be held
up; and took upon him to know, that fuch an one fhould point in fuch a
place of the Garter, as fhould be fo many Inches to the longer End, and
fo many to the ſhorter ; and ftill he did it by firſt telling the Imaginer, and
afterwards bidding the After think.
Experience,
20. This Relation is not here given for its Dignity; but becauſe it opens Three Means
the nature of the Queftion; and fhews, that Experiments of Imagination muft of fortifying
be practifed upon others, and not upon a Man's felf. For there are thre Belief; viz.
Means of fortifying Belief; viz. Experience, Reafon, and Authority; the more Reafon, and
powerful of which, by much, is Authority for Belief upon Reafon, or Ex- Authority.
perience, will stagger 9. Authority is of two kinds; Belief in an Art; and
Belief in a Man. As for Matters of Belief in an Art; one may exercife
them
Here feems to lie a confiderable Secret.
2
104
IMAGINATION.
viz.
them by ones felf; but Belief in a Man, muſt be by another: therefore,
if a Man believe in Aftrology, and find a Figure profperous; or believe in
natural Magick; as, that a Ring wore with fuch a Stone, will do good; this
may help his Imagination. BELIEF PLACED IN A MAN IS FAR MORE ACTIVE:
yet, ALL AUTHORITY MUST BE FROM ONES SELF, turned either upon an Art,
or upon a Man: and where Authority is from one Man to another, the fecond
must be ignorant, and unlearned, or full of Thoughts; and fuch generally are
Witches, and fuperftitious Perfons; whofe Beliefs, tied to their Teachers.
and Traditions, are not controlled, either by Reafon or Experience and
hence, in Magick, they commonly chufe Boys, and young People; whofe
Spirits eafieft take Belief and Imagination .
Three Ways of 21. There are three Ways of fortifying the Imagination; viz. (1.) by Au-
fortifying the thority, whence the Belief is derived; (2.) by quickening, and corroborating
Imagination; the Imagination; and, (3.) by repeating, and refreshing it. The Buſineſs of
(1.)
Authority has been ſpoke to already and for the Means of quickening and
By Authority. corroborating the Imagination; we fee what is uſed in Magick (if in fuch
(2.) Practices there be any thing purely natural ;) viz. Veftments, Characters,
Quickening the Words, Seals; certain Parts of Plants, or Animals; Stones; Choice of the
Imagination. Hour; Gestures, and Motions; Incenfes, and Odours; Choice of Society,
which increafes Imagination; Diets, and Preparations for fome
time before-
hand. And, for Words; there have been always, either barbarous ones,
and of no Signification, left they fhould difturb the Imagination; or Words
of Similitude, to fecond and feed it and this, as well in heathen Charms,
as thofe of later times. They alfo ufe Scripture Words; for the Belief that
religious Texts, and Words, have Power, may ftrengthen the Imagination. And,
for the fame reaſon, Hebrew Words, which, with us, are accounted more holy
and myſtical, are often uſed for this purpofe. For refreshing the Imagina-
tion; which is the third Means of exalting it; we fee the Practices of Ma-
gick, in Images of Wax, and the like, that are to melt by degrees; and
fome other things buried, to putrefy gradually in the Earth, for as often as
the Imaginant thinks of these things, fo often does he reprefent to his Imagination
the effect defired.
And, (3)
refreshing it.
How the Ima-
22. If there be any Power in Imagination, 'tis lefs credible it fhould be
gination may fo incorporeal and immaterial a Virtue, as to operate at great Diftances;
phyfically ope-
rate
to great
Diflances.
though
Theſe Particulars feem deduced with great ftrength of Judgment; and lay a folid Founda-
tion for a noble Practice, eſpecially in the Bufinefs of Education; whereby Men might furely
be formed to much greater Advantage than in our prefent Methods. The Education of the
Chineſe may be worth enquiring into upon this Occafion.
Obferve, the Author has not forgot his own Caution of guarding the Infancy of Philoſophy
againſt Fables, Fancies, and Fictions; tho, he judges, that all fuperftitious Ceremonies ſhould
be carefully examined, after Philofophy has gathered Strength; and, therefore, all along takes
care to fow the Seeds of fuch Enquiries, that they may be farther cultivated, in future
Ages.
It may deſerve enquiring, how many of theſe Particulars have been introduced, and with
what Alterations, and Succefs, into falfe Religions. Are not Relicks, Images, Incenſe, horary
Maffes, certain Gefticulations, Probations, and fome particular Words, and Phrafes, things of
this Stamp?
IMAGINATIO N.
105
!
through all Mediums; or upon all Bodies: tho it is required, that the
Diſtance be competent; the Medium not contrary; and the Body apt and
proportionate. Therefore, if there be any Operation upon Bodies abfent by
Nature, 'tis likely to be conveyed from Man to Man, as Fame is: fo,
for example, if a Witch, by Imagination, ſhould hurt any one a far off,
it cannot be naturally; but by working upon the Spirit of one that comes
to the Witch; and from thence upon the Imagination of another; and fo
another; till it arrive at the Perfon intended. And altho they fay it fuffices
to take a Pin, or a Piece of the Garment, or the Name of the Party, &c.
little Credit can be given to fuch things; unless it be by the working of evil
Spirits ▾.
23. The Experiments that certainly demonftrate the Power of the Imagina- No Experi
tion upon other Bodies, are few, or none: for the Experiments of Witchcraft ments extant,
are no clear Proofs; becauſe they may be by the tacit Operation of evil Spi- that demon-
Strate the Pow
rits. We are therefore obliged, in this Enquiry, to ufe new Experiments; er of Imaging-
wherein, however, we can furniſh only Directions, and not any pofitive tion upon other
Trials. For, indeed, we give fo little Credit to thefe Effects of Imagination Bodies.
upon other Bodies, that we fhall only try them at leifure: but, in the mean
time, are willing to lead others the way.
24. (1.) To work by the Imagination of another, 'tis neceffary that he, Indications of
by whom you work, fhould have an Opinion of you; as, that you can do new Experi
ments for the
ftrange things; or are a Man of Art, as they call it otherwife, the fimple Purpofe
Affirmation to another, that this or that fhall be, makes but a weak Im- (I.)
preffion on his Imagination. And, as we cannot fully difcern the Strength By Opinion.
of Imagination in one Man more than another, it were proper to try the Ima-
ginations of feveral; in order to light upon a ftrong one: as if a Phyſician
fhould tell three or four of his Patient's Servants, that their Mafter would
certainly recover ".
various Means,
25. (2.) The Minds of Men are fo various, that the Imagination of (2.)
him you would uſe, cannot be always alike conftant and ftrong; and if By Pretence of
the Succeſs follow not fpeedily, the Operation will languish. To re- in Sequence.
medy this, you must pretend to him whofe Imagination you ufe, feveral
degrees of Means by which you operate; as to order him, every three Days,
if he find not the Succeſs apparent, to ufe another Root, part of a Beaſt,
or Ring, &c. as being of more Force; and if that fail, another; and
if that, another; till feven times. You muft alfo prefcribe a good length
of Time, for the promiſed Effect; as to tell the Servant his Mafter fhall
recover; but it will be fourteen Days before he finds it apparently, &c. All
this, to entertain the Imagination, that it waver lefs.
(3.)
26. (3.) 'Tis certain, that Potions, or things taken into the Body; In-
cenfes and Perfumes received at the Noftrils; and anointing of fome Parts, By Unctions,
Vo L. III.
P
Perfumes, &c.
natu-
If once evil Spirits are admitted, there is an End of friet philofophical Enquiry; 15.
and the Cauſe is removed to a different Court. See the De Augmentis Scientiarum,
Sect. XXVIII.
If there be no Immorality, Trefpafs upon Religion, Senfe, good Manners, or Confcience,
in ſuch a Procedure, where is the Harm of trying it? See below, $ 27.
106
IMAGINATION.
1
naturally work upon the Imagination of him who ufes them therefore it
muft needs greatly co-operate with the Imagination of him you uſe, to
prefcribe him, before he enters upon the Receipt, for the Work he defires,
fuch a Pill; or a Spoonful of Liquor; to burn fuch an Incenfe; or anoint
his Temples, or the Soles of his Feet, with fuch an Oil or Ointment: and:
you muſt chufe, for the Compofition of fuch Pills, Perfumes, or Oint-
ments, Ingredients that make the Spirits a little more grofs, or thick;
whereby the Imagination will fix the better .
(4.) 27. (4.) The Body to be wrought upon, is better affected at fome certain times,
By a proper than at others; as if you fhould order a Servant, whom you have poffeffed
skoice of Times. that his Mafter fhall recover, to ufe fuch a Root, or fuch a Root; when his
·(5.)
7
Mafter is faft afleep for Imagination is likely to operate better upon Men
aſleep than awake; as appears by Dreams. In the Art of Memory, viſible
Images work better than other Conceits: thus, if you would remember the
Word Philofophy, you fhall better do it by imagining, that fuch a Man (for-
Men are the best Places) is reading upon Aristotle's Phyficks; than by imagin-
ing one to fay, I'll go Study Philofophy. This Obfervation, therefore,
fhould be transferred to the prefent Subject: for the clearer the Imagination
is, the better it fills and fixes. Whence, probably, the Experiment of binding
Mens Thoughts will prove lefs fallacious, upon telling a Perfon, that another
fhall name one of twenty Men, than one of twenty Cards. And this Ex-
periment of binding the Thoughts, fhould be diverfified; and tried to the full:
obferving whether it fucceed for the most part, tho not always.
28. (5.) 'Tis proper to confider, upon what things the Imagination has
By operating
upon the weak- greateſt Force: and the Rule is, that it operates most upon those things which
eft Paffions. have the lightest and eafteft Motions; and therefore, principally upon the
Spirits of Men and thofe Affections that move the lighteft; as in procuring
Love; and binding Luft: which Paffions are always attended with Imagina-
tion of Fear, Irrefolution, and the like. Whatever is of this kind fhould
be thoroughly enquired into.
(6.)
:
:
29. (6.) Diligent Trials fhould likewife be made upon Plants: as if
you
The Enquiry fhould tell a Man that fuch a Tree will die this year; and require him,
30 be extended
at certain times, to go and fee how it fares. As for inanimate things; 'tis
to Plants, and
other Matters true, the Motion in fhuffling of Cards, or throwing of Dice, is light and
fufceptible of there is a Folly very ufual with Gameſters, to imagine fome By-ſtanders bring
light Motions. them Ill-luck. Trial alſo fhould be made, of holding a Ring by a Thread
in a Drinking-Glafs, and, before-hand, telling him who holds it, that it fhall
ftrike ſo many times againſt the Side of the Glafs, and no more; or of
holding a Key between two Mens Eingers, without a Charm; and to tell
thofe
w This Direction appears to be derived from the reputed Practices of Witches and Sor-
cerers: yet ſeems to have a good Foundation in Nature and Medicine. Both the ancient and
modern Writers abound with the Names of Ingredients for this Purpoſe: but their Natures
are not fufficiently underſtood.
* For the Doctrine of Dreams, fee the De Augmentis Scientiarum, Se&t. VIII. See also,
the Author's Effay on Prophecies..
y See above § 18.
I.
IMPULS E, or MOTION.
107
thoſe who hold it, that at ſuch a Name it ſhall turn off their Fingers z:
for theſe two are extreme light Motions. And tho I have no Opinion of
theſe things, yet ſo much I conceive to be true; that ſtrong Imagination has
more Force upon living Things, or which have been living, than upon
Things merely inanimate and again, more Force upon light and fubtile
Motions, than upon fuch as are vehement, or in a ponderous Subject.
30. 'Tis an ufual Obfervation, that if the Body of one murdered, be The Notion of
a dead Body
brought before the Murderer, the Wounds will bleed a-freſh. Some
bleeding at the
affirm, that a dead Body, upon the Preſence of the Murderer, has opened approach of the
the Eyes; and that there have been fuch Motions, as well when the Murderer.
Parties murdered were ftrangled, or drowned, as when they were killed
by Wounds. And, if this be natural, it muſt be referred to Imagination.
So the tying of the Point upon the Day of Marriage, to make Men im-
potent, muſt, if natural, be referred to the Imagination of him that ties it.
I conceive this to have the lefs Affinity with Witchcraft, becaufe not only
particular Perſons, as Witches; but any other Perfon may do it. See
the next Article IMPOTENCY. See alfo the Articles SPIRITS, and SYM-
PATHY.
IMPOTENCY.
tying
Point.
or
In Zant, 'tis very common to make Men impotent: the like is practifed Impotency by
in Gascony; and always upon the Wedding-day. But in Zant, the Mo- Ligature, o
thers themfelves do it, by way of Prevention; becauſe they thereby hinder of the
others Charms, and can undo their own. 'Tis a thing the Civil Law takes
cognizance of; and therefore of no fmall moment. See the Articles
IMAGINATION, and SYMPATHY.
IMPULSE, or MOTION.
1. A ponderous Body put into Motion, is more eaſily impelled, than The Nature of
P 2
when Impulse and
Percussion.
z Theſe Particulars are derived from the common fuperftitious Practices of difcovering a
Thief, &c. As by the Sieve and Sheers; the Common-Prayer Book and Key, &c. in which ſome
People have great Faith.
a How is this to be underſtood? Is it poffible the Imagination of the guilty Perfon, can be
fo far wrought upon by Prepoffeffion, ftrong Belief, or conſciouſneſs of Guilt, as to make
Blood flow from a Carcafs, or open the Eyes of the Dead? The Author might well call this
a difficult Enquiry, where it is fo extremely difficult for the Reason to keep pace with the Imagi
nation, and not be foiled by it. But to keep our Reafon and Judgment clear, he prudently
directs us to work with the Imagination of another.
b Some entire Parts of this general Enquiry remain unprofecuted by the Author; as how
the Fœtus comes to be marked in the Uterus, &c. and the Part he touches upon, is not yet
driven to any tolerable degree of Certainty and Precifion; tho a thing of great Importance.
And to confider the general Procedure of Men, we fhall not find it ftrange, that no farther
Diſcoveries are made in this, and the like Subjects: for the modern Method has ufually been,
to turn Enquiries into Difputes; and inftead of purfuing Nature clofe, by new Experiments,
the Chafe has been deferted; and dwindled into fingle Combats, Opinions, and Parties: Men
thus affecting Victory over one another, more than over Nature.
For the Hiftory of this Affair, confult Mr. Chambers's Dictionary of Arts and Sciences; un-
der the Article LIGATURE,
"
2
108
INCORPORATION.
Impulse re-
quires Refift-
ance, or
a
с
when at Reft ; partly becaufe Motion difcuffes the Torpor of folid Bodies ;
which, befide their Motion of Gravity, have a natural Appetite not to
move at all; and partly, becauſe a Body at reft, acquires, by the Reſiſt-
ance of the Body whereon it reſts, a ſtronger compreffion of Parts, than it
has of itſelf, and therefore requires more Force to put it in Motion: for if a
heavy Body be fufpended by a Thread; Percuffion will give an Impulſe very
near as eaſily, as if it were already in Motion º.
2. A Body too large, or too fmall, cannot be thrown fo far as a Body
of a middle fize: fo that there must be a Proportion between the Body
moved, and the Force to move it ſtrongly; for Impulſe requires, not only
Weight in the Force in the moving Body, but Refiſtance in the Body moved if the
moving Body. Body be too great, it yields too little; and if too fmall, it refifts too
The Caufe of
Impulſe.
The Incorpora-
little i.
3. 'Tis found in common Experience, that no weight has fo much Force,
when laid upon a Body, as by falling from on high. I take the chief Cauſe
to be, that the Parts of the Body moved, have, by Impulſe, or the Motion
of Gravity continued, a Compreffion in them, as well downwards, as when
they are thrown, or fhot thro' the Air forwards. I conceive alſo, that
the Quickness of this Motion gains upon the Refiftance of the Body below:
for priority of Force is always of great Efficacy; as appears from numerous
Inftances *. See the Articles, GRAVITY, and MOTION.
INCORPORATION.
Moft Powders, as Meal, &c. grow clofer, and more coherent, by the
tion of Pow- admixture of Water, than of Oil; tho' Oil be the thicker Body. The
ders, and Li- Reafon is, from the Congruity of Bodies; which, if greater, makes a per-
quors.
Eter
This expreffes a Part of Sir Ifaac Newton's fecond Law of Motion; viz. that the Alteration
of Motion is always proportionate to the moving Force impreffed.
e Viz. Overcomes their Force of Reſiſtance.
This Sir Ifaac Newton expreffes by the Vis Inertia, or Force of Inactivity in Matter.
Here is a great Opening into the modern Doctrine of Motion, in general; and with re-
gard to the Doctrine of Friction, in particular. See Memoires de Academie Royale des
Sciences, paffim.
& See Sir Ifaac Newton's Axiomata, or Leges Motus; in his Philofophia Naturalis Principia
Mathematica.
h 'Tis plain the Author means by Impulse, the fame that we now commonly call Momen-
tum; or, in mathematical Language, a Rectangle of the Velocity into the Weight of the Body:
ſo that the Senfe is, that in order to a great Stroke, or Impulse, the Body muſt have a Weight
proportionable to its Velocity. It will, doubtlefs, feem ftrange to many, that the Author
hould, a hundred Years ago, have feen fo far into what are generally reputed modern
Doctrines, and Difcoveries. But the Way he came at them, was, by converfing with Na-
ture; a Way that lies open to every one's Diligence.
i Is not here a direct Intimation of what Sir Ifaac Newton at firſt caſually obſerved, as to
the Power of Gravity, and afterwards deduced; till, at length, he diſcovered this Power to be
the Cauſe that keeps the Planets and Comets in their Orbs, c? See Dr. Pemberton' Introduc-
tion to his View of Sir Ifaac Newton's Philofophy.
k How does this comport with Sir Ifaac Newton's third Law of Motion; viz. that Action
and Re-action are always equal? It is a curious Speculation, and may deferve to be ſtill far-
ther profecuted by Experiment. See the French Memoirs, paffim.
INDURATION, or PETREFACTION.
109
fecter Imbibition and Incorporation: and this Congruity, in moft Powders,
is greater betwixt moft Powders and Water, than betwixt Powders and
Oils: but Aſhes, and Painters-Colours ground, incorporate better with Oil ¹.
See the Articles, METALS, and MIXTURE.
INDURATION, or PETREFACTION.
or Petrefac-
1. Induration, or Petrefaction of foft Subftances, are great Alterations in Three Means
Nature and effected by three Means; viz. (1.) by Cold; which has a Pro. of Induration,
perty of Condenſing: (2.) by Heat; which is not a proper, but a confequen- tion in Bodies;
tial Effect: for Heat attenuates; and, by Attenuation, drives out the Spirit, viz.
and moiſter Part of a Body; whereupon the more grofs of the tangible (1) Cold.
Parts, contract and fhrink together; both to avoid a Vacuity, as they call (2.), Heat.
And, (3.)
it; and alſo, to defend themſelves againſt the Force of Fire, which they fimilation.
had fuftained. (3.) The third means is, by Affimilation; when a hard
Body affimilates a foft one contiguous to it.
2. The Examples of Induration are many; as the Generation of Stones Inftances of
within the Earth; which, at firſt, are but rude Matter, or Clay and fo Mine- Induration.
rals; which were originally Juices, concrete and harden ". We have other
Inftances in the making of Brick, Tile, and Glafs; in the Exudations of
Cryſtal, and Rock-Diamonds, which harden with Time ; the Induration
of Amber, which, at firft is a foft Subftance, &c.
ก
n;
(1.)
By direct Colda
3. As to Indurations by Cold, there are few Trials of it; for we have no Trials recom
intenſe Cold, here on the Surface of the Earth, ſo near the Sun. The like- mended for In-
lieft Trials are thofe by means of Snow and Ice for thefe Bodies, efpecial. duration.
ly when their Cold is actuated by Nitre or Salt, will foon turn Water into
Ice; and may, perhaps, turn Wood, or ftiif Clay, to Stone, in a longer
time P. Let therefore, a Piece of Wood, or tough Clay, be daid in a
Confervatory of Snow, or Ice, with the Addition of fome Quantity of
Nitre; and let it lie for a Month, or longer a.
4. An-
1 A confiderable part of practical Philofophy depends upon the right understanding of the
Ways of incorporating and mixing of Bodies. Pharmacy, in particular, has a great De-
pendance upon it: fo have Chemistry, and many other Arts; efpecially where Cements
are concerned. But fcarce any confiderable Difcoveries can be made in this Affair, without
particular Sets of Experiments; whereby Bodies may be ranged into Claffes, according to the
Congruity, or Incongruity they have to each other; with regard to Incorporation, Mixture,
and Union. And fomething of this kind is begun by Monf. Geoffroy, in the French Memoirs
and Dr. Stahl, in his Specimen Beccherianum, &c. Sir Ifaac Newton likewife, delivers fome
ufeful Hints to this purpose; both in his Opticks, and Principia.
m See Mr. Boyle's Treatife of the Origin and Virtues of Gems; where this Point appears
illuftrated, and proved by a variety of Inftances.
9
n. See Mr. Boyle, in the Piece juft mentioned.
• See various Instances in Confirmation hereof, in the Philofophical Tranſactions.`
i
P Are there any direct Inftances of fuch a Converfion? If there are, they fhould be dili-
gently collected, as capital Things that lead far into the Regions of Nature; and tend to en-
large the Power of Art. See Mr. Boyle's Hiflory of Cold; the Philofophical Tranfactions; and
the French Memoirs.
See Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold; and his Memoirs for a general History of the Air
2.
110
INDURATION, or PETRE FACTION.
(2.)
By metallic
Waters.
(3.)
By natural
Springs, and
other Waters.
Trials for In-
duration, by
Heat
4. Another Trial may be made by means of metallic Waters; which
have a virtual Cold. Put therefore, Wood, or Clay, into Smithy-Water; or
other metallic Waters; to fee whether the Matter will harden, in fome
reaſonable time. But this, I mean, of fuch metallic Waters as are made
by waſhing, or quenching; and not the Aqua Fortes, made by Diffolution:
for thefe latter are too corrofive to conſolidate.
5. There are ſome natural Spring-waters, that will petrefy Wood; fo that
in one Piece of Wood, the Part that was above the Water, fhall continue
Wood; and that Part under the Water, be turned into Stone, Probably,
fuch petrefying Waters are fome metallic Mixture; but a more particular
Enquiry fhould be made into them. 'Tis certain, that an Egg was found
at the Bottom of a Moat, where, having lain many Years, the Earth had
fomewhat overgrown it; and this Egg was come to the hardneſs of a
Stone; had the Colours of the White and Yolk, perfect; and the Shell
fhining in fmall Grains, like Sugar, or Alabafter. Another certain, and
tried Experiment there is, of Induration by Cold; viz. that even Metals are
hardened by often heating, and quenching them in cold Water : for Cold
always works most powerfully when Heat has preceded.
V
5. For Induration by Heat; it muſt be confidered, (1.) that Heat, by ex-
haling the moiſter Parts, either hardens the Body, as in Bricks, Tiles, &c.
or (2.) if the Heat be more fierce, it makes the groffer Part itſelf run and
melt; as in making ordinary Glafs; and the Vitrification of certain Earths
and Metals. In the former Cafe, which is hardening, by baking, without
melting; the Heat firft indurates; then makes the Matter fragile; and
laftly, incinerates and calcines it. But to make an Induration with Toughneſs,
and lefs Fragility, a middle way ſhould be taken. For Example; let the
Bodies be boiled in Water for two or three Days; but then they muſt be
fuch as the Water will not enter; as Stone; and Metal: otherwiſe, long
boiling will rather foften than indurate them; as has been tried in Eggs, &c.
therefore ſofter Bodies may be put into Bottles; and the Bottles hung in
boiling Water, with the Mouths open above the Water, that no Liquor
may get in; for by this means the virtual Heat of the Water will enter,
without
This Experiment appears to be well deduced, and intended: but I do not recollec
its being tried. Perhaps it had better be tried with foft Wood, than Clay; becauſe
Clay, unless it be first baked or hardened, is apt to diffolve in Water: and, I fufpect,
the Confolidation here intended, is rather by Appofition than Alteration, or Converfion. See
below, § 7.
For Inftances of this Fact ſee the Philofophical Tranfactions.
Is not this a proper Tranfmutation: or what was Wood before, in the Judgment of
the Senfes, and all other Trials, now become Stone; in the like Judgment of the Senfes, and
all other Trials? And is not the Alteration effected by fimple Appofition; or fome Stony or
petrefcent Matter entring into the Pores of the Wood; without otherwife changing the internal
Form or Texture of the proper Fibres of the Wood? 'Tis of confiderable confequence, to
have a juft, and clear Underſtanding in this Matter.
▾ See Mr. Boyle on Colours, in Initio.
This may prove an excellent Rule, in many Caſes of Practice:
INDURATION, or PETREFACTION.
without making the Body aduft, or fragile; whilft the fubftance of the
Water is excluded ".
6. We made Trial with a Piece of Free-ftone, and with Pewter; put into On Stone, and
the Water at large. The Free-ftone, we found, received fome Water; for Pewter.
it was fofter, and eaſier to fcrape than a Piece of the fame Stone kept dry:
but the Pewter, into which no Water could enter, became more white,
(like to Silver) and lefs flexible, by much.
Chalk.
7. There were alfo put into an earthen Bottle, placed as before, a Pellet On Clay,
of Clay, a Piece of Cheefe, a Piece of Chalk, and a Piece of Free-stone. The Cheeſe, and
Clay came out almoſt as hard as Stone; the Cheeſe likewiſe very hard, and
not well to be cut; and the Chalk, and Free-ftone, much harder than they
were. The Colour of the Clay inclined not to the Colour of Brick; but,
rather, to White; as in ordinary Drying by the Sun. Theſe Experiments
were made by boiling upon a ftrong Fire, and fupplying the Water, as it
confumed, with other hot Water; but the boiling was continued for twelve
Hours only and, probably, the Effect would have been more confiderable,
had the Operation lafted two or three Days*.
8. As for Affimilation; of which there is fome degree, even in Bodies in-
animate; we fee Examples of it in fome Clay Grounds, where Pebbles are
often found in a Lump together, with a Cruft of Cement, or Stone, be-
tween them, as hard as the Pebbles themſelves: and it were proper to try,
by putting Pebble-Stones into Clay, whether, in time, the Clay would not
become harder than part of the fame Lump, in which no Pebbles were fet.
We fee in Ruins of old Walls, the Mortar will become as hard as the Brick:
We ſee alſo, that the infides of Wine-Veffels gather a Cruft of Tartar, harder
than the Wood itſelf: and Scales likewife grow to the Teeth, harder than
the Teeth themſelves. But Induration by Affimilation, principally appears
in the Bodies of Trees, and living Creatures: for no Nouriſhment that the
Tree, or Animal, receives, is fo hard as Wood, Bone, or Horn, &c. but is
thus indurated by Affimilation 2.
IN-
w This Operation is what the Chemifts call a Bath-heat, or working in Balneo Maria:
which, tho an obvious and common Contrivance, does not appear to have been yet employed
to many confiderable Purpofes, where it might be highly ufeful; and that, in what is called
Natural or Experimental Philofophy, as well as direct Chemistry: particularly, in making out
the extenſive History of Jellies, Mucilages, and Glews; into which kind of Matter all animal
Subſtances are refolvable, and of which they were, perhaps, originally formed. At leaſt, this
Enquiry appears of fome Importance; and ſhould be extended to the Vegetable Kingdom; if
not, alfo, to the Mineral where, fhould the common Balneum prove too weak, the Digeftor
may take place.
Thefe Experiments, therefore, fhould be farther profecuted.
In what refpect is Tartar harder than Wood, and the Scales of the Teeth harder than the
Teeth? is it in being more Brittle? or, is Glafs properly faid to be harder than Wood? This
may only depend upon the arbitrary Signification of Words; but 'tis proper to ufe a philofo-
phical Language in philofophical Subjects. Mr. Locke, in his Effay upon human Understanding,
has endeavoured to fettle this Point.
z Here ſeems to be a Neceffity, not only for exactnefs of Language, but alfo for farther
Enquiry; becaufe, poffibly, the component Particles of Fluids, may be Solids. See Mr. Boyle,
on the Origin of Forms, Fluidity, and Firmness, &c. And let Trial be made, whether certain
Solids, by reducing them to extremely fine Parts, will not put on the Appearance, and ex-
hibit all the Phænomena, of Fluids..
I 12
INFUSION.
INFECTION.
Infectious Dif
Some known Diſeaſes are infectious; and others not. The infectious are,
cafes claffed." (1.) fuch as lie chiefly in the Spirits, and not fo much in the Humours;
and therefore paſs eaſily from Body to Body: as Peftilences, Lippitudes,
and the like. (2.) Such as taint the Breath, which paffes manifeftly from
Man to Man; and not inviſibly, as the Spirits do: Diftempers of this
kind are Confumptions of the Lungs, &c. (3.) Such as come out at the
Skin, and taint the Air, or Bodies adjacent; eſpecially if they conſiſt in an
unctuous Subſtance, not apt to diffipate; as the Itch, and the Leprofy.
(4.) Such as are feated merely in the Humours, and not in the Spirits,
Breath, or Exhalations: whence they never infect but by Contact; and ſuch
a Contact as comes within the Epidermis; viz. the Venereal Diſeaſe,
the Bite of a mad Dog, &c. See the Articles, ODOURS, PLAGUE, and
POISONS.
The ways of
rate Infusions;
viz.
INFUSION.
b
1. The Rule for the Infufion of Bodies containing fine Spirits, which eafily
snaking accu- diffipate, is, that a fhort Continuance gets out the Spirit, but a longer confounds
it; as extracting alfo the earthy part, which debafes the finer . It is
(1.) therefore an Error in Phyficians, to reft fimply upon length of time, for
By fhort conti- increafing the Virtues of Tinctures and Infufions. But if you defire a ſtrong
Infufion of Bodies that have fine Spirits; the Way is, not to allow longer
time; but to repeat the Infufion oftener. For Example; infufe a Pugil of
Violets in a Quart of Vinegar, for three quarters of an Hour; then take
them out, and refresh the Infufion with a like Quantity of new Violets,
feven times; and it will make the Vinegar fo freſh and ſtrong of the Flower,
as to continue perfect for a Year: and indeed it ſmells better of the
Flower a good while after, than at firſt ©.
nuance, and
renewal of the
Subject.
2. The
;
a There ſeems to be wanting, a ftri&t inductive Enquiry into the Buſineſs of Infection
to fhew whether (1.) any Diftempers are properly infectious; (2.) which thofe Diftempers
are; and, (3.) the Means of guarding against them. Are the Plague, the Small-Pox,
the Itch, &c. ftrictly and properly catching; or, communicative from Perfon to Perfon,
without immediate Contact? May there not be fome general Cauſe, as particular Diſpoſi-
tions of Air, &c. capable of giving the fame Diftemper to feveral People at once, or in
fequence? Perhaps theſe things have not been fo thoroughly examined, as to perfuade a
cautious Man to ſpeak definitively, and poſitively about Diſeaſes, on either fide of the Queſtion.
The late Writings upon the Subject of the Plague at Marseilles, may deſerve to be con-
fulted upon this Occafion; and compared with the former Writers upon contagious Dif
eafes. See alfo Mr. Boyle, and the Philofophical Tranfactions: Tho we have greater Expec-
ations from new Sets of accurate Experiments, directly calculated for diſcovering the Causes of
Difeafes. But this Method of Enquiry, however fully defcribed by our Author in his Novum
Organum; and exemplified in his own particular Hiftories, efpecially in that of Life and
Death; feems to be little practifed.
↳ This is an admirable Rule, and deferves the particular Attention of Phyſicians, Chemiſts,
and Apothecaries.
But how will it be with regard to Colour? Perhaps the Curious may find fomething here
they did not expect.
INFUSION.
113
Medicine.
2. The fame Rule is of fingular Ufe in the Preparation of Medicines, The fame Rule
and other Infufions. Thus the Leaf of Borrage has an excellent Spirit, to applicable in
reprefs Melancholy, Vapours, and cure Madness; yet, if infufed long, it
yields only a raw Substance, of no Virtue: but, perhaps, if the Borrage re-
main a little in new Wine, or Beer while it works, before it is tunned, and
be often changed for freſh; it will make a fovereign Drink againſt Melan-
choly. Underſtand the like of Orange-Flowers .
Rhubarb.
3. Rhubarb contains Parts, of contrary Operations; viz. fome that Particularly in
purge, and others that bind the Body: the firft lie loofer, and the latter the preparing
deeper in the Root; fo that if Rhubarb be infuſed for an Hour, and well the Tincture of
fqueezed, it will purge more, and, after the Operation, bind the Body lefs,
than if it ſtood for twenty-four Hours : and, I conceive likewife, that by
adding freſh Rhubarb ſeveral times, at fmall Intervals, ſtill taking away the
g And it is no
former, it may be made as ſtrongly purgative as Scammony &.
Small Secret in Phyfick, to make Rhubarb, and other kindly Medicines, purge as
powerfully as thofe that are not without fome Malignity ».
tues of Purga-
4. The Virtue of purgative Medicines generally confifts in a fine Spirit; for That the Vira
they lofe greatly of their Efficacy by boiling. It is therefore of good Ufe tives refide in
in Phyfick, to retain the purging Virtue, yet take away the unpleafant Taste of their Spirit.
Purgatives; which, perhaps, may be done by this Courſe of Infufions, quick
repeated for, it is probable, that the horrid and odious Taſte of theſe
Medicines, proceeds from their groffer Parts.
5. Generally, the working by Infufions, is grofs and blind; unleſs it be
known, which of the feveral Parts of the Body will fooneſt come out; and
which more flowly and fo, by fuiting the time, to take and leave the Quality
defired. To find this there are two Ways: the one is, to try what a long,
and what a ſhort ſtay will effect; the other, to try feveral Infufions of the
fame Body, fucceffively. For example; take Orange-Peel, Rofemary, or
Cinnamon, and let them infufe half an Hour in Water; then take them
out, and infufe them again in other Water; and fo the third time and
you will find the feveral Liquors different, not only in Strength and
Weaknefs; but alfo in Tafte or Odour: for, poffibly, the firft Wa-
VOL. III.
a Is this found to answer, upon Experience?
е
ter
e Here is a great and gainful Secret intimated: for by this Means any kind of Flavour may at
pleaſure be given to Wines; fo as, even in Countries that have no Vines, to imitate and exceed
the Colours, Flavours, and Richness of any natural Wine of foreign Growth. Thoſe who
pleaſe, may eaſily try the Experiment, with the fresh and green Leaves of Baulm; which
give a Flavour, in fome Judgments, approaching to that of the genuine Frontignac.
See the Article SUGAR.
f Let this be tried; for the Thing may well deferve it.
g This alfo deferves to be tried to the full.
This is more than a bare Conjecture; and may, poffibly, be a Direction, even to thofe,
who have wholly applied to Phyfick and Pharmacy. Let the common Difpenfatory Ca-
tharticks be examined by this Rule.
iHere feems to be an excellent Lecture for Phyficians, Apothecaries, and Chemifts;
tending to fhew us, what confiderable Diſcoveries may be made in theſe Arts, by proper Ex-
periments, and a clofe Attention to Nature.
114
INSECT S.
Infuſions in
to those in
Water.
ter will have more of the Scent; and the fecond more of the Tafte *,
&c.
6. Infufions in Air, or ODOURS!, have the fame Diverfities with Infufions in
Air, fimilar Water; as feveral Odours iffue at feveral times from one Flower. For Exam-
ple; Violets, Woodbines, Strawberries, &c. yield a pleafing Scent,
at firft, whilft they are freſh; but foon after one that is ungrateful, and
differing from the former which, may proceed from the groffer Spirit
coming out the lateſt m.
How to dif 7. As we may defire to extract the finest Spirits in fome Cafes; fo we may
charge the Spi- defire to diſcharge them as hurtful in others. Thus Wine burnt, is lefs in-
its of Bodies flammatory than unburnt; by reafon that the finer Spirit, is evaporated in the
in fome Cafes. Operation: whence burnt-Wine becomes more proper in Fevers. Opium lofes
its poisonous quality, by being diffolved with Brandy, and exhaled. Sena
lofes of its Windinefs by boiling: and generally fubtile Spirits are taken off by
Evaporation. And in making Infufions of Things, that have too high a
Spirit; it were better to pour off the firft Tincture, after a little time, and
ufe the latter ".
Advantages of
the Enquiry
into the Na-
ture of Vivifi-
cation.
INSECTS.
1. The Nature of Vivification is well worth the Enquiry: and as the Na-
ture of Things is commonly perceived better in fmall, than in great; and
in imperfect, than in perfect, and in parts than in wholes; fo the Nature
of Vivification is beſt fought in Creatures bred of Putrefaction. The Ad-
vantages of this Enquiry are confiderable, and tend (1.) to diſcloſe the Ori-
gin of Vivification; (2.) the Origin of Figuration; (3.) many Things in
the Nature of perfect Creatures, which here lie more fecret: and (4) to
transfer, in the way of Operation, fome Obfervations on Infects, to produce
Effects upon perfect Creatures. The word Infect, indeed, does not ſuit the
Subject:
* There are great Secrets couched here; which Men muſt remain ignorant of, if they will
not go upon Experiments.
1 Obferve the Expreffion, Infufions in Air, or Odours: for are not Odours made by the
fubtile Effluvia of the odoriferous Body, impregnating the Air, as a general Menftruum; in
much the fame manner, as Water is impregnated by the fubtile Parts of tinging Bodies, in fine
Tinctures, or Infufions? And indeed, is not the whole Atmoſphere, one vaft Ocean of Air,
impregnated with Millions of different kinds of Particles, fo as to be, ftrictly and properly, an uni
verfal Solvent or Menftruum? Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, &c. have, perhaps, fhewn this to be no
Philofophical Fiction.
m See this Doctrine purfued in Boerhaave's Chemistry, under the Proceffes upon Vegetables.
n The Enquiry here begun, fo much imports the Improvement of Medicine and Pharmacy,
that 'tis great Pity it ſhould not be continued, by a Collection of capital Inftances, and De-
ductions; that, at length, we might have fome tolerable certainty in thefe Arts, which, at pre-
fent, lye almoſt uncultivated, with regard to uſeful Purpoſes, and folid Advantages. The
Pharmacopoeia of the Royal College of Physicians at Edinburgh, feems to have fet a noble Ex-
ample in this way.
It has not perhaps been hitherto fatisfactorily fhewn, that any Creature is directly bred
from Putrefaction; without the Interpofition of Eggs or Animalcula. What are the fitteft
Experiments, or crucial Inftances, to determine this Point?
I
INSECT S.
115
Subject: but we ufe it, for Brevity, to denote only Creatures bred of Putre-
faction.
2. Infects are bred out of feveral Matters ; fome out of Mud or Dung; Inftances of
as Earth-worms, Eels, Snakes, &c. both being Putrefactions: for Water the breeding of
putrefies in Mud, as not able to preferve itſelf and all Excrements are the Infects, viz.
refuſe and putrefactions of Nouriſhment. Some breed in Wood, both Woodlice.
growing and cut down; and at certain Seafons. Millepedes or Woodlice,
which roll themſelves into Balls, are bred chiefly under Logs of Timber,
but not in the Timber; and they are faid to be found alfo in Gardens,
where no Logs are. But it fhou'd feem that their Generation requires a fhel-
ter, both from Sun, and Rain, or Dew; as Timber is: and therefore they are
not venomous; but held by Phyſicians to purify the Blood.
3. 'Tis obferved alfo, that Bugs are found in the Chinks and Crevices of Bugs.
Bed-fteads. Some Vermin breed in the Hair of Animals: as Lice and
Ticks; which rife from the Sweat kept cloſe, and fomewhat dry'd by the
Hair. The Excrements of living Creatures, not only breed Infects, when
they are voided, but alſo whilft in the Body; as Worms, whereto Children Worms.
are fubject, breed chiefly in the Guts. And in many peftilential Diſeaſes,
Worms are found in the upper parts of the Body, where Excrements are not;
but only putrefied Humours.
4. Fleas breed principally in Straw, or Mats, where there has been a lit- Fleas.
tle Moiſture, or the Chamber and Bed-ſtraw been kept cloſe, and not air'd".
'Tis faid they are kill'd by ftrewing of Wormwood in the Room". And
indeed bitter Things are apt rather to kill, than engender Putrefaction; as
Things fat or fweet, are apteft to putrefy.
5. There is a Worm that breeds in Meal, like a large white Mag- Worms in
got; which is given as a dainty to Nightingales. The Moth breeds Meal.
upon Cloth, and Woollen, eſpecially if laid up damp and wet: "it de- Moths, and
lights Wevils.
Q 2
It might be fafer, to fay that Infects breed in, rather than that they are bred out of feveral
Matters; which feems prefuming too much upon a Knowledge of the Cauſe, before it is cer-
tainly found: whereas the buſineſs is to express the Phænomena, fo as to leave the Enquiry
free and open; till the Caufe can be fairly difcovered by future Experiments, or a proper In-
duction.
·
9 The Buſineſs of Putrefaction, in different Subjects, has by no means been well profecuted
by particular Enquiries, Inftances and Experiments; which, properly purfued, might lay open
a very important Scene, and give us more Light into the fecret Works and Operations of Ña-
ture, than could be expected from fome feemingly more honourable and grand Enquiries. See
the Notes upon the Article GENERATION.
What are the Premises of this Confequence? It seems to intimate, that the Venom in Ani-
mals, proceeds from their being expofed to the Sun, Rain, and Dew. Let the Fact be farther
examined.
拳
​If this be understood of the Matter, wherein they are bred, and whereby they are nou
rifhed and increafed in Bulk, it may, perhaps, be allow'd without begging the Queftion, as
'tis called; or preſuming too much upon the Iffue of the Enquiry.
↑ See M. Andry on the Subject of Worms, and the Philofophical Tranſactions.
"For the Generation and Formation of Fleas, fee a Paper in the Philoſophical Tranſactions,
N° 249. See alſo Dr. Hook's Micrographia, and Dr. Power's Experiments.
▾ The good Houſewives have here found a Cure, without directly knowing the Caufe; viz,
frequent washing the Room, and Cleanlinefs.
116
INSECT S.
Water Infects
and the
Gad-fly.
The Worm in
Wine-Lees,
and Snow.
A Creature
bred in the
DACC.
lights to be about the Flame of a Candle. There is a Worm call'd a Wevil,
bred under Ground, that feeds upon Roots; as Parfnips, Carrots, &c.
6. Some Infects breed in ftanding Waters, eſpecially if fhaded; as the
Water-Spider with fix Legs. The Gad-fly breeds in fomewhat on the top
of the Water, and harbours chiefly about Ponds.
7. There is a Worm bred in decay'd Wine-Lees; that afterwards turns
to a Gnat ". It has been anciently obferved, that a Worm breeds in old
Snow; and is of a reddish Colour, dull of Motion, and dies foon after it
leaves the Snow: which fhou'd fhew that Snow has a fecret IVarmth; other-
wife it could hardly vivify. And the reafon of the Worm's death, may be
the ſudden exhaling of that little ftock of Spirit, as foon as it comes out of
the Cold, which had fhut it in. For as Butter-flies, which were benummed
with Cold, quicken with Heat; fo Spirits may exhale with Heat, which were
preferved by Cold.
y
8. 'Tis affirmed both upon ancient and modern Obfervation, that in the
Fire of a Fur- Smelting-Furnaces for Copper and Brafs, where Chalcitis is often thrown in,
to mend the working; there fuddenly rifes a Fly, which fometimes moves as
if it took hold on the Walls of the Furnace; fometimes is feen moving in the
Fire below; and dies as foon as it is out of the Furnace. This Inftance de-
ferves to be weigh'd; as fhewing that a violent Heat of Fire, as well as
the gentle Heat of Animals will vivify, if it have Matter proportionable.
The great AXIOM of Vivification, is, (1.) that there must be Heat to di-
The Axiom of late the Spirit of the Body; (2.) an active Spirit to be dilated; (3.) a viscous or
Vivification. tenacious Matter to hold in the Spirit; and (4.) this Matter must be put forth
and figured. Now a Spirit dilated by fo ftrong a Fire as that of a Furnace,
prefently congeals, as foon as the Furnace begins to cool. And pof-
fibly this Action is promoted by the Chalcitis, which has a Spirit that will
a
fhoot
To the curious in Experiments, upon Putrefaction and Vivification, the Subject of Wine-
Lees deferves to be particularly recommended; as affording very extraordinary Phænomena.
For Inftance, when thefe Lees are preffed hard and dry, and fuffer'd to heat, by ſtanding
open, or uncloſed; they feem to turn entirely into Millions of Animalcula, that fwarm and
cling together as it were in one Lump; much thicker and cloſer than the Mites in rotten
Cheeſe. Befides this, there are many more Particulars worthy of Attention, in the fame Sub-
ject, with regard to the change of Colour, Odour, Tafte, uncommon Stench, communicative
Power, &c. For an Introduction to this particular Enquiry, fee an uncommon manner of
treating Wine-Lees, in the Effay lately publifhed upon the buſineſs of Diftillation, or the best Me-
thods of producing, rectifying, and compounding inflammable Spirits, &c.
* Has the Fact, as to the Existence of a Worm in Snow, been verified?
y What is strictly and properly meant by Chalcitis, feems but little understood. 'Tis a Mi-
meral, fui generis, and found in the Copper Mines of Germany, Sweden, &c. See Agricola,
and the later Metallurgical Writers.
z Let the Fact be firft rigorously enquired into, as it highly deferves; for the Confequences
are of great importance, if the Fact be true.
a Obferve here an Inftance of the Axioms, defign'd for the fixth Part of the INSTAURATION;
after they had been verified to the utmoſt: but all the Author could poffibly do, for want of
farther Experiments, and capital Inftances in the Buſineſs of Induction, was only to make ſome
first Attempts, to fhew the way of forming thefe IMPORTANT AXIOMS.
INSECT S.
117
fhoot and germinate, as we fee in chemical Trials. In fhort, moft Things
putrefied bring forth Infects of different kinds b.
•
9. Infects have been obferved, but not with Diligence, to feed little for obfervations
Grafs-hoppers eat up the green of whole Countries; Silk-worms devour Leaves upon the feed-
faft; and Ants make great Provifion. 'Tis true, Creatures that fleep, and ing of Infects.
reft much, eat little; as Dormice, Bats, &c. which are without Blood :
perhaps becauſe the Juice of their Bodies is almoſt one and the ſame. Some
of them, indeed, have a Diaphragm, and an Inteftine: and they have all
Skins; which in moft of the Infects are often caft.
10. They are not generally long liv'd; yet Bees have been known to live Their Time of
feven Years: and Snakes are thought to live many Years; perhaps from caft- Living.
ing their Skins. Eels will live and grow a very long time: and thoſe Creatures
that change from Worms to Flies in the Summer, and from Flies to Worms in
the Winter, have been kept in Boxes four Years. Yet there are certain Flies
call'd Ephemera, that live but a day. The CAUSE may be their want of Spi-
rits; or, perhaps, the abfence of the Sun: for if they were houfed, or kept
clofe, they might live longer. Many Infects, being brought to the Sun, or
Fire, eafily revive, tho they feem'd dead; and this by reafon of the dif-
fufion of the vital Spirit, and the eafy dilatation of it by a little Heat. Some
Their firring
Infects ftir a good while after their Heads are off, or after being cut in pieces; after Death.
perhaps becauſe their vital Spirits are more diffuſed thro' all the Parts,
and lefs confin'd to Organs, than in perfect Creatures.
felts think.
11. Infects have voluntary Motion, and therefore Imagination. As to whether In-
what the Ancients have faid of their Motion being indeterminate, and their
Imagination indefinite; this was negligently obferved for Ants go ftrait
forwards to their Hills; and Bees know the way from a flowry Heath, two
or three Miles off, to their own Hives. Perhaps, indeed, Gnats and
Flies have their Imagination more mutable and giddy; as fmall Birds
likewife have. Some of the Ancients fay, thefe Creatures have only the
fenfe of Feeling which is manifeftly falfe; for if they go ftrait to a place,
they muſt needs have Sight. Befides, they delight more in one Flower, or
Herb, than in another; and therefore have Tafte. And Bees are call'd with
the ſound of Braſs; and therefore have Hearing: which fhews likewiſe, that
tho
To purſue the Enquiry, (1.) all the kinds of Putrefaction fhou'd be enumerated, and
claffed, with regard to the different Creatures they appear to produce. (2.) Accurate Expe-
riments ſhould be made, to determine how far the Operation itſelf, and how far the Matter, or
Seat of the Operation, contributes to the Production. (3.) Whether any Rudiments of
Infects, Eggs, or Animalcula, are naturally contained within fuch Putrefactive Subſtances; and
are only extricated, excluded, or vivified in, or by the Operation? And (4.) Laſtly, Whe-
ther there be any fuch thing as spontaneous Generation? with a ſtrict Examination of all the
capital Inftances that appear to fhew it. The ftrict inductive Method of profecuting all fuch
Enquiries is fully laid down in the Novum Organum, Part II,
Are Dormice, Bats, Swallows, &c. which fleep all the Winter, Creatures without Blood?
I ſuppoſe the Author means Blood with regard to redness of Colour: but is even this ſtrictly
true ?
4 See the Article SLEEP.
• See the Obfervations upon Tortoises, Vipers, and other Creatures of this kind, in Mr. Boyle,
the Philofophical Tranfactions, &c. See alfo the Article LIFE.
This compared with the Doctrine of Mr. Locke, in his Effay on Human Underſtanding,
concerning the Poffibility of Matter's Thinking, may poffibly folve his Difficulty.
118
LEAPING.
tho their Spirit be diffufed, yet the Seat of their Senfes is in the Head".
See the Articles ANIMALS, CATERPILLARS, GENERATION, LIFE, and PU-
TREFACTION.
L.
The Cauſe and
Remedy of
Laffitude.
Why going up
Hill tires the
Knees.
The Use of
Weights, and
fwinging the
Arms in
LEAPING.
LASSITUDE.
Alitude is remedied by bathing, or anointing with Oil and warm Wa-
is
ter for all Laffitude is a kind of Contufion of the Parts; but bath-
ing and anointing, relax and fupple. And a mixture of Oil and Wa-
ter, is better for this purpofe than either Oil or Water alone; becauſe Wa-
ter infinuates better into the Pores, and Oil, after entry, foftens better *.
'Tis found alfo, that the taking of Tobacco relieves in Laffitude. The Rea-
fon whereof may be, that by chearing or comforting of the Spirits, it opens
the Parts compreffed, or bruifed; but chiefly, becauſe it refreſhes the Spi-
rits by its opiate Virtue; and fo diſcharges wearinefs, as Sleep does.
2. In going up Hill, the Knees will be moft weary; in going down
Hill, the Thighs for in lifting the Feet, when one goes up the Hill, the
weight of the Body bears moft upon the Knees; and in going down, upon
the Thighs ¹.
LEAPING.
A Man leaps better with Weights in his Hands, than without: becauſe
the Weight, if proportionable, ftrengthens the Sinews by contracting them ".
But otherwiſe, where no Contraction is neceffary, Weight hinders; whence
in Horfe-races, Men are curious to examine, whether one Horſe carries ever
fo little Weight more than another. In Leaping with Weights, the Arms
are firſt thrown backwards, then forwards, with fo much the greater Force;
for the Hands are fwung backward before the Leaper rifes and in throw-
ing a Stone, the Arm is firft caft backward, in order to make the greater
fwing. Quare, whether the contrary Motion of the Spirits, immediately
before the Motion intended, does not caufe the Spirits, as it were to
break
And this, perhaps, may be the Cafe in all Animals; but the Thing fhould be verified by
Experiment, and Crucial Inftances.
i It may deferve to be enquired, how the Cold Bath, as well as the Warm, fhould prefently
take off wearineſs.
k It is a remarkable Experiment, which fhews that Water will enter where Air cannot ; as
particularly thro' the Pores of a Bladder, or perhaps any other Body, that is glutinous, muci-
laginous, or fizy.
And hence, perhaps, the Reaſon why fome People can go up Hill better in proportion than
down; viz. according to the difference betwixt the Strength or Ability of their Hams and
Knees. And this may likewiſe be the Cafe with Horſes: fome whereof will run excellently
upon a flat Courſe, but fail upon an uneven one.
m I fuppofe the Author means by increafing their Elafticity; as when a muſical Inſtrument
is ftretched, it will recoil with greater Force.
LIFE.
119
break out with more Force"? as the Breath drawn and kept in, comes
out more forcibly °.
LIFE.
1. Some Creatures move a good while after their Heads are off, as Birds; Of Motion af
fome a very little time, as Men and all Beafts; fome move tho cut into fe- ter the inftant
of Death, with
a View to its
veral pieces; as Snakes, Eels, Worms, Flies, &c. First therefore, the im-
mediate CAUSE of Death, is the Refolution, or Extinction of the Spirits: the CAUSE.
Deſtruction or Corruption of the Organs, being only the mediate Cauſe.
But fome Organs are ſo abfolutely neceffary, that the extinction of the Spi-
rits ſpeedily follows upon their Destruction; tho there is fome fmall Interval.
'Tis credibly reported, that a facrificed Beaft has lived after the Heart was
taken out; and that the Head of a Pig being open'd, and the Brain put
into the Palm of a Man's Hand, without breaking any part of it, or ſe-
parating it from the fpinal Marrow, the Pig remain'd in all appearance dead
and motionleſs; yet when after a ſmall time the Brain was replaced, and the
Scull cloſed, the Pig foon after walked. And an Eye upon the Act of Revenge
has ſtarted out, fo as to hang a confiderable diſtance by the optic Nerve;
and during that time the Eye was without any power of Sight: yet after,
being replaced, the Sight was recovered º.
2. Now the Spirits are chiefly lodged in the Head, and Cells of the Brain, The vital Spi
which in Men and Beafts is large; and therefore when the Head is off, the rits of some
Body moves little or nothing. But Birds have finall Heads; whence the Creatures feat-
ed chiefly in
Spirits are a little more difperfed in the Nerves, whereby Motion remains in the Head.
them a little longer; infomuch that a Roman Emperor, to fhew the cer-
tainty of his Hand, is related to have fhot a forked Arrow at an Ostrich, as
The ran fwiftly along the Stage, and ftruck off her Head; yet fhe continued
running a little way with her Head off.
with her Head off. As for Worms, Flies, and Eels, the
Spirits
n For Inftance, in the Caſe of a Racer, who has carried Weights in his Pocket, a little be
fore he is to run: for ſuch Practices feem to have confiderable Effects, more than can well
be attributed to the bare loading of the Body; and then laying the Load afide. And Query,
what length of Time thefe Weights are beft carried before the Race; whether fome Hours,
or Days?
• The Doctrine of Exercises feems reducible to eafy mechanical Rules. Thus, the Weights
held in the Hands in Leaping, ſtretch the Arms, and caufe them to move, or fwing like
Pendulums, or in a kind of Semicircle, whereby the Body is carried fomewhat higher, and far-
ther, before it comes to the Ground. Let Borelli be confulted upon the Subject.
P There are many Instances of this kind related by Authors, and handed down by Tradi
tion: certainly they ſhould not be rafhly rejected, nor diſcountenanced by Ridicule; but
ftrictly enquired into, by thoſe who defire to diſcover the Works of Nature, and improve Phi-
Fofophy. For who knows the Lengths whereto Nature may go in all Cafes? Credulity, how-
ever, is to be as ftrictly guarded againft; in making a proper Collection of thefe capital
Inftances: which if extant, in tolerable Perfection, many great Effects, with regard to Life
and Death, might poffibly be wrought from the Axioms they would indicate. See the Author's
Hiftory of Life and Death.
The Reader, perhaps, cannot too clofely attend to thefe Beginnings, or firft Attempts of the
Author, for interpreting Nature. Such Attempts are numerous throughout all the Work and
the way of improving them is fufficiently laid open in the Novum Organum.
120
LIGHT.
The means of
prolonging Life.
The Reſult of
Spirits are diffuſed almoft all over them: whence thefe Creatures move, tho
cut into ſeveral pieces. See the Articles INSECTS and MOTION.
3. It conduces to long Life, and the more placid Motion of the Spirits,
which thence prey lefs upon the Juices of the Body; (1.) that Mens Actions
be free and voluntary, fo as nothing may be done againſt the Grain;
(2.) that their Actions be full of Regulation, and Commands within them-
felves for then the Victory and performing of the Command, gives a good
Difpofition to the Spirits, eſpecially if there be a Progreffion from degree
to degree: for then the Senfe of Victory is the greater. An Example of
the former, we have in a Country Life; and of the latter in Monks, Philo-
fophers, and fuch as continually enjoin themfelves Tasks.
LIGHT.
1. I have with fome Diligence purfued the Experiment of Wood fhining in
many Experi- the dark: the rather, becauſe of all Things that give Light here below, it is
ments upon the the moft durable; yet has the leaft apparent Motion. Fire and Flame are
Shining of rot- in continual Expence; Sugar fhines only while it is fcraped; and Salt-water
ten Wood.
while it is dafhing: Glow-worms fhine only while they are alive, or a little
after; only the Scales of putrefied Fishes feem to be of the fame Nature
with Shining Wood: and indeed all Putrefaction is attended with an internal
Motion; as well as Fire or Light".
2. The refult of my Enquiry is this: (1.) That the fhining is in fome
Pieces more bright, in others more dim; but the moſt bright of all does
not equal the Light of the Glow-worm. (2.) The kinds of Wood that have
been found to fhine, are chiefly Sallow, Willow, Afb, and Hazle; tho per-
haps it may alſo hold of others. (3.) Both the Roots and Bodies of the
Tree fhine; but the Roots the better. (4.) The Colour of the fhining part,
by Day-light, is in fome pieces White; in fome, inclining to Red. (5.)
The part that fhines, is generally a little foft, and moift; but fome was
found to be firm and hard; fo that it might be faſhion'd into a Croſs, or
Beads, &c. But we muſt not expect an Image, or the like, in any thing
Luminous; for even a Face in Iron, red hot, will not be feen; the Light
confounding the fmall Differences of Light and Dark, which fhew the Fi-
gure. (6.) The fhining part being pared off, till we came to that which
did not fhine; within two Days the part contiguous alſo began to ſhine;
being expofed to the Dew: fo that it ſhould ſeem the Putrefaction ſpreads.
(7.) Other dead Wood of the like kind, being expofed in the Air, fhone
not at the first; but after a Night's lying, it begun to fhine. (8.) Other
Wood
Mr. Boyle, and fome few others, have profecuted this Enquiry: but it ftill feems to re-
quire more Hands.
Hence Hope is, perhaps justly, accounted a wholeſome Paſſion.
t See this Subject profecuted in the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
"This is a capital Obſervation.
This might be a gainful Intimation in a Catholick Country.
w Here lies the Foundation of Painting, or what they call Chiaro Obfcuro, or Light and
Shadow.
LIQUIFACTION.
1 2 1
Wood, that thone at firft, being laid dry in the Houfe, loft its fhining Fa-
culty within five or fix Days; and being expofed again, recover'd it.
(9.) Some fhining Woods being laid in a dry Room, loft their fhining Property
within a Week; but being laid in a Cellar, or dark Room, retain'd it.
(10.) The boring of Holes in this kind of Wood, then laying it abroad,
feems conducive to make it ſhine: as all Solution of Continuity promotes Pu-
trefaction. (11.) No Wood has been yet found to fhine, that was cut
down alive; but fuch only, as was rotted both in the Stock, and Root,
as it grew. (12.) Part of the Wood that fhone, being ſteeped in Oil, retain'd
the fhining Virtue for a Fortnight. (13.) The like Succefs, but in a much
greater degree, attended fome that was fteeped in Water. (14.) How long
the fhining will continue, if the Wood be expofed every Night, and taken
in and ſprinkled with Water in the Day, is not yet tried. (15.) Trial was
made of expofing it in frofty Weather; which did not hurt it. (16.) The
fhining part being cut off from a great piece of a Root, till what was left
ſhone no more; yet after two Nights, tho kept in a dry Room, it fhone
again. See the Article VISION.
LIQUIFACTION.
Bodies.
1. Liquifaction is caufed by the Detention of the Spirits which play within the The Caufe of
Body, and open it z. Therefore fuch Bodies as are, (1.) more turgid with Liquifaction in
Spirit; or, (2.) have their Spirits more clofely imprifon'd; or, (3.) hold
them more at eafe, are liquifiable for thefe three Difpofitions of Bodies
keep in the Spirits. An Example of the two first Properties we have in Me-
tals; and of the laft, in Sulphur, Pitch, Wax, &c.
2. The Indifpofition to liquify, proceeds from the eafy Emiffion of the Spirits, The Caufe why
whereby the groffer Parts contract; and therefore, Bodies jejune in Spirits, Bodies are not
liquifiable.
or that willingly part with their Spirits, are not liquifiable; as Wood,
Clay, Free-Stone, &c. Yet many of thofe Bodies that will not melt at all,
or elfe with difficulty, however grow foft; as Iron at the Forge and a
Stick bathed in hot Afbes, thereby becomes more flexible ".
3. Some Bodies liquify or diffolve by Fire; as Metals, Wax, &c. and Some Bodies
others diffolve in Water; as Salt, Sugar, &c. The CAUSE of the for- liquifiable by
mer, is the Dilatation of the Spirits by Heat: and of the latter, the opening water.
Fire, others by
of the tangible Parts, which have an Appetite to receive Moiſture. Again,
fome Bodies diffolve both in Fire and Water, as Gums ; &c. And theſe are
VOL. III.
R
This is a noble Intimation for the Hiftory of Putrefaction.
fuch,
y Theſe Experiments perhaps have rather been verified and repeated, than greatly improved
and extended by the later Writers. See Mr. Boyle, Dr. Power, Dr. Hook, &c.
2 This Doctrine of Spirits, will appear fo ftrange to many, that it can ſcarce be fufficiently
guarded, unless the Reader has himself been converfant with clofe Obfervations and Experi-
ments.
a On this Experiment ſtands that noble Discovery of bending large Timbers, for the Building
of Ships, now commonly practifed in all the Tards.
b Salt and Sugar alfo diffolve by Fire, and run thin.
c
Some Gums diffolve in Water, and others not; of the former kind are Gum Arabic,
Gum Tragacanth, &c. of the latter, Galbanum, Storax, &c.
122
MAGNETIS M.
fuch, as have both Plenty of Spirit; and their tangible Parts indigent of
Moiſture the former promotes the Dilatation of the Spirits by the Fire;
and the latter ftimulates the Parts to receive the Liquor.
Leading Expe- I.
riments upon
the Magnet.
M.
MAGNETISM.
HE Loadſtone attracts the Powder of prepared Steel; fuch as they
"T' uſe in Medicine; and even calcined Steel, reduced to a fine black
:
Powder and this as ftrongly, as it does the crude Filings of Iron: but for
the artificial Crocus Martis, the Loadſtone attracts it faintly.
2. If the Iron be diffolved in Aqua fortis, and fome drops of the Solution
be laid upon a flat Glafs; the Loadstone neither attracts the Solution itſelf,
nor the Iron out of it.
3. The Loadstone attracts its own Filings, as if they were Filings of Iron ;
and very little pieces of a Loadstone attract one another, fo as to become
pendulous, and apparently united like a Hair or Needle.
4. If a Loadſtone be placed at fuch a diſtance from Iron, as not to at-
tract it, and an Iron Cap be placed between them; it will now attract it;
tho the diſtance be the fame the Virtue of the Magnet being better diffuſed
thro' Iron, than thro' the medium of the Air alone.
5. If a Loadſtone be plunged in Aqua fortis, and there fuffered to remain
for ſeveral Hours, it lofes no part of its Virtue.
6. The Loadſtone does not increaſe its Virtue, by being rubbed upon
Cloth, as Amber does; or againſt another Loadstone: ncr by being heated
at the Fire.
7. One Loadſtone has a much more attractive Virtue than another; and
in proportion thereto, tranfmits its Virtue to Iron upon the touch: and this
Virtue is not only a Virtue of Verticity, but alſo of fimple Attraction; for if
a piece of Iron be touch'd with a ftrongly attractive Loadſtone
and ano-
ther piece in like manner by a weaker; the Iron touch'd by the ſtronger
Loadstone, will attract a greater weight of Iron, than the piece will that was
touch'd with the weaker.
;
8. The Loadstone attracts Iron at an equal diſtance thro' Air, Water,
Wine and Oil.
9. Loadstone,
But
a The due Profecution of this Enquiry, has a great regard to the improvement of Metallurgy,
Pharmacy, and Chemistry. The generality of Philofophers feem to have overlook'd it.
Dr. Stahl has many noble Obfervations and Experiments, that may add much Light to the
Affair. See alfo Mr. Boyle upon Fluidity and Firmness, &c. It were proper in this Enquiry,
to clafs Bodies, according as they are difpofed for Fufion, or Liquifaction, by the Fire, as the
Author has here begun and by means of certain Tables, to fhew at one View, the Bodies with
their feveral Menftruums. It is not eafy to imagine of how great Service this Procedure wou'd
be in Chemistry, and practical Philofophy; and to what confiderable Diſcoveries it might lead.
Perhaps the want of a proper Solvent for the Stone in the Bladder, is owing to a neglect here-
in.
s Does the Loadstone attract Iron prepared with Sulphur?
MAGNETISM.
123
9. Loadstone, either whole or powdered, put into Aqua fortis, does not
diffolve, in the leaft, as Iron does; tho Loadstone may otherwiſe ſeem a
Body of the fame Subſtance with Iron.
10. Powder'd Loadstone neither attracts touched nor untouched Iron; yet
the Powder is attracted by touched Iron, but not by untouched: fo that pow-
der'd Loadſtone ſeems, in fome meaſure, to retain the paffive, and loſe the
active Virtue of the Stone.
11. If a Needle, when laid upon a Plane, prove fomewhat too heavy for
the Loadſtone to attract; yet the fame Needle being laid upon the foot of an
inverted drinking Glafs, fo as to hang over the Edges, on both Sides; the
fame Loadſtone will then attract it. Which Obſervation deſerves the rather to
be related; becauſe ſomething of this kind might poffibly give occafion to
the frivolous Story, that the Diamond obftructed the Virtue of the Magnet.
For if a Needle be laid upon a fmall Table-Diamond, and the Loadstone be
held at a greater diftance than its attractive Virtue reaches; yet the Needle
will tremble: whilft this trembling is not a fuppreffion of Motion, but
Motion itſelf.
12. The Loadſtone attracts touch'd Iron more ftrongly than untouch'd, in
the proportion of three to one; or at three times the diſtance.
13. No Iron, or metallic Matter, is extracted from the Loadſtone by
Fire; nor is there any vifible feparation made.
14. The Loadſtone diffolves not in Aqua regia, any more than in Aqua
fortis.
15. If a Loadſtone be detain'd in an ignited Crucible, but fo as not to
flame; it lofes much of its Weight, and more of its Virtue: fo as fcarce
afterwards to attract Iron,
16. Loadſtone melts with difficulty, but fomewhat changes its Figure,
and grows red in the Fire, like Iron.
17. If a Loadſtone be burnt whole in the Fire, it retains its paffive Virtue,
fo as to follow another Loadſtone; but almoſt lofes its active Virtue of
attracting Iron.
18. A Loadstone burnt in a Crucible, emits a Fume, tho it be ſcarce vifi-
ble; which fomewhat blanches a Plate of Copper, laid over it, as Metals
ufually do.
19. The Loadstone in burning, paffes thro' the Crucible; as appears by the
fhining of the Crucible when broke, both on the infide and the out.
20. 'Tis univerfally agreed, that if a Loadstone be fo far burnt, as to
yield a certain dull and fulphureous Flame, it totally lofes its Virtue; fo as
never to recover it again, tho cool'd in the Pofition of North and South:
which is a Thing that gives a magnetic Virtue to Bricks; and reſtores it
in Loadftones that have not been burnt to the utmoſt.
21. An Experiment was made of the Loadſtone, and a touched Needle,
upon the top of St. Paul's Church at London; which is one of the higheſt in
་
R 2
Has the proper Flux been uſed for this purpoſe?
Europe,
1
124
MATURATIO N.
The Origin of
Manna.
The means of
Europe, but the attractive Virtue was not found in the leaſt diminiſh'd, or
any way alter'd by that Diſtance from the Ground".
MANNA.
The Manna of Calabria is collected in greateſt Plenty, and accounted the
beſt they gather it from the Leaf of the Mulberry-tree; but not fuch as
grow in the Valleys. And Manna falls upon the Leaves by Night; as
other Dews do. It fhou'd feem, that before thefe Dews can come upon
the Trees in the Valleys; they diffipate, and do not hold out. The Mul-
berry-leaf alfo may have fome coagulating Virtue, which infpiffates the Dew;
for 'tis not found upon other Trees: and we may fee by the Silk-worm, which
feeds upon that Leaf, what a curious fmooth Juice it has. The Leaves alfo,
eſpecially thoſe of the black Mulberry, are fomewhat briftly; which may
help to preſerve the Dew. It were proper to obferve, with greater Diligence,
the Dews that fall upon Trees, or Herbs growing upon Mountains; for per-
haps many Dews fall, that ſpend themfelves before they come to the Val-
leys. And I fuppofe, he who would gather the beft May-Dew for Medicine,
fhould gather it from the Hills «.
MATURATION.
1. To accelerate Maturation, is a Capital Work in Nature. The Matu-
Ripening Li- ration of Drinks is wrought by collecting the Spirits together, where-
quors.
by
Thefe Experiments are not like thofe we commonly meet with in Writers upon this Sub-
ject, but, in the peculiar way of the Author, directly levelled at finding the CAUSES of Mag-
netifm. Millions of random Experiments may be made with the Loadstone; which, however
curious or furprizing, fhall make but little to the Merits of the Enquiry: they are leading Experi
ments, crucial Inftances, larger Obfervations, Canons, and general Axioms, that are wanting.
on this occafion. And unless the Experimentor has a View to thefe, he may waſte much
Time in Magnetics to very little purpofe. But for the particular Method of conducting this
Enquiry, 'tis proper, as upon all the like occafions, to refer to the fecond Part of the No-
vum Organum. See alfo Mr. Boyle, upon the Subject of Magnetism; Mr. Whifton's Dipping-
Needle; the Philofophical Tranfactions, &c.
Poffibly this may be a vulgar Error; or an Inftance of hafty Induction. It ſhould rather
feem, fo far as the later Obfervations and Experiments reach, that Manna is an exudation
in the Leaves of certain Trees; and no other than a faccharine Juice; wherewith many Trees
labound: as particularly the Birch, the Sycamore, the Maple, &c. And cou'd not Manna be
made from the Tears or Tappings of the Trees, whereon it is found? See the Article SUGAR.
i Theſe Obſervations upon Dews, have not been cloſely profecuted; and, perhaps, there is.
fome confiderable Mystery in them.
The Foundation for the Rule feems to be this, that the Atmosphere is more impregnated
with grofs terreftrial Effluvia, Smoke, c. near the Surface of the Earth, than higher
up and accordingly the pureft Water appears to be collected in high Places; at a confiderable
diftance from large Towns. But how this may hold of Dew, is another Queftion. To render
Dew medicinal, perhaps it ſhould participate of the Plants it hangs on; where it may drink in
part of their finer Particles. But Experiment alone can determine this. There is much Cu-
riofity, and fome Unlity, in tracing the Hiftory of Manna; thro' (1.) its firft Preparation;
(2.) Collection; (3.) Adulteration; (4.) proper Refinement, and exact Imitation; by means
of the Materials of every Country. The Hiftory of Sugar might give Light in this Affair.
MATURATION.
125
by they more perfectly digeft the groffer Parts and this is effected partly
by the fame means as Clarification. But extreme Clarification fpreads the
Spirits fo fmooth, that they become dull; and render the Drink dead:
which ought to have a little flowering. Whence all clear, Amber Drink is
flat. The degrees of Maturation in Drinks, are obfervable in Muft, Wine,
and Vinegar: In Muft, the Spirits are not well collected together"; Wine has
them well united; fo that they make the Parts fomewhat more oily:
whilſt Vinegar holds them collected more jejunely, and, in fmaller quantity;
the largeſt and fineſt Spirit thereof being exhaled P: for Vinegar is made by
fetting a Veffel of Wine in the hot Sun; and therefore Vinegar will not burn;
becauſe many of the finer Parts are exhaled
2. The refreſhing and quickening of palled or dead Drink, proceeds from The ways off.
enforcing the Motion of the Spirit: Thus we find, open Weather relaxes the recovering flas
Liquors,
Spirit, and makes it more lively in its Motion. We fee alfo the bottling of
Beer or Ale, while new, and full of Spirit, makes the Drink more quick
and windy.
A Pan of Coals, likewife, does good in the Cellar, and makes
the Drink work again : nay, 'tis affirmed, that a brewing of new Beer,
fet by old Beer, makes it ferment again. It were alfo proper to ferment
the Spirits by Mixtures, that may excite and quicken them; as by putting
into the Bottles, Nitre, Chalk, Lime ",
We fee Cream is matured,
and
f
See the Article CLARIFICATION.
&c.
m Could not this Effect be eaſily prevented? Or could not Malt Liquors be racked from their
Lees, and fined, and treated as Wines? Some Experiments have been made with Succeſs in:
this way. And perhaps it is a vulgar Error to imagine, that Malt Liquors must needs lye upon
their Lees, to preferve their brisknefs. A skilful Operator may do fomething confiderable in
this matter.
n In reality, perhaps, they are not formed: the vinous, or inflammable Spirits certainly
are not extricated, fo as to prefide, in the Form of inflammable Spirits.
• In Wine, the Operation of Fermentation, which perhaps confifts in thoufands of Occurfions
and Attritions of the fmall Particles among one another, forms part of the oily Matter,
and Acid of the Subject, into vinous, or inflammable Spirit.
·
P. There is a great Secret in Acetification; known perhaps but to very few: thofe who have
it, may, with Dr. Stahl, convert perfectly rectified Spirit of Wine into Vinegar; and produce-
ftrong and noble Vinegar, from exceedingly cheap Commodities; in the space of a very few days;.
even in the Winter. See the Article VINEGAR.
Some of the finer Parts of the Wine will doubtless be evaporated: but the Queftion is,
whether the inflammable Spirits evaporate in the Operation; or are not really incorporated, loft
in their former Nature, and converted into a very different Thing? For cannot the best Wine,
contained in a clofe Bottle. be converted, barely by Heat, into excellent Vinegar ?
+
• A careful diftinction fhould be obſerved, in this whole Enquiry, betwixt inflammable Spirit ;·
and what may for clearness fake, be called the wild, crude, or gaffy Spirit; which chiefly
fhews itſelf whilft Liquors are new; or before they have finiſhed their Courfe of vinous Fer--
mentation.
f The Germans make excellent ufe of this Contrivance, in their Wine Vaults; and thus be
come a kind of Creators in the Affair of Wines.
The Truth of this Fat can hardly be queſtion'd by thofe who have been converfant in
Wine Vaults. And confiderable Secrets lie in the proper management of this Naturals
Power.
▾ The beſt Additions of this kind, are, perhaps, the common ones; viz. a little sugary Or
two or three Raifins.
:
૧
2
126
MATURATION.
And preferving
them fresh.
The means of
ripening
Fruits.
Experiments
and made to riſe more ſpeedily, by the addition of cold Water; which feems
to get down the Whey.
3. It has been try'd, that burying well ſtopped Bottles of Drink, either a
good depth in dry Earth, or at the bottom of a Well, within Water; but beſt
of all by hanging them in a deep Well, fomewhat above the Water, for a
Fortnight, are excellent means of making Drink fresh and quick for
Cold does not exhale the Spirits at all, as Heat doth; but makes them
vigorous, and active: whereby they perfectly incorporate the Parts of the
Liquor w.
4. The Maturation of Fruits, is effected, (1.) by calling the Spirits of the
Body outward; and ſo diffuſing or ſpreading them more easily and (2.) by di-
gefting, in fome degree, the groffer Parts: and this is procured, (1.) by
Heat, (2.) Motion, (3.) Attraction; and (4.) a beginning Putrefaction,
which is a kind of Maturation ».
5. Apples were laid in, (1.) Straw; (2.) in Hay; (3.) in Flower; (4.) in
of Maturation Chalk; (5.) in Lime. (6.) Others were cover'd over with Onions; (7.) others
tried by enclo- with Crabs; (8.) fome were clofed up in Wax; another fhut in a Box, &c.
Sure in Apples.
and (9.) one was hung up in Smoaky. After a Month's time, the Apple enclos'd
in Wax, was as green, and freſh, as at the firſt putting of it in; the Kernels
continuing white. For all exclufion of open Air, which is ever predatory, maintains
the Body in its first Freshness and Moisture: but the inconvenience was, that it
taſted a little of the Wax; which, I ſuppoſe, wou'd not happen in a Pom-
granate, or fome fuch thick-coated Fruit. The Apple bung in Smoak, grew,
like an old mellow Apple, wrinkled, dry, foft, ſweet; and yellow within:
for fuch a degree of Heat, which neither melts nor fcorches, mellows with-
out burning. The Smoak alfo fprinkles, as it were, the Apple with Soot;
which promotes Maturation. So in drying of Pears and Plumbs by the
Oven, and removing them often, as they begin to fweat; there is a like
Operation but this is perform'd with a far more intenfe degree of Heat.
The Apples buried in the Lime and Afbes, were well maturated; as ap-
peared both by their Yellowneſs and Sweetneſs. For that degree of Heat,
which is in Lime and Ashes, being a fmothering Heat, is of all others
the moſt proper for the purpofe; as it neither liquifies nor dries: which is
true Maturation. And the Tafte of the Apples was good; fo that the Ex-
periment is fitted for Ufe 2. The Apples covered with Crabs and Onions, were
likewife
u Heat has the fame, or, perhaps, a greater Effect, in making the Cream riſe and ſepa-
rate.
Theſe are very uſeful Hints for a Hiflory of vinous Fermentation; with all its Accidents,
Concomitants, and Attendants.
x Here feems to be a good Foundation laid for the Enquiry.
There is a great Advantage attending the making of Experiments thus in Concert; or fe-
veral of them together, where the Subject will admit of it: for by this means more Light is
gained by Compariſon; and the Tendency of the whole leads the fooner to AXIOMs.
z This is a kind of AxIOм. See the Hiftory of Life and Death.
a If proper Sets of thefe Experiments were made, they might afford excellent Rules
for Practice, of great Ufe in ordinary Life. And this fhould always be remember'd, that an
Experiment judicioufly made and confider'd, never fails of affording either Light, or Advan
tage, and not unfrequently both.
MEDICINE.
127
likewife well maturated: not by Heat; but becauſe the Crabs and Onions
draw out the Spirits of the Apple; and ſpread them equally throughout the
Body: which cures Hardneſs. So we fee one Apple ripens fooner againſt
another; and therefore, for making Cyder, they lay the Apples firft in a
Heap and fo one Clufter of Grapes that touches another as it grows,
ripens fafter. The Apples in Hay and Straw, ripened apparently, tho not fo
much as the other; but thoſe in the Straw ripened moft. The Cauſe is, that
the Hay and Straw have a very low degree of Heat, yet cloſe and fmother-
ing; which does not dry. The Apple in the clofe Box was likewife ripened;
for all Air kept cloſe, has a degree of Warmth; as we fee in Wooll, Fur,
Plub, &c. All the former being compared with another Apple of the fame
kind, that lay by itſelf, were found more ſweet and yellow; and confe-
quently appeared more ripe.
:
Maturation,
6. The rolling of Apples, &c. foftens and ſweetens them prefently; Experiments of
which is owing to nothing but the even Diftribution of the Spirits into the by rolling and
Parts for it is the unequal Diftribution of the Spirits, that makes the preffing.
Harſhneſs. But this hard rolling is a degree between Concoction and fimple
Maturation; and therefore, if you roll them but gently, about twice a-day,
and continue it for fix or feven Days, they might, perhaps, ripen better
and more like to the natural Maturation b.
7. Cut a Piece off the top of an Apple, and cover it; to try whether By Solution of
Solution of Continuity will not haften Maturation. We fee that where a
Continuity.
Wafp, Fly, or Worm, has bitten; as in a Grape, or other Fruit; the
Fruit will ſweeten foon . Prick an Apple full of fhallow Holes, and ſmear
it a little with Sack, or Cinnamon-water, or Spirit of Wine, every Day, for
ten Days; to fee if the virtual Heat of the Wine, or Strong-water, will not
mature it. And in thefe Trials, keep one of the fame Fruit untouched,
to compare them with ". See the Articles, CLARIFICATION, and PERCO-
LATION.
d
MEDICINE.
in which Re-
1. There are many Medicines which, of themfelves, would do no good, of the Order
and, perhaps hurt; but being applied in a certain Order, one after another, medies should
effect great Cures. I have tried a Remedy for the Gout, which has feldom be used.
failed to drive it away in twenty-four Hours. It is, firſt, to apply a
b This Experiment may well deferve to be tried.
Poultis
c Does the Bire occafion the Fruit to ripen fafter? Or, was it not riper before, than others
of the fame Tree; and therefore chofe by the Creature? For Snails, Ants, Wafps, and Infects,
ſeem to have acute Senfes, or a particular Sagacity, in diftinguiſhing the first beginning of Ma-
turity in Fruits.
This Enquiry richly deferves to be profecuted.
• The following Particulars have regard to the Filum Medicinale, mentioned by the Author
in the De Augmentis Scientiarum, Se&t. X.
f It may deſerve a particular Enquiry, what Effects the wearing of a Lump of Brimstone
next the Skin, or the gentle rubbing of Flower of Brimstone upon the Part affected in the
Gout, will have for very confiderable things have been related of both, by credible
Perfons.
128
MEDICINE.
A Poultis.
Fomentation,
and
Gout; to be
used fuccef-
fively.
Poultis; then a Fomentation; and, laſtly, a Plaifter. The Poultis relaxes
the Pores, and difpofes the Humour to exhale. The Fomentation gently
draws out the Humour by Vapour; becauſe of the way made by the
Poultis; and therefore only perfpires the Humours, without drawing more
to the Part: for it is a gentle Fomentation, and has, withal, a little Mixture
Plaifter for the of a Stupefactive. The Plaister is moderately aftringent; which keeps back
new Humours. The Poultis alone would make the Part more foft, weak,
and apt to receive the Defluxion, and Impreffion of the Humour. The
Fomentation alone, if it were too weak, would perfpire but little, unleſs
way were made by the Poultis; and if too ftrong, it would attract to the
Part, as well as from it. The Plaister alone would pen up the Humour, al-
ready contained in the Part; and fo exafperate it: and therefore they muſt
all be uſed in Succeffion. The Poultis is to lie for two or three Hours: the
Fomentation for a quarter of an Hour, or fomewhat more; being uſed hot,
and ſeven or eight times repeated: the Plaister is to continue on, till the
Part be well confirmed. The Receit of each take as follows.
of Cure by
Cufom.
The POULTIS.
2. Boil the Crumb of the fineſt Bread in Milk, to a Pulp; add at the end,
a Dram and half of the Powder of red Rofes; ten Grains of Saffron ; an
Ounce of Oil of Rofes: and spread it upon a linen Cloth, to be applied luke-
warm, and continued for three Hours.
The FOMENTATION.
3. Take of Sage Leaves, half a Handful of the Root of Hemlock, fliced, fix
Drams; of Briony Root, half an Ounce; of the Leaves of red Rofes, two
Pugils; boil them in two Quarts of Water, wherein Steel has been quenched,
till the Liquor come to a Quart. After training, put in half a Handful of
Bay-Salt. Let it be used with a Scarlet Cloth, or Scarlet Wooll, dipped in the
hot Liquor; and fo renewed feven times in a quarter of an Hour, or a little
more.
The PLAISTER.
4. Take as much Emplaftrum Diachalciteos as fuffices to cover the Part; dif
folve it, with Oil of Rofes, to fuch a Confiftence as will ſtick; and ſpread it upon
a piece of Holland.
5. There is a fecret, tho unpractifed, way of Cure; by accuftoming ones-
ſelf to what proves otherwife hurtful. Poifons have been made familiar to
fome Perfons: Nurfes in the Plague are feldom infected: Tortures, by
cuſtom have been made more eaſy exceffive Quantities of Meats, Wine,
or ftrong Liquors, have, thro' cuftom, neither produced Surfeits, nor Drun-
kenneſs. And, generally, chronical Diſeaſes; as Coughs, Phthificks,
Palfies,
8 To judge from the Appearance of theſe three Receits, they are fafe; and are faid, by
ethers, as well as the Author, to have been ſerviceable.
h The Constitution and Frame of the Body is fo adapted, as to be capable of fuftaining great
Excefles, and Wants, without Prejudice: and it feems to remain unknown, to what Lengths.
either of theſe may, by Habit and Custom, be carried: infomuch, that furprizing Paradoxes
might
MEDICINE.
129
Palfies, Lunacies, &c. are most dangerous at firft: therefore a wife Phyfi-
cian will confider whether the Diſeaſe be incurable; or whether the just Cure
of it be not hazardous; and if it be, let him have recourſe to Palliatives;
and alleviate the Symptoms, without bufying himſelf too much with the
perfect Cure: and this Courfe will often exceed beyond all Expectation.
The Patient himſelf may likewife ftrive, by degrees, to overcome the
Symptoms; and fo, by time, turn fuffering into Nature.
6. Divers Diſeaſes, efpecially chronical ones, are fometimes cured by Of Cure by
Surfeit and Excefs; as in Meat, and Drink, Fafting, Exerciſe, and the like. Excess.
For Diſeaſes of Continuance, get an adventitious Strength from Cufom; befides,
their material Caufe from the Humours: fo that the breaking of the Custom,
leaves them only to their first Cauſe; which, if any thing weak, will fall off.
Again; fuch Exceſſes ſtir and excite Nature, which thence rifeth more forci-
bly against the Diſeaſe *.
7. There is a great Confent in the Motion of the feveral parts of the Body. of Cure by
Children, in Sport, will often try whether they can rub upon their Breaft Mation of
with one Hand, and pat upon their Forehead with the other; and fome- Confent,
times they will rub with both Hands, `or pat with both Hands. When the
Spirits, that come to the Noftrils, expel a bad Scent, the Stomach is ready
to expel by Vomit. In Confumptions of the Lungs, when Nature cannot ex-
pel by Cough, Men often fall into Fluxes of the Belly, and die. So pesti-
lential Difeafes, if they cannot be expelled by Sweat, caufe a Loofenefs,
that proves commonly mortal. Therefore, Phyficians fhould ingeniously con-
trive, bow by Motions that are in their Power, to excite internal Motions not
in their Power; and this, by Confent of Parts: as by the ftench of Fea-
thers, or the like, they cure the rifing of the Mother.
8. 'Tis a deep Aphorifm of Hippocrates, that Difeafes contrary to the Com- The Cure of
plexion, Age, Sex, Seafon of the Year, &c. are more dangerous than thofe that Difeafes con-
are concurrent. A Man would think otherwife; becaufe when the Accident trary to pre-
of Sickneſs, and the natural Difpofition, fecond each other, the Diſeaſe
difpofition.
fhould feem more powerful; and fo it is, if we fuppofe like Quantity of
Matter: but fuch Difeafes fhew a greater Collection of Matter; as being
able to overcome thofe natural Inclinations to the contrary. And there-
fore, in Diſeaſes of this kind, let the Phyſician apply himſelf more to Pur-
gation, than to Alteration; because the Offence is in the Quantity: and the Qua-
lities will rectify themſelves ™.
VOL. III.
S
9. Phy-
might be derived from the Enquiry. There are fome strange Relations to this Purpofe, in
the Philofophical Tranfactions; and German Ephemerides.
There feems to be fomething very material in this Direction, worthy the regard of
Phyficians.
Here are fome ufeful Intimations given, for forming a Method of treating feveral Dif
eafes, that vulgarly pafs for incurable.
I This is a noble Enquiry, but lies greatly neglected. It is, doubtless, a capital Secret in
Medicine, to conftrain Nature to co-operate with the Phyſician, by means of Averfions. And
could not fome confiderable Cures be wrought, by the very Averſion which ſome People have
80 Phyfick?
m 'Tis great pity this Enquiry has not been far enough purfued, to afford fome fure Rules of
Practice.
130
MEDICINE.
Of Prepara-
9. Phyficians wifely prefcribe Preparatives before Purgation; for Cathar-
tion before, and tics often prove very prejudicial, if the Body be not accommodated, both
Settling the
Body after,
Purging.
before and after them "The Mifchief they do, for want of Preparatives,
arifes from the flicking of the Humours, and their not coming clean away;
which causes great Perturbations in the Body, and ill Accidents during the
Purging. It alfo checks the Operation itfelf; and therefore the Bufinefs
of Preparation is double; viz. (1.) to render the Humours fluid and mature;
and, (2.) to open the Paffages: for both thefe help to make the Humours
pafs the freer. For the former purpofe, Syrups are beft; and for the latter,
Apozems, or preparing Broths. Glyfters alfo prevent the Medicine from
lodging in the Guts, and Griping. But if the Body abound with Hu-
mours, or Fat; or if the Weather be open; theſe are Preparatives in them-
felves becauſe they make the Humours more fluid. But let a Phyſician
beware of Purging after hard frofty Weather; and in a lean Body, without
Preparation °.
The Caufe of io. As for the Miſchief after Purging, it is caused by the lodging of fome
Miſchief after Humours in improper Places for there are Humours, which lodged in cer-
tain places of the Body, are quiet, and harmless; but when lodged in others, do
much Mifchief. Therefore 'tis proper, after Purging, to ufe Apozems,
and Broths; tho not fo opening as thofe ufed before Purging. Alfo abfter-
five Glyfters are good to conclude with; to draw away the Relicks of
the Humours, that may have defcended to the lower Region of the
Body .
Purging.
Of fanching
of Blood.
૧
11. Bleeding is ſtopped feveral ways: first, by Aftringents, and Repercuf-
fives; fecondly, by drawing the Spirits and Blood, inwards; which is done by
Cold; as Iron, or a Stone, laid to the Neck, ftops bleeding at the Noſe: it
has alſo been tried, that putting the Tefticles into fharp Vinegar, has made
a ſudden Revulfion of the Spirits, and ftanched Blood: thirdly, by the
Recess or Sympathy of the Blood: fo the bleeding Part, being thruft into the
Body of a Capon, or Sheep, new cut up and bleeding, has ftanched Blood":
fourthly, by Custom and Time; fo the Prince of Orange, in his firft Hurt,
by
n I ſuppoſe, this is chiefly meant of the rougher Purgatives; fuch as Scammony, Gamboge, &c.
but, for the milder; fuch as Manna, Epsom Salt, and, particularly, the Mineral Purging-
Waters; they feem to require much lefs preparation of the Body, and fubfequent Caution.
And, perhaps, it were beft, in all Cafes, to make choice of fuch Purgatives as are, in fome
degree, their own Preparatives; and innocent, both in their Operation and fubfequent Effects:
as the purging Mineral Waters feem remarkably to be.
Here is Matter of
• Upon what Obfervations is this Caution grounded? Phyficians are generally cautious of
purging in frofty Weather, and chufe to defer it till fuch Weather breaks.
Enquiry: but the Misfortune is, that Practice is headftrong, and commonly runs before
Enquiry.
This is an excellent Obfervation, and the Foundation of a very important Enquiry. See
Mr. Boyle on Specific Remedies.
9 So common a thing as Purging is, and fo many Hands as the Direction of it comes un-
der; yet, what folid and fettled Diſcoveries are made, with relation to it, capable of affording
fteady and juft Rules of Practice? It has been before obferved, and ſhould ever be remem
bred, that Practice is the Touch-ftone of Theories.
How far has this Fact been verified?
MEDICINE.
13 2
1
by the Spanish Boy, could find no Means to ftanch the Blood by Medicine,
or Ligature; but had the Orifice of the Wound ftopt by Mens Thumbs,
fucceeding one another, for the ſpace of two Days; and, at laſt, the Blood
retired by Cuſtom. There is a fifth Way alſo in ufe; viz. to let Blood in a
contrary Part, by way of Revulfion.
12. 'Tis ever ſerviceable, not to continue the fame Medicine and Aliment too of Change of
long: for Nature, by continual Use of any thing, comes to a Satiety and Dulness, Aliment and
either of Appetite or Working: and we fee that a continued Uſe of hurtful Medicines.
things makes them loſe their Force; whence, 'tis no wonder, if good things
alfo loſe their Force by cuftom. I account Intermiffion almoft the fame
thing with Change; for what has been intermitted becomes, in a manner,
new again
13. 'Tis found by Experience, that in the Ufe of Diet-drinks of Guaia- Of Diet-drink.
cum, Sarfa, and the like; the Patient is more uneafy at the beginning,
than after continuing the Courfe: which has made fome of the more deli-
cate fort, give over in the middle; upon a Suppofition, that if the Courſe
was fo irkſome as at first, they could never hold out to the end. But the
CAUSE is, that all fuch Courſes dry up Humours, Rheums, and the like;
which cannot be dried up till they are firſt attenuated: and when the Hu-
mour is attenuated, it becomes more fluid than before; and thus offends
the Body much more, till it be confumed. And therefore Patients, under
fuch Courſes, muft wait a due time; and not faint at the firft ".
The Virtues of
Medicinal
14. There is a great Variety of Fofils; but the Veins of medicinal Earths
are few: the chief being Terra Lemnia, Terra Sigillata, and Bolus Armena; Earths,
whereof the Terra Lemnia is the principal. Their Virtues are, to cure
Wounds, ftop Bleeding, Fluxes, Rheums, and the fpreading of Poifon, In-
fection, and Putrefaction: they have, of all Simples, the perfecteft property
of Drying, with little or no Mixture of any other Quality. But Bole-
Armeniac is the coldeſt of them, and Terra Lemnia the hotteſt; whence the
Inland Lemnos, where 'tis dug, was, in the fabulous Ages, confecrated to
Vulcan ".
S 2
15. The
The due Profecution of this Enquiry into the feveral Ways of ftopping Hemorrhages,
might lead to the Diſcovery of better Stypticks, than are hitherto commonly known.
Tho this Aphorifm may poſſibly deferve to pafs for an Axiom, yet it feems not yet drawn
into Rules for Practice; nor, indeed, to be greatly regarded: tho, perhaps, capable of
producing noble Effects in Medicine.
Here is another rational Foundation for attempting the Cures of fome Difeafes, vulgarly
reputed incurable.
This Doctrine feems deduced, with great Juftnefs, from the Virtues of the Ingre-
dients whereof Diet-drinks are uſually made; and from careful Obſervation of their Succefs.
Were it not proper, to apply the Author's Method of interpreting Nature, in many other
Cafes of Phyfick Certainly a Set of Rules might, with care, be foon deduced in this man-
ner; but who will undertake to verify them in Practice? for Rules unverified, are no Rules
at all.
There feems to have been a conſiderable neglect in enquiring out the proper Virtues of
Earths: fome have attributed great Matters to them, and others allow them fcarce any Vir-
tues at all. The Question is not to be decided by Dispute, but Experience. And in this View
let Becher, Boyle, and Stahl be conſulted.
132
MEDICINE.
Of Medicines
and relieve the
Spirits.
15. The Turkish Drink, called Coffee, is made of the Coffee-berry, having
that condense, a ftrong Scent; but not aromatical. This Liquor they take hot, and fit
at it in their Coffee-houtes; and it comforts the Brain and Heart, and helps
Digeſtion. Certainly, the Coffee-berry, the Root and Leaf of Betel, the Leaf
of Tobacco, and the Tear of the Poppy, or Opium, which the Turks take-
largely, as fuppofing it to give Courage; all condenfe the Spirits, and make
them ſtrong and alert. But, it ſeems, they are uſed after different Man-
ners; for Coffee and Opium, are fwallowed down; Tobacco, is finoked; and
Betel, is chewed in the Mouth, with a little Lime. Perhaps there are more of
theſe, if found and well corrected: Quære; of Henbane-feed, Mandrake,
Saffron, the Root and Flower of Folium Indicum, Ambergreafe, the Affyrian
Amomum, Kermes, and of all fuch things as inebriate, and provoke Sleep.
Note, that Tobacco is not taken in the Root or Seed; which are always
more powerful than the Leaf.
Of the proper-
eft Simples
for Medi-
cines.
A fafe Remedy
for the Stone in
the Kidneys.
16. Wife Phyficians fhould diligently enquire, what Simples Nature yields
of extreme fubtile Parts, without Acrimony: for thefe undermine what is
hard; open what is ftopped; and gently expel what is offenfive; without
too much Diſturbance. Of this kind are Elder-flowers; which are there-
fore, proper for the Stone: Dwarf-pine; which is good for the Jaundice:
Piony, which is proper for Stoppages in the Head: Fumitory; which is
good for the Spleen and many others. Several Creatures bred of Putre-
faction, tho fomewhat loathfome to take, are of this kind; as Earth-
worms, Timber-fows, Snails, &c. and, I conceive, that the Troches of Vipers,
and the Flesh of Snakes, fome way prepared and corrected, are of the
fame Nature. So the putrefied Parts of Beaſts; as Caftor and Muſk; are
to be placed amongst them. We ſee alſo, that the Putrefactions of Plants;
as Agarick and Jews-ears; are of great Virtue for Putrefaction is the
fubtileft of all Motions in the Parts of Bodies. And fince we cannot take
the Lives of Animals; which, fome fancy would thus make us immortal;
the next thing, for Subtilty of Operation, is to chufe fuch putrefied Bodies
as may be ſafely taken ".
A BROTH and FO MENTATION for the S TONE.
17. Take of Eryngo Roots, cleanfed and fliced, one Dram; boil them
together with a Chicken; at the end add, of Elder-flowers and Marygold-
:
flowers
× It ſeems a great Neglect in Medicine, not to endeavour to difcover and afcertain
the Virtues of the Simples. For hence Conjectures, Rumours, Traditions, and Conceits, are.
every Day followed in prefcribing them; instead of Experiments, Obfervations, Facts, and
Certainties infomuch, that there is room to ask, whether the Virtues of any one Simple, of
all the thouſands in being, are fairly manifefted by competent Experience? If not, 'tis furely
high time to begin the Enquiry; first by the fimpleft Means, and afterwards proceeding gra-
dually to Compofitions and Combinations. Let Trial, therefore, be made of fimple Infusions; of
fimple Ingredients in Water; of clofe Decoctions of the fame Plant; of Robs, Extracts, &c.
each to be given feparately, and repeated at due Diſtances; without the Ufe of any other
Medicine: for, till we know what Virtues the particular Parts of Simples have, refpectively;
how can we judge of their Virtues in Compofition? Certainly this is an Enquiry, where nothing
fhould be left to Imagination; but the Conduct be strictly juft, regular and experimental.
See the Novum Organum, Part II.
y Theſe are excellent Intimations; but they feem to be ſtrangely flighted,
MEDICINE.
133
flowers, one Pugil; of Angelica-feed, half a Dram; of Raifins of the
Sun ftoned, fifteen; of Rosemary, Thyme, and Mace together, a little.
and, in fix Ounces of this Broth, diffolve three Grains of Cremor Tartar.
Every third or fourth Day, take a fmall Toaft dipped in new drawn Oil
of ſweet Almonds, and ſprinkled with a little loaf Sugar. You may make
the Broth for two Days; and take one half every Day. If you find the
Stone to ſtir, forbear the Toaft for a Courſe or two. The Intention of this
Broth is, not to bring away; but to undermine the Quarry of the Stones in
the Kidneys*.
TROCHES for the STOMACH.
18. Take of the beſt Pearls, very finely pulverized, one Dram; of Stomachis
Nitre, one Scruple; of Cremor Tartar, two Scruples; of Ginger and Gal- Troches.
lingal together, one Ounce and a half; of Calamus Aromaticus, Ellicampane-
root and Nutmeg together, one Scruple and a half; of Ambergreafe, fixteen
Grains; of Musk, ten Grains and by Means of Rofe-water thickened
with Gum Tragacanth and the fineſt Sugar, make them into Troches ».
Another Medicine to strengthen the STOMACH.
19. Take Lignum Aloes in grofs Shavings; ſteep them in Sack or Alicant, A Medicine for
changed twice, half an Hour at a time; till the Bitterneſs be drawn out, the Stomach.
Then dry the Shavings in the Shade, and beat them to a fine Powder; of
which, with the Syrup of Citrons, make a ſmall Pill. To be taken before
Supper D.
GRAINS of YOUTH.
20. Take of Nitre, four Grains; of Ambergreafe, three Grains; of A Medicine for
Orrice-powder, two Grains; of white Poppy-feed, a Grain; of Saffron, half procuring fome
a Grain; and with Orange-flower-water, and a little Gum Tragacanth: make degree of Re-
them into four fmall Pills, or Grains. To be taken at four a-clock, or going
juvenescency.
to Bed.
PRESERVING OINTMENT.
21. Take of Deer's-fuet, one Ounce; of Myrrh, fix Grains; of Saffron, The Author'
five Grains; of Bay-falt, twelve Grains; of Canary Wine, two Years old, Ointment for
a Spoonful and a half: fpread it on the infide of the Shirt, let the Shirt dry, long Life.
and then put it on.
WINE
2 This Remedy appears to be very innocent; but how effectual, can only be learnt from
Experience.
á The Intention of thefe Trockes feems to be warming, and ftrengthening to the Stomach;
and promoting Digeftion.
b This Receit appears to have fome relation to the Author's History of Life and Death; where
he particularly enumerates the practical Methods of prolonging Life; and, amongst other
things, mentions the Introduction of a ligneous Subftance into the Blood: tho the Medicine here
fet down, may otherwife have fome more immediate Effect in ftrengthening the Stomach; as
the Title expreffes.
All the following Receits have a more direct relation to the History of Life and Death 2
where they are, in a manner, indicated, or referred to, as means of prolonging Life. For
the Author appears to have formed to himſelf a practical Method with fuch a View, upon the
Doctrine, or Axioms, pointed out in that Hiftory.
The Ufe and Intention of this Ointment may fufficiently appear from the History of Life
and Death,
134
MEDICINE.
His Invigora
ting Wine.
His Wine a-
WINE for the SPIRITS.
22. Take Gold perfectly refined, three Ounces; quench it fix or feven
times in good Claret Wine; and, for two Draughts, add of Nitre, fix
Grains; of Saffron prepared, three Grains; of Ambergreafe, four Grains :
paſs it thro' an Hippocras Bag, wherein there is a Dram of Cinnamon groff-
ly beaten;
; or, (to avoid muddying the Colour) of Ginger. Put two Spoon-
fuls of this to a Draught of fresh Claret Wine.
The Way of preparing the Saffron, is this,
Steep fix Grains of Saffron in equal parts of Wine and Roſewater, and a
fourth part of Vinegar; then dry it in the Sun.
WINE against MELANCHOLY, and for preferving the S ENS ES
and REASON.
23. Take the Roots of Buglofs, well ſcraped, cleanfed, and feparated from
gainst Melan- their inner Pith; cut them into fmall Slices; fteep them in Wine of Gold
choly.
prepared as above; add of Nitre, three Grains. And drink it, mixed with
freſh Wine, as the above deſcribed Wine for the Spirits. Note, The Roots
ſhould not ſteep above a quarter of an Hour; and must be thrice
changed.
His restorative
Drink.
A RESTORATIVE DRINK.
24. Take of Indian Maiz, ground and fifted, half a Pound; of Eryngo
Roots and Dates, each three Ounces; of Ellicampane, two Drams; of
Mace, three Drams: and brew them with Ten-fhilling beer, to the Quan-
tity of four Gallons, by boiling them in two Quarts of Wort, to be after-
ward mix'd with the Beer. This is to be uſed familiarly at Meals.
Against WASTE of the BODY, by HE AT.
His Preferva- 25. Strain fweet Pomegranats, lightly, into a Glafs; and add, a little
tive, against Citron-peel, two or three Cloves, three Grains of Ambergrcaſe, and a due
Waſte by Heat. Proportion of fine Sugar. This is to be drank, every Morning, whilft
Pomegranats laft &.
His Water for
prolonging
Life.
METHUSALEM-WATER; againſt all Afperity and Parchedness
of the inward Parts; all Aduftion of the Blood; and, generally, againſt the
Dryness of Age.
26. (1.) Boil new Crevifes well, in Claret Wine; and rub the Shells very
clean, eſpecially on the infide; then wash them, three or four times, in warm
Claret, impregnated with the Tops of green Rofemary, ftill changing
the Wine till all the Fifh-tafte be taken away: now dry the pure Shell
throughly, and bring it to an exquifitely fine Powder. (2.) Steep Pearl in
Vinegar for twelve Hours, then dry off the Vinegar; and make this, alfo,
into
Perhaps fome would rather preferve the Tincture here, than the prepared Saffron but this
was not agreeable to the Defign of the Author. Nor, indeed, can his Defign be rightly
judged of, without an Acquaintance with his Hiftory of Life and Death.
This is agreeable to the Doctrine delivered under the Article INFUSION.
≈ See the History of Life and Death.
METAL S.
135
into an extreme fine Powder. (3.) Take of each Powder three Drams, a
a Scruple of Ginger, and half a Scruple of Poppy-feed; fteep them feven
Hours in Spirit of Wine, wherein fix Grains of Saffron have been infuſed.
Then, with a gentle Heat, evaporate all the Spirit, and dry the Powder in
the Sun, without Fire. (4) Add to it of Nitre, one Dram; of Amber-
greafe, a Scruple and a half; and keep this Powder for Ufe in a clean
Glafs. (5.) Slice four Ounces of fresh pared Cucumbers, into two Quarts
of Milk, and draw off a Water by Diftillation. (6.) Quench Gold four
times in a Pint of Claret Wine. And, (7.) to the Wine and Milk-water,
each three Ounces, add a Scruple of the Powder; and drink it in the Morn-
ing; ftirring up the Powder before you drink and walk upon it ¹.
1. The Enquiry into Metals,
are of great Service in Life.
Heads, that occur to us with
METAL S.
may well be accounted capital; for Metals Heads of En-
We will therefore here fet down the principal quiry for the
regard to this Enquiry i.
ARTICLE I.
Of Separation.
Hiftory of
Metals.
2. Enquire into the Buſineſs of Separation: which is of three forts; viz. Metalline Sepa-
(1.) Smelting, or Refining; (2.) Extracting; and, (3.) Principiating. Smelt ration of three
ing, or Refining, is feparating the pure Metal from its Ore, or Drofs: Ex- general kinds.
tracting, is the educing of one Metal out of another and Principiating, is
the refolving any Metal into its original or elementary Matter k.
3. Let the Enquiry of Smelting be profecuted thro' all the Metals, Gold, viz. (1.)
Silver, &c. and, by the way, enquire of the firſt Stone, Ore, Spar, Mar- Smelting.
cafite, and Beds of Metals, refpectively; what Bodies they are, and their
degrees of Richnefs. Thus the richeft Iron-tone proves hardest to melt;
but the cafe is otherwife in Tin, and Lead
4. En-
To underſtand the Bottom of the Defign, and full Intention of thefe feveral Remedies,
requires a diligent Perufal of the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death: which will fhew the
Judgment of the Compofitions; or the inductive Foundation upon which they ftand. And
unleſs a due regard be had to that Hiftory, the Author will, probably, appear to have here
committed fome grofs Errors in Pharmacy. But his Views were very different from thoſe in di-
recting ordinary Medicines; and regarded the refloration of Youth, and lengthening the common
Period of Life. And this Difference of Intention, requires a very different Pharmacy from
the common.
The following Heads are drawn up in the ufual way of the Author, as a kind of Out-
lines, or Skeleton, of the particular Hiftory of METALS, that wants but to be filled up, to appear
like his own History of Life and Death, Winds, &c. Certainly the Advantages of this Method are
not duly understood by Mankind: tho a few Inventors, or original Enquirers into the Works
of Nature and Art, may feem to have followed it. But the thing, in itſelf, is of fuch Extent,
and Utility, as with a moderate Attention, to inftru& Men of ordinary Capacities, to purſue
Enquires with as much Succefs as Men of brighter Parts: for it indicates, not only the Parti-
culars to be pursued, but also the Method of purſuing, till the Enquiry neceffarily arrives at fome
confiderable Difcoveries. The Novum Organum has difcuffed this Matter; and there will be
more ſaid of it, in the Introduction to the SCALA INTELLECTUS.
* Thefe Particulars have been nobly profecuted by Becher and Stahl.
1 Confult Agricola de Re Metallica, and the later Metallurgifts; particularly the Germans.
136
META L S.
Of Separation
by Fire, or
Depart-wa-
ters, &c.
Of rendering
the bafer Me-
tals finer.
(2.)
Extraction.
(3.)
Principiation.
The ſeveral
Ways of chang-
ing Metals.
4. Enquire into the different Ways of Separating by Fire, Depart-Waters,
or otherwiſe and for the Manner of Refining, enquire, (1.) into the Me-
thods of increafing the Heat; (2.) accelerating the Operation; and,
(3.) faving of Charges. The Means are three; and depend, (1.) upon the
Blaſt of the Fire; (2.) the Form of the Furnace; for uniting, and re-
flecting Heat: and, (3.) the Ufe of Additions, or Matters which help the
Ore, and open it fooner m.
5. The Method of quickening the Fire, and multiplying the Heat, may
be general; and ferve alike for all Metals: but the Additions fhou'd be
different; and fuitable to each Particular. It muſt not, however, be ex-
pected, that, by increafing the Addition in Proportion to the Ore, the
Yield fhould anfwer; for Quantity, in the Paffive, adds more Reſiſtance
than it adds Force in the Active.
6. 'Tis reported by the Ancients, that there was a kind of Steel, in ſome
Places, which would poliſh almoſt as white and bright as Silver; and that
there was, in India, a kind of Brass, which, when poliſhed, could ſcarce
be diſtinguiſhed from Gold. This was in the natural Ore; but I queſtion
whether Men have fufficiently refined the Metals we account bafe; as, whe-
ther Iron, Copper, and Tin, are refined to the height: for, perhaps, when
they are brought to ſuch a Fineneſs as ferves for ordinary Ufe, Men do not
try to refine them farther *.
7. Under Extraction, enquire what Metals contain others: thus, Lead
and Tin, contain Silver; Lead and Silver, contain Gold, &c.
8. Let it alſo be enquired, what the Difference is in thoſe Metals that con-
tain more or lefs of others: thus, the Lead that contains moft Silver, is
accounted more brittle, and poor, than that which contains lefs.
9. As for Principiation, whether there be really fuch a thing or no; or
only a Solution, Extraction or Converfion by the Fire; it fhould be carefully
examined, what fimple Bodies are to be found in the feveral Metals; and in
what Quantity. Thus, Quickfilver and Brimstone are found in fome Minerals:
and, particularly, Antimony abounds with Brimftone; as appears upon dif-
folving it in Aqua regia, whereby the Brimstone is made to float a-top.
ARTICLE II.
Of the Changes to be wrought upon Metals.
10. Under this Head, enquire into the Ways of Tinging, Ruſting, Calci-
ning, Subliming, Precipitating, Amalgamating, Vitrifying, and Diffolving of
Metals in Menftruums; their Shooting, Sprouting, or Growing into Trees; the
Methods
m See Stahl's Philofophical Principles of univerfal Chemistry; which have a direct Tendency
to fill up the ſeveral Heads of Hiftory here fet down.
n Regulus of Antimony may, by repeated Operations, be refined to a great degree of Pu-
rity; fo as to approach the Whitenefs, tho not the Malleability of Silver. But there feems to
be no Methods, in common Ufe, of Refining Gold and Silver beyond one certain degree; or,
that of Twenty-four Carats, as it is called. And the fame is to be underſtood of Copper, Tin,
and Lead but whether fome chemical Operators have not fecret Ways of improving or melio
rating all theſe Metals, might deferve to be enquired into.
:
I
METAL S.
137
Methods of Hardening and Softening them; making them Tough, or Brittle,
Volatile, or Fixed; and Converting, or Tranfmuting them into one an-
other.
11. Under Tinging, enquire how Metals may be tinged quite thorough; with viz. (1.)
what Matters, and into what Colours; as in the Tinging of Silver, yellow; By Tinging.
Copper, white, red, blue, green; yet fo as to keep its Luftre. And this
Enquiry may receive fome Light from the Tinging of Glass, Marble, Flint,
or other Stone; and ſtriking a variety of Colours thro' them.
(2.)
12. Under the Rufting of Metals, enquire, chiefly, by what Corrofives
this is effected; and into what Colours the Ruft turns: thus, Lead and Rufting.
Tin, corroded with Vinegar, turn white; Iron, yellow; Copper, green, &c.
And all Metals feem fubject to Ruft; unleſs it be Quickfilver and Gold: tho
Quickfilver is turned into Vermillion, by fubliming it with Sulphur; and
the Scripture mentions the Ruſt of Gold º.
(3.)
13. Under Calcination, enquire how each Metal is calcined; into what
kind of Body it turns; and the moſt exquifite Way of Calcining it: thus, Calcination.
all Metals may be calcined by corrofive Spirits, or the Admixture of Salt,
Sulphur, and Mercury; and the imperfect Metals, by the bare Continuance
of Fire alone but Gold and Silver are beft calcined by Mercury.
:
14. Under Sublimation, enquire the manner of Subliming; what Metals
undergo this Operation; and what kind of Sublimate the Body makes:
thus, Metals are fublimed by joining them with Mercury, or Salts; as
Silver with Mercury, Gold with Sal-Ammoniac, and Mercury with Vitriol.
(4.)
Sublimation.'
(5.)
15. Under Precipitation, enquire, (1.) what Addition precipitates what
Metal; (2.) in what Time; and, (3.) into what Body. The principal Precipitation.
Additions for this Purpofe are, Salt-Water and Oil of Tartar.
16. Under Amalgamation enquire, (1.) what Metals endure it; (2.) what (6.)
are the Means of effecting it; and, (3.) what manner of Body it makes.
Amalgama-
tion.
17. Under Vitrification enquire, (1.) what Metals are fubject to it; (.)
(2.) what are the Means of effecting it; (3.) into what Colour it turns; Vitrification.
(4.) in what Cafes the whole Metal becomes Glaſs; and, (5.) in what Caſes
it only hangs in the glaffy Parts; (6.) what Gravity the vitrified Part has,
compared with the Metal; and, (7.) whether all Metals may be reduced
from a State of Vitrification, to Metal again. The imperfect Metals are, by
a ftrong Fire, convertible into Glass; Iron, into a green; Lead, into
a yellow; Copper, into a blue; and Tin, into a pale yellow Glafs: but
Gold and Silver have not been vitrified at the Furnace P, unlefs joined with
Antimony. And all theſe glaffy Bodies are reducible to a metalline form
again, by melting them with a large Proportion of freſh Metal.
18. Under Diffolution enquire, (1.) the proper Menftruum for diffolving
each Metal; (2.) what Menstruums will not diffolve them; (3.) which will
diffolve any Metal; and, (4.) which diffolve, refpectively, and moft ex-
V O L. III.
T
• Gold will be ruſted by the Fumes of Spirit of Salt.
actly.
P But they have by the Burning-glaſs. See M. Homberg's Paper upon the Subject in the
French Memoirs.
(8.)
Diffolution.
138
METAL S.
(9.)
actly. Obferve alfo, (5.) the Procefs of the Diffolution; (6.) the man-
ner of the Liquor's rifing, boiling, heating, &c. (7.) the Charge that each
Menftruum will bear, and then ceafe to act; (8.) the Colour it acquires :
(9.) above all examine, whether there be any one Menftruum, for any one
Metal, that is not fretting or corroding; but opens the Body by Sympathy,
and not by its Corrofivenefs or Violence..
19. Gold diffolves in Aqua Regia, into a yellow Liquor; with little Heat
or Ebullition: Silver in Aqua Fortis, into a green Liquor; unleſs the Silver
were without Alloy; and this with great Heat and Ebullition. Mercury
diffolves in the fame Menftruums as Gold and Silver do, without altering the
Colour of the Liquor. Tin likewife, diffolved in falt Water, alters not
the Colour of the Menftruum. Lead diffolves white, in Vinegar; and leaves.
the Menftruum fweet. Iron diffolves in any fharp, faline, or vitriolic Water,
and even in common Water; if the Metal be first calcined with Sulphur :
it diffolves Blood-red in Aqua Fortis; with a great Heat and Ebullition.
Copper diffolves in the fame Liquors as Iron, into a blue. And Menftruums
may, by Skill, be charged with half their own weight of Metal.
20. The Sprouting or Branching of Metals, in Solution; tho it feem but
The Branching a matter of Pleaſure; has yet a more ſerious Ufe: as it diſcovers the delicate
and Sprouting Emotions of Spirits, when they put forth under Confinement; which is the
of metallic
Cafe of Vegetables: tho this Shooting of Metals fcarce happens, but where
Solutions.
the Menftruum is over-charged 9.
(10.)
Hardening
21. Under Hardening and Softening, it muſt be enquired, what will make
Metals harder, and what fofter; and this Enquiry has two Ufes: the first,
and Softening in rendring Metals more manageable by the Hammer, as Iron is made
of Metals.
malleable by the Fire: the fecond, as Hardnefs is one Step towards Fixedness;
and Softness, towards Volatility: which are Qualities that, by this Enquiry,
inay give light to one another.
(11.)
Toughness
and Brittle-
nefs.
(12.)
Fixednefs.
22. Toughness and Brittleness, tho things of the fame kind with Hardness
and Softness, yet deferve a ſeparate Enquiry; efpecially with a View of
joining Hardness and Toughneſs: as in the making Glass malleable, and
Sword-blades, &c. ftrong, both to refift and pierce, without being liable to
break.
23. Volatility and Fixedness, is a capital Enquiry. The utmoft degree of
Volatility and Fixednefs, is that whereon no Fire will operate, nor Menftruum affifted by
Fire; but we don't know that fuch a Fixedness is poffible. The next degree.
is, when Fire, fimply applied, will not operate without fome Menftruum.
The next is, by the Teft. The next is, by a Fire unblown, or unfanned
with a particular Current of Air. The next is, when it will not endure fuch
a Fire; but yet the Body remains malleable. The next is, when the Body
remains brittle; but ftupefied, without flowing. So of Volatility, the ut-
moft degree is, when the Body flies off, without returning. The next is,
when it flies off, but eafily returns. The next is, when it flies upwards,
by
9 This Affair of the Sprouting of Metals, or making the Arbor Diana, or the Silver Tree,.
as it is vulgarly called, is well profecuted by M. Homberg, and other Members of the Royal
Academy of Sciences at Paris. See their Hiftory, and Memoirs.
METAL S.
139
by a kind of Exfufflation, without Vapour. The next is, when it melts with-
out rifing. The next is, when it foftens without melting. And of all theſe,
eſpecially in the extreme Degrees, careful Enquiry fhould be made, in the
feveral Metals.
tion.
24. Under Tranfmutation or Converfion, if the Thing be real, and true, (13.)
'tis the utmoſt reach of Art; and fhould be well diſtinguiſh'd from Ex- Tranfmuta-
traction, Restoration, and Adulteration. There is much talk of converting
Iron into Copper "; and of the growth and increaſe of Lead; which cannot
happen without a Converfion of fome other Body into Lead.
៣
25. In Cyprus there is faid to be a kind of Iron, that when cut to pie-
ces, and put into the Ground, will grow into larger pieces, if it be well
water'd. Lead will multiply and increaſe; as has been found in old Stone
Statues, put in Cellars; the Feet of them being bound with leaden
Bands where, after a time, the Lead has fwelled fo, as to hang upon the
Stone like Warts". And every thing of this kind, which is clear and well
defined, ſhould be carefully enquired into and recorded.
:
ARTICLE III.
Of the Reduction, or Restoration of Metals.
(14.)
The Growth of
Metals.
26. Under this Article, it ſhould firſt be enquired, what Bodies will never The two Me
thods of Re-
return; either, by reaſon of their extreme Fixation, or extreme Volatility. duction
The two Methods of Reduction fhould be carefully examined, viz. that by
Fire; which is but by collecting the homogeneal Parts together. The fe-
cond confiſts in drawing the Bodies downwards, by fomething that has a Con-
ſent therewith: fo Iron draws down Copper in Solution; Gold attracts Quick-
Silver in Vapour, &c. and whatever is of this kind fhou'd be very carefully en-
quired into.
27. It must likewife be examined, how far Time, or Age, will reduce, whether Time
without the help of Fire, or other Addition.
will reduce.
28. Let it alſo be enquired, what prevents Union or Reftitution; as when What hinders
Quickfilver is kill'd with Turpentine, Sulphur, &c.
Reduction.
29. And Laftly, let it be enquired, how the restored Metal differs from the Whether Re-
pure Metal, that has never been deftroy'd; or whether it becomes more ftoration alters
churlish, altered in Colour, or the like.
ARTICLE IV.
Of Compounding, Incorporating, or uniting of Metals and Minerals.
the Metal.
30. Enquire, (1.) which Metals will unite with which, by barely melting What Metals
them together; (2.) which thus refufe to incorporate; (3.) in what quan-
T 2
:
tity
m The naked Fact is, that at Newfohl, in Germany, they lay thin Plates of Iron, for a certain
Time, in a certain running Water; and take them out Copper fome whereof I have feen,
that was pure Copper thro'out. This Fact is mention'd by Agricola, Varenius, Hoffman, Stahl,
and many more. And whoever would account for it, as the Humour runs, fhould first confi-
der the Phanomenon cloſely: for there has been much fuperficial Verbage upon the Subject.
n But is this an actual Growth? Or only a flowing down of the Lead, on account of its
Softneſs, and the Preffure acting upon it? See Mr. Boyle upon the Growth of Metals.
unita.
140
METAL S.
Pewter, its
Compofition.
Brass.
Bell-Metal.
Pot-Metal.
Alchymy
Imperfect Me-
zals.
Compositions
of feveral Me-
jals.
Metals to mix
tity they mix; and (4.) what kind of Body the Compound proves. Thus
Gold incorporates with Silver, in any Proportion; and, according to Pliny,
when the Silver makes a fifth part of the whole, the Compofition is call'd
Electrum which remains fixed, ponderous, and coloured, according to the
proportion of the two Metals.
31. Gold eafily incorporates with Quickfilver; but the product is imper-
fectly fix'd ſo are all other Metals incorporated with Quickfilver.
32. Gold incorporates with Lead, in any Proportion; fo it does with Cop-
per; which is its common Alloy. It likewife incorporates with Brass and Tin;
which was the ancient Alloy : but with Iron, Gold will not incorporate °.
33. What is faid of Gold and Quickfilver, holds alfo of Quickſilver and
the reft of the Metals; except Iron, with which it does not incorporate.
34. Silver incorporates with Lead, in any Proportion; as alfo with Copper,
Brass and Tin; but not with Iron: which likewife incorporates with no
other Metal. Lead incorporates with Copper; and fuch a mixture was the
ancient Pot-Metal.
35. It alſo incorporates with Tin; and a mixture of theſe two, in equal
proportion, was the ancient Plumbum Argentarium.
36. Copper incorporates with Tin; and of fuch a mixture were the Mirrors
of the Romans P.
ARTICLE V.
Of the Compound Metals in Ufe, and the Proportions of their Mixtures.
37. Fine Pewter confifts of a thousand Pound weight of Tin, fifty Pounds of
Solder or Temper, and three Pounds of Tin-glass. The Temper is made of
four Pound and a half of the Drofs of pure Tin, and half a Pound of
Copper. Coarse Pewter is a mixture of fine Tin and Lead.
38. Brass is made of Copper and Calamy, melted together.
39.
Bell-metal confifts of a thouſand Pound weight of Copper; from two
to three hundred weight of Tin, and a hundred and fifty Pounds of Braſs.
40. Pot-metal is Copper mixed with Lead.
41. White Alchymy is made of a Pound of Pan-Brass, and three Ounces of
Arfenick.
42. Red Alchymy confifts of Copper and Orpiment.
43. There are feveral imperfect Metals, which incorporate with Metals;
as Calmine, the Pyrites, Mifi, Chalcitis, Sori, Vitriol, &c.
44. The Compofitions of three, or more Metals, are too long to enquire in-
to; unless there be any fuch Mixtures already in ufe. It fhould alfo be ob-
ſerved, whether any two Metals, which will not mix of themſelves, may be
united by the help of another, or any third Thing .
45. Let Trial be made of mixing certain Foffils along with Metals; as Brass
with Foffils is made by mixing Calamy with Copper. But Metals incorporate not with
• The Method of Gilding Iron, ſhould be here enquired into.
And of ſome ſuch a Mixture may be made the Metal for Reflecting Teleſcopes.
There are many curious Inftances of this in the Sublimer Metallurgy.
Glafs;
METAL S.
141
Glafs; unleſs themſelves be firſt vitrified. Tho in all Mixtures of this
kind, the quantity that comes out fhould be well confidered; becauſe ſome
fmall matter may incorporate, like the Alloy in Gold and Silver Coin
Three particu
lars to be re-
46. Three Things fhould be principally confider'd, in a Body thus com-
pounded, viz. (1.) the Colour; (2.) the Softnefs, or Brittleness; and, (3.) garded in Corn-
the Volatility, or Fixednefs, in Compariſon of the fimple Ingredients.
pofition.
47. For prefent Uje, or Profit, let it be a Rule, to confider the Price of Rules for it in
the two Simples; and again, the Dignity of the one above the other, in respect of Ufe
and Profit.
Ufe; then to try if a Compound can be made thereof; whofe lowness of
Price fhall countervail its want of Dignity, in Ufe. Thus for Example;
confider the Price of Brafs-Cannon, and compare it with the Price of Iron-
Guns, and obferve wherein the former excels the latter, in Ufe: then if a
compound Metal for Cannon can be made of Brafs and Iron, that fhall be nearly
as good in Uſe, yet much cheaper in Price; it may be attended both with a
private and publick Advantage. So again, notwithſtanding the great diffe-
rence in Price betwixt Silver and Gold, yet the Dignity of Gold above Silver
is not confiderable; their Splendor is equal, and that of Silver, more plea-
fing to fome Eyes; as in Cloth of Silver, Silver-Lace, Silver Sword-bilts, &c.
The principal Dignity lies here, that Gold endures the Fire better than Sil-
ver; but this is an excellency in Nature, and nothing at all in Ufe: and it
appears to have no fuperior Dignity except in this, that Things which are
filver'd, fully and canker more than thofe that are gilded: which Incon-
venience, if it could be prevented, as by a ſmall admixture of Gold, might
turn to Advantage. 'Tis therefore ftrange, that the Electrum of the An-
cients, confifting of Gold and Silver, fhould have been diſuſed for ſo many
Ages; whereas it appears a very ferviceable mixture in Coin, Plate, and
Gilding.
48. There feems to be a great difficulty in the Tranfmutation of Metals, Tranfmuta
tions difficules
or the making of Gold, Silver, or Copper; on the other hand, there is
Deceit, and Villany in the Adulteration and Counterfeiting of them: but
there ſtill ſeems to be a middle way, between the two, by means of new
Compofitions; if the ways of incorporating were but well underftood. Let But new In
it be enquired, what Incorporation, or rather Imbibition, Metals will receive corporations
practicables
from Vegetables, without being diffolved in their Subftance; as when the
Armourers make their Steel more tough and pliable, by fprinkling it with
Water; or the Juice of Plants: and when Gold, grown eager or churlish,
recovers its Softnefs, and Ductility, by the throwing in of Shavings of Lea-
ther, drefs'd or drench'd in Oil.
49. Obferve, that in thefe and the like apparent Imbibitions, it were proper Signs of Imbi-
to try whether the Weight be increas'd: for if there be no additional Weight, bition.
we may ſuſpect there is no Imbibition of Subſtance; but that only the appli-
cation
He that goes upon reducing this Article to Practice, ſhould be well acquainted with
Foffils, and Philofophical Chemistry.
See the Articles, ALTERATIONS, GOLD, and TRANSMUTATION.
2
142
METAL S.
The Incorpo-
ration of Me-
tallic Solu-
cions.
Their Agree-
agreement.
cation of the other Body difpofes and ranges the Metal in another fituation of
Parts, than of itfelf it would have taken t
50. After the Incorporation of Metals, by fimple Fufion, the Incorporation
of their Diffolutions fhould be likewife tried; the better to diſcover their
Natures, Agreements, and Difagreements: and fhew what Metals, when dif-
folved in their Menftruums, will incorporate kindly together, and what not:
and to this purpoſe, particular Enquiries fhould be feparately made; as be-
fore in the Bufinefs of Smelting, or Colliquifaction.
51. In fuch Solutions as do not eafily incorporate, the Effects fhould be
mens or Dif- obferved; as, whether there is (1.) any Ebullition; (2.) Precipitation to the
Bottom; (3.) rifing up towards the Top; (4.) a Sufpenfion in the middle; and
the like. Thus the Solutions of Gold and Silver difagree; fo that when mix-
ed together, they caufe great Ebullition, Darkness, and at length precipitate
a black Powder; fo likewife the Solutions of Silver and Copper difagree; as
likewiſe thoſe of Silver and Lead: but the Solutions of Gold and Mercury, and
thofe of Silver and Tin, agree. The Solution of Gold, likewife agrees with
that of Iron; and the Solutions of Mercury and Iron agree with all the reft".
52. Obſerve, that the difagreement of the Menftruums may prevent the
be owing to the Incorporation, as well as the difagreement of the Metals: and therefore
where the Menftruums are the fame, and yet the Metals do not incorpo-
rate, the difference muſt be in the Metals; but where the Menftruums are
different, this is not fo certain.
Whether the
Diſagreement
Menftruum or
the Metal.
Of incorpora
sing Rony
Master with
Iron.
Iron and
Brasso
ARTICLE VI.
New Compofitions of Metals.
53. Let Trial be made, whether Iron will incorporate with any ftony
Matter; for if it will, without too great Charge, or other Inconvenience;
the cheapneſs of the ftony Matter, may render the Compofition profitable,
and fit for various Ufes. But fuch a Compofition, tho it may ferve for or-
dinary Uſes, and the large Works, as Stoves, Guns, Portcullifes, &c. can-
not well be expected fit for the finer Works; as Locks, Clocks, fmall Chains,
&c.
54. Let
nefs of Irial be made of incorporating Iron and Brass; for the cheap-
nels of Iron in Compariſon of Brafs, promifes Profit; if the Ufes may be
ſerved. But fuch an Incorporation is not to be expected, upon fimple Fufion;
or without ſome particular Calcination, or Addition. If fuch a compound
Metal would come fufficiently cheap, it might ſerve for Ordnance, Statues,
Columns, Monuments, and the like. The Experiment might be tried with
Brass, Iron, Calamy, and Sulphur; with a ſmall addition of Lead: tho the
Expence is firſt to be confider'd, left it ſhould eat out the Profit v.
54. There
t This belongs to the Sublimer Metallurgy; which lies in fo few Hands, and has been fo
obfcurely treated, that the generality of Philofophers know not what to believe about it.
u Many Secrets probably lie concealed in this part of the Enquiry.
y There are a few confiderable Hints to this purpoſe, in the Philofophical Tranſactions, and
French Memoirs.
METAL S.
143
Statue-Metal
55. There are two Trials to be made in the Incorporation of Metals, for New Com-
Magnificence and Delicacy; the one with regard to the Eye, the other pounds for
with regard to the Ear; viz. the one for Statue-Metal; and the other for
Bell-Metal, Trumpet-Metal, and String-Metal: and tho the mixture fhould
here be dearer than Brass itfelf, yet the agreeablenefs or excellence of the
Metal, may advance the Price, to Profit. Firft, therefore, for Statue-Metal,
fee Pliny's mixtures, which are almoft forgot; and confider the Charge.
Try likewife the mixture of Tin, in a large Proportion, with Copper; and
obferve the Colour and Beauty when polifh'd.
56. For Bell-Metal, try a mixture of pure Iron, and Glaſs, and Tin; ifa For Bell-Me-
Method can be found to make them unite; with a mixture of Silver. tal, String-
Metal, &c.
And do the fame for String and Trumpet-Metal; only omitting the Glass.
Try to incorporate Silver and Tin, in equal Quantities; and two parts of
Silver with one of Tin: and obferve whether the mixed Metal be of equal
Beauty, and Luftre with Silver; and whether it yield no more Sullynefs;
and again, whether it will endure the ordinary Fire, like Silver Veffels, with-
out melting. For, if in theſe reſpects it were equal to Silver, it would be
a thing of fingular Ufe and Profit: tho perhaps it might not receive Gild-
ing, as Silver does.
57. Enquire into the ways of Drowning one Metal in another, foas never to of Drowning
rife again. By Drowning, I underſtand the mixing of a baſer Metal with a Metals.
nobler, fo that they can by no means be ſeparated. This Drowning of Metals
is a kind of Verfion, tho falfe: as if Silver fhould be infeparably incorporated
with Gold; or Copper, and Lead, with Silver. The ancient Electrum had,
as was before obferv'd, a fifth of Silver to the Gold, and made a compound
Metal; as fit for moſt Uſes as Gold. It was more refplendent, and better
qualified in ſome other refpects; but then the two were eaſily ſeparated.
I have heard a Man, skilful in Metals declare, that a fifteenth part of Silver
incorporated with Gold, cannot be recovered by any Water of Separation;:
unless you add a greater quantity of Silver to draw the lefs to it: which
he faid is the laft Refuge in Separations. But this is a tedious way, that
few would think on. The Fact ſhould be enquired into : and the quantity
of a fifteenth turned to a twentieth, with fome little addition; that may
further the intimate Incorporation. Note, that Silver in Gold will be de-
tected by the want of fpecifick Gravity; but not Lead in Silver: becauſe
Lead is heavier than Silver.
"
58. This Drowning of Metals, would be a thing of great Profit : for if a
quantity of Silver could be fo buried in Gold, as not to be reduced back by
Fire, Depart-Waters, or otherwife; and yet the mixture ferve all Ufes, as
well as Gold; 'tis, in effect, the fame thing as converting fo much Silver in-
to Gold: only the Gravity will diſcover it; tho this takes off but half the
Profit: for Gold is not double the Weight; but twelve times the price of
Silver.
*559
59. This
* See Faſchius's Probier-Bucklein; and Stahl's Philofophical Principles of Ghemiſtry, pag. 282, -
I
144
MIXTURE.
The making of
Gold and Sil-
ver.
of increaſing
of Milk in Cat
the.
59. This Drowning of Metals may be attempted two ways; viz. either in a
very ſmall Proportion, or with fomething that may fix the Silver in the bo-
dy of the Gold: for the lefs quantity is always hardeft to feparate. And for
the Buſineſs of fixing; it may be proper to ufe Bone-Afbes, or Cupel-Duft,
or the like Body, which the Fire has no power to conſume.
60. The making of Gold is a defperate Project, becaufe Gold is the hea-
vieft of Metals; to make Matter impoffible; and to condenfe Metals,
a thing hardly to be hoped for. But the making of Silver might more ra-
tionally be attempted; becauſe both Quickſilver and Lead are heavier than
Silver; fo that they require only fixing, and not condenfing. The neareſt
Approximation yet known, is the plunging of Quickfilver, tied up in Parch-
ment, or otherwife, in melted Lead, whilft it cools; for this ftupefies and
coagulates the Quickfilver. The Experiment may, perhaps, be improved
three ways; (1.) by melting the Lead again and again; to fee if it will not
make the Quickfilver ftill harder, and harder: (2.) by putting Realgal, hot,
into the midft of the Quickfilver; whence it may be coagulated as well
from within, as without; and (3.) by trying it over melted Iron; to ſee if
this will not fix the Quickfilver more than Lead *.
MILK.
There is a kind of Stone, which they grind to Powder, and put into
Water, whereof Cattle drink, to make them give more Milk: and
there fhould be fome better Trials made of mixtures of Water in Ponds for
Cattle, to increaſe their Milk, or fatten them, or keep them from the Mur-
rain. Perhaps Chalk and Nitre are proper v. See the Article PRESERVA-
TION, § 2.
MIXTURE.
Experiments 1. Spirit of Wine, tho much lighter than Oil, mixes with common Wa-
upon the fimple ter: but if its Fall be broke by the Interpofition of a linen Rag, or the
Commixture of
Liquors with-
xt Heat.
like,
x 'Tis very obfervable, that here is a noble Philofophical Foundation laid for the Hiftory
of Metals: But certainly there are few who take in the Nature, the Extent, and Ufes
of fuch a History; otherwife we might reaſonably expect, more ſhould have been done in it.
The Misfortune lies here, that Metallurgy is almoſt wholly left to mechanical Hands; whilſt
very few ſuch able Chemical Philofophers as Becher and Stahl concern themſelves about it.
y Some ufe Malt- Duft, for this purpoſe, made of a pappy Confiftence with warm Water.
But the Hiftory of the Dairy is greatly wanted in Natural and Experimental Philofophy. This
Hiftory might ferve as a Key to many other Enquiries. But it feems fo low and vulgar a
Thing in the Eyes of many; that thoſe who are otherwife difpofed to enter upon it, are hence
difcouraged from the Undertaking. Yet the Profit that would probably attend the Enquiry,
might encourage fome to undertake it, who are uncapable of being influenced by other Mo-
tives. To have a double Produce of Dairy Productions from the fame quantity of Milk, is no
trifling Advantage. And are the beſt ways of making thoſe ordinary Commodities, Cheeſe and
Butter, diſcover'd? Cou'd not theſe Preparations be more gratefully colour'd and flavour'd, at an
eafy Expence? Cou'd not the Yield be greatly increaſed? Cou'd not the refufe Liquors be
turn'd to a much more confiderable Advantage than at prefent? And, in particular, could
not wholeſome potable Liquors, or a kind of Wines, and Brandies, be prepared from Whey?
Theſe Things are worth examining, by fuch as are skilled in Chemical Operations,
MIXTURE.
145
like, it remains floating a-top: yet if once mix'd, it does not, like Oil,
feparate again. This I try'd in Water tinged with Saffron.
2. Spirit of Wine does not mix readily with Water; but makes a kind of
clouding and waving. This was likewife tried with Saffron-water 2.
3. Having diffolved a Dram of Gold in twelve times its Quantity of Aqua
regia, and a Dram of Copper in fix times its Quantity of Aqua fortis; the
Solutions, when put together, exhibited a green Colour; without any viſible
Motion in the Parts.
4. Oil of Almonds, mix'd with Spirit of Wine, feparates again; the Spirit
floating a-top, and the Oil refting at the bottom.
5. A Dram of the Solution of Gold, mixed with an equal quantity of Spi-
rit of Wine, gives no apparent Alteration.
6. The Solution of Quickfilver, and the Solution of Gold, each in the quan-
tity of a Dram, turn to a kind of mouldy Liquor, black, like Smithy-
water. In this Cafe, the Solution of the Gold was twelve parts Menſtruum,
and one part Metal; and that of Quickfilver was two parts Menftruum to
one of Metal.
7. Spirit of Wine, and the Solution of Quickfilver, being put together, each
in the quantity of a Dram; at firſt threw up a white milky Subſtance to the
top; but mixed foon after.
8. A Dram of Oil of Vitriol, mix'd with a Dram of Oil of Cloves, turns of
a dark red Colour, and forms a thick Subſtance, almoſt like Pitch; and
upon the firſt Motion, conceives an extreme Heat, not to be endured by
the Hand.
9. A Dram of the Solution of Gold, and as much Oil of Vitriol, gathers
a great Heat, at firſt; and makes a thick, muddy Liquor.
10. Spirit of Wine, and Oil of V.triol, each in the quantity of a Dɩam,
fcarce mix at all; the Oil finking to the bottom; and the Spirit reling,
milky, above. The Spirit, however, conceives a great Heat; and becomes
Iweet to the Tafte.
11. A Dram of Oil of Vitriol, and as much Solution of Quickfilver, makes
a violent ſtruggle; throws up a grofs Steam, and afterwards precipitates a
white kind of Curds or Sand: a flimy Subftance rifing to the top, and con-
ceiving a great Heat.
12. A Dram of Oil of Sulphur, and as much Oil of Cloves, turn into a
thick and red Subftance; tho without conceiving fuch a Heat as Oil of Cloves,
and Oil of Vitriol.
13. Rock-Oil, and Spirit of Wine, each in the quantity of a Dram, inter-
mix as Wine and Water do, by Agitation; otherwife the Rock Oil remains
a-top.
14. Oil of Vitriol, and Rock-Oil, each a Dram, turn into a mouldy Sub-
ftance, and conceive fome Heat; whilft a black Cloud falls to the bottom,
and a very thick Oil rifes to the top.
VOL. III.
U
15. An
= Theſe Experiments occur among the Author's Phyfiological Remains; and probably were
not intended to be publiſhed without fome Introduction, to have fhewn their Tendency and
Ufe.
2
146
MOON.
Of the Influ-
ences of the
Moon.
15. An Ounce of Spirit of Wine, and as much Wine-Vinegar, mix by
Agitation, without manifeftly feparating again; but at the firft fall, the
Spirit remains above.
16. Oil of Vitriol, and Oil of Almonds, each an Ounce, mix not; but
the Oil of Almonds remains a-top.
17. A Dram of the Solution of Iron, and as much of Oil of Vitriol, firſt
precipitate a milky Subftance; and then incorporate into a mouldy one.
18. One part of Spirit of Wine, put to two parts of Milk, coagulates a
little; but mixes: and the Spirit does not float a-top.
19. Equal quantities of Milk and Oil of Almonds, will hardly incorpo-
rate; but the Oil floats above, when the Milk is poured to it and the
Milk appears in Drops or Bubbles.
20. A Scruple of Oil of Vitriol, put to an Ounce of Milk, coagulates it
at the bottom, where the Oil of Vitriol lies.
21. Oil of fweet Almonds, and a Solution of Gum Tragacanth, do not mix;
but the Oil remains above, tiil they are ftirr'd: and this makes the Muci-
lage fomewhat more fluid.
22. Half an Ounce of Spirit of Wine, being ſtirr'd in with an Ounce and
a half of the Solution of Gum Tragacanth, renders the Mucilage thicker.
23. The White of an Egg, being put into Spirit of Wine, coagulates and
hardens, as if the Egg began to poach.
24. An Ounce of Blood eafily incorporates with an Ounce of Milk.
25. An Ounce of Blood, and an Ounce of Oil of Almonds, do not incorpo-
Fate; but the Oil floats above.
26. Spirit of Wine curdles or coagulates Blood.
27. An Ounce of unclarified Whey, being put to an Ounce of Oil of
Vitriol; there appears no vifible Alteration.
28. Three quarters of an Ounce of Wax, being diffolved upon the Fire,
and an Ounce of Oil of Almonds put to, and ftirr'd with it; they do not
fo incorporate, but that when cold, the Wax collects, and floats upon the
Oil.
29. An Ounce of Oil of Almonds, being put to an Ounce of boiling Su-
gar; they preſently feparate; the Sugar fhooting towards the bottom
MOON.
The Influences of the Moon are chiefly four; viz. (1.) the calling forth of
Heat; (2.) the introducing of Putrefaction; (3.) the increafing of Moi-
fture; and (4.) exciting the Motions of the Spirits.
(1.) For
a Theſe are but ſcatter'd or undigested Experiments, relating to a Subject of great impor-
tance in Phyficks, as particularly in Pharmacy and Chemistry; viz. the Agreement and Dif
agreement of Bodies, with regard to their mixing or uniting. It were, therefore, proper to pro-
fecute them in Sets or Claffes; till they pointed out the Axioms, or just Doctrine of Mixture,
in all kinds of Fluids: whereby the Doctrine of Menftruums, and Chemiſtry itſelf, might re-
ceive confiderable Improvement. Something towards this Defign has been done by Mr. Boyle,
M. Geoffroy, and Dr. Stahl: But the Doctrine of Mixture, in the proper phyfical Senfe, feems
very little underſtood; tho its Foundations were laid by Becher, and have been fince illuftrated.
and improved by Stahl..
I
MOON.
147
(1.) For drawing forth Heat; take warm Water, and expofe part of it to As to Heat.
the Moon-Beams; and part of it with a Skreen between; to ſee whether
that which ſtands exposed to the Beams, will not cool fooner. But becauſe
this is only a fmall Interpofition, it were proper to try it, both when the
Moon fhines, and when fhe does not; and with warm Water in a glafs
Bottle, as well as in a Diſh; and with Cinders, red hot Iron ↳, &c.
(2.) For introducing of Putrefaction; try it with Fleſh, or Fifh, expoſed Putrefaction.
to the Moon-Beams; and again expoſed to the Air, when the Moon does not
ſhine; for the like time to fee which will corrupt the fooneft. Try it alſo
with Capon, or other Fowl, to fee which will become tender fooner.
Try it with dead Flies or Worms, cafting a little Water upon them;
to fee which will putrefy firft. Try it with an Apple, or Orange, hav-
ing Holes made in them; to fee which will rot, or grow mouldy fooneft.
Try it with Cheeſe, having Wine put into it; to fee which will breed
Mites or Maggots fooner, or larger.
(3.) For the increase of Moisture; the received Opinion is, that Seeds, Moisture.
Hedges, Herbs, Hair, Nails, &c. grow quickeſt if fet, or cut, in the increaſe
of the Moon: alfo that the Brains of Rabbets, Woodcocks, Calves, &c. are
plumpeft in the full of the Moon: and fo of Marrow in the Bones, and the Bo-
dies of Oyſters and Cockles. Set any Seeds, or Roots, fome of them im-
mediately after the Change, and others, of the fame kind, immediately after
the Full; in the fame Earth, or in Pots: let the Pots alfo ftand where no Rain
or Sun can come at them; left the difference of the Weather confound the Ex-
periment and fee in what time the Seeds fet in the increaſe of the Moon,
come to a certain height, and how they differ from thofe fet in the decreafe.
Probably the Brain of Man grows moifter, and more turgid at the Full
of the Moon it were therefore proper for thoſe that have moift Brains,
or are great Drinkers, to take the Fume of Lignum Aloes, Rofemary,
Frankincenfe, &c. about the Full of the Moon. The Humours alfo in
Mens Bodies may increaſe and decreafe with the Moon; whence it were
convenient to purge a Day or two after the Full; for then the Humours
will not repleniſh fo foon again.
(4.) As for exciting the Motion of the Spirits; obferve that the growth of And Motion
Hedges, Herbs, Hair, &c. is caufed from the Moon, by exciting the Spi- of the Spirits.
rits, as well as by increafing the Moiſture. But for the Spirits in parti-
cular, the great INSTANCE is in Lunacies. There may be other fecret Ef-
fects of the influence of the Moon, not yet brought under Obfervation f.
Per-
U 2
b Have thefe Experiments been made, with Care and Accuracy? Or have not Philofophers,
from their Theories, generally thought them too trifling to be tried?
There have been ſtrange Things related of this Operation of the Moon: but I do not
find them verified.
Are the Facts here mention'd, determined to this Day; any farther than by a general Ap-
plication of the Doctrine of the Tides, as cauſed by the Moon, to all Fluids, as well as the Sea-
Water?
e See the Doctrine of INSTANCES, in the Novum Organum, Part II.
f See Mr. Boyle's Apology for Aftrology, in his Memoirs for a general History of the Air. See
alfo the De Augment. Scientiar. Sect. IV.
148
MOTIO N.
Motion of Gra
Wax and Le-
vity.
Motions by
Imitation.
Perhaps if the Wind be North, or North-Eaft, in the Full of the Moon,
it increaſes Cold; and if South, or South-Weft, it difpofes the Air, for a
confiderable time, to Warmth and Rain: which fhould be obferved. Pro-
bably Children, and young Cattle, that are generated or brought forth, in
the Full of the Moon, are ftronger and larger than thofe brought forth in
the Wane: if fo, it might be good Husbandry to put Rams and Bulls to
the Females, fomewhat before the Full of the Moon. Perhaps, alfo, Eggs
laid in the Full of the Moon, breed the better Birds; and many of the like
Effects may be brought into Obfervation. Quare alfo, whether Thunders,
and Earthquakes, happen not moſt in the Full of the Moon º.
:
MOTION.
1. The Ancients call'd the Motion of Gravity and Levity by the Name of
natural Motion; becauſe they perceived no external Efficient thereof, nor any
apparent Refiftance and it alfo feem'd to be very quick in its Progrefs.
This infipid Conceit has borrowed fome Seafoning from that Mathematical
Notion of the Adheſion of heavy Bodies to the Earth's Centre, in Cafe the
Earth were perforated; and again, from that Scholaftic Fiction of the Motion
of Bodies to their own places. And when Men had laid down this, they
thought they had done the Buſineſs; and looked out no farther: except
here and there one, who more diligently enquired out the Centre of Gravity in
Bodies of different Figures; and the Motion of Bodies in Water. Nor have
the Moderns perform'd any thing to purpoſe upon this Subject; befides ad-
ding a few mechanical Diſcoveries; and thofe too diſtorted and perverted by
their Demonftrations. But for the Thing itfelf; 'tis certain, that Body can
fuffer from nothing but Body; and that no local Motion can happen without
an exciting Cauſe, proceeding either from the Parts of the Body moved; the
adjacent, contiguous, or approaching Bodies; or, at leaſt, fuch as lie within
their Sphere of Activity. It was not, therefore, amifs in Gilbert to intro-
duce magnetical Virtues; only himſelf alſo became Magnetical, and drew
too many Things by thofe Virtues; fo as to build a Ship out of a fingle Stick n.
2. Motions pafs from one Man to another, not fo much by exciting the
Imagination, as by Imitation; eſpecially if there be an aptnefs or inclina-
tion before. Whence, Yawning and Stretching pafs from Man to Man;
being cauſed, when the Spirits are a little heavy, or opprefs'd, by any Va-
pour, or the like; whilft the Spirits ftrive, as it were, to wring out and
expel that which oppreffes them. So Men drowfy, and defirous to fleep,
or before the Fit of an Ague, ufually yawn and ftretch; fending out at the
fame time a Voice or Sound, which is a natural Interjection of Expulsion: fo
that if another be prepared to do the like, he follows by Afpect: and thus
the laughing of one Perfon, makes another laugh, &c. See the Article
SYMPATHY.
3. Birds
We have here the Foundation of a very important Enquiry, wherein Natural Philofophy,
Medicine, Agriculture, Husbandry, &c. are nearly concerned. And yet this Enquiry lies
ftrangely neglected; fo that in the Matters relating to it, we proceed upon Rumours, and Tra-
ditions inftead of found Experience, and well digefted obfervation.
h This was defign'd as an Introduction to the particular Hiftory of Gravity and Levity;
but the Work was never publiſhed,
MOTION.
149
may
of Motion in
Birds.
Experiments
3. Birds move ſwifter than Beaſts; becaufe, the Stock of Spirits in Birds The quickness
be greater, in proportion to the Bulk of their Bodies.
4. Put Water into a Glafs; wet your Finger, and draw it round the edge
of the Glafs, fomewhat hard; and the Water will frisk, and fprinkle up, relating to the
in a fine Dew. This fhews the Force of Compreffion in a folid Body: for Motion of Bo-
whenever a Solid is prefs'd, there is an inward Tumult in the Parts thereof, dies upon Pref-
tending to deliver themſelves from the Compreffion: and this is the CAUSE fure.
of all violent Motion. It is very ftrange that this Motion has never been
obſerved, and enquired into; as being the moſt common, and the chief
Origin of all mechanical Operations.
5. This Motion operates firſt in a Round, by way of Proof and Trial,
which way to deliver itſelf; and then in Progreffion, where it finds the Deli-
verance eaſieſt. In Liquors, this Motion is vifible; for all Liquors when
ftruck, make round Circles, and dafh: but in Solids it is fo fubtile, as to be
inviſible; yet manifefts itſelf by many Effects, as in the prefent Inftance.
For the Preffure of the Finger, promoted by the wetting, foon fets all the
ſmall Parts of the Glafs at work; fo that they ftrike the Water briskly :
whence proceeds the fprinkling.
6. If you ftrike a folid Body, that is brittle; as Glafs, or Sugar; it Upon Percus
breaks not only in the part where the immediate Force acted; but fhivers fion.
every way the Motion here fearching in all Directions, and caufing the
Body to break where it was weakeſt.
7. Gunpowder, fired from a Cannon, and thus dilated into Flame, that in the Firing
does not endure Compreffion, moves likewife in a Round; (as being of the of Gunpowder
nature of a Fluid;) fometimes recoiling; fometimes breaking the Piece;
but generally diſcharging the Bullet: becauſe it there finds the leaft Re-
fiftance.
8. This Motion upon Preffure, and its reciprocal viz. Motion upon Ten- Motion of
fion, we call Motion of Liberty ; that is, when a Body, being forced to a pre- Liberty.
ternatural Extent, delivers, and reftores itſelf to the natural: as a blown
Bladder, when prefs'd, rifes again; or Leather, or Cloth, when ftretch'd,
fprings back. This Motion upon Preffure, is manifeft alfo in Sounds; as
when a Bell is ftruck: but as foon as the Hand is preffed upon it, the
Sound ceafes fo, the Sound of a Virginal-ftring ftops when the Quill of
the Jack falls down. For thefe Sounds are produced by the fubtile Per-
cuffion of the minute Parts of the Bell, or String, upon the Air; as Water
is made to leap, by the fubtile Percuffion of the minute Parts of the con-
taining Glafs. See the Articles GRAVITY and IMPULSE.
MUSICK,
The Author's Doctrine of Senfe and Senfibility, ought to be remembered on this, and
many other Occafions: otherwife fome of the modern Philofophers may imagine, he attri-
butes mental Properties to Matter. See De Augment. Scientiar. Sect. X. 9-11. See alſo the
Article DIVINATION, above.
à See Motions claffed in the Novum Organum, Part II. Se&t. II.
* The Doctrine of Motion, ſo far as it is here confidered, ſeems to have received very little
Improvement fince the time of our Author. And tho the general Subject of Motion has been
Jaudabiy
150
MUSIC K.
A Specimen of
4 proper En-
quiry into
Mufick.
Sounds divided
into Muſical
and Immufi-
cal.
Tones what
MUSIC K.
1. The Practice of Mufick has been well purfued; and in good variety:
but the Theory weakly; efpecially as to affigning the Causes of the Practice:
being alfo reduced to certain myftical Subtilties, of no Ufe, and but little
Truth. We fhall, therefore, after our manner, here join the Theoretical
and Practical Parts together '.
2. All Sounds are either mufical, or immufical. The mufical are other-
wife call'd Tones; which may be accompanied with a Harmony; and are
ever equal; as in Singing, the Ringing of Bells, &c. But the immufical
Sounds are ever unequal; as the Voice in Speaking, Whiſpering, all Percuf-
in the phyfical fions of Stone, Wood, Parchment, Skins, &c. The Sounds that produce
Senfe.
Tones, always ariſe from fuch Bodies, as are equal; in their Parts and Pores
fuch are the Percuffions of Metal, as in Bells; of Glafs, as in the filliping
of a Drinking-Glaſs; of Air, as in Mens Voices, whilft they fing; in
Pipes, Organs, ftringed Instruments, &c. and of Water, as in the Nightingal
Pipes of Organs; and other hydraulick Machines ufed by the Ancients, but
now loft. And if any Man think, that the String of the Bow, and the
String of the Viol, are neither of them equal Bodies, and yet produce Tones;
it is a Miſtake: for the Sound is not created between the Bow and the
String; but between the String and the Air. Whence there are, in effect,
but three Percuffions that create Tones; viz. (1.) The Percuffion of Metals,
comprehending Glaſs, and the like; (2.) the Percuſſion of Air; and (3.)
the Percuffion of Water.
Produced by
three Percuf-
fions.
The Diapason
what.
The Caufe of
Unifons in e-
very eighth
Note.
3. The Diapafon, or Eighth in Mufick, is the fweeteft Concord; being
in effect an Unifon : as we fee in Lutes, that are double-ftrung in the bafs
Strings, one an Eighth above the other; both which make but as it were one
Sound. And every eighth Note in Afcent, as from eight to fifteen, from fif
teen to twenty two, and fo on in infinitum, are but Scales of the Diapafon.
The Caufe is dark; and has not been hitherto affign'd. It feems that Air,
the medium of Sounds, admits of great variety in them: as we fee in the
Voices of living Creatures; and feveral Men, who are difcernable by their
Voices; and in the Combination of Letters, whence articulate Sounds
ceed; which of all others are moft various. But in the Sounds that are
always equal, that is Tones, the Air is unable to caft itſelf into any fuch va-
riety; but is forced to recur into one and the fame Figure, only differing
in greatneſs and ſmallness: as Figures, may be made of Lines, crooked and
ftrait, in infinite variety, where there is inequality; whilft Circles, Squares,
pro-
or
laudably cultivated, by the later Mathematicians; perhaps there ftill remain many Particulars
in it, pointed out by the Lord Bacon, which neither they, nor the modern Philofphers, have duly
profecuted. See the Novum Organum. Part II Sect. II. and the Doctrine of Motion and
moving Principles, in the Philofophia Prima hereafter, Vol. III.
1 Profeffed Muſicians feldom regard more than the Practice; and Philofophers ſeldom more
than the Theory of Mufick: whence few feem to have aim'd at giving a juſt Hiſtory of the Sub-
ject; that ſhould at once fatisfy the Mind, with Caufes; and lead to farther Improvements, in
Practice.
MUSIC K.
151
or equilateral Triangles, which are all Figures, can differ only as to great or
lefs m.
•
ing to the
4. But what fhews there is nothing in the number Eight, to create the That the Ef
Diapafon; this Computation of Eight is a Thing rather received than true: fect is not ow-
for a true Computation fhould always be by diftribution into equal Propor- Number.
tions. Now there intervene, in the rife of Eight, two Bee-Molls, or half Notes:
fo that to divide the Tones equally, the Eight is but feven whole and equal
Notes and to fubdivide that into half Notes, as in the Stops of a Lute, it
makes thirteen. Yet in the ordinary Rifes and Falls of the human Voice,
(not meaſuring the Tone by whole Notes, and half Notes, which is the
equal meaſure) there are alſo two Bee-Molls between the Unifon and the
Diapafon and this variation is natural. For if a Man would endeavour to
raife or fall his Voice, by half Notes, like the Stops of a Lute, or by whole
Notes alone, without halves, as far as an Eighth; he cannot do it: which
fhews, that after every three whole Notes, Nature requires, for all harmonical
Ufe, one half Note to be interpofed.
5. Again, whatever Virtue there is in Numbers, conducing to concent in.
Notes, it ſhould be rather afcribed to the ante-Number, than to the entire Num-
ber; becauſe the Sound returns after fix, or after twelve; fo that the Seventh
or the thirteenth is not the Thing, but the fixth or twelfth and the feventh
and thirteenth are but the Limits and Boundaries of the Return.
6. The Concords in Mufick, which are perfect, or femiperfect, between The Concords
the Unifon and the Diapafon, are (1.) the fifth; which is the moſt perfect; in Mufick.
(2.) the third; (3.) the fixth, which is more harsh; and (4.) according to
the Ancients, and fome Moderns, the fourth, which they call Diatefferon..
As for the tenth, twelfth, thirteenth, and fo on in infinitum, they are but Re-
currences of the former; viz. of the third, the fifth, and the fixth; being
an Eighth respectively from them.
7. For Difcords; the fecond and the feventh are, of all, the moſt diſagree- The Diſcords.
ble in Harmony; the one being next above the Unifon, the other next un-
der the Diapafon: which fhews, that Harmony requires a competent Distance of
Notes.
-
8. In Harmony, if there be no Difcord to the Bass, it does not difturb the The Doctrine
Harmony, tho there be a Difcord to the higher Parts; provided the Difcord be of Bafs and
not of the two that are odious: and therefore the ordinary Concent of four Treble.
Parts, confifts of an Eighth, a fifth and third to the Bafs: but that fifth is a
fourth to the Treble, and the third is a fixth. The Reafon is, that the Bas
ftriking more Air, overcomes and drowns the Treble; unleſs the Diſcord be
very difagreeable, and fo covers a fmall Imperfection: As we find one of
the lower Strings of a Lute, gives not the Sound of the Treble, or any mixt
Sound, but the Sound of the Baſs.
9. We have no Muſick of Quarter-Notes; and perhaps they are not capa- No Mufick of
ble of Harmony: for the Half-Notes themfelves do but fometimes in- quarter Notes.
terpoſe. Yet we have fome Slides or Relishes of the Voice, or String, as it
Being Similar Figures, as the Geometricians call them,
were,
852
MUSIC K.
Harmony.
were continued without Notes, from one Tone to another; rifing or falling;
which are delightful.
The Cauſe of 10. We may receive fome light, with regard to the Caufes of what is
pleafing or difpleafing to the Ear, from what is fo to the Sight. There are
two things pleafing to the Eye; viz. Colours and Order. The pleaſure of
Colour fymbolizes with the pleafure of any fingle Tone; but the pleaſure
of Order fymbolizes with Harmony. Therefore in Garden-knots, the Frets of
Houſes, &c. equal Figures, as Globes, Pyramids, Cones, Cylinders, &c. are
pleafing; whilft unequal Figures are but Deformities. And the pleaſures
both of the Eye and of the Ear, are but the effects of Equality, good
Proportion, or Correfpondence: fo that, without queftion, Equality and
Correfpondence are the CAUSES of Harmony.
Why musical 11. Tones are not altogether fo apt to procure Sleep, as fome other
Sounds are
Sounds; viz. the Wind, the purling of Water, the humming of Bees, &c.
more wakeful The Reafon is, becaufe Tones, being equal, and not fliding; ftrike and
prick the Senfe more than the other: and Attention always hinders
Sleep.
than others.
Mufick has its
Tropes and
Figures.
Whence the
great Influence
of Muſick up-
on the Mind.
12. There are in Mufick certain Tropes or Figures, almoſt like thoſe
of Rhetorick; and agreeing with the Affections of the Mind, and the other
Senfes. Thus, the Divifion and Quaver, which pleaſe fo much in Mufick,
have an Agreement with the glittering of Light; as when the Moon-beams
play upon a Wave. Again, the falling from a Difcord to a Concord, which
makes great Sweetneſs in Mufick, has an Agreement with the Affections,
that are gratefully reinftated, after fome Diflike it agrees alſo with the
Tafte; which is foon glutted with what is fweet alone. The fliding from
the Clofe or Cadence, agrees with that Figure in Rhetorick called præter Ex-
pectatum; for there is a Pleaſure even in being deceived. The Reports and
Fuges agree with thofe Figures in Rhetorick, called Repetition, or Traduction.
The Tripla's, and changing of Times, agree with the Changes of Motions; as
when galliard Time and meafure Time, meet in the Medley of one Dance.
13. It has been anciently obferved, that the kinds of Mufick have a great
Operation upon Men's Manners; fo as to rouze the Courage, or make them
warlike: and again, foft or effeminate; grave or light; gentle, and in-
clined to pity, &c. for the Senfe of Hearing ftrikes the Spirits more imme-
diately than the other Senfes do, and more incorporeally than the Smelling:
the Sight, Tafte, and Feeling, having not their Organs fo fuddenly and im-
mediately acceffible to the Spirits, as the Hearing has. The Smell, indeed,
works alſo immediately upon the Spirits; and is forcible while the Object
lafts; but it comes only with a Communication of the Breath, or the Va-
pour of the Object: whereas Harmony entring eafily, without mixing at all;
and coming with a manifeft Motion; it, by the cuftom of often affecting
the Spirits, and putting them into one kind of Pofture, greatly alters
their Frame, even when the Object is removed. Whence Tunes, and
Airs, even in their own Nature, have fome Affinity with the Affections; as
there
See Mr. Hutchinfon's Enquiry into our Ideas of Beauty and Virtue.
NATUR E.
153
there are merry Tunes, doleful Tunes, folemn Tunes, Tunes inclining to Pity,
warlike Tunes, &c. no wonder, therefore, if they alter the Spirits; confi-
dering that Tunes in themſelves have a Predifpofition to the Motion of the
Spirits. But it has been noted, that tho this variety of Tunes difpoſes the
Spirits to a variety of Paffions conformable to them; yet, generally, Muſick
feeds that Difpofition of the Spirits which it finds. We fee alfo, that different
Airs and Tunes, pleaſe different Nations and Perfons; according to the Sym-
pathy fuch Tunes have with their Spirits P. See the Article SOUNDS.
TH
N.
NATUR E.
1. THE Knowledge of Man has hitherto been determined by the Sight; The Variety of
fo that whatever is invifible, either in reſpect of the Fineness of the opinions about
the Spirits of
Body itſelf; the Smallneſs of its Parts; or the Subtilty of its Motion; is Bodies
little enquired into : yet theſe are the things that principally govern Nature,
and, without which, we can have no true Analysis, and Indication of her
Proceedings. The Spirits refiding in all tangible Bodies are ſcarce known,
and fometimes Men take them for a Vacuum; whereas they are the moſt.
active of Bodies. Sometimes, again, thefe Spirits are taken for Air; from
which they differ, as much as Wine from Water; or Wood from Earth.
Sometimes Men will have them to be natural Heat, or a Portion of elemen-
tary Fire; tho ſome of them are crude and cold. Others will have them to
be the Virtues and Qualities of the tangible Parts; which they fee: whereas
they are things by themſelves. Others, in treating of Plants, and Animals,
call theſe Spirits, Souls and fuch fuperficial Speculations Men have; like
Perſpectives, which fhew things hollow that are only Paintings.
2. Nor is this a Queftion of Words, but infinitely material in Nature: Spirits; their
for Spirits are no other than a natural Body, rarified to a certain degree, Nature and
and included in the tangible Parts of Bodies, as in a Cover. They are no lefs Properties.
different from one another, than the denfe or tangible Parts: and they refide
more or lefs in all tangible Bodies: they are fcarce ever at Reft: and from
them, and their Motions, principally proceed Arefaction, Colliquation, Con-
coction, Maturation, Putrefaction, Vivification, and moft of the Effects of
Nature: for tangible Parts, in Bodies, are stupid Things; whilft the Spirits,
in effect, do all «.
3. As to the Differences in the tangible Parts of Bodies, the Chemifts have The Difference
given us fome light; in diftinguishing, by their Separations, between the of tangible
oily, crude, pure, impure, fine, and grofs Parts of Bodies. And Phyficians Parts in Bo-
acknowledge, that Herbs and Drugs have different Parts; as that Opium has
VOL. III.
X
it
P Here is a Foundation laid for a philofophical History of Mufick; a thing, perhaps, ftill
wanting, in its due Form and Extent; notwithſtanding M. Perault's Effais Phyfiques, du
Bruit; and Mr. Malcolm's excellent Treatise of Musick, Speculative, practical, and historical.
1 This Subject requires a clofe Attention; and, if duly profecuted, might unravel fome of
the greateſt Mysteries in Nature and effectively contribute to increase the Power of Man.
* See the Fable of Proferpina, explained; in the Author's Sapientia Veterum.
dies.
154
NOURISHMENT.
cuted, with
a ftupefactive and heating Part; that Rhubarb has purging and aftringent
Parts, &c.
The Enquiry
4. But this whole Enquiry is weakly and negligently purfued. The more
not duly profe- fubtile Differences of the minute Parts, and the Pofition of them, in Bodies,
regard to fub. are not touched upon. And for the Motions of the minute Parts of Bodies,
tile Differences. Which produce fuch great Effects, they have not been obferved at all;
becauſe invifible, or not fubject to the Eye; but yet they are to be
catched by Experience. And fo the Tumult in the Parts of Solids, when
compreffed; which is the Caufe of all flight in Bodies thro' the Air, and
of other mechanical Motions; is not feen. But if we enquire not at-
tentively and diligently, we fhall never difcern, much lefs produce, a great
number of mechanical Motions.
And the inter-
Bodies.
5. Laftly, Corporeal Motions, within the Enclofures of Bodies, whereby
nal Proceſſes of the Effects pafs between the Spirits and the tangible Parts, as in Arefaction,
Colliquation, Concoction, Maturation, &c. are not at all touched; but put
off by the Names of Virtues, and Natures, and Actions, and Paffions; and
fuch other logical Terms . See the Article SPIRITS.
Abundance of
Nitre on cer-
Rain Shores.
NITRE.
Near the Caftle of Caty, and by the Wells of Affan, in the Country of
Idumæa; a great part of the way, one would think the Sea near at hand,
tho it be far off. This is caufed by the fhinning of the Nitre upon the Sea-
fand;
fuch abundance of it the Shores there afford.
NOURISHMEN T.
The Nourish-
'Tis a Work of Providence, that the Yolk of the Egg conduces little to
ment of Ani- the Generation of the Bird; but only to its Nourishment: for, if a new-
mals, before hatched Chicken be opened; much of the Yolk will be found remaining.
they are
brought forth. And 'tis neceffary that Birds, which are not formed in the Womb, fhould
have in the Egg, as well Matter of Nourishment, as of Generation. For
after the Egg is laid, and fevered from the Body of the Hen, it receives
no more Nouriſhment from the Hen; and only a quickening Heat, when
ſhe fits. But Men, and Brutes, need no Matter of Nourishment within
themſelves; becauſe they are formed in the Womb of the Female, and
nouriſhed continually from her Body. See the Article Foods.
Q.
f The whole of this Enquiry ftill remains ftrangely neglected, to the great Difadvantage of
Natural Philofophy; which feems, almoft, a dead Thing, for want of it.
The Deſign might,
perhaps, be commodioufly profecuted under the Name and Notion of the Chemistry of Nature;
fo as to treat all the Natural Operations according to the Analogy they bear to the artificial
ones, within our own Power and Command. The Misfortune is, that few feem well enough
acquainted with Chemistry to judge of this Analogy, and Conformity: whence many will pre-
fently conclude it an imaginary Scheme.
may
There is a curious Paper upon the Origin of Nitre, in the French Memoirs, An. 1717. that
add great Light to this Particular.
This Article may be referred to Comparative Anatomy: a Subject that has not yet been
duly profecured in the philofophical Way; notwithstanding the Difcoveries of Harvey, High-
more, Malpighi, &c. See Memoires de l'Academie Royale, pour fervir à l'Histoire des
Animaux.
2
ODOUR S.
155
I.
H
O.
ODOUR S.
rent kinds.
Eat is requifite to concoct the Matter of fweet Odours; and fome Sweet o
dours of diffe
Moiſture to ſpread the Breath of them. For Woods and Spices are
more odoriferous in hot Countries; and Things too much dried, loſe their
Sweetneſs and Flowers, when growing, fmell better in the Morning or
Evening, than at Noon. Some fweet Odours are deſtroyed by approaching
to the Fire; as Violets, Wall-flowers, July-flowers, Pinks, and, generally, all
Flowers that have cool and delicate Spirits. Some continue their Odour both
over the Fire, and from it; as Rofe-water, &c. Some Odours ſcarce iſſue,
at leaſt not ſo pleaſantly, without the Fire; as Juniper, fweet Gums, and
all Odours incloſed in a firm Body. But, generally, thofe Smells are moſt
grateful, where the degree of Heat is fmall; or the ſtrength of the Odour
allay'd: for ſuch things rather court the Senſe, than fatiate it. And hence,
the Smell of Violets and Rofes, exceeds that of Spices and Gums in Sweetneſs;
and the ſtrongeſt fort of Smells are beſt in a Waft, at a diſtance “.
Odours.
2. No Odour iffues without fome Emiffion of corporeal Subftance; con- The corporeal
trary to what happens in Light, Colours, and Sounds: for Odours fpread Subflance of
not to that diſtance as they do. 'Tis true, fome Groves of Oranges, and
Heaths of Roſemary, will fmell far off at Sea, perhaps twenty Miles; but a
Peal of Ordnance will extend as far; tho the Ordnance ſtand in a little ſpace;
whereas theſe fragrant Woods and Heaths are of a vaſt compaſs. Beſides,
Odours adhere to hard Bodies; as in perfumed Gloves, &c. which fhews.
them corporeal; and thus continue a great while: which Sounds and
Light do not.
3. The Excrements of moft Creatures fmell ill, chiefly to the Creature The Caufe of
that voids them: Pigeons and Horſes thrive beft, if their Houfes and Stables fetid and fra-
are kept fweet. The fame holds of Cage-birds; and chiefly in thofe grant Odours.
Creatures that feed upon Flefh. Dogs, among Brutes, principally delight
in fetid Odours; which fhews, there is fomewhat particular in their fenfe of
Smelling. But Cats are cleanly Creatures; and bury their Excrement. The
Caufe why Excrements fmell ill, is manifeft: for, fince the Body itſelf re-
jects them; much more the Spirits and we find the Excrements of the
first Digeftion fmell the worft; as thofe of the Belly but thofe of the
fecond Digeftion better; as the Urine and thofe of the third, ftill better; for
Sweat is not fo ill-fcented as the other two, efpecially the Sweat of fome
Perfons, that are full of Heat *.
:
X 2
4. Like-
"Obferve all along the phyfical Foundations for the Hiftory of Odours. Thus, in the preſent
Cafe, there is a Foundation laid, for comparing Odours with Sounds; ſo far as they are both
conveyed by the fame Medium of Air.
w This may be queftioned of Light, attended with Flame; but not, fo well, where no
Flame is; as in the Glow-worm, putrefied Fish, &c.
* The Sweat of fome Perfons is fweet-fcented; nearly approaching to that of Musk or
Civet. See Mr. Boyle upon Odours and Effluvia.
156
ODOUR S.
Whence Putre-
factions are
ill-fcented.
Perfumes.
4. Likewife, moft Putrefactions yield an odious Scent; being either fetid or
mouldy. The Caufe may be, that Putrefaction is a Confiftence directly op-
pofite to that of the Body, whilft found; as being a mere Diffolution of its
Form. Befides, the Objects that pleafe any of the Senfes, have fome Equa-
lity, and Order, in their Compofition: but where thefe are wanting, the
Object is always ungrateful. So a Mixture of many difagreeing Colours, is
difpleafing to the Eye; Mixture of Difcords, difpleafing to the Ear; Mixture
of many Taftes, difpleafing to the Palate; and Ruggedness of Bodies, dif-
pleafing to the Touch: but all Putrefaction, being a Diffolution of the firft
Form, is a mere Confufion, and unformed Mixture of the Parts.
Why Some Pu- 5. But it ſeems to crofs the former Obfervation, that fome Putrefactions,
trefactions are and Excrements, yield excellent Odours; as Civet, Mufk, and Ambergreaſe:
and the Mofs of the Apple-tree, is little better than an Excretion. The
Keaſon may be, that there paffes in the Excrements, and remains in the Pu-
trefaction, fome fine Spirits; efpecially from Creatures that are very hot.
This may be joined with a farther Caufe, which is more fubtile; viz. that
the Senfes delight not to be over pleaſed; but to have a Mixture of fomewhat,
in itſelf ungrateful. Difcords, in Mufick, falling upon Concords, make the
ſweeteſt Harmony and ſtrange Taftes delight the Palate; as Red Herrings,
Caviar, Parmezan, &c. And, perhaps, the faine holds in Smells: for the
Odours above-mentioned, are all ftrong, and vellicate the Senfe. We find
alfo, that the places where Men urine, have commonly fome Smell of Vio-
lets; and the Urine, after eating Nutmeg, hath it likewife a.
Powerful Ope-
rations of Ef
fluvia.
bours.
6. Apothecaries, upon powdering Coloquintida, have been put into a great
Scouring, by the bare Effluvia of that Drug. It is a Practice to burn Guinea-
pepper; which has fuch a ftrong Spirit, that it provokes a continual Sneez-
ing in thoſe that are in the Room ¹.
:
7. Proper Fumes will dry and ftrengthen the Brain, and ftop Rheums
The Effects of
Fumes, or Va. and Defiuxions; as thofe of Roſemary, Lignum Aloes, and Calamus Aroma-
ticus, taken in at the Mouth and Noftrils and, no doubt, there are other
Vapours that moiſten, refreſh, and are proper in burning Fevers, Con-
fumptions, and want of Sleep; fuch, for inftance, as Rofe-waler, Vinegar,
Violets, Vine-Leaves, &c. And, in fudden Faintings, to put a Handker-
chief, dipped in Rofe-water, or a little Vinegar, to the Nofe, collects a-
gain the Spirits, which were upon the Point to refolve and fall away.
8. The Fume of Tobacco comforts the Spirits, and difpels Wearinefs;
partly by opening, but chiefly by its narcotick Virtue; which condenfes the
Spirits.
* See the Article MUSICK.
z See the Article PUTREEACTION.
Mr. Boyle feems to have directly profecuted this Subject, on the Footing here laid down.
See his Pieces upon the Mechanical Production of Taftes and Colours, and the Nature, Proper-
ties, and Effects of Effluvia.
The burning of Guinea-Repper, in a cloſe Room, is faid to kill Bugs: but, if this be tried,
is proper the Operator fhould quit the Room as foon as ever the Pepper is thrown upon
the Coals.
This is an ufeful Intimation to Phyficians; who might, by this Means, procure Effects in
Difeafes that they now feem to defpair of. See the Proceffes upon Vegetables, in Boerhaave's
Chemistry.
I
O DO UR S.
157
Spirits. It were, therefore, proper to try the Fumes of other things, in
the fame way of Smoking; as well to dry and refreſh, as for other Inten-
tions. For a drying Fume, ufe Roſemary and Lignum Aloes: try alfo Nut-
meg, Indian Leaf, &c. 'Tis ufual, in Fits of the Mother, to burn Fea-
thers, and other Matters of a diſagreeable Odour, with good effect.
commended.
9. To follow the Plough has been approved, for refreshing the Spirits, The Fumes of
and procuring Appetite: but to do it in the Ploughing for Wheat or Rye, the Earth re-
is not fo good; becaufe the Earth has spent its ſweet Breath in Vegetation,
during the Summer. 'Tis, therefore, better to do it when they fow
Barly. But becauſe Ploughing is confined to Seafons, 'tis beft to take the
Air of the Earth, new turned up; by digging with the Spade, or ftanding
by the Digger. Ladies may promote their Health, by kneeling upon a
Cuſhion and Weeding. And both thefe may be practifed in the beſt Sea-
fon, which is the early Spring, before the Earth puts forth and the ſweeteſt
Earth fhould be chofe for the Purpoſe. It ſhould be done when the Dew is
a little gone off the Ground; left the Vapours prove too moiſt. I knew a
great Man, who was long lived, and had a Clod of Earth brought him
every Morning, as he fat in Bed; where he would hold his Head over it a
good while.
&c.
10. They uſe, in Medicine, Pomanders, and Knots of Powders, for drying The Odours of
Pomanders,
up Rheums, comforting the Heart, provoking Sleep, &c. For tho thefe
Sweet-Bags,
things are not ſo ſtrong as Fumes, yet they may be held continually in the
Hand whereas Fumes can be uſed but at certain times.
Befides, many
things breathe better of themſelves, than when they come to the Fire; as
Nigella Romana, the Seed of Melanthium, Amomum, &c.
Vapours for
11. There are two things which internally cool and condenfe the Spirits; cooling and
and I recommend the fame to be tried externally in Vapour. The one is condensing the
Nitre, which I would have diffolved in Malmſey, or Greek Wine, and the spirits.
Smell of the Wine received; or, to make it more forcible, pour fome of
it upon a heated Fire-fhovel, as they do Rofe-water and Vinegar. The other
is the diftilled Water of Wild-poppy, which may be mixed in equal Parts with
Rofe-water; and fo received, with the Addition of a few Cloves, in a Per-
fuming-pan. The like might be done with the diftilled Water of Saffron-
flowers.
12. The Scent of Muſk, Amber, and Civet, are thought to promote The Effects of
Venery; which they may do by refreshing and calling forth of the Spirits. high Perfumes.
Incenſe, and nidorous Smells; fuch as thofe of Sacrifices, were thought to
intoxicate the Brain, and difpofe Men to Devotion; which they may do,
partly by a kind of Sadnefs, or Contriftation of the Spirits; and partly by
heating and exalting them. Among the Jews, the principal Perfume of the
Sanctuary was forbid all common Ufes. There are fome Perfumes pre- Perfumes pro-
fcribed by Writers of Natural Magick, which procure pleafant Dreams; and curing Dreams.
others, they fay, that procure prophetical Dreams; as the Seeds of Flax,
Fleawort, &c.
13.
Could not an agreeable Fume be contrived, better fuited to the Cure of certain Diftem-
pers, than the common Tobacco ?
← See more upon the Subject of Nitre, in the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
f I do not know that thefe Things have been tried,
158
OD OUR S.
That Odours
13. 'Tis certain, that Odours nouriſh, in a ſmall degree; efpecially the O-
may nourish. dour of Wine: and we fee Men in Hunger, delight to fmell hot Bread. 'Tis
reported of Democritus, that when he was near dying, he heard a Woman of
the Family complain, fhe fhould be kept from a Feaft fhe greatly defired to
fee, on account that there would then be a dead Corpfe in the Houfe. The
Philofopher, therefore, caufed new Loaves to be fent for; which he opened,
poured a little Wine into them; and ſo kept himſelf alive with their Scent,
till the Feaft was over. I knew a Gentleman, who would fometimes faſt
entirely for three, four, or five Days; but then he uſed to have, continually,
a great Bundle of Herbs, that he fmelled to; and, amongst them, fome
efculent ones, of a ftrong Scent; as Onions, Garlick, Leeks, and the
like
The Effects of
Air and 0-
dours, with
regard to
Health.
Odours, why
fweetest at a
Diſtance.
14. There are certain Airs, which Phyficians adviſe their Patients to, in
certain Diſeaſes, and upon recovering from long Illneffes; viz. where the
Country is open, and not overgrown with Heath, &c. or elfe, near Foreſts,
and the like. 'Tis noted alfo, that Groves of Bays cure a peftilential Dif
poſition in the Air; which was accounted a great Caufe of the wholeſome
Air of Antioch. Some Soils alſo, yield odoriferous Herbs fpontaneouſly; as
wild Thyme, wild Marjoram, &c. where Briar-rofes fmell almoſt like Muſk-
rofes: and theſe are Signs of an excellent Air. Men fhould endeavour to
have healthful Air in their Houſes; which they never can have if the Rooms
be low roofed, or full of Windows and Doors; for the one makes the Air
clofe, and ſtagnant; and the other makes it exceedingly unequal: which is
a great Enemy to Health. The Windows, alfo, fhould not be high up to
the Roof; which is only for Beauty; but low. Stone Walls, alfo, are un-
wholeſome but Timber is more wholefome; and eſpecially Brick. It has
been practifed, with good Succefs, to make the Walls thick; and to throw
a Layer of Chalk between the Bricks, to prevent Dampneſs.
15. Odours are fweeter at fome Diſtance in the Air, than near the Nofe;
becaule of the finer Mixture, or Incorporation of the Smell: as Sounds
are ſweeteſt, when we cannot hear every part, by itſelf. Another Reafon
is, becauſe all ſweet Smells have fome earthy or crude Odour joined along
with them whence the Sweetneſs, which is the more fpiritual, is perceived
at fome diftance; whilft the earthy part reaches not fo far.
Why ſtrongeſt 16. Sweet Smells are moft forcible in dry Subftances, when broken; fo in
in dry Bodies. Oranges and Lemons, the nipping of the Rind, fends out their Odour
powerfully and, generally, when Bodies are moved, or ſtirred, tho not
broken, they fmell the more; becauſe there is a greater Emiffion of the
Spirit, when way is made. But a ſecond Cauſe is, the Impulſe of the Air, that
brings the Scent fafter upon us. The fineft Smells, among Flowers, are of
that kind where the Leaf is not fweet; as in Violets, Rofes, Wall-flowers, July-
flowers, Pinks, Wood-bines, Vine-flowers, Apple-blooms, Bean-blooms, &c. For
where there is Heat and Strength enough in the Plant to make the Leaves odo-
riferous, the Smell of the Flower is rather weaker, than that of the Leaves; as
in
Is there not fomething of confiderable Ufe, both to Phyſicians and others, delivered in this
Paragraph?
PASSION S.
159
in Rofemary-flowers, Lavender-flowers, &c. But where there is lefs Heat,
the Spirit of the Plant is digeſted, refined, and fevered from the groffer
Juice, in the Efflorefcence, and not before. But Flowers preffed or beat,
loſe the Freſhneſs and Sweetnefs of their Odour: for when crufhed, the
groffer and more earthy Spirit comes out with the finer, and troubles it;
whereas, in ſtronger Odours there are no fuch degrees of the Iffue of the
Smell.
:
Root.
17. The Nature of Orris-root is almoft fingular; for there are few odo- Orris, fweet
riferous Roots and in thofe that are any thing fweet, 'tis only the fame chiefly in its
Sweetneſs with the Wood or Leaf: but Orris is not fweet in the Leaf;
neither is the Flower fo fweet as the Root; which feems to have a delicate
and tender Heat; that vanishes upon coming above Ground, and feeling the
Sun and Air; being a great Mollifier, and ſmelling like a Violet 4.
TH
P.
PAINTING THE BODY.
rent Nations.
HE Turks have a black Powder, made of a Mineral called Alcohole; The Cuftom of
which, with a fine Pencil, they lay under their Eye-lids, fo as to painting the
colour them black; whereby the White of the Eye is fet off whiter. With Body, in diffe
the fame Powder they colour, alfo, the Hairs of their Eye-lids, and Eye-
brows, which they draw into Arches. And Xenophon relates, that the Medes
uſed to paint their Eyes. The Turks, with the fame Tincture, black the
Hair of their Heads and Beards. And many with us, who are grown grey,
and yet would appear young, make their Hair black, by combing it with a
Leaden-comb; or the like. The Chinese, who are olive-coloured, paint
their Cheeks Scarlet; eſpecially the Emperor and Grandees. Generally, bar-
barous People, that go naked, not only paint themſelves, but pounce and
raiſe their Skin, ſo that the Painting cannot be taken out; and make it into
Works. So do the West-Indians; and fo did the ancient Pits and Britons :
whence it ſeems, that Men would have the Colour of Birds Feathers, if they
could; or, at leaſt, gay Skins, inſtead of gay Clothes.
PASSIONS.
1. The Paffions of the Mind, make the following Impreffions upon the The Impreffions
Body. Fear caufes, (1.) Paleness; (2.) Trembling; (3.) Erection of the Hair; made by the
(4.) Starting; and, (5.) Shrieking. 1. The Paleness proceeds hence, that the Paffions of the
Blood runs towards the Centre, to fuccour the Heart: 2, the Trembling hence, the Body.
Mind, upon
that In Fear.
This Subject of Odours in Plants, is profecuted in Boerhaave's Chemistry, upon the Foun-
dation here laid down. See the Proceffes upon Vegetables. See alfo, the Article INFUSION,
above; and Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Works.
1
But a much better Way for this Purpofe, is to uſe the common Solution of Silver, well
diluted with Water: which appears to be the Preparation, fold in London, for turning red, or
other coloured Hair, to a beautiful brown or black.
This is frequently practifed, by pricking Holes in the Skin with a Needle, and rubbing
pulverized Gunpowder upon the Part.
160
PASSION S.
Grief.
Joy.
Anger.
that by the flight of the Spirits inwards, the external Parts are deferted and
forfaken. 3. Erection of the Hair, is cauſed by the clofing of the Pores of the
Skin; whence the Hair, that before lay aflope, muft needs rife. 4. Starting
is both an Apprehenfion of the Thing feared and an Enquiry, in the Be-
ginning, what the Matter fhould be; whence it is both a Motion of Shrink-
ing, and a Motion of Erection: therefore, when a Man would liften fudden-
ly to any thing, he starts; for the Starting is an Erection of the Spirits, to
attend. 5. Shrieking is an appetite of expelling that which fuddenly ſtrikes
the Spirits; for many Motions, tho unable to expel what is hurtful, are
yet Offers of Nature, and caufe Motions by confent; as in Groaning, or
crying out, upon Pain *.
2. Grief, and Pain, caufe (1.) Sighing; (2.) Sobbing; (3.) Groaning;
(4.) Screaming; (5.) Roaring; (6.) Tears; (7.) Distortion of the Face;
(8.) Grinding of the Teeth; and, (9.) Sweating. 1. Sighing is cauſed by
drawing in a greater Quantity of Breath, to refreſh the Heart that labours;
like taking a large Draught when one is thirsty. 2. Sobbing is the fame
thing, but ſtronger. 3, 4, 5. Groaning, Screaming, and Roaring, are cauſed
by an Appetite of Expulfion: for when the Spirits cannot expel the offending
Subject in ftriving to do it by Motion of Confent; they expel the Voice:
and this happens when the Spirits yield, and ceaſe to refift; for, if we
conſtantly refifted Pain, we should not groan. 6. Tears are caufed by a
Contraction of the Spirits of the Brain, conftringing the Moiſture thereof;
whence Tears are fent into the Eyes: and this Contraction, or Compreffion,
cauſes alſo wringing of the Hands; for wringing is a Geſture of expreffing
Moiſture. 7. The Distortion of the Face is caufed by a Struggle; firſt, to
bear and refift, and then to expel; which makes the Parts firft knit, and
afterwards open. 8. Grinding of the Teeth, is likewife caufed by collecting
the Spirits to refift; which makes the Teeth, alſo, ſet hard one againſt an-
other. 9. Sweating alfo, is a compound Motion, from the labour of the
Spirits; first to refift, and then to expel.
3. Joy cauſes, (1.) a Chearfulneſs and Vigour in the Eyes; (2.) Singing,
Leaping, Dancing, and fometimes Tears. All theſe are the Effects of the Dila-
tation and Eruption of the Spirits into the external Parts; which makes them
more lively and brifk. Exceffive fudden Joy has caufed preſent Death; while the
Spirits diffuſed themſelves fo much, they could not retreat again. Tears are
the Effects of compreffing the lachrymal Glands, upon the Dilatation of the
Spirits for Compreffion of the Spirits caufes an Expreffion of the Moiſture
of the Eyes by confent, as in Grief: but, in Joy, it works by propelling
the Moiſture, when the Spirits dilate, and occupy more room '.
4. Anger cauſes, (1.) Paleness in fome; and the going and coming of the
Colour in others alſo, (2.) Trembling; (3.) Swelling; (4.) Foaming at the
Mouth; (5.) Stamping with the Feet, and bending of the Fift. 1. Paleness,
and
* 'Tis worth obferving, how cloſe and ftrong the Foundations are here laid, for a Philofo-
phical Hiftory of the Paffions.
! See Boerhaave's Inftitutiones Medica, pag. 278. De Voce, Loquela, Cantu, Rifu, &c.
PASSION S.
161
and the going and coming of the Colour, are cauſed by the heat of the Spirits
about the Heart; which, to refreſh themſelves, call in more Spirits from
the outward parts. And, if the Palenefs be alone, without fending forth
the Colour again, it is commonly joined with fome Fear: but, in many,
there is no Paleness at all; only a Rednefs about the Cheeks; which arifes from
fending forth the Spirits in an Appetite of Revenge. 2. Trembling, in An-
ger, proceeds likewife from a calling in of the Spirits; and happens, com-
monly, when Anger is joined with Fear. 3. Swelling proceeds from a Dila-
tation of the Spirits by over-heating; and from a Liquifaction, or boiling
of the Humours thereupon. 4. Foaming at the Mouth proceeds from the
fame Cauſe; being an Ebullition. And, 5. Stamping, and clenching of the
Fift, proceeds from an Imagination of the Act of Revenge.
5. Light Diſpleaſure, or Diſlike, cauſes, (1.) fhaking of the Head; Difpleaſure.
(2.) Frowning, and Knitting of the Brows. Thefe Effects arife from the
fame Cauſes as Trembling and Horror; viz. the retiring of the Spirits ;
but in a leſs degree. For, 1. the Shaking of the Head is but a flow and defi-
nite Trembling; and a Geſture of flight Refufal: we fee alfo, that Diflike
often cauſes that Geſture of the Hand we ufe upon refufing a thing, or
warning it away.
2. The Frowning and Knitting of the Brows, is a gather-
ing of the Spirits, to reſiſt in ſome meaſure: and Knitting of the Brows fol-
lows upon earneſt thought of any thing, tho it be without Diſlike.
6. Shame caufes (1.) Bluſhing ; and, (2.) a down-caft Look. Blushing is theRefort Shame.
of Blood to the Face; which, in the Paffion of Shame, is the Part that
labours moſt. And, tho Blufhing will appear in the whole Breaſt, if naked,
yet it is but in paffage to the Face. The Down-caft of the Eyes proceeds
from the Reverence a Man bears to others; fo that, when he is afhamed,
he cannot endure to look ftedfaftly upon them and both Blushing
and the Cafting-down of the Eyes, are greater when we appear before
a number; and, likewife, when we come before great or reverend
Perfons".
7. Pity fometimes caufes, (1.) Tears; and, (2.) a Side-caft of the Eye.
Tears here come from the fame Cauſe they do in Grief: for Pity is but Grief
in another's Behalf. The Side-caft of the Eye, is a Gefture of Averfion
or an Unwillingneſs to behold the Object of Pity.
8. Wonder caufes, (1.) Aſtoniſhment, or an immoveable Poſture of the
Body; (2.) cafting up of the Eyes, and lifting up of the Hands. Afto-
nishment is cauſed by fixing the Mind upon one Object of Thought;
whence it does not expatiate as ufual: for, in Wonder, the Spirits fly not,
as in Fear; but only fettle, and become lefs apt to move. Cafting up of
the Eyes, and lifting up of the Hands, is a kind of Appeal to the Deity; or
the Author, by his Power and Providence, of great Wonders.
Pity.
Wonder.
9. Laughing caufes a Dilatation of the Mouth and Lips; a continued Expul- Laughing.
fion of the Breath, with a loud Noife; which makes the Interjection of Laugh-
ter; and, if violent and continued, Shaking of the Breaft and Sides; and run-
ning of the Eyes with Water. Laughing can scarce properly be called a
V O L. III.
Y
Ore Pompeii quid mollius? Nunquam enim non coram plaribus erubuit.
Paffion;
162
PENETRATIO N.
Luft.
The restless
Nature of
Things, and
enter into one
another.
Paffion; as having its Source from the Intellect: for, in Laughing, there
always preceeds a Conceit of fomewhat ridiculous: and therefore is
proper to Man. The Caufe of Laughing is but a light Touch of the
Spirits; and not fo deep an Impreffion as in other Paffions: whence it may
be excited, and that in great Violence, barely, by tickling fome Parts of
the Body and Men, even in a grieved ftate of Mind, cannot, fometimes,
forbear Laughing. It is always joined with fome degree of Delight and
therefore has an Affinity with Joy; tho it be a much lighter Motion ".
Its Objects are Deformity, Abfurdity, a witty Turn, or the like.
10. As to the Caufes of the Effects before-mentioned; viz. the Dila-
tation of the Mouth and Lips; the continued Expulfion of the Breath and Voice;
and the Shaking of the Breast and Sides; they all proceed from the ſudden
Dilatation of the Spirits. Suddennefs has here a great Share: for any
fhrewd Turn that lights upon another; or any Deformity, &c. moves
Laughter in an Inftant; which, after a little time, it does not: thus, we
cannot laugh at a ftale Jeft; but only while 'tis new. And, even in Tick-
ling, if you tickle the Sides, and give Warning; or give a hard or con-
tinued Touch; it does not move Laughter ſo much.
11. Luft occafions a Flagrancy in the Eyes, and a Priapifm. The Caufe
is, that in Luft, the Sight and the Touch are the Things defired; and there-
fore the Spirits refort to thoſe Parts which are moſt affected. And note, in
general, that the Spirits, in all Paffions, refort moft to the Parts that
labour moft, or are moft affected; as, in the laft mentioned, they refort
to the Eyes and Parts of Generation: in Fear and Anger, to the Heart: in
Shame, to the Face: and, in flight Diſlikes, to the Head.
PENETRATION.
The Emptiness of feveral Bodies, and their Appetite to take in others, is
a deep Confideration. Air takes in Light, Sounds, Smells, and Vapours,
their Defire to with a kind of Thirft; as not fatisfied with its own Confiſtence: elſe it
change, and would never receive them fo fuddenly, and eafily. Water, and all Liquors
take up dry and terreſtrial Bodies; and dry Bodies drink in Waters, and
Liquors that one is a Glue to the other. Parchments, Skins, Cloth, &c.
drink in Liquors; tho themſelves are entire Bodies, and not comminuted,
as Sand and Aſhes are; nor, apparently, porous. Metals themſelves, rea-
dily receive the Aquæ fortes; and the Aqua fortes readily penetrate into Metals
and Stones. That Menftruum will touch Gold, which will not touch Silver; and
vice verfa. Nay Gold, which feems to be the cloſeſt and moſt ſolid Body in
Nature, greedily drinks in Quickſilver. And it ſeems that this Reception of
other Bodies is not violent: for 'tis often reciprocal; and as it were, with con-
fent. Of the CAUSE hereof, and to what AxIOм it may be referred, con-
* Res fevera eft verum Gaudium.
• The Author has many things relating to the
and Moral Eſſays. See alfo, the De Augment.
And again Sect. XX and XXI. of Ethicks, &c.
courfe of the Paffions.
fider
History of the Paffions, in his Sapientia Veterum,
Scientiar Sect. II. or the Fable of Bacchus.
Confult likewife Mr. Hutchinson's late Dif.
PERCOLATIO N.
163
fider attentively. For the quaint Affertion, that Matter, like a common
Strumpet, covets all Forms, is but a roving Notion. Flame alone, takes in
no other Body; but either overcomes or turns other Bodies into it, as by
Conqueft; or dyes, and goes out itfelf. See the Articles, NATURE, SPIRITS,
and SYMPATHY.
PERCOLATION.
upon the Sea-
1. 'Tis obſerved in fome Parts of Africa, that after a time, the Water The return of
in Pits, dug on the Sea-Shore, will grow brackish again. For at length the Saltness in Pits
very Sand, thro' which the Salt-water paffes, becomes faline; and fo the Strainer hore.
itſelf is infected. The Remedy therefore is, to dig new Pits when the old
grow brackish; and thus change the Strainer.
2. If a Pit be funk upon the Sea-fhore, deeper than the Low-water Mark; Experiments
but with its Mouth fomewhat above the High-water Mark; as the Tide for the sweet-
ning of Sea-
comes in, the Pit will fill with Water, freſh and potable. This is com- Waters by Per-
monly practifed upon the Coaſt of Barbary; where other fresh Water is colation.
wanting. The Thing was alfo put in Practice by Cæfar, who when befieged
in Alexandria, having the Sea-Water turn'd upon the Wells; thus faved his
Army in Deſpair. But Cæfar miftook the Caufe, in ſuppoſing that all Sea-
Sands had natural Springs of freſh Water; for the Pit here fills, as the Tide
rifes.
3. Salt-Water has been paffed thro' Earth, and ten Veffels, one within
another; yet without lofing its Saltnefs, fo as to become potable: but Salt-
Water, ſtrained thro' a greater number of Veffels, has become freſh which
Experiment feems to croſs that other of Pits, tho but in part; if it be true,
that more Repetitions do the Thing .
Y 2
:
4. 'Tis
q The vulgar Phyficks ſcarce takes notice of any fuch Thing as that here mention'd; tho it
may deſervedly feem to conſtitute the very Effence of Natural Philofophy; as thewing by what
particular Powers, and Principles, all material Things are separated, and held together. Cer-
tainly the Doctrine of Menftruums, which has hitherto been chiefly confined to a few Chemical
Operations, fhould be fet free, and extended to all Natural Bodies; ſo as to diſcover the Laws
of their Cohesion, Union, Separation, Mixture, and Converfion; or the whole Procefs of Na-
ture, in conferving and repairing, and changing the Bodies of the Universe: the phyfical
CAUSES whereof will probably be found to be numerous particular Laws of Attraction and Repul-
fion; as, for want of more precife and accurate Notions, we are obliged to call them. And if, at
length, the whole of this comprehenſive Doctrine can be reduced to an AXIOM; might not that
AXIOM contain the true, physical, or efficient Caufe of the various Forms and Appearances of
Bodies? But this is anticipating too much; unless it were to intimate what Diſcoveries are ſtill be-
hind; and might be rationally expected, if the Author's Method of Enquiry were diligently pur-
fued.
This Subject highly deferves a vigorous Profecution and by way of opening to the En-
quiry, it might be proper to confult the Chapter of Menftruums in Boerhaave's Chemistry. The
Philofophical Tranfactions, the French Memoirs, Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, and Sir Ifaac Newton,
afford fome Hints to this purpofe; efpecially with regard to the Conversion of Bodies into
Light, and Light into Bodies, &c.
This Method of Percolation per afcenfum, thro' fo large a Bed of Sand as the Difference be-
twixt low and high Water Mark, is impracticable at Sea; whence certain Precipitations, and Di-
fillations, have been propofed for fweetning Salt-Water in long Voyages: But thefe Methods alfo
feem
164
PERCOLATI O N.
Why Expe-
4. 'Tis here worth noting, what poor Imitations are made of Nature, in
riments are of the common Courfe of Experiments; unlefs conducted by Judgment, and
ten fruitless.
The Advanta-
fome good Light of AXIOMS. For first, there is a great difference between
paffing Water thro' many fmall Veffels; and thro' fuch a ſpace, as between
Low-water, and High-water Mark. Secondly, there is a great difference be-
tween Earth, and Sand; for all Earth holds a kind of nitrous Salt ", from
which Sand is free. Befides, Earth does not ftrain the Water fo fine as
Sand. Lastly, in tranfmitting the Sea-Water into Pits, the Water rifes; but
in the Tranfmiffion of it thro' Veffels, it falls. Now the falter part of Wa-
ter goes to the bottom : and, therefore, no wonder if the ftraining of Sea-
Water by Defcent, fhould not make it fresh. Again, the very daſhing of
the Water, if it comes from the Sea, is more proper to ſtrike off the Salt
part, than when the Water flides of its own Motion ▾.
5. Percolation feems a good kind of Separation; not only of thick from
ges of Separa- thin, and grofs from fine; but of more fubtile Natures. It alfo varies ac-
tion by Perco-
cording to the Body thro' which it is made; thus, thro' Woollen, the Liquor
lation.
leaves its Fatnefs behind"; thro' Sand, its Saltnefs, &c.
Inftances in
Gums and
Gems.
The Feathers
of Birds.
Clarification
an inward
Percolation.
6. The clear Gum of Trees, is but a certain Juice of the Tree, finely
ftrained thro' the Wood and Bark. In like manner, Cornifb-Diamonds, and
Rock-Rubies, are the fine Exudations of Stone.
7. The Feathers of Birds are of more lively Colours, than the Hairs
of Beaft; for no Beaft has any fine Azure, or Carnation Hair. Ari-
ftotle gives this Reaſon for it; that Birds are more in the Sun, than Beaſts: ;
which is manifeftly falfe: for Cattle are more in the Sun than Birds, that
commonly live in covert. The true Cauſe may be, that the excrementitious
Moiſture of living Creatures, which makes as well the Feathers in Birds,
as the Hair in Beafts, paffes in Birds thro' a more delicate Strainer, than in
Beafts: for Feathers pafs thro' Quills; and Hair, thro' Skin.
8. The clarifying of Liquors by Adheſion, is an inward Percolation, and
effected, when fome cleaving Body is mixed and agitated with Liquors;
whereby the groffer part ſticks to that cleaving Body: whence the finer are
freed from the groffer. So the Apothecaries clarify their Syrups by whites
of Eggs; which gather all the dregs, and groffer parts of the Juices to them:
and the Syrup being fet on the fire, the Whites themſelves harden, and are taken
off,
feem deficient in point of commodioufnefs and practicability. If the Thing be greatly wanted,
Men might perhaps do well to have their Eyes upon artificial Congelation; and the ways of
procuring it any any Time of the Year.
* See the Novum Organum, Part II. Sect. I.
Has this Salt been obtained, from all Earths, by waſhing, boiling, and the common
Process for Cryſtallization?
U
Theſe Particulars deſerve to be attentively confider'd; to fhew their juftnefs, and lead to
farther Diſcoveries, with relation to the weetning of Sea-Water; and other Operations.
w Thus in Diſtilling from Malt-Wash, as they call it, a thick woollen Strainer feparates a
large quantity of fulfome unctuous Matter, that would otherwife render the Spirit naufeous and
fetid.
x As mention'd above, § 2, 3, 4.
› Where the Strainer paffes thro' the Body of the Liquor, carrying down the groffer Parts
along with it, as in a Net.
PILOSITY.
165
off. So Ippocrass is clarified by mixing it with Milk; ftirring it about, and
then paffing it thro' a woollen Bag: the cleaving Nature of the Milk, draw-
ing the Powder of the Spices, and groffer Parts of the Liquor to it; fo that
in the Paffage they ſtick to the woollen Bag.
9. The clarifying of Water, is an Experiment tending to Health; befides Water clari
the Pleaſure of the Eye, when Water appears Cryſtalline. This is effected fied.
by placing Pebbles at the Head of the Current; that the Water may ftrain
thro' them *.
10. Perhaps, Percolation not only caufes Clearnefs and Splendour, but alfo That Percola
Sweetnefs of Odour; for this follows as well as Clearnefs, when the finer tion may make
Bodies odorife-
Parts are ſeparated from the groffer. So the Sweat of Men, who have much
rous, as well
Heat, much Exercife, clean Bodies, and fine Skins, fmells fweet; as was as clear.
ſaid of Alexander: and we commonly find that Gums are odoriferous. See
the Articles, CLARIFICATION, DRINKS, SALT-WATER, and SEPARATION.
PILOSITY.
Beafts are more hairy than Men, and Savages more than the civilized: The Caufe of
but the Plumage of Birds exceeds the Pilofity of Beaſts. The Cauſe of greater Pilofity and
ſmoothneſs in Men is not any great Heat and Moiſture, tho that indeed Plumage.
may
occafion Pilofity; but there is requifite to Pilofity, not direct Heat and Moiſture,
fo much as excrementitious Heat and Moisture: for whatever affimilates, goes
not into the Hair: and excrementitious Moiſture abounds moſt in Beaſts, and
Savages. The Plumage of Birds has much the fame Caufe; for Birds affi-
milate lefs, and difcharge more than Beafts: their Excrements being
liquid, and their Flefh generally more dry. Befides, they have no Organs
of Urine; fo that all their excrementitious Moiſture goes into the Feathers:
whence'tis no wonder, Birds fhould commonly be better Meat than Beafts,
becauſe their Fleſh affimilates finer, and fecretes more fubtilly. Again, the
Head of a Man is hairy at his Birth; which no other Part of the Body is.
The Cauſe may be want of Perfpiration; for much of the matter of Hair, in
other Parts of the Body, goes off by INSENSIBLE PERSPIRATION. Befides,
the Skull being of a more folid Subftance, nouriſhes and affimilates leſs, and
excerns more; fo likewife does the Skin. We fee alfo, that Hair comes not
upon the Palms of the Hands, nor the Soles of the Feet; which are Parts
more perfpirable and Children are not hairy; becauſe their Skins are more
perfpirable.
PLAGUE.
z 'Tis common in Italy and Holland to uſe filtring Stones, cut into a kind of Mortars, for
clarifying Water; and fome have them alſo in England. See the Article CLARIFICATION.
a This Obfervation might be alfo extended to Taftes: thus Wines, &c. tafte much finer for
being clarified. And whoever fhall profecute this Enquiry of Percolation, in a variety of Sub-
jects, may doubtlefs difcover many confiderable Things with regard to Refinements. Thus in
particular, the Refinement of Borax, which has proved a very gainful Buſineſs to ſome, de-
pends upon a proper Percolation. So does the refining of Sugar, Manna, Tartar, and nume-
rous Drugs.
b This Article has relation to a Phyfical Anatomy, which feems fcarce hitherto begun;
I mean the Inveſtigation of the phyfical Causes of the Phanomena of Animal Bodies.
For the
Cauſes hitherto affigned in Anatomy are rather Final than Phyſical; and have a greater regard
to.
166
POISON S.
Prognofticks
of the Plague
from Vermin.
Infects, &c.
How Odours
affect in the
Plague.
Antidotes pre-
Plague.
PLAGUE.
1. During the late Plague, there were found in feveral Ditches, and low
Grounds about London, many Toads, that had Tails, two or three Inches
long; whereas Toads ufually have no Tails at all. This fhew'd a great dif-
pofition in the Soil and Air, to Putrefaction. 'Tis reported likewife, that
Roots, as Carrots and Parfnips, are more fweet and luſcious in infectious Years
than ordinary.
2. Thoſe Years have been noted for peftilential, and unwholeſome, where-
in there were great Numbers of Frogs, Flies, Locufts, &c. For thefe Crea-
tures being engender'd of Putrefaction; an abundance of them fhew a gene-
ral Difpofition of the Year, and Conftitution of the Air, to Difeafes, that
proceed from Putrefaction.
3. The Plague is often faid to be catched without any manifeft Indication;
and they report, where 'tis found, that it has the fcent of a mellow Apple, or of
May-Flowers. 'Tis alfo received, that the ſmell of Flowers, ripe and luf-
cious, are bad in the Plague; fuch as white Lillies, Cowflips, and Hyacinths.
4. The Plague is not eafily received by thofe that continually attend the
ventive of the Sick ; as Phyficians, &c. nor by fuch as take Antidotes; viz. Mithri-
date, Juniper-berries, Rue; or hold in the Mouth, Angelica, Zeodary, &c.
or ufe Tar, Galbanum, and the like, in Perfumes; nor again by old People,
and fuch as are of a dry and cold Complexion. On the other hand; the
Plague fooneft feizes thoſe that come out of the freſh Air; thofe that are faft-
ing; and Children. 'Tis likewife noted to go in a Blood, more than from
Stranger to Stranger .
The Infection
of Prisons.
How to be imi-
tated.
C.
POISON S.
1. The moſt pernicious Infection, next the Plague, is that of a Jail;
where Priſoners have been long kept cloſe, and unwholeſome. Of this we
have had Experience, twice or thrice, in my time; when the Judges, and
many of the Attendants, ficken'd upon it, and died. It were therefore pru-
dent in fuch Cafes to air the Priſon, before the Priſoners are brought out.
2. If ſuch deſtructive Smells may be made by Art, they muft, probably,
confift chiefly of Man's Flesh, or putrefied Sweat ; for thofe ill Odours
which
f
to the remote Wisdom, and Contrivance, fhewn in the Structure of the Parts, than the direct,
and immediate manner of their Formation; or the true Proceſs and Operation of Nature uſed
therein.
The fame has been faid of Fruits, as Cherries, &c. and it is ufual in infectious Seafons,
for the Multitude to accuſe ſome one Thing or other; but with what juftneſs is not fo certain.
• Does the Plague proceed from direct Putrefaction; or fome more latent Caufe? To de-
termine this, fo as to from Axioms, and fure Rules of Practice, requires a rigid Enquiry; which
feems hitherto fcarce attempted. For they are generally but crude Obfervations, jejune Experi-
ments, and fuperficial Notions, that have been publiſhed upon this Subject.
e Theſe Particulars feem remarkably confirm'd by Diemerbroeck's Account of the Plague at
Nimwegen. See alfo Mr. Boyle's Treatife of Effluvia; and the Articles AIR and POISONS.
f What certainty is there in thefe Conjectures? It is indeed faid to this Day, that the moſt
deſtructive Poiſons of the Indians are prepared from Man's Fleſh; which, to have any fuch
Effect,
2
}
POISON S.
167
I
which the Noftrils immediately abhor and expel, are not the moſt pernici-
but fuch as have fome fimilitude with the Body; fo that they impercep
tibly infinuate themſelves, and betray the Spirits.
ous;
3. There may be great danger in ufing fuch Compofitions at large Meetings Their ill Ef-
of People, within Doors; as in Churches, at Arraignments, at Plays, So- fects how pre-
lemnities, and the like: for poifoning of Air is no lefs dangerous, than poi- vented.
foning of Water; which was practifed by the Turks in the Wars; and by
Emmanuel Comnenus upon the Chriftians, when they paſs'd thro' his Country
to the Holy Land. And this poisoning of Air is the more dangerous in Con-
courſes of People, becauſe their Breath promotes the Reception of the In-
fection; and therefore when any fuch thing is fufpected, thofe publick Pla-
ces fhould be perfum❜d before the Affemblies meet.
&;
4. The poisoning of particular Perfons by Odours, has been practifed in Poiſoning prac
perfum'd Gloves, or the like: and probably they mix the Poiſon with fome tifed in Gloves,
Tweet Smells, which alfo make it the fooner received. Plagues too have been
raised by anointing the Chinks of Doors, and the like ; not fo much from
the Touch, as becaufe 'tis common for Men, when they find any thing
wet upon their Fingers, to put them to their Nofe: which one fhould there-
fore beware of. The beft of it is, that theſe Compofitions for infecting the
Air, cannot be made without danger of Death to the Makers: But then,
they may have Antidotes to preſerve themſelves; fo that Men ought not
to be too fecure.
5. The French report, that at the Siege of Naples, there were certain The venomous
wicked Merchants, who barrell'd up Man's Fleſh, and fold it for Tunny; quality of
which proved the Caufe of the Venereal Difeafe. And it is certain, that the Man's Flesh.
Canibals in the West Indies, eat Man's Fleſh; and the West Indies, when firſt
diſcover'd, were over-run with this Diftemper and the moſt mortal Poifons,
practiſed by them, have fome mixture of the Blood, or Fat, or Fleſh of
Mani.
6. Great Plagues have arifen, in ſeveral Countries, from the Putrefaction of The Plague, and
great fwarms of dead Grafshoppers and Locufts, thrown in Heaps. And poisonous Ef-
Damps frequently happen in Mines; which kill either by Suffocation, or the fects, from Ef
fluvia.
poiſonous Nature of the Mineral: and thoſe who deal in refining, or other
Works about Metals and Minerals, have their Brain hurt and ftupefied, by the
metallic Vapours. And 'tis obfervable, that Quickſilver flies to the Skull,
Teeth, or Bones; infomuch, that Gilders ufually hold a piece of Gold in
their Mouths, to attract the Quickfilver: and this Gold they afterwards find
to
Effect, must probably be putrefied, and ufed in the height of the Putrefaction. We know that
putrefied Eggs, and animal Juices, have a poisonous Quality; and might, perhaps, prove mortal,
barely by the Smell. See the Proceffes upon Animals, in Boerhaave's Chemiſtry. See alfo below,
$5.
I fuppofe this is meant of anointing them with the matter of the Plague-Sores, or other
corrupt and excrementitious Parts of a Body infected.
h The true Cauſe of this Distemper feems ftil uncertain; after all the Enquiry that has been
made after it. The principal Reafon of the uncertainty feems to be, that every Enquirer car-
ries his own Idol, or fome preconceived Notion, along with him; to which he wrefts all the
Facts and Phænomena.
See the Note upon § 2. above.
168
PRESERVATION.
The vapour of
burning of
Coals poifo-
22045.
The beft Pof-
tures of the
Body for pro-
Longing Life,
Glver.
to be whiten'd. There are alfo certain Lakes and Pits, as that of Avernus,
which poiſon the Birds that fly over them; or Men that ſtay too long near
them.
7. The Vapour of Char-coal, or Sea-coal, in a cloſe Room, has kill'd ma-
ny and is the more dangerous, becauſe unattended with any ill Smell, but
fteals on by degrees; inducing only a Faintnefs. When the Dutchmen win-
ter'd in Nova Zembla, and could gather no more Sticks, they made a Fire
of fome Sea-Coal they had; wherewith at firſt they were much refreſh'd: but
foon after, there grew a general Silence, and Indifpofition to fpeak, among
them; when immediately one of the Company fainted; whereupon fufpect-
ing what it was, they open'd their Door to let in the Air: and thus faved
themſelves. The effect feems wrought by the Infpiffation of the Air; and fo of
the Breath and Spirits. The like happens in Rooms, newly plaifter'd, if a Fire
be made in them; by which means the Emperor Jovinianus loft his Life *.
POSTURES.
1. Lying, not upright, but hollow, from the make of the Bed; or with
the Legs gather'd up, from the Pofture of the Body, is the more wholeſome;
becaufe thus the Stomach is better affifted; as being lefs penfile: and we fee,
that in weak Stomachs, 'tis ufeful to lay the Legs high, and the Knees almoſt
to the Mouth. So Galley-flaves, notwithſtanding their Mifery otherwife, are
commonly fat and flefhy; becauſe the Stomach is fomewhat fupported in
fitting: but is penfile in ftanding or going. Therefore to prolong Life, 'tis
proper to chufe thofe Exercifes wherein the Limbs move more than the Sto-
mach and Belly; as in rowing, &c.
2. Megrims and Giddinefs happen rather upon rifing after long fitting, than
while one fits; becauſe the Vapours, which were gather'd by fitting, fly
more into the Head, upon fudden Motion.
3. Leaning long upon any Part makes it numb, and, as we call it,
afleep: becauſe the Compreffion of the Part, fuffers not the Spirits to have
access; and therefore, as the part comes out of this Numbnefs, we feel a
pricking, which may be cauſed by the re-entrance of the Spirits ".
PRESERVATION.
».
Bodies prefer-
1. Tie a Stock-gilly-flower gently upon a Stick, and put it into a Glaſs
ved in Quick of Quickfilver; fo that the Flower may be cover'd: then lay a little weight
upon the top of the Glafs, to keep the Stick down; and after four or five
Days, you ſhall find the Flower freſh, and the Stalk harder, or lefs flexible,
than it was. By comparing this with another Flower, gather'd at the fame
time, the Fact will be more manifeft. Whence it appears, that Bodies may
be excellently preſerved in Quickfilver; and not only preferved, but alfo
indurated
* This Death is faid to have befaln many others; upon entering Rooms that were kept
cloſe whilft the Fire was burning to air them. For Air becomes poiſonous by paffing thro' Fire
asis now commonly known, from the Air-Pump; tho the Caufe is not fatisfactorily difcover'd.
1 See the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
This Subject may deferve an accurate Enquiry.
PRESERVATION.
169
indurated by the coldness of the Quickfilver: for tho the freſhneſs of the
Flower may be merely owing to Confervation; yet the ſtiffneſs of the Stalk, is
owing to induration, from the coldnefs, as it fhould feem, of the Quick-
filver ".
in Wells and
2. Earthen Bottles fill'd with different Liquors, and well ftopped, were The preferva
hung in a Well of twenty Fathom deep: and fome Bottles were let down tion of Liquors
into the Water; whilft others were fufpended within about a Fathom of its vaulis.
furface. The Liquors were Beer, Wine, and Milk. The Beer and the Wine,
as well within the Water as above it, were not palled or deaden'd at all;
but fomewhat better than Bottles of the fame Liquor kept in a Cellar; tho
fuch as hung above the Water were apparently the beft and the Beer thus
treated flower'd a little; whereas that under Water did not; tho it was
freſh. The Milk foured, and began to putrefy. Yet there is a Village
near Blois, where, in deep Caves, they thicken Milk; fo that it becomes
very pleaſant which was one Reafon of our Trial, tho it did not fucceed.
Perhaps the Milk, expoſed in thoſe Caves is firſt boiled: it were proper
therefore to try it, with boil'd Milk, and with Cream: for Milk is fuch a
compound Body of Cream, Curds and Whey, that it uſually turns and
diffolves ".
:
3. Pluck Damask-Rofes, and dry them upon a Lead, or Terras, in the hot Experiment
Sun; between the Hours of twelve and two. Then put them into a fweet, vation of Rofe-
for the Prefer
dry Glaſs, with a narrow Mouth; preffing them clofe together; but without leaves, &c.
bruifing: ftop the Glaſs tight; and the Roſes will thus retain, not only their
Smell in Perfection, but likewife their Colour freſh; for a Year, at leaſt.
Note, that nothing deftroys any Plant, or other Body fo much, whether by
Putrefaction or Arefaction, as the adventitious Moiſture, that hangs looſe in
the Body, unleſs drawn out: for this Moiſture carries away the radical Moi-
fture, when itfelf goes off P.
off P. Whence alfo in living Creatures, moderate
Sweat preferves the Juices of the Body. Note, that the Rofes, when fully
dried, as abovementioned, have little or no Smell; fo that their Odour here
is a fecondary Odour, that iffues from the Flower afterwards.
and the Con-
4. 'Tis ftrange, and deferves a careful Obfervation, how long Carcaffes Prevention of
may continue uncorrupted, and in their own Dimenſions; as in the Mum- Putrefaction,
mies of Egypt which have fome of them lafted, as is conceived, three fervation of
thouſand Years. 'Tis true, they take out the Brains, and Entrails, which Bodies.
are the Parts apteft to corrupt: but the Fleſh itſelf is a foft corruptible Sub-
V O L. III.
Ꮓ
ftance.
This Experiment ſhould by all means be repeated, varied, and extended to other Bodies.
See the Article ANNIHILATION,
• We noted above, under the Article MILK, that the History of the Dairy was greatly want-
ing; and fhall here add, that the Author has given feveral excellent Hints relating to it
more, perhaps, than any one would expect, who has fo attentively confider'd the Subject, as to
fee that it enters deep into Chemiſtry, and Natural Philoſophy.
P This is an Obfervation of great importance in Natural Philofophy; and particularly uſeful to
Chemifts, Apothecaries, Druggifts, Perfumers, &c. whence it might deferve to be explained,
illuftrated, and verified, by a large Induction.
This alſo deſerves to be explained along with the reft; and, indeed, the former Obferva-
sion is fo general, as to reach the Bodies of all the three Kingdoms.
5
170
PRESERVATION.
Putrefaction,
how to be fuf-
pended.
ftance. It should feem, that Putrefaction, which we conceive to be fo natu
ral a period of Bodies, is but an Accident; and that Matter haftens not fo
faft to Corruption as is fuppofed. Whence Bodies included in Amber, Quick-
filver, Balfams, Wax, Honey, Gums, and perhaps in Confervatories of Snow,
&c. are very long preferved.
The Causes of 5. If we provide against the three following Causes of Putrefaction, Bo-
dies will not corrupt: the first is, that the Air be excluded; for Air under-
mines the Body, and confpires with its Spirit to diffolve it. The fecond is,
that the adjacent Body be heterogeneous to that defigned to be preferved; for if
nothing can be received by the one, nothing can iffue from the other fuch
Bodies are Quicksilver, and Amber, with regard to Herbs, Flies, &c. The third
is, that the Body to be preſerved, be not fo grofs as to corrupt within itſelf,
tho no part of it iffue into the adjacent Body; and therefore it muſt be
rather thin and ſmall, than bulky P.
When the Body 6. There is alſo a fourth Remedy, if the Body to be preſerved is a thing
to be prefeeved of bulk; as a Corps, &c. for then, the inclofing Body muft have a Virtue
is large.
to draw forth, and dry up, the Moiſture of the inward one; elfe the Putre-
faction will play within, tho nothing iffue out. Livy relates, that there wese
found at the fame time, two Lead-coffins in a Tomb; one that contained
the Body of King Numa; and the other, his Books of facred Rites, Cere-
monies, and the Diſcipline of the Pontifs and that in the firſt Coffin, where
the Body had lain four hundred Years, there was nothing to be feen, but a
little Cinders about the Sides; whilft, in the other, the Books were found
as freſh as if they had been newly written; being of Parchment, and covered
over with Wax-candles three or four doubles. By this it fhould feem, that
the Romans in Numa's Time, were not fo good Embalmers as the Egyptians;
becauſe the Body was utterly confumed. But Plutarch, and others, relate
that when Auguftus Cæfar vifited the Sepulchre of Alexander the Great, in
Alexandria; he found the Corps to keep its Dimenſions: and tho the Embalm-
ing was, doubtlefs, the beſt for that Time; yet the Body was fo tender, that
Cæfar touching but the Noſe thereof, defaced it. Which makes it appear
ftrange, that the Egyptian Mummies fhould be reported as hard as Stone-
pitch but, probably, the ancient Egyptian Mummies were fhrouded in
many Folds of Linen, befmeared with Gums, in the manner of Sear-
cloth; which, it does not appear was practifed upon the Body of Alexander &
See the Article PUTREFACTION, and the Prefervation of Fruit under the
Article VEGETABLES.
PRIN.
• It cannot well be too often inculcated, that to know the Causes of Things,is obtaining Direc
tions for flopping, or over-ruling them; as alfo for employing them as Agents in producing
Effects. See the Novum Organum, Part II. Sect. I.
P This Enquity is one of the moſt capital in all Phyficks; Putrefaction being the Medium of
the grand Changes in Material Things; and the Mafter-key of the principal Operations, both
of Nature and Art. On which account it fhould be earnestly recommended to all thoſe who
are concerned for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge, and the Production of CAPITAL
WORKS.
The Art of Embalming, whatever it may have been anciently among the Egyptians, is far
from the degree of Perfection in Europe, which, in all Probability, it might arrive at. But as
its
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY.
171
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY.
1. There are two great Families of Things, called by the Chemifts, ful- obfervations
phureous and mercurial, whereof their third Principle, Salt, is but a Compo- upon the two
fition . We may otherwife call thefe Families of Things, inflammable and chemical Prin
ciples, Sulphur
uninflammable, or mature and crude, or oily and watery. Thus, Brimſtone and Mercury.
and Quickfilver abound in the ſubterraneous Regions, as the Fathers of their
Tribes, Oil and Water, in the vegetable and animal Kingdoms; Air and
Flame, in the lower pneumatical Regions; and pure Ether and Light, in
the celeſtial Spaces. And theſe Pairs of Things, tho unlike in the primitive
Differences of Matter, yet feem to have many Agreements. Mercury
and Sulphur are the principal Materials of Metals: Water and Oil are the
principal Materials of Vegetables and Animals; and feem to differ but in Ma-
turation or Concoction. In fhort, theſe two Tribes of Things feem vaftly
extenfive; fo as to occupy and enter the whole material World. 'Tis there-
fore one of the greateſt Magnalia Natura, to turn Water into Oil; greater in
Nature, than to turn Silver or Quickſilver into Gold §.
2. There are four kinds of Inftances, wherein crude and watry Subftances Inftances of
turn into fuch as are fat and oily; viz. Firft, in the Mixture of Earth and Water turned
into Oil.
Water; which, by the help of the Sun, acquire a nitrous Fatness, more than
either of them has ſeverally; for thus they put forth Plants, which require
both oily and aqueous Juices. The fecond is the Affimilation of Nouriſhment,
in the Bodies of Plants and Animals; for Plants turn the Juices of mere Earth
and Water, into much oily Matter. Animals, tho great part of their Fat
and Fleſh proceed from oily Aliment, yet affimilate alfo, in fome meaſure,
the Water they drink. But theſe two Ways of converting Water into Oil,
by Mixture and Affimilation, require many Percolations, a long Continu-
ance of a foft Heat, and ſeveral Circulations. The third is, in the beginning of
Putrefaction; as in Water corrupted, and the Mothers of diſtilled Waters;
both which have a kind of Fatnefs, or Oil". The fourth is, the Edulcora-
tion of fome Metals, or rendering of them Saccharine; as in Saccharum
Saturni ", &c.
Z 2
3. The
its Perfection principally depends upon a juſt philofophical Chemistry, it may require fome Ages
yet, to advance it to its height: for philofophical Chemistry has but of late began to appear
in Europe. It may be worth enquiring, whether fuch Improvements could not be made in the
vulgar Art of Tanning, as might render it capable of preferving dead Bodies in great Perfection.
See M. Homberg's Effays upon the Chemical Principles, in the French Memoirs, paffim.
This is to be understood not of any Separation, but of an actual Tranfmutation; ſo that
the Matter which had the full Form and Properties of Water before, has now the full Form
and Properties of Cil. See the Articles ALTERATIONS, and TRANSMUTATION.
See Mr. Boyle's Sceptical Chemift; and Dr. Woodward's Experiments upon the Growth of
Vegetables, in the Philofophical Transactions.
But, it may be fufpected, that the unctuous Matter is formed in the Plant: Experiment
must determine this.
u Here lies a confiderable Secret. See Boerhaave's Chemiſtry; on the Method of convert-
ing Vegetable into Animal Matters, by Means of Putrefaction. Proceſs 77.
Here is another confiderable Secret: for Saccharum Saturni yields an inflammable Spirit by
Diftillation.
172
PUTRE FACTION.
The Means of
converting
Water into Oil.
and accelera-
ting Putrefac-
tion.
Putrefaction.
3. The Converfion of Water into a more oily Subftance, is promoted by
Digeftion; for Oil is little more than Water digeſted: and this Digeftion is
principally carried on by Heat; which Heat muſt be either outward or in-
ward. Again, this Digeftion may be forwarded by Provocation, or Excita-
tion; which is caufed by the Admixture of Bodies already oily or digeſted:
for theſe will fomewhat communicate their Nature to the others. Digestion
alfo is ſtrongly performed by the direct Affimilation of crude Bodies, into Bo-
dies digefted; as in Plants and Animals, whofe Nouriſhment is far more crude
than their Bodies: but this Digeftion requires, as was before obferved, a
length of Time, and many Circulations. See the Articles, ALTERATIONS
and TRANSMUTATION.
PUTREFACTIO N.
An Enquiry 1. The introducing and accelerating of Putrefaction, is an extenfive
into the Means Subject; for Corruption is reciprocal to Generation: and theſe two are as
of introducing, Nature's Limits, or Boundaries; and the Conductors to Life and Death ▾.
2. All Putrefactions proceed, chiefly, from the internal Spirits of the
Body; and partly from the Ambient, be it Air, Liquor, or any thing elſe.
The latter Cauſe takes place by two Means; viz. either by the Entrance
The Causes of of the Subftance of the furrounding Body into the putrefied Body; or elſe
by the Excitation and Sollicitation of the putrefied Body, and the Parts there-
of, by the ſurrounding Body. As for the received Opinion, that Putrefaction
proceeds either from Cold, or preternatural Heat, 'tis trifling: for Cold,
in Things inanimate, is the greateſt Enemy to Putrefaction; tho it ex-
tinguiſhes Vivification, which always confifts in attenuated Spirits, that con-
geal and coagulate with Cold. But as for preternatural Heat, 'tis ſo far true,
that if the Proportion of adventitious Heat greatly predominate over the
natural Heat, and the Spirits of the Body; it tends to Diffolution, or a con-
fiderable Alteration: but this is wrought by Emiffion, or Suppreffion, or
Suffocation, of the native Spirits; and alſo, by the Difcompofure of the tan-
gible Parts, and other Paffages of Nature; and not by a Conflict of
Heats.
>
3. Pu-
× The Author intended a fevere Enquiry into the three Chemical Principles, Salt, Sulphur,
and Mercury. He has left us the Introduction defigned for it; which contains little more than
what is delivered under the prefent Article. Himfelf calls it one of the profoundest Enquiries of
Nature; and brings under it, the Heads of Converfion, or the Tranfmutations of Bodies, and
the primary Collections, or original Congregations of Matter; which, like a general Affembly
of a State, give Laws to all Bodies. And tho he makes the Principle Salt no more than a
Combination of Sulphur and Mercury, held together by a fharp Spirit; yet he thought proper
to admit it in his Enquiry: not only on account of its relation to Sulphur and Mercury; but
becauſe of its extreme Utility, as being the common Link of the fulphureous and mercurial
Nature, and the Rudiment of Life itſelf. In this Enquiry, had he profecuted it, he propoſed
to have continued the Ufe of the Expreffions, tho he generally rejected the Opinions of the
Chemifts, as unfound. We may reaſonably expect it would have been a grand and fervice-
able Enquiry but he left it for Pofterity to finish. Mr. Boyle, Sign. Guglielmini, M. Homberg,
and Dr. Stahl, have all contributed to it.
y We have here the beginning of a regular Enquiry into Putrefaction; with a teddy Eye
upon the Proceffes of Nature.
PUTRE FACTION.
173
dies, in order
3. Putrefaction, therefore, is the Work of the Spirits of Bodies; which are Five Opera-
ever attempting to get forth, and congregate with the Air, and enjoy the tions of the
Sun-beams. The Eſcape, and ſpreading of the Spirits, which is a degree of Spirits of Bo-
Eſcape, appears in five different Operations: (1.) If the Spirits are detained to escape.
within the Body, and move violently, there follows Colliquation, or Melt-
ing; as in Metals, &c. (2.) If they move mildly, there enfues Di-
geftion, or Maturation; as in Drinks and Fruits. (3.) If the Spirits be not
merely detained, but protude a little, and the Motion be confuſed and
inordinate, then follows Putrefaction; which always diffolves the confiftence
of the Body with great Inequality: as we fee in putrefied Fleſh, rotten Fruits,
fhining Wood, &c. and alfo, in the Ruft of Metals. (4.) But if that Mo-
tion be in a certain Order, there follow Vivification, and Figuration; as
in living Creatures, bred from Putrefaction; and in perfect Animals.
(5.) But if the Spirits iffue out of the Body; then follow Deficcation, In-
duration, Confumption, Evaporation, &c.
4. The Means of inducing and accelerating Putrefaction are, (1.) by Ten practical
the Addition of crude or watry Moisture; as in the Wetting of Fleſh, Fruit,
as in the Wetting of Flefh, Fruit, ducing Putre-
Ways of intro-
Wood, with Water, &c. for, otherwife, unctuous and oily Subftances faction.
preferve themſelves. (2.) By Invitation, or Excitation; as when a rotten
Apple lies cloſe to another that is found or when Dung, a Subſtance al-
ready putrefied, is added to other Bodies. This alſo appears remarkably
in Church-yards; where the Earth confumes a Corps in much fhorter time
than other Earth will. (3.) By Clofenfs, and Suppreffion; which detains the
Spirits in Priſon, and thereby irritates them to feek iffue; as in Corn, and
Clothes, which grow mufty; but are preferved freſh by the open Air: and this
appears more evidently in Agues, which generally proceed from Obftructions,
and the penning up of the Humours, which thereupon putrefy. (4.) By
Solution of Continuity: thus, an Apple will rot the fooner for being cut or
pierced; fo will Wood; and the Flesh of Animals, where they have re-
ceived any Wound. (5.) By exhaling or driving back the principal Spirits,
which preferve the Confiftence of the Body; fo that when their Government
is diffolved, every Part returns to its Nature. This appears in Urine and
Blood, when they cool; and thereby break: as alfo in Gangrenes, or Mor-
tifications of the Fleſh, either by Opiates or intenfe Cold. I conceive, alfo,
the fame Effect in Peftilences; when the Malignity of the infecting Vapour
diſturbs the principal Spirits, and makes them fly, and leave their Govern-
ment; whence the Humours, Flesh, and fecondary Spirits, diffolve and
break, as in an Anarchy. (6.) By the entring of a foreign Spirit, ftronger,
and
z Were it not proper to range and clafs Putrefactions into different kinds, that the Enquiry
might proceed with greater clearness and exactnefs? Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral Putre-
factions are very comprehenfive Heads, that allow of numerous Subdivifions in this Enquiry.
Thus there is one Putrefaction of Wines, another of Vinegars; one of Milk, another of
Blood; one of Vitriol, another of Nitre, &c. that may be accounted fo many Species of
Putrefaction.
a Thefe Expreffions, tho metaphorical, feem aptly, ftrongly, and fcientifically, to exprefs
the Nature of the Thing And till a phil fophical Language be introduced, perhaps, it is im-
poffible to deſcribe the internal Natures of Things, without fome degree of Metaphor.
174
PUTRE FACTION.
Ten Means of
preventing
Putrefaction.
and more eager than the Spirit of the Body; as in the Bite of the Viper.
And this is, generally, the Caufe that fwelling enfues upon all Poiſons : which
follows, alfo, when the Spirits of the Body congregate too much; as upon
Blows, and Bruifes; or when they are pent in too much, as in Swellings upon
Cold. And the Spirits proceeding from the Putrefaction of Humours in
Agues, &c. tho bred within the Body, yet extinguiſh and fuffocate the
natural Spirits and Heat. (7.) By fuch a weak degree of Heat as fets the
Spirits in a small degree of Motion, but is not able either to diſcharge them,
or digeft the Parts; as in Fleſh kept in a warm Room; which, in a cool
Larder would keep longer and we fee that Vivification is effected by ſuch
foft Heats as thefe; for Example, in the hatching of Eggs; the heat of the
Womb, &c. (8.) By releafing the Spirits, which before were cloſe confined
by the Solidity of their Cover, whereby their Appetite of iffuing was checked;
as in artificial Rufts, induced by Menftruums, upon Iron, Lead, &c. and
hence Wetting haftens Ruft or Putrefaction, becauſe it ſoftens the Cruft for
the Spirit to come forth. (9.) By the Interchanges of Heat and Cold, or
wet and dry as we fee in the mouldering of Earth expofed to Frofts and
the Sun; and in the more hafty rotting of Wood, that is ſometimes wet,
and fometimes dry. (10.) By Time, and the Operation, or Process of the
Spirits; which cannot keep their Station, eſpecially if left to them-
felves; and there be no Agitation or local Motion: as we fee in Corn not
ſtirred; and Men's Bodies that are not exerciſed. All Mouldinefs is the be-
ginning of Putrefaction; as the Mouldinefs of Meats, Oranges, Lem-
mons, &c. which Mouldinefs, afterwards, breeds Worms, or more odious
Putrefactions; and therefore, commonly proves of an ill Odour. Or if the
Body be liquid, and not apt to putrefy totally, it will caft up a Mother on
the top, like the Mother of diftilled Waters ↳.
5. 'Tis of great Ufe, to enquire into the Means of preventing Putrefac
tion; as therein confift the Means of preferving Bodies: for Bodies have two
kinds of Diffolution; the one, by Confumption and Deficcation; the other,
by Putrefaction *.
6. The first Means of prohibiting Putrefaction, is Cold: for we fee, that
Meat and Drink will last longer unputrefied in Winter, than in Summer;
and Flowers and Fruits, put in Confervatories of Snow, keep fresh. This
Cauſe operates by Detention of the Spirits, and Conftipation of the tangible
Parts.
7. The fecond Means, is Atrition: for Aftriction prevents Diffolution;
as we generally fee in Medicines; whereof fuch as are Aftringent, refift
Putrefaction and, for the fame Reaſon, a ſmall Quantity of Oil of Vitriol
will
b This Subject of Putrefaction, the fo important in itfelf, feems to have been greatly
neglected by Philofophers. Some few Hints are given us of it by Mr. Boyle, and Sir Isaac
Newton; but Dr. Stahl appears to have carefully obferved this grand Procefs of Nature, fo as
to continue the ftrict Enquiry here begun by the Author.
© Theſe larger Obſervations, as the Author ufually calls them, ought to be well attended to,
by all who defire to continue his Enquiries.
I
PUTRE FACTION.
175
will long preferve fresh Water from putrefying. And this Aftriction is found
in a Subftance that has a virtual Cold; and works, partly, by the fame
Means as Cold.
8. The third is, Exclufion of the Air; and again, expofing to the Air: for
thefe Contraries work the fame Effect; according to the Nature of the Sub-
ject-matter. So we fee that Beer, or Wine, in Bottles clofe ftopped, lafts
long; that the Garners under ground, keep Corn longer than thoſe above;
that Fruit cloſed in Wax, keeps frefh; as likewife Bodies put into Ho-
ney, or Flower; and Liquors, Drinks and Juices, with a little Oil on the
top: as, on the contrary, Cloth and Apparel, not aired, breed Moths and
Mould. The Caufe of the Difference is, that in Bodies requiring Deten-
tion of Spirits, the Exclufion of the Air doth good; as in Drinks, and
Corn but in Bodies that require Emiffion of the Spirits, to diſcharge fome
of the fuperfluous Moiſture, it doth hurt: for thefe require airing.
9. The fourth Means, is Motion, and Stirring; for Putrefaction requires
Reft; its fubtile Motion being difturbed by any Agitation: and all local
Motion keeps Bodies entire, and their Parts together. Thus, the turning
of Corn in a Garner, or letting it run like an Hour-glafs, from an Upper-
room into a lower, keeps it ſweet: running Waters do not putrefy: and
in the Body, Exerciſe hinders Putrefaction; as, on the contrary, Reſt, and
want of Motion, promote it.
10. The fifth Means, is the Breathing forth of adventitious Moisture, in
Bodies: for, as Wetting haftens Putrefaction; convenient Drying, whereby
only the more radical Moiſture is kept in, prevents it: fo we fee, that Herbs
and Flowers, if dried in the Shade, or in the hot Sun, for a fhort time, keep
better for, without this Drying, the Emiffion of the loofe and adventitious
Moiſture, betrays the radical Moiſture, and carries that out with itſelf.
:
:
11. The fixth Means, is ftrengthening the Spirits of Bodies; for as a great
Heat keeps Bodies from Putrefaction, but a tepid Heat inclines them.
to it; fo a ſtrong Spirit preferves from, and a weak or faint Spirit difpofes
to Corruption. Thus, falt Water corrupts not fo foon as fresh and falting
of Oysters, and Meat, keeps them from Putrefaction. It fhould be alfo
tried, whether Chalk does not preferve Water from putrefying, or Drink
from ſpeedy fouring: ftrong Beer will last longer than fmall; and all
things that are hot, and aromatic, help to preferve Liquors, or Pow-
ders, &c. which they do as well by ftrengthening the Spirits, as by foaking
out the loofe Moiſture.
12. The
This is propofed by a late Author as a new Diſcovery; and recommended as an effectual
Way of preferving freth Water at Sea.
Infomuch that Corn is faid, by a proper Exclufion of Air and Moiſture, to have been pre-
ferved, under Ground, for forty, fifty, or even a hundred Years.
f Chalk feems to preferve Water, in fome degree; but makes Wine run fooner into Cor-
ruption. Thoſe who will try the Experiment, may here find a confiderable Secret, with rela-
tion to vinous and acetous Fermentation, and Putrefaction.
× Here again, is a confiderable Secret intimated. Thus, for Inftance, how strongly foever
the vulgar Notion may run, that Brandy is an Enemy to Wine, as they phrafe it, yet the
Cooper
176
RAIN.
Whence the
Scarcity of
Rain in E-
gypt.
12. The feventh Means, is a Separation of the cruder Parts, which ren-
ders the Body more equal: for all imperfect Mixtures are apt to putrefy; and
watry Subftances are more apt to putrefy than oily. So distilled Waters will
laft longer than raw Waters; and things that have paffed the Fire, longer
than thoſe that have not paffed the Fire; as dried Pears, &c.
i
13. The eighth Means, is drawing forth, continually, that Part where the
Putrefaction begins; which is, commonly, the loofe and watry Moiſture: not
only becauſe it provokes the radical Moisture to come forth with it; but
alfo becauſe, being detained in the Body, the Putrefaction takes hold of
it, and thus infects the reft; as we fee in the embalming of dead Bodies:
and the fame holds of preferving Herbs, Fruits, or Flowers, in Bran or
Meal.
14. The ninth Means, is the Commixture of things more oily or fweet;
fuch being leaſt apt to putrefy, for the Air works little upon them:
whence fuch Bodies, not putrefying themfelves, they preferve the reſt:
thus we ſee Syrups, and Ointments, laft longer than Juices.
15. The tenth Means, is the Commixture of fomewhat dry; for Putrefac-
tion begins firſt from the Spirits, and then from the Moifture; but dry
things are unapt to putrefy: whence Smoke preferves Flesh; as we ſee in
Bacon, Neats Tongues, &c. The Opinion, that condenfed Air preferves
Bodies longer than other Air, feems probable; becauſe condenfed Air be-
ing over-charged and compreffed, will hardly receive, but rather repel the
Exhalations of any thing. It was tried in a blown Bladder with Fleſh, and a
Flower; but without Succefs: for dry Bladders will not blow; and new
Bladders rather promote Putrefaction. The Way, therefore, is to blow
ftrongly with a Pair of Bellows, into a Veffel containing what you would
have preferved; and ſtopping the Orifice at the Inftant the Bellows are
withdrawn.
"TIS
R.
RAIN.
IS ftrange, that tho the River Nile overflows Egypt, there fhould be
little or no Rain in that Country. The Caufe is either in the Nature
of the Water, the Nature of the Air, or both. It may be aſcribed to the
Long Courſe of the Water; for fwift-running Waters evaporate not fo much
as ſtanding Waters or to the Concoction of the Water; for Waters well
concocted,
Cooper upon the Spot, knows that moft Wines, and even Ports, require to be dofed with
Brandy, to fit them for the Market.
b Here, again, are two larger Obfervations, almoft fitted for Axioms.
i If any Objection be made to the Word, effential Moisture may be uſed in its ftead; as in
Raifins, for instance, their radical, or effential Moiſture, is only the Saccharine Juice, and
not the aqueous Part, wherewith it is mixed in the Grape.
* This latter part of the Enquiry has been largely profecuted by Mr. Boyle. See his pneuma-
tical Experiments, paffim. But in what we may call the more internal, phyfical, or chemical.
Part it feems to have been almoft overlooked by the generality of Philofophers, confidering
the Diſcoveries it might afford.
2
RARE FACTION.
177
concocted, evaporate not ſo much as crude Waters and Water upon the
Fire, evaporates not fo faft after fome time boiling, as at firft. But the
Water of the Nile is fweeter than other Water in tafte; and excellent for
the Stone, and hypochondriac Melancholy; which fhews it to be lenifying.
It alſo runs thro' a hot and flat Country, without Shade either of Hills or
Woods: whence the Sun muft needs have great Power to concoct it. As
for the Air; it may be thin and thirsty; fo as when it receives any Moiſture
from the Water, to imbibe and diffipate it thro' its whole Body, and not
fuffer it to remain in Vapour, fo as to be the Cauſe of Rain'. See the
Article AIR.
RAINBOW.
the Rainbow.
'Tis obferved by the Ancients, that where a Rainbow feems to hang, or of Sweetness
touch the Earth, there breathes a fweet Odour. If the Fact be true, the of Odour from
Caufe may be, that this happens in certain Matters, having in themſelves fome
Sweetneſs, which the fine Dew of the Rainbow draws out: for thus foft
Showers make the Ground fweet. Perhaps, alfo, the Water itſelf of
the Rainbow, has fome Sweetneſs; for the Rainbow confifts of a Collec-
tion of ſmall Drops, which cannot poffibly fall but from the Air that is
very low;
and therefore may lodge the Sweetness of the Herbs and
Flowers, as a distilled Water: for Rain, and other Dew that falls from on high,
cannot preſerve the Smell; which is diffipated in the drawing up.
Waters alſo, may have a degree of Fragrance; tho we find it fenfibly in
no Pool, River, or Fountain: but clean Earth, newly turned up, hath a
Freſhneſs and good Scent; which Water, if it be not too equal and uni-
form (for equal Objects never move the Senſes) may alſo have. Bay-falt, which
is but a kind of congeal'd Water, will fometimes fmell like Violets m.
RAREFACTION.
Some
Barly fwells but little in boiling; Wheat more; and Rice extremely, The Cause of
even to three times its Bulk. The Caufe is, that the more clofe and compact and Dilatation
the Swelling,
Bodies will dilate the moft: but Barly is hollow, Wheat more folid, and of Grain in
Rice the moſt folid of all. Perhaps, alfo, fome Bodies have a kind of boiling.
Lentor, and a more communicable Nature than others; as we fee in Colo-
ration: for a fmall Quantity of Saffron will tinge more than a great one
of Brafil".
VOL. III.
A a
RE-
1 But fmall Advances have been yet made towards an inductive Meteorological Hiſtory :
whence moſt Points relating to it, are little better than conjectural; except what the Author
has in his Hiftory of Winds.
m Confult, upon this Head, the Chapter of Water, in Boerhaave's Chemistry; and the
Proceſſes upon Vegetables, in the fame Work.
Here is an ufeful Subject ftarted, that might deferve to be largely profecuted, in a History
of dry or folid Panadas, Grewels, Jellies, Mucilages; and various other forts of cheap,
parable, and wholefome Aliments, both for the Sick and Sound, as well at Sea as at Land.
But the thoughts of fuch a History feem naufeated by Philofophers; and, till this Nausea
be removed, the Subject muft skulk in the Kitchen.
178
SALAMANDE R.
tures.
REJUVENESCENCY.
Of cafting the
The cafting of the Skin is, by the Ancients compared to the breaking of the
Skin and Shell Secundine; but unjustly: for thus every cafting of the Skin were a new
in Some Crea.
Birth: befides, the Secundine is a general Cover, not fhaped to the
Parts, as the Skin is. The Creatures that caft the Skin are, the Snake, the
Viper, the Grafhopper, the Lizard, the Silk-worm, &c. Thoſe that caft
the Shell are, the Lobster, the Crab, the Craw-fish, the Dodman, the Tor-
toife, &c. The old Skins are found; but the old Shells never: fo that,
perhaps, they fcale off, and crumble away by degrees. This Renovation-
is known by the extreme tenderneſs and foftnefs of the new Shell, joined
with the freshnels of its Colour. The Caufe of cafting the Skin and Shell,
fhould feem to be, (1.) the great Quantity of Matter in thoſe Creatures,
fit to produce them; and, (2.) the Loofenefs of the Skin, or Shell; that
ſticks not cloſe to the Flefh: for 'tis the new Skin, or Shell, that thruſts off
the old. In Deer, 'tis the young Horn that pufhes off the old one;
in Birds, the young Feathers difplace the old: And Birds that have much
Matter for the Beak, caft their Beaks; the new ones thrufting off the old P
RIGHT AND LEFT.
Of the Right The Senſes are alike ſtrong, both on the Right and Left-fide; but the
and Left-fide. Limbs on the Right-fide, are ſtrongeſt. The Caufe may be, that the
Brain, which is the Inftrument of the Senfe, is alike on both Sides; whilft the
Motion and Hability of Moving, are fomewhat forwarded by the Liver;
which lies on the Right-fide. Perhaps, alfo, the Senfes are exerciſed indif-
ferently on both Sides, from the Time of Birth; but the Limbs are uſed
moſt on the Right fide, by Custom: for we fee fome are left-handed; who.
are fuch as have uſed the Left-hand moft'.
How the Sala-
mander may
endure the
Fire.
THE
S.
SALAMANDER.
Here is an ancient Tradition of the Salamander, that it lives in, and has
the power of extinguishing Fire. If this be true, two things are required
to the Operation: first, a very clofe Skin, to keep out Flame; which, in
• Confult the French Memoirs; and Philofophical Tranfactions, upon this Point.
the
P Theſe are to be understood as Inftances of Approach, in the Subject of Rejuvenescency ;.
that ought to encourage an Enquiry into the Means of renewing the Body in old Age. But
Men feem to fhew all the Frigidity, and Defpondency of Age, on this Occafion.
I
9 Except in Left-handed People.
May there not be a particular and original Conformation. in the Limbs of fome Perfons, dif
pofing them to ufe their Left-hand, or Left leg, more than their Right? for confiderable
Pains have been taken, to break fome Children of the Habit of using the Left-hand; but
without Succefs. It might likewife deferve to be examined, whether the Right-fide Limbs of
the Body do not naturally grow larger than the Left, in moft People; without their ufing
them more: This fhould be tried in Ambodexters, c. The Right Testicle feems, generally,
bigger than the Left..
SE A.
179
on
the midft, is not fo hot: for, if the Palm of the Hand be befmeared thick
with the White of an Egg, and Spirit of Wine be poured upon it, and ſet
fire, one may endure the Flame for fome time. The fecond thing is an ex-
treme Coldneſs, and quenching Virtue, in the Body of that Creature;
which choaks the Fire. We fee that Milk quenches Wild-fire better than
Water; becauſe it enters better .
SALT WATER.
It has been obſerved, that Salt Water boiled, and cooled again, is more 4 Way of
potable than when raw; yet the Tafte of the Salt does not riſe in Vapour : making falt
Water fresh.
for the diftilled Water proves freſh. The Caufe may be, that the Salt of the
Water partly rifes in a kind of Scum, and partly falls in Sediment; and
fo, rather ſeparates than evaporates: a faline Tafte being too groſs to riſe in
Vapour, as well as a bitter one; for the fimple diftilled Waters of Worm-
wood, and the like bitter Plants, are not bitter. See the Article PER-
COLATION.
SEA.
1. The Sea is clearer when the North, than when the South-wind blows: The different
Clearness of
for falt Water has a little Oilinefs on its Surface; as appears in very hot Days. the Sea
And again, a South-wind fomewhat warms or relaxes the Water; and no
Water when boiling, is fo clear as when cold '.
2. Shallow, narrow Seas break more than deep and large ones for the The Caufe of
Impulſe being the fame in both; where there is a greater Quantity of Water, breaking of the
the rolling and
and Space enough, the Water rolls and moves more flowly, and with a sea.
floper Rife and Fall: but where there is lefs Water, lefs Space, and the Wa-
A a 2
ter
Theſe Intimations of the Author receive great Confirmation from the Obfervations of
M. Maupertuis, made upon the Land Salamander; and publiſhed in the French Memoirs for
the Year 1727.
The due profecution of this Enquiry requires a Diftinction to be obferved betwixt Salt-Wa-
ter and Sea-Water; otherwife many fruitlefs Experiments may be made for feparating common
Salt, diffolved in common Water, that fhall by no means come up to the Cafe of rendering
Sea-Water ſweet and potable. An exact Analysis of Sea-Water feems hitherto wanting; to
fhew its feveral Ingredients, and their Proportions. Thus it may, upon Examination, be found
to contain a bitter unctuous or bituminous Matter, and the putrefied Subftance of Fiſh, &c.
as well as a certain Proportion of common Salt; and it must be purified from all thefe, be-
fore it can ferve the Purpoſes of common Water. What Effect will the Filtring-ftone have, in
feparating the foul, un&tuous, putrefied, and faline Parts of Sea-Water? Who has fhewn
the Methods that feem beft adapted for obtaining of this End; whether Precipitation,
Separation, Percolation, Inverſion, Distillation, or Congelation? There are fome Hints to
this Purpofe in the Writings of Mr. Boyle, the Philofophical Tranfactions; and the French
Memoirs.
There may be fomewhat optical in this cafe, befides the Caufes here affigned: thus, for
Inftance; a River, or the Sea, will fometimes appear clear and undisturbed on one hand, and
muddy, or ruffled on the other; according to the Situation of the Eye: or as fome light Breeze
catches the Surface of the Water, and ruffles it in a particular Part. But for the Clearness of
the Sea, at great Depths, fee Dr. Halley's Account of the Diving-Bell, in the Philofophical
Tranfactions.
180
SEPARATION.
C
The Cauſe of
the Pleasures
and Difplea-
fures of the
Senfes.
ter dafhes more againſt the Bottom, it moves fwifter, and more per-
pendicularly; for in the breaking of Waves, there is always a Pre-
cipice".
SENSES.
Harſh Sounds, as that of a Saw when it is filing, make a Shivering or
Horror in the Body, and fet the Teeth on edge; for the Objects of the Ear
affect the Spirits immediately, either with Pleaſure or Offence: but no Co-
lour affects the Eye with great Diſpleaſure. There are, indeed, Sights that are
horrible; becauſe they excite the Memory of things odious: whilft the fame
things painted, have little effect. But for Smells, Taftes, and Touches, they
affect by a Participation, or Impulfe of the Body of the Object. 'Tis
Sound alone, that affects moft immediately and incorporeally. This is mani--
feft in Mufick, with its Concords and Difcords; for all Sounds, whether
fharp or flat, if they be fweet, have a Roundnefs and Equality; and if
harſh, are unequal: for a Difcord itſelf, is but a Harſhneſs of differing
concurrent Sounds. 'Tis true, Inequality not dwelt upon, but tranfient, is
rather an Increafe of Sweetnefs; as in the Purling of a wreathed String; the
Hoarſneſs of a Trumpet; and the Nightingal-pipe of a Regal; and in a Dif-
cord falling directly upon a Concord: but dwelt upon, 'tis offenfive. Hence
there are three degrees of Pleaſure and Diſpleaſure, in Sounds; viz. fweet
Sounds, Difcords, and harsh Sounds, which are differently named, Shriek-
ing, Grating, &c. As for fetting the Teeth on edge; we may plainly ob-
ferve, what an Intercourfe there is between the Teeth and the Organ of
Hearing, by taking the End of a Bow in the Teeth, and ſtriking upon.
the String *.
SEPARATION OF BODIES BY GRAVITY.
Intimations of 1. Put Water into the Belly of a Glafs-Egg, and a parcel of Claret and Water,
Ways for fepa- mixed, into another open Glafs; invert the Stem of the Egg into the Wine
rating Liquors and Water, ftopping the Orifice with the Finger; then removing the Fin-
by Gravity.
ger, continue the Glafs in the fame Pofture; and it will unmix the Wine
from the Water: the Wine afcending to the Top of the upper Glafs, and.
the Water deſcending to the Bottom of the lower. The Operation is
apparent to the Eye; for the Wine will viſibly rife, in a ſmall Vein, thro' the
Water. To render the Experiment more elegant, and becauſe it requires
fome ſmall time, the upper Glafs may be fufpended: but as foon as there
is fo much pure unmixed Water collected in the Bottom of the lower Glafs,
that the Mouth of the upper dips into it, the Motion ceafes.
2. If
See more to this Purpofe in the Author's Account of the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea;
in the PHILOSOPHIA PRIMA.
w See this Subject farther profecuted under the Articles AFFECTIONS, MUSICK, ODOURS,
and SOUND.
* There is fome Caution required to make the Experiment fucceed; particularly, the Stem of
the Glafs-Egg fhould be flender.
SHELLFISH.
181
2. If the upper Glafs be charged with Wine, and the lower with Water,
there follows no Motion at all: and if the upper Glafs be of pure Water,
and the lower of Water coloured, there follows no Motion. But it has been
tried, that tho the Mixture of Wine and Water, in the lower Glafs, be
three parts Water to one of Wine, it does not flacken the Motion. This Se-
paration of Wine and Water appears to be made by Gravity: for it only
fucceeds in Bodies of unequal Gravity; and the heavier Body must always
be in the upper Glafs but then obferve, that the Water being penfile, and
there being a great weight of Water in the Belly of the Glaſs, fuftained by
a fmall Pillar of Water in the Neck, is the Thing that gives the Motion;
for Water and Wine in one Glafs, will hardly feparate by long ſtand-
ing
3. This Experiment fhould be extended to Mixtures of different Li--
quors, and to Fluids which confift of feveral fimilar Parts: try it there-
fore with Brine, or falt Water, and freſh Water; placing the falt Water in
the upper Glaſs, to fee whether the freſh will rife. Try it, alfo, with Water
ſugared, and pure; to fee whether the Water that rifes will lofe its Sweet-
nefs for which Purpoſes, it were proper to have a little Stop-cock in the
Belly of the upper Glaſs -.
SHADOW S.
The Extremities of Shadows always feem to tremble; becauſe the little The Motion of
Motes in the Sun are conftantly in motion; tho there be no Wind: and shadows.
theſe moving in the Meeting of the Light and Shade, from the Light to the
Shade, and from the Shade to the Light, may make the Shadow appear to
move, becauſe the Medium moves.
SHELL- FISH.
Shell-fish have been compared, and ranked with Infects; but, I know not
why for they have Male and Female, like other Fiſh; and are not bred
of Putrefaction. Indeed Oifters, Cockles, and Mufcles, which have no local
Motion, have no difcriminate Sex. Quære, in what time, and how they
are bred? It feems, that Shells of Oifters grow where there were none
before; and the great Horfe-mufcle, with the fine Shell, found in Ponds,
has bred within thirty Years: but then, they not only open and ſhut, as
Oifters do, but alfo remove from place to place .
SICK-
This being tried with Red Port-Wine and Water; there was no manifeft Separation in
a Month's time.
z The Experiments of this kind are attended with Difficulties, and not yet brought to
Perfection. See the ESSAY lately publiſhed for Concentrating Wines, and other fermented Li-
quors, or taking their fuperfluous Waters out of them to Advantage.
a See more to this Purpofe in Sir Ifaac Newton's Opticks.
b Thus, at the Bottom of dry Ponds where Mufcles are, 'tis ufual to find feveral long
Traces; made by the Motion of the Mufcle that lies at the End of each Trace, respectively,
There is a curious Paper upon this Subject of Muſcles, in the French Memoirs.
The Nature of
Shell-fish.
182
SLEEP.
SICKNESS.
Why more are 1. 'Tis common for more to be fick in Summer, and more to die in the
fick in Sam- Winter; except in peftilential Diſeaſes, which ufually reign in the Summer,
mer, but most
or Autumn. The Reaſon feems to be, that Difeafes are chiefly caused by
die in Winter.
Heat; and chiefly cured by Sweating and Purging: which Operations are
more eaſily excited in Summer. But moft die of peftilential Difeafes in
Summer; becauſe theſe breed moft in that Seafon: otherwife the Conftitu-
tions that are touched, run the greateſt Danger in Winter.
Whether Heat
2. 'Tis a general Opinion, that hot and moift Years are moſt peftilen-
and Moisture tial; and, that Heat and Moiſture caufe Putrefaction upon the Surface of
be the Caufe of the Earth. In England, this is not true; for there have often been great
Peftilences.
Plagues in dry Years: perhaps, becaufe Drought, in the Bodies of the
Iſlanders, accuſtomed to a moiſt Air, exafperates the Humours, and makes
them more apt to putrefy, or inflame: befides, it commonly taints the
Waters, and makes them lefs wholefome. Again, in Barbary, Plagues
break out in the Summer Months; when the Weather is hot and
dry.
3. Many Difeafes rage at particular times: the Caufe whereof is falfly
Difeafes owing imputed to the Conflitution of the Air at that time; being, in reality, owing
to a Series of to a Series of the Seasons of the Year: whence Hipocrates, in his Prognoſticks,
the Seafons. juftly obferves the Difeafes that enfue upon the Nature of the four precedent
Seaſons of the Year ".
d
Epidemical
Creatures that
ter.
SLEEP.
1. There are many Creatures that fleep all the Winter; as the Bear, the
fleep all Win- Hedge-hog, the Bat, the Bee, &c. and they all grow fat by fleeping;
and void nothing. The Caufe of their fattening may be, the Want of
Affimilation; for whatever does not affimilate to Flefh, turns either to
Sweat, or Fat. Thefe Creatures, for one part of their fleeping Time, have
not been obferved to ftir; and, for the other part, to ftir, but not to re-
move and they chufe warm, clofe Places, to fleep in. When the Dutch
wintered in Nova Zembla, the Bears went to fleep about the middle of Novem-
ber; and then the Foxes, which durft not appear before, began to come abroad.
'Tis obferved, by fome, that the She-bear breeds, and lies with her Litter,
during this time of Reft: and, that a Bear big with Cub, has been fel-
dom feen.
2. Thoſe
This feems to hold of inflammatory Diſeaſes; which are, perhaps, by much, the greateſt
Number.
d There is Matter of Inftruction here laid down, in order to a Natural History of Difeafes :
a thing greatly wanted; if it could be procured without any Mixture of Hypothefis, Fiction,
and Fancy, wherewith the Writings of Phyficians generally abound. But no great Progrefs
can well be expected in it, without a previous Enquiry into the Natural Chemistry of the
Weather, and its Effects on the Body, thro' the different Seafons of the Year. See the Au-
thor's Hiftory of Winds.
I
SNEEZING.
183
2. Thoſe that are very cold, efpecially in their Feet, cannot foon go to How Gold may
fleep. The Caufe may be, that Sleep requires a free Reſpiration, which Cold hinder Sleep,
hinders; for in great Colds a Man can fcarce draw Breath. Another Caufe
may be, that Cold calls out the Spirits to affift against it: whence they
cannot ſo well come together, and collect in the Head; which is always re-
quired in Sleep. And, for the fame Reaſon, Pain and Noife prevent Sleep;
which Darkneſs promotes.
3. Some Sounds incline to Sleep; as the blowing of the Wind, the Why Some
Sounds pro-
trickling of Water, the humming of Bees, foft Singing, Reading, &c. mote Sleep,
The Caufe is, that they move in the Spirits, only a foft and gentle Atten-
tion; and whatever moves Attention, without too much Labour, ftills the
natural and difcurfive Motion of the Spirits.
nourish.
4. Sleep nouriſhes, or, at leaft, preferves Bodies a long time. Beafts That Sleep may
that fleep the Winter, grow fat tho they eat nothing. Bats have been found
in Ovens, and other hollow, clofe Places, matted one upon another ;
whence, 'tis probable, they fleep in the Winter, and eat nothing.
Quare, whether Bees do not fleep all the Winter; and fpare their Honey?
Butter-flies, and other Flies, not only fleep, but lie as dead, all Winter;
yet revive again, with a little heat of the Sun, or a Fire. A Dormouſe
will fleep for fome Days together, both in Winter and Summer, with-
out eating
SNEEZING.
f
Looking against the Sun provokes. Sneezing ; not by heating the The Caufe of
Noftrils; but by drawing down the moisture of the Brain: for it will make Sneezing,
the Eyes run with Water; and the drawing of Moiſture to the Eyes, draws
it to the Noftrils, by confent; whence follows Sneezing: as, contrariwife,
the tickling of the Noftrils within-fide, draws Moiſture to the Noftrils, and
to the Eyes by confent; for they, alfo, will water. Yet it has been ob-
ferved, that if a Perfon be going to fneeze; the rubbing of the Eyes, till
they water, will prevent it: the Humour, which was defcending to the
Noftrils, being thus diverted to the Eyes s
*
e There are many Particulars relating to this Hiftory of Sleep, to be found in Mr. Boyle's
Philofophical Works; the Philofophical Tranfactions, &c. But the Subject requires to be farther
continued, in the inductive Method. See the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death.
f This perhaps may have fometimes been tried without Succefs.
8 The prefent Anatomy, and Phyfiology, fcarce reach to thefe fubtile Operations of the
Body: nor can we hope to fee their Caufes inveftigated, without proper Sets of Expe-
riments, which few feem, hitherto, difpofed to make. Certainly, a more
Certainly, a more active and pene-
trating Philofophy is here required, than the vulgar Philofophers are apprized of; as confiiting,
not in the grofs, but almoft infinitely fine Particles of Matter, which too commonly pafs for
notional things; tho the immediate Inftruments of all the more fubtile Operations. But, per-
haps, the Time for thefe things is not yet.
A
184
SOUND.
A Draught for the particular HISTORY of PHONICKS:
or the Doctrine of SOUND and HEARING.
SOV
INTRODUCTION.
a
WOUND is a capital Thing, and a great Secret in Nature; as having
a Virtue that may be call'd incorporeal : whereof there are but few
other Inftances. And befides the more obvious Ufes of an Enquiry
into this Subject, it affords a proper Exerciſe to the Underſtanding, by mix-
ing the Contemplation of fpiritual Species, and Operations at a diſtance;
with the Confideration of fuch Things as operate only by a Communication
of Subftance to the Touch. Whence the Mind now called off from Matter,
may be rectified, and taught to become impartial ². But certain Obferva-
tions upon Sounds, having given Birth to the Art of Mufick'; it happens
here, as it generally does, that when Experiments and Obfervations are grown
into an Art; the Mathematical and Practical Parts of that Art improve,
whilft its Phyfical Part is deſerted. It has fared fomewhat better with Op-
ticks; which confiders not only Painting, Beauty and Symmetry, but all
viſible Objects; whereas Mufick confines itſelf only to harmonick Tones;
which is a narrow Field: But the Buſineſs of Sound and Hearing ſhould be
well laboured in all its Parts; and brought into a full and extenſive
Hiſtory.
• See this Direction explained in the Novum Organum, Part I. Sect. II, 18, va
b See the Article MUSICK.
The following is a large Example of a Hiftory conducted according to the Direction of
the Novum Organum; and a Specimen how all the Articles of the Sylva Sylvarum would have
been treated, had the Author lived to execute his vaft Defign. Indeed the prefent Enquiry, tho
not finiſhed, is profecuted to fuch a length as might recommend it to a place in the fourth Part
of the INSTAURATION; if the Author had not here intended it as a Model of his Method of
profecuting Enquiries; fo as in the Third Part of his grand WORK, to give fome Earnest of
the Fourth: which is a Rule he appears to obferve in all the Parts that are touched
upon.
A
SOUND.
8.5.
A Table of Enquiry, for the particular HISTORY of
PHONICKS.
ARTICLE I.
F the Existence and Non-existence of Sounds.
OF
ARTICLE II.
Of the Production, Confervation, and Propagation of Sounds.
ARTICLE III.
Of the Magnitude, Smallness, and Damps of Sounds.
1
ARTICLE IV.
Of the Loudness, or Softness of Sounds, and their Propagation to
longer or fhorter Distances.
Of the Communication of Sounds.
ARTICLE V.
ARTICLE VI.
Of the Equality and Inequality of Sounds.
ARTICLE VII.
Of the more Treble and more Bafs Tones, or Mufical Sounds.
ARTICLE VIII.
Of the Proportion of Treble and Baſs Tones.
ARTICLE IX.
Of External and Internal Sounds.
ARTICLE X.
Of the Articulation of Sounds.
ARTICLE XI.
Of the Duration of Sounds; and the Time they require in their Gene-
ration or Propagation.
Of the Direction of Sounds.
ARTICLE XII.
ARTICLE XIII.
Of the Paffage and Interception of Sounds.
VOL III.
B b
ARTICLE
186
SOUND.
ARTICLE XIV.
Of the Medium of Sounds.
ARTICLE XV.
Of the Figures of the Concaves, or Bodies thro' which Sounds are con-
vey'd.
Inftances of
great Motions
without Sound.
In the Cele-
Aial Bodies.
ARTICLE XVI.
Of the Mixture of Sounds.
ARTICLE XVII.
Of the Melioration of Sounds.
Of the Imitation of Sounds.
"Of the Reflexion of Sounds.
ARTICLE XVIII.
ARTICLE XIX.
ARTICLE XX.
Of the Relation and Difference betwixt Light and Sound.
ARTICLE XXI.
Of the Sympathy and Antipathy of Sounds with one another..
ARTICLE XXII.
Of the Means of Hindering or Improving the Hearing.
ARTICLE XXIII.
Of the Spiritual and fine Nature of Sounds ª.
I.
L
SECT. I.
Of the Existence and Non-existence of Sounds.
ET us first confider what great Motions there are in Nature,
that pass without Sound, or Noife. The Heavens revolve in a ra-
pid Motion, without Noife; tho, by fome Dreamers, they have been faid
to make excellent Mufick. The Motions of the Comets yield no Noife.
And if it be thought that the greatneſs of their Diſtance will not let the
Sound
Theſe are the feveral ARTICLES, or HEADS OF ENQUIRY, which occur upon the first
fedate Confideration of the Subject; and which being duly enlarged, enquired inro, and the
neceffary Experiments, Obfervations and Inflances produced, lead to a Knowledge of its Na-
ture and Properties; or what, in the Language of the Author, is term'd its FORM. But till theſe
Articles are all filled up, the Instances produced, and the whole extended, verified, and deduced
into Ax.oms, 'tis no more than a Sylva, or bare Collection of the Materials for a particular
Hiftery of Phonicks.
SOUND.
187
Sound be heard; we fay that Lightnings, and Corrufcations, which are near
at hand, yield no Sound: yet in all thefe, there is a Percuffion and Sepa-
ration of the Medium.
2. The Winds in the upper Region, blow without Noife. The lower Winds,
Winds, in an open Plain, make no Noife; unless they be violent: but among
Trees their Noife is perceptible. And the Sound of Winds is generally un-
equal, or in the way of rifing and falling; and ſometimes, when vehement,
trembling at the height of their Blaſt.
3. Rain or Hail, tho falling violently, yield no Noife in paffing thro' the Waters
Air, till they reach the Ground, Water, Houſes, or the like. The Water
of a River is not heard in the Channel; but runs filent, if it be of any
depth whilft the fmaller Streams upon Shallows of Gravel, or Pebble, make
an audible Noiſe. And Waters when they beat upon the Shore, or are ſtrait-
ned, as in the Falls of Bridges, or when dafhed againft themfelves, by
Winds, make a loud roaring.
4. Any piece of Timber, or hard Body, being thruft forwards by ano- Solids
ther contiguous to it, without knocking, gives no Noife. And fo Bodies
in weighing upon one another, tho the upper prefs the lower, make no
Noife. Thus the Motion in the minute Parts of any Solid, paffes without
Sound; the Sound being here produced only by the breaking of the Air,
and not by the impulfe of the Parts: fo that where the anterior Body gives
way as faft as the pofterior comes on, no Noife is made; be the Motion ever
ſo great or ſwift.
5. Air open, and at large, makes no Noife, unleſs it be fharply ftruck; Inftances of
as in the Sound of a String where the Air is briskly ftruck by a hard and maler Moti-
ſtiff Body: for if the String be not ftrain'd, it makes no Noife. But where
ons, with and
the Air is confin'd and ſtraitned; the Breath, or other blowing, with a gen- In Muſical in-
withoutSound.
tle Percuffion, fuffices to create Sound; as in Pipes, and Wind-Inftruments. Aruments, &c.
But in Flutes, which require only a foft Breath, the Concavity of the In-
ftrument would yield no Sound, were it not for the Fipple that ftraitens the
Air. Other Wind-Inftruments, as Trumpets, Cornets, Horns, &c. re-
quire a forcible Breath; as appears by the inflated Cheeks of the Blower.
Organs alfo are blown with a ſtrong Wind, by the means of Bellows. And
fome kinds of Wind-Inftruments are founded at a fmall Hole on the fide,
which ftraitens the Breath at the firft Entrance and this the rather, on ac-
count of their Traverfe and Stop above the Hole; which performs the part
of the Fipple, in Flutes and Fifes, that give no Sound when blown at the
wrong end, as Recorders do. So in Whiſtling, 'tis ufual to contract the
Mouth; and to make the Tone more fharp, they fometimes ufe the Finger.
But if a Stone,or a Dart, be thrown in the open Air, they give no Sound: no
more do Bullets, unless they happen to be a little hollow'd in the cafting;
which hollowne's receives and confines the Air f. Arrows, likewife, whiz not
Bb 2
:
in
As the German Flute, for Inftance.
f Suppoſe a Braſs Bullet turned exactly ſmooth, and diſcharged in the common manner:
will it make no fenfible whizzing as it flies thro' the Air ?
1.88
SOUND.
Solids, Air,
and Flame.
White Powder.
Burning-Glaf-
Jes
in their Flight, except their Feathers are ruffled; which likewife obftructs and
confines the Air. But fmall Whiftles give a Sound, on account of their
extreme flendernefs; whereby the Air is more confin'd than in a wider Bore.
Again, the Voices of Men, and other Animals, pafs thro' the Throat;
which confines the Breath. The Jews-Harp requires but a fmall Percuffion;
and has alſo the advantage of confining the Air in the Mouth.
6. Solid Bodies, if gently ftruck, give no Sound; as when a Perſon treads
foftly upon a Floor. So Chefts or Doors in dry Weather, when they open
eafily, make no Noife: and Cart-wheels fqueak not if they are greafed.
The Flame of Tapers, tho it be a ſwift Motion, and breaks the Air, yet
paffes without Sound. The Air in Ovens, tho it doubtlefs boils, as it
were, dilates itſelf, and is beat back; yet makes no Noife. Flame repulfed
by Air, affords a Noife; as in blowing the Fire with Bellows; greater
than if the Bellows were to blow upon the Air itſelf. So likewife Flame
ftriking the Air ftrongly, makes a Sound: and great Flames, roar whilſt
one impells another.
7. There goes a Rumour of a kind of white Gunpowder, which will
diſcharge a Piece without Noife and it is a dangerous Experiment if true &.
But it ſeems to me impoffible; for if confined Air be driven out, and ſtrike
the open Air, it will certainly make a Noife. As for the white Powder,
it may be a mixture of Nitre, Sulphur, and a little Camphire, without
Coal; for Nitre alone will not take Fire: nor is it probable, that the Sound
fhou'd be damp'd or deaden'd by diſcharging the condensed Air, before it
comes to the Mouth of the Piece, and the open Air; for it will thus only
make more divided Sounds. If it were poffible, there fhould be no Air con-
fined at the Mouth of the Piece, the Bullet might go away with little.
Noife: For the Percuffion of the Flame upon the Bullet, makes no Noife: the
Bullet in paffing thro' the Air, makes but little; and if no confined Air
were to ftrike upon the open Air, there is no Caufe of Sound; yet the
Bullet's Motion will not be ftopped. So that the trial may be made, by
filling a little hollow metalline Cylinder with Powder; and laying the Bullet
in the Mouth of it, fo as to reach half out into the open Air.
8. I heard it affirm'd by a great, tho vain, Dealer in Secrets, that there
was a Confpiracy, which himſelf hindred, to have kill'd Queen Mary,
Siſter to Queen Elizabeth, by a Burning-Glass, from the Leads of the Houſe,
as ſhe walked in St. James's Park. And if Burning-glaffes could be brought
to a great degree of ſtrength, (and they talk of Glaffes able to fire a Navy)
the
8 White Gunpowder has frequently been made by ufing Touch-wood, which is white, in-
ftead of Willow-Coal, which being black, communicates a dusky Hue to the common Gun-
powder. But this kind of white Powder ftill makes a Report; fo does the common white
Pulvis fulminans: but what approaches the nearest of any thing yet difcovered, to the Defign
of the white Powder here understood, is, perhaps, condenfed Air, in the Wind-Gun; which, when
well made, is indeed a highly dangerous and deftructive Engine; capable of doing Execution,
where its flender and fhort-lived hiffing Report cannot be heard.
So it does in the Wind-Gun; but nothing like the Noife of Gunpowder, even when the
Wind-Gun is high charged with condenſed Air; fo as to throw out twenty Bullets fucceffively;
in the ſpace of a Minute.
SOUND.
189
the Percuffion of the Air alone, by fuch a Burning-glafs, would make no
Noiſe; any more than Corrufcations and Lightnings, without Thunder.
9. I fuppofe the Impreffion of the Air by Sounds, requires time to reach Time required
the Senfe, as well as the Impreffion of vifible Objects; and will not other to render
wife be heard. Therefore, as a Bullet from a Cannon, moves fo fwift, as Sounds percep-
to be invifible; the fame fwiftnefs of Motion makes it inaudible: for the
apprehenfion of the Eye, is quicker than that of the Ear.
tible.
10. All Eruptions of Air, tho fmall and light, cauſe the Sounds called The Smaller
crackling, puffing, fpitting, &c. as in Salt, Bay-leaves, and Cheſtnuts, Sounds, by
thrown into the Fire: So Candles will fpit Flame, if they be wet, &c. Eruption of
I.
SECT. II.
Of the Production, Confervation, and Propagation of Sounds.
TH
Air.
Air.
HE Caufe commonly affign'd of Sound, viz. the Elifion of the Sound falsely
Air *, is but a Term of Ignorance; and the Notion but a catch attributed to
of the Wit upon a few Inftances; as the manner is, in the received Phi- Flifion of the
lofophy. And 'tis a common way with Men, when once they have got a pretty
Expreffion, or a Term of Art, by the End; to let it go current: tho it
be empty of Matter. This Conceit of Elifion appears
This Conceit of Elifion appears manifeftly falfe; be-
caufe the Sound of a Bell, a mufical String, or the like, continues melting
for fome time after the Percuffion; but ceafes preſently, if the Bell, or
String be touched and ſtayed: whereas if an Elifion of the Air made the
Sound; the touch of the Bell or String could not fo fuddenly extinguish the
Motion cauſed by an Elifion of the Air. This appears ftill more plain by
chiming, with a Hammer, upon the out-fide of a Bell; for the Sound will
thus be made according to the inward Concave of the Bell whereas the
Elifion of the Air can be only between the Hammer and the out-fide of the
Bell. So again, if Elifion were the Caufe; a broad Hammer, and a Bod-
kin, ftruck upon Metal; would give different Tones, as well as a different
Loudness; which they do not: for tho the Sound of the one be louder,
and of the other fofter; yet the Tone is the fame. Befides in Echoes,
whereof
3 Red hot Bullets difcharged in the dark are visible: and fo, perhaps, are Brass Bullets dif
charged by Day; when the Spectator ſtands with his back to the Sun, whilft the Sun's Rays
play directly upon the Ball in its Motion.
That is in plain Words, the Squeezing, Preffing, or Cutting of the Air; as betwixt the
Hammer and Anvil, the Bell and its Clapper, the Finger and a mufical String, &c.
''Tis a Difficulty with many to acquire a juft Notion of this Matter; and the Thing itſelf is
feldom clearly made out, how a Bell, or a mufical String, ftruck in any Part, or with any degree
of Force, fhould ftill give one and the fame Tone; differing only in Loudness or Lowness.
The Knowledge of this is rather to be acquired by the Ear, and Experience, than by Words.
But if farther Direction be required, confult Mr. Malcolm's Treatife of Mufick. See alfo below,
SECT. IV. and VIII,
2.
190
SOUND.
That local Mo-
to Sound.
whereof fome are as loud as the original Voice, there is no new Elifion;
but only a Repercuffion. Thefe and the like Conceits, will fcatter and
break up like a Mift; when Men fhall have cleared their Underſtanding,
by the Light of Experience.
2. 'Tis certain, that Sound is not produced at the firft, without fome lo-
tion of the Air cal Motion of the Air, Flame, or other Medium; nor without fome Re-
is not neceſſary fiſtance, either in the Medium or Body ftruck. For a mere yielding, or cef-
fion, produces no Sound. And herein Sounds differ from Light and Co-
lours, which pafs thro' the Air, or other Medium; without any local
Motion of the Air, either at the firſt, or after. But we muſt attentively di-
ftinguish between the local Motion of the Air, and the Sounds conveyed in
the Air. As to the former, we manifeftly perceive, that no Sound is pro-
duced without a perceptible blaft of the Air; or without fome refiftance of
the Air that is ftruck. For even Speech, one of the gentleft Motions of
Air, is attended with the Expulfion of a little Breath. And all Pipes or
Wind-Inftruments have a Blaft, as well as a Sound. We find alfo that
Sounds are carried by the Wind, and therefore will be heard farther with the
Wind, than againſt it; and that they likewife rife and fall with the intenfion
or remiffion of the Wind. But for the Impreffion of Sound, 'tis quite
another thing; and entirely without any perceptible local Motion of the Air:
in which it reſembles Vifion"; for after a Bell is rung, we difcern no per-
ceptible Motion of the Air, in the track where the Sound goes, but only at
the first. Nor does the Wind, in carrying a Voice, by its Motion, con-
found any of the delicate and articulate Figurations of the Air, in the va-
riety of words. And to ſpeak loud againſt the Flame of a Candle, will
not make the Flame tremble confiderably; tho moft when thofe Letters are
pronounced which contract the Mouth; as F, S, U, &c. But gentle Breath-
ing, or Blowing, without fpeaking, will move the Flame much more. And
probably Sound is the rather without any local Motion of the Air; be-
cauſe, as it differs from Sight, in requiring a local Motion at firft; fo it
reſembles it in many other Things, which induce no local Motion °.
Seeming In
ftances of the
contrary.
3. On the other Hand, Glafs Windows will fhake with Thunder, and
the firing of Ordnance; and Fishes are thought to be frighted with the Mo-
tion, cauſed by Noife upon the Water: But thefe effects proceed from the
local Motion of the Air, which is a Concomitant of the Sound; and not
from the Sound itſelf. It is alfo faid, that violent Shoutings of People in
great Mutlitudes, have fo rarified the Air, that Birds upon the Wing have fal-
len down; the Air being thus render'd unable to fupport them P. And 'tis be-
lieved
m See Mr. Derham's Paper upon the Motion of Sound, in the Philofophical Tranſactions,
N° 313.
n See the Bishop of Fern's Paper upon Acousticks, in the Philofophical Tranfactions, N° 156.
And Dr. Grandi's Confiderations upon it, N° 319.
• See the Paper above cited.
Allowing that Birds have been made to fall down by loud Shouting, it does not follow
that the Air muſt have been rarified by the Noife: for the Birds may only be thus frighted by
the Noife, fo as to fall down.
I
SOUND.
191
lieved by fome, that violent ringing of Bells in populous Cities, has chafed
away Thunder; and alfo diffipated peftilent Air: all which if real, may
proceed from the Concuffion of the Air, and not from the Sound. A very
great Sound, near at hand, has ftruck many with deafneſs; and at the Inftant
they have found, as it were, the breaking of a Skin or Parchment in their
Ears and myſelf ſtanding near a Perfon who lured loud and fhrill, fud-
denly received an Injury; as if fomewhat had broke, or been diflocated in
my Ear; and immediately after enfued the Senfation of a loud Ringing; fo
that I apprehended fome Deafnefs: But it vanifhed in half a quarter of an
Hour. This effect may be justly refer'd to the Sound; for an over potent
Object deſtroys the Senfes and fpiritual Species, both visible and audible,
will affect the Senfories, tho they move no other Body.
;
4. In the Propagation of Sounds, Encloſure of them preferves, and carries Sounds pre
them farther. Thus in Rolls of Parchment, or fhooting Trunks, the Mouth Served by E-
being applied to one end of the Roll or Trunk, and the Ear to the other
cloſure.
the Sound is heard much farther than in the open Air: for the Sound fpends
and diffipates in the open Air; but is conferved and contracted in fuch
Concaves. So, if one Man fpeak in the Touch-hole of a piece of Ordnance;
and another apply his Ear to the Mouth of the Piece; the Sound is much
better heard than in the open Air. 'Tis farther to be confidered, what the
Event will prove, when the Sound is not encloſed all the Length of its
way, but paffes in part thro' open Air; as when one ſpeaks at ſome diſtance
from a fhooting Trunk; or where the Ear is at fome Diſtance from the
other end of the Trunk; or where both the Mouth and Ear are diſtant from
the Trunk. It has been found that in a Trunk of eight or ten Foot,
the Sound is helped, tho both the Mouth and the Ear be four or five Inches
from the Ends of the Trunk; and fomewhat farther affifted when the Ear of
the Hearer, than when the Mouth of the Speaker, is near. And 'tis certain,
that a voice is better heard within a Chamber from without, than without
from within the Chamber. And as an entire Encloſure preferves the Sound,
fo does a Semi-concave; tho in a lefs degree. Therefore, if a Perfon ſpeak at
one end of a half Tube, or Trunk, and you lay your Ear to the other; this
will carry the Voice farther, than to fpeak in the Air at large. Nay, if it
be not a Semi-concave; but the like be done along the Maſt of a Ship, or
the outfide of a piece of Ordnance; tho this be on a Convex Surface, the
Voice will be heard farther than in the open Air. It fhould be tried, how,
and with what proportion of Diſadvantage, the Voice will be carried in a
Horn, or an arch'd Line; or in a Trumpet, which is a retorted Line; or
in a Pipe, that is finuous.
cible without
5. 'Tis certain, that Sounds are producible without Air; tho this be the Sounds produ-
moſt favourable Medium thereof. For a pair of Tongs open'd and fhut at All, viz. "
fome depth within Water, may be heard without any great Diminution waters
of the Sound; tho there is no Air at all prefent. Take one Veffel of Silver,
and
4 Hence, perhaps, fome Countenance to the Opinion, that the Dium of the Ear was the In-
trument of Hearing. But this is not well confirmed,
Thele remain many Experiments of this kind to ba tried,
192
SOUND.
In Flame.
By means of
cal Parts in
Bodies.
and another of Wood, fill each of them with Water, and then ftrike the
Tongs together, as before, about four Inches from the Bottom; and the
Sound in the Silver Veffel will be much more refonant than in that of
Wood: yet if there be no Water in the Veffel, fo that the Tongs play in
the Air, there will be no difference between the Sound coming from the
filver or the wooden Veffel. Whence, befides the capital Point of producing
Sound without Air, we may collect, that the Sound communicates with the
bottom of the Veffel; and that fuch a Communication paffes better thro'
Water than Air.
6. Strike any hard Bodies together, in the midft of Flame; and the
Sound will differ little from the Sound in Air.
7. The pneumatical Part, which is in all tangible Bodies, and has fome
the pneumati Affinity with Air, performs, after a fort, the Office of the Air: Thus the
Sound of an empty Barrel, is in part, created by the Air on the outſide;
and in part, by that in the infide; for the Sound will be lefs, or greater,
as the Barrel is more or lefs empty: tho it communicates alfo with the Spi-
rit in the Wood, thro' which it paffes from the outfide to the infide.
So likewife in the Chiming of Bells on the outfide; the Sound paffes to the
infide.
The Phyfical
Production of
Sound in
Strings.
The ways of
increasing the
Strength and
deepness of
Sounds in
Horns.
8. It were grofs to think, that the Sound in Strings is produced between
the Finger and the String: for thefe are but Preparatories to the production
of the Sound, which is form'd between the String and the Air; and that
not by any impulſe of the Air, from the firft Motion of the String; but by
the return of the String (now ftrain'd by the Touch) to its former place:
which Motion of Return, is quick and fharp; whereas the firft Motion is
foft, and dull. So the Bow tortures the String continually, and thereby
holds it in a conftant Trepidation.
1.
L
SECT. III.
Of the Magnitude, Smallness, and Damps of Sounds.
ET one Perfon whiſtle at one end of a fhooting Trunk, whilft ano-
ther holds his Ear at the other end; and the Sound will ftrike the
Ear fo fharp as to be fcarce tolerable for Sound naturally diffuſes in a
Sphere, and fo fpends itself; but if made to go in a Canal, it muſt
needs acquire greater Force: And thus Encloſures not only preſerve,
but alſo increaſe and ſharpen Sounds'. A French Horn being greater at
one
Does not this Experiment give fome Light to the Bishop of Fern's first and fecond Problem;
viz. (1.) To make the leaft Sounds, by the help of Inflruments, as loud as the greatest; a
Whisper to become as loud as the Report of a Cannon ? and, (2.) To propagate any, the least,
Sound to the greatest Distance? Whoever understands the Scope and Tendency of the pre-
fent Enquiry, will not, perhaps, be at a Lofs, to make ſeveral Diſcoveries in Phonicks, intimated,
but not divulged, by that learned Prelate; and even to carry the Doctrine of Acousticks, Dia-
cousticks, and Catacousticks farther than his Intimations reach. See Philoſophical Tranſactions,
N° 319. And confult Dr. Hook's Pofthumous Works.
SOUND.
193
one end than at the other, increaſes the Sound more than if the Horn were
of an equal Bore for the Air and Sound, being firſt contracted at the leffer
end, and afterwards having more room to ſpread at the greater, dilate them-
felves; and in coming out ſtrike more Air, whereby the Sound is render'd
larger and deeper. And even Hunters Horns, which are commonly made
ftrait, not oblique as the former, are always greater at the lower end. It
fhould be tried alfo in Pipes, made much larger at the lower end or with a
Belly towards the end, and then iffuing in a ftrait Concave again.
2. There is in St. James's Fields a Conduit of Brick, with a low Vault In particular
adjoining; and at the end of that, a round Houfe of Stone: in the Brick Buildings.
Conduit is a Window; and in the round Houſe, a ſmall flit; fo that when
a Perſon hollows in the flit, it makes a fearful roaring at the Window. For
all Concaves that proceed from narrow to broad, amplify the Sound at co-
ming out.
Bells and
Drims.
3. Hawks-Bells, that have Holes in the Sides, give a greater Ring, than In Hawks
if the Pellet ftruck upon Braſs in the open Air. For the Sound incloſed by
the fides of the Bell, comes out at the Holes unfpent, and ſtronger. And
in Drums, the cloſeneſs round about, that preferves the Sound from difper-
fing, makes the Noife come out at the Drum-holes, much louder and
ftronger, than if the like Skin were ftruck, extended in the open Air.
4. Sounds are heard better and farther in an Evening, or in the Night, Sounds heard
than at Noon, or in the Day: becaufe in the Day, when the Air is thinner, farther by
the Sound pierces more; but when the Air is thicker, as in the Night, Night than by
it fpreads lefs as being now in a degree of Encloſure. 'Tis true alfo, that
the general filence of the Night contributes to this Effect.
Day.
5. There are two kinds of Reflexion in Sound; the one at a Diftance, or Two kinds of
the Echo; wherein the Original is heard diftinctly, and the Reflexion alfo Reflexion in
diftinctly the other in Concurrence; when the Sound reflecting near, re- Sounds.
turns immediately upon the Original, and fo repeats it not, but amplifies.
Whence Muſick upon the Water founds fweeter; and better in Chambers
that are wainſcotted, than fuch as are hung".
vities and
6. The Strings of a Lute, Viol, or Virginal, give a much greater Sound, The Advan
on account of the Knot and Concavity beneath, than if there were only a tage of Conca-
flat Board without that Hollow and Knot, by which the upper Air commu- Sound-boards
nicates with the lower. An Irish Harp admits the open Air on both fides of in Musical Ins
the Strings and its Belly runs not along with the Strings, but lies at the end ftruments.
of them. It makes a more refonant Sound than the Bandora, Orpharion,
or Cittern; tho thefe have Wire-ftrings as well as that. The Caufe feems to
be, that the open Air on both Sides helps where there is a Concavity; which
is therefore beſt placed at the End. A Virginal, when the Lid is down,
makes a flenderer Sound than when the Lid is up: for all fhutting in of
Air, where there is no competent Vent, damps the Sound.
VOL. III.
Cc
There
Thefe Particulars deſerve to be compared with thofe mentioned by the Bishop of Ferns, in
the Paper fo often cited, which may fhew upon what Foundation he proceeded to build his
highly ufeful and extenfive Doctrine of Acousticks.
194
SOUND.
The Obferva-
tion transfer-
red to the
Structure of
particular
Places in
V
7. There is a Church at Glauceſter, (and I have heard the like of other
Places) where, if a Perfon fpeaks foftly againſt a Wall; another fhall hear
his Voice better, at a confiderable diftance, than near at hand : enquire
more particularly of the Structure of that Place". I fufpect there is fome
Vault, or Hollow, or Ifle, behind the Wall; and fome Paffage to it from the
Churches, &c. farther end of that Wall, againſt which the Perfon ſpeaks; fo that the Voice
flides along the Wall, then enters at fome Paffage, and communicates with
the Air of the Hollow: for 'tis fomewhat preferved by the plain Wall; but
that is too weak to give an audible Sound, till it has communicated with
the back Air
Inftances to
fhew that
the Spirits of
Bodies.
W
8. Place the Horn of the Bow near your Ear, then touch the String, and
the Sound will be increaſed to a degree of Tone: the Senſory, in this cafe,
Sounds com- by reafon of the near approach, being ftruck before the Air difperfes. The
municate with like happens, if the Horn be held betwixt the Teeth: but this is a plain
Propagation of the Sound from the Teeth to the Organ of Hearing; for
there is a great Intercoufe between theſe two Parts; as appears from hence,.
that a harsh, grating Tune fets the Teeth on edge. The fame thing
happens if the Horn of the Bow be applied to the Temples; the Sound
thus fliding from thence to the Ear. If a Rod of Iron, or Brafs, be held
with one end to the Ear, and the other be ftruck upon, it makes a much
greater Sound than the fame Stroke upon the Rod, when not fo contiguous
to the Ear. By which, and other Instances, it ſhould ſeem that Sounds do
not only flide upon the Surface of a ſmooth Body; but alſo communicate
with the Spirits in the Pores of the Body x.
Instances,
Thewing that
Concavities
magnify
Sounds:
9. In Trinity-College, Cambridge, there was an upper Chamber, weak in
the Roof, and therefore fupported by an Iron Prop, as thick as a Man's
Wrift, placed in the middle of the Chamber: which Iron, if ftruck,
would make only a little flat Noife in the Room; but a great Bomb in the
Chamber below. The Sounds made by Buckets in a Well, when they
ftrike againſt the Sides, or plunge into the Water, &c. are deeper and fuller
than if the like Percuffion were made in the open Air: on account of the
Confinement and Inclofure of the Air in the Concave of the Well. So
empty Barrels placed in a Room under a Chamber, make all the Sounds.
in the Chamber more full and refounding. Hence there are five general
Ways of increasing Sounds; viz. (1.) fimple Enclosure; (2.) Enclosure
with
• On this Property of Sound, arifing from the Structure of a Place, may depend the Bishop
of Ferns's third and laſt Problem; viz. To convey a Sound from one place to another, at a great
diſtance; so as that it shall not be heard in the middle.
u Confider the Nature of Whispering Galleries, as, particularly, at St. Paul's in London.
w He who fhall make himſelf Mafter of the Nature and Properties of Sounds, will, per-
haps, have it in his power to perform as furprizing things as Friar Bacon is faid to have done,
by his Skill in Opticks, and, probably, more ferviceable
* Something to this Purpofe was intimated above, Sect. II. 7.
y Obferve, with regard to the Method of the Enquiry, the Ufe of particular Inftances and
Experiments; none of which are to be collected and made for their own fakes, but to furnish
the Means of Induction, and Axioms that lead to capital Works.
As in cylindrical Tubes.
SOUND.
195
с
with Dilatation a; (3.) Communication; (4.) Approach to the Senfory ; and
(5.) concurrent Reflection.
both Solids and
10. With regard to Exility of Sounds; 'tis certain the Voice paffes through That Sounds
folid and hard Bodies, if they be not too thick; and again, through Wa- pass through
ter: but then the Voice is, by fuch a Paffage, reduced to a great Exility. Fluids, but
Thus, if the Holes of a Hawk's Bell be ftopped, it will not ring; but are thus
rattle like the Eagle-ftone, which contains another Stone within it. And as rendered exile.
for Water; take a Pail, turn the Bottom upward, and carry the Mouth of
it down to the Level of the Water; plunge it fix Inches deep, ftill keep-
ing it even, that it may not tilt on either fide, and fo the Air get out: then
let a Perſon dive ſo far under Water, as to put his Head into the Pail; and
there will come out as much Air in Bubbles as to make room for his Head.
Now let him ſpeak, and his Voice will be heard plainly; tho now made
extreme fharp, like the Mock-voice of Puppets; yet the articulate Sounds
of the Words will not be confounded. It may be more commodious to put
the Pail over a Man's Head above Water; then, he finking down, to prefs
the Pail down with him, fo that by kneeling or fitting, he may be lower
than the Water.
11. In Lutes, and ſtringed Instruments, if you ſtop a String high, whereby Inflances in
it has leſs ſcope to tremble, the Sound is more treble, but more dead. musical
Take two Saucers, and ftrike the Edge of the one againſt the Bottom of the Strings, and
metalline Vef
other, within a Pail of Water; and as you put the Saucers lower and fels ftruck in
lower, the Sound will grow flatter, even while part of the Saucer is above Water.
the Water; but that flatnefs of Sound is joined with a harſhneſs, cauſed
by its Inequality; as coming from the parts of the Saucer that are under
the Water. But when the Saucer is wholly under the Water, the
Sound becomes clearer, tho much lower; as if it came from afar.
Sounds more
12. Soft Bodies damp Sound much more than hard ones. Thus, if a Bell That foft Bo-
be wrapped round with Cloth or Silk; it deadens the Sound more than if dies deaden
the Bell were furrounded with Wood. Trial was made in a Recorder, and than hard
varied feveral Ways: the Bottom of it was ftopped, (1.) with Wax; (2.) ones.
fet against the Palm of the Hand; (3.) against a Damask Cuſhion; (4.)
placed in Sand; (5.) placed in Afhes; and, (6.) ſet half an Inch deep in
Water, cloſe to the Bottom of a Silver Bafon; and ftill the Tone remained:
but when the Bottom of it was ſet againſt, (1.) a woollen Carpet; (2.) a
pluth Lining; (3.) a Lock of Wool, tho loofe; and, (4.) againſt Snow;
the Sound of it was quite deadned, and no more than a Breath.
13. Hot Iron produces not fo good a Sound as cold; for, while hot, it Extended to
appears to be more foft, and lefs refounding. So likewife, warm Water Iron and Wa-
in falling, makes not fo full a Sound as cold; being, I conceive, fofter, cold.
and nearer the nature of Oil; for 'tis more flippery, and fcowers better.
a As in fpeaking Trumpets, &c.
Cc 2
b As in Harps, &c. where the Air communicates on both fides.
As when the Ear is cloſe applied to the founding Body.
14. Let
d As in fpeaking near hollow Veffels, &c. Could not various particular Methods, capable of
producing great Effects, be found, by an artificial Application, or Combination, of two, or
more of thefe ?
ter, hot and
196
SOUND.
Two Experi- 14. Let a Recorder be made with two Fipples, at each end one; the
ments of Light Trunk as long as two Recorders, and the Holes anfwerable towards each
directed.
Bellows applied
End: let two Perſons play the fame Leffon upon it in Unifon; and obferve
whether the Sound be confounded, or augmented, or deadned. So like-
wife, let a Crofs be made of two hollow Trunks; and let two Perfons
fpeak, or fing; the one lengthwife, the other tranfverfe: and let there be
two Hearers at the oppofite Ends; to obferve whether the Sound be con-
founded, augmented, or deadned. Thefe two Inftances will alfo give light
to the mixture of Sounds e,
15. Bellows being blown in at the Hole of a Drum, whilft the Drum beats,
to the Hole of makes it found a little flatter, without any other apparent Alteration. The
Cauſe is, that the Bellows in part prevent the iffuing of the Sound; and in part
alfo make the Air lefs moveable.
a Drum.
SECT.
IV.
Of the Loudness or Softness of Sounds, and their Propagation to Longer
or Shorter Distances.
The ſtrength of
Percuffion, a
I.
T
HE Loudness and Softneſs of Sounds, is a thing diſtinct from their
Magnitude and Exility; for a bafs String, tho gently ſtruck, gives
principal Cauſe the greater Sound; but a treble String, if hard ftruck, will be heard much
of the Loud- farther becauſe the bafs String ſtrikes more Air, and the treble leſs, but
ness and Soft-
efs of Sounds. Tharper. The ftrength of Percuffion is, therefore, a principal Cauſe of the
loudnefs and foftnefs of Sounds; as in knocking harder or fofter; winding a
Horn ftronger or weaker, &c. And the ftrength of this Percuffion confifts
as much in the hardneſs of the Body ftruck, as in the force of the ftriking
Body for if you ftrike Cloth, it gives a lefs Sound; if, with the fame force,
Wood, a greater; if Metal, a ſtill greater. And, in Metals, Gold gives
the flatter Sound; and Silver, or Braſs, the more ringing Sound. But Air,
where ſtrongly confined, refembles a hard Body: whence the loud Noiſe in
diſcharging a Cannon. We find alſo, that a Charge, whether with Bullet,
or Paper, wet and hard ſtopped, or with Powder alone, rammed hard,
makes no great difference in the loudneſs of the Report.
Sharpness of
Percuffion, a
Caufe of loud
ness and
Strength in
Sounds.
2. The ſharpneſs or quickneſs of the Percuffion, is a great cauſe of the
loudnefs, as well as the ftrength. So if you ftrike the Air with a Whip, or
a Wand, the ſharper and quicker it is done, the louder Sound it makes..
And in playing upon the Lute, or Virginal, the quick Touch adds great
e
life
Perhaps theſe two Experiments have not hitherto been tried; at leaſt, I have not met
with themgin any other Author; tho, poffibly, the Bishop of Ferns knew their Succefs; if we
may conjecture from his Intimation of an uncommon Method of mixing Sounds; and
making a Confort with a fingle Inftrument. Let the Nature and Application of echoing and
whispering Places, be confidered upon this Occafion. But, for the Mixture of Sounds, fee.
more hereafter, Sect. XVI..
I
SOUND.
197
life to the Sound: the quick Stroke cutting the Air fuddenly; whilft the foft
one rather beats than cuts it f
1.
N
SECT. V.
Of the Communication of Sounds.
A apt Experiment for demonftrating the Communication of Sounds, That Sounds
is the chiming of Bells; for if you ftrike with a Hammer, communicate,
firſt upon the upper part of the Bell, then upon the middle, and laſtly shewn in Bells.
upon the lower part; you will find the Sound to be more treble or
more baſs, according to the Concavity on the infide; tho the Percuffion be
only on the outfide.
2. When the Sound in Wind-Inftruments is produced between the Blaft And in wooden
of the Mouth, and the Air of the Inftrument, it has yet fome Communica- Inftrument:.
tion with the Matter of the Sides of the Inftrument, and the Spirits therein
contained; for in a Flute, or Trumpet of Wood and another Brafs, the
Sound will be different: fo if the Flute be covered with Cloth or Silk, it`
gives a different Sound from what it would do of itſelf; and if the Flute be
a little wet on the infide, it will make a different Sound from the fame
Flute dry &
I.
WE
SECT. VI.
Of the Equality and Inequality of Sounds.
Voices.
E come next to fuch Inequality of Sounds as proceeds, not from the The Inequality
nature of the Bodies themfelves, but is accidental; either through of Sounds in
the roughneſs or obliquity of the Paffage, the doubling of the Percutient, crack'd Bells;
or the trepidation of the Motion. A Bell if crack'd, whereby the Sound and hoarse
has not a clear Paffage, rings hoarfe and jarring; fo the human Voice,
becomes hoarfe, when by a Cold the Wind-pipe grows rugged and furred.
And in theſe two Inftances the Sounds are ungrateful, becaufe totally un-
equal; but when unequal in Equality, they prove grateful, tho purling.
2. All Inftruments that have either Returns, as Trumpets; Flexures, as That Inflru-
Cornets; or are elevated and depreffed, as Sackbuts; yield a purling Sound: ments have
but the Flute, that has none of thefe Inequalities, gives a clear Sound. Yet Sounds ac-
different
the Flute itſelf moiftened a little on the infide, founds more folemnly, and cording to their
with Figures.
f See this Article farther profecuted in Mr. Malcolm's Treatise of Mufick, CHAP. I. and
M. Perault's Effais du Brut. There are alfo certain Papers in the Philofophical Tranſactions,
and French Memoirs, that give light to this Subject.
8 Some Particulars relating to this Article, have been already treated occafionally,
under Sect. III.
1-98
SOUND.
with a degree of purling or hiffing. And a wreathed String, fuch as the
bafs Strings of a Bandora, alfo yields a purling Sound.
The Obferva
3. But a Lute String, if it be altogether unequal in its Parts, gives a harfh
tion extended and untuneable Sound; which kind of Strings we call falfe Strings, as being
to musical
Strings.
bigger in one part than another whence Wire-ftrings are never falfe.
So, to try a Lute String, we extend it hard between the Fingers, and fillip
it; and if it give a double Species, it is true; but if more, it is
falſe".
Inftances where 4. The running of Waters affords a trembling Noife; and in Regals,
Water gives a which have a Nightingal-pipe that contains Water, the Sound is continually
purling Sound. tremulous. There is alfo a Play-thing for Children called Cocks, with
Water in them; which, when blown into, yield a trembling Sound: and this
trembling of Water has an Affinity with the Letter L. And all theſe In-
equalities of Trepidation are rather pleaſant than otherwiſe.
Why the Tenor 5. All bafs, or very treble Notes, give a rough Sound; the Bafs ftriking
is the ſweeteſt more Air than it can well ftrike equally whilft the Treble cuts the Air fo
ſharp, that it returns too fwift to make the Sound equal; and therefore the
Mean, or Tenor, is the fweeteſt Part in Mufick.
part in Mu-
fick.
Why no volun-
6. We know nothing that can, at pleaſure, make a mufical or immufical
tary Motion Sound, by voluntary Motion, but the Voice of Man and Birds. The Caufe
but the Voice, is, no doubt, in the Wind-pipe; which, being well extended, acquires an
makes a mufi-
cal, or immu- Equality; as a Bladder that is wrinkled, becomes fmooth when extended*.
fical Sound, The Extenfion is always greater in Tones than in Speech; whence the in-
at pleaſure.
The Sound of
Metals quench-
ed in Water.
Experiments
recommended
for trying the
Effects of un-
equal Mediums
upon Sound.
ward Voice, or Whiſper, can never give a Tone. And in finging, there
is a greater Labour of the Throat than in fpeaking; as appears from the
thruſting out, or drawing in of the Chin, when we fing. The humming of
Bees is an unequal Buzzing, conceived, by fome of the Ancients, not to
iffue at the Mouth of the Creature; but to be an inward Sound. It ſhould
rather feem to proceed from the motion of their Wings; for it is not
heard but when thefe ftir.
7. All Metals quenched in Water give a hiffing Sound; (which has an
Affinity with the Letter Z ;) notwithſtanding the Sound is created between
the Water, or Vapour, and the Air. Boiling alfo, if there be but little Water
in a Veffel, makes a hiffing Sound; but boiling in a full Veffel makes a
bubbling Sound, fomewhat like that of the Cocks ufed by Children'.
8. Trial fhould be made, whether the Inequality of the Medium will not
produce an Inequality of Sound; as if three Bells were made, one within
an-
↳ I fuppofe this double Species is meant of the two Senfations, or Sounds, caufed by the go-
ing, and returning of the String; which Sounds will only be uniform, or equable, when the
String is of the fame Thickneſs in all the vibrating Parts.
The Thing here meant, feems at preſent to be out of Uſe: 'tis a kind of Bellied-Whiſtle,
made of Earthen-Ware, and filled with Water up to the Whiſtle-part; whereat, when a Per-
fan blows, it yields a thrill, or very fharp Sound, with a confiderable degree of Purling.
By Purling, is understood, what may be otherwife called the Jug, or quick Double; as in the
Singing of the Nightingal, the Playing of a Flagellet, &c.
There is a curious Paper to this Purpoſe in the French Memoirs.
1 See above, § 4.
SOUND.
199
another, with Air between them; and the outermoft Bell were chimed with
a Hammer; how would the Sound differ from that of a ſingle Bell? So,
likewife, join a Plate of Braſs, and a Plank of Wood together; and ſtrike
upon one of them, to try if they do not give an unequal Sound. Again,
make two or three Partitions of Wood in a Hogfhead, with Holes or Knots
in them; and mark the difference of their Sound from that of a Hogshead
without fuch Partitions ".
SEC T. VII.
Of the more Treble, and the more Bafs Tones, or mufical Sounds.
"T"
Treble Sounds;
I.IS evident that the Percuffion of a greater Quantity of Air, The Caufe of
cauſes the Bass Sound; and the lefs Quantity, the Treble. The Bafs and
Percuffion of the greater Quantity of Air, proceeds from the largeneſs of
the ſtriking Body; and the length and breadth of the Concavity through which
the Sound paffes: whence a bafs String is greater; a bafs Flute, wider
than a treble; and in Pipes, and the like, the lower the Note-holes are,
and the farther from the Mouth of the Pipe, the more bafs the Sound; and
the nearer the Mouth, the more treble: fo, if you ftrike an entire Body,
as an Andiron of Braſs, at the Top; it makes a more treble Sound; and at
the Bottom, a more bafs. 'Tis alſo evident, that the fharper or quicker
Percuffion of the Air, cauſes the more treble Sound; and a flower, or
heavier, the more bafs Sound. So in Strings, the more they are ftrained,
the quicker they ftart back, and the more treble the Sound; as, on the
contrary, the flacker they are, the bafer the Sound and hence, a bigger
String more ſtretched, and a ſmaller String leſs ſtretched, may fall into the
fame Tone.
2. Children, Women, and Eunuchs, have fmaller, and fhriller Voices The Cause of
than Men: not becauſe Men have greater Heat, which may make the Voice breaking in
ſtronger (for ſtrength of Voice regards only loudnefs and foftnefs, not Tone ;)
the Voice:
but from the Dilatation of the Organ; which, indeed, may proceed from
Heat. But the Cauſe of changing in the Voice, at the Years of Puberty,
is more obfcure. It feems to be hence, that when much of the moisture of
the Body, which before watered the Parts, is drawn down to the ſpermatick
Veffels, it leaves the Body hotter; whence the Dilatation of the Organs ":
for
m He who defires to improve the prefent Set of Muſical Inſtruments, or to invent new
ones, with Advantages wanting in the prefent, fhould apply to the making of theſe kinds
of Experiments; without which, no juft Axioms in Phyficks, capable of directing the In-
ftrument-maker, can be procured.
n Viz, the Afpera Arteria, or the Head of the Larynx, &c. and we certainly know that
Heat has the Power of dilating, or expanding all the parts of the Body; as well as rendering
them dry. And, doubtless, these two Properties have a Power of altering Sounds, as all In-
ftances confirm. However, the Point fhould be more accurately examined by philofophical
Anatomifts.
200
SOUND.
cal Strings.
for all the Effects of Heat manifeftly come on at this time; as Pilofity,
roughness of the Skin, hardneſs of the Flefh, &c.
Three Ways of 3. The Induſtry of Muficians has invented two other Ways of ftraining
framing mufi. Strings, befides winding: the one is, ftopping them with the Finger; as
in the Necks of Lutes, Viols, &c. the other is, by ſhortening the Strings; as
in Harps, Virginals, &c. Both thefe depend upon the fame Principle; as
they only cauſe the String to give a quicker Start. In ftraining of a
String, the farther it is ftretched the lefs fuper-ſtraining goes to a Note
for a String requires to be confiderably wound, before it will make any
Note at all and in the Stops of Lutes, &c. the higher they go, the leſs
diſtance there is between the Frets.
The Tone of
Drinking-
glaffes varies
with the
Quantity of
Water in them.
09
4. If you fill a conical Drinking-glafs with Water, then fillip it on the
Brim, and afterwards empty part of the Water, and fo more and more; ſtill
trying the Tone by fillipping; you will find the Tone more bafs, as the
Glafs grows more empty.
How to difco- I.
ver the Propor-
tion of Air
ble and bass
Tones.
TH
SECT.
VIII.
Of the Proportion of Treble and Bafs Tones.
HE juft, and meaſured Proportion of the Air ftruck, with regard
to the baſeneſs, or trebleness of Tones, is one of the greateſt
Secrets in the contemplation of Sounds: for it difcovers the true coinci-
Atruck, in tre- dence of Tones into Diapafons; which is the Return of the fame Sound: and
fo of the Concords and Difcords between the Unifon and the Diapafon. This
may be diſcovered, (1.) in the Proportion of the winding of Strings;
(2.) in the Proportion of the diſtance of Frets; and, (3.) in the Propor-
tion of the concavities of Pipes, &c. but more commodiouſly in the
laft.
Viz. (1.) By.
2. But first try the winding of a String once about, as foon as it is
the winding of brought to that Extenfion as to give a Tone; then twice about, thrice, &c.
Strings. and mark the Scale, or difference of the Rife of the Tone: whereby you
will, at once, diſcover two Effects, or the Proportion of the Sound, in
reſpect to the Winding; and the Proportion of the Sound, in refpect of
the String, as it is more or leſs ſtrained: but to meaſure this; the Way will
be, to take the length in a right Line of the String, upon any winding
about of the Peg.
(2.) 3. As for the Stops: take the number of Frets; and, principally, the
By the distance length of the Line from the firſt Stop of the String, to fuch a Stop as fhall
produce a Diapafon to the former, upon the fame String.
of Frets.
(3.)
4. But, as we before obferved, the thing will beſt appear in the Bores of
By the Bores of Wind-inftruments: let, therefore, fix Pipes be made alike, in length and all
Pipes. things elfe; only with a fingle, double, and fo on to a fextuple Bore; and
mark what fall of Tone every one gives. But in thefe three Inftances it
muft
SOUND.
201
muft be diligently obferved, what length of String, diftance of Stop, and
concavity of Inftrument, gives what rife of Sound: thus, in the laſt caſe,
you muſt fet down what increaſe of Concavity goes to the making of a
Note higher, what of two Notes, what of three; and fo up to the Diapafon:
for then the great Secret of Numbers and Proportions will appear. Per-
haps the Makers of Wind-inftruments know this already; becauſe they
make them in Sets and likewife Bell-founders, in adjuſting the Tune of
their Bells fo that Enquiry may here fave Trial ¹.
empty Veffel,
to that of the
5. 'Tis obferved by one of the Ancients, that an empty Barrel ftruck Whether the
Sound of an
with the Finger, gives a Diapafon to the Sound of the like Barrel when full;
but how that ſhould be, I do not well underſtand; becauſe the ſtriking of be the Diapafor
a Barrel, full or empty, ſcarce gives any Tone m.
6. Some fenfible difference is required in the Proportion of creating a fame Veffel.
Note, with regard to the Sound itſelf, which is paffive; and that it be not
too near, but at a diſtance: for in a Recorder, the three uppermoft Holes
yield one Tone; which is a Note lower than the Tone of the first three
and the like, no doubt, is required in the winding or ſtopping of Strings".
I.
TH
SECT.
IX.
Of External and Internal Sounds.
when full.
The Creation
of a Note re-
ble difference
quires a fenfi-
from the
Sound.
Here is another difference of Sounds, which we call external and The Notion of
internal. This is neither foft nor loud, bafs nor treble; mufical an internal
nor immufical: and tho there can be no Tone in an external Sound; yet
Sound illuftra,
it may be both mufical and immufcal. The internal Sound we mean, is ra-
ther an Impulse, or Contrufion; than an Elifion, or cutting of the Air: fo
that the Percuffion of the one, with regard to the other, differs as a Blow
does from a Cut. In Speech, the Whiſper, whether loud or foft, is an in-
ternal; but ſpeaking out, an external Sound: whence we can never make
a Tone, nor fing in Whifper; but in Speech we may. So Breathing, or
blowing by the Mouth, Bellows, or Wind, tho loud, is an internal Sound;
but the blowing through a Pipe, or Concavity, is an external one. So, like-
wife, the greateſt Winds, if they have no Coarctation, or blow not hollow,
give an internal Sound; but the whiftling, or hollow Wind, yields a fing-
ing, or external Sound; the former being confined by fome other Body;
and the latter, confined by its own Denfity: and therefore when the
VOL. III.
D d
Wind
It fhould feem, that the Makers of Wind-inftruments, and Bell-founders, have no exact
Rule for this Purpofe; or elfe no true Method of obferving it: they, however, come tolera-
bly near, by Habit and Practice, as it were mechanically; and afterwards by making fome
fmall Alterations, as fcraping the Pipe, or chipping the Bell, bring the Tone to a
Truth.
m
Perhaps the Veffel was not of Wood, but Metal. How does the thing fucceed in Glafs ?
See above, Sect. VII. 4.
" There ſeems to be fomething intimated here, with regard to the Creation of Notes, that
has not hitherto been clearly and phyſically made out.
202
SOUND.
External and
internal
Sounds diffe-
rently produ
ced.
Wind blows hollow, 'tis a fign of Rain. So Flame, as it moves within it--
felf, or is blown by Bellows, gives a Murmur, or internal Sound.
2. There is no hard Body, but when ftruck againſt another hard Body,
will yield an external Sound, greater or lefs: infomuch, that if the Per-
cuffion be over-foft, it may induce a Nullity of Sound; but never an inter-
nal Sound: as when one treads fo foftly as not to be heard. Where the
Air, whether confined or not confined, is the Percutient againſt a hard Bo-
dy, it never gives an external Sound; as in blowing ftrongly with Bellows -
againſt a Wall. Sounds, both external and internal, may be made, as well:
by Suction as by Emiffion of the Breath as in Whiftling or Breathing".
That Sounds 1. 97
are not only in
the whole, but
also in small
parts of the
Air.
"T
SECT. X.
Of the Articulation of Sounds..
IS one of the greateſt Myfteries in Sounds, that the whole Sound'
is not only in the whole Air; but the whole Sound is alfo in every
ſmall part of the Air: fo that all the curious diverfity of articulate Sounds,
as in the Voice of a Man or Birds, will enter at a ſmall Chink, without
Confufion.
That unequal 2. The unequal Agitation of the Winds, or the like, tho it promotes the
Agitation does Conveyance of Sounds;, yet does not confound their Articulation, within
not confound the Diſtance they can be heard to: tho it may cauſe them to be heard the
tion of Sounds, lefs way
the Articula-
confounds
may
.
-
3. Too great Diftance confounds the Articulation of Sounds: thus we
Great Distance hear the Sound of a Preacher's Voice, when we cannot diftinguiſh
what he fays. And one articulate Sound will confound another; as when:
many ſpeak at once.
Sounds.
That Loudness 4. In fpeaking under Water, when the Voice is reduced to an extreme
and Lownefs Exility yet the articulate Sounds, that is the Words, are not confounded.
in Excess con- I conceive, that an extreme fmall, or an extreme great Sound, cannot be ar-
founds Articu-
lation.
ticulate; but that Articulation requires a mediocrity of Sound: as the ex--
treme fmall Sound confounds the Articulation by contracting; and the large
one by difperfing. And tho an articulate Sound already created, will be con-
tracted into a ſmall Compaſs, and paſs thro' a narrow Chink; yet the firſt
Articulation requires a greater Dimenſion.
Vaulting above
5. It has been obferved, that in a Room, or Chappel, vaulted below.
and below hin- and above, a Preacher cannot be heard fo well, as in the like places, not fo
ders Articula- vaulted. For in this Cafe the fubfequent words come on, before the prece-
dent ones vaniſh and therefore the articulate Sounds are more confuſed, tho
the grofs of the Sound be greater.
tion.
P This Article remains confiderably defective.
6. The
9. See Mr. Derham's Latin Paper upon the Motion of Sounds, in the Philofophical Trane:
factions, No 313.
See above, SECT. III. 10.
SOUND.
203
preffing the
6. The Motions of the Tongue, Lips, Throat, Palate, &c. which go The Motions of
to make the ſeveral Alphabetical Letters, relate to the Enquiry of Sounds. the Organs of
Speech in ex-
The Hebrews have been diligent herein and determined which Letters are
labial, dental, guttural, &c. The Latins and Grecians have diftinguifh'd Letters
between Semi-Vowels and Mutes; and in Mutes tolerably well between
mute tenues, media & afpirata: tho not with Diligence. For, they
have little examined the particular Percuffions and Motions that create
thoſe Sounds as that the Letters, B, P, F, M, are not expreffed, but
with contracting or fhutting the Mouth; that the Letters N and B,
cannot be pronounced together, without the Letter N turning into M:
As Hecatonba will become Hecatomba: That M and T cannot be pro-
nounced together, but P will come between them; as Emtus is pronounced
Emptus and there are many of the like Inftances. So that whoever en-
quires to the full, will find, there are fewer fimple Motions required, to the
making of the whole Alphabet, than there are Letters .
Articulation
ต
7. The Lungs are the moft fpungy Part of the Body, and therefore ableft The Voice and
to contract and dilate; and when they contract, they expel the Air; how form'd.
which paffing thro' the Afpera Arteria, Throat, and Mouth, makes the
Voice but Articulation is not produced without the help of the Tongue,
the Palate, and the reſt of thoſe call'd the Organs of Speech.
8. There is a Similitude between the Sound made by inanimate Bodies, Intimations for
or animate Bodies that have no articulate Voice; and feveral Letters of making inani
mate Things
articulate Voices: and Men have commonly given fuch Names to theſe Speak
Sounds, as allude to the articulate Letters. Thus the trembling Sound of
Water bears a refemblance to the Letter L; the quenching of hot Metals,
in Water, to the Letter Z; the fnarling of Dogs, to the Letter R; the
Voice of Screech-Owls, to the Letters Sh; the Voice of Cats, to the Dip-
thong Eu; the Voice of Cuckows, to the Dipthong Ou; the Sounds of
Strings, to the Letters Ng. So that for Inftance, to make an inanimate
Body pronounce a word; the Motion of the Inftruments of the Voice muſt
be confider'd, on the one fide; and the like Sounds made in inanimate Bodies,
on the other; and what Conformity caufes the Similitude of Sounds.
Dd 2
SECT.
This is a curious Part of the Enquiry, and of large Extent; which fome make a part of
Grammar or Speech: tho it requires a Physical Confideration. Let Dr. Holder, Dr. Wallis,
M. Amman, the Philofophical Tranſactions, and the French Memoirs, be confulted upon this
occafion.
t Were it not hence eafy to make a Dog, a Cat, or other Creature pronounce certain
Words diftinctly? And is there any other Secret in the accounts we have had of Speaking
Dogs, than that the Mafter knew how to make them growl, or howl in one continued Tone,
whilſt he modulated the Sound with his Hand, by directing the Motion of the Dog's Mouth,
fo as to render the Voice articulate? And if this general Enquiry were to be duly profecuted,
no doubt, but even inanimate Bodies, however ftrange it may feem, might be made to fpeak
certain Words. And whoever fhal thoroughly underſtand the Nature of Sounds, will be able
to do much greater Things than thefe. For fuch Things only appear ftrange thro' our own
Ignorance.
204
SOUND.
SECT.
XI.
That Sounds 1.
move every
way, and not
Soun
Of the Direction of Sounds.
Ounds move in a Sphere; that is, every way; upwards, downwads,
forwards and backwards; as appears in all Inftances. Sounds do
neceffarily in not, like the Rays of Light, require to be convey'd to the Senfe in right
Lines; tho they move ſtrongeſt in a right Line: becaufe fuch a Line is the
ſhorteſt Diſtance. Hence, a Voice on one fide of a Wall is heard on the
other not becauſe the Sound paffes thro' the Wall; but Arch-wife over
it.
a frait Line.
Sounds when
Stopped go
round.
'Sounds go far-
theft in the
front Lines to
the founding
Body.
Whether
Sounds move
better down-
wards or up-
wards,
2. If a Sound be ſtopp'd, and repell'd, it goes round on the other ſide;
in an oblique Line. Thus, if a Bell be rung on the North fide of a Cham-
ber, and the Window of that Chamber open to the South; a Perſon within
the Chamber would think the Sound came from the South: and the Cafe is
the fame in a Coach, &c.
3. Sounds, tho they move in a Sphere, yet are ftrongeft, and go farthest
in the Front-Lines, from the firft impulfe of the Air: and therefore, in
preaching, the Voice is better heard before the Pulpit, than behind it, or
on the fides; tho it ftand open. So a piece of Ordnance will be farther
heard forward from the mouth of the Piece, than behind, or on the
fides".
4. It may be fufpected, that Sounds move better downwards than up-
wards. Pulpits are placed high above the People: and when the ancient
Generals harangued their Armies, they had always a Mount caſt up, for
them to ftand upon. But this may be imputed to the Stops and Obftacles,
which the Voice meets with, in fpeaking on a Level. Yet there ſeems to
be fomewhat more in it; for perhaps fpiritual Species, both viſible and au-
dible, move better downwards than upwards. 'Tis ftrange, that to Men
ſtanding upon the Ground, others on the top of St. Paul's, feem not only
much lefs, but cannot be known; whilſt to thofe above, the Perfons below
feem not fo little, and may be known; tho all other Things to them above,
ſeem ſomewhat contracted, and better defined, or collected into Figures.
So Knots in Gardens fhew beft from an upper Window or Terras. But to
make an exact Trial, with regard to Sound, let a Man ſtand in a Chamber
not much above the Ground; and fpeak out at the Window thro' a
Trunk, as foftly as he can, to one ſtanding on the Ground; the other laying
» See Mr. Derham's Experiments, in the Philofophical Tranfactions.
his
This may hold true of Sounds, becauſe of the greater Denſity of the Air below than above :
but will it hold true of Vifion, for the fame Reaſon ?
w Is the Obfervation verified ?
I
* Why ſhould not the Experiment be tried at a greater height from the Ground; if a long
Tube were procurable? What is the common Obfervation of Maſons, working on the top
of a Steeple, and converfing with others below?
SOUND.
205
his Ear cloſe to the Trunk: then let the Perfon below ſpeak, in the fame
degree of Softneſs; and let him in the Chamber lay his Ear to the Trunk:
and this may be a proper means to judge whether Sounds defcend or afcend
the better.
SECT.
XII.
Of the Duration of Sounds; and the time they require in their Gene-
I.
ration, or Propagation.
a we find continues The
FTER Sound is created, as it is in a moment, we find it continues The Continu-
ſome ſmall time, melting by degrees. And here a great Error has ance and melt-
prevailed, in taking this to be a continuance of the firft Sound; whereas ing of Sounds,
whence.
it is a Renovation: For the Body ftruck has a Trepidation wrought in the
minute Parts; and fo renews the Percuffion of the Air. This is evident;
becauſe the melting Sound of a Bell, or String, ceaſes as foon as the Bell
or String is touch'd. And here are two Trepidations to be diftinguiſhed:
the one manifeft and local; as of the Bell when it is penfile: the other
fecret, and of the minute Parts: yet the local greatly helps the ſecret one.
So likewife in Pipes, and other Wind-Inftruments, the Sound lafts no lon-
ger than the Breath blows. 'Tis true, that in Organs there is a confuſed
Murmur for a fmall time after; but this is only while the Bellows are fal-
ling.
Z
Sounds.
2. 'Tis certain, that the Report of Ordnance, where many are fired to- The Motion of
gether, will be carried above twenty Miles by Land; and much farther by
Water: but then it comes to the Ear, not in the inftant of fhooting; but
perhaps an Hour or more after : which muſt needs be a continuance of the
firft Sound for there is no Trepidation to renew it. And the touching of
the Ordnance wou'd not extinguiſh the Sound the fooner: fo that in greater
Sounds, the continuance is more than momentary.
3. To try exactly the time wherein Sound is propagated; let a Man ftand An Experi
in a Steeple, with a Taper, veiled; and let another Man ftand a Mile meat for de-
off: then let the Perfon in the Steeple ftrike a Bell; and at the fame Inftant termining the
withdraw the Veil or Blind, that the other at a Diſtance may meaſure the
Velocity of
Sound,
Time between the Light feen, and the Sound heard: for Light is propa-
gated inftantaneously. This may be tried in far greater Diftances; allow-
ing greater Lights and Sounds.
4. "Tis
y This Diftinction is made great Ufe of by M. Perault, in his Effais du Bruit.
See
z The Velocity of Sound is fomewhat differently computed by different Authors. According
to Mr. Boyle it moves 1200 English Feet in a Second; and according to Dr. Halley 1142.
Newton. Princip. Lib. II. Prop. 50. And again, Mr. Derham's Paper in the Philofophical
Tranfactions, N° 313.
a Or what comes very near thereto : for in the ſpace of feven or eight Minutes, it is thought
by fome to travel from the Sun to the Earth. See Newton, Princip. Lib. 11. Prop. 96, Schel,
206
SOUND.
That Sound
4. 'Tis generally obferved, that Light moves fwifter than Sound; for
moves flower the flafh of a Musket is feen fooner than the Report is heard. And in the
than Light.
The difference
betwixt
Sounds and
Colours as to
melting away.
hewing of Wood, we may fee at fome Diſtance, the Arm lifted up for a
fecond Stroak, before we hear the Sound of the firſt. And the greater the
Diſtance, the greater is the Anticipation: as in Thunder afar off; when the
Lightning long precedes the Crack '.
5. Colours reprefented to the Eye, neither fade, nor melt by degrees;
but appear ſtill in the fame ftrength; whilft Sounds melt and vanish by little.
and little for Colours participate not of the Motion of the Air, as Sounds
do. And 'tis manifeft that Sound participates of fome local Motion of the
Air; becauſe it periſhes ſo ſuddenly for in every Diviſion or Impulſe of
the Air, the Air fuddenly reftores and re-unites itfelf; which Water alfe
does, tho not fo fwiftly.
SEC T.
XIII.
I.
I
Of the Paffage and Interception of Sounds:
Cautions re-
N Experiments of the Paffage, or Refiftance of Sounds, care muſt be
quired in ma-
had not to miſtake the paffing along the Sides of a Body, for the paſ-
king Experi
ments about fing thro' a Body: and therefore the intercepting Body fhould be very clofe;
the Paffage of for Sound will pafs thro' a fmall Chink. But when the Sound is to pafs thro
a hard or cloſe Body; as a Wall, Metal, Water, &c. the Body muſt be but
thin and ſmall; otherwiſe it utterly damps the Sound: whence in the Ex-
periment of fpeaking under Water, the Voice muft not be very deep within
the Water; for then the Sound would not penetrate thro'.
Sounds.
That the
pneumatical
Parts of
2. 'Tis certain, that in the paffage of Sounds thro' hard Bodies, the Spirit
or pneumatical part of the Body itſelf, co-operates; but much better when
the Sides of the hard Body are ſtruck, than when the Percuffion is only in-
Sounding Bo-
dies co-operate
ternal, without touching the Sides. Take, therefore, a Hawk's Bell, with
moft when the the Holes ftopped up; and hang it, by a Wire, within a Glafs Bottle;
fides are ſtruck. cloſe the mouth of the Glaſs with Wax; then ſhake the Glaſs, and
ther the Bell will give any Sound, or how weak ª.
try whe-
Sounds diffe-
3. 'Tis certain, that a very wide Arch defcending fharp, will quite extin-
rently damped guifh Sounds; fo that the Sound which would be heard over a Wall, can-
by different not be heard over a Church; nor the Sound, audible at fome Diſtance from
Arches.
a Wall, be heard clofe under the Wall.
4. Soft
On this Foundation the Diſtance of Explofions, Thunder, ec. may be readily known;
by counting the Seconds that pafs betwixt the Flaſh and the Report. See the Note to § 2.
above.
This is more fully infifted upon above, Sect. III. 8.
a The Invention of the Air-Pump and Condenfor has render'd numerous Experiments, with
Relation to Sounds and Hearing, much more commodiously practicable, than they could have
been without it. But Philofophers feem weary of thefe new Engines, already, before half their
Uſes are known.
I
SOUND.
207
4.
Soft and foraminous Bodies will deaden Sounds in their firft Creation; Soft Bodies
for the ſtriking againſt Cloth or Fur makes little Sound; but in its Paffage, damp Sounds
in their first
they admit it better than harder Bodies: fo Curtains and Hangings do not Production.
ftop a Sound much; but Glafs Windows, if very clofe, will check it
more than the like thickneſs of Cloth.
5. 'Tis worth enquiring, whether great Sounds do not become more Whether large
weak and exile, in paffing thro' fmall Chinks: for the fubtilties of articu- Sounds are
late Sounds may perhaps paſs them unconfuſed; but magnitude of Sound damp by go-
ing thro' firait
Paffages.
not fo well e
I.
TH
SECT. XIV.
Of the Medium of Sounds.
HE Mediums of Sounds are Air, Water, foft and porous Bodies; Air the best
and in fome degree alfo, hard ones: but all of them are dull and adapted Medi
unapt, except the Air. The thinner Air does not convey Sound fo well as the um of Sound.
denfer. This appears from Sounds in the Night and Evening; in moiſt
Weather, and in Southern Winds: for thin Air is better penetrated; whilft
a thick Air better preferves the Sound from wafte. But let farther Trial
be made, by hollowing in Mifts and gentle Showers: for Dampnefs, perhaps,
will ſomewhat deaden the Sound f
2. How far Flame may be a Medium of Sounds; eſpecially fuch as are whether Flame·
created by Air, and not betwixt hard Bodies; may be tried by fpeaking be a Medium
where a Bonfire is between: but then allowance muft be made for fome of Sound.
diſturbance in the Sound, caufed by that of the Flame itſelf.
3. Whether any other Fluids, being uſed as Mediums, propagate Sound Whether other
differently from Water, may be easily tried; as by ftriking the bottom of Fluids propa-
a Veffel, fill'd either with Milk, or Oil; which, tho more light, are more gate Sounds
differently
unequal Bodies than Water %.
from Water.
SECT.
XV.
Of the Figures of the Concaves, or Bodies, thro' which Sounds are
I.
TH
convey'd.
HE Figure of a Bell partakes of the inverted, truncate Pyramid;
but comes off and dilates more fuddenly. The Figure of the Huntf-
man's Horn, and Cornet, is oblique; tho there are likewife ftrait Horns;
which if of the fame Bore with the crooked ones, differ little in Sound;
e See Sect. X. 4, 5·
f See Mr. Boyle's Pneumatical Experiments relating to Sounds. -
1
This Article alfo remains but imperfectly profecuted.
tho:
208
SOUND.
Trials of dif-
ferently figu-
red Bores re-
commended.
Differently fi-
gured Solids.
tho the ftrait ones require a fomewhat ftronger Blaft. The Figures of Recor-
ders, and Pipes, are ftrait; but the Recorder has a lefs Bore above; and a
greater below. The Trumpet has the Figure of the Letter S", which makes
the purling Sound, &c. Generally the ftrait Line makes the cleareſt and
roundeſt Sound; and the crooked the more hoarfe and jarring.
2. Trial ſhould be made with a finuous Pipe, having four Flexures : as
alfo with a Pipe made in the form of a Crofs, and open in the middle; and
again with an angular Pipe: to fee what would be the Effects of their feve-
ral Sounds. Try likewife a circular Pipe; made perfectly round, with a
Hole to blow in; and another not far from that; but with a Tranfverfe, or
Stop between them; fo that the Breath may go the round of the Circle,
and iffue at the fecond Hole i.
3. Percuffions may be likewife tried in folid Bodies of feveral Figures; as
Globes, Flats, Cubes, Croffes, Triangles, &c. and their Combinations; as
Flat againſt Flat, Convex againſt Convex, Convex againſt Flat, &c. to
fhew the diverſities of the Sounds they produce. Try alfo the difference of
Sounds in ſeveral Thickneſſes of hard Bodies, when ftruck. I have tried,
that a Bell of Gold yields an excellent Sound; not inferior to one of Silver
or Brafs, but rather better*: yet a piece of Gold Coin, founds much flatter
than a piece of Silver.
4. The Harp has its Concave running croſs-wife to the Strings; and no In-
ſtrument yields fo melting and prolong'd a Sound as the Irish-Harp¹. So that
if a Virginal were made with a double Concave; the one all the Length,as the
Virginal has; the other at the end of the Strings, as the Harp has; it might
make the Sound more perfect, or not fo fhallow and jarring. It may be
tried without any Sound-board along; but only Harp-wife at one end of the
Strings or laſtly, with a double Concave; one at each end of the Strings".
TH
SECT.
XVI.
Of the Mixture of Sounds.
I. HERE is an apparent diverfity between vifible and audible Spe-
cies, in this; that the vifible do not mix in the Medium; but the
audible do for we can fee a number of Trees, Hills, Men and Beafts,
↳ Some Trumpets have a Circular Turn in the middle.
at
Is not this the Structure of the little round Horn or Pipe ufed by the Poftillions in Germany;
which gives a very odd Sound, not to be defcribed by Words; being a kind of mixture (of
Shrillness, Loudnefs, and Stops, fomewhat reſembling the Braying of an Afs?
* Was the Gold pure, or alloy'd? One would not expect that ſo foft a Metal as pure
Gold, fhould ring clear and ftrong.
1 Obferve, that the Irish Harp has metalline Strings; and is play'd with the Nails; not the
Ends of the Fingers; as the Welch Harp is, the Strings whereof are Gut,
m What is the new Contrivance practifed in upright Harpficords? Thefe Experiments are of
the fame kind with thofe recommended above, Sect. VIII. and regard the Improvement of
Mufical Inftruments.
2
SOUND.
209
at once; without the one confounding the other: but if fo many Sounds
Thus
came from feveral Parts, they would utterly confound each other.
Voices, or Concerts of Mufick make Harmony by Mixture ", which Co-
lours do not. 'Tis true, indeed, that a great Light drowns a finaller; as
the Sun does that of a Glow-worm; and a great Sound drowns a lefs. So
likewife, if there were two Glaſs Lanthorns, the one of a Crimſon Colour,
the other of an Azure, and a Candle were included in each; I fuppoſe theſe
colour'd Lights would mix and caft a Purple Colour upon white Paper".
And even Colours yield a faint and weak Mixture; for white Walls make
Rooms more lightſome than black. But the Confufion in Sounds, and the
Diſtinctness of vifible Objects proceeds from hence, that the Vifion is made in
right Lines, by means of feveral diftinct Cones of Rays; whence there can
be no Coincidence in the Eye, or viſual Point: whereas Sounds, that move
in oblique and crooked Lines, muſt needs meet and diſturb one another P.
mony.
2. The ſweeteſt and beſt Harmony is made, when every Part, or Inftru- What makes
ment is not heard by itſelf, but a general Concent of them all; which re- the trueft Har
quires the Audience to be at ſome diſtance: after the fame manner as the
mixture of Perfumes is received; or the Smells of feveral Flowers in the Air
The Difpofition of the Air, as to other Qualities, unlefs joined with Sound,
has no great effect upon Sounds: for whether the Air be light or dark,
hot or cold, in filent Motion, or at Reft, fweet or fetid, &c. this can
make only fome petty Alteration: but Sounds difturb and alter one ano-
ther; fometimes by drowning, fometimes by jarring and difcording, and
fometimes by confounding with each other; and fometimes the one mixes
and compounds with the other, and makes Harmony.
In what pre
3. Two Voices of the fame Loudnefs will not be heard twice as far as
portion to the
one of them alone; and two Candles of equal Light, will not render original,
Things vifible, twice as far as one. The Caufe lies deep; but it ſhould feem Sounds are pro-
that the Impreffions from the Objects of the Senfes mix reſpectively, every pagated.
one with its kind; but not in proportion: the Reafon may be, that the
firft Impreffion, which is from Privative to Active, as from Silence to Noiſe,
V o L. III.
E e
or
n Is it not the Excellence of Concerts, and the Beauty, or Perfection of Harmony, to have
the Sounds of different Inftruments perfectly embodied as it were, or mixed together, like the
different Colours of Light, fo as to ftrike the Ear with one compound Senfation, as if it came
from a fingle Inftrument, like Light from the Sun? And if fo; cou'd not ways be contrived,
by fome particular Structure of the Mufick-Room, or Opera House, to incorporate thefe Sounds;
before they came to the Ears of the Audience? And by a fuitable Contrivance of this kind,
might not a Dutch or an English Concert be render'd as agreeable as an Italian one? See the
next Paragraph below.
• Sir Ifaac Newton has many Particulars relating to this Subject, both in his Opticks and
Principia.
P See this Matter farther clear'd up by Sir Ifaac Newton. Princip. Lib. II. Prop. 50.
Schol.
This Compariſon feems very well to explain the Nature of Concert. See the Note upon.
§ 1. above.
Is this strictly and fully explained by Sir Ifaac Newton's Doctrine of Sounds; which makes
them no more than propagated Pulfes of the Air, proceeding from tremulous Bodies? See
Princip. Lib. II. Prop. 50.
210
SOUND,
Sounds. meli-
orated by
or from Darkneſs to Light, is a greater degree, than from lefs Noife to
more Noife, or from lefs Light to more Light. The Reafon of this again
may be, that the Air after it has received a Charge, does not receive a grea-
ter Charge, with the fame Appetite, as at first. But to determine, the
increaſe of Virtues, in proportion to the increaſe of Matter, is a large Field,,
that requires a particular Treatment :
1.
A
f
SECT. XVII.
Of the Melioration of Sounds.
LL concurrent Reflexions make Sounds greater; but if the Body
that gives the original Sound, or the Reflexion, be clean and.
Smoothness in fmooth, it makes them fweeter. Trial may be made in a Lute or Viol,
the founding with the Belly of polifh'd Brafs, inſtead of Wood. We find even in the
Body..
open Air, that the Wire String is fweeter than the Gut-ftring. And for
Reflexion, Water excels: as we find in Mufick near a River; and in Echoes.
It has been tried, that a Pipe a little moiftned on the infide, yet fo as to leave
no Drops, makes a more folemn Sound, than if the Pipe were dry; yet
with a ſweet degree of Purling: for all porous Things, by being moiſt, or, as it
were, in a ſtate between dry and wet, become a little more even and ſmooth:
but the Purling, which proceeds from Inequality, I take to be caufed be-
tween the ſmoothneſs of the inward Surface of the Pipe, which is wet; and
the rest of the Wood of the Pipe, to which the wet does not reach ".
1
2. Mufick within Doors, founds better in frofty Weather; perhaps not
By dry Wea-
ther, and long fo much from the Difpofition of the Air, as of the Wood or String of the
keeping of the Inſtrument; which is thus made more criſp, and thence more porous or
Inftrument.
hollow and we find that old Lutes found better than new ones, for the
fame Reaſon; fo do Lute-ſtrings that have been long kept
By the mixture
* open Air
3. Sound is likewiſe meliorated by the mixing of open Air, with confined
Air. Trial, therefore, may be made of a Lute, or Viol, with a double Belly;
with confined. and another Belly with a Knot over the Strings; yet fo as to leave ſcope
enough for the Strings to play below that Belly. Trial may be likewife
made.
This is a Subject that feems properly to fall under Mathematical Confideration; after-
particular Experiments have been made. Something confiderable is done in this way by Gali-
lao, Sir William Petty, and others in a few Subjects: but the Deſign has by no means been
extended to all forts of Virtues, Powers, and Effects, as it deferves; particularly in Odours,
Electricks, Magneticks, Menftruums, &c.
* This is not judged fo by all Ears; tho poffibly a Gut-ſtring cannot be made ſo ſmooth
and even as the Wire-ftring.
u It may perhaps be a contradictory Inftance to thefe, that the Sound of an Ivory Hautboy is
not fweeter than one of Wood. And both in this, and all other Enquiries, the contradictory
Inftances ſhould be fought with as much Diligence as the concurrent; if we defire to come
at the Forms of Things.
ν
It might deferve to be tried, whether falfe Strings becoming true by keeping, as they have:
been found to do, acquire an equal thickneſs, in their Parts, which they had not before.
SOUND.
211
So
made of an Irish Harp, with a Concave on both Sides: tho perhaps it
might thus refound too much; whereby one Note would overtake ano-
ther. To Sing in the Hole of a Drum, makes the Voice ſweeter.
I conceive it would, if a Song in Parts, were ſung in at ſeveral Drums:
and for Elegance fake, there might a Curtain be drawn between the Drums
and the Audience.
4. The Sound created in a Wind-Inftrument, between the Breath and By Equality in
the Body 'of
the Air, is meliorated, by communicating with a more equal Body of the
the Inftru
Pipe for there would doubtless be a different Sound in a Trumpet or Pipe ment.
of Wood; from that of a Trumpet or Pipe of Brafs. It were proper to
try the Effects of Brafs Recorders, and Brafs Horns w.
5. Sounds are meliorated by the intenfion of the Senfe, whilft the other By the Inten
Senfes are collected to the particular Senfe of Hearing, and the Sight fuf- fion of the
Hearing, and
pended: whence Sounds are ſweeter in the Night, than in the Day; and I a Suſpenſion of
ſuppoſe ſweeter to blind Men than to others. And 'tis found, that be- the other Sen-
tween fleeping and waking, when all the Senfes are bound, Mufick is far fes
fweeter, than when one is full awake *.
"TE
SECT.
XVIII.
Of the Imitation of Sounds.
Creatures.
I.IS ftrange, when attentively confider'd, how Children, and fome Whence the
Birds learn to imitate Speech.
Birds learn to imitate Speech. They take no Notice at all of the Imitation of
Motion of the Mouth; for Birds are as well taught in the Dark as by Light. Sounds pro-
The Sounds of Speech are very curious and exquifite: whence one would ceeds in living
think it were a Leffon hard to learn. 'Tis true, it is conquer'd with
Time, by Degrees, and with many Trials; but all this does not folve the
Wonder. It would almoft make one think there is fome Tranfmiffion of
Spirits and that the Spirits of the Teacher put in Motion, work with
the Spirits of the Learner, a pre-difpofition to imitate; and fo to perfect the
Imitation by degrees. And for Imitation, 'tis certain, there is in Men and
other Creatures, a pre-difpofition to imitate. How readily do Apes and
Monkies imitate all the Motions of Men? And in the catching of Dottrels,
we fee how the fooliſh Bird plays the Ape in Geftures; and no Man, in
Effect affociates with others, but he learns unawares fome of their Gefture,
Voice, or Manner.
Ee 2
2. In
W
By what phyſical means is the Sound of a Violin made to refemble that of a Drum, a
Hautboy, the French Horn, the Bag-Pipe, the Organ, &c. as in a skilful Hand it does to great
Exactness.
* All the other ways of meliorating Sounds fhould be here enumerared. Confider the use of
Sound-Boards ; and their best Figure; a proper one to place behind the Actors upon the Stage,
meliorate the Voices, and convey them better to the Pit and Galleries, c.
that may
y See the Articles IMITATION and SYMPATHY.
212
SOUND.
!
1
Birds imitate
Sounds with-
out being
taught by
Man.
Only Birds imi-
tate human
Speech.
Whence the fu-
perior aptness
of Birds for
imitating Voi-
ees.
2. In the Imitation of Sounds, 'tis not neceffary that Man fhould be the
Teacher: for Birds will learn of one another; without any Reward, as by
feeding, or the like, given them in way of Encouragement. Befides,
Parrots will not only imitate Voices, but Laughing, Knocking, the Squeak-
ing of a Door, or a Cart-wheel; and any other Noife they hear z.
3. No Brute can imitate the Speech of Man; but only Birds: for the
Ape, that is otherwife fo ready to imitate, attains not to any degree of
Speech; tho there are Dogs, which if a Perfon howl in their Ear, will fall
a howling, and continue it a great while. This aptnefs of Birds above
Beaſts, in imitating the human Speech, fhould be farther examined. Beafts
have thoſe Parts which are accounted the Organs of Speech, as Lips,
Teeth, &c. more like to Men than Birds have: and for the Neck, many
Beafts have it as long as Birds. What better Gorge or Apparatus Birds have,
may be farther enquir'd. The Birds that are known to ſpeak, are Parrots,
Pies, Jays, Daws, and Ravens 2: among which, Parrots have a hooked Bill,
the rest not.
4. But perhaps this aptnefs of Birds lies not fo much in the Conformity
of the Organs of Speech, as in their Attention: for Speech muſt come by
Hearing and Learning; and Birds attend and mark Sounds more than
Beafts; becauſe they are naturally more delightd with them, and practife
them more ;
as appears from their Singing. Thofe who teach Birds
to fing, keep them awake, to increaſe their Attention. And Cock Birds
among finging Birds are always the better Singers; perhaps, becauſe they
are more lively, and liften more.
5. Affiduity and Application in imitating Voices, conduces much to Imi-
tation: whence there are certain Mimicks who will reprefent the Voices of
Players and others to the Life. And there have been thoſe who could coun-
terfeit the Diſtance of Voices, fo as that when they ſtand cloſe by; you
would think the Speech came afar off. How this is done may be farther exa-
mined tho I fee no great Ufe of it but for Impoſture.
SECT.
z The Stories related of Parrots, are fome of them very extraordinary; but fcarce any
more remarkable than that infifted upon by Mr. Locke, in his Effay upon Human Under-
Standing, where the Parrot feem'd not only to fpeak diftinctly, but to hold a Dialogue rationally;
and appofitely imitated the Cluck of a Hen, in ufing the human Voice.
a The foreign Speaking-Birds ſhould be alfo enumerated.
b It is an agreeable furprize to fee with what Attention a Canary Bird will take a Leffon
from the Flagelet; and in Time be brought to fing an intricate Italian Air; provided it be not
too long. Tho the Bird is foon apt to forget it, unleſs his Memory be frequently refreſhed by
the Maſter.
C
Many Perfons have feen a remarkable Inſtance of this kind in a certain Smith of London,
who had an extraordinary Talent in making his Voice appear to come from any part of the
Room, or Houſe, where he was; fo as to work furprizing Effects upon thofe who were not
let into the Secret: and thus, 'tis faid, he once counterfeited a Man's Voice coming out of a
large Cask, in a Cart loaded with empty Casks, as it was going along the Street; to the great
Aſtoniſhment and Perplexity of the Carman.
I
SOUND.
213
SECT.
XIX.
1.
TH
Of the Reflexion of Sounds.
Sounds.
Here are three kinds of Reflexion in Sounds; viz. (1.) Concurrent; Three kinds of
(2.) Iterant, or Echo; and, (2.) Super-reflexion, or the Echo of Reflexions in
an Echo. The Reflexion of vifible Objects, by Mirrors, may be com-
› manded; becauſe, paffing in right Lines, they may be directed to any
Point but the Reflexion of Sounds is hard to direct; becauſe a Sound, fil-
ling larger Spaces in arched Lines *, cannot be fo guided: whence the Ways
of making artificial Echoes have not been practiſed ". And no Echo, yet
known, returns in a very narrow Space.
they are made.
2. The natural Echoes are made by Walls, Woods, Rocks, Hills, and The Doctrine
of Echoes; viz.,
Banks. As for Water being near, it makes a concurrent, but farther off, an By what things
iterant Echo: for there is no difference between the concurrent Echo and
the iterant, befides the quick nefs, or flownefs of the Return. But Water,
doubtlefs, helps the propagation of the Echo; as well as of original
Sounds.
3. If a Perſon ſpeak in a Trunk ftopt at the farther end, the Blaſt re-
turns upon the Mouth; but no Sound at all: for the clofenefs which pre-
ferves the Original, is not able to preferve the reflected Sound. Befides,
Echoes are feldom created but by loud Sounds: whence there is lefs Hope
of making artificial Echoes in Air, confined within a narrow Concave. Yet
it has been tried, that by leaning over a Well twenty-five Fathom deep,
and ſpeaking, tho but foftly, the Water returned an audible Echo. It
fhould alfo be tried, whether fpeaking in Caves, where there is no Iffue,
except at the Mouth, will not yield an Echo, as Wells do.
4. Echoes move as original Sounds do, in a Sphere of Air. It were pro- Their Motion.
per to try the Production of Echoes, where the reflecting Body makes an
Angle; as againſt the Return of a Wall, &c. In Mirrors, there is the like
Angle of Incidence, from the Object to the Glafs, as from the Glaſs to the.
Eye. And if a running Ball be ftruck fide-way, the Rebound will be as
much the contrary way: and whether there be any fuch Reflexion in Echoes,
may be tried; that is, whether a Perfon will hear better, by ftanding on
the fide of the reflecting Body, than by ſtanding where the Voice is; or
any where, in a Right-line, between. Trial, likewife, fhould be made,
As being propagated Pulfes of the Atmosphere, or Medium.
by.
y Might not the making of artificial Echoes be now practifed with Succefs? Surely, the many
Difcoveries every where allowed to be made in the Business of Sounds, fince the Invention of
the Air-pump, and the Improvements of Sir Ifaac Newton, may enable us to produce more
Effects than before: otherwife it is a Prefumption, that thefe Difcoveries are either not juſt,
or not very fignificant; or elfe, that the modern Philofophers are very indolent.
z It is an AXIOM, in Opticks, that the Angle of Incidence is equal to the Angle of Reflexion,
on all kinds of Surfaces,
{
A
21.4
SOUND.
The Super-re-
choes.
by ſtanding nearer the place of Reflexion, than the Speaker; and again,
by ſtanding farther off; to find whether Echoes, as well as original Sounds,
be not ſtrongeſt near hand a,
5. In many Places may be heard a number of Echoes one after another:
flection of E- that is, when there is a variety of Hills, or Woods, fome nearer, fome
farther off: fo that the Return from the farther being laft created, will be
likewiſe laſt heard. As the Voice goes round the Perfon who fpeaks, fo
does the Echo; for there are many Back-echoes, as well as Front ones.
To make an
veral Words
diftinctly.
6. To make an Echo report three, four, or five Words diftinctly, tis
Echo repeat fe- requifite that the reflecting Body be at a good diſtance: for if it be near,
yet not fo near as to make a concurrent Echo, it chops with you of a fudden.
'Tis neceffary, likewife, that the Air be not much confined; for Air
confined at a great diſtance, has the fame Effect as Air at large, in a fmall
diftance. And therefore, in the Trial of fpeaking in the Well, tho the
Well was deep, the Voice came back fuddenly; and would bear the Report
but of two Words.
The Echo at
Pont-Charen-
ton.
7. With regard to Echoes upon Echoes, there is a curious Inftance.
thereof, about three or four Miles from Paris, near a Town called Pont-
Charenton; upon the River Sein. The Room is a Chapel, with the Walls
all ftanding, both at the Sides and at the Ends; and two Rows of Pillars,
after the manner of Ifles: the Roof is open, and no Arch-work remaining
near any of the Walls. There was, against every Pillar, a Stack of Billets,
piled above a Man's height; which the Watermen, that bring Wood down
the Sein in Sacks, laid there for their Convenience. Speaking at the one
End, it returned the Voice thirteen feveral times; and, I was told, that it
would return it fixteen times: for I was there about three of the Clock in
the Afternoon; and it is beft, as all Echoes are, in the Evening. 'Tis ma-
nifeft, this is not different Echoes from feveral Places; but a toffing of the
Voice, as a Ball, different ways: like Reflections in Looking-glaffes;
where, if you place one Glafs before, and another behind, you fhall fee the
Glafs behind, and the Image within the Glafs before; and again, the Glaſs
before, in that; and many fuch Super-reflexions, till the Images of the Ob-
ject fail, and die at laft: being in every Return weaker and more
fhadowy. So the Voice in that Chapel, makes fucceeding Super-reflexions;
melting by degrees; and every Reflexion growing weaker than the former.
Thus, if you fpeak three Words, it will, for three times, perhaps, report
the whole three Words; then the two latter Words, for a few times and
then the laſt Word alone, a few times; ftill fading, and growing weaker.
And whereas, in Echoes of one Return, it is extraordinary, to hear four or
five Words; in this Echo of fo many Returns, you hear above twenty
Words for three. The like Echo upon Echo, but only with two Reports,
has been obferved by ſtanding between a Houfe and a Hill, and hollowing
towards the Hill; for the Houfe will give a Back-echo; which may be
miſtaken for the other, tho the latter be the weaker.
8. There
a The making of theſe Trials would, doubtlefs, difcover fome confiderable Secrets for the
Improvement of Phonicks.
SOUND.
2.15
Echoes.
8. There are certain Letters which an Echo can hardly exprefs; as S, for There are cer-
inftance; eſpecially when a principal Letter in a Word. Thus, when I tain Letters
went to hear the Echo at Pont-Charenton, there was an old Parifian, who inexpreffible by
took it to be the Work of good Spirits; for, faid he, call out Satan, and
the Echo will not deliver back the Devil's Name; but cries, Va tén, which,
in French, is, begone: and thereby I found that an Echo would not return S;
as being but a hiffing, and interior Sound.
9. Some Echoes are fudden, and chop again, as foon as theVoice is delivered; The Difference
others are more deliberate, or take more time between the Voice and the of Echoes.
Echo; which is caufed by the Nearnefs, or Diſtance: fome will report. a
longer train of Words, and fome a fhorter; fome as loud as the Original,
or, fometimes, louder; and others weaker and fainter. Where Echoes
come from feveral Parts at the fame diftance, they muft make, as it were,
a Choir of Echoes; and fo increaſe the Report, and give a continued Echo;
as we find in fome Hills that ſtand in compaſs like a Theatre .
10. It does not yet appear, that there is any Refraction in Sounds, as in Whether there
Vifion for, I do not think, if a Sound fhould pafs through different be a Refraction,
Mediums; as Air, Cloth, Wood, &c. it would deliver the Sound in a in Sounds ?
different Place from that where it tends: which is the proper effect of
Refractions.
I:.
SE C T. XX.
Of the Relation and Difference between Light and Sound.
Oth viſible and audible Species diffefe themſelves in a Sphere; and The Particu.
Both
fill the whole thereof, to certain Limits; being carried to great lars wherein.
Lengths; but languish, and leffen by degrees, according to the diſtance of Sound and
the Objects from the Senfories. (2.) The whole Species of both, are in every
Sight agree..
fmall portion of the Air, or Medium; fo that they pafs through fmall.
Chinks, without confufion; as appears from Levels, to the Eye, and from
Slits, to the Ears. (3.) Both of them are ſuddenly and eaſily generated
and-
b. Is not here a Foundation for fome confiderable Improvement in the Bufinefs of Sounds;
efpecially with relation to Mufick, and Concerts ?
Are not all the common Sounds, in a certain Senfe, refracted? for they all move thro'
a very unequal and mixed Medium, the Atmoſphere, compounded of Water, Air, Salts, and
Millions of other Matters; fo that it fhould feem we have never yet heard any, pure, di-
rect, or unrefracted Sound; which, perhaps, requires, a pure elaftical Medium, fuch as pure
and perfect Air. And if fuch a Medium of Sounds could be procured, what would be the.
Effect of our common Inftruments play'd in it? What the Effect of fuch a pure Medium con-
denſed to a certain degree? c. Sir Ifaac Newton's Doctrine of Sounds might, probably, be
of fome fervice in this Enquiry, were it but more understood, or adapted to the Capacities of.
Artificers; who, at prefent, are rather confounded than inſtructed by it.
The Biſhop of Ferns
and Leighlen, has fome ufeful, and plainer Intimations, relating to this Subject of refracted.
Sounds or, as he terms it, Cataphonicks, or Catacouſticks. See Philofophical Tranſactions,
Numb, 156.
;
216
SOUND.
and propagated; and likewife perifh fwiftly and fuddenly; as upon remo-
val of the Light, or touching the founding Body. (4.) Both of them receive
and carry exquifite and accurate Differences; as of Colours, Figures, Mo-
tions, Diſtances, in Vifibles; and of articulate Voices, Tones, Songs,
Quavers, &c. in Audibles. (5.) Both of them in their Virtue and Ope-
ration appear to emit no corporeal Subftance into their Mediums, or the
Sphere of their Activity; nor to caufe any evident local Motion in their
Mediums, as they país: but only to carry certain ſpiritual Forms; the per-
fect Knowledge of the Caufe whereof is hitherto fcarcely attained. (6.)
Both of them ſeem not to generate or produce, any other Effect in Nature,
but fuch as appertains to their proper Objects and Senfes; and are otherwife
barren. But both of them, in their own proper Action, have three manifeſt
Effects: the first is, that the ftronger Species drown the leffer; as the
Sun drowns the Light of the Stars; and the Report of Ordnance, the
Voice. The Second, that an Object of Surcharge, or Excefs, deſtroys the
Senſe; as the Light of the Sun, the Eye; and a violent Sound, the Hear-
ing. The third is, that both of them may be reverberated; as in Mirrors,
and Echoes. (7.) Neither of them deftroys, or hinders the Species of the
other, tho they meet in the fame Medium; as Light, or Colour, does not
hinder Sound; and vice verfa. (8.) Both of them affect the Senfe in living
Creatures; and yield Objects of pleaſure and diflike: tho thefe Objects alfo
affect, and operate upon inanimate Things; viz. fuch as have fome confor-
mity with the Organs of the two Senfes: thus the vifible Species operate
upon a Lens, which is like the Pupil of the Eye; and the Audible upon
Places of Echo, which, in fome fort, refemble the Cavern and Structure of
the Ear. (9.) Both of them operate varioufly, according to the Difpofi-
tion of the Medium: thus, a trembling Medium, as Smoke, makes the
Object appear to tremble; and a rifing or falling Medium, as the Air
diſturbed by Winds, makes the Sounds therein to rife or fall. (10.) The
Medium moft favourable to both, is Air; whereto Glafs, Water, &c. are
not comparable. (11.) In both of them, where the Object is fine and
accurate, it greatly conduces to have the Senfe intent and erect: thus we
contract the Eye when we would fee fharply; and erect the Ear when we
would hear attentively; which, in Beafts, that have moveable Ears, is
more manifeft. (12.) The Rays of Light, when multiplied and condenſed,
generate Heat; which is a different Action from the Action of Sight: and
the Multiplication and Condenſation of Sounds generates an extreme
Rarefaction
d If this Caufe be meant of the manner wherein the Senfations in Vision and Hearing are
performed, it ſtill remains unknown: tho the physical or remote Caufes of both are thought,
at this time, to be very well underſtood. And theſe Cauſes are ſufficient for the Production of
great Effects: fo that it might foon be fhewn, by endeavouring to produce fuch Effects, whether
we are acquainted with theſe Cauſes, or not.
This will not appear ftrange, if it be remembered that Action and Re-action are
equal.
f Do not Animals, when they would hear diftinctly, turn their Ear, in a particular manner,
to the Place from whence they fufpect the Sound proceeds? and what precife Angle of
Inclination is this?
7
SOUND.
217
Rarefaction of the Air; which is a material Action, differing from
the Action of Sound; if it be true that Birds, in their Flight, have been
made to fall down by great Shouts &
lars wherein
they differ.
2. (1.) Vifible Species feem to be Emiffions of the Rays of Light from the The Particu-
viſible Object, almoſt in the manner of Odours ¹, only that they are more
incorporeal; but audible Species feem to participate more of local Motion,
like Percuffions or Impreffions made upon the Air. So that, as all Bodies
appear to operate two Ways, viz. either by the Communication of their Na-
tures, or by the Impreffions and Signatures of their Motions; the Diffufion
of vifible Species feems to partake more of the former, and audible Species of
the latter. (2.) The Species of Audibles feem to be more manifeftly carried
through the Air than the Species of Vifibles: as a contrary ftrong Wind,
will not much hinder the Sight, tho it does the Hearing. (3.) One Diffe-
rence betwixt vifible and audible Species, is, above all others, very re-
markable; as that whereon many fmaller Differences depend; viz. Vi-
fibles are carried in Right-lines, and Audibles in Curves. Whence it is,
that Vifibles do not intermix and confound one another, as Sounds do.
And hence the Solidity of Bodies does not much hinder the Sight, provided
the Bodies be clear, and the Pores in a Right-line; as in Glafs, Cryſtal,
Diamonds, Water, &c. but a thin Scarf or Handkerchief, tho Bodies no-
thing fo near folid, hinder Vifion; whilft fuch porous Bodies do not much
hinder the Hearing; which folid Bodies almoft ſtop, or, at the leaſt,
weaken. Hence alfo, fmall Glaffes fuffice for the Reflexion of Viſi-
bles; but greater Spaces are required to the Reverberation of Audibles.
(4.) Viſible Objects are feen farther than Sounds are heard; that is, in pro-
portion to their Magnitude: for, otherwife, a great Sound is heard farther
than a ſmall Body can be feen. (5.) Vifibles generally require fome diſtance
between the Object and the Eye; but in Audibles, the nearer the Sound is to
the Senſory, the ftronger it proves. But in this, there may be a double Error;
the one, becauſe Viſion depends upon Light; and any thing that touches
the Pupil of the Eye all over, excludes the Light. For I had it from a very
credible Perfon, who was himself .cured of a Cataract; that while the Silver
Needle removed the Film of the Cataract, he never faw any thing more
clear, or perfect, than that white Needle: no doubt, becauſe the Needle
was less than the Pupil of the Eye, and fo eclipſed not the Light from it.
VOL. III.
Ff
The
This laft Particular requires a further Examination; for there feem to be, hitherto, no
certain Inftances produced, to fhew, that mere Sound, without Heat, Flame, or Explosion,
does caufe a Rarefaction of the Air. See Sect. II. 3. and confuit Sir Ifaac Newton's Doc-
trine of Sounds, Princip. Lib. II.
h The Compariſon holds true in lucid, but not in illumined Bodies; lucid Bodies being feen
by means of their own Light, but illuminated Bodies by a borrowed one: whereas Odours
feem to proceed only from the odoriferous Bodies themſelves; unless there be any fcentlefs
Bodies that reflect borrowed Odours.
Are not theſe the fame that Sir Ifaac Newton calls Pulfes.
k Does Sir Ifaac Newton's Theory of Viſion, by Preffure, reach this Cafe? or, is the Fact
well confirmed? or is there not ftill fome Deficiency in our Knowledge of the Cauſes of Vi-
fion; especially in particular Disorders of the Eyes? which feem very little understood; as may
appear from the empirical Practices of Oculifts.
218
SOUND.
:
The other Error may be, becauſe the Object of Sight ftrikes upon the Pupil of
the Eye directly, without any Interception; whereas the Cavity of the Ear keeps
off the Sound a little from the Organ: fo that there is fome Diſtance re-
quired in both. (5.) Viſibles are ſooner carried to the Senfe than Audibles;
as appears in Thunder and Lightning; the Flaſh and Report of a Gun, &c.
I conceive alfo, that the Species of Audibles hang longer in the Air than thoſe
of Vifibles: for altho, even Vifible Species hang fome time, as when Rings
are twirled round, they fhew like Spheres; and a Fire-brand, carried
ſwiftly along, leaves a Train of Light behind it, &c. yet Sounds ſeem to
remain much longer; becauſe they are carried up and down with the
Winds and becauſe the diftance of the Time is great, betwixt the Flaſh
of a Cannon feen, and its Report heard, twenty Miles off. (6.) There
are no Objects found fo odious and ungrateful to the Senfe in Visibles, as in
Audibles for odious Sights rather difpleaſe, as they excite the Memory of
odious things, than by the immediate Object itſelf. Whence fuch Sights,
in Pictures, are not very difagreeable; but in Audibles, the filing of a Saw
is fo offenfive as to fet the Teeth on edge: and the Ear is prefently fhocked
at harſh Diſcords in Mufick. (7.) In Viſibles, if you come fuddenly out of
great Light into the Dark, or out of the Dark into a glaring Light; the
Eye is dazled for a time, and the Sight confuſed: but whether there is any
fuch Effect after great Sounds, or after a deep Silence, fhould be enquired.
'Tis an old Tradition, that thofe who dwell near the Cataracts of the Nile,
are deaf: but we find no fuch Effect in Engineers, Millers, and thoſe that
live upon Bridges. (7.) It ſeems that the Impreffion of Colour is ſo weak, as
not to operate but by a Cone of direct Rays, or Right-lines; whereof the
Bafis is in the Object, and the vertical Point in the Eye; whence there is
a Corradiation, and Conjunction of Beams: and theſe Beams, ſo ſent forth,
are not fufficient to produce the like borrowed, or fecondary Beams, with-
out Reflexion: for the Beams paſs, and give little tincture to the Air ad-
jacent; otherwife we fhould fee Colours out of a Right-line. But tho this
happens in Colours, it is not fo in the Body of Light: for when there is a
Skreen between the Candle and the Eye, yet the Light paffes the Paper,
for example, when a Perfon is writing by Candle-light; fo that the Light
is feen where the Body of the Flame is not feen; and where any Colour
would not be feen, that was placed where the Body of the Flame is. I judge,
that Sound is of this latter Nature; for when two Perfons converfe, with a
Wall betwixt them, the Voice heard is not, perhaps, only the original
Sound which paffes in an Arch-line but the Sound that paffes above the
Wall, in a Right-line, may produce the like Motion round about it,
as the first did; tho weaker m.
1 See above, Sect. XII. 2,
and 4.
SECT.
m This Compariſon betwixt Sight and Hearing, might be carried to a much greater Length: as
it ftands here, 'tis little more than a Recapitulation of what is before delivered; only with a View
to fuch a Compariſon. They are compared, in fome few Refpects, by Sir Ifaac Newton in his
Opticks and Principia; and, in fome others, by the learned Prelate fo often mentioned al-
ready. But the Subject is by no means exhauſted; or brought to afford the neceflary Axioms
FOR PRACTICE.
2
SOUND.
219
SECT. XXI.
I.
Of the Sympathy, or Antipathy, of Sounds with one another.
A
LL Concords and Diſcords of Mufick, may be aptly called the What Inftru
Sympathies and Antipathies of Sounds: fo, in that Mufick termed ments fuit best
in Confort.
Broken, or Confort-mufick; fome Conforts of Inftruments, are ſweeter
than others: a thing not hitherto fufficiently obſerved. Thus, the Irish-
harp and the Bafe-viol, confort well; fo do the Recorder and Stringed-
inftruments; Organs and the Voice, &c. but Virginals and the Lute; the
Welsh-harp and Irish-harp; or the Voice and Pipes, alone; agree not ſo
well. But for the MELIORATION OF MUSICK, with regard to exquifite
Conforts, there is much Matter left for Trial and Enquiry ".
2. 'Tis a common Obſervation, that if a Lute, or Viol, be laid upon its An Experi-
Back, with a finall Straw upon one of the Strings; and another Lute, or ment of sym-
pathy, recome
Viol, be laid-by it; and the Unifon to the former String be ftruck in the mended for the
latter; it will make that String move; as appears, both directly to the Eye, Melioration of
and by the Effect of making the Straw fall off. And the like happens if Mufick.
the Diapafon, or Eighth to that String, be ftruck; either in the fame Lute,
or Viol, or in others lying by: but in none of thefe, is there any Re-
port of Sound to be difcovered, but only Motion. It has been adviſed,
that a Viol ſhould have a Set of Wire-ftrings below, as cloſe to the Belly as
a Luté, and then the Gut-ftrings mounted upon a Bridge, as in ordinary
Viols; fo that, by this Means, the upper Strings being ſtruck, fhould make
the lower refound by Sympathy, and thus meliorate the Mufick. If this
fucceed, Sympathy will appear to operate as well by the Report of
Sound as by Motion. But this Device I conceive of no Ufe: becauſe the
upper Strings, which are ftopped in great variety, cannot maintain a
Diapafon with the lower, which are never ftopped; but if it has any Ad-
vantage, it muſt be ſeen in Inſtruments that have no Stops; as Virginals
and Harps: wherein trial may be made of two Rows of Strings, diftant
the one from the other.
3. The Experiments of Sympathy may, perhaps, be transferred from The Experi
ftringed Inftruments, to others; as, if there were two Bells in Unifon in one ment tranf
ferred.
Steeple, to try whether ftriking the one would move the other, more than
if it were a different Cord: and fo in Pipes, of equal Bore and Sound, to
try whether a light Straw, or Feather, would move in the one Pipe, when
the other is blown in Unifon with it.
4. It ſeems both to the Ear and Eye, that the Inftrument of Senſe has a
Similitude, or Sympathy with that which gives the Reflexion: thus
F f 2
That the Or-
gans of Senſe
the bave an Affi-
Pupil nity with those
things that
And, perhaps, the Italians themfelves, have not advanced Mufick to half that degree affect them.
of Perfection it is capable of receiving from philofophical Improvements, to be made by
fuch as have a Head as well as a Hand.
220
SOUND.
Inftances
wherein the
Hearing is ob-
fructed and
promoted.
An Inftrument
for Deafness.
Pupil of the Eye is like Cryftal, Glafs, or Water; and the Ear, a finous Ca-
vity, with a hard Bone, to stop and reverberate the Sound; like the Places
of Echo °.
1.
SECT. XXII.
Of the Means of Hindering, or Improving the Hearing.
When a Man yawns, he cannot hear fo well: the Membrane of the
9
Ear being then extended; fo as rather to repel the Sound, than
attract it. We hear better when we hold our Breath, than otherwife
whence, in all Liſtening, Men hold their Breath: for, in all Expiration,
the Motion is outwards; and therefore rather drives away the Voice, than
draws it in. Beſides, in all Labour, that requires Strength, we hold the
Breath; and liſtening after any Sound that is heard with difficulty, ſeems a
kind of Labour.
2. Let it be tried, for a help to Hearing, to make an Inftrument like a
Funnel, the length of fix Inches or more; the narrow part whereof may
fit the Hole of the Ear, and the broader end fwell much larger, like a
Bell. Let the narrow end of it be applied clofe to the Ear; and ob-
ſerve, whether a Sound will not be heard diftinctly at a greater diftance than
without this Inftrument. I have been told, that in Spain they ufe an In-
ftrument, which applied to the Ear, helps thofe that are thick of hearing,
3. Tho the Lips be fhut cloſe, there is a Murmur yielded by the Roof
paſſes thro' the of the Mouth; as in dumb Men: but if the Noftrils are likewife ftopped,
Noftrils, if the
no fuch Murmur can be made, unleſs in the Bottom of the Palate towards
Mouth be fhat..
the Throat. Whence it appears, that a Sound in the Mouth, except fuch
as that juſt mentioned, paffes from the Palate through the Noftrils, if the
Mouth be ftopped.
That Sound
SECT.
XXIII
THE
Of the Spiritual and fine Nature of Sounds.
That Echoes ar- T. HE Repercuffion of Sounds, which we call Echo, is a great Argu
gue the Spiritual
ment of their ſpiritual Nature; for if it were corporeal, the Re-
Nature of
percuffion fhould be caufed in the fame manner, and by the like Inftru-
ments, as the original Sound: but we fee what a number of exquifite Inſtru-
Sounds,
ments
• Hence may be derived a capital Rule, not only for the making of new mufical Inftru.
ments, but also many other Engines and Inftruments for helping, improving, and perfecting.
the Senfes. The Imitation of Nature is the fhorteft and fureft. Method for Practice; but
then Nature ought firft to be well understood.
P This is the Inftrument now in common Ufe for the Deaf; and might, doubtless, be cons
fiderably improved;, from a tolerable knowledge in Phonicks
SOUND.
22.1
ments must concur in fpeaking: whereas there is no fuch things concerned
in the returning of Words; but only a plain Stop and Repercuffion 9.
2. The requifite Differences of articulate Sounds carried along in the Air, Sound's not Im
fhew that they cannot be Signatures, or Impreffions in the Air: for tho Seals preffions
make excellent Impreffions; and tho Sounds in their firſt Generation, may be
conceived as impreffed; yet the Propagation and Continuance of them, with-
out any new fealing, fhews them not to be impreſſed.
Sound.
3. All Sounds are fuddenly made, and fuddenly perifh; but neither this, Extraordinary
nor the exquifite Differences of them, is fo wonderful: becauſe the Quaver- Properties of
ings and Warblings in Lutes and Pipes, are as quick; and the Tongue,
tho but a grofs Inftrument, makes no fewer Motions in Speech than there
are Letters in all the Words it utters. But that Sounds fhould be ſo ſpeedily
generated, and carried fo far every way, in fo fhort a time, is more fur-
prizing. For example; if a Man fpeak aloud in the middle of a Field,
he may be heard a Furlong round him; and that in articulate Sounds, entire,
in every little Portion of the Air: and all this fhall be done in leſs than a
Minute.
Generation
4. The fudden Generation and Deſtruction of Sounds, muft proceed The fudden
from hence; either that the Air fuffers fome force by Sound, and then re- and Destruc-
ftores itſelf, as Water does; or, that the Air readily imbibes the Sound as tion of Sounds.
grateful; but cannot maintain it for the Air feems to have a fecret Ap- whence.
petite of receiving Sound at firft; but then other grofs and more material
Qualities prefently fuffocate it; like Flame, which is fuddenly generated,
but inftantly extinguifhed, by the Enmity of the Air, or other ambient
Bodies".
5. Sounds, in general, are divided into, (1.) Mufical, and Immufical. The Divifion
(2.) Trebler, and Bafs. (3.) Flat, and Sharp. (4.) Soft, and Loud. of Sounds.
(5.) External, and Internal. (6.) Clear, Harfh, and Purling. And, (7.)
Articulate, and Inarticulate t
6. We have taken fome Pains in this Enquiry about Sound; not only be- Conclusion..
cauſe it is a fecret and incorporeal Quality in Nature; but becauſe we were
willing, in our first Attempt towards a juft Natural and Experimental Hiftory, to
9. This is eaſily cleared up on the Suppofition of aerial Pulfes.
give
This drives at a higher, more immediate, and fpiritual Explanation of Sounds, than that:
of the Impulfe of the Air, with which we feem to reft generally fatisfied.
Let Sir Ifaac Newton be confulted upon this Head.. See Princip. Lib. II. Prop. 50.
This Enquiry is not fo far finiſhed as thofe of Winds; Life and Death, &c. whence we
find here no Canons, or Axioms deduced in form; tho there are the Seeds of feveral, fown
through the whole. And whoever is difpofed to improve the Hiftory of Phonicks, which is
ftill greatly deficient, might do well to work upon this Plan; range the whole more exactly ;.
add the later Inftances; and draw out the Axioms according to the Directions of the Novum Or-
ganum, and the other more finished Examples of the Author, in the History of Life and
Death, &c. Were a Man, with a tolerable Talent at Experiments, to proceed upon this De-
fign, he might, doubtlefs, improve the Subject of Acousticks to a confiderable Pitch; efpe-
cially if he became acquainted with the Particulars intimated on this Head by the Biſhop of
Ferns and Leighlin; Dr. Grandi; and the Experiments of Mr. Derham; all of them to be
found in the Philofophical Tranfa&tions. To which may be added, for the phyfical Part, Mr.
Boyle; and, for the mathematical, Sir Ifaac Newton. There are alfo fome ufeful Hims to this
Rorpofe, in the Effay of Mr. Whiston and Mr. Ditton, for diſcovering the Longitude at Seas
1
222
SPRING S.
Two kinds of
Parts, in Be-
dies.
The Growth
give an Example of a tolerably exact Enquiry; intending to do the like in
another Article, or two: being defirous that Men fhould thoroughly per-
ceive, what a fevere and rigid thing every true Enquiry into Nature muft
neceffarily be; and hence, accuftom themſelves to enlarge their Minds by
the Light of Particulars, to the ample Meaſure of the Univerſe; and not
contract the Univerſe to the narrow Meaſure of their own Minds ■.
A
SPIRITS IN BODIES.
LL folid Bodies confift of two different Parts; viz. Pneumatical and
Tangible. The pneumatical Substance in fome Bodies, is their native
Spirit; in others, plain Air enters; as in Bodies dried by Heat, or Age:
for when the Native Spirit goes out, and the Moiſture with it, the Air,
in time, gets into the Pores. And thefe Bodies are always more brittle;
becauſe the native Spirit is more yielding and flexible than Air. The native Spi-
rits, alfo, admit of great Diverfity; as being either hot, cold, active, dull, &c.
whence moſt of the Virtues and Qualities of Bodies proceed; but the Air,
intermixed, is without any particular Virtues; and makes things more infipid,
and unactive". See the Articles IMAGINATION, NATURE, and SYMPATHY.
SPONGE S.
Near the Bottom of the Streights are gathered great Quantities of Sponges,
and Nature of from the fides of Rocks; being, as it were, a large kind of tough Mofs.
Sponges.
This is the more remarkable, becauſe there are few vegetable Subſtances
that grow deep in the Sea; but theſe are ſometimes gathered at the Depth of
fifteen Fathom: and, when thrown on Shore, they feem of great Bulk'; but
when ſqueezed together, may be carried in a very ſmall compafs
SPRINGS.
A Way of ma- It was reported by a fober Man, that an artificial Spring might be thus
king artificial made. "Find out a Shelving-ground, where there is a great quick Fall
Springs. "of Rain-water; and here bury a Stone Trough of a confiderable length,
"three
As that of Imagination, Vegetables, Sympathy, &c.
" If farther Directions be wanted for the Conduct of Enquires, the Reader may find them
in the fecond Part of the Novum ORGANUM,
;
w The due Profecution of this Enquiry has been already more than once recommended
and is, poffibly, of as great Confequence as any Enquiry in all Phyficks for if we trace
Nature closely in her Operations, perhaps we ſhall find, that the ufes the Mediation of thefe
Spirits in all her latent Proceffes of Vegetation, Animalization, Mineralization, and the
Production of numerous Changes in Bodies. But we would, by no means, anticipate the En-
quiry; only endeavour to revive it: for it feems to have languiſhed of late. See Dr. Power's
Digreffion upon Animal Spirits; in his Experimental Philofophy, pag. 61. See alfo, Sir Ifaac
Newton's Doctrine of Comets, Princip. Lib. III. pag. 473, &c. and the Queries at the End
of his Opticks.
* The large Quantity of Surface in Sponge, with regard to its Bulk, and the great Quantity
of Water it will readily attract and retain, fit it for fome confiderable Purpoſes in Phyficks.
Thus, in particular, it has been fuccefsfully applied for the making of Hygrometers. See
Mr, Boyle's Statical Hygroscope.
SUGAR.
223
،،
three or four Foot deep; with one End upon the high, and the other
upon the low Ground. Cover the Trough with Brakes to a good thick-
"nefs; and throw Sand upon the top of the Brakes and now, ſays he,
"after fome Showers are fallen, the lower end of the Trough will run like
"a Spring of Water." This would be no Wonder, while the Rain laſted;
but, he added, that it would continue long after the Rain was over as if
the Water multiplied itſelf upon the Air, by the help of the Coldneſs and
Condenſation of the Earth, and the Affociation of the firft Water y.
See the Article TRANSMUTATION.
STAMMERING.
The Caufe of Stammering is, perhaps, the Refrigeration of the Tongue The Cause of
whence it becomes lefs apt to move for Naturals generally ftammer. But Stammering.
if ftammering Perfons drink Wine moderately, they ftammer lefs; becauſe
:
Wine heats and fo 'tis common to ftammer more in the firft offer to
ſpeak, than in continuance; becauſe the Tongue is warmed by the Motion.
In fome alfo, this Defect may proceed from the dryness of the Tongue;
which likewife makes it lefs apt to move for many ftammering Perfons are
cholerick; Bile inducing a drynefs in the Tongue 2.
:
SUGAR.
Sugar has abolished the uſe of Honey: fo that we have loft the ancient The ancient
Preparations of Honey, when it was more efteemed It feems there was Preparations of
formerly Tree-honey and one of the Ancients relates, that in Trebifond, Honey to be
there was Honey iffuing from the Box-tree, which made Men mad. Again, thofe of Sugar.
Supplied by
in ancient time, there was a kind of Honey which, either of its own Nature,
or by Art, would grow as hard as Sugar; and proved not fo luſcious as ours ‘.
They
y There may be reafon to question the Succefs of this Experiment; but many improbable Ex-
periments have fucceeded, and many probable ones have failed: fo fallible a thing is Reafon-
ing à priori. If it could be brought to bear, it might prove of confiderable Ufe on many
Occafions; and afford an Intimation of the natural Origin of Springs.
z The Cauſes here affigned are, perhaps, rather accidental, or concomitant, than effici-
ent; for Stammering may fometimes proceed from a particular Conformation of the Organs of
the Voice; and as well from a natural as acquired Ineptitude in them to the pronouncing of
certain Letters. The Defect feems plainly catching by Imitation, as many have experienced;
and may be remedied alſo, by a contrary Practice: and, doubtlefs, the Art of curing Stam-
mering might be improved by proper Application. It feems a principal Rule, that the
Stanmerer accuftom, or, as it were, break himfelf to a Habit of pronouncing flowly,
and diftinctly; more frequently dwelling upon thofe Letters, or combinations of Letters, at
which he is apt to ftammer moft.
a The Ancients had their Confections, Honeys, Honey-balfams, and other Preparations with
Honey; after the fame manner as we have our Preferves, Syrups, Elsefaccharums, &c. with
Sugar.
b
Honey appears to be a vegetable Juice, that is barely collected by the Bee.
May not all Honey be converted to Sugar, by an eafy Encheirefis? Do not Honey,
Raifins, &c. candy with Age, fo as to yield Grains of actual Sugar? May not all the
fweet Subftance contained in Malt, be converted into Sugar, and Treacle? Perhaps Sugar is
not peculiar to the Sugar Cane; but may be obtained from all the fweet Juices of Trees,
Fruits, and Grain.
224
SWEAT.
The Nature
and Regula-
tion of Sweat-
ing.
They had also a Wine of Honey; which they made by diffolving the
Honey in a large Quantity of Water, and ftraining the Liquor they
afterwards boiled it to a Half, then poured it into earthen Veffels, and
foon after put it into Veffels of Wood; and kept it for many Years. They
have alſo, at this Day, in Ruſſia, and the Northern Countries, Mead-fimple;
which, well made, is a wholeſome Drink, and very clear. They make, like-
wife, in Wales, a compound Mead, with Herbs and Spices. To compen-
fate what we have loft in Honey, 'tis pity but a SUGAR-MEAD WERE BROught
INTO USE without any Mixture of Honey: for, tho it would not be fo ab-
ſterſive and opening as Mead; yet it might be more grateful to the Stomach,
more lenitive, and proper in fharp Diſeaſes: for Sugar in Beer and Ale, has
good Effects in fuch cafes. See the Articles PRSERVATION, and VEGETABLES.
SWEAT.
1. When a Perfon bathes in hot Water, there comes no Sweat on the
Parts under Water; becauſe Sweat is a kind of Colliquation, made nei-
ther by an over-dry, nor an over-moift Heat: for Over-moiſture fome-
what extinguiſhes Heat, as even hot Water will quench Fire; and an over-
dry Heat fhuts up the Pores. Hence Men will fooner fweat when covered,
before the Sun, or Fire, than if they ſtood naked: and earthen Bottles,
filled with hot Water, provokes Sweat in Bed, better than hot Bricks. A-
gain, hot Water caufes an Evaporation from the Skin; fo as to spend the.
Matter in thoſe Parts under the Water, before it collects and iffues in Sweat.
Laftly, Sweat comes more plentifully, if the Heat be increaſed by degrees,
than if it be greateft at first, or continued equal for the Pores are better
opened by a gentle Heat, than a more violent one; and, upon their opening,
the Sweat iffues more abundantly. Phyficians, therefore, when they provoke
Sweat in Bed, by Bottles filled with a Decoction of fudorifick Herbs, might
do well to make two degrees of Heat in the Bottles; and apply the leſs
heated firſt, and after half an Hour, the hotter f.
2. Sweat
a Angelus Sala Thews the Method of making a kind of Wine with Sugar, in his Saccharo-
logia but he had not the perfect Way, which is extremely fimple and eafy. This Subject,
furely, would have been better cultivated, if MADE WINES, as they are called, did not lie
under fome Difrepute which, in part, proceeds from the unskilful and coarse manner where-
in they are generally prepared; and, in part again, from the Industry of certain Perfons,
whofe Intereft it is to beget a Confumption of foreign Wines.
© This is a Subject I have, myſelf, profecuted with fome diligence; and, perhaps,
far enough to form an AXIOM or two upon it, that hall contain the Subftance of fe-
veral new Arts; or lead to the Improvement and Perfection of Brewing, Wine-making,
A Saccharine
Vinegar-making, Diftilling, &c. The AxIOм here principally meant is this.
Subſtance, or real Sugar, is the Bafis of all Malt-liquors, Wines, Vinegars, and inflam-
mable Spirits.
This Axiom is derived from a large, and, poffibly, a competent num-
ber of particular Experiments, Instances, and Obfervations; after the Inductive Method:
but they are too many to be here inferted. It may deſerve a particular Treatise, to fhew how
all kinds of Wines, Spirits, and Vinegars, are procurable to great Advantage from mere
Sugar and Water: A Doctrine that deferves to be recommended to the Sugar Colonies Abroad,
or certain Fabricators at Home. See the Article WINE.
f The Introduction of Bagnios has almoſt abolished the Method of Sweating by Bottles:
however the Rule holds good of Bagnios alfo; where the Heat is a Mixture of a dry Hear
and a moiſt one; and increafed by degrees. See the Article BATHING.
S WE AT.
225
2. Sweat is faline to the Tafte; becauſe that part of the Nourish- The Cause of
ment which is freſh and ſweet, turns into Blood and Fleſh; and the Saltness m
Sweat is only a part feparated and thrown off. Raw Blood alfo has fome
faltnefs, more than Flefh; becauſe the Affimilation into Fleſh happens not
without a ſmall and fubtile Excretion from the Blood %.
Sweat.
3. Sweat comes more plentifully upon the upper-parts of the Body, than why the upper-
the lower; becauſe the upper-parts are more repleniſhed with Spirits: and parts of the
the Spirits are what ſend out the Sweat. Beſides, thofe Parts are lefs fleſhy: Body Sweat
most.
and Sweat iffues chiefly out of the Parts that are dry and thin of Fleſh;
as the Forehead and Breaft .
4. Men fweat more in Sleep, than waking: yet fleep rather checks, Why People
than promotes other Evacuations; as Rheums, Diarrhoeas, &c. becaufe in fweat most in
Sleep the Heat and Spirits naturally move inwards, and there continue; but Sleep.
when they are once collected within, the Heat becomes more violent, and
thence expels the Sweat '.
5. Cold Sweats are often mortal, and always ſuſpected; as in great Frights, Cold Sweats.
hyſterick Diſorders, &c. for fuch Sweats proceed from a Relaxation, or
Deſertion of the Spirits; whereby the moiſture of the Body, which Heat
kept firm in the Parts, feparates and flies off.
6. Sweat is hurtful in thoſe Diſeaſes that cannot be diſcharged by it; and in Why Sweat is
that cafe, ought rather to be ſtopped; as in Diſeaſes of the Lungs, and Fluxes prejudicial in
of the Belly but in thoſe Diſeaſes that are expelled by Sweat, it relieves and fome Difeafes,
and fervice-
proves ferviceable; as in Agues, peftilential Fevers, &c. for here Sweat is able in others.
partly critical, and drives out the offending Matter; but in the former Cafes,
it either proceeds from the labour of the Spirits, which fhews them op-
preffed; or from Motion of Confent; when Nature, unable to expel the
Diſeaſe where it is feated, moves to a general Expulfion over all the
Body *.
VOL. III.
Gg
SWEL-
Here is the Foundation of a noble Enquiry into the Buſineſs of Sanguification, Affimila-
tion, and Excretion: a Subject hitherto not profecuted fuitably to its Merits, nor the Intima-
tions given for it by the Author.
The Miliary Glands are, at prefent, made the principal Organ of Sweat; which lie dif-
perfed over the whole Surface of the Body, under the Cutis. and if thefe Glands are
thicker fet in fome Parts than in others, as the Forehead, Breaft, &c. and Sweat be moſt
plentiful in theſe Parts, we have hence a nearer Approximation to the Cauſe.
¹ Obferve here that kind of Interpretation, which applied to the human Body, is
the principal Means of improving both Phyfiology, Nofology, and the whole Science Of
Medicine.
1
k This Subject feems to have been very fparingly touched by Phyficians; tho, certainly, a
thing of great Confequence in the Improvement of their Art. 'Tis true, Sudorificks are
much in ufe; and Sweating is much practifed; but a phyfical Knowledge of the Nature,
Cauſe, and Effects of Sweat; with the beft Methods of railing, governing, and directing
it, in the Cure of certain Diſeaſes, appears to be ftill wanting; tho, perhaps, our Author
has here laid the Foundations for fupplying it. But, we have frequent Occafion to obferve,
there are few who follow his Steps.
2
7
226
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATH Y.
The Cause of
Bruifes.
SWELLING.
m
It has been obferved, that Plates of Metal, and efpecially of Brafs, pre-
Tumefaction in fently applied to a Contufion, will keep down the Swelling
The Cauſe
is Repercuffion, without Humectation, or entrance of a Body: for the Plate
has only a virtual Cold; which does not fearch into the Hurt, as all Plai
fters and Ointments do. The Reaſon why Blows and Bruifes produce Swel-
ling, is, becauſe the Spirits reforting to affift the Part, draw the Humours
along with them; for it is not the re-action, or return of the Humour in-
to the Parts upon the Blow, that cauſes it; fince the Gout and Tooth-Ach
occafion Swelling; where there is no Percuffion at all. See the Article
PUTREFACTION.
The Imper-
tance of the
Doctrine of
Sympathy and
Antipathy.
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
1. The Agreements and Difagreements in Nature are the Spurs of Motions;
and the Keys of Works: whence proceed the Union and Avoidence of
Bodies; Mixture; Separation; the deep and intimate Impreffions of Virtues ;
the Conjunction of active Bodies with paffive; and, in fhort, the capital
Things of Nature. But this part of Philofophy concerning the Sympathy
and Antipathy of Things, otherwife call'd Natural Magick, appears exceed-
ingly corrupted: tho, as is generally the Cafe, where Care has been want-
ing, there ftill remain'd Hope. Whence the Operation of this Doctrine upon
Mankind, has a perfect refemblance with certain Narcotick Medicines; which,
the fame time they procure Sleep, caufe pleafing Dreams. For firft, it has
render'd the Underſtanding drowzy, by crying up fpecifick Properties, occult
Virtues, and celeftial Influences; whence Men are no longer awake to the
Diſcovery of real Caufes, but indulge themſelves in idle Notions, and fall
afleep; at which Time, Hope infinuates numerous Figments, like ſo ma-
ny Dreams. And thus vain Men hope to underſtand Nature by her Front,
And Perfon; or to diſcover internal Properties by external Refemblances.
and their Practice is exactly correfpondent to this hopeful Procedure: For
the Precepts of Natural Magick are fuch, as if Men trufted they could till
the Ground, and eat their Bread, without any ſweat of the Brow; or be-
come Maſters of every Thing by a few indolent and trifling Applications of
one
But is the Practice fafe; efpecially in large Contufions?
The Caufe here affign'd, feems to regard Contufions, and that kind of Swellings called by
the Chirurgeons humoural; befides which, there are feveral others, viz. OEdematous, Scro-
phulous, Cancerous, &c. the efficient Caufes whereof are not perhaps, fufficiently, known.
• Let no Diſtaſte be ſuddenly taken at the words Sympathy, and Antipathy: they mean the
fame as what we now call the Laws of Nature; only the Name being changed, whilst the Thing
remains the fame. Thus, for Inftance, the Laws of Attraction and Repulfion, might as fignificantly
be called the Laws of Sympathy and Antipathy. The Force of Words is very extraordinary;
and ſhould, if poffible, be reduced to a Law: they have, at prefent, the Power of making old
Things become new, and new Things become old. Thus, if the prefent Philofophy were put
into ancient Language; there is Reafon to believe it would lofe much of its Currency. And if
any ancient, difcarded Philofophy were to be neatly dreffed up, in new Words and Phraſes, there
is Reaſon to believe it would have its Admirers: As in effect we find it often has had. This,
if duly attended to, might ſerve to rectify a prevalent Error, or grofs Idol of the Mind,
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
227
one Body to another; then they have continually in their Mouths, and pro-
duce as Vouchers, on all occafions, Magnetifm, the Attraction betwixt Gold
and Quick filver, and a few more Obfervations of this kind, to gain them-
ſelves a Credit in other Matters; where there is by no means the fame
Relation. But Nature offers all that is excellent, to be purchaſed by a labo-
rious fearch of the Mind, and Operation of the Body. We would, therefore, #
uſe our utmoſt Diligence in difcovering the Laws of Nature, and interpret-
ing the Alliances and Relations of Things; without giving into Miracles, on
the one Hand, or profecuting a narrow grovelling Enquiry, on the other P.
2. All Bodies have an Appetite of Union; and avoid a Solution of Con- The Appetite of
tinuity and of this Appetite there are many degrees; but the moſt remark- Union in all
able are three; the first in Liquors; the fecond in hard Bodies; and the third Bodies, efpe
in tenacious Bodies. In Liquors this Appetite is weak: as appears by their
cially of three
kinds.
falling in Threads, or round Drops; and their Continuance, for a fmall time,
in the form of Bubbles and Froth. In the fecond kind, this Appetite is
ftrong; as in Iron, Stone, Wood, &c. In the third, it is in a Medium,
between the other two for this kind of Bodies partly follow the touch of
another, and partly ftick and continue to themfelves; whence they rope.
and draw into Threads; as Pitch, Glew, Bird-lime, &c. But all folid
Bodies are more or lefs cleaving and affect the touch of fomewhat tangi-
ble, rather than of Air. For Water, in a fmall quantity, cleaves to any
Thing that is folid; fo would Metal if the Weight did not draw it off: for
Leaf Gold, or any Metal foliated, will cling. But the Bodies noted for
being clammy and cleaving, are fuch as have a more indifferent Appetite,
at once to follow another Body, and yet hold to themſelves: whence
they are commonly Bodies ill mixed; that delight more in a foreign Body,
than in preferving their own Confiftence; and not greatly abounding in
dryness or moiſture s.
3. 'Tis a received Opinion, that Cantharides applied to any part of the obfervations
Body, come in Contact with the Bladder; and, if they remain long, of Sympathy
exulcerate it. 'Tis likewife received, that a kind of Stone, which they with regard to
and Antipathy
Gg 2
bring medicinal Use.
P This was defigned by the Author as an Introduction to a particular Hiftory of the Sym-
pathy and Antipathy of Bodies; after the fame manner as the Hiftory of Winds, Life and
Death, &c. but the Hiſtory itſelf was never publiſhed. The Subject is certainly one of
the principal in all Phyficks; and well deferving the Profecution of Philofophers. But in
an Affair fo dark, and, indeed, fo little fitted to the Capacities of the generality, we could ear
neſtly wish for the Author's Direction. To have ſeen this noble Subject treated in his manner,
like the Subject of Life and Death, for Example, might have fhewn the direct way of per-
fecting the Enquiry; or even have nearly executed the full Deſign. But for the following At-
tempt, it is a mere Sylva, or Collection of Materials, Experiments and Obfervations, that want
much trimming, and pruning, to fit them for entring a particular Hiftory of Sympathy and
Antipathy.
9 This Doctrine is now commonly refolved into Attraction; as if when that word can be
applied, there were an End of Enquiry. But whoever confiders the Phænomena, will find
their efficient Caufes no nearer being difcover'd, fince the modern Ufe of this Term than be-
fore. In fhort, both the Terms, Sympathy and Attraction, feem ufed by the judicious, only
to express the Phænomenon; and not to affign the efficient Cauſe.
Cantharides, tho externally applied, manifeftly affect the Bladder; or give the Strangury :
as appears by numerous Inftances, in the Application of Bliſter-Plaiſters.
-228
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
An Instance of
Induration by
Sympathy.
The fecret Vir-
bring out of the West Indies, has a peculiar Virtue to diffolve the Stone in
the Bladder; and even if applied but to the Wrift, to diſcharge Gravel
violently. 'Tis received, that the foals of the Feet have a great Conſent
with the Head, and the Mouth of the Stomach: and we fee that going wet-
fhod, to thoſe who are not uſed to it, will affect both. Applications of
hot Powders to the Feet, firft attenuate, and afterwards dry up the Rheum.
And hence a Phyfician, to exprefs himſelf myftically, prefcribed for the Cure
of a Rheum; that a Man fhould walk continually upon a Camomile Bed;
meaning, that he ſhould wear Camomile in his Socks. Again, fresh bleeding
Pigeons are applied to the foals of the Feet to eafe the Head: and fo-
poriferous Medicines, applied to the fame, provoke Sleep. It feems, that as
the Feet have a Sympathy with the Head, fo the Wrift and Hands have
with the Heart. The Affections and Paffions of the Heart and Spirits are
remarkably diſcover'd by the Pulfe: and 'tis often found, that the Juice of
Stock-July-Flowers, Garlick, and other Things, applied to the Wrifts, and
renew'd, have cured inveterate Agues. And I conceive, that waſhing the
palms of the Hands with certain Liquors, may do good. It feems proper
in the hot fit of an Ague, to hold in the hands Eggs of Alabafter, and
Balls of Cryſtal u
u'
4. Make a little Cavity in the midft of melted Lead, when it begins to fet;
and lodge Quickfilver therein, tied up in a piece of Linen; and the Quick-
filver will fix, fo as to endure the Hammer. This feems a noble Inftance of
Induration, by the confent of one Body with another; for it appears lefs
reaſonable to afcribe it only to the vapour of the Lead. Quare, whether
Quickfilver may thus be fo fix'd as to become figurable, like other Me-
tals? For if fo, Veffels might be made of it, provided they come not
near the Fire v.
W
5. There are many Things that operate upon the Spirits of Man,
ue of Sympa- by fecret Sympathy and Antipathy. That precious Stones have Virtues in the
thy and Anti- wearing, has been anciently and generally received; and they are faid to
produce feveral Effects. So much is true; that Gems have fine Spirits; -
as appears by their Splendour: and therefore may operate, by Confent, up-
on the Spirits of Men, to ftrengthen and exhilarate them. The beſt Stones
for this purpoſe are the Diamond, the Emerald, the Hyacinth, and the yel-
pathy, in
Gems, and
vifible Objects,
1 This Stone does not at prefent maintain its Character.
low
↑ A pioper Collection of this kind of Effects, well verified by repeated Tiials, feems hitherto
wanting; in order to lay a firm Foundation for a Sympathetick Philofophy; with regard to
Medicine.
u See this Sabject farther profecuted by Mr. Boyle, in his Difcourfe of Specifick Remedies.
▾ Does the Author here mean that the Quickfilver fixes by Confent, as the Lead fixes? Or, to
fpeak more intelligibly, tho lefs accurately, that the Quickfilver fixes becauſe the Lead fixes?
If this be the meaning, let it be tried, whether Quickfilver will not ſometimes fix, by being
fufpended over melted Lead; whilft the Lead itfelf remains fluid.
The common Experiment of making a Counterfeit Gold with Quickfilver, and Roman
Viriol, if it were not Contingent, might prove highly ferviceable. And I have feen a yellow
Metal of this kind, that might have eafily impofed upon the Vulgar.
Is this a neceffary Confequence? But let it be confider'd, that Glafs and Gems have a
Power of reflecting Light, before it actually touches their Surface.
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATH Y.
229
low Topaz. As for their particular Properties, no Credit can be given to
them. But 'tis manifeft, that Light, above all Things, rejoices the Spirits of -
Men: and, probably, varied Light has the the fame Effect, with greater
Novelty which may be one Caufe why precious Stones exhilerate. It
were, therefore, proper to have tinged Lanthorns, or skreens of Glaſs,
colour'd Green, Blue, Carnation, Crimſon, Purple, &c. and to ufe them
with Candles in the Night: fo likewife to have round, colour'd Glaffes, that
are ſtained thro'; or to have Colours laid between Cryftals, and Handles
to hold them by. Prifms, alſo, are pleaſant Things. There are Looking-
glaffes, common at Paris, with broad Borders of Cryſtal; and large coun-
terfeit Gems, of all Colours, that are very pleaſant to the Eye; eſpecially
in the Night. The Pictures of Indian Feathers are likewife pleafing and
clear Streams recreate the Eyes and Spirits, eſpecially by Moon-fhine, or
when the Sun is over-caft.
6. There are ſeveral forts of Bracelets to comfort the Spirits; and of Bracelets of
three Intentions, viz. Refrigerant, Corroborant, and Aperient.* (1.) The Re- three kinds.
frigerant may be of a Pearl, or Coral: and it has been noted of Coral, that
if the Perfon who wears it, be indifpos'd, it will turn pale; which may be
true, becauſe a hot Diftemper makes it lofe its Colour. I recommend
alfo Beads, or little Plates, of Lapis Lazuli; and Beads of Nitre, either
alone, or with fome Cordial Mixture. (2.) For Corroboration, take fuch
Bodies as are Aftringent, without a manifeft Coldneſs; as Bead-Amber,
which is full of Aftriction; yet unctuous, and ſomewhat warm. I recommend
likewife Beads of Hartfhorn and Ivory, which are of the like Nature; allo
Orange-Beads; and Beads of Lignum Aloes, firft macerated in Rofe-water,
and dry'd. (3.) For opening, I recommend Beads of the Roots of Carduus
Benedictus; the Roots of Male Piony; Orrice; Calamus Aromaticus; and of
Rue 2
7. The Cramp is probably a Contraction of the Sinews; as appears from The Cause and
its coming either by Cold or Drynefs; as after Confumptions, and long Cure of the
Agues: for Cold and Drynefs, both contract and corrugate. We fee alfo, ternal Appls-
Cramp by ex-
that chafing a little above the Part in Pain, cafes the Cramp; by warming cations,
and dilating the contracted Sinews. There are two things m ufe to prevent the
Cramp; viz. Rings of Sea-Horſe Teeth worn upon the Fingers; and Fil-
lets of green Periwinkle, tied about the Calf of the Leg, the Thigh, &c.
where the Cramp ufually comes. This feems the more ftrange, becaufe
neither of them has any relaxing Virtue, but rather the contrary: Whence
they appear to operate rather upon the Spirits in the Nerves, than upon
the Subftance of the Nerves themſelves 2.
9. Light
y See Mr. Boyle upon the Origin and Virtues of Gems.
z There feem not to have been fufficient Trials made of thefe Things, in order to form a
valid Judgment upon them.
a The Terms Nerves and Sinews feem to be here ufed as convertible: but in the anato-
mical Senfe, they are widely different, the Sinews being properly not Nerves, but the Tendon,
of the Mufcles and in this Senfe, an involuntary Contraction of the Tendons, or rather, per-
haps, of the Belly of a Muſcle, may be the Caufe of the Cramp, or the actual Ciampitfelf
230
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
An imperfect
Axiom form'd
upon it.
Whence the
lepsy •
8. Light may hence be derived, to fhew how Things which ftop the
ftruggle of the Spirits, help in Difeafes, contrary to the Intention for in cu-
ring the Cramp, the Intention is to relax the Sinews; but the Contraction
of the Spirits, that they may ftruggle lefs, is the beſt Remedy. So, to pro-
cure eafy Travail, the Intention is to bring down the Child; but the beſt
help is, to prevent its coming down too faft. So, in peftilential Fevers, the
Intention is to expel the Infection, by Sweat and Exhalation; but the beſt
means to do it is by Nitre, and other cool Things; which for a time arreſt
the Expulfion, till Nature can effect it more quietly. It feems to be an ex-
cellent AXIOм, and of great Ufe, that whatever appeafes the Struggle of the
Spirits, promotes their Action ».
b
9. It has been long received, and confirmed by Trial, that the dried Root
Virtue of Piony of the Male-Piony, tied to the Neck, helps in the Falling-Sicknefs; and like-
in the Epi-
wife in the Incubus or Night-Mare. The Caufe of both thefe Difeafes, and e-
ſpecially the Epilepfy, may be the groffnefs of the Vapours from the Sto-
mach; which rife and enter the Cells of the Brain: fo that the Effect is here
perform'd by the extreme and fubtile attenuating Virtue of the Simple. I
judge the like of Caftor, Musk, Rue-Seed, the Seed of Agnus Caftus, &c.
Inftances of
Virtue in Bo-
dies wore ex-
ternally.
Inftances of
Sympathetical
10. To wear the Blood-ftone, is thought good againſt bleeding at the
Nofe: and may have its Effect by aftringing and cooling of the Spirits. It
has been anciently received (for Pericles ufed it) and is ftill practifed, to
wear little Bladders of Quickſilver, or Tablets of Arſenick, as Preſervatives
againſt the Plague: not for any affiftance they yield the Spirits, but becauſe,
being Poiſons, they attract the Malignity.
11. We fee Scare-Crows are fet up, to keep Birds from Corn and Fruit ;
and 'tis reported, that the Head of a Wolf, dried and hung up in a Dove-
Effects on dif- houſe, will frighten away Weafles, Polecats, &c. and perhaps the Head
of a Dog will do as much; for thoſe Vermine with us, know Dogs better
than Wolves.
ferent Crea-
tures.
Brains eaten
to ftrengthen
the Memory.
The Ointment
of Witches.
12. The Brains of fome Creatures roafted, and taken in Wine, are faid to
ftrengthen the Memory; as the Brains of Hares, Deers, &c. And this
feems peculiar to the Brains of thofe Creatures that are fearful ª.
13. The Ointment of Witches, is reported to be made of the Fat of
Children, dug out of their Graves; the Juices of Smallage, Wolfsbane and
Cinque-
b This intimates a method of interpreting Nature, for the perfecting of Practice; which Phi-
lofophers make fo little Ufe of, that it should feem they do not know there is any fuch Me-
thod practicable to Advantage. And when they will be fenfible of it, fo as to endeavour the
improvement of Medicine by its means, is uncertain. To talk of forming Aphorifms, in-
veftigating Causes, and railing Axioms, is talking in a Language almost unknown; and yet,
unless thefe Things be procured, neither Philofophy nor Medicine can be confiderably im-
proved.
< The wearing of Arfenick, in the way of Amulet, having had poisonous Effects, is now
justly laid aſide. The practice has been common in times of the Plague; and is faid to have
arifen chiefly from an ignorance of Arabick; the word in the Arabian Authors which is ren-
der'd Arſenick, properly fignifying Cinnamon.
d Little Credit can be given to thefe Relations, for any thing that has hitherto been ap-
proved upon competent Experience.
I
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY,
231
Cinquefoil, mix'd with fine Wheat-Flower. But, I fuppofe, the foporiferous
Simples, are fitteft for this Purpoſe; fuch as, Henbane, Hemlock, Man-
drake, Moonfbade, Tobacco, Opium, Saffron, &c.
14. It has been obferved, that the Diet of Women with Child affects the The Diet of
Infant; fo, for the Mother to eat Quinces, and Coriander-Seed, in large pregnant Wo-
Quantities, which reprefs Vapours that would afcend to the Brain, makes men affects the
the Child ingenious: and, on the contrary, to eat largely of Onions, Beans, Infant.
or fuch flatulent Food; to drink Wine, or fpirituous Liquors immoderately;
to faft much; or be given to muſing; all which fend Vapours to the
Head; endangers the Child's becoming Lunatick, or of weak Memory.
And I judge the fame of Tobacco often taken by the Mother.
15. The Flesh of a Hedge-hog drefs'd and eaten, is faid to be a great Effects of a
drier: and indeed the Juice of a Hedge-hog, fhould ſeem to be harsh and Hedge-Hog's
dry; becauſe it puts forth fo many Prickles. For Plants that are full of Flesh.
Prickles prove generally dry: as Briars, Thorns, Barberries, &c. and hence
f
the Aſhes of a Hedge-hog are faid to be a great Deficcative in Fiſtula's.
16. Mummy has a great Virtue to ftop Bleeding; which may be af- The Styptick
cribed, in fome meafure, to its mixture of Balfams that are glutinous; and Virtue of
alfo to a fecret Property; becauſe the Blood attracts Man's Flesh. And 'tis Mummy and
approved that the Mofs growing upon an unburied Skull, ftops Blood pow-
Skull Mofs.
erfully fo does the Powder of Blood, feparated from the Serum, and
dried %.
17. 'Tis reported, that the white of an Egg, or Blood, mix'd with Salt- That Blood at-
water, collects the Saltnefs; and makes the Water ſweeter. This may be traits Salt..
effected by Adheſion; as in Clarification. Perhaps alfo Blood, and the
white of an Egg, have fome Sympathy with Salt: as all Life has. We fee
that Salt applied to a cut Finger heals it; whence Salt appears to attract
Blood, as well as Blood attracts Salt. h.
18. It has been anciently received, that the Sea-bare hath an Antipathy to The Antipathy
the Lungs; fo as if it comes near the Body to corrode them. The Caufe is of the Sea-
conceived to be, a quality the Hare has of heating the Breath and Spirits ; Hare to the
as Cantharides operate upon the watry Parts of the Body. And 'tis a good
Rule, that whatever operates upon a certain kind of Matter, operates moft
npon thofe Parts of the buman Body, which abound with that kind of Mat-
ter i
Thefe Particulars require better Confirmation.
19. What
f Theſe larger Obfervations which offer at a juft Interpretation of Nature, or Attempts fox
the raiſing of Axioms, cannot be too carefully noted; as well for their own fakes, as the Ex-
ample they hold out, of the End to which all phyfical Enquiries fhould be directed.
There is fomething extraordinary intimated here: but we dare not pronounce upon it, for
want of a fufficient number of competent Experiments.
h Does Blood attract Salt by any other than its aqueous Part? There are other Queries to
be propoſed upon this Head; but for our own part, we had rather rife up to make Experiments,
than fit down to ask Questions: and to ſay the Truth, Experiments are the only Answers of
any fignificance in all thefe Cafes, for Conjectures, and Talk, and Reafoning, without them
are childish and impertinent Things.
i I would willingly avoid an over-officioufnefs in pointing out the more fundamental Parts of
this Piece but the numerous AXIOMS latent in it, have been fo little regarded, and Philo-
fophers are uſually fo little acquainted with the infinite Ufe of Canons, large Obfervations, and
Axioms, that 'tis in a manner neceſſary to indicate them as often as they occur.
Lungs.
232
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
The Antipathy
in living Bo-
dies to dead
ones
and
;
found ones to
corrupted.
Whether the
Minds of Men
Events.
19. What is dead, corrupted, or voided, has generally an Antipathy with
the fame thing alive, or found; and with the diſcharging Parts: thus the
Carcafs of a Man is moft infectious and odious to a Man; the Carrion of a
Horfe to a Horfe, &c. purulent Matter, Ulcers, Carbuncles, Scabs, &c.
to found Flefh; and the Excrement of every Species to the Creature that
diſcharges them: but Excrements are lefs pernicious than Corruptions.
'Tis a common Obfervation, that Dogs know the Dog-killer for when
in times of Infection, fome petty Fellow is fent out to kill the Dogs; tho
they have never feen him before, yet they will all come out and bark and
fly at him *
20. The Relations as to the Force of Imagination, and the fecret Instincts of
may have ſe-
Nature, are fo uncertain, that they require a deal of Examination, before
eret Notices of we conclude upon them. I would have it thoroughly examined whether there
be any fecret Paffages of Sympathy, between Perfons near in Blood; as Pa-
rents, Children, Brothers, Sifters, Husbands, Wives, &c. There are ma-
ny Reports in Hiftory, that upon the Death of Perfons nearly related, Men
have an inward feeling of it. I myſelf remember, that being at Paris,
and my Father dying in London, I had two or three Days before his Death,
a Dream, which I told to feveral English Gentlemen; that my Father's
Houſe in the Country was plaifter'd all over with black Mortar. There
is an Opinion abroad, whether idle or no, I cannot fay; that affectionate and
tender Husbands have a Senfe of their Wives breeding, by fome Accident
in their own Body ".
Whether an
intermediate
Perfon may
have theſe
Notices.
21. Next to thofe near in Blood, there may be the like Paffage, and In-
ftincts of Nature, between great Friends and Enemies and fometimes the
Notice is given to a fecond Perfon. Philip de Commines, a grave Writer,
reports, that the Archbishop of Vienna faid, one Day after Mafs, to Lewis
the XIth of France: Sire, Your mortal Enemy is dead; at which time, Charles
Duke of Burgundy was flain in the Battle of Granfon againſt the Switz.
Trial alfo fhould be made, whether Compact or Agreement has here any
Effect; as if two Friends fhould agree, that fuch a Day in every Week,
they being in diftant places, fhould pray for each other; or put on a
Ring for each others Sake; to try whether if one fhould break his Promiſe,
the other would have any feeling of it, in Abfence".
22. If
This is a pregnant Aphorifm, and an extenfive Obfervation to the prefent purpofe; that
from direct Phænomena, fearches deep into Nature.
1 It is certainly difficult for Men educated in the common way, to enquire ftrictly and phi
lofophically into this pars of the prefent Subject. The Mind ſeems almoft to dread it; as if fear-
ful of difcovering more than Re afon is willing to allow.
Such Particulars as theſe ought to be diligently enquired after, if we defire to have any tole-
rable Knowledge of the Subject in Hand; but few Philofophers are able to keep their Counte-
nance at the mention of them.
n Theſe Experiments have not, perhaps, been made; at least not by the proper Perfons;
who ſhould, doubtless, be Men or Women of ftrong Faith, or Imagination: but then they ſhould
alſo be Perfons of great Veracity; or join Men of more Solidity along with them: otherwife we
might be eaſily impofed upon. And to fay the Truth, Experiments of this kind are attended
with great difficulty and uncertainty. For the Method of facilitating and rendring them more
table, See the Article IMAGINATION.
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
233
22. If there be any Force in the Imaginations and Affections of fingle
Perfons; it is probably much greater in the joint Imaginations and Affec-
tions of Multitudes. If a great Battle fhould be won or loft in a remote.
Country, is there not fome Senſe thereof in the People it concerns; be-
cauſe of the great Joy, or Grief, that Men are fometimes poffeffed with at
once? Pius Quintus, at the very time that memorable Victory was gained by
the Chriſtians againſt the Turks, in the Sea-fight of Lepanto, being then hear-
ing Cauſes in the Confiftory, broke off fuddenly, and faid to thofe about him,
it is now rather time that we should give Thanks to God, for the great Victory be
has granted us against the Turks. 'Tis true, that Victory had a Sympathy
with his Spirit; for it was merely his Work to conclude the Treaty. It may
be this Revelation was Divine: but what fhall we fay to a number of Ex-
amples among the Grecians and Romans; where the People being in the
Theatre, have had News of Victories and Overthrows, fome Days before
any Meffenger could arrive? The general Root of Superftition may
may indeed
hold in theſe Things; viz. that Men obferve when Matters hit, but not when?
they mifcarry and commit the one to Memory, but forget the other.
"
23. We have already laid down fome Rules for making Experiments upon Examples for
the Power of Imagination; and added fome Means of fortifying it; toge- the Imagina-
operating by
ther with a few Directions and Inftances of its Force upon Beafts, Birds, tion in Ani-
Plants, and inanimate Bodies P: conftantly requiring that the Trials be only mals.
made upon fubtile and light Motions; for you will fooner, by Immagination,
bind a Bird from finging, than from eating or flying and I leave every
Man, to chufe the Experiments, which himſelf thinks moft commodious.
But to add a few Examples; obferve to uſe fome Imaginant, accord-
ing to the former Rules; for binding a Bird from finging, or a Dog from
barking. Try alfo the Imagination of Perfons whom you fhall ac-
commodate with Things to fortify it, as in Cock-fightings, to make one
Cock more courageous, and the other more cowardly. Try it alfo in the
flying of Hawks, chafing of Deer, Horfe-Races, and the like comparative
Motions for 'tis eaſier by Imagination to accelerate, or check a Motion,
than to raiſe, or ſtop it; as 'tis eaſier to make a Dog go flower, than to
make him ftand ftill.
dies.
24. In Plants alfo, let the Force of Imagination be tried upon the lighter In Plants and
fort of Motions: as upon the fudden fading, or lively vegetation of Herbs; inanimate Bo-
or upon their bending one way or other; or upon their cloſing and open-
ing, &c. And in Things inanimate, try the Force of Imagination, upon
ftopping the working of Beer, when the Yeaft is put to it; or upon the
coming of Butter, or Cheeſe-Curd, after the Cherning, or the addition of the
Rennet.
VOL. III.
Hh
25. 'Tis
• But might not thefe be State-Artifices; ufed to feel the Pulfe, or raife the Spirits of the
People?
sometimes recidents
P See the Article IMAGINATION.
ao
fanvers Vectory at
یری که ده
234
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
The benumbing
25. 'Tis every where alledged as an Example of fecret Properties and In-
Faculty of the fluences, that the Torpedo, if touched with a long Stick, ftupefies the Hand 9.
Torpedo.
And 'tis one degree of working at a Distance, to work by the Continuation
of a fit Medium: thus, Sound will be convey'd to the Ear, by ftriking upon
a Bow-ftring, if the Horn of the Bow be held to the Ear.
The Parts of
Animals may
have more Vir-
tue if ſepa-
rated from
them Living.
Trials to be
•
26. The Writers of Natural Magick attribute much to the Virtues re-
maining in the parts of Animals, if taken from them alive as if the Crea-
ture in that Cafe infuſed fome immaterial Virtue, or Vigour, into the fepa-
rated part. So much may be true, that any part taken from a Creature
newly killed, may be of greater Force, than if taken from the like Creature
dying of itſelf, as being fuller of Spirit.
27. Trial ſhould be made in the like parts of Individuals; as by cutting
made by fepa- off part of the Stock of a Tree, and laying it to putrefy; to fee whether this
rating the
Parts of Indi- will decay the reft of the Stock: or cutting off part of the Tail, or Leg of
a Dog or Cat, and laying it to putrefy; to fee whether this will keep the
other part from Healing.
viduals.
Love Tokens.
The ſtroking of
Warts.
1
:
28. 'Tis fuppofed, a help to the Continuance of Love, to wear a Ring, or
Bracelet of the Perfon beloved: but this may proceed from exciting the Ima-
gination; which perhaps a Glove, or other the like Favour might do as well.
29. The Sympathy of Individuals, that have been entire, or in Contact, is
of all others the most incredible. To take away Warts, by rubbing them
with fomewhat that is afterwards put to confume, is a common Experiment.
I had from my Childhood a Wart upon one Finger afterwards when I was
about fixteen, being then at Paris, there grew upon both my Hands a num-
ber of Warts, at leaſt a hundred, in a Month's Time. The English Embaffa-
dor's Lady, who was far from Superftition, told me, fhe would get away
my Warts and in order to it, fhe rubbed them all over with the fat fide of
a piece of Bacon, with the Rind on; and among the reft, the Wart, I had
from my Childhood: then nail'd the Bacon, with the Fat towards the Sun,
upon a Poſt of her Chamber-Window, which was to the South and in
five Weeks time the Warts went quite away; and the Wart I had fo long
endured, for Company. At the reſt I did not much wonder; becauſe as they
came in a ſhort time, they might go away fo too: but the vanishing of that
which had remained fo long, fticks with me. They fay, the like is done
by rubbing Warts with a green Elder-ſtick; and burying the Stick. The
Experiment might be tried on Corns, Wens, and other Excrefcences. I
would have it alfo tried on fame Parts of living Creatures, that approach
neareſt to Excrefcences; as the Combs and Spurs of Cocks, the Horns of
Beafts, &c. And let it be tried, both by rubbing thofe Parts with Bacon or
Elder; and by cutting off fome piece of them, and burying it: to ſee whe
ther this will have any Effect towards confuming the part once join'd with
it…”.
30. 'Tis
Does the Stupefaction caused by the touch of the Torpedo, proceed from any thing more
than a particular Motion, whereby the Creature lets itfelf off, as it were, upon being touched?
See a curious Paper upon this Subject in the French Memoirs.
There are many Experiments of this kind related; but no proper Collection of them
made, with the requifite Care for forming a juft Rule, or folid Judgment, upon them,
SYMPATHY and ANTIPATHY.
235
30. 'Tis conftantly avouched, that to anoint the Weapon which gives the The Weapon-
Wound, will heal the Wound itself. In this Experiment, which I have upon the Salve.
relation of credible Perfons, tho I am not fully inclined to believe it, 'tis ob- -
ferved, (1.) That the Ointment employ'd confifts of feveral Ingredients;
whereof the ftrangeſt and hardeſt to procure, are the Mofs growing upon the
Skull of a dead Man unburied, and the Fat of a Boar, and a Bear, kill'd in the
Act of Generation. The two last I could easily fufpect prescribed as a Loop-hole;
that if the Experiment did not fucceed, it might be pretended the Beasts were not
kill'd at the right Time; but for the Mofs, there is a great quantity of it in
Ireland, upon flain Bodies, laid on Heaps, unburied. The other Ingre-
dients are, Blood-ſtone in Powder, and fome Things, which feem to have a
Virtue to ftanch Blood; as the Mofs alfo has. The Defcription of the whole
Ointment is found in Crollius's Chemical Difpenfatory. (2.) The fame kind
of Ointment applied to the Wound itſelf, has not the Effect; but only when
applied to the Weapon. (3.) They do not obferve to prepare the Ointment
under any certain Conftellation; fo have not the Excufe made for the failure of
magical Medicines. (4.) It may be applied to the Weapon, tho the Perfon
hurt be at a great Diſtance from it. (5.) It feems, the Imagination of the
Perfon to be cured is not neceffary; for it may be done without the Know-
ledge of the wounded: and it has been tried, that if the Ointment be wi-
ped off the Weapon, without the Knowledge of the Patient, he is pre-
fently in violent Pain, till the Weapon be re-anointed. (6.) 'Tis affirm'd,
if the Weapon cannot be procured, and an Inftrument of Iron, or Wood,
reſembling the Weapon, be put into the Wound, fo as to make it bleed;
the anointing of that Inftrument will have the Effect. This I fufpect is a
Device to keep ſo ſtrange a form of Cure in Request and Uſe: becauſe many
times one cannot procure the Weapon itself. (7.) The Wound muſt be firft
wafh'd clean with White-wine, or the Perfons own Urine; and then bound
up cloſe with fine Linen and no more Dreffing is required. (8.) The
Weapon itſelf muſt be wrapped up clofe, as far as the Ointment goes, that
it takes no Wind. (9.) The Ointment, if wiped off from the Weapon,
and kept, will ferve again; and rather increaſe in Virtue than diminiſh.
(10.) It cures in far fhorter time than vulnerary Ointments commonly do.
(11.) It cures a Beaft as well as a Man; which fubjects the Matter to an eaſy
Trial. is of custom at prosent in & North to better s
7
31. The Delight we take in Popularity, Fame, Honour, the fubduing and The general
fubjecting other Mens Minds, Wills or Affections, feems in itſelf, without re- Sympathy of
gard to Confequences, grateful and agreeable to the Nature of Man. This Mens Spirits.
furely is not without fome Signification; but feems as if the Spirits and Souls
of all Men, came out of one divine Limbus: elfe why ſhould we be fo much
affected with what others think or fay? The beſt Temper of Mind defires a 1-
good Name, and true Honour; the lighter fort, Popularity and Applaufe:
Hh 2
the
Thoſe who defire farther Information upon this extraordinary Head, may confult Sir
Kenelm Digby, and Mr. Boyle.
Vialele
I
236
TITILLATION.
The Tenderness
of the Teeth,
whence.
The contrary
Time upon
Fruits and
Liquors.
the more depraved, Subjection and Tyranny; as we fee in great Conquerors
and Diſturbers of the World; and yet more in Arch-hereticks: for the
introducing of new Doctrines, is an affectation of Tyranny over the Under-
ſtandings and Opinions of Ment.
T
:
T.
TEETH.
HE Teeth are more affected by Cold, in drinking cold Liquors,
or the like, than other Parts; becauſe Reſiſtance of Bone to Cold, is
greater than that of Fleſh for Flefh fhrinks, but Bone refifts; whereby
the Cold becomes fharper. Again, the Teeth are without Blood; but
Blood helps to qualify Cold: whence the Sinews are much affected with
Cold, as being Parts without Blood. So the Bones, in fharp Cold, grow
brittle; and therefore all Contufions of the Bones are harder to cure, in
froſty Weather". See the Article BONES.
TIME.
Time changes Fruits from four to fweet; but potable Liquors from ſweet
Operations of to four. The Caufe is, the collection of the Spirits together; for in both
kinds the Spirit is attenuated by time: but in the firft 'tis more diffuſed, and
fubdued by the groffer Parts, which the Spirits only digeft; whilſt in Drinks
the Spirits reign, and finding lefs oppofition of the Parts, become themſelves.
more ſtrong, and thus ftrengthen the Liquor: fo that if the Spirits be of
the hotter fort, the Liquor becomes apt to burn; but in time, when the
higher Spirits are evaporated, it caufes likewife more Sournefs ▾.
TITILLATION.
The Cauſe of Tickling is moft felt in the Soles of the Feet, under the Arm-pits, and on
the Sides; from the thinness of the Skin, joined with the feldomness of
Titillation.
being
Tho the Materials here collected, are no way fufficient to build up a Sympathetical Philo-
fophy; yet they may, perhaps, afford many Intimations and Directions for one. Certainly
there are, in Nature, great numbers of Phanomena, and Effects, not to be accounted for upon
Mechanical Principles; or the vulgar Doctrine of Matter and Motion: but require fublimer
Solutions. Whence proceeds the Influence and Aſcendency which one Man's Mind has over
another: whence the Attractions, Repulfions, and more fecret Relations in Bodies; of
which the Inſtances are numerous; particularly in the Doctrine of Menftruums? If proper
Collections were made, of the more capital Inftances of this kind; if the common Sympathetic
Experiments were repeated with Care and Judgment, and their Number enlarged; if the com-
mon Traditions upon this Subject were fifted and purged; and laftly, if a Set of judicious
and experienced Philofophers were, for fome time, employ'd in this Way; we fhould then
fee whether a Harveſt of ferviceable Canons, and Axioms might not be reaped, for extend-
ing, improving, and perfecting the common Phyficks; which, for want thereof, appears but a
lifeless Thing.
"Senfation is ufually denied to Bone; any farther than the Nerves are affected by its
means.
▾ The due fettling of this Point depends upon a Knowledge of Fermentation and Acetifi-
cation. See Boerhaave's Chemistry, and Stahl's Zymotechnia.
TONGUE.
237
being touched in thofe Parts: for all tickling is a light Motion of the
Spirits, promoted by the thinnefs of the Skin, and the fuddennefs and un-
frequency of Touch: fo a Feather tickles by being drawn along the Lip,
or Cheek; but not a thing more obtufe, or a ftronger Touch. As to
Suddenneſs; we find no Man can tickle himſelf: and the Palm of the Hand,
tho it has as thin a Skin as the Parts above-mentioned, yet is not tickliſh ;
becauſe accuſtomed to be touched. Tickling alfo caufes Laughter; per-
haps from the emiffion of the Spirits, and fo of the Breath; for, upon
tickling, there is always a ſtarting, or fhrinking away of the Part, to a-
void it: and if the Noftrils be tickled with a Feather, or Straw, it procures
Sneezing; which is a fudden emiffion of the Spirits, that, likewife, expel
the Moiſture. And tickling is always painful, and not well to be endu-
red w. See the Article VENERY.
TOBACCO.
:
Tobacco is a thing of great Profit, if it be in requeft; tho the Charge The Means of
meliorating
of making the Ground, and otherwife, is confiderable but the English Tobacco.
Tobacco has little Reputation; as being too dull and earthy. So that, to
render Tobacco more aromatic, and better concocted, here in England,
might be a very beneficial thing. Some have attempted it by drenching
English Tobacco in a Decoction of the Indian: but fuch Methods are So-
phiſtications and Toys; for NOTHING THAT IS ONCE PERFECT, AND HAS )
RUN ITS COURSE, CAN RECEIVE MUCH AMENDMENT.
We MUST EVER
RESORT TO THE BEGINNINGS OF THINGS FOR MELIORATION *.
The Way
of ripening Tobacco muſt, as in other Plants, proceed from the heat, ei-
ther of the Earth, or the Sun. We fee ſomething of this kind practifed in
Muſk-melons, which are fown in a hot Bed, expofed to the South-fun,
and laid upon Tiles, to increaſe the Heat by Reflexion; and covered with
Straw, to defend them from the Cold. They alfo remove them; which adds
ſome Life and by fuch Helps the Melons become as good in England as
in Italy, or Provence. Theſe, and the like Means, may be tried in Tobac-
co. Enquire alfo, of ſteeping the Roots in a Liquor that may give them
Vigour to put forth ſtrongly .
:
TONGUE.
Whence the
Tongue gives
The Tongue more eafily receives Impreffions, and affords more Tokens of
Difeafes, than other Parts; as of Heats within, which appear moft in the early signs of
blackneſs of the Tongue. And pied Cattle are ſpotted in their Tongues, Diſeaſes.
from the tenderneſs of the Part; which thence receives all Alterations more
eafily, than other parts of the Fleſh z.
w This Article belongs to a fublimer Anatomy than the common.
TRANS-
* Theſe are two AXIOMS of great importance; and, if well explained, might afford much
light in the conducting of Works; and the introducing of Meliorations.
y There feems to be no great Occafion, at prefent, for cultivating Tobacco in England,
otherwiſe the Method, perhaps, is no Secret; being fuccefsfully practifed in the South parts
of France.
z Some Indications are taken from the Tongue in Diftempers; but the Interpretations of
its Signs are not well fettled.
238
TRANSMUTATI O N.
That Air preys
upon Moisture.
The force of
Union to be
fubdued in
Conversions.
The Means of
mals of un-
ommon Co-
urs.
TRANSMUTATION.
1. The Eye of the Underſtanding is like the Eye of the Senfe: for as large
Objects are visible thro' fmall Chinks; fo are great AXIOMS of Nature thro'
fmall and ordinary Inftances. The quick Depredation which Air makes upon
watry Moiſture, and its converting the fame into Air, appears in nothing
more plain than in the fudden Diffipation of the little Cloud, made by
breathing upon a Glafs, a Sword-blade, or any fuch polished Body that does
not detain, or imbibe the Moiſture; which here fcatters and breaks up
fuddenly whereas, the like Cloud remains long, if it were oily or fat ;
not becauſe it ſticks fafter, but becauſe it is Air that preys upon Water; and
Flame and Fire, upon Oil: whence, to take out a Spot of Greafe, we uſe
a Coal upon brown Paper; for Fire operates upon Greafe, as Air does upon
Water and we fee oiled Paper, or oiled Wood, will long remain moiſt ;
but grow dry, or putrefy fooner, when wet with Water: for Air has little
effect upon the Moiſture of Oil &.
2. The fame trifling Inftance of the little Cloud upon Glafs, Gems, &c.
admirably fhews how much the Force of Union, even in the leaft Quanti-
ties, and weakeft Bodies, conduces to preferve the prefent, and refift a
new Form. For this little Cloud conftantly breaks up firft in the Skirts,
and laſt in the middle. We fee likewife, that much Water draws out the
Juice of a Body infuſed therein; whilft little Water is imbibed by the Body:
and this is a principal Caufe, why, in Operations upon Bodies for their Al-
teration, Trials, in large Quantities, do not anſwer to the Trials in ſmall;
and fo impoſe upon many: for the greater the Body, the more it refifts any
Alteration of Form; and requires much more Efficacy in the active Body,
that ſhould fubdue it.
3. Anoint Pigeons, or other Birds, when in their Down; or very young
producing Ani- Whelps, &c. firft cutting their Hair as fhort as poffible, with fome inno-
cent Ointment that will harden, and ftick very clofe; to try whether it
will not alter the Colour of the Feathers, or Hair. Pulling the firſt Feathers
of Birds clean off, is faid, to make the new come white: and, 'tis cer-
tain, White is a penurious Colour, that rifes where Moisture is deficient.
So
a A due Collection of which Inftances, is the readieſt and fureft way of forming fuch
AXIOMS.
b Whether this be an Inftance of the actual converfion of Water into Air, may be quef
tioned. How does the Experiment fucceed in Vacuo?
Is Water the Pabulum of Air; as Oil is of Fire?
a More than one great Axiom of Nature is here intimated, that cannot perhaps be juftly
formed, without a farther Improvement of Chemistry; particularly that Part thereof which
relates to the common Elements; or grand Inftruments of the Art. See Boerhaave's Chemi-
ftry, but particularly, the Chapters of Fire, Air, Water, Earth, and Menftruums; which
are confiderably improved in his own Edition.
Here again are the Rudiments of an Axiom; containing great light of Information, in
the conducting of Works, and the Bufinefs of Tranfmutation.
This is a large, or very extenfive Obfervation; as may appear by the fubfequent In-
ftances, from which it feems to have been drawn.
TRANSMUTATION.
239
So blue Violets, and other Flowers, if ſtarved, turn pale and white: Birds,
and Horfes, by Age, or Scars, turn white and the hoary Hair of Men,
proceeds from the fame Caufe. 'Tis therefore, probable, that the firſt Fea-
thers of Birds will often prove of different Colours, according to the Nature
of the Bird; whilſt the Skin is more porous: but that when the Skin is
more close, the Feathers will come white. This Experiment may ferve, not
only to produce Birds and Beaſts of ſtrange Colours; but alſo to diſcloſe
the Nature of Colours; and fhew which of them require a finer, and
which a coarſer Strainer. See the Articles COLOURS, and PERCOLATION.
4. In Tranfmutations, or grand Alterations of Bodies, there always comes A fundamen
a Medium between the Matter as it is at firſt, and the refulting Matter; tal Observa-
which Medium, is a Body imperfectly mixed, and not durable; but tranfi- tion with re
gard to Tranſ
tory; as Miſt, Smoke, Vapour, Chyle, and the Rudiments of Animals: mutation.
and the middle Action, which produces fuch imperfect Bodies, is, by fome
of the Ancients, aptly called Inquination, or Inconcoction; being a kind of
Putrefaction for the Parts are in confufion, till they fettle one way or
other b.
5. 'Tis reported, that Sailors having, every Night, hung Fleeces of Experiments
Wooll on the Sides of their Ships at Sea, could fqueeze freſh Water out of relating to the
them, in the Morning. And, we have tried, that a Quantity of Wooll, Tranmunat
tied looſe together, being let down into a deep Well, about three Fathom Water.
from the Water, for a Night, in the Winter, increaſed in weight about a
Fifth part '.
6. 'Tis reported, that in Lydia, near Pergamus, certain Workmen, in the
time of War, taking refuge in Caves, which being ſtopped by the Enemy,
the Men were ſtarved; but, that the dead Bones were, long after, found,
and fome Veffels which they had carried with them; the Veffels being now
full of Water, that was thicker, and nearer approaching to Ice than common
Water:
* We have here an Inftance of an Attempt to raiſe a Work upon the Caufe derived, or
endeavoured to be derived, under the Article PERCOLATION, $ 7. If this Caufe were veri-
fied, or found to be certainly true; it would become an Axiom : and the Work here intimated
would then certainly prove fuccefsful, for the End purpofed. How far it may fucceed, has not
perhaps been properly tried. At leaſt, we may hence learn the Scope and Nature of this
whole Piece of the Sylva Sylvarum; which is to diſcover Cauſes, and form them into pregnant
Axioms, that readily direct to Works. And certainly, whoever fhall understand, and properly.
practiſe this Method, may produce, not only ftrange, but highly uſeful and ſerviceable Effects.
The great Inconvenience is, that Perfons well verfed in this Way, might, in ignorant Ages,
or ignorant Countries, be taken for Magicians: of which grofs and fatal Miftake there are
but too many Inſtances.
We have here a large Obfervation of very general Extent, the capital Inftances whereof
deferve to be collected, in order to raiſe it into an Axiom, or Rule of Practice. For, thus to
operate by Tranfmutation, it should feem that the Subject ought to be foftened, rarified, or
fubtilized; that being a Form the moft fufceptible of Change. The Doctrine of the Adepts
may deſerve to be confidered upon this Occaſion.
i Inftances of this kind can only be confidered as Inftances of Approach, with regard to the
prefent Subject of Tranfmutation; being, perhaps, no more at bottom than Methods of
collecting the invifible aqueous Particles that float in the Air, (eſpecially near Water) and
rendering them fenfible: which is far from a Tranfmutation. See the Articles ALTERATIONS,
CONCOCTION, GOLD, and PUTREFACTION,
240
TRANSMUTATION.
Water: which is a remarkable Inftance of Condenſation by long burial к; and
of Tranfmutation, as it fhould feem, of Air into Water; provided any of
the Veffels were at firft empty. Try, therefore, fmall Bladders of Air, im-
merfed in Snow, in Nitre, and in Quickfilver and if you find the Bladder
fhrunk, the Air will appear condenfed by the cold of thofe Bodies; as it
would be in a Cave ¹.
7. It is credibly reported, that in the East-Indies, if a Tub of Water be
fet open in a Room where Cloves are kept, it will be drawn dry in twenty-
four Hours; tho it ftand at ſome diſtance from the Cloves. And often,
when Wooll is new fhorn, our Country People fraudulently fet fome Pails
of Water in the fame Room, to increaſe the weight of the Wooll. But,
perhaps, the heat remaining in the Wooll from the Body of the Sheep,
or gathered by the clofe lying, helps to draw the watry Vapour.
8. 'Tis alfo credibly reported, that Wooll new fhorn, being cafually laid
upon a Veffel of Verjuice, had, after fome time, drunk up great part of
the Liquor; tho the Veffel were without Flaw, and remained cloſe. So
that there was a Percolation of the Verjuice thro' the Wood, in a kind of
Vapour.
9. What facilitates the converfion of Air into Water, when the Air is not
grofs, but fubtilly mixed with tangible Bodies; is, that tangible Bodies
have an Antipathy to Air: and if they find any Liquid more denſe near
them, they will attract it, condenſe it more, and, in effect, incorporate
it. Thus a Spunge, Wooll, or Sugar, being in part put into Water, or
Wine, attract the Liquor higher than the Surface reaches. So Wood, Lute-
Strings, &c. will fwell in moift Seafons; as appears by the breaking of the
Strings, the hard turning of the Pegs, &c. which is a kind of Infufion
much like Infuſion in Water; that makes Wood fwell: as in cloſing the
Cracks of Bowls, by laying them in Water.
10. There appears alfo to be a converfion of Air into Water, in the
fweating of Marble and Wainſcot, in moiſt Weather. Which proceeds either
from fome Moiſture the Body yields; or becauſe the moift Air is condenſed
againſt the hard Body. But it ſeems plainly the latter; for Wood painted
with Oil-colours, will fooner gather Drops in a moift Night, than Wood
alone; becauſe of the fmoothness and clofenefs, which admits no part of the
Vapour; and therefore turns back, and condenſes it into Dew: as breathing
upon a Glafs, or other poliſhed Body, makes a Dew. So likewife, in froſty
Mornings, we find Drops of Dew on the infide of Glafs-windows: and
the Froft itſelf upon the Ground, is but a Condenſation of the moiſt Va-
pours of the Night. Dew alfo, and Rains, are only the Returns of moift
Vapours condenfed: the Dew being condenſed by the Cold from the Sun's
Departure; and Rains, by the Cold of the middle Region of the Air.
* See the Article BURIALS.
II. 'Tis
Neither the utmoſt force of Cold, nor of the Condenfor, ſeem to have been tried for this
Purpoſe. See the Chapter of Fire in Boerhaave's Chemistry; where a Method is fhewn of
procuring an extreme degree of artificial Cold, by means of Ice and Spirit of Nitre.
2
TRANSMUTATIO N.
241
11. 'Tis probable, that what will turn Water into Ice, may likewife turn
Air, in fome degree, to Water. Therefore try the common Experiment
of turning Water into Ice, by Art'; ufing Air inſtead of Water. And
tho it be a greater Alteration to turn Air into Water, than Water into Ice;
yet there are hopes, that by continuing the Air longer, the Effect will fol-
low for the artificial converfion of Water into Ice, is the Work but of a
ſhort time; whereas this may be tried for a Month, or more.
verting Air
12. There ſeem to be thefe probable Ways of converting Vapour, or Air, into The feveral
Water and Moiſture. The first is by Cold; which manifeftly condenfes, as we Ways for con
fee by the contraction of the Air in the Weather-glafs: whence Air by Conden- into Water.
fation appears to come a degree nearer to Water. We fee it alſo in the Origin
of Springs; which the Ancients thought owing to the converfion of Air into
Water, promoted by the coldnefs of the Rocks; where Springs are chiefly
generated. We fee it alſo in the Effects of the Cold of the middle Region
of the Air; which produces Dews and Rains. And the Experiment of
turning Water into Ice, by means of Snow and Salt, fhould be tried, as we
before obferved, for turning Air into Water. The fecond Way, is by Com-
preffion; as in Stills, where the Vapour is turned back upon itſelf, by the
Sides of the Still: and again, in the Dew vifible upon Marble and Wain-
fcot, towards damp Weather. But this is likely to have no great Effect,
except upon Vapour and grofs Air, already approaching near to Water.
The third is, by mixing moift Vapours with Air, and trying if they will
not produce a greater return of Water; for if fo, that Increafe is a conver-
fion of the Air. Therefore put a certain weight of Water into a cloſe Still,
and hang a large Spunge above the Water, to try what Quantity of
Water may, after heating, be fqueezed out of it, in proportion to the Wa-
ter ſpent ; for, if any Converfion can be wrought, it will be eaſieſt effected
in the fmall Pores of Bodies; which is the reaſon we preſcribe a Spunge.
The fourth Way is, by receiving the Air into the fmall Pores of Bodies;
every thing in fmall Quantity being, as we have before obferved, more
difpoſed for Converfion; and all tangible Bodies endeavouring to con-
denſe Air: but in entire Bodies this Operation is checked; becauſe, if the
Air ſhould condenſe, there is nothing to fucceed. It must therefore be tried
in looſe Bodies, as Sand and Powder; which, if they lie clofe, do of
themſelves gather Moiſture ".
V O L. III.
I i
A
1 Viz. Snow, or beaten Ice, and Salt, or other artificial Mixtures: among the ſtrongeſt
whereof is reckoned Sal Armoniac diſſolved in Water; or, what is much ſtronger, Spirit
of Salt, or Spirit of Nitre, poured upon Ice or Snow.
m The feveral Experiments here propofed, may feem not to reach the Point; which indeed
is a capital Work, if underſtood of an actual artificial Change of proper elaſtic Air into the
grofs Body of Water. To underſtand the Author's Meaning, in this Particular, fee the Article
AIR; and for farther Light and Direction in the Affair, confult the Articles ALTERATION,
GOLD, PUTREFACTION, C. There are alſo ſome uſeful Particulars relating to this Purpoſe,
in the Author's Hiftory of Winds; Sir Ifaac Newton's Queries, at the End of his Opticks,
Mr. Hales's Vegetable Staticks; and Dr. Boerhaave's Chemistry, under the Chapters of Air and
Water.
242
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
V.
A first Draught for the particular Hiftory of VEGETA-
BLES and VEGETATION.
Egetables thould be diligently
Egetables fhould be diligently enquired into, as being a principal
as
Part of the third Day's Work; the firſt Producat; and of ex-
cellent and general Ufe for Food, Medicine, and many Mechanic Arts":
2. HEADS of ENQUIRY.
Introduction.
I.
ARTICLE I
OF
F the Acceleration of Germination.
ARTICLE II
Of the Retardation of Germination.
ARTICLE III.
Of the Melioration of Trees, Plants, and Fruits..
Of Compound Fruits and Flowers.
ARTICLE IV.
ARTICLE V.
Of the Sympathy and Antipathy of Plants.
Of rendering Fruits and Herbs medicinal.
ARTICLE VI
ARTICLE VII.
Of Curiofities in Vegetation.
ARTI
n The Author has here beſtowed confiderable Pains; and collected together a great number
of Materials for the phyfical History of Vegetation. But what he delivers upon the Subject is
not, perhaps, ſo valuable in itſelf, as for the Light and Direction it affords in executing the
Deſign; by diſcovering Causes, and railing Axioms. With this View he recommends feveral
Experiments to be tried, that are directly levelled at the Inveſtigation of Cauſes which Par-
ticular being ufually unobferved by the common Writers upon Agriculture and Horticulture;
they have often excepted to thefe Experiments, either as unfuccefsful, or of little ufe; without
penetrating into the Deſign of the Author, who. chiefly writes for fuch Philofophers as can
learn as much from an unsuccessful Experiment, as from one that fhall fucceed; and under-
ftand how to feparate and concoct Experience into Aphorifms, Axioms, and fure Rules of fu
ture Practice in which Light the untried Experiments here recommended, differ widely from.
thofe commonly practifed by Gardeners; as having a much nobler View. And certainly
they are unacquainted with the Nature and Ufe of the Sylva Sylvarum, who do not perceive
the Excellence of the untried Experiments therein recommended, above thofe that have been.
uſually tried,.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
243
ARTICLE VIII.
Of the Degeneration of Plants, and their Tranfmutation into one another.
ARTICLE IX.
Of the Tallness, Lowness, and Artificial Dwarfing of Trees.
ARTICLE X.
Of the Rudiments and Excrefcencies of Plants.
ARTICLE XI.
Of the Production of perfect Plants without Seed.
Of the Duration of Herbs and Trees.
ARTICLE XII.
Of Exotic Plants.
ARTICLE XIII.
Of the Seasons of Plants.
ARTICLE XIV.
ARTICLE XV.
ARTICLE XVI.
ARTICLE XVII.
Of the different Figures of Plants.
Of the principal Differences in Plants.
Of Compofts and Helps for Ground.
ARTICLE XVIII.
Of the Relation between Plants and inanimate Bodies.
ARTICLE XIX.
Of the Relation between Plants and Animals.
ARTICLE XX.
Mifcellaneous Experiments and Obfervations upon the Subject:
Ii 2
SECT.
244
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
lerated by Hot-
SECT. I.
Of the Acceleration of Germination.
Growth acce- 3. (1.) cumber-feed, and Peafe. The Bed was made of well-rotted
WE
E fowed, in a Hot-bed, Turnip-feed, Radiſh-feed; Wheat, Cu-
keds,
The Effects of
ing 30
Horfe-dung, laid upon a Bank half a Foot high, and fupported round with
Planks; and, upon the Top, we threw fifted Earth, two Fingers deep.
The Seed fown upon it, was firft fteeped, all Night, in Water mixed with
Cow-dung. The Turnip-feed and Wheat, came up half an Inch above.
Ground in two Days, without any watering; and the reft came up the
third Day. The Experiment was made in October: perhaps, in the Spring,
the Acceleration might have been greater. Without this Help, the Seeds
would have been four times as long in coming up. But there does not,
at prefent, occur any profitable Ufe of this Experiment, unlefs for fowing
of Peafe; the Price whereof is much increaſed by coming early. It may
be tried alfo with Cherries, Strawberries, and other Fruits which are
deareſt when early.
4. (2.) We ſteeped Wheat in Water mixed with Cow-dung; in Water
differens Steep mixed with Horfe-dung; in Water mixed with Pigeon's-dung; in human
Urine; in Water mixed with powdered Chalk; in Water mixed with Soot;
in Water mixed with Aſhes; in Water mixed with Bay-falt; in Claret-wine;
in Malmſey; and in Spirit of Wine. The Proportion of the Mixture
was a fourth Part of the Ingredient to the Water; only of the Salt there
was not above an eighth Part. The Urine, the Wines, and the Spirit of
Wine, were without any Mixture of Water. The Time of the Steeping
was twelve Hours; the Time of the Year, October. Along with thefe
was alfo fown another Parcel of unfteeped Wheat; but watered twice a-day
with warm Water and fome we fowed fimple, to compare with the reſt.
The Event was, that the Grain fteeped in the Mixtures of Dung, Urine,
Soot, Chalk, Aſhes, and Salt, came up within fix Days: and thofe that,
afterwards proved the talleft, thickeft, and ftrongeft, were, first, the
Urine; then the Dungs; next the Chalk; next the Soot; next the Aſhes
next the Salt; next the Wheat, unfteeped and unwatered; next that
watered twice a-day with warm Water; and next the Claret-wine. So that
the three laft being flower than the ordinary Wheat of itſelf, this Culture
proved rather prejudicial. As for thofe that were ſteeped in Malmſey, and
Spirit of Wine; they came not up at all. This is a profitable Experi-
ment,
• The common Hot-beds feem to require fome confiderable Improvements; to make
them produce ftrong and perfect, as well as quick and early. In order to improve them, en-
quire what is the most immediate or material Principle of Vegetation: or, if more Principles
than one are concerned; let them all be duly regarded in the Preparation of Artificial
Compofis.
• See M. Homberg's Experiments upon Vegetation, in the French Memoirs,
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
245
ment; for moſt of the Steepings are cheap things: and the goodneſs of the
Crop is a confiderable point of Gain; if the goodneſs thereof anſwer the
earlineſs of coming up; as probably it will; both proceeding from the
Vigour of the Seed. The Experiment fhould be tried in other Grain,
Seeds, and Kernels; for, perhaps, certain Steepings agree beſt with certain
Seeds. It ſhould alſo be tried with Roots, fteeped for a long time and
in ſeveral Seaſons of the Year; efpecially the Spring 4.
mended.
5. (3.) Strawberries being watered once in three Days, with Water where- Watering with
in the Dung of Sheep, or Pigeons, has been infufed, will come up early. an Infusion of
And perhaps the fame might hold in other Berries, Herbs, Flowers, Grains, Dug recom
or Trees. The Experiment therefore, tho common in Strawberries, is not
yet brought into general Ufe. 'Tis a frequent Practice to help the Ground
with Dung or Manure; but to water it with Muck-water, which feems
more powerful, is not practifed. Dung, Chalk, or Blood, feafonably ap-
plied, in Subſtance, to the Roots of Trees, haftens their Growth; but
without fome Mixture of Water, or Earth, perhaps fuch Helps are too hot
for Herbs
6. The preceding Means of promoting Germination, depend upon the Means of
goodneſs and ftrength of the Nouriſhment; or the fupporting and exciting the quickening the
Spirit, and
Spirits in the Plant, the better to attract it: of the latter kind, are the Ex-
promoting the
periments following. (1.) To plant Trees againft a Wall to the South, or Nutrition of
South-eaſt Sun, haftens their Growth and Ripening. The South-eaft is found Vegetables
better than the South-weft for this Purpoſe, tho the South-weft be hotter;
becauſe the heat of the Morning fucceeds the cold of the Night; and part-
ly, becauſe the South-weft Sun is often too parching. (2.) So likewife the
planting of them againſt a Chimney, where a Fire is kept, haftens their
coming up, and ripening: and drawing the Boughs into a Room where there
is a conftant Fire, produces the fame Effect; as has been tried in Grapes;
which will, thus, come a Month earlier than otherwife (3.) Another
Means of accelerating Germination, is by making way for a ready Supply,
and Attraction of the Nouriſhment; whence, gentle digging and loofening
of the Earth about the Roots of Trees; and the removing of Herbs and
Flowers into new Earth, once in two Years, (for the new Earth is al-
ways loofer) greatly promotes the thriving, and early coming of Plants,
(4.) But the best Acceleration, in the Way of facilitating the Conveyance of
the Nouriſhment, is that by Means of Water.
7. A
The Farmers, în fome Counties of England, now commonly fteep their Seed-wheat
in common Brine, or the Brine of their Pork-vats, to Advantage: But proper Trials of
other ufeful Steepings are ftill wanting; and fhould be directed from fome Knowledge of the
Material, Caufe of Vegetation.
That is by fuffering, the Dung to fteep in the Water, whereby a Tincture of its more
foluble Parts will be gained; and the more grofs Matter fall to the Bottom. Perhaps fuch as
Tincture may be too rich for certain Vegetables, or certain Beds; unlefs made dilute, or
ufed but feldom,
When uſed in too great plenty they prove prejudicial; otherwife they greatly invigorate
Trees that are old or decayed.
• And yet prove excellent; as I have ſeen; particularly in Holland
246
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Roſes growing
in Water.
Vegetables
growing in
Water only.
A double Ad-
celerating
;
7. A Standard of a Damafk-rofe, with the Root on, being fet upright
in an earthen Pan, full of fair Water, half a Foot deep in the Water
the Top rifing more than two Foot above the Surface; and the Pan placed
in a Chamber where no Fire was kept; within ten Days put forth a fair
green Leaf; and fome other little Buds, which made a Stand for above feven
Days, without any Appearance of Decay or Withering. Afterwards the
Leaf faded, but the young Buds fprouted on, and opened into fair Leaves,
in three Months time; and continued fo a while after, till upon Removal
we ceaſed the Trial. But the Leaves were fomewhat paler, and lighter co-
loured, than others of the fame Kind. The first Buds appeared at the end
of October; and, 'tis probable, if it had been Spring-time, the Standard
would have flot with greater ftrength, and have grown on, to bear Flowers.
By this means Rofes might be fet in the midst of a Pond; being fupported
by fome Prop: which is matter of Pleaſure, tho of fmall Ufe. The Ex-
periment is the more ftrange, becauſe a like Roſe-ſtandard being, at the fame
time, put into Water mixed with a fourth part of Horfe-dung, yielded
no Leaves; tho feveral Buds at the firft, as the other did.
8. A Dutch Flower, with a bulbous Root, being, at the fame time,
placed wholly under Water, two or three Inches deep, fprouted in feven
Days; and continued growing long after. A Beet-root, a Borrage-root,
and a Radiſh-root, all their Leaves being cut almoft clofe, were treated in
the fame manner; and had fair Leaves within fix Weeks and fo continued
till the end of November ».
9. If Roots, Peaſe, or Flowers, may be accelerated in their Growth and
vantage in ac- Ripening, a double Profit will attend it; becaufe of the advanced Price.
they bear when they come early; and again, becaufe of the Quickneſs of
their return thus, in fome Grounds which are ftrong, Radiſhes, for inftance,
will come in a Month; that, in other Grounds, would not come in two:
and fo make double Returns.
Roots, &c.
Wheat not
growing in
Water.
The Doctrine
of the preced-
ang Expert
ments.
10. Wheat being put into Water, fprung not at all; whence, probably,
there is required fome Strength and Bulk in the Body put into Water, as in
Roots for Grain, or Seeds, will mortify by the Cold of the Water.
But a little lying cafually under the Pan, and being fomewhat moiſtened by
the Exudation thereof, tho it appeared mouldy, it was, in fix Weeks,
fprouted half a Finger.
11. It ſhould ſeem, by thefe Instances, that in point of Nouriſhment, Water
is a capital Thing; and, that the Earth does but keep the Plant upright; and
preferve it from too much Heat or Cold: which is comfortable Doctrine
for great Drinkers. It proves alfo, that Drinks incorporated with Fleſh, or
Roots, will nouriſh more eaſily than Meat and Drink, taken feparate *.
12.
No Conclufion can be fafely drawn from this Experiment, for want of knowing whether
there were no Difference in the Roots of the two Standards, or other Circumftances
For the Reaſon why Water alone may nouriſh Plants, fee Dr. Woodward's Experiments
upon Vegetation, in the Philofophical Tranfactions. Numb. 253.
w A farther Scrutiny, and more particular Experiments, feem requifite, before any Axum
can be formed upon this Head. See the Chapter of Water in Boerhaave's Chemistry.
* See the Article Foods.
I
J
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
247
12. (5.) The Houſing of Plants may contribute both to the Acceleration The Advan
and Production of Flowers and Plants, in the colder Seaſons and as we tages of houf
houſe the Exoticks of hot Countries; viz Lemmons, Oranges, and Myr- ing Plants.
tles, to preferve them; fo we may houſe our Natives, to forward them, and
make them thrive in the cold Seafons. And thus we may have Violets, Straw-
berries, and Peaſe all Winter; provided they be fown, or removed, at pro-
per Times. This Experiment is referable to the cheriſhing of the Spirit
of the Plant by warmth, as well as houſing their Shoots, &c. So that the
Means of accelerating Germination, are, in particular, eight; and, in
general three.
I.
T
SECT. II.
Of the Retardation of Germination.
come late.
O make Rofes, or other Flowers, come late, is an Experiment of The feveral
Pleaſure. The Ancients highly eſteemed the Rofa Sera: and in- Means of ma-
deed the November Rofe is the fweeteft, as having been lefs exhaled by the king Flowers
Sun. The Means are these; viz. (1.) To cut off their Tops, immediately
after they have done bearing; whence they will come again the fame Year
about November. They will not come juft on the cut Tops; but upon thoſe
Shoots, which were a kind of Water Boughs: becauſe the Sap, that would
otherwiſe have fed the Top, will now divert to the Side-fhoots; and make
them bear, tho later. (2.) To pluck off the Buds when newly knotted;
for then the Side-branches will bear cutting off the Tops, and plucking
off the Buds, having the fame Effect, as to Retention of the Sap for a time;
and the diverting it to the Roots, that were not fo forward. (3) To cut off
fome few of the top Boughs in the Spring, and fuffering the lower to con-
tinue growing on: for the Shoots help to draw up the Sap more ftrongly;
as in the polling of Trees, 'tis ufual to leave a Bough or two on the Top, to
draw up the Sap. And 'tis reported, that by Grafting upon the Bough of a
Tree, and cutting off fome of the old Boughs, the new Cions will perifh ".
(4.) To lay the Roots bare for fome few Days about Christmas: which ſtops
the afcent of the Sap for a time; tho it is afterward fet free, by covering
the Root again with Earth; whence the Sap mounts the later. (5.) To
remove the Tree a Month before it buds for fome time is required after
the Removal, to refettle it, before it can attract the Juice; and that time
being loft, the Bloffom muft needs come later. (6.) To graft Rofes in-
May, which Gardeners feldom do till July; and then they bear not till the
next Year: but grafted in May, they will bear late the fame Year.
b
(7.) To.
y Due regard must be had, that the hot and dry Air of the Green-houſe does not exhale their
aqueous Parts too faſt; and that a proper Supply of Air and Water be given them.
z See above, § 6, oc.
a See above, 3, 4, 5, 6.
b This appears contrary to common Experience.
• But does this cauſe the Trees to bud or bear later afterwards ?.
248
VEGETABLES and VEGETATIO N.
The Advan-
tages of laying
Stones to the
Roots of Tress.
How Trees are
to be firred
and cut, to
make them
thrive.
To haften Cop-
pice.wood.
(7.) To gird the Body of the Tree with Pack-thread; for this alſo, in
fome degree, reftrains the Sap, and makes it afcend later and flower,
(8.) To plant them in a Shade, or a Hedge; for thus they are retarded,
partly by want of Sun, and partly by want of Nouriſhment, on account of
the Hedges. Thefe Means may be practifed, both upon Trees and
Flowers mutatis mutandis .
f
I.
"T
SECT.
III.
Of the Melioration of Trees, Plants, and Fruits.
IS Matter of Experience, that a Heap of Flint, or Stone, laid
about the Bottom of a wild Tree, as an Oak, Elm, Aſh, &c.
makes it profper twice as much as without it. The Caufe is, that it retains
the Moiſture at any time falling upon the Tree; fuffers it not to ex-
hale by the Sun; and alſo defends the Tree from cold Blafts, and Frofts, as
it were in a Houſe. Perhaps too there is fomewhat in keeping it fteddy at
fir ft. Let it be tried, if laying Straw to fome height about the Body of the
Tree, will not make it come forwards. For tho the Root affords the Sap,
'tis the Body that muſt attract it. But if Stones be laid about the Stalks of
Lettuce, or other Plants that are foft, the Roots will be over-moiſtened,
fo that the Worms will eat them.
2. A Tree, at the firſt ſetting, fhould not be fhook till it has fully taken
Root: whence fome fix little Forks about the Bottom of their Trees, to keep
them upright; but, after a Year's rooting, fhaking does the Tree good, by
loofening the Earth, and perhaps by exercifing, as it were, and ſtirring the
Sap. Generally, the cutting away of Boughs, and Suckers, at the Root
and Body, makes the Tree grow tall; as the polling and cutting off the Top,
makes them fpread and grow buſhy.
3. 'Tis reported, that to haften Coppice-woods the Way is, to take Wil-
low, Sallow, Poplar, or Alder, of feven Years growth; and fet them a-ſlope,
a reaſonable Depth under ground: when, inſtead of one Root, they will
ftrike many; and fo carry more Shoots upon a Stem.
•
Will not the Sap rife in plenty, tho the Tree were strongly girded?
4. To
But will the Rofe-Trees thus planted bear at all; for want of the Sun, and proper
Nouriſhment?
f How many of theſe probable Means of procuring late Flowers will ftand good, after the
Method of Rejection is practifed upon them? Let it conftantly be obferved, that Experiments
well directed, afford as much Light when they fail, as when they fucceed. But it muſt be the
Philofopher, not the Gardener, who reaps this Fruit.
One of the greateft Inconveniences of this Practice is affording a harbour to Vermin
which might thus prove deftructive to young Trees.
;
b Gardeners generally faften their new planted Trees to a Stake with a Hay-band, to prevent
their being rocked by the Wind; and continue them thus bound for fome Years, if they defire
them to grow ftrait.
Is this verified by Experience?
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
249
Fruit-Trees.
4. To have many new Roots of Fruit-trees; bend a low Tree, lay all its To multiply
Branches flat upon the Ground; caft Earth upon them; and every Twig Roots in
will take Root. This is a very profitable Experiment in coftly Trees; for
thus Boughs will make Stocks without Charge. Try it in Apricots, Peaches,
Almonds, Cornelians, Mulberries, Figs, &c. The like is conftantly prac-
tifed with Vines, Rofes, Muſk-roſes, &c.
5. From May to July, peel off the Bark of any Bough, for three or four To convert
Inches; cover the bare place, fomewhat above and below, with Loam, well Boughs inte
tempered with Horfe-dung; binding it faft down; then cut off the Bough Treos.
about Allballon-tide, in the bare place; fet it, and 'twill grow to be a fair
Tree. The Caufe may be, that ftripping off the Bark keeps the Sap from
defcending, towards Winter; and fo continues it in the Bough. Perhaps alſo,
the Loam and Horſe-dung applied to the bare place, moiften, cheriſh, and
make it more apt to put forth the Root. And this may prove a general
Means to keep up the Sap of Trees in their Boughs, for other Purpoſes.
6. It has been practifed in Trees that fhew fair, yet do not bear, to bore To render
a Hole thro' the Heart of them, to render them fruitful: in which cafe, the barren Trees
fruitful, by
Tree before might be too replete, and oppreffed with its own Sap; for Re-
opening the
pletion is an Enemy to Generation. It has alfo been practifed in barren Body and
Trees, to cleave two or three of the chief Roots, and put a fmall Pebble Root.
into the Cleft, to keep it open; which makes the Tree bear: for the Root,
as well as the Body of a Tree, may be Bark-bound, and not keep open,
unleſs ſomewhat be put into it m.
7. 'Tis ufual to fet Trees that require much Sun, upon South To meliorate
Walls; as Apricots, Peaches, Plumbs, Vines, Figs, and the like. This Fruits by
South Walls.
has a double Convenience; viz. the heat of the Wall by Reflexion; and the
preventing the Shade: for when a Tree grows round, the higher Boughs
over-fhadow the lower; but when ſpread upon a Wall, the Sun comes alike,
both upon the upper and lower Branches ".
8. It has alfo been practifed, to ftrip off fome Leaves from the Trees, fo The Root of a
fpread, that the Sun may come the better upon the Boughs and Fruit. A Tree placed on
a North, and
Tree has likewife been fet upon the North-fide of a Wall to a fmall height, the Boughs on
then drawn thro' the Wall, and fpread upon the South-fide: that the Root a South Wall
and lower part of the Stock might enjoy the freſhneſs of the Shade; and the
upper Boughs and Fruit the benefit of the Sun. But it fucceeded not; be-
cauſe the Root requires fome cheriſhing from the Sun, tho under the Earth,
VOL. III.
K k
k Is this Treatment fuccefsful in Trees of all kinds, or only in fome?
as
The defcending of the Sap in Trees, has been peremptorily denied by Gardeners: but
for a full Account of this Matter confult the Philofophical Tranſactions; French Memoirs; and
Mr. Hales's Vegetable Staticks.
m Theſe Experiments are, in fome Cafes, found to answer the End propofed but they
feem no general Methods of rendering barren Trees fruitful; each requiring a fuitable Remedy
according to the particular Caufe of its Barrennefs.
n This Method of Planting againſt a South Wall, is now extended to various Fruit-trees; and
found eminently ferviceable.
• This ftripping off the Leaves of Fruit-Trees, is obferved to haften the ripening; but to ftint
the growth of the Fruit: for too much Sun puts a Period to Growth; or ripens before the time.
250
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
as well as the Body; and the lower part of the Body more than the upper,
as we find in compaffing a Tree below with Straw.
The Advantage 9. The lowness of the Fruit boughs makes the Fruit greater, and caufes.
of low Trees. it to ripen better; for we always fee in Apricots, Peaches, or Melo-cotones
upon a Wall, the largeſt Fruit is towards the bottom. And in France, the
Grapes that make the Wine, grow upon low Vines, bound to fmall Stakes;
whilſt the rais'd Vines, in Arbors, only make Verjuice. 'Tis true, in Italy,
and other Countries, where the Sun is hotter, they raiſe them upon Elms
and Trees; but I conceive, that if the French manner of planting low, were
practifed there, the Wines would be ftronger and fweeter: But 'tis
more chargeable on account of the Supporters. It were proper to try, whe-
ther a Tree grafted ſomewhat near the Ground, with the lower Boughs
only maintain'd, and the higher continually pruned off, would not make a
larger Fruit
To produce
plenty of
Fruit..
Digging about
the Roots of
Trees recom-
mended..
4
To revive old
Trees.
To make large
Boots.
t
10. To have plenty of Fruit, the way is, to graft, not only upon young
Stocks, but upon feveral Boughs of an old Tree; for thefe will bear much.
Fruit: whereas, if you graft but upon one Stock, the Tree can bear but little ..
11. To dig yearly about the Roots of Trees, as a means both to acce-
lerate and meliorate Fruits, is only practifed in Vines; but if transferr'd to
other Trees and Shrubs, I conceive it would improve them likewife. A
Fruit-Tree being blown up, almoft, by the Roots," and fet again; it bore
exceedingly the next Year. This feems owing to the loofening of the Earth,
which refreſhes any Tree; and fhould be practifed more than at prefent in
Fruit-Trees for Trees cannot be fo commodiously removed into new
Ground, as Flowers and Herbs":
12. To revive an old Tree, dig about its Roots, and apply new
Mould thereto. We fee that Draught-Oxen put into freſh Paſture, get
new and tender Fleſh and in all Cafes, better Nouriſhment than ordinary
helps to renew; eſpecially if it be not only better, but differing from the
former ▾.
:
13. If an Herb be cut off from its Roots in the beginning of Winter,
and the Earth be trod and beat down hard with the Foot and Spade, the
Roots will be very large in Summer: for the Moisture being thus kept from
rifing
1 On Account, perhaps, of the Heat reflected from the Earth; which reaches the lower
Boughs ſtrongeſt.
But is not this Difference chiefly owing to the Nature of the two feveral Species?
This is found to answer, when the Branches of a Tree are bent downwards, and thrown.
along a South Wall:
This is alfo a Method of producing Fruit quick, as in the firft or fecond Year; if the
·
Grafts be from good Bearers. And hence we have an excellent way of converting old Trees
་
萨
​to Profit; by letting them ftand, inſtead of cutting them down for Fewel, and planting new,
which will be long before they attain their Growth.
This Expedient of digging about the Roots of Trees, is chiefly practiſed in ſtiff and·
cold Ground, and after the Trees have flood for fome Years; left it might otherwife fubject:
them to be blown down by the Winds.
7
The Soil may fometimes be too rich of itſelf; and then the addition of a poorer Kind is
an Amendment.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
251
rifing in the Plant, ftays longer in the Root, and fo dilates it. And Gar-
deners commonly tread loofe Ground, after fowing Onions, Turnips, &c.
Panicum laid below and about the bottom of a Root, will cauſe it to grow
exceffively; for being itſelf of a fpungy Subſtance, it attracts the moi-
ſture of the Earth, and fo feeds the Root. This is of principal Ufe for
Onions, Turnips, Parfnips, and Carrots.
14. The fhifting of Ground is a means to meliorate Trees and Fruits; Melioration by
but with this Caution, that all Things profper beft when advanced from Shifting.
worſe to better. Thus Nurſeries of Stocks fhould be in a more barren
Ground, than that whereto they are removed: and all Grafiers remove their
Cattle from poorer Pafture to richer. So hardinefs in Youth prolongs Life;
becauſe it leaves the Body improvable in Age: and even in Exerciſes, 'tis
good to begin with the hardeſt, as dancing in thick Shoes, &c.
15. Hacking of Trees in their Bark, both right down and acroſs, ſo as Slitting the
to make rather Slits than continued hacks, is highly ſerviceable to Trees; Bark of Trees.
prevents their being Bark-bound, and kills the Mofs.
16. Shade conduces to render fome Plants large and profperous, more Shade uſeful to
than the Sun; as in Straw-berries, Bays, &c. And therefore to fow Bo- fome Plants,
rage-feed thin among Straw-berries, will make the Fruit under the Borage-
leaves far larger than their Fellows. And Bays fhould be planted to the
North, or defended from the Sun, by a Hedge row: and when you fow
the Berries, weed not the Borders for the firft half Year; becauſe the Weeds
afford a proper Shade.
17. To increaſe the Crops of Vegetables, we must not only increafe the Confiderations
Vigour of the Earth, and of the Plant; but alſo preſerve what would other- for augmenting
wife be loft. Thus the late Trial to fet Wheat, is now left off, becauſe of
the Crops of
the Trouble and Pains it required: yet there is much faved by Setting, in
Vegetables.
Compariſon of Sowing; as keeping the Seed from being eat up by the Birds,
and avoiding the fhallow lying of it, whereby much of what is fown, can-
not take Root.
tion.
18. 'Tis reported, that if Nitre be mixed with Water, to the thickness of Nitre the Prin-
Honey, and after a Vine is cut, the Bud be anointed therewith, it will ciple of Vegeta-
fprout within eight Days. If the Experiment be true; the Cause may lie in
the opening of the Bud, and contiguous Parts, by the Spirit of the Nitre;
for Nitre is the Life of Vegetables.
Kk 2
19. Put
w This Caution admits of an Exception, where the Soil was too rich; in which Cafe re-
moving to a poorer, would render the Tree more healthy and fruitful. Many of the Rules of
Medicine feem to have place in Vegetables.
* This is chiefly practifed in Trees of fome years Growth; and found very ufeful, efpe-
cially when they are already Bark-bound.
y But then the Shade must not be large. Perhaps Straw-berries are beft delighted with a
mixture of Sun and Shade.
z How far this may be true, is not perhaps fufficiently fhewn; notwithſtanding the Experi-
ments of Sir Kenelm Digby, and M. Homberg. Confult Mr. Evelyn's Sylva; the Philofophis
cal Tranfactions; the French Memoirs; and Dr. Stahl's Philofophical Principles of Chemistry:
but a proper Set of accurate Experiments feem ftill wanting in this View.
252
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Seeds fown in 19. Put any Seed, or the Kernels of Apples, Pears, Oranges, the Stone of
a Sea Onion, a Peach, a Plumb, &c. into a Squill; and they will come up much earlier
ing.
than when fown in the Earth itſelf. This I conceive is a kind of grafting
in the Root; for as the Stock yields a better prepared Nouriſhment
to the Graft than the crude Earth; fo does the Squill to the Seed.
And I fuppofe the fame would fucceed, by putting Kernels into a Turnip, or
the like; only that the Squill is more vigorous and hot. It may be tried
alfo, by putting Onion-feed into an Onion; which thereby, perhaps, will
bring forth larger and earlier.
Fruits feem ri- 20. Tho pricking of Fruit in feveral places, when almoft full grown, and
pen'd by prick- before it ripens, has been practis'd with Succefs, to bring it fooner to Ma-
turity. The biting of Wafps or Worms upon Fruit, caufes it to ripen ma-
nifeftly quicker. 'Tis reported, that Sea-weed, put under the Roots of Cole-
worts, and other Plants, will forward their Growth. The Virtue, no doubt,
has relation to Salt, which greatly promotes Fertility b.
To bring Cu-
cumbers early.
The Use of
pluck ing off
fome Blooms
from Trees.
A Trial of
21. It has been practifed to cut off the Stalks of Cucumbers, immediately
after their bearing, clofe by the Earth; and then to throw a quantity of
Mould upon the remaining Plant: which makes them bear fruit the en-
fuing Year, long before the ordinary time. The Caufe may be, that the
Sap goes down the fooner, and is not ſpent in the Stalk or Leaf, remaining
after the Fruit. The dying of the Roots of annual Plants in the Winter,
feems partly owing to the profufion of Sap in forming the Stalk and Leaves;
which being prevented, they will fuper-annuate, if they ftand warm.
22. To pluck off many of the Bloffoms from a Fruit-Tree, makes the Fruit
fairer: the Sap thus having less to nourish. And 'tis commonly obſerved,
that if fome Bloffoms be not plucked off the firſt time a Tree blows, it will
bloffom itſelf to death.
23. It were proper to try the Effect of plucking off all the Bloffoms from
plucking off all a Fruit-Tree; or the Acorns, Chefnut-Buds, &c. from a wild Tree;
the Bloffoms
for two years together. I fuppofe the Tree would either yield Fruit the
third Year, larger, and in greater plenty; or elfe, the larger Leaves, in the
intermediate Years, becaufe of the Sap here treaſured up.
recommended.
Whether Plants
grow quicker
when watred
with warm
Water.
24. It has been generally received, that a Plant watered with warm Water,
will come up fooner and better, than when water'd with cold Water, or
Showers. But our Experiment of watering Wheat with warm Water did
not fucceed; perhaps becauſe made too late in the Year, viz. the end of
October for the Cold then coming upon the Seed, after being render'd more
tender by warm Water, might check it.
:
25. No
a Theſe Experiments appear probable; but how they answer upon Trial, fhould be par-
ticularly obſerved and recorded. They feem better fitted for the Ufe of Philofophers than Gar-
deners; and therefore perhaps have not been fully profecuted.
b See more to this purpoſe under the Article MATURATION.
Efpecially if the Tree be lately planted, and the Root be weak.
с
Has this Experiment been duly made?
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
253
+
25. No doubt, but grafting generally meliorates the Fruit; becauſe the The Meliora-
Nouriſhment is better prepared in the Stock, than in the crude Earth. tion of Fruit
by Grafting,
Yet fome Trees are faid to come up ftronger from the Kernel, than from the
Graft; as the Peach and Melo-cotone: perhaps becauſe thoſe Plants require
a Nouriſhment of greater Moiſture. And tho the Nouriſhment of the Stock
be finer and better prepared; yet 'tis not fo moift and plentiful as that of the
Earth and indeed we find thoſe Fruits very cold in their Nature.
26. It has been received, that a fmaller Pear, grafted upon a Stock bearing
a larger Pear, will become large but I judge that the Cions will govern.
Yet, probably, if you can get a Cion to grow upon a Stock of another kind,
that is much moifter than its own, it may make the Fruit larger; becaufe it
will yield more Nouriſhment; tho perhaps coarfer. But Grafting is gene-
rally practifed upon a drier Stock; as the Apple upon a Crab; the Pear up-
on a Thorn, &c. Yet 'tis reported, that, in the Low-Countries, they will
graft an Apple-Cion on a Colewort-Stock, and it fhall bear a great flaggy
Apple; the Kernel whereof if fet, will prove a Colewort, not an Apple.
It were proper to try whether an Apple Cion will profper, when grafted up-
on a Sallow, a Poplar, an Elder, an Elm, or a Horfe-Plumb; which are
the moiſteſt of Trees. I have heard it has been tried with Succefs upon an
Elm f.
27. Tis manifeft by Experience, that Flowers removed, grow larger; be- Transplanta-
caufe Nouriſhment is more obtained in loofe Earth. Perhaps alfo, frequently tion and Re-
grafting.
to regraft the fame Cions, may make the Fruit larger; as if a Cion were
grafted upon a Stock the firſt Year; then cut off and grafted upon another
Stock the fecond Year; and fo the third or fourth; at laft permitting it to
reft; to try if when it bears, it will yield a larger Fruit &.
28. If a Fig-tree produce better Figs, for having its Top cut off when Melioration of
its Leaves begin to fprout, the Cauje is plain; the Sap now having Figs, by cut-
ting off the
fewer Parts to feed, and a lefs way to mount but perhaps the Figs will
top of the Tree,
come fomewhat later. The fame may alfo be tried in other Trees ¹.
29. 'Tis reported, that Mulberries will be fairer, and the Trees more Melioration of
fruitful, if you bore their Trunks thro' in feveral places, and force into the cold Fruit, by
Apertures, wedges of fome hotter Tree; as Turpentine, Maftich, Guaiacum, Wedges of hot
Trees and
Juniper, &c. perhaps becauſe the adventitious Heat revives the native Juice rich Composts.
of the Tree. Tis alfo reported, that Trees will grow larger, and bear
better
e Is this Reaſon juft? Do not the Branches of an ungrafted Tree, receive their Nouriſh-
ment from the Stock, as well as the Graft does? Or does not the Advantage of Grafting de-
pend upon the Nature of the Graft, and its being chofe from a better Tree than that whereon
it is grafted?
f The Bufinefs of Grafting and Inoculation require a strict phyfical Enquiry; and a fuitable
variety of judicious and well calculated Experiments.
8 This is faid to have been tried without Succefs: the Grafts ftill retaining their original
Nature.
b If this be practifed on young Trees; it makes them throw out large ftrong Shoots, thas
are apt to continue for a Seafon or two unfruitful.
254
VEGETABLES aud VEGETATIO N.
better Fruit, by having Salt, Wine-Lees, or Blood applied to the Root;
thefe Things being more forcible than ordinary Compofts.
Melioration of 30. Herbs will become tenderer and fairer, if taken out of their Beds,
Herbs by Pot- when newly come up; and removed into Pots with better Earth. Cole
ting, and wa- worts are reported to profper exceedingly, and to be better tafted, if fome-
times water'd with Water mix'd with Salt; or much rather with Nitre ;
the Spirit whereof is less heating *.
tering with
Salt-Water.
Steeping Seeds
in Milk.
To meliorate
Cucumbers.
Melioration by
Terebration
31. 'Tis faid, that Cucumbers will prove more tender and excellent, if
their Seeds be fteeped a little in Milk: perhaps becauſe the Seed being mol-
lified with the Milk, is too weak to attract the groffer Juice of the Earth,
and fo takes only the finer. The fame Experiment may be made with
Artichoaks, and other Seeds, in order to take away either their Flaſhinefs
or Bitterneſs.
;
32. 'Tis reported, that Cucumbers will be lefs watry, and more Melon-
like, if the Pit where they grow be half fill'd with Chaff; or fmall Sticks
and Earth be thrown upon them for Cucumbers extremely affect Moi-
ſture; and are apt to over-drink themfelves; which this Procedure pre-
vents 1.
33. The Terebration of Trees not only makes them profper, but alfo
renders the Fruit fweeter: for notwithſtanding the Perforation, they may
and Tapping. receive fufficient Nouriſhment; yet no more than they can well digeft; and
at the fame time fweat out the coarfeft and unprofitable Juices, as in Ani-
mals; which by moderate Feeding, Exercife, and Sweat, attain the foundeft
Habit of Body. And as Terebration meliorates Fruit; for the like Rea-
fon does the Bleeding of Plants, as by pricking the Vine, or other
Trees, after they are ſomewhat grown; and thus letting out their Gums or
Tears tho this be not to continue, as in Terebration; but to be done only
at certain Seafons m And it is reported that by this means, Bitter Almonds
:
have been turn'd into Sweet.
Melioration by 34. 'Tis obferved, that all Herbs become fweeter, both in Smell and
Retardation of Tafte, if, when grown up fome feaſonable time, they be cut; and the later
the Sap.
Sprout be chofe. The Reafon may be, that the longer the Juice continues
in the Root and Stalk, the better it is concocted. For one chief Cauſe why
Grain, Seeds, and Fruits, are more nouriſhing than Leaves, is the length of
Time they require to ripen. It were not amifs to keep back the Sap of
Herbs, by fome proper means, till the end of Summer; whereby perhaps
they will become more nouriſhing.
35. As
Theſe Materials being extremely rich, are to be ſparingly uſed; and, perhaps, chiefly in the
Winter.
* See M. Homberg's Experiments upon Vegetation, in the French Memoirs.
1 Does this Experiment fucceed upon Trial?
For the Method and Ufes of Tapping Trees, fee certain Papers in the Philoſophical Tranf
actions; particularly N° 43, 48, 57, 58, 68.
This is an Experiment of Confequence; and requires that the best means fhould be thought
of for trying it; whether by Cold, Ligature, want of Moisture, or otherwife.
I
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
255
A
35. As grafting generally advances and meliorates Fruits above what The Stock in
they are when produced from Stones, Seeds or Kernels; becauſe the Nou- Grafting to be
rifhment is better concocted; fo in Grafting itſelf, for the fame Caufe, the poorer than the
choice of the Stock contributes much, provided it be fomewhat inferior to
the Cion otherwiſe it obftructs. The grafting of Pears and Apples upon
a Quince is highly commended.
Cion.
36. Befides the abovementioned means for meliorating Fruits, it has been Melioration by.
tried, that a mixture of Bran and Swine's-Dung, or Chaff and Swine's- Compofts.
Dung, laid to rot for a Month, greatly nourishes and fupports Fruit-
Trees P.
37. 'Tis faid, that Onions grow larger, if, being taken out of the Earth, Melioration of
they are laid to dry for twenty days, and then fet again; and yet more, if Onions.
the outermoft Coat be taken off all over.
Fruit.
38. 'Tis faid, that if the Bough of a low Fruit-Tree newly budded, be Melioration by.
gently drawn, without hurting it, into an earthen Pot, perforated at the bot- posting of
tom to receive it; and then the Pot be cover'd with Earth; it will yield a
very large Fruit within the Ground. Which Experiment is no more than
potting of Plants without removing; and leaving the Fruit in the Earth.
The like, they say, may be effected by an empty Pot, without Earth in it,
put over a Fruit, fupported as it hangs upon the Tree; and the better if
fome few Holes be made in the Pot. In this Experiment, befides defending
the Fruit from the Extremity of the Sun or Weather, fome affign for a
Reaſon, that the Fruit coveting the open Air and Sun, is invited by thofe.
Holes to ſpread and approach as near them as it can.; and thus enlarges in
Magnitude.
}
·
39. All Trees in high and fandy Grounds are to be fet deep; and in Trees when
watry Grounds more fhallow. And in the removal of Trees, eſpecially transplanted to
Fruit-Trees, care ſhould be taken that their Sides be fet North and South, &. retain their
former Pofi
as they ſtood before .
tion.
40. Timber-Trees in a Coppice, grow better than in an open Field; be- Trees grow bef
cauſe they ſpread not fo much, but fhoot up in height; and chiefly becauſe againſt but-
they are defended from too much Sun and Wind, which check the Growth trefs'd Walls。-
of all Fruit. And thus, no doubt, Fruit-Trees, or Vines, fet againſt a Wall
to the Sun, between Elbows or Buttreffes of Stone, ripen the Fruit better
than a plain Wall '.
• See above, §:25, 26.
•
41. 'Tis
P. In the time of rotting, a confiderable Heat is generated, which might prove unfuitable to
certain Trees; but by the Operation, the whole is turn'd into an uniform kind of Mould.
The History of Vegetation requires a previous Enquiry into the Nature, Office, and Use of Putre-
faction.
Tho a large Fruit may be thus procured; yet will it be fo well ripen'd, as another more
expoſed to the Sun ?
Do Gardeners find any Neceffity for obferving this Rule? Or is any Advantage cere
tainly found in obferving it?
On account of the Sun's Rays reflected upon the Fruit, and the general Heat thus throw
by the Stone Elbows upon the Trees.
256
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Potting of
Roots.
41. 'Tis faid, that if Potato Roots be fet in a Pot fill'd with Earth, and the
Pot be fet in the Ground two or three Inches deep, the Roots will grow
larger than ordinary. The Caufe may be, that having Earth enough within
the Pot to nourish them; and being itopped by the bottom of the Pot from
fhooting their Strings downward; they grow more in Breadth and Thick-
nefs. And perhaps all Seeds or Roots potted, and fo fet in Earth, will prof-
per better.
Covering them
42. The cutting off the Leaves of Radifh, or other Roots, in the begin-
high with
Earth in Win- ning of Winter, before they wither, and covering again the Root fomething
high with Earth, will preferve the Root all Winter; and make it larger the
following Spring. So that there is a double ufe of this cutting for in
Plants, where the Root is efculent, as Radifh and Parfnip, it will make
And where the Fruit
ter.
it greater and fo it will the heads of Onions t.
:
is efculent, it will by ftrengthning the Root make alfo the Fruit lar-
ger.
To procure Fo- 43. 'Tis an Experiment of great pleaſure, to make the Leaves of fhady
liage to Trees, Trees larger than ordinary. It has been tried, that a Cion of a Weech-Elm,
by Grafting.
grafted upon the Stock of an ordinary Elm, will put forth Leaves almoft as
broad as the brim of a Hat. And 'tis very likely, that as in Fruit-Trees
the Graft makes a larger Fruit; fo in Trees that bear no Fruit, it will
make the Leaves larger. It fhould therefore be tried in fuch Trees as
Birch, Afp, Willow; and efpecially the fhining Willow call'd Swallow-
Tail, for the Pleafure of its Leaf",
The Causes of
44. The Barrenneſs of Trees by Accident, befides the weakneſs of the
Barrenness in Soil, Seed or Root, and the injury of the Weather, proceeds either,
(1.) from their being overgrown with Mofs; (2.) Bark-bound; (3.) planted
too deep; or, (4.) from the Sap going too much into the Leaves: For
all which there are Remedies mention'd above ".
Trees.
The Production
of new Spe-
cies of Vegeta-
bles recom-
mended,
I.
SECT.
IV.
Of Compound Fruits and Flowers.
N Animals that have Male and Female, there are feveral kinds of
I
of
Copulation, productive of compounded Creatures: thus the Mule is
generated betwixt the Horſe and the Afs, &c. The Compounding or Mix-
ture of Kinds in Plants is not known; which, however, if poffible, were a
Thing more at Command than in living Creatures; where Generation re-
quires
'Tis the common Practice to Plant Salary in Trenches, and cover it high with Earth,
fome time afterwards; in order to procure the greater Length of the white efculent Root.
The Graft being taken from fuch Trees as afford the greateſt Foliage, and a proper Stock
made Choice of.
There may perhaps be many other Cauſes of Barrennefs in Trees, befides thoſe here
enumerated; as Blafts, Infects, Cold, Wet, c. all which require their particular Reme-
dies.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATIO N.
257
·
quires a voluntary Motion. This would therefore be a capital Experiment
in Vegetation, if difcover'd: for thus we might have great variety of Fruits.
as
and Flowers hitherto unknown. Grafting does not produce this Effect;
only mending the Fruit, or doubling the Flowers, &c. without making any
new Kind. For the Cion conftantly over-rules the Stock w.
2. It is anciently deliver'd, that two Twigs of different Fruit-Trees, being Experiments
flatted on the oppofite Sides, then bound clofe together, and fet in the Ground, for compound-
will come up in one Stock; yet put forth their feveral Fruits without ing of Fruits.
commixture in the Fruit. Where note, that Unity of Continuance is eaſier
to procure, than Unity of Species. It is reported alfo, that Vines of red
and white Grapes, being fet in the Ground, and the upper Parts being
flatted and bound clofe together, will yield Grapes of feveral Colours,
within the fame Grape; but the more after a Year or two: the Unity, as
it feems, growing more perfect. And it will alſo contribute, if from the
firſt uniting, they be often watred; for all Moisture promotes Union. It is
alſo preſcribed to bind the Bud as foon as it comes forth, as well as the
Stock, at leaft for a time.
3. They report, that different Seeds, wrapped in a Cloth, and laid in Earth
well dunged, will rife contiguous Plants; which being afterwards bound to-
gether, their Shoots will incorporate and the like is faid of Kernels
put
into a Bottle with a narrow Mouth, and fill'd with Earth. So again, they
Say, that young Trees, of feveral Kinds, fet contiguous, without any bind-
ing, and very often water'd in fruitful Ground, will, thro' the very Lux-
ury of the Trees, incorporate and grow together: which feems a more likely
means; becauſe the binding hinders the natural fwelling of the Trees, which,
unite the better whilft in Motion y.
Ꭹ
SECT. V.
Of the Sympathy, and Antipathy, of Plants.
1.
TH
HERE are many received Traditions, about the Sympathy and The Sympathy
Antipathy of Plants; fome thriving beft when they grow near
and Antipathy
others, which is imputed to Sympathy; and fome worfe, which is imputed plained of At-
of Plants ex-
V o L. III.
LI
to traction.
w Have the proper Experiments for this purpofe been hitherto tried, with the Farina Fecun-
dans of Flowers, c? See the French Memoirs, for the Year 1711, c.
× Thefe Experiments feem to favour more of Imagination than Practice.
y Tho Experiments of this kind, fo flightly recommended, either by Reafon or Autho-
rity, may perhaps fcarce deferve to be tried; yet they have this Ufe, that they fhew diſtreſs;
and fhould excite the Induftry of Philofophers to invent better for the Purpofe. Let the Means
of Generation in Plants be once exactly difcover'd; and Experiments for compounding or
mixing of their Species, will arife of themfelves. Let particular Enquiry be made into the
Fact deliver'd in the Philofophical Tranfactions, N° 29. pag. 553. of the Orange Trees at Fl-
rence, that bear a Fruit, half Citron, half Orange; and are propagated by Engrafting. The
Relation feems in a particular manner confirm'd, illuftrated and explained, N° 114. pag. 313.
of the fame Tranſactions.
258
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Whence Plants
become un-
friendly to
each other.
Whence friend-
Ly..
Certain Flow-
Corn Fields.
to Antipathy. But thefe are idle and ignorant Conceits, that forfake the
true indication of Causes; as moft Experiments do concerning Sympathies
and Antipathies z. Plants have no fuch fecret Friendſhip, or Hatred; and
to call it Sympathy and Antipathy, is quite miltaking the Thing; their
Sympathy being an Antipathy, and their Antipathy a Sympathy: for when
ever one Plant attracts fuch a particular Juice from the Earth, as qualifies
the remaining for another Plant, there Proximity does good; becauſe the
Nourishment of the two Plants are contrary: and where two Plants draw
the fame Juice, there growing near together does hurt; becauſe the one thus
defrauds the other.
2. First therefore, the Plants that attract much Nourishment from the
Earth, and fo exhauft it, prejudice all Things that grow near them; thus
great Trees, efpecially Athes, and fuch as fpread their Roots near the Sur-
face, are pernicious to other Plants. So the Colewort is not an Enemy to
the Vine only; but to any other Plant: becauſe it ftrongly attracts the fat-
teft Juice of the Earth. And if it be true, that the Vine, when it creeps
near the Colewort will turn afide; this may happen, becauſe it there finds
worfe Nouriſhment: for tho the Root be where it was, yet I fufpect the
Plant will bend as it nouriſhes.
3. Where Plants are of different Natures, and attract different Juices,
there the one being fet by the other is of Service: as Rue profpers and be-
comes ftronger; if fet by a Fig-tree which may proceed from the Extrac-
tion of a contrary Juice: the one drawing Juice fit to become ſweet, the
other bitter. So, they fay, that a Rofe fet by Garlick is fweeter: which like-
wife may happen, becaufe the more fetid Juice of the Earth goes into the
Garlick, and the more odorate into the Roſe ".
4. 'Tis manifeft, that certain Corn-flowers feldom or never grow in
ers peculiar to other places, unlefs they are fet, but only among Corn: as the Blue-bottle,
a kind of yellow Mary-gold, the wild Poppy, and Fumitory. Nor can
this proceed from the Culture of the Ground, by plowing or furrowing;
as fome Herbs and Flowers will grow but in Ditches new caft up; for if the
Ground lie fallow and unfown, they will not come: whence it fhould feem
to be the Corn that qualifies the Earth, and prepares it for their Growth &
5. If the foregoing Obfervation holds, it is of great Ufe for meliorating
mended for the tafte of Fruits, efculent Herbs, and the fcent of Flowers. For if the
meliorating the
Tater the Fig-tree makes the Rue ftronger and bitterer; Rue plentifully planted about
dours of Vege- the Fig-tree, may make the Fig fweeter. And as the Taftes that offend in
Trials recom-
tables.
and O-
z See the Article SYMPATHY.
Fruits,
a Especially if beſides drawing away their Nourishment, they alfo over fhade fuch Plants.
b Is there certainly found to be an Appetite of Election in Plants, whereby they attract one
particular Juice of the Earth, and refufe another? Or is there a fufficient variety of Juices in
the Earth to feed all the different Species of Vegetables in the fame Garden, or Country?
See below, § 3.
Is there any Certainty in thefe Relations? Is the Suppofition of different Juices in the
Earth confirmed? Or do all Plants make their own Juices, respectively, from one or more
common Juices of the Earth? See below, Sect. VI. 1.
& Are not the Seeds of theſe Flowers fown along with the Corn?
I
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
259
Fruits, Herbs, and Roots, are bitter, harfh, four, and watriſh; it were
proper to make the following Trials. (1.) Set Wormwood, or Rue, near
Lettuce, Colliflower or Artichoke; to try whether thefe will become
fweeter. (2.) Take a Service-Tree, a Cornelian, or Alder, whofe Fruits.
have a harsh and aftringent Juice; and fet them near a Vine, or Fig-tree;
to find whether the Grapes or Figs will thus be the fweeter. (3.) Set Cu-
cumbers or Pompions among Musk-Melons; to fee whether the Melons will
not be more vinous; and better tafted. (4.) Set Cucumbers alfo among
Radiſh; to try whether the Radiſh will be the more biting. (5.) Set Sorrel
among Rasberries; to ſee whether the Rasberries will be the ſweeter. (6.) Set
common Briar among Violets, or Wall-flowers; to ſee whether it will
make the Violets or Wall-flowers fweeter, and of a lefs earthy Odour.
(7.) So fet Lettuce, or Cucumbers, among Roſemary, or Bays; to try whe-
ther the Roſemary or Bays will become more aromatic. (8.) On the other
hand, beware of fetting fuch Flants together, as draw nearly the fame Juice.
I ſuſpect Roſemary would loſe part of its fweetnefs, if fet with Lavender,
Bays, or the like. (9.) Yet to correct the Strength of an Herb, others of
like kind may be fet near to lower it; thus Tanfy fet by Angelica, may be
made weaker, and fitter for Mixture in Perfumes and Rue fet by common
Wormwood, might become liker to Roman Wormwood.
6. Trial ſhould alſo be made in poiſonous and purgative Herbs, whofe To correct poi-
ill qualities might perhaps, be diſcharged, or corrected, by fetting ftronger Sonous and pur-
Poifons, or Purgatives near them. 'Tis reported, that the Shrub call'd gative Plants
Ladies-Seal, (which is a kind of Briony) and Coleworts, if fet near each tion.
by Juxtaposi
other, one or both of them will dye; being, I fuppofe, depredators of the
Earth, fo that one of them ftarves the other. The like is faid of the Reed
and the Brake; both which are fucculent: and therefore the one may defraud
the other. Underſtand the like of Hemlock and Rue; both which attract
ſtrong Juices f
tial Bodies.
7. Many who have laboured in Natural Magick, obferve a Sympathy The Sympathy
between the Sun, Moon, fome principal Stars, and certain Plants; betwixt Plants
whence they have denominated fome Herbs Solar, fome Lunar; and delivered
and the celef
fuch Trifles in lofty Language. 'Tis manifeft, that fome Flowers have two
respects to the Sun; the one by opening and fhutting; the other by bowing
and inclining their Heads. For Marygolds, Tulips, Pimpernel, and moft
Flowers open their Leaves, when the Sun fhines clear; and in fome mea-
fure clofe them, either towards Night, or when the Sky is overcaft. Of
this there needs no fuch folemn Reafon, as that fuch Plants rejoice in the
Prefence, and mourn in the Abfence of the Sun; the Caufe being no more
LI 2
than
e Theſe Experiments being here only recommended upon the preceding Suppofition, that
Plants, according to their feveral Natures, attract different Juices from the Earth, have not,
perhaps, been made with fufficient Attention. The Advantages to be expected from the di
rect Experiments, are no fufficient Recommendation of them to Gardeners; but they have a
higher Ufe in affifting to determine whether there are different kinds of Juices in the Earth.
Perhaps the certain Fact in thefe Matters is not hitherto fully diſcover'd; for want of Sets
of proper Trials, repeated with due Attention, and Accuracy.
260
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
The Effect of
Moiſture upon
Vegetables
Shewn by an
Example.
Whence the
Noon-day
Dew of the
Rofa Solis.
than a little Moiſture of the Air, which loads the Leaves, and fwells them
at the bottom; whereas the dry Air expands them. And fome make it a
wonder, that Garden-Clover fhould hide the Stalk when the Sun fhines
bright; tho this be nothing but a full Expanfion of the Leaves. The
Plants that bow and incline the Head, are the great Sun-flower, Marygold,
Wart-wort, Mallow-flowers, &c. The Caufe of this is fomewhat more
obfcure than the former; but I take it to be no other than that the part
againſt which the Sun beats, grows weaker and more flaccid in the Stalk;
and thence becomes lefs able to fupport the Flower £.
f
8. What Effect a little Moiſture may have upon Vegetables, even tho
dead, and fevered from the Earth, appears in the Experiment of Jugglers;
who take the Beard of an Oat, which is wreath'd at the bottom, and a
ſmooth entire Straw a-top; chufing only the wreathed part, and cutting off
the other, ſo as to leave the Beard half an Inch long. Next they make a
little Crofs of a Quill, lengthwife of that part of the Quill which has the
Pith, and croſs-wife of that part which has none; the whole Crofs being
half an Inch high. Then they prick a Hole in the bottom where the Pith
is, and put the Oaten-beard therein; leaving half of it ſticking out of the
Quill. Now they take a little white wooden Box, (as if fomewhat in the
Box did the feat) in which, with a Pin, they make a fmall Hole, to re-
ceive the Beard, without letting the Crofs fink down. Laftly, they ask
the Queſtion; as which is the fairest Woman in the Company? or the like:
and at every Queſtion they ſtick the Croſs in the Box; having firſt put it
towards their Mouth, as if they charm'd it; and the Croſs ſtirs not but
when they come to the Perfon they defign; as they hold the Croſs to their
Mouth, they wet the Beard with the tip of their Tongue, and ſo ſtick the
Crofs in the Box; upon which it turns foftly round three or four times, by the
untwining of the Beard from the Moiſture. This becomes more evident
if you ftick the Crofs between your Fingers. Whence it appears, that the
Motion produced by fo little Moiſture, is ftronger than the clofing
ing of the Head of a Marygold, &c.
9. Tis reported, that the Herb Rofa Solis, will at Noon-day, when the
Sun fhines hot and bright, have a great Dew upon it; and therefore that
the right Name is Ros Solis. This they impute to a Sympathy it has with
the Sun. Men favour Wonders. It were proper firft to be fure, that the
Dew found upon it, is not the Dew of the Morning preferved, when the
Dew of other Herbs is breath'd away; for it has a fmooth and thick Leaf,
which does not diſcharge the Dew fo foon as other Herbs, that are more
fpungy
Whence proceeds that extraordinary Phænomenon of the fenfitive or humble Plant,
which falls flat upon being touched; and afterwards gently rifes again?
* This Property of the Oat-Beard to move with fo little Moiſture, has occafion'd it to be
chofe for making an Hygrometer, to fhew the degree of Moiſture in the Air, after the man-
ner of the Hand of a Dial.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
261
h
fpungy and porous and perhaps Purflane, or fome other Herb, does
the like. But if it has more Dew at Noon, than in the Morning; then it
feems to be an Exudation of the Herb itſelf: As Plumbs fweat when put in-
to the Oven.
Leaves,
10. 'Tis certain, that Honey-Dews are found more upon Oak-leaves than Honey Dews,
upon Afh, Beech, or the like: but whether the Leaf has any property of why chiefly
concocting the Dew; or whether the Thing happens only on account of found on Oak-
the clofeneſs, and ſmoothneſs of the Leaf, feems doubtful. It fhould be
well examined, whether Manna falls only upon certain Herbs or Leaves.
Flowers that have deep Sockets, gather in the Bottom a kind of Honey;
as Honey-fuckles, Lillies, and the like *. And in theſe the Flower bears
a part with the Dew.
11. The Froth call'd Cucow-Spittle, is found only upon certain hot Herbs; Cucow-Spittle
as Lavender, Sage, Hyffop, &c. Enquire into the Cauſe hereof; for it and Mildew,
feems a Secret. Mildew alfo falls upon Corn, and fmuts it; but the
fame falls alfo upon other Herbs, tho it is lefs obſerved.
12. Let it be try'd, whether the great Confent betwixt Plants and Wa- Whether
ter, will cauſe an Attraction at a Diſtance, as well as in Contact. In the Plants will at
middle of a Veffel make a falfe Bottom of coarfe Canvas; fill the Veffel tract Water at
a distance.
with Earth above the Canvas, and let the Earth be kept dry; then fow
fome good Seed in this Earth; and under the Canvas, half a Foot in the
bottom of the Veffel, place a large Spunge thoroughly wet in Water; and
let it lye for ten Days; to try whether the Seeds will fprout, the Earth
become moifter, and the Spunge more dry ".
SECT.
h An accurate Obſervation of the Structure of this Plant, might, perhaps, lead to a diſcovery
of the whole Mystery. No Notice is here taken that the Leaves are fomewhat hollow,
covered all over and fringed at the Edges, with a kind of fine, fhort, red Hairs, which give
the whole Leaf a red caſt.
i See the Article MANNA.
k And is not this ſweet Subſtance a particular exalted Juice of the Plant, and the real Ho-
ney which Bees only collect from Flowers, and Treaſure up in their Hives?
Is there not conftantly found an Egg, Aurelia, fmall Worm, or Maggot, within this frothy
Matter? By what Creature is this Egg laid; and into what does it turn? Of what Nature
is the Froth; from whence does it proceed; what is its Ufe; and how comes it not to exhale
with the heat of the Sun? Laftly, is it found only upon aromatic Plants?
m Has this Experiment been fatisfactorily tried?
262
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
The most likely 1.
Methods of
producing al-
terations in
Plants.
Four ways of
rendring
Plants medi-
cinal.
SECT. VI.
Of rendring Fruits and Herbs Medicinal.
Ttempts for altering the Scent, Colour, or Taſte of Fruit,
by infufing, mixing, or putting into the Bark, Root, Herb, or
Flower, any aromatical, colour'd, or medicinal Subftance, are but Fancies:
for thefe Things have pass'd their Period, and nourish not". And every Al-
teration of Vegetables in thofe Qualities, muft be effected by means of fome-
what that is apt to enter the Nouriſhment of the Plant. It is certain, that
where Cows feed upon wild Garlick, their Milk taftes plainly of it and
Mutton is better tafted when the Sheep feed upon wild Thyme, and other
wholeſome Herbs. Galen fpeaks of curing a fchirrous Liver, by the Milk
of a Cow that feeds upon certain Herbs; the Honey in Spain fmells of the
Roſemary, or Orange-Tree, from whence it was gather'd: and there is an old
Tradition of a Courtezan fed with Napellus; which, tho accounted the ftrong-
eft vegetable Poifon, yet, thro' Ufe, did not hurt her, but by Communication
poifon'd fome of her Gallants. There is obſerved an efficacious Bezoar,
and another without Virtue; tho they appear alike: but the efficacious one
is taken from the Beaſt that feeds where there are antidotal Herbs; and that
without Virtue, from fuch as feed where no fuch Herbs grow. Again,
fteeped Wines, and Beers, are very medicinal; as likewife Bread mix'd
with Powders: fo Meat alfo, as Fleſh, Fiſh, Milk, and Eggs, may per-
haps be made of great Ufe for Medicine and Diet, if the Beaft, Fowl or
Fish, be fed with a particular kind of Food, proper for the Diſeaſe. This
were dangerous Doctrine with regard to fecret poiſoning. But whether it
may be applied to Plants, I queſtion the rather becauſe their Nouriſh-
ment is a more common Juice; fcarce capable of any particular quality
before the Plant affimilates it P.
2. But left our incredulity fhould prevent any profitable Operations of
this kind; eſpecially fince many of the Ancients have fet them down; we
will briefly touch upon the four Means they have devifed for making Plants
medicinal. The first is by flitting the Root, and infufing the Medicine
therein; as Hellebore, Opium, Scammony, Theriaca, &c. then binding
it up again. This feems the lefs promifing, becauſe the Root draws im-
mediately from the Earth; and fo the Nourishment is ftill common, and
lefs qualified for the end propofed. Befides, 'tis thus a long time before
the
n This is an Approximation to a very confiderable Axrom.
• Numerous capital Inftances to this purpoſe might be collected from the Philofophical
Tranfactions, French Memoirs, German Ephemerides, and Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Wri
tings.
P Hence it appears that the Author does not fuppofe the different Juices of Vegetables for-
mally to exist in the Earth, but that they receive their feveral particular Properties and Virtues
from the Action or Elaboration of the reſpective Plant. So that what is above delivered, as to
Plants attracting different Juices from the Earth, is to be underſtood of crude, and not of
concocted Juices, as they are found in the Veffels of Vegetables. See above, Sect. V. 2, 3.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
263
?
the Medicine reaches the Fruit. The fecond is, to perforate the Body of the
Tree, and then to infufe the Medicine; which is fomewhat better: for if
any Virtue be received from the Medicine, it has thus the fhorter and
quicker afcent. The third is, to fteep the Seed or Kernel, in fome Liquor
wherein the Medicine is infufed: which I have little Opinion of, becauſe
I ſuſpect the Seed will ſcarce draw the Parts of the Matter, that have the
Property but it may be much more promifing to mix the Medicine with
Dung; becauſe the Seed naturally drawing the Moiſture of the Dung, may
receive ſome of the Property along with it. The fourth is, the frequent
watering of the Plant with an Infufion of the Medicine. This in one re-
ſpect may have more Force than the reft; becauſe the Means is frequently
renewed; whereas the reft are applied but once: whence the Virtue
may the fooner vanifh. But ftill I fufpect the Root is fomewhat too
ſtubborn to receive fuch fine Impreffions; which have alfo a great way to
afcend. I judge therefore the likelieft Method to be the perforation of the
Body of the Tree, in feveral places one above another; then the filling of
the Holes with Dung, mix'd with the Medicine; and watering theſe Par-
cels of Dung, by means of Squirts, with an Infufion of the Medicine in
dunged Water, once in three or four Days 9.
I. 2
TIS
SECT. VII.
Of Curiofities in Vegetation.
IS a Curiofity to have feveral Fruits upon one Tree; efpecially To produce dif
when fome of them come early, and fome late; fo that the fame ferent Fruits
Tree ſhall bear ripe Fruit all the Summer. This is eaſily effected by graft- Tree.
upon the fame
ing feveral Cions upon feveral Boughs of a Stock, in a good Ground, plen-
tifully fed. Thus you may have all the kinds of Cherries, or of Plumbs,
Peaches, or Apricots upon one Tree: but I conceive the diverſity of Fruits
muſt be ſuch as will graft upon the fame Stock; and therefore queftion
whether Apples, Pears, or Oranges, may be procured upon the fame Stock
whereon Plumbs are grafted .
2. 'Tis alſo a Curiofity to have Fruits of feveral Shapes and Figures. To produce
This is eafily procured by fafhioning them, when the Fruit is young, with Fruits of dif
Moulds of Earth or Wood. Thus you may have Cucumbers, &c. as long ferent Shapes.
as
9 It were eafy to derive a particular Experiment, for Trial, from the preceding Doctrine;
but it requires a Philofophical Difpofition to make it, Few Gardeners would think it worth
their while to keep conftantly watering a Plant with a Solution of Opium, a Tincture of Cin-
namon, a Decoction of Coloquintida, &c. for Months together. But unlefs fome fuch Ex-
periments are tried with Care and Judgment, our Reafon will never inform us what Effects
are producible in this way.
It is commonly found that the feveral Fruits of the fame Species, but not different Spe-
cies, are producible by engrafting on the fame Tree. Thus it has in vain been tried to pro-
duce Nuts, Cherries, Apples, Figs, &c. all upon one Stock. If this be conftantly and in
variably the Cafe; what is the true phyfical Caufe thereof?
264
VEGETABLES and VEGETATIO N.
Inſcriptions on
Trees and
Fruit.
To adorn
Trees with
Flowers, &c.
To bring Trees
into certain
Shapes.
To improve the
Colours of
Flowers.
as a Cane, as round as a Ball, or formed like a Crofs. You may alfo
have Apples in the form of Pears or Lemmons. You may thus likewife have
Fruit in the more curious Figures of Men, Beafts, Birds, &c. the Moulds
being made large enough to contain the whole Fruit when grown to its full
fize; otherwiſe you will ftop its fpreading, fo as not to fill the Concavity,
and receive the Shape defired; as happens in Mould-works of fluid Bodies.
Some doubt may arife, that thus keeping the Fruit from the Sun, may hurt
it but we find by common Experience, that Fruit will grow when cover'd.
Perhaps alfo fome fmall Holes may be advantageoufly made in the Mould,
to let in the Sun. And it were beft to make the Mould in two feparable
Parts, and glew or cement them together; that they may be open'd to take
out the Fruit f.
3. 'Tis a Curiofity to have Infcriptions, or Engraving, appear on Fruit or
Trees; which is eafily procured by writing upon young Trees or Fruits
with a Needle, Bodkin, or carving with a Knife: for as they grow, fo will
the Letters grow more large and graphical.
4. Trees may be adorned with Flowers or Herbs, by boring their Bodies,
and putting into the Holes Earth mix'd with Manure; and fetting Seeds,
Slips of Violets, Strawberries, wild Thyme, Camomile, or the like, therein:
for they will thus grow in the Trees, as in Pots; tho, perhaps, they receive
fome additional Nouriſhment from the Trees". The Experiment might alfo
be tried with Shoots of Vines, and the Roots of red Rofes; for theſe being
of a more woody Nature, will, perhaps, incorporate with the Tree itſelf.
5. It is a common Curiofity to bring Trees and Shrubs into various
Shapes; by moulding them within, and cutting them without. But thefe
are imperfect Things; being too fmall to keep their Figure. Large Caſtles
made of Trees upon Timber Frames, with Turrets and Arches, werean-
ciently matters of Magnificence.
6. Among Curiofities comes Coloration; for the preheminence in
Flowers is Beauty. 'Tis obferved, that July-flowers, Sweet-Williams, and
Violets, that are coloured, if they be neglected, and neither water'd, new
moulded, nor tranſplanted, will turn white: and, probably, the white, with
much Culture, may turn colour'd. For the white Colour proceeds from fear-
city of Nouriſhment; except in Flowers that are only white, and admit of
no other Colour. 'Tis proper therefore to fee what Natures accompany
what Colours whence Light may be had to induce Colours; by producing
:
thofe
Theſe Experiments have been found to fucceed, with regard to the Shapes of the Fruit;
tho not fo well perhaps with regard to its Goodneſs.
This appears to have been an ancient Practice, and a kind of Amufement for Lovers.
-Tenerifque meos incidere Amores
Arboribus; crefcent illa, crefcetis Amores.
It has alſo been ufed upon other occafions. There goes a Report of a certain Pear-Tree, that
had the Name of James, or Ormond upon all its Fruit. The manner how this was procured,
if different from that above, may deferve the Enquiry.
u Obferve for this purpofe to bore the Holes fomewhat floping downwards, that the Mould
and Moiſture may lodge.
2
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
265
thoſe Natures w. Whites are more inodorous than Flowers of the fame
Kind coloured; as in fingle white Violets, white Rofes, white July-
flowers, &c. Bloffoms of Trees alfo, that are white, commonly prove
inodorous, as Cherries, Pears, Plumbs; whereas thoſe of Apples, Crabs,
Almonds and Peaches, are bluſhy, and ſmell fweet. The Cauſe is, that the
Subſtance which makes the Flower is the thinneft Part of the Plant;
whence alfo Flowers are of fuch curious Colours: and if this be too fparing
and thin, it attains no ſtrength of Odour, except in fuch Plants as are very
fucculent; which fhould therefore rather be ftinted in their Nouriſhment,
than repleniſhed, to make them fweet: as we find in white Satyrion, which
is of a curious Odour; and in Bean-flowers, &c. Again, if the Plant put
forth white Flowers only, and thoſe not thin or dry, they are commonly of
a rank and fulfome Odour; as in Mayflowers, white Lillies, &c.
7. On the contrary, in Berries, the Whites are commonly more delicate, And Fruitse
and ſweet of Tafte, than the coloured: as white Grapes, white Raſberries,
white Strawberries, white Currans, &c. The Caufe is, that the coloured
are more fucculent, of coarfer Juices, and not fo well concocted; whilſt the
white are better proportioned to the Digeftion of the Plant.
:
8. But in Fruits, the White commonly are the coarfeft; as in Pear-
Plumbs, Damafcenes, &c. and the choiceft Plumbs are black: the black
Mulberry is better than the white. The Harveſt White-plumb is coarſe,
and the Verdoccio and white Date-plumb, not very good, as being too
watry; whereas a higher Concoction is required for Sweetnefs and there-
fore all fine Plumbs are a little dry, and eaſily part from the Stone; as
the Muſk-plumb, the Damafcene-plumb, the Peach, the Apricot, &c. Yet
fome Fruits which grow not to be black, are of the Nature of Berries;
ſweeteſt when pale as the Heart-cherry, which inclines more to white, is
ſweeter than the red; but the Morelli, more four z.
9. Sow Clove-July-flower-feed of one only Kind, and it will produce whence diffe-
Flowers of different Colours; as the Seed cafually meets with Nourishment rent coloured
in the Earth: whence the Gardeners find two or three Roots among a Flowers from
hundred, that are rare, and of great price; as Purple; or Carnation of feve- the fame Seed.
ral Stripes for there are very different Juices in the Earth, tho contiguous,
and in one Bed; and as the Seed meets with them, fo it fprouts. And
X
:
VO L. III.
VOL.
M m
thofe
* See this Subject profecuted by Mr. Boyle, in his Experimental Hiſtory of Colours.
Perhaps the reverſe of this Obfervation is true, or the contradictory Inftances numerous.
Compare the white Lilly with the yellow, the white Musk-rofe with the red; white Jeffamin,
with the yellow; the white Bloffoms of the Pear, the Cherry, and the Plumb-tree, with the va-
riegated ones of the Peach, Nectarine, Apple, or.
The contradictory Inftances fhould alfo be enumerated.
z Theſe Particulars, before they can be well adjuſted, feem to require a farther Enquiry in-
to Colours, and the Origin and Cauſes of Forms, than is hitherto extant.
a Can theſe different Juices be extracted by a proper chemical Contrivance, and exhibited
diftinct to the Eye? And fuppofing this Difference of Juices, how do they act in cauſing
a difference of Colour in the Flowers or laftly, may not this difference of Colour proceed
from fome Particular in the Seed; tho of the fame general Kind with the reft? No exact
Solutions of fuch Queries are to be expected, without a rigid inductive Enquiry; which few
Philofophers feem difpofed to enter upon.
I
266
VEGETABLES and VEGETATIÓN.
Few Fruits
red.
The various
Colours of
Plants.
To produce
double Flowers.
thoſe that come up Purple, always come fingle; the Juice, as it fhould feem,
not being able to allow a fucculent Colour, and a double Leaf. This Ex-
periment of feveral Colours produced from the fame Seed, fhould be tried
alfo, in Larks-foot, Monks-hood, Poppy, and Hollyoak.
10. Few Fruits are red within, except the Queen-apple, the Rofe-apple,
Mulberries, and red Grapes; tho this is chiefly towards the Skin. There is
a Peach alſo, that has a Circle of red towards the Stone; and the Morelli-
cherry is fomewhat red within; but no Pear, Plumb, or Apricot, tho they
have red Sides, are red within
11. The general Colour of Plants is green, which no Flower is; tho there
be, indeed, a pale-greenish Primrofe. The young Leaves of fome Trees
turn a little reddiſh; as in Oáks, Vines, and Hazles. Leaves rot into a
yellow; and fome Hollies have part of their Leaves yellow, that appear
as freſh and ſhining as the green. Yellow alfo, ſeems to be a lefs fucculent
Colour than green; and a degree nearer to white. For it has been noted,
that theſe yellow Leaves of Holly always ftand towards the North, and
North-east. Some Roots are yellow, as Carrots; and fome Plants blood-
red, Stalk and Leaf; as the Amaranthus. Some Herbs incline to purple
and red; as a Kind of Sage, a Kind of Mint, Rofa Solis, &c. And fome
have white Leaves; as another Kind of Sage, and another Kind of Mint;
but Azure and a fair Purple, are never found in Leaves: which fhews, that
Flowers are made of a refined Juice of the Earth, as well as Fruits; but
the Leaves of a more coarfe and common one
12. 'Tis a Curiofity to make Flowers double. This is effected by often
removing them into new Earth; as, on the contrary, double Flowers, by
neglect, and want of removing, become fingle. The fpeedy Way is, to
fow or fet Seeds, or Slips of Flowers; and, as foon as they come up, to re-
move them into good new Ground. Enquire alſo, whether inoculating of
Flowers, as Stocks, Rofes, Muſk-roſes, &c. does not make them double f.
There is a Cherry-tree that has double Bloffoms; but it bears no Fruit: and,
perhaps, the fame Means, which, applied to the Tree, greatly accelerate
the Sap in rifing, and breaking forth, will make the Tree fpend itſelf
in Flowers, and thoſe double; which would be beautiful, in Apple-
trees, Peach-trees, and Almond-trees, that have blufh-coloured Blof-
foms.
Ways for pro- 13. The producing of Fruits without Core or Stone, is likewife a Curi-
ducing Fruit ofity, and fomewhat more; becauſe whatever has this Effect, may render
without Stone,
or Core.
them
b Enquire into the Colour of the Blood-red tinging Grape, the prickly Pear, c.
By way of contradictory Inftances, remember the Vetch, the Garden or Field-violet,
the Paffion-flower, the Viola Tricolor, &c.
d See the Article PERCOLATION.
This is found to anſwer upon Trial; eſpecially when fome of the Flowers are plucked
off, that the reſt may thrive the better.
The Gardeners declare it does not; the Bud inoculated conftantly retaining its own Na-
ture, as in the cafe of Grafting.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
267
them more tender and delicate. But the Methods hitherto propofed for this
Purpoſe, are generally trifling and infufficient.
SECT.
VIII.
Of the Generation of Plants, and their Tranfmutation into one another.
I.
1.T'S
The Causes of
Degeneration
IS certain that Plants, for want of Culture, degenerate; and,
fometimes, fo far as to change into another kind. Long ftand- in Plants.
ing, without removal, makes them degenerate. Drought, unleſs the Earth
be moiſt, has the like Effect: fo has removing them into worſe Earth, or
forbearing to manure the Ground. Thus Water-mint turns to Field-
mint, Colewort into Rape, &c. Whatever Fruit thrives upon a Root, or a
Slip, will degenerate, if it be fown. Grapes, Figs, Almonds, and Pom-
granate-kernels fown, make the Fruits degenerate and become wild. A-
gain, moſt of thofe Fruits that ufe to be grafted degenerate, if Set of Ker-
nels, or Stone. Peaches indeed fucceed better from the Stone, than upon
Grafting and the Rule of Exception feems to be this, that whatever
Plant requires much Moiſture, profpers better upon the Stone or Kernel,
than upon the Graft. For the Stock, tho it gives a finer Nourniſhment, yet
gives lefs than the Earth at large. Seeds, if very old, and yet of ftrength
to produce a Plant, make the Plant degenerate; therefore fkilful Gardeners
try their Seeds before they buy them, by putting them into Water as it
is gently boiling; for, if good, they will new fprout within half an
Hour.
i
2. There goes an Opinion, that if the fame Ground be often fown with The fame Seed
the fame Grain, the Grain, in the end, becomes of a bafer Kind. In very degenerates by
Mm 2
barren often fowing in
the Same
Ground.
* Theſe Methods turn upon preventing the growth or increaſe of the Pith of the Tree;
from whence the Stone and Core of the Fruit have been fuppofed to proceed; conftantly
watering with warm Water; Grafting a four Fruit upon a fweeter Stock; and all the known
Means of converting wild Trees into Garden ones. But nothing of this kind is faid to be
effectual. And indeed, this Buſineſs of Exofficulation appears difficult; and, if performed,
might be a capital Inftance of the human Power over Nature. An Inftance of Approximation
we have in the Caſtration of Animals; which makes them thrive better, and grow fatter. Were
it not for fuch Inftances, the Undertaking might feem defperate, as tending to deprive the Fruit
of its Seed; and weakening, croffing, and deſtroying, inſtead of ſtrengthening, invigorating,
and co-operating with Nature. But what Inftances of Encouragement are there in Vegetables
themſelves? Barberries have been fometimes found without Stones; but then they uſually
appear in a fhrunk or withered State. The Inftances of this kind fhould be collected, and
the proper manner and time of Caftration thought of in Imitation of the Operation in living
Creatures; till a more commanding Knowledge be gained of the Nature and Forms of
Vegetables.
It deferves to be carefully obferved, whether Plants by degenerating actually change
their Species.
J
But, if Inoculating be used instead of Grafting, the cafe is otherwife.
*The heaviest Seeds, or fuch as fink the fafteft in Water, are ufually efteemed the best
for lowing.
268
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
The Tranfmy-
tation of
barren Years, the Corn that is fown, becomes of a different kind'. And
'tis a Rule, that Plants produced by Culture, as Corn, will fooner change
into another Species, than thofe that come of themfelves; for Culture gives
but an adventitious Nature, which is more eafily put off m.
3. The Tranfmutation of Plants 'one into another, is a capital Work of
Plants poffible. Nature; the Tranfmutation of Species being pronounced impoffible. 'Tis a
thing of difficulty, and requires deep Search into Nature; but, as there
appear fome manifeft Inftances of it", the Opinion of Impoffibility is here
to be rejected, and the Means to be fought.
Rules for effec-
ting it.
Rule I.
Rule 2:
Rule 36
4. In order to change one Plant into another, the Nourishment must over- .
rule the Seed; and therefore the thing ſhould be attempted by Nourishments as con-
trary as poffible to the Nature of the Plant; yet fo as it may grow: and with
Seeds of the weakest fort, or that have the leaft Vigour. It were therefore pro-
per to plant fedgy Herbs in hilly or champain Ground; and fuch Herbs as
require much Moiſture, upon fandy and very dry Ground: for Example;
Marſh-mallows and Reeds, upon Hills; Cucumbers, Lettuce, and Cole-
wort, upon Sand. On the other hand, plant Buſhes, Heath, Ling, and
Brakes, in wet or marfhy Ground. I conceive likewife, that all efculent
and garden Herbs, fet upon the tops of Hills, prove more medicinal, tho
leſs efculent than before. Perhaps alfo, fome wild Herbs will make Sallad-
herbs. This is the first Rule for the Tranfmutation of Plants.
5. The fecond Rule may be, to fet fome few Seeds of the Herb to be
changed, among other Seeds; to try whether the Juice of theſe other
Seeds will not fo qualify the Earth, as to alter the Seed to be operated
upon: for example; fow Parfley-feed among Onion-feed, or Lettuce-feed
among Parſley-feed; and try if, by this means, there will be any change of
Tafte, or otherwife. But it were proper to feparate the Seed defigned to
be changed, from the foreign Seed, by the Interpofition of a piece of
Linen.
6. The third Rule may be, the making fome Mixture of Earth with o-
ther Plants bruiſed, either in Leaf or Root: for example, make up Earth
with a Mixture of Colewort-Leaves ftamped, and fet Artichoaks, or Parf
nips in it; or take Earth mixed with Marjoram, Origanum, or Wild-
thyme bruifed, and ſet in it Fennel-feed, &c. It is not here defigned, that
the Herb to be wrought upon, ſhould draw the Juice of the foreign Herb;
but, I conceive, there will be a new Preparation of Mould, which, perhaps,
may alter the Seed from the Kind of the former Herb.
1 Grandia fape quibus mandavimus hordia Sulcis,
Infelix Lolium, & fteriles dominantur Avena.
7. The
Theſe Particulars require to be diligently examined into. See Dr. Sharrock's History
of the Propagation and Improvement of Vegetables, by the concurrence of Art and Nature,
Pag. 28, &c.
Let theſe Inftances be enumerated, and carefully examined; as to their Certainty and
Juftness.
How is this found upon the Hills about Montpellier in France?
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
269
7. The fourth Rule may be, to mark what Herbs fome Earths produce
fpontaneously; and to pot or veff:1 up that Earth, and in it fet the Seed
you would change. Thus take Earth from under Walls, or the like, where
Nettles grow in abundance, without any String or Root of the Nettles;
pot that Earth, and fet in it Stock-July-flowers, or Wall-flowers; or fow the
Seeds of them therein; and try the Event. Or take Earth prepared to put
forth Muſhrooms of itfelf; and fow therein Purflane, or Lettuce-feed: for in
thefe Experiments, 'tis probable, that the Earth being accuſtomed to afford
one kind of Nourishment, will alter the new Seed.
8. Let the fifth Rule be, to make the Herb grow contrary to its Nature;
as to make ground Herbs rife in height. Thus carry Camomile, Wild-
thyme, or the green Strawberry, upon Sticks, as they do Hops upon Poles ;
and obferve the iſſue.
9.
Let a fixth Rule be, to make Plants grow out of the Sun's reach; for
this is a great Change in Nature, and may induce a Change in the Seed.
Thus, barrel up Earth, fow fome Seed in it, and place it at the bottom of
a Pond, or a great hollow Tree. Try alfo, the fowing of Seeds in the
bottoms of Caves; and Pots with Seeds fown, hung in Wells, fome
diſtance from the Water, and obferve the Event P.
I.
SECT.
IX.
Of the Tallness, Lowness, and artificial Dwarfing of Trees.
Rule 4.
Rule 5.
Rule 6.
Trees in Cop
•TIm
Imber-Trees, in Coppice Woods, grow more upright, and freer Whence the
from under Boughs, than thofe in the Field: Vegetables having a Tallness of
natural Motion of rifing to the Sun. Beſides, they are not glutted with too pices.
much Nouriſhment; becauſe the Coppice fhares with them: and Repletion
always hinders Stature. Laftly, they are kept warm; which, in Plants,
conftantly promotes their mounting.
Trunks.
2. Trees that are full of Heat, which appears by their inflammable Gums, Why hot Trees
as Firs and Pines, mount in height, without fhooting out fide Boughs, till have tall
towards the Top. The Caufe is, partly Heat, and partly tenuity of Juice;
both which drive the Sap upwards. As for Juniper, 'tis but a Shrub; and
grows not large enough in the Body to maintain a tall Tree.
3. 'Tis reported, that a ftrong Canvas ſpread over a low-grafted Tree, The dwarfing
foon after it fhoots, will dwarf it, and make it ſpread. The Caufe is of Trees by
manifeft; for all things that grow, muft grow as they find room'.
4. Trees
P Obferve that thefe are not propofed as perfect Rules; which put in practice fhall cer-
tainly produce the Effect; but only as Attempts, by means of certain well adapted Experiments,
to diſcover fuch Rules.
Is this Axiom fufficiently verified? If it be, it affords a Rule for producing confiderable
Effects.
This Experiment is found to anſwer; fo that Fruit-trees may be thus dwarfed to advantage;
and alfo have their Fruit preferved both from the fcorching Sun, and the Birds.
Covering.
270
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
By planting
Slips.
4. Trees are generally fet from Roots, or Kernels; but if from Slips, as
particularly the Mulberry, fome of the Slips will grow ;. and, 'tis faid, be-
come Dwarf-Trees: becauſe a Slip draws Nourifhment weaker than a
Root or Kernel £.
The Requifites 5. All Plants that put forth their Sap haftily, have their Bodies not pro-
• Dwarfing, portionable to their length, and are therefore Winders and Creepers; as
Ivy, Bryony, Hops, Woodbine, &c. whereas Dwarfing requires the Sap to
rife flow, and a lefs Vigour in mounting.
The Nature
and Growth of
Mofs.
Where it chief-
by rifes.
Grows on old
old Trees.
I.
Sol
SECT. X.
Of the Rudiments and Excrefcencies of Plants.
Olomon wrote a Natural Hiſtory from the Cedar of Libanus to the Moſs
growing upon the Wall. And indeed Mofs is but the Rudiment of
a Plant, growing chiefly upon Ridges of Houſes, whether tiled or thatched;
and upon the Crefts of Walls: and this Mofs is of a lightfome and pleaſant
Green. It grows upon Slopes; becauſe, as it proceeds from Moiſture and
Water, fo the Water muft flide, and not ſtand or ftagnate. And its grow-
ing upon Tiles, or Walls, &c. proceeds from hence; that thofe dried Earths,
having not Moiſture fufficient to put forth Plants, practiſe Germination by
putting forth Mofs: tho, when by Age, or otherwiſe, they relent and refolve,
they fometimes put forth Plants; fuch as Wallflowers. And almoſt all
Mofs has here and there little Stalks, befides the low Thrum.
2. Mofs grows upon Walks, eſpecially fuch as are cold, and expoſed to
the North; as in divers Terraffes, if they be trodden, or if they were,
at firſt, gravelled; for wherever Plants are kept down, the Earth puts
forth Mofs.
3. Old Ground that has long lain fallow, gathers Mofs: whence Huf-
Ground, and bandmen cure their Pafture-grounds when they grow to Mofs, by Tilling
them for a Year or two; which alfo depends upon the fame Caufe as the
more fparing and ftarving Juice of the Earth, which is infufficient for
Plants, breeds Mofs. And old Trees are more moffy than young ones;
the Sap being not fo vigorous as all to rife to the Boughs; but grows languid
by the way, and puts out Mofs.
And near
Fountains.
The Mofs of
Trees, what.
4. Fountains have Mofs growing about them: for Fountains drain the
Water from the adjacent Ground, and leave but fufficient Moiſture to breed
Mofs; whereto the coldneſs of the Water alfo conduces.
5. The Mofs of Trees is a kind of Hair, or the Juice of the Tree fe-
creted, that does not affimilate and upon great Trees, the Mofs grows in
a Figure, like a Leaf.
6. The
f Do not thofe Trees that will grow from Slips, naturally become Dwarfs, if all their Side-
fhoots are fuffered to grow without cutting?
2
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
271
6. The moiſter fort of Trees yield little Mofs; as Afps, Poplars, Wil- Why moist
lows, Beeches, &c. partly becaufe of the quick rifing of the Sap into Trees yield
little Moſs.
the Boughs; and partly becaufe the Barks of thefe Trees are more clofe
and ſmooth than thofe of Oaks and Afhes; whence the Mofs can hardly
iffue out.
7. All Fruit-Trees grow full of Mofs in Clay Grounds, both upon the Why Trees
Body and Boughs; partly from the coldness of the Ground, whence the grow moffy in
Clay Grounds.
Plants are nourished lefs; and partly from the toughness of the Earth,
whereby the Sap is confined, and cannot get up to ſpread freely.
8. We have already obferved, that if Trees be Bark-bound, they grow Experiments
lefs fruitful, and gather Mofs; and that they are cured by hacking, &c. for making
On the contrary, if Trees be bound in with Cords, they will put forth more Trees moffy.
Mofs which alſo happens to Trees that ftand bleak. It ſhould alſo be
tried, whether a Tree covered fomewhat thick upon the top, after polling,
will not gather more Mofs. I judge alfo, that to water Trees with cold
Spring-water, makes them grow moffy.
fume.
9. The Perfumers have a Mofs yielded by the Apple-tree, and of an ex- Apple-tree
cellent Odour. The manner of its Growth and Nature fhould be enquired Mofs, a Per-
after. For the fake of this Mofs, it being a thing of Price, I have, above,
fet down the Ways of multiplying Moffes *.
10. Next to Mofs come Mushrooms; which are likewife an imperfect Mushrooms
Plant. Mushrooms have two ſtrange Properties; the one, that they yield have two ex-
traordinary
a delicious Meat; the other, that they come up in a Night; and yet are Properties.
unfown. They muft neceffarily, therefore, be made of much Moiſture;
and that Moiſture fat and grofs, yet fomewhat concocted. And indeed we
find, that Muſhrooms cauſe what they call the Incubus, or Night-mare, in the
Stomach: whence a Surfeit of them may fuffocate and poifon 7. This fhews
they are windy, and that Windinefs grofs and fwelling; not ſharp or gri-
ping. And, for the fame reaſon, Mushrooms are provocative.
Mushrooms,
II. 'Tis reported, that the Bark of white or red Poplar, cut fmall, The ways of
caft into Furrows, and well dunged, will caufe the Ground to put forth producing
Muſhrooms, at all Seafons of the Year, fit for eating. Some add to the
Mixture, Baker's Leaven diffolved in Water. And, it is faid, that if a
hilly Field where the Stubble is ftanding, be fet on fire in a fhowry Seaſon,
it will afford great ftore of Mushrooms. 'Tis alfo faid, that Hartfhorn-
fhavings mixed with Dung, and watered, yield Muſhrooms; and Hartf
horn is of a fat and clammy Subftance: perhaps, Ox-horn would do
the like z.
See above, Sect. III. 6,
15.
12. There
u This Moſs ſeems to be a cafual Thing upon Apple trees, that is not often to be found;
and perhaps depends on a certain ſmall degree of Putrefaction in the Mofs.
There is a curious Account of the Moffes in Scotland, to be found in the Philofophical
Tranfactions, Numb. 330.
y There are feveral Species of Mushrooms; but have the red-gill'd Species ever been
found poiſonous, pernicious, or furfeiting?
z Great Light is given to this whole Affair of Mußurooms, by the Memoirs of the Royal Aca-
demy of Sciences at Paris. See in particular, for the Year 1707. Hift. pag. 46. and Memoir. p. 58.
272
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
The Growth
12. There is no known Subſtance but Earth, and the Produces thereof,
as Tiles, Stones, &c. that yields any Mofs, or herby Subftance. Trial
may be made, by putting Seeds into little Holes bored in the Horns of
Stags, or Oxen, to fee if they will grow .
:
13. There is another imperfect Plant, to appearance like a great Muſh-
of Toad-ftools. room; fometimes as broad as a Hat, and called a Toad's-ftool but 'tis
not efculent; and commonly grows adjacent to the dead Stump of a Tree,
or the Roots of rotten Trees: and therefore feems to take its Juice from:
putrefied Wood. Which fhews, by the way, that putrefied Wood yields a
free Moiſture .
A Cake-like
Excrefcence
on Trees.
The Fuz-ball.
Jews-ear.
Agarick.
The Hiftory of
Miffeltoe.
14. There is a nameleſs Cake that grows upon the Side of a dead Tree,
large, of a Cheſtnut colour, hard and pithy; whence it fhould feem,
that even dead Trees continue to put forth, as the dead Bodies of Men
do Hair and Nails for a time.
15. There is a Bug, or Fuzzy-ball, growing common in the Fields, that
at the first is hard, like a Tennis-ball, and white; but after grows of a
Muſhroom-colour, and full of light Duft upon the breaking: 'tis thought
to be dangerous to the Eyes, if the Powder gets into them; and good for
Kibes being probably of a corrofive and fretting Nature 4.
16. There is an Excrefcence, called Jews-ear, that grows upon the Roots,
and lower parts of Trees, eſpecially of Elder, and fometimes upon Aſh.
It has a ſtrange Property; for, in warm Water, it fwells and opens ex-
tremely. 'Tis of a dufky-brown colour, and ufed in the Quinfy and In-
flammations of the Throat; whence it feems to have a mollifying Virtue.
17. There is alſo a kind of ſpongy Excrefcence, growing chiefly upon.
the Roots of the Lafer-tree, and fometimes upon Cedars, &c. 'Tis very
white, light and friable; we call it Agarick, and 'tis famous in Phyfick, for
purging vifcid Phlegm. 'Tis alfo an excellent Opener of the Liver; but
offenfive to the Stomach, and the Tafte: being firſt ſweet, and after-
wards bitter.
18. We find no Super-plant that is fairly formed and figured, except Miſ-
feltoe as to which we have an idle Tradition of a Bird, called a Miffel-
bird, that feeds upon a Seed ſhe cannot digeft, and fo expels it whole with
her Excrement; which falling upon the Bough of a Tree, produces the
Miffeltoe. But this is a Fable; it being not probable that Birds ſhould feed
upon what they cannot digeft. Befides, Miffeltoe is found but upon certain
Trees, that bear no Fruit to allure that Bird, which feeding upon the Miffeltoe-
berries,
a What are the Inftances of Approach in this cafe? Confider of the Vegetation upon the
white Cake of Salt left after the Diſtillation of Glauber's Spirit of Nitre. Confider alſo,
the Growth of Muſhrooms upon Chirurgeons Dreſſings, &c. See the French Memoirs in the
Places above quoted.
b See Philofoph. Tranſact. Numb. 330.
Shoot?
Is not this Leather-like Excrefcence, fomewhat analogous to the Noflock, or Star-
d This is the Crepitus Lupi, or common Fuz-ball; and faid to be a powerful Styptic.
• It has alſo a particular faintifh Odour, when boiled; and then ſomewhat refembles a piece
of black, well-dreffed, fupple Leather.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
273
berries, and therefore being often found there, may have given occaſion to
the Tale. But what ends the Difpute is, that Miffeltoe has been found under
the Boughs, and not only above them; fo that it cannot proceed from
any thing that falls upon the Boughs. It chiefly grows upon Crab-trees,
Apple-trees, fometimes upon Hazels, and rarely upon Oaks f; the Miffeltoe
whereof is accounted very medicinal . 'Tis an Evergreen, that bears a
white glittering Berry, and differs entirely from the Tree whereon it grows.
Two things therefore, may be hence collected: First, that Superfœtation
proceeds from plenty of Sap in the Bough. Secondly, that the Sap muſt be
fuch as the Tree difcharges, and cannot affimilate; elſe it would go into a
Bough and befides, it ſeems more fat and unctuous than the ordinary Sap
of the Tree; both by the Berry, which is clammy, and becauſe it con-
tinues green, Winter and Summer, which the Tree does not ḥ.
derived from
ite
19. This Obfervation upon Miffeltoe, may give fome light to other Experiments
Practices. Trial therefore fhould be made, by ripping the Bough of a
Crab-tree in the Bark, and watering the Incifion every day with warm Dung-
water; to fee if it will produce Miffeltoe, or any thing like it but it were
yet more promifing, to try it with other Watering and Anointing, lefs na-
tural to the Tree; as Oil, Beer, Yeaft, &c. provided they be fuch as do
not kill the Bough.
20. It were proper to try how Plants would grow, if prevented from
Shooting their natural Boughs. Poll a Tree therefore, and cover it thick
with Clay on the Top; and mark the Event. I fuppofe it will put forth
in Roots; for fo a Cion will, being turned down into Clay. Therefore,
in this Experiment alfo, the Tree fhould be clofed with fomewhat not fo
natural to it as Clay. Try Leather, Cloth, or Painting; provided it be
not hurtful to the Tree. 'Tis certain that a Brake has grown out of a
Pollard.
How Plants
will grow that
do not ſhoot in
Boughs.
21. The Prickles of Trees feem to be a kind of Excrefcence; for they The Prickles
will never become Boughs, nor bear Leaves. The Vegetables that have of Trees,
Prickles, are the black and white Thorn, the Briar, the Rofe, the Crab- what.
tree, the Goofberry, the Barberry; thefe have it in the Bough. The
Plants that have Prickles in the Leaf, are Holly, Juniper, Whin, Thiftle;
Nettles alfo have a fmall venomous Prickle; as Borage has a harmleſs one.
The Cauſe ſeems to be hafty Shooting, want of Moiſture, and clofeneſs of
Bark for the hafte of the Spirit to put forth a Bough; the want of
Nouriſhment for the Purpoſe: and the clofenefs of the Bark, produces
Prickles in Boughs: whence they are always pyramidal; the Moiſture
ſpending itſelf after a little Shooting. Prickles in Leaves, come alfo from
putting more Juice into the Leaf than can fpread fmooth therein; and therefore
VOL. III.
N n
the
f Its Growth upon the Oak has been queftioned. I once faw it in confiderable plenty,
growing upon a very young Oak; which, for the Curiofity, was fold at an extraordinary
Price, to an Apothecary of London.
g What Certainty is there in the Relation of its being specific in the Epilepsy?
For a farther Account of Miffeltoe, fee the Philofophical Tranfactions, Numb. 251, c
The manner wherein, fhould be examined,
274
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
The Cauſe of
Down on
Plants.
the Leaves are otherwiſe rough; as in Borage and Nettles. The Leaves of
Holly are ſmooth, yet never plain; but, as it were, folded, for the fame
Reafon.
22. There are alfo Plants, which, tho they have no Prickles, yet have a
kind of downy or velvet Covering upon their Leaves; as Rofe-campion,
Stocks, Colts-foot, &c. which Down or Nap proceeds from a fubtile Spirit,
in a foft or fat Subftance; for both Stock-July-flowers, and Rofe-campion,
ſtamped, have been fuccefsfully applied to the Wrifts, in Tertian or Quartan
Agues and the Vapour of Colts-foot is healing to the Lungs; as the Leaf
alfo, is healing in Chirurgery.
Other Excref- 23. Another kind of Excrefcence is an Exudation of Plants, joined with
rences in Trees. Putrefaction; as in Oak-apples, which are found chiefly upon the Leaves of
Oaks, and Willows. The Country-people have a kind of Prediction, that if
the Oak-apple, when broken, be full of Worms, 'tis a Sign of a peftilential
Year; which feems probable, becauſe they proceed from Corruption. There
is alfo, upon Brier, a fine Tuft, or Bufh of Mofs, differently coloured;
which if cut, is always found full of little white Worms *
That Earth
I.
SECT. XI.
Of the Production of perfect Plants, without Seeds.
will produce Arth taken from the Bottom of Vaults, Houſes, and Wells, and
EA
Plants with-
out ſowing.
That Water
produces
Plants
put into Pots, will afford various Kinds of Herbs; but fome time is
required for the Germination: If taken from a Fathom deep, it will put
forth the first Year; if much deeper, not till a Year or two after. The
Nature of Plants growing in the Earth fo taken up, follows the Nature of
the Mould if the Mould be foft and fine, it produces foft Herbs; as Graſs,
Plantain, &c. and if harder and coarfer, Herbs more rough; as Thiftles,
Furz, &c. It is common Experience, that in Alleys clofe gravelled, the
Earth brings forth, the firft Year, Knot-grafs; and afterward Spire-grafs :
for the hard Gravel or Pebble, at the first laying, will not fuffer the Grafs
to come out upright; but turns it, to find its way where it can: but when
the Earth is fomewhat loofned at the Top, the ordinary Grafs comes up.
And it is reported, that Earth taken, at fome depth, out of fhady and
damp Woods, and potted, will produce Herbs of a fat and juicy Sub-
ſtance; as Penny-wort, Purflane, Houfleek, Penny-royal, &c.
2. Water alfo yields Plants that have no Roots fixed to the Bottom: but
theſe are lefs perfect Plants; being chiefly Leaves, and fmall ones, fuch as
Duck-weed; which has a Leaf no bigger than Thyme, but of a freſher
green, and ſhoots a little String into the Water, far from the Bottom. The
Water-lilly has its Root in the Ground; fo have many other Herbs that
grow in Ponds.
3. 'Tis
* Purſuant to the Defign, all the other Excrefcences of Vegetables fhould be here enume
rated; even thoſe diſcovered by the Microſcope. See Dr. Hook's Micographia..
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
275
3. 'Tis reported likewife, that fome Plants grow upon the Top of the plants grow-
Sea; being fuppofed to proceed from a certain Concretion of Slime in ing on the Sea.
the Water, when the Sun beats hot, and the Sea ftirs little. As for Sea-
weed and Sea-thiſtle, they both have Roots; but the Sea-weed under the
Water; and the Sea-thiſtle upon the Shore.
4. The Ancients have noted, that fome Herbs grow out of Snow, laid In Snow.
up cloſe together and putrefied; and that they are all bitter: they name
one, in particular, Flomus, which we call Moth-mullein. And Worms are
frequently found in Snow, like Earth-worms; whence, poffibly, it may
likewife yield Plants.
5.
The Ancients alſo affirm, that fome Herbs grow out of Stone: which In Stone.
may be; for Toads have been found in the middle of Free-ſtone. We alſo
fee, that Flints lying above ground, gather Mofs; and fome Flowers grow
upon Walls; but whether upon the main Brick, or Stone, or whether out of
the Lime or Chinks, is not well obferved: for Elders and Aſhes have been
feen growing out of Steeples, tho manifeftly from the Clefts; infomuch
that when they grow large, they will disjoin the Stones. There are like-
wife Rock-herbs; but, I fuppofe, only where there is fome Mould or Earth.
It has likewife been found, that great Trees, growing upon Quarries,
have fhot down their Root into the Stone.
6. 'Tis reported, that in fome Mines of Germany, there grow Vegetables At the Bottom
at the Bottom; and, the Workmen fay, they have a magical Virtue, and of Mines.
will not fuffer them to be gathered.
7. The Sea-fand feldom bears Plants; becauſe the Sun exhales the Moiſture And but feldom
in Sands.
before it can incorporate with the Earth, and yield a Nouriſhment for Plants.
'Tis alfo affirmed, that Sand has its Root in Clay; and that there are no
Veins of Sand any great depth within the Earth 1.
I.
'TIS
SECT. XII.
Of Exotick Plants.
IS reported, that Earth brought from the Indies, and other re- Foreign Earth
mote Countries, by way of Ballaſt, being thrown upon fome producing fo-
Ground in Italy, produced foreign Herbs, unknown to us in Europe; and reign Plants
that from their Roots, Barks and Seeds bruifed together, mixed with in Europe.
Earth, and well watered with warm Water, there came forth Herbs much
like the other.
Nn 2
2. Plants
1 None of the Inftances here produced, make exprefly for the Title; viz. The Production of
perfect Plants without Seed; but only for their Production without the Seed being fown by Men.
But there are many ways of fowing Seed, by the means of Birds, Beafts, Winds, the fponta-
neous bursting of Flowers, c. all which deferve to be enumerated. And perhaps it will at
length be found, that every Species of Vegetables, even Mufhrooms, have their Seed,
and are propagated by means thereof. See the Account of Mushrooms in the French
Memoirs.
276
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
How to pre-
2. Plants brought out of hot Countries, endeavour to put forth at the
Serve the Exo fame time they ufually do in their own Climate: therefore, to preſerve
ticks of hot
Countries.
Orange and
Lemmon Seed
yielding Sal-
lading.
The earliest
Flowers.
The next in
order.
The lateſt.
The earlieſt
Bloſſoms.
them, there is no more required, than to keep them from being put
back by Cold. 'Tis alfo reported, that Grain tranfplanted from a hor
Country to a colder, will be more forward than the ordinary Grain of
the cold Country. This may fucceed better in Grain than in Trees; becauſe
Grain is but annual, and fo the Virtue of the Seed is not worn out; where-
as a Tree is debaſed by the Ground whereto it is removed.
3. Many Plants which grow in the hotter Countries, will, if fown of
Seed, late in the Spring, come up and endure moft part of the Summer;
as we find in Oranges, Lemmons, &c. the Seed whereof, fown at the
end of April, yields excellent Sallads, mixed with other Herbs. And, I
conceive, that the Seeds of Clove, Pepper, &c. if they could be had green
enough to be ſown, would do the like ".
I.
Sthe
SECT.
m
XIII.
Of the Seafons of Plants.
ME Flowers, Bloffoms, Grains, and Fruits, come early, and o-
thers late in the Year. The early Flowers, with us, are Primroſes,
Violets, Anemonies, Water-daffadils, the Crocus Vernus, and fome Tulips.
Thefe are all cold Plants; which therefore feem to have a quicker Per-
ception of the heat of the Sun than hot Herbs have as a cold Hand
fooner perceives a little warmth than a hot one. Thofe that come next in
order, are Wall-flowers, Cowflips, Hyacinths, Rofemary-flowers, &c. then
Pinks, Rofes, the Flower-deluce, &c. The lateft are July-flowers, Holly-
oaks, Larks-foot, &c.
2. The earlieſt Bloffoms are thofe of the Peach, Almond, Cornelian,
Mezereon, &c. being of fuch Trees as have much Moiſture, either watery
or oily. Whence the Crocus Vernus alfo, an Herb that has an oily Juice,
puts forth early; for thefe likewife find the Sun fooner than the drier Trees.
3. Of the Grains, the firft are Rye, and Wheat; the next Oats, and
wherein Grain Barly; then Peas and Beans: for tho green Peas and Beans are eaten
ripens.
fooner; yet the dry ones uſed for Horſes, are ripe laſt: and it ſeems, that
the fatter Grain comes firſt.
The order
The order
wherein Fruit
ripens.
4. The earlieſt Fruits are Strawberries, Cherries, Gooſeberries, Currans,
certain Apples, Pears, Apricots, Rafberries; and after thefe, Damafcenes,
moft kinds of Plumbs, Peaches, &c. the lateft are Winter-apples, Wardens,
Grapes, Nuts, Quinces, Almonds, Sloes, Briar-berries, Hips, Medlars,
Services, Cornelians, &c.
5. Com-
This Article of Exoticks remains very deficient. In order to fupply it, confult the
Botanical Papers of the Philofophical Tranfactions; French Memoirs; and German Ephe-
merides.
2
1
VEGETABLES and VBGETATION.
277
5. Commonly Trees that ripen lateſt, bloffom fooneft; as Peaches, Trees that ri-
Sloes, Almonds, &c. and it ſeems a Work of Providence, that they pen latest, blos-
bloffom fo foon; as they could not, otherwife, have the Sun long enough Som foonest.
to ripen ".
come twice A-
6. Some Fruits come twice a-year; as certain Pears °, Strawberries, &c. Some Fruits
and they ſeem ſuch as abound with Nouriſhment; whence, after one Period, and Flowers
before the Sun grows too weak, they can endure another. The Violet alſo, year.
among Flowers, comes twice a-year, efpecially the double-white: and this
alfo is a Plant full of Moiſture. Rofes alfo come twice; but not without
cutting.
Ruffia.
7. In Muscovy, tho the Corn come not up till late Spring, yet their Har- Whence an
veft is as early as ours; becauſe the ſtrength of the Ground is kept in by early Summer
the Snow: and with us, if it be a long Winter, 'tis commonly a plentiful
Year. After fuch Winters likewife, the Flowers and Corn, both earlier
and later, come commonly at the fame time; which often proves trouble-
fome to the Hufbandman. Sometimes Red-rofes and Damafk-rofes come
together. So likewife the Harveft of Wheat and Barly. But this always
happens, becauſe the earlier ftays for the later; and not, that the later
comes ſooner.
8. Many Fruit-trees, in hot Countries, bear Bloffoms, young Fruit, and Whence Fruit
ripe Fruit, almoft all the Year fucceffively. And 'tis faid, the Orange and and Bloſſoms
the Fig do the like with us, for a great part of Summer. And no doubt come together,
this is the natural Motion of Plants; but either wanting Juice to ſpend, or
meeting with the Cold of the Winter; this Circle of Ripening cannot take
place, but in fucculent Plants and hot Countries.
nual, and o•
9. Some Herbs are annual, and die, Root and all, once a-year ;
as Whence fome
Borage, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Muſk-melons, Bafil, Tobacco, Mustard, and Plants are an-
all kinds of Corn. Some continue many Years; as Hyffop, Germander, thers not.
Lavender, Fennel, &c. There are two Caufes of this dying: the first is,
the tenderneſs and weakneſs of the Seed, which makes the Period in a Tmall
time; as in Borage, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Corn, &c. and therefore none
of theſe are hot. The other is, becauſe fome Herbs can lefs endure Cold;
as Bafil, Tobacco, Muftard-feed: all which have much Heat.
SECT.
Let the Contradictory Inftances be fought.
• The Windfor-Pear, for Inftance.
P Particularly in Bermudas.
9 How near can Art approach this natural Advantage of Climate? Let a proper Thermo-
meter be contrived to regulate the Heat of a Green-houſe t and let the natural Reciprocation of
Warmth, Coolness, Moiſture, and freſh Air, be imitated to Exactress.
278
VEGETABLES aud VEGETATION.
What Vegeta-
bles are moſt
durable.
Maft-Trees
lafting.
Late Trees the
I.
SECT. XIV.
Of the Duration of Herbs and Trees.
Egetables of the largeſt Body are moſt durable; as Oak, Elm,
Cheſtnut, &c. This holds in Trees; but in Herbs 'tis often other-
wife for Borage, Colewort, and Pompions, which are Herbs of the largeſt
Size, are of ſmall Duration; whereas Hyffop, Winter-favoury, Germander,
Thyme, and Sage, will laft long. The Reafon is, becauſe Trees laft ac-
cording to the Strength and Quantity of their Sap; being well defended
by their Bark, against the Injuries of the Air: but Herbs draw a weak
Juice, and have a foft Stalk; and therefore thofe among them that laſt
longeſt, have a ftrong Smell, and a woody Stalk.
2. Trees that bear Maft, and Nuts, are commonly more lafting than
fuch as bear Fruits; efpecially the moifter Fruits: thus the Oak, Beech,
Cheſtnut, Walnut, Almond, Pine, &c. laft longer than the Apple-tree, the
Pear-tree, &c. becaufe of the fatnefs and oilinefs of the Sap, which always
waftes less than the more watery.
3. Trees that put forth their Leaves late, and alfo fhed them late in
more durable. the Year, are more durable than fuch as fprout early, or fhed betimes: for
the coming late fhews a Moiſture more fixed; the other more loofe,
and eaſier refolved. For the fame Reafon, wild Trees laft longer than
than garden Trees; and of the fame Kind, fuch as have acid Fruit, longer
fuch as have a ſweet one.
Frequent cut-
Trees.
4. Nothing makes Trees, Bufhes, and Herbs more durable than frequent
ting preferves cutting. This always caufes a renovation of the Sap, which now neither goes
fo far, nor rifes fo faintly, as when the Plant is not cut: infomuch that an-
nual Plants, if feafonably cut, and fuffered to come up ftill young, will laſt
more Years than one; as Lettuce, Purflane, Cucumber, and the like.
And for great Trees, nearly all over-grown ones in Church-yards, or adjacent
to ancient Buildings, are Pollards, or Dottards; and not at their full
height.
Experiments
for making
Plants more
durable.
5. Experiment ſhould be made, to render Plants more lafting than their
ordinary Period; as to make a Stalk of Wheat, &c. laft a whole Year; fo
as that the Winter may not kill it for we fpeak only of prolonging the
natural Period. I conceive, that whatever makes an Herb come later than
at its time, will make it laft longer. It were proper to try this in a Stalk
of Wheat, fet in the Shade, and encompaffed with a Cafe of Wood, not
touching the Straw, to keep out the open Airs.
SECT.
On this depends the Advantage of Pruning; which, if skilfully performed, always adds
new Life and Vigour to the Tree.
Confult, upon this whole Article, Mr. Evelyn's Sylva.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
179
B.
T
SE C T. XV.
Of the different Figures of Plants.
REES and Herbs keep no Order, and are not figured in the Whence the
want of a re
Growth of their Boughs and Branches; becauſe the Sap being gular Figure
reſtrained in the Bark, breaks not forth in the Bodies of Trees, and in Vegetables.
Stalks of Herbs, till they begin to branch and when they make an
Eruption, they do it cafually, where they find beft way in the Bark & 'Tis
true, fome Trees are more fcattered in their Boughs; as the Sallow,
Warden, Quince, &c. fome more pyramidal; as the Pear, Orange,
Fir, Service, Lime, &c. fome more broad; as the Beech, Horn-
beam, &c. and the reft are more indifferent. The Cauſe of ſcattering
the Boughs, is the hafty breaking forth of the Sap: whence fuch Trees
rife not in a Body of any height; but branch near the Ground. The
Cauſe of the pyramidal Form, is the keeping in of the Sap, long before
it branch; and the fpending of it, when it begins to branch, by equal
degrees. The ſpreading is caufed by the rifing of the Sap plentifully,
without Expence; and then putting forth fpeedily at once.
2. There are many Herbs, but no Trees, that ſeem to obferve fome Whence Plants:
Leaves in a
Order in putting forth their Leaves; as having Joints, Knuckles, or put forth their
Stops in their Germination; as July-flowers, Pinks, Fennel, Corn, Reeds, certain order-
and Canes. The Caufe whereof is, that the Sap afcending unequally, tires
and ftops by the way. And it feems they have fome Clofenefs and
Hardness in the Stalk; which hinders the Sap from growing up, till it
has gathered into a Knot; and fo is more urged to put forth. And hence
they are moſt of them hollow, when the Stalk is dry; as in Fennel, Sťub-
ble, and Canes
3. All Flowers have exquifite Figures: and the Flower-Numbers are Whence the ex-
chiefly five, and four. Primrofes, Briar-rofes, fingle Mufk-rofes, fingle quifite Figures
of Flowers.
Pinks, July-flowers, &c. have five Leaves: Lilies, the Flower-deluce,
Borage, Buglofs, &c. have four Leaves. But fome have numerous Leaves,
tho fmall; as Marygolds, Trefoil, &c. The Sockets, and Supporters
of Flowers are figured; as in the five Brethren of the Rofe; the
Sockets of July-flowers, &c. All Leaves alfo are figured; fome round,
fome long, none fquare, and many jagged on the Sides: which feldom
holds in the Leaves of Flowers. For the jaggedness of Pinks and July-
flowers feems like the Inequality of the Oak, or Vine-leaves; but they
feldom or never have any fmall Pearls ".
SECT
+ See Dr. Sharrock's History of the Propagation and Improvement of Vegetables, Pag.
Confult Mr. Ray, M. Tournefort; and the Philofophical Botanifts, upon this Article.
142.
I
280
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Why fome
Plants bloffom
before they
I.
S
SECT. XVI.
Of the principal Differences in Plants.
OME few Plants bear Bloffoms before they have Leaves; as Al-
monds, Peaches, Cornelians, Black-thorn, &c. but moſt have fome
Leaves before they bloffom; as Apples, Pears, Plumbs, Cherries, &c.
have Leaves. The Caufe is, that thofe which yield their Bloffoms firft, have either an
acute and ſharp Spirit, whence they commonly put forth early in the Spring,
and ripen very late; or elfe have an oily Juice; which is apter to put out
Flowers than Leaves.
The Cauſe of
Evergreens.
Some Trees
Flowers yet
2. Some Plants are green all Winter; others caft their Leaves. The
Ever-greens are Holly, Ivy, Box, Fir, Yew, Cyprefs, Juniper, Bays,
Roſemary, &c. The Caufe of their holding green, is the clofe and com-
pact Subſtance of their Leaves, and the Pedicles of them. And the Cauſe
of this again is either the viſcous Juice of the Plant; or its Strength and
Heat. Of the firſt fort is Holly; which is of fo viſcous a Juice, as to make
Bird-lime. The Stalk of Ivy is tough, and not brittle. Fir yields Pitch:
Box is a clofe and heavy Wood; and Yew is a ftrong and tough Wood.
Of the ſecond fort is Juniper; which is an odoriferous Wood, and makes
a fierce Fire. Bays likewife is a hot and aromatic Wood; fo is Roſe-
mary, for a Shrub. The Denfity of the Leaves, appears hence; that they
are fmooth and fhining as in Bays, Holly, Ivy, Box, &c. or hard and
fpiry. Trial fhould be made of grafting Roſemary, Bays, and Box,
upon a Holly-Stock; becauſe theſe are Plants that grow all the Winter.
It were proper to try it alfo with Grafts of other Trees, either Fruit-Trees
or wild ones; to fee whether they will not yield Fruit, or bear Leaves
later and longer in the Winter; becauſe the Sap of Holly puts forth moſt
in the Winter. Perhaps alfo a Mezereon-Tree grafted upon a Holly, will
prove both an earlier and larger Tree.
3. Some Plants have no Flower, and yet bear Fruit: fome bear Flowers,
that bear no but no Fruit; and fome again bear neither Flowers nor Fruit. Moſt of the
produce Fruit, great Timber-Trees, as Oak, Beech, &c. bear no apparent Flowers: fome
vice verfa. few Fruit-Trees; as the Mulberry, Walnut, &c. and fome Shrubs, as Ju-
niper, Holly, &c. bear no Flowers. Divers Herbs alfo have Seeds for
their Fruit, yet bear no Flowers; as Purflane, &c. Thofe that bear Flowers
and no Fruit are few; as the double Cherry, the Sallow, &c. But for
the Cherry, 'tis doubtful whether it be not by Art; and if fo, then Trial
ſhould be made, whether Apple, and other Fruit-Trees that bloffom, may
not be doubled. There are fome few that neither bear Fruit nor Flower;
as the Elm, Poplar, Box, &c.
Why fome
Plants grow
erect, and o-
4. Moft Plants fhoot ftill upwards, and fupport themfelves; whilft others
creep along the Ground; or wind about other Trees or Props, unable to
shers creep. fupport themſelves; as the Vine, Ivy, Briar, Bryony, Wood-bine, Hop, &c.
The
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
281
The Caufe is, that all Plants naturally move upwards; but if the Sap
rife too faſt, it makes a flender Stalk, which will not fupport the weight:
whence the latter fort are all hafty growers v.
I.
SECT.
XVII.
Of Compofts, and Helps for Ground.
HE first and moft ordinary Help for Ground is Stercoration. Sheep's- The ufual
one
Tdung is one of the belt, the next is the Dung of Kine; and thirdly kinds of Ma-
kind.
that of Horſes; which is held fomewhat too hot unleſs it be mix'd. That nure.
of Pigeons for a Garden, or a fmall piece of Ground, is excellent. The
way of applying the Dung to arable Land, is to fpread it immediately before
Ploughing; fo as to plough it in: for if fpread long before, the Sun will
draw out much of its Fatnefs. For grazing Ground, the way is to fpread
it ſomewhat late, towards Winter; that the Sun may have lefs power to dry
it up.
2. The fecond kind of Compoft is, divers kinds of Earth; as (1.) Marle, A fecond
(2.) Sea-Sand, (3.) Chalk, (4.) Earth upon Earth, (5.) Pond-Earth;
and (6.) Mixtures of them. (1.) Marle is thought the beſt; as having
moſt Fatneſs, and not heating the Ground too much". (2.) The next is
Sea-Sand; which obtains a particular Virtue from the Salt: for Salt is the
firſt Rudiment of Life. (3.) Chalk over-heats the Ground a little ; and
therefore does beft upon cold Clay, or moift Grounds. It is a common
Error, to think Chalk helps arable Land; but not grazing Ground. The
Error proceeds hence, that after chalking of the Ground, they wear it out
by many Crops without reft; and then indeed it will afterwards bear little
Grafs. It were a good Experiment to lay Chalk upon arable Ground a lit-
tle before Ploughing; and to plough it in as they do Dung: but then it
muſt firſt be made friable by Rain or lying. (4.) Earth is a Compoft to
Earth. I knew a great Garden, that had a Field, as it were, poured upon it;
and it bore Fruit excellently the firft Year: for the Surface of the Earth is
always the moſt fruitful. And Earth fo prepared has a double Surface. But
fuch Earth as affords Salt-petre, if procurable without too much Charge, is
beſt. The way to haften the growth of Salt-petre, is to exclude the Sun, and
prevent the growth of Vegetables: and therefore to make a large thatch'd
Hovel over fome quantity of Ground; or even to plank the Ground over,
will produce Salt-petre. (5.) Pond-Earth, or River-Earth is a very good
Compoft; eſpecially if the Pond have been long uncleaned, and fo the
Water be not too hungry and I judge it will be yet better, if mix'd with
Chalk.
VOL. III.
O
3. The
* Many curious Obfervations, for the improvement of this Article, are fupplied by the French
Memoirs.
w See Sir Hugh Plat's Jewel-House of Art and Nature, pag. 114, etc.
* See Boerhaave's Chemiſtry, under the Proceſſes upon Sea-Salt.
282
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
A third Kind..
Afourth Kind.
A fifth Kind.
A fixth Kind.
3. The third Help for Ground is procured by means of fome other Sub-
ſtances, tho not merely earthy, having a Virtue to fertilize: wherein Afhes
excel; infomuch that the Countries about Etna and Vefuvius, have a kind of
amends made them in the exceeding Fertility of the Soil, for the Mifchief
done them by the Eruptions: which Fertility is caufed by the Afhes fcatter'd
over the Ground. Soot alſo, tho thin fpread in a Field or Garden, is found
a very good Compoft. Salt is too coftly: it has been tried, that mix'd
with Seed-Corn, and fown together, it proves ferviceable; and I am of
Opinion, that powder'd Chalk, mix'd with Seed-Corn, would do good;
perhaps as much as chalking the Ground all over. As to the fteeping of
Seeds in feveral Mixtures with Water, to give them Vigour, and watering
Grounds with Compoft-water, we have fpoke thereto already ".
4. The fourth Help is fuffering Vegetables to die into, and fo fatten the
Ground; as the Stubble of Corn, especially of Peafe. Brakes caft upon the
Ground in the beginning of Winter, will make it very fruitful. It were
proper alfo to try whether Leaves fwept together, and mix'd with ſome
Chalk and Dung, to give them more Heart, would not make a good Com-
poft; for there is nothing wafted fo much as the Leaves of Trees and as
they lie fcatter'd, and without Mixture, they rather make the Ground four
than otherwiſe 2.
5. The fifth Help for Ground is Heat and Warmth. It has been an-
ciently practis'd to burn Heath, Ling and Sedge, with the advantage of the
Wind, upon the Ground. We find that the warmth of Walls and Enclo-
fures is an Amendment: fo is lying open to the South; and the folding of
Sheep; as well by their Warmth, as their Compoft and perhaps the cover-
ing of Ground with Brakes in the beginning of the Winter, may help by
means of the Warmth. Nay, fome fufpect, that the ufual way of gather-
ing Flints in flinty Ground, and laying them on Heaps, is no good Huf-
bandry; becauſe they would keep the Ground warm.
6.. The fixth Help for Ground is watering; which may be done two
ways; the one by letting in and fhutting out the Water at ſeaſonable
Times for Water let in at fome times, if it ftay not too long, does
good; but at others, and if it ſtay too long, hurt. And this ferves only
for Meadows, adjacent to a River. The other way is, to bring Water
from fome high Grounds, where there are Springs, into the lower; carry-
ing it in long Furrows; and from thefe Furrows drawing it tranfverfe, to
ſpread the Water: which makes an excellent improvement both for Corn and
Grafs tho the Expedient proves the richer, if theſe hanging Grounds be
fruitful; becauſe the Water thus wafhes down fome of the Fatnefs of the
Earth. Generally where there are great Over-flows in Fens, or the like,
the drowning of them in Winter makes the following Summer more
fruitful as keeping the Ground warm, and nouriſhing it. But the Fen-
men hold, that the Sewers may be kept fo as to continue the Water too
long in the Spring, till the Weeds, and Sedge be grown up; becauſe then
* See above Seft: I.
Has the Experiment of converting Leaves into Manure been fully tried?
the
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
283
the Ground, like a Wood, will keep out the Sun; and fo continue the
Wet, and never graze well that Year.
I.
મ
A
SECT.
XVIII.
Of the Relations between Plants and inanimate Bodies.
twixt animate
LL Bodies have Spirits, and pneumatical Parts: but the principal The two grand
Differences between animate and inanimate Bodies are two. The Differences be-
first, that the Spirits of animated Things are all contained within themſelves, and inanimate
and branched in Veins, and fecret Canals, as the Blood is and in living Bodies.
Creatures, the Spirits have not only Branches, but certain Cells or Seats,
where the principal Spirits refide, and whereto the reft refort: but the Spi-
rits in Things inanimate are fhut up, and cut off by the tangible Parts, and
are impervious one to another, as Air in Snow. The fecond grand Diffe-
rence is, that the Spirits of animate Bodies are in fome degree kindled, or
have a fine commixture of Flame, and an aerial Subſtance: but inanimate
Bodies have not their Spirits inflamed, or kindled. And this Difference
confiſts not in the heat or coolness of the Spirits; for Naptha, Cloves, and
other Spices, have exceeding hot Spirits; much hotter than Oil, Wax, &c.
but are not inflamed. And when any of theſe weak and temperate Bodies
come to be inflamed, they gather a much greater Heat than others unin-
flamed; befides their Light and Motion
b
2. The fecondary Differences proceeding from theſe two radical ones, The fecondary
are, first, that Plants are figured and determinate; which inanimate Bodies Differences.
are not for as far as the Spirit is able to ſpread and continue itſelf, ſo far
goes the Figure, and is then determined. Secondly, Plants are nourished;
but inanimate Bodies are not the latter have an Accretion, but no Ali-
mentation. Thirdly, Plants have a Period of Life ; which inanimate Bodies
have not. And, Fourthly, they have a Succeffion and Propagation of their
Kind; which inanimate Bodies have not.
:
ces betwixt
3. The Differences between Plants and Foffils, befides thofe already The Differen-
mention'd, are thefe. (1.) Metals are more durable than Plants: (2.) More plants and
folid and hard (3.) They are wholly fubterraneous; whereas Plants are Fofil.
part above Ground and part below. Few Creatures participate both of the
Nature of Plants and Metals. Coral is one of the neareft; and another is
Vitriol; which is apteſt to ſprout with Moiſture.
and Mould
4. There is another particular Affinity between Plants and Mouldinefs, The Affinity
or Putrefaction; for all Putrefaction, if not diffolved in Arefaction, will de betwist Plants
termine into Plants, or living Creatures, bred by Putrefaction: Mofs,
Muſhrooms, Agarick, &c. appear to be but the Mouldinefs of the Ground,
Walls, Trees and the like. Fleſh, Fifh, Plants, aud many other Things,
002
after
a Let the other kinds of Amendment be here enumerated. See Mr. Evelyn's Terra, and the
Philofophical Tranfactions. See alfo Sir Hugh Plar's Jewel-Houfe of Art and Nature.
See more to this purpofe in the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death, fub finem.
284
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
}
}
I
The radical
and Secondary
twixt Plants
and Animals..
after Mouldineſs, or Corruption, produce Worms. Thefe Putrefactions,
notwithſtanding their Affinity to Plants, have this Difference from them;
that they are without Succeffion or Propagation; tho they are nouriſhed,
have a period of Life, and likewife fome Figure. A cut Citron, being
left in a cloſe Room, for three fummer Months, there were grown out of
the Pith, Tufts of Hairs an Inch long, with little black Heads, as if they
would have been fome Herb.
I.
T
SECT.
XIX.
Of the Relations between Plants and Animals.
HE Affinities and Differences between Plants and Animals are
theſe. They have both of them Spirits continued, branched, and
Differences be inflamed. But, (1.) in living Creatures, the Spirits have a Cell, or Seat;
which Plants have not. And, (2.) the Spirits of living Creatures hold more
Flame, than the Spirits of Plants. And theſe two are the radical Differences".
The fecondary Differences are as follow. (1.) Plants are fix'd to the
Earth; whereas Animals are fevered from it. (2.) Animals have local
Motion; which Plants have not. (3.) Animals are nouriſhed from their up-
per Parts, the Mouth chiefly; but Plants from below. (4.) Plants have
their Seed and feminal Parts uppermoft; Animals lowermoft: whence it
was philofophically faid, that Man is like an inverted Plant: for the Root
in Plants is as the Head in Animals. (5.) Animals have a more exact Fi-
gure than Plants. (6.) They have a greater diverfity of Organs within.
their Bodies, and internal Figures, than Plants. (7.) They have Senſe;
which Plants have not. (8.) They have voluntary Motion; which Plants
have not..
A Male and
Plants.
2. The different Sexes in Plants, are often diftinguifh'd by Name: as
Esmale kind in Male-piony, Female-piony; Male-roſemary, Female-roſemary; He-holly,
She-holly, &c. but Generation by Copulation extends not to Vegetables.
But perhaps a Binary of ftronger and weaker, like Mafculine and Femi-
nine, holds in all living Bodies: tho 'tis fometimes confounded; as in Crea-
tures bred of Putrefation, where no Marks of Diftinction appear and 'tis
fometimes doubled, as in Hermaphrodites: but generally there are degrees of
trength in all Species. The Intermediates between Plants and Animals, are
chiefly
← Here ſeems to be a confiderable Foundation laid for the Natural Hiſtory of Mouldiness
which the Microſcope fhews to be a kind of Wood, or Grove of Plants. But this requires to
be profecuted, in Fruits, fermented Liquors, and all Vegetable, Animal, and many Mineral
Subjects.
"
dThis may deſerve a very ſtrict Examination. See the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death
and compare the Doctrine there delivered to this purpoſe, with Mr. Boyle's Experiments upon
Flame and Aisan
Is
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
285
chiefly fix'd, and have no local Motion of removal, tho they have Motion in
their Parts; as Oysters, Cockles, and the like.
SE C T. XX.
Mifcellaneous Experiments and Obfervations upon the Subject.
SCA
L. CARCE any Vegetables have Branches without Leaves, except Plants with
Coral. But in the Defarts of S. Macario in Egypt, is a long, leaf- out Leaves.
lefs, brown Plant, and branched like Coral, only cloſing at the
top; which
being ſet in Water within Doors, fpreads and diſplays ftrangely. The Na-
tives have a fuperftitious Belief that it helps Delivery.
Branches.
2. The Indian Fig bows its Branches down fo low in one Year, as to take The Indian
Root again; and thus multiplies from Root to Root, making a kind of Fig growing
Wood. This may proceed from the Plenty of the Sap, and the Softneſs of from its own
the Stalk; which makes the Bough, being over-laden, and not ftrongly up-
held, weigh down. Its Leaves are as broad as a little Target; but the Fruit
no bigger than Beans: for the continual Shade increaſes the Leaves, but
ftints the Fruit; which nevertheleſs is of a pleaſant Tafte. And this pro-
ceeds from the fuppleneſs and gentleness of the Juice of the Plant; which
alſo makes the Boughs flexible.
Leaves in
3. Perhaps in fome Plants, the Sap rifes fo faft, as to have no leifure to Whence large
and Small
divide into many Leaves; or put forth much Stalk to the Fruit. With us
Trees generally have fmall Leaves in Compariſon. The Fig-Tree has the Plants.
largeft; and next to that the Vine, Mulberry, and Sycamore: the leaſt are
thoſe of the Willow, Birch, and Thorn. But there are Plants with far
greater Leaves than any Tree; as the Bur, Gourd, Cucumber, Cole-
wort, &c. The Caufe is, the hafty and plentiful rifing of the Sap.
Saccharine
Substance be
4. There are three Things in ufe for fweetnefs; Sugar, Honey, and Whether a
Manna. Sugar was fcarce known to the Ancients, and little ufed f. 'Tis
found in Canes. Honey is made, or gathered by the Bee; but I have heard, not obtainable
that the Labour of the Bee is about the Wax; and that in the beginning from certam
of May, Honey-Combs have been found empty of Honey; and within a Vegetables,
Fortnight, when the fweet Dews fall, fill'd like a Cellar. 'Tis probabie
that the Sap and Tears of fome Trees are fweet 8. Perhaps alfo fome Sweet
Fuices, fit for many Ufes, may be boiled out of Fruits, to the thickness of Honey
or Sugar. Let the means be enquired into. The likelieftMatters are Raifins,
Figs, Currans, &ib.
5. Some
There are feveral Particulars relating to this Subject, collected together in Boerhaave's Che-
mifiry.
f See the Article SUGAR.
As the Birch, the Sycamore, &c. See the Philofophical Tranſactions.
h To theſe may be added malted Corn, Nuts, Pulfe, and every other Vegetable capable
of being malted. What is the best way of reducing the fweet Subftance of thefe Commodi
ties to an actual Sugar? Let the common Method of making Segar from the Raw Juice be
tried. See the Article SUGAR. Confider of Plantations of Hips, Parsnips, Fennel, Maple,
and any other cheap Vegetable, that yields a faccharine Juice,
2:86
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
The Vegetables
that afford
Clothing, &c.
Three different
Kinds of
·Roots.
Some Tears of
Trees combed
from the
Beards of
Goats.
The way of
transpofing
exotick Roots.
Uncommon
the ancient
Cinnamon.
5. Some Plants are uſed for Raiment; as Hemp, Flax, Cotton, Nettles,
and growing Silk: they alfo make Cables of the Bark of the Lime-Tree
'Tis the Stalk that commonly makes the matter of the Thread; and fome-
times the Down that grows a-top i.
6. Some Plants have a moffy or downy Root; and fome have a number
of Threads, like Beards; as Mandrakes, whereof Impoftors make an ugly
Image, giving it a Face at the top, and leaving thefe Strings to make a
broad Beard down to the Foot. There is alfo a kind of Nard in Crete, ha-
ving a hairy Root. So that there are bulbous Roots, fibrous Roots, and hairy
Roots. In the bulbous, perhaps, the Sap haftens moſt to the Air and Sun :
but in the fibrous, delights more in the Earth; the hairy being a middle
Nature between both; that befides fhooting both upwards and down-
wards, puts forth in a round.
7. Some Tears of Trees are combed from the Beards of Goats: for
when the Goats bite and crop, eſpecially in the Morning Dews, the Tear
comes out and hangs upon their Beards. Of this fort is a kind of Labda-
num.
8. In order to remove foreign Roots to a great Diſtance, let them be
clofe packed in earthen Veffels. But if the Veffels be not very large, make
fome Holes in the bottom; to give refreſhment to the Roots, which other-
wife will decay and fuffocate.
k
9. The ancient Cinnamon was, of all Plants while it grew, the dryeft ;
Properties of and the Things known to comfort other Plants, made this more fteril; for
in Showers it profper'd worft: it alfo grew among Bufhes of other Kinds,
where Plants do not commonly thrive: neither did it love the Sun. There
might be one Cauſe of all thefe Effects; viz. the fparing Nouriſhment it
required. Quære, how far Caffia, which is now the fubftitute for Cinnamon,
participates of thefe Properties?
Large Vines
Ancients.
10. There were anciently Vines of much larger Bodies than we are
known to the acquainted with; fo that Cups, and an Image of Jupiter has been made
of them. But perhaps theſe were Wild-Vines; the Vines ufed for Wine,
being ſo often cut, dug and drefs'd, that their Sap goes into the Grapes;
whence the Stalk cannot increaſe much in Bulk m The Wood of Vines is
very durable, without rotting. And tho no Tree, while green, has fuch
brittle Twigs; yet the Wood dried is extremely tough: and was uſed by the
Roman Captains for their Cudgels.
Vines running
along the
Ground.
11. 'Tis reported, that in fome places, Vines are fuffer'd to grow like
Herbs, fpreading upon the Ground; and that the Grapes of thoſe Vines are
very
All the Vegetables fhould be enumerated that will bear the Hatchel.
The great apparent drynefs of the common Cinnamon has perhaps given occafion to ſuf-
pect that this fine Aromatic cannot, in England, be diftilled, for its Oil, to Advantage, But
thoſe who are skilful in the drawing of effential Oils, may find the contrary upon Trial.
Wherein did the ancient Cinnamon differ from the modern Caffia Lignea differs con-
fiderably from the preſent Cinnamon; particularly in abounding with a mucilaginous part;
which Cinnamon is without.
Is there not alſo an effential difference betwixt the two Species ?
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
2:87
as Hops,
very large. It were proper to try whether Plants ufually fuftain'd by Props,
will not bear larger Leaves and Fruits, if laid along the Ground;
Ivy, Woodbine, &c.
12. It is credibly reported, that to lay good ftore of Grape-ftones about The improve
the Root of a Vine, will make the Vine come earlier, and profper better n. ment of Viness.
This may be tried with other Kernels, laid about the Root of a Plant of the
fame kind; as Figs, Apples, &c. The Caufe may be, that the Kernels
attract the Juices fit to nourish the Tree, as thefe would be Trees them-
felves, if there were no Root; but the Root, being of greater Strength,
draws the Nouriſhment from them.
Fruit.
13. To preferve Quinces, Apples, &c. plunge them in Honey; but be- The means of
cauſe Honey may give them an over-luſcious Tafte, try Sugar, or Syrup of preserving.
Wine, boil'd to a due height. This ſhould likewiſe be tried in Oranges,
Lemmons, and Pomegranates. The Confervation of Fruit ſhould alſo be
tried in Veffels fill'd with fine Sand, or powder of Chalk; or in Flower;
the Duft of Oak-wood, &c. Fruits intended for long keeping, muſt be
gathered before they are full ripe; and in a fair dry Day, towards Noon;
the Wind blowing not South; the Moon being under the Earth; and in her
Decreaſe.
14. If Grapes be fufpended in an empty Veffel well ftopped, and fet in a To preferve:
dry place, 'tis faid they will keep long, but better, 'tis thought, in a Veffel Grapes.
half full of Wine; provided the Grapes do not touch the Wine. 'Tis re-
ported that preſerving the Stalk, helps to preferve the Grape; efpecially if
fome of the Stock be took off along with the Branches; or the Stalk be
put.
into the Pith of Elder; the Elder not touching the Fruit.
+
15. Some Herbs and Plants are good to eat raw; as Lettuce, Endive, What Plants
Purflane, Creffes, Cucumbers, Radiſh, &c. others only after they are are eſeulens.
boil'd; as Parfley, Clary, Afparagus, &c. but many Herbs are not efcu-
lent at all; as Wormwood, Grafs, Centaury, Hyffop, Lavender, &c.
The Herbs that are not efculent, want two Properties wherein Nouriſhment
confifts; viz. Fatnefs and Sweetness"; and have bitter and overſtrong
Taftes, or a Juice fo crude as not to be ripen'd to the degree of Nouriſhment.
Herbs and Plants that are efculent when raw, have a Fatnefs, or Sweetnefs;
fuch are Onions, Lettuce, &c. But it muſt be fuch a. Fatnefs as is not too
grofs,
Does it make the Vine profper better than any other Manure?
+
• This Syrup of Wine, I conceive, is made by boiling Wine to the Confiftence of a
Syrup; either with or without the addition of Sugar. The Remains after the Diſtillation of
Brandy may be thus treated to Advantage. But let the Operation be perform'd in Balneo
Maria; whereby an excellent Preparation will be obtained; of Service both in Food and
Phyfick.
Theſe are ſerviceable Methods of preferving either Fruits or Flowers.
a There are numerous Expedients of this Kind. The way in France is to hang the Grapes
in a dry Room upon Lines, fo that no two Bunches may touch: and thus they keep them long
moiſt, and tolerably fresh. This Method feems taken from that other of preferving them upon
the Vine; where they will hang long, if the Vine be houſed, or fecured from the injuries of the
Weather.
1.3
Let this be examined in the inductiveMethod, to fee if an Axiom can be form'd upon it.
288
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Plants are
nutrimental,
groſs, and overloading to the Stomach: for Parfnips and Leeks have Fat-
nefs; but it is too grofs and heavy without boiling. This Fatnefs muft
alfo be in a Subftance fomewhat tender; for Wheat, Barley, Arti-
choakes, &c. are no good Nouriſhment, till they have pafs'd the Fire ;
which ripens and makes them foft, tender, and efculent. Radiſh, Tarra-
gon, and the like, are rather for Sauce than Nouriſhment. And fome
Herbs, which are not efculent, are, however, potulent; as Hops, Broom, &c.
Quare, What Herbs are good for Drink, befides thefe two? For it may
eafe the Charge of Brewing, if they make Beer require lefs Malt, or render
it more durable £.
What parts of 16. The parts of Plants fit to nourish the Body are Seeds, Roots,
and Fruits; but chiefly Seeds and Roots. Leaves, Flowers, and Stalks,
yield little or no Nouriſhment. The Caufe is, that Roots, Seeds, and
Fruits have more of the oily Subſtance; and Leaves, Flowers and
Stalks, more of the watry. Again, they are more concocted; for the
Root which always continues in the Earth, is ftill concocted by the Earth;
and Fruits, and Grains, are half a Year, or more, in concocting; whereas
Leaves are out and perfect in a Month.
Why Some
Plants are
Stronger in the
Seed, and o-
thers in the
Root.
Fruits divided
into watry,
17. Plants are uſually ſtronger in their Seed, both to the Taſte and Smell,
than in the Leaf and Root. The Caufe is, that in Plants not of a fierce and
eager Spirit, the Virtue is increaſed by Concoction and Maturation, which is
always moft in the Seed; but in Plants of a fierce and eager Spirit, they
are ſtronger, whilft the Spirit is incloſed in the Root: and the Spirits do but
weaken and diffipate when they come to the Air and Sun; as we find in
Onions, Garlick, Dragon, &c. Nay, fome Plants have their Roots very
hot and aromatic, yet their Seeds rather infipid; as Ginger: the Heat of
thoſe Plants being very diffipable, which under the Earth is kept in ; but
exhales when it comes to the Air ".
18. The Juices of Fruits are either watry or oily. Among the watry come
all the Fruits that afford potable Liquors; as the Grape, the Apple, the
pily,and fweet. Pear, the Cherry, &c. And there are fome others, which, tho not ufed
for Drink, yet appear of the fame Nature; as Plumbs, Services, Mul-
berries, Rasberries, Oranges, Lemmons, &c. and thofe Juices that are too
fleſhy to make Drink by Expreffion, may do it by the admixture of Wa-
ter v. Perhaps Hips, and Briar-berries would do the like. The Fruits
that
The Brewers are faid to ufe Wormwood, Gentian, or. inftead of Hops; Treacle in-
ftead of Malt; and, to give an additional Strength, Grains of Paradife.
t This Matter requires a farther Enquiry, and Verification.
u See the Proceſſes relating to Vegetables, in Boerhaave's Chemistry.
Poculaq; admiftis imitantur vitea forbis.
V
Thefe are Intimations of confiderable Service. All kinds of Plumbs, thojever ſo hard and
Aeſhy; being bruiſed and mixed with Water, ferment kindly; and with Skill make tolerable
Wines. Hips are an excellent Fruit for this purpoſe: but Blackberries make a coarfe Wine;
tho a good Brandy. Certainly it were practicable to have Plantations of fuch Fruit
Trees in England, as fhould afford us Wines, equal in Goodneſs to thoſe of foreign Growth.
Some have tolerable Succefs with the Burgundy Grape; fome with the Morelli Cherry; fome
with
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
289
that have oily Juices, are Olives, Almonds, Nuts, Pine-apples, &c. and
their Juices are all inflammable «. Obferve likewife, that fome of the wa-
try Juices, after Fermentation, will burn and flame; as Wine. There is
a third kind of Fruit that is ſweet, without either ſharpneſs or oilineſs ſuch
as the Fig, the Date y, &c.
once in two
19. It has been noted, that moft Trees, eſpecially thofe that bear Maft, Why Maft.
are fruitful but once in two Years: the Caufe is, the Expence of Sap; for Trees bear but
Years.
Orchard Trees, well cultured, will bear feveral Years together z.
many
20. No Tree bears fo many baftard Fruits as the Oak: for befides the why the Oak
Acorn, it bears Galls, Oak-Apples, certain Oak-Nuts, which are inflam- bears many
mable; and certain Oak-Berries, fticking cloſe to the body of the Tree bastard Fruits.
without Stalk. It bears alfo Miffeltoe, tho rarely. The Cauſe of this
may be, the cloſeneſs and folidity of the Wood, and Pith of the Oak;
whence different Juices make different Eruptions. And therefore, to pro-
duce Super-plants, we must give the Sap a plentiful Rife, and a hard Iffue b.
room-like Ex-
21. There are two Excrefcences of Trees; both of them growing in the Two Mush-
Nature of Muſhrooms: the one the Romans call'd Boletus; which grows crescencies of
upon the Roots of Oaks, and was a Dainty of their Table; the other Trees.
is medicinal, and call'd Agarick, which grows upon the Oak; and is
alfo affirmed to grow at the Root. I conceive that many Excrefcences
of Trees grow chiefly where the Tree is dead, or faded: the Sap there
corrupting into fome preternatural Subſtance
22. Moft Trees bear beft on the lower Boughs; as Oaks, Figs, Walnuts, The Caufe of
Pears, &c. but fome bear beft on the top; as Crabs, &c. Thofe that Trees bearing
fome better
bear beſt below, are fuch as Shade befriends; for generally Fruit-Trees above, and
bear beſt below: becauſe the Sap has but a fhort way to go. But Shade fome beſt be-
hinders the lower Boughs; except in fuch Trees as delight in Shade, or low.
bear it well. Thoſe therefore are either ſtrong Trees, as the Oak; or have
large Leaves, as the Walnut and Fig; or elſe they grow pyramidal as the
Pear. But if they require much Sun, they bear beft on the top; as in
Crabs, Apples, Plumbs, &c.
V o L. III.
PP
23. Some
with the white Curran ; fome with the white Eder, &c. And, perhaps, by a proper Expedient
our better kinds of Cyder are convertible into Wines, not to be diſtinguiſhed from the beſt
Wines of France or Portugal, whether Red or White. See Mr. Austen's Treatise of Fruit-
Trees, the Vinetum Britannicum, Boerhaave's Chemiſtry, &c.
* The Plants that afford Oil fhould be diligently fought after; on account of their great
Utility. Confider of Beech-Maſt, the Sun-Flower-Seed, Muftard-Seed, &c. for this purpofe.
y Theſe alfo fhould be enumerated; as being not only Food, but capable of affording
Drink by Fermentation.
z Is this Cauſe juſtly affigned ?
a See above Sect. X. 18.
b If the Cauſe be juft; fo will the Rule: and obferve, in general, that the Discovery of
Caufes is the finding of Rules. This has been intimated more than once already; but the
importance of the thing may allow of a Repetition.
This Subject is touched above: See Sect. X. See alfo more to the fame purpoſe in the
Philofophical Tranfactions, N° 330.
This fhould feem to be meant of Wall-Trees, rather than Standards.
Is there not fome more latent Caufe of the Effect? See the French Memoirs, and Phi-
lofophical Tranſactions.
290
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
old.
Why ſome Trees 23. Some Trees bear beft when they begin to be old; as Almonds,
bear best when Pears, Vines, and all the Trees that yield Maft. The Caufe is, that all
Trees bearing Maft, have an oily Fruit; and young Trees a more watery
Juice, and lefs concocted: and of this kind is the Almond. The Pear
likewife, tho it be not oily, yet requires much Sap, and well concocted; for
'tis a heavy and folid Fruit; much more fo than Apples, Plumbs, &c. The
Vine bears more Grapes when it is young; but Grapes that make the beft
Wines, when it is old: the Juice being then better concocted. And we
fee Wine is inflammable; fo that it has a kind of Oilinefs: but moft Trees.
bear beſt when young.
Whence milky
Juices in
Plants.
Few red Juices
ip Plants.
Sweet Mefs.
Whence Hem-
24. Some Plants ouze out a Milk when cut; as Figs, Sow-thiftles,
Spurge, &c. The Caufe may be, a tendency to Putrefaction: for theſe
are all acrimonious; tho one would expect them mild. If you write upon
Paper with the Milk of the Fig-tree, the Letters will remain invifible till
the Paper be held to the Fire, and then they grow brown; which fhews
the Juice to be fharp or fretting. Lettuce is thought poiſonous, when fo
old as to have Milk; Spurge is a kind of Poifon in itfelf; and Sow-
thiſtles, the Rabbits eat them, yet Sheep and Cattle will not: beſides, the
Milk thereof rubbed upon Warts, foon wears them away; which fhews
the Milk to be corrofive. Wheat alfo, and other Corn, if taken from the
Ground before they fprout, are full of Milk; and the beginning of Germi-
nation is always a kind of Putrefaction. Euphorbium alfo contains a Mills,
tho not very white, but of a great Acrimony; and Celandine a yellow
acrimonious Milk, that cleanfes the Eyes, and is good in Cataracts º.
25. There is ſcarce a Plant that yields a red Juice in the Blade or Ear,
except that which affords the Sanguis Draconis; and grows chiefly in the
Ifland Socotra. The Herb Amaranthus, indeed, is red all over; and Brafil is
red in the Wood: fo is red Sanders. The Sanguis Draconis Tree grows in
the Form of a Sugar-loaf. Perhaps the Sap of that Plant concocts in the
Body of the Tree. For Grapes and Pomegranates are red in the Juice*,
but green in the Tear: and this makes the Sanguis Draconis Tree lefs to-
wards the Top; becauſe the Juice does not rife quick; and is, befides,
very aftringent, and therefore of flow Motion.
26. 'Tis faid, that fweet Mofs fometimes grows upon the Poplar as well
as the Apple-tree; and yet the Poplar-tree has a fmooth Bark, and little
Mofs. The Mofs of the Larix Tree, alfo burns fweet, and ſparkles in the
burning. Enquire about the Moffes of odoriferous Trees, as Cedar, Cyprefs,
Lignum-Aloes, &c.
27. Hemlock is noted for procuring the leaſt painful Death; and there
back procures fore, out of humanity, was uſed at Athens, for executing capital Offenders.
an eafy Death. The Poifon of the Afp has fome affinity with this Plant. The Caufe is;.
that the Torment of Death being chiefly produced by the ftruggle of the
Spirits;
e. On what Principle is the Confequence founded?
f Obſerve it particularly in Malting, where the Operation paffes wholly under the Eye
;
Compare this with the Account given of Vegetables in Boerhaave's Chemistry.
That is, upon Preſſure.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
291
F...
Spirits; the cold Vapours of theſe quench the Spirits by degrees; as in the
Death of an extreme old Man. I conceive it lefs painful than Opium;
becauſe Opium has hot Parts intermixed with it i.
28. Some Fruits are ſweet before they are ripe; as Myrobalans, Fennel- Why fome
feed, &c. fome never ripen to be fweet; as Tamarinds, Barberries, Fruits ripen
fweet, and o
Sloes, &c. The Caufe is, that the former have much fubtile Heat, which thers not
gives early Sweetness; whilft the latter have a cold and acid Juice, which
no heat of the Sun can fweeten. But the Myrobalan has Parts of contrary
Natures; being both ſweet and aftringent*.
1
29. Few Herbs have a falt Tafte; but the Blood of living Creatures is Why Some
faline. The Caufe may be hence, that Salt, tho the Rudiment of Life, Plants have a
faline Tafte.
yet the original Tafte does not remain in Plants; for we have them bitter,
four, fweet, biting, but feldom falt: whilft, in Animals, all thofe high
Taftes may happen to be in the Humours, but ſeldom in the Fleſh, or
Subſtance; this being of a more oily Nature, which is not very fufcepti-
ble of fuch Taftes. The Saltnefs of Blood is but a light and fecret
Saltnefs and even among Plants, fome participate of Saltnefs; as Sea-
weed, Samphire, Scurvy-grafs, &c. 'Tis certain, that out of the Aſhes
of all Plants a Salt is extracted for medicinal Ufe'.
30. Barley being fteeped three Days in Water, then drained and turned The Experi-
upon a dry Floor, will fprout half an Inch long; and if let alone with- ment of Malt-
ing to be ex-
out turning, it will ſhoot much more, till the heart be out. Wheat does tended.
the fame. Try it alſo with Peaſe and Beans m. This Experiment fhould
be driven farther: for it appears already, that the Earth is not neceffary to
the firſt ſprouting of Plants; and Roſe-buds ſet in Water will blow : there-
fore try whether the Sprouts of fuch Grains may not be raiſed to an Herb, or
Flower, with Water only, or ſome ſmall Commixture of Earth; for if they
may, it ſhould ſeem they will grow much faſter in Water than in Earth:
the Nouriſhment being eafier drawn out of Water, than out of Earth.
Try the fame Experiment with Roots as well as Grains: for example, fteep
a Turnip a-while, then dry it, and fee whether it will ſprout ".
31. Malt in the drenching will fwell, fo as, after fprouting and drying The Enquiry
upon the Kiln, to gain at leaſt a Bufhel in eight; yet the Sprouts are for introducing
Pp 2
rubbed Sweetness into
Bodies recom?2-
mended.
Tho the Defcription given of the ancient Hemlock by Diofcorides, may feem to agree
with ours; perhaps the two Plants differ greatly in Efficacy. 'Tis faid that feveral have eaten
of our Hemlock without any ill Effect. What affinity has the Oenanthe Cicuta facie with the
ancient Hemlock? See Wepfer upon the Subject.
* Let a nearer Approximation be made to the Cauſe.
1 See the Proceffes upon Vegetables in Boerhaave's Chemistry.
M
They do the fame.
n Here is a noble Direction given for the Application of the first part of the common Procefs
of Malting, to other vegetable Subjects: and how far this Experiment may be carried, and
to what Advantage, feems little apprehended. Is it not applicable to Nuts, Pulfe, and Roots,
as well as to all forts of Grain, even Rice, Millet, er?
a Method of Malting that hard and gummy Subftance,
fprout in the Ground; then drying it upon the Kiln.
634, or Numb. 142.
See, in the Philofophical Tranfactions,
Indian Wheat, by fuffering it first to
Lowth. Abridg. Vol. II. pag. 6:0-
292
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
¡Vby the Skin
rubbed off; and there will be a Bufhel of Duft, befides the Malt. This, I
fuppofe, happens not only from the loofe lying of the Parts, but from fome
addition of Subftance, drawn from the Water in which it was ſteeped. Malt
acquires a Sweetneſs in the Operation; as appears yet more in the Wort.
The Edulcoration of things ſhould be tried to the full; as tending to Nouriſh-
ment: and the making of things inalimental, to become alimental, may
be of great profit, in producing new kinds of Proviſion.
32. Moſt Seeds in growing leave their Hufk, or Rind, about the Root:
of the Onion but the Onion carrys it up; whence it appears like a Cap on the Top of
rifes.
the young Onion. The Caufe may be, that its Skin, or Huſk, is not
eaſy to break; as we fee, in peeling of Onions, the Skin is a clinging
Subftance.
Whence fome
Plants are
curled.
Fir and Pine
Sparkle in
breaking.
Why Some
Trees ftrike
deep Roots.
A Branch
33. Plants that have curled Leaves, abound with Moiſture; which comes.
ſo faſt on, that they cannot ſpread themſelves plain, but muſt needs col-
lect together. The weakest kind of Curling is Roughnefs; as in Clary
and Burr: the fecond is curling on the Sides; as in Lettuce, and young
Cabbage and the third is folding into an Head; as in Cabbage, full grown,
and Cabbage-lettuce.
34. 'Tis faid, that Fir and Pine, eſpecially if old and putrefied, tho
they ſhine not, as fome rotten Woods do; yet, in fudden breaking, will
fparkle like hard Sugar.
35 Some Roots of Trees ftrike deep into the Ground; as the Oak, Pine,
Fir, &c. fome fpread more towards the Surface; as the Afh, Cypress,
Olive, &c. The Caufe of this may be, that fuch Trees as love the Sun,
unwillingly defcend far into the Earth, and therefore commonly fhoot up
much; for, their Defire of approach to the Sun, makes them ſpread the
lefs in their Body. And the fame Reafon, to avoid Recefs from the
Sun, makes them fpread the more under Ground. And we fee that fome.
Trees, planted too deep in the Ground, to approach the Sun forfake their
firſt Root, and put out another nearer the Surface of the Earth. We fee
alfo, that the Olive is full of an oily Juice; the Afh makes the beft Fire,
and the Cypreſs is a hot Tree; but Oak loves the Earth, and therefore
grows flowly. Pine, and Fir likewife, have fo much Heat in themſelves,
that they the lefs require the Sun. There are Herbs alfo, that have the
fame Difference: thus the Morfus Diaboli ftrikes its Root down fo low, that
it cannot be plucked up without breaking.
36. A Branch of a Tree being unbarked at the Bottom, and ſo fet in the
growing that Ground, has grown; even in fuch Branches as would not have grown if fet
with
was bare at
the Bottom.
• Malfters have a Trick of Over-malting their Barley, in order to make it meaſure well:
but what additional Weight can they give it? or does it naturally acquire any in the Making?
P See above, § 18.
9 Here is a large Field of Enquiry opened, that reaches to the Subjects both of the Vegetable
and Animal Kingdom. The making of Malt and Sugar may ſerve as capital Inftances of
the kind, in Vegetable Matters, and, in Animal ones, the Method of converting folid
Bones into good Nouriſhment, is an Experiment by no Means attended to
deferves.
• Cannot a nearer Approximation be here made to the Cause?
as it
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
293
with the Bark on: and yet a Tree pared round in the Body above ground,
will die. The Cauſe may be, that the unbarked Part draws the Nouriſh-
ment beft; but the Bark continues it only.
Reed, or Cane.
37. The Reed, or Cane, is a fucculent Plant, that grows only in Wa- The Nature
ter: 'tis hollow; knuckled both Stalk and Root; and being dry, becomes and Ufe of the
more hard and brittle than other Wood: it puts forth no Boughs, tho many
Stalks from one Root. It differs greatly in Size; the ſmalleſt being fit for
thatching Houſes, and ftopping the Chinks of Ships better than Glew, or
Pitch. The fecond Size is ufed for Angle-rods, and Staves; and in China,
for beating Offenders upon the Thighs. The different Kinds of them are,
the common Reed, the Caffia Fistularis, and the Sugar-cane. Of all Plants,
it bows the eaſieſt, and riſes again. It feems, that of Plants nouriſhed with
a Mixture of Earth and Water, it draws moft Nouriſhment from Water;
which makes it the fmootheft of all others in Bark, and the holloweſt in
Body ".
tables.
38. The Sap of Trees is of different Natures: fome more watery and Different
clear, as that of the Vine, Birch, Pear, &c. fome thick, as that of the Juices in Vege
Apple; fome gummy, as the Cherry: fome frothy, as the Elm; ſome
milky, as the Fig. In Mulberries, the Sap ſeems to rife chiefly towards the
Bark; for if the Tree be cut a little into the Bark, the Sap will iffue; but
not if the Tree be pierced deeper. The Trees that have the moiſteſt Juices.
in their Fruit, have commonly the moifteft Sap in their Body: for Vines
and Pears are very moift; but Apples fomewhat more fpungy. The Milk
of the Fig has the Quality of Rennet, to coagulate Milk: fo have certain
four Herbs, wherewith they make Cheefe in Lent.
39. The Timber and Wood are, in fome Trees, more clean; and in The Differences.
others more knotty and it is proper to try it, by fpeaking at one End, in Timber.
and laying the Ear at the other for if the Tree be knotty, the Voice will
not paſs well. Some have the Veins more varied and chambletted; as Oak,
and Maple; others more fmooth; as Fir, and Wallnut: fome more eaſily
breed Worms, and Spiders; ſome more difficultly, as 'tis faid of Irish
Trees. There are many other Differences that concern their Ufe: thus
Oak, Cedar, and Cheftnut, are beft for building. Some are beft for Plough-
timber, as Aſh; fome for Piers, that are fometimes wet and fometimes
dry, as Elm; fome for Planchers, as Deal; fome for Tables, Cupboards,
and Deſks, as Wallnuts; fome for Ship-timber, as Oaks that grow in moift
Grounds; for this makes the Timber tough, and not apt to fhiver with
Ordnance wherein English and Irish Timber are thought to excel: fome for
Mafts of Ships, as Fir and Pine; becauſe of their Length, Straitneſs, and
Lightnefs; fome for Paling, as Oak; fome for Fewel, as Afh: and ſo of
the reſt ".
There are many Confiderations to this Purpoſe in the French Memoirs.
Let the other Species be enumerated.
What Certainty is there in this Conjecture?
&
40. The
▾ For an Account of the different Juices in different Parts of the fame, or different Vege.
tables, fee Boerhaave's Chemistry.
w Confult Mr. Evelyn's Sylva. See alſo the Acta Eruditorum, for the Year 1700,
pag. 163, exc.
294
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Different Trees
40. The Coming of Trees and Plants in certain Regions, and not in
delight in dif-others, is fometimes cafual; for many Trees have been tranfplanted, and
ferent Soils.
profpered well. Damafk-rofes have not been known in England above three
hundred Years; tho now fo common. But the thriving of Plants in certain
Soils more than in others, is merely natural. The Fir and the Pine, love
Mountains; the Poplar, Willow, Sallow, and Alder, love Rivers and
moiſt Places; the Afh loves Coppices, but is beft in Standards alone:
Juniper loves Chalk; fo do moft Fruit-trees: Samphire grows only upon
Rocks; Reeds and Ofiers, where they are waſhed with Water: the Vine,
loves the fides of Hills, to the South-eaft Sun", &c.
The Nature of
covered by the
41. The Growth of certain Herbs diſcovers the Nature of the Ground
the Soil dif- where they grow: thus wild Thyme fhews a good Feeding-ground for
Herbs it pro- Cattle; Betony and Strawberries, Grounds fit for Wood; Camomile de-
notes a mellow Ground, fit for Wheat; Muftard-feed, growing after the
Plough, fhews a ftrong Ground for Wheat: Burnet, a good Meadow; and
the like *.
duces.
More Super-
42. Other Plants, beſides Miſletoe, grow out of Trees. In Syria there is
plants befides an Herb called Caffytas, which, growing out of a tall Tree, winds itfelf
Milletoe.
about the Tree; and fometimes about Thorns: a kind of Polypody grows
out of Trees, tho it twines not: fo does an Herb called Faunos, upon the
wild Olive; and another, called Hippophafton, upon the Fuller's-thorn; and
is fuppofed good for the Falling-fickneſs .
Some Winds
and Weather,
pernicious to
Trees.
Snows ferti
43. It has been obferved, that the cold eafterly Winds are prejudicial
to Fruit; and that South Winds alfo are hurtful; efpecially in Blooming-
time; and the more, if followed by Showers. It ſhould feem, that they
call forth the Moiſture too faft. Weft Winds are the beft. It has alfo
been obferved, that green and open Winters prejudice Trees; fo that if
two or three fuch Winters come fucceffively, Almonds, and fome other
Trees, will die. The Caufe is, the Earth's exhaufting itſelf too faſt.
44. Snows lying long, caufe a fruitful Year: for, (1.) they keep in the
lize the Earth. ftrength of the Earth: (2.) they water the Earth better than Rain ; the
Earth fucking, as it were, the Water out of the Snow and (3) the
moiſture of Snow is the fineſt moiſture; as being the Froth of the Water-
clouds 2.
When Rain is
45. Showers falling a little before the ripening of Fruits, prove ferviceable
moft ſervice to all fuch as are fucculent and moiſt; viz. Vines, Olives, Pomegranates, &c.
able to Fruits. tho this rather produces plenty than goodneſs; for the beft Wines are
made in the drieft Vintages. Small Showers are likewife good for Corn,
if parching Heats come not upon them generally Night-fhowers are
better than Day-showers; becauſe the Sun follows not fo faft upon them:
and we find in watering by Hand, that 'tis beft, in Summer time, to
water in the Evening.
46. The
w Could not the phyfical Caufes of thefe Varieties be difcovered by proper Sets of Experi
ments, that ſhould manifeft the particular Nature of every Species ?
* All the juſt Obfervations of this kind, ſhould be carefully collected.
y Let all the Inſtances of this kind be produced. See above Sect. X.
Are there not other Cauſes affignable for the Effect? See Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold.
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
295
46. The differences of Earths fhould be diligently examined. The Earth The Differences
that eaſieſt ſoftens with Showers is commended; yet fome of that kind will of Soils.
be very dry and hard before Rain. The Earth that throws a great Clod
from the Plough, is not fo good as that which throws up a ſmaller. The
Earth that eafily produces Mofs, and may be called mouldy, is not good.
The Earth that ſmells well upon the digging, or ploughing, is commended;
as containing the Juice of Vegetables almoft ready prepared. Poornefs of
Herbs fhews poornefs of Earth; and eſpecially if they be dark in Colour:
but if the Herbs fhew withered, or blafted at the Top, it denotes the
Earth to be very cold; fo does the moffinefs of Trees. Earth where the
Grafs is foon parched with the Sun, is commonly forced, and barren in its
Nature. The tender, cheffom, and mellow Earth, is the beft; being
mere Mould, between the two Extremes of Clay and Sand; eſpecially if
not loamy and binding. The Earth that can ſcarce be ploughed after Rain,
is commonly fruitful; as being cleaving, and full of Juices.
1
47. 'Tis ftrange that Duft fhould make Trees more fruitful, and particu- Why Duſt fere
larly Vines; upon which they purpofely throw it. It fhould feem that this tilizes.
powdering, when a Shower comes, makes a kind of Soil to the Tree; be--
ing Earth and Water finely laid on: and 'tis obferved, that Countries
where the Fields and Ways are dufty, bear the beſt Vines.
tion.
48. 'Tis recommended, to lay the Stalks and Leaves of Lupins about Other Means
the Roots of Trees; or to plough them into the Ground where Corn is of Fertiliza-
fowed. To burn the Cuttings of Vines, and caft them upon Land, is very
good. And the Ancients generally conceived, it was beft to dung the Ground
when the Weft Wind blew, in the Decreaſe of the Moon; the Earth be-
ing then, perhaps, more thirfty and open, to receive the Dung*.
49. The Grafting of Vines upon Vines feems not now in Ufe; tho the The ancient
Ancients had it in three Ways: the first was Incifion, which is the ordinary Ways of Graf
ting the Vine.
manner of Grafting: the fecond was Terebration thro' the middle of the
Stock, and putting the Cion therein: and the third was, paring two Vines,
that grew together, to the Marrow, and binding them clofe .
Corn..
50. The Difeafes and Accidents of Corn fhould be enquired into; tho The Several
many of them, perhaps, are not to be remedied. (1.) Mildew is one of Difeafes of
the greateft, which proceeds from clofenefs of Air; whence it feldom hap-
pens in Hills, or large champain Ground. This cannot otherwife be re-
medied in Countries of fmall Encloſure, than by turning the Grounds into
larger Fields: which I have known to fucceed in fome Farms. (2.) The
Shooting up of wild Oats, into which Corn, efpecially Barley, is often faid to
degenerate. This happens chiefly from the weakneſs of the Grain fown
for
This is an intereſting Subject, that requires a rigorous, philofophical, and chemical
Treatment. Let the Analyfis of different Earths be made, by fimple Elixation, Evapora
tion, &c. See Mr, Evelyn's Terra.
a Have the fenfible Effects of particular Winds upon the Ground been carefully obſerved.
See the Author's Hiftory of Wind; and Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold.
None of theſe Ways are faid to be effectual; but Vines are eaſily raiſed from Stips.
But is there any affured Inftance of Wheat, or Barley, ever degenerating into Oats?
296
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Their Reme-
dies.
The Goodness
known.
for if it be either too cold, or mouldy, it will bring forth wild Oats.
(3.) The Satiety of the Ground; for if Ground be ftill fown with, the fame
Corn, the Crop will be poor: therefore, befides the giving reft to the
Ground, we muft vary the Seed. (4.) The ill Accidents proceeding from
Winds; which hurt, both at the flowering, by fhaking off the Flowers; and
at the full ripening, by fhaking out the Corn. (5.) Another ill Accident is
Drought, at the Spindling of the Corn; which with us is rare; but in hot
Countries common; infomuch that the Word Calamitas was firft derived
from Calamus; when the Corn could not get out of the Stalk. (6.) An-
other is Over-wet at Sowing-time; which, with us, breeds Dearth; the
Corn in this cafe never coming up and frequently they are forced to
fow Summer-corn again, where they fowed Winter-corn. (7.) Another
bad Accident is, where Frofts continue without Snow; eſpecially in the be-
ginning of the Winter, when the Seed is new fown. (8.) Another Diſeaſe
is Worms; which fometimes breed in the Root, upon hot Suns and Showers,
immediately after the Sowing. And a Worm breeds in the Ear itſelf; eſpecially
when hot Suns often break out of Clouds. (9.) Another Difeafe is Weeds;
fuch as either choke or over-fhadow the Corn, and bear it down, or ſtarve
and deceive it of Nouriſhment. (10.) Another is Rankness of the Corn;
which they remedy by mowing it after 'tis come up; or putting Sheep into
it. (11.) Another is, the Laying of Corn with great Rains, near, or in Har-
veſt. (12.) Another bad Accident is, if the Seed happen to have touched
Oil, or any fat Thing, which has a Contrariety with the Nouriſhment of
Water d.
51. The Remedies for the Diſeaſes of Corn, are, (1.) To fteep the Grain
before Sowing in Wine, for a-while. (2.) To mix Seed-corn with Afheș.
(3.) To fow at the Wane of the Moon, is thought to make the Corn found.
(4.) It has not been practiſed, but thought of Ufe, to make fome Mixture
in Corn; as to fow a few Beans with Wheat. (5.) It has been obferved,
that to fow Corn with Houſeleek is ſerviceable. (6.) Tho the Grain that
touches Oil or Fat, receives Hurt; yet the ſteeping of it in the Dregs of
Oil, when beginning to putrefy, which they call Amurca, is thought to de-
fend it againſt Worms. (7.) 'Tis reported, that to mow Corn makes the
Grain larger; but emptier, and more hufky.
52. Seed of a Year old is found beft; that of two or three Years old bad;
of Seed, how and that which is older, quite barren: tho fome Seed and Grains keep
better than others. The Corn which lies loweft in the Vanning, is the beſt:
and that which, when broken or bitten, retains a little yellownefs, is better
than that which is very white.
The Roots of
Sorrel ſtrike
deep.
53. Of all the Roots of Herbs, that of Sorrel is obferved to ſtrike the
deepeſt; infomuch as to defcend four Foot into the Earth: 'tis alſo the
largeſt
a The feveral Diſeaſes of Corn fhould be fought and defcribed, as fully and accurately
in the Natural Hiftory of Vegetation, as the Diſeaſes of the Body in the Art of Medicine.
Much Accuracy, many judicious Experiments, and an ample Stock of clofe Obfervations,
feem requifite to give the neceffary light of Information in this Matter; for forming Axioms,
and fure Rules of Practice. See the Philofophical Tranſactions; the French Memoirs; and the
German Ephemerides, paſſim.
2
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
297
Root that longeft continues fit for fetting again. 'Tis a cold acid
Herb, that feems to love the Earth, and is not much drawn by the
Sun.
54. Some Herbs thrive beft when watered with falt Water; viz. Radiſh, The watering
Beet, Rue, Penyroyal, &c. and this Trial fhould be extended to fome with falt Wa
other Herbs, eſpecially thofe that are ftrong; as Tarragon, Mustard, ter recom.
Rocket, and the like.
mended.
55. It feems ftrange, that poiſonous Creatures ſhould affect ſtrong- Why veno-
Smelling, and wholeſome Herbs; as, that the Snake fhould love Fennel; mous Crea-
the Toad delight under Sage; Frogs under Cinquefoil, &c. but, perhaps, tures delight
it is rather the Shade, or other Coverture that they affect, than the Virtue Herbs.
of the Herb.
in particular
certain Vege-
56. 'Twould be very advantageous to difcern of what Corn, Herbs, Prognofticks of
or Fruits, there is likely to be a Plenty, or Scarcity, by certain Signs and Flenty and
Prognofticks, at the beginning of the Year: becaufe fuch as would come Scarcity of
as 'tis related of tables.
in plenty, might be bargain'd for upon the Ground;
Thales; who, to fhew how eaſy it was for a Philofopher to be rich, when
he forefaw a great Plenty of Olives, made a Monopoly of them. And
for Scarcity, Men may make Profit in keeping the old Store. Long conti-
nuance of Snow, is thought to make a fruitful Year; and an early, or very
late Winter, a barren Year for Corn: an open and ferene Winter, an ill
Year of Fruit. Other Prognofticks of the like Nature, are diligently to be
enquired after f.
57. Great Profit may attend any confiderable Improvement in Vegetation: Probable Ex-
and with this View we would recommend the following Experiments.
(1.) The making of Compofts of fallen Leaves, River-mud, Earth, and
Chalk.
(2.) The inclofing of Earth, or ſheltering it from the Weather; to en,
rich it for Manure, or the yielding of Salt-petre.
(3.) The fetting of Wheat and Peafe, inftead of fowing or fcattering
them with the Hand.
(4.) The Improvement of Crops, by fteeping the Seed in proper faline
Liquors.
(5.) The early raifing of Peafe, Cherries, and Strawberries.
(6.) The ftrengthening of Earth; that it may yield frequent Returns of
Radishes, Parfnips, Turnips, &c.
(7.) The increafing the Roots of Onions, Carrots, Radishes, and others
of the efculent Kind.
(8.) The fowing the Seed of Trefoil.
(9.) The planting of Woad.
(10.) The planting of Tobacco.
(11.) Grafting upon the Boughs of old Trees:
(12.) The quick raifing of Coppices.
VOL. III.
Q q
(13.) The
See the
f The fure Way of obtaining this End, feems fomewhat flow and laborious, as depending
upon an exact Meteorological Hiftory; which is not, perhaps, at prefent, extant.
Author's Hiftory of Winds.
periments of
profit in Ve-
getables:
298
VEGETABLES and VEGETATION.
Peculiarities in
bles.
(13.) The planting of Ofiers in wet Ground.
(14.) The preferving of Oranges, Lemmons, Citrons, Pomegranates, all
the Summer.
(15.) The fowing of Fennel.
(16) The multiplying and dreffing of Artichoaks.
(17.) The fitting of Hay, Haws, Hips, Trefoil, Bramble-berries,
Woodbine, wild Thyme, &c. for brewing, inſtead of Malt; and the uſing
of Thiftles for Hopsz.
And there are numerous Particulars of the like kind.
58. Some Plants feem to have Singularities, or Particulars different from
Some Vegeta all others: the Olive has the oily Part only on the out-fide; whilft other
Fruits have it in the Nut or Kernel. The Fir has, in effect, no Stone,
Nut, or Kernel; unless its little Grains be accounted Kernels. The Pome-
granate, and Pine-apple, among other Fruits, have only Grains diftinct in
feveral Cells. No Herbs have curled Leaves but Cabbage, and Cabbage-
Lettuce h. None have double Leaves, one belonging to the Stalk, another
to the Fruit or Seed, but the Artichoak. No Flower has the fame kind
of Spread as the Woodbind. This is a large field of Contemplation; for
it fhews, that, in the Production of fome Species, there is frequently a
compofition of Matter that may be greatly diverfified; in others, a Com-
pofition that happens rarely, and admits of little Variety. So likewiſe,
among Beaſts; Dogs have a Reſemblance with Wolves and Foxes; Horſes
with Affes; Hares with Coneys, &c. So among Birds: Kites and Kestrels
have a Reſemblance to Hawks; common Doves to Ring-doves and Turtles;
Black-birds to Thrufhes; Crows to Ravens; Daws to Choughs, &c. But
Elephants, and Swine, among Beafts; the Bird of Paradife, and the
Peacock, among Birds, and fome few others, have fcarce any other Spe-
cies like them.
Conclufion.
59. We leave the Defcription of Plants and their Virtues to HERBALS, OF
the like Books of Natural History; wherein Men have fhewn great Dili-
gence, even to a degree of Curiofity: for our Experiments are only fuch as
conftantly tend to the DISCOVERY OF CAUSES, and the RAISING OF
AXIOMS. Tho we are not ignorant that fome, both ancient and modern
Writers, have alfo endeavoured to tread this Path: But, to fay the truth,
their CAUSES and AXIOMS, are full of Imagination; and fo infected with re-
ceived and current Theories, as, in reality, to corrupt Experience, and not
digeft and ripen it.
VENERY.
Here appear to be feveral uſeful Hints propofed, and a much greater number intimated.
if it were to the prefent Purpofe, we could offer feveral Confiderations, and a Set of Experi-
ments, that might add Light and Confirmation to thefe Thoughts. But that would carry us
100 far beyond the Defign of thefe Notes; which is not to execute, but merely to indicate.
b Confult the Botanifts for others.
The Subject of Vegetation has been confiderably cultivated fince the Time of our Au-
thor;
but ſeems ſtill capable of very great Improvement. It were needlefs here to refer to
the common Writers upon Agriculture, Horticulture, and Botany; few of theſe feem to have
underſtood the Meaning of the foregoing Enquiry; or beginning of a Natural and Experi-
mental
2
VENER Y.
299
I.
IT
VENER Y.
kens the Eves.
T has been obferved, that profufe Venery dims the Sight; yet Eu- Why profuse
nuchs alſo, are dim-fighted. The Caufe, in the former, is expence Venery wea
of Spirits; in the latter, over-moiſture of the Brain which thickens the
vifual Spirits, and obftructs their Paffage; as appears by the decay of Sight
in Age; where the Diminution alfo of the Spirits concurs as another Caufe.
Blindneſs likewife proceeds from Rheums and Cataracts. Now in Eunuchs,
there are all the Signs of Moifture; as fwelling of the Thighs, loofenefs of
the Belly, fmoothneſs of the Skin, &c.
2. The Pleaſure in Venery is the greateſt of fenfible Pleaſures; and im- Venery a fixth
properly compared to Itching; tho that alſo be pleaſing to the Touch. But Senfe.
the Caufe lies deep. All the Organs of the Senfes qualify the Motions of the
Spirits; and make fo many feveral Species of Motions, and Pleaſures or
Diſpleaſures, as there are Diverſities of Organs. The Inftruments of Sight,
Hearing, Tafte and Smell, are different in their Make; fo are the Parts of
Generation. Therefore Scaliger did well to conſtitute the Pleaſure of Genera-
tion a fixth Senfe. And if there were any other different Organs, and
qualified Perforations, for the Spirits to pafs; we fhould have more than
five Senfes. Perhaps fome Beaſts and Birds have Senſes that we have not;
and the very Scent of Dogs, is almoft a Senfe by itfelf. Again, the Plea-
fures of the Touch are greater and deeper than thofe of the other Senfes,
as we find in warming upon Cold, or cooling upon Heat: for as the Pain
of Touch is greater than the Offences of the other Senfes; fo are the
Pleafures. 'Tis true, the affecting of the Spirits immediately, and as in
were without an Organ, gives the greateſt Pleafure. This happens but in
two things; fweet Odours and Wine. We fee the great and fudden Effect of
Odours, in recovering Perfons that faint: and 'tis certain, that the Pleaſure
of Drunkenneſs comes next to the Pleaſure of Venus. Great Joys, likewife,
make the Spirits move and touch themſelves; and the Pleaſure in Venery
is fomewhat of the fame kind.
m
3. It has been always obferved, that Men are more inclined to Venery in Why Men are
the Winter, and Women in the Summer : for the Spirits in a Body more most given to
hot and dry, as thofe of Men, are by the Summer more exhaled; Venery in the
and in Winter more condenfed: but in cold and moift Bodies, as thofe
of Women, the Summer cheriſhes the Spirits, and excites them; whereas
Q9 2
the
mental Hiftory of Vegetation; with a View to the Difcovery of Caufes and Axioms. Thofe
who defire to continue the Defign, may do well to confult the Philofophical Tranfactions; the
French Memoirs; the German Ephemerides; Malpighi, and Dr. Grew's Anatomy of Plants :
Mr. Evelyn's Pomona, Sylva, & Terra; Boerhaave's Chemistry; and Mr. Hales's Vegetable
Staticks. But the Plan of the whole Deſign fhould be enlarged, by the Addition of a Set of
new Titles; and many new Sets of Experiments, relating to, (1.) The Analysis of Plants.
(2.) The Improvement of Timber. (3.) The Ufes of Fruits for making Drinks, and Wines.
(4.) The best Ways of treating Vegetables for Food, Phyfick, Clothing, Building, Shipping,
Ul. &c.
* See Jacob Thomafius de Senfu fexto ; fivc Titillatione Venerea.
1 See Mr. Boyle upon Effluvia.
Is this Obfervation verified?
Winter.
300
VISION.
of Vinegar.
Why Globes
the Winter dulls them. To abftain or intermit the uſe of Venery in moiſt
and well habited Bodies, breeds many Difeafes; particularly dangerous Im-
poftumations. The Reafon is evident; there being a fuppreffion of a princi-
pal Evacuation; efpecially of the Spirits: for which, there is fcarce any
Evacuation, but in Venery, and Exercife. Whence the Omiffion of either of
them caufes all the Diſeaſes of Repletion". See the Article TITILLATION.
VINEGAR.
•
The turning of Wine to Vinegar, is a kind of Putrefaction" and in ma-
king of Vinegar, they fet Veffels of Wine to the noon Sun; which calls
out the more oily Spirits, and leaves the Liquors four and hard. So, burnt
Wine is more hard and aftringent than Wine unburnt. 'Tis faid, that Cy-
der ripens in croffing the Line; when Wine or Beer turns four. Set a Rund-
let of Verjuice to the Sun in Summer, as they do Vinegar, to fee whether
it will ripen and fweeten .
VISION.
1. All Globes appear flat afar off for Diftance, being a fecondary Ob-
appear flat at ject of the Sight, is not otherwife perceived, than by more or lefs Light;
• Diſtance.
which difparity, when it cannot be diſcern'd, all feems one: as it generally
is in Objects not diftinctly feen. So, Letters, if by reafon of the Diſtance,
they cannot be difcern'd, fhew but as a duskiſh Paper: whilſt all Engra-
vings and Emboffings appear plain at fome Diſtance. See the Article
SOUND. Sect. XX.
2. Both
The lighter part of this Subject has been confidered, with great Curiofity, by certain Au-
thors, but in its grave phyfical Part by few. A proper Hiftory of the venereal Act requires a
fober and careful Writer; well verfed in phyfical Anatomy, the Natural Hiflory of Animals,
and Phyfick.
n It may be called a real Putrefaction; allowing that word to ftand for a Change of one
Body into another, of very different Properties; but let the common acceptation be guarded
against, which denotes rather the Corruption and Deftruction of a Thing, or its becoming un-
fit for certain Ufes. This is not the Philoſophical Senſe of the Word.
mistry, in the Chapter of Fermentation, vinous and acetous.
See Boerhaave's Che-
The Hiftory of Vinegar requires many curious Experiments, that might open a new Scene in
Natural Philofophy. It would certainly point out an uncommon Doctrine, with regard to
Tranfmutations. But I know not how, it feems in a manner to be overlook'd by the generality
of Philofophers: tho it must be allow'd that Glauber, Becher, and Stahl have fome original Expe-
riments for difclofing its Nature. And Boerhaave in his Chemistry, has collected together
But the Subject enfolds many Mysteries,
many Particulars from other Authors, relating to it.
that require a ftrict Philofophical Search; able to inform the Vinegar-maker; and teach him
much shorter and more profitable ways of working. For Vinegar may be made from nume-
rous cheap Materials, in a very fmall compafs of Time; without depending upon the Sun;
which is exceſſively tedious, and without the uſe of Rape, &c. And it is ſtrange the Che
mists, and thoſe who prepare large quantities of Saccharum Saturni, which requires a large pro-
portion of diftill'd Vinegar, fhould not be acquainted with thefe gainful Methods. The Che-
mifts may, if they pleaſe, prepare their Vinegar, for this purpoſe, from Treacle and Water; in a
few days time. See the Articles MATURATION and SUGAR.
P Confult the Writers of Opticks upon this Head; and Mr. Berkley's Dialogues of Vifion.
VISION.
301
1
2. Both Eyes move the fame way for when one Eye moves to the No- Why both Eyes
ftril, the other moves from the Noftril. The Caufe is Motion of Confent; move the fame
which is ftrong in the Spirits, and ſpiritual Parts: yet Ufe will induce the way.
contrary; for fome can squint when they will: and the common Tradition
is, that if Children be fet upon a Table with a Candle behind them, both
Eyes will move outwards; as affecting to fee the Light; and fo caufe
fquinting
3. We fee more exquifitely with one Eye fhut, than with both; becauſe why one Eye
the vital Spirits thus unite themſelves the more, and become the ftronger. fees ftronger
For we may find by looking in a Glafs, whilft we fhut one Eye, that the than two.
Pupil of the other dilates.
4. If the viſual Rays meet not in one Angle, the Eyes fee double; for The Cauſe of
feeing two Things, and feeing one Thing twice, works the fame Effect: double Vision,
and therefore a little Pellet held between two Fingers laid a-crofs, feels
double.
5. Pore-blind Men fee beft in a dim Light; have their Sight ſtronger Why pore
blind Men fee
near hand; and can read and write fmaller than thoſe who are not pore-
well near
blind: Becauſe the vifual Spirits, in the pore-blind, are thinner and rarer hand.
than in others; and therefore the greater Light difperfes them. For the
fame reaſon they need contracting; but being contracted, they are more
ſtrong than the viſual Spirits of ordinary Eyes; as when we fee thro' a Level,
the Sight is ftronger: fo it is when we gather the Eye- lids fomewhat clofe:
and 'tis common for thofe that are pore-blind to gather the Eye-lids. But
old Men, when they would read, hold the Paper at fome Diſtance;
for the viſual Spirits of old Men unite not, but when the Object is at fome
diſtance from their Eyes .
Eye is fhaded,
6. When Men look towards the Sun, or a Candle, they fee better by Why Vision i
putting their Hand a little before the Eyes; for the glaring of the Light, beft, when the
weakens the Eye: whereas the Light diffuſed abroad is fufficient for Vifion;
too much Light making the Eyes dazzle; and a perpetual looking againſt
the Sun would caufe Blindnefs. Again, upon coming out of a great Light
into the Dark; and coming out of the Dark into the Light, Men feem to
have a Miſt before their Eyes; and fee worſe than after they have ſtayed a
little while, either in the Light, or in the Dark: for the viſual Spirits are,
upon a fudden Change, diſturbed and put out of order; and till recollected,
do not perform their Function well when they are much dilated by Light,
they
9 There feems to be Truth in this common Obfervation; infomuch that if Children are
placed in the Cradle, where the Light comes fidewife, it is found to make them fquint. And
the Cure is effected by a proper Contrivance to make them look right before; that the Rays
of Light may ſtrike the Pupilla perpendicularly.
Do not Objects to fome People, appear alfo confiderably larger, when they ufe one Eye,
than when they uſe both? And what is the phyfical Reafon thereof?
Opticians now generally explain thefe Matters in a Mathematical manner; making the
vifual Rays, or Rays of Light to be Lines; the Humours of the Eye a kind of Glaffes; and
the Retina, or Expanfion of the Optic Nerve at the bottom of the Eye, the Seat or Canvas
of a miniature Picture thus produced, refembling the original Object. But to difcover the.
efficient Cauſe and Manner of Vifion, requires a more phyfical Search.
302
VISION.
Why the Eyes
Anger.
they cannot contract fuddenly; and when much contracted by Darknefs;
they cannot dilate fuddenly. And excefs both of Contraction and Dilatation,
if long continued, deftroys the Organ. For as long looking againſt the
Sun, hurts the Eye by Dilatation; fo Miniature Painting, and the reading
of fmall Letters, hurt it by Contraction.
:
7. It has been obſerved, that in Anger the Eyes become red; and in
become red in blufhing, not the Eyes, but the Ears, and parts behind them. The Cauſe
is, that in Anger, the Spirits afcend and grow brisk; which is eafily feen
in the Eyes, that are transparent; tho withal it makes both the Cheeks
and Throat red and in blufhing, the Spirits afcend to fuccour both the
Eyes and the Face, which are the parts that labour: but then they are re-
pulfed by the Eyes, becauſe the Eyes in fhame put back the Spirits that
afcend to them; as unwilling to look abroad: for all Men in that Paffion
appear dejectedly; and this repulfe from the Eyes, diverts the Spirits and
Heat more to the Ears, and parts adjacent ".
Why the fight
has no difa-
8. The Objects of Sight, tho they may caufe a great Pleaſure, yet give no
Pain, or great Offence, unlefs by Memory. The play of Diamonds that
greeable Object. ftrike the Eye; Indian Feathers of curious Colours; the coming into a fine
Garden, or Room richly furniſh'd; a beautiful Perfon, &c. greatly de-
light and exhilerate the Spirits. The Reafon why the Effect holds not in
giving Offence, is, that the Sight, being the moſt ſpiritual of the Senfes,
has no Object grofs enough to offend it. But the principal Caufe is, that
there are no active Objects to offend the Eyes. Harmonical Sounds, and
Difcords, are both active and pofitive; fo are good and bad Odours; bitter
and ſweet Taſtes; too great Heat and Cold to the Touch ; but Blackneſs
and Darkneſs are Privatives; and therefore have little or no activity. How-
ever, they do fomewhat fadden the Mind; tho very little. See the Article
SENSES.
How Objects 9. Light by Refraction fhews Objects larger, as well as colour'd: for
appear by Re as a Shilling at the bottom of Water appears larger, fo will a Candle in
fraction. a Lanthorn under Water. I have heard that Glow-worms, included in
Glaffes, are put into Water to make the Fiſh come together: but whether
a Diver having his Eyes open, and fwimming upon his Back, fees Things
in the Air, greater or lefs, I am not certain. 'Tis manifeft, when the Eye
is in the finer Medium, and the Object in the groffer, Things appear lar-
ger; but when the Eye is in the groffer Medium, and the Object in the fi-
ner, the Experiment remains to be tried ".
Refractions to
be tried after
Reflections.
10. It fhould be well examin'd whether great Refractions may not be
made upon Reflections; as well as upon direct Rays. For Example, if you
put a Shilling into an empty Bafon, then go fo far from the Bafon, that
you cannot fee the Shilling; if the Bafon be now fill'd with Water, you
will
But the Eye is found to dilate and gradually accommodate itſelf to a fmall degree of
Light, or what is commonly called Darkneſs; whence Men have been able to fee fmall Ob.
jects in dark Dungeons.
See the Article PASSIONS.
น
See Sir Isaac Newton's Opticks, paſſim.
!
WATER.
303
will fee the Shilling out of its place. Therefore, put a Looking-glafs
into a Bafon of Water; and I fuppofe you will not fee the Image in a right
Line, or at equal Angles, but on one fide. Perhaps this Experiment might
be fo extended, that one ſhould fee the Image, and not the Glaſs; which
would feem ftrange for then the Image would appear like a Phantom in
the Air. For Example, place fome ftrange Picture over a Ciſtern of
Water; fo that you may not fee the Water: then put a Looking-glafs into
the Water; and now if you can fee the Picture afide, without feeing the
Water; it would appear very furprizing. They have an old Tale in Oxford,
that Friar Bacon walk'd between two Steeples: which was thought to be
done by Glaffes; whilft he walked upon the Ground
ULCER S.
W
'Tis noted by the Ancients, that in grofs or impure Bodies, Ulcers in The Cure in
the Legs are hard to cure; but in the Head more eafy for Ulcers in the ſome Ulcers,
Legs require Deficcation, which the defluxion of Humours to the lower
Parts hinders; whereas Ulcers in the Head require it not. And in modern
Obfervation, the like Difference has been found between Frenchmen and
Engliſhmen; the Conftitution of the one being more dry, and of the other
more moiſt: whence, a Wound in the Head of a Frenchman, but in the Leg
of an Englishman is harder to cure x. See the Articles SWELLINGS and
WOUNDS.
W
WATER.
Ater looks blacker when moved, and whiter when at reft. Becauſe, by Why Water
reafon of the Motion, the Rays of Light pafs not direct; as they do looks black
when the Water is at reft. Befides, Splendor has a degree of whitenefs; efpe- when moved,
cially if there be a little Repercuffion for a Looking-glafs with the Foil be-
hind, looks larger than a bare Glafs y. This Experiment deferves to be
carried farther, in difcovering by what means Motion may hinder Sight z.
2. 'Tis a Thing of great Ufe to difcover the goodneſs of Waters. The Trials to dif
Tafte, to fuch as drink Water only, may do fomewhat but other Expe- cover the good-
riments nefs of Water,
w There are many Curiofities of this kind practicable, from a commanding Knowledge in
Opticks, and the Properties of Glaffes, varioufly figured, difpofed and combined. See the
Writers upon Opticks, Dioptricks and Catoptricks; and confider of the proper Combinations
for the purpoſe.
* The Enquiry how far the Effects of Climate and Conftitution reach in accelerating or re-
tarding the Cures of Difeafes, feems not duly profecuted. Perhaps the Remedies proper for
a Diſeaſe in one Country, may fometimes prove pernicious in another; as feems to be the Cafe
of Lime-water, uſed in England and France. See Memoir. de l'Acad. An. 1700.
y Do not all Bodies that reflect Light ſtrongly, look larger than thofe that reflect it weakly ?
And is not this owing to the diffufive, or fpreading Nature of Light, throwing itfelf out every
way?
As by great Velocity, Unfteadineſs, or.
304
WATE R.
Flow Water
riments are more fure. (1.) Try Waters by weight; wherein you may
find fome difference; and account the lighter the better. (2.) Try them
by boiling upon an equal Fire: and that which confumes faſteſt ac-
count the beft. (3.) Try them in feveral open Veffels of equal fize; to fee
which lafts longeft, without Stench or Corruption: And that which keeps
longeſt unputrefied, account the beft. (4.) Try them by making Drinks
ſtronger or fmaller, with the fame quantity of Malt; and conclude that the
Water which makes the ftronger Drink, is more concocted and nouriſhing;
tho perhaps it be not fo good for medicinal Ufe. And fuch commonly is
the Water of large navigable Rivers; and large and clean ftagnant Ponds :
upon both which the Sun has more power, than upon Fountains or fmall
Rivers. And I conceive that Chalk-Water is next to theſe the beſt, for going
far in Drink as this alfo helps Concoction; if drawn out of a deep Well;
which thus cures the rawness of the Water: but chalky Water, towards
the top of the Earth, is too fretting; as appears in the Laundry: for Linens
wafh'd with fuch Waters, wear out apace. (5.) The good Houfe-wives
find a difference in Waters for bearing or not bearing of Soap and 'tis like-
ly that the fat Water will bear Soap beft; for hungry Water kills the unctuous
Nature of the Soap. (6.) Judgment may be made of Waters according to
the place from whence they fpring or come: Rain-water is by Phyficians.
eſteemed the fineft and beft; yet it is faid to putrefy foonefta: which is like-
ly, becauſe of the fineness of the Spirit and in Confervatories of Rain-water,
'tis not found excellent; the worſe perhaps, becauſe they are cover'd above,
and kept from the Sun. Snow-water is held unwholefome; infomuch that
the Inhabitants at the foot of Snow-Mountains, by drinking of Snow-water,
have great Bags under their Throats. Well-water, except it be upon Chalk,
or a very plentiful Spring, makes Meat red; which is an ill fign. Springs on
the tops of high Hills are the beſt becauſe they ſeem to have a Lightness;
and are more pure and unmixed, and better percolated thro' a great ſpace of
Earth. For Waters of Valleys, in effect, join under Ground, with all Waters
of the fame Level; whereas Springs on the tops of Hills, paſs thro' a deal
of pure Earth, with lefs mixture of other Waters. (7.) Judgment may be
made of Waters by the Soil, whereon they run; as that upon Pebble is
the cleaneft and beft tafted; next, that upon Clay; thirdly, that up-
on Chalk Fourthly, that upon Sand; and the worst of all is that upon
Mud. Nor fhould we truft to Waters that tafte fweet; for they are
commonly found in rifing Grounds of great Cities, and muft needs receive
much Filth".
Water being contiguous to Air, cools, but does not moiſten it; except
3.
the Water evaporates; for Heat and Cold have a virtual Transition, without Cem-
contiguous Air. munication of Substance; but Moisture not: and all Madefaction requires an
operates upon
Imbibition
a Is that Rain Water apt to corrupt, which has by ftanding depofited its Sediment, not in
a Wooden, but a clean Glaſs or Stone Veffel; and been drawn off pure into another Veſſel of
the fame kind?
b This Subject of Water has been in fome meaſure profecuted by Mr. Boyle; and fince by
Dr. Hoffman in a great variety of judicious Experiments. See his New Experiments and Ob
fervations upon Mineral Waters; and Dr. Boerhaave's Chapter of Water, in his Chemistry,
WINE.
305
Imbibition. But where the Bodies are of fuch different Gravities as not to
mix; there can follow no Imbibition. Whence Oil lyes on the top of the
Water, without commixture and a drop of Water running ſwiftly over a
Straw or other ſmooth Body, does not wet it. See the Article AIR.
WEATHER.
ters.
'Tis an Obſervation among Country People, that plentiful Years of A prognoftick
Haws commonly portend cold Winters. They afcribe it to Providence, of hard Win-
that reaches even to the falling of a Sparrow; and much more to the pre-
ſervation of Birds in fuch Seafons. The Natural Caufe may be the want of
Heat, and abundance of Moiſture, in the preceding Summer, which puts
forth theſe Fruits, and muſt needs leave a great quantity of cold Vapours
undiffipated; and thus produces the Cold of the following Winter 4.
the Article DIVINATION.
WINDS.
See
Mens Bodies are heavier, and lefs difpofed to Motion, when Southern The Changes
Winds blow, than when Northern for when the Southern Winds blow, in the Body
the Humours, in a manner, melt, grow fluid, and fo flow into the Parts; from Winds.
as we fee in Wood, and other Bodies; which fwell with a South Wind.
Befides, the Motion and Activity of the Body confift chiefly in the Nerves.
and Sinews; which relax with a Southern Wind c.
WINE.
1. 'Tis faid they have a way of preparing their Greek Wines, fo as to The Corrections
keep them from fuming and inebriating, by adding Sulphur, or Alum; of Wine re-
whereof the one is unctuous, and the other aftringent. And indeed thofe commended.
two Natures beft reprefs Fumes. This Experiment fhould be transfer'd
to other Wine, and ftrong Beer, by putting the like Subftances to the fer
menting Liquor; which may make them both furne and inflame the leſs f.
-
2. The ufe of Wine is hurtful in dry and emaciated Bodies; but in moift The power of
and full Habits beneficial. For the Spirits of the Wine prey upon the ra- wine.
dical Moisture, as they term it, of the Body; and fo defraud the animal
Spirits. But where there is Moiſture fufficient or fuperfluous, Wine helps to
digeft, and dry it up.
VOL. III.
Rr
WOUNDS.
Is this Effect wholly owing to a difference in the Gravity of the Bodies See Boerhaave's.
Chapter of Menftruums,
See the Author's Hiftory of Winds.
* See the Author's Hiſtory of Life and Death, and Hiftory of Winds.
f Does the way of correcting the Greek Wines here mentioned, turn upon the uſe of Sul-
phur, or Alum in Subftance; or in Fume, or acid Spirit? The ufe of burning Brimstone in the
way of Match, as the Wine-Coopers call it, is common, and of very extraordinary Efficacy;
tho overlook'd by Philofophers. And the beneficial ufe of the acid Spirit of Salphur, or Alum,,
is a fecret in Wines, that lies in few Hands. The Natural, and Experimental History of Wine's
is greatly wanted; as well for the improvement of Philofophy, as the Service of ordinary Life,
See the Article SUGAR.
There is wanting a folid Account of the Virtues and Ufes of Wines; to be drawn from.
Experience and Obfervation; without indulging Levities, or running out into Encomium.or
Invective.
308
YAWNING.
Wounds to be
treated with
Brass Inftru-
ments.
Wounds how
beft healed.
Dangerous to
pick the Ear in
Yawning.
WOUNDS.
1. 'Tis noted, by the Ancients, that Wounds made with Brafs, heal eafier
than thofe made with Iron: for Brafs has a healing Virtue; whereas Iron is
corrofive. It were therefore proper, to have chirurgical Inftruments made
of Brafs, rather than Iron ".
2. 'Tis obferved that a Sheep-fkin newly pulled off, or Whites of Eggs
applied to Wounds, will keep them from fwelling or exulcerating; and
heal them. The Caufe is a temperate Conglutination; for both theſe Bodies
are viscous, and reftrain the Flux of Humours to the Part, without penning
them in ¹. See the Articles SWELLINGS, and ULCERS.
YAWNING.
T has been noted dangerous, to pick the Ear whilſt one yawns: for in
Yawning, the inner part of the Ear is extended, by drawing in the
Breath; as both in Yawning and Sighing, the Breath is firft ftrongly drawn
in, and then ſtrongly expelled *.
INSTAU-
b Is the ancient Obſervation juſt, upon which this Direction is founded? For the medi-
cinal Virtues of the feveral Metals, fee Boerhaave's Chemistry, under the Proceffes upon
Metals.
i The Method of curing Wounds by the first Intention, has not been diligently profecuted ;
but rather meets with Oppofition.
* Let a nearer Approximation be made to the Caufe; if the Fact be fufficiently
verified.
End of the SYLVA SYLVARU M.
INSTAURATION
PART IV.
Rra
SCALA INTELLECTUS:
OR, THE
Progress of the Underſtanding
I N
PHILOSOPHICAL ENQUIRIES:
SHEWING, BY
EXAMPLES,
The METHOD of Employing the
Materials of the SYLVA SYLVARUM;
And Illuftrating the
Rules and Directions of the NOVUM ORGANUM,
For Building a
SOUND PHILOSOPHY,
By the MEANS of
PARTICULAR HISTORIE S.
311
{
PREFACE.
T
HE Author appears to have published nothing with a
direct and immediate View to the fourth Part of his
INSTAURATION. The Defign of that Part was
to contain a competent Set of Examples, or Models, for
working with the Mind, in philofophical Subjects, according to the
genuine Laws of Induction; intimated, and, in fome meaſure, ex-
plained, in the Novum Organum. We are, therefore, to understand
the following Pieces of Life and Death, &c. not as Examples of a genuine
Induction; but as mixed Writings, which deliver Matter of Natural
Hiftory, in a Method approaching to that of Induction; but frequently
interrupted by large Obfervations, Admonitions, and Directions. In-
deed it should feem, that the Author defigned to have digeſted and im-
proved all the Matters collected in his Sylva Sylvarum, after the
manner of thefe Examples; in order to facilitate the Buſineſs of frict
Induction, that was to follow in the intended fourth Part of the
INSTAURATION; the perfecting whereof belonged to the fixth.
In the room, therefore, of the intended Set of more rigorous induc-
tive Hiftories, are here fubftituted a fomewhat loofer kind; of the
fame general Nature, Method, and Tendency. And perhaps the Au-
thor might find, that the imperfect State of Philofophy in his Time,
could fearce, to advantage, allow of a more rigorous Induction, with-
out launching into mathematical or metaphyfical Confiderations,
which would have been deviating from his Purpose. At least, be feems
to have chofe, if not the most strict, yet the most inftructive Me-
thod of Inductive Hiftory; whereby the fucceeding Philofophers might.
be directed how to conduct and profecute Enquiries in the more per-
fect manner; and gradually proceed to Axioms, and capital Rules
of Practice.
INTRO
3:3
INTRODUCTION®.
મ્ય
1.
T
View to free
HEY who have not acquiefced in the Doctrines and Pofi- The Author's
tions of the Ancients, whether from a Firmness of Mind, and restore the
as is fometimes the Cafe; or from a Levity of Temper, Senfes.
which more frequently happens; generally defend their
procedure with this Argument; that tho they relinquish Antiquity, yet
they produce fuch Things of their own as are perfectly agreeable to Senfc:
and that if other Men were not awed by Authority, and durft truſt to them-
felves, they would eafily come over to this fide. But for our own part, we
neither offer Violence to the Senfes by Contradiction, nor deſtroy them by
Abſtraction; but have fupplied them with a much larger Fund of Matter than
others. We wou'd correct their Errors by various Adminiftrations, enlarge
their Powers, improve their Judgment, condemn their Illufions, and by
bringing Reaſon into a due Frame, confirm, ftrengthen, and guard them;
thus endeavouring to perform what others only profefs; and really defend,
confirm and improve the Senfes : the Tendency of our whole Philoſophy
being little more than to free and reſtore them
2. Yet we promife ourſelves no great Influence upon the Belief of Men;
Tet expects no
becauſe our Method agrees with none of thofe that have gone before us; but great Credit.
proceeds quite contrary thereto. For they who before us,being fick of the Doc-
trine of the Ancients, applied to Senfe and Experience, as to a thing almoſt en-
tirely new; have, generally, at firft made fome Enquiries with Vigour and
Refolution, under the Conduct of the Senfes; and feized upon thofe Things
which feem'd to them of a more general Nature and from fuch detach'd
Parcels of Experiments they immediately proceeded to form Theories; and
thus philofophized by ſtarts, with narrow Views; and judged of all Things by
a few.
ing has gain'd
3. This imperfect Method of philofophizing is, however, often fuccefs- Which the im-
ful, in gaining Credit, from the narrowness of the Mind, which is princi- perfect Method
pally moved by fuch Things as ftrike and enter it at once; and being defi- of philosophiz-
rous of acquiefcing in fome one Thing, either neglects all the reft; or elfe, in
a certain imperceptible manner, fuppofes that all Things elfe are correfpon-
dent to thofe few which naturally fill and diftend the Imagination.
VOL. III.
Sf
4. We,
a The following Introduction to the fourth Part of the INSTAURATION, is collected from
certain fcatter'd Fragments in the Scripta, publiſhed by Gruter.
See the Novum Organum, Part II.
314
INTRODUCTION.
The Metbod
choſe by the
utker.
The Opinion
4. We, on the contrary, who defire to introduce not handfuls of Experi
ments, or little detached Systems of Things; but the whole Univerſe with its
Works, as formed by the great Creator; and aim to pronounce according to the
Truth and Reſult of Things; fcarce know which way to turn ourſelves, or on
what fide to follicit our entrance into the Mind, and gain a Credit to what we
are about. For the Things we have to offer go deeper than Notions; and
ſpread wider than partial Experiments. Whence it muft neceffarily happen,
that the greateſt part of what we deliver will not fatisfy the over-hafty and
quick Apprehenfions of Senfe; to which fome of our Doctrines will appear
hard and incredible, almoſt like Points of Religion. For the Senfes cer-
tainly deceive us; tho not when duly rectified and affifted. We therefore
enter upon a new way of delivering ourfelves, agreeable to the Work we
have in hand; and proceed, not by difputing, or by producing a few ſcattered
Experiments; both which ways might fruftrate our End, as our Determi-
nations are neither founded upon Notions, nor upon maim'd and divided Ex-
perience: but we uſe Experiments collectively; lead the Mind, in a continued
Chain, to the Fountain of Things; and ſet to view the whole proceſs of the
Underſtanding, with the Advantages and Ufes to be derived therefrom.
Thoſe therefore, who either reft upon Arguments, or depend upon a few
Experiments, or, thro' a narrownefs of Mind, fubmit to Authorities, or for
want of opportunity, cannot give our Works their due perufal, and muſt not
expect to comprehend our meaning.
5. It would be a difficult Task to confute thofe who will have nothing to
that nothing is be knowable; even tho we candidly interpret the Expreffion. For if any
knowable con- one ſhould maintain that true Knowledge is the Knowledge of Caufes; and
fader do
that the Knowledge of Caufes is continually rifing and climbing, in a certain
Series, to Things the beft known in Nature; fo that a Knowledge of Parti-
culars cannot be properly had without an exact Comprehenfion of univerfal
Nature; it is not eafy, on the footing of found Judgment, to maintain the
contrary. For it ſeems improbable, that any true Knowledge can be had,
till the Mind is perfectly verfed in the Explanation of Caufes and to attri-
bute a complete Knowledge of the Univerfe to the human Mind, might
feem rafh and injudicious.
The Difad-
vantage of
What Opinion.
6. On the other hand, the Patrons of this Opinion, without explaining
themſelves in this way, have ventured to profane the Oracles of the Senfes;
which is bringing Things to the utmoft Defpair. But to fay the Truth, tho
they had not thus calumniated the Senfes, yet the Diſpute might feem to be
contentious, and unfeafonable; fince without that precife Truth they ſeem to
mean, there is ſuch a wide Field left open to human Induſtry, as makes it
prepoſterous, and almoſt Madnefs to be follicitous about fecuring the extre-
mities of Things; and at the fame time overlooking, and difregarding
Things of fuch infinite Ufe as lie in the middle. For how much foever
they wou'd feem to deftroy the Certainty, and yet retain the Ufe of Know-
ledge, by their Diftinction betwixt Truth and Probability; and with regard
to the active Part, leave a free Choice of Things; yet by taking away the
Hopes of diſcovering Truth, they have doubtless cut the Sinews of Enquiry
and
INTRODUCT 10 N.
315
1
and by a confuſed licentiouſneſs in their own Searches, turned the Buſineſs of
Invention and Diſcovery into Diſputes, and the Exerciſe of the Wit.
with the
7. We cannot however deny, that if we have any Fellowſhip with the The Author's
Ancients, 'tis principally in this their kind of Philofophy; as we approve many agreement
of the Things they have prudently obſerved, and delivered, upon the Decep- Ancients.
tions of the Senſes, the Weakneſs of the Judgment, and the withholding of
the Affent. And to theſe we might add many other Particulars, of the fame
Tendency fo that the difference betwixt them and us only lies here, that
they will have nothing to be juſtly knowable in any way; and we not in the
way which Men have hitherto gone. And if we admit into our Society, not
only ſuch of the Ancients as hold this Opinion in Theory, and Speculation,
but fuch alſo as manifeft the fame in Queſtions and Objections, either by
loudly complaining of the obfcurity of Things, or fecretly revolving it in
their Minds, and only now and then whiſpering it out; there will be found
the greateſt Men of Antiquity in the Number: Heroes in Contemplation,
and fuch whofe Company any one might wish to be found in. For tho per-
haps one or two of the Ancients have fhewn a Confidence, and a Pofitiveneſs
in pronouncing; yet this has been no prevailing practice till of late, in bar-
barous Ages; and is only ftill retain'd thro' Faction, or Party Negligence
and Cuſtom.
8. But as to the Society we thus join in, every one will eafily perceive that His difference
we only concur with them in the fetting out; and differ widely from them in from them.
the End: for altho there may at firft feem no great Difference between us,
as they fimply affert the infufficiency of the human Underſtanding; and we
only in a certain refpect; yet at laft they, neither diſcovering, nor hoping to
diſcover, any Remedy of the Misfortune, forfake the Bufinefs, and falling
foul on the Certainty of the Senfes, fubvert the firmeft Foundations of
Science: whilſt we, by introducing a new Method, endeavour to rectify and
repair the Errors, both of the Senſes and the Mind itſelf. So that whilft they,
looking upon the Thing as paft Recovery, give themſelves up to a certain
Licentioufnefs, and wandring of Thought; we, from our Preconception, have
undertaken a more remote and difficult Task, which we ardently with may
redound to the Felicity of Mankind.
9. The Entrance of the Road we purfue is defcribed in the ſecond Part of Tranſition to
Our INSTAURATION, or Novum Organum; and follow'd in the third Part, the the Design of
Phenomena of the Univerfe, in our Sylva Sylvarum; where we endeavour'd to the Scala In
penetrate, and paſs thro' the Woods of Nature, thick fet and darken'd with
a great variety of Experiments, as with Leaves; and entangled and twined
together, like Shrubs and Buſhes, with the fubtilty of Obfervations. We are
Sf2
now
Hence appears another Reafon why the Author's Hiftory of Nature was entituled Sylva
Sylvarum; befides that of the fimple meaning of thoſe words, denoting only a Repoſitory or
Magazine of Materials, of all forts: for the figurative Senfe is, as here explained, a thick Wood
of Experiments and Obfervations; and with relation thereto, the fourth Part of the INSTAU-
is fometimes called Filum Labyrinthi; as being the Clue of the Sylva Sylva-
RATION
FL1M
I
tellectus.
316
INTRODUCTION.
The two ways
of the An:
gients.
The Scheme of
the Scala In-
tellectus.
The Method of
Enquiry it
purſues.
now perhaps proceeding to the more open Parts of Nature; which however
are ftill more difficult; and having got thro' the Woods, are come to the
bottoms of the Mountains: for tho the way was never attempted before,
we fhall lead on from particular Hiftories to Univerfals, in one certain and
continued Path.
10. And here we cannot but obferve, that thofe two famous Ways of the
Ancients in active Life, have a great Correfpondence with the ways of Con-
templation; the one whereof being at the first plain and eafy, leads on to
cragged, dangerous, and impaffable Places; but the other beginning ſteep
and difficult, ends in a Plain: for in the fame manner, he who at the
firſt Enquiry into Nature, lays hold of certain immovable Principles in the
Sciences, and truſting to them, fhall hope to find out every thing elſe, as it
were at Leifure; if he proceeds in his Enquiries, without being over fatis-
fied or diffatisfied by the way, will find himfelf got into the firſt of theſe
Roads. But he that fhall be able to withhold his Judgment, afcend by de-
grees, and paſs as it were over the tops of Mountains, climbing firft up one,
then up another, and fo to a third, with true Patience and unwearied Dili-
gence; will in due time arrive at the Heights and top Rounds of Nature,
where there is a fure Footing, a ferene Station, and a beautiful proſpect
of Things; with a gentle and eaſy Deſcent, leading down to all practical
Arts &.
II. Our Deſign therefore is this; that as in the fecond Part of our INSTAU-
RATION, we have laid down Precepts for a juft and legitimate Enquiry into
Nature; fo in this fourth Part we wou'd give Examples of fuch an Enquiry,
in a variety of Subjects; in fuch a Manner as we judge to have the exacteſt
Correſpondence with Truth: and therefore deliver as a Manner chofen and
approved.
12. We do not however, after the common Cuftom of Men, propoſe our
own Forms and Methods of Enquiry, as if they were inviolable, the only
ones, and perfect in all their Parts; ſo as to make it abfolutely neceffary to
uſe them for we would by no means cramp or confine the Induſtry and
Felicity of Mankind. There is no doubt but Men of Genius and Leiſure,
either of themſelves, or as being now freed from the Difficulties which ne-
ceffarily attend the firft breaking of the Ice of Experience, may carry our
Method to greater Perfection: and 'tis our earneft Defire, that the true Art
of conducting Enquiries fhould improve; as it certainly will, fince all Arts
muft improve with new Difcoveries. Only this we muft fay, that after try-
ing all the ways we could think of, and having had long Experience of our
prefent Method of conducting Enquiries, we have found none equal to it,
for the commodioufnefs it affords in working with the Underſtanding.
13. If
• Hence we ſee the Reaſon why this fourth Part of the INSTAURATION is fometimes called
Scala Intellectus, or the Steps of the Understanding; by which it afcends to the Regions of
Truth ; or, without a Figure, to the general Axioms of found Philofophy; that at once contain
both the Theory and Practice of all Arts and Sciences. And this Philofophy was to have been
the fixth and laft Part of the INSTAURATION.
e The Author's Motto is MONITI MELIORA. See Dr. Hook's Method of improving Philofo-
phy; and M. Tfchirnhaus's Medicina Mentis,
INTRODUCTION.
317
13. If we are accufed of going into a new Way of acquiring and de- Is a new Mc-
livering Knowledge, and dropping the Method of Procedure by Doctrine thod.
and Precept, as if we over-looked it; and principally profecute the Buſineſs
by Examples; we anſwer, that we think there is the utmoft Reafon for
this Procedure. And we would not have Mankind ignorant of the
Courſe we take; for 'tis their Bufinefs, not our own, that is now
before us and we judge their common Fortune is concerned in the
Execution.
14. And first; we feem by this Method to fecure one principal Point, Its Advan
which is that of being clearly underſtood: for 'tis one thing to ſubjoin Ex- tages; viz.
rendering
amples to particular Precepts, refpectively; but a very different one, to Things intelli-
conftruct and exhibit a perfect, and, as it were, folid Figure and Model of gible.
the whole Work. Thus, for inftance, feveral Problems in Mathematicks.
and Aftronomy may, by the Affiftance of Globes and proper Machines, be
clearly and eaſily folved; and would, without fuch Contrivances and Affiſtances,
appear much more difficult and perplexed than they really are. And here
it ufually happens, that the larger the Inftrument is; the clearer and more
fatisfactory the Demonſtration proves.
15. We also hope to find a confiderable Advantage from this fimple
Leaving the
and gentle Procedure; which neither offers Violence, nor lays Snares for Reader poffef
the Judgment; but barely, and nakedly, exhibits the Thing. No fed both of
Writer before us has led Mankind to the Fountains of Nature, and Power and
Things themſelves, for a common Good; but all of them have applied Liberty.
Examples and Experience to confirm or illuftrate their own Dictates and
Doctrine, without leaving others the liberty of judging for themſelves : in-
fomuch that we hope to have deſerved well of Mankind, in two things
which they hold dear; for we leave them at once in poffeffion both of
Power and Liberty: Power, with regard to Works; and Liberty, in point.
of Judgment.
16. And as, in Courts of Juftice, that Procedure is ever the beft, where To imitate the
leaft room is given to the licentiouſneſs of the Pleader, tho ever fo elo- Procedure in
quent; but all the time and pains are beſtowed in examining the Wit- Courts of Ju-
ftice.
neffes fo, in the Courts of Nature, the Judgments of Men are then beſt
employed, when the leaft Liberty is allowed to Contention, Difpute, and
plaufible Difcourfe; but the Mind wholly employed upon examining
the Evidence, and collective Teftimonies of Experience: for, in the
Teftimonies of Authors there is Heat, and Licentioufnefs; but the
Anſwers and Teftimonies of Things themfelves, tho they may indeed
be fometimes obfcure and perplexed, yet they are always fincere and
uncorrupt.
12
17. Again, we ſeem by this means to keep clear of a great Inconve- suited to gain
nience, that might arife from the Pride and Prejudice of Mankind: for the Confent
prudent, grave, and wary Men, fufpect every new thing of Levity and of the Pr
Vanity, and contemn new Sects and new Opinions, as Maſks and Mumme- dent,
ries; judging it of little Significance, whether Men agree in their Theories.
Ar
IN
318
INTRODUCTION.
Preferve a due
Ancients.
or not; only that the old ones, and fuch as are more current and received,
are beft fitted for Bufinefs, and conducting the Affairs of the World, on
account of general Confent, and moral Confiderations. Now there is no
Remedy for this Inconvenience, but by the copiouſneſs of the Example to
ftrike fo far into the Senfes of Mankind, that any one of a tolerable Judg-
ment, ſhall, at first fight, perceive the thing to be fober and folid, and
pregnant with Uſefulneſs, and Works; and immediately acknowledge it of a
quite different Nature and Tendency from that of railing of a new School,
or a new Sect.
18. By this Means likewife, we are not without hopes to aboliſh, in
Reſpect for the fome degree, that Authority and Confidence which Men have placed in the
Ancients, and others; who introduce their own Opinions and Notions into
Philofophy; at the fame time that we preferve the Reſpect and Re-
verence due to them: and this not by any Artifice, but from the ſimple
Force of the thing itſelf.
Shewing what
Courſe the
Ancients took
in their En-
quiries.
19. We farther conceive, our Method may lead Men to reflect, whether
the Ancients have, themſelves, made ufe of this kind of Diligence; and
built their Doctrines and Opinions on fure Foundations. And indeed this
might, to fome, appear a Point of Debate; if only the Opinions of the
Ancients had been handed down to us, without the leaft Intimation of their
Method of Enquiry and Demonftration for then we might be apt to fuf-
pect, that from the very firft of their Contemplations, they had procured a
large Stock of Examples; and difpofed them in a fimilar, or perhaps a
better order, than ourfelves; and that they pronounced after a thorough
Examination of the Matter; and at length fet down their Determinations,
with their Explanations and Corrections, in Writing; only adding here
and there an Example or two, for the fake of Inftruction; but judged it
unneceffary and tedious, to publiſh their firſt Notes, rude Draughts, Hints,
Journals, and Common-place-books: thus imitating Builders, who, after
they have raiſed their Pile, take away the Scaffolding. But themſelves
will not fuffer us to think thus of them; for they openly declare the Form
and Manner they ufed in their Enquiries: and their Writings give us a clear
and expreſs Image of it. Their Method was, from certain Examples, moſt fa-
miliar to the Senfes, to rife at once to the moft general Conclufions, or
Principles of the Sciences; and according to the fixed Truth hereof, to derive
inferior Conclufions by Intermediates. And having once eſtabliſhed this
Art; if any Controverfy afterwards arofe, about an Example that ſeem'd to
contradict their Principles, they rendered it conformable to them by Di-
ftinctions, or the application of their own Rules. Or if any mention was
made of the Caufes of particular Things; they ingeniouſly accommodated
them to their own Speculations. And hence we have a diftinct View both
of the Thing itſelf, and the Error of their whole Procedure for they
plainly difmiffed Experience too foon; and either neglected the interme-
diate Conclufions, which are the animating Souls of Works; or reſted
them upon a weak Foundation: and, what is not reprefented, ſubſtituted
:
an
INTRODUCTION.
319
an illegitimate and unprofperous Subtilty of Wit, for Senſe itſelf. And if
at any time there is mention made in their Writings, of Examples and
Particulars, theſe come too late; and after they had paft Sentence, and
fixed their Pofitions. But our Method is directly oppofite to this; as will
be abundantly manifeft from the Tables themfelves.
20. This therefore being the Cafe, we fhall ftill leave the Ancients Setting all Men
unrival'd, and in full Poffeffion of all that Praiſe and Admiration which upon a level.
any one fhall think their Due. And fome of them were, doubtlefs,
Men of an excellent Genius; which our Method has little Occafion
for fince it puts the Capacities and Powers of Mankind nearly upon
a Level. Thus, if a long, fet Speech were to be delivered by Me-
mory; a Man of a good Memory would have a great Advantage over
another of a bad one; but if they were both to read their Speeches,
the Difference in that cafe would be none at all. And thus it is in the
Contemplation of things, which depends entirely upon the Powers of the
Mind; where one Man infinitely excels another. But where the En-
quiry is carried on by Tables, and a due Ufe and Application thereof;
there is not much more Difference than we ufually find in the Senfes of
Men. And indeed, we are afraid of a too great Subtilty and Agility of
Genius in our Method; whilft Men are carried away with their own im-
petuous Motions: and would therefore add, not Wings, but Weights to
their Capacities.
21. Nay, by Means of our Tables, we queftion not but to fecure the moſt And making
difficult Point of all; and bring it about, as it were, fpontaneouſly, that af- them follow
ter Mankind, (tho at the firft Entrance it may feem fomewhat difficult and Experience,
ftrange) fhall be a little accuſtomed to the natural Subtilty of Things ex-
pofed to their View; and become familiar with their Differences, plainly
marked out in Experience, they fhall foon look upon that Subtilty of
Words and Difputes, which has hitherto employed and detained their
Thoughts, but as a ludicrous thing, a kind of Charm, Infatuation, or
Spectre; and pronounce of Nature, what is ufually faid of Fortune, that
fhe has a Lock before, but none behind as all that late and prepofterous
Subtilty of Difpute, coming after the time of Things is paft, only catches.
at, but never lays hold of Nature.
22. We alfo judge ourſelves here, to ufe a true, lively, and animated To the perfec-
Form of Inftruction: for we do not pluck the Sciences, like Flowers, from ting of En-
the Stalk; but deliver them over, Roots and all, that they may be tranf- quiries.
planted, or new fet, in better Genius's, as in a more fruitful Soil; that
will bring them to greater Perfection. And for the Errors, Over-fights,
Imperfections, and abrupt Breakings-off of our Enquiries, we, in our Me-
thod have this Advantage, that our Errors may eaſily be obſerved, and
rejected, before they can deeply infect the Mafs of Knowledge; that our Im-
perfections, and Defects may be readily fupplied and corrected; and the En-
quiries left unfiniſhed, be continued under a fucceffive Courſe of Additions
and Improvements: and it is then that Men will know their own Strength,
when infinite Numbers fhall not do the fame things over and over
again.
320
INTRODUCTION.
Giving Ear-
nest of Works.
And a Notion
Inftauration.
again; but fome fupply and finish, what others begun and left im-
perfect.
23. We have alfo hopes, by this Method, to prevent the Retortings
whereto our frequent mention of Works might have expofed us, if we had
not preffed Mankind to converfe with Things themfelves: for Men cannot
now well require thofe Works from us, which we require from them;
whilſt any one may eafily perceive, that we do not barely talk about Works,
becauſe the Tables themfelves contain fome Draughts, Defigns, and Earnefts
of new Works; and, at the fame time, plainly fhew that our Scope is not,
in the empirical manner, to derive Works from Works; but, like Inter-
preters of Nature, Caufes from Works; and again, new Works from thoſe
Caufes. Thus avoiding an unfeaſonable and hafty turning aſide to Works,
at the beginning; but obferving, and waiting, the due and appointed time
of the Harveſt.
24. In the last place, we hope alfo by this Means to poffefs Mankind of a
of the Extent juft Opinion, not only of the Efficacy and Intention of our INSTAURATION;
of the whole but alſo of the Bulk and Magnitude thereof: and thus prevent them from
imagining that the Work we labour with, is an immenfe thing, beyond the
Power of Mortals to effect; whereas it generally happens that the moſt
uſeful Things are the leaſt voluminous. And tho the Enquiry into Nature
we have here begun, may be too much for a few; it might prove a facile
Work for a SOCIETY OF MEN. And with a View to fhew this ftill more
clear and practicable, we fhall here fubjoin a Catalogue of general Tables, that
may, perhaps, include the Whole.
A Catalogue of GENERAL TABLES; for Enquiring
into all the WORKS of NATURE.
I.
Ables for the Enquiry of Motion.
TAL
2. Tables for the Enquiry of Heat and Cold.
3. Tables for enquiring into the Operations, Impreffions, and Influence
of Things at a diſtance.
4. Tables for enquiring into Vegetation, and Life of all kinds.
5. Tables for enquiring into the Actions and Paffions of the Animal
Body.
6. Tables for enquiring into the Senfes, and their Objects.
7. Tables for enquiring into the Affections of the Mind.
8. Tables for enquiring into the Mind and its Faculties.
And thefe Tables regard the Separation, or Divifion of Nature, in point of
Form; but the following regard the Construction of Nature in point of Matter.
9. Tables of Enquiry into the Structure, or Architecture of the Uni-
verfe.
10. Tables
INTRODUCTION.
321
10. Tables for enquiring into the great Relations, or Accidents, of
Exiſtence.
II. Tables for enquiring into the Confiftences of Bodies, or their In-
equality of Parts.
12. Tables for enquiring into Species, or the Fabrication, and common
Affociations of Things.
13. Tables for enquiring into the leffer Relations, or Properties, of Bodies &
g
And thus the Univerfal Enquiry may be comprehended in thirteen General
Tables, with their Dependents or leffer Tables; which are to be made oc-
cafionally, or as immediate Ufe fhall require: for we in no cafe proceed
without our Tables, or Papers. As a Specimen, we will here annex that
Set of Tables, required by our Method in the Cafe of Motion; which is a co-
pious and diffufive Subject.
A TABLE for a Legitimate Enquiry into MOTION.
1. The inferior Machine of the Underſtanding, or a Sequence of Tables
upon the firſt View.
2. Collective Tables, exhibiting a Digeft, or regular Series of Hiftory to
the firſt Article; to fhew the Terms and Differences of Motion.
3. A Table of Motion by external Application; or Motion of Adherence.
4. A Table of Motion by internal Application; or the Motion of
Mixture.
5. A Table of the Motion of Application to Fibres; or the Motion of
Identity.
6. A Table of the Motion of Affimilation.
7. A Table of the Motion of Impreffion; or Signature.
8. A Table of the Motion of Excitation.
9. Collective Tables of digefted Hiftory, to the fecond Article.
10. A Table of the Subjects of Motion.
11. Collective Tables of regular History to the third Article.
12. A Table of the Vehicles; or Conveyancers of Motion.
13. Collective Tables of regular Hiftory to the fourth Article.
14. A Table of the Operations and Confequences of Motion.
15. Collective Tables of regular Hiſtory to the fifth Article.
16. A Table of the Stages of Motion.
17. Collective Tables of regular Hiſtory to the fixth Article,
18. A Table of the Sphere of Activity of Motion.
19. Collective Tables of regular Hiftory to the feventh Article.
20. A Table of the Government and Regulation of Motion.
21. A Table of regular Hiftory to the eighth Article.
22. A Table of the Affociations of Motions.
V o L. III.
T t
23. Col-
What Additions, or Improvements, might be made to this Catalogue, for promoting the
general Deſign thereof?
32 2
INTRODUCTION.
23. Collective Tables of regular Hiſtory to the ninth Article.
24. A Table of the Affinities, or Relations of Motion.
25. Collective Tables of regular Hiftory to the tenth Article.
26. A Table of the uniting Powers in Motion.
27. Collective Tables of regular Hiftory to the eleventh Article.
28. A Table of the Powers of Cuftoms and Innovations in Motion.
29. Collective Tables of regular Hiſtory to the twelfth Article.
go. Tables of all the other Obfervables of Motion, not mentioned above.
31. A Table of Indications; or the primary Diffection.
32. A Table of fecondary Diviſion.
33. A Table of Obſervations; or imperfect Axioms.
34. A Table of apparent Impoffibilities; or Defiderata for human Ufes.
35. A Table of occafional Ufes in active Life.
36. A Table of imperfect Interpretation.
37. Tables of Tranfportation, directing of new ones.
38. The fuperior Machine of the Underftandiug; or a Sequence of Ta-
bles upon a Review.
39. New Tables, for changing, diverfifying, or tranfpofing the Enquiry".
For farther Illuſtration, take another Example of our Tabular Method of
Enquiry, in a lefs general, tho copious Subject; the Affair of Light and
Splendor.
A TABLE of Enquiries for the particular HISTORY of
LIGHT and SPLENDOR.
I.
IN
N the first place, draw up a Table of all thofe Bodies of every kind,
which afford Light: as, (1.) the Stars, fiery Meteors, Flame, Wood,
Metals, and other ignited Bodies. (2.) Sugar, in fcraping and breaking;
Glow-worms; falt Water ftruck and fcattered abroad; the Eyes of certain
Animals; rotten Wood; and large Tracts of Snow. Perhaps alfo the Air
itſelf may have a feeble Light; adapted to the Eyes of fuch Creatures as ſee
by Night. (3.) Iron and Tin, when put to diffolve in Aqua fortis, bubble
and boil up, without the Affiftance of Fire, and alfo conceive Heat; but
whether
This Draught of a general Table may appear fomewhat unintelligible, unless the inductive
Method of Enquiry, delivered in the Novum Organum, be previouſly underſtood. We do not
find that the Author has any where profecuted the Enquiry into Motion, according to this
Model. The Table occurs among the pofthumous Pieces publiſhed in the Scripta; and was,
no doubt, intended to be exemplifyed, illuftrated, or filled up, after the fame manner as the
others of this fourth Part. But naked as it is, it has a capital Ufe; and fhews the Way of
working in the Tabular Method, fo as to demonftrate the whole Procefs both of the
Mind and Body, in conducting Enquiries: which is the End it is here propofed to anſwer.
Thoſe who require farther Inftruction, may confult any of the other Tables of Enquiry, that
are profecuted; as, particularly, that prefixed to the Hiftory of Life and Death; if the follow-
ing one, for the Hiſtory of Light and splendor, be not fufficient. See alfo the Novum Organum,
Part II. and the Preliminary Difcourfe to the Abridgment of Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Works
INTRODUCTION.
323
whether they afford any Light muſt be farther examined. (4.) The Oil of
Lamps fparkles in fevere cold Weather; and a certain degree of Light has
fometimes been obferved, in a clear Night, about a ſweating Horſe; and
fometimes alfo, tho rarely, about the Hair of Men's Heads, in the nature
of a feeble, lambent Flame. A Woman's Stomacher has alſo been ob-
ſerved to fhine upon rubbing; but as the Colour thereof was Green, and
Alum is an Ingredient in that Dye, it was probably owing thereto; for it
alfo crackled a little when it fhone: but whether Alum in fcraping, or
pounding, affords Light, fhould be farther examined; tho the Force ap-
plied to it for this Purpoſe, muft, perhaps, be greater than that uſed to
Sugar; it being a more ſtubborn Body. Some Stockings alfo have been
obferved to fhine, in pulling them off; whether this proceeded from
Sweat, or from Alum ufed in the Dye. Let all fuch Inftances be collected,
and orderly difpofed into this first, or Prefence Table; to fhew in what Sub-
jects the thing we enquire after refides.
2. In the next place, let a Table be formed of fuch Bodies as yield no
Light at all; and yet have a great Reſemblance with thoſe that do. Thus,
boiling Water affords no Light; nor Air, tho violently heated. Looking-
glaffes and Diamonds, which reflect Light fo very remarkably, yet yield
none that is original, and their own; with other Inftances of the like kind:
and among them, let a diligent Enquiry be made after thofe we call Travel-
ling Inftances; that is, where Light is prefent and abfent, tranfiently or by
turns: thus an ignited Coal gives Light, yet if ftrongly compreffed it pre-
fently ceafes to be luminous: but the cryftalline Matter of the Glow-
worm, tho broken and divided into Parts, retains its Light for a ſmall
time, tho it vanifhes foon after. And this whole Collection of Inftances,
ranged in proper Order, will form what we call the Abfence Table; and ex-
hibit all the Bodies wherein the Subject enquired after does not refide; tho
they nearly approach to thofe wherein it does refide.
3. Let it be next enquired, what Light is more, and what lefs intenfe and
vibratory. Thus the Flame of Wood yields a ſtrong Light; the Flame of
Spirit of Wine a weaker; and the Flame of Coals thoroughly ignited, yields
a Light that is dufky, and ſcarce vifible. And the proper Inftances of this
kind, collected, will furnifh out what we call the Degree Table.
L
ARTICLE I.
The Colours of Light.
ET the Enquiry next proceed to the Colours of Light, to fhew what they
are; and what they are not. Some of the Stars are white, others fhining;
ſome reddiſh, and others livid. Common Flames, Corrufcations of the Air,
and the Flame of Gun-powder, are principally whitish; but the Flame of
Tt 2
Sulphur
Do not Diamonds, under certain Circumstances, afford a Light in the dark? See Boyle
and Stahl.
324
INTRODUCTION.
Sulphur beautifully blue. Some Bodies alfo yield purple Flames; but there
have hitherto been diſcovered no green ones: tho the Light of the Glow-
worm has a tendency thereto. Scarlet Flames alfo have not been obſerved:
but ignited Iron is red; and when intenfely ignited, whitifh. But all the
Inftances of this kind are to be collected, and thrown into a Table, to fhew
all the Variety of Colours in Light.
I.
ARTICLE II.
The Reflections of Light.
ET it be next examined, what Bodies reflect Light: as Speculums,
Water, polifhed Metals, the Moon, and Gems. All fluid Bodies,
and thofe that have a very fmooth and even Surface, afford fome degree of
Splendor; which is no other than a faint degree of Light.
2. It muſt be diligently examined, whether the Light of a lucid Body may
be reflected by another that is lucid; as fuppofe ignited Iron were expofed
to the Sun's Rays: for Light is reflected again and again, from Speculum to
Speculum, tho gradually fainter, and weaker.
ARTICLE III.
The Multiplications of Light.
3. ET the Enquiry next defcend to the Multiplication of Light; as
by Speculums, Teleſcopes, and the like, which have a Power to
fharpen Light, and throw it to a great diſtance; or elfe render it more ſub-
tile and better difpofed for diftinguifhing viſible Objects; as we fee by the
Practice of Jewellers, and other Artiſts, who fet a ſpherical Glaſs of Water
between the Candle and their Work.
2. It muſt likewife be examined, whether all Bodies, when in a large
Quantity, do not reflect Light; for 'tis very probable that Light muft pafs
thro', or be reflected. And thus the Moon, tho it were an abfolutely opake
Body, yet might, on account of its Magnitude, reflect Light. Let it like-
wife be examined, whether the Approximation of lucid Bodies does not
multiply Light; which, in Bodies that are equally lucid alike, cannot be
doubted but whether the Light which is totally over-powered by a greater
Light, fo as of itſelf to be rendered invifible, does not yet add ſome
quantity of Light, muſt be farther examined. Even gloffy Bodies contri-
bute to the Increaſe of Light; for a Chamber hung with Silk, is
lighter than when hung with Cloth. Light is alfo multiplied by Refraction;
for Gems that are cut with Angles, and broken Glafs, are more fplendid
than when plain, or entire.
ARTI
INTRODUCTION.
325
TH
ARTICLE IV.
The Ways of Drowning Light.
HE Methods of Drowning Light ſhould next be enquired into; as by
the Predominancy of a greater Light, the Groffneſs or Opacity of the
Medium, &c. Thus, the Sun's Rays playing upon a culinary Fire, caufes the
Flame to appear as a certain white kind of Smoke. All the Inftances of this
kind fhould be collected.
ARTICLE V.
The Operations, or Effects of Light.
THE Operations or Effects of Light, come next to be examined; tho
they ſeem to be but few, and have little fhare in bringing remarkable
Changes upon Bodies, eſpecially thoſe that are folid: for Light, above
all things, generates itſelf, and other Qualities, but fparingly; how-
ever, it certainly attenuates the Air, is grateful, and chearing to the
Spirits of Animals, excites the languishing Rays of Colours, and viſible
Objects; for Colours are nothing more than the refracted Image of
Light. But the Particulars of this kind are to be diligently hunted up,
and collected.
TH
ARTICLE VI.
The Continuance of Light.
HE Continuance of Light may be next examined, tho it feems to be
but momentary; for notwithſtanding Light has continued in a Chamber
many Hours, it illuminates the Chamber no more than it did the firſt Mo-
ment but the Cafe is quite otherwife in Heat, &c. for the firft Heat re-
mains, and a new one is fuperadded thereto. The Twilight is, by fome,
conceived to be the Remains of the Sun's Light.
THE
ARTICLE VII.
The Directions, Motions, and Paffages of Light.
HE Directions, Motions, and Paffages of Light, fhould be very at-
tentively examined. Light is diffufed all round; but whether at the
fame time it afcends a little, or is equally diffufed upwards and downwards,
I
muft
326
INTRODUCTION.
muſt be enquired into. Light produces Light every where about it; fo when
the Body of a Taper is not perceived thro' the Interpofition of a Blind, or
Obftacle, it ftill illuminates all the Objects around it; excepting thoſe that are
in the Shadow of the Veil. And yet even thefe Objects are fomewhat illumina-
ted by the Light thrown about them; for an Object ſtanding within this Shade,
may ſtill be much better perceived than if no Light at all were preſent:
and therefore the viſible Body of any luminous Matter, and Light itſelf, are
two very different Things. Light does not penetrate fibrous Bodies, of an
irregular and diforderly Texture; tho it ftill is not hindered by Solidity and
Hardneſs; as we can fee in Glaſs, &c. and therefore only ftrait lined Bodies,
whofe Pores lie not tranfverfe, feem capable of tranfmitting Light.
Light is excellently tranfmitted thro' the Air; which the purer it is, the
better the Light paffes. But whether Light be convey'd by the Body of
the Air, as Sounds are by the Winds, or in any other manner, fhould be
examin'd; with other Matters of the like kind, to complete this Article.
IT
ARTICLE VII.
The Transparency of luminous and lucid Bodies.
T fhould next be examined, what lucid or luminous Bodies are Tranfpa-
rent. The Wiek of a Candle is perceived thro' the Flame; but Objets
are not vifible thro' large Bodies of Flame. On the other hand, all Tran-
fparency is loft in a Body upon Ignition; as appears in Glafs. The Body of
the Air is tranſparent; fo is Water: but when theſe two tranſparent Bodies
are mix'd together in Snow or Froth, they no longer preferve their Tran-
fparency; but acquire a certain original Light.
ARTICLE VIII.
The Agreements and Difagreements of Light.
HE Agreements and Difagreements of Light muſt be enquir'd into.
Light has a principal Correfpondence and Affinity with three Things,
as to its Generation, viz. Heat, Subtilty, and Motion; the Conjunction
and Separation whereof, in refpect of Light, muft therefore be examined, to-
gether with their Degrees. The Flame of Spirit of Wine, or the Ignis fatuus,
is much milder in Heat, but ftronger in Light than ignited Iron. Glow-
worms, the dewy Vapor rais'd by the dafhing of Salt-water, and many other
Things abovemention'd, yield Light, tho they are not warm to the Touch.
Ignited Metals are not fubtile Bodies; yet they have a burning Heat.
the contrary, Air is one of the fubtileft Bodies, yet has no Light. Again,
Winds, tho very rapid in their Motion, afford no Light. Contrariwife,
ignited Metals have but a dull and languid Motion, yet vibrate Light.
On
But
INTRODUCTION.
327
But there is nothing fo nearly related to Light, not indeed with regard to
its Generation, but only to its Paffage, as Sound; and therefore their agree-
ments and diſagreements are to be diligently fought. Some of their
Agreements are thefe. (1.) They both diffufe themſelves in a Sphere,
(2.) They both move to very great Diſtances; but Light the ſwifteft; as ap-
pears in the diſcharging of Cannon, where the Light is firft perceiv'd before
the Sound, and the Flame follows after. (3.) They have both very fubtile
Differences; Sounds in the Articulation of Words, and Light in all the Ima-
ges of vifible Things. (4.) They both produce or generate little; except in
Senfes and Spirits of Animals. (5.) They both are eafily generated,
and foon vaniſh. (6.) Light is drowned by a greater Light; and Sound
by a greater Sound, &c.
Some of their Differences are thefe. (1.) Light moves fwifter than Sound.
(2.) Light moves farther than Sound; (3.) Light moves only in a ſtrait
Line; but Sound obliquely and every other way. For when an Object is per-
ceived in the ſhade of an Obftacle, 'tis not becauſe the Light penetrates.
the Obſtacle, but only illuminates the Air round about; whence the Air
behind the Obſtacle is alſo ſomewhat illuminated. But a Sound begun on
one fide of a Wall, is heard without much Diminution on the other. And
again, Sound is heard from withinfide a folid Body, as in the Eagle-ftone,
or from Bodies ftruck under Water: But Light is not at all perceived in a
tranfparent Body, that is every way obftructed or furrounded. (4.) Laftly,
all Sound is generated in Motion, and a manifeſt ſtroke of the founding
Body; which in Light is otherwife.
But for the Disagreements of Light, there have been none hitherto obſerv-
ed, unleſs Privations may be call'd Difagreements. And it fhould ſeem that
fluggiſhneſs in the Parts of Bodies is the greateſt Enemy to Light; for fcarce
any Thing is luminous that is not in its own Nature remarkably moveable; or
eaſily excited, either by Heat, Motion, or vital Spirit: but this Enquiry ſhould
be further profecuted. And we always mean, not only that other new In-
ſtances ſhould be diligently fought out, in Conformity with thoſe few which
we only produce as a Specimen; but likewife that new Articles, and Tables
of Enquiry, fhould be fet down, added, and drawn, up as the Nature of the
Subject directs or requires ↳
LIFE
This Subject of Light is profecuted to a confiderable length by Dr. Hook, in his Lectures
of Light; by Mr. Boyle, in his Experiments and Obfervations upon Colours; M. Huygens de la Lu-
miere; and fince by Sir Ifaac Newton, in his Treatife of the Reflections, Refractions, Inflections,
and Colours of Light.
i
1
THE
HISTORY
1
O F
LIFE and DEATH.
VOL. IN.
U u
A
DELINEATION
OF THE
PARTICULAR HISTORY
OF
LIFE and DEATH;
With a View to
PRESERVE HEALTH,
RETARD OLD-AGE;
AND
Lengthen the prefent Period
OF
HUMAN LIF E.
Uu2
333
PREFACE.
T
HE Subject of human Life and Death is, of all natural
Subjects, the moſt intereſting to Men; and, as fuch, the Au-
thor has treated it with uncommon Diligence. The En-
quiry is conducted in the inductive Method; and carried to
a confiderable Length: with Directions for continuing it ftill farther,
till we arrive at a Knowledge of the Cauſe and Form of Life and
of Death. The whole being left in fuch forwardness, it may naturally be
asked why it has not been fince brought nearer to Perfection? The principal
Reafon I can affign is, that Phyficians have been otherwife employ'd: and
Men of different Profeffions feem difcouraged from improving an Art
they do not practise. The Difeafe is easier found than the Remedy. Nor
can a capital Remedy, in this Cafe, be expected till Men fhall, in fome de-
gree, have conquer'd their Paffions; and fhew a lefs regard to private, and
a greater to publick Good. The Author, has fhewn by an illuftrious Ex-
ample, that Perfons of a publick Spirit, might, tho they were not bred to
Phyfick, treat the Subject of Life and Death to Advantage.
That the full Scope and Conduct of the Piece may be understood, it
will be proper to remember the Doctrine laid down in the fecond Part of
the Author's Novum Organum; concerning the Method of profecuting
Enquiries.
1
INTRO-
335
INTRODUCTION.
T
HF Shortness of Life, and the flow Advancement of
Arts, has been an ancient Complaint. 'Tis therefore agree-
able to our Deſign of beftowing the utmoſt Pains upon the
perfecting of Arts, to confider alfo the Ways of prolong-
ing human Life. But this Enquiry is preffed with Difficulties; the rather,
becauſe of falfe Notions and Opinions concerning it for what the Phyficians
have frequently in their Mouths, about radical Moiſture, and natural Heat,
are but delufory Conceits; and the extravagant Commendations of chemi-
cal Medicines, do but firft fwell up, and then difappoint our Hopes.
:
The prefent Enquiry is not directed to that kind of Death which proceeds
from Suffocation, Putrefaction, and Diſeaſes; for this belongs to Medicinal
Hiftory: but to that Death only, which comes on by Refolution, and a
Wafting of the Parts, thro' Old-Age. The laſt Step, indeed, of Death, or
the total Extinction of Life, (which may happen fo many Ways, both ex-
ternal and internal; tho they have all of them, as 'twere, one common
Avenue at laſt,) has fome relation to our Defign: and brings up the Rear
of the Enquiry.
Whatever may be gradually repaired, without Deſtruction to the original
Whole, is, like the Vestal Fire, potentially eternal: whence Phyficians and
Philofophers, obferving that Animals are totally nouriſhed, and their Bodies
recruited and fupplied, tho not for any long Continuance; but foon after
grow old, and haften to a Diffolution; they have fought for Death in
a Subject not properly capable of Repair and judged, that a certain ra-
dical, and primitive Moifture, could not be totally recruited; but that
there was a certain fpurious Appofition of Parts, and not a juft Repair,
carried on from Infancy, and gradually degenerating with Age; till, at
length, this Depravity ends in Non-existence.
This is but a crude and flashy Notion; for all the Parts of an Animal in
youth, and in a growing State, are totally repaired; and, for a time, not
only improved in Quality, but augmented in Quantity: infomuch that the
recruiting Matter might be, in fome meafure eternal, if the Manner of
Recruiting did not fail. But here lies the Cafe, that in declining Age, the
Repair is made very unequally; fome Parts being fuccefsfully nourished,
but
a The Virtues of Pharmaceutical Preparations are fo unfettled, that 'tis generally little more
than Levity, to extol or decry particular Remedies.
• See the Introduction to the Sylva Sylvarum, pag. 24, 25. of this Volume.
336
INTRODUCTION.
but others with difficulty, and for the worfe: fo that from this time, ani-
mal Bodies begin to fuffer the Mezentian Torment, of having the live Parts
die in the Embraces of the dead ones; thofe that are eafily reparable fail-
ing, thro' their Conjunction with fuch as are not for when Age is upon
the Decline; the Spirit, the Blood, the Flefh, and the Fat, are easily re-
paired; but the dryer, or more fpongy Parts; the Membranes, the Coats,
the Nerves, the Arteries, the Veins, the Bones, the Cartilages, moft of
the Viſcera, and nearly all the organical Parts, are repaired with Difficulty,
and Lofs.
And as theſe Parts muft of Neceffity officiate in the actual Repair of the
more reparable Parts; but, being thus diminiſhed in their Activity and
Powers, can no longer perform their Functions; it follows, that all of them
foon begin to languifh; and the Parts, in their own Nature moft reparable,
now wanting the fervice of the Organs of Repair, can no longer be commo-
dioufly fupplied; but impoverish by degrees, and at length totally fail.
The Caufe of this Revolution lies here, that the Spirit, like a gentle
Flame, is perpetually preying upon the Parts; and in Conjuction with the
external Air, which alfo drinks and dries up tangible Bodies, at length
deſtroys the Work-fhop of the Body, its Inftruments and Machines; and
thus renders them unfit for performing their Office. And this is the true
Proceſs of natural Death; which requires to be thorowly confidered: for he
* who knows not the Ways and Courſes of Nature, can never oppoſe and bend her ª.
This Enquiry, therefore, confifts of two Parts; with refpect, (1.) to the
Confumption or Depredation of the Body; and, (2.) to its Repair, or
Recruit with a View, as much as poffible, to prevent the former and
promote the latter. The first has a principal Regard to the Spirit, and ex-
ternal Air, which make the Depredation; and the fecond, to the entire
Proceſs of Alimentation, which fupplies the Repair.
:
The Enquiry of the Confumption has many Things in common with in-
animate Bodies: for the Effects which the innate Spirit, refiding in all tan-
gible Subftances, whether animate or inanimate, and which the external
Air produces upon inanimate Bodies, are likewife endeavoured upon ani-
mate Bodies whilft the Interpofition of the vital Spirit, on one fide,
checks and reſtrains their Operations; and, on the other, powerfully pro-
motes them. For 'tis plain, that many inanimate Bodies may endure a
long time without Repair; whereas animate Bodies prefently fail, with-
out Nouriſhment and Recruit; thus, like Fire, becoming extinct.
Our Enquiry therefore muſt be double; and regard firft the human Body,
as a thing inanimate and unfupported by Aliment; and fecondly, as a
thing animate and nouriſhed •.
And
Let this Confideration, of the Spirits preying upon the other Parts, be duly regarded: it is
of great Importance to what follows. See Sect. 1. 13, 14.
As it is neceffary he fhould do, who would endeavour to lengthen the prefent Period of
Human Life.
e Obferve the Sagacity and Judgment in diftinguishing and fixing the two capital Points of
the Enquiry.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
337
And this Enquiry, we hope, might redound to a general good; if Phy-
ficians would but exert themſelves, and raiſe their Minds above the fordid
Confiderations of Cure: not deriving their Honour from the Neceffities of
Mankind; but becoming Minifters to the divine Power and Goodnefs,
both in prolonging and reftoring the Life of Man: efpecially as this may be
effected by ſafe, commodious, and not illiberal Means; tho hitherto un-
attempted. And certainly it would be an Earneſt of the divine Favour,
if, whilft we are journying to the Land of Promife, our Garments, theſe frail
Bodies of ours, were not greatly to wear out in the Wilderneſs of this
World.
SECT. I. ©
The General TABLE of ENQUIRY; or a Set of
Heads for the particular HISTORY of Human Life and
Death; with Directions for the Conduct of the whole.
ARTICLE I.
A Previous Enquiry into the Nature of Durability; and its De-
grees, in inanimate and vegetable Bodies.
This Article to be profecuted, not at large, or in due form; but con-
cifely, by certain Heads; and as in Paffage f.
OF
ARTICLE II.
F Dryness, Arefaction, and the Confumption of inanimate Bodies
and Vegetables; with the Manner and Process they fucceed in,
and the Ways of preventing and retarding all three: the preferving of
VOL. III.
a See hereafter, Sect. viii.
X x
Bodics
It may be proper to obferve at the Entrance of this Piece, that each Section is what the
Author underſtands by a Table, which is formed at many different Operations of the Mind, in
the way of fo many Steps; whence the whole Enquiry being artificially broke into a number of
diftinct and commodiously manageable Parts, the Mind both at firft, and ever afterwards, operates
with the greater Eafe, Freedom, and Advantage. For thus every Table is a feparate Work,
not finiſhed; but left ftill open to receive farther Additions and Improvements. And when
ail the Tables ſhall be perfected, then, and not till then, will the whole Enquiry be finiſhed.
So that the Underſtanding has many more Steps to take, before it arrives at a plenary Know-
ledge of the Form of Life and Death. This Advertiſement may be lefs neceffary to thoſe who
are verfed in the Author's Method of Enquiry, laid down and exemplified in the fecond Part of
his Novum Organum.
f The Directions, occafionally fubjoined to thefe Articles of Enquiry, were not only in-
tended to regulate the Conduct of the Author; but, likewife, the Conduct of all future En-
quirers into the fame Subject.
3 3 8
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Bodies in their own State; and lastly, a more careful Enquiry into the
Ways of Softening, mollifying, malaxing, and recovering of Bodies after
they once begin to be dried.
Nor is a perfect, rigorous Enquiry neceffary under this Article; both as
thefe Particulars may be deduced from their proper Head of Durability, and
are not capital Things to the prefent Purpofe; tho they afford Light to the
Way of prolonging and reftoring Life in Animals.
From inanimate and vegetable Bodies, let the Enquiry defcend to Ani-
mals, exclufive of Man.
ARTICLE III.
OF the Long and Short Life of Animals; with the proper Circum-
ftances which feem to have a Share in the Difference.
ARTICLE IV.
S the Duration of Bodies is of two kinds; the one confifting in
fimple Identity, the other in Repair; the first whereof obtains on-
ly in Bodies inanimate; the fecond, in Vegetables and Animals, and is
performed by Alimentation; the next step of the Enquiry must be, into
the Bufinefs of Alimentation, with its Ways and Procefs.
Neither is Exactnefs required here; becauſe this belongs to the Heads
of Affimilation and Alimentation: and need only be touched, as the former,
in Paffage.
The Enquiry muft next defcend to Man: and as this is the principal Sub-
ject of all, the Procedure fhould be here, in every refpect, exact and
perfect.
ARTICLE V.
AN Enquiry into the Length and Shortness of Life in Men, accor-
ding to the different Ages of the World, Countries, Climates,
Places of Nativity, and Habitation.
OF
ARTICLE VI.
F the Length and Shortness of Life in Men, with regard to their
Origin and Propagation, as it were in an Hereditary Manner; al-
fo with regard to their Complexions, Conftitutions, Habits of Body, Sta-
ture, manner and periods of Growth, and the formation and knitting of
the Limbs.
ARTI-
The HISTORY of LIFE and DE ATH.
339
ARTICLE VII.
F the Length and Shortness of Life in Men, according to the Times
of their Nativity: this Enquiry being fo conducted, as at preſent
to drop all aftrological and horofcopical Confiderations; and receive only
the more manifeft and common Obfervations, if there be any; fuch as
Birth in the feventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth Month, happening by
Night or by Day, or in different Months of the Year.
OF
ARTICLE VIII.
F the Length and Shortness of Life in Men, with regard to their
Food, Diet, manner of Living, Exercife, &c. the Confiderations
of the Air which Men breathe, belonging to the fifth Article, under
the Head of Habitation.
ARTICLE IX.
F the Length and Shortness of Life in Men, with regard to
their Studies, kinds of Life, Paffions of Mind, and various
Accidents.
ARTICLE X.
A Separate Enquiry into fuch Remedies as are thought to prolong
Life.
ARTICLE XI.
OF the Signs and Prognofticks of long and fhort Life: not fuch as
denote Death at hand; which belong to medicinal Hiftory; but
fuch as appear, and are observed, even in Health ; whether derived
from Phyfiognomy, or other Confiderations.
Thus far the Enquiry proceeds upon the Length and Shortnefs of Life, in
an artleſs and mifcellaneous manner: whereto 'tis proper to add an artificial
Enquiry, tending to Practice, by three general Intentions. We fhall lay
down the more particular Diftributions of theſe Intentions when we come to
the Enquiry itſelf. Let it only be obferved for the prefent, that theſe
three general Intentions are, the Prevention of Wafte, the Perfecting of Recruit,
and the Renovation of Decay.
Xx 2
ARTICLE XII.
• See hereafter, Seft. VIII.
340
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
AN
ARTICLE XII.
N Enquiry into thofe Things which preferve and exempt the bu-
man Body from Arefaction and Confumption; or at least retard and
ward off the Tendency thereto.
ARTICLE XIII.
AN
N Enquiry into the Particulars belonging to the entire Procefs of
Alimentation; whereby the Body of Man is recruited, in order to
its Perfection, and the Prevention of Lofs.
ARTICLE XIV.
F the Things which difcharge the worn-out Materials; Supply new
ones; and fupple and moisten the Parts that are dried and in-
durated.
But as 'tis difficult to know the Ways of Death, before its Seat is dif
covered, this alfo muſt be enquired into; tho not with regard to all kinds
of Death; but fuch only as proceed, not from Violence, but from Priva-
tion, and want of Supply for this kind alone belongs to the Wafting of
the Body by Age.
AN
lence.
:
ARTICLE XV.
N Enquiry into the Point of Death, and the Avenues leading up
to it, on all Sides; thro' want of Supply, and not thro' Vio-
And as it is proper to underſtand the Characteristick and Form of Old Age,
this Enquiry muſt not be omitted; and is beft made by diligently collecting,
and comparing together, all the Differences in the State and Functions of
the Body, happening betwixt Youth and Old Age; which, at length, will
fhew what the Thing is that ſhoots out into ſo many Effects.
ARTICLE XVI.
Careful Enquiry into the different States of the Body, in Youth and
Old Age; obferving if there be any thing that remains the fame
unimpaired in Age h.
SECT.
/
Here the Author ends his own Enquiry, leaving every Article open to receive the Im-
provements of others: only, in his ufual manner, endeavouring to raiſe a Set of AXIOMS
and CANONS, upon what is already difcovered, in the way of First-fruits, and Earnefts of
greater Things,
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
341
SECT. II.
The Hiftory of Durability; with regard to the first
Article of the Table of Enquiry *.
I.
ME
ETALS are fo lafting, that the Obſervation of Mankind is not The durability
fufficient to fix the time of their Duration: even when refolved of Bodies in
animate, viz.
by Age, they are but turn'd to Ruft, without lofs of Parts; tho Gold fuffers Metals.
neither of theſe Changes'.
2. Quickfilver, tho a Fluid, and extremely volatile in the Fire, is not Quickfilver.
known either to waſte or ruft by Age alone, without Heat.
3. Stones, eſpecially the harder Kinds, and many other Foffils, are ex- Stones.
ceeding durable; even tho expoſed to the open Air; much more when
buried under Ground. Stones, however, gather a kind of Nitre m, after the
manner of Ruft: but Gems and Cryſtals are more durable than Metals; tho
they loſe ſomewhat of their Splendor with great Length of Time.
4. 'Tis obferved, that Stones are fooner confumed on the fide expoſed to
the North, than on that expoſed to the South; as appears plainly in Pyra-
mids, Temples, and other Buildings: whilft Iron, on the other hand, rufts
faſter on the fide expoſed to the South than to the North; as we find by the
Iron Bars of Windows: and no wonder ; fince in all Putrefactions, and Ruft
is one, Moiſture promotes the Diffolution, as Drynefs does in fimple Are-
faction.
5. Vegetables fevered from the Earth, and the Trunks of the harder Vegetables,
Trees, Timbers, &c. endure for fome Ages". But the parts of the Trunk are
different; fome Trees being fiftulous, as the Alder, where the Pith in the
middle is foft, and the external part hard: but in Timber Trees, as the
Oak, the inner part, call'd the Heart of the Tree, is moſt durable.
6. The Leaves, Flowers, and even Stalks of Plants are of fmall Dura-
tion; and either putrefy or refolve to Duft and Aſhes: the Roots being the
more durable Parts.
7. The Bones of Animals laſt long; as we fee in Charnel Houſes. Animal Sub-
Horns and Teeth are very durable; as appears in Ivory, and the Tooth of
ftances.
the Sea-Horfe.
8. Skins,
* See pag. 337.
1 Unless its proper Menftruum, the Fumes or Spirit of Sea Salt, happen to meet with it.
Remark all along the Author's Method of proceeding by Induction; or a Collection of Facts,
Obfervations and Experiments; which when duly tabled, as fo many Data, give the Qua-
fite.
m I fuppofe this is meant of the Nitrum Murale.
There are certain Trees, which in a very few Years turn to Mofs, or mould, by lying bu
ried in the Ground, See Mr. Evelyn's Sylva, and the Philofophical Tranfactions.
342
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Bodies that
Fire.
8. Skins, Hides, and Leather are alfo durable; as appeats from the ancient
Manufcripts on Vellum, &c. Paper alfo will laſt many Ages; tho it is lefs
durable than Parchment.
9. Bodies by paffing the Fire are render'd more durable; as Glaſs,
have pass'd the Bricks, &c. Even Flesh and Fruits that have felt the Fire, prove more du-
rable than when crude: not only becauſe the Fire prevents Putrefaction,
but becauſe when the aqueous Moiſture is gone, the unctuous Moiſture fup-
ports itſelf the longer.
Water and
Qil.
Gums.
An uniform
10. Of all Liquors, Water is fooneſt abſorbed by the Air; but Oil, on the
contrary, exhales flowly, as appears both in the Liquors themfelves, and again
when mix'd with other Bodies: for Paper dip'd in Water, acquires fome de-
gree of Tranfparency, but foon lofes it again, and turns white, thro' the Ex-
halation of the Water; whereas Paper dip'd in Oil, long remains tranfpa-
rent, becauſe the Oil does not exhale.
11. All Gums are exceeding durable; fo likewife is Wax and Honey.
12. But equability and inequability in the accidental Circumſtances of
fate requifite Bodies have as great a fhare in the duration or deſtruction of them as Things
to durability. themfelves: for Timber, Stones, &c. lying continually either in Water or
in Air, laft longer than if they were fometimes removed from the one to the
other. So Stones, laid in Buildings with the fame Direction, as to the Points
of the Compafs, they had in the Quarry, prove more durable than they
otherwiſe would; and the Cafe is the fame in removing of Plants.
Two capital
Two larger Obfervations.
13. Let it be held as certain, that there is in all tangible Bodies a Spirit, or
Obfervations pneumatical Subftance, envelloped and included in the tangible Parts; and
with regard to that this Spirit is the Origin of all Diffolution and Confumption; which are
therefore to be prevented by the detention of this Spirit.
the Spirits in
Bodies
The Duration
of Plants. The
Cold.
14. This Spirit is detain'd two ways; either by cloſe Compreffion and
Confinement, or by a kind of fpontaneous Refidence. And this Lodgment
is follicited two ways; viz. if the Spirit itſelf be not very moveable or ſharp;
and again, if it be not excited by the external Air to defert. So that there
are two durable Subftances, a hard one and an oily: the firft conftringes
the Spirit, and the ſecond in fome meaſure appeafes it; and is lefs follicited
by the Air, for Air is of the fame Subftance with Water; and Flame with
Oil P.
And fo much for the Nature of Durability in Bodies inanimate.
15. The Plants accounted cold, are annual, and die yearly, both in their
Root and Stalk; as Lettuce, Purflane, Wheat, and all Kinds of Grain: yet
there are ſome cold Plants which laſt for three or four Years; as the Violet,
Strawberry, Pimpernel, Primroſe and Sorrel; but Borage and Buglofs,
tho fo like when alive, differ in death for Borage is but annual; whereas
Buglofs lafts longer than one Year.
16. Nume-
• Is this fufficiently verified?
P Let the juftneſs of theſe larger Obſervations, and their importance, be thoroughly per-
ceived.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
343
16. Numerous hot Plants bear Age well; as Hyffop, Thyme, Savory, The Hot.
common Marjoram, Baulm, Wormwood, Germander, Sage, &c. but Fen-
nel dies yearly in its Stalk, and ſhoots again from the Root: whereas Bafil
and ſweet Marjoram endure Age better than they do the Winter; for when
planted in a warm and well fenced place, they flouriſh above one Year and
a Bed of Hyffop, clipt every fix Months, has been known to continue forty
Years.
17. Shrubs and Buſhes continue flouriſhing for fixty Years, and ſome for The duration
twice that time. The Vine may live to fixty, and be fruitful even to the of shrubs..
laft. Roſemary well fecured, will likewife reach to fixty; and Bear's-foot,
and Ivy to more than a hundred. The Age of the Bramble cannot be well
computed; becauſe bending to the Earth, it ſtrikes freſh Roots; ſo that 'tis
hard to diſtinguiſh the new Shoot from the old.
18. Among large Trees the longest lived are the Oak, the Holm, the of large Treess
Aſh, the Elm, the Beech, the Plane, the Fig, the Lote, the Olive, the
wild Olive, the Palm and the Mulberry: fome of thefe will laft eight
hundred Years; and the fhorteft Livers of them all, two hundred.
19. But odoriferous and refinous Trees are in their Matter or Wood ſtill The odoriferows
more durable. 'Tis true, the Cypreſs, the Fir, the Pine, the Box, and the and refinons
Juniper, are ſhorter Livers; but the Cedar, affifted by the bulk of its Body,
nearly equals the abovementioned.
kind.
20. The Afh, brisk and quick in its Growth, lives to a hundred Years The Ash, &c;
or more; fo likewife do the Birch, the Maple, and the Service-Tree: but
the Poplar, the Lime, the Sycamore and the Walnut are not fo long
lived.
21. The Apple, the Pear, the Plumb, the Pomegranate, the Citron, Fruit Trees.
the Lemon, the Medlar, the Cornel, and the Cherry-tree, may laſt fifty or
fixty Years; eſpecially if now and then fcoured of their Mofs, which fur-
rounds fome of them.
22. In general, Largenefs of bulk in Trees, where other Things are equal, Largenes has
has fome Affinity with their Continuance of Life; fo likewife has hardnefs of Some relation
to durability.
Subſtance: and fuch as bear Maſt and Nuts are generally longer lived than
Fruit-trees. So again, thofe that are late, either in Fruit or Leaf, and alſo
ſhed late, are longer lived than fuch as bear and ſhed early: So wild Trees,
are longer lived than thofe of the Orchard; and of the fame kind fuch as
bear an acid Fruit live longer than fuch as bear a ſweet one.
A larger Obfervation.
betwixt the
23. Ariftotle has excellently obferved the difference between Plants and A Capital Ob-
Animals, in point of Nouriſhment and Recruit, viz. that the Bodies of Ani- fervation of
mals remain confined within their own Bounds; fo that when come to a due the difference
magnitude, they are fupported and preferved by their Aliment, without nourishment of
the new growth of any thing but Hair and Nails, which are accounted ex- Plants and
crementitious; whence of neceffity the Juices of Animals fooner grow old: Animals,
whereas Trees often put out new Branches, new Shoots, new Leaves, new
2
Fruits
344
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Deficcation by
Fire.
By Air.
Fruits; whence alfo, the other parts become new, and feel not the effects of
Age; becauſe whatever is green and young, more briskly and ftrongly at-
tracts the Nouriſhment to itſelf, than what has begun to grow dry; infomuch
that the Trunk itſelf, thro' which the Sap is conveyed to the Branches, thus
comes to be watered, and ſupplied with a more rich and plentiful Aliment 1:
as remarkably appears from hence, that in the cutting of Hedges, the lop-
ping of Trees, and the thinning of Coppices, the Stem or Trunk is always
invigorated, and render'd much longer lived by the lofs of its Shoots, or
Branches.
SECT. III.
The Hiftory of Deficcation, the prevention thereof, and
the Softning of dry'd Bodies: with regard to the
fecond Article of the Table of Enquiry.
IRE, or intenfe Heat, drys fome Bodies, and melts others: it drys
Earth, Stone, Wood, Cloth, Hides, and all Bodies uncapable of melt-
ing; but fufes Metals, Wax, Gums, Fat, &c.
2. Even thofe Things that melt in the Fire are dry'd by it at laſt; if the
Fire be increaſed. Thus Metals, with a violent Heat loſe their volatile
Part; and all of them, except Gold, become lighter and more brittle and
by a ſtrong Fire, oily and fat Bodies, become fcorched, dry and
crufty.
3. The open Air is manifeftly drying, but never melting; thus the Sur-
face of the Earth is dried after being wet with Showers; fo Linnen is dry'd
after waſhing, by expofing it to the Air; and Herbs, Leaves and Flowers are
dry'd in the Shade, &c. but the Air performs this much more powerfully,
when affifted by the Sun's Rays, or put into Motion, as by Winds, &c.
4. Age has a great, tho an exceeding flow power of drying, as we fee
in all Bodies; which, unless prevented by Putrefaction, grow dry with
Age: yet Age is nothing of itfelf; or no more than the meaſure of Time:
but the Effect is produced by the native Spirit of Bodies, which drinks
their Moiſture, and flys off together with it; whilft the external Air
multiplies
up
Whence in effect, the Trunk becomes continually young again. This Obfervation, there-
fore, is of great importance to the prefent Enquiry; as it may in fome degree be transfer'd
from vegetable to animal Subjects; and afford a Rule for procuring a kind of Rejuvenescency;
as by the ufe of Frictions, c. on the external Parts of the Body, fo as to perfpire the old
Juices; and cauſe thoſe Parts more ftrongly to attract new ones.
Even Gold itſelf lofes of its weight, and becomes a purple Glafs, when expofed to the
Focus of a large Lens, or burning Concave. See M. Homberg's Paper upon the Subject.
Memoir. de l' Acad, An. 1702.
Do not all Bodies after compleat Putrefaction, become dry and truly terreffrial?
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
345
multiplies itſelf thereon, and preys upon the native Spirit and Juices of
Bodies t.
5. But Cold is, properly, the greateſt Dryer of all: for there can be no Cold:
Drynefs without Contraction, which is the proper Effect of Cold. But as
we have a powerful degree of Heat in Fire, and only a very feeble one of
Cold, as that of the Winter, Snow, Ice, &c. the Arefactions of Cold are but
weak on the Earth, and eaſily deſtroy'd; yet we find the face of the Earth
more dry'd by Froft, and March Winds, than by the Sun; whilft the fame
Wind that licks up the Moiſture produces Cold.
6. The Smoak of Fire gives Drynefs, as we fee in the cafe of Fleſh ſuf- Smoak.
pended in Chimnies; and fo the fumigations of Frankincenfe, Lignum
Aloes, &c. dry the Brain, and ſtop Defluxions.
7. Salt by continuance drys, not only externally, but deeply; as appears Salti
in the falting of Flesh or Fish; which lying long in the Salt are manifeftly
hardened, even internally.
8. Hot Gums applied to the Skin, dry and wrinkle it; fo likewife do Gums.
fome aftringent Liquors.
9. High rectified Spirit of Wine drys almoft like Fire; fo far as to Spirit of Wino,
harden and blanch the white of an Egg put into it, and almoft to fcorch
up Bread.
10. Powders dry like Spunges, by fucking up Moiſture; as we fee in and Powders.
throwing Sand upon freſh writing. Even a Poliſh, or the clofe union of a
Body, not permitting a moiſt Vapour to enter its Pares, drys by accident ;
as expofing the Subject to the Air. Thus Gems, Looking glaffes and
Sword-blades, when breathed upon, appear at firſt cover'd over with a Va-
pour, which prefently vanishes like a light Cloud. And fo much for the
Article of Deficcation.
terraneous
Granaries.
II. In the Eaſtern Parts of Germany they make uſe of fubterraneous Prevention of
Granaries, for preferving their Corn, by laying Straw at the bottom, and Deficcation in-
all around to fome height, in order to repel and fuck up the humidity of fanced in ſub-
the Cave; by which means they keep their Grain for twenty or thirty Years
not only uncorrupted, but, what makes to the prefent Enquiry, in fuch a ſtate
of freſhneſs, as excellently fits it for the making of Bread. And the like
Practice, 'tis faid, has formerly prevail'd in Cappadocia, Thrace, and fome
parts of Spain.
12. Granaries are commodioufly made in Garrets, or upper Rooms, with
Windows open to the Eaſt and North: and fome have two Floors, an upper
and a lower for this purpofe; the upper one being perforated, that the
Grain may continually fall thro' the Holes thereof, like Sand in an Hour-
VOL. III.
YY
glafs,
This might pafs for a larger Obfervation, of capital Import.
▾ A freezing degree of Cold even drys up Water; or turns it from a Fluid into a Solid.
And a ftill greater degree will congeal Wine, Brandy, Oil of Vitriol, and other mineral
acid Spirits: a ftill higher might congeal Quickfilver itfelf; tho this was never experienced
in the utmoſt degrees of Cold that Men have hitherto been able to produce; not even by
the mixture of Spirit of Nitre and Ice.
I
346
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Confervatories
of Snow.
In Meal.
In Liquors of
glafs, and fome Days after be again thrown back with Shovels; fo as to keep
the Grain in continual Motion: by which Contrivance, Corruption is not only
prevented, but Frefhnefs preferved, and Drynefs retarded; the Caufe whereof,
as we intimated above "," is the difcharge of the aqueous Moiſture, which
being accelerated by the Motion of the Wind, preferves the oily Moiſture
its ftate, that wou'd otherwife fly off along with the aqueous. And
thus on certain Mountains, where the Air is pure, dead Corps will remain
many Days unfaded.
13. Fruits, as Apples, Pears, Lemmons, &c. and Flowers, as Rofes,
Lillies, &c. may be long kept freſh in clofe ftopt earthen Veffels; tho in-
deed the Air from without is fomewhat prejudicial, by communicating its
Inequalities thro' the Veffel; as manifeftly appears in the cafe of Cold and
Heat fo that if the Veffel were well ftop'd, it might be a good way to
bury it in the Ground", or plunge it under Water, that is fhaded, as Wells
and Cisterns generally are: tho the Bodies to be preferved under Water had
better be put up in Veffels of Glafs, than Veffels of Earth.
14. In general, Bodies repofited under Ground, and in fubterraneous
Vaults, or deep Waters, preferve their freſhneſs longer than above Ground.
15. 'Tis related that in Confervatories of Snow, whether natural or ar-
tificial, Fruit has been found as freſh and beautiful, after lying there for fe-
veral Months, as if it had been newly gather'd ×.
16. The Country People have a way of preferving bunches of Grapes,
by burying them in Meal; which tho it renders them fomewhat unpleaſant
to the Tafte, yet preferves their moiſture and freſhnefs: and all the firmer
Fruits are not only long preferved in Meal, but alfo in Saw-duft; or heaps
of Corn y.
17. An Opinion has prevail'd, that Bodies are prefervable, fresh and
the fame kind perfect, in Liquors of their own Species; as Grapes in Wine, Olives in
Oil, &c.
with the Body,
Fruits how
preferved.
18. Pomegranats and Quinces may be well preferved, by fteeping them
awhile in Salt-water; then taking them out and drying them in the open
Air of a fhady place.
19. Bodies are long preferved by fufpending them in Wine or Oil, much
better in Honey or Spirit of Wine; but beft of all, as fome fay, in Quick-
filver.
20. Fruits are long preferved fresh and green, by coating them over with
Wax, Pitch, Plaiſter of Paris, Pafte, Gr. ³
3
21. 'Tis
See above Sect. I. 13, 14. and Sect. III. 3, 4.
* See a Method of preferving Fruits and Flowers for a Year, built upon this Foundation,
in the Philofophical Tranfactions, N° 237. P. 44.
* See Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold.
See the Author's Sylva Sylvarum, under the Article Prefervation,
This Opinion feems to hold in many Reſpects.
a Theſe and many other of the following Particulars are farther confider'd in the Sylva
Sylvarum; from whence they may appear taken, for the prefent occafion, according to the
defign of that Piece,
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
347
21. 'Tis manifeft that Flies, Spiders, Ants, &c. cafually included
in Amber, or immerſed and covered over with the Gums of Trees, never
waſte afterwards; tho they are but foft and tender Bodies.
22. Grapes, and other Fruit, are preferved by hanging pendulous: of which
fituation there is a double Convenience; for firft they are thus preferved
from bruifing or compreffure, to which they wou'd be expofed by lying upon
hard Bodies; and fecondly, the Air furrounds them every way equally.
23. 'Tis obſerved, that both Putrefaction and Deficcation in Vegetables
begin not equally on every fide; but principally in that part thro' which
Bodies draw their Nouriſhment when alive: whence fome direct us in pre-
ferving of Fruit, to feal up the end of the Stalk with Wax, or melted
Pitch.
24. Large Wiecks of Candles or Lamps confume the Tallow or Oil fooner The Confump-
than lefs; and the Flame of Cotton fooner than that of Rufh, Straw, tion of Fewel.
Twig, &c. and all Flame moved and agitated by the Wind, confumes the
Fewel fafter than when undisturbed; and therefore flower in a Lanthorn
than in the open Air. 'Tis reported alfo that fepulchral Lamps will con-
tinue burning for a very long time.
25. The nature and preparation of the Fewel contributes as much to the
continuance of the Light, as the nature of the Flame. Thus Wax burns
longer than Tallow, wet Tallow longer than dry, hard Wax longer than
foft, &c.
26. If the Mould be yearly ftir'd about the Roots of Trees, the Trees are The manuring
of fhorter duration; but, if once in five or ten Years, of longer: So to gather of Ground.
the Buds, and ſtrip off the Twigs of Trees, prolongs their Life. Again,
dunging, laying on of Chalk, &c. and much watering, conduces to Fertility;
but fhortens the Life of Vegetables.
And ſo much for the preventing of dryness and wasting. The business of
foftning Bodies once dried, which is the capital Business, in this Cafe, affords
but a few Experiments; we will therefore join fuch as belong to Men, and other
Animals together.
27. Willow Twigs become more flexible, by fteeping them in Water; The Enquiry
ſo we dip the ends of Birch Rods in Water to prevent their drying and of mollifying or
Bowls of Wood, cleft thro' drynefs, being put into Water clofe again. Suppling the
28. Very old Trees, that have ftood long unremoved, apparently grow in Vegetables.
young again, and acquire new and tender Leaves, upon digging and open-
ing the Earth about their Roots.
parts once dried
29. Leather, become hard and ſtubborn by Age, is fuppled and foftned In Leather.
by rubbing it with Oil before the Fire, and in fome meaſure barely by the
warmth of the Fire. Skins and Bladders, when fomewhat harden'd, grow foft
again in warm Water, with the addition of any fat Subftance; but better
ftill if rubbed a little.
30. Old Draught-Oxen, worn out with Service, being put into freſh Paſ- In Oxen
ture, get new and tender Flesh; that eats like young Beef.
Yy 2
31 A
2
348
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
In Men.
31. A dry and ftrict Diet of Guaiacum, Biſket, &c. ufed in the Cure of
tlre venereal Diſeaſe, &c. brings Men to extreme Leannefs, and confumes the
Juices of the Body; which afterwards beginning to be recruited, grow ma-
nifeftly more young and fresh and we judge that emaciating Diftempers,
being well cured, have prolonged the Lives of many.
:
Larger OBSERVATION S.
(1.) Men have a ftrange Talent, and fee fharply in the night of their
own Notions; but wink, and prove weak-fighted in the Day-light of Ex-
perience they talk of the elementary Quality of Drynefs, of Dryers, and
the natural Periods of Bodies whereby they are corrupted and confumed,
without obferving any thing of Ufe, as to the Beginnings, the Means,
and the Ends of Drynefs and Confumption.
(2.) The Procefs of Drynefs and Confumption confifts in three Actions;
and theſe Actions have their Origin from the native Spirit of Bodies, as was
before obferved.
(3.) The first Action is the Attenuation of Moiſture into Spirit; the
fecond is the Exit or Eſcape of the Spirit; the third is the immediate Con-
traction of the Parts of the Body after the Spirit is gone: and this laft is
that Deficcation and Induration we are now principally concerned with; the
two former tending only to confume.
(4.) In the cafe of Attenuation, the thing is manifeft; for the Spirit
included in all tangible Bodies operates without ceafing, and whatever it lays
hold of, can digeft and work upon, it converts into itſelf, entirely changes,
fubdues, multiplies itſelf thereon, and begets new Spirit. This receives an
eminent Confirmation from hence, that Bodies much dried lofe in weight,
become hollow, fpungy, and fonorous from within; whilft 'tis certain that
the internal Spirit contributes nothing to the weight of the Body: whence it
neceffarily follows, that the internal Spirit muſt have converted into itſelf
the Moiſture and Juice of the Body which before had Gravity; whence the
Diminution of the Weight. And this is the first Action; viz. the Attenu-
ation of the Moiſture and its Converfion into Spirit .
b
(5.) The fecond Action; viz. the Eſcape or Avolation of the Spirit, is
likewife manifeft; for when this happens largely, 'tis apparent even to the
Senfe, in Vapours to the Sight, and in Odours to the Smell; but when it
happens gradually, as it does thro' Age, 'tis then performed infenfibly; tho
the Cafe, in effect, be the fame. And where the Texture of the Body is
ſo cloſe and tenacious that the Spirit can find no Pores or Paffages, at which.
to iffue; here alſo, in its Endeavour to get out, it drives the groffer
Parts of the Body before it, and thrufts them above the Surface: which
is the Cafe in the rufting of Metals, and the Corruption of all fat
Bodies.
What this internal Spirit is, See below Sect. XI.
(6.) The
i
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
3.49
(6.) The third Action is fomewhat obfcure, but no lefs certain than the
others, being a Contraction of the groffer Parts, after the Spirit is difcharged.
And, first, we fee that Bodies manifeftly fhrink, and poffefs lefs Space, after
the Exit of the Spirit; as we find in Nut-kernels, which when dried do
not fill the Shell: and again, in Boarding and Paling, where the feveral
Planks, or pieces of Wood, are laid clofe together at firft; but gape and
fhrink from each other when dried.. In like manner Bowls, and other Wood-
work, crack and fplit with Drynefs; whilft the Parts contract themſelves,
and thus of neceffity leave empty Spaces between. Secondly, This appears
from the wrinkling of dry Bodies; the endeavour of contracting themſelves
being fo forcible as to bring the Parts together, and raiſe them up; for
whatever is contracted in the Extremities muft rife up in the middle, as we
fee in Paper, Parchment, the Skins of Animals, and in the Coat of foft
Cheeſe all which grow wrinkled with Age. Thirdly, This Contraction appears
ftill more remarkably in fuch things as do not only wrinkle, but twift, curl
up, and roll themſelves round with Heat; as Parchment, Paper, and Leaves
do when expoſed to the Fire: for Contraction, through Age, proceeding but
flowly, generally produces Wrinkles; whilft Contraction by the Fire, being
fudden, caufes curling. But in many Bodies where neither wrinkling nor
curling can happen, there enfues a bare Contraction, Shrinking, Hardneſs,
and Drynefs, as we firft obferved. But if the Spirit be fo far exhaled, and the
Moiſture fo far confumed, as not to leave enough of the Body to unite and
contract itſelf, then all Contraction neceffarily ceafes; the Body becomes
rotten, and no more than a heap of Duft, clinging together, which is diffi-
pated by a flight Touch, or thrown off into the Air; as we fee in all Bodies
greatly confumed; viz. Paper and Linen, burnt to the utmoft; and in dead →
Bodies embalmed after lying many Ages.
(7.) It muſt be obſerved that Fire and Heat only dry by accident; for 'tis
their proper Office to attenuate and dilate the Spirit and the Moiſture; but
it follows by Accident, that the other Parts contract themſelves, either to
prevent a Vacuum, as the vulgar Phrafe is; or by the concurrent Action of
fome other Motion, about which we are not now enquiring.
(8.) 'Tis certain that Putrefaction, as well as Arefaction, has its Origin
from the native Spirit; tho it proceeds in a very different way: for, in Pu-
trefaction, the Spirit not being fimply diſcharged, but in part detained, has
ftrange Operations and Effects; whilſt the groffer Parts alſo fuffer, not a lo-
cal Contraction, ſo much as a joint and homogenious Union .
SECT.
See the Article Putrefaction, in the Sylva Sylvarum.
350
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
SECT. IV.
The Hiftory of the LENGTH and SHORTNESS of
LIFE in ANIMALS; pursuant to the third Article
of the Table of Enquiry.
Preparation. W
The Age of
Man.
Of the Ele-
phant.
The Lion.
The Bear.
The Fox.
The Camel.
The Horſe.
1
ITH regard to the Length and Shortness of Life in Animals, the Infor-
mation procurable is but flender, Obfervation flight, and Tradition fabu-
lous. Tame Creatures are corrupted by a degenerate Life; and wild ones inter-
cepted by the inclemency of the Weather. Neither do the things which may seem
concomitant affist us much in this Enquiry; as the bulk of the Body, the period of
Geftation, the number of Young, the time of Growth, &c. thefe being complicated
Confiderations, that fometimes concur and fometimes not.
1. The Age of Man, fo far as can be collected from certain Hiſtory, exceeds
that of all other Animals, excepting a very few; and the Concomitants in
him are found tolerably equable: his Size and Stature large, his period of
Geftation nine Months, his Offspring generally fingle, his time of Puberty
at fourteen, and his Growth reaching to twenty Years.
2. The Elephant certainly exceeds the ordinary Age of Man; their period
of Geftation is not ten but two Years, or at leaſt above one; their Bulk
vaft; their Growth till thirty; their Teeth exceeding ftrong: their Blood
is obſerved to be the coldeſt of all Animals; and they fometimes live two
hundred Years.
3. Lions are thought to be long lived, becauſe many of them have been
found toothleſs; but this is no certain Sign, as it may proceed from their
corrupt Breath, or other Cauſe.
4. The Bear is a great Sleeper, and a ſluggiſh indolent Creature, yet not
obferved to be long lived; they ſhould rather ſeem to be fhort lived, from
their very ſhort period of Geftation, fcarce reaching to forty Days.
5. The Fox feems well provided for long Life; as being well covered,
carnivorous, and living under Ground; yet he is not obſerved to be long
lived: doubtleſs he is of the Dog-kind, which is but ſhort lived.
6. The Camel is long lived; a lean finewey Creature, that commonly
reaches to fifty, and fometimes to a hundred.
7. The Horſe ſhares a middle Life, fcarce attaining to forty, and ufually
not to more than twenty; but this fhortnefs of Life he probably owes to
Man for the Breed of the Sun is now no more, that ranged at large in freſh
Paſture; yet the Horfe continues growing till fix, and generates in old Age.
The Mare alfo goes longer with Young than the Woman; and but fel-
dom foals double. The Afs has nearly the fame Age as the Horfe: But the
Mule is longer lived than either.
8. The
C
See the Account of Elephants in the Philofophical Tranfactions.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
351
8. The Stag is vulgarly famed for long Life; but upon no certain Hiftory. Deer.
There goes a Report of a certain Stag found with a Chain about his Neck,
buried in Fat. That he fhould be a long lived Creature feems lefs probable,
becauſe he comes to his full Growth at five; foon after which his Horns,
which are yearly fhed and renewed, grow from a narrower Bafis, and lefs
branching.
9. The Dog is a fhort lived Creature, that laſts not above twenty Years; The Dog,
and feldom fees fourteen: he is hot, and lives unequably; as being often in
violent Motion, and often ſleeping. The Bitch has many young ones at a
Litter; and goes with them nine Weeks.
10. The Bull or Ox is very fhort lived for his Size and Strength, fcarce The Ox.
exceeding fixteen Years; tho fomewhat more lafting than the Cow. She has
feldom more than one Calf at once; and goes about fix Months. This is a
fluggiſh and fleſhy Creature, that eafily grows fat, and feeds wholly upon
Herbage.
11. Sheep feldom live to ten, tho a Creature of a moderate Size, and The Sheep,
well covered; and tho fharing but a very fmall proportion of Gall, yet
their Coat is exceedingly curled, beyond that of any other Animal. The
Ram generates not till the third Year; and continues fit for Generation to
the eighth. The Ewe continues to bear as long as fhe lives. 'Tis a Crea-
ture fubject to Diſeaſes, and feldom lives out its full courſe.
12. The Goat approaches the Sheep in Age, and almoſt every thing elfe; The Goat,
tho a more nimble Creature, and of a fomewhat firmer Fleſh; whence he
fhould feem longer lived: but he is much more falacious, and therefore
fhorter lived.
13. The Hog fometimes lives to fifteen or even twenty; and tho its The Hog
Fleſh be the moifteft of all Animals, yet this feems to contribute nothing
to the Prolongation of Life. But for the wild Boar, there is no certain
account of him.
14. The Age of the Cat terminates between fix and ten: a nimble The Cats
Creature, abounding in Spirit, that eats voracioufly, and fwallows without
much chewing.
15. The Hare and Rabbet fcarce laft feven Years: they are both great The Hare.
Breeders, and have many young at once. They differ in this, that the
Rabbet lives under Ground, and the Hare above; and, that the Fleſh of
the Hare is the darkeft.
16. Birds fall far fhort of Quadrupedes in bulk of Body: an Eagle, or Birds,
a Swan, being but little things compared to an Ox, or a Horfe; or an Oſtrich
compared to an Elephant.
17. Birds are well covered; for Feathers exceed Wooll and Hair in point
of Warmth, and fitting cloſe to the Body.
18. Tho Birds have many young at once, yet they go not with them
together, but lay their Eggs at feveral times; whence the Chick receives a
more copious Nouriſhment.
19. Birds mafticate but little, if at all; whence their Aliment is often.
found whole in their Crop; yet they will break the Shell of a Nut, and pick
out the Kernel,
20. The
352
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Eagle.
The Vulture.
The Kite.
The Raven.
The Swan.
The Goofe.
The Stork.
The Phoenix.
The Parrot.
!
+
20. The Flight of Birds is a mix'd Motion, compounded of the Motion
of the Limbs and that of Carriage; which makes a very wholſome kind
of Exerciſe.
21. 'Tis well obſerved by Ariftotle, as to the Production of Birds, that
the Male Seed contributes little to their Generation; but fupplies rather
Activity than Matter: whence an Egg productive of a Chick is, in many re-
ſpects, undiſtinguiſhable from one that is not.
22. Moſt Birds come to their full Growth the firft Year, or foon after :
their Age is reckoned by the Feathers in fome, and by the Beak in others;
but not by the magnitude of their Bodies.
23. The Eagle is accounted long lived; tho its Years are not obſerved.
And 'tis eſteemed a fign of his long Life, that he cafts his Beak, and thence
grows young again: whence the Proverb Aquila Senectus. But perhaps 'tis not
the Renovation of the Eagle that cafts the Beak, but the Change of the
Beak that renews the Eagle; for when the Beak grows too hooked, the
Eagle muſt feed with difficulty.
24. The Vulture is alfo faid to be long lived; fo as to laft a hundred
Years. The Kite likewife, and all carnivorous Birds, and Birds of Prey,
live long. But for the Hawk, as fhe lives a degenerate and fervile Life
under the Faulkoner, no true Eſtimate can be made of the natural Period
of her Duration: but the tame Hawk has been fometimes obferved to live
thirty Years, and the wild one forty.
25. The Raven likewife is faid to live long, fometimes to a hundred; a
carnivorous Bird, not much upon the Wing; but rather fedentary, and ha-
ving very black Fleſh.
black Fleſh. But the Crow, which reſembles the Raven, except in
Size and Voice, is fomewhat ſhorter lived.
26. The Swan is certainly found to be a very long lived Creature, and
often reaches to above a hundred: a Bird excellently plumed, that feeds on
Fiſh, and delights in running Waters.
27. The Goofe alfo is a long liver, but particularly the wild one; tho a
Creature that feeds on Herbage; whence the German Proverb: older than a
wild Gonfe.
28. Storks muſt needs be long lived, if the ancient Obſervation of them
be juft, that they never came to Thebes, becauſe the City was often taken :
for, if this were true, they must have had the Memory of more than one
Age, or elfe the old ones muſt have taught the young ones Hiſtory: but
Fables are endleſs.
29. And ſo much is Fable interwove with the Hiftory of the Phoenix,
as quite to bury the Truth, if there were any in it; tho there is no great
Wonder at what they anciently wonder'd at; viz. that this Bird ſhould be
alway feen flying with a great Attendance of others: for we fee the fame
thing happen to an Owl flying by day; or to a Parrot that has quitted the
Cage.
30. A Parrot has certainly been known to live fixty Years in England;
but how old he was when brought over is uncertain: a Bird that feeds pro-
miscuouſly,
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
353
mifcuouſly, that mafticates his Meat, and cafts the Beak; being likewife
bold, ſtubborn, and black of Fleſh.
31. A Peacock lives to twenty; but has not his Argus Eyes till three Years The Peacock,
old: a Bird of ftately Step, and whitish Flefh.
32. The Dung-hill Cock is a falacious, martial, fhort-lived Bird; exceed The Cock.
ing brifk, and white of Flefh.
33. The Turkey Cock fomewhat out-lives the Dung-hill Cock: an ira- The Turkey ›
fcible Bird, and of very white Fleſh.
34. The Ring-dove is a long liver, and fometimes lafts till fifty: a Bird The Ring
of the Air, that fits and builds high; but Doves and Turtles are fhort dove.
livers, and ſcarce exceed eight Years.
35. Pheaſants and Partridges may live to fixteen Years; being great The Pheaſanı.
Breeders, but of more duſky Fleſh than the Pullet kind.
36. The Black-bird is faid to be the longeſt lived of all fmall Birds: The Black-
a bold Bird, and loud of Voice.
bird.
37. The Sparrow is obferved to be very ſhort lived; which is attributed The Sparrow.
to Salacity in the Cock: but the Linnet, a Bird no bigger in Body, is ob-
ſerved to live twenty Years.
38. Of the Eftrich we have no certain account; thofe bred amongst us The Eftrich.
have not been found to live long and as to the Ibis, fhe is only recorded
for a long liver, without mentioning her time.
39. The Lives of Fiſh are known with more uncertainty than thofe of Fish.
Land Animals; as being lefs obferved on account of their living under
Water moſt of them are without Refpiration; whence their vital Spirit is
more pent in; and therefore, tho they refresh themfelves by their Gills, yet
that kind of cooling is not fo conftant as by breathing.
40. As they live in Water, they efcape the drynefs and depredation caufed ·
by the external Air; but, no doubt, the furrounding Water which enters,
and is received into the Pores of their Bodies, proves more prejudicial than Air.
41. Their Blood is faid to have very little Heat; fome of them are very
voracious, and prey even upon their own Species: their Flefh is fofter, and
lefs tenacious than of Land-Animals; but they fatten in an extraordinary
manner, fo that an incredible Quantity of Oil is afforded by the Whale
Kind.
42. Dolphins are reported to live about thirty Years; the Experiment ha- The Dolphin.
ving been tried by cutting off the Tails of fome of them: and they continue
growing till ten.
43. They report a ftrange thing of fome Fifh; that after a certain Age
their Bodies wafte greatly, while their Heads and Tails remain of the
former Size.
44. The Murena was obferved, in Cafar's Fish-ponds, to live fixty Years; The Murena.
and by long Ufe this kind of Fifh was made fo tame, that Craffus the
Orator bewail'd the Lofs of one of them.
45. The Pike is found much the longeſt Liver of all fresh-Water Fish; The Pike.
fometimes continuing for forty Years: a voracious Fifh of prey, whofe Flefh
is firm and dry.
VOL. III.
Z z
46. But
354
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Carp.
The Salmon.
The Whale.
The Crocodile.
46. But the Carp, the Bream, the Tench, the Eel, &c. are not thought
to live above ten Years.
47. The Salmon is quick of Growth, but ſhort-lived; fo is the Trout:
but the Pearch grows flow, and lives longer.
48. As to the Life of Whales, and the like Fiſh of vaft bulk, we have
no certain account; nor of the Sea-calf, the Sea-hog, and innumerable other
Kinds of Fiſh.
49. The Crocodile is reported to be very long lived, and alfo to have an
extraordinary period of Growth; infomuch that this is held the only Ani-
mal which grows as long as it lives. 'Tis an oviparous Creature, voracious,
cruel, and well defended againſt the Water. But for any kind of Shell-fiſh,
we find no certain account of their length of life.
Larger OBSERVATIONS.
'Tis difficult to difcover any Rule of the Length and Shortnefs of Life in
Animals; as well through a Neglect of Obfervations, as the Complica-
tions of Cauſes.
(1.) There are more Birds than Quadrupedes found to be long lived; as
the Eagle, the Vulture, the Kite, &c. tho they attain their full Growth in
one Year, and are lefs of Body. Doubtless their Plumage is an excellent
Covering againſt the Inclemency of the Seafons; and as they chiefly live in
the free Air, they are like the Inhabitants of clear Mountains, who prove
long lived. Their Motion alfo, in their Flight, is lefs fatiguing, leſs ſhaking,
and more wholefome. Nor do the firft Rudiments of Birds fuffer
any Com-
preffion, or want of Aliment in the Uterus of the Female. But the principal
Reaſon ſeems to be, that Birds are rather formed of the Subſtance of the
Female than the Male: whence their Spirit is not fo hot and fretting.
(2.) It may well be fuppofed, that the Animals made more of the Sub-
ftance of the Female than the Male, are longest lived; and that ſuch as are
longeſt gone with, will participate more of the Subftance of the Female than
the Male, and are therefore longer lived: whence, in conformity with ſome
Obfervations of our own, we judge, even among Men, that thofe Children
which reſemble the Mother live the longeft; and fo again, the Children of
old Men, begotten upon young Wives; provided the Father was found, or
no way distempered.
(3.) The Beginnings of all things lie moſt open both to Injury and Aſſiſt-
ance; fo that a lefs degree of Compreffion, and a larger fupply of Nouriſh-
ment to the Fatus in the Uterus, muft naturally conduce much to the pro-
longation of Life; and this happens either when the Young is excluded at
different times, as in Birds, which are oviparous; or when the Birth is fingle,
as in Animals that have only one Young at once.
(4.) A
f If it were effential to the prefent Enquiry, it might be poffible to procure a fomewhat more
exact and particular Account of the feveral Creatures above-mentioned; as alſo of feveral
others omitted.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
355
(4.) A long continuance in the Uterus contributes three ways to the pro-
longation of Life. Firſt, as the Fetus hence receives more of the Sub-
ftance of the Female. Secondly, as it comes forth more ftrengthned and
confirmed. And thirdly, as it later feels the predatory force of the Air.
It also fignifies that the Periods of Nature are performed in greater Re-
volutions. And altho Lambs and Calves, which remain but about fix
Months in the Uterus, are fhort lived; yet this proceeds from other
Caufes.
(5.) Creatures that feed upon fimple Herbage, are of ſhort duration; but
thoſe that feed on Flesh, or Seeds, and Fruits, as Birds, are of a
longer; for, even Deer, derive one half of their Food from above their
Heads and the Goofe, befides Grafs, finds fomething in the Stubble-
fields, and the Water.
(6.) We judge, that the covering of the Body greatly conduces to pro-
long Life; for this wards off, and prevents thofe unfriendly Affaults of the
Air which, otherwife, ftrangely undermine and deftroy the Body: and Birds.
are thus admirably fenced by their Plumage. But that Sheep, which are alſo
well covered, are of fhort duration, muſt be imputed to the Diſeaſes
whereto that Creature is liable; and to their feeding chiefly upon Grafs.
(7.) The Head is, doubtlefs, the principal Seat of the Spirits; and tho
this be vulgarly faid only of the animal Spirits, yet it holds equally of them
all and no queftion but the Spirits greatly prey upon, and conſume the -
Body, ſo that both a greater quantity, or a greater acrimony and tharpneſs
thereof muft greatly fhorten Life: whence we judge it a principal Caufe of
Longevity in Birds, that they have fuch little Heads in proportion to their
Bodies; and conjecture, that fuch Men as have large Skulls are fhorter
lived than others.
fo
(8.) The motion of Carriage we judge to excel all others for the prolong-
ing of Life; now all Water-fowl, as the Swan, &c. have this Motion
have all Birds in their Flight, tho every now and then mixed and com-
pounded with a briſk motion of the Limbs: fo again have Fiſh; tho as to
the length of their Life we have no certainty.
(9.) The Creatures perfected floweſt are moft lafting; for this fhews
that Nature finiſhes her Periods by greater Revolutions; which holds not
only of Growth, but of other degrees of Maturity: fo Man firſt puts
forth Teeth, afterwards the figns of Puberty, then the Beard, &c.
(10.) The timorous Animals are not long lived; as the Sheep, the Pi-
geon, &c. for the Bile is the Spur to many Functions in the Body.
(11.) The Creatures whofe Flefh is dark-coloured, are longer lived than
thoſe whofe Fleſh is white; as indicating the Juices of the Body to be
more compact, and lefs diffipable.
(12.) In all corruptible Bodies, Quantity has a great tendency to the pre-
fervation of the whole; a great Fire is not foon quenched; a fmall quantity
of Water is foon evaporated; a Branch withers fafter than the Trunk of a
Tree; and therefore, in general, as to Species, tho not to Individuals, the
Z22
larger
356
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
larger Animals are longer lived than the fmaller, unleſs fome other power-
ful Cauſe intervene *.
SECT. V.
The Hiftory of ALIMENTATION, and the Process of
NUTRITION: with regard to the Fourth Article
of the Table of Enquiry.
aliment to be I.
of a lower na-
rished.
A
LL Aliment fhould be of an inferior Nature, and a more fimple
Subſtance than the Body intended to be nouriſhed: Plants are
ture than the fed by Earth and Water, Animals by Plants, and Men by Animals. There
Body nou-
are alſo other carnivorous Creatures; and Man himſelf makes Plants a part
of his Food: but Men, and other carnivorous Animals, are difficultly
nouriſhed by Plants alone; tho perhaps they might, by long ufe, with Fruits
and Seeds that had felt the Fire; but not by Leaves or Herbage; as the
Order of the Folietani experienced.
shewn in Ve-
Men.
2. But too near an approximation, or fimilarity of Subftance betwixt the
getables, living Aliment and the Body to be nouriſhed fucceeds ill; for Creatures that feed
Creatures, and on Herbage, touch no Fleſh: few carnivorous Animals eat the Fleſh of their
own Species; and Canibals themſelves do not ordinarily feed upon human
Fleſh, but either fall into this Appetite thro' depraved Custom, or a defire
of revenging themfelves upon their Enemies. A Field is not fown to ad-
vantage with the Grain itfelf yielded; nor a Tree fuccefsfully engrafted
with its own Shoot.
Nutrition re-
Aliment
*
3. The better the Aliment is prepared, and brought fomewhat nearer in
quires a Pre- likeneſs with the Subſtance to be repaired, the better Vegetables thrive, and
paration of the Animals fatten: for a Shoot planted in the Earth is not fed fo well as when
grafted on a Stock agreeable to its Nature; where it finds its Nouriſhment
ready digeſted and prepared. And it has been lately diſcovered, that the
Slips of wild Trees; as of the Elm, the Oak, the Afh, &c. yield a much
larger Foliage by Incifion, than without it. Men alfo are not fo well
nouriſhed with raw Fleſh, as with that prepared by Fire.
How Plants, 4. Animals receive their Nouriſhment by the Mouth, Vegetables by the
And Animals, Root; and the Fatus in the Mother, by the umbilical Cord: but Birds, for
are nouriſhed. a time, are nouriſhed by the Yolk of the Egg; fome part whereof is
found in their Craw after they are hatch'd.
the Aliment.
The motion of 5. All Aliment moves principally from the Centre to the Circumference,.
or from within, outwards; only Trees and Plants are rather nouriſhed by
the Bark, and external Parts, than by the Pith, and internal: for if but a
narrow
8 Thefe Obfervations are a kind of deep phyfical Corollaries, fagaciouſly drawn from the
preceding Facts, or Hiftory of Nature; and fhould be underſtood as fo many first Attempts at
a juft Interpretation of Nature, with regard to the prefent Subject.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
357
narrow Slip of the Bark be peeled off all round the Trunk, the Tree dies:
and the Blood in the Veins of Animals nourishes the Flefh fituated below
as well as above them.
6. There are two Actions in all Alimentation; viz. Extruſion and Attrac- Two Actions in
tion; the former whereof proceeds from an internal, and the latter from Alimentation.
an external Power i.
betwixt the
7. Vegetables affimilate their Nutriment fimply, without Excretion; for The Difference
Gums and the Tears of Trees are rather Redundancies than Excrements; Affimilation of
and Fungus's are Difeafes: but the Subftance of Animals has a greater Per- Vegetables and
ception of its like, and is therefore endowed with a Principle of Rejection; Animals.
whereby it refufes the ufelefs, and affimilates the uſeful Parts k.
8. 'Tis a remarkable thing in the Stalk of Fruit, that all the Nutriment, Nutriment
paſſes thro' a
which fometimes produces fuch large Maffes, fhould be compelled to pafs
fender Neck in
thro' fo flender a Neck; for Fruits never adhere to the Trunk or Branches Fruits.
without fome Stalk between.
9. 'Tis obfervable that animal Seed is uncapable of Nutrition, unless it The feminal
be freſh; whilft the Seeds of Vegetables remain nouriſhable for a long time. Power more
lafting in
Shoots however will not grow, unlefs grafted freſh and green; nor will Roots Plants than
themſelves long preferve their vegetative Power, unleſs covered over with Animals.
Earth.
10. The degrees of Nutrition in Animals differ with their Age; the The degress of
Fatus is firft nourished by the Juices of the Mother; with Milk, after the Nutrition dif
Birth; next with Meats and Drinks; and in old Age, the groffer and higher fer with the
Age.
reliſhed Foods are generally the moſt agreeable.
quiry.
11. It has a capital tendency to the prefent Enquiry, with diligence and A Precept for
attention to diſcover, whether Nutrition may not be performed from with- farther En.
out; at leaft otherwife than by the Mouth. Baths of Milk are uſed in Con-
ſumptions, and emaciating Diſeaſes; and fome Phyſicians judge a degree
of Nutrition procurable by Glyfters. Let this be examined to the bottom:
for if Nutrition could be fecured by Externals, or otherwife than by the
Stomach; then the weakneſs of Digeſtion which attends old age, might be
compenfated by fuch Helps; and a Renovation be thus procured.
SECT.
Perhaps this is not confirmed.
As in the Action of the abforbent Veffels, and excretory Ducts.
* What is properly meant by this perceptive Principle, may appear from the De Augment
Scientiar. Sect. X. p. 112.
1 This Enquiry feems not hitherto fufficiently profecuted, to determine with certainty, how
far Nutrition is procurable by Glyfters, Unguents, Baths, impregnated Air, &c. Something
however we find cafually effected in this Way; but the thing requires an exprefs Set of Ex-
periments to measure its Force, and reduce it to Rule.
358
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
tediluvians.
Abraham.
SECT. VI.
The Hiftory of the Length and Shortness of LIFE in
MAN; with respect to the fifth, fixth, feventh, eighth,
ninth, and eleventh Articles of the Table of Enquiry.
TH
Particular In- 1.HE Scripture relates that, before the Flood, Men lived to feveral
Atances of long
hundreds of Years; tho none of the Antediluvians arrived to a
life in the An- thoufand. This Longevity cannot be attributed to Grace, or the facred
Lineage; becauſe there are reckoned, before the Deluge, eleven Genera-
tions, and but eight Generations of the Sons of Adam by Cain; fo that the
Poftdiluvians. Pofterity of Cain feems to have been longeft lived. This great age how-
ever was, immediately after the Flood, reduced to an half; tho only in fuch
as were born pofterior to the Flood: for Noah, who was born prior to it,
arrived at the age of his Fathers; and Shem lived to fix hundred Years. But
three Generations after the Deluge, the Life of Man was reduced to about
a fourth of the primitive Standard; that is, to about two hundred Years.
2. Abraham lived a hundred and feventy-five Years; a couragious and
profperous Man. Ifaac lived to a hundred and eighty; a Man of Peace and
Chaſtity. And Jacob, a Man of Troubles and a numerous Offspring, held
out to a hundred and forty; being patient, mild and fubtile. Ishmael, a
military Man, lived a hundred and thirty Years. Sarah, the only Woman
whofe age
is mentioned, lived to a hundred and twenty-feven; a Woman of
Beauty and Reſolution; an excellent Mother and Wife; no leſs famous for
her Frankness than her Duty to her Hufband. Jofeph, a prudent and po-
litick Man, who fuffered Affliction in his youth, but afterwards faw great
Felicity, lived to a hundred and ten Years. His elder Brother Levi, lived to
a hundred and thirty-feven; a revengeful Man and impatient of Injuries.
The Son of Levi alfo arrived at nearly the fame age; fo did his Grandfon,
the Father of Mofes and Aaron.
Ifaac.
Jacob.
Ifhmael.
Sarah.
Jofeph
Levi.
Mofes
Aaron.
Phineas.
Joſhua.
Ehud.
3. Mofes lived a hundred and twenty Years; a Man of Courage, tho of
great Meeknefs, and flow of Speech. Yet Mofes himſelf, in his Pfalm,
declares the Life of Man to be but feventy Years, and the haleft Conſtitu-
tion but eighty; which ſtandard feems, in great meaſure, to have been
obferved to the prefent time. Aaron, who was three Years older, died the
fame year as his Brother; a Man of ready Speech, eafy Behaviour, and
fomewhat variable. But Phineas, Grandfon to Aaron, is computed to have
lived three hundred Years; if the Ifraelitish War againſt the Tribe of Benjamin,
in which Expedition Phineas was confulted, happened in the order of Time
the Hiſtory relates it: he was a Man exceedingly zealous. Joshua, a military
Man, a great Leader, and always fuccefsful, lived a hundred and ten Years.
Caleb was his Contemporary; and feems his Equal in age. Ehud the Judge,
feems at leaſt to have been a hundred; as after the Victory over the
Moabites,
2
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
359
Moabites, the Holy-Land had eighty years reft under his Government: he
was a bold and daring Man; devoting himſelf to the Service of his Peo-
ple.
4. Job after being reftored to his Felicity, lived a hundred and forty Job.
years; and had before his Affliction Children at Man's eftate: he was a politi-
cal, eloquent, and beneficent Man, and an Example of Patience. Eli the Prieſt, Eli.
lived ninety eight years; a corpulent Man, of an eaſy Temper, and indul-
gent to his Children. Elifba the Prophet, feems to have lived to more Eliſhal
than a hundred; as continuing fixty years after the Affumption of Elias ;
yet at the time of that Affumption, the Boys mock'd him by the name of
old Bald-head: he was a vehement Man, fevere, of an auftere Life, and
a defpifer of Riches. Efaiah the Prophet, feems to have been a hundred, Efaiah.
for he is found to have prophefied thro' the Courſe of ſeventy years; but the
time he began to prophefy, and the time he died are both uncertain: He
was a Man of great Eloquence, prophefied of the Gofpel, and was full of
the Promiſes of God as to the new Covenant.
5. Tobias the elder, lived a hundred and fifty eight years, and the younger Tobias.
a hundred and twenty feven; both merciful Men, and charitable. In the
time of the Captivity, many of the Jews who returned from Babylon feem'd Jews in the
Captivity,
to have been long lived; as they are faid to have remembred and bewailed
the difference of the two Temples, at the diftance of feventy years. Many
Ages after this, in the time of our Saviour, we find Simeon, a Man of ninety, Simeon.
full of Religion, Hope and Expectation. At the fame time, Anna the Pro- Annas-
phetefs is found to have lived to above an hundred; as having been married
feven years, and a Widow for eighty four; whereto muſt be added the years.
of her Virgin ſtate; and thoſe ſhe lived after her Prophefy of our Saviour :
fhe was a holy Woman, that ſpent her Days in Prayer and Fafting.
Kings.
6. The Accounts we have of the Longevity of Men in Heathen Authors
are little to be depended on; both becauſe of the Fables into which Relations
of this kind are very apt to run, and the Fallacies of Calculation. The ac-
counts extant afford nothing remarkable of the Egyptians, as to the point of Egyptian
long Life; for their Kings who reigned the longeft, exceeded not fifty or
fifty five Years; which is no great matter, as we fometimes find the fame in
later days. But the Kings of Arcadia are fabled to have been exceedingly Arcadians..
long lived indeed the Country was Mountainous, full of Flocks and
Herds, and productive of wholeſome Nouriſhment; but as it had Pan for
its tutelar God, fo all the Things related of it, feem to have been but pa-
nical, idle, and fabulous.
7. Numa, King of the Romans, lived to eighty; a peaceable contempla- Numa.
tive Man, addicted to Religion. Marcus Valerius Corvinus lived to an hun-
dred, there being forty fix years between his first and fixth Confulfhip; a
Man of great Valour, and Courage, courteous, popular, and always for-
tunate.
8. Solon the Legiflator of Athens, and one of the feven Wife-men, lived Solon,
to above eighty; a Man of Spirit, yet Popular, and a lover of his Country:
he was alfo learned, yet no ftranger to Pleafure, and a foft Life. Epime-
nides
360
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Epimenides. nides of Crete, is reported to have lived a hundred and fifty-feven years; tho
the Relation has fomewhat of the Prodigy: for he is faid to have pafs'd, or
Xenophanes. flept away fifty-feven of them in a Cave. Half an Age after this, Xenophanes
the Colophonian lived a hundred and two years, or more; for at the Age of
twenty-five, he left his native Country, and travell'd abroad ſeventy feven
years complete; then returned: but how long he lived afterwards is not cer-
tain. He was a Man as wandring in Mind as Body, infomuch that his Name,
by reafon of his wild Opinions, was changed from Xenophanes to Xenomanes;
tho doubtless a Man of a vaft Imagination, and breathing nothing but In-
finity.
Anacreon.
Pindar,
Sophocles.
Artaxerxes.
Agefilaus.
Gorgias.
Ifocrates.
Diogenes.
9. Anacreon, the Poet, lived to above eighty; an amorous, voluptuary
Man, and given to Wine. Pindar of Thebes likewife lived to eighty; a
fublime Poet, of a fingular Genius, and a great Worfhipper of the Gods.
Sophocles of Athens arrived to the fame Age; a lofty Tragick Poet, wholly
given to Writing, regardleſs of his Family- Affairs.
10. Artaxerxes, King of Perfia, lived ninety-four years; a Man of little
Genius, impatient of weighty Affairs, a lover of Glory, but a greater lover
of Eafe. At the fame time, Agefilaus, King of Sparta, lived eighty-four years
a moderate Man, and a Philofopher among Princes; yet ambitious and a
Warrior: tho no less effective in Bufinefs than in Battle.
:
11. Gorgias, of Sicily, lived to a hundred and eight; a Rhetorician, a
boaſter of his Knowledge, and one who taught for Profit: he was a great
Traveller, and a little before his Death declared he had no Accufation to
Protagoras. bring againſt old Age. Protagoras, of Abdera, lived ninety years; he like-
wife was a Rhetorician, but profefs'd not Arts and Sciences fo much as Civil
and Political Matters; being a great Traveller as well as Gorgias. Ifocrates
of Athens, lived to ninety-eight: he too was a Rhetorician, tho a very modeſt
Democritus. Man, that appeared not in publick, but had his School at Home. Demo-
critus, of Abdera, lived to a hundred and nine; a great Philofopher, and of
all the Greeks the beft fkill'd in Phyficks, or natural Philofophy; a great Tra-
veller of Countries, but a greater ftill in the Works of Nature he was
a diligent Experimenter; and purfued Analogy, rather than obferved
the Laws of Difputation. Diogenes, of Sinope, lived ninety years; a Man
who uſed great Liberty towards others, and tyrannized over himſelf, chu-
fing a fordid Diet, and practiling Patience. Zeno, of Citium, lived to
ninety-eight; a Man of lofty Thoughts, great Subtilty, and a defpifer of
Opinions; yet not troubleſome, but rather catched the Mind than bound it,
in the manner of Seneca after him. Plato, of Athens, lived to eighty-one; a
Perfon of Courage, but a lover of Quiet; fublime of Thought and fpecu-
lative; a polite well-bred Man, tho rather agreeable and majeſtick than
Theophraftus. chearful. Theophraftus, of Erefus, lived to eighty-five; a Man of graceful
Eloquence, and a grateful variety of Matter, who collected all that was plea-
fing out of Philofophy, without meddling with what was troublefome or
difagreeable. Carneades, of Cyrene, a long time after, alfo lived to eighty-five;
a Man of a ready Eloquence, who delighted both himfelf and others with
a pleaſant and agreeable variety of Thought. In Cicero's Time, Orbilius the
Gram-
Zeno.
Plato.
Carneades.
Orbilius.
I
·
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
361
Grammarian lived to near an hundred, having been firft a Soldier, then a
Schoolmafter; a fharp and auftere Man, both with his Tongue and Pen,
and no leſs ſevere to his Scholars.
12. Quintus Fabius Maximus, continued Augur fixty three years; whence Quintus Fa-
he muſt needs have lived to above eighty; tho in the Augurfhip, Nobility bius Maximus."
was more regarded than Age. He was a prudent flow Man, moderate in all
the parts of Life, and courteouſly fevere. Mafiniffa, King of Numidia, lived Maſiniſſa.
ninety years, and had a Son after eighty five. He was a bold Man, that
relied upon Fortune, and experienced many Viciffitudes of Affairs in his
Youth; but afterwards enjoy'd a continued run of Felicity. Marcus Porcius Porcius Cato.
Cato, lived to above ninety; a Man of a very hale Conſtitution, both in
Body and Mind; he was fevere in Speech with his Tongue, delighted in Fac-
tion, took Pleaſure in Agriculture, and was Phyfician to himfelf and Family.
13. Terentia, Wife to Cicero, lived to a hundred and three; a Woman Terentia.
that ftruggled with many Calamities; as firft, the Banifhment of her Haf
band, next the Difference between them, again with his final Misfortune,
and with frequent Fits of the Gout. Luceia muft have lived above a hundred Luceia.
years; for ſhe is ſaid to have acted upon the Stage during a complete Century;
playing, perhaps, firſt the part of a Child, and at laſt that of a decrepid old
Woman. Galeria Copiola, who was both a Player and a Dancer, was Galeria Co-
brought upon the Stage again, ninety nine years after her firft appearance piola.
thereon; not now indeed as an Actreſs, but as a wonder, at the Dedica-
tion of the Theatre by Pompey the Great; and again alfo at the votive So-
lemnities for the Life of Auguftus.
14. There was another Actreſs inferior to her in Age, but fuperior in Livia.
Dignity, who lived almoft to ninety, viz. Livia Julia Augusta, Wife to
Auguftus Cæfar, and Mother to Tiberius: for if the Life of Auguftus were a
Play, as himſelf wou'd have it, and defired his Friends to clap him as he
died; doubtlefs Livia was an excellent Actress, who cou'd fo well fuit a
diffembled Obedience to her Huſband, with her Power and Authority to her
Son. She was an affable, matronal, bufy Lady, and tenacious of Power.
Junia, Wife to Caius Caffius, and Sifter to Marcus Brutus, lived alfo to Junia.
ſhe was a
ninety; for fhe furvived the Battle of Philippi fixty four years;
Woman of Courage, happy in Wealth, but afflicted with the Calamity of
her Huſband, Relations, and a long Widowhood; tho ftill honoured and
regarded.
Time.
15. The ſeventy fixth year of our Saviour, happening in the time of Vef- The Taxation
in Vefpafian's
pafian, is a remarkable Year, wherein we find a kind of Chronicle of long
Lives; for in this Year there was a Taxation, which is a Thing that affords
the moſt authentick and juft Information, as to the Ages of Men: and in that
part of Italy which lies betwixt the Appennines and the Po, there were found
a hundred and twenty four Men of a hundred years old and upwards; viz.
fifty four of a hundred, fifty feven of a hundred and ten, two of a hundred
and twenty five, four of a hundred and thirty; again, four of a hundred
and thirty five, or thirty feven, and three of an hundred and forty years
Befides thefe, Parma in particular afforded five; three whereof were
VOL. III.
Aaa
each
old
362
The HISTORY of LIFE and DE A T H.
Admonition.
OC.
Auguftus.
Tiberias.
each a hundred and twenty, and two a hundred and thirty years old; Bruxella
afforded one of a hundred and twenty five; Placentia, one of a hundred and
thirty one; Faventia, one Woman of a hundred and thirty two; and a Town
then call'd Velleiacium, fituate on the Hills about Placentia, afforded ten,
fix whereof were aged a hundred and ten, and four a hundred and twenty.
Laftly, Ariminum afforded one aged a hundred and fifty, whofe Name was
Marcus Apomus.
which
16. To fhorten this Hiſtory, we have here produced, and fhall go on to pro-
duce no Example of an Age under eighty. We affix to each Perfon, a ve-
ry conciſe and juſt Character or Elogy, of the kind that, in our Judgment,
has fome relation to long Life, is not a little regulated by Men's Manners
and Fortunes. This relation to Life is of two kinds; and intimates either that
fuch Perfons generally prove long lived; or that fuch, tho lefs difpofed there-
to, may yet ſometimes live long.
The Emperor 17. Among all the Roman and Grecian Emperors, together with thoſe of
of Germany, Gaul and Germany, down to our own Age, containing a Lift of about two
hundred Princes, there are found but four who arrived at the Age of eighty.
To theſe may be added, the two first Emperors, Auguftus and Tiberius; the
latter whereof lived to feventy eight, and the former to feventy fix; tho
both of them perhaps might have lived to eighty, but for Livia and Caius.
Auguftus, was a Man of a moderate Temper, tho earneſt in the diſpatch of Bu-
finefs; in other Refpects, calm and ferene; temperate in his Diet, but profufe
in Venery, and happy in all Things. In the thirtieth Year of his Age, he
fuffered a fevere and dangerous Illness, infomuch that his Life was deſpair'd
of; but Antonius Mufa, his Phyfician, when the reft had applied hot Re-
medies for the Difteinper, cured him by the application of cold ones; which,
perhaps, was of Service in prolonging this Emperor's Life. Tiberius was a
Man of flow Faws, as Auguftus call'd him, being flow, tho powerful in
Speech he was cruel, a Drinker, and made Luft a part of his Regi-
men; yet took great care of his Health, and was uſed to call that Man
a Fool, who after thirty confulted a Phyfician. Gordianus the elder, lived
eighty years, and at laſt died a violent Death, before he was well feated
in the Empire; a couragious, magnificent, learned Man, and a Poet;
and till the time of his Death enjoy'd a conftant Courſe of Happineſs.
The Emperor Valerian lived feventy fix years, before he was taken Priſoner
by Sapor King of Perfia; after his Captivity he lived feven Years in the midſt
of Reproaches, and at length died a violent Death; a Man of an ordinary
Capacity, effeminate, but lifted up by popular Breath, and failing in Per-
formance. Anaftafius, firnamed Dicorus, lived eighty eight Years; a Man
of a peaceable Mind, but abject, fuperftitious and timorous. Anicius Jufti-
Anicius Juftinianus, lived eighty three years; a Man defirous of Glory, yet indolent in
his own Perfon, but happy and eminent in the Conduct of his Leaders; he
was uxorious, not his own Mafter, but led about by others. Helena Bri-
tanna, the Mother of Conftantine the Great, lived to eighty; a Woman that
intermeddled little in civil Affairs, neither in the Reign of her Huſband or
Son, but given wholly to Religion; yet of a great Mind, and always happy.
Gordianus.
Valerian.
Anaftafius.
nianus.
Helena Bri-
tanna.
Theodora
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
363
Theodora the Emprefs lived to above eighty; a Woman of Buſineſs, that Theodora.
delighted in governing: fhe was exceeding fortunate, and thence credulous.
18. To proceed from fecular Princes, to the Heads of the Church. St. John.
St. John the Apoſtle, and beloved Difciple, lived ninety three years, and is
thence justly denoted by the Emblem of the Eagle, (breathing nothing
but what is Divine, and appearing like a Seraph) among the Apoftles, by
reaſon of his fervent Charity. St. Luke the Evangelift lived eighty four St. Luke.
years, an eloquent Man, and a Traveller; the infeparable Companion of
St. Paul, and a Phyfician. Simeon the Son of Cleophas, call'd the Bro- Simeon.
ther of our Lord, and Biſhop of Jerufalem, lived an hundred and twenty
years; and then too cut fhort by Martyrdom; he was a couragious and con-
ftant Man, full of good Works. Polycarp a Difciple of the Apoſtles, and Bi- Polycarp.
ſhop of Smyrna, feems to have lived above a hundred years, tho taken off
by Martyrdom; a Man of a great Soul, heroic Patience, and indefatigable
Diligence. Dionyfius the Areopagite, who was Contemporary with St. Paul, Dionyfius.
feems to have lived ninety years; he was call'd the Bird of Heaven, from
the high flight of his Theology; and was as remarkable for Works as for
Contemplation. Aquila and Prifcilla, firſt the Entertainers, and afterwards Aquila and
the Affiſtants of St. Paul, lived together in happy and memorable Wed- Priſcilla.
lock, to the Age of at leaft a hundred; for they were furviving under
Xyftus the Firft; a noble Pair, and of diffuſive Charity. St. Paul the Her- St. Paul the
mite, died at a hundred and thirteen: he lived in a Cave upon fuch fim- Hermite.
ple and coarfe Diet, as fhou'd feem fcarce able to fupport Life; he ſpent
his whole time in Contemplation and Soliloquy; tho he was not illiterate but
learned. St. Anthony the firſt Founder, or, as fome fay, the Reſtorer of the St. Antony,
Order of Monks, lived to a hundred and five; a devout contemplative Man,
yet verfed in civil Affairs: his kind of Life was auftere and hard, tho he
lived in no inglorious Solitude, nor without fome fway; having his Monks
under him, and receiving the Vifits and Homage of Chriftians and Fhilo-
fophers. St. Athanafius lived to above eighty; a Man of invincible Conftancy, st. Athanafius, -
and always triumphant over Fame; never yielding to Fortune: he was gene-
rous to thofe in Power, he kept in the good Graces of the People, and was a
great Maſter in Party diſputes, wherein he engaged with uncommon Heat and
Vigour. St. Jerom, according to the more general Opinion, lived to above St. Jerom
ninety; a fine Writer, and of manly Eloquence; fkill'd in the Sciences as
well as Languages: he was alſo a Traveller, and lived auftere in his old
Age, bearing a great Spirit in private Life, and fhining diffufively from Ob-
fcurity.
Rome.
19. Two hundred and forty one Popes of Rome have now fucceded to The Popes of
the Chair; of which Number only five are found to have lived
up to
eighty years; but Martyrdom fhorten'd the natural Lives of many of the
primitive Biſhops. John the twenty third Pope lived ninety years; a Man
of a reſtleſs Spirit, ftudious of Novelties, and making many Innovations,
fome for the better, and many for Alteration's fake; amaffing together
great Wealth and Riches. Gregory, call'd the Twelfth, created Pope in
Schifm, and a kind of Inter-regnum, lived to ninety; but the Shortnefs of
Aaa 2
his
364
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Mifcellaneous
Inftances of
Long-Life.
his Papacy leaves us no more of his Character. Paul the Third, lived eighty
one years; a Man of a calm Mind and deep Knowledge: he was alfo
learned, an Aftrologer, and had a great Regard to his Health; but was,
like old Eli, over indulgent to his Family. Paul the Fourth, lived eighty
three years; a Man of a rough and auftere Temper, of a high imperious
Spirit, paffionate, but eloquent, and ready of Speech. Gregory the Thir-
teenth alfo lived to eighty three; a truly good Man, found both in Mind
and Body, political, temperate, full of good Works and Charity.
20. The Effenes among the Jews are commonly faid to have lived above
a hundred years; a Sect that ufed a very fimple Diet, according to the Pytha-
gorean Rule. Appollonius Tyanaus lived more than a hundred years; a Man for
fuch an Age, of a graceful Afpect: he was doubtless a wonderful Perfon, and
held by the Heathens for divine, but for a Magician by the Chriftians; he
was a Pythagorean in his Diet, a great Traveller, lived in Reputation, and
was worſhip'd as a Deity; but towards the clofe of his Life, he was accuſed
and reviled, tho he ſtill eſcaped ſafe to the laſt. His Grandfather alfo lived
to a hundred and thirty. Quintus Metellus lived to above a hundred; and
after having happily gone thro' feveral Confulfhips, he was in his old Age
made Pontifex Maximus, and officiated accordingly for two and twenty Years,
without any faultering of the Voice, or trembling of the Hand. Appius
Cacus lived to a very great Age, tho his Years are not recorded; the greater
part whereof he paſs'd in Blindneſs, tho without being difpirited; but ftill
manfully governing a numerous Family, a great Dependance, and the Com-
monwealth itſelf. In the Extremity of his Age he was brought to the Se-
nate in a Litter, and was ftrenuouſly againſt the making Peace with Pyr-
rhus; and upon that occafion delivered his Speech, the beginning whereof is
exceedingly remarkable, and fhows an invincible Spirit and Strength.
Hiero, King of Sicily, in the time of the fecond Punick War, lived almoſt
to a hundred; a Man moderate both in his Manners and Government, a
Worſhipper of the Gods, a religious Preferver of Friendship, beneficent, and
always fortunate. Hippocrates, the famous Phyfician of Cous, lived to a
hundred and four, and thereby approved and recommended his Art; a Man
of Prudence and Learning, attached to Experience and Obfervation; not
endeavouring at Words or Methods, but barely feparating and laying down
the Sinews of Science. Afinius Pollio, Friend of Auguftus, lived a hundred
Years; a Man of great Luxury, but eloquent, and a Lover of Letters; yet
vehement, haughty, cruel, and feeming born wholly for himſelf. There
goes a current Report of Seneca, that he lived to a hundred and fourteen, but this
cannot be true; for fo far from being a decrepid old Man when promoted
Governour to Nero, that he was then extremely fit for Buſineſs; and but a
little before that, in the Reign of Claudius, was baniſh'd for Adultery with
certain Ladies of the firft Rank; a Crime not fuitable to fuch an Age.
Many of the Venetians are found to be long lived, even among their Nobles;
as the Duke Francifcus Donatus Thomas Conterenus, and Francifcus Molinus,
both of them Procurators of St. Mark: but the moſt remarkable Inſtance
is, that of Cornaro the Venetian, who being a Valetudinarian, at firſt began
to
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
365
to eat and drink by Weight and Meaſure, for the fake of his dealth, which
brought him by degrees to a certain Diet ; and this Diet to a very long Life,
even that of a hundred Years and more, with the entire uſe of his Senfes,
and a conftant courfe of Health. And in our Time, one Poftel a French
Man, lived almoſt to a hundred and twenty; the extremity of his
Beard, on the Upper-lip, growing dark, not at all grey: the Man was dif
ordered in his Senfes, a great Traveller, a Mathematician, and fomewhat
heretical .
20. Amongſt us, in England, perhaps there is no populous Village wherein
a Man or Woman of eighty may not be found. A few Years fince, at a
Wake in Herefordshire, there was a Dance performed by eight Men, whofe
Ages put together made up eight hundred Years; for fo much as fome of
them fell fhort of a hundred, others exceeded z.
21. In Bethlem-hofpital, in London, deftin'd to the Reception of Lunaticks,
there are found, from time to time, many diſtracted Perfons long lived. And
fo much for the Hiftory of Longevity in Man, with regard to Individuals.
We next proceed to collective or general Obfervations.
Longevity.
22. The Succeffion of Ages, and of the Generations of Men, feems no way General Ob-
to ſhorten the length of human Life; fince the Age of Man down from fervations
Mofes's time to the prefent, has ſtood at about eighty years, without gradu- with regard to
ally declining, as one might have expected. But, doubtlefs, there are
Times in every Country, when Men live to a longer or a fhorter Term ;
and they generally prove longeſt-lived, when the Times afford but a ſimple
Diet, and give greater occafion to bodily Exercife; and fhorteſt-lived, when
the Times are more polite, or abound in Luxury and Eafe: but theſe
Things have their Changes and Revolutions; whilft the Succeffion of Man-
kind holds on, uninterrupted, in its Courfe. And, no question, but the Caſe
is the fame in other Animals; as neither Oxen, Horfes, Sheep, &c. have
had their term of Life fhorten'd in the latter Ages; and therefore the Lives
of Creatures, it fhould feem, were at once abridged by the Deluge. And
the like may happen from other grand Accidents; as particular Inundations,
long continued Droughts, Earthquakes, &c. This Obfervation feems likewiſe
to hold with regard to the Size or Stature of the Body, which alters not with
the Succeffion of Generations; tho Virgil, following the common Opinion,
predicted Pofterity fhould diminish in their Size. For tho, 'tis certain,
there have antiently been Men of a gigantic Stature; as appears from their
Remains found in Sicily and elfewhere, in antique Sepulchres, Monuments,
and Caverns; yet there has no fuch thing been continued in the fame Places.
for theſe three thouſand Years, of which we have any authentick Account :
tho this Matter likewife is fubject to Revolutions and Changes, thro' the
Manners
z This Hiſtory might be continued a Century lower, with an Account of many memorable
Perfons of both Sexes, who have lived to above fourfcore, and fome to above an hundred;
particularly fuch as old Parr, Jenkins, &c.
ว
Grandiaque effoffis mirabitur offa fepulchris.
b And poffibly the Bones here mention'd might be the Bones of Elephants, not of
Men.
366
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Inhabi-
tants of the
Manners and civil Cuftoms of Men, no lefs than the former. The more
regard fhould be had to thefe Obfervations, becauſe Men are is poffefs'd
with a Notion, that the Age of the World is conftantly upon the Decline,
both as to the length of Life, and the fize and ftrength of the Body; and
that all things decay and tend to the worſe.
23. In the cold Northern Countries Men generally live longer than in hot
Northern Re- ones; which happens from hence, that the Skin of the Body is there more
gions longer conftringed, the Juices of the Body lefs diffipated, the Spirits themſelves.
lived than the lefs fharp and predatory, or more eafy to repair; and the Air, as being but
little heated by the Sun, lefs confuming. Under the Equinoctial however,
where they have a double Winter and a double Summer, and a greater Equa-
lity in the Spaces of Day and Night, they live to a confiderable Age, if
nothing elſe prevent it; as in Peru, Ceylon, &c,
Southern.
High Situa-
tions condu-
cive to long
Life.
Low Lands ill
fuited to
Strangers.
The long lived
Countries.
Wholeſome Air
how known.
24. The Inhabitants of Iflands are generally longer lived than the Inha-
bitants of Continents; for the People of Ruſſia live not fo long as thoſe of
the Orcades; nor thoſe of Africa under the fame Parallel, as thofe of the
Canaries: the Japonefe allo, are longer lived than the Chineſe, tho the latter
are extravagantly fond of long Life. The Caufe feems to be this, that the
Sea-Breezes warm in cold Climates, and cool in the hot.
ક્
25. Lofty Situations are more conducive to long Life than low ones;
eſpecially if not upon the tops of Mountains, but upon high Lands as to
the Situation in general; fuch as Arcadia in Greece, and part of Ætolia;
where the Inhabitants were very long lived. And the cafe would be the
fame in Mountains themfelves, on account of their pure and clear Air,
if not accidentally affected by the Vapours rifing from the Vallies,
and hanging about all Mountains. Whence the Inhabitants of ſnowy
Mountains are not very long lived; as in the Alps, the Pyreneans, and the
Apennines; but all middle fized Hills, and in Vallies alfo, Men are found to
live longer. Again, on the tops of the Mountains running towards
Ethiopia and the Abyfines, Men lived to a very great Age, and, at this
day, often to a hundred and fifty; for here, by reafon of the Sands at the
bottom, little or no Vapour can rife up to the top of the Mountains.
26. Marfhy, and fenny Lands, eſpecially thofe lying upon a flat, fuit better
with the Natives than with Strangers, as to the prolonging, or ſhortning of
Life and what feems ftrange, the falt Marſhes, which are, at certain fea-
fons, overflowed with Sea-water, prove more unwholeſome than the freſh.
27. The particular Countries remarkable for long lived Inhabitants, are
Arcadia; Ætolia; India, on this fide the Ganges; Brazil; Ceylon; Britain;
Ireland; the Orcades, and our Western Islands.
28. The Wholefomness of the Air, eſpecially in a perfect degree, is a fe-
cręt, and conceal'd thing; difcoverable rather by Experiment than by Rea-
foning, and Conjecture. Trial hereof may be made, by expoſing a Fleece
of Wooll to the Air, for fome Days; to fee if it lofes little of its Weight.
Again; by obferving if a piece of Fleſh will continue long in the Air un-
corrupted: And again; if the Weather-glafs plays within a fmall com-
2
paſs.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
367
paſs. But of theſe, and the like Experiments, let farther Enquiry be
made d.
29. Not only the Goodness, or Purity, but alfo the Equality of the Air, The Equality
of Air regards
has regard to long Life. The intermixture of Hills and Vallies, tho pleaſing long Life.
to the Sight and the Senfe, may be held Sufpect as to lengthning of Life;
but a moderately dry Plain, neither too barren, nor totally without Trees
and Shade, is better fuited to procure Longevity.
30. Inequality of Air is prejudicial in a Manfion-place; but the Change of Inequality and
Air in travelling, after being accuftom'd to it, is ferviceable: whence many Air, where
Change of
great Travellers have proved long lived. So likewife, fuch as dwell con- proper.
tinually in the fame little Cottage, without change of Place, are long lived;
for that Air confumes lefs to which the Body is accuſtomed; but change of
Air nouriſhes and repairs more.
31. Tho the Revolution and Number of Succeffions conduce nothing to The Age of the
the length, or fhortness of Life, as we obferved above; yet the immediate Parents has an
Influence on
State of the Parent, both on the fide of Father and Mother, muft, doubt, the Children.
lefs, greatly regard it. Thus fome beget Children when they are old, others 11
when young; fome at a proper age; fome when unfound, and ill-difpoſed ;
fome when morbid and languid; fome when full, and in Liquor; fome
after Sleep, and in the Morning; fome after a long intermiffion, or fre-
quent repetition of the conjugal Act; fome in the heat of a Love-fit, which
is commonly the cafe of a fpurious Iffue; and fome again, when the edge
of Love is taken off, as after long Cohabitation. And the like Particulars
hold alſo of the Mother; whereto may be added her State whilft fhe goes
with Child, her Health and Diet, together with the Time, or Month,
fhe goes to. 'Tis a difficult thing to reduce all this to Rule, with regard to
Longevity; the more fo, becauſe what a Man might judge for the beft,
may happen to prove the worſt: fo that alacrity in Generation, which pro-
duces Children of a robuſt and active Body, may contribute lefs to lengthen
Life, from the Acrimony and Inflammation of the Spirits attending it.
lars in Parents
32. We before obferved, that a large Participation of the Mother's Juices The Particu
contributes to the Longevity of the Child: in other Refpects we judge mo- conducive to
derate things the beft; conjugal Affection, better than loofe; the Morning the long Life
better for Generation; the ſtate of the Body, not over full, or vigorous, &c. of Children.
It muſt alſo be well obſerved, that the robuft habit of the Parents, makes
better for themſelves than for the Child, efpecially in the Mother. Plato
therefore judged, unfkilfully, that the power of Generation was defective,
becauſe the Woman did not uſe the fame exerciſe of Mind and Body as the
Man for a difference of Powers, between the Male and Female, is of
greateſt ſervice to the Child; whence Women, and Nurfes, of a delicate
and tender Conftitution, fupply the beſt and moſt plentiful Nouriſhment to
the Fatus, and the Child. Nor were the Children of the Spartan Women,
who married not before the age of Twenty-two, or, as others fay, Twenty-
five, finer, or longer lived, than thofe of the Roman, Athenian, or Theban
See the Author's Sylva Sylvarum, under the Articles, AIR, PLAGUE, &C.
Women,
368
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
}
the Com-
plexion.
Women,who were marriageable at Twelve or Fourteen. And if the Spartans
had any great Advantage, it was more owing to their fparing Diet, than
to the late Marriage of their Women. Laftly, 'Tis manifeft from Expe-
rience, that certain Races of Men are long lived for a Seafon; infomuch
that Longevity, as well as Diftempers, may be hereditary and periodical.
Prognofticks of 33. Perfons pale in the Face, Skin, and Hair, are not long lived; but
long Life, from fuch as are brown, red, or freckly, prove more lafting. Too freſh a Colour
in Youth, is not ſo good a fign of long Life as Palenefs. A hard Skin de-
notes a longer Life than a foft Skin: but this is not meant of a thick,
or Gooſe-ſkin, which feems ſpongy ; but of one that is both hard and cloſe.
So likewiſe a Forehead with large Wrinkles, is a better Sign than one that
is fmooth.
From the
Hair.
From Bald.
ness.
Hairineſs on
the Body.
The Size of
the Body.
The Proportion
of its Parts.
The Habit of
the Body.
Growth.
Fleſhinefs.
The Make of
the Head.
"
34. Hard briftly Hair denotes a longer Life than fuch as is foft and
weak; fo likewife does curled Hair, eſpecially if harfh, promife better than
fuch as is foft and gloffy: fo again, does Hair, thick and fhort-curled, better
than that in larger Rings.
35. Baldness, coming early or late, is a thing indifferent; for numerous
bald Men have proved long lived and even Greynefs, happening early,
is fallacious; for many that were foon grey, have lived long after it; nay,
to grow grey before the time, without growing bald, is a fign of long Life,
tho not, if attended with Baldneſs.
36. Hairiness on the upper-part of the Body, is a fign of fhort life; and
thoſe extraordinary hairy on the Breaft, are not long lived: but Hairineſs
on the lower-parts, as the Thighs and Legs, denotes Longevity.
37. Tallneſs of Stature, if not exceffive, and the Body be well ſet, but
not thin, eſpecially if attended with Agility, is a fign of long Life: as, on
the other hand, Men of a ſhort Stature, and flow of Motion, live not fo
long.
38. As to Proportion: They who are fhort in the Body, but long in-
the Legs, live longer than thoſe who are tall in the Body, but ſhort in
the Legs. And again; thofe who are of a large Make below, but flender
upwards, the Body thus rifing as it were conical, are longer lived than
thoſe who are broad fhoulder'd, and fqueez'd in below.
39. Leanness, where the Paffions are calm, and the Temper eafy; and a
full Habit, where the Paffions prove more vehement; are figns of long Life:
but Corpulency in Youth, denotes fhortnefs of Life; tho in Old Age it is a
thing more indifferent.
40. For Growth to continue long and gradual, is a fign of Longevity;
and if it produce a large Stature, the Sign is great; but ſmaller, if a
lefs: as, on the contrary, fudden Growth to a large Stature, is a bad
Sign; but if to a fhort one, lefs bad.
41. Firmness of Flesh, plump Mufcles and Sinews, a fmallneſs of But-
tock, and a rifing of the Veins, denote long Life; and the contrary, a
ſhort one.
42. A fmall Head in proportion to the Body, a moderate Neck neither
long nor fcraggy, full, nor fhort, nor as it were buried in the Shoulders;
wide
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
369
wide Noftrils, whatever be the form of the Nofe; a large Mouth; an Ear
griftly, not fleſhy; Teeth ftrong, cloſe join'd, not ſmall, or thin fet; all
theſe are ſigns of long Life; and fo much the more if any new Teeth fhoot
out in advanced Age.
43. A wide Cheft, rather funk in than prominent; round Shoulders; a Cheft.
flat Belly; a large Hand with but few Lines in the Palm; a fhort round Foot;
a Thigh not over flefhy; and a firm Calf; are figns of long Life.
44. A large Eye, with the Iris greenifh; the Senfes not over quick; a Eyes.
Pulſe flow in Youth, but quicker as Age comes on; an ability of holding the
Breath long; Coftiveness in Youth; and Laxativeneſs in Age; are alſo
figns of long Life.
45. There has been nothing remarkable obferved of the times of Na- Times of Na.
tivity with regard to long Life, except what is aftrological; which is a Con- tivity.
fideration we here meddle not with: tho it finds a place in our Tables of
Enquiry. A Birth at eight Months end is fo far from being long lived, that
'tis fcarce thought capable of rearing. And Children born in the Winter,
are accounted longeſt lived.
46. A Pythagorean or Monaftic Diet and Life, led conformable to ftrict Rules, Diet.
and always exactly equable, like that of Cornaro, ſeems a thing of great power
in the prolongation of Life. On the contrary, of fuch as live freely, and
in the common way, thofe are frequently found to live the longeſt that eat
and drink to the full, or ufe a liberal Table. A moderate or temperate Diet
is recommended, and indeed contributes to Health, but has little efficacy
in prolonging Life; for the ftrict Regimen fupplys few Spirits, and thofe
fluggiſh; whence it confumes the lefs; whilft the full Diet affords a more
copious Nouriſhment, and therefore recruits the more: but the moderate one
does neither. Indeed where Extremes are hurtful middle Courſes prove the
beft; but where Extremes are ferviceable, Moderation is of little fignificance.
The ftrict Regimen requires watching, otherwife the few Spirits may be op-
prefs'd by much Sleep; it requires little Exercife to prevent their wafting;
and an abſtinence from Venery, left they ſhould be exhauſted: but the full
Diet fuits beſt with full Sleep, frequent Exerciſe, and a ſeaſonable uſe of
Venery. Bathing and Anointing conduce more to pleaſure than the pro-
longation of Life. But we fhall fpeak more clofely to all thefe Heads,
when we come to enquire of Intentions with a view to Practice. In the
mean time, the Advice of Celfus, who was not only a Phyſician but alſo a
learned and wife Man, fhould not be flighted, when he directs a Variety
and Change of Regimen; tho ftill with the advantage to the more grateful
fide: for example, that a Man fhould fometimes accuftom himſelf to watch-
ing, and fometimes indulge himfelf in Sleep, but ofteneft the latter: That
he fhould fometimes faft, and fometimes eat freely, but ofteneft the latter:
And, that fometimes he fhould ftrongly employ, and fometimes flacken the
Faculties of his Mind; but ofteneft flacken them. Doubtlefs, a well regu-
lated Diet has a principal Share in the prolongation of Life; nor have I
VOL. III.
Bbb
ever
See hereafter, Seft, VIII.
370
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
1
Courfe of Life.
Study.
A Country
Life.
A Military
Life.
ever yet met with a Man of any great Age, who did not, when he was aſked,
fay he obferved a certain Peculiarity in his Diet; fome one thing, others
another. And I remember an old Man of above a hundred, produced as
a Witneſs upon an antient Prefcription, who, when he had given in his
Evidence, being familiarly afked by the Judge, what Courfe he took to live
fo long? unexpectedly replied, with the Laugh of the Audience, by eating
before he was hungry; and drinking before he was dry.
47. A Life fpent in religious Duties and Offices, feems conducive to
Longevity. This kind of Life is attended with Eafe, Admiration, the Con-
templation of divine Matters; noble Hopes, wholeſome Fears, pleaſing
Melancholy; continual Renewals by Obfervances, Penances and Expia-
tions, without fenfual Delights; all which Conditions have a ſtrong tendency
to prolong Life. And if to thefe be added, the auftere Diet, which indu-
rates the Body, and humbles the Spirit; no wonder if it procures a remark-
able Longevity: like that of Paul the Hermite; Simeon the Stylite, or Co-
lumnar Anchorite; with many other Anchorites and Hermites of the
Defart.
48. What approaches neareſt to the former, is a Life of Letters; as that of
Philofophers, Rhetoricians, Grammarians, &c. for this alfo turns upon
Leiſure, and fuch Thoughts, as, little regarding the Affairs of Life, have no
Severity; but delight by their Variety and Impertinence. Men of Let-
ters alfo live to their own Wiſh, and beſtow their time upon Subjects that
pleaſe them beſt; and are commonly in the company of Youth, which is more
agreeable. But there is a great Difference betwixt Philofophies, as to pro-
longing Life, in refpect of their Sects; thofe being the beſt for this purpoſe
which have fomewhat of Superftition, and fublime Speculation; as the Py-
thagorean, and Platonic. So likewiſe thoſe which ranged the Univerfe, and
took in all the Varieties of Nature, and had clear, noble, and lofty Thoughts
(as of Infinity, the Stars, heroic Virtues, &c.) were conducive to long Life
as the Philofophies of Democritus, Philolaus, Xenophanes, the Aftrologers and
the Stoicks. Thofe likewife were proper to this End, that without any deep
Speculation, or fevere Enquiry, but on the footing of common Senfe, and
vulgar Opinions, calmly difputed on both fides of the Queſtion; as thoſe
of Carneades, the Academicks, the antient Rhetoricians, and Gramma-
rians. On the contrary, the dogmatical Philofophies, that turned upon
perplexing Subtiities, and examined and wrefted every thing in conformity
to certain Principles; and laſtly, all the thorny and ftrait-laced Philofo-
phies fuch as were generally thofe of the Peripateticks and the Schools,
are bad for this purpoſe.
49. A Country Life is alfo well fuited to procure Longevity; as being led
much without doors in the open Air, not indolently but in action, and gene-
rally ſupported with freſh and unexpenfive Diet, without Envy, without Care.
;
50. We likewiſe entertain a good Opinion of a military Life in Youth.
Many great Leaders have been long lived; as Corvinus, Camillus, Xenophon,
Agefilaus, and others, both Antients and Moderns. 'Tis doubtlefs of fervice
to long Life when all things, from Youth to Old Age, have a favourable
and
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
371
and friendly Tendency; fo that a Youth inured to Hardſhips may alleviate
and fweeten Old Age. We likewife judge that military Paffions, on the
watch for Battle and Victory, give fuch a warmth to the Spirits as conduces.
to Longevity'.
SECT. VII.
Of REMEDIES conducing to Long LIFE: with re-
gard to the tenth Article of the Table of Enquiry.
TH
HE Art of Medicine at prefent in ufe, regards little more than the Transition.
Prefervation of Health, and the Cure of Diſeaſes; without, or
but tranfiently, taking notice of fuch things as properly contribute to the
prolongation of Life. We fhall however, here lay down the Medicines in
eſteem for this purpofe; which go by the Name of Cardiacs: for ſuch Re-
medies as in Cures defend and corroborate the Heart, or, more properly,
the Spirits, againſt Poiſons and Diſeaſes; being judiciouſly, and with choice,
introduced into Diet, may very probably alfo conduce, in fome meaſure, to
prolong Life. And this we fhall do, not in the common way by throwing
fuch Medicines in a promifcuous Heap, but by ſelecting out the moſt
eminent.
1. Gold is exhibited in three Forms; viz. that of Aurum Potabile, as 'tis A Table of
called; quenched in Wine; and in Subſtance, as in Leaf or Filings. The Cordials.
Aurum Potabile began to be given in dangerous or inveterate Difeafes, as an Gold.
excellent Cordial, and with no defpicable Succefs: but we judge, that, the
Virtue is owing to the Spirit of Salt, which makes the Solution, rather than
to the Gold itſelf; tho this be ftudiouſly concealed. But if the Body of
Gold could be opened without a corrofive Menftruum, or by corrofive
Menftruums without any pernicious Quality; provided the Solution were
afterwards well washed, we judge it might be an uſeful thing.
2. Pearls are taken either in levigated Powder, or in a Magiftery or Solu- Pearls.
tion, made with the Juice of freſh and very tart Lemmons: they are like-
wife fometimes given in aromatic Confections; and fometimes in a fluid
Form. Doubtlefs the Pearl has fome affinity with the Shell it adheres to;
and may have a like virtue with the Shells of Crawfish.
3. Among the transparent Gems there are principally two accounted Gems,
cordial; the Emerald and the Jacynth: which are given in the fame Forms
as Pearls; excepting that their Solutions are not in ufe, as we know of.
f The Deſign appears to be, that the preceding Hiftory, or Number of felect Facts, and
Inftances, from Page 358 to 365, when duly profecuted and confidered, fhould afford a Set
of general Observations of prime Ufe in this Enquiry; and fhew the Courfes of Life that
have the leaft and greatest Tendency to procure Longevity.
B b b z
But
372
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Bezoar.
But we a little fufpect thefe cryftalline Gems of Roughnefs; or of wounding
the Parts like Glafs.
:
4. The Bezoar Stone is famed for refreshing the Spirits, and caufing a
gentle Sweat but the Horn of the Monoceros has loft its Reputation; tho
it ftill continues upon the fame footing with Hartfhorn, the Bone of the
Stag's Heart, Ivory, &c.
Ambergrease. 5. Ambergreaje is one of the beſt things for appeafing and comforting the
Spirits.
Warm Medi-
cines.
Coolers,
Admonition.
Bleeding fuf-
pected, as to
Longevity.
The Cure of
emaciating
Difeafes may
contribute to
long Life.
6. For warming and invigorating, are recommended Saffron, Indian-leaf,
Lignum Aloes, Citron-peel, Balm, Bafil, Avens, Orange-flowers, Rofe-
mary, Mint, Betony, and Carduus Benedictus.
7. For Coolers are recommended Nitre, Rofes, Violets, Strawberries,
both Leaves and Fruit; the Juices of fweet Lemons, Oranges, and Ap-
ples; Borage, Bugloſs, Burnet, Saunders, and Camphire.
As we here mention fuch Medicines only as may be introduced into Diet,
we omit all inflammable diftilled Waters and chemical Oils; and all aromatic,
acrimonious, and pungent Remedies; only recommending it to Mens Con-
fideration, how Waters and Liquors may be prepared from the preceding
Ingredients; not in the way of the common phlegmy Waters, by the Still;
nor, again, with ardent Spirits; but of a more temperate Naure, yet
lively, and breathing a friendly Vapour.
8. We are in fome Doubt as to the frequent Ufe of Phlebotomy, whether
it conduces to long Life, or not; but rather incline to think it may,
when grown into a Habit; and other things are fuited thereto; becauſe it
diſcharges the old Juices of the Body, and gives occafion to new.
9. We likewife judge, that a thorough Cure of certain emaciating Dif-
eafes conduces to Longevity, as fupplying new Juices in the room of thofe
confumed; and becaufe, to recover from Sickness is in a manner
grow young again, a kind of artificial Diſeaſes might be procured by means
of ftrict emaciating Diets: but more of this hereafter.
* See below, Sect. VIII. ad finem.
to
1
SECT.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
373
SECT. VIII.
The Hiftory of INTENTIONS; with a View to the
forming of practical Rules for the Prolongation of
LIFE; in pursuance of the twelfth, thirteenth, and
fourteenth Articles of the Table of Enquiry.
Aving now finiſhed our Enquiry, with regard to the Objects; viz. in- Tranfion.
animate, vegetable, animal and human Bodies, we must come clofer;
and conduct the Remainder by Intentions, which, in our own Judgment are
juſt, proper, and, as it were, the real Paths of mortal Life. But nothing
of moment has hitherto been performed on this Head; Mens Thoughts
about it having all along been trifling and unprofitable. Some talk of
comforting the natural Heat, and the radical Moiſture; of Foods, that make
a laudable Blood, neither aduft nor phlegmatic; of cooling and refreſhing
the Spirits, &c. And we take them for well-meaning Men that talk thus:
but all this makes little to the purpoſe. Another Party crys up Medi-
cines prepared from Gold, as from a Body incorruptible; and from Gems,
for recreating the Spirits by their Heat and occult Properties. They add,
that if the Balms and Quinteffences of Animals could be received, and
contained in Veffels, there would be great hopes of Immortality: That the
Fleſh of Vipers, and of Deer, by a certain Confent, have a Power to re-
new Life; becauſe the one cafts the Skin, and the other the Horns. They
likewiſe abound in ftill ftranger Accounts, of an Ointment found buried
under Ground, which a Man by ufing to his whole Body, except the Soles of
his Feet, thence lived without any Diftemper, (except fome Swellings on the
Soles of his Feet) to the Age of three hundred and that Artefius growing
old, tranfplanted the Spirit of a young Man into himself; and thus by the
Death of another, continued alive for many Years. Others ſpeak
much of fucceſsful Hours, according to the Horofcope of the Heavens, for
collecting and preparing Medicines deftined to prolong Life; they talk of
planetary Seals, whereby to bring down and derive celeftial Virtues for
the fame purpofe; with numerous other the like fabulous and fuperſti-
tious Stories: infomuch that we ftand amazed how Men fhould be fo
infatuated as to believe fuch Abfurdities; and cannot help commife-
rating the hard Fate of Mankind, in being befet and preffed on all fides
with things vain and uſeleſs. But for our own Intentions, we have hopes that
they cloſe in with things themſelves, without any tincture of Fiction, Va-
nity, or Credulity; and take them to be fuch, that tho numerous Particu-
lars may be found by Pofterity to answer them, yet no great Additions
:
can
374
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
1
Admonitions.
can be made to the Intentions themfelves. But before we proceed, we muſt
offer a few Admonitions, of the utmost importance to Mankind.
1. And first we judge, that the Offices of Life are preferable to Life it-
felf; and therefore, tho there fhould be any thing that might better anſwer
our Intentions, but with Injury to Society, we abfolutely reject it. Things
of this kind we may perhaps mention; but never infift upon.
Thus we
have no ferious and labour'd Difcourfe upon Men's leading their Lives in
Caves, free from the Inclemencies of the Air; upon perpetual Bathing in
prepared Liquors; covering the Body with adventitious Skins, or Oil-clothes;
daubing it over with a thick Coat of paint; the Inftitution of a strict
and exact Regimen and Diet, with no other Defign than to prolong
Life; or the like monftrous, naufeous, and incommodious Methods: but
produce only fuch Remedies and Rules as neither diſturb the Duties and
Affairs of Life, nor clog them with Delays and Difficulties.
2. Secondly, we earneftly befeech Mankind to trifle no longer, or imagine
that fo great a Work as to ſtop and turn back the powerful courfe of Nature,
fhould be performed by a Mornings-draught, or the Ufe of a coftly Me-
dicine; but to hold it for certain, that a Work of this kind is a laborious
Undertaking, which requires a number of Remedies, properly fuited to each
other; for no one furely can be fo dull as to believe, that what was never
yet done, fhould be effected but by Means never tried before.
3. We exprefly declare, that fome of the things we fhall propofe were
never experienced by us; nor would our courfe of Life allow thereof; but
that they are derived with great Juftneſs, as we judge, from our Prin-
ciples and Poſitions, as Parts dug and cut off from the Rock or Mine of
Nature being extremely cautious to propofe no Remedies but what are at
leaft fafe, if not effectual.
:
4. We defire Men would obferve and diftinguifh, that the fame things do
not always contribute both to a healthy and a long Life; for there are fome
of fervice in procuring chearfulnefs of Spirits, ftrength and vigour of the Fa-
culties, and yet fhorten the courfe of Life. There are alfo other things very
conducive to long Life, tho with fome danger to the Health, unleſs pre-
vented by fuitable Means: whereof we fhall not omit to give our Intima-
tions and Cautions occafionally.
5. We think proper to propofe various Remedies, fuitable to each In-
tention; leaving the Choice thereof, and the order of their Application, to
Diſcretion: fince it would be too tedious and improper, to publiſh particular
Directions for different Conftitutions of Body, or the various kinds of
Life, and Ages; fo as to fhew what Methods are moſt agreeable to each;
in what Order one thing is to be taken after another; and how the whole
Praxis and Regimen is in every cafe to be conducted and obſerved.
6. In our Table of Enquiry we have laid down three general Intentions; viz.
The prevention of Wate; the perfecting of Recruit; and the renovation of De-
cay: but as what we have to propoſe upon theſe Heads is real Matter, not
Words, we fhall draw out the three Intentions into ten Operations; viz.
(1.) The
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
375
(1.) The Operation upon the Spirits, with a View to their Rejuvenescency.
(2.) The Operation for excluding the Air. (3.) The Operation upon the Blood; and
the best Heat for Sanguification. (4.) The Operation upon the Juices of the Body.
(5.) The Operation upon the Vifcera, for protruding the Aliment. (6.) The
Operation upon the external Parts, for attracting the Aliment. (7.) The Opera-
tion upon the Food itſelf, for making it infinuate. (8.) The Operation upon the
laſt At of Affimilation. (9.) The Operation for mollifying the Parts, after they
begin to dry. And, (10.) The Operation for diſcharging the old Juices, and
Supplying their place with new. The four former relate to the first Intention;
And
the four next to the fecond; and the two laft to the third Intention.
as this Enquiry of Intentions is directed to Practice; we fhall now comprife
Experiments, Obfervations, Admonitions, Remedies, the Explanation of Caufes,
Pofitions, and whatever belongs to the Subject, under the Name of
Hiftory.
I.
The History of operating upon the Spirits; fo as to renew, and con-
tinue them in a young, and vigorous State.
I
HE Spirits are the Agents and Fabricators that produce all the
Effects in the Body; as appears from number lefs Inftances.
"TH
2. If new and young Spirits could be put into an old Body; 'tis
probable that this grand Wheel might give Motion to the reſt, and turn the
Courfe of Nature back.
3. In all Confumption, whether by Fire or Age, the more the Heat or
the Spirit of the Subject preys upon the Moisture, the lefs durable that Sub-
ject becomes; as is every where plain and obvious.
4. The Spirits are to be put into ſuch a Temper and degree of Activity,
as not to drink and drain, but barely to fip the Juices of the Body.
The Office of
the Spirits.
5. There are two kinds of Flame, the one brifk but feeble; which con- Two kinds of
fumes and evaporates light Bodies, as Straw or Shavings, without much Flame.
affecting the harder the other ftrong and conftant; which exerts a Force
even upon hard and obftinate Subjects; as large Wood and the like.
6. A brifk but weak Flame drys Bodies up, and renders them hard,
decay'd and juicelefs; and a ftronger foftens and diffolves them.
7. Some difcutient Medicines alfo breathe out only the thinner Parts in Effect of dif-
Tumours, and therefore indurate; whilst others difcufs more powerfully, cines.
and therefore foften.
cutient Medi-
8. So fome purging and deterfive Remedies fuddenly carry off the more Purging Me-
fluid Parts; whilft others draw away fuch as are more obftinate, and dicines,
viscous.
h Obferve, that the whole was afterwards intended to be adjufted, recompofed, verified,
and improved, according to the Directions given in the fecond Fart of the Novum
Organum.
9. The
376
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Temper re-
quired in the
Spirits.
Effects of V4-
pours.
The Spirits
9. The Spirits fhould be poffefs'd of fuch a Heat as fits them rather to
prey upon and undermine the hard and ftubborn Parts, than to diſcharge
and carry off fuch as are fine and prepared: for by this means the Body
remains freſh and firm.
10. The Spirits ſhould be fo prepared and wrought as to become denſe
in their Subſtance, and durable in Heat, without growing fharp; of fuch a
Quantity as fuffices for the Offices of Life, without Redundancy; and of an
eafy, equable, and not fubfultory Motion.
11. 'Tis manifeft that Vapours have a great Effect upon the Spirits, from
the Sleep, the Intoxication, the melancholy and mirthful Paffions they
procure; and the recovery of Perfons in fainting Fits, by Odours.
12. The Spirits are condenſed four ways; viz. (1.) By Flight; (2.) By
condensed four Cooling; (3.) By Appeafing; and, (4.) By Quelling. And first for the
Condenſation by Flight.
ways, viz.
I
(1.) By Flight.
Virtues of
Opium and
Opiates.
13. (1.) Whatever compreffes on all fides, drives the Body towards its
Centre, and therefore condenfes.
14. Opium is an exceeding powerful and effectual Remedy, for condenſing
the Spirits by Flight or Compreffure; and next to this, other Opiates and
foporiferous Medicines in general.
15. The Virtue of Opium is very remarkable for condenfing the Spirits;
as about three Grains thereof may prefently fo coagulate or drive them to-
gether, that they fhall not recover; but be fuffocated and rendered im-
moveable.
16. Opium, and the like Medicines, do not put the Spirits to Flight by
their Coldness; for they contain Parts that are manifeftly warm: but on
the contrary, cool by putting the Spirits to Flight.
17. This Flight of the Spirits by Opium and Opiates, appears clearly
from the external Application thereof; upon which the Spirits immediately
withdraw themſelves, and return no more: but leave the Part to gangrenate
and mortify.
18. Opiates give eafe in violent Pains; as in thofe of the Stone, or the
amputation of a Limb; principally by putting the Spirits to Flight.
19. Opiates have a good Effect from a bad Caufe: for to diſturb the
Spirits from their Seat is bad; but the Condenfation of them by that
Diſturbance is good.
20. The Greeks laid great ftrefs upon Opiates, both for the prefervation
of Health and the prolongation of Life; and the Arabians ſtill more: info-
much that their capital Medicines have Opium for the Bafis and principal
Ingredient; with the Addition of other things to abate and correct its noxious
Qualities, as in Venice-Treacle, Mithridate, &c.
21. Whatever is fuccefsfully ufed in the Cure of peftilential and malig-
nant Diſeaſes, to check and curb the Spirits, and keep them quiet, may be
advantageously transferred to the prolongation of Life; as the fame thing,
viz. the Condenfation of Spirits, is effectual in both Cafes and this End is
chiefly procured by Opiates.
22. The
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
377
22. The Turks find Opium, even in a large Quantity, innocent and cor-
dial; infomuch that they take it before they go to Battle, as a means of
infpiring Courage: but to us 'tis mortal, unleſs in a ſmall Doſe, and well
corrected.
23. Opium and Opiates are found to excite Venery; which manifefts
their Power of ſtrengthning the Spirits.
24. The diſtilled Water of wild Poppy is fuccefsfully given in Surfeits,
Fevers, and many other Distempers; being, no doubt, a mild kind of Opiate.
And let no one wonder that fuch a Medicine ſhould be uſed for various pur-
pofes; this being the Privilege of Opiates; becauſe, when the Spirits are
corroborated and condenfed they are able to refift any Diftemper.
25. The Turks ufe a kind of Berry called Coffee; which they roaſt, pow- Coffee.
der, and make into an Infufion with hot Water. The drinking of this,
they affirm, adds Strength and Vigour both to the Mind and Body; tho
when taken immoderately it diſorders the Senſes: whence it appears to be a
kind of Opiate.
26. A certain Root called Betel is celebrated over all the Eaft; the In- Betel.
dians, and others, accuftoming themfelves to chew and hold it in their
Mouth; whereby they are wonderfully refreſhed, enabled to endure fa-
tigue, throw off Diſorders, and ftrengthen'd for Venery. This alſo ſeems
a kind of Narcotic; for it gives a great Blackneſs to the Teeth.
27. The Uſe of Tobacco has ſpread very wide in our Time; and gives a fe- Tobacco,
cret Delight to thoſe who take it; infomuch that the Prefons once accuſtomed
thereto find a Difficulty to leave it off: and doubtless it contributes to alleviate.
Fatigues, and difcharge the Body of Wearinefs. 'Tis alfo commonly faid
to open the Paffages; and draw off Humours. But its Virtues may be
more juftly attributed to its condenfing the Spirits; as being a Species of
Henbane; and, like Opiates, manifeftly diſturbing the Head.
28. There are ſometimes Humours generated in the Body, which them-
felves act like Opiates; as we find in fome kinds of Melancholy, thoſe
who are affected therewith proving very long-lived.
29. The Simple Opiates, called alfo Narcotics and Stupefactives, are Opium The fimple
itſelf, that is, the exhaled Juice of Poppy; both the Poppies, as well the Opiates.
Plant as the Seed, Henbane, Mandrake, Hemlock, Tobacco, and Nightshade.
30. The Compound Opiates are the Laudanums, Venice-Treacle, Mithridate, The compound
Diafcordium, Philonium, the Hounds-tongue Pill, the Storax Pill, and Dia- Opiates.
codium.
31. From what is before laid down may be deduced certain Directions, Rules for pro-
or Rules for the prolongation of Life, with regard to this Intention of con- longing Life by
Opiates.
denfing the Spirits by Opiates.
32. For example: from the time of full Growth, let an opiate Diet be an opiate
inſtituted yearly, and entered upon about the end of May; becauſe the Diet.
Spirits are moſt diffolved and attenuated in the Summer; and the Danger is
then the lefs from cold Humours: but let the Opiate employ'd be a com-
manding one; tho weaker than thofe in ufe, as receiving a lefs proportion of
Opium, and a more fparing addition of the very hot Ingredients. Let it be
Ссс
VOL. III.
taken
378
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Opiate Fumes.
Distilled Wa-
sers of Opiates.
taken in the Morning; fleeping upon it. The Diet fhould, at this time,
be fimple and fparing; without Wine, Spices, or any thing fweating. Let
the Medicine be taken only every other Day; and continued for a Fort-
night. And the Defign of this Rule, in our Judgment, duly anfwers the
Intention.
33. Opiates alfo may be received not only by the Mouth, but in the way
of Fumes; tho this fhould be done in fuch a manner as not greatly to
affect the expulfive Faculty, or drain off the Humours; but for a fhort time
only, to operate upon the Spirits in the Brain: and therefore, in a Morn-
ing, a Suffumigation, of Tobacco, mixed with Lignum Aloes, dried Roſemary,
and a little Myrrh, received a-while at the Mouth and Noftrils, may be of
ſervice.
34. For the capital Opiates, fuch as Venice-treacle and Mithridate, 'twere
proper, eſpecially in Youth, to ufe the diſtilled Waters thereof, rather than
the Medicines themſelves; becauſe the Vapour of the Medicine riſes, and
its Heat is greatly kept back by Diſtillation: for diftilled Waters are gene-
rally excellent in the Virtues that rife by Vapour; but poor and weak in
other refpects.
Opiates infpiffa- 35. There are Medicines which have a certain feeble, fecret, and there-
ting the Spirits. fore fafe opiate Virtue. Thefe yield a copious, but fluggiſh, and not
malignant Vapour, as other Opiates do; and therefore put not the Spirits
to Flight, but only collect and fomewhat thicken them.
The milder O-
piates, or Sub-
35. The milder Opiates, or Subſtitutes for the ſtronger, are principally
fitutes for the Saffron, the Indian-leaf, Ambergreafe, Amomum, Pfeudamomum, Lignum
Arenger.
Rhodium, Orange-flower Water; but much rather an Infufion of the freſh
Flowers in Oil of Almonds.
Saffron.
Cold.
37. Tho the ſtronger Opiates are to be uſed but very fparingly, and at
certain times; this milder fort may be uſed common, and in daily Diet: and
they contribute greatly to prolong Life. An Apothecary of Calicut, is, by the
Ufe of Ambergreafe, reported to have lived a hundred and fixty Years;
and the Nobility of Barbary are, by the Ufe thereof, found to be long lived;
whilſt the common People there are but fhort lived. And our Anceſtors,
who made a frequent Ufe of Saffron in their Cakes, their Broths, &c. lived
much longer than we do. And fo much for the Condenſation of the Spirits
by Opiates, and their Subftitutes.
(2.) The Con- 38. (2.) We come now to the fecond manner of condenfing the Spirits;
denſation of viz. by Cold. And firft, Condenfation is the proper Effect of Cold; and
the Spirits by performed without any Malignity or unfriendly Quality: whence its Opera-
tion is fafer than that of Opiates, tho fomewhat lefs powerful, if ufed only
by turns, as Opiates are: but as it may be employ'd familiarly and with
moderation ordinarily, it has a much greater Effect than Opiates in the
prolonging of Life.
The Spirits
cooled three
ways,
39. The Spirits are cooled three ways; viz. (1.) By Refpiration. (2.) By
Vapour. And, (3.) By Aliment. The first is the principal, but fomewhat
out of our command; the fecond alfo is powerful, and within our compaſs;
but the third is weak and flow.
40. A
1
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
379
40. A clear and pure Air that has nothing fuliginous, nor felt much of By the Air.
the Sun's Heat before 'tis received into the Lungs, excellently condenfes
the Spirits. And fuch an Air is found on the dry tops of Mountains, or in
open Champains, that are bruſhed by the Wind, but fcreened from the
Sun.
41. As to the cooling and condenfing of the Spirits by Vapours; we Nitre.
place the Foundation of this Operation in Nitre, as a Subject chofen and pe-
culiar to this end, for the following Reafons.
42. Nitre is a kind of cold Aromatic, as appears from the Senſe itſelf; Its Nature,
for it bites and vellicates the Tongue and Palate with Cold, as Spices do and Effects.
with Heat; and is the only thing, that we know of, which has this Property.
43. All cold Bodies that are properly, and not accidentally cold, as
Opium, contain but little, and a jejune Spirit; whilft, nearly all the hot
Bodies are full of Spirit. Nitre is the only Body in the vegetable Kingdom
that, tho cold, abounds with Spirit; for Camphire, which is fpirituous, yet
performs the Actions of Cold, refrigerates only by accident; viz. by its
Tenuity, without Acrimony, and by promoting Perſpiration in Inflammations.
44. In the congelation and freezing of Liquors, lately introduced by the
Application of Snow and Ice without-fide the containing Veffel, Nitre is
ufed as an Ingredient; and doubtlefs both excites and ftrengthens the freezing
Power. 'Tis true, common Bay-falt is uſed for the fame purpoſe; but
this rather actuates the Cold of the Snow or Ice, than gives a Coldneſs of
itſelf. But I have been told, that in the hotter Regions, where no Snow
falls, Congelation has been performed by Nitre alone: tho this is not hi-
therto verified,
45 Gunpowder, whereof Nitre makes the principal Ingredient, is reported,
when drank, to infpire Courage, and to be frequently taken by Sailors and
Soldiers before Battle; as Opium is by the Turks.
46. Nitre is ſucceſsfully given in Calentures, and peftilential Fevers; to
fupprefs and cool their deftructive Heats.
47. 'Tis very manifeft from Gunpowder, that Nitre has a great Averfion
to Flame; whence proceeds that furprizing Ventofity and Exploſion.
48. Nitre is found to be, as it were the Spirit of the Earth; for 'tis certain
that any clean Earth, unmix'd with nitrous Bodies, thrown on Heaps, and
kept covered and fcreened from the Sun, fo as to afford no Vegetables,
will copioufly collect Nitre: whence 'tis manifeft, that the native Spi-
rit of Nitre is of a lower rank than the Spirit of Animals, or even of
Vegetables.
!
Ccc 2
49. Ani-
i I fuppofe this is meant of the Coolness which Nitre communicates to Water, during the
time it continues diffolving therein. But does not the Act of Congelation require Sal-
armoniac inftead of Nitre; and a fecond or third repetition of the Solution, after both the
Salt and the Water have remained in the former Solutions, to acquire their degrees of Cold
refpectively? For fcarce any Salt will produce Ice upon being barely diffolved in the Water
of a warm Climate, unless the Water be confiderably cooled before. See Sylva Sylvarum,
under the Articles, COLD, COOLNESS, and HEAT.
382
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
One a little
less fevere.
Seafonable ufe
of Venery.
The Motion of
the Spirits
dried Fish, wearing of Hair-fhirts next the Skin, frequent Fafting, frequent
Watching, few fenfual Pleafures, &c. all which diminish the Spirits, and
reduce them to a Quantity barely fufficient to fupport the Offices of Life;
whence they are rendered lefs predatory.
68. But if the Regimen be not altogether fo rigorous and mortifying,
yet continually equable and uniform, it has the fame Effect; as a greater
Flame, when uniform and undiſturb'd, confumes lefs of its Subject, than a
fmall one agitated ftronger, and weaker by Fits. And we have an eminent
Example of this in the Regimen and Diet of Cornaro the Venetian; who for
many Years continued to eat and drink by exact Weight: thus preferving
himſelf in full ſtrength of Body, and vigour of Senfes, to more than a
hundred Years.
69. Regard likewife muft be had, that the Body which is nouriſhed to the
full, and not emaciated by the ftrict Regimen above-mentioned, omit not
the feaſonable ufe of Venery; left the Spirits fhould grow too turgid, and
thus foften and relax the Body. And fo much for the moderate and frugal
Quantity of the Spirits.
70. Next follows the Enquiry of checking the Motions of the Spirits ; for
Motion manifeftly tends to attenuate and over-heat them. They are
check'd three checked three ways, viz. (1.) By Sleep; (2.) By avoiding vehement
Labour, immoderate Exercife, and Laffitude; and, (3.) By bridling all
troubleſome Paffions. And firſt of Sleep.
ways.
Viz. (1.) By
Sleep.
Admonition.
71. The Fable goes of Epimenides, that he flept many Years in his Cave
without eating; for the Spirits wafte and prey but little in Sleep: and Expe-
rience fhews that Dormice, Bats, Swallows, &c. fhut up in clofe Places,
fleep the whole Winter: the fame is alfo fuppofed of Bees and Drones, tho
fometimes deftitute of Honey; and again of Butter-flies, Flies, &c.
72. Sleep in the Afternoon is good for the Spirits; as no unfriendly
Vapours then afcend to the Head, and only the firft light Dew of the
Meal; tho in all other Refpects with regard to Health, 'tis pernicious and
oppreffive but in extreme old Age, both Meals and Sleep fhou'd be fre-
quent, tho fhort and fmall; and in the laft Stage of a long Life, perpe-
tual Reft and Repofe are ferviceable, efpecially in the Winter. And as mo-
derate Sleep contributes to prolong Life; it does it fo much the more
where it is pleafing, and not broken or difordered.
73. Quiet Sleep is procured by Violets, Lettuce, eſpecially boil'd; Saf-
fron, Balm, Apples eat at going to Bed; Toaft and Malmfey, particularly
if Muſk-rofes are firft infufed in the Wine. 'Twere therefore proper to
compoſe a Pill, or fome fmall Draught of thefe Ingredients; and to uſe
it often. Thofe Things likewife which cloſe the Mouth of the Stomach,
as prepared Coriander-feed, Quinces and roafted Pears, caufe pleafing Sleep.
But above all Things in Youth, efpecially if the Stomach be ftrong, a good
draught of cold Water is proper at going to Bed.
As to the Bufinefs of Trances, whether voluntary or procured, and of
intent and deep Thought, tho without Perturbation, we have nothing
certain to offer; they may doubtlefs contribute to this Intention, and con-
denfe
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
383
denfe the Spirits more powerfully even than Sleep; as they lull and fufpend
the Senfes as much or more than that: but of thefe Particulars let farther
Enquiry be made. And fo much for the Affair of Sleep.
(2.)
74. We next proceed to Motion and Exercife. Laffitude is prejudicial :
fo is too fudden and violent Motion and Exercife; as Running, Tennis, Fenc- By regulating
ing, and the like; fo again is all endeavouring beyond the Strength, as in the Exerciſe.
Leaping, Wreſtling, &c. 'Tis certain that when the Spirits are ftrained, either
by velocity of Motion, or by extreme Efforts, they afterwards become more
predatory and confuming. On the other Hand, the Exercifes that re-
quire a moderately robuft Motion, but not too quick, or beyond the ut-
moſt ſtrength; as Dancing, Shooting with the long Bow, Riding, Bowl-
ing, &c. are rather beneficial than hurtful.
75. We now come to confider the Affections and Paffions of the Mind, (3.)
to ſee which of them conduce to, and which of them prevent long By governing
the Paffions.
Life. And firſt, extreme Joy attenuates and diffipates the Spirits, and
fhortens Life; but familiar Chearfulneſs corroborates the Spirits without
refolving them.
76. Senfual Impreffions of Delight are bad; but the Thoughts of Joys Senfual Plea-
paffing in the Memory, or the Apprehenfions of them in Hope, and fures.
Expectation, are good.
77. A fuppreffion, or gradual communication of Joy, recreates the Foy.
Spirits more than profuſe and ſudden Joy divulged all at once.
78. Grief and Sadnefs, if unattended with Fear, and not too afflicting, Grief.
prolong Life; for they contract the Spirits, and cauſe a kind of Conden-
fation.
79. Great Fears fhorten Life; for tho Grief and Sadnefs condenſe the Fear,
Spirits, yet they caufe only a fimple Contraction; whilft in Fear, by reafon of
the Sollicitude after the Remedy, and an intermixture of Hope, there is a
kind of tormenting Flux and Reflux made of the Spirits.
80. Anger, when fupprefs'd, is alſo a kind of Torture, and cauſes the
Spirits to prey upon the Juices of the Body; but when it has vent and
breaks out, it becomes of fervice; as thofe Medicines do which procure a
robuft Heat.
81. Envy is the worft of Paffions, and feeds upon the Spirits, and thefe
again upon the Body; the more becaufe 'tis a lafting Paffion; and as the
Expreffion goes of it, keeps no Holy-days.
"
Anger,
Envy,
82. Pity for the Misfortunes of others, which feem not likely to fall Puy.
upon ourſelves, is good but that, which by a kind of Similitude may
reflect upon the pitying Perfon is bad; on account of the Fear it excites.
83. Moderate Shame hurts not, as it fomewhat contracts and again shame.
diſperſes the Spirits; infomuch that bafhful Perfons are generally long lived:
but Shame arifing from fome great Ignominy, and continuing long to af-
flict, contracts the Spirits even to Suffocation, and is deftructive.
84. Love, if fuccefsful, and not deep, is a Species of Joy, and comes Lova,
under the Rules above laid down of that.
85, Hope,
384
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Hope.
Miſcellaneous
Obfervations
upon the Spi-
rits.
The Spirits not
85. Hope, is of all the Paffions the moſt advantagious, and greatly con-
tributes to prolong Life; if it be not too often difappointed, but enter-
tains the Imagination with a Profpect of Good: whence they, who fix and
propoſe to themſelves any End as the Purfuit of their Life, and con-
ſtantly advance by degrees therein, are generally long lived; but coming
at length to the top of their Hopes, and having nothing further to ex-
pect, they commonly languifh and die foon after; fo that Hope may ſeem
a kind of Leaf-joy, and like Gold, extremely ductile.
86. Admiration and moderate Contemplation have a great Power to
prolong Life; for thefe detain the Spirits upon pleafing Subjects, without
fuffering them to tumultuate and act diforderly whence all the Contem-
plators of natural Things, who had fo many and fuch great Objects of
Admiration; as Democritus, Plato, Parmenides, and Apollonius were long
lived. So likewife were the Rhetoricians, tho they only tafted fuch Subjects,
and purſued the Light of Difcourfe rather than the Darkneſs of Things; as
Gorgias, Protagoras, Ifocrates, Seneca. And indeed as old Men are gene-
rally pratling and talkative; fo great Talkers very often live to be old for
this is a ſign of flender Contemplation, which does not much affect or tor-
ture the Spirits; but fubtile, acute and fevere Enquiries cut Life fhort; for
theſe fatigue and wear out the Spirits. And fo much for the motion of the
Spirits from the Paffions of the Mind; whereto we will add a few ge-
neral Obfervations upon the Spirits, that fall not under the preceding divi-
fion.
87. Particular Care must be had, that the Spirits be not often diffolved ;
to be diffolved. for Rarefaction precedes Diffolution: and the Spirits once rarefied cannot
eaſily recover themſelves, and become denfe again. The Spirits are diffuſed
by hard Labour, vehement Paffions of the Mind, profufe Sweats, large
Evacuations, warm Bathing, and the immoderate or unfeafonable uſe of
Venery; again, by too great Cares, anxious Diſquietudes and Expecta-
tions; and lastly by malignant Diſeaſes, and ſevere Pains and Tortures of
the Body; all which are, as much as poſſible, to be avoided.
How refreshed.
88. The Spirits are refreſh'd by Things whereto they are both accuſtom'd
and unaccustom'd. It ftrangely conduces to preferve the Vigour of the Spirits,
not to uſe cuſtomary Things to Satiety, nor new ones before a ſtrong and
vigorous Appetite requires them; and therefore Cuſtoms are to be broke off
with Judgment and Diligence before Averfion comes on; and the defire of
Change is to be reftrain'd for a time, till become ſtrong and vigorous.
The courfe of Life muſt likewiſe be ſo ordered, as to have many and various
Renovations; that the Spirits may not grow fluggiſh by perpetually conver-
fing with the fame Things. For altho Seneca fharply faid, the Fool is al-
ways beginning to live; yet this Folly, and numerous others, are conducive
to long Life.
The Spirits to
89. It muſt be obſerved, contrary to what is ufually done, that when Men
be regulated perceive their Spirits to enjoy a good, a found and a pleafing State, which
appears from a greater Tranquillity and Pleaſure of Mind, they are then to
cheriſh and not to change them; but when they are in a reſtleſs and dif-
orderly
I
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
385
orderly ftate, which alfo appears from Melancholy, Indolence, and other
Indifpofitions of the Mind, they are fometimes to opprefs and alter them.
Now the Spirits are preferved in the fame ftate, by reftraining the Paffions;
moderating the Diet, abftaining from Venery, and by ufing moderate La-
bour, and moderate Reft. They are altered and opprefs'd by the con-
trary; viz. vehement Paffions, Gluttony, immoderate Venery, hard La-
bour, intenſe Thinking, and much Buſineſs. But 'tis the practice of Men,
when they are chearful, and beſt pleas'd with themſelves, then moſt to affect
and purſue Feafting, Venery, Labour, Difficulties, and Bufinefs. Whoever
defires to prolong Life, muft act in a contrary manner; and endeavour to
fupport and preferve the good Condition of his Spirits; and difcharge and
change them when ill difpofed.
90. 'Tis well obferved by Ficinus, that old Men, to refresh their Spirits, How refreshed
fhould frequently recollect and ruminate upon the Actions of their Youth in Age.
and Childhood and certainly fuch kind of Remembrance is, as it were, the
peculiar recreation and delight of old Men ; whence 'tis pleaſant for Men
to enjoy the Company of thoſe they were educated with ; and to viſit the
places where they were brought up. And Vefpafian gave fo much into this
Humour, that when he was Emperor, he cou'd not prevail upon himſelf
to quit his Father's homely Houſe; for fear of lofing his accuſtom❜d Ob-
jects, or fome part of the Memory of his Youth.
91. But the moft grateful Thing to the Spirits is, a continual Progreffion Old Men to
for the better; and therefore Youth and riper Years fhou'd be fo con- retire from
ducted as to leave new Comforts for old Age: the principal whereof is Business.
moderate Reft; whence old Men in Pofts of Honour, offer Violence to them-
felves, if they do not retire. Of this we have a remarkable Example in
Caffiodorus, who was of fuch Authority among the Gothick Kings of Italy,
as to be the Soul of their Affairs; but retiring to a Monaſtery at near the
Age of eighty, he there continued to a hundred. But in this Refpect two
Cautions are required; the firſt is, that they wait not till the Body is quite
wore out and diftempered; for in that cafe all Change, tho for the better
in appearance, haftens Death: the fecond, that they give not themfelves up
to perfect Indolence, but have fomething gratefully to amufe their Thoughts
and feed the Mind: to which purpoſe Letters are beft fuited; and next to
thefe, Building and Planting.
92. Laftly, one and the fame Action, Study, or Labour, undertaken by Involuntary
Choice, and with a willing Mind, refreshes the Spirits; but if against the In- Studies wafte
clination, it waftes and deftroys them: 'tis therefore conducive to long the Spirits,
Life, either that a Man fo fhape his Courfe by Art, as to have it free and
according to his own wifh; or elfe procure himſelf fuch a pliable Temper,
that whatever is impofed upon him by Neceffity, may rather lead than drag
him.
93. We must not omit, with regard to the Government of the Paffions, The mouth of
that particular Care ſhould be had of the Mouth of the Stomach; but prin- the Stomach to
cipally to keep it from being too much relaxed; becauſe this
becauſe this part has a be regarded.
greater influence over the Paffions, efpecially the daily ones, than either
VOL. III.
Ddd
the
386
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The preſent
Enquiry why
more diligently
profecuted.
Exclufion of
the Air has a
double Ten-
dency to pro-
long Life.
Bodies how
dried.
The living in
Caves,
the Heart or Brain; excepting only fuch as proceed from powerful Vapours,
as in Drunkenneſs and Melancholy.
94. And thus much for the Operation upon the Spirits, with a view to con-
tinue them in a flourishing and youthful ftate: wherein we have uſed the
greater Diligence, becaufe Phyficians and other Writers fcarce touch upon
it; but chiefly becauſe the Operation upon the Spirits, and making them
young again, is the readieſt and ſhorteſt way to prolong Life, on account of
two Abridgments; the one, that the Spirits operate immediately upon the
Body; the other that Vapours and the Paffions operate immediately upon
the Spirits fo that theſe Things go directly, and in a ftrait Line to the
end; whilft others reach it by a Curve.
II.
!
The Hiftory of the Operation for excluding the Air from the
1.
Body.
HE exclufion of the Air, has a double Tendency to prolong Life;
first, as after the native Spirit, it more than any other Thing preys
upon the Juices, and haftens the dryness of the Body; fo that how much
foever Air may otherwife animate, and contribute to Health; yet the ſhut-
ting of it out, externally, conduces to Longevity.
2. The Second Effect, which follows upon excluding the Air, is much
more deep and fubtile; for the Body being clos'd up, and not perfpiring,
detains the included Spirit, and turns it into the harder Parts of the Body;
which therefore are kept foft and tender by the Spirit.
3. The manner of this Action appears in the deficcation of inani-
mate Bodies; and 'tis a certain Axiom, that Bodies are dried by the Avolation
of their Spirit; but rendered foft and yielding by its Detention. It muſt
likewiſe be allowed the property of all Heat, to moiſten and attenuate; and
to contract and dry only by accident.
4. To live in Caves and Dens, where the Air receives not the Sun's Rays,
may conduce to Longevity; as the Air of itfelf, without being animated by
Heat, has no great Force to prey upon the Body. And if we go back-
wards, it will appear from many Remains and antient Monuments, that the
Size and Stature of certain Men have been much larger; and that thefe Men
generally lived in Caves: and there is fome Affinity between length of Age,
and largeneſs of Limbs. We alſo fufpect the Life of the Stylites, or An-
chorites of the Pillar, bore fome refemblance to a Life led in Caves;
their Bodies being fecured, or skreened from the Sun's Heat ; and the Air
they breathed not being fubject to great Changes or Inequalities. Thus
much is certain, that both the Symeons, and Daniel, and Saba, as well as
other Stylites, were very long lived. And even the modern Anchorites, who
were either immured, or fhut up in Pillars, have frequently lived long.
5. Next
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
387
5. Next to the living in Caves, is living upon Mountains; for as the Sun's Living on
Heat penetrates not into Caves, it has but little Effect on the tops of Moun- Mountains.
tains, for want of Reflection. But this muſt be underſtood of Mountains
where the Air is clear and pure, or where, by reafon of the drynefs of the
Valleys, no Clouds or Vapours afcend; as in the Mountains round Barbary,
where to this Day, Men often live to a hundred and fifty Years.
7
6. But tho the Air of theſe Caves or Mountains is not of its own nature The Bady to be
confiderably predatory; yet, as the Air we live in is rendered fo by the guarded a-
gainst the Air.
Sun's Heat, the Body ought, as much as poffible, to be fecured againſt it.
7. The Air may be excluded two ways; firft by contracting the Pores, Two ways of
and again by filling them up.
excluding the
Air.
By closing the
8. For contracting or fhutting up the Pores, the coldness of the Air
itſelf is ferviceable; fo are uncovering of the skin, which hardens it; bath Pores.
ing in cold Water; and Aftringents ufed externally, ſuch as Maftich, Myrrh,
Myrtle, &c.
9. But this Intention is much better anfwered by Baths (tho to be feldom Bathing,
ufed, eſpecially during the Summer) confifting of fuch aftringent mineral Wa-
ters, as may be fafely drank; for Example, thofe of Chalybeate and vitriolic
Springs; which powerfully contract the Skin.
10. As for filling up the Pores; Paints and the like thick unctuous Bo- Paints
dies, or, what may be uſed with more Convenience, Oil and Fats preſerve
the Subftance of the Body, as much as Oil-paint and Varniſh preſerve
Wood.
11. The antient Britons painted themſelves with Woad, and were very Used by the
long lived; fo likewife did the Pits; who are from thence thought by fome Britons.
to have derived their Name, which fignifies painted Men.
12. The Inhabitants of Brafil and Virginia paint themſelves to this Day, Brafilians.
and are very long lived, eſpecially the Brafilians; infomuch, that five Years
fince, the French Jefuits met with fome of them who remember'd the Build-
ing of Fernamburg; a hundred and twenty years backwards; and yet were
Men grown at the Building thereof.
13. Johannes de Temporibus, who is reported to have lived three hundred Johannes de
Years, being asked by what means he preferved himſelf, is faid to have Temporibus.
anſwered, by Honey within, and Oil without.
14. The Irish, eſpecially the Wild-Irish, are to this Day very long lived; The Iriſh.
and they report, a few Years ago, that the Countess of Desmond lived to a
hundred and forty, and fhed her Teeth three times and 'tis a practice
with the Irish, to anoint themfelves with old falt Butter before the Fire.
15. The Irish alfo were accuftom'd to wear their Shirts and Linen ftained The external
with Saffron ; which practice, tho first introduced to prevent Putrefaction, yet uſe of Saffron.
we judge it of the fame Service in prolonging Life: for Saffron, of all the things
we know, is the beſt for cheriſhing the Skin, and the Fleſh; as it has a re-
markable Aftringency, Oilinefs, and a fubtile Heat, without Acrimony.
And I knew an Englishman, who carried a Bag of Saffron about his Sto-
mach in a Voyage, to conceal it and prevent paying the Duty; and tho at
Ddd 2
other
ཉ་
388
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Anointing
with Oil.
How to be
practifed.
Whether uſed
in this manner
by the An-
tients.
Anointing
how healthy.
Four Cantions
to prevent ill
Effects from
anointing.
viz.
other times he uſed to be exceedingly Sea-fick, he now continued per-
fectly well without the leaft Retching.
16. Hippocrates advifes to wear clean Linen next the Skin in the Winter,
but foul and befmeared with Oil in the Summer; the Reafon whereof
feems to be this, that the Spirits greatly exhale in the Summer; and there-
fore the Pores of the Skin are then to be fill'd up.
17. We therefore judge that anointing the Skin with Oil, either
that of Olives or ſweet Almonds, greatly conduces to long Life. And this
fhould be done every Morning upon rifing; and with Oil wherein a little
Bay-Salt and Saffron is mix'd; but it ought to be laid on light, with Wooll,
or a foft Sponge, not fo as to run, but barely to bedew and moiſten the
Skin.
18. 'Tis certain that Liquors, even fuch as are oily, ufed in a large quan-
tity, draw ſomewhat from the Body; but on the contrary are imbibed by
it in a ſmall one: and therefore, as we faid, the Unction must be but flight
and fuperficial; or elfe let only the Shirt itſelf be a little rubbed with the
Oil.
19. It may here be objected, that this anointing with Oil, tho not uſed
among ourſelves, has however been experienced, and left off by the Ita-
lians; and was antiently familiar, and a part of Regimen among the Greeks
and Romans; yet Mankind in thofe Ages were not longer lived than at
prefent. To which it may be justly anſwered, that they uſed their Oil
only after warm Bathing; unless we except their Gladiators and Wreſtlers;
but warm Bathing is as contrary to this Intention of ours, as anointing is
congruous; the former opening, but the latter blocking up the Pores: and
therefore warm Bathing, without fubfequent anointing is extremely bad for
our purpose; but anointing without Bathing excellent. Their anointing alfo
was uſed in the way of Delicacy, or at beft to preferve Health; but in no re-
ſpect to procure long Life: whence they employ'd at the fame time pre-
cious Unguents, which, tho grateful and pleafing in themfelves, are preju-
dicial in our Intention, by reafon of their Heat. Whence Virgil feems to
have well obſerved, that the uſe of Oil was corrupted with Spices ".
20. Anointing with Oil contributes to Health in the Winter, by exclud-
ing the Cold; and in Summer by keeping in the Spirits, and preventing
their Diffolution; as alfo by fencing againſt the force of the Air, which is
then moſt predatory.
21. As anointing with Oil is one of the moft powerful Remedies for
prolonging of Life, we ſhall here add a few Cautions about its Ufe, to
prevent endangering the Health: and theſe Cautions are principally four,
with regard to the four Inconveniences that may follow upon it.
22. The first Inconvenience is, that by fuppreffing the Sweat, it may
Stopping the produce Diftempers from excrementitious Humours; but this may be re-
medied by the ufe of Purges and Glyfters, fo as to procure a proper Dif-
charge; for 'tis certain, that Evacuation by Sweat has a general tendency
Sweat.
a Nec Cafiâ liquidi corrumpitur ufus olivi.
to
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
389
to Health, but ſhortens Life; whilft moderate Purgatives operate upon
the Humours, and not, as Sweat does, upon the Spirits.
23. The Second Inconvenience is, that our anointing may fometimes heat Heating the
and inflame the Body; becauſe the Spirits when fhut up, and not fuffer'd Body.
to perſpire grow warm but this is prevented by a cooling Diet, and the
ufe of fome proper Refrigerants at due Intervals; of which more in our
next Enquiry into the Operation upon the Blood.
24. The third Inconvenience is, that it may opprefs the Head; as all ex- Oppreffing the
ternal Obſtruction ftrikes back the Vapours, and turns them upon that Head.
Part but this is entirely prevented by Catharticks; efpecially by Glyfters,
and ſtrongly clofing the Mouth of the Stomach with Aftringents: again
alfo by combing and rubbing the Head, along with the ufe of proper per-
ſpirative Lixiviums; not omitting fuitable Exercife, that fome Perfpiration
by the Skin may likewife be procured.
25. The fourth Inconvenience is more fubtile; viz. that the Spirits de- Over increas
tain'd by cloſing up the Pores may feem to multiply too faft; becauſe, as ing the Spirits.
little exhales, and new Spirit is conftantly produced, the quantity may
increaſe too much; and fo the Body come to be more prey'd upon : but
this is not entirely the Cafe; for all Spirit fhut up and not fann'd, becomes
languid, like Flame unanimated by Air; whence it becomes leſs active,
and leſs productive of new but doubtless its Heat is thus increaſed, tho
its Motion be retarded; which is likewife the Cafe of Flame. But this
Danger may be prevented, by fometimes mixing refrigerant Ingredients
along with the Oil, fuch as Rofes, and Myrtle; for no hot Things are here
to be uſed.
to Linen.
26. It may be likewife ferviceable to wear fuch Garments as are fomewhat Woollen Gar-
unctuous or oily, and not aqueous; becauſe theſe exhauft the Body lefs: fuch ments prefera
are thofe of Callico rather than Linen. And 'tis manifeft, that the Spi-
rits of odorous Bodies hang much longer in Woollen than Linen; and there-
fore tho Linen is more elegant and grateful to the Touch, yet we fufpect
it for this Intention.
27. 'Tis a practice among the wild Iriſh, when firſt taken fick, imme-
diately to unfheet their Bed, and roll themfelves in the Blankets. And
fome declare themfelves to have with great Advantage to their Health,
wore flannel Waftcoats and Drawers next their Skins. as of trunch
28. It muſt alſo be obferved that the Air, whereto the Body is accuftomed, Accuftom'd Air
confumes less than new, or a frequent change of Air; whence poor Peo- lefs predatory,
ple that never remove from their own Roof, are generally long lived:
in other Refpects, we judge a change of Air to be ufeful, efpecially to thofe
of brifk Spirits; but a Moderation herein may prove beft on all accounts.
The way wou'd be to change the place of aboad, and at ftated times re-
move to proper Seats, fuited to the four Seafons of the Year; whereby the
Body might have neither too much fatigue in Travelling, nor too much reft
at Home. And this for the Operation of excluding the Air, to avoid its
predatory or confuming Force.
2
III.
390
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Blood to
be cooled.
By the use of
Glyfters.
Warm Bath-
ing.
III.
The Hiftory of the Operation upon the Blood, and the proper
Heat for Sanguification.
I.
T
HE prefent and the following Operation are the Converse of the two
foregoing; and anſwer to them as Paffives to Actives: for as thoſe
prevent the Spirits and Air from being too predatory in their Actions; ſo theſe
fecure the Blood and Juices of the Body, and keep them indifpofed to be prey'd
upon. But as the Blood is the Fountain that fupplies the Juices, waters the
Parts, and is the Matter prepared for compofing them, we aſſign the first place to
the Operation upon the Blood; with regard whereto we shall lay down three very
effectual Directions.
2. And first, no doubt if the Blood be brought to a cooler Temper, it
will become lefs diffipable; but as Refrigerants taken by the Mouth, ill
comport with many other Intentions, 'tis moft adviſable to find out others,
not fubject to fuch Inconveniences and there are two of them.
:
3. The one is, the uſe of Glyfters, in no reſpect purging or abſterſive,
but only cooling and fomewhat opening; to be injected principally in
Youth: and thofe are beft approved which confift of the juice of Lettuce,
Purflane, Liverwort, the greater Houfeleek, and the Mucilage of Flea-
wort-feed; with the addition of fome moderately aperient Decoction, and
the admixture of a little Camphire: but in declining Age, let the Houſe-
leek and the Purflane be omitted; and the Juices of Borage, Endive or the
like be fubftituted for them. Thefe Glyfters fhou'd be retain'd as long as
poffible, or for an Hour or more.
4. The ſecond is to uſe, eſpecially in the Summer, Baths of sweet and ſcarce
lukewarm Water, without any emollient Ingredients; fuch as Mallows, the
Herb Mercury, Milk, &c. but rather a moderate proportion of new Whey,
and Rofes.
Cafing the Bo- 5. But what we take for the Capital thing of all in this Intention, tho
dy before Bath- never mention'd till now, is, before Bathing, to anoint the Body with Oil,
ing.
properly thickned like a Paint; that the coolness of the Water may be
received, yet the Water itſelf kept off; tho without clofing the Pores of
the Body too much: for where external Cold ſhuts up the Body ſtrongly,
'tis fo far from procuring coolness, as rather to prevent it, and excite
Heat.
The use of
6. What bears fome Analogy to this, is, the uſe of Bladders fill'd with
Bladders filled
with cooling refrigerating Decoctions and Juices, and applied to the lower Region of
Liquors.
the Body, viz. the whole Abdomen; thus making a kind of Bath, where
the Subſtance of the Liquor is excluded, and its coldness principally, or alone
received.
I
7. The
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
391
7. The third Direction regards not the quality, but the fubftance of the Condensing the
Blood; with deſign to render it lefs diffipable, clofer of Texture, and of Blood.
fuch a Difpofition, that the heat of the Spirit may the lefs affect it.
8. And for the uſe of Gold, either in Leaf, or Filings; the Powder of The introduc-
ing a fix'd and
Pearl, Coral, Gems and the like, we have no farther opinion thereof, than durable Sub-
as they may poffibly anſwer the preſent Intention: and furely fince not ftance into the
only the Arabians, but alfo the Greeks and the Moderns have afcribed fuch Blood.
great Virtues to thefe Medicines, there may, feem to be fomewhat in them,
which fo many Perfons declare they have experienced. To drop, therefore,
all fanciful Notions about them, we judge, that if there cou'd be fome fuch
thing convey'd into the whole Maſs of Blood, and intimately mix'd there-
with in the ſmalleſt Particles, whilft the Spirits and Heat might have little
or no effect upon this Matter; it wou'd prevent, not only Putrefaction, but
But
Drynefs, and prove exceedingly efficacious in prolonging Life.
The Cautions is
this Affair requires feveral Cautions; as (1.) That the Subſtance be ground
extremely fine; (2.) That it be free from all Malignity, left coming into
the Veins, it fhou'd do Miſchief; (3.) That it be never taken at Meals,
nor fo as to lodge long by the way, for fear of producing dangerous Ob-
ſtructions about the Mefentery; and (4.) That it be uſed but feldom, to
prevent its clodding in the Veins. And therefore let it be taken in the
Morning fafting, in a Glafs of white Wine, mix'd with a little Oil of Al- -
monds; and ufing fome proper bodily Exerciſe upon it.
requires.
the Intention.
9. The Simples beft conducive to this Operation may be reduced to The simples
three, viz. Gold, Pearl, and Coral; for all the other Metals, except Gold, best suited to
have fome malignant quality in their volatile part; nor can they be fo
exquifitely ground as Leaf-gold. And for all the tranfparent Gems, they
are but a kind of Glafs; and therefore to be rejected for fear of wounding
and tearing the finer Veſſels.
10. But, in our Judgment, it wou'd be fafer, and more effectual to uſe Woods Woods pre-
by way of Infufion or Decoction; as theſe may be fufficiently able to give fer'd.
ftrength and durability to the Blood, without the danger of caufing Ob-
ſtructions; eſpecially as they may be taken along with the Diet, and
thence be the eaſier received into the Veins, and not thrown off with the
Fæces.
11. The Woods proper for this purpofe are Saunders, Oak, and the The forts to be
Vine; for we reject the hotter kinds, and fuch as are any way refinous, chofe.
We might alſo add the dry and woody Stalks of Roſemary; this being a
Shrub as durable as many Trees and again the dry and woody Stalks of
Ivy; to be uſed in fuch proportion as not to prove ungrateful to the Tafte.
12. Let thefe Woods be taken either boil'd in
Wine or Beer, before the Liquor grows fine.
them be long infufed before boiling, that the
and not only that which ſticks but loofely in it,
fo much for the operation upon the Blood.
Broths, or ſteep'd in new How to be
When uſed in Broths, let uſed.
firmer part of the Wood,
may be drawn out.
And
IV.
392
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Two kinds of I.
durable Sub-
ftances.
The Intention
what.
Hardness how
procurable to
the Juices.
The aliments
to be choſe.
The Bread.
The use of Wa-
ser for Drink.
Living in the
cold Air.
Hot Lying.
Cold-Bathing.
Exercife.
IV.
The Hiftory of the Operation upon the Juices of the Body.
WE
E before obferved, in our Enquiry into inanimate Bodies, that
there are two kinds of Subftances which confume with diffi-
culty; viz. hard and fat ones; as appears in Metals and Stones; Oil and
Wax.
2. The Intention, therefore, muſt be to render the Juices of the Body
hardiſh and unctuous.
3. Hardneſs is procurable to them three ways; viz. (1.) By aliment of
a firm Nature; (2.) By Cold, condenfing the Skin and Fleſh; and (3.) By
Exercife, binding up and working the Juices together, or preventing them
from growing foft and frothy.
4. The Aliment fhou'd be of the moſt fubftantial or undiffipable kind;
as Beef, Pork, Venifon, Goat, Kid, Swan, Gooſe, and Ring-dove; efpe-
cially when moderately falted: again, falt and dry'd Fiſh, old Cheeſe, &c.
5. As to Bread; that of Oats, or with a little mixture of Peaſe, and
that of Rye or Barley is more folid than that of Wheat; and of Wheat
Bread, that is the more folid which has fomewhat more of the Bran.
6. The Inhabitants of the Orcades, who feed upon falt Fiſh, and gene-
rally all Fiſh-eaters, are long lived.
7. The Monks and Hermites, who uſed a ſparing and dry Diet, were
alfo generally long lived.
8. A free uſe of clear Water for Drink, renders the Juices of the Body
lefs fpumy; and becauſe of the dulnefs of its Spirit, which doubtleſs in
Water is not very penetrating, we judge it of ufe to diffolve a little Nitre
therein. And ſo much for the firmness of the aliment.
9. (2.) As for condenfing the Skin and Fleſh by Cold; we find fuch Per-
fons are generally longer lived, who live in the open Air, than thoſe that
live under Cover; and the Inhabitants of cold Countries longer lived than
thoſe of hot ones.
10. Too much Covering upon the Bed, and too much Clothing, foften and
diffolve the Body.
11. Cold-Bathing is ferviceable to prolong Life; but Warm-Bathing is
prejudicial and for Bathing in aftringent mineral Springs, we have ſpoke
of it above P.
:
12. (3.) With regard to Exercife; an unactive Life manifeftly renders.
the Flesh foft and diffipable; but robuft Exercife, if without too much Sweat
and Laffitude, hard and compact. Exercife alfo in cold Water, as that of
fwimming is very advantageous; and, in general, Exercife in the open Air,
is better than under Cover.
a See Sect. I.
Pag. 380. §. 9.
13. But
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
393
13. As for Frictions, tho thefe are a Species of Exercife, yet as they ra Frictions.
ther call forth than indurate the Aliment, we fhall not ſpeak to them here,
but hereafter.
14. We come next to the Unctuoufnefs or Rofcidity of the Juices; which The procuring
is a more perfect and powerful Intention than Induration; as having no in- of balfamick
convenience or mischievous Effect: for all thofe Things which tend to har- Juices.
den the Juices, at the fame time that they prevent the wafting of the Ali-
ment, alſo prevent its repair; and thence are both conducive to, and pre-
ventive of Long-Life; whilft that which regards the Rofcidity of the
Juices, proves advantageous in all Refpects; as rendering at once the Ali-
ment lefs diffipable, and more reparable.
15. By faying that the Juices fhou'd be rofcid or unctuous, we mean Rofcidity of the
not this of any manifeft Fat; but only that a dewy, balmy, or, to ufe the Juices what.
vulgar Expreffion, a radical Moiſture, fhou'd be every way diffuſed thro' the
Habit or Subſtance of the Body.
16. Nor again, let any one imagine that Oil, or fat Meats, or Mar- Rofcidity not
row, beget theſe Juices, and fo anſwer the prefent Intention; for whatever owing to Fat.
is once perfected, never goes its Courfe over again but the Aliment
ought to be fuch as, after Digeftion and Maturation, at length produces a
balmineſs in the Juices.
:
17. Nor muft it be imagined, that tho fimple Oil or Fat collected Fat not diſſi-
together, be of itſelf hard to diffipate; yet it affumes another Nature in pable even" in
mixture for as Oil alone, waftes much flower than Water alone, fo mixture.
does it alfo hang longer in Paper or Cloth, and dries flower; as was ob-
ferved above.
18. For fpreading theſe rofcid Juices thro' the Body, roafted or baked Roafed Meat:
Meats are better difpofed than boil'd; and all Preparations of Meat with recommended.
Water are lefs proper: thus we fee that Oil is yielded more copiouſly by
dry Bodies than by moift ones.
19. In general, the free ufe of fweet Things conduces to procure this Sweet Things
Rofcidity of the Juices; fuch as Sugar, Honey, fweet Almonds, Pine-
apples, Piſtachios, Dates, Raifins, Currans, Figs, &c. As on the con-
trary, all acid, over faline, and too acrimonious Things, are preventive
thereof.
20. Nor let us be thought to favour the Manichees, and their Diet, if we
direct a frequent ufe of Seeds, Nuts, and Roots, in Meats or Sauces; fince
all Bread, which is the capital Food, is either made of Seeds or Roots.
21. But above all, the quality of Drinks is what mott conduces to diffufe Drinks.
rofcid Juices thro' the Body; as being the Vehicle of the Food: and there-
fore let the Drink turn upon fuch Liquors as are fubtile, but without Acri-
mony or Acidity; viz. Wines which have loft their pungency; or, as the Mellow Wines.
old Woman in Plautus expreffes it, are grown Toothleſs with Age P. And the
fame is to be understood of Malt-Liquors.
VOL. III.
5
P Vina vetuftate edentula.
Eee
22. We
394
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Mead.
rected.
22. We conceive that Mead would be a proper Liquor, if made ſtrong
and kept till it was old; but fince all Honey has fome acid or fharp
Parts, as appears from the corrofive Water which Chemifts draw from it that
even diffolves Metals, it were better to make a like Drink of Sugar; not by a
flight Infuſion, but by a thorough Incorporation; in the fame manner as
Honey is incorporated in Mead: and this fhould be kept for a Year, or fix
Months, before 'tis ufed; whereby the Water employ'd in the Compofition,
may both lofe its Crudity, and the Sugar acquire a Subtilty of Parts 9.
The Acrimony 23. Age, in fermented Liquors, has the property of procuring Subtilty
of Liquors cor- in all the Parts, and Acrimony in the Spirit; the former of which is benefi-
cial, but the latter prejudicial: therefore, to remedy this undue Mixture,
let a proper Portion of well-boil'd Venifon, or Pork, be put into the Cafk,
before the Liquor is fallen fine, or whilft it continues new; that the Spirit
of the Liquor may have fomewhat to feed and prey upon; and thence de-
pofite its Acrimony.
The Drink of
Grain impro-
ved.
320
24. In like manner, a Drink brew'd, not entirely of Grain; as malted
Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peaſe, &c. but with the Addition of about a third
part of Roots, or fat Pulps; as Potatoes, Artichoak-bottoms, Burdock-
roots, &c. we conceive would be more conducive to long Life, than a
Drink prepared entirely of Grain.
:
Sauces, Pickles, 25. Again, fuch things as abound with very fine Parts, yet, without all
Acrimony or Pungency, may be employ'd in the way of Sauce, Pickle,
or Sallad and this kind of Property we find in fome few Flowers; as
thofe of Ivy; which being pickled in Vinegar, are pleaſant to the Tafte;
thofe of Marigold, and thofe of Betony. And fo much for the Operation
upon the Juices of the Body.
V.
The Hiftory of the Operation of the Vifcera; for protruding the
TH
The Four grand 1. F
Viscera to be
affifted.
Lefs Notice
Aliment.
HE Writings, Frefcriptions, and Directions of Phyficians, may
ſhew what things affift the four principal Vifcera; (viz. the Sto-
mach, the Liver, the Heart, the Brain; which are the Seats of Concoction)
in the due performing of their Functions; whereby the Aliment is diftribu-
ted into all the Parts, the Spirits fent out, and thence the repair of the whole
Body fecured.
2. We here ſpeak not of the Spleen, the Gall, the Kidneys, the Meſen-
here taken of tery, the Inteſtines, and the Lungs; becauſe theſe are Parts fubfervient to
the Secondary the principal ones: tho in a Diſcourſe of Health and Diſeaſes, they might
vifcera.
fometimes be of capital Confideration; as each of them has its particular
Distempers, which, unleſs cured, affect alfo the principal Vifcera. But with
regard to the prolongation of Life, the repair by Alimentation, and retard-
4 See the Article SUGAR, in the Sylva Sylvarum.
See the Articles CLARIFICATION, DRINKS, &c. in the Sylva Sylvarum..
ing
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
395
ing the Waſte brought on by Old Age; if the Concoctions and theſe principal
Vijcera are well fecured, the reft, in great meaſure, proceeds fuccefsfully.
3. Every one muft, for himſelf, collect fuch Particulars from the Writings A Regimen to
be formed for
of the Phyficians that treat of comforting and preferving the four principal every Confi
Vifcera, as the Nature and Conftitution of his Body requires; and apply tution.
them in his Diet and Regimen of Life: for the prefervation of Health ge-
nerally requires only temporary Remedies; but the prolongation of Life is to
be endeavoured by a thorough Regimen, and a conftant courfe of affifting Re-
medies: a few of the beſt whereof, felected with Choice, we ſhall here propoſe.
4. The Stomach, which provides for all the other Parts, and whofe Strength The Stomach,
is fundamental to all the other Concoctions, fhould be fo defended and how provided
for.
fecured as to remain moderately warm, conftringed, clear, and unoppreffed
by naufeating Humours; yet never entirely empty; as being rather nouriſhed
by itſelf than by the Veins and laſtly, in good Appetite; becauſe Appetite
promotes Digeſtion.
recommended.
5. It feems ftrange, that the Practice of drinking Liquors hot, which Hot Liquors
prevailed among the Antients, fhould be grown into difufe. I remember a
very eminent Phyfician that ufed, at Dinner and Supper, greedily to
fwallow down his Broth very hot; and prefently after to wifh it up again,
faying, He did not want the Broth; but only the Heat. And indeed I con-
ceive it uſeful, to take the firft Glafs of Liquor, whatever it be, always hot
at Supper.
#1
in Wine.
6. We likewife judge fuch Wine proper at Meals, wherein Gold has been Gold quenched
quenched; not as believing the Gold communicates any Virtue to the Wine;
but, as knowing that all Metals quenched in any Liquor, give it a power-
ful Aftringency and we make choice of Gold, becauſe it leaves no other
metallic Impreffion, befides the defired Aftringency, behind.
in Wine.
7. Towards the middle of the Meal, we judge, that Bread dipped in Bread ſteeped
Wine, is better than Wine itfelf; eſpecially if the Wine 'tis dipped in be
firft impregnated with Rofemary and Citron-peel; and alfo fugar'd, to make
it paſs the flower.
8. The Ufe of Quinces is, by Experience, found to ſtrengthen the Sto- Quinces.
mach; but, in our Judgment, the clarified Juice made into a Marmalade,
or Syrup, with Sugar, is preferable to the Flefh, or Pulp; as it thus
proves lefs oppreffive to the Stomach and the Marmalade eat by itfelf, after
Meals, or along with Vinegar before them, is excellent.
:
9. The Simples beft fuited to the Stomach are Rosemary, Ellicampane, The best Sim-
Wormwood, Sage, and Mint.
10. We approve of Pills compofed of Aloes, Maftich, and Saffron, taken
before Dinner, efpecially in the Winter; provided the Aloes be not only
feveral times wathed in the Juice of Rofes, but alſo in Vinegar, wherein
Gum Traganth is diffolved; and afterwards fteeped, for fome Hours, in
freſh drawn Oil of fweet Almonds, before 'tis made up into the Mafs.
11. Wormwood-Ale, or Wine, with a ſmall addition of Ellicampane and
yellow Saunders, is properly ufed at Intervals; tho beft in the Winter.
Eee 2
↑ See the Article MEDICINE, in the Sylva Sylvarum,
12. But
ples for the
Stomach.
Pills.
Medicated
Drinks.
396
The HISTOTY of LIFE and DEATH.
Medicated
Wines.
Morning-
draughts.
Fafting.
Unguents.
Quilts.
The Liver,
1
12. But in the Summer, a Glafs of white Wine diluted with Strawberry-
water; the Wine having firft ftood upon fine Powder of Pearls, Craw-
fish-fhells, and (tho this may feem ftrange) a little Chalk; admirably
ftrengthens and refreshes the Stomach.
13. But in general, all Morning-draughts of cooling Liquors, whether
Juices, Decoctions, Whey, &c. are to be avoided; and nothing that is
purely cold taken upon an empty Stomach. Such things are better uſed,
if Occafion be, five Hours after Dinner; or an Hour after a light
Breakfaſt.
14. Often faſting is prejudicial to long Life; and all Thirſt muſt be
avoided the Stomach being kept fufficiently clean, but continually moiſt.
15. A little Mithridate being diffolved in freſh Oil-Olive, and rubbed
the Spine, oppofite to the Mouth of the Stomach, ftrangely cheriſhes
and refreſhes the Stomach.
upon
16. A little Bag filled, with fine teazed Wooll, or fcarlet Flox, and
ſteeped in rough red Wine, impregnated with Myrtle, Citron-peel, and a
little Saffron, may be conftantly wore upon the Stomach. But enough of
Remedies for comforting the Stomach; fince many of thofe which anfwer
the other Intentions, alfo confpire to anſwer this.
17. As to the Liver; if it be preſerved from Drynefs and Obſtruction, it
how to be re- requires nothing more; for that Relaxation of it which produces Aquo-
garded. fities, is plainly a Diſeaſe: but the coming on of Old Age, alfo cauſes the
other two. And this Intention is chiefly anſwered by the Remedies above
fet down, under the Operation upon the Blood: but we will here add a
few more to them, felected with choice.
Pomgranate-
Wine.
Creffes.
Aloes:
ران
Chalybeares.
18. Let a principal Ufe be made of the Wine of ſweet Pomgranates, or,
if that cannot be procured, of their Juice fresh exprefs'd: to be taken in
the Morning with a little Sugar, a Bit of freſh Citron-peel, and three
or four whole Cloves, put into the Glafs wherein the Juice is fqueezed. And
let this be continued from February to the end of April.
19. Before all other Herbs, let young Creffes be uſed; either in the way
of Sallad, in Broths, or in Drinks; and next to this Scurvy-grafs.
20. Aloes, in what manner ſo ever waſhed, or corrected, is prejudicial to
the Liver; and therefore never to be uſed common: but Rhubarb is
fovereign to the Liver, if ufed with three Cautions; viz. (1.) If taken a
little before Meals; to prevent its drying too much, or leaving a Stypticity
behind: (2.) If it be fteep'd for an Hour or two in freſh Oil of Almonds,
along with Rofe-water, before it be otherwiſe infuſed, or given in Subſtance:
And, (3.) if taken alternately, one while fimple, another while with Tartar,
or a little Bay-falt; to prevent its carrying off only the finer Parts, and
leaving the Mafs of Humours more ſtubborn than before.
21. We judge it proper to take a Dofe of Chalybeate Wine, or Decoc-
tion, three or four times a Year; to diffolve the more ftubborn Obftruc-
tions; provided it be each time preceded by two or three Spoonfuls of new
drawn Oil of ſweet Almonds, and followed by due Motion of the Body;
eſpecially of the Arms and Belly.
22. Sweet
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH:
397
22. Sweet Liquors, made with a Mixture of fome fat Subſtance, have a Sweet and
great and capital Efficacy to prevent Drynefs, Parchednefs, and Saltnefs of unctuous Li-
the Liver; and preferve it in a youthful State; eſpecially if they are well quors.
incorporated by Age. Thus, in particular, Wines and Drinks made of new
Raifins, Jujebs, Figs, Dates, Parfnips, Piftachios, the bulbous Roots, as
Potatoes, &c. fometimes with a Mixture of Liquirish; and again, Drinks
made with Maiz, or Indian Corn, are of great fervice. And the Intention
of preferving the Liver in a certain foft and balmy State, is of much greater
Efficacy than that which regards the opening of it; which rather tends to
Health than the prolongation of Life: only fuch Obftructions as caufe
Parchedneſs of the Liver, are as deftructive as other kinds of Drynefs.
23. The Roots of Succory, Spinage, and Beet, feparated from their Pith, Sauce,
and boiled tender in Water, with a third part of white Wine, are ferviceably
eat along with Oil and Vinegar, in the way of Sauce at Meals; fo likewife
are Afparagus, Artichoak-bottoms, and Burdock-roots, properly boiled,
and ſerved up in the fame manner: and again, in the Spring-time, Pottage
made with Vine-buds, and the green Blades of Wheat. And fo much for
preferving the Liver.
24. The Heart receives the greateſt Relief and Prejudice, (1.) From the The Heart,
Air we breathe; (2.) From Odours and Vapours; and, (3.) From the how to be re-
Paffions of the Mind. And, in this refpect, many of the Particulars above garded.
noted of the Spirits, may be applied here. But as for the indigeſted heap of
Cordials, to be found among the Writers on Medicine, they are of little
fervice in this Intention; only fuch as have an antidotal Virtue may be
ufed, with Judgment and Difcretion, for ftrengthening the powers of the
Heart; efpecially fuch as do not ſo much oppoſe the peculiar Nature of
Poifons, as fortify and preferve the Heart and Spirits againſt them. And
for particular Cordials, the Table of them, above drawn up, may be
confulted f
25. A wholeſome Air for Habitation, is better difcovered by Experience Wholesome
than by Signs but we judge that of open Plains, or champaign Countries, Air.
to be the beſt; where the Soil is dry, not parched or fandy, but fpontane-
ouſly grows wild Thyme, and wild Marjoram; with up and down fome Tufts
or Sprinklings of Calamint; and which is not otherwife bare, but inter-
fperfed with Trees for Shade; and where alfo the Dog-rofe fmells fome-
what aromatic. As for Rivers, we conceive them rather prejudicial; unleſs
very ſmall, clear, and gravelly-bottom'd.
26. 'Tis certain that the Morning Air is more vital and refreſhing than The Morning
that of the Evening; tho the latter be coveted more thro' Delicacy. And Air.
we judge the Air agitated with Breezes, to be more healthy than that which
is ferene and ſtill. The weſtern Breezes feem wholefomeft in the Morning;
but in the Afternoon the northern.
27. Odours are very effectual in reviving the Heart. But a good Odour is Odours.
no property of a good Air; for fome Airs are found to be perfectly
peftilential, tho of a lefs difagreeable Scent than others more in-
nocent ;
See Sect. VII.
398
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
w
nocent; in like manner, converfely, there are wholefome Airs, and
agreeable to the Spirits, yet either abfolutely inodorous, or lefs fra-
very
grant and grateful to the Senfe. And thofe who live in a good Air, ſhould
only make uſe of Odours at certain Intervals; becauſe a continued Odour,
tho ever fo excellent, proves fomewhat oppreffive to the Spirits.
Thoſe of grow-
28. And for this purpoſe we recommend, before all others, the Odours
ing Vegetables. of Plants and Vegetables, uncropt and growing, to be received in the open
Air; as from blooming Violets, Pinks, and July-flowers; Bean-flowers, Lime-
Tree-bloffoms, Honey-fuckles, yellow Wall-flower, Mufk-rofes, which yield
their Smell more copiouſly on the Buſh than other Rofes; dying Strawberry-
beds, Sweet-briar, Calamint, Lavender in flower: and, in hot Countries,
Oranges, Citrons, Myrtle, and Bays. And therefore to walk, or fit fome-
times in the Atmoſpheres of thefe Vegetables, will be of Ufe.
Cooling O-
dours.
Mafticatories.
Vapours.
Cordials for
Diet.
Gold and
zoar.
29. For recreating the Heart, we prefer cooling Odours to fuch as are
heating; and therefore recommend as excellent, and to be uſed in the
Morning, or during the Noonday-heat, a certain Perfume or Vapour,
made by throwing a Mixture of equal Parts of Vinegar, Roſe-water, and
good Wine, upon a hot Iron Plate. And the fame Intention might be
anfwered by pouring fragant Wine into a Hole made in good freſh Earth,
and ftirring the moiften'd Mould about with a Spade. 'Tis likewife excel-
lent, now and then, to ſmell at, or fnuff up the Noftrils, Orange-flower-
water, mix'd with a moderate proportion of Rofe-water, and fragrant
Wine.
30. Maſticatories held almoſt continually in the Mouth, compoſed of ſuch
things as cherish the Spirits, are exceeding ufeful. And to fupply the Want
of the famous Indian Betel, little Troches may be made of Orrice-root,
Lignum Aloes, Lignum Rhodium, Roſes, Muſk, and Ambergreafe; the Maſs
being beat up with Rofe-water, and a little Indian Balfam.
31. The Vapours arifing from things taken internally, for ftrengthen-
ing and fortifying the Heart, fhould be benign, clear, and cooling; for Heat
in Vapours is bad and Wine itſelf, tho thought to have only a heating
Vapour, is not without fome opiate Virtue. By clear Vapours we under-
ftand, fuch as have more of real or aqueous Vapour than of fume or exha-
lation; without at all participating of fmokinefs, footinefs, or greafinefs;
but being purely moift and uniform.
32. From an unwieldy heap of Cordials we may felect a few, fit to be
made a part of Diet: and what may fupply the place of all the reſt, are,
for the purpoſe of Warming; Ambergreafe, Saffron, and Kermes-berries;
and for cooling, the Roots of Buglofs, and Borage, as alfo Citrons, Lem-
mons, and Apples.
Be- 33. We have, above, ſpoke of Gold and Pearls, which taken in the
manner there prefcribed, may, befides their Action in the finer Veffels,
have alſo ſome Effect upon the Vifcera in their Paffage; and cool without
any noxious Quality. But for Bezoar, tho, by reafon of the numerous In-
ſtances of its Virtues, we cannot wholly reject it; yet doubtless its Prepara-
tions ſhould be fuch as may make it eaſily impart its Virtue to the Spirits :
fo
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
399
ſo that we cannot approve of taking it in Broths, Syrups, Simple-waters,
or the like; but rather in Wine, Cinnamon-water, or the like fpirituous
and diftilled Liquors, tho not made hot and ſtrong.
34. We have already spoke to the Paffions of the Mind, and have only Paffions.
here to add, that all great, lafting, noble, or heroical Defires, ftrengthen
and enlarge the Powers of the Heart.
35. With regard to the Brain, the Seat and Office of the animal Spirits, The Brain,
what we have above delivered of Opium, of Nitre, and their Subftitutes, how to be re-
garded.
and again, of procuring quiet Sleep, have fome right to this place alfo.
And as 'tis certain that the Brain is under the Influence of the Stomach;
what is before faid of defending and preferving the Stomach, may
likewiſe be underſtood of the Brain by confent. We fhall, however, pro-
pofe a few Remedies for the Brain in its own Particular; three of them ex-
ternal, and one internal.
36. And first, we recommend the Practice of Bathing the Feet, at leaſt Bathing the
once a Week; the Bath being prepared of a Decoction of Sage, Camomile, Feet.
Fennel, fweet Marjoram, Coftmary, the green Leaves of Angelica, and
Bay-falt.
37. We likewife recommend a Suffumigation, or Fume, to be ufed every Fumes.
Morning; the Ingredients thereof being dried Roſemary, dried Bay-twigs,
and Lignum Aloes; omitting the fweet Gums, which opprefs the Head.
38. Great care muſt be taken of applying hot things externally to the Hot things to
Head; as Spices, or even Nutmeg itſelf fuch hot things are only fit for the be avoided.
Soles of the Feet, and ſhould be no where elſe applied. Yet we recommend
a gentle anointing of the Head with Oil, made by the Infufion of Rofes and
Myrtle; with the Addition of a little Salt and Saffron.
39. Confidering what is above delivered of Opiates, Nitre, and the like, Caftor.
which greatly condenfe the Spirits; we judge it proper once in a Fortnight, to
take three or four Grains of Caftor, with a little Angelica Seed, and Calamus
Aromaticus, in the Morning; for thefe Ingredients ftrengthen the Brain, and
excite a Vivacity and Vigour in that denfity of Spirits, which is fo neceffary
to long Life.
40. In thefe Methods of fupporting the four principal Vifcera, we have
offered fuch things as are well adapted, culled out by a deliberate Choice, and
capable of being brought into Diet and Regimen, with fafety and conveni-
ence for multiplicity of Medicines is the Child of Ignorance. Nor is it fo
certain, that many Difhes caufe many Diſeaſes ; as that many Medicines
perform few Cures. And fo much for operating upon the principal Vifcera,
with regard to protruding the Aliment.
VIL
400
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
VI.
The History of the Operation upon the external Parts; for attracting
The attractive I.
Power of the
A
the Aliment.
Ltho it be the capital thing towards a perfect Alimentation of the
Body, to have Concoction well performed in the internal Parts; yet
external Parts the external alfo muſt contribute their Action; that as the inward Faculty
to be excised.
propels and fends out the Nutriment; fo the Faculty of the outward Parts
may attract and lay hold of it: and the weaker the digeftive Faculty proves,
the more Occafion it has for the concurring Affiftance of the attractive
This Attrac
tion, how
cauſed.
The Caution it
requires.
Frictionse
Exercife.
To prevent its
wasting the
Spirits.
Exercifes for
Spreading the
Fuices thro'
the Body.
\
The mortifying
Regimen.
one.
2. A powerful Attraction of the external Parts, is principally caufed by
the Motion of the Body; whereby the Parts being heated and cherished,
eagerly invite, and attract the Aliment to them.
3. But great Care must be had, that the fame Motion and Heat which
call forth the new Juices to the Parts, do not at the fame time too much
rob thoſe Parts of the Juices they were before ſupplied with.
4. Frictions highly conduce to anfwer this Intention, being ufed particular-
ly in the Morning; but this Operation fhould always be immediately fuc-
ceeded by a flight Motion of the Body; left otherwife the Attrition ſhould
exhauſt and dry up the external Parts, by making them perfpire too much.
5. What approaches neareft to this is Exercife, by which the Parts mu-
tually rub and chafe each other; but it ought to be moderate, not too quick,
nor above the Strength, or productive of Laffitude. And here, as well as
in the cafe of Frictions, care muſt be had that the Body perfpire not too
much and therefore Exercife is better in the open Air than under Cover;
and better in Winter than in Summer. But Exercife fhould not only, as
well as Frictions, be fucceeded, but alfo, when vehement, preceded by
Unction; in the manner of the antient Wrestlers.
6. That Exerciſe may not too much conſume the Spirits, or diffolve the
Juices, 'tis beſt to be uſed upon a Stomach not quite empty and therefore,
that it may not be practifed upon a full Stomach, which is very prejudicial
to Health; nor Fafting, which is very prejudicial to long Life; a proper
kind of Breakfaſt fhould be uſed, confifting both of Meat and Drink; tho
in a very moderate and fparing Quantity.
7. Exerciſes for diſtributing the Juices thro' the Body, fhould affect all the
Limbs equally; and not fo as to move the Legs, and reft the Arms, &c.
but fo as that every Part may have its Share of Motion: and it greatly
conduces to long Life, that the Body be never long kept in the fame Pof-
ture; but to change it at leaſt every half Hour, except in Sleep.
8. The things commonly used by way of Mortification, may be employ'd
to prolong Life; for Hair-fhirts, Scourging, and all Severities ufed to the
external Parts, increafe their attractive Power.
•
I
9. Car-
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
401
9. Cardan recommends the external Application of ftinging Nettles, even Stinging Net-
in the cafe of Melancholy; but we have little certain Knowledge of their tles.
Efficacy and fufpect the Practice of giving fome venomous Quality; as the
Nettles, by frequent Uſe, may breed Exulcerations and tettery Humours in
the Skin.
VII.
The Hiftory of the Operation upon the Food; fo as to make it infinuate
into the Parts of the Body.
I.
T
HE vulgar Cenfure of Luxury, or variety in Diet, becomes the A free Table
Mouth of a Reformer better than of a Phyſician: an uniform, to be uſed.
ſparing Table may indeed ſomewhat prevent Interruptions in Health; but at
the fame time it is prejudicial to long Life; becaufe a various and different
Mixture of Aliment is better and quicker admitted and received into the
Blood and Juices, than fuch as is fimple and homogeneous. It has alfo a
very great power to excite the Appetite; which is the Spur of Digeſtions.
We therefore approve of a well furnish'd Table; and a frequent change of
Diſhes, according to the Seafons of the Year, or otherwife t
Fin
allow'd.
2. So likewife, that Notion of a Simplicity of Meats, without Sauce, is Sauces to be
but flaſhy and idle; for well chofen Sauces are the wholeſomeſt preparations
of Food, and contribute both to Health and long Life ▾.
3. Care must be had to accompany Meats hard of Digeftion, with ftronger The Sauce and
Liquors; and Sauces that penetrate and attenuate; but fuch as digeſt
eafily, with thinner Drinks and richer Sauce.
Drink to be
fuited to the
Food.
4. To the Direction lately given, for taking the firſt Glaſs of Liquor warm Aromatic Li-
at Supper, we here add, that by way of preparing the Stomach, a good quors before
fpiced Glafs of the Liquor any one is moft accuftom'd to, fhould be taken Meals.
warm, half an Hour before Meals.
5. A well regulated preparation, and dreffing of Bread, Meats, and The due dref
Drinks, directed with a View to the prefent Intention, is a thing of exceeding fing and pre-
great moment; tho it appear mechanical, or to fmell of the Kitchen and paring of
the Cellar; and infinitely more uſeful than all the pompous, fabled Virtues
of Gold, Gems, and Bezoar.
Meats.
6. To think of moiftening the Juices of the Body by a moist preparation Dry dreſſing
of the Food, is childifh; this may fomewhat allay the heats of Diftempers, preferred.
but is directly oppofite to the Nature of a balmy Nutriment; and therefore,
for the prefent Intention, the boiling of Meats is by no means comparable to
roafting, baking, and the like.
VOL. III.
Fff
7. Roaſt-
↑ Let due care be here taken to underſtand the Author juftly; and the Grounds and Rea-
fons whereon he founds this Judgment.
V
Many Phyſicians feem to have introduced a kind of monaftic Diet into Medicine.
the Enquiry be duly profecuted on both fides, before Judgment is paffed.
Let
3
402
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Roafing, how
7. Roafting fhould ever be performed quick, and with a brifk Fire; for
best performed. Meats are pall'd, and lofe their nutrimental Parts, by delay, and continuing
Meat to be
Salted before
dreffing.
New Way of
preparing
Meats.
Stamping or
Bruifing of
Flesh.
Bread, how
best prepared.
Drinks for long
Life.
The Food,
how to be pre-
pared in old
Age.
Meat and
Drink to be
previousty
mixed.
at a flow Fire.
8. All the more folid Fleſh-meats in uſe ſhould not be dreffed quite freſh;
but a little falted; fo as in great meaſure, or entirely, to prevent the Ufe of
Salt at the Table: for Salt incorporated with the Food, is of more ſervice
in diftributing the Nutriment, than when ufed loofe
9. There remain to be brought into Ufe, various proper Methods of
macerating and ſteeping Flesh in convenient Liquors, before 'tis dreſſed;
like thofe fometimes practifed in the pickling of certain Fifh, and the
preparing of Dishes for the Oven ".
:
W
10. The beating, bruifing, or ftamping of Flesh before 'tis dreffed, is of
fingular fervice. Every one acknowledges, that Game taken by Hawking,
or by Hunting, eats the fineft; unlefs where the Chafe was too long con-
tinued and certain Fiſh become much better Food by being whipt and
beaten as hard and auftere Fruits become fweet and foft by fqueezing and
preffure. But the beſt Preparation of all would be, to bring into Ufe a
Method of bruifing and ftamping the harder kinds of Fleſh before dreffing.
11. Bread moderately leavened, and very little falted, is the beſt; and
fhould be baked in a fufficiently hot and quick Oven.
12. All that regards the preparation of Drinks for long Life, may be
nearly included under a fingle Precept. The Ufe of Water, as the only
potable Liquor, may preſerve Life for fome time; but, as we formerly
obferved, can never carry it to any great length. This needs no preparation.
But for fpirituous fermented Liquors, the capital and almoft only Caution
they require is, that their Parts be rendered exceeding fubtile; and their
Spirit exceeding mild and gentle. Age alone can hardly procure this Effect ;
for tho it renders the Parts fomewhat more fubtile, yet, at the fame time,
it renders the Spirits more acrimonious: and therefore we, before, gave Di-
rections for ſteeping fome fat Subftance in the Cafk; to take off this acrimony
of the Spirits. There is another Way of procuring the fame Effect, with-
out Infufion or Mixture; viz. by keeping the Liquors in conftant Agitation;
as, either by carrying them to Sea, continuing them upon Carriages at
Land; or fufpending fmall Veffels by Ropes, and fwinging them daily, &c.
for 'tis certain that fuch local Motion attenuates their Parts; and works the
Spirits fo much into them, that they cannot afterwards turn tart, or
biting *.
13. In extreme Old-Age, the Food fhould be fo prepared as to become
1 kind of half Chyle before 'tis uſed. But for Diſtillations of Meat, they are
perfect Trifles; as the nutrimental and beft part of them, does not at all
rife in Vapour.
14. To incorporate Meat and Drink together, before it comes into the
Stomach, is advancing it a degree towards Chyle; and therefore, for
Example,
w See the Author's new Atlantis ad finem. And his Sylva Sylvarum, under the Article
FOODS.
* See the Sylva Sylvarum, under the Articles CLARIFICATION, MATURATION, &C.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
403
Example, let Chickens, Partridges, Pheasants, &c. be boiled in Water with
a little Salt, then cleanfed, made dry, and ſtamp'd; and afterwards put
into new Wine, or Beer, whilft it is working, with the addition of a little
Sugar.
15. Expreffions alfo, and fine Choppings of Meats, well feafoned, are Expreffions
proper for Men grown very old; the rather, becauſe they generally want and fine minc
Teeth to chew their Food; which is an extraordinary Method of preparing ings of Meats.-
it.
medied.
16. Three things may contribute to fupply the defect of Teeth; viz. The want of
(1.) The Production of new ones; which feems extremely difficult, and not Teeth, how re-
poffible without an intimate and powerful Renovation of the whole Body.
(2.) By hardening the Gums fo, with the Ufe of proper Aftringents, that
they may in fome meaſure perform the Office of Teeth; which feems not
altogether impracticable. And, (3.) By preparing the Food in fuch a man-
ner as not to require chewing; which is a ready and eafy Method.
17. With regard to the Quantity of Meat and Drink; fome Excefs in Some Excefs in
both is now and then convenient, for washing or over-flowing all the Parts of Meats and
the Body; and therefore immoderate eating and drinking, at certain times, able.
ſhould not be abfolutely prohibited.
Drinks allowi
VIII.
An Explanation of the Operation upon the last Act of afimilating
the Food.
HERE needs no more than a ſhort and fimple Direction about the last Act Transition.
of Affimilation; which is the thing intended by the three Operations im-
mediately preceding: as this Affair rather requires Explanation, than any variety
of Rules.
1. 'Tis certain, that all Bodies have fome Appetite of affimilating, or All Bodies
turning into their own Subftance, fuch things as are next them. This is done have an Appe-
copiouſly and brifkly by all fubtile and pneumatical Bodies; as Flame, Air, tite of afſimila-
and Spirits and but very weakly by thofe of a grofs, tangible Subftance, ting.
which have their Appetite of Affimilation bound down, and reſtrained by a
ſtronger Appetite of Reft, and avoiding of Motion.
2. 'Tis likewife certain that this Appetite of Affimilation, which we ob- This Appetite
ſerve to be kept under, and render'd unactive, in groſs tangible Subſtances, quickned by
is ftill animated, fomewhat releaſed, fet free, excited, and at length actuated Heat.
by Heat, or Spirit, coming in contact with them. And this is the only Rea-
ſon why animate Bodies do, and inanimate Bodies do not affimilate.
3. Again, 'tis certain that the harder the Confiftence of a Body is, the Hard Bodies
greater Heat it requires to excite the Act of Affimilation; but in Old Age require more
it happens, very difadvantageoufly, that all the Parts grow ftubborn, and Heat to make
the Heat grows weak: and therefore this ftubbornnefs of the Parts muſt be
them affimi
either mollified, or the Heat increafed. But of malaxing the Parts we fhall
Fff 2
preſently
late.
404
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
An AXIOM.
The Rule it
affords.
Transition.
dron.
prefently ſpeak, in particular; and have already propofed many Expedients
for preventing their Hardness. And for the other Intention, of increafing
Heat, we fhall lay down a fingle Rule, upon the ſtrength of the follow-
ing AXIOM.
4. The A&t of Affimilation, being excited by the Mediation of Heat, is
an extremely fubtile and intimate Motion, in the fmall Particles of the
Matters concerned: but fuch Motions are in greateft Vigour when all
local Motion ceafes; which might otherwiſe diſturb it. For the Motion of
Separation into homogeneous Parts; as in Milk, where the Cream rifes, and
the thinner Parts fubfide; could never be effected if the Milk were kept,
tho but in a gentle Agitation: nor will Water, or mixed Bodies, putrefy
whilft they are continued in perpetual local Motion.
5. As, therefore, the Act of Affimilation is principally performed in Sleep
and Reft; eſpecially towards the Morning, after the Diftribution has been
made of the Aliment; we can think of no other Rule to answer this In-
tention, than to fleep warm; and towards the Morning ufe fuch a kind of
Motion, or put on fuch a prepared Linen Bed-gown, as may excite a mode-
rate Heat; and upon this to fleep again ».
IX.
The Hiftory of the Operation for mollifying the Parts; when they begin
to dry; or for fuppling and malaxing the Body.
Having
Aving already enquired into the internal Methods of fuppling the Body,
which proceed by many Windings and Turnings, in refpect both of the Ali-
ment and the Detention of the Spirits; and therefore neceffarily operate but flow;
we come next to enquire into the external and shorter ways of effecting the fame
Thing.
The Fable of 1. In the Fable of reftoring Pelias to Youth, Medea preparing for the
Medea's Caul- Operation, propofes to cut the old Man's Body to pieces; and then to boil
it with certain Simples in a Cauldron. But tho, literally, fome kind of
Coction may be requifite in fuch an Intention; furely the Body need not be
cut in pieces for it. And yet fome kind of cutting feems neceffary, tho
not with a Knife, but the Judgment; for as there is a great difference be-
tween the Conſiſtence of the Vifcera and other Parts, they cannot all be
mollified the fame way; but regard mufl be had to each of them refpec-
tively; befides what belongs to the general Intention of fuppling the whole
Mafs of the Body of which in the firſt place.
Bathing and
Anointing to
Supple the Body
in general.
2. And if the Thing be poffible; Bathing, Anointing, and the like, may
conduce thereto. But we muſt not fondly imagine it performable,
from
y The AXIOм above laid down, and the Rule deduced from it, may afford us a little
Specimen of the Method wherein the Author here endeavours, and directs all other
Enquiries to proceed.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
405
from what we ſee happen in the ſteeping and macerating of inanimate Bo-
dies; whereby they are rendred foft and tender, according to fome Exam-
ples formerly produced: for this Operation is more facile upon inanimate
Bodies, becaufe they attract and fuck in Fluids; but more difficult in ani-
mal Bodies, becaufe Motion in them tends rather from the Center to the
Circumference.
3. And therefore, the common emollient Baths, in ufe, are of little Service, The common
or rather oppofite to this Intention; as they rather extract than infinuate; Baths of little
and rather loofen than confirm the Texture of the Body.
Service.
4. There are three Properties required in the Baths and Unctions de- The Baths,
fign'd for this Operation, of duly and fubftantially fupplying the Body, and Unguents
(1.) The first principal Property is, that they confift of fuch Things, as in required for
the purpose.
their whole Subftance are fimilar to the Body, and the human Fleſh; and at
the fame time bland, and nourishing from without. (2.) That they have
fuch Things mix'd with them, as by their fubtilty of Parts may gain en-
trance; and fo convey and ſpread the nutritive Virtue of the other Ingre-
dients along with themſelves: and, (3.) That they receive fome ſmall mix-
ture of fuch Things as are conftringent, or ftrengthening; not rough or au-
ftere, but balmy and cheriſhing; fo that whilft the other two perform their
Operation, all Exhalation from the Body may, as much as poffible, be
prevented; which might otherwife deftroy the malaxing Virtue; and rather
that, by conftringing the Skin, and clofing up the Pores, the Motion towards
the internal Parts may be affifted and promoted.
5. What approaches nearest to the fubftance of the human Body, is Malaxing by
warm animal Blood; but that Conceit of Ficinus for reftoring ftrength to means of Blood.
old Men, by fucking Blood from the Arm of a young one, is ftrangely
empty for what nourishes internally, ought by no means to be con-
fubftantial or perfectly homogeneous with the Body to be nouriſh'd; but of
a fomewhat lower and fubordinate Clafs, that it may be converted tho'
for external Application, the more fimilar the Subftance, the greater the
Confent.
6. It was antiently believed, that a Bath of Childrens Blood wou'd cure the Baths of Blood,
Leprofy, and reftore corrupted Flefh; infomuch that certain Kings have
been envied by their Subjects for this Advantage. 'Tis related that Hera-
clitus, for a Dropfy, put himfelf into the warm Belly of an Ox, new kill'd:
and the warm blood of Kittens has been uſed for the Eryfipilas; and for re-
newing the Fleſh and the Skin.
7. In Amputations, or in great Hemorrhages of a Limb, 'tis of uſe to
thruſt the bleeding part, into the bleeding Body of a Beaft new kill'd; for
this acts powerfully in ftopping the Hemorrhage: the wounded part ftrong-
ly attracting, and fucking to it, the warm Blood of the Creature, by con-
fent; thus caufing a regurgitation, a ſtoppage of the Flux.
8. In dangerous and defperate Diſeaſes, great ufe is made of live Pigeons, Live Pigeons,
cut aſunder, and applied, one after another, to the foles of the Feet; and this
? Is this certain ?
fome-
406
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
More agreeable
Methods.
Salts to be ad-
ded.
Conftringents.
A Course of
malaxing.
The Regimen
during she
Courſe.
The Applica-
tion of live
Bodies.
fometimes with wonderful Succefs; the cauſe whereof is vulgarly affign'd to
their attracting the malignity of the Diftemper: but, in fome meaſure, the
Remedy has an effect upon the Head, and relieves the animal Spirits. But
as all theſe kinds of bathing the Parts, or befmearing them with Blood,
appear to us filthy and difagreeable; we fhou'd look out for others, which
are leſs loathſome, yet full as ferviceable.
9. And next to recent Blood, the Things moft fimilar to the fubftance of
the human Body, are of the nutrimental Kind; as the well fed Fleſh of
Oxen; Swine, or Deer, Oyfters, Milk, Butter, Eggs, Wheat-Flower,
and ſweet Wine, either fugar'd or mix'd with Honey.
10. The Things to be mix'd along with others, for procuring Entrance
and Admiſſion, are Salts, efpecially Bay-falt: and theſe may be uſed inſtead
of all the reft. Wine alfo, that is full of Spirit, proves a good Introducer,
and is an uſeful Vehicle.
11. The Conftringents, of the Character above required, are Saffron,
Maſtich, Myrrh, and Myrtle-berries; as being at once both unctuous and
cheriſhing.
12. And out of thefe Ingredients, fuch a Bath, in our Judgment, may be
made, as we at prefent defire. But Phyſicians, and Pofterity, may find ſtill
better Expedients.
13. This Operation may be render'd much more effectual, if fuch a
Bath, which we conceive the principal Thing, be uſed; with the obſer-
vance of theſe four Directions: (1.) That previous to bathing, the Body un-
dergo Friction; and be afterwards anointed with Oil, made thick like Paint,
that the moiſtening Heat and Virtue of the Bath may enter the Body, ra-
ther than the aqueous part of the Liquor. (2.) That the Bathing itſelf next
enfue; and be continued for about two Hours. (3.) That after Bathing, the
Body be coated over with a proper mixture of Maſtich, Myrrh, Gum Traga-
canth, Saffron and Diapalma; to keep in, as much as poffible, the perſpirable
Matter, till the foftening Matter be by degrees turn'd into a more folid Sub-
ſtance and that this be continued for twenty four Hours or more. (4.) And
laftly, That when this coating is taken off, the Body be anointed with Oil,
whereto a little Salt and Saffron is added; the Bathing being repeated four
Days afterwards, with the other parts of the Procefs, as before; and the
Courſe continued for a Month.
14. During this Courſe of mollifying, we judge it ufeful, proper, and
fuitable to the Intention, that the Body be well fed; kept from the cold Air;
and receive nothing in the way of Drink, without warming. But this Courſe
is one of thoſe Things which we have not experienced; only fet it down
as what promifes to anſwer the end: for having marked out the Road,
we deliver the traditory or illuminating Lamp into other Hands".
15. Nor ought the warm and cherishing Applications, of the Bodies of
living Creatures, to be omitted. Ficinus, without intending a Jeft, faid,
that David might have had comfortable uſe of Abifbag's lying on his Boſom,
had
b See the de Augment. Scientiar. Pag. 147,
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
407
had fhe not come too late. He fhou'd have added, that, after the manner
of the Perfian Virgins, fhe ought to have been perfum'd with Myrrh, and
other Ingredients; not to pleafe the more, but to increaſe the cheriſhing Vir-
tue expected from the warmth of her Body.
16. Barbaroſſa, in extreme old Age, had, by the Advice of a Jewish Phy-
fician, young Boys continually applied to his Bofom; in order to warm, che-
rish and preſerve him and fome old Men accuftom themſelves to apply
young Puppies, which is a very hot kind of Creature, to their Stomach at
Nights.
17. There goes a Report, not unfupported in many reſpects, that cer-
tain Perfons of monftrous Nofes, have had the exuberant Parts and Bunches
thereof pared down; and the Noſe trim'd to a moderate fize; then
making an Incifion in the fleshy part of the Arm, they have held the trim'd
Noſe therein for a time, and thence procured it handſome. If this account
be true, it affords a remarkable Inftance of the confent between Fleſh and
Fleſh; eſpecially whilft alive.
18. It wou'd be too tedious to enquire after, and preſcribe Rules for, mol- The Enquiry
lifying all the principal Vifcera; as the Stomach, the Lungs, the Liver, for mollifying
the Viscera net
the Heart, the Brain, the ſpinal Marrow, the Kidneys, the Gall-Bladder, profecuted.
the Inteftines, Veins, Arteries, Nerves, Cartilages and Bones; as we are
not now writing a Practice, but only fetting down Indications for it.
X.
The History of the Operation for diſcharging the old Juices, and fup-
plying their Place with New; or the Bufinefs of Periodical Renova-
tion.
TH
HO what we shall deliver upon this Head, has in great meaſure been Tranfition.
touch'd already; yet because the Operation is capital, we will here treat
the former matters again, with a more express View to it.
1. 'Tis certain that draught-Oxen, worn down with Labour, being put in- Tender F
to freſh Paſture, recover tender and young Flefh; as we find by eating of procurable.
it whence it manifeftly appears no difficult thing to procure tenderneſs to
the Fleſh. And 'tis likewife probable, that if the Flefh be thus ſeveral
times made tender, the Effect may reach to the Bones, Membranes and the
like.
2. 'Tis certain, that the ufual Courfes of Diet Drinks, confifting princi- Diet-drinks
pally of Guaiacum, as alfo of Sarfa, China and Saffafras; efpecially when discharge the
long continued, and according to ftrict Rules; first attenuate, and then old and pro-
confume and waste the whole Mafs of Juices; as plainly appears from hence, cure new Jui.
that they actually cure the Venereal Diſeaſe, even tho' grown fo inveterate as to
ces
C
See the Chirurgical Operations of Taliacotius,
produce
408
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
ing.
produce Nodes in the Bones; and corrupt and deprave the innermoft Fluids
of the Body and again, becauſe the Perfons who are render'd extremely
lean, pale, and almoft cadaverous by fuch kind of Diet-drinks, pre-
fently afterwards grow fat, fresh coloured, and are manifeftly renewed.
And therefore we judge that fuch a Courfe wou'd be extremely ſerviceable to
the prefent Intention; being ufed once in two Years, in the decline of Age;
and prove like cafting the Skin to the Snake; or procure a kind of Reju-
veneſcency.
·
Advantage of
3. And we are firmly perfuaded, that repeated and familiar Purging has
·familiar Purg- a much greater power to prolong Life, than Exercife and Sweating. This
must be the Cafe, if the former Pofition be true; that anointing the
Body; blocking up the Pores from without; excluding the Air; and
keeping the Spirits from exhaling greatly conduce to Longevity. For
'tis certain, that Sweating and Perfpiration, not only evaporate and confume
the fuperfluous and excrementitious Humours and Vapours; but with them
alfo the good Juices and Spirits, which are not fo eafily repaired: whereas
the contrary happens in Purging, unleſs very immoderate;
as this operates
principally upon the excrementitious Humours. But the beſt Purges for
the Intention, are thoſe taken before Meals; becauſe they thus dry the
Body lefs and therefore ought to be compoſed of fuch Simples, as give lit-
tle diforder to the Stomach.
Conclusion of
the preceding
Enquiry.
4. The Intentions of the Operations here propofed, we conceive to be juſt ;
and the Remedies prefcribed, very fuitable to them. And tho many of
them may ſeem trifling and vulgar, yet a Man would fcarce believe with
what degree of Care and Choice we have fat upon and examined them;
that they might be not only well adapted, but fafe and effectual. Experience,
however, is what muſt prove, and carry this matter ftill farther. In all Ca-
fes, the Reſults of deliberate and prudent Confideration, the ever ſo ad-
mirable in their Effects, and excellent in their Order; conftantly appear
but vulgar and obvious Things when diſcover'd.
SECT.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
409
SECT. IX.
The HISTORY of the AVENUES, or laft Ap-
proaches of Death; in proſecution of the fifteenth Ar-
ticle of the Table of Enquiry.
W
E come next to enquire into the Avenues of Death; that is, into what Transition.
happens a little before, a little after, and at the very inftant a Perfon
dies: for as there are many Ways which lead to Death, we fhou'd under-
ſtand in what common Roads they terminate; efpecially in fuch Deaths
as are occafion'd by the Impoverishment of Nature, rather than by Vio-
lence; tho fome regard muſt alſo be had occaſionally to the latter, by rea-
fon of the Connection that one thing has with another.
1. There ſeem three Requifites to the fubfiftence of a living Spirit; viz. Three requi-
(1.) A commodious Motion. (2.) A temperate Coolness, or Refreſhment: fites in a li
and (3) A proper Aliment. Flame appears to require but two of thefe; ving Spirit.
viz. Motion and Aliment: for Flame is a fimple, but Spirit a compound
Subftance; which is deftroy'd by approaching near to the Nature of Flame &.
2. (1.) A lefs Flame is deaden'd, extinguiſhed, and deftroyed, by a greater
and more powerful one, acting upon it; and the fame holds yet ſtronger of
Spirits.
ว
3. Flame is extinguifh'd by too great a Compreffion; as we fee by in- Relation of
verting a Glaſs upon a Candle: nor will Fire burn in a Grate, when the Flame and Spi-
fewel is prefs'd too clofe; without leaving fome ſpace between its Parts.
4. Ignited Bodies are likewife extinguifh'd by Compreffion: thus a red
hot Coal is preſently put out, by ftrongly compreffing it with a Fire-
fhovel, or the Foot.
5. But with regard to the Spirits; if any Blood or ferous Matter gets into
the Ventricles of the Brain, 'tis fudden Death.
6. So likewife, great Contufions of the Head caufe fudden Death; by
compreffing the Spirits in the Ventricles of the Brain.
rit.
Sudden Deaths
caused by Ex-
Contusions
travafations.
7. Opium, and other ftrong Narcoticks coagulate the Spirits; and de- Opium.
prive them of Motion.
8. Poiſonous Vapours, which are utterly abominated by the Spirits, alfo Poiſons.
caufe fudden Death; as we fee in thofe kinds of deadly Poifons that operate
by what they call a fpecifick Malignity: for thefe give fuch an abhorrence
to the Spirits, as to deprive them of Motion; or diſable them from ſtriving
againſt a Thing fo contrary to their Nature.
VOL. III.
Gg g
- See Mr. Boyle's Works; Abridgm. Vol. II. pag. 469, car
9. So
410
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Drunkenness.
Fear and Sad-
ness.
Great Dilata-
tions of the
Spirits.
Sudden Joy.
Large Evacue
ations.
Suffocation.
The Motion of
Refpiration.
The Pulſe.
Force of Cuf
tom in Refpira
tion.
Refpiration
different in
9. So again, great fits of Drunkennefs, Surfeiting and Gluttony, fome-
times caufe fudden Death; in which Cafes, the Spirits are not fo much op-
prefs'd by the denfity or malignity of the Vapour, (as in Opium, and malig-
nant Poifons) as by its quantity.
10. So likewife extreme Fear and Sadnefs, efpecially when fudden; as
upon hearing an unexpected Difafter; fometimes occafion fudden Death.
11. And not only too great a Compreffion; but alfo too great a Dilata-
tion of the Spirits proves mortal.
12. Great and fudden Joys have frequently proved mortal.
13. Large Evacuations, as upon tapping for the Dropfy, when the Wa-
ter comes away in abundance; but more particularly great and fudden
Hemorrhages, are often followed by fudden Death. And this feems to hap-
pen by the way of preventing a vacuity in the Body; whilft all the Fluids
plentifully pour themfelves out, to fill up the emptied Spaces; and among
the reft the Spirits themſelves. And thus much for the Motion of the
Spirits, comprefs'd or difcharged, fo far as to caufe Death.
14. (2.) We next proceed to the want of Coolness. Stoppage of the
Breath proves fuddenly mortal; as in all Suffocation and Strangulation. And
this does not feem owing, fo much to the prevention of Motion, as to the
prevention of Cooling; becaufe Air when too hot, tho largely taken in,
fuffocates no less than a Stoppage of Refpiration; as happens in fuch as
are ſometimes fuffocated by going into clofe Rooms, where Charcoal Fires
have been kept for airing them, or drying the Walls, that were newly
plaifter'd, or white-washed: which is a kind of Death faid to have befallen
the Emperor Jovinian, And the like happens in Bagnios, or dry Bathings,
when the Hot-room is over heated: which was a Thing practis'd in the
Death of Faufta, Wife to Conftantine the Great.
15. 'Tis a very fhort time wherein Nature performs the Act of Reſpira-
tion; or diſcharges the Air received into, and ſpoiled by the Lungs : as de-
firing to take in freſh at leaſt twenty times in a Minute.
16. The pulfation of the Arteries, and the Systole and the Diastole of the
Heart, is a Motion three times quicker than that of Refpiration; whence
if it were poffible to ftop this Motion of the Heart, without altering that of
Refpiration, a more fudden Death wou'd enfue than by Strangulation.
17. But Ufe and Cuſtom have a confiderable Force in this natural Action
of Refpiration; as appears, from the Delian Divers, and Fishers for Pearl;
who by conftant Practice can hold their Breath, at leaſt ten times longer
than other Men.
18. There are fome Animals, among fuch as have Lungs, that can hold
their Breath for a longer, and others for a fhorter time; as they require a
different Crea- greater, or lefs degree of Coolness, or Refreſhment.
tures.
19. Fiſh
e Several of later Date have fuffer'd this kind of Death; by entring fuddenly into Rooms
kept clofe, with Charcoal Fires in them,
2
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
411
19. Fiſh require lefs cooling than Land Animals; tho they ftill require Fish how re-
fome, and are refreſhed by their Gills: and as Land Animals endure not a freſh'd.
cloſe and over fultry Air; fo Fiſhes likewife are fuffocated, when the fur-
face of the Water remains for a long time entirely frozen.
rits.
20. If the Spirits be attact by any Heat, much greater than the natural, Heat deftruc
they are thereby diffipated and deftroy'd: for if they cannot fuftain their tive to the Spi-
own native Heat, without being cool'd and refreſh'd; much leſs can they
endure a foreign one, that is more intenfe; as appears in burning Fevers,
where the Heat of the corrupted Juices exceeds the natural Heat; ſo far as
to diffipate and confume the Spirits.
21. The want and enjoyment of Sleep has alfo fome Relation to this Re- Refreshment by
freſhment for as Motion attenuates and rarifies the Spirits, and thereby Sleep.
provokes and increaſes their Heat; fo Sleep, on the contrary, appeafes and
quells their Motion, and Diſorder. For tho Sleep ftrengthens, and pro-
motes the Actions of the lefs lively Parts and Spirits, and all Motion to the
Circumference of the Body; yet it in great meaſure calms and dulls the pro-
per Motion of the living Spirit. But Men regularly require Sleep once in
four and twenty Hours; and of five or fix Hours continuance at leaft; tho
there are ſometimes found Miracles of Nature in this Refpect. Thus 'tis
reported of Mecanas, that he flept not for a long time before his Death.
And fo much for the want of Coolness, requifite to the preſervation of the
Spirits.
22. (3.) The third Requifite, that of Aliment, feems to regard the Parts, Alimentation
rather than the living Spirit: For it is eafily believed, that the living Spi- of the Parts.
rit remains identically the fame; without Succeffion or Renovation: but
for the rational Soul, 'tis certain that this comes not by Propagation; and
neither ſuffers Death nor Repair. Men likewife talk of a natural Spirit,
both in Animals and Vegetables; which differs as well effentially as for-
mally, from the other; and from confounding theſe two together have pro-
ceeded the Doctrine of Tranfmigration; and numberlefs other falfe and fic-
titious Notions, among the Hereticks and the Heathens.
23. The Body in Health, regularly requires a diurnal Renovation by The Neceffity
Aliment; and can ſcarce, without detriment, fuffer three Days fafting: tho of eating.
Uſe and Cuſtom may make great Alterations in this refpect. But Want is
eaſier endured in a languiſhing Illnefs. And Sleep in fome meaſure fupplies
the place of Aliment: as Exercife, on the contrary, requires it more. There
are fome, however, tho few, who have been found, in a very extraordinary
manner, to live a confiderable time without Meat or Drink.
24. Dead Bodies, if not prevented by Putrefaction, continue long with- Dead Bodies
out any confiderable wafte; but living ones, as we before obferved, not waste less than
much above three Days, unleſs recruited by Aliment: which indicates that live ones.
quick Confumption to be the effect of the living Spirit, whilft it either thus
repairs itſelf, or puts the Parts into a Neceflity of repairing themſelves, or
both. And this feems confirm'd by the preceding Obfervation, that Ani-
mals can fomewhat longer endure the want of Aliment, by the uſe of
Sleep:
Ggg 2
412
The HISTOTY of LIFE and DEATH.
How large
Bleedings prove
mortal.
More taken in
than discharg
ed in a viſible
Form.
The waste of
ld Age whence.
The Requiſites
to Life fum'd
p.
Admonitions.
Sleep: but Sleep is no more than the Collection of the living Spirit into
itfelf.
25. A too large and continued Effufion of Blood; as fometimes happens
from the Hemorrhoides; fometimes by Vomit, when certain internal Veins
are burft, or their Mouths open'd; and fometimes by Wounds; caufes
fudden Death: the venal Blood fupplying the arterial; and the arterial
fupplying the Spirits.
26. 'Tis a confiderable quantity of Meat and Drink that a Man, by
two Meals a Day, receives into his Body; and much more than he dif-
charges by Stool, by Urine, and by Sweat. If this be not thought ſtrange;
as fuppofing that the other part may be changed into the Juices of the
Body; yet let it be confidered that this Supply, tho afforded twice a Day,
does not overload the Body; and again, that altho the Spirits are recruited;
yet thefe alfo do not immoderately increaſe in quantity f.
27. 'Tis of no fervice to have Aliment prefent, only in a remote De-
gree; for it muft neceffarily be of fuch a kind, ſo prepared, and ſo ap-
plied, as that the Spirits may act upon it. Thus a Taper wou'd not con-
tinue flaming, unleſs immediately fed with Wax: nor can a Man be well nou-
riſhed by Herbage alone. And herein confifts the wafte of old Age; viz.
that tho there be no want of Flesh and Blood, yet the Spirits are prepared
in fuch a ſmall and fcanty Proportion, and the Blood and Juices are grown
fo exhauſted, dry and balmlefs, that they cannot fupply the demands of
Alimentation.
28. Let us now fum up the Requifites to Life, according to the com-
mon and ordinary courfe of Nature. (1.) The Spirits continually require,
an expanfive Motion in the Nerves and Ventricles of the Brain. (2.) The
pulfation of the Heart, is required fixty times in a Minute. (3.) Reſpiration,
twenty times in a Minute. (4.) Sleep and Aliment, once in three Days.
And, (5.) A Power of Alimentation, fuppofe after eighty Years of Age.
And if any of thefe Requifites are wanting, Death enfues. But there feem
to be three more certain and evident Avenues of Death; viz. (1.) Want of
Motion in the Spirits. (2.) Want of Coolness, or Ventilation. And, (3.)
Want of Aliment.
(1.) 'Tis an Error to imagine, that a living Spirit fhould be perpetually
generated and extinguiſhed, like Flame; without being able to laft for fome
confiderable Time. Even Flame itfelf is not thus generated, of its own Nature;
but only becauſe it acts among things that are not favourable to it; for one
Flame is durable in another: but the living Spirit refides among things that
greatly affect and delight it; and therefore, as Flame is a momentary, and
Air a permanent Subftance, the living Spirit feems to be of a middle Na-
ture between both.
(2.) We obſerved at firft fetting out, that the prefent Enquiry was not
concerned with the decay of the Spirits, occafioned by the deftruction of
the
}
This leads up to the Doctrine of infenfible Perfpiration
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
413
the Organs, thro' Diftempers and Viclence; tho this alfo terminates in the
fame three Avenues. And thus much for the Form and Nature of Death.
28. There are two grand Harbingers of Death; the one detached from The Fore run-
the Head, the other from the Heart; viz. Convulfions, and a labouring ners of Death,
Pulfe for the mortal Hiccup is a kind of Convulfion. And the mortal la-
bouring of the Pulse has a remarkable Quicknefs; the Heart trembling to- Convulsions,
wards the Article of Death; and almoft confounding its Systole and Diastole, and a labour
ing Pulje.
This dying Pulfe is alfo attended with a Debility and Lownefs; and frequent-
ly a great intermiffion of the Stroke: the Motion of the Heart then failing;
or being no longer able to rife with ftrength and regularity.
;
29. Death is likewife preceded, and denoted near at hand, by great Inquie- symptoms vy
tude and toffing of the Body; a catching, unfteddy Motion of the Fingers, Death.
as if to take up fomewhat from the Bed-cloths; grafping hard, and hold-
ing ftrong with the Hands; grinding of the Teeth; a hollow Voice
trembling of the Under-jaw; palenefs of the Face; confufion of the Me-
mory; lofs of Speech; cold Sweats; fhooting out of the Body in length;
turning up of the Whites of the Eyes; an alteration of the whole Counte-
nance; or a pinching in of the Nofe; hollownefs of the Eyes; finking of
the Cheeks; contraction and rolling of the Tongue; coldnefs in the ex-
treme Parts; fometimes a difcharge of Blood, &c. Shrieking, Gafping,
and fetching the Breath thick; falling of the Lower-jaw, and the like.
30. Upon Death their follows a deprivation of all Senfe and Motion, as Confequents
well of the Heart and Arteries as of the Nerves and Limbs; an inability upon Death.
of the Body to ſuſtain itſelf erect; a ftiffness and coldneſs of the Parts; a
lofs of Colour; and, fome time after, Putrefaction and Stench.
:
after Death,
31. Eels, Serpents, and Infects, continue to move in all their Parts, a The remains
long time after being cut afunder. Birds, likewife, flutter for a while after of Life foor
their Heads are ftruck off; and the Hearts of Animals will long. continue
to beat, after being feparated from their Bodies. I remember myſelf to
have ſeen a Man quartered and difbowelled, for Treafon; when his Heart
being thrown into the Fire, it fprung upwards; first to the height of about a
Foot and a half, and then by degrees a lefs height, for the ſpace, as I judge,
of two or three Minutes. There goes an ancient, and no improbable.
Tradition of an Ox, that lowed when his Entrails were taken out. Yet this
appears lefs certain than what is related of a Traitor, who was heard to
pronounce three or four Words of Prayer, after his Heart was feparated
from the Body, and remained in the Hand of the Executioner. We judge
this Relation more credible than the former, of the Ox's lowing under the
Hands of the Sacrificer; becauſe the Friends of the Perfons publickly exe-
cuted, ufually Fee the Executioner, to perform his Office with the utmoſt
expedition, and not keep the Malefactor long under Torture: whereas there
appears no reaſon why the like Difpatch fhould be made in the cafe of
Sacrifices.
32. The following things are in ufe for recovering Perfons from Apoplexies Means of vo
and Faintings; many of whom, without Relief, might die in the Fit; viz. covering fross s
the exhibiting of fpirituous Cordial-waters; bending the Body for apparent
3
Death,..
wards;
414
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Perfons fup-
pofed dead,
have reco-
vered,
wards; ftopping and ftrongly compreffing the Mouth and Noftrils; bend-
ing the Fingers, backward, fo as to give Pain; twitching off fome Hairs
of the Head or Beard; rubbing the Parts, eſpecially the Face and Extre-
mities, brifkly; the quick ſprinkling of cold Water upon the Face; ſudden
and thrill Noiſes; the applying of Rofe-water and Vinegar to the Noſe, in
cafe of Fainting; and burning Feathers or woollen Cloth under it, in hy-
fterick Fits: but principally, the application of a heated Salamander,
Shovel, or Warming-pan Bottom, near the Head, is ferviceable in Fits of
the Apoplexy.
33. There are many Examples of Men left for dead, laid out, and even
buried, who have yet come to life again. This has been diſcovered, in
fuch as were buried, upon opening the Ground foon after, and finding
Bruiſes and Wounds on the Head; from the ftruggling of the Body in the
Coffin. We had a late and very memorable Example of this, in the Perfon
of that fubtil Schoolman Johannes Scotus; who being buried in the abſence
of his Servant, that feemed to have known him fubject to fuch kind of
Trances; this Servant, fome time after, opened the Grave, and found the
Body bruiſed and wounded. The like happened in our Time, in the
Perfon of a Player buried at Cambridge. And a certain Gentleman once
told me, that having a defire to know what Hanging was; he, by way of
Curioſity, and without any ill Defign upon himſelf, refolved to make fome
trial of it; and to this purpoſe fufpending a Cord, and faſtening it about his
Neck, he mounted a Stool, and fwung himſelf off; conceiving it in his
power to recover the Stool again, when he pleaſed: but he failed in his Ex-
pectation; and was relieved by the affiftance of a Friend then prefent. Be-
ing aſked, what he underwent in that Condition? he anſwered, he felt no
Pain; but firſt perceived a kind of Fire, and burning before his Eyes;
then an extreme Blacknefs, or Darkness; and laftly, a kind of pale, blue,
or fea-green Colour; which is alfo frequently perceived by Perfons in
fainting Fits. And a Phyfician affured me, that by the ufe of Frictions,
and hot Bathing, he had brought a Man to Life again, who hanged himſelf,
and had continued hanging for half an Hour. This Phyfician farther de-
clared, that he made no queftion of recovering any Perfon hanged up for
the fame time; provided his Neck were not broken by the fall, or ſtretch
of the Rope %.
8 The Inftances of this kind ſhould be carefully collected; in order to gain as much light as
poffible into the Tranſaction at the Point of Death.
SECT.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
415
SECT. X.
;
Of the Differences between YOUTH and OLD-AGE
with regard to the fixteenth Article of the Table of
Enquiry.
I.
T
HF Scale, or Progreffion, of human Life is this: Conception; The natural
Quickening; Birth; Lactation; Weaning; Feeding by Hand; Progress of
Life.
Dentition, for the first time, at about two Years old; Beginning to walk;
Beginning to ſpeak; Dentition the fecond time, at about the Age of feven;
Puberty about twelve or fourteen; Capacity for Generation; The menftrual
Flux; The growth of Hair upon the Legs and Arms; Signs of a Beard;
Growth of Stature to this State, and fometimes longer; Perfection of
Strength, and Agility of Body; Greynefs and Baldness; Ceffation of the
Menſtrua, and power of Generation; decrepid Age; Walking with a Stick;
Death. The Mind likewife has its feveral Periods, tho incapable of being
deſcribed by the numeration of Years; fuch as decay of Memory, &c. of
which more prefently.
2. The Differences between Youth and Age are theſe.
Youth and Age
In Youth the Skin is fmooth and equal; but in Old-Age, dry and compared.
wrinkled; eſpecially about the Eyes and Forehead.
In Youth the Fleſh is foft and tender; but in Old-Age hard and dry.
Young Men are ſtrong and healthy; but old ones weaker, and flow of
Motion.
In Youth the Concoctions are well performed; but in Old-Age weakly.
In Youth the Vifcera are foft and fucculent; but in Old-Age dry and
parched.
In Youth the Body is ſtrait and upright; but in Old-Age bent, or curved.
In Youth the Limbs are firm and fteddy; but in Old-Age, relaxed and
trembling.
In Youth the Humours are bilious, and the Blood is hot; but in Age the
Humours are aqueous and melancholick; and the Blood is colder.
In Youth there is a ready difpofition to Venery; but in Old-Age, a
flower.
In Youth the Juices of the Body are more balmy; but in Age more
crude, and watery.
In Youth the Spirit is copious and turgid; but in Old-Age poor and
little.
In Youth the Spirit is denfe and freſh; in Old-Age more rarified, and
eager.
In Youth the Senfes are entire and lively; but in Age dull and faulty.
In Youth the Teeth are ſtrong and found; but in Age worn and decay'd.
In
416
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The difference
of Affections
betwixt Old
and Young•
In Youth the Hair is always coloured; but in Old-Age, grey or white.
Youth is attended with Hair on the Head; but Old-Age, with Baldness.
In Youth the Pulfe is ftrong and quick; but in Old-Age fainter and
flower.
In Youth Difeafes are more acute and curable; but in Old-Age more
chronical, and harder of cure.
In Youth Wounds heal fafter; but in Old-Age flower.
In Youth the Cheeks are florid; but in Old-Age pale, or of a deep red,
by reason of the Blood thickening and fettling in them.
Catarrhs are lefs frequent in Youth; but more troubleſome in Old-Age.
Nor can we recollect in what refpect Old-Age improves the Body; unleſs
fometimes in Corpulency the reaſon whereof is obvious; becauſe the Body
in Old-Age neither perfpires freely, nor affimilates kindly; whilft Fat is
nothing but a redundancy of the Aliment, over and above what is diſcharged,
or perfectly affimilated. Sometimes alſo there is an increaſe of Appetite in
Old-Age, thro' the acidity of the Juices for old Men do not digeft well.
But Phyficians lightly attribute all the Particulars above-mentioned, to the
diminution of natural Heat and radical Moifture; which is an empty No-
tion, of no Ufe at all. Thus much is certain, that in declining Age, Cold-
nefs precedes Drynefs; and that the Body, when in the higheſt pitch and
perfection of its Heat, declines to Drynefs; whilft Coldneſs fucceeds
afterwards.
3. We are next to confider the Affections and Difpofitions of the Mind.
When I was a young Man, at Poitiers in France, I familiarly converfed
with a young Gentleman of that Country, who was extremely ingenious,
but fomewhat talkative: he afterwards became a Perſon of great eminence.
This Gentleman ufed to inveigh againſt the Manners of old People; and
would fay, that if one could fee their Minds, as well as their Bodies, their
Minds would appear as deformed as their Bodies: and, indulging his own
Humour, he pretended that the defects of old Mens Minds, in fome mea-
fure, correfponded to the defects of their Bodies. Thus, Drynefs of the
Skin, he ſaid, was anfwered by Impudence; Hardneſs of the Vifcera, by
Relentlefnefs; Blear-eyes, by Envy and an evil Eye; their Down-look and
Incurvation of the Body, by Atheiſm; as no longer, fays he, looking up to
Heaven; the trembling and fhaking of the Limbs, by Unfteddinefs and
Inconftancy; the bending of their Fingers, as to lay hold of fomething,
by Rapacity and Avarice; the Weakneſs of their Knees, by Fearfulnefs;
their Wrinkles, by indirect Dealings and Cunning, &c.
But, to be ferious, young Men are modeft and bafhful; old ones, not fo
tender of Countenance.
Young Men are generous and commiferating; but old ones clofe, and
harder of Heart.
Young Men have a laudable Emulation; but old ones an ill-natured Envy.
Young Men are inclined to Religion and Devotion; as being warm in
themſelves, and unexperienced in Misfortunes; but old ones grow colder
in
The HISTORY of LIFE and DE AT H.
417
in Piety, thro' want of Charity, a long converfation with Evils, and a
hardneſs of Belief.
Young Men are refolute; old Men more moderate.
Young Men have a certain Levity and Inſtability; old ones a greater
Gravity and Conftancy.
Young Men are liberal, beneficent, and Lovers of their Species; old
ones are covetous, wife for themſelves, and firm to their own Intereſt.
Young Men are full of Hope and Confidence; but old Men diffident,
and in moſt caſes diftruſtful.
Young Men have an eafy and obliging Carriage; but old Men are
churlish, peevish, and diſdainful.
Young Men are fincere, and fpeak their Minds; but old Men are
cautious and referved.
Young Men affect great Undertakings; but old ones take care of fuch
Things as are neceffary.
Young Men favour Things prefent; but old ones rather affect former
Tranfactions.
Young Men reverence their Superiors; but old Men cenfure them.
There are numerous other Differences, which belong rather to Morality
than the preſent Enquiry. Yet as old Mens Bodies improve in fome re-
ſpects, ſo likewife do their Minds; unleſs quite worn out: for Example,
tho they are less ready at Invention, they are ſtronger in Judgment; and
chufe fuch things as are ſafe and ſolid, before fuch as are ſpecious and ſhowy.
They likewiſe improve in Talkativeneſs, and the Art of fhewing themſelves.
to advantage; and, becoming now unfit for Bufinefs, reap the fruits of Dif-
courſe whence the Poets aptly feigned the Transformation of Tithonus
into a Graſs-hopper.
VOL. III.
Hhh
SECT.
418
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Wafte, how
cauſed, and
prevented.
Spirit the
cauſe of Wafte
and Diffolu-
tion.
SECT. XI.
Improveable AXIOMS, or Variable CANONS, formed
upon the preceding Hiſtory; for giving Light into the
Caufe of the Continuance or Duration of LIFE, and
the true Nature, or Form, of DEATH".
AXIOM I.
There is no Confumption, unless what is loft by one Body paffes into
another.
THE
EXPLANATION.
HERE is no fuch thing as Annihilation in Nature; and therefore in
all Confumption, the Parts confumed either fly off into the Air, or
are received into fome adjacent Body. Thus we fee Spiders, Flies, Ants, &c.
included, and eternized in Monuments of Amber; tho thefe are tender and
diffipable Bodies: but then there is no Air in contact with them, for their
Parts to eſcape into; and the Subftance of the Amber is fo heterogeneous
as to receive none of them. And the like Effect, we judge, might be pro-
cured by burying Wood, or the like, in Quickfilver: but Wax, Honey,
and Gums, have this Effect only in parti.
AXIOM II.
All tangible Bodies contain a Spirit, covered over, and inveloped with
the groffer Body; and this Spirit it is that gives Origin to Confumption
and Diffolution.
TH
•
EXPLANATIO N.
HERE is no known Body, in the upper parts of the Earth, without
its Spirit; whether it be generated by the attenuating and concocting
Power of the celeftial Warmth, or otherwife for the Pores of tangible
Bodies
This Section contains a kind of Recapitulation, or concife Abridgment, of the preceding
Hiſtory; drawn up with new Enforcements, and fet in a fuller light; whence a Judgment
may be the readier form'd thereof. And certainly it muſt be a pregnant Hiftory, to afford ſuch
a number of AXIOMS, that feem a little Compendium of Natural Philofophy; at the fame
time that they unfold, and explain, fome of the great Myfteries of Life and Death. And hence
alfo a tolerable Judgment may be formed of the Deſign of the Sixth Part of the INSTAURATION,
which was to receive a Collection of ftill more perfect AXIOMS, after they had been thoroughly
verified, or render'd preciſely juſt; at leaſt ſo juſt as not to fail in Practice.
Thefe AXIOMS require a confiderable Attention to perceive their full Meaning and juſt
Value; a greater to improve and verify them, where they may require it; and a greater
ftill
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
419
Bodies are not a Vacuum; but either contain Air, or the peculiar Spirit of
the Subſtance. And this Spirit is not a Virtue, an Energy, a Soul, or a
Fiction; but a real, fubtile, and inviſible Body, circumfcribed by Place
and Dimenfion. Nor again is this Spirit Air, any more than the Juice of
the Grape is Water; but a fine attenuated Body, of kin to Air, tho again,
very different from it for the groffer Parts of the Subject being of a
ſluggiſh and not very moveable Nature, would endure to a long Period, did
not this Spirit rouze, ftimulate, undermine them, and prey upon the
moiſture of the Body, and whatever elſe it can digeſt and convert into new
Spirit; till at length, both the Spirit before included in the Body, and
that newly formed, gradually fly away together. This is excellently de-
monftrated from the Diminution of the Weight of dry Bodies, thro' Perfpi-
ration: for all that which flies away, was not Spirit at the time of weighing
the Body; but was Spirit when it flew off *.
AXIOM III.
The Avolation of the Spirit of Bodies caufes Drynefs; but whilft this
Spirit is detained and operates within, it either diffolves, putrefies, or
vivifies the Body.
T
EXPLANATION.
HERE are four Proceffes of the Spirit; viz. (1.) that of Drying;
(2.) that of Diffolving; (4.) that of Putrefying; and, (4.) that
of Generating Bodies.
Four Opera-
tions of the
Spirit, viz.
(1.) Arefaction is not the proper Operation of the Spirit; but of the Arefaction.
groffer Parts, after the Spirit is difcharged: for upon this they contract
themſelves, partly to fill up Vacuities; and partly thro' an Appetite which
homogenous Bodies have to unite; as appears in all Bodies dried by Age,
and in the firmer Bodies which are dried by Fire; as Bread, Charcoal,
Bricks, &c.
(2.) But Colliquation is a mere Work of the Spirits; and not performed Colliquation.
without the Animation of Heat; whereby the Spirits dilate themſelves, yet
without flying off; and infinuate and fpread among the groffer Parts; thus
rendering them foft and fufible; as we fee in Metals and Wax: for Metals,
and other tenacious Bodies, are fitted to hold in the Spirit; and to prevent its
Avolation when excited.
Hhh 2
(3.) Putre-
ftill to explain them fo as to render them univerfally intelligible; and draw them out into
familiar Rules of Practice, for operating effectually in the grand Defign of prolonging
Life.
* This Inſtance we meet with in Nuts, the Stones of Fruit, &c. where the Kernel dries and
withers, as the Spirit perfpires thro' the Shell and outward Coats; without the entrance or ad-
miffion of the external Air. This AXIOM relating to the Spirits of Bodies deferves a particular
regard. And let not any modern Diſcoveries be too rafhly imagined to have fet the Doctrine
of Spirits afide; whereon, perhaps, the Improvement of natural Philoſophy principally depends.
See the Sylva Sylvarum, under the Articles NATURE, SPIRIT, SYMPATHY, f.
420
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Putrefaction.
And Genera-
1107.
(3.) Putrefaction is a mixed operation of the Spirit, and groffer Parts;
for when the Spirit, which reftrained and held the parts of a Body together,
is partly difcharged and partly render'd languid, all things are diffolved,
and return to their heterogeneous Principles; for now the Spirit con-
tained in the Body gathers to itfelf; the oily Parts to themfelves; the aque-
ous alfo to themſelves; and the Fæces to themſelves; upon which neceffarily
enfues that cadaverous Odour, that unctuofity, fliminefs, and confuſion of
Parts obfervable in Putrefaction ¹.
(4.) Generation likewiſe, or Vivification, is a mixed Operation of the
Spirits and groffer Parts; but in a quite different manner: for in this cafe the
Spirit is totally held in, (but ſtill expands and moves itſelf,) whilft the groffer
Parts are not diffolved, but obey the motion of the Spirit; whereby they
are ſwelled, and thruft out into various Figures: whence proceeds Gene-
ration and Organization. And, therefore, Vivification is always wrought
upon a tenacious, viscous Matter, tho foft and yielding; fit at once to
detain the Spirit, and yet gently yield thereto; as the Spirit forms its Parts.
And this appears in the Matter of all Vegetables and Animals, whether ge-
nerated in Putrefaction, or from Seed; in all which there manifeftly ap-
pears a Subſtance which is hard to feparate, but eafy to yield.
AXIOM IV.
All animate Bodies have two kinds of Spirits; viz. a lifeless Spirit,
fuch as refides in Bodies inanimate; and a vital Spirit, fuperadded
to it.
EXPLANATIO N.
The Two Spi. 1. WE formerly obferved, that in order to procure long Life, the human
rits in Bodies.
The Differences
betwixt the
:
Body ſhould firſt be conſidered as a Body inanimate, and unrepair-
able by Aliment; and again, as a Body reparable and nouriſhable for the
former Confideration fupplies the Laws of Confumption; and the ſecond the
Laws of Repair. We are, therefore, to underſtand, that all the parts of the
Body, the Fleſh, the Bones, the Membranes, the Organs, &c. have each of
them, whilft alive, fuch Spirits diffuſed thro' their Subſtance, as are proper
to them refpectively, when feparated, and dead, and fuch as remain even
in the Carcass but the vital Spirit, tho it prefides over, and has a certain
agreement with them, is yet a very different thing; as being entire, and
fubfifting of itſelf.
2. There are two principal Differences betwixt the lifeless and the vital
Spirits; the one, that the lifeless Spirits are not continued in themſelves, but
lifeless and the in a manner cut off and furrounded by the grofs Body that intercepts them;
vital Spirits like Air mixed in among Snow or Froth: but all the vital Spirit is con-
tinued
See the Nature of Putrefaction, in the Philofophical Tranſactions; or Boerhaave's Che-
mistry, Procefs 88.
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
421
tinued in itſelf, thro' certain Canals, which it penetrates without being total-
ly intercepted. And this Spirit alfo is of two kinds; the one only branch- Two kinds of
ing out, and ftriking thro' little Tubes, and, as it were, fingle Threads: but vital Spirit.
the other has alfo certain Cells; fo as not only to be continued with itſelf,
but likewiſe copiouſly collected, in proportion to the Body, into Cavities
which ferve as Fountains to numerous Rivulets running from them. The
principal Cells, or Cavities, of this kind, are ſeated in the Ventricles of the
Brain; which in the more ignoble Creatures are narrow; fo that their Spi-
rit ſeems diffufed over the whole Body, rather than contained in Cells;
as appears in Serpents, Eels, and Flies, which, when cut to pieces, long
continue moving in all the feparated Parts: even Birds continue ftruggling
for a while, after their Heads are off; becauſe they have little Heads, and
little Cells of Spirits. But the more noble Animals have thefe Ventricles
ftill larger; and Man the largeſt of all m.
3. The other Difference between the Spirits is, that the vital Spirit has 4 fecond Dif-
fome kind of Inflammability, and refembles a Breath compofed of Flame andference betwixt
Air; as the Juices of Animals contain both Oil and Water. And this the Spirits.
kind of Inflammability is attended with peculiar Properties and Motions;
for even inflammable Smoke is warm, fubtil, and moveable, before it
catches Fire, and turns to Flame; yet becomes a different thing when
changed to Flame. But the kindling of the vital Spirits is, by many degrees,
more gentle than the fofteft Flame, even that of Spirit of Wine and is
alfo largely mixed with an aerial Subftance, fo as to become a peculiar and
almoft inexplicable Union, of a flamy and aerial Nature.
AXIOM V.
All the parts of the Body have their proper and respective natural
Actions; but each of them is excited and quickened by the vital
Spirit.
EXPLANATION.
rit.
HE Actions or Functions of any Part are correfpondent to the Nature The Office of
of that Part; fuch as Attraction, Retention, Digeftion, Affimilation, the vital spi-
Separation, Excretion, Perfpiration; and even the Senfes themfelves, ac-
cording to the Properties of every Organ; as the Stomach, Heart, Spleen,
Brain, Ear, Eye, &c. Nor could any of thefe Actions be excited and per-
formed without the animating Vigour and Prefence of the vital Spirit, and
its Heat; no more than one piece of Iron could attract another, unleſs firft
animated by the Loadftone; or an Egg produce a Chick, unleſs the Sub-
ftance of the Hen were firft a&uated by the treading of the Cock.
AXIOM
m Let thefe AXIOMS and Explanations by no means be lightly cenfured, and rejected as
conjectural things; they are meant to be deduced from the preceding History, in the strict
and genuine way of interpreting Nature.
422
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
AXIOM
VI.
The lifeless Spirits are nearly of the fame Subftance with Air; but the
vital Spirits approach nearer to the Subftance of Flame.
of But
EXPLANATION.
The SubflanceHE Explanation of the preceding fourth Axiom, is alfo explanatory
of the Spirits. this hence it is, that all fat and oily Subftances continue long
in their own State; as the Air does not greatly operate upon them, nor
they themſelves greatly incline to mix with the Air. But that is an empty
Conceit which fuppofes Flame to be kindled Air; for Flame and Air are as
heterogeneous as Oil and Water. The Senfe of the prefent Axiom there-
fore is, that the vital Spirits only approach nearer to the Subftance of Flame
than the lifeless Spirits do; and not that they are more of a flamy than
aerial Nature.
AXIOM VII.
Spirit has two Appetites; the one an Appetite of multiplying itself; the
other an Appetite of quitting the Body, and affociating with Subftances
of its own Nature.
The two Ap- I.
petites of the
Spirits,
TH
EXPLANATION.
HIS Axiom is underſtood of the lifelefs Spirits; for as to the fecond
Appetite, the vital Spirit has a great abhorrence of quitting the Bo-
dy; nor can it find Subſtances of its own Nature near at hand: it may fome-
times perhaps ruſh to the extremities of the Body, to meet a thing it affects;
tho it is averſe to going out. But both thefe Appetites reign in the life-
lefs Spirits. As for the firft;
As for the firft; no Spirit is commodiously lodged anong
grofs Bodies; and therefore when it finds nothing of its own Nature, it la-
bours fo much the more, in this Solitude, to multiply itſelf, or to create, or
produce its like; and thus brifkly preys upon the more fubtil Parts of the
grofs Bodies, in order to increaſe its own Quantity.
2. As to the fecond Appetite; that of Efcaping, and flying off into the
Air; 'tis certain, that all attenuated Bodies, which are ever moveable,
willingly move to their like, when near adjoining; as Flame, to Flame;
and one Bubble of Water to another: but this happens much more in the
Avolation of the Spirits into the external Air; as not tending only to Parti-
cles of a like Nature; but, as it were, to an Ocean of matter homogeneous
to itſelf. Let it however be obferved, that the exit and efcape of the
Spirit into the Air is a double Action; proceeding partly from the Ap-
petite of the Spirit, and partly from the Appetite of the Air: for the
common
I
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
423
common Air is a hungry thing; and greedily drinks in and receives
Spirits, Odours, Rays of Light, Sounds, &c.
AXIOM
VIII.
When a Spirit is detained, and finds no poffibility of producing more
Spirit; it mollifies even the groffer Parts.
NE
EXPLANATION.
harden'd
Parts.
EW Spirits are only produced upon fuch things, as approach, in a The Method of
tolerable degree, to Spirit; as humid Bodies do: and therefore if mollifying the
the groffer Parts, wherein the Spirit lodged, are far removed from
this degree; tho the Spirit cannot work, and convert them into its own
Nature, ftill it faps, foftens, and refolves them; and tho it cannot
thus increaſe its own Quantity, yet it refides therein more looſely, and
lodges among fuch Parts as are moſt favourable to it. And this Axiom
is extremely conducive to our purpoſe; as leading to a Method of
mollifying the ftubborn and dry Parts of the Body, by keeping in the
Spirits ".
AXIOM IX.
The Buſineſs of foftening the harder Parts, is beft carried on, when the
Spirit neither flys off nor begets a new Supply.
HIS Axiom folves the Difficulty in the Operation of malaxing, by
TH
Tdetaining the spirit;
detaining the Spirit; for if the Spirit, being detained, fhould prey
upon all within, there is no Advantage procured by fuppling the Parts
in their Subftance; but they are rather diffolved and corrupted thereby
and therefore, befides detaining the Spirits, they muſt alſo be cooled, and
conftringed, to prevent their too great Activity.
AXIOM X.
The Heat of the Spirit, for preferving the Body in a fresh and youth-
ful State, ought to be robuſt; but not ſharp, or predatory.
:
The Business of
Malaxing,
how best per
formed.
EXPLANATION.
TH
The Heat rea
HIS Canon alſo has a Tendency to folve the Difficulty above mention'd;
but is alfo of much more extenfive Ufe; as defcribing what ought quired for pre-
to be the temper of Heat in the Body, to difpofe it for long Life. And this Body young.
ferving the
temper
↑ Obſerve, all along, that Practice is the End at which the whole Enquiry, and theſe Axioms
drive.
424
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
A Condenſa-
tion of the Spi-
rits required to
long Life.
temper of Heat is proper, whether the Spirits be kept in or not: for in either
Cafe their Heat fhou'd be fuch, as may rather act upon the Solids, than prey
upon the Fluids
the Fluids; as the former mollifies, but the latter drys up. The fame
Temper, alfo, is of Service in the due performance of Alimentation; as
fuch a Heat beſt excites the Faculty of affimilating; and at the fame time
excellently prepares the matter for Affimilation. The Properties required
in this Heat are; (1.) That it be flow, and do not act of a fudden ;
(2.) That it be not intenfe, but moderate; (3.) That it be equable, not
acting unfteddily, or by fits of Increaſe and Decreaſe; and (4.) If it find
any Reſiſtance, that it fhou'd not easily grow languid, or become extinct.
This is an Operation of great Subtility, and of no lefs Ufe: We have there-
fore had a regard to it; and hope, in fome meaſure, to have anſwered the
Intention, by the Remedies, above propoſed, for giving the Spirits this ro-
buft, unconfuming and effective Heat.
AXIOM XI.
A Condenſation in the Subftance of the Spirits, is conducive to long
T
Life.
EXPLANATIO N.
HIS Axiom is fubfervient to the former; as a denfe Spirit admits
all the four Properties of Heat there mentioned.
But for the ways
of condenfing the Spirits, we have defcribed them above, under the firft of
the ten Operations.
AXIOM XII.
When the Spirits are copious, they haften to escape fafter, and prey
upon the Body, more, than when their quantity is fmall.
THE
EXPLANATION.
HIS Axiom is clear of itſelf; fince quantity, of courſe, increaſes Effi-
cacy. And we ſee in Flames, that a greater breaks out more forcibly,
and confumes its Fewel fwifter than a fmall one: and, therefore an over
Proportion, or Redundancy of Spirits, is very prejudicial to long Life. Nor
fhou'd a larger quantity of Spirits be defired, than may fupport the Offices of
Life;
and fecure a good Repair.
2
AXIOM
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
425
AXIOM XIII
1
A Spirit equally diffused thro' the Body, haftens lefs to eſcape, and
confumes the Body flower, than when unequally distributed.
NOT
EXPLANATIO N.
OT only an over-Proportion of the Spirits, with regard to the Fine Spirits
whole, fhortens the duration of Things; but alfo the fame quantity consume the
lefs ground or broken and therefore the more the Spirit is comminuted,
less.
and diſperſed thro' the finer Veffels and Fibres; the lefs it confumes. For
Refolution and Decay always begin in the part, where the Spirit is weak or
wanting; and therefore Exercife and Frictions contribute much to long
Life. For all Motion and Agitation excellently grind, and intimately mix
Things together in their fmalleft Particles.
AXIOM XIV.
An irregular and fubfultory Motion of the Spirits, tends more to their
eſcape, and proves more confuming, than a Motion that is conftant and
equable.
EXPLANATION.
HIS Axiom holds with certainty in Bodies inanimate; for unequa- Irregular Mo-
ТЕ
bility is the Parent of Diffolution: but in animate Bodies it holds lefs tion more con-
ftrictly; becauſe in thefe, there is not only a Confumption, but a Repair to regular.
Suming then
be confider'd: and Repair depends upon the Appetite of Things;
and Appetite is fharpen'd by Variety. But here alfo the Axiom may be
admitted fo far, that this Variety fhould rather be a regular Interchange
than a Confufion; and as it were a conftant Inconftancy.
AXIOM XV.
The Spirit is detain'd in Bodies of a firm and clofe Texture, the
A
unwillingly.
EXPLANATION.
LL Things dread a Solution of their Continuity; tho this accord- The Spirits
ing to their degree of Condenſation or Rarifaction: for the more how to be de-
Bodies are rarefied, the leffer Pores they will pafs, or be driven thro', by tained in the
Compreffion. Hence Water and Air will enter where Duft will not;
VOL. III.
Iii
and
Flame
Body,
426
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Spirit wil-
lingly refides
in Fat.
Flame and Spirit, where Air and Water will not. But this matter is limited;
for Spirit has not fo ftrong an Appetite of efcaping, as to fuffer too great a
diſcontinuation; or be driven thro' Pores that are too cloſe and ftrait and
therefore if Spirit be lodged in a hard Body, or fuch an one as is unctuous,
and viscous, that will not eafily feparate; 'tis then withheld, imprifon'd,
and exerts not its Appetite of efcaping. Whence we fee that Metals and
Stones will not, for a very long time, let go their Spirit; unless it be either
excited by Fire; or the groffer Parts of thofe Bodies be feparated, and dif-
join'd, by corrofive Liquors. And the like holds of tenacious Bodies, ſuch
as Gums; only thefe are diffolved by a gentler Heat. And therefore, ro-
buft Juices of the Body, a conftringed Skin, and the like, (which are pro-
cured by a drying Aliment, Exercife and cold Air,) prove ferviceable in
prolonging Life; by fhutting up the Pores upon the Spirit, and prevent-
ing its eſcape.
AXIOM XVI.
The Spirit is willingly detain'd in fat and unctuous Bodies ;
IT
be not viscous.
EXPLANATI O N.
tho they
F the Spirit be neither irritated by any Antipathy it has to the Body
that furrounds it; nor fed by too great a fimilitude with the Subject
ittelf;
nor follicited by any thing external; it becomes not very tumul-
tuary to get out: but oily Bodies want all theſe Properties; as being not fo
oppofite to the Spirit, as hard Bodies are; nor having fuch an Affinity
thereto, as aqueous ones have; nor greatly agreeing with the external
Air .
A Discharge
of aqueous
Moiſture tends
to prejervation.
AXIOM XVII.
Oily Bodies are long preferved in a State of Perfection, by a quick
difcharge of their aqueous Moisture,
W
EXPLANATIO N.
E juft now obſerved, that aqueous Moiſture, as approaching nearer
to the Subftance of the Air, flies off fafter than fuch as is oily;
which has a lefs agreement with the Air: but as both theſe Moiſtures are
lodged in molt Bodies, it happens that the aqueous betrays the oily Moi-
fture;
• It may be well worth confidering how extenfive this Axiom is; and how it agrees with
the antient and later Discoveries, as to th native Spirits of Bodies. See, in particular, the Pro
ceffes upon Vegetables, in Boer haave's Chemistry. See alfo Proceſs 121.
3
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
dich 27
ſture; and gradually eſcaping, carries that away along with itſelf whence
nothing is more conducive to the prefervation of Bodies than to dry them
gently; which breathes out the watry Parts, without diſturbing or affecting
the oily. And this not only tends to prevent Corruption; as it does by
Confequence; but alfo to preferve Bodies in a fresh and vigorous State.
And hence it is, that gentle Frictions, and moderate Exercife, uſed fo as
to promote Perfpiration rather than Sweat, greatly conduce to prolong
Life.
AXIOM XVIII.
ом
To exclude the Air from the Body, contributes to Longevity; if other
Inconveniences be prevented.
EXPLANATION.
W
E lately obſerved", that the eſcape of the Spirit is a double Action, Exclufion of
arifing from an Appetite both of the Air, and Spirit; it is there. the Air tends
to lengthen
fore of confiderable Service, if one of theſe Appetites can be deſtroy'd. Life.
This is chiefly to be expected from Unctions: but the Ufe thereof is at-
tended with various Inconveniences; which we have endeavour'd to prevent
under the ſecond of our ten Operations.
AXIOM XIX.
By introducing juvenile Spirits into an old Body, the Courfe of Na-
ture may be expeditiously put back.
T
EXPLANATION.
HE Spirits are like the Mafter-wheel, that carries the other Wheels An Intima-
round in the Body: and therefore theſe ought to ftand firft in the tion of a short
Method of pro-
Intention of prolonging Life. We may add, that there is an eaſier and longing Life.
more compendious way of altering the Spirits than the other Parts: for
the Operation upon the Spirits is of two Kinds; the one by Aliment,
which is flow, and effected by a Circuit; the other by Vapours, which is
fudden, and reaches the Spirits directly and immediately. To this alfo may
be added, the way of operating by the Affections, or Paffions of the Mind.
P See Axiom VII.
Iii 2
AXIOM
428
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Balmy Juices
so be procured.
The Means of
procuring
them.
AXIOM XX.
1
Hardness or Firmness, and Rofcidity or Balminefs, in the Juices of
the Body, contribute to prolong Life.
TH
EXPLANATION.
HE Reaſon hereof is plain; fince, as we have above obſerved, hard
or firm, and balmy or unctuous Bodies, are diffipated with difficulty.
There is however this Difference, tha tho hardiſh and firm Juices are lefs
diffipable, they are at the fame time lefs reparable; which adds an Incon-
venience to a Convenience; and therefore nothing extraordinary can be
perform'd by means of hard Juices: but a balmy Juice will anfwer both
Intentions; and therefore
and therefore great regard muſt be had to the procuring of it.
AXIOM XXI.
Balmy Juices are procured by fuch Things as penetrate, thro' their
fubtilty or fineness of Parts; yet corrode not by their Acrimony.
TH
EXPLANATION.
HIS Axiom, or the Canon it affords, is eaſier to underſtand than to
practiſe : for 'tis plain, that whatever penetrates kindly, but at the
fame time has a ftimulating Virtue or Pungency, (which is the Cafe of all
acid and biting Things,) leave, wherever they pafs, fome Impreffion of
Drynefs, or Corrofion; fo as to indurate the Juices, and vellicate the Parts:
whereas, fuch as penetrate by mere Subtilty, fteal in and infinuate them-
felves, without Violence; whilft they moiften and bedew the Parts in their
Paffage. And fome fuch Remedies as thefe, we have defcribed under the
fourth and feventh of our ten Operations.
AXIOM XXII.
Affimilation is best perform'd upon the Ceſſation of the Local Motion.
TH
EXPLANATIO N.
HIS Axiom ftands fufficiently explain'd by what is delivered under
our eighth Operation.
AXIOM
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
429
AXIOM XXIII.
External Alimentation, at leaſt fuch as is not perform'd by the Sto-
mach, if it cou'd be procured, wou'd prove very Jerviceable in pro-
longing Life.
EXPLANATIO N.
W E fee that every Thing perform'd by Nutrition, is perform'd by A Method of
long Circuits; but much quicker by the way of imbibing a fimilar external Ali
Subſtance, as in the Cafe of Infuſions: a Method, therefore, of Alimenta- mentation.
tion from without, wou'd be extremely uſeful; the rather becauſe the di-
gefting Faculties fall off, and fail in Old-Age. Whence if there cou'd be
any auxiliary ways of Nutrition contrived, by bathing, anointing, or by
Glyfters; they might prove ferviceable, by a proper Conjunction of fome
of them, which feparate wou'd be of lefs Significance.
AXIOM
XXIV.
:
Where Concoction is weak, fo as not to protrude the Aliment, the ex-
ternal Parts fhou'd be excited; in order to attract the Aliment
outwards.
EXPLANATION.
TH
Senfe of this
HE Senfe of this Axiom is not the fame with that immediately fore- Concoction
going; for 'tis one Thing to attract the Aliment inwards, and ano- how to be
ther to draw it from within outwards: tho they both agree, in fupplying the frengthen'd,
weakneſs of the internal Concoctions another way.
AXIOM XXV.
All quick Renovation of the Body, is procured either by the Spirits, or
TH
by Malaxing.
EXPLANATION.
HE Body confifts of two Things; Spirits and tangible Parts; both Quick Reno-
which are but flowly reach'd by Nutrition: whilft the fhort way to vation bow
the Spirits is by Vapours, and the Paffions of the Mind; and to the Parts, procured,
by fuppling and mollifying Applications. But we muft well diftinguish be-
tween Alimentation by external Means, and malaxing for the Intention of
malaxing is not to nourish the Parts; but only the better to prepare them
for being nouriſh'd.
ΑΧΙΟ Μ
430
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
Malaxing how
to be perform-
ed.
The old Parts
how to be rea
new'd.
AXIOM XXVI.
Malaxing is perform'd by Subftances fimilar to the Body; Subftances
that infinuate into it; and Subftances that clofe it up.
'T'
A
EXPLANATION.
IS evident, that fimilar Subftances to the Body, are properly molli-
fying; whilft fuch as eafily infinuate, help others forward; and
fuch as cloſe up or conftringe, help to keep in and prevent Perfpiration,
which is a Motion oppofite to Malaxing. This Operation, therefore, cannot
be well perform'd at once; but fhou'd be attempted in a Series and Method :
(1.) By excluding the Liquor externally applied for the purpoſe, in the way
of coating the Body over with fome thick unctuous Matter: becauſe all
extraneous and grofs Immerfion, as in common Bathing, does not well
confolidate the Body; but what is defign'd to enter it, fhou'd be fubtile,
and a kind of Vapour; according to the Obfervation deliver'd in our
ninth Operation. (2.) By mollifying, thro' a Confent of Subftances of like
kind: for Bodies open themſelves, and relax their Pores, when they come in
Contact with Things very agreeable to them. (3.) By uſing proper infinua-
ting matters as Vehicles, that in fome meaſure may convey and carry for-
wards the Subſtances of like Nature with the Body: Thefe Vehicles alfo
being lightly impregnated with gentle Conftringents, that at the fame time
may a little check and prevent Perfpiration. And, (4.) By following theſe
Operations with a great Aftriction, or fhutting up of the Pores, by an
emplaftick Coating; and afterwards gradually by anointing; till the mol-
lifying Matter acquires fome degree of Solidity.
AXIOM XXVII.
A frequent renovation of the reparable Parts, renews alfo the Parts
that are less reparable.
W
EXPLANATIO N.
E obferved, in our general Introduction to this Hiftory, that in the
natural Progreſs of Death, the more reparable Parts periſh in the
Embraces of the Parts lefs reparable; and that the utinoft Efforts were to
be uſed for repairing theſe lefs reparable Parts. Admonish'd, therefore, by
the Obfervation of Aristotle upon Plants, where he ſays that the ſhooting out
of new Branches caufes alfo a renewal of the Trunk, by the Faffage of the
new Juices thro' it; we judge the Cafe might be the fame, if the Blood
and Fleſh of the human Body were frequently renewed; and that the Mem-
branes and other Parts, even the Bones themſelves, tho lefs reparable in
their
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
431
their own Nature, might be refreſh'd, recruited and renew'd; partly by a
brifk Paffage and Circulation of new Juices in them; and partly again by
the new Clothing, of recent Flesh and Blood, brought upon them.
AXIOM XXVIII.
That kind of Cooling, which does not pass by the Stomach, is conducive
to long Life.
T
EXPLANATION.
HE Reaſon is obvious; as not a temperate, but a powerful degree The Cooling
of Coolness, eſpecially in the Blood, is a principal Requifite to long conducive to
Life which Coolness cannot be procured in the neceffary degree, by any long Life.
Thing taken at the Mouth; without Prejudice, and Deftruction, to the Sto-
mach and Viscera.
AXIOM XXIX.
This Complication, that both Confumption and Repair are the Opera-
tions of Heat, is the greatest Obstacle to long Life.
MOST
EXPLANATIO N.
OST great Works are prevented or deftroy'd by complicated Na- The great Ob-
tures; what proves ferviceable in fome Refpects, proving preju- ftacle to long
dicial in others: fo that a confummate Judgment, and a diſcreet Practice, Life.
are here required. This we have, fo far as the Subject allows, and our
prefent Thoughts can reach, endeavoured after; and done our utmoft
to feparate the benign and favourable Heats from fuch as are unkindly or
hurtful; and given our Directions and Cautions with regard to both ".
AXIOM XXX.
The Cure of Difeafes requires temporary Medicines; but long Life can
only be expected from a Regimen and Diet.
TH
EXPLANATION.
HOSE Things that happen by accident ceafe upon removal of their The Regimens
Cauſes; but the Courfe of Nature is a continued Thing, which, like a required to pro-
rapid River, requires to be continually rowed againſt whence to prolong ng Lifs+
Life, we muſt work regularly by a Regimen. Regimens are of two Kinds;
See above, Operation 2, 3, 9, &c,
(1.) Stated
432
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
The Relation
betwixt Flame,
(1.) Stated; or to be obferved at certain times; and (2.) Familiar; which
fhou'd be brought into daily Ufe. But ftated Regimens, or a ſeries of Re-
medies continued for a Seafon, are the most powerful. For Things, of that
Efficacy as to turn Nature back in her Courfe, muft generally be ſtronger
and productive of more fudden Alterations, than thofe that can, with fafety,
be brought into frequent and familiar Ufe. Our Intentional Remedies turn
but upon three ſtated Regimens; viz. (1.) The opiate Regimen; (2.) The
malaxing Regimen; and (3.) The difcharging, and renovating Regimen.
Among the moſt effectual Things prefcribed, in our familiar and daily
Regimen, and which almoft equal the force of ftated Regimens; are (1.)
Nitre and its Subftitutes; (2.) The Government of the Paffions, and re-
gulating the kinds of Study; (3.) Methods of Cooling, that paſs not by
the Stomach; (4.) Balmy Drinks; (5.) The impregnation of the Blood
with a firm Subftance, as that of Pearls or Woods; (6.) Proper Unguents
to exclude the Air, and keep in the Spirits; (7.) Proper external Methods
of heating, during the time of Affimilation, after Sleep; (8.) A cautious,
Ufe of fuch Things as inflame the Spirits, and give them a fharp confum-
ing Heat; for Example, Wines and Spices; and, (9.) A moderate and fea-
fonable Ufe of fuch Things as give a robuſt Heat to the Spirits; for Example,
Saffron, Creffes, Garlick, Ellicampane, and compound Opiates.
AXIOM XXXI.
Flame is a momentary Subftance; Air a fixed Subftance: but the vital
Spirits of Animals, is a middle Subftance, betwixt both.
TH
EXPLANATIO N.
HIS is a matter of deep Enquiry; and requires a larger Explana-
tion than belongs to the prefent Subject. Let it be obſerved, how-
Air. and vital ever, that Flame is continually generating and dying: fo as to exift only
Spirit.
in Succeffion. But Air is a permanent Body that does not perish; for altho
new Air be generated from aqueous Moiſture, yet the old Air ſtill remains:
whence proceeds a Surcharge of Air. The vital Spirit participates of both
Natures; and is at once flamy and aerial. And accordingly its Pabulum or
Fewel, are Oil and Air; the Oil being homogeneous with Flame, and the
Air with Water: for Spirit is not fed, or nouriſhed by Oil alone, or by
Water alone; but by both. And tho Air neither comports well with Flame,
nor Oil with Water; yet they fuit in Mixture or Compofition. Again, Spi-
rit has its ready and delicate Impreffions from the Air; but its noble,
powerful, and active Motions from Flame. So, likewife, the duration of Spi-
rit is a compound Duration; not fo momentary as that of Flame, nor yet
fo permanent as that of Air. It differs alfo fo much the more from Flame,
becauſe Flame is extinguifh'd by Accident or by Contraries, and the fur-
rounding
See more of this in the enfuing Hiſtory of Winds:
The HISTORY of LIFE and DEATH.
433
rounding Bodies that deftroy it; but Spirit, has no fuch Caufe nor Necef-
fity of its Deſtruction. Laftly, Spirit is repaired, or recruited, from the
vivid and florid Blood of the fineft Arteries; which creep along the Brain.
But this Repair is made in its own peculiar manner; that comes not now to
be confidered.
AXIOM
AXIOM XXXII.
The vital Spirit is immediately destroy'd, upon being deprived of Mo-
tion, Coolness, or Aliment.
TH
and all Stroy'd.
HESE three Things we call the Avenues of Death; and they are The vital Spi-
the proper and immediate Paffions of the vital Spirit: for all the rit how de-
Organs of the principal Parts ferve to perform thefe three Offices; and all
the mortal Deſtructions of the Organs terminate in one or more of them :
whence the reſt are but different Paths to Death; that end at laft in theſe
three grand Roads or Avenues. But the whole Fabrick and Structure
of the Parts, is the Organ of the vital Spirit: and this Spirit itfelf is the
Organ of the rational Soul; which is incorporeal and divine .
VOL. III.
Kkk
A
When the whole of this Enquiry fhall be duly profecuted, and completed, the Number
of theſe Axioms may perhaps be confiderably leffen'd; or included under others more gene-
ral, and a few fure Rules difcovered, for advantageously lengthening the prefent Period of
Life: which we wish were not fo generally looked upon as a Subject beyond the Reach of
Men.
A
DRAUGHT
For the PARTICULAR
HISTORY
OF THE
WIN
N D:
WITH
A VIEW to bring it under the Power of
MAN;
And render it farther ſubſervient to
HUMAN USE S.
K kk 2
437
PREFACE.
T
HE following Hiftory of Winds, has fcarce been more
improved by the Moderns, than the preceding Hiftory of
Life and Death. It should feem as if few entred into the
Nature and Defign of thefe Pieces; Jo as to perceive how
far they are carried; and how they may be farther advanced: and yet
the Author appears to have given ample Directions for the Purpoſe. For
tho he has himself gone great Lengths in theſe particular Hiftories; yet
they are rather intended as larger Examples, to teach Mankind the
Method of Enquiring; than aim at being complete Enquiries them-
Jelves a.
Numerous Obfervations have been made, and Journals kept of the
Wind and the Weather. but even complete Sets of fuch Obfervations
will afford little Inftruction; unless they are regularly tabled, and offered
to the Mind in fome tolerable order. Perhaps it would not be amifs, if
all the Obfervations of this kind were ranged under the following Heads;
or, if theſe be infufficient, under others of the fame general kind; that
their Doctrine might be drawn out, and a better Acquaintanee cultivated
with the Subject. This would be making that Use of the preſent
Uſe
Hiſtory which the Author encourages, and plainly intended.
INTRO-
a No Author has with greater Diligence and Exactnefs, I will not fay enquired into, as taught
others the way of enquiring into this Subject, than the great Lord Verulam, in his Hiftory of
Winds. And tho he there writes hiftorically in many Particulars, I cannot determine whether
they may fafely be relied on. That Man had a vaſt and moſt extenſive Genius; equal, in my O-
pinion, to the full Difcovery of all Nature; had he not been prevented by Civil Affairs. Yet,
notwithstanding his Poft, and Employments, he has fet on foot fuch a Method of Enquiries as
opens the wideft Field to the Labours of others. His fingle Hiftory of Winds fufficiently de-
monftrates his incredible Capacity and Diligence; by the Clue and Direction whereof, infinite
Remarks and Obfervations may be made, appertaining to this Subject. Morhof. in Polyhift,
Tom. II. Cap. 23. de Meteoris Aëreis, pracipue de Ventis, pag. 381.
439
INTRODUCTION.
T
HE Winds may be called the Wings of Mankind; by means where-
of Men fly thro' the Sea, and maintain Traffick and Correfpondence
with all the Parts of the Globe. They are alfo the Sweepers of
Man's Habitation, the Earth; and at the fame time bruſh and cleanſe the
Air about it. On the other Hand, they fometimes tear up and enrage the
Sea, that wou'd otherwife remain quiet or undeſtructive; and have likewiſe
other mischievous Effects. Again, they produce ftrong and violent Mo-
tions, without human Affiftance; and thus, as Servants to Mankind, drive
our Ships, and turn our Mills. They might alfo be applied to abundance
of other ufeful Purpoſes; if Men wou'd exert their Diligence. The Na-
ture of the Winds is ufually reckon'd an occult and fecret Thing; and no
wonder, whilft the Nature and Power of the Air, which the Winds ad-
miniſter to and wait upon; (as in the Language of the Poets, Eclus does
on Juno) remain abfolutely unknown. They are not primary Creatures,
or of the firſt fix days Works, as to their Action; no more than the other
Meteors; but were produced later in the Order of Creation.
A
441
A
DRAUGHT
For the PARTICULAR
HISTORY
OF THE
WIND, &c.
SECT. I.
The Table of Enquiry; or a Set of Heads for the
Particular HISTORY of the WIND: With the
Conduct to be observed in the Profecution.
1.
TITLE
I.
The Names of the Winds.
DIRECTION.
NDER this Title clafs the Winds, with regard to the
Points of the Compafs, or the Method obferved at Sea;
and affign them their feveral Names, antient or modern;
fo as to denote them fixedly and invariably.
2. Winds are either (1.) general, (2.) ftated, (3.) ferving, or (4.) free.
We call thoſe general Winds, which never ceaſe to blow; thoſe ſtated Winds,
which blow only at certain times; thofe ferving Winds, which blow ofteneſt;
and thoſe free Winds, which blow indifferently at all times.
V o L. III.
LII
See this Term explain'd under Seft. V. See alfo below, Title IV.
TITLE
442
The HISTORY of the WIND.
TITLE II.
General Winds.
DIRECTION.
3. Enquire whether there be any general Winds, and genuine Motions.
of the Air itself; and, if there be, in what Series of Motion, and in what
Places they blow.
TITLE III.
Stated Winds.
DIRECTION.
4. Enquire what Winds are annual, and periodical, and in what Coun-
tries; and whether there be any Winds fo preciſely ftated, as to return re-
gularly at certain Days and Hours, like the Tide of the Sea.
TITLE IV.
Serving Winds.
DIRECTION.
5. Enquire what Winds are waiting and familiar, or moſt conſtant to
what Countries; at what times they blow in thofe Countries; which in
the Spring; which in the Summer; which in the Autumn; which in the
Winter; which are Equinoctial; which Solftitial; which blow in the
Morning; which at Noon; which in the Evening; and which at Night.
6. Again, enquire which are Sea-winds; and which blow from the Con-
tinent and exactly obferve the Differences between the Sea and Land-
winds; as well thofe that blow upon, as thofe that blow from the Land
and Sea.
TITLE V.
Free Winds.
DIRECTION.
7. Enquire whether Winds do not blow from all Points of the Heavens.
8. Winds do not differ much more in the Quarters they blow from, than in
their Qualities; fome being ſtrong, others gentle; fome conftant, others
variable;
The HISTORY of the WIND.
443
variable; fome cold, others hot; fome moift, and diffolving, others dry,
and conftringing; fome bringing Clouds, Rain, or Storms; others calm-
ing, and clearing the Air.
TITLE VI.
The different Qualities of Winds.
DIRECTION.
9. Enquire into and give the Hiftory of the feveral Species, or abovemen-
tion'd Differences of Winds; and how they vary, as to Climates and
Countries.
10. There are three local Origins of Winds; as being either, (1.) pre-
cipitated from above; (2.) riſing out of the Earth; or (3.) produced
in the Body of the Air itſelf.
TITLE VII.
The Local Origins of Winds:
DIRECTION.
11. Enquire after the three abovemention'd Origins of Winds ; viz.
(1.) Which of them defcend from that call'd the middle Region of the
Air; (2.) Which breathe from the Caverns of the Earth; whether they
ruſh out boisterous, and in a Body; or eſcape infenfibly, by degrees, and
afterwards roll together, as Rivulets collect into Rivers; (3.) And lastly,
which of them are generated indifferently, in all places, from the fwel-
ling and expanding of the contiguous Air.
fome being ac-
12. But all the Productions of Winds are not Original;
cidental, and proceeding from a Compreffion, Percuffion, and Repercuf-
fion of the Air.
TITLE VIII.
Accidental Generations, or Productions, of Winds.
DIRECTION.
13. Let enquiry be made into all the accidental Generations of Winds: tho
theſe are not proper Generations of Winds; but rather increaſe and
ftrengthen them, than actually produce and excite them.
L112
14. And
© And Sea.
444
The HISTORY of the WIND.
14. And fo much for the Winds that commonly obtain. But befides thefe
there are alfo certain extraordinary Winds, out of the common Courfe; fuch
as fiery Winds, Whirlwinds, ftormy Winds, and Tornados; and theſe rage
above Ground: there are likewife fubterraneous Winds; fome whereof are
vaporous, fultry, and mercurial; as in Mines: others fulphureous and
burst out of Chafms, caus'd by Earthquakes; or rife hot from burning
Mountains.
TITLE IX.
Extraordinary Winds, and fudden Gufts.
DIRECTION.
15. Enquire into all uncommon, monftrous and miraculous kinds of
Winds.
16. From the particular Kinds of Winds, let the Enquiry pafs on to the
Things which contribute to them; or are fuppofed to raiſe or lay them.
TITLE X.
The Things that contribute to Winds; and excite or appease them.
DIRECTION.
17. The Enquiry fhou'd not run out into Aftrological Confiderations
about the Winds; nor Accuracies as to the Horofcope of the Heavens :
only the more manifeſt Obfervations of the Winds increaſing at the rifing of
certain Stars, or the Eclipfing of the Luminaries, or the Conjunctions of
the Planets, are not to be neglected : and remark how far they depend up-
on the Courfe of the Sun or Moon.
18. Enquire what the different kinds of Meteors contribute to the Winds;
what Earthquakes contribute ; what Showers; and what the meeting of
Winds together: for thefe Things hang in a Chain, and draw in each other.
19. Enquire what a diverſity of Vapours and Exhalations contributes to
Winds; and which Kinds of them are the more productive of Winds; and
how far the nature of Winds depends upon theſe their Materials.
20. Enquire what thofe Things contribute or make to Winds, which are
found upon the Earth; what the Mountains contribute, and the diffolving
of Snow upon their Tops; what thofe huge Maffes of Ice which float, and
are carried about in the Sea; what the difference of Soil, or any large
Tracts of Land, as Marfhes, Sands, Woods, Champaigns, &c. Again,
enquire what thofe Things contribute which are performed by human A-
gency;
as the burning of Heath, Fuzzes, &c. for the improvement of
Land; the burning of Corn, or Villages, as in Wars; the Draining of
marſhy Lands; the continual diſcharging of Cannon; the ringing of nume-
rous
The HISTORY of the WIN d.
445
rous Bells together, as in great Cities, &c. 'Tis true, thefe are finaller
Matters; but they may have ſome Effect.
21. Enquire into all the Ways of raifing and laying the Winds; tho
fparingly as to any of the fabulous or fuperftitious Methods of doing it.
22. From hence let the Enquiry pafs on to the Limitations of the Winds,
in Height, Extenfion, and Duration.
TITLE XI.
The Limitations of the Winds.
DIRECTION.
23. Let diligent Enquiry be made as to the Height, or Elevation, of the
Winds; and if there be any Tops of Mountains where the Winds blow
not; or if the Clouds fometimes appear motionleſs and ſtationary, at the
fame time that the Winds are blowing ftrong upon the Earth.
24. Enquire carefully into the Space which the Winds are found at once
to poffefs, and within what Bounds they keep. For Example, fuppoſe the
South Wind ſhould blow in a certain Place; enquire whether the North Wind
actually blow at the fame time, ten Miles from that Place. And again, enquire
into how narrow a Compaſs the Winds may be reduced, whilſt they run,
as it were, thro' Pipes; which they feem to do in fome kinds of Whirlwinds.
25. Enquire how long Winds ufually continue in their greateft, mean,
or ſmalleſt Duration, before they flacken, and as it were expire again; in
what manner they rife and begin; and in what manner they languiſh and
ceafe; whether of a fudden, by degrees, or how.
26. From theſe Limits of the Winds, let the Enquiry proceed to
their Succeffions; either among themfelves, or with regard to Rain and
Showers for as all Winds and Rain lead up each other, it would be a plea-
fure to know what Order they dance in.
:
TITLE XII.
The Succeffions of the Winds.
DIRECTION.
27. Enquire whether there be any Rule, or certain Obſervation, as to
the Order in which the Winds fucceed one another; and whether it be
conformable to the Sun's Motion, or otherwife; and however it be, to dif
cover the Fact.
28. Enquire concerning the Succeffion and Interchance of Winds and
Rain: fince it is ufual for Rain to allay the Winds; and for the Winds to
keep up and diffipate Rain.
29. Obferve
446
The HISTORY of the WIND.
29.
Obferve whether the Succeffion of the Winds is renewed after a certain
period of Years; and, if fo, to find what that Period is.
30. From the Order of Succeffion, let the Enquiry glide on to the
Motions of the Winds. The Motions of the Winds branch themfelves into
ſeven diftinct Enquiries; three whereof are contained in the preceding Arti-
ticles; and four remain hitherto untouched: for we have already mention'd,
(1.) That Motion of them, which regards the Points of the Compafs they
blow from. (2.) Their Motion in the three Lines of Direction, upwards,
downwards, and fidewife. (3.) Their accidental Motion by Compreffion;
fo that there remains, (4.) Their progreffive Motion. (5.) Their undula-
tory Motion. (6.) Their impinging Motion. And, (7.) Their Motion in
Organs, and Machines of human Invention.
TITLE XIII.
Different Motions of the Winds.
DIRECTION.
31. As Progreffion always begins from a certain Point; let a very care-
ful Enquiry be made into the Place of the primary Rife, or, as it were,
firft Fountain of the Winds: for Winds refemble Fame; and tho they
tumultuate and blufter every where, yet hide their Heads among the Clouds.
Again, enquire into their Progreſs itfelf: for Example, if a trong North
Wind blew, upon a certain Day and Hour, at York; fuppofe it fhould, two
Days afterwards be found to blow at London, &c.
32. The Enquiry into the Undulation of the Winds must not be omitted.
We call that Motion the Undulation of the Winds, wherein a Wind, for a
finall Space, increaſes and flackens, or fwells and falls again, like the Waves
of the Sea; the Reciprocation whereof is known from the Sound they make
in Buildings. And the Differences of this Undulation, or Rifing and Fal-
ling, betwixt the Air and Water, muſt be the more carefully obſerved;
becauſe the Air and Winds have not that great Motion of Gravity, which
is the chief Cauſe of the Undulation in Waters.
as
33. Let the Enquiry be carefully purfued, with regard to the impinging,
or meeting of ftrong Winds together; and blowing at the fame time:
firft, whether many original Winds may blow, and dafh againſt one another
at once; and, if this happen, what Reciprocation it caufes in the Mo-
tion and again, what Condenſations and Alterations it produces in the
Body of the Air.
34. Enquire whether fome Winds do not blow at the fame time above,
that others blow below: for Clouds have been fometimes obferved to move
in a contrary Direction to that of the Weather-cock; and fometimes to be
driven brifkly, whilft there was a perfect Calm near the Surface of the
Earth.
2
35. Let
The HISTORY of the WIN D.
447
35. Let a very exact, careful, and particular Defcription be made of the
Motion of the Winds in the failing of Ships.
36. Defcribe the Motion of the Winds in the Sails of Wind mills, the
Flight of Hawks, and other Birds; and even in the common Phænomena
and Diverſions; as the hoifting of Flags and Streamers; the flying of
Paper-Kites; fighting of Battles by the Wind, &c. And now, from the
Motions, let the Enquiry pafs on to the Force and Powers of the Winds.
TITLE XIV.
The Powers of the Winds.
DIRECTION.
37. Enquire what Effects the Winds may have upon the Tides and Currents;
as to keeping them out, driving them in, and caufing them to overflow.
38. Enquire their Effect upon Vegetables and Infects; as to their bring-
ing in of Locufts, Canker-worms, Mill-dews, Blights, Blafts, &c.
d
39. Enquire their Effects, as to purging and infecting the Air; the pro-
ducing of Peftilences, Difeafes, and Diſorders in Animals.
40. Enquire into their manner of conveying thoſe called ſpiritual Species;
as Sounds, Emiffions, Light, &c.
41. From thefe Powers of the Winds, let the Enquiry defcend to the
Prognofticks of Winds; not only for the Ufe of Predictions, but on
account of their leading up to Caufes for Prognofticks either difcover the
Preparation of Things, before they come into Action; or their Beginnings,
before they become manifeft to the Senfes.
TITLE XV.
Prefages or Prognofticks of Winds.
DIRECTION.
42. Let great Diligence be ufed to collect all the kinds of Prognofli-
cations of Winds, except thofe of an aftrological Nature; with regard to
which we have above laid down our Directions: otherwife they may be
derived from Meteors, Waters, the Inftinct of Animals, and many other
things.
43. Laftly, Let the whole Enquiry be clofed by fearching into Methods
of imitating the Winds, for natural as well as artificial Purpoles.
TITLE
a Viz. The ſcattering abroad, and fowing the Seeds of Vegetables; in different
Places, c.
← See Dr. Derham's Paper upon the Motion of Sounds, in the Philofophical Tranſactions.
f
£ § 17.
448
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The ancient
TITLE XVI.
Imitations of Winds.
DIRECTION.
44. Enquire into the Imitations of Winds in natural Subjects; fuch are
the Flatulencies in animal Bodies; and the Puffings, or Diſploſions of Sub-
jects in chemical Diftillations.
45. To conclude; Let Enquiry be made into factitious and artificial Winds,
Gales, and Fannings; as by Bellows, Refrigeratories, or Cool-Rooms, &c.
46. Such are the Heads requifite to a particular History of the Winds; but
we expect not that our prefent Stock of Experience fhould be able to anſwer
them all. However, as in Trials at Law, a good Lawyer knows how to
put fuch Queſtions as the Cafe requires; but knows not what the Witneffes
will anſwer: fo we can proceed no otherwife in the grand Caufe betwixt
Nature and Mankind; and muft leave Pofterity to fee the Iffue &.
SECT. II.
The Hiſtory of the Appellations of the WINDS; af-
figning to each a proper, fixed, and determinate Name;
in profecution of the first Article of the Table of
Enquiry.
I.
Fo
OR the fake of Clearnefs, and to help the Memory, we would enu-
Names of the
Winds prefer-
merate and range the Winds, rather according to their natural Or-
ved.
der and Degrees, than under the Names and Method affigned them by
Antiquity. We fhall, however, annex their ancient Names, that the ancient
Authors from whom we have borrowed many Particulars (tho without
trufting to them) may be the readier confulted.
The general
Divifion of
the Winds.
2. And for the general Division of the Winds; let thofe be termed,
(1.) Cardinal Winds, which blow from the four Quarters, or Cardinal Points.
of the World; thofe, (2.) Semi-cardinal, which blow in the middle between
the former; and thoſe, (3.) Median, which blow any where betwixt the
others: but of theſe Median Winds, let thoſe be called, (4.) the Greater
Medians, that blow in the Quarters; and all the reft be termed, (5.) the '
Leffer Median Winds.
3. The
8 Theſe Articles are not fully fpoke to in the following Enquiry; and indeed the Whole,
however great in itſelf, fhould be efteemed as little more than the Out-lines of a Natural
Hiftory of the Wind; that wants to be filled up by future Labour, Experiments, and
Obfervations.
See l'arenii Geographia, Cap. 20. and 2 1.
The HISTORY of the WIND.
449
3. The particular Divifion of the Winds is expreffed by the following Their particu
Table.
ATABLE fhewing the particular Divifions of the WINDS;
regard to the Mariner's Compass.
ORTH.
North and by Eaſt.
I.
2.
N°
3. North-North-Eaft.
4. North-Eaſt and by North.
5. North-Eaft.
6. North-Eaft and by Eaft.
7. Eaft-North-Eaft.
8. Eaft and by North.
1. EAST.
2. Eaft and by South.
3. Eaft-South-Eaft.
4. South-Eaſt and by Eaſt.
5. South-Eaſt.
6. South-Eaſt and by South.
7. South-South-Eaft.
8. South and by Eaft.
1. SOUTH.
2. South and by Weſt.
VOL. III.
~
I.
A Cardinal Point.
with
The North Wind one Point to the Eaft.
The North Wind two Points to the Eaſt.
A greater Median Wind; anciently
called Aquilo.
The North Wind three Points to the East
anciently called Meſes.
A Semi-cardinal Wind; or North four
Points to the Eaſt.
Or, North five Points to the Eaft.
Or, North fix Points to the East. A
greater Median Wind; anciently
called Cacias.
Or, North feven Points to the Eaſt.
II.
SA Cardinal Wind; anciently called Sub-
2 folanus.
{
A
Or, Eaft one Point to the South.
Or, Eaft two Points to the South.
greater Median Wind; anciently called
Vulturnus.
Or, Eaft three Points to the South.
A Semi-cardinal Wind. Or, Eaft four
Points to the South.
Or, Eaft five Points to the South.
Or, Eaft fix Points to the South.
{ greater » Median
{
A
greater Median Wind; anciently
called Phanicias.
Or, Eaſt ſeven Points to the South.
III.
A Cardinal Wind; anciently called No-
tus or Auſter.
Or, South one Point to the Weft.
Mm m
3. South-
lar Division.
450
The HISTORY of the WIND.
3. South-South-Weft.
4. South-Weft and by South.
5. South-Weft.
6. South-Weft and by Weſt.
7. Weft-South-Weft.
S. Weft and by South.
1. WEST.
2. Weft and by North.
3. Weft-North-Weft.
4. North-Weft and by Weſt.
5. North-Weft.
6. North-Weſt and by North.
7. North North-Weſt.
8. North and by Weſt.
Sor,
Or, South two Points to the Weft. A
greater Median Wind; anciently called
Libonotus.
Or, South three Points to the Weſt.
Or, South four Points to the Weft. A
Semi-cardinal Wind; anciently called
Libs.
Or, South five Points to the Weft.
Or, South fix Points to the Weſt. A
greater Median Wind; anciently called
Africus.
Or, South feven Points to the Weft.
IV.
A Cardinal Wind, anciently called Favonius.
Or, Weft one Point to the North.
A greater Median Wind. Or, Weft two
Points to the North; and anciently
called Gorus.
Or, Weft three Points to the North.
SA Semi-cardinal Wind. Or, Weft four
{
Points to the North.
SOr, Weft five Points to the North; and
anciently called Thraſcias.
Or, Weft fix Points to the North. A
greater Median Wind; anciently called
Circius.
Or, Weſt ſeven Points to the North.
4. There are, befides thefe, other ancient Names of Winds; as Apelio-
tes, Argeftes, Olympias, Sciron, Hellefpontius, Iapyx, &c. but we pay little
regard to them; 'tis fufficient to have given fix'd Appellations to the fe-
veral Winds in the regular Order and Divifion of the Horizon for we lay
no Streſs upon the underſtanding of Authors; as Authors contain but very
little to our Purpoſe.
SECT.
The HISTORY of the WIND.
451
SECT. III.
Of Free and General WINDS; with regard to the fecond
and fifth Articles of the Table of Enquiry.
I.
TH
HERE is no Point of the Heavens, but a Wind may
from it; fo that if the Heavens were divided into as
Points as there are Degrees in the Horizon, there will, one time or
be found Winds blowing from each.
blow Winds may
many the Points of
other, the Heavens.
Countries
without
2. There are fome whole Countries where it never rains, or at moſt very Somet Rain.
feldom; but none where the Winds do not blow; and that frequently.
the Tropicks.
3. There are few Phænomena obferved of General Winds; and no won- General Winds
der, as thefe Winds are principally found within the Tropicks, where chiefly chiefly within
lie the Places condemned by the Ancients for uninhabitable. But thoſe who
fail in the open Sea, between the Tropicks, obſerve a Wind, or Breeze, con-
tinually blowing from Eaſt to Weft; which is not fo gentle, but that partly
by its own Motion, and partly by affecting the Current of the Sea, it ren-
ders it impoffible for Ships to return towards Peru, the fame way they came.
4. In our European Seas, there is obferved (when the Heavens are clear A Breeze fol-
and ferene, and no particular Winds ſtirring) a certain gentle Breeze, breath-lowing the Sun
in the Europe-
ing from the Eaft, and following the Sun.
an Seas.
5. 'Tis found by common Obfervation, that the higher Clouds gene- The Motion of
rally move from Eaſt to Weft; and this even at the fame time when there the higher
is Calm, or a Wind blowing in a contrary Direction, near the Surface of Clouds.
the Earth. And if this prove not always the Cafe, the Reafon may be
owing to particular Winds, fometimes blowing above; fo as to diftarb, or
over-power this General Wind.
ADMONITION.
out of the
Tropicks.
If there be any fuch general Wind, proceeding from the Order of the Mo- Directions for
tion of the Heavens, it is not ftrong enough to refift the particular Winds. difcovering the
And fuch a Wind becomes more manifeft within the Tropicks, by reafon general Winds
of the larger Circles it there has to move in; and alfo high up, for the
fame reafon; and to enjoy the freer Courfe. Therefore, whoever would
endeavour to diſcover this Wind without the Tropicks, and near the Earth's
Surface (where it breathes but fmall and foft) let him make the Experiment
in the open and free Air, in the greateft Calms, and higheſt Places; and
that with a very moveable Body; and towards the Evening; becauſe at this
time the particular Eaft Wind blows lefs.
Mmm 2
PRE-
That is, fuppofing, for Example, the Horizon divided into 360 Degrees; as all
Circles are by Mathematicians.
2
452
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Weather cocks
PRECEPT.
Let a careful Obfervation be made of the Weather-cock, Vanes, Stream-
to be obſerved. ers, and the like, on the Tops of Steeples, high Edifices, Ships, &c. in
order to determine whether, in the greateſt Calms, they do not always
Whence the
Weft Wind
more beneficial
than the East.
Whether the
Sea moves
from East to
Miest.
Indirect Phœ-
tend to the Weft.
Indirect Phænomena.
6. 'Tis matter of Obfervation, that the Eaft Wind in Europe is a fharp
and drying Wind; but the Weſt Wind, on the contrary, moiſt and fa-
vourable. Does not this proceed from hence, that, upon a Suppofition of
the Air's Motion from Eaft to Weft, the Eaft Wind, which goes alfo in
that Direction, neceffarily rarifies, and drives the Air before it, fo as to
make it more dry and predatory; whereas the Weft Wind, which moves
in a contrary Direction, condenfes, and turns the Air back upon itſelf;
from whence it becomes lefs fharp or cutting, and afterwards moiſtening?
7. Confult the Enquiry of the Motion of the Tides *, to diſcover whether
the Waters move from Eaft to Weft: for if the Heavens, and the Waters,
which are the Extremities of the Air, have this Motion; 'tis highly pro-
bable that the Air itfelf, which lies between them, participates of it likewife.
ADMONITIONS.
(1.) The two preceding Phenomena we call indirect; 38 not pointing out
nomena,what. the thing immediately, but confequentially: and this is a kind of Phæno-
mena which we willingly admit and receive; in defect of sufficient Stock
of direct ones.
Conjectures at (2.) 'Tis certain Fact, that there blows a conftant, manifet Breeze be-
she Causes of tween the Tropicks; but the Cauſe thereof is doubtful. It may be owing
the constant
Breeze with to this; that the Air, as we before obferved, moves in the direction of the
in the Tropicks. Heavens; but lefs perceptibly without the Tropicks, becauſe of the ſmaller
Circles there. Another Reaſon may be this; that all Air is expanded
by Heat; and, by this Expanfion, the contiguous Air is of neceffity
impell❜d, fo as to create that conftant Breeze; whilft the Sun holds on its
Courfe but this Expanſion muſt be more confiderable within the Tropicks,
where the Sun is hotteft; and again, but fmall without them, where 'tis
colder. It might feem a Crucial Inftance for folving this Difficulty, were it
but known, whether this Breeze continues by Night, or not; becauſe the
Rotation of the Air continues by Night, tho the Heat of the Sur does not.
(3.) Now 'tis certain this Breeze comes not in the Night; but in the
Morning, or fome time after the Sun is up. Yet this Inftance does not de-
termine
This Breeze
ceaſes by
Night.
* See the Novum Organum, Part II.
See Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. XXXVI.
The HISTORY of the WIND₂
453
termine the Point; becauſe the nocturnal Condenfation of the Air, efpecial-
ly in fuch Places where the Day and Night are as different in Heat and
Coldneſs, as they are equal in their Lengths, may check and confound this
natural but gentle Motion ".
quence, if the
(4.). If the Air participate of the Motion of the Heavens; it follows, The Confe-
not only that the Faft Wind coincides with, whilft the Weft Wind op- ir moves
pofes, the Motion of the Air; but alſo, that the North Wind blows, as it with the
were from above; and the South Wind as from below, in our Hemi- Heavens.
ſphere; where the South Pole is depreffed, and the North Pole elevated
above the Horizon. And this Obſervation was made by the Ancients, tho
with uncertainty and obfcurity: but it excellently agrees with modern Ex-
perience; becauſe the conftant Breeze we fpeak of, which may be a Motion
of the Air, is not due Eaſt, but North-easterly ".
SECT. IV.
Of Stated WINDS with regard to the third Article of
the Table of Enquiry.
As
TRANSITION.
S the Minds of Men feem to have been dark in the Enquiry about ge- The Subject of
neral Winds; fo, in that of ſtated Winds they feem to have been stated Winds.
tread unfled
giddy: for of the former they fay nothing; and of the latter they talk very g.
dily.
ramblingly. But this is the more pardonable, becauſe the thing itſelf is
variable; fince ftated Winds change with the Place, fo as not to blow the
fame, for instance, in Egypt, Greece, and Italy.
1. That there are ſtated Winds in fome Place or other, may appear from Etefian or
the very Name; and again, from that other Appellation of Etefian, or anniversary
Anniversary Winds.
Winds.
the Nile impu-.
ted to the Ete-
fian Winds.
2. One Cauſe of the overflowing of the Nile, was antiently made the Overflowing of
blowing of the Etefian, or northerly Winds, at that time of the Year; fo
as to prevent the Courſe of the River into the Sea, and drive it backwards.
3. There are Currents found in the Sea, which can neither be attributed to
the natural Motion of the Ocean, nor to the Declivity of more elevated Parts, ing to ſtated.
nor to the Straitnefs of oppofite Shores, nor to Promontories running out Winds.
into the Sea; but are plainly governed by stated Winds,
Currents ow-
4. Thoſe who will not allow Columbus to have conceived fo certain and The Discovery
fixed an Opinion of the Weft-Indies, from the Relation of a Spanish Pilot, of the Weft.
Indies fuppofed
yet think it trifling for him to have formed it upon the obfcure Traces. and owing to these.
Rumours Windso
m See the Appendix to Dr. Jurin's Edition of Varenius, Pag. 31-39.
Some Additions might be made to this Section, from Mr. Bohun's Difcourfe concerning the
Origin and Properties of Winds. Printed at Oxford An. 1671. See Pag. 68—100, s.
454
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Stated Winds
from Snowy
Mountains.
And marshy
Grounds.
From periodi-
cal Vapours.
Stated Winds
from far.
Do not blow
Rumours of Antiquity, pretend he conjectured there must be a Continent to
the Weft, from the Jiated Winds on the Coaft of Portugal. And tho this be
an uncertain and fomewhat improbable thing; fince the Courfe of thoſe
Winds can scarce be kept for fo great a Diftance; yet it derives Honour to
the prefent Enquiry, if the Discovery of a new World be owing to one Axiom,
or Obfervation, of the many it contains.
5. Wherever there are high Mountains covered with Snow; stated Winds
blow from that Quarter at the time the Snow diffolves.
6. We fufpect alfo, that stated Winds may blow from great Tracts of
Marfh-land, overflow'd in the Winter; and this about fuch time as the Sun
begins to dry up the Water: but of this we have no ſettled Obſervation.
7. Wherever Vapours are generated in great abundance, and this at
certain Times; ftated Winds are there found to rife, at thofe Times.
8. When stated Winds blow in any Place, and their Cauſe be not found
near at hand; fuch ftated Winds must be deemed foreign, and to come.
from far.
9. 'Tis obferved, that stated Winds blow not in the Night; but riſe about
in the Night. three Hours after the Sun is up: whence they feem to be fo weakened,
or, as it were, tired with a long Journey, that they can ſcarce break thro'
the nocturnal Condenfation of the Air; but are again quickened and re-
cover'd a little after Sun-rifing.
Generally
weak.
The stated
Winds of Eu-
rope.
The Bird-
Winds.
known.
10. All stated Winds are weak, except they blow from Places near at
hand; and ever yield to the Winds that rife of a ſudden.
11. There are many stated Winds which we do not perceive, or obferve,
by reaſon of their Weakneſs; as being fuppreffed, or over-powered, by the
free Winds and are therefore fcarce found in the Winter, when the free
Winds are moſt abroad; but rather towards the Summer, when fuch
wandering Winds are ftiller.
12. In Europe, the principal stated Winds are, (1.) Northerly Winds, from
the Solftice; and thefe both precede and follow the Rife of the Dog-ſtar;
(2.) the WeftWinds, from the autumnal Equinox; and, (3.) the Eaft Winds,
from the vernal: but for the Winter Solſtice, 'tis not much to be regarded,
becauſe of the Changes and Alterations whereto the Winter is fubject.
13. The Bird-Winds, (fo called on account of their bringing Birds from
cold Regions beyond the Sea, into warmer) have no relation to stated Winds;
becauſe they often deceive in point of Time: but let them blow fooner or
later, the Birds wait for them; and frequently, after thefe Winds begin
to blow, they again fall off, and fail the Birds, which thence drop into the
Sea, and ſometimes upon Ships.
The Returns of 14. There is hitherto diſcovered no way of predicting the Return of the
the Winds not Winds, to a certain Day and Hour; as there is in the Cafe of the
Tides fome Writers indeed, now and then fix a Day for their return; but
they do this rather from conjecture than certain Obſervations *.
SECT.
• Confult Bohun's Difcourfe of Winds
The HISTORY of the WIND.
455
SECT. V.
Of Serving WINDS; with regard to the fourth Article
of the Table of Enquiry.
TH
TRANSITION.
HIS Term of Serving Winds we have coined, to the end that Ob- Serving Winds
ſervations about them may not be loft; or confounded along with what.
others. Our meaning is this. Divide, for Example, the Year into three,
four, or five Parts, in whatever Country; and if any Wind blow there for
two, three, or four of theſe Parts; and a contrary Wind but for one Part;
then the Wind which blows ofteneft we call the Serving or Waiting Wind of
that Country. And the like may be underſtood of the Weather.
1. The South and North Winds are the Serving Winds of the World; for South and
thefe, and their Divifions, blow more frequently over all the Globe, than North Winds
the Eaft and Weft Winds, with their Divifions.
the Serving
Winds of the
2. All the free Winds wait more upon the Winter than the Summer; Globe.
but principally upon the Autumn and the Spring.
Autumn.
And without
The free Winds
3. All the free Winds wait more upon the Regions without the Tropicks attend, chiefly,
and polar Circles, than within them: for they generally blow little in the the Spring and
Torrid and Frigid Zones; but frequently in the Temperate.
4. So, likewife, all the free Winds, eſpecially the ſtrongeſt of them, blow the Tropicks.
oftener, and more violently; in the Morning and Evening, than at Noon Strongest at
and Night.
5. The free Winds are obferved to blow more frequent in fuch Countries
as lie hollow and cavernous, than in fuch as are more firm and folid P.
ADMONITION.
Morning and
Evening.
Moft frequent
in cavernous
Countries.
Men have taken very little Pains to obferve thefe Serving Winds in parti- The Coldness
cular Countries; but if the Thing were done, it would be uſeful in many of Newfound-
reſpects. Upon afking a certain intelligent Merchant, who was Mafter of a land, whence.
Colony in Newfoundland, and had wintered there himſelf, the Reaſon why
that Country was reputed fo extremely cold, beyond what the Climate pro-
mifed? he replied, the Fact was not altogether fo true as reported; but
that the Caufes were two: the one, that the huge Maffes of Ice brought
down by the Currents from the frozen Sea, paffed along the Shores;
the other, which he judged abundantly the more confiderable, was, that
the Weft Wind there, blows for a much greater part of the Year than the
Eaft; as it does alfo, fays he, in England; but at the Fishery it blows cold
from
See hereafter, Sect. VII. 9, 10, &c.
456
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Weft Wind
attends the
Afternoon.
The South, the
Night.
The Serving
Winds at Sea,
differ from
those of the
Continent.
The Waiting
Winds
Peru
at
Sea Winds
purer than
from the Continent; whereas, in England, it blows warm from the Sea:
but, continues be, if the Eaft Wind blew fo often, and fo long in England
as the Weft Wind does at the Fishery; the Cold in England would be much.
more intenfe, and equal, perhaps, to what it is there.
6. The Weft Wind is the Attendant of the Afternoon; as generally
blowing whilft the Sun defcends from the Meridian: but this the Eaft
Wind does much feldomer.
7. The South Wind waits upon the Night; as often rifing and blowing
ſtrongly at that time: but the North Wind tends more upon the Day.
8. There are many and great Differences between the Serving Winds of
the Sea, and thofe of the Continent; efpecially in the Particular which is
faid to have given Columbus the Hint for difcovering the West-Indies; viz.
that the Sea-Winds are not ſtated, as the Land- Winds generally are.
For as
the Sea abounds with Vapours, which are in a manner prefent indifferently;
Winds are alſo there generated indifferently, and blow every way, with
great inconftancy; as having no certain Origins or Fountains: whilft the
Earth is very unequally provided of the Matter of Winds; fome Parts of
its Surface being well fitted for producing and increafing them; but others
not; whence they here commonly blow from the Place of their Origin;
and thence obtain their Direction.
9. Acofta feerns to differ from himfelf, when he fays, in one place, that
the South Winds blow during almoft the whole Year in Peru, and along
the Coaſts of the South-Sea; but, in another place, that the Sea-Winds
principally blow along thofe Shores: for the South Wind there, is a Land
Wind; fo likewiſe are the North and the Eaſt, whilft only the Weſt is a
Sea-Wind in thofe Parts. He feems exacteft in the first cafe; viz. that the
South is a Waiting Wind, and there familiar; unleſs perhaps from the Name
of the South-Sea, he either conceived wrong, or expreffed himfelf impro-
perly, and by South meant the Weft Wind; becauſe this blows from the
South-Sea. But the Sea called the South-Sea, is not properly a South Sea;
but, as it were, a fecond Western Ocean, ftretching in a like Direction with
the Atlantick.
10. Sea-Winds are doubtless moister than Land-Winds, yet purer; and
fuch as eaſier and more equably mix with a pure Air: for Land-Winds are
Land Winds. ill compounded and fmoaky. Nor let it be objected, that Sea-Winds are
groffer, becaufe of the Saltnefs of the Sea; for the terreftrial Nature of the
Šalt does not fuffer it to riſe in Vapour.
How rendered
11. Sea-Winds are warm or cold, according as they participate of the
warm or cold. two Qualities juſt now mentioned; viz. Humidity and Purity. By their
Humidity they mitigate the Force of Cold; (for Drynefs increaſes both Cold
and Heat:) and again, they cool by their, Purity; whence, without the
Tropicks they are warm, but within thein cold.
4 See Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold, paffim.
* See hereafter, Set. VII.
12.
The HISTORY of the WIND.
457
12. We judge that the Sea Winds are every where the Serving Winds of Sea Winds the
particular Countries; efpecially on the Coafts as Winds oftneft blow from Serving Winds
the Sea, by reafon of the much greater ftock of Matter thence fupplied of Countries.
to them than by the Land; unless any Stated Wind fhould thro' fome particu-
lar Cauſe, chance to blow from the Land. And let not Stated Winds be con-
founded with Waiting Winds; for Waiting Winds ever blow ofteneft; but
Stated Winds generally feldom; tho this they both have in common with
other Winds, that they blow from the Place where they are generated.
13. Sea Winds are generally ftronger than Land Winds; yet, when they sea Winds
ceafe, the Calm is greater out at Sea than near the Shore: infomuch that stronger than
Sailors ſometimes chufe to keep within the Winds of the Coaſt, rather than Land Winds.
venture out; to avoid being becalmed.
14. Recurrent Winds blow from the Sea to the Shore; that is, fuch Recurrent
Winds as after having gone forwards for a while, turn back fuddenly. And Winds, what
this feems owing to a certain Refraction, and Inequality, between the Breezes and whence.
of the Sea, and thoſe of the Land; for all Inequality of the Air is the
beginning of a Wind. But thefe Recurrent and Variable Winds chiefly
happen in Bays of the Sea.
15. There are Breezes generally found about all great Waters; efpecially Breezes found
in the Morning: but more about Rivers than at Sea, by reafon of the dif- about Waters.
ference betwixt the Breezes of the Land, and thofe of the Water.
16. Trees growing near the Sea-fhore, are generally obferved to bend a- Why Trees bend
way from the Sea Breezes; as if they had fome Antipathy thereto : but this from the Sea
feems owing to the Humidity and Denfity of fuch Breezes; which renders Breezes.
them more ponderous and powerful.
SECT. VI.
in profe-
Of the Qualities and Powers of the WINDS
cution of the fixth and fourteenth Articles of the Table
of Enquiry.
M
TRANSITION.
EN have fhewn little Diligence, and Curioſity, in obferving the Qua-
lities, and Powers, of the Winds. We fhall here only felect fuch
Particulars relating thereto, as are more ftable and certain; leaving the
lighter to the Mercy of the Winds.
1. The South-Wind, with us, brings Rain; and the North, fair Wea- The South
ther. The former gathering and foftering the Clouds; the latter diffipating
Wind rainy.
and difperfing them. Whence the Poets, when they defcribe the Deluge,
feign the North Wind at that time imprifon'd; and the South-Wind fent
out with a very extenſive Commiffion.
VOL. III.
Non
2. The
458
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Weft Wind
favourable
The Paracel-
2. The Weft Wind is eſteemed the Wind of the Golden Age; the Com-
panion of perpetual Spring; and the Cherither of Flowers.
3. The School of Paracelfus, fecking a Place for their three Principles in
fifts reject the the Temple of Juno, that is, the Air, have nicht the South, the North,
Eaft Wind.
and the Weft; but excluded the Eaſt
The Eaft Wind 4. In England, we take the Eaft for a pernicious Wind: whence our
accounted per- common Saying, Eaft is neither good for Man nor Beaft.
nicious.
tial Differences
5. The South Wind blows after the Sun has been prefent; but the North
The more effen- Wind, after the Sun has been abfent in our Hemiſphere: the Eaſt Wind, in
of the Winds. the fame Direction with the Air's Motion; but the Weft Wind always con-
trary thereto the Weft Wind, from the Sea; the Eaft, generally, from the
Continent, in Europe and the weſtern Parts of Afia. And theſe are the more
effential Differences of the Winds; upon which moſt of their Powers and
Qualities depend.
The South
6. The South Wind is lefs anniverſary, and ſtated, than the North; as
Wind lefs fa- alfo more variable and free: and when become ſtated, 'tis fo gentle as to
ted than the be ſcarce perceptible.
North.
The South
Wand blows
Z
7. The South Wind blows lower, and more laterally; but the North
Wind higher, and proceeds from above. This we mean not of the Eleva-
r than the tion and Depreffion of the Pole above-mentioned; but that the South
Wind has its Origin generally nearer the Earth, and the North Wind farther
up from it.
North,
The South a
8. Tho the South Wind brings Rain with us, yet it brings fair Weather
fair Wind, in in Africa, and cauſes great Heats; Africa, however, is tolerably wholfome:
but if the South Wind, with us, continue blowing fair Weather, without
Rain, for a confiderable time, it proves very peftilential.
Africa.
The South and
Weft Winds,
9. The South and Weft Winds generate no Vapours; but only blow from
thofe Quarters where the greatest Quantity of Vapours is collected by the
whence rainy. Increaſe of the Sun's Heat, which raifes Vapours; and therefore thefe are
rainy Winds but if they proceed from dry Places, that are free from Va-
pours, they blow fair Weather; tho along with their Purity they are fome-
times fultry.
The Agreement
betwixt the
South and
Weft; and
North and
Eaft Winds.
The South and
¿
10. The South and Weft Winds, with us in England, feem Confederates;
being both of them warm and moiſt: on the other hand, the North and
Eaft Winds feem related; as both of them are cold and dry..
II. The North and South Winds blow oftener, as we touch'd above,
than the Eaft and Weft; becaufe of the great Inequality of Vapours in
the North and South Parts, occafioned there by the abfence and prefence
of the Sun, which is, as it were, neutral or indifferent to the Eaft and
Weft.
12. The South Wind from the Sea is very wholfome; but more un-
North Wind healthy from the Continent: on the contrary, the North Wind from the Sea
from the Sea. is to be fufpected; but from the Land it is wholfome. Again, the South
Wind
$ Tincturis liquidum qui Mercurialibus Auftrum,
Divitis & Zephyri rorantes Sulphure venas,
Et Boream trifti rigidum Sale.
The HISTORY of the WIND.
459
}
Wind blowing from the. Sea is very beneficial to Fruits and Plants; driving
away
Mildews, Blafts and the like, from them.
13. A gentle South Wind does not greatly collect Clouds; but often A South Wind
proves ferene; eſpecially if it be of fhort continuance: but if it blow rough, Serene.
or long, it caufes a cloudy Sky, and brings on Rain; tho it does this ra
ther when it ceafes or begins to fall, than when it firft rifes, or continues in
its ftrength.
14. The South Wind, both in rifing and falling, generally caufes a Causes change
change of Weather; as from ferene to cloudy; or from hot to cold: on of Weather.
the contrary, the North Wind often rifes and falls again, without altering
the former ftate of the Weather.
15. After Frofts, or long continued Snows, fcarce any other Wind blows Blows after
befides the South; or if a Concoction were now made of the frozen Mat- Froft.
ters, which thus refolve: yet Rain does not always follow hereupon; for
there are ſome ferene Thaws.
16. The South Wind rifes oftener, and blows ftronger, by night than by The South
day; eſpecially in winter Nights: but the North Wind, if contrary to its Wind ftrongest
cuſtom, it ſhould rife by night, feldom continues above three Days.
by Night.
17. Greater Waves roll to the Shore when the South Wind, than when North Winds
the North Wind blows; tho they were both to blow with equal Force, or
even the South Wind weakeft.
make largest
Waves.
Effects of the
Sh and
North Wind,
on the appear-
ance of the
18. When the South Wind blows, the Sea appears blue, or more bright;
but when the North Wind blows, it appears blacker and darker.
19. When the Air grows warm of a fudden, it fometimes denotes Rain;
and, on the contrary, a cold Gale fometimes does the fame: but this fol
lows according to the Nature of the Wind; for if the Air grow warm Sea.
with a South or Eaft Wind, it foretels Rain at hand; and fo likewife, Rain how fore-
when it grows cold with a North or Weft Wind.
told
20. The South Wind generally blows by itſelf, and unattended; but the The tuma.tu-
North Wind, eſpecially that which is fix Points to the Eaft, and the Weft ary wind..
two Points to the North, are often attended with other different and con-
trary Winds; whence they are refifted, and rendered tumultuary.
pernicious in
Husbandry.
to
21. The North Wind is to be avoided in the Sowing of Seed; and the North Winds
South Wind in the Bufinefs of inoculating and engrafting.
22. The Leaves of Trees fooneft fall off on the South fide; but Vines Trees foonest
throw out their Shoots to the South, and ſcarce have any other Tendency. fhed on the
23. Pliny obferves, that in wide Pafture-grounds, Shepherds fhould drive South.
their Flocks to the North fide; that they may feed up to the South; be- Sheep refpect
cauſe feeding againſt the North gives them Lamenefs, blear-Eyes, and the
Scouring. He adds, that the North Wind debilitates them for Generation
fo that if they were to copulate with this Wind blowing in their Faces, they
would generally produce Ewe-lambs: but in this, Pliny, acting only as a
Tranſcriber, is not very confiftent.
the South
Wind.
F
24. There are three principal Times when Winds prove hurtful to grow- When Winds
ing Corn; viz. (1.) in the opening of the Bud; (2.) the going off the damage the
Bloom; Corn.
Nnn 2
* How is this certainly known ?
•
400
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Differences
and North
Bloom; and, (3.) near the time of ripening. In the latter cafe they empty
the Ear, or blow out the Grain; and in the former two, either ſtrike off
the Flower, or blaſt it in the Stem.
25. With the South Wind the Breath of Men fmells ftronger, Animals
of the South lofe of their Appetite, peftilential Diftempers are more frequent, Colds
common, and the Bodies of Men more indifpofed and heavy but with
the North Wind Men are more brifk, healthy, and better in Appetite. The
North Wind, however, proves prejudicial to fuch as are troubled with the
Phthifick, Coughs, the Gout, or any ſharp Humour.
Wind as to
Health.
The Difference
betwixt the
East and West
Wind.
26. The Eaſt Wind is drying, predatory, and deftructive; but the Weſt
Wind moiſt, moderate, and cheriſhing.
27. The Eaft Wind, blowing when the Spring is advanced, proves de-
Eaft Winds de- ftructive to Fruits; by bringing in Caterpillars and other Worms; fo as
fructive in the fcarce to fpare the Leaves; nor is it friendly to Corn: the Weft Wind, on
Spring.
the contrary, is very favourable and friendly to Herbs, Flowers, and all
the vegetable Tribe. The Eaft Wind likewife, is fomewhat favourable a-
bout the autumnal Equinox.
The West
Winds more
boisterous than
the Eaft.
28. The Weft Winds are more boisterous, and ruffle and bend the Trees
more than thofe from the Eaſt.
29. A rainy Seafon beginning with an Eaft Wind, continues longer than
Rain with an that which begins with a Weft Wind; and generally lafts a whole Day.
East Wind,
The more con-
fant and
changeable
Winds.
Viſion and
Hearing in-
creaſed by
Winds.
The Eaft-
North-Eaft
Wind cloudy,
The Cardinal
Winds not
formy.
The calm and
rempeftuous
Winds.
30. The Eaft and North Winds, after once they begin to blow, are
more conftant and fixed; but the South and Weft Winds, more variable.
31. With a ſtrong Eaſt Wind all viſible Objects appear larger; but with
a ſtrong Weſt Wind Sounds are more audible, and reach to a greater diftance.
32. The Eaft-North-Eaft Wind, viz. fix Points to the North, collects
Clouds; infomuch that this Wind became proverbial, among the Greeks,
for a Cloud-gatherer; whence they compared Ufurers to it, who, by letting
out Money fetch back more. 'Tis a violent but wide-fpreading Wind; fo
that it cannot drive away the Clouds quick enough to prevent their refifting,
and forcing back upon it; which is the cafe alfo in large Conflagrations, that
make head and prevail againſt the Winds.
33. The Cardinal Winds, as alſo the Semi-cardinal, are not ſo ſtrong
as the Median.
34. The Median Winds from North to North-Eaft, are more ferene ;
but from North-Eaft to Eaft more ſtormy. So likewife from Eaſt to South-
Eaſt, they are more ferene; but from South-Eaft to South, more ftormy.
So again, from South to South-Weft, more ferene; and from South-Weft to
Weft, more ſtormy. And fo, laftly, from Weft to North-Weft, more
ferene; but from North-Weft to Weſt, more ſtormy. So that, proceeding
according to the Order of the Heavens, the Median Winds of the former
Semi-
A ftrong North, or North-easterly Wind, has been found to have nearly the fame Effects
on fome tender Bodies, as Mercury; fo as to occafion a fetid Breath, loofen the Teeth
caufe a Spitting, &c. And this has been more particularly obſerved fome Days or Weeks
after the taking of mercurial Phyfick.
▾ Cafiam Nubes ad fe trahere."
The HISTORY of the WIND.
401
Semi-cardinal, are always more difpofed to be calm; and thofe of the latter
to be tempeftuous ".
35. Thunder, Lightning, and Storms happen when cold Winds blow; The ftormy
and fuch as participate of the North; viz. the Weft-North-Weſt, North Winds.
and by Weft, North-North-Weſt, North-Eaſt and by North, and the Eaſt-
North-Eaft. And hence Thunder is often accompanied with Hail.
36. Snowy Winds alfo come from the North; but thefe are fuch Median Snowy Wind..
Winds as are not ftormy: for Example, the North-North-Weft; and the
North-Eaft and by Eaft.
Winds.
37. Winds obtain their Nature and Properties five feveral ways; viz. Whence the
(1.) from the abſence or prefence of the Sun; (2.) an Agreement or Dif- Properties of
agreement with the natural Motion of the Air; (3.) the Difference of the
Matters whereof they are formed; as whether that of the Sea, Snow,
Lakes, &c. (4.) the Impregnation of the Countries thro' which they paſs ;
and, (5.) their local Origins; whether on high; under the Earth; or in the
middle Region; all which will be better explained in the following Sections.
38. All the Winds have a greater Power of drying, even than the Sun Drying Winds,
itſelf, becauſe the Sun raiſes Vapours, but does not diffipate them, unleſs
it beats very hot: whereas the Wind both raiſes them, and carries them off.
But of all the Winds, the South has leaſt of this Effect; for Stones and Wood-
work are obferved to fweat more with a gentle South Wind, than in a Calm.
39. March Winds are much more drying than Summer Winds; infomuch March
that the Makers of muſical Inſtruments wait the return of March Winds, Winds.
for drying the Matter of their Inftruments; and rendring it porous and
fonorous.
40. All kinds of Winds purge the Air, and preferve it from Corruption; Windy Years
infomuch that the moſt windy Years are the moft wholefome.
wholefome.
41. The Sun has the Fate of Princes, whofe Governours of remote Pro- The Power of
vinces, frequently have more fubmiffive and obfequious Subjects than the the Winds in
Prince himſelf. Certainly the Winds, which have their Power and Origin the Tempera-
from the Sun, govern and influence the Temperatures of Countries, and ture of parts.
the Difpofition of the Air, as much or more than the Sun itſelf. Whence tries.
Peru is nearly as temperate, and its Air as mild, as in Europe; becauſe, by
lying near the Sea, and having very large Rivers, and exceeding great and
high Mountains covered with Snow, it receives a great Supply of Winds
and Breezes.
cular Coun-
42. 'Tis no wonder that the Winds fhould have that Force we obferve of The Strengths
them, fince violent Winds are like Inundations, Torrents, and huge Waves of the Winds,
of the Air; and yet, if carefully attended to, their Power does not feem
very extraordinary. Their violent Effects are, fuch as the blowing down of
Trees, which, being over-loaded with their own Tops, afford a kind of Sails
for their own fubverfion. So likewiſe they may overturn Houſes, that are
flightly built; but for folid Buildings, they overturn them not; unleſs at-
tended
* See the Table of the Divisions of the Winds, Sect. II, whence this will appear more di
ſtinctly than it can well be expreſſed;
462
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Obfervations
change with
the Poles.
The Uncer-
tainty of the
Subject.
Difficult to fix
the Origin of
Winds.
tended with Earthquakes. Sometimes alfo, they fweep down whole Maga-
zines of Snow from the Mountains, and almoft bury the Vallies with it;
an Accident that befel Solyman in the Sultanian Plains. Sometimes likewife
they cauſe great Inundations of Water.
43. The Winds fometimes blow whole Rivers out of their Channels, and
leave their Bottoms bare; for if a ſtrong Wind fhould, after a great Drought,
continue blowing feveral Days, in the Direction of the Current, fo as by tear-
ing down the Water, to drive it into the Sea, and keep the Sea-Water from
coming in, the River muft neceffarily become dry in many Places.
ADMONITIONS.
(1.) When the Poles are changed, the Obfervations alfo, as to North and
South, muft change for as the abfence and prefence of the Sun is here the
Caufe; this varies according as the North or South Pole is elevated. But it
may be an invariable thing, that there is more Sea towards the South, and
more Land towards the North; which alfo contributes much to the differ-
ence of the Winds.
(2.) Winds are generated a thoufand ways, as we fhall fee prefently;
whence 'tis not eafy to fix Obfervations in a Thing of fo much uncertainty :
but fuch as we lay down, will doubtlefs generally hold good.
SECT. VII.
The HISTORY of the Local Origins of WINDS; in
profecution of the Seventh Article of the Table of
Enquiry.
'TIS
TRANSITION.
:
IS a difficult Enquiry, to fettle the Local Origin of the Winds; fince
whence they come, and whither they go, is, even in Scripture, re-
marked for a fecret thing. And this we fpeak not as to the Fountains of
particular Winds (of which hereafter ;) but of the Wombs of the Winds in
general. Some derive them from on high; fome fearch for them in the
Deep; but there are few who feek them in the Middle; where they are
moft frequently generated. And this is the manner of Men, to paſs over
what lies before their Feet, and look out for Obfcurities. Thus much is
certain, that Winds are either Natives, or Strangers, and as it were Traders
in Vapours; importing them collected into Clouds, and exporting them
again to and from different Countries; whence Winds are produced as by
Traffick and Exchange. But our preſent Enquiry is about native Winds;
for thoſe which are foreign in fome Parts, are Natives in others. There
are then three local Origins hereof; viz. (1.) as they breathe out, or ſpring
•
from
The HISTORY of the WIND.
463
from the Earth; (2.) as they are thrown down from on high; and, (3.) as
they are made up here in the Body of the Air. Thoſe thrown down from
above, are generated two ways; being either precipitated before they are
formed into Clouds; or afterwards, when the Clouds are rarified and dif-
perfed. We now proceed to their Hiſtory.
times let out.
1. The Poets fable, that the Kingdom of Æolus was feated in Dens and The poetical
Caverns under the Earth; where the Winds were impriſoned, and fome- Notion of the
Origin of
Winds:
2. Certain philofophical Divines dwell upon thefe Words of Scripture: The Notion of
Who brings forth the Winds out of his Treafures. As if the Winds proceeded fome fcriptu
from certain fubterraneal Repofitories, or Magazines. But nothing can be ral Philofo
built upon this; for the Scripture likewife fpeaks of the Treasures of Snow phers.
and Hail; which, no one doubts, are generated above.
3. There is, doubtlefs, a large Quantity of Air contained in the Bowels Air in the
of the Earth; and this probably may gradually breathe from thence; and Bowels of the
fometimes upon particular Caufes rufh out in a Body.
An Indirect Phænomenon.
Earth.
In great Droughts and the midft of Summer, when the Earth cracks, That Air may
large Quantities of Water are frequently obferved to burst out in dry burst out of the
and fandy Places and if Water, which is a grofs Body, fometimes does Earth.
this; 'tis probable, that the fubtile and rarified Body of Air may do it
oftener,
4. When Air breathes out of the Earth gradually, and in fmall Parcels, Winds genera
'tis little perceived, at firft; but when many of thefe fmall Eruptions come ted like Rivers,
together, they make a Wind; as a River is formed of Springs. And this
feems to be the Cafe; becauſe the Antients have obferved, that many Winds,
at their firſt Rife, and in the Places whence they rife, firft blow weak; but
afterwards grow ftronger, in their Progrefs; exactly after the manner of
Rivers.
5. There are fome Places found in the Sea, and alfo fome Lakes, which Subterraneous
fwell very confiderably, tho no Winds are there found to blow; whence this Winds.
fhould feem owing to fome fubterraneous Blafts.
6. A great Quantity or Force of fubterraneous Spirit or Vapour, is ne- Swellings of
ceffary to ſhake or cleave the Earth; but a lefs will ferve to raife the Wa- the Sea more
ter: and therefore Earthquakes feldom happen; but Swellings and Rifings Earthquakes.
frequent thar
of the Waters frequently.
7. 'Tis likewife a common Obfervation, that Waters fwell and rife a little.
before Storms.
8. The weak fubterraneous Spirit, or Vapour, that eſcapes in finall Parcels,
is not perceived upon the Earth till it gathers into a Wind, becauſe of the
Porofity of the Earth: but when it gets out from under the Waters, 'tis
2
preſently
464
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Hollow rocky
Countries
windy.
Vents of Heat
and Cold in
the Earth.
Warm Exha-
lations from
the Earth.
Winds in Pits.
air may burst
from under
Ground.
Winds before
and after
prefently perceived, from the Swelling of the Waters, by reafon of their
Continuity.
9. We before obferved, that hollow and cavernous Countries have their
Waiting or Serving Winds; infomuch that thofe Winds may truly ſeem to
have their local Origins from the Earth.
10. On large rocky Mountains, the Winds are found to blow both fooner,
that is, before they are perceived in the Vallies; and more frequent, that
is, whilft the Vallies enjoy a Calm: but all Mountains and Rocks are
cavernous.
11. In Denbighshire, in Wales, which is a mountainous and rocky Country,
there are ſaid to be fuch ftrong Eruptions of Winds from certain Caverns, as to
toſs back any kind of Apparel thrown into them, a great height into the Air.
12. There are certain Holes, in a rocky Cliff at Aber Barry, near the
Severn in Wales, whereto if the Ear be applied, various Sounds and Mur-
murings are heard under the Earth.
An indirect Phænomenon.
Acofta obferves, that the Towns of Plata and Potofi in Peru, lie not far
afunder, and both of them fituate in a rifing or mountainous Ground; fo as
not to differ in this refpect; and yet, that Potofi has a cold and wintery
Temperature of Air; but Plata a mild and vernal one which appears im-
putable to the Silver Mines near Potofi. And this feems to fhew, that there
are Vents of Heat and Cold in the Earth.
13. If the Earth be the Primum Frigidum, as Parmenides would have it,
on a Suppofition that Cold is cloſe linked in with Denſity; 'tis no lefs pro-
bable that warm Exhalations fhould arife from the central Cold of the
Earth; than that the like fhould be thrown down by the Cold of the upper
Region.
14. There are certain Pits in Dalmatia, and the Country of Cyrene, into
which, as fome of the Ancients relate, if a Stone be thrown, a Storm will
foon after be raiſed; as if the Stone had broke fome Covering in the Place
where Winds were impriſoned.
An indirect Phænomenon.
Etna, and many other Mountains, caft up Flames: in like manner, 'tis
probable, that Air may break out; eſpecially when expanded, and put into
Motion, by fubterraneal Heat.
15. Certain noxious and foreign Winds are obferved to blow, both be-
fore and after Earthquakes; in the fame manner as a certain light and rarified
Earthquakes. Smoke rifes before and after great Conflagrations.
* Sect, V. 4.
AD MO.
3
}
The HISTORY of the WIND.
467
ADMONITIONS.
of the Earth.
(1.) Air, pent up in the Earth is compelled to break out, for feveral Air variouſly
Reaſons; as, (1.) becauſe fometimes the Earth hangs loofe together, and discharged out
falls into a Hollow; (2.) fometimes the Waters make a Breach, or ingulf
themſelves under the Earth; (3.) fometimes the Air is expanded by fub-
terraneal Fires, fo as to endeavour at more room; and, (4.) fometimes
the Earth, which before was folid, is burnt hollow, and reduced to Aſhes by
Fire; and thus being unable to fupport itſelf, falls in; with many other
Cauſes of the like kind. And fo much for the firſt local Origin of Winds ;
viz. from fubterraneal Caufes. We come next to their fecond Origin, or that
from above; viz. the middle Region of the Air, as 'tis called.
(2.) Let it not be fuppofed we any way deny that the other Winds may That all inds
likewife proceed from Vapours of the Earth and Sea; but what we have may proceed
from Vapours.
ſpoke to, is the firſt kind, which come out of the Earth, as Winds already
formed.
above.
16. Woods are obferved to murmur, before any Winds are manifeftly Winds from
perceived; whence 'tis conjectured that the Wind defcends from on high.
This is alſo obſerved in Mountains; tho the Cauſe be here more doubtful,
by reaſon of their Caverns.
17. Winds follow upon the Shooting of the Stars, as 'tis vulgarly called, Follow the
and come from that Quarter where the Star fhot: whence it appears, that Shooting of
the Air is in commotion above, before we feel the Effects of it below.
Stars.
18. The opening of the Firmament, and the fcattering of the Clouds, Opening of the
foreſhew Winds, before they blow upon the Earth: which, again, is a Clouds.
Proof that Winds begin above.
19. The ſmaller Stars are not perceived before the Wind rifes, tho the Clear Stars.
Night be clear whence the Air feems to be condenfed, and rendered lefs
tranſparent, by the Matter which is afterwards refolved into Wind.
20. Halo's about the Body of the Moon; the Sun fetting blood-red; Halo's, &c.
the Moon rifing red, on the fourth Day after the Change; with many other
Prognofticks of Winds, derived from above, fhew the Matter of them to
be there begun, and prepared.
21. From thefe Phænomena we may obferve the Difference already The Winds,
mentioned, as to the two ways wherein Winds are generated above; viz. how generated
before and after the Collection of Vapours into Clouds: for the Progno- above.
fticks from Halo's, and the Colour of the Sun and Moon depend, in fome
meaſure, upon Cloudinefs; but the Shooting and Appearance of the leffer
Stars, are obferved in a clear Sky.
Winds from
Clouds.
22. When Wind iffues from a formed Cloud, either the Cloud is totally The issuing of
diffipated, and converted into Wind; or ſeparated, part into Rain, and
into Wind; or rent aſunder, when the Wind burſts out as in a Storm.
part
23. There are every where many indirect Phænomena in Nature with re-
gard to the Reflection by Cold; and therefore as the Cold is very intenfe in
VOL. III.
Ooo
the
468
The HISTORY of the WIND.
A third Origin
the middle Region of the Air, Vapours cannot, generally, break thro' that
Region; but muft either be coagulated, or darted out again; according to
the Opinion of the Ancients, which, in this Particular, is juft.
24. There is a third local Origin of Winds, here in the lower Air; which
of Winds near we call by the Name of SWELLS or OVERCHARGES of the Air: the Thing
the Earth.;
itſelf is familiar and obvious; but hitherto paffed over in filence.
Winds in the
lower Air,
from a Sur.
charge.
The Generation
of fome Winds
EXPLANATION.
The Generation of thefe Winds in the lower Air, proceeds after this
plain manner. The Air newly made of attenuated and rarified Water and
Vapour, being added to the former Mafs of the Air, the whole can now
no longer be contained in the fame Bounds; but increaſes, and rolls on-
wards, ftill poffeffing a greater Space. Tho this depends upon two Sup-
pofitions; viz. (1.) that a Drop of Water, converted into Air, requires at
leaſt a hundred times more Space than before; and, (2.) that a little new
Air in motion, being fuperadded to the old Mafs, diſturbs and puts the
whole in motion; like a fmall Blaft coming from a Pair of Bellows, or a
Crack in the Window; which give a Motion to all the Air of a Room, ſo
as to diſturb the Flames of the Candles.
25. As Dews and Mifts are generated, here in the lower Air, without
like those of being formed into Clouds, or reaching to the middle Region; the Cafe is
the fame with many Winds.
Mifts.
Breezes, what.
The Rainbowu
fometimes re
folved into
Wind.
Some Winds
26. A continual Breeze arifes from the Sea and Waters; and this Breeze
is nothing more than a faint Wind, newly generated.
27. The Rainbow, which feems the loweſt of all the Meteors, and gene-
rated near the Earth, is refolved into Winds, as much as into Rain, if not
more, when it appears not entire, but fhortned at the Ends, or broken.
28. Some Winds have been obferved, in Countries feparated by the inter-
generated be- pofition of Mountains, to blow familiar on one fide of thofe Mountains,
low the Tops of without coming to the other: whence 'tis plain, that fuch Winds are gene-
rated below the Tops of thofe Mountains.
Mountains.
Weather.
Winds in fair 29. There are numberlefs Winds which blow in fair Weather, and in
Countries where it never rains: thefe Winds are generated where they
blow, without having been Clouds, or ever reaching fo high as the middle
Region of the Air.
Winds genera-
ted thro' the
An indirect Phænomenon.
Whoever confiders, how eafily Vapour is convertible into Air; how
whole Height great a Quantity of Vapour there is in the World; how much larger Space
of the Aimo a Drop of Water turned into Air poffeffes than before; and how greatly
Air refifts, upon but a moderate Compreffion; can make no queftion that
there muſt be Winds every where generated, from the Surface of the Earth
to the Top of the Atmoſphere: for 'tis impoffible that a large Quantity
Sphere.
of
The HISTORY of the WIND.
469
of Vapour, when it begins to expand, fhould be raiſed to the middle
Region of the Air, without furcharging the Air, and tumultuating in
the way ".
SECT. VIII.
Of the accidental Productions, or Generations, of WINDS;
with regard to the eighth Article of the Table of
Enquiry.
W
TRANSITION.
E call thofe accidental Productions of Winds, which do not originally Accidental
produce, or beget an impulfive Motion of the Wind; but either Productions of
increaſe this Motion by Compreffion, return it by Reflection, or cauſe it to
Winds, what.
agitate and roll by Fluctuation: which proceeds from external Cauſes, and
the Pofition of contiguous Bodies.
•
1. In Places where there are low Hills, with Vallies finking about them, Winds most
and again, higher Mountains rifing beyond thefe Vallies, the Air is more Vallies.
perceived in
agitated, and the Wind more perceived, than either on Mountains or Plains.
2. Winds and Breezes are perceived in Towns and Cities, at the meeting Winds, where
of two Streets; or where any wide Place runs out into a narrow Slip; and most found in
in the publick Paffages near great Buildings.
Cities.
3. Cool Rooms are made in Houſes, or happen accidentally by a Stream Cool Rooms:
of Air paffing thro' them, entering on one fide, and going out at the other;
but this is done more effectually when the Air enters in different Directions,
meeting in Angles, and having a common Exit in one Corner. So likewife
the Arching of Dining-rooms, or making them of a ſpherical Figure, con-
tributes much to their Coolness; becauſe, in this Cafe, the Air is moved
and reflected in all Directions. So again, winding Porches are cooler than
fuch as run ftrait; for a Blaft in a ftrait Line, tho not confined, but having
a free Exit, does not give fuch an unequal rolling, and undulatory Motion
to the Air, as the meeting in Angles, turning fhort, winding about, rolling
round, and the like.
Accidental
Winds, after
4. After great Storms at Sea, the accidental Wind continues for a time,
tho the original Wind be laid; as proceeding from a Collifion and Per- Storms at Sea.
cuffion of the Air, by the Undulation of the Waves.
5. The Wind, in Gardens, is commonly obferved to be beat back by Winds in Gar-
the Walls, the Building, and the Banks; fo as to make one imagine that it dens.
blows in a contrary Direction to what it really does.
6. If Hills inclofe one fide of a Country, and the Wind blow for fome Winds beating
time againſt them from the Plain, the Wind, by the bare Repercuffion it against Hills.
0002
fuftains,
See Page 468. Explanation.
470
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Vinds in
Capes.
fuftains, is either condenfed into Rain, if it be a moift Wind, or turned
into a contrary Wind for a fmall Continuance.
7. Sailors frequently obferve the Wind to change, and vary, in the
Windings of Promontories.
SECT. IX.
Of extraordinary WINDS, and fudden GUSTS; with
relation to the ninth Article of the Table of Enquiry.
TRANSITION.
OME Authors fpeak, and complain of extraordinary Winds; fuch as
Hurricanes, Tornados, Fiery-winds, and feveral kinds of Whirlwinds;
but they give no Deſcription of the Thing itſelf; which ought to be derived
from Annals, fcattered Hiftory, and Journals of the Weather.
Sudden Gufts, 1. Sudden Gufts never happen in a clear Sky; but are always attended
how generated, with Clouds and Showers; fo that there may juftly feem to be, in this cafe,
a certain Eruption, a Difplofion of the Blaft, and a Concuffion of the Waters.
2. Thofe Storms called Sea-monſters, which happen in miſty, or foggy
Fogs, violent Weather, fupporting themſelves like a Pillar, are prodigioufly violent, and
dreaded at Seay.
Storms with
at Sea.
Larger Whirl-
3. The greater Tornados, which whirl round to any confiderable dif
winds uncom- tance, and fnatch up Things in their way, happen feldom; but the leffer,
or fportful Whirlwinds, are more frequent.
mon.
The Procedure
4. All Hurricanes, Tornados, and the greater Whirlwinds, have a ma-
of Hurricanes. nifeft, precipitate, or vibrating Motion downwards, more than other
Winds; fo that they feem to rush, like a Torrent, and flow down, as in
a Channel; and afterwards to be beat back by the Earth.
Whirlwinds.
5. It happens frequently, that Cocks of Hay are carried out of the
Meadows into the Air, and thence thrown down again, like a Canopy.
The fame fometimes happens in Fields of Peafe, or Corn, whilft the Crop
is drying. So again, wafh'd Linen, hung out to dry, is fometimes carried
up by a Whirlwind, as high as the Tops of Trees or Houfes; and this
happens without any great Force, or Violence of Wind.
Their manner 6. But fometimes thefe flight Whirlwinds play in a very narrow com-
of Production. paſs, and even in fair Weather; fo that a Perfon on Harfe-back, may fee
the Duft, or light Matters, taken up, and whirled round near him, without
perceiving much Wind at the fame time. And this, doubtless, happens,
from contrary Breezes mutually repelling each other; and caufing a Circula-
tion of the Air by the Shock.
y Storms at Sea, are rare in foggy Weather.
7. 'Tis
The HISTORY of the WIND.
471
Tis certain, that fome Winds leave behind them, manifeft Signs of Burning
Burning and Scorching, on the Plains and Plants they pafs over; but for Winds.
the Buſineſs of fiery Winds, which are a kind of blind Lightning, or boil-
ing Air, without Flame; it properly belongs to the Enquiry of Thunder
and Lightning".
SECT. X.
Of the Things contributing to Original WINDS; in pur-
Juanee of the tenth Article of the Table of Enquiry.
WH
TRANSITION
HAT the Ancients have delivered upon the Subject of Winds, and The anciens
their Cauſes, is very confuſed, doubtful, and but ſeldom true. No Doctrine of
wonder any one fhould not fee clearly who ftands remote. They fpeak
Winds imper
as if the Wind was fomething different from Air in Motion; as if Exhala-
fect.
tions generated, and made up the whole Body of the Winds; as if the
Matter of the Winds were only a hot and dry Exhalation; and laſtly, as if
the Origin of the Motion of the Winds, was only a Precipitation and Per-
cuffion, from the Cold of the middle Region. All which are but arbitrary
Hypotheſes, and Creatures of the Imagination; and yet, from fuch Threads
as thefe, they have wove large Webs, in imitation of the Spider. But to
confult Nature upon the Point; (1.) every Impulſe of the Air makes a
Wind; (2.) the Exhalations mixed with the Air, contribute more to the
Motion than to the Matter of Winds; (3.) moift Vapours are, by a pro-
portionate Heat, eafier refolved into Wind than dry Exhalations; and, (4.)
numerous Winds are generated in the lower Region of the Air; and
; and many
breathe out of the Earth; befides thofe which are drove back, and thrown
down from above.
1. We obſerved, under the Article of general Winds, that the natural Ro- Winds from
tation of the Air, without any other external Cauſe, produces a perceptible the Air.
the Rotation of
Wind within the Tropicks, where the Air revolves in larger Circles.
2. Next to this natural Motion of the Air, before we proceed to enquire whether the
concerning the Sun, which is the principal Parent of the Winds; we muft Moon and
fee whether any thing may, from clear Experience, be attributed to the Stars contri-
Moon and the Stars.
bute to the
Winds.
3. Great and ftrong Winds rife fome Hours before an Eclipfe of the Influence of
Moon; fo that if the Moon be eclipfed at Midnight, the Winds blow the the Moon's Fir
fame Evening: but if the Eclipfe of the Moon happen in the Morning, clipfe upon
they blow the Midnight before.
See more to this purpoſe in Mr. Bohun of Winds,
4. Acofa
Acoſta
Windi
472
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Of the Full-
Moon.
4. Acofta obferves, that in Peru, which is a very windy Country, the
Winds blow moft at the Full-Moon.
PRECEP T.
the Air to be
vored.
The Effects of It well deferves to be obferved, what Effects the Motions and Changes
the Moon upon of the Moon have upon the Winds; fince they certainly have one upon the
Waters as for Example, whether the Winds are not fomewhat more
boiſterous in the New and Full-Moon, than in the Quarters; the Tides be-
ing affected in the like manner. For altho it may feem a commodious Hy-
pothefis, that the Moon rules over the Waters; but the Sun and Stars over
the Air; yet 'tis certain, that Water and Air are very homogeneous Bodies;
and that, next to the Sun, the Moon has here the greateſt Power below.
Winds at the
Planets Con-
junctions.
At Orion's
Riſing.
5. 'Tis obferved, that the greateſt Winds blow about the time of the
Conjunctions of the Planets.
6. Storms and Tempefts frequently happen at the Rifing of Orion: but
it muſt be here examined, whether this happens not becauſe that Conftella-
tion rifes at the time of year moft difpofed to produce Winds; fo as ra-
ther to be a Concomitant than a Caufe. And the fame Queſtion may juftly
be put, as to the Rifing of the Pleiades, with regard to Showers; and of
Arturus, with regard to Storms. And fo much for the Moon and Stars.
The Sun caufes
7. Doubtless the Sun is the primary Efficient of many Winds; as opera-
many Winds. ting by his Heat upon two kinds of Matter; viz. the Body of the Air,
and upon Vapours or Exhalations.
The Sun causes S. The Sun, when powerful, expands even pure Air, perhaps a third
the Breezes be- part; which is confiderable: whence, by fimple Expanfion, fome Breeze
twixt the Tro- muft neceffarily arife in the Path of the Sun; efpecially in the times of
picks.
greatelt Heat and this rather two or three Hours after the Sun is up, than
in the firft of the Morning".
The Nights,
9. In Europe, the Nights are fultry; but in Peru, the three firft Hours
whence fultry. of the Morning: and both for the fame Reaſon; viz. becauſe the Winds
and Breezes ceafe at thofe Hours.
Air made to
Air put in mo-
tion by Heat.
10. In a Water-Thermometer, the dilated Air depreffes the Water, as if
act as Vind. it were by a Blaft; but in a Glaſs filled only with Air, and capt with a Blad-
der, the Air, when dilated, blows up the Bladder, like a manifeſt Wind.
11. We made an Experiment as to this kind of Wind, in a round Turret,
clofe fhut up on all fides; by placing in the midft thereof a Chafing-difh of
Coals, throughly ignited, to prevent their fmoking. On one fide of the
Chafing-difh, at fome diftance, we fufpended a Thread furnished with a
Crofs of Feathers, that it might be the more fufceptible of Motion; and
now, when the Heat was increafed, and the Air expanded, the Feather Crofs,
2
with
It will come to be confidered, whether the Rifing of the Conftellations here mentioned,
be meant of their coſmical or acronical Rifings; and whether the Signs of this kind are not
rather poetical than natural.
*See Dr. Jurin's Appendix to Varenius, pag. 37, 38.
.
The HISTORY of the WIND.
473
with its String, appeared. to be agitated, and moved about various ways:
then, making a Hole in the Window of the Turret, there iffued out a warm
Exhalation; not in a continued Stream, but by fits, in an undulating manner.
12. So, likewife, the Condenſation of the Air by Cold, after having Wind by a
been dilated, creates the fame kind of Wind; tho weaker, by reafon of the Condenfation
leffer Force of the Cold. And hence, in Peru, there is not only a greater of the Air.
Coolness perceived under every little Shade than here with us; but alfo a
manifeſt Breeze, from the fhrinking and contracting of the Air, when it
enters the Shade. And thus much for Wind caufed by a mere Dilatation,
and Contraction of the Air.
13. The Winds proceeding from the mere Motions of the Air, without Vaporous
any Mixture of Vapour, are foft and gentle. We muft next examine into Winds.
the vaporous Winds, or thofe produced from Vapour; which may prove as
much ſtronger than the former, as the Expanfion of a Drop of Water turned
into Air, exceeds the Expanfion of Air, already produced; which it does
by many degrees, as we before obferved.
Air.
14. Vaporous Winds, which are thofe that commonly blow, are caufed by Vapours
the Sun with its proportionate Heat; and the Matter of them are Vapours turned into
and Exhalations, converted and refolved into actual Air; tho not quite
perfect at its firft Formation.
15. A fmall Heat of the Sun raiſes but little Vapour; and therefore caufes And Wind.
but little Wind.
and Rain.
16. A moderate Heat of the Sun raifes Vapours, and does not prefently How Vapours
diſperſe them again; ſo that, if the Quantity thereof be large, they collect generate Wind
into Rain, either alone, or attended with Wind; but if the Quantity be
finall, they are turned into fimple Wind.
17. The Heat of the Sun, upon its Increaſe, has a greater tendency to
the Production of Wind; but in its Decreaſe, to the Production of Rain.
18. Aftrong and continued Heat of the Sun, rarifies, difperfes, and How fair
fublimes the Vapours; at the fame time mixing them equably, and incor- Weather is
porating them with the Air: whence the Air becomes calm and ferene.
produced.
19. A more equable and continued Heat of the Sun, is lefs difpofed to Unequal Heats
produce Winds; but an unequal, and changeable Heat, is more difpofed most productive
to produce them. Whence Sailors, in a Ruſſia Voyage, are leſs expoſed to of Winds.
Winds than in the Britiſh Channel, becauſe of the long Days; but in Peru,
under the Equinoxial, the Winds come thick; by reafon of the great In-
equalities of Heat between the Day and Night.
The Quantity
20. Both the Quantity and Quality of Vapours must be regarded. A
fmall Quantity produces gentle Gales; and a middling Quantity ftronger and Quality of
Winds; but a large one over-loads the Air, and produces Rain either at-
tended with a Calm, or Wind.
21. Vapours arifing from the Sea, Rivers, and Lands overflowed, pro-
duce a much greater Quantity of Wind, than terreftrial Exhalations; but the
Winds
Let the proper Ufe be here made of the Æoliple; and the proper Experiments
tried, in imitation of Nature, for turning Water, if poffible, into true and
nent Air.
perma
3
Vapours.
Winds from
the Earth move
lafting,
474
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Winds
from melted
: Snow's,
From Ice.
From Sands.
From Sea-V'a-
pours, and
Land-Exhala-
tions.
tables.
Winds that arife from the Earth, and drier Places, are more obftinate and
durable; and prove, generally, fuch as are thrown from above: ſo that the
Opinion of the Ancients has its Ufe in this refpect; only they thought fit to
divide the Right, and affign Rains to the Vapours, and nothing but Exha-
lations to the Winds; with the like Diſtributions; which look pretty in
Difcourfe, tho they are but empty at the Bottom.
22. Winds proceeding from the melting of Snow upon the Tops of
Mountains are of a middle Nature, betwixt aquatick and terreftrial Winds;
but they rather incline to the aquatick: being, however, more fharp and
active.
23. We formerly obferved, that the melting of Snow upon the ſnowy
Mountains, always produces Stated Winds on the fide where it melts.
24. So likewife the anniverfary North Winds, that happen about the
Rifing of the Dog-Star, are thought to proceed from the Frozen-Sea, and
the Parts about the Artick-Circle; where Thaws happen late, or when the
Summer is advanced.
25. The huge Maffes, or Mountains of Ice, carried down towards Canada
and Newfoundland, rather produce certain cold Breezes, than variable Winds.
26. The Winds that blow from chalky and fandy Lands, are few and
dry; but, in the hotter Countries fultry, fuffocating and fcorching.
27. The Winds arifing from Sea-Vapours, eafily fall back again into
Rain, or the Water whereof they were made; or, if they do not this,
they foon mix along with the Air, and grow quiet: but terreftrial, fmoky
and unctuous Exhalations, are refolved with greater difficulty, mount higher,
are more irritated in their Motion, frequently enter the middle Region
of the Air, and help to compofe the Matter of fiery Meteors.
Winds from 28. 'Tis reported here in England, that at the tiine when Gafcony was
burning Vege under our Jurifdiction, the Subjects of Bourdeaux, and the neighbouring
Parts, petitioned the King, that the burning of Heath might be prohibited
in Suffex, and Hampfhire; becauſe it produced a Wind about the end of
April, deftructive to their Vines.
The meeting
of Winds.
Winds allay'd
fve ways.
29. The meeting of ftrong Winds one againſt another, produces violent
Whirlwinds; but if they are only gentle and moift, their meeting produces
Rain, and a Calm.
30. Winds are checked and allay'd five ways; viz. (1.) when the Air,
loaded and tumultuating with Vapours, is freed from them by their con-
tracting themſelves into Rain; (2.) when the Vapours are rarified, diffipa-
ted, and fo mixed kindly in along with the Air, and grow quiet there-
with; (3) when the Vapours, or Exhalations, are raiſed up, or fublimed,
to a great heighth; fo as to acquire a ftate of Reft, till they either pe-
netrate the middle Region of the Air, or are thrown down by it;
(4.) when Vapours, collected into Clouds, are carried into other Countries
by Winds blowing from on high, fo as not to diſturb the Countries over
which they pafs; and, (5.) when the Winds blowing from their Origins,
continue their Motion a long way, without any new Supply of Matter; but
at length flacken, lofe of their Force, and fink of courſe.
31. Showers
The HISTORY of the WIND.
475
31. Showers generally allay the Winds; efpecially fuch Winds as are Showers and
Winds prevent
each other.
ftormy and Winds, on the other hand, frequently keep up Showers.
Winds contract themſelves into Rain, (1.) either by being oppreffed Winds, how
32.
with Weight, when the Vapours are copious; or, (2.) by means of the turned into
contrary Motions of gentle Winds; (3.) by the Obftruction of Mountains Rain.
and Promontories, which ſtop the Force of the Winds, and gradually turn
them back upon themſelves; and, (4.) by intenfe Cold, which condenfes
them. And this Contraction into Rain, is the firft and principal of the five
Ways whereby Winds are laid 4.
33. The fmaller and more gentle Winds generally rife in the Morning, Winds rifing
and fall when the Sun fets; the nocturnal Condenfation of the Air being and falling
fufficient to contract them: for Air will fuffer fome degree of Compreffure
without any great Reluctance.
with the Sun.
34. The ringing of Bells is thought to diffipate Thunder and Lightening; Whether ring-
but the fame is not obferved as to Winds .
C
35. Pliny relates, that the Violence of a Whirlwind may be broke by
the playing of Vinegar in amongſt it.
ADMONITION.
ing of Bells
may allay
wind.
Whirlwinds
laid by Vines
gar.
Let the Prognofticks of Winds be here confulted; for there is fome Prognoflicks of
Connexion between Cauſes and Signs.
Winds to be
confidered,
SECT. XI.
Of the Limitations of the WINDS; in pursuance of the
eleventh Article of the Table of Enquiry.
1.
"T!
tains.
IS related of Mount Athos, and Mount Olympus, that the Priests Winds reach
who yearly facrificed upon their Tops, ufed to find the Writing not to the Tops
they had drawn in the Aſhes of the Sacrifice one Year, no way dif- of ſome Moun-
ordered or obliterated, when they returned the next; altho thefe Altars did
not ſtand in a Temple, but in the open Air: whence it was manifeſt, that
at fuch a height there fell no Showers, and blew no Winds f.
2. They relate, that on the Pike of Teneriff; as alfo upon the Andes,
betwixt Peru and Chili; there lies Snow along the Cliffs and fides of the
Mountains; whilft upon the Tops thereof the Air is quiet; but fo fubtil
as hardly to fuffice for Refpiration; and fo acrimonious and pungent as to
inflame the Eyes, and give a Naufea to the Stomach.
VOL. III.
PPP
!
3. Va-
d See above, § 30.
e It is reported, that ftormy Winds are frequently laid by the firing of Cannon, in Sea-
Fights.
f See hereafter Sect. XIV.
476
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Vaporous
Winds not
high.
Winds.
3. Vapourous Winds feem not to blow at any great height; tho 'tis
ſtill probable that fome of them afcend higher than moft Clouds. And fo
much for the Height; next for the Breadth of Winds.
The Breadth of 4. 'Tis certain, that the Spaces poffeffed by Winds are very various; be-
ing fometimes extremely wide, and fometimes fmall and narrow. They
have been found to range a hundred Miles in a few Hours.
Spreading
Winds not vio-
bent.
Stated Winds
Stormy Winds
travel far.
confined.
Sea-Winds
confined.
Little Whirl-
winds very
confined.
Strong Winds
5. Diffufive Winds, if free, are generally vehement, and durable; com-
monly continuing twenty-four Hours; but not rainy. On the contrary,
narrow, or confined Winds, are either gentle, or ftormy; but always
fhort-lived.
6. Stated Winds are itinerant; and travel over vaft Spaces.
7. Stormy Winds run not out far; tho always beyond the Limits of the
Storm itself.
8. Sea-Winds blow within much narrower Bounds than Land-Winds
infomuch, that at Sea they fometimes obferve a briſk Gale driving the
Waters on one fide; as appears by the ruffling and curling thereof; whilſt
every where elſe there is a Calm; and the Sea remains as flat as a Looking-
glafs.
9. We before obferved, that little fportful Whirlwinds fometimes play
with the Duft upon the Road, like the Blaſt of a Pair of Bellows. And fo
much for the Extent of the Winds: next for their Duration.
10. Very ſtrong Winds at Sea continue for a long while; as there receiv-
continue longer ing a large Supply of Vapour but at Land, they ſcarce continue above a
at Sea than Day and a half.
Land.
Gentle Winds
variable.
Morning
11. Very gentle Winds continue not to blow conſtantly, for above three
Days, either at Sea or Land.
12. The Eaft Wind, we before obſerved, is more laſting than the Weſt;
Winds laft the and whatever Wind begins to blow in the Morning, ufually continues
Longest.
longer than that which rifes in the Evening.
Strong Winds
13. 'Tis certain, that Winds rife and increaſe by degrees, unleſs when
fall fuddenly. they are perfectly ftormy; but fall quicker, and fometimes all at once.
1
SECT. XII.
with regard to
Of the Succeffions of the WINDS s;
the twelfth Article of the Table of Enquiry.
The Wind fel- 1. W that is, from Eaft to South; from South to Weft; from Weft to
WH
HEN the Wind changes conformably to the Motion of the Sun ;
dom retro-
gradey
North; and from North to Eaft; it feldom goes back; or if it does 'tis
only for a fhort time: but if it moves in a contrary Direction; viz. from
Eaft to North; from North to Weft; from Weft to South; and from
South
Which is feldom high or much above half, or a quarter of a Mile, as has been:
often meaſured.
The HISTORY of the WIN d.
477
South to Eaft; it generally returns to the former Point, at leaſt before it
has gone thro' the whole Circle.
2. If Rain comes firft, and the Wind begins to blow upon it, the Wind The Succeffion
continues longer than the Rain; but if the Wind blow firſt, and is after- of Wind and
wards laid by the Rain, the Wind feldom returns; or if it does, it alſo
rains afreſh.
Rain.
3. When Winds continue to vary for a few Hours, as if it were to try in Varying
Winds coming
which Point they fhould fettle, and afterwards begin to blow conſtant ; to fettle, are
they continue for many Days.
conftant.
4. If the South Wind begins to blow for two or three Days, the North The East Wind
Wind will ſometimes blow fuddenly after it: but if the North Wind blows interpofes be-
for the fame Number of Days; the South Wind will not rife till after the twixt the
Eaft has blown a while.
North and
South Wind.
5. When the Year is upon the Decline, and Winter coming on; if the The State of
South Wind blow at the beginning of the Winter, and afterwards the the Winter
North; the Winter will prove frofty: but if the North Wind blow at the prognosticated
beginning of the Winter, and afterwards the South; the Winter will be by the Succef
fion of Winds.
mild and warm.
6. Pliny relates, from Eudoxus, that Winds return in the fame Series Revolutions of
every four Years which feems no way true; for the Revolutions of the Wind and
Winds are not fo quick. But the diligence of fome has reached fo far Weather.
as to obſerve, that the greater and more remarkable Changes, ſuch as
Heats, Snows, Frofts, warm Winters, and cold Summers, generally return
in a Circle of thirty Years.
SECT. XIII.
Of the Motions of the WINDS; in pursuance to the
thirteenth Article of the Table of Enquiry.
ME
1.
TRANSITION.
EN exprefs themfelves as if the Wind were a certain Body, that, Authors Speak
of itſelf, impelled, and drove the Air before it, by its own Force; inaccurately
and when it changes, they fpeak as if the Wind had removed itſelf to an- of the Winds.
other Place: and, whilft the Populace talk in this manner, Philofophers
do not correct fuch Notions; but, inftead of ſtopping the Error, give
fomewhat into the fame themſelves.
s;
and Direction
1. Having, therefore, already enquired into the local Origins of Winds The Excitation
we are next to enquire into the Excitation and Direction of their Motion.
And for the Winds which have their Motion begun in their firft Impulſe;
Ppp 2
as
of Winds.
478
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Experi-
varied.
as thofe have which are thrown down from above, or breathe out of the
Earth; the Excitation of their Motion is manifeft: but others defcend, and
ſome aſcend in their Beginning; and afterwards acquire a rolling Motion,
from the Reſiſtance of the Air; chiefly according to the Angles wherein
their Force is directed. But for fuch as are produced every where in the
lower Part of the Atmoſphere, as the commoneft Winds are, the Enquiry
about them ſeems difficult and obfcure, tho the Thing itſelf be but vulgar;
as we obſerved in the Explanation under the ſeventh Section .
2. We find fome Refemblance of this Matter, in the clofe Turret men-
ment of produ- tioned above; for we varied our Experiment three ways: the firft was that
cing Wind in a already mentioned, with a Chafing-difh of Charcoal thoroughly ignited.
clofe Turret, The fecond was, by using a Veffel of hot Water, without the Chafing-diſh;
and then the Motion of the Feather-Croſs was flower, and lefs active than
before; the dewy Vapour of the Water now hanging in the Air, unre-
folved into the Matter of Wind, thro' the weakneſs of the Heat. The
third Variation was made by continuing both the Chafing-diſh and the Veffel
of Water in the Room, and then the Crofs was agitated much more than
ever; fo as fometimes to be toffed upwards in an Eddy, as if by a little
Whirlwind; the Water now affording a Quantity of Vapour, and the Fire
adjacent driving and diſperſing it about *.
Cauſe of the
tion.
3. And therefore a principal Cauſe of the Excitation of the Wind's Mo-
Winds Excita- tion, is the furcharging of the Air, by a new Addition of Air produced
from Vapours. We proceed next, to the Direction of the Wind's Motion;
or its Verticity, which is its change of Direction.
Its progreſſive
Motion from
Nurſeries or
Springs.
Winds without
4. The Direction of the Wind's progreffive Motion is governed by the
Nurferies, which ferve as Fountains to Rivers; viz. fuch Places as contain a
larger Collection of Vapours; and are as the native Country of Winds. But
when they find a Current, or meet with little Reſiſtance from the Air, then,
like Water in a Declivity, they receive and fweep away all the light Mat-
ter they find in their Courfe, and mix it with their own Stream, after the
manner of Rivers: and therefore Winds always blow from the Quarter
where their Springs or Nurſeries lie.
5. When the Winds have no remarkable Nurferies in a certain Place,
Nurferies easily they change, or wander about extremely; and eafily alter their Current;
as in the middle of the Sea, and wide extended Plains.
vary.
Whence Winds
6. When there are great Nurſeries of Winds in one Place, but the Winds
blow different receive fmall Additions from the Places they pafs thro', they blow ſtrong at
by strong. the Beginning; and flag by degrees: on the contrary, where their Nurſe-
ries are farther continued; they blow gently at firſt, and ſtronger after-
wards.
Moveable
7. There are moveable Nurſeries of Winds; viz. in the Clouds; which
Nurſeries of are frequently carried by the Winds that blow aloft, into Countries very
Winds.
h See Page 468.
i See above, pag. 472. § 11.
diftant
* Experiments of this kind might eaſily be contrived and made; fo as to give great Light
and Information in many Parts of the prefent Subject.
The HISTORY of the WIN d.
479
diſtant from the Origin of thofe Vapours that produced the Clouds: and in
this cafe the Nurſery of the Wind begins on that fide, where the Clouds
begin to refolve into Wind.
whence.
8. But the Verticity of the Winds does not happen, becauſe the Wind The Verticity
tranſports itſelf in blowing; but becaufe it is either laid of itfelf, or fub- of Winds,
dued by another Wind: and this whole Affair depends upon the various
Situations of the Nurſeries of Winds, and the Varieties of Times and Sea-
ſons wherein the Vapours iffuing from theſe Nurſeries are refolved.
9. If there are Nurſeries of Winds in oppofite Points; as one to the From oppofite
South, another to the North; the ftronger Wind will prevail, and blow Nurſeries.
conftant, without any contrary Wind appearing; yet fo as to be fomewhat
checked and deaden'd by the weaker Wind; as the Tide is by the Courſe of
a River, where the Motion of the Sea prevails; tho it be fomewhat refifted
by that of the River. But if one of the two contrary Winds, which at firft
was the ſtronger, happens to fall; the other will now fuddenly blow in its
own contrary Direction, wherein it blew before; tho it lay concealed under
the Power of the ſtronger.
from different
Nurferies.
10. So, for Example, if there be a Nurſery of Wind to the North- How the
Eaft; the North-Eaft Wind will then blow: but if there be two Nurſeries, Winds blow
the one to the Eaft, and the other to the North; the two reſpective Winds
will blow ſeparate, for a certain Tract; but, after their Angle of Confluence,
they will blow North-Eaft; or vary from that Direction, according as one
Nurſery proves ſtronger than the other m
II. If there be a ſtrong Nurſery of Wind to the North, at twenty Miles Winds change
diſtance from any Country, and a weaker to the Eaft at ten Miles diftance; their Direction
the Eaft Wind will blow firft, for fome Hours; and foon after, when that
has run its Courſe, the North.
12. If the North Wind blow, and meet a Mountain in its way, from the
Weft; it will foon after blow North-Eaft; or a Blaft compounded of the
original and the reflected Wind.
13. If there be a Nurſery of Winds in the Earth, to the North, and
the Blaſt go right upwards, and meet a cold Cloud from the Weft, which
reflects it to the oppofite Point; it will blow North-Eaſt.
ADMONITION.
according to
their obstacles
and Reflections.
In the Earth and Sea the Nurferies of Winds are ftable; fo that their Some Nurſeries
Spring and Origin may here be the better perceived: but being moveable of Winds fta-
in the Clouds, the Matter of them may be ſupplied in one Place, and the
ble, others
Winds formed in another; which occafions the Direction of their Motion
moveable.
to be more confufed and uncertain. The Cafes above produced are in the
way of Examples, that may ferve for all Cafes of the like kind. And fo
much for the Direction of the Wind's Motion: but for the Courſes or Voyages
of the Winds; tho we have touched upon them before, under the Title
1 See above, § 30
According to the common Laws of Motion and Hydrostaticks.
of
480
The HISTORY of the WIND.
That Winds
may have a
long Course.
The Undula-
tion of the
Winds.
The Difference
between the
Undulation of
Waters.
of the Breadth of the Winds, we must here enquire a little farther into
them; fince the Breadth of the Winds may be unfkilfully taken for their
Length, if they fhould prove wider than they are long, in their Sweep or
Progreffion.
14. If it were true, that Columbus could form a Judgment of the Conti-
nent of America from the ſtated weſtern Winds on the Coaſt of Portugal;
it would be certain that the Winds might take a very long Journey.
15. If it be true, that the thawing of the Snows about Scandia and the
Frozen-Sea, raifes a North-Wind in Italy, Greece, &c. in the Dog-days,
'tis a very long way for Winds to travel.
:
16. It has not hitherto been obferved how much fooner, in order of the
Wind's Motion, a Storm comes to any Place from one Quarter, than from
another for Example, how much fooner from the Eaft; with the Wind at
Eaſt; than from the Weft. And ſo much for the progreſſive Motion of the
Winds we come next to their Undulation.
17. The Winds undulate quick; fo that even a ftrong Wind fluctuates,
or rifes and falls alternately, at leaſt a hundred times in an Hour; which
fhews the Force of the Winds to be interrupted: whereas Rivers, tho
rapid; and Currents of the Sea, tho ftrong; have no Undulation, except
from the Winds. Nor is this Undulation of the Winds any way equable;
but, like the Pulfe, fometimes intermits, and fometimes returns double.
18. The Undulation of the Air differs from that of Water in this, that in
Water, after the Waves are rifen they fall again fpontaneoufly, to a Flat:
the Winds and fo that, notwithſtanding the lofty poetical Defcriptions of Tempefts raifing
the Waves to the Skies, and finking them again to the Abyfs; there is no
confiderable Defcent perceived of them, below the level Surface of the
Water but in the Undulation of the Air, where the Motion of Gravity is
lefs, the Air is raiſed and depreffed almoft equally. And fo much for the
Undulation of the Winds: next for their Motion of Conflict.
Conflicts and
compound Cur-
rents of Winds.
Contrary
Winds meeting
at Sea.
19. We have already made fome Enquiry into the Conflicts and compound
Currents of the Winds. 'Tis manifeft that Winds, eſpecially the gentle ones,
blow indifferently any where; there being few Days or Hours wherein
ſome gentle Breezes are not perceived in open Places; and that with great
Inconftancy and Variety for thofe Winds which proceed not from any
larger Nurſery, wander and roll about, as if ſporting with each other;
fometimes meeting, and fometimes disjoining, and flying afunder.
20. Two contrary Winds are fometimes obferved to meet at Sea; as
appears from the rufling of the Surface of the Water on either fide of
the Ship; and the ſtillneſs of the Water in the middle and after the Shock
there one while enfues a general Calm on the Water; that is, when the
Winds equally break each other on both fides; and another while, a con-
tinued ftruggle and agitation of the Water; when the ftronger Wind
prevails.
I
21. The
The HISTORY of the WIND.
481
21. The Winds are certainly often obferved to blow one way on the Winds blowing
Mountains of Peru; and, at the fame time, a contrary way in the Vallies contrary ways
below.
22. 'Tis likewife certain, that the Clouds, here with us, are driven one
way, whilft the Wind blows another.
23. Again, 'tis certain, that the higher Clouds are fometimes found to
fly over the lower; fo as to go different, and even contrary ways; like
oppofite Currents.
24. 'Tis likewiſe certain, that there is fometimes a Calm aloft in the Air;
whilſt a rude Storm blows below, for the ſpace of half a Mile.
25. On the other hand, there is fometimes a Calm below, whilſt the
Clouds move briſk above; tho this happens but ſeldom.
26. Nor ſhould the Teftimony of
fome Notion of Natural Philofophy.
West Wind blow at once; and again,
Virgil be wholly omitted; as he had
He makes the East, South-West, and
all the Winds to combat together.
An indirect Phænomenon.
at once.
the Air.
It happens alfo in Waves, that fometimes the upper, and fometimes the Currents in
lower Water moves the quickeſt; and ſometimes, tho rarely, there are
found two different Currents of Water, one above and another below,
moving in contrary Directions. And thus much for the natural Motions of
the Winds: we next proceed to their Motions in artificial Machines; but
principally in the Sails of Ships.
I.
WE
II.
Of the Motion of the Winds, in the Sails of Ships.
E here chufe, for our Example, the largeſt Britiſh Ships, which have
four and ſometimes five Mafts, all ſtanding erect, in a ſtrait Line,
one behind another, along the middle of the Ship. Their Names are
the Main-Maft, which ftands in the Centre; the Fore-Maft, the Mizzen-
Maft, which is fometimes double; and the Bow-fprit.
The Mafts of
the English
Men of War.
2. Each Maft confifts of Pieces, which may be crampt and joined to The Mafts
each other; and again taken down at pleaſure: fome have three, others have feveral
but two of thefe Pieces.
Pieces.
3. The Bow-fprit ftands inclined to the Sea from its lower Juncture; The Pofition of
but from its upper, erect and all the other Mafts ftand perpendicular.
:
the Mafts.
4. Thefe Mafts are rigged with ten Sails; and when the Mizzen-Maft is The Sails.
double, with twelve. The Main-Maft and Fore-Maft, have three Tier of
Unà Eurus, Notufque ruunt, creberque procellis.
Africus.
Omnia Ventorum concurrere Prælia vidi.
Sails
482
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Pofition of
the Sails.
The Yards.
Figure of the
Sails.
The Meaſure
of the Main
Sail, of the
Main Maft.
Top-Sail of the
Main-Maft.
Maintop-Sail.
Fore-Mast
Main-Sail.
Top-Sail.
Main-top-Sail.
Mizzen-
Main-Sail.
Top-Mizzen-
Sail.
If two Miz-
zen-Sails.
Main-Sprit-
Sail.
Top-Sail.
Sails variable.
Sails; which we call the Main-Sail, the Top-Sail, and the Main-top-Sail. The
other Maſts have only two Sails, without a Main-top-Sail.
5. The Sails are ſpread a-croſs, near the Top of each Joint of the Maſt,
by means of certain Rods, or Yards, to which the upper-part of the Sail
is fixed; the Bottom is tied with Ropes only at the Corners; the Main-
Sails being thus faftened to the fides of the Ship; and the Main-top-
Sails to the Yards, immediately below them. And by the fame Ropes they
are ſhifted, or turned, to either fide, at pleaſure.
6. The Yard of every Maft goes athwart the Maft; only thoſe of the
Mizzen Maft hang aflope; the one end being elevated, and the other
depreffed but in the reft they make right Angles with the Maſt.
7. The Sails of the Main-Maft, Fore-Maft, and Bow-Sprit, are of a
quadrangular, or parallelogram Figure; but the Top and Main-top-Sails
rife fomewhat narrow; whilft the Main-Sail of the Mizzen-Maft is trian-
gular; and the Top-fail fharp or pointed.
8. A Ship of eleven hundred Tun, a hundred and twelve Foot long in
the Keel, and forty Foot wide in the Hold, carried the Main-Sail of its
Main-Maft forty-two Foot, deep and eighty-ſeven Foot wide.
9. The Top-Sail of the fame Maft was fifty Foot deep; eighty-four Foot
wide at the Bafis; and forty-two at the Top.
10. The Main-top-Sail was twenty-feven Foot deep, forty-two Foot wide
at the Bafis, and twenty-one at the Top.
11. The Main-Sail of the Fore-Maft was forty Foot and an half deep,
and ſeventy-two Foot wide.
12. The Top-Sail of the fame Maft was forty-fix Foot and a half deep,
fixty-nine Foot wide at the Bafis, and thirty-fix a-top.
13. The Main-top-Sail of the fame Maft was twenty-four Foot deep,
thirty-fix Foot wide at the Bafis, and eighteen a-top.
14. The Mizzen-Main-Sail was fifty-one Foot deep, from the elevated
Yard-Arm, and feventy-two Foot wide where it joins to the Yard; the
other part ending ſharp.
15. The Top-Mizzen-Sail was thirty Foot deep, fifty-feven Foot wide at
the Baſe, and thirty a-top.
16. If there be two Mizzen-Mafts, the Sails of the hindmoft are lefs,
by about a fifth part, than thofe of the foremoft.
17. The Main-Sail of the Bow-Sprit was twenty-eight Foot and a half
deep, and fixty Foot wide.
18. The Top-Sail thereof was twenty five Foot and a half deep, fixty
Foot wide at the Bafe, and thirty a-top.
Proportion of 19. The Proportions of the Mafts and Sails of Ships vary, not only
the Mafts and with the Rate or Size of the Ship, but alfo according to the different Ufes
for which they are built; as whether for Fight, Freight, Swift-failing, &c.
But there is no manner of correfpondence between the Dimenſions of the
Sails, and the Ships Burden, or number of Tuns fhe carries; for a Ship
of about five hundred Tuns carries the Main-Sail of its Main-Maft but a
few ſquare Feet leſs than another of twice the Burden. Whence it is, that
fmall
The HISTORY of the WIND.
481
fmall Ships are much better Sailers than the larger; not only becauſe of their
Lightneſs, but alſo becauſe of the Largeneſs of their Sails, with respect to
the bulk of the Ship for it would be an unwieldy and impracticable thing,
to preſerve this Proportion in the larger Shipping.
Sails fwell.
20. As all the Sails are ſtretched full out at their Tops, and faften'd only whence the
by their Corners at the Bottom; the Wind muſt of neceffity fwell the Sails;
efpecially towards the Bottom, where they are flackeſt.
Sail.
21. This Swell of the Sails is much greater in the Main-Sails, than in Greatest Swell
the reft; not only becauſe thofe Sails are Parallelograms, and the others in the Main
narrower upwards, or pointed; but again, becauſe the width of the Yard
far exceeds the width betwixt the Ship's two fides, to which 'tis faften'd:
whence, of neceffity, thefe Sails yield, by their Slacknefs, a large Bofom to the
Wind; infomuch, that in the great Ship we have chofe for our Example,
this Swell, in failing before the Wind, may bulge out nine or ten Foot from
the Plain of the Sail.
(
22. And for the fame Reafon, all Sails fwelled with Wind, form them- Sails arched by
ſelves into an Arch, at the Bottom; fo that much of the Wind muſt ne- the Wind.
ceffarily miſs them and this Arch, in the great Ship above-mentioned, will,
in its Height, equal the Stature of a Man.
:
23. But in the triangular Sail of the Mizzen-Maft, the Swell muſt needs
be leſs than in a quadrangular Sail; as well by reaſon of the lefs capacious
Figure, as becauſe in a quadrangular Sail there are three Sides flack, and
but two in a triangular one: whence the Wind is received more ftifly in
the triangular Sail.
24. The nearer the Wind's Motion comes to the Head of the Ship, the 4 Wind near
more powerful it proves, and fets her forward the fafter; becauſe 'tis fpent the Ship's Head
upon a Part where the Waves are eafieft cut by the fharp Make of the powerful.
Prow: but principally, becauſe a Motion at the Head draws the Ship along;
whilſt a Motion in the Stern only protrudes her.
25. The Wind's Motion in the higher Tiers of Sails, fets the Ship for- The upper Sails
wards more than in the lower Tiers; becauſe all ftrong Motions are moſt powerful.
effectual, when far removed from the Refiftance; as we fee in Levers,
and the Sails of the Wind-mill: but for fear of over-fetting the Ship, the
higher Sails are made tapering, to prevent their carrying too much Wind;
and are chiefly uſed at fuch times when little Wind is ftirring.
26. When Sails are placed in a ftrait Line, one behind another, the hind- Sails, why
moſt muſt neceffarily take the Wind from the foremoſt, when it blows fore- not placed in a
right and therefore, tho they were all ſpread at once, yet the Wind frait Line.
would have little Force upon any more than thofe of the Main-Maft; and
a little upon the Main-Sail of the Bow-Sprit.
27. The moſt commodious and advantageous Difpofition of the Sails The Sails,
before a Wind, is to hoift the two lower Sails of the Fore-maft P; where,
how best
as we faid, the Motion is the more effectual: and again, alfo the Top- Spread before
VOL. III.
P Viz. near the Ship's Head. See above $ 24.
Qqq
Sail
a Wind.
482
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Why Ships
fail better
with a fide
Wind.
The best Wind
for failing.
The Main-
Bow-Sprit-
Sail feldom
useless.
An Impulſe,
and a Direc
tion, in fail-
ing.
The Mizzen-
Main-Sail
affifts the
Helm.
Uſe of the
Mizzen-
Main-Sail in
unfavourable
Winds.
Winds load the
Ship.
q
Sail of the Main-Maft ; as there will ftill be left Space enough under-
neath, for the Wind to fill the lower Fore-fails, without robbing them.
too much.
28. By reafon of the Back-fails thus taking the Wind from the Fore-fails,
a Ship makes more Way with a fide Wind, than with a direct Wind; for in
a fide Wind, all the Sails may be crouded, without taking the Wind from
one another; as they all turn Side to Side.
29. Again, the Sails are ſtiffer ftretched againſt a fide Wind; which ſtretch-
ing ſomewhat compreffes the Wind, and directs it to the Part where it ſhould
blow whence it acquires fome additional Strength. But that Wind is the moſt
advantageous which blows in the Quarter, between a fore Wind and the fide one.
30. The Main-Sail of the Bow-Sprit can fcarce ever prove ufelefs; as
being not liable to be robbed of its Wind; which it receives from that
blowing every way about the Ship-fides, and under the other Sails.
31. In the Motion of the Winds in Ships, there is obferved both an Im-
pulfe, and a Direction: but that Direction which belongs to the Rud-
der, does not greatly concern the prefent Enquiry; only as it has a Con-
nexion with the Motion of the Winds in the Sails.
TRANSITION.
As the Motion of Impulfe is in vigour at the Head; fo is the Motion of
Direction at the Stern; and therefore the Main-Sail of the Mizzen-Maft,
is of great moment to the Impulſe; and proves, as it were, an Affiftant to
the Helm.
32. As the Mariners-Compafs is divided into thirty-two Points, fo that
each Semi-circle thereof contains fixteen; a Ship may fail in Progreffion,
without Traverfing, (as is ufual in contrary Winds,) even tho of thofe fix-
teen Points, ten be oppofite; and only fix of them favourable: but this
greatly depends upon the Main-Mizzen-Sail; for as the Points of the Wind
now prevail which are contrary to the Ships Courfe, and cannot be governed
by the Helm alone; they would turn the other Sails, and the Ship itſelf,
a contrary Way; but that this Sail holding tort, favours the Helm,
ſtrengthens its Motion, and turns and brings about the Ship's Head into the
Way of her Courſe.
33. All Wind in the Sails, fomewhat loads and finks the Ship; and this
the more, as it blows from aloft and therefore, in great Storms, they firſt
lower their Yards, and down with the Top-Sails; and next, if there be
Occafion, down with all the reft; even cutting away the Mafts themfelves,
and throwing their Guns, Lading, &c. over board; to lighten the Ship,
and keep her floating, at the Mercy of the Waves.
T
9 See § 25.
34. With
Ships differ greatly in Sailing; according to accidental Circumſtances in their Make,
Trimming, &c. Thus fome Ships that fail excellently with their Mafts upright, will ſcarce fail
at all with them reclined; and vice verſâ.
The HISTORY of the WIN D.
483
Wind.
34. With a briſk and favourable Gale, even a Ship of Burden may fail How fast a
a hundred and twenty Italian Miles in four and twenty Hours. There Ship may fail
are certain Packet-Boats, wholly built for Sailing, that will make much with a fair
more Way. But when the Wind is directly in their Teeth; as a laft, tho
feeble Shift to advance, they traverſe, or cut away crofs and croſs, out Traverfing.
of their Courſe; fhifting their Sails as the Wind requires; then bend up to-
wards their Courfe again: and thus by repeating thefe angular Trips, they
get right forwards; tho perhaps but at the Rate of fifteen Miles in twenty-
four Hours.
I.
Larger OBSERVATIONS.
HIS Motion of the Winds, in the Sails of Ships, has three prin- The Origins of
cipal Origins, and Fountains of its Impulfe, from whence it is de- the Impulse in
rived; and from whence alfo, Rules may be formed for increafing and Sailing.
ftrengthening it.
it.
2. The firft Fountain is, from the Quantity of the Wind received; for Affords Rules
'tis plain, that much Wind, here contributes more than a little; and there- for increaſing
fore a fufficient Quantity of Wind muſt be carefully procured. The Means
to procure it is, in the way of Thrift and good Hufbandry, to prevent
being robbed of it; and therefore, as much as poffible, let no Wind be loft,
mifemployed, or taken from the Ship.
3. The Wind blows either above the Ship's fides, or below them, to- To fave the
wards the Surface of the Sea; and as, in the way of good Hufbandry, 'tis low Winds,
uſual to be very careful of fmall Matters, (for every body takes care of
large ones;) fo a particular regard must be had to theſe lower Winds; tho they
doubtleſs are of lefs Efficacy than the higher.
4. As for the Winds which play chiefly about the Ship's fides, and under
the Sails; 'tis the true Office of the Main-Sail of the Bow-Sprit to prevent
their being loft: this Maft ftanding low, and aflope, fo that its Main-Sail may
receive them; and therefore become ferviceable, without taking from the
Winds intended to fill the other Sails. And, with regard to this Point, we
do not fee what human Induſtry can do more; unless it were to spread the wing-Sails
like kind of low Sails, in the manner of Wings, from the Middle of the Ship; two from the Ship's
on both Sides; when the Wind blows fore-right.
fides.
5. In order to prevent the fore-Sails from being robbed by the back- To prevent the
Sails, in fore-right Sailing; there feems to be no other Method left, but Sails from be-
to range the Sails in the Form of a pair of Steps, mounting upwards from ing robbed of
Stern to Stem, fo that the Sails of the Mizzen-Maft may hang the loweft,
thoſe of the Main-Maft in the middle, and thoſe of the Fore-Maft higheſt;
whence one Sail will not hinder, but rather affiſt, and ferve another; by
giving and tranfmitting the Wind thereto. But this only holds good in fail-
ing before the Wind; for in a fide Wind, all the Sails co-operate. And
fo much for the firft Fountain of Impulfe.
their Wind.
6. The fecond Fountain of Impulse arifes from the manner wherein the The Second Ori-
Wind ſtrikes the Sail; for if, thro' the Contraction of the Wind, the gin; the kind
Q992
Stroke of Stroke.
484
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Stroke be ſharp and fudden, it will give the greater Motion; but if diffufed
and languid, the lefs.
The Sails to be 7. And with regard hereto, 'tis of very great moment that the Sails fhould
neither full receive but a moderate Swell and Extenfion : for if they be too tort, they
Stretched nor
will rebound the Wind, like a Wall; and if too flack, the Impulfe will
prove weak.
Looſe.
The Success
8. And here human Induſtry has fucceeded in fome Particulars, tho ra-
here not owing ther by Chance than by Judgment; for, in a fide Wind, they contract that
to Judgment.
part of the Sail, as much as poffible, which is oppofite to the Wind;
and by this means throw the Wind into the other part, where they would
have it blow. And this, indeed, they do by Deſign; tho, perhaps, without
confidering that befides this, the Wind is at the fame time neceffarily con-
tracted; and ſo has a ſharper Percuffion.
Spur-fashion'd
Sails.
9. What farther Improvement may here be made, we do not well perceive;
unleſs the Figure of the Sails were altered; and fome of them made not to
fwell ſpherical, but Spur-fafhion; with the Yard in the middle of the
Bend: fo that the Wind, being contracted towards a Point, might not only
have a ſmarter Percuffion; but the Sail alfo the better cut the refifting Air.
And we know not what might be the Effect of having a Sail within a Sail;
within a Sail. that is, to fix a kind of Purfe in the middle of a larger Sail; and keep it
aftrut with fplices of Wood; fo as to collect the Wind in the middle of
the large Sail, and bring it to a kind of Point.
And a Sail
The third Ori-
gin, the place
of Percuffion.
Two or three
Fore-Mafts.
10. The third Fountain of Impulfe, proceeds from the Place where the
Percuffion is made; and is of two kinds: for the Impulſe is eaſier and
ftronger on the fore-part, than on the hind-part of the Ship; and on the
upper-part of the Mafts and Sails, than on the lower.
11. Nor do Men feem to have been ignorant hereof; as laying the greateſt
ſtreſs upon the Sails of the Fore-Maft, in failing before the Wind; and
ſpreading their Main-top-Sails in Calms. And we can think of no farther
. Improvement, at prefent, in this reſpect; unleſs, as to the firſt Caſe, it be
to have two or three Fore-Mafts; the middle one erect, and the others in-
clined, with their Sails hanging right-down; and, in the fecond, to enlarge
the Fore-Maft Sails, at the Top, or to make them lefs tapering than uſual:
but, in both Cafes, fo as to prevent all Danger from finking the Ship too
much.
III.
The Action of I.
the Wind in
Of the Motion of the Wind, in other Machines of human Invention.
TH
HE Motion of a Wind-Mill has no difficulty in it; and yet 'tis,
ufually, neither well demonftrated nor explained. The Sails are
zurning Wind- fet directly facing the Wind that blows; but one fide of each Sail lies
Bills.
more to the Wind, whilft the other gradually flopes away from it. But the
revolving Motion always begins from the lower Side; which is farther re-
moved from the Wind. And now the Wind, blowing againſt the Machine,
15
The HISTORY of the WIND.
485
is comprefs'd by the four Sails; and obliged to take its Courſe thro' the
open Spaces between them: whence the Wind, in this compreffed State, of
neceffity brufhes fmartly againſt the Edges of the Sails, and turns them
round; as a Top, or the like, is turned, or fet up, by a Flirt of the Finger.
2. If the Sails were ftretched out equally, 'tis a Queftion which way they How the Im
would incline; as in the falling of a Stick but as the firft Side that meets pulfe is given.
the Wind, throws the force of the Wind upon the lower Side; and this a-
gain throws it into the Vacuities; this lower Side receives the chief Impulfe
of the Wind; whence the Rotation prefently begins on that Part: for 'tis
not the firſt Impulfe of the Wind in front; but a lateral Impulſe, after the
Compreffion, that begins the Motion.
3. To this Purpoſe we made feveral Experiments upon Paper-Sails, Experiments
turned with the Blaft of Bellows. (1.) And first, we added a Fold to the upon altering
lower Side of the Sail turning away from the Blaft, which now coming fide- wind-Mills:
the Sails of
ways, might have a larger Surface to ſtrike againſt : but this had no good
Effect; the additional Fold not affifting the Percuffion of the Wind, fo
much as it hinder'd the Sails from cutting the Air. (2.) Next we placed
Obſtacles at ſome diſtance behind the Sails, the whole breadth of them all;
that the Wind being more compreffed, might ftrike the ftronger: but this
rather did harm; as the Repercuffion checked the primary Motion.
(3.) Laſtly, we made the Sails double their former Width, that the Wind
might be compreffed the more; and have a ſtronger lateral Percuffion :
and this fucceeded extremely; fo that the Sails turned with a much gentler
Blaft; and revolved with a far greater Velocity.
PRECEPTS.
(1.) Perhaps this increaſe of Motion may be more commodiously pro- 4 Trial of fix
cured by fix or eight Sails, than by four of twice the Breadth; unleſs or eight Sails
the Bulk ſhould be too great for the Motion. But of this let Trial be recommended.
made
tried.
(2.) The Length of the Sails alfo contributes to the Motion: for in all Oar-Sails to be
Rotations, a fmall Force applied towards the Circumference, is equal to a
much greater towards the Center. But the lengthening of the Sails has this
Inconvenience, that the longer they are, the wider they ftand from one an-
other a-top; and the lefs the Wind is compreffed. It might, perhaps, fuc-
ceed, to have the Sail fomewhat long, and widening towards the Top,
like an Oar: but this we have not tried.
ADMONITIONS.
(1.) If theſe Experiments be reduced to Practice in Wind-Mills, the Wind-Mills
whole Machine muſt have Strength in its Structure; efpecially in its Foun- with large
Which directly tends to over-fet the Mill.
;
dation Sails, to be.
Strong built,
* Enquire the Succefs of a full Circle of Sails, placed Valve-fashion, for the Wind to flip
shro' as in the Wind-Mill at Deptford-Bridge, near London..
486
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Wind-Coaches.
Carriages to be
affifted by the
Wind.
:
dation for the more the Wind is compreffed, tho it whirles the Sails
round the faſter; yet it alfo gives the greater Shock to the Mill.
(2.) 'Tis reported, that there are, in certain Places, Wind-Coaches, or
Caravans, driven with Sails; which is an Affair that ſhould be well en-
quired into ".
PRECEPT.
Carriages to move by the Wind are impracticable, except in Plains, and
open Places. And even here alſo, what muſt be done when the Wind fails?
It is more rational to think of eafing the Motion of Waggons, and Car-
riages, by moveable Sails, to take up and down; which might favour the
Horfes, and eafe their Labour; than pretend to drive by Land, with
the Wind alone.
Natural Divi-
nation to be
cultivated.
SECT. XIV.
Of the Prefages, or Prognofticks of the WINDS; in pro-
fecation of the fifteenth Article of the Table of En-
quiry.
T¹
TRANSITION.
u
HE more Divination has been corrupted with Vanity and Superſti-
tion; the more the purer part of it ſhould be received and regarded.
But Natural Divination is fometimes more, and fometimes leſs certain; ac-
cording to the Nature of the Subject whereon 'tis exerciſed: fo that in a
Subject of a conftant and regular Ñature, it affords a true Prediction; but in
Things of a various, compounded, and cafual Nature, one that is fallacious.
And yet, even in a variable Subject, Predictions will generally hold true, if
care be uſed in forming the Rules; or not err greatly, tho it fhould not
hit upon the precife Time of Events. But even in point of Time, fome
Predictions will come very near; particularly fuch as are derived not from
Cauſes, but from the actual Beginnings of Things; tho they manifeſt them-
felves fooner, in a prepared and well-diſpoſed Matter, than otherwife. We
now, therefore, proceed to the Prognofticks of Winds; wherewith we fhall
neceffarily intermix fome others, concerning Rain and fair Weather; which
cannot well be ſeparated from the former: but leave the particular En-
quiries about them to their own proper Titles, and Hiftory.
1. If
▾ Accounts and Defcriptions of this kind are to be met with in Voyages to the Eaftern
Countries; but how far they may be fafely relied upon, is not certain. And fuch kind of
Contrivances ſeem chiefly ufed in fandy Defarts; the Sand here, in fome meaſure, anſwering
to Water; ſo as to make the Motion a kind of Sailing.
u See the Article DIVINATION, in the Sylva Sylvarum.
I
——
The HISTORY of the WIND.
487
1. If the Sun appear concave at its rifing, the Day will prove windy; or Predictions of
fhowry if the Concavity feem fhallow, windy; but if deep, fhowry.
the Wind and
Weather, from
2. The Sun rifing pale, or, as we vulgarly expreſs it, watery, denotes the Sun.
Rain; and if it fet pale, Wind.
3. If the Body of the Sun fet Blood-red, it foretells great Winds, for
many Days.
4. If, at Sun-rifing, his Rays appear fiery, not yellow; it denotes Rain
rather than Wind. Underſtand the fame of his fetting.
5. If, at the rifing or fetting of the Sun, his Rays appear contracted, or
fhorten'd, and do not fhine out bright; tho the Weather be not cloudy; it
denotes Rain rather than Wind.
6. If, before Sun-rifing, there appear over-early Rays; it denotes both
Wind and Rain.
7. If, at Sun-rifing, the Sun throws his Rays from the Clouds, whilſt one
half of his Body remains clouded; it fore-fhews Rain; efpecially if thofe
Rays ftrike downwards, fo as to fhew the Sun bearded: but if the Rays
break from the middle, or from feveral Parts, whilft the Sun's external
Face remains covered with Clouds; it fignifies great Storms both of Wind
and Rain.
8. If the rifing Sun be encompaffed with a Circle, Wind may be expected
from that Quarter where the Circle fhall open; but if the whole Circle
fhall vaniſh equably, 'tis a ſign of fair Weather.
9. If, towards Sun-fet, he appears with a white Circle about him, it
promiſes a little Storm the fame Night; but if the Circle be black, or
dufky, it portends a great Wind the next Day.
10. The Clouds looking red at Sun-rifing, prognofticate Wind; but at
Sun-fetting, fair Weather the Day following.
11. When at Sun-rifing Clouds gather themfelves near the Sun's Body;
it promiſes a fevere Storm the fame Day: but if they fly from the Eaft to
the Weft, it denotes fair Weather.
12. If, at Sun-rifing, the Clouds difperfe from about the Sun, fome to
the South and others to the North; tho the Sky feems clear near the Sun
itſelf; yet this prognofticates Wind.
13. If the Sun, at fetting, be wrapt in a Cloud; it denotes Rain the
next Day: but if it actually rain at Sun-fet, it rather denotes Wind; or, if
the Clouds feem to be drawn towards the Sun, it denotes both Wind
and Storms.
14. When the Clouds, at Sun-rifing, feem not to encompass the Sun,
but to hang over him, as if to eclipfe him; this portends Winds to ariſe
from that Quarter where the Clouds incline: but happening at Noon,
it denotes both Wind and Rain.
15. When Clouds every way block up the Sun, the lefs Light there is
left and the ſmaller the Diſk of the Sun appears, the more raging will be
the Storm but if the Sun's Body fhall appear double, or treble, as if
there were two or three Suns, the more fevere will the Tempeft prove, and
continue for many Days.
16. The
488
The HISTORY of the WIND.
:
Predictions
from the
Moon
Halos.
Full-Moon.
Eclipfes.
Conjunctions
of the Planets.
16. The New-Moon fhews the Difpofitions of the Air; tho, principal-
ly on the fourth Day, when her Newneſs ſeems confirmed: but the Full
Moon is a ſtronger Prognoftick than any of the Days that fucceed it.
17. By long Obſervation, the fifth Day of the Moon is held ſuſpected,
at Sea, for ftormy.
18. If the New-Moon does not appear till the fourth Day, it prognſtio-
cates a troubled Air for the whole Month.
19. If the New-Moon, either at her firft Appearance, or within a few
Days after, has her lower Horn obfcure, dufky, or any way fullied; it de-
notes foul Weather and Storms, before the Full: but if fhe be difcoloured
in the middle, Storms are to be expected about the Full; or about the
Wane, if her upper Horn be affected in like manner.
20. When the Moon, on her fourth Day, appears pure and ſpotlefs, her
Horns unblunted, and neither lying flat nor ftanding erect, but betwixt
both; it promiſes fair Weather, for the greateſt part, till New-Moon again.
21. If at this time fhe rifes red, it portends Wind; if reddiſh, or
duſky, Rain: but it denotes neither beyond the Full.
22. An erect Moon is generally threatning, and unfavourable; but par-
ticularly denotes Winds: tho if the appear with fhort and blunted Horns,
it rather denotes Rain.
23. If one Horn of the Moon fhall be more pointed and erect, and the
other more obtufe; it rather denotes Wind: but if both, it denotes Rain.
24. A Circle, or Halo, about the Moon, rather denotes Rain, than
Wind; but if ſhe appear erect, within the Circle, it portends both.
25. Circles about the Moon always denote Winds, on that fide where
they break and a remarkable Brightnefs of the Circle, in any part, denotes
Winds from that part.
25. Double or treble Circles about the Moon, portend fevere and dread-
ful Tempeſts; and much more, if thofe Circles are not entire, but broken
and ſpotted.
27. The Colours and Halo's attending the Full-Moon, afford nearly the
fame Prefages as the Moon's fourth Day; but the Accompliſhment is
more immediate.
28. The Full-Moon is generally more attended with fair Weather, than
other Ages of the Moon; but fometimes, in the Winter with intenſe Cold.
29. The Moon appearing larger about Sun-fet, yet luminous and not
dufky, promifes fair Weather for many Days.
30. An Eclipfe of the Moon is commonly attended with Wind; an
Eclipfe of the Sun, with fair Weather; and feldoin either of them with Rain.
31. Wind is to be expected both before and after the Conjunctions of all
the Planets with one another; but fair Weather after their Conjunctions
with the Sun.
Rifing of the 32. Mild Rains and Showers follow upon the rifing of the Pleiades, and
Conftellations. Hyades; but Storms upon the rifing of Orion, and Arcturus".
See the Note upon § 6. of Sect. X. pag. 472.
33. Shooting
ป
The HISTORY of the WIND.
489
33. Shooting Stars, as they are commonly called, foretel Winds to arife Star-fhoots.
foon, from that Quarter whence fuch fuppofed Stars darted but if they
fly from ſeveral, and contrary parts; it denotes great Tempefts, both of
Wind and Rain.
34. When the ſmall Stars are not viſible, any where in the Sky; it pre- Small Stars in-
fages great Storms and Rains, within a few Days: but if theſe fmall Stars vifible.
are obfcured in fome parts, and clear in others, it foretels only Wind;
but fooner.
the Heavens.
35. An equably bright Heaven at the New-Moon, or on her fourth Day, obfcurity of
prefages fair Weather, for feveral Days; when uniformly obfcure, Showers;
but when interruptedly obfcure, Winds from that Quarter where the Ob-
fcurity is. And if the Heavens grow dark on a fudden, without Cloud or
Fog to intercept the brightneſs of the Stars; 'tis a Sign that rough and
fevere Storms are at hand.
36. When an entire Circle furrounds a Planet, or any large fixed Star, Circles abous
it prefages Rain; but if the Circle be broke, Winds, from that Quarter the Stars.
where the Breach is.
37. When it thunders more than lightens, expect great Winds: but if Thunder.
it lightens frequently between the Thunder-Claps, expect hafty Showers,
with large Drops.
38. Thunder in the Morning forefhews Wind: and in the Afternoon,
Showers.
39. Loud Thunder, if it roll and pafs by the Place where 'tis heard, de-
notes Winds; but that confifting of unequal and fharp Claps, denotes
Storms, both of Wind and Rain.
40. If it lightens, and the Sky be clear, Winds and Rain are foon to be
expected, from the Quarter where the Lightening happens; but if it lightens
from different parts of the Sky, fevere and dreadful Tempefts are to follow.
41. When it lightens from the cold Quarters of the Heavens, as the
North and North-Eaſt; Hail ufually follows: but if from the warmer, as from different
Lightning
the South and Weft, fultry Showers.
Points.
42. Great Heats, after the Summer's Solſtice, generally end in Thunder Great Heats.
and Lightning; or, if theſe fucceed not, terminate in Wind and Rain,
that laſt for many Days.
43. The fiery Ball which is feen at Sea, and called Castor by the Ancients, From the Bro-
if it be fingle, prognofticates a fevere Tempeft; and fo much the more, thers at Sea.
if it does not adhere to the Maft of the Ship, but rolls or dances about:
but if there appear two of them, or both Caſtor and Pollux, together, when
the Storm is grown ftrong, this is reckoned a good Sign; but if there be
three of them, or Helena alfo attending, the Tempeft becomes more out-
rageous: fo that the Appearance of one alone, denotes Crudity in the
tempeftuous Matter; two a Concoction or Ripeneſs thereof; but three or
more, fuch a large Collection as is diffipated with difficulty.
44. If the Clouds drive faft whilft the Sky is clear, let Winds be ex- From the
pected from that Quarter whereto the Clouds are driven; but if they collect Clouds.
and roll up together, they will afterwards begin to feparate and difperfe,
VOL. III.
Rrr
when
490
The HISTORY of the WIND.
From Mifts.
The burning of
Fire and
Candles.
when the Sun approaches to that Part where they are collected: and if they
difperfe more towards the North, it denotes Wind; but if to the South,
Rain.
45. The Clouds rifing black or dufky at the fetting of the Sun, denotes
Rain the fame Night, if they rife oppofite to the Sun, or in the Eaſt;
but the next Day, attended with Wind, if they rife near the Sun, or from
the Weft.
46. The Sky clearing up, or the Clouds breaking away into a Part op-
pofite to the Wind that blows, denotes fair Weather; but clearing up to-
wards the Wind, it yields no certain Prognoftick.
47. Sometimes there are feveral Floors, or Stories of Clouds, one above
another; five whereof Dr. Gilbert declares, he has ſometimes obferved at once :
but the lower are always blackeft; tho it may fometimes appear otherwife;
becauſe the whiter ftrike the Sight moft. A double Range of them, if
thick, denotes approaching Rain; efpecially if the lower Cloud feem
fwoln and more Floorings denote the continuance of Rain from Day to
Day.
:
48. When the Clouds appear fleecy, and are difperfed up and down the
Sky, they denote Storms; but if they appear to wrap over one another,
like Scales, or the Tiling of a Houfe, they promife dry and fair Weather.
49. Feathered Clouds, or fuch as appear like the Branches of the Palm-
Tree, or the Flower-de-luce; denote Showers at hand, or not far off.
50. When Hills and Mountains appear, as it were, with their Caps on,
from the Clouds that hang about and furround them; 'tis a Sign of impend-
ing Storms.
51. Clouds appearing of an Amber or Gold Colour, before Sun-fet; and
having, as it were, their Edges gilt with Gold; promife fair Weather,
after the Sun is gone down lower.
52. Clouds that appear muddy and dirty, prognofticate Rain and Wind
at hand.
53. The fudden Appearance of a light Cloud, in a clear Sky; efpecially
coming from the Weft, or about the South; denotes a Storm a-brewing.
54. The Appearance of a white pregnant Cloud, called by the Ancients a
white Tempeft; denotes fmall Hail in the Summer, and Snow in the Winter.
55. When Mifts and Fogs rife upwards, they denote Rain; if they
mount fuddenly, as if they were fucked up, they forefhew Winds; but
when they fall, and remain in the Vallies, fair Weather.
56. A ferene Autumn denotes a windy Winter; a windy Winter, a rainy
Spring; a rainy Spring, a ferene Summer; a ferene Summer, a windy
Autumn: So that the Air, upon a Balance, is feldom Debtor to itſelf. Nor
do the Seafons fucceed each other, in the fame Tenor, for two Years together.
57. When our common Fires burn paler than ufual, and murmur or
refound within, 'tis a Sign of a Storm; if the Flame, curls, bends, and
waves in its rifing, it principally denotes Wind; but fpongy Excrefcences
in the Snuffs of Candles and Lamps, rather denote Rain.
I
58. When
The HISTORY of the WIND.
491
58. When Coals burn bright and fhining, 'tis a Sign of Wind; fo, like-
wife, when they quickly depofite and throw off their Afhes.
59. When the Sea appears calm on its Surface from the Land, and yet From the Sex.
has a murmuring Noife, tho without fwelling; this foretels Wind.
60. The founding of the Shores in a Calm, and the ringing of the Sea
itſelf, with a certain Flatter, or kind of Echo, heard more diftinctly, and to
a greater diſtance than ufual, prognofticates Winds.
61. The Appearance of Froth, white Crowns, or Bubbles of Water up
and down, on the Surface of the Sea, whilft it lies flat and calm, denotes
Winds; and when thefe Signs are more remarkable, fevere Tempefts.
62. The Appearance of a fhining Froth, called Sea-Lungs, upon a rough
and turbulent Sea, denotes a Continuance of the Tempeft for many Days.
63. When the Sea fwells without Noife, and rifes to the Shore higher Tide.
than ufual; or if the Tide comes in freſher than ordinary; this prognofti-
cates Winds.
64. A Sound coming from high Hills, and a murmuring Noife rifing in From Hills
Woods, as alſo a kind of Crackling in open Places, foretels Winds: fo and Woods.
likewiſe an unuſual Murmuring in the Heavens, without Thunder, prin-
cipally denotes Winds.
65. Leaves and Chaff playing in the Air, without any fenfible Breeze; Light Matters
the Downe of Plants flying about; and Feathers floating and playing upon playing.
the Waters; denote Winds at hand.
66. Water-Fowl flying and flocking together; but particularly Mews, Water-Fowl.
Gulls, and Moor-Hens, quitting the Sea or Rivers, and haſtening to the
Shores or Banks, eſpecially if with a Cry; and again, their playing on the
dry Land, foretels Winds; efpecially if this happen in the Morning.
67. On the contrary; when Land-Fowl go to the Water, ftrike it with Land-Fowl;
their Wings, waſh themſelves, and raiſe their Cry; but eſpecially the Crow;
this portends Tempefts.
68. Ducks and Coots, or Didappers, are obferved to prune their Feathers Ducks, Geefe,
before Wind; but Geefe with their importunate Gaggle, feem to call down &c.
Rain.
69. When the Heron tours upright, fo as fometimes to fly above a low The Heron and
Cloud; this denotes Wind: but the high Flight of a Kite denotes fair Kite.
Weather.
70. The continued Croaking of the Raven, in a fobbing manner, prefages Raven.
Wind; but if it be by Fits, in a ftifled manner; or if the Croak be repeated
at longer Intervals, it denotes Rain.
71. The Whooping of the Owl was thought, by the Antients, to denote Owl.
a change of Weather, from fair to Rain, or from cloudy to fair: but
with us, if the Owl whoops free and clear, it generally denotes fair Weather;
eſpecially in Winter.
72. If the Birds which rooft on Trees fly early to their Neft, and quit Birds flying
their Feeding foon, it prefages Storms; but when the Heron ftands melan- early to their
choly upon the Sand, or the Raven ſtalks about, it denotes only Rain. Nefts.
Rrr 2
73. When
492
The HISTORY of the WIND.
Dolphins.
Hogs.
Spiders.
Sounds.
Trefoil.
Meats Sweat-
ing.
Rain to be
confulted.
73. When Dolphins play in a Calm at Sea, this is thought to foretel
Wind from that Quarter whence the Dolphins come; on the contrary, their
playing, and throwing the Water about, in a rough Sea, denotes fair Wea-
ther but for moſt other Kinds of Fish; their fwimming a-top, and fome-
times leaping out of the Water, denotes Rain.
74. Hogs are fo difturbed, affrighted, and ftrangely affected at the rifing
of Wind, that the Country People have a Notion, this is the only Crea-
ture that can fee the Wind; and imagine it a frightful Sight.
75. Spiders ply their Work hard before Wind; as if they fnatched the
Opportunity of fpinning their Webs, before the Wind fhould come to pre-
vent them.
76. The ringing of Bells is heard to a greater diftance before Rain; but
before Wind more unequally: the Sound coming and going, as it does when
the Wind blows ftrong.
77. Pliny delivers it as certain, that Trefoil briftles and pricks up its
Leaves againſt a Storm.
78. He likewife adds, that Veffels containing Eatables, will fometimes
leave a Sweat behind them in the Buttery where they ftood; and that this
prognofticates fevere Tempefts.
ADMONITION.
The History of Since Rain and Winds have nearly the fame common Matter; and fince
fome Condenſation of the Air always precedes Wind; becauſe the new-made
Air is received within the old; as appears by the ringing of the Shores, &c.
the high flight of the Heron, &c. and fince, in like manner, a Condenfa-
tion of the Air always precedes Rain; it follows, that Rain muſt have many
Prognoſticks in common with Wind; for which, the Prognofticks of Rain,
ſhould be confulted under the particular History of that Meteor *.
Mens manner
of enquiring
too confined.
SE C T. XV.
Of Imitating the WINDS; in regard to the fixteenth
Article of the Table of Enquiry.
I
TRANSITION.
F Men could but perfuade themſelves, not to pin their Minds down to
the fole Confideration of the Subject they
thing elfe, as little to the Purpoſe; which
upon it, as they generally do, in a fruit is
ご
​propofe; fo as to forget every
fubtilize and fpeculate for ever
anner; they could not be fo
ftupefied
* But this Hiftory is not hitherto extant, that we know of. If proper Hiftories of all the
Meteors were wrote, tho it were in no greater Perfection than the prefent Hiftory of Winds,
they might afford much Light to one another.
The HISTORY of the WIN D.
493
ftupefied as they commonly appear; but would transfer their Thoughts,
and, by reaſoning, difcover many Things at a diftance, which lay hid nearer
hand. It were, therefore, proper to transfer the Method and Conduct ob-
ferved in the Law, to the Law of Nature; and proceed in natural Enquiries
with the fame Sagacity and Reafoning, from Parallels and Similitudes, as
we practice in Law-Cafes Y.
1. Bellows, with Men, are the Store-Veffels of Wind; from whence we The Ufe and
derive it, in Proportion to our Wants and Abilities. The Vallies and In- Action of Bel-
terſtices of Mountains, and the open Windings and Turnings betwixt lows.
Buildings, are but larger kinds of Bellows. The principal Ufes of Bellows,
are the animating of Fire; and blowing the Organ. They act by drawing
in the Air, to prevent a Vacuum, as the Phraſe is; and driving it out again
by Compreffion.
2. We likewife ufe Hand Fans for Coolness, and the making a Wind. Fans.
Theſe impel the Air but gently .
Z
3. We have already mentioned a Method of making Rooms cool in Cool Rooms.
Summer; but more curious and exact Ways may be difcovered, efpecially
if, in the manner of Bellows, the Air was drawn in at one part, and dif
charged at another. But the Methods at prefent in ufe for this Purpoſe,
turn only upon Compreffion.
4. There is a great Agreement between the Winds of the World, and Agreement be-
the Flatulencies in the Body of Man, and other Animals: for theſe alſo tween Winds
are generated from Moiſture, and alter with it; as Winds and Rains do. and Flatulen-
They are alſo diffipated, and made to perfpire, by a ſtronger Heat. And cies in the
Body.
hence an Obfervation may be transfered to the Winds; viz. their being
produced from a Matter affording a tenacious Vapour, that is not eaſily
diffipated; as we find by Beans, Pulfe and Fruit; which proves the Cafe
alfo in the greater Winds.
5. In the Diſtillation of Vitriol, and other Foffils, which are flatulent wind gene-
and exploſive, they are obliged to ufe large Receivers, to prevent their rated in Diftil-
being broke b
lations.
6. The Wind made by the Nitre in Gunpowder, bursting out of a fud- By Gun-
den, and blowing the Flame along, not only equals, but exceeds all other powder.
Winds; excepting thofe of Thunder.
7. The
y Let the preſent Hiſtory ſerve for an Example; wherein all Nature and Art feems to have
been fearched, with a View to the Suoject; and Matt rs brought in for it from
Quarter. When all the Materials belonging to the Subject are thus found, collected, and
every
ranged in their propereft Order, ſo as to afford a perfect Set of Tables, with their Axioms;
and fully exhibit the Thing as it is in Nature; then will the Enquiry be finished, and not be
fore. See the Novum Organum, Part 11.
z Add here the common Method of Winnowing by the Wheel-Fan; fhooting with the
Wind-Gun, &c.
a See Sect. VIII. Accidental Generations of Winds.
↳ Here enumerate the Bodies that generate moft Air by Diftillation; viz. Tartar, Tal
low, &c. See Mr, Hales's Vegetable Staticks,
494
The HISTORY of the WIND.
By Mercury
and Gold.
The Motion of
by that of the
Water.
7. The Force of the Wind is comprefted in Machines, and Engines of
human Invention; as in Guns, Mines, and Powder-Hoafes, when they fire
and blow up; but it has not hitherto been experienced, whether if a large
Quantity of Gun-powder were fired in the open Air 'twould raiſe a Wind,
by the Commotion of the Air, that ſhould laft feveral Hours c.
8. There is a flatulent and expanfive Spirit concealed in Quickfilver; ſo as
to make it, in effect, reſemble Gunpowder and a little of it mixed along
with Gunpowder, makes the Powder stronger. The Chemists alſo ſpeak
of Gold, as if in fome ways of preparing, it would make an Exploſion,
almoft like Thunder &.
A larger OBSERVATION.
The Motion of the Winds is, in many Reſpects, feen, as in a Glafs, by
the Winds feen the Motion of the Waters. (.) Great Winds are Inundations of the Air,
like Inundations of the Water; both proceeding from an Increaſe of Quan-
tity. (2.) As Waters either deſcend from above, or flow from the Earth;
fo fome Winds are thrown down from on high, and fome rife up from be-
low. (3.) As fometimes in Rivers there are contrary Motions, one Motion
of the Tide, another of the River's Courfe; and yet but a fingle Motion
takes place; that of the Tide becoming predominant: fo, likewife, when
contrary Winds blow, the greater fubdues the lefs. (4.) As it fometimes
happens in Currents of the Sea, and certain Rivers, that the Water a-top
moves in a contrary Direction to that below; fo, likewife, in the Air,
when contrary Winds blow, together, the one flies over the other.
(5.) As there are Cataracts of Rain falling within a narrow compafs; fo
there are, in like manner, narrow Eddies of Wind, or Whirlwinds. (6.) As
Waters, when diſturbed, will have an Undulation, befides their progreffive
Motion; fo likewife have the Winds. And befides thefe, there are other
Correſpondences between them, derivable from the prefent Enquiry.
SECT. XVI.
Imperfect AXIOMS; or Variable CANONS, formed up-
on the preceding Enquiry.
C
TRANSITION.
ANONS, or AXIOMS, are either particular or general; but both of
them with us are variable or improvable: for we dare not yet pro-
nounce upon any thing. As to particular Axioms, they may be deduced and
As the firing of great Guns is faid to allay Storms.
d This feems meant of the Aurum Fulminans.
collected
The HISTORY of the WIND.
495
collected from almost every Article; but we fhall here fubjoin a few of the
general ones, that we have ourſelves drawn out.
AXIOM I.
1. Wind is nothing more than Air put into Motion, either by a fimple The Nature of
Impulfe, or the Admixture of Vapours.
AXIOM IL
Wind.
2. Winds are produced by the fimple Impulse of the Air, four Ways; viz. Winds produ-
(1.) By the natural Motion of the Air; (2) by the Expansion of the Air in ced by four
the Path of the Sun; (3.) the Contraction of the Air by fudden Cold; and, Impulses.
(4.) by the Compreffion of the Air from external Bodies.
There may poffibly be a fifth Way; viz. by the Agitation and Concuffion
of the Air from the Stars: but Operations of this kind fhould not be
mentioned yet; or elfe fhould be but fparingly received.
AXIOM III.
3. The principal Caufe of Winds, produced by the Admixture of Vapours, is, The principal
the Air's being over-loaded by the Air newly formed from Vapours; whence the Cause of va-
Bulk of the Air increaſes, and requires more room.
AXIOM IV.
porous Winds.
4. A small, fresh Supply of Air may cause a great Swell, every way, in A fmall_Sup-
the Atmosphere; fo that this new Air, from the Refolution of Vapours, con- ply of Air,
tributes more to the Motion than the Matter: but the great Body of the Wind may prove a
confifts of the former Air. And the new Air does not drive the old Air before wind.
great Cauſe of
it, as if they were feparate Bodies; but both being mixed together, they re-
quire a larger Space.
AXIOM V.
5. When there is another Principle of Motion befides the Surcharge of the Violent Winds
Air; this proves an Acceffory, that increases and strengthens the Principal: Seldom proceed
whence it is, that great and boisterous Winds feldom arife from a bare Sur. from a bare
charge of the Air.
AXIOM VI.
Surcharge of
Air.
6. There are four Acceffories to the Surcharge of the Air; viz. (1.) Subter- Four Acceſſo-
·raneal Expirations; (2.) Precipitation from that called the Middle Region of ries to the Sur
• See Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. V.
Till better known and difcovered; or till Natural Philofophy itself is farther advanced.
the charge of the
Air.
496
The HISTORY of the WIND.
The Motion of
rally lateral.
the Air; (3.) Diſſipation of formed Clouds; and, (4.) Mobility and Acrimony
of the Exhalation itself.
AXIOM VII.
7. The Motion of the Wind is almost conftantly lateral: that which proceeds
the Wind gene- from the fimple Surcharge of the Air, is fo from the firft; and that which pro-
ceeds from fubterraneous Expirations, or Repercuffion from above, becomes fo
foon after unless when the Eruption, Precipitation, or Reverberation, are
exceedingly violent.
Winds denfer
than Air.
Winds laid five
Ways.
Rain formed
four Ways.
Vapours and
Exhalations
AXIOM
VIII.
8. Air will fuftain fome Compreffure before it becomes fenfible of being over-
loaded, or before it will impel the Air contiguous to it; whence it is, that all
Winds are Somewhat more denfe than Air at rest.
AXIOM IX.
9. Winds are allay'd five Ways; viz. (1.) When the Vapours come together;
(2.) incorporate; (3.) fublime; (4.) transport; or, (5.) Spend themfelves.
AXIOM X.
10. Vapours come together, or the Atmosphere forms itſelf into Rain, four
Ways; viz. (1.) By being oppreſſed with Quantity; (2.) condenſed by Cold;
(3.) by contrary Winds driving the Vapours together; and, (4.) by rever-
berating Obstacles.
AXIOM XI.
11. Both Vapours and Exhalations afford Matter of Winds: for tho Rain
never proceeds from Exhalations; yet Winds may frequently proceed from Vapours.
the Matter of But there is this Difference, that the Winds made from Vapours more eafily in-
corporate with pure Air, become fooner appeafed, and prove not fo stubborn, as
thofe from Exhalations.
Winds.
Heat has a
AXIOM
XII.
12. The Modification and different States of Heat, have as great an Effect
Power to pro- in the Production of Winds, as the Quantity or Conditions of the Matter.
duce Wind.
AXIOM
XIII.
13. In the Generation of Winds, the Sun's Heat should be fo proportionate as
Hea' required to excite them; but not fo plentifully as to make them collect into Rain; nor yet
The degree of
to produce
Winds. fofparingly as to make them totally differfe and diffipate.
AXIOM
The HISTORY of the WIND.
497
AXIOM
XIV.
14. Winds blow from the Quarters of their Nurferies: and when thefe Nur- The manner
feries are differently feated, different Winds generally blow together; but the wherein Winds
ftronger either fubdues the weaker, or turns it into its own Current.
AXIOM XV.
blow.
ted thro' the
15. Winds are generated all the way up, from the Surface of the Earth to Winds genera
the cold Region of the Air: but those that blow ofteneft, are generated near
band; and the stronger above.
AXIOM XVI.
16. The Countries which have their Serving-Winds warm, are hotter;
thofe that have them cool, are colder; than in proportion to the Climate.
SECT. XVII.
whole height
of the Atmo-
Sphere.
and Serving Winds
A Table of Particulars more immediately ferviceable to
Mankind or DESIDERATA with their APPROXI-
MATIONS; drawn from the preceding Enquiry.
A
DESIDERATUM
I.
cool or warm,
according to
the Country.
Method of forming and difpofing the Sails of Ships, fo as with a lefs Wind More advan
to make more way: a Thing of great Ufe for fhortning Voyages, and tageous Ships
leffening their Expence.
APPROXIMATION.
No Diſcovery has hitherto been made to anſwer this Defideratum preciſely
in practice; but confult the larger Obfervations under Section XIII.
DESIDERATUM
II.
To conftruct Wind-Mills, and their Sails, fo as that they may perform more
Work with less Wind: which alſo is a Matter of Advantage.
APPROXIMATION.
Confult upon this Head our Experiments under S. Etion XIII.
and Wind-
Mills,
VOL. III.
Sff
DESI
498
The HISTORY of the WIND.
To predict the
Winds.
To predict Dif-
Countries.
DESIDERATUM III.
A Method of predicting the Rifing, Falling, and Times of the Winds: a Thing
of ufe in Navigation, and Agriculture; but especially in chufing the Times
for Sea-Fights.
APPROXIMATION.
There are many Things to this Purpoſe in the preceding Enquiry, eſpeci-
ally under Section XIV. But the Obfervations of Pofterity, now the Caufe
of Winds is explained, may afford much more exact Prognofticks.
DESIDERATUM
IV.
A Method of prognofticating, and forming Judgment, upon other Things, from
coveries of new the Winds: for Example, whether there be any other unknown Continents, or
Ilands in the Sea of any Place; or whether the Sea be open and uninterrupted:
a Thing of Uſe in Navigation; and the Discovery of new Countries.
To predict
Plenty and
Scarcity.
To predict
Sickness, &c.
APPROXIMATION.
The Approximation here, is the Obfervation of Stated Winds; which
feems to have been uſed by Columbus.
DESIDERATUM
V.
A Method of predicting the Plenty or Scarcity of Fruits, and Corn, every
Year: which would be Matter of Profit, and regulate Bargains and Sales for
Time; as Thales, from a natural Divination of this kind, is faid to have
bought up all the Olives of his Country.
APPROXIMATION.
There are fome Things to this Purpoſe under Section VI.
DESIDERATUM
VI.
So likewiſe it would be an uſeful Thing, and for the Reputation of Phyſicians, to
predict the Difeafes and Peftilences of each Year; if this could be done as alfo,
for difcovering the Caufes and Cures of Diftempers; with fome other Affairs of
political Confideration *.
* See the Author's New Atlantis ad finem.
APPROXI
The HISTORY of the WIND.
499
APPROXIMATION.
And with regard to this, alſo, there are certain Particulars in the pre-
fent Enquiry, eſpecially under Section VI.
ADMONITION.
"In the Bufinefs of predicting Plenty or Scarcity of Corn and Fruits, and The Hiftory of
the Riſe of Diſtempers by the Winds; let the Hiftories of Agriculture and
Medicine be confulted '.
DESIDERATUM VII.
A Method of raiſing and laying the Winds.
APPROXIMATION.
There are certain fuperftitious and magical Relations, with regard to
this Matter, not worthy to be received into a ferious and rigid Natural
Hiftory; nor can we, at prefent, think of an Approximation. However,
with a View thereto, let the Nature of the Air be throughly fifted and
examined; to try whether any thing may be found, that when communi-
cated in a ſmall Quantity to it, may excite and multiply Motion; ſo as
to dilate and contract the Body of the Air: for if this could be done, the
raifing and laying of the Winds would follow of courſe; after the manner
of Pliny's Experiment, if true, of playing Vinegar into a Whirlwind.
Another Attempt might be made, by letting out the Winds from fub-
terraneal Places; if any were plentifully collected therein; as is currently re-
ported of the Pit in Dalmatia: but it will be difficut to diſcover the Places
wherein Winds are thus imprisoned.
Agriculture
and Medicine
to be confulted.
To raise and
allay the
Winds.
DESIDERATUM
VIII.
Ways of producing many furprizing and diverting Phænomena, by the Mo- To produce
tion of the Winds.
APPROXIMATION.
But of the Methods for affecting this, we have no leifure to con-
fider. The Approximation is the common Way of fighting Battles by
Sff 2
the
Strange Ap-
pearances by
Wind.
See above, the Admonition at the cloſe of Sect. XIV.
500
The HISTORY of the WIND.
the Wind". And, doubtlefs, many agreeable Things of this kind might
be invented; both with regard to Motion and Sound".
This is alſo mentioned under the thirteenth Article of the Table of Enquiry. I fup.
poſe the Author means the School-Boys Diverfion of fighting Battles, by the flying of
Paper-Kites.
See the Sylva Sylvarum, under the Article SOUND. In order to profecute the En-
quiry, it might be proper to confult, all that relates to it in the Philofophical Transactions;
French Memoirs, and German Ephemerides; Sir Ifaac Newton's Principia, Mr. Boyle's
Philofophical Works; Stahl's Obfervatio Meteorologia Cokio-Sluteriana; Boerhaave's four
Chapters upon the Elements, in his Chemistry; Honoratus Faber, &c. But fome of the prin-
cipal Matters here required, ſeem not hitherto received into Books; and must be de-
rived immediately from Nature, the common Practical Arts or new Experiments, pur
pofely made to give farther Light, and Information, in this Subject.
End of the Hiftory of WINDS.
A
A
PLAN
For the PARTICULAR
HISTORY
O F
Condensation and Rarifaction,
I N
NATURAL BODIE S.
503
PREFACE.
T
HIS is a pofthumous Piece, and publiſhed in the ori-
ginal Latin, with confiderable Care, by the Author's
Chaplain and Amanuenfis, Dr. Rawley; that being a
very imperfect Edition given of it by Gruter.
It is
one of the Six Hiftories which the Author defigned to write month-
ly. Three of theſe monthly Productions are extant; viz. The Hif-
tory of Life and Death; Winds; and the prefent Hiftory of
Rarity and Denfity. But thofe of Sympathy and Antipathy; the
Three Chemical Principles; and of Gravity and Levity; were
not published. Nor does there appear to be any thing hitherto writ-
ten that may supply the Want of them. But the Original,
Original, from
whence they were to be copied, is Nature; which we have always
before us.
The Subject of Rarifaction and Condenfation, has indeed been lau-
dably profecuted by the Moderns; especially fince the Invention of the
Air-Pump, and other pneumatical and hydrostatical Engines and
Inftruments. Yet it does not seem to have been purſued in all
that Variety and Fullness, wherein it is here ſketched out by the
Author.
An unfeaſonable Indulgence of mathematical Speculations, feems to
have ſomewhat diverted the Purfuit: for the Thing appears of late,
to have been rather mathematically than phyfically confidered. So
that we have had Worlds made in the Imagination, by the fuppofed
Rarifaction of fingle Particles of Matter; and many other fuch ma-
thematical Levities, or Sports of Fancy; whilst the full Process
and Uſe of Rarifaction, and Condenſation, in the real World, bas
been less attended to than it deferves. For, doubtless, a thorough
Knowledge of this Subject would lead to a Difcovery of many
Arts and Works; an Inftance whereof we have lately had in
the
2
504
PREFACE.
the Discovery of that noble Engine, for Raifing Water by Rari-
faction, and Condenſation.
It may, perhaps, appear furprizing, to those who shall diligently
perufe the following Piece, that the Author fhould have feen fo far
into the modern Phyficks; and himself have here laid, not only the
Foundations of our prefent Hydroftaticks, and Pneumaticks, but
alfo of much greater Discoveries.
INTRO-
505
INTRODUCTION
O wonder if Nature remain Debtor to Philofophy and the
Sciences, when fhe has never yet been fummoned to an Ac-
count. For there has hitherto been no careful and regular
Enquiry, no exact or tolerable Eſtimate made, as to the Sum or
Quantity of Matter in Nature; nor any Notice taken how it is diſpoſed,
and laid out upon Bodies. 'Tis a juſt Axiom, That nothing can be detracted
from, or added to the Sum total of the Univerfe. And fomne, indeed, have
handled the Common-place, how Bodies may be relaxed and contracted, in
reſpect of more and lefs, without admitting a Vacuum between: but for the
Nature of Condenſation and Rarifaction, one attributes it to a greater and
lefs Quantity of Matter; another eludes the Point; whilft the Generality,
following their Author, think to difcufs and fettle the whole Matter by
that trifling Diſtinction of Act and Power. And even they who attribute
Condenſation and Rarifaction to the different Quantities of Matter, which is
the true Notion, and do not totally deprive the Materia prima of Quantity;
tho, for other Forms, they require it to be indifferent, yet here end their
Enquiry, and look no farther; without perceiving the Confequence: thus
flightly paffing over, or at beſt not fully purſuing, a Confideration which
regards infinite Particulars; and is, in a manner, the Foundation of all
Natural Philofophy.
To proceed, therefore, upon what has been justly laid down in all the
Tranfmutations of Bodies; Matter can never be annihilated; but it re-
quires the fame omnipotent Power to annihilate, as to create out of No-
thing; neither of which ever happens in the Courſe of Nature; fo that
the original Quantity of Matter remains for ever the fame, without Addi-
tion or Diminution. And that this original Stock of Matter is differently
portioned out among Bodies, cannot be doubted; for it were Madnefs, by
abſtract Subtilties, to pretend, that one Hogfhead contains as much Wa-
ter as ten Hogfheads of Water; or, that one Hogfhead of Air contains
as much as ten Hogfheads of Air. But tho it be admitted, that the Quan-
tity of Matter rifes in proportion to Meafure, in the fame Body; this is
ftill queſtioned in Bodies of different Kinds. But if it be demonftrated,
that one Hogfhead of Water turned into Air, will make ten Hogfheads of
VOL. III.
a viz. Ariftotle.
Ttt
Air
506
INTRODUCTION.
Air (and it may rather be proved to make a hundred) there is an end of the
Difpute; for, in this cafe, the Water and the Air are the fame Body;
now contained in ten Hogfheads, tho before it was contained in one. And
therefore to affert, that one whole Hogfhead of Water may be converted
into but one whole Hogfhead of Air, is, in effect, to affert that Some-
thing may be reduced to nothing: for, in this cafe, one tenth Part of the
Water is fufficient; and the other nine Parts must then be annihilated.
So, on the contrary, to affert that a Hogfhead of Air is convertible into a
Hogfhead of Water; is to affert, that Something may be created out of
Nothing for the Hogfhead of Air will make but the tenth Part of a
Hogshead of Water; and therefore the other nine Parts must be pro-
duced from nothing.
We fhall, however, ingenuously confefs it a difficult Tafk, to fettle and
afcertain the exact Proportions and Quantities of Matter, contained in
different Bodies; and to fhew, by what Induſtry and Sagacity a true In-
formation may be had thereof: tho the great and extenfive Uſefulneſs of
the Enquiry may abundantly reward the Pains that ſhall be bestowed upon
it. For to underſtand the Denſity, and the Rarity of Bodies, and much
more, how to procure and effect their Condenfation and Rarifaction; is a
Thing of the utmoft Importance, both in fpeculative, and practical Phi-
lofophy. Therefore, as the Enquiry is, perhaps, of all others, the moſt
fundamental and univerfal; we fhould come to it well prepared for all
Natural Philofophy is a perfectly loofe and untwisted Thing without
it b
16.
The Author keeps to his original Defign of enquiring into fuch Subjects first, as are either
moſt uſeful in themfelves, or moft fundamental, and leading to others. See Page 8
of the preſent Volume,
A
50%
Α
PLAN
* For the PARTICULAL
HISTORY
O F
Condensation and Rarifaction, &c.
SECT. I.
A TABLE of Enquiry for the particular History of
DENSITY and RARITY in Natural Bodies.
I.
L
ARTICLE I.
Tables of Rarifaction and Condensation.
DIRECTION.
ET a Table be formed, from particular Experiments, to fhew
by Inſpection, the fpecifick Gravities, or different Weights
of all tangible Bodies, under equal Dimenfions; with rela-
tion to Gold and explain the Conftruction, Nature, and
Ufes of this Table.
2. Let Tables alfo be formed of Bodies, under the fame Dimenſions,
whole, and in powder; crude and diſtilled; as alfo of pneumatical Bodies,
according to their Degrees of Expanfion. The whole of this to regard
the Expanſion of Matter in Bodies; according to their different Con-
fiftencies, whilft at reft.
Ttt 2
ARTI
508
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
ARTICLE II.
The Dilatations caused by fimple Introfufception; or the Admision of one
Body into the Pores of another.
DIRECTION.
3. If poffible, let the Enquiry be here diligently profecuted about the
Appetites and Motions of Bodies, whereby they fwell and fink, rarify and
condenſe, dilate and contract, &c. becauſe this is of great Ufe; as, at once,
ferving to diſcloſe, and govern Nature. And yet it must proceed fumma-
rily; becauſe the Subject of Denfity and Rarity is fo copious and general,
that, if fully profecuted, it would anticipate many of the following Titles
which ſhould not be allowed of.
ARTICLE III.
Dilatation of the innate Spirit, expanding itſelf.
DIRECTION.
4. Let the Enquiry pafs on to the Dilatations and Tumefactions of
Bodies; cauſed by their own internal Spirit; whether naturally, or preter-
naturally; but without Fire, or manifeft external Heat.
ARTICLE IV.
The Dilatations and Relaxations of Bodies, by means of actual, fimple,
external Heat.
DIRECTION.
5. This Enquiry properly belongs to the Subjects of Heat and Cold, Di-
latation, Separation, and Alteration; yet fome Knowledge of the Relaxa-
tions of Bodies by Fire is here neceffary, for the more commodious carry-
ing on of the Enquiry into Condenſation and Rarifaction. Let this there-
fore, be touched only as in Paffage..
ARTICLE V.
Dilatations by external Heat in Distillations..
DIRECTION.
6. The Enquiry fhould next proceed to the Dilatations and Relaxations
of Bodies by Heat in Diftillations; which affords a better Opportunity,
than Coction or Calcination, of diſcovering the exact Procefs of this kind
of Relaxation but as the Profecution hereof properly belongs to the
Title of Heat and Cold, and the Motion of Dilatation and Separation; it
fhould
and RARIFACTION."
509
fhould be fparingly touched under the prefent Article, tho it were other-
wife uſeful to dwell thereon.
ARTICLE VI.
The Dilatations and Relaxations of Bodies by the Remiffion of Cold.
DIRECTION.
7. Let the Enquiry next proceed to the Dilatations and Relaxations of
Bodies, upon the remiffion of violent Cold; or a lefs comparative degree
of Heat; as in Thawing, &c.
ARTICLE VII.
The Dilatation and Relaxation of Bodies by potential Heat; or the auxi-
liary Spirits of other Bodies.
DIRECTION.
8. From the Dilatations made by external Heat, and the remiffion of
Cold; proceed to thofe made by potential Heat; or the affifting Spirits of
another Body applied. And as for the Bufinefs of potential Heat, it is pro-
per to confult the medicinal Tables of fecondary Qualities; from thence to
collect the Things that feparate by Dilatation in the human Body.
ARTICLE VIII.
The Dilatation of Bodies by a Releafement of their Spirit.
DIRECTION.
9. Next proceed to the Dilatation of Bodies made by a Releaſement of
their Spirits; upon breaking the Priſons of the groffer Parts, which cloſely
detained them; fo that they could not dilate themſelves.
ARTICLE IX.
The Dilatation happening upon the meeting and uniting of Bodies related.
DIRECTION.
ro. This kind of Dilatation is, in fome cafes, called Diffolution; tho it
happens without any manifeft Tumult. Enquire out the Inftances hereof.
ARTICLE X.
The Dilatation by Affimilation; or the Conversion of a groffer Matter to
fuch as is more fubtile.
I
DIREC-
510
The History of CONDENSATION,
DIRECTIO N.
11. This is underſtood of an actual Converfion of one Body into the
Subftance of another: the more eminent Inftances whereof are to be care-
fully collected.
ARTICLE XI.
Dilatations or Distractions, by external Force.
DIRECTION.
12. Theſe Dilatations or Diftractions, are fuch as proceed not from any
Appetite in the dilated Body; but from the Violence of a Body exter-
nal; which prevailing, obliges the other to dilate.
ARTICLE XII.
Dilatations by Diffufion; or Spreading.
:
DIRECTION.
13. This being a ſpurious kind of Dilatation it need not be here very
particularly enquired into: Tho the more eminent Inftances fhould be enu-
merated; as the Ductility of Gold, &c.
ARTICLE XIII.
Contractions by the emiffion, or diſcharge, of a Body received.
DIRECTION.
14. Having thus profecuted the Bufinefs of Dilatations, Rarifactions, and
Relaxations of Bodies; the contrary Actions thereto muſt alſo be enquired
into; viz. the Contractions, Condenſations, and Shuttings up of Bodies. And
as Contraction is correlative to Dilatation; that muſt be thoroughly examined.
ARTICLE XIV.
Contractions by the shrinking of the groffer Parts, after the discharge of
the Spirits.
DIRECTION.
15. Here again, the Inftances are to be carefully collected.
ARTI
and RARIFACTION.
512
ARTICLE XV.
The Contraction of Bodies by actual, external Cold.
DIRECTION.
16. This is the reciprocal Action to that of Dilatation by external
Heat; and the moſt genuine and proper kind of Contraction. Here, there-
fore, the Enquiry fhould be more largely and fully profecuted; fo far as the
degrees of Cold, upon the Earth's Surface, can be made to reach.
ARTICLE XVI.
The Contraction of Bodies by potential Cold.
DIRECTION.
17. Let this Article be profecuted as the correlative to Article VII.
ARTICLE XVII.
The Contractions of Bodies by Flight, and Antiperiftafis.
DIRECTION.
18. This is the oppofite to Dilatation by Union and Embrace.
Article IX.
See
ARTICLE XVIII.
TheC ontraction of Bodies by Affimilation or Converfion, into a denfer
State.
DIRECTION.
19. This is the correlative to Article X.
ARTICLE XIX.
The Contractions of Bodies by external Violence.
DIRECTION.
20. This correfponds to Article XI. §
SECT
e Fuller Directions, Admonitions, and Precepts, are occafionally interfperfed in the EQ-
quiry itſelf.
512
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
SECT. II.
ATABLE expreffing the DENSITY and RARITY,
or Specifick Gravities, of different tangible Bodies, in
proportion to Gold; with the Explanation, and Ufes
thereof.
The Bodies in the following Tables were all taken of the fame
Bulk, or Dimenſions.
The TABLE, in alphabetical Order. *
d
Pure GOLD weigh'd an Ounce, or twenty Penny-Weight.
Penny-Weight. Grains.
Penny-Weight.
Grains.
A Labafter
2
I2
Alum
I.
21
Amber
I
Aqua fortis
I
7
Aſhes, common
I
320
China-root
Clay, common
Tobacco-pipe
I
2
2
Copper
9
01 Crystal
2
Balfam, Indian
I
6
Earth, common
2
200 500 ∞
~Nan N
8 /1/0
HIN HIN
플
​8
18
Beer, ſtrong
I
3
Ebony-wood
I
3 //
Benjamin
I
Borage, its exprefs'd}
Fennel-feed, powder'd 1
Fir-wood
3 1/2
WIN HIN HIN
13
1 1/
I
3 /
Flint
Brass, coarſe
8
fine
9
Brimftone
Butter
I
Calve's Brain, raw I
Camphire
I
A420 ++
22
9
Glass
5
Guaiacum-wood
0221
15
22
20 //
IO
Jet
I
Iron
8
42
3
Ivory
I
21/
4
Chalk
I 18
HIN
Lead
Loadstone
a For the fake of Convenience, and ready Ufe, this Table is ranged in alphabetical Order;
tho there are confiderable Ends anfwered alfo by difpofing it in the natural Order, ſo
as to fhew how Bodies run down, in a defcending Scale, from the moft ponderous Sub-
ſtance, GOLD; to the lighteft the Author tried, which was Fir. Whence, we judge, that
both Forms ought to be preſerved; at leaſt till a complete Table of the ſpecifick Gravities of all
Bodies is procured tho on many Otcafions, even then, it would be proper to have two; one
in the Order of Nature, and the other in that of the Alphabet, according to the preſent Exam-
ple. See below, Obfervation 3. § 11.
:
12
I
5
12
Marble
HIN HIN
56 1
and RARIFACTION.
513
t
Penny-Weight.
Grains.
Penny-Weight. Grains.
powder
Milk, Cow's
Myrrh
Nitre
Oak-wood
of
by Expreffion
Petreol
Quick-filver
dered
Marble
Marjoram, fweet, in
Mint, its expressed Juicer
Oil of Sweet Almonds o
of Cloves, chemical ▾
Mace, green, }
of Sulphur
of Vitriol
Onion, fresh
Ox Bone
Horn
Pear, Winter, raw I
Pearl powdered
Rofe Flowers pow-}
Rofe-water diftilled
2
22 Salt, common, in
in}
23
powder
Sand, white
in}
I
ΙΟ
I
20
I
4
H|2
4
Saunders, red
Sheep's Blood
I
5
I
5
I
Flefh
I
IO
2
5
Silver, pure
ΙΟ
2I
19
Soot, common, from)
23
the Chimney, in
17
3
powder
зо
Spirit of Wine
22
23 //
Steel
8
ΙΟ
I
18
Suet
I
I
21
Sugar, white, pow-
I
2 //
2.
I
2
I
2
556 2 2
dered
Tin, block
7
22
Tin-glass
10
12
Touchstone
3
I
Verjuice of Crabs
I
3
O
23
Vinegar
I
3
HIN
19
9
diftilled
I
I
Vitriol, white
I
22
22
Urine, common
I
3
I
I
Water
I
Sal-Gem
2
IO
Wax, yellow
I
Wine, Claret
I
MMN N
3
2
2 1/
4
Penny-Weight. Grains.
19
The fame TABLE in the Order of Nature.
Ure Gold
pure
Quickfilver
20
Penny-Weight.
Block Tin
7
Grains.
22
9
Loadftone
Lead
· 12
1
Pure Silver
IO
21
Tin-glass
ΙΟ
12
Copper
9
8
Fine Brass
9
Steel
8
IO
Common Brafs
8
Iron
8
no ao
5
9
6
VOL. III.
Touchstone
Marble
Flint
Glass
Cryftal
Alabaster
Sal-Gem
Common Clay
Uuu
2
2
Uma a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
5
12
3
I
2
22 í
2
22/
I
20
18
12
ΙΟ
8 //
To-
514
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Penny-Weight. Grains.
Tobacco-pipe-Clay
Nitre
Ox Bone
Powdered Pearl
Brimstone
Common Earth
White Vitriol
I
Ivory
I
21
Alum
I
21
Oil of Vitriol
I
20
China-Root
White Sand
I
21
Winter-Pear, raw
Penny-Weight.
Grains.
2
SILON 2 -
2222 2
5½
Vinegar
I
3
플
​5
Verjuice of Crabs
I
3
Shining Amber
1
5
2
1
I
22
Urine
Common Water
Oil of Cloves, chemical I
Claret Wine
White Sugar, powdered 1
Yellow Wax
I
3
I
3
I
3
I
IMN N N N N
3
2 /
I
2 1/
2
I
2
I
2
Chalk
I
18
44
Vinegar, diftilled
I
I
Oil of Sulphur
I
18
Rofe-water, diftilled
I
I
Common Salt, in powder 1
10
Common Afbes
I
Guaiacum wood
I
ΙΟ
Myrrh
I
•
Sheeps Flesh
I
ΙΟ
Benjamin
I
Aqua fortis
I
7
Butter
I
Ox Horn
1
6
Suet
I
O
Indian Balſam
I
6
Calves Brain, raw
I
Sheeps Blood
I
Red Saunders
I
Jet
I
Freſh Onion
I
Cows Milk
I
Camphire
I
4
Ebony Wood
Mint, its expreffed juice 1
Borage, its expreffed juice 1
Strong Beer
Fennel-feed, powdered 1
4
3
I
I
555.5+++♡♡
HIN HIN HIN HIN
3 2/
3 //
Oil of Sweet Almonds o
4 & Oil of Mace, green, o
by expreffion
Marjoram, Sweet, in
powder
Petreol
4 Rofe Flowers, powdered o
Spirit of Wine
Oak Wood
Soot, common, from
the chimney, in
powder
23
23 2
23 1/2/2
mlet
in}
23
|
3 ½ Fir-wood
22
O
22
19 2
플
​O
17
15
The
and RARI FACTION.
515
The Conftruction, Nature, and Ufe of the preceding
I.
TH
TABLE.
made.
HE Weights made ufe of are the common ones of the Gold-Smith; The Weight
employed.
the Pound confifting of twelve Ounces; the Ounce of twenty-
penny Weight; and the Penny-weight of twenty-four Grains. We make
choice of pure Gold for the Standard, and adjuſt the Dimenſions of the other
Bodies thereto; becauſe this is not only the heavieſt Subſtance we know;
but alſo the moſt uniform, homogeneous, and without any volatile Part.
The Experiments, upon which the Table was formed, proceeded thus.
2. We faſhioned an Ounce of pure Gold into a folid Cube, and provided The Table how
à fquare Cafe, or Box of Silver, which contained and fitted it exactly;
excepting only, that the Cafe rofe fomewhat higher : but a Line was drawn
on the infide of it, at the preciſe height whereto the Gold Cube reached.
This we did for the convenience of filling the Cafe with Fluids, and
Powders; fo that when either of them were put in, they might not run The Appara-
over, or be fpilt; but contain themfelves level within. We likewife pro- tus.
vided another fimilar Cafe, perfectly of the fame Weight and Dimenſions;
in order to fhew the Proportion which the Body, contained in one, bore to
that contained in the other. Then cutting Cubes of the fame Dimenfions,
or Bulk, with that of the Gold, in all the folid Bodies fpecified in the
Table which would bear cutting, we fitted them exactly into the Cafes,
up to the Line; and poured in our Liquors to the fame height occationally.
The like we alſo did by the Powders; conftantly obferving to fqueeze and
preſs them in ſo ſtrong, that they might lie even and uniform, without fub-
jecting our Experiments to cafualty.
3. Then for the Trials themſelves; we put one of the Cafes, empty, in The Experi-
one Scale, and the other Cafe, containing the Body to be examined, into the ments, how
other Scale of the Balance; and feparately took the exact Weight of each performed.
Body fo contained. For, as much as the Weight of the Body fell fhort
of that of the Gold; fo much the Bulk of the Body exceeded that of the
Gold. Thus, for Example, as the Gold Cube weighed an Ounce, and an
equal Cube of Myrrh, weigh'd but one Penny-weight; it follows, that the
Bulk of Myrrh is to the Bulk of Gold, as twenty to one : fo that there is
twenty times as much Matter contained in Gold as in an equal Bulk, or
Dimenfion, of Myrrh; or again, twenty times as much Bulk, or Diften-
tion, in Myrrh, as in an equal Weight of Gold.
ADMONITIONS.
4. (1.) The Veffel here employed, would not, on account of its fmall- Imperfection of
nefs and Figure, allow the Experiments to be made with any great Exact-
the prefent
nefs by its means we could not eaſily take the fpecific Gravities below a a better di-
Method, and
quarter of a Grain; and the little fquare Surface of the Matter might, rected.
by
Uuu 2
516
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Experiments
ry,
by a ſmall and infenfible riſing, make fome difference: fo that Veffels rifing
fharp and conical, are beft fuited for forming an accurate Table of this
kind.
of Specific
5. (2.) No doubt but many of the Bodies expreffed in the foregoing
Gravities va- Table, have a greater or lefs fpecific Gravity than others of the fame
kind; fo that one Wine fhall contain more Matter in the fame ſpace, than
another; and one Wood more than another Wood of the fame Species, &c.
And therefore the Buſineſs of exact Trials, and fettling the accurate Pro-
portions of the fpecific Gravities of Bodies, is here fomewhat uncertain, or
cafual. Nor can it be expected that the individual Bodies we made our Ex-
periments with, fhould be a Standard of the Nature and Gravity of each
Species; or that they fhould perfectly agree with the Experiments made
by others, in the fame manner f.
Not made in
Bodies.
6. (3.) We have received into our Table, only fuch Bodies as would com-
three kinds of modioully occupy and fill up Space; whilft the Body remained, as it were,
entire, uniform, and fimilar: and ſuch alſo as have a ſenſible Gravity in the
Air; from which Gravity we might judge of their quantity of Matter. So.
that there are three kinds of Bodies whereto our Experiments were not ap-
plied; viz. (1.) thoſe that are uncapable of a cubical Dimenſion; as Leaves,
Flowers, Pellicules, Membranes, &c. (2.) Such as are unequally porous and
cavernous; as Sponge, Cork, Wooll, &c. And, (3.) untangible Bodies,
whoſe Weight is not perceived in the Air; as Flame, Air itfelf, &c. &
Whether Bo-
dies may ac-
quire Weight
by Condensa
viano.
The Table to be
improved.
7. (4.) Enquiry fhould be made, whether, poffibly, the clofe Contraction,
or Condenſation, of a Body, by an uniform Force on all fides, will give it
a greater Proportion of Gravity, than correfponds to its Quantity of Matter.
This Enquiry belongs to the particular Hiftory of Gravity: and, if it ter-
minate in the Affirmative, our Calculation muft needs be erroneous; and
the more rarified any Body is, it will contain fomewhat more Matter under
the fame Bulk, than is affigned it by our Method .
8. This Table I made many Years fince; tho, fo far as I remember,
with tolerable Care and Exactnefs: but, doubtlefs, an infinitely more.
accurate
As in M. Homberg's Glafs, for taking the fpecific Gravities of Liquors; where a fingle
Drop is made to poffefs a confiderably long Space in the flender graduated Neck.
To this may be added the different Seafons of the Year, and Times of the Day; as to Heat
and Cold, Drynefs and Moiſture, &c. All which occaſion Variations in very curious
Experiments of this kind.
Theſe Experiments require the Affiftance of the Air-Pump.
h This Hiftory the Author intended to write; but it was not publiſhed.
iThis Point may now feem fettled, by the Induſtry of the Moderns; fince it is fhewn, by
Experiment, that Quantity of Matter and abfolute Gravity are reciprocal; or that the Matter
in Bodies correfponds exactly to their Weight. The Queſtion here turns upon the Diſtinction
betwixt abfolute and relative, or Specific Gravity. Abfolute Gravity is the Weight of Bodies
in a perfect Vacuum, or unrefifting Medium: and relative Gravity, their Weight in a refift-
ing Medium, which leffens the abfolute Gravity of a Body, in proportion to the Denfity of
the Medium. So that the fame Body weighs lefs in Air than in Vacuo, lefs in Water than in
Air, c. Therefore,
Therefore, in the prefent Cafe, where the Experiments are made in the Air; the
Condenſation of a Body, by leffening its Surface, will cauſe it to be lefs refifted by the Air;
and confequently to weigh the more. But in an abfolute Vacuum, the fame Body ever.
fo much condenfed, weighs no more than the fame Body ever fo much expanded..
and RARIFACTION.
517
accurate one may be formed, from trying a greater number of Bodies, and
in larger Quantities; which greatly contributes to render the Experiments
more juft. And this being a fundamental thing in Philofophy, it fhould
by all means be procured.
Larger OBSERVATION S.
Bodies.
9. (1.) 'Tis an agreeable Profpect to fee, from fuch a Table as this, The Limits of
how finite and comprehenfible the Nature of tangible Bodies is; for fuch Density in
a Table grafps, as it were, all natural Bodies in the Hand. And let no
Man here indulge his Fancy, or his Levity; but confult Experience for
our Table fhews, that there is no tangible Body in Nature exceeding another
in Quantity of Matter, above thirty-two to one; which is the Proportion
wherein Gold exceeds Fir-Wood. As for Bodies near the centre of the Earth,
we can fay nothing to them; fince they neither come under our Senfes
nor Experience: poffibly, as they lie very remote from the heat of the
celeftial Bodies, and are quite cut off from any Communication there-
with; they may be more denfe than any of the Bodies we know.
the four Ele
ments.
10. (2.) There can be little Juftnefs in that Opinion, which fuppofes Bodies nos
fublunary Bodies compofed of the four Elements. For our cubical Lump composed of
of Gold, in the Table, was twenty Penny-Weight; whereas common Earth
is little more than two; Water but one, and three Grains; and Air and Fire
are ſtill vaftly more rarified, as being not tangible, and infenfible upon the
Balance : And Form does not increaſe the Matter of Bodies. It muft
therefore, on this Footing, be confidered, which way a Body of twenty
Penny-Weight, can by Form be produced, under equal Dimenſions, from
a Body of two Penny-Weight; and from others vaftly more rarified.
There are here two Subterfuges; the one, that the more rarified Elements
fqueeze the denfer to a greater clofenefs than the fimple Element itſelf:
the other, that the Peripateticks do not underſtand this of common, but of
elementary Earth; which is heavier than any compound Subftance. But Fire
and Air do not condenſe Bodies, except by accident; as we ſhall fhew here-
after L And for the Earth, which fhould be heavier than Gold, and all
other Bodies; it is fo buried, as hardly to be found, and employ'd in Mix-
ture m. It were, therefore, much better for the Peripateticks to leave off
trifling, and dictating in Philofophy.
11. (3.) The Scale of Denfity in Bodies, or the Degrees wherein they The Scale of
fall from a clofer Texture of Matter, to a looſer, ſhould be carefully noted; Density in Bo-
and how this fometimes happens by fmaller Steps, and fometimes by larger
Strides fuch a View being of ſervice, not only to inform the Judgment,
:
but
* There are ſeveral Tables of this kind extant; tho none perhaps fo copious and exact as
is on many Occafions required. See Mr. Boyle's Piece of Hydrostatics applied to Ores, and
the Materia Medica. And for the Uſes of ſuch a Table, fee hereafter, § 14, &c.
1 See Sect: VI. and VII.
See Mr. Boyle's Sceptical Chemist.
dies.
518
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
і
Whence denſe
Bodies near
the Earth's
Surface.
Mines to be
but alſo in leading to Practice. The Denfity of metalline Bodies is the
greateft; and runs eleven Steps downwards, from Gold to Tin; proceeding
by a large ſtart from Gold and Quickfilver, to Lead; but gradually, or
flowly, from Lead to Tin. Again; there is a great Leap from Metals to
Stones; only the Loadſtone coines in between; which is thence proved to
be of a metallic Nature". But from Stones to all other Bodies, there is a
continued, regular, and flow Deſcent.
PRECEPTS.
12. (1.) As the Seat of Denfity may feem to be in the Depth of the
Earth fo the Bodies towards its Surface fhould be confiderably rarified:
but 'tis very remarkable, that Gold, the heaviest of Metals, ſhould ſome-
times be found, nearly in a pure State, among the Sand and Gravel of Ri-
vers. A careful Enquiry fhould be therefore made into the Situation of ſuch
Places; to diſcover whether they lie not near the Foot, or below the Bot-
tom of certain Mountains, or deep Mines, from whence the Gold
may be
waſhed or, otherwife, what it is that procures fo great a degree of Den-
fity, near the Surface of the Earth.
13. (2.) It ſhould alſo be enquired, as to Mines in general, what kind of
enquired into them lie the deepeft, and what neareft the Surface of the Earth; in what
Situation of a Country, and in what kind of Glebe or Soil; how they
lie with respect to the Waters; but particularly, in what Beds; and how
they are furrounded, or mixed in with Stone, or other foffil Matters. In
ſhort, all the Circumſtances belonging to them fhould be examined; in
order to find out by what means the Juices and Spirits of the Earth are
compacted, and condenfed into a metalline Nature, fo much heavier than
that of other Bodies.
The lightest
Bodies to be
Larger OBSERVATIONS.
14. (1.) No doubt but there are many Bodies to be found, both in Ve-
getables and the Parts of Animals, much lighter than Fir-Wood; for, we
enquired after. conceive that the Downs of fome Plants, the Wings of Flies, the Skins of
Snakes, and various Matters treated or produced by Art; fuch as Tinder,
dry Rofe-Leaves remaining after Diftillation, &c. are not fo heavy as the
lighteſt Woods".
The vulgar
15. (2.) That erroneous Notion, to which the human Underſtanding
Notion of Den readily inclines, in fuppofing hard Bodies the denſeſt, ſhould be corrected
fity to be rec-
rified.
¤ Such Particulars as theſe are frequently taken for late Diſcoveries.
and
• The former is generally allowed to be the Cafe; viz. that Gold is washed down into
Rivers, from Mines that lie higher; yet the Queſtion ftill remains, Whence has Gold its
Density; being often found in Mines not far below the Earth's Surface?
P See the Heads of this Enquiry in the Philofophical Tranſactions; or in Mr. Boyle's Works,
Abridgment, Vol. III. pag. 8.
1 See Dr. Hook's Micrographia paffim.
and RARIFACTION.
519
and reſtrain'd: for Quickfilver runs, and Gold and Lead are foft; yet
theſe are denfer and heavier than the hardeſt Metals, Iron and Copper; and
much denſer than Stones.
16. (3.) Our Table of Specific Gravities, fhews many things contrary to The Table
Expectation; as that Metals are much heavier than Stones; Glaſs, a factitious fhews Particu
Body, heavier than Cryftal; that common Earth is confiderably light;
lars unex-
that the Oils, or diftilled Liquors of Vitriol and Sulphur, are almoſt pected.
as heavy as crude Vitriol or Sulphur; that the Difference between the Gra-
vity of Water and Wine is not great; that fome chemical Oils, which
fhould feem lighter, are yet heavier than Oils by Expreffion; that Bone is
much heavier than Horn or Teeth: with feveral Particulars to the fame
effect.
PRECEPT.
17. The Nature of Denfity and Rarity, tho it runs thro' nearly all other Density rela-
Natures, without being fubject to their Laws; yet feems to have a ted to Gravity.
great confent with Gravity and Levity. We alfo fufpect it may have an
Agreement with the flow and quick Admiffion, and Rejection, of Heat and
Cold. We would, therefore, have trial made, whether rare Bodies do not
grow hot and cold, quicker than denfe ones. The Experiment ſhould be
performed on Gold, Lead, Stone, Wood, &c. with the fame degree of
Heat, the fame Quantity, and the fame Figure of the Body .
Practical HINTS.
Balance.
18. All the Mixtures of Bodies may be diſcovered by means of an The Founda
exact Table of Specific Gravities, and the Teſt of Weight.
and the Teſt of Weight. Thus to
Thus to tion of the
find what Proportion of Water is mixed with Wine; Lead, with hydroftatical
Gold, &c. the Mixture being weighed, and the Table confulted, for the
reſpective Weights of the Simples; the mean Proportion of the Com-
pound, compared with the Simples, will give the Quantity of the Mix-
ture. And this we judge was the Method ufed by Archimedes, in detecting
the Debaſement of King Hiero's Crown.
19. The making of artificial Gold, or the Tranfmutation of Metals into The Making of
Gold, fhould be held fufpect; for Gold is the heaviest and denſeſt of all Gold deſperate.
Bodies; and therefore to convert any thing elfe into it, is abfolutely the
Work of Condenſation: but Condenfation can fcarce be fuper-induced by
Men upon the Surface of the Earth; efpecially in Bodies that are full of
Matter, as Metals are. For moft Condenfations, effected by Fire, are falfe,
or imperfect Condenſations, with regard to the whole; and only condenſe
Bodies in certain Parts, as we fhall fee hereafter.
20.
'Tis now generally esteemed reciprocal thereto. See above, $ 7. and below, $ 37.
There are fome Experiments to this purpofe in Boerhaave's Chemistry; particularly in the
Chapter of Fire.
· Sect. Vl. and VII,
520
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
!
The Conver-
fion of Lead
20. (3.) But the Converfion of Quickfilver, or Lead, into Silver, which is a
rarer body than either, may rationally be hoped for: as requiring only
or Quicksilver
into Silver not Fixation, not Condenſation.
defperate.
21. (4.) Yet if Quickfilver, Lead, or any other Metal, could be turned
Partial Con into Gold, in all other properties except Gravity; or be rendered more
versions of use. fix'd, more malleable, foft, ductile, durable, bright, yellow; or lefs fub-
ject to tarnish; it might doubtlefs prove an ufeful and gainful Operation.
Lead increa-
fot.
A larger OBSERVATION.
22. We know of nothing heavier than Gold; nor has any Method yet
been found of increafing the Gravity of pure Gold, by Art.
HISTORY
23. But Lead has been obferved to increaſe, both in Bulk and Weight;
efpecially by lying in Cellars under Ground, where Bodies readily grow
mouldy. This has principally been obferved in Stone Statues; the feet
whereof were faften'd together with Bands of Lead, that have been found
fwell'd; fo that fome Parts thereof hung prominent, or pendulous, like
Warts, upon the Stone. But whether this were really an increafe of the
Lead, or only a ſprouting of its Vitriol, fhou'd be farther examin'd ".
24. A TABLE, fhewing the different EXPANSION
of BODIES, whole and in Powder.
T
Penny-Weight. Grains.
HE Cubic Vef-
fel of Crude-> 19
Mercury
Penny-Weight. Grains.
HE Cubic Vef-
9
T
fel of the clofe
3
22
Lead
I 2
Steel
8
IO
Crocus Martis
Crystal
2
18
Red Saunders
Oak-wood
I
5
O
19플
​Powder of Mercury
Sublimate
1 Cerufe
Crystal, ground
3N NO H
Red Saunders, ground o
Oak-Afbes
The Gravity of Silver is faid to have been confiderably increaſed.
See Mr. Boyle's Works. Abridgm. Vol. III. p. 95.
18 /1/20
2
2
9
20
16 1
लोल
I
2
25. A
and R ARIF ACTION.
521
25. A TABLE to shew the different EXPANSIONS
of BODIES, crude and diftill'd.
Penny-Weight. Grains.
Penny-Weight.
Grains!
CR
Rude Sulphur
Vitriol
2
2
Oil of Sulphur
I
18
I
22
Oil of Vitriol
I
2 I
Wine
I
2
Spirit of Wine
22
Vinegar
I
3
Diftill'd Vinegar
I
I
ADMONITIO N.
26. The manner of reducing a Body to Powder, contributes greatly to The different
the opening, rarifying, or expanding of that Body. But the reduction of kinds of Pul-
a body to Powder by fimple triture, or by filing, is one thing; by chemi- verization, ra-
cal Sublimation another; by Corrofion with acid Spirits, another; and by rify differently.
Calcination, another; fo as to have very different Effects.
PRECE P T.
27. Thefe two Tables are extremely fcanty and defective; but that The preceding
wou'd be an exact and copious one of Bodies and their Expanfions, which Tables to be
in the firſt Column contain'd the weight of each Body; in the fecond the improved.
weight of its crude Powder; in the third, that of its Afhes, Calx, or Ruft;
in the fourth, that of its pappy Mafs; in the fifth, that of its Vitrification,
if it be vitrifiable; in the fixth, its Matter by Diftillation; in the feventh
that of its Solution, fubducting the weight of Liquor that diffolves it; and
fo on, till it exhibits the weights of the fame Body under all its Changes,
and other Alterations: from which Table a judgment might be form'd of
the relaxations of Bodies, and the cloſeſt integral Connexions of Nature.
OBSERVATION.
28. Pulverization is not properly a rarifaction of the Body pulverized; Pulverization
becauſe the increaſe of Bulk proceeds not from the dilatation of the Body; not properly a
but from the interpofition of Air: yet an eftimate of the internal Connexion, Rarifaction.
or porofity of Bodies may be excellently derived from it. For the cloſer
Bodies unite, the greater difference there is between their Powder and en-
tire Body; and therefore Quick filver is to Mercury-Sublimate in Powder,
as above five to one; and the proportions of Steel and Lead to prepared Steel,
and Cerufe in Powder, are not fo much as four to one. But in the lighter
and more porous Bodies, there is fometimes a loofer poſition of Parts, in the
wholes, than in the profs'd Powders; fo the Aſhes of Oak-wood are heavier
than Oak itſelf. And again, in Powders, the heavier the entire Body is, the
V O L. III.
lefs
X X X
522
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Wine male
lefs Dimenſion its fqueez'd Powd.r has, in Compariſon of another unfqueez-
ed for in light Bodies the Parts of Powders may fuftain or fupport them-
felves; fo that an unfqueezed Powder fhall poffefs thrice the space of a
fqueezed one; on account of its lefs condenfing, and dividing the Air
interpofed betwixt its Parts.
29. (2.) Diftill'd Bodies are generally rarified, and made light, by the
much lighter Operation; but Wine twice more than Vinegar.
than Vinegar
by Diftillation.
Tangible Bo-
dies reducible
to Claſſes, ac-
cording to
their Specifick
Gravities.
Pneumatical
A Speculation for Practice.
30. And thus tangible Bodies may be reduced under Claffes, according
to their Families; or as they prove rich or poor in Matter. But there is
another Claſs of Things, which we call pneumatical, or untangible; fo
that not being fubject to the Balance, no judgment can be form'd of
the Diftention, or Rarifaction, of the Matter they contain. Whence this
Affair requires another kind of Interpretation. But firft; the feveral Spe-
cies of pneumatical Bodies are to be laid down; that they may be com-
pared with each other. But as in the Cafe of tangible Bodies, we for a
time poſtpone the Confideration of the internal Parts of the Earth ; fo in
the Cafe of pneumatical Bodies, we poftpone for a time, thoſe that are
ethereal.
31. We range pneumatical Bodies under three general Claffes; viz.
Bodies claffed. (1.) The imperfect; (2.) the confined; and (3.) the pure. (1.) The imperfect
The in perfect. are, Fumes of all kinds, proceeding from different matters.
Theſe may
After-Fumes.
Confined and
pure pneuma-
sical Bodies.
ſtand in this order; 1. Volatile Fumes that breathe out from Metals and
ſome other Foffils; being, as their Name imports, rather volatile than pneu-
matical; and very eafily coagulated either by Sublimation or Precipita-
tion. 2. Vaporous Fumes, expiring from Water and aqueous Bodies.
3. Under the general Name of Fumes, we likewife include the Expira-
tions of dry Bodies. 4. Exhalations proceeding from oily Bodies. 5. Breaths
afforded by Bodies aqueous in their Subftance, but inflammable in their Spi-
rit; as in Wines, and other fermented fpirituous Liquors.
32. There is alſo another kind of Fumes in which Flame terminates; and
fuch as expire only from inflammable Bodies, confequent to the Flame:
and thefe we call After-fumes, or Secondary-fumes. So that there can be no
After-vapours, becauſe aqueous Bodies are uninflammable; but there may be
After fumes, in our particular Senſe, as alſo After-exhalations, After-breaths,
and probably After-volatile Parts in fome Bodies.
33. (2.) But confined pneumatical Bodies are thoſe found, not independent or
free, but included in tangible Bodies; and are what we commonly call Spi-
rits. Thefe participate both of an aqueous and oily Subftance; and are
nouriſhed and fed thereby and being converted into a pneumatical Sub-
ſtance, they conſtitute a Body, as it were confifting of Air and Flame;
and thence produce the ſtrange effects of both ". Theſe Spirits, with regard
"See the Axioms at the End of the Hiftory of Life and Death.
to
and R ARIF ACTION.
523
to pneumatical Bodies that are free and at large, nearly approach to the na-
ture of Breaths; ſuch as ariſe from Wine, &c. And thefe Spirits are of two
kinds; the one of crude and the other of living Bodies. The crude Spirits are
contained in all tangible Bodies; but the living Spirit only in fuch as are ani-
mated, whether of the vegetable or fenfitive Kingdom. (3.) But there are no
more than two pure pneumatical Bodies, viz. Air and Flame; tho theſe alſo are
fubject to great diverfity, and receive very unequal degrees of Extenfion.
34.
A TABLE of pneumatical Bodies; conformable to
the preceding Speculation"; as they receive, in Order,
a greater degree of Extenfion.
T
HE volatile parts of Metals and Fofils.
The After-volatile parts of the fame.
Vapours.
Fumes.
After-Fumes.
Exhalations.
After-Exhalations.
Breaths.
After-Breaths.
Crude Spirits, confined in tangible Bodies.
Air.
Living Spirit, confined in tangible Bodies.
Flame.
35. We are next to confider the reſpective Extenfions of thefe pneuma- Levity affords
tical Bodies; as well with regard to themſelves, as to tangible Bodies. And not a corre-
here it might be well, if the Nature of Levity, by an afcending Scale, Sponding Seals
10 Gravity.
wou'd elucidate and correfpond to the Rarifaction of Bodies; as the Nature
of Gravity, by a defcending Scale, does to their Denſity. But ſeveral Dif-
ficulties interpofe: as firft, that the Differences of the Motions in Ob-
jects invifible, are not immediately perceived by the Senfes. Secondly, that
in Air, and the like Subſtances, there is not found fo ſtrong an Appetite of
moving upwards, as Men imagine. And lastly, if the Air did move up-
wards; yet, as it is generally continued along with other Air, the Motion
wou'd be difficultly perceived. For as Water does not preponderate in
Water; fo Air does not riſe up againſt, and diſplace Air. And therefore
other Methods must be invented x.
• § 28.
$
Xxx 2
» 'If this wants any illuftration, ſee above § 8. See alfo hereafter § 37.
36. There
524
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
The Expan
matical Bodies
36. There are certain confiderable Proofs of the proportionate Expanfions
fions of pneu of pneumatical Bodies, with regard to each other; fhewing alfo at the fame
hard to affign. time, that the Series of Rarifaction exprefs'd in the Table, has a folid
Foundation but for the precife degrees of this Expanfion, and the com-
parative Expanſion of a pneumatical with a tangible Body, the Enquiry is
more difficult.
Fumes less
37. All Fumes, whether primary or fecondary, do not, 'tis highly pro-
rare than Air. bable, come up to the rarity of the Air; they being vifible; but the Air
invifible: nor do they themselves remain vifible after being mixed along
with the Air.
After fumes
rarer than
Fore-fumes.
Crude Spirits
denfer than
'Air.
Living Spirits
rarer than
Air.
38. 'Tis manifeft that After-fumes are more fubtile, and rarified, than
Fore-fumes; as being no other than the Calxe's and Refolutions of that fub-
tle Body Flame itſelf. And fo it appears from Experience, that tho nume-
rous Lights continue for a long time burning in a Room, or large Aſſembly,
the Air is not thereby unfitted for Refpiration; notwithſtanding ſo many
After-fumes are received into it: but if the Lights were to be extinguifhed,
and their Fore-fumes, or fuliginous Steams, to be received inſtead of the
former; the Air wou'd foon prove fuffocating to the Company.
39. We likewife judge that all crude Spirits confin'd in tangible Bodies,
are denfer than Air: for the Spirits of Vegetables, dead Creatures, or
the like, do, upon their Exhalation, manifeftly detain ſome groſs,or tangible
Parts; as appears from Odours; which being nothing but Fumes going out
fparingly, and a little at a time; (as we fee in fuch Fumes and Vapours
as are visible ;) yet if they meet with any fuitable, or ſoft, tangible Body,
they apply themſelves to it, ftick therein and communicate their Odour:
whence, 'tis plain, that they obftinately retain an affinity with grofs Bodies.
40. But we conceive living Spirits to be fomewhat rarer than Air;
becauſe they are a little like Flame y; and again becaufe, upon careful Ex-
perience, we have found that Air has no power to diminiſh Weight: for a
blown Bladder is not lighter than an empty and compreffed one; nor is
a Sponge or a Fleece of Wool full of Air, lighter than the fame when emp-
ty, or with the Air fqueezed out. But the Bodies of Animals differ fenfibly
in their Gravity before and after Death; tho not fo much as is commonly
conceived. Therefore Air feems not at all to diminish Gravity; as
the living Spirit appears to do: and as Weight is the Criterion of Denſity;
fo the diminution of Weight fhou'd be the Criterion of Rarity ª.
41. Flame
See the Axioms at the End of the Hiftory of Life and Death.
z It ſhou'd feem as if the Author had made fome Experiments about the weight of animal
Bodies alive and dead; and that theſe Experiments did not agree with thofe of Mr. Boyle;
who upon weighing a live Moufe and a Kitten, then ftrangling them, and immediately weigh-
ing them again, found them a little lighter. See Abridgm. Vol. II. p. 527. This matter re-
quires to be farther profecuted; and at the fame time it hou'd be fully tried, whether Eggs
gain in weight upon their Animation.
a See § 15. Let the diftinction of specifick and abfolute Gravity, be well remember'd; and
that in common weighing, the Experiment is made in a gravitating Fluid. Thus if the Body
collapfe, or fhrink, after Death, it might when weigh'd in Air, prove heavier upon the Ba-
lance, than when alive. This Affair ſeems ſubject to many Contingencies: and it requirès
great Caution to make a valid Experiment therein.
and RARI FACTION.
525
41. Flame comes laft in this Series; becauſe Flame manifeftly afcends: Flame rarer
and again, becauſe the Natures of pneumatical Bodies differ not from thofe than Air.
of the tangible Bodies that fupply them. And, therefore, as Oil is rarer
than Water; fo Flame fhou'd be rarer than Air, and Spirit. Again, Flame
feems to be a thinner, fofter, and more yielding Body than Air; fince the
lighteſt Commotion of the Air near a burning Taper, will caufe the Flame
to tremble.
HISTORY
42. How great foever the difficulty might be of diſcovering the Expan- How to dif
fion of a pneumatical, with regard to a tangible Body; yet we have not cover the Ex-
defpaired thereof: and it feems to us a very certain kind of Proof, if any pneumatical,
pansion of a
tangible Body of a known Expanfion, cou'd be converted into a pneumati- with respect to
cal Body; and then the Expansion of that be likewife obferved; fo as, from a tangible Bo-
a Comparison of the two Proportions, an evident Demonftration might be dy.
had of the Dimenſions upon the Rarifaction.
43. We, therefore, took a ſmall glafs Vial, capable of containing about An Experiment.
an Ounce; and poured into it half an Ounce of Spirit of Wine; which be- for the pur
ing the lighteſt of Liquors, comes neareſt to a pneumatical Nature: then poſe.
taking a new and large Bladder, capable of containing a Gallon, and
fqueezing all the Air out of it, as exactly as poffible, till the fides came
cloſe together; and alſo rubbing its outfide well with Oil, to make it ſtill
more cloſe and pliable; we tied its Neck tight, over the mouth of the
Vial, with a wax Thread. We now placed the Vial over warm Embers in a
Chaffing-difh; when prefently the Vapour of the Spirit of Wine afcended
into the Bladder and ftrongly inflated it every way. Then immediately
removing the Glafs from the Fire, and pricking a Hole in the top of the
Bladder, that the Vapour might rather get out, than fall back into Drops ;
we took the Bladder away from the Vial, and examin'd by the Balance
what proportion of the half Ounce of Spirit was wanting, or turned into
Vapour, and found it to be not more than fix penny-weight: fo that fix
penny-weight of Spirit of Wine, which in that ftate did not poffefs above
one fortieth part of a Pint, being turned into Vapour occupied the ſpace of
eight Pints.
ADMONITION.
44. The Bladder began to grow fomewhat flaccid upon being removed The Experi-
from the Fire; fo that notwithstanding fuch a confiderable Expanfion, the ment how is
Vapour did not feem converted into a pure and fix'd pneumatical Body;
be understood.
but inclined to recover itff. And this Experiment may prove fallacious, if
it be hence conjectured t..at common Air is ftill rarer than this kind of Va-
pour; becauſe we conceive that Spirit of Wine turn'd pneumatical, tho but
imperfectly, does, by retion of the Heat, exceed the rarity of cold Air ;
as Air itſelf is by Heat dilated very confiderably, and greatly exceeds the
Expanfion
2
526
The History of CONDENSATION,
Fxpansion of
than Fume.
Expanſion of cold Air. Whence we judge that if the Experiment were
made with Water, the degree of Expanfion wou'd be much leſs; tho the
Body of the Water contained more Matter than Spirit of Wine.
HISTORY.
45. If the Fume proceeding from a Wax-taper, newly put out, be view'd,
Flame greater and an Eitimate be form'd of its Dimenſions by the Eye; and again, if the
Body of the Fume be afterwards fet on Fire, the Expanfion of the Flame
will appear to exceed that of the Fume, as about two to one.
An apparent
contradictory
Phanomenon
reconciled.
Oil turn'd inte
Flame.
The Ariftote-
AD MONITIO N.
46. A few Corns of Gunpowder being fet on Fire, there appears to be a
great Expanſion made, with refpect to the Body of the Powder; tho when
the Flame is extinguifh'd, the Body of the Fume expands itſelf much more.
But let it not hence be fuppofed, as if the tangible Body were more ex-
panded in Fume than in Flame; the reaſon of the Phænomenon being this;
that Flame is an entire Body, but Fume a Body mix'd with a much larger
Portion of Air and therefore; as a little Saffron tinges a large quantity of
Water; fo a little Fume diffufes itſelf in a large proportion of Air. For a
thick, denſe Fume, not diffufed, appears lefs than the Body of Flame; as
we before obferved.
HISTORY.
47. A piece of fresh Orange peel being fuddenly fqueezed betwixt the
Fingers, and directed to the Flame of a Candle; there ftarts out a dewy
oily, aromatick Matter, in fine Drops; that makes a very large Body of
Flame, in refpect of thofe little Drops.
A larger OBSERVATION.
48. That Peripatetical Fiction, as to the rarity of the Elements being in a
lion Notion of tenfold Proportion to one another, is arbitrary and hypothetical for 'tis
the rarity of
the Elements certain that Air is, at leaſt, a hundred times rarer than Water; and Flame a
hundred times rarer than Oil; and that Flame is, at leaft, ten-times rarer
than Air.
fictitions.
AD MONITIO N.
The preceding
Enquiry not to
49. This Enquiry and Speculation, about pneumatical Bodies, fhou'd not
be mifconfire be thought too fubtile or too curious; becaufe 'tis certain that an omiffion,
and want of attending to it, has ftupefied both Philofophy and Medicine; and
rendered them, as it were, Planet-ftruck in the true inveftigation of Cauſes:
whilft they have unprofitably attributed thofe Things to Qualities, which are-
ed.
owing
and RARIFACTION.
527
owing to Spirits. And fo much for the Enquiry into the Expanſion of
Matter in Bodies, according to their different Confiftencies, whilſt at reſt.
SECT. II.
Of DILATATIONS caused by fimple INTROSUS-
CEPTION, or the admiffion of one Body into the-
Pores of another.
I.
'I
ADMONITIO N.
ed.
T wou'd not have been difficult for us, to have reduced the following 4 frict me-
fcattered Hiftory, to a better Order, and Method; and to have ranged thod here pur-
fimilar Inftances by themfelves: but we avoided this exactneſs for two
pofely neglect-
Reafons; First, becaufe many of the Inftances are of a doubtful Nature,
and bear relation to feveral Things: whence an exact Method, in this Cafe,
wou'd either caufe Repetition, or be apt to deceive. Secondly, The prin-
cipal Reaſon of our rejecting an exact Method at prefent, is becaufe we
would have the Work lye open to every Man's Industry and Imitation.
But if this Collection of Inftances, fhou'd have been difpofed in any arti-
ficial, and extraordinary Method; many, doubtlefs, wou'd have defpaired
of performing any thing equal to this Enquiry. We, therefore, direct, both
by our own Example and Admonition, that every one in procuring and
propofing Inftances, wou'd ufe his own Judgment, Memory and Conve-
nience. 'Tis fufficient to have the Enquiry proceed by Writing, and not
by Memory, (which indeed wou'd be ridiculous, in fuch a multitude of In-
ftances,) fo that it may be afterwards brought to perfection by the Light of
Inductions. And it muſt be well remembered, that in this Work, we only
collect ALMS and TRIBUTE from the Senfes, for the Treasury of the Sciences;
without propofing Examples for the illuftration of Axioms; but endeavour-
ing after Experiments for the formation of Axioms. We fhall not, how-
ever, be wholly regardleſs of all Arrangement in our Inftances, but place
them ſo as they may afford Light to each other.
Unconnected HISTORY.
2. No wonder if the Dilatation of a Body enfues upon the Introfufcep-
tion of another Body; fince this is plainly an Augmentation or Addition
See the Axioms to the Hiftory of Life and Death. Pag. 418 &c.
་
tho
< The Directions and Examples deliver'd in the fecond Part of the Novum Organum, ſhou'd
be well remember'd thro the Courfe of the Author's particular Enquiries; as being what
himſelf had a conftant regard to. And we are perfuaded, that one half of the Ufe and Excel-
lence of his Enquiries, is not perceived by the generality of Readers, for want of attending to
this Intimation.
I
Dilatation up-
on Introfufcep-
tion, no proper
Rarifaction.
528
The History of CONDENSATION,
inflanced in
tho not a genuine Rar.faction. But where the Body, thus received within the
Pores of another, is of the pneumatical kind; as Air or Spirit; or if it be
a tangible Body, that flides gradually in, and flowly infinuates itfelf; this
is commonly accounted rather a Tumefaction than an Addition.
3. Tenfile or extendible Bodies, as Bladders, Bellows, &c. are inflated
tenfile Bodies and diftended by the entire Body of the Air; fo as to become hard, and
capable of being ftruck, tofs'd, and projected. And a bubble of Water is
like a Bladder; but for its fragility and tendernefs.
Liquors mix'd
with Air.
Bubbles:
No frothy
mixtures of
Flame and
Air.
Yet Flame and
4. Liquors poured from on high, out of one Veffel into another, or
ftrongly agitated with a Spoon, the Wind, the Breath, &c. are mix'd in
along with the Air; and thus raifed into Froth: but foon afterwards, they
fubfide and fhrink into lefs fpace; the Air efcaping again, as the little bub-
bles of the froth break away.
5. Children, for Diverſion, make Caftles of Bubbles, by blowing with a
Pipe into foapy Water; which thus becoming fomewhat tenacious, a very
fmall quantity of Water is made to poffefs a large ſpace, by the Air received
within it.
6. But 'tis not found that Flame can thus be mix'd, and made frothy
with Air, by the inflation of Bellows, or other external agitation; ſo as to
conftitute a mix'd Body of Flame and Air, like to Froth; which is a mix-
ture of Air and Liquor.
;
7. On the contrary, 'tis certain that by internal mixture in a Body, be-
Air are mix'd fore it is fet on Fire, a mix'd Body may be made of Air and Flame: for
in Gunpowder.
Gunpowder has uninflammable Parts from the Nitre, and, its inflammable Parts
principally from the Sulphur; whence the Flame of Gunpowder becomes
whiter or paler than other Flames; tho that of Sulphur alone be bluish
infomuch that the Flame of Gunpowder may be justly compared to a moft
expanſive Froth, or a kind of a fiery Wind, compoſed of Flame and Aire.
Powders com-
8. But as Froth is a Body compounded of Air and Liquor; fo are all Pow-
poſed of Air,
and the pul-
ders compofed of Air and the fmall Parts of the pulverized Body: whence
verized Body. they differ from Froths, only as contiguous differ from continuous Bodies.
For the great bulk of them is caufed by the Air; which diftends, or fets
the Parts of the Body at a diſtance; as appears from the Second and third
Table above laid down f.
Tumefactions
9. There are Tumefactions in the Bellies, and other Parts of Animals,
in Animals. arifing from Flatulency, and an aqueous Humour collected within;
the Cafe of the Tympany, Dropfy, and the like.
Powring Pi-
geons.
as in
10. There is a kind of Pigeon, which fhrinking its Head within its Neck,
pouts and fwells, confiderably.
II. In
a Except that of Camphire, and certain artificial mixtures, as in the Compofitions of the Stars
for Sky-Rockets, &c.
• The more intimately the Thing is confider'd, or rather, the more Experiments are made
to give a proper Information therein; as by the Analyfis of Nitre, Gunpowder, ec. the more
juft the Con parifon may, perhaps, appear.
↑ Sect. 1. §. 22, 23.
and RARIFACTION.
529
10. In the Action of Refpiration, the Lungs alternately expand and con- Refpivation.
tract, while they receive and diſcharge the Air, like a Pair of Bellows.
11. The Breafts of pregnant Females fwell, and grow turgid, from swelling of
the milky Humour contained within them.
12. The Penis of the Male is greatly dilated, in Bulk,
Erection.
the Breafts.
upon The Penis.
13. Obferve the Breadth of the Pupilla of either Eye in a Looking-glafs, The Eyes.
then cloſe the other Eye; and you will perceive the Pupilla of the open
Eye manifeftly dilated: the Spirits that ferved for both Eyes, now flowing
into one.
14. The Cracks and Fiffures of Bowls, and the like Materials of Wood, Dry Wood-
being contracted by Drynefs, are filled up and confolidated, by lying for work, in
awhile in Water; and receiving it within their Pores.
g
Water.
15. There is a kind of Fungus growing upon a Tree, and called by the Jews-Ears.
Name of Jews-Ears, that being put into Water fwells exceedingly & ;
which Wooll and Sponge do not. And fo much for the Introfufcep-
tion of a different Body; which is, in reality, but a falfe kind of Rari-
faltion.
SECT. III.
Of the DILATATIONS proceeding from the INNATE
SPIRIT, expanding itself.
I.
W
TRANSITION.
E pafs on to the Dilatations and Tumefactions made in Bodies, by Dilatation
their innate Spirit; whether thefe Tumefactions and Dilatations be and Tumefac-
natural, or præternatural, as they are called; yet, without Fire, or mani- tion, natural
feft external Heat: tho in thefe Cafes alfo there may fometimes follow an natural.
and prater
Addition, or Introfufception of Moiſture, befides the fimple Dilatation it-
felf.
2. Muft, new Wines, or other fermenting Liquors, when put up into the Inftances in
Cafk, fwell and rife confiderably, fo as to burft the Veffel, unless they get fermenting
Vent: and when Vent is given, they heave and froth over, as if it were by Liquors.
Ebullition.
3. Spirituous Liquors being clofe confined, or hard ftopt down in Bot- Vinous Liquors
tles, often burſt them with a great Force; and fometimes throw out the after Fermen-
Cork, or Stopple, almoſt like a Bullet out of a Gun.
tation.
4. The Seeds of Plants, as of Peafe, Beans, &c. are obferved to fwell Seeds.
a little, before they ſtrike Root, or fhoot into a Stem.
VOL. III.
Y y y
5. Trees
* Efpecially if boiled in Water; where they fwell to five or fix times their own Dimen-
fions, when dry.
Let the Number of theſe Inftances be augmented.
530
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Tears of Trees.
Gems.
Animal
Sperm.
Vitriol.
Stones.
Earth Swelling
with Nitre,
Dilatation in
Sweat.
The Pulfe.
Voluntary
Motion.
Tumors.
Stinging, and
5. Trees fwelling with their native Juice and Spirit, fometimes burft their
Bark, and thence difcharge Gum and Tears.
6. Many of the Gems feem to be Eruptions of pure Juices, ftrained.
thro' the Rocks: for both Gums and Gems appear, from their Transparency
and Splendor, to be ſtrained and depurated Juices; fo that even Rocks and
Stones may fwell with their native Spirit.
7. And no doubt, but in the Sperm of Animals, in the firft A&t towards
Vivification there is a certain Expanſion of the Maſs.
8. Vitriol fhoots out an Efflorefcence, and fprouts or grows, almoft like
a Tree *:
9. Stones, with Time and Age, fhoot out a Salt, efpecially in moiſt
places, that refembles Nitre.
10. All Glebe-Earth fwells with Nitre; for any kind of Ground that
remains covered, and heaped up, fo that its Juice fhall neither be exhauſted.
by the Sun and Air, nor confumed in the growing of Vegetables, will
collect Nitre, as an internal Tumefaction. Hence in certain Parts of
Europe they make artificial Mines of this Salt, by preferving and ſtoring
up Earth in Houfes prepared for the purpoſe, and excluding the Rays of
the Sun ¹.
11. Sweat, in Animals, proceeds from a Dilatation of the Spirits; and,
as it were a Liquefaction of the Juices, by Motion.
12. The Pulſe of the Heart and Arteries, in Animals, proceeds from the
never ceafing and alternate Dilatation and Contraction of the Spirits.
13. So, likewife, the voluntary Motion of Animals, which in the more
perfect kinds of Creatures, is performed by means of the Nerves, feems
to have its Foundation, firft in the Compreffion, and then in the Relaxa-
tion of the Spirits.
14. A Tumor follows upon the Contufion of any Limb, in Animals; and.
frequently alſo upon Pains.
15. The Stinging of Wafps and Bees, produces a large Tumefaction,
Bise of a Viper• in proportion to the Wound; but the Bite of a Viper does this in a ſtill
greater degree..
Nettles.
Poifuno
Blifters.
16. Nettles, Bryony, and the like, raife the Skin, and caufe Blifters upon it
17. The Swelling of the Face, or Body, is accounted an evident Sign of
Poifon; efpecially of that kind which operates by a malignant Quality,
and not by Corroſion.
18. In the common Bliſters made by Cantharides, there arifes a watery
Humour, or Ichor, which flows out upon pricking or cutting of the Skin.
iSee Mr. Boyle of the Origin and Virtues of Gems..
9--
19. All
* Particularly the artificial Vitriols of Silver, and Iron, as we fee very remarkably in the
Arbor Diana, and Arbor Martis, as they are called. See feveral curious Papers upon this
Subject in the French Memoirs..
Of this fee Glauber in his Prosperity of Germany; and Stubbs's Anfwer to Henshaw's
Hiftory of Nitre. Confider alfo of the 1ficles in Wine- Vaults, &c.
m See M. Lemery's rwo Papers of the Origin of Nitre, in the French Memoirs; and compare.
them with the Account of Glauber.
Let this be carefully compared with what is delivered relating to the fame purpoſe in
the Author's Hiftory of Life and Death..
1
1
and RARI FACTION.
531
19. All Puftules proceeding from an internal Caufe, and the like Erup- Pufules.
tions, and Impoftumations, bring on apparent Tumors, and raiſe the Skin.
Pride.
20. Sudden Anger, in fome, inflates the Cheeks; fo likewife does Pride Anger and
and Haughtiness.
21. The Bodies of the Frog and the Toad are fubject to Tumefaction; Animals fwel-
and many other Animals, in the way of Fiercenefs, bruftle up their Combs, ling.
Hair, or Feathers; from a Contraction of the Skin, by means of a fwelling
of the Spirits.
22. Turkey-cocks fwell themfelves greatly, and bruftle up their Feathers Birds.
a-ftrut. And Birds, while they fleep, have their Bodies fomewhat tumid;
the Spirit being then dilated by the natural Heat of the internal Parts.
23. The native Spirits of a Body begin to fwell, in all cafes of Rotten- Putrefaction:
nefs, and Putrefaction; when thefe Spirits haftening to come forth, dif
folve and alter the Texture of the Body: and if its Structure be fomewhat
viſcous and tenacious, fo as to prohibit their Exit, they contribute to the
Production of new Forms; and then generate Infects, Worms, &c. but the
Origin of this Act is, from the Dilatation of the Spirits P.
24. Nor does the Spirit, confined in Putrefaction, contribute only to Vegetation.
the Production of living Creatures; but alſo produces the Rudiments of
Vegetables as appears in Mofs; and the Roughnefs on the Coats of fome
Trees.
25. Having once, by accident, left a cut Citron in a Parlour, for two
Months in the Summer; I afterwards found a ſprouted Putrefaction on the
part that was cut, appearing to rife in certain Hairs, the height of an Inch;
and on the Top of each Hair grew a Head, like the Head of a ſmall Iron
Nail; thus plainly beginning to refemble a Plant.
26. In like manner Ruft is produced on Metals; Scurf on Glais, &c. Ruf,
from the Dilatation of the native Spirit, which fwells, and drives the groffer
Parts before it; fo as to thrust them out at the Surface
27. It ſhould be examined, whether the Earth fwells on its Surface; efpe- Whether the
cially where the Glebe lies fpongy and hollow. There have fometimes been Earth swells,
found Trees, like the Mafts of Ships, lying buried under Ground, to the
depth of feveral Feet: whence it fhould feem, that fuch Trees were once
blown down by Storms; and that the Earth gradually raifed itſelf over
them r.
• As in the Small-Pox,
Y y y 2
28. The
c. Here alfo might be mention'd the fwelling of the Tongue and
Head upon Salivation, ec.
P This Inftance fhould be well confider'd, as to its Juftnefs; or rather, a competent Set
of Experiments fhould be made to determine the Fact: for it appears not exactly determined
at prefent.
This Experiment feems not contingent but conftant. And the curious microſcopical
Obfervers have made feveral Species of thefe kinds of Superfotations, or Vegetations upon
Vegetables. See Mr. Boyle, Dr. Hook, Dr. Grew, the French Memoirs, &c.
If the Cauſe of Rust were here justly affigned; ought not the fame Effect to happen
in Vacuo? The Fact may deferve to be better enquired into; the feveral ways of making
Crocus Martis confider'd; the Compofition and Faults of Glaſs examin'd, c.
f See the Account of the Generation of Moffes, in the Philofophical Tranfactions. See alfo
Mr. Evelyn's Sylva.
532
The History of CONDENSATION,
Earthquakes,
Tumefaltion
of the Sea.
En Wells.
Sea Swelling
28. The Earth fwells, manifeftly and ſuddenly, in Earthquakes; at which
time there frequently burſt forth Springs of Water; Wreaths, and Globes
of Flame; violent and ftrange Winds; and Stones and Athes are toffed
into the Air.
29. But all Earthquakes are not fudden; for fometimes the Earth con-
tinues in a Tremor feveral Days: and in our time there was, in Hereford-
Shire, a very finall, gentle, and flow Earthquake; wherein fome Acres of
Land continued gradually moving for a Day together; and then transferred
themſelves into another Place that lay not far off, upon a Declivity; and
there reſted t.
30. It ſhould be examined, whether the Body of the Waters does fome-
times fwell in the Seas; for the Flux of the Sea muft either happen,
(1.) from a progreffive Motion; (2.) the rifing of the Waters upwards,
by fome attractive Virtue; or elfe, (3.) from fome Tumefaction or Re-
laxation in the Waters themſelves. And this latter, if it be any Cauſe of
the flowing of the Sea, belongs to the prefent Enquiry ".
31. The Water fwells and falls again in certain Springs and Wells; as if it
were in the way of ebbing and flowing.
32. There alſo fometimes break out, in certain Places, Springs of
Water, without any preceding Earthquake; and this in certain Periods of
Years, from uncertain Caufes. Such Eruptions of Water generally happen
in great Droughts.
33. It fhould likewife be obſerved, that the Seas fometimes fwell out of
against Storms. the time of Flood; and without any external Wind: and that this gene-
rally precedes fome great Tempeft or Storm.
PRECEPT.
Whether Small 34. 'Tis worth trying, whether ſome Relaxation may not happen in the
Parcels of Wa- Body of Water, even in a fmall Quantity. But to expofe Water to the
ser do not ex- Sun or Air, would rather confume it; therefore the Experiment fhould be
pand.
made in a cloſe Glaſs. For example, into a large bellied Glafs, having a
long and flender Neck, pour fo much Water as may fill the Belly, and
lower part of the Stem. Let this be done in a dry Seafon, when the
Wind ftands northerly; and let the Glafs remain thus till the Weather
becomes rainy, and the Wind foutherly; then obferve whether the Wa
ter rifes at all in the Neck of the Glafs". A careful Enquiry fhould
alſo be made about the fwelling of Water in Wells; as, whether it hap-
pens more by night than by day; and at what Seaſon of the Year.
HIS-
* This kind of local Motion, likewife faid to happen in certain fandy Defarts, requires to be
farther examined.
* See the Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 36.
* See Nov. Organ. Part II. Aph. 13. (380)
and RARIFACTION.
533
HISTORY.
35. (1.) In rainy Weather, the Pegs of Violins become fwell'd, and hard Wood-work
to fcrew; fo likewife wooden Drawers are harder to draw out, and Doors Swelling.
with wooden Hinges, harder to open in wet Weather.
36. (2.) The Strings of a Violin are apt to break, when tight ftretch'd Muſical
in rainy Weather.
Strings.
37. (3.) The Humors in the Bodies of Animals, are obſerved to be re- Humors of
laxed, to fwell, to run, to opprefs, and block up the Pores moſt, in rainy Animals.
Weather, and foutherly Winds.
38. (4.) 'Tis a received Opinion, that the Humors and Juices, not only Juices of
in Animals, but alfo in Plants, fwell and fill up the Cavities moſt about Plants,
the Full of the Moon.
39. (5.) Salts diffolve, open, and dilate themſelves in moift Places; fo Salts.
likewiſe, in ſome meaſure, do Sugar and Sweet-meats; which are apt to
grow mouldy, unless they ftand in a Room where a Fire is fometimes
kept.
40. (6.) All Things that have paffed the Fire, and are confiderably Things dried
fhrunk, grow fomewhat relaxed with Time.
by Heat.
41. (7.) Diligent Enquiry fhould be made into the Tumefactions and The Air.
Relaxations of the Air; and how far the Cauſes of the Wind depend upon
them: fince Vapours are neither commodioufly collected into Rain, nor
diffipated into clear Air, without caufing Swells in the Body of the
Air *.
SECT. IV.
Of the DILATATION and RELAXATION of
Bodies, by the means of Fire, and actual, fimple ex-
ternal HEA T.
1.
F
TRANSITION
ROM the Heap of Nature, we have above taken a few Inftances
of the Dilatation of Bodies owing to their native Spirit; whether in
Maturations, the firft Rudiments of Generations, the Excitations by Mo-
tions, natural and preternatural Irritations, or in Putrefactions and Relaxa-
tions: we next come to thofe Openings and Dilatations procured by Fire,
and actual external Heat.
ADMO-
See the Hiftory of Winds, paffim.
534
The History of CONDENSATION,
ADMONITION.
Relaxations by
2. The Relaxations of Bodies by Heat or Fire, properly belong to the
Fire concern Titles of Heat and Cold, the Motion of Dilatation, and thofe of Separa
this Enqui- tions, and Alterations: but they muſt be touched under the prefent Title ;
becauſe, without a little knowledge of them, the Enquiry of Density and
Rarity cannot be well conducted.
ry.
HISTORY.
Air dilated by
Heat.
Cupping-
glaffes.
A hot Glass in
Water.
Thermometer.
Hero's Altar.
3. (1.) Air is fimply dilated by Heat: for in this Cafe there is nothing
ſeparated or emitted, as in tangible Bodies; but barely an Expanſion
made.
4. (2.) In the cafe of Cupping-glaffes, when the Glafs and the Air it
contains, are heated, the Glafs is applied to the Skin; and foon after, the
Air which was dilated by the Heat, gradually contracts itſelf, as the Heat
decreaſes; upon which the Flefh is thruft into the Glafs by the Motion of
Connexion *. If it be defired that the Cupping-glaſs ſhould draw ſtronger;
let a Sponge be dipt in cold Water, and applied to the Belly of the Glafs:
for by this Coolness, the internal Air will be more contracted, and the At-
traction of the Glafs increaſed ".
5. (3.) If a Glafs be heated, and inverted into Water, it will attract the
Water; fo as to fill a third part of the Cavity: whence 'tis plain, that the
Air was rarified by the Heat, in that Proportion. But if, inftead of a thin
Glafs, which will not bear a great Heat without danger of breaking;
an Iron or Copper Veffel were employ'd, and heated to a greater degree,
we judge that Air might be dilated above twice or thrice more; which is
an Experiment very well worth trying as likewife, to afcertain the
degree whereto the Air may be rarified; that we may the better judge of
its degree of Rarifaction in the upper Regions; and thence of the ther
itſelf z
6. (4.) It appears very plain, from the Thermometer, that a fmall in-
creaſe of Heat may prodigiouſly expand the Air; fo that the Hand laid
upon the Glaſs, a few Rays of the Sun, or even the Breath of the By-
ftanders, fhall affect it: nay, the tendencies of the external Air to Cold
and Heat, tho imperceptible to the Touch, do yet conftantly dilate and
contract the Air in the Glafs ".
7. (5.) Hero defcribes an Altar built fo artificially, that when the Offer-
ing is light up thereon, Water ſhall of a ſudden deſcend, and put out the
Fire.
* See this Motion explained in the Novum Organum, Part II. Sect. II. Aph. 48.
y This Explanation in fome meaſure holds, notwithstanding the prefent manner of
accounting for Effects of this kind, from the direct preffure of the Air without; and its Rari.
faction within.
2 See Mr. Boyle's pneumatical Experiments to this purpoſe.
See this Weather-glafs defcribed, Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 13. (38.)
and RARIFACTION.
535
Fire. No other Contrivance is requifite to this Purpoſe, than to leave
a cloſe hollow Space under the Altar, filled with Air; which being
heated by the Fire, and confequently dilated, fhall find no exit but thro' a
Pipe rifing along the Wall of the Altar; and having its Mouth bent down
at laft, fo as to diſcharge upon the Altar. This upright Pipe was filled
with Water; and had a belly in the middle, that it might contain the
larger Quantity; and a Stop-cock at the bottom, to prevent the Water from
falling thro'; which Stop-cock being turned, admitted the dilated Air to
rife up, and drive out the Water ↳
8. (6.) It was the Invention of Fracaftorius, to recover Perfons from 4 heated
apoplectic Fits, by applying a heated metalline Pan, at ſome diſtance, Warming-pan.
round the Patient's Head; in order to dilate, excite, and revive the Spirits Head in Apo-
applied to the
ſtagnating, congeal'd, or block'd up by the Humors, in the Cells of the plexies.
Brain.
9. (7.) Butterflies, and the like Creatures, which lie for dead in the Warmth re-
Winter, recover Motion and Life by being warmed before the Fire; or by covering Liſe.
the Rays of the Sun. And Perfons in fainting Fits, are brought to them-
felves by taking, internally, fuch Liquors as are fpirituous and heating, as
well as by external Heat, Friction, and Motion.
Heat.
10. (8.) Water opens, or expands itfelf, in the following manner. With Water how
the firſt Heat it emits a ſmall and rarified Vapour; without any other viſible expanded by
Change in its Body. Upon continuance of the Heat, it does not riſe in
its whole Body, nor in ſmall Bubbles, in the way of Froth; but aſcends in
larger and rarer Bubbles, and refolves itſelf into a copious Vapour; which,
if not obſtructed, checked, or condenfed, mixes with the Air; being first
viſible, but afterwards diffufing itfelf, and becoming infenfible.
11. (9.) Oil opens itſelf thus. With the first Heat, certain little Drops o
afcend; or fmall Grains diffuſe themfelves thro' the Body of the Oil; and
this with a ſmall crackling Noiſe in the mean time, no Bubbles play upon
the Surface, as in Water; nor does the whole Body fwell, or emit any
confiderable Exhalation. But, after fome Continuance, the whole Body
rifes and dilates itſelf, very confiderably; expanding, as it were, to double
the Bulk and going off in a very copious and thick Exhalation. This
Exhalation, if it does not take Flame, at length mixes with the Air; as
does the Vapour of Water. But Oil requires a greater degree of Heat
to make it boil; and begins to boil much flower than Water c
:
12. (10.) Spirit of Wine rarifies, or opens itſelf, rather like Water than spirit of Wine..
Oil for it boils up in large Bubbles, without Froth, or Elevation of the
whole Body; but it expands and flys off with a much lefs degree of
Heat, and with much greater Velocity, than Water. It partakes both
of an aqueous and oily Nature; readily mixes with Air; and fuddenly
takes Flame.
13.
Here add the modern Contrivance of making Jet d'Eaux, and Fountains by the Spring
of compreffed Air.
Lead melts at the Bottom of Oil, before the Oil begins to boil..
}
536
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Vinegar and
Wine.
Unctuous Li-
quors.
Liquors in ge
neral.
Experiments
13. (IT.) Vinegar, Verjuice, and Wine, open themſelves differently in
this reſpect, that Vinegar rifes in ſmaller Bubbles, and more about the
fides of the Veffel; but Verjuice and Wine in larger Bubbles, and more
in the middle of the Veffel.
14. (12.) In general, unctuous Liquors, as Oil, Milk, Fat, &c. rife and
fwell in their whole Body, at once; whilft ripe Juices, (and unripe ones ftill
more) riſe in larger Bubbles; but old and vapid Juices, in ſmaller.
15. (13.) 'Tis common for all Liquors, even Oil itſelf, before they boil,
to throw, now and then, a few kind of half-Bubbles about the fides of the
Veffel.
16. (14.) 'Tis likewife common for all Liquors to open themſelves
fooner, and to boil, and confume, in a ſmall Quantity, than in a large one.
ADMONITION.
17. The Experiments about the opening of Liquors fhould be made in
of the Rari- Glafs Veffels; that the Motion in the Body of the Liquor may appear more
faction of Li- vifible; and upon little Furnaces with equal degrees of Heat, that their
Differences may be the more exactly noted. The Fire alſo muſt be gentle;
becauſe when vehement, it hurries on and confounds the Actions of
Bodies d
quors, to be
made in
Glaſſes.
Bodies fluid
with Heat.
HISTORY.
18. (1.) There are numerous Bodies, not of a liquid, but folid Confiſt-
ence, that by Heat acquire a degree of Fluidity, fo long as the Heat con-
tinues to agitate and expand them; fuch are Wax, Suet, Butter, Pitch,
Rofin, Gums, Sugar, Honey, Lead, Gold, Silver, Brafs, Copper, &c.
tho they require not only very different degrees of Heat to open
them; but alfo different Modifications of the Fire and Flame. For fome
Metals melt over a common Fire; as Lead: others require a Fire ani-
mated by Bellows; as Gold and Silver; and others again, the admixture
of certain Matters. So Steel does not melt without the Addition of fome
fulphureous Body.
19. (2.) But if the Fire be continued briſk and ſtrong, all theſe Subſtances
not only open by Colliquation; but alſo undergo a fecond Opening, as that
of Volatility, and Waſte, except Gold alone. Quickfilver, which is a na-
tural Fluid, begins with this fecond kind of Opening; and is eaſily vola-
tilized. But with regard to Gold, it ftill remains a Queſtion, whether it
can be rendered volatile, pneumatical, or potable, as they call it; that is,
not foluble, as by means of Aqua regia,which is a common and obvious Ope-
ration; but digeftable, or alterable by the human Stomach. And the genuine
Criterion of this Change is not, that the Gold becomes volatile in the
Fire;
d A complete Table of this kind is ſtill wanting; and ſhould be derived from expreſs che-
mical Experiments.
and RARIFACTION.
537
Fire; but fo fubtile and attenuated as to be irreducible to Metal
again.
20. (3.) Let farther Enquiry be made about Glafs and vitrified Bodies, Glafs, whe
whether they are confumable by Fire, and convertible into pneumatical ther confuma
Bodies for Glafs is accounted a fixed and juiceleſs Body; and Vitrifica- ble.
tion the Deſtruction of Metals f.
21. (4) All Bodies capable of Fufion, begin the Procefs of it from the The first Pro-
loweft degree of Opening; viz. Softnefs, and Suppleness, before they cess of Fufion
melt and run; fuch as Wax, Gums, Metals, Glafs, &c.
22. (5.) But Iron and Steel, when perfectly purified and unmixed, bear a Steel and Iron
fimple Fire, without proceeding farther than to a degree of Softneſs ; do not fuſe.
fo as to become malleable and flexible, but not fufible, thereby.
23. (6.) Iron and Glafs, when opened to the above-mentioned degree of Glass how di
Softneſs, feem to be dilated in their included Spirit; whence their tangible lated by Heat.
Parts are ſo wrought, as to lay afide their Hardneſs, and Refiſtance; tho
the whole Body is not, at the fame time, viſibly dilated, or fwelled. But
upon an exact Enquiry, there will be found a certain invifible Tumefaction,
and Agitation of Parts therein; tho this be rettrain'd by their cloſe
and compact Nature. For if throughly ignited Glafs be laid upon a Stone-
Table, or other the like Body, tho well heated before hand; the Glaſs will
break, thro' the Hardneſs of the Stone refifting its fecret Tumefaction and
therefore, in taking Glafs out of the Melting-pot, in order to blow it, they
ufually roll it upon fome certain Powder, or foft Sand; which may gently
give way, and not oppofe this Tumefaction in the Parts of the Glafs.
·
:
Morien in
Bullets.
24. (7.) Bullets likewife fhot from a Gun, after their projectile Motion Shuddering
entirely ceafes, fo as that, to the Eye, they fhall feem perfectly at reſt; yet
a great fhuddering Motion, or Pulfation, will be found, in their ſmall Parts,
for a long while after : infomuch, that if any proper matter be laid upon
them, it will thence receive and manifeft a confiderable Force; and this pro-
ceeds not fo much from the burning Heat, as from the Tremor of Percuffion.
25. (8.) Rods of Wood being fresh gathered, and kept turning in hot Wood foftened
Embers, acquire a Softnefs; whence they may be bent at pleaſure. And this by Heat.
Experiment ſhould be tried in old Rods and Canes ¹.
26. (9.) Combustible Bodies open fo, as by Fire, firſt to emit a Fume; Combustible
then to take Flame; and laftly, fall into Afhes.
Bodies how reà
laxed.
27. (10.) Bodies which contain an aqueous Moiſture, that refufes the Flame, Flatulent Bo-
and yet are cloſe and compact; as Bay-Leaves, Salts, &c. open by the dies.
Fire in fuch a manner, that the aqueous and crude Spirit they contain, be-
ing dilated by the Heat, burfts out with a crackling Noife, before they
take Flame but if a Body at once emits a Flatulency, and takes Flame, a
violent Tumult, and a powerful Dilatation enfues; that Flatulency, like
VOL. III.
Bellows
Z z z
• This Point feems not hitherto fettled to general Satisfaction.
f But improperly, as Metals are easily recoverable from their Glaffes.
8 Viz. hammer'd Iron.
↑
It has even been tried in large Timbers for Ship building, with confiderable Succefs.
538
The History of CONDENSATION,
Bread.
Roasted Flesh.
Fruits.
Baked Meats.
Dry Bodies.
Bellows on the infide of the Body, blowing and expanding the Flame
every way, as in Gunpowder.
28. (11.) Bread fwells or rifes fomewhat in the Oven; tho it lofes a little
of its weight. And on the top of the Loaf fometimes gathers a kind
of crufty Bubble, or Bladder; fo that there remains a Cavity fill'd with
Air, between the Pelicule of the Cruft, and the fecond Surface of the Loaf.
29. (12.) Roaſted Fleſh alfo acquires a degree of Tumefaction; efpeci-
ally when the outward Skin is left upon it: as we fee in roafted Pigs, &c.
30. (13.) But roafted Fruits fometimes leap out of the Fire; as Chefnuts:
fometimes burft their Skin, and fpirt out their Pulp; as Apples and if
fcorched by the Fire, they acquire a burnt or fcaly Cruft; and, as in the
abovemention❜d Caſe of Bread, leave a Cavity between that Cruft and the
Fleſh of the Fruit. The fame thing likewife happens in Eggs.
31. (14) But if the Heat be flow, and without manifeſt Fire, and there
be alfo no ready vent for the Vapour; as when Pears are roafted in the warm
Aſhes; and ſtill more remarkably when the Bodies to be treated are put in-
to Pots, and then buried under the Ashes, or fet in the Oven, &c. in theſe
Cafes the Tumefaction or Dilatation is repell'd, by the Heat, and turn'd back
upon itſelf; whence enfues a Condenſation, as in Diftillation; and the Body
is more moiſtened, and, in a manner drowned with its own Juice: as ap-
pears in Pies, Tarts, and other Works of Paftry and the Oven.
34. (15.) But dry Bodies, if the Flame be fuffocated and find no eaſy
exit, become rarified, hollow, and porous; as we fee in Charcoal, and the
Pumice-Stones difcharged from burning Mountains.
SECT. V.
Of DILATATIONS by external HEAT, and DI-
Two kinds of I.
Expansion by
Diftillation.
The Action of
Diftillation.
The Dilatation
T
STILLATION S.
HERE are two kinds of Dilatation, Opening, or Attenuation,
of Bodies in Diftillations; the one in Paffage, when the Body is
turn'd into Vapour or Fume, which is afterwards reftored; the
other in the Body fo reftored; which is always more rarified, more fubtile
and expanded than the crude Body from whence it was diftill'd:
water, for Example, is more rarified and light, than the Juice of Rofes.
as Rofe-
2. All Diſtillation is perform'd by a kind of Flux and Reflux, or alter-
nate Rarifaction and Condenſation; the one raifing the Vapour, or render-
ing the Body pneumatical; and the other ftriking it back, or reftoring it
to a tangible ſtate.
3. The Actions of Dilatation and Condenfation, are not pure in the Cafe
Spurious in Di- of Diftillations; but the Separation of heterogeneous Parts intervenes: which
ftillation. is the intentional Action with regard to Practice; whereby the purer Juices, the
2
Phlegm,
and RARIFACTION.
539
Phlegm, the Oil, the fine Parts, and the groſs Parts of Bodies are ſeparated
from each other.
4. Under Diſtillations 'tis proper to enquire into, and determine, the de- Different
grees and diverfities of Heats; as that of Coals, a hot Oven, that of Baths, Heats.
that of Water, Afhes, Sand, &c. that of the Sun, Horfe-dung, Fire left
to itſelf, Fire animated by Bellows, Fire confin'd and reverberated, Heat
afcending, Heat defcending, and the like; all which have a remarkable.
-Efficacy in the opening of Bodies; and particularly in the complicate Ac-
tions of Dilatation and Contraction. For thefe Heats feem by no means
to reſemble the Heat of the Sun, and celeftial Bodies; neither in gentle-
neſs, ſoftneſs, temperature, continuance, refraction, modification by in-
termediate Bodies; nor in ebbing and flowing, with the remarkable inequa-
lity of Day and Night. But all theſe particulars fhou'd be diligently ex-
amin'd, under the general Titles of Heat and Cold; with their fubordinate
Divifions *.
5. Diftillations, and the Dilatations they caufe, are perform'd in a clofe The Process of
Veffel; where the Body to be diftill'd, the Vapours it affords, and the Air, Diftillation.
are fhut up together for in the common Stills and Alembics, the exter-
nal Air is not excluded from entering, in fome degree, the Pipe of the Still-
head, or Nofe of the Worm. But in Retorts, where a ftronger Heat is re-
quired, the external Air has no Entrance; the Mouth of the Receiver being
join'd by a Luting to the Neck of the Retort; fo that the whole Procefs of
Rarifaction and Condenfation is perform'd within. But if the Body be full
of a vigorous Spirit, as Nitre or Vitriol, it requires a capacious Receiver;
that the Vapours may freely play about therein, without bursting the
Glafs.
PRECEPTS.
6. (1.) But tho Diſtillations are perform'd, as it were in a cloſe Cell; yet Diſtillations
there is ftill Space enough allowed for fome parts of the Body to expand improved, for
into Vapour, and other Parts to fubfide in Fæces; and again, for the Va- the bujiness of
pours to wind and roll about, reſtore themſelves, and, when of different Conversions,
Natures, to ſeparate one from another. The following Precept, therefore,
is of the utmoſt importance; as it may advance a Method of putting Na-
ture to the Scrutiny, and producing new Transformations: for the Fire of
the Chemiſts and Phyficians, tho it has produced many ufeful Things; yet
does not, perhaps, obtain the more genuine Virtues, and Properties of Heat,
by reaſon of the Diſtractions and Separations of the Parts, which conftantly
happen in their Operations. The Sum of our Precept, comes to this,
that all Separation, and all Flux and Reflux of Rarification and Conden-
fation, be totally prohibited; and that the Heat be ſpent entirely within the
Body itſelf, and its Cavities. Such a Method may poffibly hold the Proteus
Matter, bound and manacled; and compel it to try all its Shapes and
Con-
Zzz 2
* See Mr. Boyle's Hiſtory of Cold; and the Chapter of Fire in Dr. Boerhaave's Chemiſtry.
540
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
A new Di
geftor applied
by an Exam-
ple, in Wood.
Water in Con-
finement.
And made ge-
neral.
Converfions, in order to free and clear itſelf. Numerous Inftances occur
to us, with regard to this Affair; and others may be diſcovered: but we
will here propoſe only an eafy Example or two, the more fully to expreſs
our meaning.
7. (2.) Having provided a cubical Veffel of Iron, the fides whereof are
very strong and thick; fit a Cube of Wood exactly to it, fo as perfectly
to fill the Cavity: then, in the fecureft manner, fix and lute on a ſtrong Co-
ver of the fame Metal, fo as not to give the leaſt vent; but remain capa-
ble of bearing the Heat. Now place the Veffel in the Fire, and there con-
tinue it for fome Hours; afterwards take off the Cover, and examine what
Change the Wood has fuffered. It fhou'd feem, that as the Wood in this
Cafe, cou'd neither flame nor emit a Fume, fo as to diſcharge any of its
pneumatical or moift Parts; the Body of the Wood muſt either be con-
verted into a kind of Amalgam; or refolved into Air; that is, a truly pneu-
matical Body; leaving at the bottom, certain feculent Parts, groffer than
Afhes; and fome Incruftation on the fides of the Veffel.
8. (3.) Let Trial alfo be made of a quantity of pure Water, that ſhall
perfectly fill a like kind of Iron-Veffel: but here the Fire fhou'd be more
gentle; and the Operation of longer Continuance. The Veffel alfo might
be removed from the Fire at certain Hours; and afterwards put on again:
and this for ſeveral times. We make Choice of pure Water for this Ex-
periment, becauſe Water is a ſimple Body, without Colour, Smell, Taſte,
or other remarkable Qualities. And, therefore, if by a mild and gentle
Heat, an interchange of heating and cooling, and a prevention of all Eva-
poration, the Spirit of the Water fhall not be loft, but ftill be wrought up-
on, and become attenuated by this kind of Heat, fo as to turn itſelf upon
the groffer Parts of the Water, and digeft and change them into a new
Texture and Arrangement, of greater Simplicity and Uniformity; the
Water thus acquiring either a different Colour, Smell, Tafte, a degree of
Oilinefs, or any other confiderable Alteration, like what we find in com-
pound Bodies; doubtlefs it wou'd prove a great Acquifition, and open a
way to numerous Particulars of moment m.
9. (4.) In this Method of clofe Distillation; that is, where no Space is al-
low'd for Evaporation; any one may eafily invent many other Experiments.
And this we are certain of, that a fuitable Heat operating upon a Body,
without feparating or confuming its Parts, may produce wonderful Effects
and Changes of Structure".
10. (5.) We
1 The Experiment feems to have never been tried; on account, perhaps, of the Danger
that may be apprehended from the bursting of the Veffel. But any Inconveniences of this
kind might be prevented by an Artiſt.
m Becauſe it wou'd then afford a practical Inftance of the Tranfmutability of Bodies. See
the Sylva Sylvarum paſſim.
n It fhou'd feem that great Light may be derived to Philofophy from this kind of Digeftor,
as there has been from the Air-Pump, Teleſcope, &c. See Dr. Papin's Account of his Di-
geftor; and let the Contrivance be improved, transfer'd, and varied; and a proper Set of
Leading Experiments be tried both upon this, and other kinds of Digeſtors,
and RARI FACTION.
541
10. (5.) We might add, as an Appendix to this Precept, that ſome Me- Operations to
thod fhou'd be diſcovered (which certainly is not difficult) whereby Heat be perform'd
may operate, not only in a cloſe, but in a tenfile, or extendible Veſſel: VeДels.
which is the Cafe in a every natural Matrix, whether of Vegetables or Ani-
mals. For fuch an Operation extends to many Things, not performable by
fimple Confinement. This Contrivance does not regard the Pygmy of Pa-
racelfus, or any fuch monftrous Trifles; but Things of Weight and Solidity.
For Example, clofe Diftillation can never make a total Converfion of Water
into Oil; becauſe Oil poffeffes more Space than Water: but if the Ope-
ration were performed in an extendible Body; perhaps this Transforma-
tion might be effected: which wou'd be a Thing of prodigious Ufe; as
all Alimentation principally depends upon Fat .
in extendible
lations to be
11. (5.) 'Twere a proper and very uſeful Thing, fometimes in Diſtillations The Matters
loft in
to compel Nature to an Account; and take a juft eftimate of the quan- of Distil
tity loft in the Operation: that is, of the quantity grown pneumatical; and eftimated.
again of the remaining Part, whether fix'd or reftored in the Body. This
may be done by firft weighing the Body to be diftill'd, and the Veffels wherein
the Operation is to be perform'd; and after the Operation is over, weighing
the diſtill'd Liquor, the Fæces, and laftly the Veffels again by which means
may be learn'd what proportion was reftored; what proportion remain'd
in the Fæces; and what adhered to the Veffels and the deficiency of the
three feveral Weights, compared with the Weight of the whole Body, will
ſhew what Proportion was rendered pneumatical P.
SECT. VI.
Of the DILATATIONS and RELAXATIONS of
Bodies by the Remiffion of Cold.
1.
W
TRANSITION.
E proceed from the Dilatations and Rarifactions caufed by
actual Heat, to the Dilatations and Relaxations produced by
the Remiffion of violent and intenfe Cold: and this Remiffion
fhou'd be eſteem'd a comparative degree of Heat.
2. (1.) Bodies froze by violent Cold; but not fo far as, by the continuance Bodies froze
of the Cold, to remain fix'd in their Condenſation; open and reftore them- and thaw'd,
felves without manifeft Heat; and barely upon a remiffion of Cold: as in
Ice, Hail, Snow, &c. but they do this much quicker upon the application
of manifeſt Heat.
• See the Sylva Sylvarum paffim.
3. (2.) But
P Something of this kind has been done by M. Lemery in his Courſe of Chemistry ; but
Mr. Hales in his Vegetable Staticks, has profecuted the Thing with great Exactnefs; and more
directly to the prefent purpoſe.
542
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Fruits.
Liquors.
3. (2.) But the more delicate Subftances, whoſe Vigour confiſts in a ſub-
tile native Spirit; as Apples, Pears, Pomegranats and the like; have their
Spirit fuffocated by Congelation; fo as not again to recover their priſtine
Vigour upon Thawing 4.
4. (3.) Wine likewife, and Malt Liquors, grow flat to the Tafte, and
lofe of their Vigour upon freezing: Yet they revive, relax, and as it
were ferment again after thawing, when the Weather becomes warm, and
the Wind Southerly r.
SECT. VII.
Of the DILATATION and RELAXATION of
Bodies by potential Heat; or the auxiliary Spirits of
other Bodies.
Instances of
potential Heats
to be derived
from meduinal
Hiftory,
Medicines act-
ing by Dilata-
tion.
Their manner
of Action.
The Spirits
I.
TRANSITION.
S to the Subject of potential Heats, 'tis proper to confult the
medicinal Tables of fecondary Qualities; which exhibit the Things
that operate by Dilatation, upon the human Body: and they are
in general fuch as theſe.
VIZ.
2. (1.) Cardiacs, which dilate the Spirits opprefs'd.
(2.) Abftergents, which ſtrengthen the expulfive Faculties.
3.) Aperients, with regard to the Orifices of the Veins and Veſſels.
(4.) Aperients, with regard to the Pores and Paffages of the Parts.
(5.) Digeftives, which ripen at the ſame time.
(6.) Digeftives, which difcufs at the fame time; and,
(7.) Caustics, which burn and conſume the Fleſh.
3. Thefe Things have their Effect principally by dilating the Spirits,
Humours, Juices and the Subſtance of the Body, by means of auxiliary
Spirits; and again by a ſtimulating Virtue which fuch Medicines have in
contact with the Parts of the Body, whether ufed internally or externally.
SPECULATIO N.
4. It appears from the Weather-glafs what an exquifite Senfe, or Percep-
more fenfible tion, the common Air has of Heat and Cold; as immediately fhewing the
of Heat than
Air.
9 Unleſs thawed by being put into cold Water.
moſt
The Particulars wanting in this Section, may in great Meaſure be derived from Mr. Boyle's
Experimental History of Cold.
and RARI FACTION.
543
moſt ſubtile Differences and Degrees thereof. And we judge, that the Per-
ception of the Spirits in Animals, as to Cold and Heat, is much more
acute and fubtile: only the Air is a pure and genuine pneumatic Body, that
has no tangible Parts mix'd among it; and the Perception of the Spirits is
dull'd and blunted by the tangible Body in which they are detain'd. But
notwithſtanding this Impediment, the Spirits of living Creatures ſeem more
delicate, or fenfible, than the Air itfelf: for it has not hitherto appeared, that
potential Heat can caufe a Dilatation of the Air; whereas it certainly has
that Effect upon the Spirits contain'd in the Parts of Animals: which is ma-
nifeſt from the ſecondary Qualities of Medicines. But of this let farther
Enquiry be made; according to the following Precept.
PRECEPT
1. Take two Weather-glaffes, of the fame fize; fill the one with Water, Whether the
and the other with rectified Spirit of Wine; heat the Glaffes in fuch a man- potential Heat
ner, that both the Water and the Spirit may ftand at the fame height; then of Spirit may
place them together, leave them a time, and obferve if the Water ftand rarify.
higher than the Spirit: for if it does, 'tis plain that the potential Heat of
the Spirit of Wine expands the Air, fo as to depreſs the Spirit .
2. It might be very ufeful, fometimes to try and exercife the Operations of That feconda-
the fecondary medicinal Qualities in lifelefs Bodies. For altho no Effect Qualities
cou'd be expected from most of them; as a living Spirit is abfolutely re- inanimate Bos
may act upon
quired to actuate them, on account of the fubtilty of the Operation; yet dies.
others of them wou'd doubtless have an Operation upon fome inanimate
Bodies. Thus, we fee what Effect Salt has upon Flefh, Spices upon dead
Carcaffes, Rennet upon Milk, Leaven upon Bread, &c. The diligence
therefore of Phyficians, as to their fecondary Qualities, may, if judicioufly
confidered and transfer'd, ferve in performing numerous other Operations:
always fuppofing that a ftronger virtue is required to operate upon a dead
Body than a live one.
SECT.
The difference may proceed from the Spirit of Wine being more rarifiable by the warmth
of the external Air, than Water; but whether Rarifaction be the Form of Heat is not hitherto
fatisfactorily determin'd. See the Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 12, OI.
$ The
proper Uſe ſeems not hitherto made of this Precept.
544
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Bodies how re-
SECT. VIII.
The Hiftory of DILATATION in Bodies, by a Re-
leafement of their Spirit.
The Spirits of 1.
leafed.
Ductility of
Gold
Gold diffolved
in Aqua re.
gia.
Quickfilver
diffolv'd in
Aqua fortis.
Lead.
Silver.
TRANSITION.
E come next to the Dilatations of Bodies made by a Releaſe-
ment of their Spirits, upon breaking the Priſon of the groffer
Parts, which cloſely detain'd them, fo that they cou'd not dilate:
for in Bodies which have a compact clofenefs, and remain ftrongly bound
together in their wholes, the Spirits cannot perform their Office of dilating;
unless there be firſt a Solution of Continuity in the groffer Parts, made either
by corrofive Liquors, with or without the affiftance of Heat: and this ap-
pears in the opening and diffolving of Metals.
2. (1.) A Penny-weight of pure Gold may be reduced, by the Hammer,
into thin Plates; fo as to be readily torn betwixt the Fingers.
3. (2.) If the Gold be now put into a Glafs, with four times its quantity of
Aqua regia, and the Glaſs be ſet over a very foft and gentle Fire; there will
foon appear to arife therein certain little Grains, which, after a fmall Conti-
nuance, diffuſe themfelves and incorporate with the Liquor; fo as to ren-
der it bright and fhining; as if tinged with Saffron. But the Gold, in the
Proportions here fet down, diffolves only to a third; for the Menftruum
will imbibe no more: fo that if the whole Penny-weight of Gold were to
be diffolved, the faturated Menftruum muſt be poured off; and again four
Penny-weight of Aqua regia poured on; and fo for the third time. This Dif-
folution proceeds calmly, and flowly, in a moderate Heat, without Fumes,
and without heating the Glafs, more than what the Fire occafions.
4. (3.) To a quantity of crude Quickfilver, put into a Glafs, add twice its
weight of Aqua fortis; and without fetting the Veffel to the Fire, there will
prefently rife up fomething like a very fine Powder, in the Body of the Li-
quor; and in the fpace of an Hour, without Fire, without Fumes, and
without Tumult, the Mixture will appear a clear uniform Liquor.
5. (4.) Put a Penny-weight of thin plated Lead to nine Penny-weight of
Aqua fortis: the Lead will not here incorporate fo well as the other Metals;
but the Menftruum throws down the greater part of the Lead, in form of a
Calx, to the bottom; the Liquor above, remaining fomewhat turbid, tho
tending to tranſparency.
6. (5.) To a Penny-weight of plated Silver, add four Penny-weight of
Aqua fortis; fet them in a gentle Heat: and the Silver will rife within the
Body of the Liquor, like fmall Sand, or Bubbles, a little larger than thoſe
of Gold; and incorporate with the Menftruum, and turn with it into a thin,
white, and as it were milky Liquor: but after ſtanding and cooling for a while,
icy
and RARIFACTION.
545
icy Plates appear to fhoot in the Body of it, proceeding from the mixture
of the Metal and the Menftruum: but when, after a longer ftay, the Sepa-
ration is totally made, the Liquor becomes clear and cryftalline; throwing
the icy Plates to the bottom. The Menftruum here fuftains the full weight
of the Metal; as in Gold; and the Diffolution is made almoft with the like
Heat; and does not increaſe it by Motion, any more than in the caſe of
Gold.
7. (6.) Six Penny-weight of Aqua fortis being put to one Penny-weight Copper.
of Copper-Filings, and fet in a Sand-heat; the Copper rifes in larger Grains,
or Bubbles, than Silver; and foon after incorporates with the Menftruum
into a blue turbid Liquor; but upon ftanding, it brightens up, like the
Sky, into a fhining beautiful Blue; throwing down the Fæces, in form of
Powder, to the bottom; which Fæces, however, are diminiſh'd in time, and
afcend and incorporate with the reft: and thus fix Penny-weight of Aqua fortis
diffolves one Penny-weight of Copper, entirely; fo that the Menftruum here
fuffers itſelf to be charged with twice the weight it did in the cafe of Gold
and Silver. But the Solution of Copper conceives a manifeft Heat, by the
internal Conflict, even before it is applied to the Fire.
8. (7) Three Penny-weight of Aqua fortis being added to one Penny- Tis.
weight of Tin-Filings, the whole Metal is turn'd into a Body like Cream or
Curds, which does not readily clarify itself; but conceives a manifeſt
Heat without Fire.
9. (8.) Nine Penny-weight of Aqua fortis being poured upon one of Iron Iron.
Filings, the Metal, without Heat, rifes up in large Bubbles; not only with-
in the Body of the Liquor, but above it; fo as to boil out at the mouth of
the Glaſs: at the fame time emitting a copious, denfe and Saffron-coloured
Fume; with a violent Conflict, and a great degree of Heat, infufferable to
the Hand.
ADMONITIO N.
10. No doubt but the different Properties of different Menftruums, and Metals open
the manner of applying the Fire or Heat, may cauſe fome Alterations in differently in
the form wherein Metals open themſelves.
different Heats.
PRECEPT
ther Metals be
dilated in Sub-
fiance.
11. (1.) Obfervation fhou'd be made, what kind of Dilatation happens in To try whe
the opening of Metals; as whether it be like that of Leaf-Gold, which is
fpurious Rarifaction, wherein the Body is dilated rather in Place than Sub-
ſtance, after the manner of Powders; or whether the Body of the Metal be
actually dilated in Subftance. This may be determined by the following
Experiment. Take an exact weight and meaſure of Quickfilver, and ſo of
Aqua fortis, after the manner of our first Table; then make a Solution there-
of, and weigh it in the two Veffels, wherein the Quickfilver and Aqua fortis
VOL. III,
Aaaa
were
546
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Whether me-
tallic Solutions
were ſeparately weigh'd; and obferve whether the weight and meaſure of
the Compound exactly answer to the weight and meaſure of the fame Bo-
dies, when feparate. We make choice of Quickfilver for this Experiment,
becauſe, as it diffolves without Fire, there is the lefs Sufpicion of waſte
12. (2.) It fhou'd be obferved, whether a Solution of Quickfilver may not
may support fupport the heaviest Stones, or even Tin, fo as to keep them floating. This
might be collected from knowing the Proportions of their ſpecific Gravities.
And let not this be fufpected as tending to Miracle and Impoſture; but on-
ly to the Inveſtigation of the Nature of Mixture
Metals.
Metals diffolv
ing like Sand.
Solution.
•
OBSERVATION.
13. 'Tis worth obferving, that all Metals, tho remarkably heavier than
the Menftruums in which they diffolve, yet afcend in the form of Sand or
Bubbles, during the first act of Solution: and this is the more confiderable
where they do the fame without Fire, as in the Cafe of Quickfilver.
SPECULATIO N.
Intimation of 14. The Tumult happening among the Parts of the Bodies in the Dif
the Cause of folution, is the Caufe that the Metals afcend in this manner: for Bodies.
are fomewhat impell'd by a local Motion in all violent Corroſion; as plain-
ly appears from little gravelly Stones, which being put into ftrong Vinegar,
on the fides of a Porringer, that they may eafily flide; continue moving, or as
it were, fwiming by Fits, like little Fiſh. There is alſo a kind of Stone, or
Foffil, which, when put into Vinegar, moves and runs up and down therein,
with a reſtleſs Motion. But the Bodies that mix without this Tumult, do
not perhaps readily afcend, without fhaking: So Sugar diffolving at the
bottom of Water, does not dulcify at the top; nor Saffron, in like manner,
tinge, without Commotion and Agitation
SE C T.
t
Some attempt of this kind was made by Dr. Hook, and Dr. Grew; but the matter, perhaps,
has not been duly profecuted.
u See Dr. Grew's Difcourfe concerning the Nature, Caufes and Power of Mixture.
Y
See Mr. Boyle upon Fluidity and Firmness.
and RARI FACTION.
RARIFACTION.
547
SE C T. IX.
The History of DILATATION, upon the meeting and
uniting of Bodies related.
I.
W
TRANSITION.
ing Bodies ex-
plain'd.
E muft next come to another kind of Dilatation, com- The Dilatation
monly call'd by the Name of Diffolution, in fome Cafes. of correſpond-
This happens where Bodies run into the Embraces of one ano-
ther, and, if poſſible, open themſelves, fo as to receive each other inter-
nally. But this Relaxation does not happen with any Tumult, or by the
Penetration of the entring Body, as Menftruums penetrate Metals; but
calmly, and by a Relaxation of the receiving Body.
2. (1.) Sugar and fome Gums, viz. Gum Tragacanth, Gum Arabic, &c. Inftanced in
being put into Water, refolve; as willingly relaxing their Parts, like a Sugar and
Sponge, to receive the Liquor in amongſt them.
Water.
3. (2.) Paper, Fur, Wool, and the like porous Bodies, being plunged in Paper, &c.
aqueous Liquors, or otherwife moiften'd, open themſelves, fo as to become
more foft, yielding, feparable, and as it were putrefied.
4. (3.) Sudden Joy remarkably dilates the Spirits of Men; as upon Dilatation up-
the hearing of good News, feeing the Object defired, &c. and tho there be on Joy.
here no Contact of Bodies; but only an Act of the Imagination; yet this
A&t is fometimes fo powerful, as to endanger fudden Fainting, or even Death
itſelf. And fomething of the like kind happens when the Imagination is
earneſt upon venereal Pleafures.
PRECEPT.
5. All endeavours fhou'd be uſed, to diſcover peculiar Menftruums for Particular
each particular Subftance; fince, in all probability, there are Liquors, and Menftruums
foft pappy Bodies, that have fuch a Sympathy, or Correfpondence, with par- for particular
ticular Matters, that upon the Application thereof they will readily relax Subjects,
their Parts, willingly imbibe the others, and thus become mollified and
renewed in their own Juices. And this regards one of the Capital Things in
all Nature; viz. the refreshing, and recruiting the moſt radical and effential
Moiſture of Bodies from without; fuch as Flefh, Bone, Membranes
Wood, &c. So likewife there is a Sympathy, or Correfpondence, in the
Bodies which operate by Divulfion, and Penetration: for Aqua fortis does
not diffolve Gold, nor the common Aqua regia Silver
Aaaa 2
w See the Hiftory of Life and Death, paffim.
X
W
SECT.
Upon finding out thefe Sympathies, or Relations, betwixt Bodies, and the Menftruums they
indicate, the perfection of Chemistry, and a large part of Natural Philofophy, feems to depend,
54&
The History of CONDENSATION,
SECT. X.
The Hiftory of DILATATION by ASSIMILA-
TION, or the Conversion of a groffer Matter to fuch
as is more fubtile.
Dilatation by I.
Affimilation,
how produced.
Air affini-
TRANSITION.
E next pafs on to the Dilatation by Affimilation, or Convention;
wherein the over-ruling, and more active, Body fubdues the
other that is more obfequious and paffive; fo as actually to turn
that into itſelf, and multiply and renew its own Subftance thereon: but if
the Body thus affimilating be more fubtile and rarified than the Body affi-
milated, this Affimilation of neceffity produces Dilatation.
2. (1.) Air licks up the humidity of the Earth, preys upon it, and con-
lates Morture. verts it into itfelf; but chiefly when in Commotion, as in the Caſe of
Spirit affimi-
lates a groffer
Matter.
Tumours dif-
cuss'd by Per-
Spiration.
Winds ".
;
3. (2.) The Procefs of Deficcation in Woods, Plants, &c. that are not
very hard, or ſtubborn, turns upon the Depredation of the Air which
draws out, fucks up, and turns to its own Subftance, the Spirit of the Body:
whence this Procefs proceeds but flowly. in fat, and oily Bodies; becaufe
their Spirit, and Moiſture, are not fo nearly of the fame Subftance, with the
Air.
-
له
4. (3.) The Spirits of tangible Bodies feed and prey upon the groffer
Parts of the Body that includes them for the Spirits which approach
neareſt to Air, obey its Call, and go forth fuddenly; but thoſe which re-
fide deeper in the Body, prey upon the more, internal Parts that lye conti-
guous, beget new Spirits thereon, join theſe to themſelves, and at length
fly off together: whence fuch Bodies by Age, or long lying, diminish in
their weight; which cou'd not poffibly happen, unlefs fome tangible Part
were gradually converted into an untangible or pneumatical one; for Spirit
once formed in a Body, has no longer any Gravity in that Body, but ra
ther helps to lighten it
Z
5. (Many Tumours in the Bodies of Animals are difcufs'd by, infen-
fible Perfpiration, without Suppuration; and render'd perfectly pneumatical,
fubtile, and perfpirable.
+
1
6. (5.) Fla-
y See the Hiftory of Winds, paffim.
2 If this be meant of fpecific Gravity; or fuppofing the Body weigh'd in Air; it may be
readily allowed. but if meant of abfolute Gravity, or fuppofing the Body weigh'd in a ve
cuum ; it will perhaps require more exact Experiments to determine it.
I
and RARI FA&TIONI
$40
6. (5.): Flatulent Eatables produce Windinefs. in the Body; their Juices Wind genera-
being converted into Flatus, and Air; which eſcape by, Erucation and other ted in the Be-
dy.
wife: tho ſometimes not without extending, and griping, the internal Parts.
The like alfo fometimes happens from the most approved Aliment;. by rea
fon of a weakness in the digeftive Faculties
7, (6.) In every, Body requiring Allment, when the Parts nourished are Alimentation
finer or more fubtle than the Nourishment; Alimentation muft neceffarily causes a Dila-
cauſe a Dilatation. Thus, the Spirits and Juices af Animals are lighter
than, the Solids, as Liquids, that nourish and fupply. them.
:
tation:
& (7.) Qf all: Openings,. Dilatations and Expanfions, the greateſt in Oil expanded
proportion to the Body before and after the Dilatation, the quickeſt, and of into Flame.
leaft Duration, is that of oily and inflammable Bodies into Flame; which
feems to be done copiously, and at once, without ftop or degree. And
here the Succeffion of the Flame is plainly a kind of Affimilation; whilſt
the Flame multiplies itfelf upon its Fewel.
9, (8.) But the most powerful Thing of this kind, not with regard to Gunpowder
the fuddennefs of firft catching Flame (for Brimstone, Camphire, or Petreol into Flame
catch Flame ſooner than Gunpowder) but with regard to the Succeffion of and Air.
the Flame once caught; and overcoming all Refiftance; is that mixed Ex-
panſion beforementioned, of Gunpowder into Flame and Air; as in the fi-
ring of Cannon; the blowing up of Mines, &c.
10. (9.) The Chemifts obferve a very violent Expanfion of Quickfilver Quickfilver
by the Fire, and alfo of a preparation of Gold fo as to explode in a dange- and Gold ex
panded.
rous manner; and give a report like that of a Gun".
$
SECT. XI
{
Of DILATATIONS, or DISTRACTIONS, by ex-
I.
W
ternal Force.
TRANSITION.
double.
E fhou'd next proceed to thofe Dilatations, Diftractions, or The Motion of
Divulfions, that proceed not from any Appetite in the Body Dilatation
dilated; but from the Violence of external Bodies, which, pre-
vailing with their Motions, lay the Body under a Neceffity of being dilated,
or ſtretched. This Enquiry, however, belongs to the Title of free Motion;
but, as in the former Cafes, fo we fhall here alfo add fomewhat upon this
Head. The Motion we fpeak of is, generally of two kinds; the one being
a Motion of Distraction, from external Forces and the other a Motion of
Contraction, or, Reftitution, proceeding from the Motion. proper to the Bo-
a Viz. the Aurum Fulminans.
dy.
550
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Bent Rods.
Watch-Springs.
Cloth.
dy. This latter Motion, tho it belong to Condenſation, is yet ſo join'd with
the former, that it may commodiouſly be treated in this place.
2. (1.) Rods of Wood, and the like, fuffer fome degree of forcible
Bending; which draws the external Parts afunder in the bent place; and
compreffes the internal Parts. If the bending Force be foon after remitted;
the Rod flies back and reftores itſelf: but if the Rod be long detain'd in that
curved Pofition, it fixes there, and ftarts back no more.
3. (2.) The Cafe is the fame in Watch-Springs; where the piece of coil-
ed Steel has a conftant and gradual endeavour to unwrap or reftore itſelf.
4. (3.) Cloth, and the like Subſtances confifting of Threads, receive a
great degree of Extenſion; and reſtore themſelves, if foon let go; but not
if they have remain'd long ſtretch'd, or tentered.
The Flesh in 5. (4) The Flesh which rifes upon the application of a Cupping-Glaſs,
Cupping-Glaf is not a Tumor; but a violent extenfion of the entire Flefh, by Attrac-
Jes.
The Rarifac-
tion b.
6. (5.) The following Experiment may ferve to difcover what degree of
sion of the Air. Rarifaction the Air is capable of. Take a Glafs-Egg, with a ſmall Hole in
it; fuck out the Air as much as poffible; then immediately cloſe the Ori-
fice with the Finger; plunge the Egg, thus ftopp'd, under Water, and
now the Finger being removed, the Egg will draw in as much Water; as
there was Air fucked out: fo as that the remaining Air will recover its for-
mer Expanſion, from which it was forcibly drawn and extended. And, as
I remember, the Egg drew in about a tenth Part of its own content of Wa-
ter. I likewiſe left a Glafs-Egg thus evacuated, and ſtop'd up with Wax, a
whole Day, to try if dilated Air might be fix'd by time; ſo as no longer to
reſtore itſelf, like Wood or Cloth: but when the Wax was removed, the
Water entered in as before; and even when unſtop'd in the open Air, new
Air enter'd at the Orifice, with a hiffing Noiſe. But the time was here too
fhort for an accurate Experiment 4.
of Water!
7. (6.) What degree of Rarification Water is capable of, may perhaps
be thus diſcovered. Take a pair of Bellows, and draw up as much Water
with them as may fill their Cavity; tho without raiſing the Bellows to their
height, or but, as it were, half way. Then ftop up the Bellows; and ſtill
continue to raiſe them by degrees; to fee how far the Water received will
fuffer itſelf to be dilated: or otherwiſe, draw up Water by a Pipe, or Sy-
ringe; then cloſe the Orifice; and gradually raiſe the Embolus, or Sucker,
ftill higher e
SPE-
b See above, Sect. IV. 4.
Mr. Boyle has feveral appofite Experiments to this purpoſe.
This Experiment has been profecuted by Mr. Boyle, Mr. Hauksbee, and others, by
means of the Condenser, an Engine, which is the Converſe of the Air-Pump. But it, perhaps,
deferves to be carried ftill farther, by means of a ſtronger Condenser than the common;
greater condensing Power than that of a Syringe, work'd by human Strength; a much longer
time of Reft being alſo allow'd.
a
This Experiment may perhaps be better tried in the exhaufted Receiver of the Air-Pump;
by including a ſpherical Glaſs of Water therein; with a long and flender Neck: for when
the
and RARIFACTION.
551
SPECULATION.
f
•
8. We fufpect that the Spirit of Water fuffers fome Diftraction in Con- Contraction
gelation; tho this feems a very fubtile Affair. But firft, 'tis certain, that and Congela-
tion explam'd,
in all baking or burning, as in the baking of Bread, the burning of Brick,
&. a large proportion of the pneumatical part of the Body flies off, and
exhales whence, of neceffity, the groffer Parts contract themſelves, in
fome meaſure; by the Motion of Connexion for when the Spirit is gone
off, and no other Body eafily enters to poffefs the place deferted by the
Spirit, the Parts come cloſer together, to prevent a Vacuum, as they phrafe
it; whence proceeds Hardneſs and a Contraction of the Body. So on the
contrary, it thou'd feem that the Spirits of Bodies are drawn afunder by
freezing; for the groffer Parts are contracted by Cold; fo that there is left
ſome ſpace unoccupied within the Cells of the Body: whence it follows, that
if no other Body fucceed, the inherent Spirit muſt be ſtretched or diſtracted,
by the Motion of Connexion, as much as the groffer Parts are contracted.
And this appears to be the Cafe in Ice; the Body whereof is full of Cracks
and Blebs, and fomewhat fwelled; whilft the Ice itſelf, notwithstanding the
remarkable Contraction of its Parts, is in its Whole, fpecifically lighter than
Water which may, perhaps, be juſtly attributed to the Dilatation of its
pneumatical Parts ".
I.
h
SECT. XII.
Of DILATATIONS by Diffufion, or Spreading.
W
TRANSITION.
E come next to the Dilatations by Diffufion, when a Body heap'd Dilatation by
up and prefs'd together, is fpread out into a Plane or Flat. Diffuſion, ſpise
But this kind of Dilatations is to be accounted fpurious; as rions.
being made, not in the Subftance of the Body, but in the pofition of its
Parts for the Body here remains in the fame Denſity of Subftance, only ac-
quires a larger Figure in Surface, and a lefs in Solidity.
2. (1.) Gold
the preffure of the Atmoſphere is taken off, the Water will fwell and life vifibly in the Neck
of the Glafs. Or it might be proper to try how far Water expands by a boiling Heat, and
how far when converted into Vapours. For all which let Mr. Boyle, and farther Experience
be confulted.
f That Water has a Spirit, fee confirm'd and illuſtrated in Dr. Hoffman's New Experiments
and Obfervations upon Mineral IVaters.
g See Nov. Organ Part II. Sect. II.
↳ Compare this with the Speculations of Mr. Boyle and Dr. Hoffman upon the fame Subject,
See alfo below, Sect. XV. 24.
3
552
The History of CONDENSATION,
Ductility of
Gold.
Silvers
Wax.
Ink.
Saffron.
Contraction,
and Condenfa-
tion to be
treated sepa
rate.
2. (1.) Gold acquires an immenfe Dilatation by the Hammer, as we fee
in Leaf-Gold; fo again by Drawing, as we fee in the Gilding of Silver-
Wire for the Mafs of Silver is gilt over, before 'tis drawn out into Wire.
3. (2.) Silver alfo is, by the Hammer, reduced to Leaves; tho not fo
exquifitely thin, as Gold. The other Metals also may be hammered into
thin Plates.
4. (3) Wax, and the like Bodies, may be formed, moulded, and wrought
into thin Cakes, Cafes, or Coverings *.
5. (4.) A Drop of Ink in the Pen is dilated, and ſpread out into a great
number of Lines and Letters: and the fame holds true of the Paint of a
Painter's Bruh, Varniſh, &c.
6. (5.) A fmall Quantity of Saffron tinges a large one of Water ¹.
thus much for the Dilatations, Rarifactions, and Relaxations of Bodies.
SECT. XIII.
And
Of CONTRACTIONS by the Emiffion or Difcharge
of a BODY received.
I.
WE
TRANSITION.
E muſt next, with the like Diligence, enquire into the Actions
contrary to the foregoing; viz. into the Contractions, Condenfa-
tions, and Clofures of Bodies. And it feems beft to treat this Buſineſs a-
part; the rather, becauſe all the Actions are not here reciprocal; but
fome of them peculiar, that require to be explained by themſelves. And
altho they may agree in a contrary refpect, yet they are difcovered and ex-
hibited by very different Experiments.
2. The Action of Contraction, by the Emiffion or Expulfion of another
Contraction by
Expulsion, re- Body, is reciprocal to the Action of Dilatation, by the Introfufception of
ciprocal to Di- another Body; and therefore this must be first enquired into.
latation by
Introfufcep-
tion.
Metals reco-
verable.
3. (1.) Confult the Inftances of Dilatations by Introfufception; and com-
pare them with the fame Inftances after the Dilatations ceafe, in Bodies
where this Ceffation happens.
4. (2.) The pure and perfect Metals, tho changed and tortured various
ways, by Sublimation, Precipitation, Amalgamation, Solution, Calcina-
tion, &c. are yet generally recoverable by Fire and Fufion, and convertible
into themſelves again: the metalline Nature having no great Agreement
with other Bodies. But this Condenſation is the lefs genuine, as it feems to
be
For the quantity of this kind of Dilatation confult Mr. Boyle's Philofophical Works; and
Dr. Halley's Computation, in the Philofophical Transactions.
kAs in the Callico-Wrapper, of the East Indies.
1 There are many pertinent Inftances to this purpoſe in Mr. Boyle's Pieces upon Colours,
Effluvia, Phosphori, &c.
and RARIFACTION.
553
be nothing more than an emiffion and exclufion of the Air, interpofed;
or of the Menftruums in which the Metals were diffolved; thus giving an
Opportunity for the pure Parts of the metallic Body to unite again. And,
doubtless, the Body poffeffes much lefs Space than before; tho it does not
ſeem to become denfer in its Subftance. This Power of the Keys, which
opens and fhuts, reigns principally in Metals. And thus foul Metals, as
allo Marcafites and Ores, are purified; the homogeneous Parts of them
being collected together by the Fire; and the Duft and Drofs thrown off
and excluded for every pure Metal is more denfe and ponderous, than
the fame when impure.
5. (3.) It contributes to condenfe Metals, if they be often melted, and Metals, howe
quenched in Waters; whereby they become more hard and ftubborn: but condensed.
whether their specific Gravity be increafed by this means, is not hitherto
afcertain'd; and requires a particular Experiment m. This Induration,
however, is more powerfully effected by frequent Solutions and Refto-
rations, than by Fufions and Extinctions and it fhould likewife be
examined, in what kinds or mixtures of Waters, Metals acquire the great-
eft Hardneſs.
6. (4.) There are certain ways of killing and deſtroying Metals; fo that Demetallized.
when diffolved and opened, they fhall be no longer capable of Reduc-
tion. And fomething of this kind appears remarkably in Quickfilver;
which, if forcibly ground along with a little Turpentine, Spittle, &c. the
Quickfilver is killed, and thence acquires an Averfion to recover its
priftine Form".
PRECEPT.
7. Diligent Enquiry fhould be made into the Bufinefs of mortifying Metals, The Bufinefs of
or preventing their Reduction, or Reftitution; for they muft have a great Demetalliza-
Antipathy to thofe things which thus prevent their Parts from coming together profecuted.
tion to be far-
ther. And as all Reftitution of Metals is a certain kind of Condenfation; a
knowledge of the Privation will here regard the knowledge of the Form.
HISTORY.
8. There is properly, no reciprocal Action oppofed to the Dilatations No Reciprocal
proceeding from the native Spirit expanding itfelf; Contraction being a to Dilatation
Thing foreign to Spirit, which is never contracted, unless it either of the Spirit.
VOL. III.
Bbbb
fuffers,
It has been tried in Steel, perhaps, and two or three other Metals; but there ought to
be a Table formed, including the different Gravities of all the Metals, after being heated and
quenched, a certain number of Times, in various Liquors; as well Waters of different forts,
as the Juices of Plants, faline Solutions, &c. See M. Reaumur's Treatife of converting forged
Iron into Steel; and of foftening Cast Iron, so as to make Works thereof, equally perfect with
thofe of forged Iron. Published at Paris, An. 1722.
For the buſineſs of Demetallization, fee Boyle, Becher, Homberg, and Stahl ; but far-
ther Experiments, and more decifive, are ftill wanting on this Head.
1
554
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
1
fuffers, is fuffocated, or collects itſelf, in order to dilate more forcibly.
We might, however, here commodiouſly ſubſtitute the proper Action of
the groffer Parts; which is an Action that may, by Accident, be attri
buted to the native Spirit; when, thro' the eſcape or emiffion of the Spirit,
the Parts are hardened and contracted. Now the Spirit is diſcharged, ei-
ther by its own proper Agitation, the Sollicitation of the external Air, or
the Provocation, or Irritation, of Fire or Heat.
SPECULATION.
The Action of
9. Fire or Heat, and Time or Age, have one and the fame Effect, as to
Heat and Age. the attenuation and difcharge of the Spirits, and the Actions which follow
thereon. But Age, of itſelf, is no more than a Period, or meaſure of Mo-
tion; and therefore, when we fpeak of Age, we mean a Virtue and Opera-
tion, compounded of the Agitation of the native Spirit, the furrounding
Air, and the Rays of the heavenly Bodies. But there is this Difference,
that Fire and vehement Heat dilate Bodies fuddenly, vifibly, and power-
fully; but Age, like a very gentle Heat, by degrees, flowly, and fecretly:
for grofs Fumes and Vapours are confpicuous; but not the finer Perfpira-
tions or Effluvia; as is manifeft in Odours. But the Attenuation and
Rarifaction of Bodies by Age, is more fubtile and exquifite than that by
Fire; for Fire being fuddain in its Action, caufes the pneumatical Parts
of Bodies to fly off in a hurry; fometimes alfo, converting the prepared
Humidity into pneumatical Matter, and difcharging it: whence the
tangible Parts ftrongly wedge one another in; and thus, forcibly, arreft
and detain a confiderable part of the Spirit. But Age does not fuddenly
follicit a Difcharge of what is rendered pneumatical, which therefore, by
remaining longer in the Body, gradually and regularly prepares whatever
may be digefted into a fine Subflance; whilft but little of the pneumati-
cal Matter already formed, gently, and fucceffively fteals away: fo as, in
a manner, to anticipate, and as it were undermine the Connexion and Clofe-
nefs of the tangible Parts. And, therefore, in Diffolutions by Age, there
is found at the laft, but very little tangible Subſtance remaining fixed or
clinging together. For the rotten Powder, left after a long Series of Years,
as the Remains of the Depredation, fuch as is fometimes found in old Mo-
numents and Sepulchers, appears but like the Carcafs of the Matter;
and is more effete and exhaufted than any Afhes made by the Fire: for
Aſhes have ſtill a Juice that may be drawn from them, and turned into
Salt; whereas this kind of Powder contains no Juice, nor Salt at all P.
But the thing here intended, with regard to the prefent Enquiry, is, that
this Spirit, fo long as it is detained in the Body, refolves, mollifies, wears,
and preys upon the tangible Parts, which, after that is difcharged, prefently
contract and lock themfelves clofe together.
• See Mr. Boyle upon Effluvia.
SECT.
P See the whole of this Speculation illuftiated and confumed in Boerhaave's Chemistry,
particularly under the Proceffes upon Vegetables.
1
and RARI FACTION.
555
SECT. XIV.
Of CONTRACTIONS by the Shrinking in of the groſſer
PARTS, after the Discharge of the SPIRITS.
I.
1.T
HISTORY.
Contractions
HE Skins and Membranes of Animals grow dry and wrinkled with instanced in
old Age.
Skins.
2. Such Pears and Apples as have been long kept, grow fhriveľ'd; ſo Fruit.
likewiſe the Kernels of Nuts contract and fhrink from their Shells.
3. Old Cheeſes have their Coats wrinkled; Pofts, Wood-Pillars, Wood-work.
Pales, &c. contract in their Dimenfions by long ftanding, crack, gape and
ſeparate; eſpecially when fet up green. And the like happens in folid Bowls
or Balls of Wood.
4. The Earth cracks and chops in great Droughts, and becomes full of The Earth,
Chinks on its Surface; and thefe Cracks fometimes reach fo deep, that
Water iffues out thereat.
ADMONITION.
more than
Dryness.
5. Let no one triflingly pretend, that this Contraction, in the cafe of Contraction
Drynefs, is no more than a Confumption of Humidity; for if that were
all, and only the Moiſture, converted into Spirit, flew off; Bodies would
then retain their former Dimenfions, and barely become cavernous, like
Cork or Pumice; and not be locally contracted, and leffen'd in their
Dimenfions 9.
HISTORY.
6. Clay is burnt into Brick and Tyle in the Kiln; but if the Heat be Clay vitri
fied.
violent, as in the middle of the Furnace, fomie part of the Clay is alfo
changed in its Nature, and run into Glafs.
7. If Wood be ſet on Fire, and the Flame be ftifled, the Wood turns to Wood changed,
a Coal; or a Subftance more light and fpongy than Wood'.
8. Moft of the Metals when covered in a Crucible, and fet in the Fire, Metals cal
eſpecially in a reverberatory Furnace, are converted into a friable Subftance, cined.
and calcined.
9. Many foffil, or metalline, and fome vegetable Matters, are vitrified Metals vitrio
fied.
by a strong Fire.
B b b b 2
1 See Dr. Hook's Micrographia paffim; and Dr. Grew's Anatomy of Plants.
For the full Procefs, fee Mr. Evelyn's Sylva; or Boerhaave's Chemistry.
10. All
556
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
[
Tumhable Bo- 10. All Bodies capable of Tumefaction turn to a coaly Subſtance, and
dies changed. contract their Dimenfions, if too long expofed to the Fire.
Paper curled
ty Heat.
Tinder.
Unctuous Bo-
dies made
11. Paper, Parchment, Skins, &c. are not only made to wrinkle in their
Parts by the Fire; but alſo to curle, or coil, and wind their whole Sub-
ftance into a Roll.
12. Linen Cloth being fet on flame, and prefently extinguished, turns in-
to a light Subftance, which fcarce takes Flame again, but eafily ignites; as
in the caſe of Tinder.
13. Fat Bodies, as Wax, Butter, Oil, &c. become ſcorched, foul, and
empyreumatic, as it were fmoky by the Fire.
Eggs.
Bread.
the Eſcape of
the Spirit.
14. Eggs contract in Bulk by the Fire, and change the Tranfparency of
their Whites into an opake Whiteness.
15. If an Egg be broke into high rectified Spirit of Wine, it turns
white and hard; as if it were heated over the Fire. So likewife Bread fteep'd
in the fame Spirit, appears almoft as if it had been toaſted.
OBSERVATIONS.
The Caufe and 16. (1.) So long as the Spirit is detained in a Body, and excited and dilated
Procefs of Con- by Fire, or Heat; fo long it keeps itſelf in agitation, endeavours its own
traction, upon Eſcape, foftens, fupples, and fufes the tangible Parts together: and thus to
digeft, fubdue, and work together the Parts of Bodies, is the proper Office
of the Spirit. But after the Spirit has once found an Exit, and is dif
charged, then the Work of the Parts takes place; and, having been
tortured by the Spirit, now combine together, and wedge themſelves clofe;
as well thro' an Appetite of Connexion and mutual Contract, as an
Averſion to Motion and Difturbance. And upon this follows Clofenefs,
Hardneſs, and a Stubbornefs of the Body.
The End of
Fire.
17. (2.) There is a Limit and ultimate End of the Procefs of the Con-
Contraction by traction in the Parts of Bodies by Fire; for if the Quantity of Matter be
too ſmall to cohere thro' the violent Depredation of the Fire, the Parts defert
each other, are turned to Aſhes, and calcined. And thus much for the
Contractions occafioned by the Discharge of the Spirit of Bodies; whether it pro-
ceed from Age, Fire, or potential Heat.
SECT.
and RARIFACTIO N.
557
SECT. XV.
Of the Contractions of BODIES by actual, external
Cold.
TRANSITION.
I. Eciprocal to the Action of Dilatation by actual external Heat, is the Condenſation
Action of Contraction by actual external Cold. And this Condenfation by Cold the
is, of all others, the moft genuine and proper ; and would likewife be the most genuine
Condensation.
moft powerful, if we had here, upon the Surface of the Earth, any in-
tenfe degree of Cold. But Cold, or a Remiffion of Heat, (both which we
here confider together) fimply condenfes fome things, without altering their
Nature; reftores others, tho imperfectly, that are rarified; and again,
perfectly converts and transforms others, by Condenſation, from one Nature
to another: each of which we must here touch upon, in their turn.
HISTORY.
meter.
2. (1.) Air, in a Thermometer, is fenfible of the Degrees both of Cold Inflances froms
and Heat. And, in the Winter, we have fometimes placed a kind of Cap the Thermo-
of Snow, upon the Head of the Glafs; which has fo much increaſed the
Cold, even in a fnowy Seafon, as to raiſe the Water a few Degrees higher,
by condenſing the Air.
3. (2.) We above obferved, that the Air in this Glaſs was dilated a Third;
and contracted itfelf as much, upon a remiffion of the Heat.
PRECEPT.
4. (1.) It deferves to be tried by particular Experiments, whether Air To try if rari.
dilated with Heat, might be fixed in its Expanfion; fo as not to endeavour its fied Air may
be fixed.
own Reſtoration and Contraction. Take, therefore, a ftrong Glafs Tube,
heat it violently, then perfectly cloſe up the Orifice, that the Air may
not contract; and let the Glafs ftand for fome Days thus clofed afterwards
plunge it, ſtill ſtopt, into Water; open it under the Water, and obferve
how much Liquor it draws in; or how the Quantity is, in proportion to
what it would have attracted, if the Glaſs had been directly put into Water".
5. (2.) Obferve likewife, by the way, with regard to the Title of Heat
and
See hereafter, $ 36.
See Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 13. (38.)
The Experiment might be better tried in the Condenfer, with frongly compreffed Air,
See Mr. Boyle's Experiments upon the Spring of the Air.
4
•
558
The History of CONDENSATION,
Apparent
Magnitude of
the Stars.
Dews.
Rain and
Snow.
Diftillation.
Volatilized
Metals.
and Cold, whether Air fo ttrongly dilated, and forcibly detained, retains its
heat much longer than when the Orifice of the Glafs is left open.
HISTORY.
6. (1.) In very clear and cold Nights, during the Winter, the Stars ap-
pear larger than in the ferene Nights of Summer; which proceeds princi-
pally from the general Condenfation of the Air at that time, inclining it
more to the Nature of Water: for all things appear much larger in Water.
7. (2.) Morning Dews are, doubtlefs, Vapours not perfectly diffipated,
and converted into pure Air; but hang imperfectly mixed, till by the
cold of the Night, efpecially in that called the middle Region of the Air,
they are reflected back, and condenfed into Water.
8. (3.) The Condenſation of Rain, Snow, and Hail, proceeds likewife
from the Cold of the middle Region; which generally coagulates Vapours
higher up than Dews. But here occur two Difficulties, which ſhould be
carefully examined. The first is, whether the Drops of theſe Meteors are
congealed and condenfed, in their Fall; or, whether they were firft col-
lected into larger Maffes of Water, that hung pendulous in the Air, on ac-
count of their Diſtance from the Earth; and were afterwards broke and
reduced to Drops, by any Violence: for there are certain Cataracts, or
Rains, in the West-Indies, which defcend fo thick and fudden, as if they
were poured out of Veffels. The other is, whether not only Vapours,
which were Water before; but alſo a large part of pure and perfect Air be
not coagulated and really changed into Rain, &c. by the vehement and
intenfe Cold of thofe Regions".
9. (4) In Diftillations, Moiſture is firft converted into Vapour; which
being now deferted, thro' its diſtance from the Fire, dafhed againſt the
fides of the diftilling Veffel, and fometimes cool'd by the external Applica-
tion of cold Water; reftores itfelf to Liquor again. This feems to be a fa-
miliar Emblem of the Procefs of Dew and Rain.
10. (5.) Some metalline Matters, as particularly Quickfilver, when made
volatile, have a fudden Tendency to restore themſelves; and greatly affect
to meet with a folid Body in their way. And hence they eaſily ſtick, and
eafily fall off again; infomuch that 'tis fometimes neceffary to purfue their
Fumes, with the Fire; and tranfmit them from one degree of Heat to an-
other; as it were in an aſcending Scale, or Series of Fires, placed at fome
diſtance from one another, about the Veffel; left the Fume, after afcending,
and
It has not hitherto perhaps been evidently manifefted by Experiment, that Air is condenſ-
able into Water. But the Experiment of attracting all the Moiſture out of a certain quantity of
Air, as it remains in a cloſe Veffel, by means of the common Cauftic, or other fixed alka-
line Salt, deferves to be carefully profecuted. For when this Experiment is exactly made; it
fhould feem as if almoft the whole weight of the Air were acquired by the Salt. The Veffel
fhould here be large; the Scales well made; the Salt perfectly dry, and hot; and all the
parts of the Operation performed with care; fo as to prevent being impoſed upon thro
Overfight.
and RARI FACTION.
559
and being removed from the firſt Fire, ſhould reſtore itſelf fooner than it
ought w.
11. (6.) Such Things as melt at the Fire, grow denſe upon a Remiffion Melted Mat-
of the Heat, and folid as before; which is the cafe of Metals, Wax, ters.
Fat, &c.
12. (7.) A Fleece of Wooll gains weight by lying long upon the Earth; Vapours.
which could not happen, if fome pneumatical Matter were not condensed
into fuch as is tangible and ponderous.
13. (8.) It was an ancient Practice, at Sea, to fpread and hang out Fleeces
of Wooll, by Night, on the fides of Ships; but fo as not to touch the
Water; and by this means to collect and exprefs a fweet Water out of
them, in the Morning; for the Service of the Voyage.
14. (9.) I have found, upon trial, that four Ounces of Wooll being faften'd
to a Rope, and let down into a Well, fifty fix Yards deep; but fo as to come
only within twelve Yards of the Water; the Wooll has, in a Night's time,
acquired the additional weight of an Ounce and a Dram: and perfect
Drops of Water have appeared to ftick on the out-fide of the Wooll; fo
that one might, in a manner, have waſhed ones Hands therewith. And
this I have feveral times tried, with different Increafes of Weight; but al-
ways fomewhat confiderable.
15. (10.) Stone, Flint, and Marble; as alfo Rails and other Wood- Sweating of
work, eſpecially if painted, appear manifeftly moift and dewy upon Thaws, Houſes.
or in particular Seafons, when the Wind is foutherly; fo that they feem to
fweat and may have Drops of Water brufhed off from them.
16. (11.) In Hoar-frofts there is a Collection of the hoary Matter found Froft on Win-
froze on the Windows of Houfes; and this to a greater degree on the dows.
infide than on the outfide of the Glafs.
17. (12.) The Breath, which at firft is but Air drawn in, and moisten'd The Breath,
by a fhort Stay in the Cavity of the Lungs, appears turned into a kind of
dewy Subftance, upon Looking glaffes, Gems, Sword-blades, and the like.
polifh'd Bodies; and afterwards diffipates, like a fine Cloud.
18. (13.) Linen is found to contract a Moiſture within Doors; fo as to Linen.
reek before the Fire.
19. (14.) All Powders collect a Moiſture in the Clofets or Places where Powders.
they ſtand clofe fhut up; fo as to cling together, or form as it were a Mafs.
20. (15.) Some imagine that the Origin of Springs, and fweet Waters, is Origin of
owing to the Air fhut up, coagulated and condenſed in the Cavities of the Springs.
Earth ; but particularly the Cavities of Mountains.
21. (16.) Miſts are imperfect Condenſations of the Air, confifting of a Mifts.
large Proportion of Air, and a fmall one of aqueous Vapour : and thefe
happen in the Winter, about the change of the Weather, from Froit to
Thaw, or from Thaw to Froft; but in the Summer and the Spring, from
the Expanfion of the Dew.
PRE-
w As in the Preparation of Butter of Antimony, c. which ſtick in the Neck of the
Retort, and require to be melted down, by applying live Coals on the outfide of the
Glafs.
2
560
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Ber.
PRECEPT.
To attempt the 22. As the converfion of Air into Water, would be a thing extremely ufe-
Converſion of ful; all the Inftances having any Tendency this way, fhould be carefully
Air into Wa- confider'd in particular, it fhould be afcertain'd, whether the Exudations
of Marble, and the like Bodies, in rainy Seaſons, and foutherly Winds,
are mere Condenſations of the Air, reflected by the hardneſs and fmoothneſs
of the Body, like the Breath on a Looking glafs; or whether they parti-
cipate at all of the internal and pneumatical Juice of the Stone, &c. Trial
may be made of this by laying a Cloth upon the Stone; for if the Stone
fhould fweat in this cafe alfo, the Exudation muſt participate of an internal
Caufe y
Air convertible
into Water.
Water in free-
zing.
Wine.
SPECULATION.
28. That Air is converted into Water, in the upper Regions, feems certain,
from the Confervation of Things; for, doubtlefs, the Moiſture of the Sea
and Earth, is converted into pure Air, after it has by Time, Affociation,
and a plenary Rarifaction, totally put off the Nature of Vapour; and
therefore, if there was not fometimes a mutual change of Air into Water,
as well as of Water into Air, there could not be a fufficient Stock of new
Vapours, imperfectly mixed, to fupply Rains and Showers, for refreſhing
and renewing all the Species of Bodies; but there muft neceffarily follow
unfupportable Drought, and Conflagrations, violent Winds, and Tume-
factions of the Atmoſphere, from a continual Multiplication of Air ".
HISTORY.
24. (1.) Water in freezing does not fhrink, but fwell in its entire Bulk;
and yet it fuffers a manifeft Condenſation of Parts; infomuch that there
appear Cracks and Separations within the Body of the Ice: and fometimes,
if the Air be permitted to enter, fomething like Hairs, Strings, and
Flowers, appear by degrees. Yet Ice floats on Water: whence 'tis mani-
feſt that the Condenfation is not total².
25. (2.) Wine freezes flower than Water; and Spirit of Wine does not
freeze at all.
26.
× See above $ 8.
y It now feems generally allow'd that the Moiſture in this cafe proceeds entirely from the
Air, and not from the folid Bodies; which only condenfe the dewy Vapours floating in the Air.
But whether there be not alfo fome Converfion of the Air into Water is another Queftion.
See the Hiftory of Winds, paffim. See alfo the following Speculation, and § 8. above.
Z
Compare this with Sir Ifaac Newton's Queries to the fame purpoſe, at the end of his
Opticks. See alfo the Author's Hiftory of Winds, paffim.
a See above, Sect. XI. 8.
I
and RARIFACTION.
561
26. (3.) Mineral acid Spirits, and Quickfilver, have not hitherto been Acid Spirits.
brought to freeze ↳.
b
27. (4.) Oils and Fats, freeze, and are thereby condenſed: but not to a
degree of impenetrable Hardnefs.
Oils.
28. (5.) Froft makes the Earth concrete together, and renders it dry Effects of Froft
and hard: and in the northern Regions, the Poet obferves, that Metals on Metals.
are frequently obferved to crack. And the like we find among ourſelves,
in Tables, or other Wood-work; efpecially where the Parts are glew'd to-
gether. And 'tis reported, that even Nails have, by the contraction of
Cold, been made to fall from the Walls they were drove in ª.
29. (6.) Animal Bones become more brittle in froſty Weather; inſo- And Bones.
much that Fractures are, at ſuch times, more common, and difficult of cure.
In fhort, all hard Bodies become more brittle by Cold.
30. (7.) Waters, or Juices, are manifeftly condenfed into fhining or cry- Petrified
ſtalline Stones; as appears in fubterraneous Caverns feated among Rocks,
Juices.
where are found Ificles of various Forms, like the common; only fixed and
ſtony; hanging pendulous in their flow Fall, or Defcent from the Roof or
Arch; and being congeal'd in the Paffage: but whether the Matter of them
be totally aqueous, or the native Juice of the Stone, with fome other Mixture,
is a Queſtion; efpecially as Gems and Cryſtals often fhoot, and rife up-
wards out of opened Rocks, and do not fall or hang pendulous down-
wards which is a Phænomenon that cannot well be attributed to the
Water lodged theree.
31. (8.) Clay is evidently condenfed into Stone; as appears from certain Clay turned to
large Stones compofed of little ones, cemented together by a ftony Matter, Stone.
as polite and hard as the Stone itself: tho this Condenſation feems not to
proceed from the fole Coldneſs of the Earth; but from Affimilation; of
which more hereafter f.
fied,
32. (9.) There are certain Waters which condenfe Wood, and other Wood petri-
light Bodies, into a ftony Matter; fo that the lower part of the Body,
which was under the Water, fhall be Stone; and that above, remain Wood:
and hereof I have myſelf feen Inftances. This is a Particular which fhould
be well enquired into; as it may afford great Light in the practical Buſineſs
of Condenfations.
VOL. III.
C c c c
PRE-
b Oil of Vitriol, if extremely ſtrong, or perfectly dephlegm'd, will appear congealed in an
intenfe Cold.
c Eraque diffiliunt vulgò, veftefque rigefcunt.
d See Mr. Boyle's Hiftory of Cold.
e See Mr. Boyle of the Origin and Virtues of Gems; and the Accounts of the Caves Goutiers,
given in the French Memoirs.
f See Sect XVIII.
In particular, let due Enquiry be made, whether it is not owing to the Infinuation of a
petreſcent Matter, into the Pores of the Wood; or whether this be a true and proper Con-
verfion. See the Articles ALTERATION, PERCOLATION, PUTREFACTION, and TRANSMU-
TATION, in the Sylva Sylvarum.
562
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
To try if me-
tallic Waters
will not pe-
trify.
China Earth.
Eggs petrified.
Flame of Spi-
vit of Wine.
PRECE P T.
33. 'Tis poflible that metallic Waters, by reafon of the Denfity they con-
tract from the Metals, may have a petrifying Virtue and of this let
trial be made with Straw, thick Leaves, Wood, &c. But we conceive fuch
metallic Waters ſhould be chofe, as are made by frequently washing, or
quenching, Metals therein; rather than by Solution; left the corrofive
Menftruums, which muft otherwiſe be employ'd, fhould hinder the Con-
denfation".
HISTORY.
34. (10.) In China they have artificial Mines of Porcellane Earth, by
burying, at fome depth under Ground, a certain Mafs of prepared Plaiſter,
or Cement; which lying thus buried for about forty Years, is converted
into Porcellane. So that theſe Mines are tranfmitted, like an Eftate, from
Father to Son.
35. (11.) I have been well affured that an Egg, by long lying at
the bottom of a Moat, was found manifeftly petrified; with the Colours and
Diſtinctions of the Shell, White and Yolk, ftill remaining only the She!l
was here and there broke, and fhone fcaly. And I have frequently heard
that the White of an Egg has been turned to a ftony Matter; but neither
know the truth of the thing, nor the manner of doing it.
36. (12.) Doubtlefs Flame, upon being extinguiſh'd, is converted into
fomething; viz. an After-fume; which is again converted into Soot: but the
Flame of Spirit of Wine, and the After-expiration of fuch pure inflam-
mable Subſtances, fhould be carefully examined; in order to diſcover what
Subſtance they are condenfed into, and what kind of After-exhalation they
afford for it does not appear to be any thing fuliginous; as in the cafe
of Flame from oily Bodies. And fo much for the Contractions of Bodies by
actual Cold, in Air, in Water, in Liquors and in Flame; whether the
Contraction were Simple, a Reftoration, a Coagulation, or a Converfion.
:
SECT.
Let a proper Analyfis be made of the Water of certain known petrifying Springs, or
Lakes ; in order to difcover the Contents of fuch Waters: from whence artificial petrifying
Waters might, perhaps, be made in Imitation of the natural. There are ſome Accounts in the
Philofophical Transactions of ſuch petrifying Waters, and petrified Subftances.
See M. Geoffroy's Memoir upon the Method of difcovering and afcertaining the Quality of
Brandies and Spirit of Wine; where he has a particular Method of burning Spirit of Wine; fo
as apparently to refolve a large Proportion thereof into Water. Memoir. de l'Acad. An. 1718.
See alfo Dr. Stahl's three bundred Experiments and Obfervations, printed at Berlin, An. 1731.
and RARI FACTION.
563
SECT. XVI.
The Hiftory of the CONTRACTIONS of Bodies by
I.
Potential Cold.
TRANSITION.
WE next proceed to the Action oppofite to Dilatation by potential
procecontaction
Heat; viz. Contraction by potential Cold.
2. (1.) As the medicinal Tables of fecondary Qualities are to be confulted in Tables of fer
the Enquiry of potential Heat; fo are they likewife in that of potential Cold; condary Qua-
particularly with regard to Aftringency, Revulfion, Infarction, Infpiffation,
and Stupefaction.
lities.
3. (2.) Opium, Henbane, Hemlock, Nightfhade, Mandrake, and the Stupefactives.
like Narcoticks, manifeftly condenfe the Spirits of Animals, turn them back
upon themſelves, ftifle and deprive them of Motion: and whether they have
any effect upon dead Bodies, may be tried by ſteeping Fleſh in their Juices;
to fee if any Blackneſs or Gangreen will enfue; or by foaking Seeds and
Kernels therein; to obferve whether it will kill them, and prevent their grow-
ing; or again, by beſmearing the top of a Thermometer, on the infide, with
their Juices; to diſcover whether this will, in any meaſure, contract the Air*.
4. (3.) There are found in the West-Indies, even in fandy Defarts and Water-Canes.
very dry Places, large Canes containing, in every Joint, a confiderable
quantity of fweet Water; to the great Refreshment of the Traveller.
5. (4.) There is faid to be a certain Tree in one of the Canary Iſlands,
that continually diftils Water; and has a certain dewy Cloud always
hanging over it. 'Twere highly worth examining, whether any Vegetable
has fuch a potential Coldnefs, as to condenfe Air into Water. Of this
Particular therefore let diligent Enquiry be made m. Tho I rather ſuſpect
that theſe Trees are no other than the knotted Canes above-mention'd.
6. (5.) Upon the fmooth Leaves of certain Trees, as thofe of the Oak, Honey Dews.
that neither drink in nor preferve Moiſture, there are found in England,
ſweet, or as it were, honey-Dews, like Manna; efpecially in the Month of
May but whether this proceeds from any coagulating Virtue in the Leaves,
or whether the Leaves only preſerve the Dew, is not certain *.
Cccc 2
There ſeem to be few Experiments of this kind extant.
1 It is the Iſland Ferro, the most western of the Canaries.
7. (6.)
There are two or three Accounts of this Tree to be found in Purchas. One of them
runs thus: "In the Ifland Ferro, they have no other Water but that which proceeds in the
"night from a Tree encompaffed with a Cloud; whence Water iffues, ferving the whole Iſland,
"both Men and Cattle: a thing notorious, and known to very many." Purchas, Vol. II.
Pag. 1673. See alfo, in the fame Author, the Obfervations of Sir Richard Hawkins, Vol. II.
pag. 1367, 1368, and 1369. and the Note at the Bottom.
Or whether it be not the condenfed faccharine Juice of the Tree, exuding along with the
other aqueous Juices, and dried by the Sun upon the Surface of the Leaf.
564
The History of CONDENSATION,
Nitre.
7. (6.) There is fcarce any Subftance wherein potential Heat is fo remark-
able as in Nitre: for as Spices and other Bodies, tho they have no percep-
tible Heat to the Touch, yet they have it to the Tongue, and the Palate;
fo Nitre has a perceptible Coldneſs in the Mouth, beyond that of Houſe-
leek, or any of the coldeft Plants: whence Nitre feems a fit Subject for
proving the Virtue and Efficacy of potential Cold.
To try whether
Nitre will con-
denfe by its
PRECEPT.
8. Take, therefore, a fmall and extremely fine Bladder; blow it up; tie
it, and bury it in Nitre for fome Days; then take it out; and obſerve if the
Bladder be any way fhrunk: if it be, conclude that the Nitre contracted the
potential Cold.
Air. Let the like Experiment be tried with Quick filver, by plunging a
Bladder therein; the Bladder being tied down, to prevent its rifing, and
to avoid the neceffity of keeping it preffed.
Vinegar confo-
HISTORY.
9. If Vinegar be put to Ointment of Rofes, or the like unctuous Body,
lidating Un- the Ointment is fo far from being thinn'd thereby; that on the contrary_it
becomes more hard and folid.
guents.
SECT.
XVII.
Of the Contractions of Bodies by Flight, and Anti-
Contraction by I.
Antiperiftafis
oppofite to Con-
traction by
Confent.
O
periftafis.
TRANSITION.
PPOSITE to the Action of Dilatation by Confent, or Embrace,
is that of Contraction by Flight and Antiperiftafis: for as Bodies
every way open and relax themſelves to fuch as are friendly
and agreeable, and even run to meet them; fo when they happen
upon fuch as are unfriendly and odious, they avoid them every way; con-
tract, and fhrink themſelves up º.
HISTORY.
Inftanced in
Fire.
2. (1.) The Heat of Fire feems to be fomewhat condenfed, and rendered
fharper by Antiperiftafis; as in frofty Weather.
P See Sect. IX.
2. On
and RARIFACTION.
565
3. On the contrary, in the torrid Zone, Cold feems to be condenfed, by
Antiperiftafis; ſo that if any one there fhelters himſelf under a Tree, from
the fcorching Heat of the Sun, he prefently fhivers with Cold.
4. (2.) This Operation of Contraction by Antiperiftafis is not without fome In the middle
pretence of Reafon, attributed to the middle Region of the Air; where Cold Region.
collects and unites itſelf, to avoid the ſcattered Rays of the Sun from above;
and the reflected Rays from the Earth: whence there are great Condenſa-
tions made in that Region of Rain, Snow, Hail, &c.
5. (3.) It may, with Juftice, be doubted whether Opium and other Narco- opium.
ticks, ftupefy by potential Cold; or by putting the Spirits to flight: for O-
pium, by the ſtrength of its ſmell, its bitterneſs, fudorific Virtue, and other
Signs, feems to have hot Parts: but as it may emit a Vapour, difagreeable
and odious to the Spirits; it may every way put them to flight; and fo
coagulate and ftifle them.
SECT. XVIII.
Of the Contractions of Bodies by Affimilation, or Conver-
fion into a denfer State.
I.
"Ο
TRANSITIO N.
PPOSITE to the Action of Dilatation by Affimilation, and Contraction by
Converfion, into a rarer Body, is the Action of Contraction by Affi- Affimilation
milation, and Converfion, into a denfer: fuppofing it to be done not oppofite to Di-
latation by
by Cold, whether actual or potential; but by the power of a more active
Affimilation
Body, which multiplies itſelf upon one that is more paffive. But Afſimila-
tion to a ſtate of Denfity is lefs frequent, and much lefs powerful, than to
a ſtate of Rarity; becauſe denſe Bodies are more fluggiſh, and unactive, than
rare ones, in the bufinefs of affimilating.
HISTORY.
2. (1.) We above obferved, that Clay intermix'd among little Stones is clay condenjed
condenſed into a ſtony Matter.
to Stone.
3. (2.) The fides of the Cafk condenſe a recrementitious part of Wine Wine to Tar-
into Tartar.
tar.
4. (3.) The Teeth condenſe what adheres to them from chewing the Food Scales of the
and from the moiſture of the Mouth, into Scales; which may be ſcraped off Teeth.
with an Inftrument, tho they have the hardneſs of the Teeth.
5. (4.) All hard and folid Bodies condenfe fome part of the Liquors ad- solids condenf
hering to them, on the fides; but principally at the bottom.
ing Fluids.
6. (5.) Whatever Aliments are converted into a nourish'd Matter, more Aliment.
denfe than the Matter of the Aliment, is plainly condenfed in the Affi-
milation; thus the Meat and Drink of Animals is condenfed into Horn,
Bone, &c.
SECT,
C
566
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
SECT. XIX.
Of the CONTRACTIONS of Bodies by external
The Action op 1.
poſite to Dila-
tation by ex-
ternal Vio-
lence.
Inſtanced in
Air.
The Diving
Bell.
The Law of
Contraction.
Flame com-
preffed.
O
Violence.
TRANSITION.
PPOSITE to the Action of Dilatation by external Violence, whe-
ther with or againſt the Appetite of the dilated Body, is the
Action of Contraction by external Violence; when Bodies are put un-
der a Neceffity of giving way to the Things that act thereon, and ſo of
Compreffing themſelves.
HISTORY.
2. (1.) Air eaſily fuffers fome degree of Condenfation, by external Vio-
lence, or Compreffion; but will not endure a large one: as appears from
ftormy Winds and Earthquakes.
3. (2.) If a wooden Bucket be inverted, and forced perpendicularly
down with the Hand into Water, it will carry Air down with it to the bot-
tom; without admitting Water into it; except a little about the Edges: as
will appear by the colour of the Wood, which fhews the exact Meaſure of
the Air's Compreffure withinfide. This appears ftill more eminently in that
uſeful Invention the Diving-Bell, for working under Water; being no
more than a large Concave Veffel of Wood, fill'd with Air, and made to
ſtand upon three ponderous metalline Feet, fomewhat below a Man's height,
in order to fink it. This Veffel is let down into the Water; and when the
Divers want to take Breath, they ftoop, put their Heads into the Cavity,
and there breathe freely. And by this Help occafionally, they can continue
their Work under Water for fome time; or till the Air, part whereof comes
out each time the Head is thruft in, becomes too little for the purpoſe 1.
4. (3.) The rarer Bodies are, the eafier they contract themſelves at firft;
but the more they are comprefs'd beyond their natural Dimenfions, the ftron-
ger they refift: as is manifeft in Flame, and condenſed Air clofe con-
fined.
5. (4) Flame, tho but fimply comprefs'd, (even without a Blaft, as in
Gunpowder,) rages violently; for Example, in Reverberatory Furnaces,
where the Flame is check'd, confined, beat back, and diverted in its Courfe.
AD MO-
Or elfe is fpoiled by having already ferved for Refpiration: See the late Improvements
of the Diving-Bell, in the Philofophical Tranſactions, Nº. 349.
and RARIFACTION.
567
ADMONITIO N.
6. Dilatation by Diffufion has no reciprocal Action oppos'd to it; becauſe Dilatation by
the Bodies diffuſed are not amaſs'd together again, unlefs by melting; as in Diffusion has
the Reduction of Metals; which we have mention'd above.
SPECULATIO N.
no Correlative.
7. There is alſo, perhaps, another kind of Contraction of Bodies, which is Contraction of
not reciprocal, but pofitive, and by itself; for we conceive that in the Bodies by Sa-
Solution of Bodies by Liquors; as for Inftance, Metals, Gums, Sugar, &c. turation.
the Body is fomewhat received within the Liquor; and yet the Liquor is
not dilated or expanded in Bulk, proportionably to what it takes in. And
if ſo, there muſt be a Condenſation; becauſe the fame ſpace will then con-
tain more Matter. 'Tis certain, in the Solution of Metals, that when once
And
the Menftruum is fully faturated, it will operate or diffolve no more.
this kind of Condenſation, if there be any fuch, we may call the Contrac-
tion of Bodies by Saturation.
PRECEPT.
8. Compreſs Aſhes clofe together; then pour Water upon them; and Try Afhes and
carefully obferve how far they fhrink, after they have taken in the Water; Water.
in Compariſon of the Bulk they had before, when mixed only with Air.
OBSERVATION S.
9. (1.) The Efficients in the Dilatation of Bodies, difcovered by the pre- The Efficients
ceding Enquiry, are the nine following; viz. (1.) The Introfufception or of Dilatation,
Admiffion of a foreign Body. (2.) A natural or preternatural Expanfion of
the native Spirit. (3.) Fire, or external actual Heat; or even a Remiſſion
of Cold. (4.) External potential Heat, or auxiliary Spirits. (5.) The Re-
leaſe of the Spirits from the Prifons of the Parts. (6.) Affimilation, from the
Prevalence of a rarer, and more active Body. (7.) Embrace, or the Attraction
of Bodies related. (8.) Separation, or external Violence: and (9.) Diffu-
fion, or a ſpreading out of the Parts.
10. (2.) The Efficients in the Contraction of Bodies are eight; viz. (1.) Ex- The Efficients
clufion, or the diſcharge of a Body received. (2.) Shrinking, or Contraction of Contraction,
of the Parts, after the Spirit is difcharged. (3.) External actual Cold, or
even a Remiffion of Heat. (4.) External potential Cold. (5.) Flight and
Antiperiſtaſis. (6.) Affimilation from the prevalence of a denfer and more
* See Sect. XIII. 5,6.
See the Preface 10 Dr. Hook's Pofthumous Works; and Dr. Grew upon Mixture.
active
2
568
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
1
The Actions
without their
Reciprocals.
The Spurious
Dilatations
and Contrac
tions.
The Simplest
Expansion.
The next fim-
ple kind.
Condenſation
by Fire what
active Body. (7.) Compreffion by external Violence: and (8.) Saturation,
if there be fuch a Thing .
11. (3.) The Actions of Dilatation, (1.) by the native Spirit. (2.) by
the releaſe of the Spirits; (3.) by Diffuſion; and, (4.) The Action of Con-
traction by Conftriction, are without Reciprocals; but fo are none of the
reft.
12. (4.) The Dilatations by Introfufception, and by Diffufion, are fpu-
rious fo are the Contractions by Exclufion; as being not fubftantial but
local.
1
13. (5.) Expanfion by Fire, or Heat, without Separation, is the fimpleft
of all, and performed in a pure pneumatical Body, fuch as the Air;
where nothing exhales, or fubfides; but a mere Dilatation is made, to a
confiderable Bulk. Whether there be any Thing like this in Flame; that
is, whether after the firft Expanſion of its kindling, which is confiderable,
it expands ſtill farther, after it becomes a formed Flame, is hard to determine;
becauſe of its quick and momentary Extinction. But this belongs to the
Subject of Flame.
14. (6.) What approaches next to this Dilatation in point of Simplicity,
is the Expanſion that happens in the melting of Metals; or the foftening
of Iron, Wax, &c. fome time before any Thing becomes volatile and
is difcharged. This Dilatation is fecret, and tranfacted in the Cavities of
the entire Body; without vifibly changing or enlarging its Dimenſions: but
as foon as any Thing begins to fly off, then the Actions become compli-
cate, or partly rarifactive, and partly contractive; fo. that thofe contrary
Actions of the Fire, vulgarly obſerved to harden one Thing and ſoften ano-
ther ", depend upon this; that in one Caſe the Spirit is diſcharged, and in
the other detained.
15. (7.) The Condenſation made by Fire, tho not fpurious, but fubftantial,
is rather a Condenfation of the Parts, than of the Whole for the groffer
Parts are certainly contracted; yet fo as to render the entire Body more
hollow or porous, and lefs ponderous.
↑ See above §. 7.
" Limus ut hic durefcit, hac ut Cera liquefcit,
cit,
Uno eodemque Igni.
SECT.
and RARIFACTIO N.
569
SECT. XX.
Variable CANONS, or improveable AXIOMS
"TH
HE Total Sum of Matter in the Universe, ever remains the
fame; and there is no Paffage, in Nature, either from No-
thing, or to Nothing.
2. Of this original Sum, there is more in fome Bodies, and lefs in others,
under the fame Dimenfions.
3. A greater and less quantity of Matter afford the true Criterions, if
rightly understood, of Denfity and Rarity.
4. There is a Boundary, or limited Degree of Density and Rarity;
but not in any Subject known to us.
5.
There is no abfolute Vacuum in Nature.
6. Matter folds and wraps itſelf up within the bounds of Denfity
and Rarity; and again, relaxes and unbends itself, without admit-
ting an abfolute Vacuity.
7. The Differences of Denfity and Rarity, in the tangible Bodies
known to us, do not greatly exceed the Proportions of thirty two to
one.
8. The Difference between the rarest tangible Body, and the denfeft
pneumatical Body, is above a hundred to one.
9. Flame is rarer than Air, and Oil than Water.
10. Flame is not rarified Air, nor Oil rarified Water; but they are
plainly heterogeneous Bodies, without any great Relation between
them.
11. The Spirits of Vegetables and Animals are Breaths compofed of
an aerial and flamy pneumatical Subftance; as their Juices are
of one that is aqueous and oily.
12. All tangible Bodies, here with us, have a pneumatical Subftance,
or Spirit, join'd to, and included in them.
13. No Spirits, fuch as thofe of Vegetables and Animals, are found
loofe, and unconfined amongſt us; but ſhut up, and impriſon'd in tan-
gible Bodies.
14. Condenfation and Rarifaction are the proper Effects of Cold and
Heat.
15. Heat operates upon pneumatical Bodies by fimple Expanfion.
VOL. III.
Dddd
16. Heat
570
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
16. Heat has two Operations upon tangible Bodies, and always dilates
the pneumatical Parts; but fometimes contracts, and fometimes re-
laxes the grofs ones.
17. It obferves this Rule; when the Spirit of the Body is discharged,
it contracts, and indurates; but foftens and diffolves, when the Spirit
is detain'd.
18. Colliquation begins with expanding the pneumatical Parts of the
Subject; but other Diffolutions begin with expanding the gross Parts,
and fetting free the Operations of thofe that are pneumatical.
19. Next to Heat and Cold, the most powerful Rarifier and Condenfer
of Bodies is Confent and Flight.
20. Reftoration from Violence both dilates and condenfes, in a contrary
Tendency to the Violence.
21. Affimilation both dilates and condenfes; as the affimilating Body
is rarer, or denfer, than the Body affimilated.
22. The rarer the Body, the greater Expanfion and Contraction it is
capable of, from external Violence, to a certain degree.
23. If Tenfion, or Preffure, exceeds its bounds, in a rare Body; fuch a
Body frees itſelf more powerfully, than a denſe one; as being more
active.
24. The most powerful Expanfion, is that of Air and Flame con-
jointly.
25. Dilatation and Contraction are but imperfect, where the Bodies
eafily and readily restore themselves.
26. Denfity and Rarity have a great affinity with Gravity and Le-
vity.
27. Man has but little Power in the bufinefs of Condenſation, for want
of a potent degree of Cold.
28. Age is like a lambent Fire, and acts like Heat; tho in a more
exquifite manner.
29. Age brings Bodies either to a fate of Putrefaction or Dryness".
SECT.
* Obferve that thefe Canons or Axioms are deduced, as Corollaries, from the preceding
Enquiry.
•
and RARI FACTIO N.
SECT. XXI.
DESIDERA T A, and their APPROXIMATIONS.
I.
A
DESIDERATUM I.
Method of condenfing Air into Water.
APPROXIMATIONS.
The Approximations here are Springs in the Cavities of Mountains; the
Exudations of Stone; the Condenſations of the Breath into Dew; the
Method of hanging out woolly Matters on the fides of Ships to collect
ſweet Water at Sea; the aqueous Meteors, &c ".
DESIDERATUM II.
2. A Method of increafing the Gravity of Metals.
APPROXIMATIONS.
The Converfion of Iron into Copper; the Increaſe of Lead in Vaults;
the Converfion of Quickfilver into Gold; if fuch Things there are.
DESIDERATUM III.
3. A Method of petrifying Earths, and other Substances, Vegetable or Ani-
mal.
APPROXIMATIONS.
Petrifying Waters; compounded Stones, confifting of little ones crufted
together; Cryſtalline Ificles in Caves; Stones in the Kidneys, Bladder of
Urine, and Gall-Bladder; Scales of the Teeth, &c.
DESIDERATUM IV.
4. To difcover various Ufes of the Motion of Dilatation and Contraction in
the Air, by Heat.
Dddd 2
Thefe Particulars are already mentioned in the Body of the Enquiry.
APPROXI-
571
572
The Hiftory of CONDENSATION,
Conclufion.
APPROXIMATION S.
The Thermometer; Hero's Altar"; the Organ made to play by the
Sun's Rays; and the Contrivance for imitating the ebbing and flowing of
the Sea, and Rivers.
A+
DESIDERATUM
V.
5. A Method of fuppling the Limbs of Animals, by a proportionate Heat, and
the Detention of the Spirit.
APPROXIMATION S.
The foftening of Iron; the foftening of Wax; and the buſineſs af
Amalgamations. This regards the Reſtoration of Youth in old Age: for
all Humectation, befides what proceeds from a Detention of the native
Spirit, feems to be fpurious, and of little Efficacy
AD MONITION.
We here propoſe but few Defiderata, with their practical Hints; becauſe
the Subject is ſo general and extenfive, that it rather ferves to inform the
Judgment, than direct to Practice 1.
End of the Hiftory of Condenſation and Rarifaction.
INSTAU-
" See Sect. IV. 7.
* See the History of Life and Death, paffim.
y Let it be obferved that this is no more than a Delineation, or firft Draught, of the History of
Condensation and Rarifaction, that requires to be continued, amended, filled up with In-
Atances, tranfpofed and verified, according to the Directions of the fecond Part of the No-
vum Organum; till the Canons become ftable, and lead, without Error, to Practice; till the
Defiderata here mentioned may be readily fupplied, or fhewn to be impracticable; and till the
Doctrine and Axions may fully inform, and fecurely conduct the Mind, in future Enquiries;
by way of a general Opening and Introduction to Physics.
INSTAURATION.
PART V.
Philofophia Prima:
OR, A
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE
OF
PHILOSOPHY,
Raiſed by the
Natural, unaffifted Powers of the
Underſtanding;
AND OF
Service only till a genuine and pure AXIOMA TICAL
PHILOSOPHY be procured,
According to the Directions of the
NOZUM ORGANUM.
577
THE
AUTHOR's
PREFACE.
W
E judge him to have been a beneficent Man, and a prudent
Magiftrate, who when asked if he had given his Citizens
the beſt Laws he cou'd, replied, the beft that they
wou'd receive. And, certainly, he who is not content
with good Thoughts alone, which are little better than good Dreams ;
but alſo defires to obtain his End, and effect his Defign, must not always
chufe the best Things; but fometimes prefer the best of fuch as may
received.
be
But tho we earnestly defire to promote the Good of Mankind in general,
as they are all Citizens of the World; yet we think ourſelves not at Li-
berty to uſe this Legislative Power, or make this prudential Choice:
and accordingly neither pretend to impofe Laws upon the Understanding,
nor upon Things themfelves; but only as faithful Secretaries, receive and
write down fuck Laws as are published by the Voice of Nature. And
therefore, whether fuch Laws fhall happen to pleafe or difpleafe, and
So be received, or repeal'd by the Voice of Opinion, we are refolved to
execute our Truft.
And indeed we conceive Hopes that there are at prefent, and will
thro' fucceeding Ages, arife, Men of Eminence, capable of receiving,
procuring, and delivering the best Things of all; and follicitous in cul-
tivating and bringing them to perfection: whence we are determined to
continue our Endeavours after thefe better Gifts; opening the Fountains
both of Things, and Uſes; and on all fides fearching out Indications
of the right Ways.
But whilst we thus ftrenuously pursue the greater Matters, we do not
difregard the less; efpecially as thefe are nearer hand, but thofe lye
farther off: for we duly regard whatever may be of general Ufe;
VOL. III.
Eeee
The Saying of Solon, with regard to the Athenians.
C
and
578
PREFACE.
and promote the common Good. And therefore, tho, in our own Opinion,
we lay better Things before Mankind than either the ancient, or thofe
at prefent receiv'd; yet we are far from leffening thefe latter in the
publick Esteem: but defire that even thefe fhou'd be improved, enlarged
nud prized as they deferve. For it is no part of our Intention, to lead
all Men totally, or any of them immediately away from the Things at
prefent authorized, and believed. But as an Arrow in fhooting, whirls
round its Axis, all the time of its progreffive Motion; and thus helps
itfelf forwards; fo whilst we tend to our Mark, we defire to roll
round in the Things now commonly known and received. And thus we
candidly and ingenuously make use of the afftance of common Reaſon,
and the vulgar Demonftrations; tho we difallow their fway, or abfo-
lute Authority: but, with the fame right as the rest of Mankind,
deliver fuch Things as we have difcovered, and approved, by the ordi-
nary Means: for fuch Things may, doubtless, have a great share of
Truth and Utility ↳.
By this Procedure, however, we mean not, in the least, to derogate
from what we have all along faid, of the infufficiency of the unaifted
natural Reafon, and the Demonftrations of the Ancients; but only
lend out thefe Things to the World for a Time, to accommodate thofe
who, thro' a want of Abilities, or thro'multiplicity of other Affairs, have
juft Excufe for confining their Contemplations within the old beaten
Paths and Provinces of the Sciences, or at least, within the Confines
thereof; and again, to ferve fuch as, according to our Indications and
Directions, fhall enter into, and purjue, our true Method of interpret-
ing Nature: thus fetting up for them Inns by the way, for their
eafe, fupport, and refreshment; whilft at the fame time, we in fome
degree promote the Felicity of Mankind; and afford a large jupply
of Matter to fuch Minds as have a fomewhat clofer affinity and con-
nection with Ñature. Tho this we no way hope to do, on account of any
extraordinary Talent, or any uncommon Reliance we have upon ourselves.
On the other hand, if any Perfon of a common Capacity, but of
a ripe Judgment, wou'd lay ahide the Idols of his own Mind, re-
folve to begin his Enquiries anew, and with Attention, Diligence and
Freedom, converfe among Realities, or the Facts and Experiments of
Natural Hiſtory; he might thus, doubtless, penetrate much farther
into Nature, by the fole proper and genuine Powers of the Mind, and
by his own mere natural Thoughts and Apprehenfions, than by reading
all
This Paffage and the following regard the Author's new Method of Induction, and In-
veftigation of the Forms of Things, as laid down and exemplified in the Second Part of his
Novum Organum.
3
!
PREFACE.
579
all the Authors that have wrote, or by indulging himſelf in abſtract Con-
templations, or by purſuing and repeating the most rigorous, and affiduous
Difputations: and this tho he were not to use any of our Machinery, or
Contrivances, to affift his Understanding; nor was acquainted with the
true form of Induction and Interpretation. We, therefore, hope that
fomething of this kind may happen to ourselves; efpecially as we have al-
ready had fome Experience in the Business of Interpreting Nature;
which may probably correct and change the perverfe Habit and Bent of
the Mind ".
This, however, must not be fo understood, as if we required that Af
Sent to our own Doctrines and Opinions, which we refuſe to the An-
cients: for we openly profefs and declare, that we will by no means
abide by the Things we shall here deliver; whatſoever they may prove :
and this purely to referve every Thing, as it were entire, for our
Secondary, Inductive and more perfect Philofophy
e.
We think proper in the Work itſelf, to deliver our Thoughts loofe and
free; without binding them up into Method: because this Form beft
Suits the young Sciences, that are but just sprouting a-new from their
Roots; and has no Tendency to build up an Art, by the cementing of
Things together; but leaves, as it ought for the preſent, every Subject
unlimited, and open to farther Enquiry .
f
Eeee 2
AN
• As deliver'd in the Novum Organum.
d Which it has to idols, abftract Speculations, Generals,
pag. 351, c.
e Which was to make the fixth Part of the Inftauration.
See the Novum Organum,
f The Author appears to have made but little Progress in the fifth Part of his Inftauration :
For it is not certain that any of the few following Pieces, except the Introduction, were originally
intended for the Place we have here affign'd them; at least not till they had been farther
improved, and enlarged: whence no true Judgment can be formed of the Philofophia Prima
from any Thing left finished, or perfected, in order to it: but the Scope and Defign thereof
must be chiefly collected from the prefent Preface, and other Paffages in the Author's Writings
where it happens to be mention'd. See Vol. I. p. 15, and 510. Again, in the Novum Organum,
Vol. II. Part I. Aph. 116, &c. Upon confidering the whole Defign, it fhou'd feem that the
Author here intended to have laid down the Materials of a more juft and ferviceable Philo.
ſophy, than the common; and fuch as might be useful in forming the Axiomatical Philofophy,
which he propofed to begin in the fixth and lalt Part of his general Work, or GRAND IN-
STAURATION.
581
A N
ESSAY
Towards a Scientifical HISTORY of
NATURAL PHILOSOPHY;
FROM THE
Primitive TIMES to the PRESENT.
Deduced by Way of
EXPLANATION upon the Ancient FABLE OF CUPID
SECT. I.
˚.
The PHILOSOPHY of fuch as hold ONE PRINCI-
PLE of all Things.
I.
W
Cupid.
Hat the Antients relate of Cupid, or Love, cannot The Fable of
coincide in the fame Perfon. And indeed they made the antient
two Cupids, extremely differing from each other;
the first being called the eldest of the Gods, and the
fecond their youngest Son: but our prefent Business is with the former.
The elder Cupid is faid to be prior to all Things, except Chaos, which
is
This is an unfinished, pofthumous Piece, publifhed by Gruter among the Scripta; and does
not execute half of his original Plan; which was to explain the whole Doctrine of all the an-
cient Philofophers, concerning the first Principles of Things; and fet that obfcure Affair in
a genuine Light; that the grand Work of Experimental Philofophy might go on, without the
Interruption of any fantastical Theory, Scepticism, or a Disbelief of the Senfes. And tho the
Author has left the Undertaking unfiniſhed, yet there is enough done, to fet even an ordinary
Capacity in the way of executing it; which perhaps requires rather plain natural Senfe, Dili
gence, and Application, than bright Parts, or a penetrating Genius.
582
Sect. I.
The History of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
of Democri-
tus.
is made coeval with him. He is introduced abfolutely without Parent:
but by Mixture with Cœlum, he is faid to have begot the Gods, and
every thing elſe. Some, however, relate that he was produced from an
Egg, hatched by Nox. He has different Attributes affigned him; as
thofe of being always a Child, blind, naked, winged, and an Archer.
His principal and peculiar Power is that of uniting Bodies. And the
Keys of the Sky, the Sea, and the Earth, are faid to be his ª.
Corresponds to 2. This Fable feems, in the narrow compaſs of a Parable, to deliver a
the Philofophy philofophical Account of the Principles of all Things, and the Origin of the
World, not greatly differing from that of Democritus; only the former
appears fomewhat more fober, exact, and pure. For tho Democritus was a
very acute and induftrious Philofopher; yet his Contemplations run into
Extravagance; and did not each other fort with or fufficiently fupport then-
felves. And even the Points here couch'd in the Fable, tho fomewhat
more correct, are but fuch as may feem to have proceeded from the Under-
ſtanding left to itfelf; and not fucceffively, or gradually affifted by Expe-
rience e And this we judge to be an Error that prevailed, even in the firſt
Ages of the World.
ter.
The first Ex- 3. We must alfo obferve, that the Things wrapt up in this Fable are but
ifience of Mat- the Conclufions of human Reaſon, and the Dictates of the Senſe, whoſe
defective and ceafing Oracles are now juftly rejected; fince better, and more
certain Accounts are given us by Revelation. Chaos, therefore, which was
coeval with Cupid, denotes a rude Heap, or Collection, of Matter: but
the Matter itſelf, together with its Power, its Nature, and the Principles
of Things, are fhadow'd out in the Perfon of Cupid; who is introduced
without Parent, that is, without Caufe; for Caufes are as the Parents
of Effects. And it is common, in figurative Speech, to denote the
Caufe and Effect, by the Words Parent and Offspring. But for the firſt Mat-
ter, and its peculiar Energy and Action; it could have no Caufe in Na-
ture: (for in affigning philofophical Caufes we always except God) as no-
thing exiſted before it. Matter, therefore, had no Efficient, nor any thing
better known or clofer linked to Nature, than itself; and confequently has
neither Genus nor Form . And therefore, whatever this Matter be, together
with its Power and Efficacy, it is a pofitive and furd Thing; to be taken
juft as we find it: for it cannot be judged of by any previous Notion or
pre-
e
See the fame Fable in the Author's Piece de Sapientia Veterum. Vol. I. pag. 568.
According to the Method delivered in the fecond Part of the Novum Organum.
&c.
f Whence the Nature of Matter can never be underſtood by Man; but we are obliged to
take it, as our Senfes repreſent it. And it might be for the advantage of Philofophy to do
this, without indulging endlefs Speculations about its Caufe, the Reality of its Existence, the
Poffibility of its thinking, . Inftead whereof the proper Office of Philofophy is, to dif
cover the Laws, the Motions the Modifications, the Transformations and Changes of Matter:
but for knowing its Nature, or real Form, if it had any, this would imply a Poffibility in
Man to create Matter, which involves a Contradiction. See Novum Organum, Part II,
Aph. 4. and the History of Condensation and Rarifaction, pag. 505, 569, &c.
Sect. I. The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
583
pre-conception. And if its Modus could be known; this would not be
from its Caufe as it is, next after God, the Caufe of Cauſes, and itſelf
without a Caufe. For there is a true and certain Limitation of Caufes in
Nature; and it would be as abfurd and unphilofophical to require them,
when we arrive at the ultimate Powers, and pofitive Laws of Nature; as
not to require them in Things of a fubordinate kind. Cupid, therefore,
is in the Fable wifely fuppofed to be cauſeleſs.
4. Nor is this an Affair of flight Confequence; but of very great In- The Impor
portance for Philofophy has been corrupted from no Quarter more than tance of the
Thing.
from this Enquiry after Cupid's Parents; that is, from Philofophers not re-
ceiving and admitting the Principles of Things, as they are found in Nature,
for a certain poſitive Point, upon the Atteftation of Experience; but they have
rather derived and deduced them by the Laws of Difputation, or petty logical
Arguments, mathematical Conclufions, vulgar Notions, and the like Excur-
fions of the Mind, beyond all the Limits of Truth and Nature. A Philofopher,
therefore, fhould conftantly bear in Mind, that Cupid is Parentlefs; to pre-
vent the Underſtanding from turning afide to Vanity, and empty Speculation:
becauſe the human mind is extremely apt to run into thefe general Notions;
fo as to abuſe both itſelf and Things; and whilft it endeavours to go for-
wards, comes back to Matters that lay nearer at hand. For as the Mind,
by reafon of its own Narrownefs, is moft accuſtomed to be moved by fuch
Things as occur familiarly to it, and have a power at once to ftrike and
enter the Imagination; it happens that when it extends itſelf to thofe things
which are moft general in Experience, and yet will not reft fatisfied in
them; but still endeavours after fomewhat better known; it falls upon fuch
Things as have the moſt affected, or enfnared it; and abfurdly imagines that
theſe are more demonftrative, and nearer approaching to Caufes, than
thoſe Generals it was not content with .
5. So much for the firft Existence, and native power of Matter: we Cupid hatch'd
come next to the Modus of the Thing. And this likewife is very obfcure;
as the Fable elegantly denotes, by making Cupid proceed from an Egg
hatched by Nox. The facred Philofopher pronounces, that God has made
every Thing beautiful in its Seafon; and given the World up to the Difputes of
Men; but that Man cannot find out the Works which the Lord has wrought,
from the Beginning up to the End. For the higheſt Law of Exiſtence and Na-
ture, which determines and runs thro' all the Changes of Things; (here ex-
preffed by the Works which the Lord has wrought from the Beginning up to the
End) or the Power impofed by God upon the primitive Particles of Matter;
from the Combination whereof proceeds all the Variety of Things; may be
feen darkly; but can fcarce be clearly comprehended by the Thoughts of
Men. And this Fiction concerning the Egg of Nox, is aptly referred to
the kind of Demonſtration whereby Cupid is brought to Light: for thofe
Things which are concluded by Affirmatives, feem to be the Births of
Light;
h
Such is the Procefs of the Mind when it leaves Experience and Senfe, to wander thro' the
Maze of general, abſtract Notions. See the Novum Organum, pag. 35, &c.
b Viz. The Laws of Matter, and its Motions.
584
The History of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Sect. I.
Light; but thofe concluded by Negatives and Exclufions, are educed and
forced, as it were, out of Darkneſs and Night. And thus Cupid is truly
an Egg laid by Nox; as all the Knowledge we can have concerning the
original Law impofed upon Matter, proceeds by Exclufions and Nega-
tives. But all Proof made by Exclufion, is only a kind of Night, with
regard to what is included. Whence Democritus did well to declare that his
Atoms, or Seeds, and their Virtue, were like no kind of Thing which could
fall under the Senfes ; and pronounced them perfectly invifible, fecret, and
The Atoms of concealed by Nature *. Atoms, therefore, are neither like Sparks of Fire,
Democritus. Drops of Water, Bubbles of Air, Grains of Duft, nor the fine part of Spirit
or Æther; nor is their Virtue and Form either Gravity or Levity, Heat
or Cold, Denſity or Rarity, Hardneſs or Softneſs, as in the cafe of larger
Bodies; fince all theſe, and the like Properties, are compounded and made
up of feveral. Neither, again, is the natural Motion of Atoms, that of
Defcent or Afcent, that of Expanfion and Contraction, that of Expulfion
and Connexion, that of Rotation, or any other Motion of the larger Bodies,
fimply. Yet in the Bodies of thefe Atoms are the Elements of all Bodies;
and, in their Motion and Virtue, refide the Beginnings of all Motions and
Virtues. But here, in the Motion of Atoms compared with the Motion of
larger Bodies, the Philofophy of the Fable feems different from that of
Democritus; who does not only diſagree with the Fable, but alſo with
himfelf; fo as almoſt to ſpeak contradictory in what he farther delivers
upon this Subject. For he ought to have attributed a Heterogeniety of
Motion to his Atoms, no lefs than a Heterogeniety of Subftance and
Energy but he has fingled out two Motions from the Motions of the
larger Bodies, viz. that of the Defcent of heavy ones, and the Aſcent of
light ones, and communicated them to his primitive Atoms: whereas the
Fable throughout maintains as a Heterogeniety, and Exclufion, as well in
Subſtance as in Motion.
The End of
Exclusions.
6. The Fable farther intimates, that there is fome End and Meaſure of
theſe Exclufions; or that Nox does not continue brooding for ever. And
certainly it is the Property of God alone, when we enquire into his Nature
by means of the Senfes, not to need Exclufions for determining Affirmatives.
But the cafe is different in Men; as after due Exclufions and Negations
there is ſomewhat affirmed, determined, and excluded, to them; like an Egg
laid after a timely Brooding and Waiting. And not only the Egg is thus
laid by Nox; but alſo the Perfon of Cupid is hatched from the Egg: that
is, not only a certain Notion of the Thing may be drawn and extracted:
from
See the Novum Organum, Part II. Sect. I. Aph. 4,.&e.
k
Neque funt igni fimulata, neq; ullæ
Præterea rei, quæ corpora mittere poffit
Senfibus, & noftros adjectu tangere tactus..
Again.
Atq; primordia gignundis in rebus oportet.
Naturam clandeftinam cæcamq; adhibere;
Emineat ne quid, quod contra pugnet & obftet.
? The Forms of Things lying open to him. See Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 15,
Sect. I.
585
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
from Ignorance, but alſo one that is diſtinct and clear ". And thus much
for that kind of Demonftration concerning the firſt Matter; which is a De-
monſtration ſuited to Men, and, in our Judgment, correfponds extremely
to the Senſe of the Fable.
7. We next proceed to Cupid himſelf, or the firft Matter, together with The Hiftory of
its Properties; which feem enveloped in Darkneſs and Night; to find what the Democrati-
cal Philofophy.
Light the Fable will afford us herein. But we are well aware that Opinions
of this kind enter the Mind with difficulty, and feem almoft incredible, or
fhocking to the Senfe and Thoughts of Men: yet we may plainly perceive,
that fome Attempt has been made in this way, by the atomical Philofophy of
Democritus; which proving fubtile, penetrating deep into Nature, and lying
remote from common Notions, was looked upon as a childish thing by the
Vulgar; and being alfo tofs'd about by the Winds of other Philofophies,
which were better fuited to vulgar Capacities, it is thus in a manner ex-
tinguiſhed and loft. And yet Democritus flourished with great Admiration.
and Applauſe, in his own Times; and by reafon of his univerfal Know-
ledge was called Pentathlus "; and by the general confent of other Philo-
fophers, he was allow'd a great Naturalift; fo that he obtained the Name
of Magus. Nor could the violent Conteſts and fierce Oppofition of
Ariftotle, (who, with the Ottoman Temper, thought his own Philoſophy
would never reign fecure, till he had murder'd its Competitors; and who
tells us plainly, that he was determined to cut off all future Occafion of
doubting ;) nor even the Majefty, and folemn Gravity of Plato, totally
aboliſh this Philoſophy of Democritus: but whilft the Doctrine of Aristotle
and Plato were, with great Noife and pedantical Pomp, celebrated and re-
founded in the Schools; this Philofophy of Democritus was held in great
eſteem by the wifer fort, who enter'd deep into the filent and leſs obvious
kind of Contemplations. 'Tis certain, that in the Times of the Roman
Learning, the Philofophy of Democritus was ftill in being, and admired; for
Cicero every where makes mention of him with great Encomiums; and
Juvenal, not long after, gives him a high Character, after the manner of
the Poets; who ufually fpeak the Judgment of their own Times. It
was not, therefore, Ariftotle or Plato, but Genfericus and Attila, and the
Barbarians, that ruined this Philofophy. And indeed when all human
Learning was fhipwreck'd, thofe Planks of Ariftotelian and Platonic Philofo-
phy were preferved, and handed down to us, as a light and tumid Matter;
whilft the more folid parts of Knowledge funk, and are almoſt buried in
VOL. III.
Ffff
oblivion.
m The whole of this Explanation means no more than the Method of investigating the Forms
of Things, as delivered and exemplified in the ſecond Part of the Novum Organum. See Aph.
10, 11, 12, 13, &c. of that Part.
As if he had underſtood the whole Circle of Arts and Sciences: Pentathlus literally figni-
fying a Perſon who performs the five Exerciſes of Running, Leaping, Darting, Wrestling,
and throwing the Quoit.
• Or Natural Magician, in the honourable Senfe of the Word.
P
Cujus prudentia monftrat
Magnos poffe viros, & magna exempla daturos,
Vervecum in patria, craffoque fub aere, nafci.
586
Sect. I.
The History of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
The Origin of
fcholaftic
Forms and
Ideas, in
Master.
oblivion. But the Philofophy of Democritus feems to us worthy of being
preſerved from Neglect; efpecially fince, in numerous Particulars, it agrees
with the venerable Doctrine of the earlieſt Ages ¹.
8. In the first place therefore, Cupid is defcribed as a Perfon, to whom
are attributed Nakedness, Infancy, Wings, Arrows, and other Things; to
which we ſhall ſpeak feverally in order. But previous thereto it muſt be
obferved, that the Ancients laid down their firft Matter, which they made
the Principle of all Things, as a Matter formed and endowed with Proper-
ties and Virtues; and not as an abftract, potential, and uninformed Mafs.
And certainly fuch a defpoiled and paffive Matter, feems to be nothing
more than a mere Fiction of the human Mind; arifing from hence, that
the Mind gives the greateſt Strefs to the Things it imbibes the ſtrongeſt,
and wherewith it is moft affected: whence it comes to pafs that what Men
ufually call Forms, may feem to have a truer Exiſtence than either Matter
or Action; becaufe Matter is a dark, and Action an unſtable Thing and
again, becauſe Matter is not fo ftrongly impreffed upon the Mind, nor
Action always inherent: whilft thefe Phantoms of Forms are, on the
contrary, thought to be both manifeſt and conſtant; infomuch that the firſt
common Matter is look'd upon but as an Acceffary or Support; and all Action
but as an Emanation, of the Form: fo that the preheminence is abfolutely
attributed to Forms. And this feems to have been the Origin and Founda-
tion of the Kingdom of Forms and Ideas in Things; viz. the fuperaddition
of a certain phantaftical and imaginary Matter. Thefe phantaftical Notions
have been fed by Superftition; which is generally the attendant of Error
and Extravagance. Abstract Ideas have alfo been introduced, and their
Dignity exalted, with fo much Confidence and Authority, that the dream-
ing part of Mankind has, in a manner, prevailed over the waking.
thefe Phantoms now appear to be almoſt vaniſh'd; only certain Writers of
our Time, have endeavoured to prop them up, as they were tumbling, and
to fix them upon their Bafis again; but doubtlefs the Undertaking is more
adventurous than uſeful. And were it not for Prejudice, every Man would
foon perceive how irrational it is to make abftract Matter a Principle: for
tho they affert the actual Exiſtence of ſeparate Forms; yet no one afferts
the ſeparate Exiſtence of Matter; not even of thofe who make it a Princi-
ple. And it feems abfurd, prepofterous, and incongruous to the Enquiry after
Principles, to raiſe Effences from phantaftical or notional Things. For the
Point is not how we may moft commodiouſly receive into our Thoughts,
or diſtinguiſh the Nature of Effences; but what are in reality the primary
◄ See the Novum Organum, Part I. Aph. 71, 72, &c.
But
and
The Piece, we before obferved, is imperfect, fo that only the first of thefe Attributes of
Cupid is here fpoke to; but what is wanting may, in fome meaſure, be ſupplied from the Au-
thor's other Piece, de Sapientia Veterum; efpecially where the Fables of Cupid, of Cœlum, and of
Pan, are explained. This philolophical Comment upon the Fable of Cupid, was intended to be
fucceeded with another upon the Fable of Cœlum; which would have rendered the Defign
complete.
Viz. Abſtract or Ariftotelian Forms; not the Forms of the Author, which are determined
in Matter. See Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 1, 4, 10, 13, 15, &c.
Sect. I.
587
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
:
and moſt ſimple Effences; from which all other Things proceed for the
firft Effence muft no lefs really exift, than thofe which flow from it; but
rather more: ſince this is felf-exiſtent; whereas the others only exiſt by its
means v.
ftraft Matter.
9. Indeed, what we find faid about abftract Matter, is not much better The abfurd
than to affert that the World, and all Things, are made of Catagories, and Notion of ab-
fuch logical Notions, as if thefe were Principles: for it is almoft the fame to
fay, that the World confifts of Matter, Form, and Privation; as that it
conſiſts of Subſtance and contrary Qualities. But nearly all the Ancients, as
Empedocles, Anaxagoras, Anaximenes, Heraclitus and Democritus, tho they
differed in other Reſpects about the firſt Matter; yet agreed in this, that
it was an active Matter, of fome Form, that had a Power of difpenfing its
Form, and a Principle of Motion within itſelf. Nor can any one poffibly
think otherwife, who does not plainly defert Experience. All thefe Philo-
fophers, therefore, fubmitted their Minds to Things.
10. But Plato fubjected the World to Thought; and Ariftotle ſubjected The true phy-
even Thought to Words; the whole Bent and Study of Men then tending to fical Notion of
Difpute, Difcourfe and Reaſoning; with an utter neglect of all fevere and a first Matter.
rigorous Enquiry after Truth . Whence the Doctrines of this kind are
rather to be cenfured in the Lump, than feverally confuted; as being the
Doctrines of fuch Men as choſe to talk a great deal, and underſtand but little.
And to ſay the Truth, this abſtract Matter is entirely a Matter of Diſpute;
but not the Matter of the Universe. And he who wou'd philofophize in a
due and proper manner, muft diffect Nature; but not abftract her, as they
are obliged to do, who will not diffect her. And thus we muſt neceffarily
lay down, (1.) a firft Matter, join'd with (2.) a firſt Form, and alſo (3.)
with a firſt Principle of Motion, as it is found. For the Abſtraction of Mo-
tion has alſo produced infinite phantaftical Conceits, about Souls, Life, and
the like; as if thefe cou'd not be owing to Matter and Form; but muft
needs depend upon feparate Principles of their own. Theſe three
Things fhou'd not be feparated, but only diftinguiſhed; and Matter, what-
ever it is, muſt be laid down fo endow'd, prepared and form'd, that all
Virtues, Subſtances, Actions, and natural Motions may be the Confequence
and Emanations thereof. And let no one apprehend that Things will, upon
this footing, languiſh and become torpid; or that the variety we find in the
Univerſe cannot hence be explain'd: for we fhall fhew the contrary here-
after *.
11. And that the first Matter has fome Form, is indicated by the Fable in That firſt
making Cupid a Perfon; fo that tho the whole Mafs of Matter were at first Master has a
uninform'd and rude; which is repreſented by Chaos; yet Cupid is form❜d Form.
and perfonified. And this Account excellently agrees with facred Writ
where we read, that God in the beginning created, not a confufed, uninform'd
Ffff 2
Mafs
▾ See the true Doctrine and Inveſtigation of Forms explained in the Novum Organum.
Part II. Sect. I. throughout.
w Suppofe according to the Rule of the Novum Organum.
* See below, § 14, 15, 06.
588
Sect. I.
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
Matter naked.
The Sects that
have fuper-
added Cloth-
ing to Matter.
The Earth not
made the
Principle of
Things.
Mafs of Matter, but Heaven and Earth. To this Account, however, is an-
nex'd fome Deſcription of the ftate of Things before the fix days Work;
where diftinct mention is inade of Earth and Water; which are Names of
Things already formed; yet the Mafs ftill remain'd uninform'd, in its
whole.
:
12. But tho the Fable introduces Cupid perfonified, it ftill leaves him
naked and therefore, next after thofe who wou'd introduce abstract Mat-
ter, they err, in the contrary extreme, who introduce it clothed. Some-
what of this Subject we have touched above, in laying down fuch Demon-
ftrations as are fuitable to a first Matter; the Heterogenieties introduced
wherein, we have alfo fpoke to, in fome refpect; but this is the proper place.
for treating them. We muft, therefore, here enquire, among fuch as place
the Principles of Things in Matter formed, who they are that have attri-
buted a native, naked Form to Matter; and who have introduced it cover'd
and clothed.
13. There are four different Opinions relating to this Affair. The first
is that of thofe who affert fome one Thing to be the Principle of all Things;
but conſtitute a diverſity of Subſtances in the indeterminate, and difpenfible
Nature of that Principle. The ſecond is that of thoſe who make the Prin-
ciple of Things to be one fix'd and invariable Subſtance; and derive the
Diverſities of Bodies from the different Magnitudes, Figures, and Poſitions
of this Principle. A third fort conftitute feveral Principles of Things; and
place the Diverſity of Bodies in the tempering and mixing thereof. And
the fourth fort are thoſe who make infinite, or at leaſt, numerous Principles
of Things; but fuppofe them fpecificated, and fashioned: and thefe have no
occafion to invent any Thing elfe for giving a manifold variety; as they
have already ſplit and divided Nature from the beginning. But of thefe
four Sects we judge that only the Second exhibits Cupid native and undrefs'd.
For the first introduces him as it were veiled; the third vested; and the
fourth cloak'd, or wrapt up in a Mantle, and almoſt maſked. We ſhall
fpeak a little to each of them, the better to explain the Fable.
14. (1.) And first, we find none of thoſe who conftitute one Principle of
Things, that affirm this Principle to be the Earth: for the quiet, languid and
unactive Nature thereof, paffively receiving the Influences of the Heavens,
of Heat, and of other Things, has hindered fuch a Thought from entering
into any ones Mind. And yet the earlieſt Mythology, or Wisdom of the An-
tients, places Terra next after Chaos; and makes it firft the Parent, and then
the Confort of Calum from which Conjunction all Things proceeded. But
this is not to be underſtood, as if the Antients ever made the Earth a Princi-
ple of Beings; but only a Principle, or rather the Origin, of a Structure, or
Syſtem, of Things. We fhall therefore refer the Profecution of this Affair
to the following Fable of Calum; under which we propofe to enquire into
the Origin of Things: this latter being an Enquiry poſterior to that of Princi-
ples v.
15. But
y This Fable of Cœlum, was not, as we above obferved, explained in the large manner
here propoſed; but ftands, in a contracted View, at the Entrance of his Piece de Sapientie
Veterum. See Vol. I. pag. 550.
2
Sect. I.
$89
The History of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
15. But Thales makes Water the Principle of all Things, from obferving that Water made
Matter was chiefly difpenfed out in Moiſture, and Moisture difperfed in Water, the Principle
And he judged it not improper to lay that down for the Principle of Things, in of Things, in
the Philofophy
which their Virtues, Powers, Vigour, and efpecially the Elements of their of Thales.
Generation Increaſe and Repair, are principally found. Thus the Seed of
Animals he obſerved is moift; and that the Seeds and Kernels of Plants, (fo
long as they continue in a growing ſtate and unexhauſted) are ſoft and tender.
Metals likewife melt, and appear but as concreted Juices of the Earth; or
rather as certain Concretions of the Waters of the Mine. The Earth itſelf
is made fruitful, refreſhed and recruited by Rains, and Rivers: and Earth
and Mud may feem to be only the Fæces and Sediment of Water. Air
appears ftill plainer to be but an Expiration, and Expanfion of Water
And even Fire itself cannot be fuppofed to exiſt, or be fed and ſupported
without Moiſture. For that fat Moiſture, which is the Support and Life of
Flame, and Fire, may feem but a certain Ripenefs and thorough Concoc-
tion of Water b. Again, the Body and Bulk of Water is diffufed, as a com-
mon Matter, throughout this lower World. The Earth is every where
watered and encircled by the Ocean. There is an immenfe quantity of ſweet
Water in the fubterraneal Regions; whence Fountains and Rivers, like fo
many Veins in the Body, convey Water over the Surface, and thro' the
Entrails of the Globe. In the Regions of the Atmoſphere there are prodi-
gious Collections of Water, and Vapour, that feem to fupply a new Fund
thereof; and recruit, refreſh and enliven all the Waters, and the Ocean be-
low. Nay, this Philofopher went fo far, that he even ſuppoſed the
celeſtial Fires were continually fed with thefe Waters and Vapours; as con-
ceiving they cou'd not fubfift without Aliment, nor derive it from any thing
elfe. And for the figure of the particles of Water, he faw by Drops, that it
was round, or ſpherical, like the Univerſe. He alſo obferved that Water
had an Undulation, and this even in Air and Flame: and laftly, that it had
a due Difpofition to Motion, neither too languid nor too quick; and that the
Generation of Fish and Fowl was extremely numerous.
16. But Anaximenes made the Air to be the fole Principle of all Things. Air made
For if Bulk is to be regarded in conftituting the Principles of Things, the first Prin-
Air ſeems to poffefs a very large part of the Univerfe. And if there be no imenes.
ciple by Anax-
ſeparating Vacuum, or if we reject that fuperftitious Notion of the heteroge-
niety betwixt the celeftial and fublunary Bodies, the whole ſpace that reaches
from the Globe of the Earth to the extremity of the Heavens, and is nei-
ther occupied by Stars nor Meteors, may feem to be fill'd with an aerial Sub-
ſtance.
z This is a Matter of deep Speculation and Enquiry. See Becher's Phyfica Subterranea.
a See the Author's Hiftory of Winds, palfim.
↳ Some of Mr. Boyle's Experiments appear to confirm, or ftrengthen, this Suppofition. See
his Sceptical Chemist. See alfo Becher and Stahl.
And thus the Point might feem, in a manner, difcovered and fettled by an Induction of
Particulars. But Inductions of Particulars made on one fide only, are very fallacious; and in no
reſpect to be truſted. And yet moſt Philoſophies are of this kind. See the Novum Organum,
paffim.
590
Sect. I.
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
The Diſpoſition
of Air for
conftituting
a first Prin-
ciple.
ftance. But the terreftrial Globe is no more than a Speck or phyſical Point
compar'd with the Heavens, that furround it: and in the Ether itself, how
finall a Portion is fpangled with Stars? Near to the Earth they appear but
very few; and higher up, tho their Number indeed be great; yet all the
fpace they poffefs feems inconfiderable with respect to the interstellar Regi-
ons; infomuch that they may all appear as it were floating in an immenfe
Ocean of fine Air, or Æther. On the other hand, there is a large quantity
of Air and Spirit lodged in the Water, and Caverns of the Earth; from
whence the Waters may be faid to receive their Fluidity. Sometimes.
alſo the Air and Spirit fwell or expand themſelves; and may thus efcape thro'
the Pores of the Earth: but Tremblings and Earthquakes are eſteem'd evi-
dent ſigns of Wind and Air pent up in the Earth's Bowels.
17. And if a certain middle Nature be required in Principles, to render
them fufceptible of fuch a vaft variety, this Property feems to be found per-
fect in the Air. For the Air appears to be the common Link and Cement
of Things; not only becauſe it is every where at hand, and ready to fucceed
and fill up Vacuities; but much more becauſe it ſeems to be of a neutral,
indifferent, and indeterminate Nature. For Air is that which receives and
tranfmits Darkneſs, Light, and all the Tinctures and Shades of Colours and
Diminutions of Light; and by its curious undulating Motion diſtinguiſhes
Tones, Voices, the Notes of Mufick, and even articulate Sounds; and
without Confufion, diftinctly conveys all the Variety of Smells, not only
thofe general ones of ſweet and fetid, dull and brisk, &c. but alſo the pro-
per and ſpecific Odours of Things, as of each particular Flower, and all
the odorous Tribe of Bodies. Again, the Air remains neutral and indif
ferent to thoſe great and powerful Qualities of Heat and Cold, Dryneſs and
Moiſture; and in it are at once fufpended and convey'd aqueous Vapours,
unctuous Exhalations, the Spirits of Salts, the Fumes of Metals, &c. all
ſeparate and unconfounded. Laftly, Air is the Fluid wherein the Rays and
Influences of the celeftial Bodies, and the more latent Agreements and Dif-
agreements of Things, fecretly reign and act; as if the Atmoſphere were a
fecond Chaos, wherein the Seeds of fo many Things have their Effects,
their Courſes, Trials, Wanderings, and Changes.
18. In ſhort, if we confider the generating or vivifying Power in Things,
which may lead to, and manifeft their Principle; here again the Air will
appear excellently qualified: infomuch that the Words Air, Spirit and Soul are
ſometimes confounded, and uſed for the fame Thing; and this not without
Reaſon; as Reſpiration may ſeem to be an infeparable Attendant upon all
perfect ſtates of Life; fo that, excepting the firft Rudiments of Life in Eggs,
and Embryos, even Fiſh require the uſe of Air, and are fuffocated for want
of it, when the Surface of the Water remains long frozen. And Fire
itſelf, unleſs animated by the Air around it, dies, and may ſeem to be nothing
more than Air ground together, irritated, and kindled; as on the other
hand, Water may feem to be Air condenſed and ſhrunk within itſelf.
Laftly, the Earth may perpetually exhale Air; fo that Air need not paſs
thro' the ſtate of Water in order to obtain its natural Form.
I
19. Hera-
Sect. I.
591
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
by Heraclitus.
19. Heraclitus, with greater Subtilty, but lefs Probability on his fide, Fire made the
makes Fire the Principle of all Things; not looking out for a middle first Principle
Nature, which is uſually vague and corruptible; but for a high and perfect
one, which might prove a certain limit to Corruption and Change. For he
faw there was a great variety and difturbance in folid and confiftent Bodies;
which may be organical, or like Machines, that receive innumerable varia-
tions even from Figure; as appears in the Bodies of Plants and Animals.
And even fuch of thefe Bodies as are not organical, will, if narrowly look'd
into, be found very diffimilar. For there is a great diffimilarity between
thoſe parts of Animals which are call'd fimilar; fuch as the Brain, the
cryſtalline Humour, the albugineous Coat of the Eye, Bone, Membrane,
Cartilage, Nerve, Vein, Flesh, Fat, Marrow, Blood, &c. And fo again
among the Parts of Vegetables, as the Root, Bark, Stem, Leaf, Flower,
Seed, &c. Foffils are certainly not organical; yet appear variouſly mix'd
in one and the ſame Species; and exhibit a very copious variety in reſpect of
one another. Whence this extenfive Foundation of Diverfity in Bodies, and
this large Apparatus, feems to be laid in a ſolid and conſiſtent Nature.
20. But in the Bodies of Liquors there feems to be no organical Struc-
ture. For there appears to be no Animal or Plant, in a Body merely
fluid fo that this moft extenfive variety is denied to, and cut off from
the Nature of Fluidity. It however remains poffefs'd of a confiderable
variety, as is manifeft from fo large a diverfity of fufible Bodies, Juices,
diftill'd Liquors and the like. But the point of Variety is reduced to a
much narrower Compaſs in the Mafs of Air, and pneumatical Bodies; and
obfcured with a promifcuous fimilitude of Things. 'Tis certain that the
difference of Colours and Taftes, whereby Liquors are fometimes diftin-
guifh'd, is here abfolutely wanting; but the impreffion of Smell, and fome
other Things remain; tho but tranfiently, confuſedly, and in a lefs adhe-
five manner: fo that, univerfally, the nearer Bodies approach to the nature
of Fire, the more they lofe of their variety. And after they once put on
the nature of Fire, in a pure, rectified ftate; they lofe all that was orga-
nical, all their diftinguiſhing Properties, and all their diffimilarity. And here
Nature feems to meet, and unite, as it were, in one pyramidal Vertex; and to
have attain❜d the ultimate end of its peculiar Action. Whence this Philo-
fopher call'd Inflammation, or Ignition, by the name of Peace, becauſe it fet-
tled and quieted Nature, or reduced her to an Uniformity; but Generation
he call'd by the name of War, becauſe it produced multiplicity and variety.
And in order to give fome Explanation how this was brought about, or how
Things fhou'd from Variety be reduced to Uniformity; and from Unifor-
mity to Variety; like the ebbing and flowing of the Tide; he thought pro-
per to make Fire condenſable and rarifiable but fo that its Rarifaction, in
afcending towards a fiery Nature, fhou'd be the direct and progreffive ac-
tion of Nature; but the Condenfation, a kind of Retrogradation, Defer-
tion, or falling back from Nature: and both theſe he thought happen'd
by a certain Fatality at certain Periods, in the general Mafs of Things: fo
that at one time or other, the World itſelf, when its Period was run, fhou'd
be
592
Sect. I.
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
The Clothing
of Cupid.
The Errors of
the ancient
be fet on fire, and afterwards renewed; and fo pafs thro' fucceffive
Revolutions of Burning and Regeneration, to Perpetuity.
21. And if we attentively look into the remaining hiftorical Scraps
and Fragments of this Philofopher's Doctrine, he will be found to have
made the Burning and Quenching happen in a different Order. For in the
Series of Burning he differed not at all from the common Notions upon that
Head; making the Progrefs of the Rarifaction and Expanfion, to be from
Earth to Water, from Water to Air, and from Air to Fire: but in the
defcending Scale he has perfectly inverted the Order; and afferted, that Fire,
by its Extinction produces Earth, or certain Fæces or Ashes; that theſe
Ashes conceive and collect Moifture; whence there enfues a Flood of
Water; which again fhall emit and breathe out Air: fo that the change
from Fire to Earth fhall be fudden and hafty, not gradual.
22. And thefe, or perhaps fomewhat better, were the Thoughts of thofe
who conftituted fome cne Thing the Principle of all others; confidering
Nature fimply, and not contentioufly. And they are to be commended for
giving Cupid but a fingle Garment; which is the next degree to leaving him
naked; eſpecially fince this Garment; as we before obferved, is but a kind
of a fine Veil, not wove grofs and thick. By the Clothing of Cupid we under-
ftand the attributing of any Form to the firft Matter, that may be afferted.
fubftantially homogeneal with the Form of any one fecondary Effence.
And as to the Affertions above laid down, from three eminent Philofophers
of Antiquity, with regard to Water, Air, and Fire, it is eafy to confute.
them feverally; the Foundations they reft on being not firmly laid but
as there appears no reafon for difcuffing each Point by itſelf, we ſhall only
confider what they have faid in the general.
:
23. Firſt therefore, theſe ancient Sages ſeem in their Enquiry after Principles,
not to have proceeded in any very exact manner; but only from amongſt
Philofphers, in
laying down apparent, obvious and manifeft Bodies, to have fought out for the moft
their Princi- excellent, and to have conftituted what they thought fo qualified,
ples. the Principle of all Things; and this by the way of Eminence, not in the
way of precife Truth and Reality: for they imagined that fuch a pre-
heminent Nature was alone worthy to be called what it appears to be;
but for other Things they conceived them to be this fame Nature at the
Bottom, tho it did not appear whence they may either feem to have.
ſpoke figuratively, or elfe like Men under fome Incantation or Prejudice;
wherein the ftronger Impreffion draws every thing to itſelf. But a true Phi-
lofopher must be equal and indifferent to all Particulars; and lay down
fuch Principles of Things as fhall agree even with all the ſmalleft, leaſt fre-
quent, and moſt deſerted or unregarded Natures; and not only with the
greateft, the moft numerous and moft powerful. For altho Men principally
admire fuch Things as occur moft ftrong and lively to themfelves; yet
the Bofom of Nature is open to all Things.
24. But if they held their Principles, not by way of Eminence, but in
Simplicity; they certainly feem to have fallen upon a very hard Meta-
phor, or Figure of Speech, which renders their Poſitions plainly equivocal;
fince
Sect. I.
593
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
fince what they affert cannot be truly faid of natural Fire; of natural Air; or
natural Water; but muſt be underſtood of certain phantaftical and notional
Things, which retain thofe Names, without the Signification. They alſo ſeem
driven to the like diftrefs with the Affertors of abftract Matter: for as thefe ab-
folutely introduce a potential and phantaftical Matter; the former do it like-
wife in part. They alfo, in fome refpect, lay down a formed and actual Mat-
ter for their Principle; but in other reſpects make it only potential: yet they
ſeem to gain nothing by thus afferting one fingle Principle, more than thofe
who affert abſtract Matter for their Principle; except in this, that they produce
an Object for the human Underſtanding, or a Thing whereon the Thoughts
may dwell and be more fixed: fo that the Notion of their Pinciple proves fome-
what fuller; whereas all thofe of the reft are abftrufe and harfh. The truth is,
Predicaments had not at that time mounted the Throne; fo as to conceal the
Principle of abstract Matter, under the guard and cuftody of the Predicament
of Subftance. And therefore no Man durft then attempt to feign, or conjure
up, any perfectly phantaftical Matter; but they delivered their Principles
according to the Evidence of Senfe; and made them fome real Being: tho
indeed they took a liberty of difpenfing it out in a phantaftical manner.
For they neither found, nor could invent, by what Appetite or Incite-
ment; by what Method, Procefs, or Inducement; their Principle ſhould
degenerate from itſelf; and again return to its Nature. But as there ap-
pears, thro' the Univerfe, fuch Armies of Contraries, in point of Denfity,
Rarity, Heat, Cold, Tranfparency, Opacity, Animation, Inanimation, and
numerous other Properties; which oppofe, deprive and deſtroy each other;
to conceive that all thefe fhould flow from fome one certain Fountain of a
real material Subftance, and yet not fhew in what manner it happened, may
feem like giving into a lame and benumbed Theory, and defcrting the En-
quiry. For if the Fact itſelf be evident to the Senfes, it muſt be admitted;
tho the manner of it remains concealed and unknown. On the other hand,
if any probable and adequate Solution fhould, by the force of Reaſon, be
diſcovered, perhaps fome of the Appearances might be given up: but it
can never be required that we fhould affent to thofe Things, the Existence
whereof is neither manifeft to the Senfes, nor the Explanations of them
rendered probable by Reaſon.
24. Again, if there was any one Principle of all Things, it fhould have
a certain viſible Mark, or a kind of Superiority and Preheminence in all
Things; at leaſt no principiated Body fhould be found directly oppofite to
its Principle. Nay, fuch a Principle ought to appear in the midſt of
Things, that they might commodioufly participate thereof, and be diffuſed
around it but there is nothing of this kind found in their Principles.
For the Earth, which is cut off and excluded from the Honour of a Prin-
ciple, feems to receive and cheriſh Natures that are oppofite to the three
above-mentioned Principles. Thus to the noble and fhining Nature of
Fire, it oppoſes the Natures of Reſt and Opacity; to the Rarity and Soft-
nefs of Air, it, in like manner, oppofes Denfity and Hardness; and to the
Humidity and flowing Nature of Water, it oppofes Drynefs, Afperity,
VOL. III.
Gggg
Rigidity,
594
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Sect. I.
The Philofophy
of Parmenides
and Telefius.
Rigidity, and Fixednefs: nay, the Earth alfo poffeffes the middle Place, as
if it had thruft away the ref.
25. Lastly, if there was one fingle Principle of all Things, it ought to con-
tribute equally as well to the Generation as to the Diffolution of them:
for it is the Nature of a Principle, that Things ſhould be refolved into it,
as well as that Things fhould be generated from it. But this is not here
the cafe; fince Air and Fire feem unfit to afford the Matter of Generation;
and are rather prepared to receive the Refolution of Things. Water, on the
contrary is generative and alimental; but more averfe and unfavourable to
Refolution or Refloration: as would plainly appear, if Rain were to ceaſe
for any long time. And even Putrefaction itſelf, no way reduces Things to
crude and fimple Water. But the greateſt Error they have committed, is
in making their Principles perishable and corruptible: for this they do when
they introduce fuch a Principle as quits and forfakes its Nature in Compo-
fition 2. But we fhall preſently have occafion to prefs this Argument far-
ther, in ſpeaking to the third kind of Philofophers; who make feveral
Principles of Things.
SECT. II.
The Philoſophy of those that maintain more than one
PRINCIPLE of all Things.
I.
T
1. THE Philofophers that maintain feveral Principles of Things, may
ſeem to have more ftrength than the former: they certainly have
more Prejudice; and therefore we fhall confider their Opinions, not toge-
ther in the Lump, but each of them feparate. We muft obferve the
Distinction already made, betwixt thofe who affert feveral Principles, and
thoſe who make them infinite; the latter will come properly under the
Fable of Cælum: at prefent we are concerned only with the former.
2. Among the Ancients, Parmenides afferted two Principles of Things; viz.
Fire and Earth, or Heaven and Earth: for he maintained that the Sun and
Stars were pure limpid Fire; not degenerate as it is with us, where it ap
pears like Vulcan precipitated head-long from Heaven to Earth, and become
lame with the Fall. This Doctrine of Permenides has been renewed in our
time by Telefius, a Man well verſed in the Paripatetical Reaſonings; (if thoſe
were of any fignificance) fo as to retort the Arguments of that Sect upon
themfelves tho he is entangled with his own Pofitions; and feems better
at pulling down, than at building up. We have only a very flender and
fcanty Hiſtory of the Diſcoveries of Parmenides: but the Foundations of an
Opinion like his, are plainly laid in the Book that Plutarch wrote of
the Primum Frigidum; which feems taken from fome other ancient Trea-
tife, extant at that time, but now loft: for it contains feveral Things of
greater
:
a Nam quodcunque fuis mutatum finibus exit,
Continuo hos mors eft illius, quod fuit ante.
Sect. II. The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
595
!
greater fubtilty and ftrength than are to be found in the original Works of
that Author. And this perhaps it was that gave Telefius the Hint, and
Courage to lay hold of the Doctrine, and ftrenuofly labour it in his own
Effays upon the Nature of Things.
3. The Pofitions of this Sect run thus: They affert, (1.) that Heat and Its Poſitions.
Cold are the first Forms, or the first active Beings, and therefore the primitive
Subſtances; and yet that they have an incorporeal Exiſtence, fupported
by a paſſive potential Matter, that may give them a corporeal Bulk, e-
qually fufceptible of both Natures, tho itſelf be actionlefs. (2.) That
Light is a Pullulation, or fpringing forth of diffipated Heat, multiplied
and become ſtrong and fenfible, by collection. (3.) That Rarity and Den-
fity are but Textures, and as it were the Weavings of Heat and Cold; and
that from this weaving or opening by Heat, and contracting by Cold, Bodies
have a diſpoſition or indifpofition to Motion. (4.) That therefore there are
four co-effential Natures; viz. Heat, Light, Rarity, and Mobility; with their
Oppofites, Cold, Darkness, Denfity, and Immobility. (5.) That the Seats of
the former are in the Heavens, the Stars, and particularly in the Sun; but
of the latter in the Earth. (6.) That the Heavens having an abſolute and
entire Heat, on account of their vaſtly rarified Matter, are moſt violently
hot, fhining, thin and moveable; but that the Earth, on the contrary, from
its entire, or undiminiſhed Coldneſs and moft concentrated Matter, is ex-
tremely cold, dark, denfe, perfectly immoveable, and abfolutely averfe to
Motion, &c. &c. &c.
4. Such are the Pofitions of Telefius, and perhaps alfo of Parmenides, The Errors
with regard to the Principles of Things. And certainly they might appear more thereof.
true, if there were no fuch Thing as Man in the World, nor any mechanic
Arts to torture, vex and work upon Matter; or if the World was to be
fimply confidered as a bare Structure, with regard to nothing but itſelf.
For this Philofophy looks more like the Philofophy of a Shepherd, than
of a Naturalift; or more like that of a bare Obferver, than of an Operator;
and confiders the World calmly, and at leifure; or as in a State of In-
activity whence it is tolerable, as a mere System; but treats the Bufinefs
of Principles in a very negligent and unfkilful manner. It alfo commits a
great Error in the way of a Syftem; by making fuch an one as may feem
eternal, without fuppofing a Chaos; or any Changes and Revolutions in the
great Structure of Things. For whatever Philofophy thus fashions, lays
down, and eſtabliſhes a Syſtem, without making it riſe from a chaotic State,
feems but light, or hypothetical; and indeed difcovers a narrowness of
Mind. For whoever philofophizes according to Senfe, muft affert the
Eternity of Matter; and deny it to the World, fuch as it now appears :
which is a Point well obferved by the Wifdom of the earlieft Ages; and,
what approaches near to it, the Philofophy of Democritus. And the fame
Gggg 2
is
The Author here proceeds to enumerate, in a candid manner, the particular doctrinal Points,
maintained by Telefius; which are exceeding numerous; but at prefent generally exploded: we
have therefore fingled out a few of the principal, for a Tafte; tho thefe, no more than the
reft, are ſupportable upon his Principles.
596
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Sect. II.
The Principles
of Telefius
is confirmed by the Scripture Account; the difference confifting principally
in this, that the Scripture afcribes the exiftence of Matter to God; whereas
the other Accounts wou'd make it felf-exiftent. For there feem to be three
Particulars known by Faith, with relation to this Affair; viz. (1.) That
Matter was created out of Nothing; (2.) That a Syftem was produced by
the omnipotent Word; or that Matter did not form itſelf out of Chaos, into
the Structure we now fee; and (3.) That this Structure before the Fall,
was the beft that the Matter at firſt created was capable of. But other
Philosophies reach'd not fo far as to any one of theſe Points; their Patrons
having an abhorrence of a Creation out of nothing; and conceiving the
Structure of the Univerſe produced after many Revolutions, Effays and
Endeavours of Matter; whilſt they do not concern themſelves about rang-
ing it in the beſt manner; as they make the Structure but perishable and
variable. In thefe Particulars, therefore, it were better to reft upon the Foun-
dations of Faith: but more of this in the Fable of Cælum, to which it pro-
perly belongs.
5. As to the Principles of Telefius; he might have confiderably improved
his fecond, viz. that of Cold; as he lays it down not for a privation of
improveable. Heat, but as an independent, active Principle, the rival of Heat.
And as
we defire to favour all the Diſcoveries that can any way be made in Nature;
and wou'd give to every one of them their due weight; he might have
proceeded to fhew the Action of Cold upon Matter, as he has done that of
Heat, in the following manner. The Seat of Cold is fix'd and immoveable,
excellently correfponding to the variable and moveable Structure of Heat;
as an Anvil to the Hammer: for if both Principles were variable, and
changeable, they wou'd have produced temporary or momentary Bodies.
So again, the immenfe Regions of Heat, which he places in the Heavens,
are fomewhat balanced by the compact Nature of the terreftrial Globe,
and the Bodies about it; as the Thing to be confider'd is not Space; but
the quantity of Matter contain'd in Space. Add to this that the Nature, the
Efficacy, and the degrees of Cold cannot be largely treated of, for want of
Opportunities of making Experiments therewith, in order to arrive at cer-
tainty. For the coldneſs of the Earth has no fubftitute, within the Power
of Man, to make Experiments with, correfponding to that of culinary
Fire, which is a kind of ſubſtitute for the Sun, and manifeſts the Nature of
Heat. As to the cold Exhalations which arife in the Winter from the
Surface of the Earth, in the coldeſt Regions, and diffuſe themſelves in the
Air; they are but a kind of warm Baths, in Compariſon of the primum
Frigidum hid in the Bowels of the Earth; whence the utmoſt Cold that
falls under the Senfes, and within the Power of Mankind, may be efteem'd
no greater in degree, than that of the Sun in the hottest Countries, com-
pared with the Blaſt-heat of a Furnace, &c. And in this manner might
his other Pofitions be improved.
* See the Sapientia Veterum. Fab. 1. Vol. I. p. 550.
6. But
Sect. II.
597
The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
6. But the great Fault, both in Telefius and others, who conftitute Prin- The general
ciples, is that they derive them from Things which have no Exiſtence; fo Error in eſta-
bliſhing Prin-
that it were greatly to be wifh'd Men wou'd once, by a common Confent,
ciples.
agree to leave off this trifling; and not feign Beings, where no Beings are;
or place Principles where they find none; and thus avoid embracing a ma-
nifeſt Contradiction. For abstract Principles, and perishable Principles, are no
Principles at all; whilft there is an unavoidable neceffity for Men, if they
will talk intelligibly, to have recourſe to Atoms; which are real, material,
figurate, meafurable Things, capable of Situation, Refiftance, Appetite,
Motion, Action and Efficacy; remaining for ever unimpair'd and undimi-
nifh'd, the fame thro' all the Deftruétions and Changes of natural Bodies.
For as there are fuch varieties of Corruptions in the larger Bodies, there
muft neceffarily be fome central part, as it were, that remains unchangeable :
and this central part muft either be fomewhat potential, or extremely fmall.
But it can be nothing potential; for the primitive potential Effence cannot
be like other Things that are potential; which differ in Act from what
they are in Power; but it muſt neceffarily be fomething abſtracted, as be-
ing uncapable of all Action, and yet retaining all Power: whence it muſt
confequently be fome immutable and extremely fmall Thing; unless any
one will maintain that there are no Principles at all; but that one Thing is
a Principle to another; and that the Law and order of Change is conftant
and eternal; and the Effence of Things vague, and mutable. And it wou'd
be better, exprefly to affert fomething of this kind, than thro' a defire of
maintaining an eternal Principle, run into a greater Inconvenience, and make
that Principle phantaftical. For in the former Cafe there ſeems to be fome
Iffue; as Things wou'd then change from one to another in a Circle: but
on the footing of phantaftical Principles, there is no End; whilſt notional
Things, and the Helps of the Mind are held as material Beings.
7. It comes ftill clofer to the Point, that there are four Demonftrations, Four Confuta-
which fingly confute the Philofophy of Telefius, as to Principles; and much tions of the
more when they are united. The first is, that there are found fome Principles of
very Telefius.
powerful and extenfive Actions and Effects in Things, that can in no wife
be attributed to Heat and Cold. The ſecond is, that there are fome Na-
tures, of which Cold and Heat are the Effects, and Confequences, not by
the excitation of a Heat inherent in them, or the application of an adven-
titious Heat; but wherein Heat and Cold are lodged and generated from
their first Existence: whence they fail, on both fides, of being Principles; as
there is fomething that does not proceed from them; and as they themselves
proceed from fomething elfe. Thirdly, that thofe Things which have their
Oigin from Heat and Cold, do yet proceed from them, not as from a
proper and intimate Caufe; but only as from an Effect and Inftrument.
Fourthly and Laftly, That his Conjunction of his four connatural Things, is
perfectly diforderly and confufed. And to each of theſe we propofe to fpeak,
in particular.
8. It may doubtlefs appear to fome not worth the while to be fo ftre- The particular
nuous in fubverting the Philofophy of Telefus, which itſelf is neither fa- Telefius, why
Confutation of
mous undertaken.
598
Sect. II.
The History of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
mous nor received. We anfwer, that we are not above confidering the
more ordinary Matters; but for Telefius himfelf, we have a good Opinion
of him, as of a lover of Truth; a Man ufeful in promoting the Sciences;
and one whom we acknowledge a principal modern Improver of certain
Doctrines. We are not however here concern'd with him as Telefius, but
only as he is a Reftorer of the Philofophy of Parmenides; to which great
Reverence is due. But the chief Reafon of our profecuting this Subject at
large, is to lay, upon the firft occafion, fuch a Foundation as may commo-
diouſly be transferr'd to the Confutation of the other Sects, which we here-
after propoſe to confider: fo as to avoid the Neceffity of repeating the
fame Things, again and again. For as the Roots and Fibres of different
Errors are ſtrangely interwoven and entangled among one another, they
may frequently be confuted with one and the fame Argument; as different
as Weeds are cut down with the fame Scythe ".
When the Author had enter'd a little into this particular Confutation of the Principles of
Telefius, the Difcourfe breaks off abruptly, fo that it feems more agreable to end it here,
It fhou'd feem as if the preſent Piece, had it been finiſhed, was intended to make a Part of
the Tables, for exhibiting the ancient and modern Philofophies, as mention'd Vol. II. pag.
57, 58.
PHY-
Sect. II. The Hiftory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
599
PHYSICAL ESSAYS:
Upon different SUBJECTS,
With Regard to the Improvement of
Natural Philofophy.
I.
Of the CORPUSCULAR PHILOSOPHY.
"T
The Notion of
HE Doctrine of Democritus, concerning Atoms, is either true or
uſeful in Demonſtration: for it is not eaſy to conceive in Thought, Atoms either
or to expreſs in Words, the real fubtilty of Nature, fuch as we
true or uſeful.
find it in Things, without the Suppofition of Atoms.
2. This Word has two Significations, not greatly differing from each The meaning
other being either taken for the ultimate Divifion, and the smallest Por- of the Term,
tion of Matter; or elfe for a folid Particle, without Vacuity.
double.
3. As to the first, these two Pofitions may be fafely laid down; Atoms invi-
(1.) That there is a much more fubtile Divifion, and Comminution found in
fible.
Things, than what falls under the Sight; and (2.) That this Divifion cannot be
endleſs or continued, in infinitum. For a diligent Obferver will find much
more fubtile and fine Parts in continued Bodies, than in fuch as are fepa-
rated, and difcontinued. Thus a little Saffron will tinge a whole Hogf-
head of Water; fo as to render it diftinguishable even by the Sight from
pure Water and this Diffufion of the Saffron thro' the Water, doubtless ex-
ceeds the fubtilty and fineness of the moft exquifite Powder; as may ma-
nifeftly appear from mixing, in another Hoghead of Water, a like quan-
tity of the Powder of Brazil Wood, Balauftines, or any other tinging Body,
I
provided
600
The Hiſtory of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Sect. II.
The Subtilty of
odorous Bo-
dies.
Hero's No-
tion of Atom
and Vacuity
explain'd.
provided it has not the like tenacity or clamminefs with Saffron ; which
difpofes it to fpread, open and incorporate with Liquors. It were there-
fore ridiculous to take Atoms for thofe Corpufcles, that appear in the Rays
of the Sun fuch Corpufcles being but like fine Duft: whereas, D.mocritus
himſelf declares that for Atoms, no Man ever faw, or can ſee them.
4. This fubtile Divifion of Things appears much more furprizing in the
Cafe of Odours for as a little Saffron may tinge a whole Hogfhead of Wa-
ter; ſo a very little Civet will impregnate the Air of a very large Room,
with its Odour, or even two or three Rooms fucceffively. And let no Man
here imagine that Odours diffufe themfelves like Light, Heat, or Cold, with-
out any Communication of Subſtance; fince it is obfervable that Odours will,
for a confiderable time, adhere to Wood, Metal, and other folid Bodies;
and may thence be diflodged and cleanfed away, by washing and rubbing.
But in thefe and the like Inftances, no one of a found Judgment will pre-
tend that the Procefs & is infinite; fince fuch a kind of Divifion or Diffufion
is reſtrained to certain Spaces, and certain Limits, or Quantities, of Mat-
ter; as evidently appears in the preceding Examples ".
5. As to the fecond Senfe of the word Atoms, which fuppofes a Vacuum,
and defines an Atom from the want of Vacuity; Hero has beftow'd laudable
Pains about it: denying a collective and afferting an interfperfed Vacuity. For
when he faw the conftant Connexion of Bodies; and that no Space cou'd be
affign'd abfolutely empty of Matter; and, what makes more to the purpoſe ;
obferving that heavy and ponderous Bodies wou'd be carried upwards; or
even in a manner, depofite and violate their Natures, rather than fuffer
an abſolute divulfion from the Bodies contiguous to them; he laid it down.
as certain, that Nature abhorred any great or collective Vacuum. On the
other hand, when he found that the fame Matter of a Body wou'd con-
tract, or condenfe itfelf; and again open or dilate; fo as fometimes to
poffefs and fill a larger, and fometimes a fmaller ſpace; he cou'd not con-
ceive how this Ingrefs and Egrefs of Bodies in their places happens, without
an interfperfed Vacuity; that fhould be lefs when the Body is comprefs'd,
and greater when it is relaxed. For this Contraction muft, of Neceflity,
arife, (1.) either becaufe Vacuity is excluded (after the manner juft now
mention'd) in proportion to the Condenſation; or, (2.) becauſe fome other
lighter body, intermixed with the Body condenſed, is fqueezed out; or,
(3.) becauſe there is fome certain natural Condenſation and Rarifaction of
Bodies.
6. As to the ſecond Cafe, that of fqueezing out a more rarified Body; it
feems inconclufive: for altho Sponges and the like porous Bodies do con-
tract when the Air is fqueezed out of them; yet it is manifeft by numerous
Experi-
• Perhaps Microſcopes cannot be fo far improved as to render the original component
Parts of Matter vifible. Tho this ought to be farther attempted.
As we ſee in perfumed Sword-Blades,
8 Viz. Of Tinging or Impregnating.
▸ Viz. Of Saffron and Civet.
c.
See the Author's Hiſtory of Condenſation and Rarifaction, paſſim.
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
601
Experiments, that the Air itſelf is capable of great Contraction. Shall we fup-
poſe then that the more fubtile part of the Air is fqueezed out; and afterwards
another Portion of this part; and fo on for ever? But it ftrongly oppofes
this Opinion, that the more rarified any Body is, the greater Contraction
it will fuftain; whereas the contrary fhou'd be true, if Contraction happen'd
by the Expreffion of a more rarified part. (2.) As to the third way; that
the fame Bodies, no otherwiſe changed, fhou'd yet have a greater or lefs
degree of Rarity or Denfity; it feems to be a dogmatical Pofition, depending
upon an abfurd unexplain'd Suppofition, as Ariftotle's Pofitions generally do.
(3.) The first way, therefore, which fuppofes a Vacuum, remains as the
juſteſt.
ty of Matter.
7. If any one fhall here object, that it feems ftrange, and almoft incredible Objection, that
that there fhou'd be an interfperfed Vacuity; whereas Matter is every be a vacuum
there shou'd
where at hand: let him attentively confider the Inftances above produced, of amidst a plen-
Water tinged with Saffron, and Air impregnated with Odours; and he will
eafily perceive there can be no part of the Water affign'd, where there is
not Saffron, and yet it is plain, by comparing the Saffron, and the Water
together, before they are mix'd, that the Body of the Water is immenfly
greater, than the Body of the Saffron; and fo of the Air and the Odour.
And if this be the Cafe between different Bodies, much rather may it be
allow'd between Body and Vacuity.
betwixt the
8. But the Speculation of Hero, who was only a mechanical Man, yields The difference
to the Speculation of the famous Philofopher Democritus, in this, that Hero Speculation of
not finding a collective Vacuum in the lower Globe of the Earth; thence Hero and De-
directly denied its Exiſtence: for this is no Reaſon why there fhou'd not be mocritus.
a collective Vacuum in the Regions of the Æther, where, without doubt,
there are great Expanſions and Rarifactions *.
9. Men fhou'd here be admonish'd, not to confound their Imaginations, Admonition.
and give themſelves up to incertainties, in theſe and the like Enquiries, by
reaſon of the fubtilty of Nature: but to conceive that Generals may as well
be fubmitted to Examination and Calculation as Particulars. Thus it is as
eafy to mention, or think of a thoufand Years, as a thouſand Moments:
becauſe thoſe Years confift but of Moments. Nor again, let any one ima-
gine, that fuch Enquiries as theſe are rather matters of Speculation, than of
real Ufe, and conducive to Works: for we find that all the Philofophers
and others, who were vers'd in Experience and Particulars, and have given
any true Diffection of Nature, have always fallen upon thefe Enquiries;
tho indeed with no great Succefs. Nor is there any jufter or ftronger Rea-
fon, why the preſent Philoſophy remains barren of Works, than this, that it
catches at the Subtilties of Words, and vulgar Notions; without purſuing, or
determining to enquire into the Subtilty of Nature',
VOL. III.
Hhhh
II.
* See Sir Isaac Newton's Principia, paſſim.
1 For more upon this whole Subject, confult the Hiftory of Condenfation and Rarifaction;
and the Sylva Sylvarum, paffim. See alfo Mr. Boyle's feveral Pieces relating to it.
1
602
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
of Pythagoras
II.
Of the Similarity and Diffimilarity of ATOMS.
I. HE Doctrines and Difcoveries of Pythagoras were generally fuch as
The Nhambers 1 T feem better fitted for founding a religious Order, than for opening
explained. a School in Philofophy: and the Event confirmed it; for his Difcipline has
prevail'd and flouriſh'd more in the Herefy of the Manichees, and the Su-
perftition of Mahomet, than among Philofophers. His Opinion, how-
ever, that the World confifts of Numbers, may be taken in fuch a Senfe,
as to enter the Principles of Nature: for there are, and may be, two Opi-
nions concerning Atoms, or the Seeds of Things; the one that of Demo-
critus which attributes Diffimilarity, and by Figure, Situation, to Atoms :
the other, perhaps, that of Pythagoras, which wou'd have them all to be
fectly equal and fimilar. For he who afcribes Similarity to Atoms, neceffarily
places all Things in Numbers; but he who allows of other Properties,
employs the primitive Natures of feparate Atoms, befides the Numbers or
Ways of their coming together.
The Changes
of Bodies,
whence.
The Action of
Separation to
be effected.
per-
2. The practical Queftion correfponding to this Speculation, and capable
of determining the Point, is that which Democritus himself propofes; viz.
Whether every Thing may be made out of all Things? Which he believing im-
poffible, afferted a diverfity of Atoms. But the Queftion to us feems not
well put;
nor fo as to prefs and determine the Point in the preceding
Speculation; if it be underſtood of the immediate Tranfmutation of Bodies:
but the proper Queſtion is this; Do not all Things pass in a due Course of
Circulations and intermediate Changes? For no doubt but the Seeds of
Things, tho fimilar, after having thrown themſelves into certain Knots, or
Combinations, entirely put on the Nature of diffimilar Bodies; till thofe Knots,
or Combinations, come to be diffolved again; infomuch that the Nature and
Properties of Compounds may be as great a hindrance to immediate Tranf
mutation, as the Nature and Properties of fimple Bodies. But Democritus,
tho acute in diſcovering the Principles of Bodies, is diffimilar to himſelf, and
unskilful, in examining the Principles of Motions; which indeed was the com-
mon Defect of all the ancient Philofophers. And yet, poffibly, this Enquiry
concerning the Primitive State of the Seeds or Atoms of Things, may be
of the greatest Utility; afford the fupreme Rule of Action and Power; and
juftly direct and govern both Hopes and Works m.
3. And from hence arifes another Enquiry, which tho not fo extenfively
ufeful as the former; yet comes clofer to Things and Works. This En-
quiry regards the Buſineſs of Separation and Alteration; fo as to diſcover
what
1 This requires to be well confider'd, and, if poffible, to be determined; in order to the
working of Changes in Bodies; and producing phyfical Effects.
m For if we cou'd difcover the original or primary component Particles of Matter, fo as
clearly to discern their Arrangements and Compofitions, whereon the Form or Properties of
different Bodies depend; we might be enabled to feparate and combine thefe Atoms fo, as,
under due Limitations and Restrictions, to produce all the poffible Changes in Matter.
Phyfical ESSAY S.
60%
what is effected by Separation; and what by other means. For 'tis an
Error familiar to the Mind, and has been fpread, and confirmed by the
Philofophy of the Chemifts, to attribute thofe Things to Separation,
which are the Effect of fomething elfe. Thus, for Example, when Water
flies off in Vapour, it is eafy to imagine, that the more fubtile Part of the
Water is here difcharged, whilft the groffer remains behind; as in green
Wood, where one part goes off in Flame and Smoke, and another remains
behind in Aſhes. And fomething of this kind might be fufpected of Wa-
ter, in a lefs manifeft degree: for tho the whole Body of the Water may
ſeem to evaporate and be confumed; yet fome groffer Parts, like Afhes,
may remain adhering to the Veffel. But here the Imagination is liable to
be deceived: for it is certain, that the whole Body of the Water may fly
off into the Aira; or if any thing fhould ftick to the Veffel, this may not
proceed from a Separation of the groffer Parts; but, perhaps, is the fame
Subſtance as that which evaporates; only condenfed by coming in Contact
with the Sides of the Veffel. So we fee that Quickfilver becomes totally
volatile with Heat; and is recoverable again without lofs. So again, in
the Oil of Lamps, and the Tallow of Candles, the whole Quantity of the
fat Body becomes volatile; without leaving any Afhes: for Soot is gene-
rated after the Flame, not before it; and therefore appears to be the Skeleton
or Carcaſs of the Flame; and not the Dregs of the Oil or Tallow.
4. And this may ferve as an Introduction in Nature, to a Confutation of An Entrance
the Notion of Democritus, as to a diverfity of Atoms: but for the In- to the Confu-
troduction in Opinion, this is much eafier, and almoft fpontaneous; becauſe tation of De-
the common Philofophy makes its fictitious Matter indifferent, and fufcep- Atoms.
ible of all Forms.
1.
TE
III.
Of the vulgar Divifion of MOTION.
mocritus's
HE Divifion of Motion at prefent received in Philofophy, feems The vulgar
but popular, and groundlefs; as diftinguishing the Thing only by Divifions of
its Effects, without regarding the Difcovery of Caufes. For Generation,
Motion Super-
Corruption, Augmentation, Diminution, Alteration, and local Motion,
ficial.
are no more than the Works and Effects of Motions; which arriving at any
manifeft change of Things, fubject to vulgar notice, they are then very
unfcientifically called by thofe Names. For doubtlefs, the meaning is this;
that when a Body, by any kind of Motion has acquired a new Form, or
laid afide an old one, fo as to complete its Period, or run its courfe; Men
agree to call it a Motion of Generation or Corruption: but if the Form
Hhhh 2
ftill
n Suppofing the Water perfectly pure, or free from all terreftrial Matter; tho there is
an Experiment produced to fhew that Water, by repeated Distillations, is convertible into
Earth. See Mr. Boyle upon the Subject, and Boerhaave's Chemistry under the Chapter of
Water.
604
Phyfical ESSAY S.
Are but the
Motion.
ftill remains, and the Body only acquires a new Quality or Dimenfion'
this is called Motion of Increafe or Diminution. So again, when the Bulk
remains the fame, whilft the Quality, Actions, and Paffions are changed;
this they call a Motion of Alteration: but if the Form, the Bulk, and Quan-
tity, remain the fame, and nothing is altered but the Place, this they term
local Motion.
2. Whoever confiders thefe Motions with accuracy and diligence, will find
Meaſures of them no other than the Meaſures of Motions; or only Periods, certain
Stages, and as it were Taſks of Motions; and not real Differences as ex-
preffing indeed the Fact, or what is done; but fcarce intimating at all
how it was brought about. Thefe Expreffions, therefore, are neceffary in
Teaching; and accommodated to the Methods of Logic; but are extreme.
ly empty in reſpect of natural Knowledge. For all thefe Motions will ap-
pear compounded, recompounded, and variouſly combined, if we would
fkilfully enter the more fimple Operations of Nature. For the Principles,
the Fountains, the Caufes, and the Forms of Motions, that is, the Appe-
tites and Paffions of all kinds of Matter, are required in Philofophy. So
likewife are the Impreffions or Impulfes of Motions, their Checks and Re-
luctances, their Courfes and Obftacles, their Alterations and Mixtures, their
Revolutions and Concatenations, and in ſhort, the univerfal Proceſs of Mo-
tions. Warm Disputes, probable Reafonings, vague Contemplations, and
plaufible Opinions, are here of little fervice: but the Buſineſs is by proper
Means, and a fuitable Helping of Nature, to excite, reftrain, increaſe,
remit, multiply, check, and ftop any Motion, in a Body fufceptible there-
of; and hence either preferve, change or transform Bodies, at pleaſure.
Admonition
3. And here fuch Motions fhould principally be enquired after, as are
for profecuting fimple, original, and fundamental; of which the reft confift: for it is cer-
the Enquiry tain, that as the more fimple Motions are difcovered, the human Power will
after fimple be the more enlarged, or the lefs confined to the uſe of determinate Expedients;
Motions,
and the greater Command it will have in producing new Works. And doubt-
lefs, as that immenfe Variety of Words in all Languages is compofed of a
few fimple Letters; fo all the Actions and Fowers of Things confiſt in a
few different kinds of original and fimple Motions. It would therefore be
unworthy of Mankind, to have fo accurately fifted and diſcovered the mi-
nute Differences of their own Voice, and yet remain illiterate in the
Voice of Nature; and like the firft Ages, before the Invention of Letters,
underſtand none but compound Sounds and Words; without diftinguiſhing
the fimple Elements of Speech, or the Letters of the Alphabet p.
• See the Novum Organum, Part II. Sect. II. Aph. 48.
IV. Of
The Author intended, upon this Footing, to have drawn up an Alphabet of Nature,
containing all the fimple Motions, abstract Natures, the cardinal Powers, fummary Motions,
measures of Motions, &c. but there is only a very imperfect Fragment of it, publiſhed by
Dr. Tenison.
Phyfical ESSAY S.
605
IV.
Of MOTION, and the moving Principles of Things.
1. HE operative Philofopher muft lay the ftrefs of his Enquiry upon The dead Prin
TH
the Confideration and Examination of Motion; but the Lovers of ciples of Mo-
Controverfy and Difpute, may confider the unactive Principles of Things. tions chiefly
We call thofe unactive Principles, which fhew, whereof things may be made enquired into.
and confift; but not the Means and the Ways whereby they may come to-
gether and unite. For 'tis not fufficient, or of any great fignificance to
Action, and the enlargement of the human Power, to know whereof
Things are compofed; without underſtanding the Ways and Means of
producing Changes and Transformations. Thus, does it follow, that he
who knows all the fimple Ingredients of Mithridate, can certainly make
that Compound? Or muft he who has exact Defcriptions of the Materials
and Utenfils employ'd in the making of Glafs, Sugar, Cloth, &c. of ne-
ceflity have the Art of preparing and producing thefe Commodities? And
yet the Speculations of Men are principally employ'd in difcovering and
examining theſe dead Principles of Things: juft as if any one fhould propofe
and determine to look into the Anatomy of the dead Carcafs of Nature;
without enquiring into her Faculties and Powers, when alive and active.
:
2. But all the Enquiry made into the moving Principles of Things is little And the lit
more than tranfient and indeed it is aftonishing to fee how looſely, and with ing ones neg-
what Negligence, the greateſt and moſt uſeful Thing in all Nature has been lecteds
treated and examined. Thus, if we look a little into the Philofophy on
foot, we ſhall find it turning upon fuch Queftions as thefe: Can Matter be
excited by Privation? Is Matter formed according to Ideas? Do fimilar Par-
ticles come into Aggregates? Are Atoms fortuitously tumbled about in Vacuo?
Is there any Amity and Enmity in Matter? Do the Heavens and the Earth
make mutual Impreffions upon each other? Do the Heavens hold correfpon-
dence by fymbolizing Qualities? Have the celeftial Bodies any Influence?
Are there any Sympathies and Antipathies in Things? Are there any occult
ſpecific Virtues and Properties? Is there any fuch Thing as Fate or Ne-
ceffity? &c. But can all thefe kinds of Generals, which are nothing but.
Phantoms that play about the Surfaces of Things, be ferviceable to Mankind;
or enlarge our Stock of Knowledge and Power? They may indeed diftend,
and fwell the Imagination; but can no way contribute to the Production of
Works, the changing of Bodies, or the governing of Motions.
3. So likewife to argue, fubtilize, and diftinguith betwixt natural and vio- The Method
lent Motion, Self-motion, and Motion from without; the Terms and Appel. of improving
lations of Motions, and the like; is not to grapple with Nature; but catch- effective Phi-
ing at Shadows. All Matters of this kind, therefore, being dropt, or delivered Losophy..
over to vulgar and ordinary Difcourfe, thofe Appetites and Inclinations of
Things fhould be difcovered, from whence proceeds all that great Variety
of Efects and Changes in the Works of Nature and Art: whillt Men thus
endea-
бов
Phyfical ESSAY S.
Ariſtotle's
Diſtinction
of violent
Motion.
endeavour to bring Nature, like Proteus, under Conftraint. And certain-
ly, the kinds of Motion, rightly difcovered and diftinguifhed, are the true.
Shackles of Proteus: for just as Motions, that is, Incentives and Reſtraints,
are checked and eaſed, ſo is Matter converted and transformed.
I.
VI
V.
Of Violent and Projectile MoTI o N.
as is
ཐ
Iolent Motion, as it is called, or the Motion of Projectiles, is one
of the moſt common of all Motions; and yet there has been a
from natural ftrange and fupine Negligence, in not attending to and enquiring about it.
This Neglect has proved highly detrimental: for the Motion itſelf is a
Thing of infinite Utility; particularly in the Bufirefs of Engines and Ma-
chines, Gunnery, and all Mechanicks; whereof it is, in a manner, the Life
and Soul. There are many who fancy themfelves to have finiſhed this En-
quiry, by pronouncing the Motion we fpeak of, to be violent; and di-
ftinguishing it from natural Motion. It is indeed, the peculiar Manner and
Conduct of Aristotle, and his School, to provide Anſwers, and fhort verbal
Determinations; but not to adjust and fettle Things: they fhew how a
Man may disentangle himſelf in Difpute, either by affirming or denying;
but not what Judgment he ought to form in his own Mind.
Motion.
A fecond Opi- 2. Others, with more Attention, laying hold of this Pofition, that two
nion of violent Bodies cannot be in the fame Place at once; will have it, that the more
forcible one impels, and the weaker gives way; and that this yielding, if
the Force applied be fmall, continues no longer than the firft Impulfe, in the
way of Protrufion: but if greater, that it continues for fome time after the
other Body is removed, till it remits by degrees; as in Throwing. And
thefe again, according to another inveterate Cuftom of the fame School,
catch at the first Appearances of Things, without troubling themfelves much
with the Procefs, or Iffue; as if all Beginnings drew every thing elfe after
them whence they break off their Enquiries with a hafty and untimely
Impatience. For to fay that Bodies give way upon the firft Stroke, is
fomething; but to the Point, how, after the impelling Body is removed,
the Motion fhould continue, they are filent; and have no clear Conception.
A Third.
The true Notion
3. Others again, with greater Diligence and Perfeverance, obferving that
the Force of the Air, as in Winds, &c. fometimes blows down Trees and
Buildings; conceive, that the Force attending and carrying Projectiles
after the firft Impulfe, is owing to the Air collected, and rufhing in behind
the moving Body; fo as to impel it forwards, as a Current drives a Ship.
And theſe indeed go thro' with the Matter, and bring the Confideration
to a Conclufion; tho not with the requifite Truth and Juftnefs.
4. The Fact ſeems to be this. The principal Motion refides in the Parts
of ohe Thing. of the Projectile; but this Motion, by reafon of its Subtilty, being imper-
ceptible to the Sight, Men have carelefly overlook'd it. But whoever con-
fiders
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
607
fiders the Thing attentively will find, that all hard Bodies are extremely im-
patient of Preffure, and have, as it were, a very acute Senſe thereof; info-
much, that if ever fo little driven from their natural Figure, they with great
Velocity, endeavour to free themfelves; and recover their former State.
And in order to this, all the Parts, beginning with the first that is ftruck,
thus protrude and thruſt one another, as if by an external Force; whence
there enfues a continued and intenfe, tho invifible Trepidation, Vibration,
and Commotion of all the Parts. Thus we fee Glafs, Sugar, and the Exemplified in
like brittle Things, break not always in the Part ftruck upon; but in others the harder,
remote from that where the Blow was given which evidently demonſtrates
this Communication of the Motion of Preffure to the remoter Parts ;
which Motion extending every way, and exerting its Force all around,
cauſes a Separation in that Part where, from the precedent Difpofition of
the Body, the Union was leaft firm. Nor yet does this Motion, tho it
runs thro' and difturbs every part of Body, appear to the Sight, but by the
Effect of breaking, or feparating the Continuity.
:
5. So again we fee, if a piece of Iron Wire, a Quill, or the like flexible
and elaftic Body, be bent between the Fingers, and let go again; the Ends
preſently ſtart back to their former Situation: the Caufe of which
Motion is, manifeftly, not in the Parts of the Body fo bent; but in the
Middle, that fuftained the Force from which this Motion relieves the Body.
And in this Example it plainly appears, that the Canfe of Motion, above
derived from the Impulfe of the Air, is plainly excluded; there being here
no Percuffion to protrude the Air. This is alfo farther manifeft, from that
obvious and common Practice of fqueezing a Plumb-Stone, whilft freſh and
flippery; and thus fhooting it from between the Fingers for here alſo
Compreffion performs the office of Percuffion. But the moft evident Effect
of this Motion is perceived in the perpetual Rotations or Revolutions of
Projectiles, flying in the Air: for tho they move continually forwards; yet
they do it in Spirals, or by rolling round, and moving forwards at the fame
time. And indeed this fpiral Motion being fo rapid, and yet fo obvious,
or as it were familiar to Things, makes us doubt a little, whether it may
not depend upon a higher Principle; tho, perhaps, there is no other Caufe
of the Effect than that now offered: for the preffure of a Body excites a
powerful Motion in its ſmalleſt Parts, fufficient to make it endeavour to
releaſe and free itſelf every way; whence a Projectile does not only fly ftrait
forward, but every other way trys to free itfelf; and therefore revolves:
for by both thefe means it does fomething towards its own Relaxation or
Releafe r
6. And
Solids.
9 If this were the Cafe, would not the projected Body conceive fome fmall degree of
Heat in the Air? Yet it has not, perhaps, been fatisfactorily fhewn, that a Bullet grows at all
hot by being diſcharged from a Cannon. But in the Inftance below, § 5. Iron Wire grows
hot by bending. See the Novum Organum, Part II. Aph. 11, exc.
Let this phyfical Confideration about the Cauſe of the rotatory or progreffive Motion of
Projectiles be compared with Sir Ifaac Newton's Three Laws of Motion, &c.
2
608
Phyfical Ess A Y s.
In the fefter
Solids.
May be influ-
enced by the
Air.
:
6. And tho in Solids this Action may appear fomewhat fecret and fubtile;
yet it is very evident and palpable in fofter Bodies: for as Wax, Lead, &c.
when ftruck with the Hammer give way, not only forwards but fide ways,
and all round; in the fame manner, hard refifting Bodies fly forwards,
both in a direct Line, and circularly for there is a correfpondence be
tween the Subftance of a yielding foft Body, and the local yielding in a
hard one.
And the Paffion of a hard Body, when it flies and gets away,
is clearly underſtood from the change of Figure produced upon a foft one.
7. We do not, however, deny but the Air may have fome confiderable
Share in affifting, hindering, directing, and governing the principal Motion
thus excited. And this Explanation of violent or mechanical Motion, which
has hitherto lain concealed, is a kind of Fountain to mechanical Works and
Practice.
VI.
Of the Correspondence between Senfible and Infenfible
TH
BODIES.
HERE is a great Agreement betwixt the Paffions of fenfible and
infenfible Bodies; excepting only that the fenfible Bodies have a Spirit,
Thus the Pupilla of the Eye is compared to a Looking-glafs, or to Water;
as it receives and reflects the Images of Light, and viſible Objects, in the
fame manner therewith. So the Organ of Hearing has a Conformity with
the Figure of a Cave; which excellently reflects Sound and the Voice.
Again, the Sympathies or Attractions of Things inanimate, with their peculiar
Dreads and Flights, or Avoidances, correfpond to grateful and difagreeable
Odours in Animals. And for the Bufinefs of Tafte and Touch, it, on the
one hand, expreffes, like an Interpreter, all the Violences; and on the other,
all the grateful and friendly Infinuations, and all the Repreſentations of the
Paffions which can happen in Bodies inanimate. For Compreffions, Exten-
fions, Corroſions, Separations, and the like, lie concealed in the Proceſs of
lifelefs Bodies; and are not perceived till after the Effect is manifeft: but in
Animals they are all performed with a Senfation of Pain, according to the
different Kinds or Characteriſticks of the Violence; the Spirit here fuffering
along with them all. And from this Principle we may know whether any
Animal has another Senfation, befides thofe obferved; as alfo how many,
and what kind of Senfations there may be in all the Species of Animals.
For from the Paffions of Matter juftly diftinguiſhed, will follow the number
of Senfations; provided there be ſuitable Organs, accompanied with a Spirit,
to obferve them.
VII. Of
This is a Speculation of Confequence, and may perhaps require a little Illuſtration. The
Bodies of Animals fuffer in all refpects like infenfible Bodies; that is, with refpect to their
Matter and external Appearance. Thus Plants are wounded and wither, rot and putrefy,
3
like
Phyfical Ess A Y S.
609
I
IX.
Of apparent REST, CONSISTENCY, and FLUIDITY.
1. TH
HAT certain Bodies fhould be at reft, or motionleſs, feems rea- Reft in Bodies,
fonable; if underſtood of their Wholes; but if of their Parts, it how to be un.
may miſlead the Judgment: for there is no fuch Thing as fimple and ab- derstood.
folute Reft, both in the Parts and the Wholes of Bodies: but that which is
thought to be Reft, proceeds either from fome Impediment, Reſtraint, or
equipollency of Motions. Thus, for example, in the Gardener's Water-
ing-pot, which is ftruck full of Holes at the Bottom; if the Orifice of
the Pot be clofed, the Water will not run out at the bottom Holes. And
this apparently proceeds from a retractive Motion, and not from a quiefcent
Nature; for the Water ftill tends as much downwards, as if it were in
actual Motion: but as there is no other Body to fucceed at the Top of the
Veffel, the Water at the Bottom is drawn back by the Water at the Top,
and thus forcibly witheld. For if a ftronger Man fhould hold down a
weaker, ſo that with his utmoft Strength the weaker fhould not be able to
ftir; yet the Motion of Re-action is not the lefs, for its not prevailing ;
or for being bound down by a ſtronger Motion.
2. And this Diſtinction of falſe Reft is proper to be made on many Oc- A falfe Ref.
cafions; and affords great Light in the Enquiry about the Nature of Solidi-
ty and Fluidity. For Solids feem to remain quiet, and at reft, in their Po-
fition; but Liquids to move about, and be mixed together. Thus a Co-
lumn or Statue cannot be raiſed of Water; as it may of Wood or Stone:
whence Men are apt to imagine, that the upper parts of the Water endeavour,
by a natural Motion to flow downwards; but do not allow the fame as to
upper parts of Wood or Stone.
of Wood or Stone. Yet the upper parts of Wood have the fame
Tendency downwards, as thoſe of Water; and this Tendency would fhew it-
ſelf, were it not bound down and reſtrained by another Tendency, that is
pre-
vailing; viz. by the Appetite of Continuity, or Avoidance of Separation;
which is an Appetite refiding both in Water and Wood: only in Wood 'tis Fluids have an
ftronger, and in Water weaker, than the Motion of Gravity. And that Appetite of
Fluids alfo have this Motion is manifeft: thus we fee, in Bubbles of Water, Continuity.
the Fluid throws itfelf into fine Films, in the form of a Hemifphere, to
avoid Separation, or Difcontinuance and fo again, in the Droppings of
Spouts, the Water, that it may continue one with the other Water,
VOL. III.
ftretches
Iiii
like Animals, living Bodies, &c. But Animals having a Spirit and Perception; or a Senfation of
Pain or Pleaſure, correfponding to the Action wrought upon them; they know what they
feel by a Mark that inanimate Bodies have not: fo that the Effects wrought upon inanimate
Bodies being known, we may infer that Animals bave the fame Effects wrought upon them;
and a Set of Senfations agreeable thereto; provided they have Organs to perceive and take
notice of them. See Nov. Organ. Part II. ph. 27.
t This Phænomenon is now explained by the Air's Preffure being cut off at the Top; but
ill continuing at the Bottom, fo as to fupport the Water.
610
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
But Solids a
Bronger.
This Appetite
whence.
Air,
ftretches itſelf out into a fine Thread, as long as any Fluid follows from
behind; but if Water be wanting to fupply the Continuation, it then rolls
itſelf up into ſpherical Drops, the diameter whereof is much larger than
that of the former Thread. In like manner we fee, that Water diffi-
cultly fuffers a fubtile Divifion of its Parts; for it will not by its own na-
tural weight, without Concuffion, run out at very fine Holes or Cracks.
Whence it is certain, that Fluids have an Appetite of Continuity, tho it
be weak.
3. But in Solids this Appetite is ftronger, and over-rules the Motion of
Gravity for if any one imagines that the parts of a Column of Wood, or
Stone, have no tendency to fall downwards; but only to fuftain themſelves
in the fame State; he will eafily be undeceived, by obferving that fuch
Columns, if their Altitude be not proportioned to the width of their Bafes,
but run out beyond it, readily over-fet, thro' their too great weight a-top.
And hence all high Structures muft neceffarily rife in a pyramidal Form, or
grow narrower towards the Top.
4. But what that Nature is which increafes and diminiſhes this Appetite of
Continuity, is not eafy to difcover. It may perhaps be fuggefted, that the
Parts of Solids are more denfe and compact; and thofe of Liquids more rare
and looſe; or that Liquids contain Air, which is a Principle of Fluidity
not contained in Solids: but neither of theſe ſeems agreeable to the Truth.
For it is manifeft that Snow and Wax, which may be cut and wrought,
and made to receive Impreffions, are much rarer than Quickfilver, or melted
Lead; as is evident from the difproportion of their Gravities. But it may be
pretended, that perhaps Snow or Wax, tho in their Wholes they are rarer
than Quickfilver, yet contain Parts more clofe and compact; only, being
fpungy Bodies they have many Cavities, and contain Air; whence the total
Sum is lighter; as in the cafe of a Pumice, which may perhaps be ſpecifi-
cally lighter than Wood; yet if both of them were pulverized, the
Powder of the Pumice would be heavier than that of the Powder of the
Wood; becauſe the Pumice now no longer retains its Cavities. We
allow this to be well objected: but what fhall be faid of melted Snow
and melted Wax, where the Cavities are filled up? or, what to gum-
my Bodies, ſuch as Maſtic, and the like, which have not thoſe viſible Ca-
vities; and yet prove lighter than numerous Liquors ?
Not owing to 5. As to the Matter of Air, the Force and Action whereof is fuppos'd
to caufe Fluidity; this at first fight feems probable, and familiar to Mens
common Notions; but in reality it is erroneous and ſomewhat hard to
conceive; being not only deftitute of a juft Reafon, but almoft oppofite
to Reaſon for this pretended Air really induces Conſiſtence, and not Flui-
dity, as appears evidently in the Inftance of Snow; which is a Body com-
pounded of Water and Air; each of them feparately fluid; yet acquire a
Conſiſtence by Mixture. If it be here objected that this may happen from
a Condenſation of the aqueous Part by Cold, and not from an interpofition
of the Air; we have an Inftance to the contrary in Froth, which is a Body
like to Snow, and yet in no refpect condensed by Cold. If it be ftill urged
I
that
Phyfical ESSA Y S.
ESSAYS.
611
that in Froth the Condenfation proceeds not from Cold, but from Agita-
tion and Percuffion; we may have recourfe to that Experiment of Chil-
dren, who by blowing gently thro' a Pipe into foapy Water, raiſe a Tower
or a Structure of Bubbles, one upon the top of another.
6. The Cafe ſeems to be this; that Bodies refolve and open themſelves The probable
upon the Contact of others fimilar or agreeable to them; but contract and Caufe.
fhrink into themfelves upon Contact with diffimilar Bodies: whence the
Appofition of a foreign Body fhou'd feem the Caufe of Confiftence. Thus
we fee that Oil and Water mix'd together, as in the making of Unguents,
put off their Fluidity; and appear in fome meaſure confiftent: on the con-
trary, Paper moiſten'd with Water refolves, and depofites its Confiſtence,
which before was ftrong, on account of the Air intermix'd in its Pores;
but does this lefs when moiften'd with Oil; becauſe Oil has a lefs agreement
with Paper. And the like we find happens in Sugar and Bodies of that
kind, which open themſelves to receive Water or Wine: and this not only
when fuch Liquors are poured upon them; but they alfo attract and draw
the Liquor up into their Subftance, when no more than their lower Part is
dipped therein.
X.
Of the Caufe of the Motion of EXPLOSION in Guns
1.
TH
and Gunpowder.
HE Phænomenon of Gunpowder, and the Cauſe of Exploſion, The Phano-
tho ſo powerful and noble a Motion, have been hitherto very im- mena of Gun-
perfectly explain'd; and that too in the leaft confiderable Part. They pre- powder why
tend that Gunpowder, when converted and rarified into Flame, dilates itſelf, not well ex-
and poffeffes a larger Space; from whence follows the Exploſion, or burſt- plain'd.
ing of the obſtructing Body; left otherwiſe two Bodies fhou'd be in one
place, or a penetration of Dimenſions enfue, or the Form of the Element
be deſtroy'd, or the Situation of the Parts of the refifting Body become pre-
ternatural. There is fomething in this; for the Appetite and Paffion of
Matter here mentioned, have fome fhare in producing the Effect: but the
Error lyes in too haftily bringing the whole to a neceffity of the
Body's dilating; without diftinctly confidering what precedes it in Nature.
For tho it be neceffary that the Body of the Powder, after it is converted
into Flame, fhou'd poffefs a greater Space; yet it is not of the fame Ne-
ceffity, that the Body of the Powder fhou'd take Flame; and that with fuch
Rapidity but this depends upon the preceding Conflict, and a train of
Motions. For doubtlefs the folid and ponderous Body, or Bullet, diſcharged,
makes a ſtrong Refiftance before it yields; and if this Refiftance be great,
* See Mr. Boyle of Fluidity and Firmness.
Iiii 2
it
612
Phyfical ESSAY s.
A jufter So
lution.
it muſt needs prevail; fo as that the Flame fhall not drive out the Bullet;
but the Bullet ftifle the Flame. Therefore, if inſtead of Gunpowder we
were to uſe Sulphur, Camphire or the like Bodies, which alfo fuddenly catch
Flame; and becauſe Compactneſs hinders Inflammability, if theſe Materials
were form'd into Corns of Powder, with a proper Proportion of the moſt
combustible Wood-Coal; yet if Nitre were not employ'd in the Compo-
fition, there wou'd follow no fuch rapid and powerful Motion as in Gun-
powder but the Motion of Inflammation wou'd be check'd, and kept
down by the Reſiſtance of the Bullet; and fo the Event be fruſtrated, or no
Exploſion be made.
:
2. The Cafe feems to be this. The Motion here enquired after is double
and compounded; for befides the Motion of Inflammation, which princi-
pally refides in the Sulphur of the Powder; there is another more ftrong and
violent. This chiefly proceeds from the crude and aqueous Spirit of the
Nitre; and fomewhat again from the Willow-coal. For this Spirit is not only
expanded, as Vapours are by Heat; but, what is here the principal Thing,
flies away and burfts forth, with the utmoft Violence, from the Heat and
Inflammation; for which it thus opens and prepares the
the way.
We ſee ſome
reſemblance of this Motion in the crackling of dry Bay or Ivy Leaves,
when thrown into the Fire; and ſtill more evidently in Salt, which ap-
proaches nearer to the Nature of the Thing under Confideration : we alſo
find fomewhat like it when the Tallow of a burning Candle happens to be
wet; and frequently in the flatulent Flames of green Wood. But a Ca-
pital Inftance of this Motion appears in Quickfilver; which is an extremely
crude Body, and like a metallic Water; the Force whereof when clofe con-
fin'd and excited by the Fire, is little inferior to, or, perhaps, ftronger than,
that of Gunpowder. From this Example, therefore, Men are to be admo-
niſh'd, and entreated not fuddenly to feize upon any one Thing, in the En-
quiry after Cauſes; and haftily pronounce from it; but to caſt about, and
fix their Speculations deep and ftrong.
The Total Sum 1.
of Matter al-
ways the
fame.
XI.
Of the quantity of MATTER in the Universe.
IS evident that all Things change; that nothing is truly loft; and
that the total Sum of Matter remains perfectly the fame. And as
it was the Work of Omnipotence to create Something out of Nothing; the
fame Omnipotence is required to reduce any Thing back to Nothing,
Whether this be effected by a fufpenfion of the conferving Power, or by an
Act of Diffolution, is not to the Purpofe; 'tis fufficient that it requires the
Decree of the Creator. But that Men's Thoughts upon this Pofition may not
be abſtracted; or any fictitious Matter introduced; we here advertiſe, that
• Or more rema:bably when cold Water is thrown into boiling Oil, firſt ſet on Fire.
we
Phyfical Ess A Y s.
613
we conceive Matter endowed with fuch a Nature, that it may truly be faid
one Body contains more, and another lefs thereof, in the fame Dimenfions:
for Example, Lead more than Water, and Air much less than Water;
and this not in an uncertain and indefinite, but precife Proportion; fo as to be
exactly calculated and adjuſted ". And therefore, if any one ſhall ſay that
Air may be made of Water, and Water of Air; there is no abfurdity in it :
but if we fhou'd fay that a certain Meaſure of Water may be converted into
an equal Meaſure of Air; this is abfurd; and the fame as to fay that Some-
thing may be reduced to Nothing. And in like manner, to fay that a certain
Meaſure of Air may be converted into the fame Meaſure of Water; is to
fay, that fomething may be made out of nothing. And from thefe Pofi-
tions may be derived three Precepts, or ufeful Admonitions, directing Men
to a more skilful, and thence to a more ufeful Correfpondence with Nature.
2. The firft is this, that Men fhou'd frequently call upon Nature, to That Nature
give in her Account; that is, when they perceive a Body, which was first be fummon'd
manifeft to the Senfes, to have flown away and diſappear, they fhou'd not to an Accounts
admit or clear her Account, before they are made fenfible whither the Body
is gone, or what it is received into. This Matter at preſent ſeems treated
with the utmoſt Negligence; and Men's Contemplations about it generally
end with Sight; fo that they do not know even where fuch a common
Thing as Flame betakes itfelf: for to imagine it changed into the Body of
the Air is abfolutely erroneous *.
3. The fecond Precept is, that Men thus confidering the unavoidable Ne- Matter to ba
ceffity there is in the Nature of Matter to fupport itſelf, without being tortured.
diffolved, or falling into nothing; they fhou'd omit no way of torturing,
and working upon Matter; if they defire to diſcover and bring its ultimate
Operations and Refiftances to Light. This Direction indeed may feem not
very artificial; but it is ftill of Ufe. Thus in particular, we may obferve
that the greateſt Impediment Men meet with either in working or expe-
rimenting, is this; that they find it fearce poffible to preferve a certain
Maſs of Matter, without Addition or Diminution; whilft they wou'd urge,
prefs, and fubdue it; but it eludes their ultimate Force by Divifion or Sepa-
ration. Now the Separation that may happen here is of two kinds: for
either part of the Matter may fly off, as in Decoction; or at leaft there may
be a Separation, as when Cream rifes upon Milk. The Defign therefore of
a deep and intimate Change of Bodies is to vex and torture the Matter of
them to theutmoſt, by the proper means; fo as to prevent, if poffible, thefe
two Separations for 'tis then that Matter will be really bound and manacled,
when all ways of Efcape are block'd up or cut off y.
:
4. The third Precept is, that when Men fee Alterations may be made in Alterations
Bodies, without any Increaſe or Diminution of their Bulk of Matter, they procurable
wou'd first purge their Imaginations from this deep-rooted Error, that without Sepse
See the History of Condensation and Rarifaction, pag. 512, or.
* See the Syiva Sylvarum, under the Article Flame.
y
Io this parpole fee the History of Condenſation and Rarifaction, pag. 540.
Alteration
ration...
3
614
Phyfical Ess A Y s.
That Spirits
confined.
Alteration proceeds only from
only from a Separation of Parts
a Separation of Parts; and fecondly,
with Skill and Diligence, begin to diftinguish betwixt Alterations; and
learn when they are owing to a Separation, when only to a diſorder or
different ſituation of Parts, without any Separation; and when to both. Thus
for Example, when an auftere and unripe Pear is fqueezed, bruifed, rolled, or
ftrongly wrought with the Hand, and thence acquires a fweetnefs;
when Amber or Gums are reduced to fine Powder, and lofe their Co-
lour and Beauty; it is not conceivable that any confiderable Portion of their
Subftance fhou'd be wafted; but only the Parts of the Bodies brought into a
new Arrangement or Order.
:
or
5. There is also another Error to be extirpated, of fuch Force, that, if it
and fubtile prevails, fome of the Particulars here intimated may be held as defperate for
Bodies may be
it is a common Opinion that the Spirits of Things, when rais'd or rarified by
Heat to a certain high degree of Tenuity, will efcape thro' the fmall Pores of
the moſt folid Veffel, whether of Silver, Glafs, &c. which is not true: for
neither Air nor Spirit, tho rarified by Heat, nor even Flame itſelf readily
becomes fo fine, as to pafs or make its way thro' fuch Pores. Nor indeed
wou'd Air fuftain to be clofe confined and compreffed, if it cou'd any way
perfpire and get out at the Pores of the containing Veffel. Men, therefore,
need not be fo apprehenfive that the Spirits of Bodies fhou'd eafily eſcape
them; eſpecially fince the Spirits they frequently require, which are thofe
of Odours, Taftes and the like, may certainly be confined.
Five Motions I.
of the Sea.
Currents.
TH
XII.
Of the Ebbing and Flowing of the SE A.
HE Cauſes of the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea were touch'd upon
by the Antients; and afterwards dropt: but have again been re-
new'd by the Moderns; tho with fuch a variety of Opinions, as feems rather
to confound the Imagination, than difcufs the Point. Vulgar Conjecture attri-
butes this Phænomenon to the Moon; by reafon of fome Correfpondence
between the Tides and the Moon's Motion: but, if we carefully examine the
Matter, there will appear fome Traces of Truth, capable of leading us to
greater Certainty. To prevent Confufion in this Enquiry, the Motions of
the Sea fhou'd be firſt diſtinguiſh'd; which, tho confiderably multiplied by
fome, are in Fact no more than Five: one whereof is irregular, and the
others conftant.
2. The first Motion is that uncertain and various kind, call'd by the
name of Currents. The fecond is the great Motion of the Ocean, every
fix Hours; by which the Waters come up to the Shoars, and fall back again
alternately, twice a Day; tho with fuch a difference as makes a Revolution.
once in a Month. The third, is the menftrual Motion, and no other than
a Reſtoration of the diurnal Motion, juft now mention'd, to the fame Cour-
fes again. The fourth is the fame menftrual Motion, by which the Tides
have
Phyfical Ess A Y s.
615
have an increaſe at new and full Moon, above what they have in the Quar-
ters. The fifth is the half-yearly Motion; by which they rife remarkably
higher in the Equinoxes. But the fecond, or great diurnal Motion of the
Ocean is the principal Subject at prefent; and we fhall only touch upon the
reft in the way, as they may help to explain this capital one.
3. (1.) First, therefore, as to the Motion of the Currents; doubtleſs Origin of Cur-
in the Production hereof, the Waters are either ftraiten'd by fome narrow rents.
Paffages or Channels; run free from fome open Places; or defcend down a
Declivity; or afcend fome Eminence; or flow upon an even Bottom; or meet
with Inequalities, Rifes and Falls; or chop in with other Currents, and mix
and go along with them; or elſe are agitated by the Winds, efpecially thoſe
that are Anniverſary, or Stationary, and return at certain Seafons of the
Year. And from thefe or the like Caufes, the Waters may vary their
Tendency, and their Eddies, as well in the Confecution and Progrefs of their
Motion, as in the Velocity or Meaſure of their Motion; and thence con-
ftitute Currents. 'Tis therefore manifeft that in the Sea, the Depth of the
Channel, the Intervention of fubmarine Rocks and Caverns, the Windings
of the Shoars, the jutting out of Promontories, the Interpofition of Bays,
Gulphs, Iflands, and many other Things varioufly fituated, may act power-
fully, affect the Waters, and direct their Courſes, their Windings, and their
Eddies, to all the Points of the Compafs, according to the particular Con-
figuration and Pofition of theſe accidental Things, with regard to one ano-
ther; or as fuch Obftacles, Declivities, or open Paffages happen in the way.
:
to be excluded.
4. The Confideration of this particular, and as it were fortuitous Motion The Motion of
of the Waters, muft for the prefent be dropt; that it may not difturb the the Currents
Enquiry for it wou'd be wrong to reject what we fhall offer about the natu-
ral and general Motion of the Ocean, becauſe this Motion of the Currents
does not agree, or confpire therewith. For Currents are mere Compreffions
of the Water, or their endeavour to free themfelves from Compreffion;
and are accordingly particular, refpective, and conformable to certain Situa-
tions of the Sea and Land; and to the Winds that blow in particular places.
And this is the rather to be remembered and obferved, becauſe the general
Motion of the Ocean, now under Enquiry, is fo mild and gentle as to be
perfectly fubdued and made fubfervient to the force of the Currents; and be
govern'd and directed by their Motion. That this is the Cafe appears
plainly from hence, that the fimple Motion of the Flux and Reflux of the
Sea is not perceived in the middle of the Ocean; eſpecially where the Wa-
ters have a wide fpread; but only at the Shoars. Whence it is no wonder
it fhou'd lye conceal'd, and be in a manner deſtroy'd by the Currents, up-
on account of its feeble Force; if where the Currents have the Direction,
this Motion did not fomewhat add to their Strength; and check them a
little, where it is oppofite or unfavourable.
5. Having thus excluded the Motion of the Currents, we proceed to thofe The Motion
four conftant Motions; viz. the Diurnal, the Menftrual, the Semimenftrual, of the Flux
and the Equinoctial Motions; the former whereof alone feems to excite the and Reflux to
flowing of the Sea; whilft the menftrual Motion appears only to determine chiefly ro
ſider'd
and
be
616
Phyfical ESSAY S.
This Motion
tory or Pro-
greſſive.
and reſtore that Motion, and the Semi-menftrual and Semi-annual, or
Equinoctial, Motions only to fwell and increaſe it: this original Motion cau-
fing the Flux and Reflux of the Waters, which to a certain height overfpread
the Sea-Shoars, and again forfake them, and return at different Hours with
a different Force and quantity; whence thofe three other Motions are made
vifible. This Motion therefore, of the Flux and Reflux, muſt be treated.
feparately; and in the peculiar manner it requires.
6. And first it muft abfolutely be allow'd that this Motion is either a Mo-
either Undula- tion of rifing and falling; or a Motion of Progreffion in the Waters. By a
Motion of rifing and falling, we underſtand ſuch an one as appears in boiling
Water; whilft it rifes up and finks down again and by a Motion of Pro-
greffion, fuch an one as we find in Water moved in a Bafon; whilft forfaking
one fide, it rifes on the other. That this Motion is not of the firft kind
appears from hence, that the Tides vary in Point of Time, in different Parts
of the World; fo that whilft they flow in fome Places, they ebb in others
at the fame Hours: whereas if the Waters had no progreffive Motion, and
moved not from one place to another, but fwell'd up from the depth of the
Sea; they wou'd rife and fink in all Places at the fame time. Thus we fee
that the Equinoctial and Semi-menftrual Motions have their Effect and Ope-
ration, over the whole Globe at once: for the Tide of Flood every where
rifes higher in the Equinoctial and Spring-Tides; but no where in the Quar-
ters. In theſe two latter Motions, therefore, the Waters ſeem perfectly to
rife up and fink down again; or like the Planets to have their Apogeé and
Perigee. But in the Flux and Reflux of the Sea, we fpeak of, the Cafe is
quite contrary which affords a certain Sign of a progreffive Motion.
:
The Tides may
7. Beſides, if this Flux of the Waters fhould be attributed to a bare
be owing to
Swelling or Rifing; let us attentively confider how it muſt happen: for it
the Attraction must either proceed, (1.) from an increaſe of Quantity in the Waters; or,
of ſome celef- (2.) from an Extenfion, or Rarifaction thereof, in the fame Quantity; or,
tial Body.
(3.) from a fimple rifing in the fame Quantity, and the fame Bulk or Body.
But the third Caſe muſt abſolutely be rejected for if the Water be raiſed
up
as it is, there muft of neceffity be a Vacuum left between the Earth and the
bottom of the Water; becauſe there is no Body of equal Denſity to ſucceed in
its Place. And for the firſt Caſe, if the Quantity of the Waters is increaſed,
the additional Part muſt neceffarily fpring or flow from the Earth. But
laftly, if there be an Extenfion, this may happen either by Rarifaction,
or by an Appetite of approaching fome other Body which attracts the Water, and
raifes it up. And certainly this. Swelling, Rarifaction, or Tendency of the
Water to fome of the celeftial Bodies, feems no incredible Thing; if it be
only in a moderate Quantity: and a confiderable ſpace of Time be allow'd
for fuch a Swelling to collect and rife . And therefore that Exceſs of the
Waters obfervable betwixt the ordinary Tides, and the Spring-Tides, or
even thofe that are ftill larger, the Equinoctial Tides, being not equal to
the
Z
As there is in Sir Ifaac Newton's Theory: The Acton of the Moon, not having its
Effect upon the Water till three hours after he has paffed the Meridian.
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
617
the difference betwixt the Tide of Flood, and the Tide of Ebb; and there
being likewife a large Compafs of time allow'd for the making of this
gradual Increaſe; the Thing does not appear contrary to Reafon. But
that fo large a quantity of Water, as the difference between the Tide of
Flood, and the Tide of Ebb, fhou'd return fo quick as every fix Hours,
(whence Apollonius idly fancied the Earth to draw in and difcharge the
Waters in the way of Refpiration) is a Phænomenon extremely difficult to
account for
:
8. It may be objected, that certain Springs are faid to have a Correfpon- objection from
dence with the Flux and Reflux of the Sea; whence it might be fufpected, the ebbing and
that the Waters included in the Caverns of the Earth, rife and fall in the flowing of
Springs.
like manner fo that the Tumefaction of the Sea cannot well be attributed
to a progreffive Motion. But this is a fuperficial Inftance for it may eaſily
be anſwered, that the Tide of the Sea coming in, may fill up many open
and cavernous places of the Earth; and thus turn the Courfe of the fubter-
raneous Waters; and alfo drive back the Air fhut up in thofe Places; fo as
by a continued Succeffion to protrude and raiſe the Waters of theſe
Springs. And hence, this is not the Cafe in all Springs, and indeed but
in few; tho it ought to be general, if the univerſal Mafs of Waters had a
Nature and Property of rifing and finking alternately; in Conformity with
the Tides of the Sea. But, on the contrary, this Phænomenon is rare, and
look'd upon as extraordinary; becaufe fuch Paffages and Communications
of Springs with the Sea, are ſeldom to be found, without fome Obſtruction
or Impediment. And to this purpoſe it may be proper to obferve, that in
deep Mines lying near the Sea, the Air is faid to be rendered fo thick as
to endanger Suffocation to the Diggers, at the time of the flowing of the
Tide from whence it might feem manifeft, that the Waters do not rife,
where none are evidently perceived to do fo; but only that the Air is driven
back by the Tide coming in.
9. There is another Inftance produced of much greater weight; and That the Sea
highly deferving of an Anſwer: for it has been carefully obferved, that ebbs and flows
the Sea ebbs and flows upon the Coafts of Europe and Florida at the fame in Florida and
time. But this Objection will be clearly removed, by what we fhall foon fame time.
Europe at the
deliver as to the Courſe and Progrefs of the Ocean. The Sum of the
Matter amounts to this, that the Waters of the Indian Ocean being obftruct-
ed and ſtraiten'd by the Shoars of the old World and the New, they are pro-
truded down the Atlantic, from South to North: whence it is no wonder
they ſhou'd flow equally on both Shoars; as thofe Waters do which are
driven from the Sea into the Mouths and Channels of Rivers; where it is
plain that the Motion of the Sea is progreffive to the Rivers; and yet over-
flows the oppofite Shoars, at the fame time. But we muft here, accord-
ing to our Cuftom ingenuously confefs, and admonish Mankind to obferve
V o L. III.
Kkkk
and
a Except from the Attraction of the Moon, which in her Courfe conftantly draws the Wa-
ters into a fpheroidical Figure. See Sir Ifaac Newton's Theory of the Tides, explain'd by
Dr. Halley, in the Philofophical Tranfactions. Lowth. Abridgm. Vol. II. p. 285-288.
618
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
The Cauſe of
the Fffect, in-
quired into.
and remember, that if it fhall be found by Experience, that the Tide
comes in at the fame time upon the Shoars of Peru and China, as it does on
thoſe of Europe and Florida; the Notion of a progreffive Motion in the Flux
and Reflux of the Sea muſt be rejected ". For if the Tide rifes at the ſame
time upon the oppofite Shoars of the Southern and Atlantic Ocean, there are
no other Shoars in the World, where the Reflux correfponds at the fame
time. But Judgment must be form'd of this from Experience; to which
we affign it over: and in the mean time conceive, that were it known
how the whole of this Matter flood, over all the Globe, we fhou'd
find that in ſome Parts there was fuch a Flux at a certain Hour, as there is
a Reflux in others. At prefent, however, we muſt ſuppoſe for a Pro-
greffive Motion, in the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea.
10. We come next to enquire from what Caufe, and from what Corref-
pondence of Things, this Motion of the Flux and Reflux of the Sea pro-
ceeds. For all the greater Motions, when regular and conftant, are not
folitary, or fingle; but have others in the Nature of Things, whereto
they correfpond. And thus both the Semi-menftrual and the menftrual
Motions of the Tides, appear to coincide with the Motion of the Moon;
and their Equinoctial Motion with the Motion of the Sun: and again
the rifing and falling of the Waters, refembles the Apogees and Perigees
of the Planets. But we defire Men wou'd obferve, that it does not pre-
fently follow that thofe Things which correfpond in Courſe and Period
of Time, or even in the manner of their Motion, muſt be by Nature
fubordinate to, or the Caufe of, one another. For we dare not proceed fo
far as to affert, that the Motions of the Sun, or Moon, are the Cauſes of the
Motions below, which correſpond thereto; or that the Sun and Moon
have a Dominion or Influence over thefe Motions of the Sea: tho fuch kind of
Thoughts find an eafy entrance into the Minds of Men; by reaſon of the
Veneration they pay to the Celeſtial Bodies. But in the Semi-menftrual
Motion, it will, if rightly confider'd, appear a perfectly uncommon and
ftrange kind of Subjection, for the Tides at the New and Full Moon to be
the fame, when the Moon is different. And many other Arguments
might be produced to abolish all fanciful Notions of fuch over-ruling
Powers; and rather lead up to the general Paffions and Appetites of
Matter; and the primary Structure of Things; from whence thefe Refem-
blances proceed: not as if one was govern'd by another; but becauſe they
both flow from the fame Origins, and concomitant Caufes. Tho it is ftill
C
b See the Memoirs of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris. An. 1713.
true
A full and adequate History of the Tides, over all the Globe, is not, perhaps, hitherto pro-
cured; tho fome confiderable Parts may feem to be executed. See the Philofophical Tran-
factions, the French Memoirs, Rohault's Phyficks, Varenius's Geography, Newton's Principia,
and Morhoff's Polyhiftor; de Mari ejufque Fluxu & Refluxu. Tom II. Part II. p. 362, &c.
4 Hence we fhou'd remember, that tho the Doctrine of Gravity or the Hypothefis of the
Moon's Attraction, along with that of the Sun, may fully account for the Planomena of the
Tides; yet there may be a more General Principle, which caufes this Correfpondence. And it
feems by no means well confider'd, that exact Solutions of Phenomena are no Proofs that
the real Causes of the Effect are diſcovered.
Phyfical ESSA Y S.
619
true that Nature delights in Correfpondences; fo that that there is fcarce
any thing found fingle or folitary. Whence we ought to examine with
what other Motions this diurnal one of the Tides agrees, or correfponds.
II.
Phafis
the Moon.
11. We may firſt enquire how this Motion anfwers to that of the Moon. Whether the
And we do not find that it any way correfponds there to; except in the men- Tides corre-
ftrual Revolution: for the Motion of the Tides every fix Hours, which is the pond to the
Subject of the prefent Enquiry, in no refpect coincides with the menftrual Phenomena of
Courſe. Nor again, is the Flux of the Sea obferved to follow upon any
or Alteration of the Moon. For whether the Moon be in her Increaſe or Wane;
whether ſhe be above or under the Earth; whether the be elevated higher or
lower, above the Horizon; whether fhe be in the Meridian, or elſewhere; the
Flux and Reflux of the Sea has no correfpondence with any of theſe Phæno-
mena. Therefore rejecting the Correfpondences of the Moon, we muſt
fearch for others.
Have an Affi-
12. Of all the celeftial Motions, the diurnal Motion is the fhorteft; as
nity with the
being performed in the ſpace of twenty-four Hours: whence it ſeems moft diurnal Mo-
agreeable to refer the diurnal Motion of the Tides to this; as approaching tion.
the neareſt tho there is ftill a difference between them, of three Parts in
four. But this does not preſs the Matter. What has much more Weight
with us is, that this Motion is fo divided, as to anfwer the Divifions of
the diurnal Motion of the Heavens; fo that tho the Motion of the Waters
is immenſely flower than the diurnal Motion of the Heavens; 'tis yet com-
menfurable with it for fix Hours is a quarter of twenty-four, or a
quarter of the Meaſure of the diurnal Motion; and this Space is ob-
ferved in the Motion of the Sea, with a Difference coinciding with the
Meaſure of the Moon's Motion. And therefore we take it almoſt for
certain, that the fix Hours Motion of the Tides, is of the fame kind with
the apparent diurnal Motion of the Heavens.
Three Parti-
culars compri-
13. Laying this down, therefore, as a Foundation, we proceed with our
Enquiry; and conceive that the Whole may be brought to an Iffue by pro-zing the En-
fecuting thoſe three feveral Queſtions; viz. First, Is the diurnal Motion re- quiry.
ftrained to the Confines of the Heavens; or does it extend to the terrestrial Bodies ?
Secondly, Does the Ocean regularly move from East to West, as the Heavens
apparently do? And thirdly, Whence, and in what manner, proceeds the Reci-
procation of the Tides, every fix Hours; correfponding to a quarter of the diurnal
Motion of the Heavens; but with a Difference coinciding with the Moon's
Motion?
:
cal.
14. (1.) As to the first Question; it ſhould feem, that the revolving Mo. The diurnal
tion from Eaft to Weft, is not a proper celeftial, but a perfectly cofmical Motion cofmi-
Motion and a primary one in the larger Maffes of Fluids; poffeffing all
the Space from the higheſt Heavens, to the loweft Waters; but proceeding
with very different degrees of Velocity; tho in the fame Direction: the
Velocity however diminiſhing, in a regular manner, the nearer the Bodies
approach to the Globe of the Earth.
Kkkk 2
15. And
This is underſtood of viſible Correspondence; for otherwife, the Author allows that the
Tides may be cauſed by the Attraction of the celeſtial Bodies. See above. § 7. and 10.
620
Phyfical ESSAY S.
T
That the ce-
is continued
and Planets.
15. And first, it feems a probable Argument, that this Motion does not
leftial Motion terminate with the Heavens, becauſe it remains in force thro' all the im-
to the Earth, menfe Space which lies betwixt the fix'd Stars, and the Moon; a Space in-
argued from finitely larger than that betwixt the Moon and the Earth; tho this Motion
the Motion of decreafes gradually all the way: whence it feems improbable, that Nature
the fixed Stars fhould of a fudden, drop fuch a Confent as had been continued and gra-
dually remitted thro' fuch an immenfe Tract. And that the cafe is thus
in the celeftial Regions, may be argued from two Inconveniences which
would otherwife follow. For as 'tis manifeft to the Senfe, that the Planets
have a diurnal Motion; unleſs this Motion be allowed natural, and proper,
in all the Planets, we muſt neceffarily have recourſe to the rapid Revolu
tion of the Primum Mobile; which feems entirely contrary to Nature: or
elfe to the Rotation of the Earth; which likewife is licentioufly imagined,
upon mathematical, and not upon phyfical Reaſons. Whence, probably,
the cafe in the Heavens fhould be as we have put it.
From the
Comets.
16. To leave the higher Heavens; we have an evident Inſtance of this
Motion in the lower Comets, which defcend below the Moon, and yet re-
volve from Eaft to Weft. For tho they have their own particular and ir-
regular Motions, they ftill participate of the Motion of the Ether, in per-
forming of thoſe Motions; and are carried in the fame Direction; tho they
are ſeldom confined within the Zodiac; nor move in regular Spirals, or in a
Figure compound of a ftrait Line; and a Circle; but fometimes run out to-
wards the Poles: yet theſe retain this rotatory Motion from Eaſt to Weſt;
tho greatly diminiſhed by a nearer approach to the Earth, and there re-
volving in leffer Circles. This Motion is, however, ftrong enough to carry
them a very great diftance in a fhort time: for thefe Comets move round
the whole Circumference of at leaſt the Earth and Atmoſphere, in the ſpace
of twenty four Hours; with the anticipation of an Hour or two.
The conftant 17. But when, by a continued deſcent, this Motion comes into thofe Re-
Wind betwixt gions where the Earth acts not only by a Communication of its Nature
the Tropicks. and Virtue, which checks and deadens the circular Motion; but alſo by
the material Emiffion of its own Subſtance, in the form of grofs Vapours
and Exhalations; this Motion is rendered prodigiouſly languid, and in a
manner latent; tho it be not totally deſtroyed. For in failing between
the Tropicks, where the Sea is open, and the Motion of the Air is beſt
perceived, and where the Air itſelf revolves in larger Circles, and confe-
quently fwifter; a conftant Breeze is found to blow from Eaft to Weft:
fo that they who want a Weft-Wind, are frequently obliged to procure it
without the Tropicks. Hence it appears, that this rotatory Motion is not
loft, even in the lower Air; only becomes fluggiſh and languid; fo as fcarce
to be perceived out of the Tropicks.
where the Sea is calm, and the Sky
of the fame kind, following the Sun.
pect, that what is obferved in Europe,
See Vol. II. Pag. 15, 16, 17, &c.
And yet even there too, in Europe,
ferene, Sailors obferve a certain Breeze
And we have fome Reafon to fuf-
where the Eaft Wind is fharp and
drying,
Phyfical ESSA Y S.
621.
drying, and the Weft Wind more general and moift, does not wholly depend
upon this, that the former with us blows from the Continent, and the latter
from the Ocean; but alſo becauſe, as the Eaft-Wind blows in the fame Di-
rection with the proper Motion of the Air, it accelerates and quickens that
Motion; and therefore diffipates and rarifies the Air: whereas the Weft-
Wind blowing in a Direction contrary to that of the Air's Motion, drives
the Air back upon itſelf; and condenfes it. Here alfo we might mention the
common Obfervation, that the high Clouds generally move from Eaft to West;
whilft the Winds near the Earth blow in a contrary Direction. And if this
be not always the cafe, the reafon may be, that there are fometimes contrary
Winds blowing, fome above and others below; whilft the higher, if op-
pofite, difturb the proper Motion of the Air. And thus much may ferve to
Thew that the diurnal Motion is not reftrained to the Confines of the
Heavens f
Ocean to the
18. (2.) The fecond Queſtion is, Whether the Waters regularly and naturally That the Wa
move from East to West? By Waters we here underſtand the collective Mafs ters move from
East to West.
of that Fluid which makes fuch a large Portion of Nature, as to have a con-
fent with the Fabrick and Structure of the Univerfe. And we judge that
this Maſs of Waters has the fame kind of Motion with the Air, tho in a
lefs degree, and by reafon of the groffness of the Body not fo manifeft and
apparent. We ſhall therefore, for the prefent, content ourſelves with pro-
ducing three eminent or prerogative Inftances & in Confirmation of the Fact.
The Firſt is, that there appears a manifeft Motion and Flux of the Waters Shewn by the
from the Indian Sea down to the Atlantic Ocean; and this in a ſtronger and Motion from
fwifter manner towards the Streights of Magellan, where there is an opening the Indian
to the Weft; and another great one in the oppofite Part of the Globe, from Atlantic,
the Scythian to the British Sea. And thefe Succeffrons of Waters evidently
roll from Eaſt to Weft. And here we muſt particularly obferve that in
theſe two Places only, the Seas are open; and have an opportunity of de-
fcribing an entire Circle; whilft on the contrary, in the middle Tracts of the
Globe, they are cut off, and ftraiten'd by two great Obftacles; the old and
the new World; and driven into the two Channels of thofe Twin Oceans,
the Southern, and Atlantic, as into the Mouths of two Rivers, ftretching
between the South and the North; which therefore does not affect the Mo-
tion of Succeflion from Eaft to Weft. So that the true Motion of the Wa-
ters may be juftly taken from thofe Extremities of the Globe above-
mentioned, where they meet with no Obftacle; but flow natural and unre-
fifted. And this is our firft Prerogative Inftance.
19. Our fecond Inftance is this. Suppofing the Sea to flow at a certain The Difference
Hour in the Mouth of the Streights of Gibraltar; it appears that the Tide in the Times of
muſt come in flower at Cape St. Vincent than there; flower at the Lands-end, the Tides
than at Cape St. Vincent; flower at Kings-Ifland, than at the Lands-end;
flower.
f See the Author's Hiſtory of Winds paſſim; and the Specimen of animated Aftronomy,
Vol. II. pag. 15. &c..
8 See the Novum Organum, Part II. Se&t. II. paffim.
622
Phyfical ESSA Y S.
flower at the Iſland Hechas than at Kings-Ifland"; flower at the Entrance of
the British Channel, than at Hechas; and flower on the Eaft of Normandy
than at the Entrance of the Channel. Thus far is regular. But at Grave-
ling the Order becomes perfectly inverted; and proceeds with a great
Start; the Tide coming in here nearly at the fame time that it does at the
Streights Mouth. And this fecond Inftance we join with the firſt for as was
juft now faid, we conceive that in the Indian Ocean, and the Scythian Sea,
the Waters have their natural Courfe, from Eaft to Weft, free, open, and
uninterrupted; whereas their Courfe is ftraiten'd, and render'd tranfverfe
in the Channels of the Atlantic, and Southern Oceans; and alfo beat
back by the Shores which, on both ſides, ſtretch along from North
to South, and allow no free paffage to the Waters; except towards
the Extremities. But the Protrufion of the Waters caufed by the In-
dian Ocean to the North, and that on the oppofite fide, cauſed by the
Scythian Sea to the South, differ immenfly in extent; by reaſon of the
different Force and Quantity of the Waters. The whole Atlantic, therefore,
down to the British Channel, obeys the impulfe of the Indian Ocean; whilft
only the upper part of the Atlantic, which ftretches towards Denmark and
Norway, yields to the Impulfe of the Scythian Sea. And this muſt neceffa-
rily be the Cafe; becauſe the great Inlands of the old and new World,
have fuch a Figure and Extent, as widens to the North and fharpens to the
South; whence, reciprocally, the Seas to the South poffefs a greater, and
thoſe to the North a leffer fpace. And hence that vaft Mafs of Waters,
which rolls from the Indian Sea, and is turned into the Atlantic Ocean, be-
comes able to protrude and drive down a Courſe of Waters, by a continued
Succeffion to the North, as it were into the British Sea. But that much
fmaller quantity of Water, which comes from the Scythian Sea, and has
alfo, in a manner, a free Paffage, in its proper Motion, to the Weft, along
the Coast of America, cannot turn the Courfe of the Waters to the South,
beyond the Limits we have affigned, or the Chops of the British Channel.
And in theſe oppofite Motions, there muft neceffarily be fome Limit; where
they meet and conflict together; and where they muft immediately change
the Order of farther Procedure: and this happens about Graveling, as was
above obferved; this being the Limit of the Flux from the Indian and Scy-
thian Oceans. And that a certain irregularity of the Tides fhould be found
about Holland from theſe contrary Fluxes, appears not only from the inverted
Order of the Times of Flood; but alſo by conſtant Obſervation. And if
this be the caſe, it muſt neceffarily happen, that the more the Parts and
Shores of the Atlantic Ocean ſtretch to the South, and approach to the Indian
Ocean, the earlier the Flux will happen in Precedency; as proceeding from
the proper Motion of the Indian Sea: and the more they extend to the
North, up to the common Limit, where they are repelled by the oppoſite
Torrent of the Scythian Sea, the later in Confecution. And that this muft
be
h Neither the Island Hechas, nor Kings-Ifland, appear in any of the Maps that I have con-
fulted; nor do I know what other Names theſe Iſlands go by,
Phyfical ESSA Y S.
623
be the cafe, plainly appears by the Progrefs from the Streights of Gibraltar to
the British Channel. Whence we conceive that the Flux on the Coaft of
Africa precedes, in point of Time, that in the Streights; and converfly, that
about Norway precedes that about Sweden: tho we do not know this to be
true from any Hiftory or Obfervationi.
20. Our third Inftance is this. If the Seas that are inclofed on one fide, Tae ftrongest
which we call Bays, ftretch in their Direction from Eaſt to Weft, which Tides in Bays,
that run from
is confpiring with the true Motion of the Waters, they have a ſtrong and
East to West.
vigorous Flux; but if they go in the oppofite Direction, their Floods are
languid and obfcure: for the Red-Sea has a large Flux; and the Perfian
Gulf, which runs more directly to the Weft, has a ftill larger: but the
Mediterranean, which is the greateſt Bay of all, and the Parts of it,
the Euxine and Propontis, as likewife the Baltic; all which decline to
the Eaft; are almoft without the Tide of Flood; or have it only in a
feeble manner. But this Difference appears moſt confpicuous in the Parts
of the Mediterranean; which fo long as they tend to the Eaft, or decline to
the North, feem to lie at reft, without much Tide; but after they turn to
the Weft, as in the Adriatic Sea, they have then again a remarkable Flood.
Add to this, that the fmall Reflux found in the Mediterranean begins from
the Ocean; but the Flux from the oppofite fide: ſo that the Water rather
follows the Courſe from the Eaſt, than the Return of the Ocean. And only
theſe three Instances, we at prefent employ, with regard to the fecond
Queſtion, or Head of Enquiry.
21. We might alſo offer another Proof, agreeable to thofe already pro- The dinrnal or
duced, but of an abftrufer Nature; and derive an Argument for this Mo- cofmical Mo-
tion of the Waters, from Eaft to Weft, not only from the Confent of the tion.
Heavens (as mentioned before;) where this Motion is in its ftrength and
vigour; but alſo from the Earth, where it ſeems perfectly to ceafe: whence
this Motion might appear to be truly cofmical, and to affect all Things,
from the higheſt Heavens down to the more internal Parts of the Earth.
We mean, that the diurnal Rotation is performed as we find it, from Eaſt
to Weft, upon the proper Poles of the North and South. For the
diligence of Dr. Gilbert has difcovered, that all Earth, or what we call
the terreſtrial Nature, being not a fupple or foft, but a rigid, or, as he
calls it, a robuft Thing; has a latent Direction, or Verticity, which ma-
nifefts itſelf by numerous exquifite Experiments, in the Direction of North
and South. But we curb and correct this Obfervation, fo as to affert the
Fact only of the external Concretions, near the Surface of the Earth;
without continuing it down to the central Parts: for, to make the Earth a
Magnet, is a Notion formed upon a flender Foundation; it being impoffible
that the internal Parts of the Earth fhould be like any Subftance commonly
feen; becauſe all Things, with us, are penetrated, relaxed, wrought up-
on, and faſhioned by the Sun, and the celeftial Bodies; fo as in no refpect
to correſpond with Bodies having fuch a Situation, as that the Force of the
Sun
· See Philofoph. Tranſact. Abridgm. Vol. II. pag. 260 296,
624
Phyfical ESSA Y S.
The fex-horary
Reciprocation
of the Tides,
whence.
Sun and the other celeftial Influences and Effects, cannot reach them. But
the upper Incrustations, or Concretions, of the Earth, feem to participate of
the Revolutions of the Heavens, of the Atmoſphere, and of the Waters,
as far as confiftent and figured Bodies can have an Agreement with fuch as
are fluid and liquid; that is, not fo as to revolve upon Poles, but to
have a Direction and Tendency towards them. For, as every Globe, that
turns upon a certain Axis, without having a central Motion, participates
both of a moveable and a fix'd Nature; fo, after the revolving Power is
checked, by a confiftent or felf-determining Nature, yet the Power and
Appetite of directing itſelf ftill remains, becomes augmented and united:
infomuch that Direction and Verticity to Poles in folid Bodies, is the fame
Thing as revolving upon Poles in Fluids.
22. (3.) The third and laſt Queſtion is this. Whence, and in what man-
ner proceeds the Reciprocration of the Tides, every fix Hours, coinciding with a
Quarter of the diurnal Motion, except the Difference abovementioned? In or-
der to clear up this Point, let us fuppofe the whole Globe of the Earth
covered with Water, as at the general Deluge. In this Cafe, we conceive
that the Water, being now in one entire Ball, and no way difturbed, would
continually move forwards from Eaft to Weft, every Day for fome certain
Space, tho no great one; by reafon of the Remiffion and Diminution of
this Motion, in the Confines of the Earth. Here, by the Suppofition, the
Earth wou'd no way, by its Interpofition, hinder, or reftrain, the free Motion
of the Waters. Let us fuppofe again, the Earth to be one fingle Ifland,
ftretched out in length from North to South; which Form and Situation
wou'd greatly check and obftru& the Water's Motion, from Eaſt to Weft.
In this Cafe we conceive that the Waters wou'd proceed in their direct and
natural Courſe for a Seafon; but that at length, being beat back by the Ifland,
they wou'd return at equal Diſtances, fo as on this footing to make only
one Flux, and one Reflux of the Sea, in a Day; at about the Diſtance of
twelve Hours between them. Now fuppofe again, what is matter of Fact,
the Earth divided into two Inlands, that of the old and that of the new
World, (for the Southern Continent will, by Reaſon of its Situation, here
give us no great Disturbance, no more than Greenland or Nova Zembla) and
that thefe two Iſlands ftretch almoft over three Zones of the World; and
between which the Atlantic and the Southern Oceans take their Courſes;
and that theſe Oceans are no where open but towards the Poles. On this
Suppofition, we judge it muſt neceffarily follow, that theſe two Obſtacles
will introduce and communicate the Nature of a double Reciprocation to
the whole Body of the Waters; and thus make the Quarter of the diurnal
Motion; whilft the Waters being bridled on both fides, a Flux and Reflux
of the Sea will happen twice a Day, at the diſtance of fix Hours; as both
the Acceffion and the Repercuffion of the Waters is double.
23. And if theſe two Iſlands were like Cylinders, or Pillars, about which
the Waters throw'd themſelves, in equal Dimenſions, and ſtrait Shoars, this
Motion wou'd eafily demonftrate itſelf to every one; tho it now feems to
3
be
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
625
be confounded and obfcured, by ſo great a variety of Pofition in the Sea and
Land.
tion.
24. Nor is it difficult to form fome Conjecture, as to what degree of Ve- The Velocity of
locity may properly be attributed to this Motion of the Waters; and how the Tides Mo
far it may reach in a Day. For if, in order to compute this Velocity, we
make Choice of fome certain Shoars, which are leaît mountainous or uneven,
and are waſh'd by a free Ocean; and again, if the Dimenſion of the dry
Land be taken betwixt the high-Water and the low-Water Mark; and
this Diſtance be four times repeated; by Reaſon of the four Tides in a Day;
and the product of this Number be again doubled, on account of the Tides
on the oppofite Shoars of the fame Ocean; and fome additional Allowance
be made to the Product, for the perpendicular Altitude of the Shoars,
which always rife fomewhat above the Channel of the Sea this Calculation
will give the Diſtance that a Globe of Water wou'd move, in a Day; pro-
vided it were free from all Obſtruction, and continually went forwards in
a circular Progreffion round the Earth. And it is manifeftly no great
Diftance, that it wou'd thus move in a Day.
:
25. As to the difference which coincides with the Moon's Motion, and The Motion of
completes the menftrual Period; we judge it to proceed from hence, that the Tides cor-
the Space of fix Hours is not the exact Meaſure of the Reciprocation; as, refponds to the
in the fame manner, the diurnal Motion of none of the Planets falls exactly Moon's Motion.
within twenty four Hours; and that of the Moon leaft of all: whence the
Meaſure of the Flux and Reflux of the Sea is not a quarter of the Motion
of the fix'd Stars, which is perform'd exactly in twenty four Hours; but a
quarter of the Moon's diurnal Motion &
Precepts and Admonitions for the better profecuting of this
Enquiry.
BER
26. EFORE this Matter can be fully and demonftratively fettled,
there are ſeveral leffer Enquiries to be made; and in particular we
recommend the following to future Diligence.
27. (1.) Enquire whether the Hour of Flood about the Coaft of Afric
precede the Hour of Flood about the Streights of Gibraltar; and in like man-
ner whether the Hour of Flood about Norway, precede the Hour of
Flood about Sweden; and whether this precede the Hour of Flood about
Graveling.
28. (2.) Enquire whether the Hour of Flood about Brazil, precede the
Hour of Flood on the Coaſts of New Spain, and Florida.
29. (3.) Enquire whether the Hour of Flood on the Coaft of China, do
not nearly coincide with the Hour of Flood on the Coaſt of Peru
again with the Hour of Ebb on the Coafts of Africa and Florida.
VOL. III.
* See Sir Ifaac Newton's Theory of the Tides.
LIII
; and
30. (4.)
626
Phyfical ESSA Y s.
30. (4.) Enquire how the Hour of Flood on the Coaft of Peru, differs from
that on the Coaſt of New Spain; and particularly how the Differences of the
Hours of Flood ftand in both the Shoars of the Ifthmufses in America; and
again how the Hour of Flood on the Coaft of Peru, correfponds with that
on the Coaſt of China.
31. (5.) Enquire into the heights of the Tides, on different Shoars, as
well as their Times: For altho high Tides are generally cauſed by low
Shoars; yet they ftill participate of the true Motion of the Sea; accord-
ing as that proves favourable or oppofite.
32. (6.) Enquire, particularly, into the State of the Caspian Sea, which is
a large Collection of Waters, excluded from a free Communication with the
Ocean; to fee if it has any Flux or Reflux; and in what manner they hap-
pen: for we conjecture that this Sea may have a ſingle, but not a double
Tide, in a Day; whilft the Water forfakes the Eaſtern Shoar, and riſes to
the Weſtern of that Sea.
53. (7.) Enquire whether the Tides in the New and Full Moon, and in
the Equinoxes prove high, and large, in different Parts of the World at
once: not understanding by once, the fame Hour; for the Hours differ
according to the Appulfe of the Waters to the Shoars; but on the fame
Day.
34. (8.) For want of fuller Information, this general Enquiry of the Ebbing
and Flowing of the Sea, cannot be justly continued down to an Explanation of
the Confent of the menftrual Motion of the Sea-Tides with the Motion of the
Moon; whether thefe Motions proceed from a Subordination to the Moon; or,whe-
ther they both have one and the fame Caufe: which fhou'd be farther examined.
35. (9.) The prefent Enquiry is connected with that relating to the Earth's
diurnal Motion; which fhou'd therefore be clear'd up, before any thing is
determined upon this Head. For if the Tides of the Sea, be, as it were,
the laſt Extremity of the diurnal Motion; it will follow that the Globe of
the Earth is fixed; or at leaſt that its Motion is much flower than the Mo-
tion of the Waters.
"This beginning of an Enquiry about the Caufe of the Tides, is a pofthumous Piece,
that occurs among the Scripta publifh'd by Gruter, and feems not intended to have come
abroad, till, in the Author's uſual manner, it had been brought nearer to Perfection. But im-
perfect as it is, it may deſerve the place here affigned it, among other imperfe& Pieces,
defignedly wrote, not in the inductive but ordinary Manner. And thefe few Eſſays are all that
we find the Author left fit to enter this fifth Part of his Inftauration.
APPEN-
APPENDIX
TO THE
Fifth and Sixth PARTS
OF THE
INSTAURATION.
L1112
629
APPENDIX
TO THE
Fifth and Sixth PARTS
OF THE
INSTAURATION.
I.
z -
H
AD the fifth Part of the Inftauration been finiſhed, accord- The Deſign of
ing to the Author's Deſign; it would have contained, not the fifth Part
only the beſt Philofophy he was able to lay down, for the of the Inftau-
Time; but alſo the Rudiments of a much more perfect one, ration.
referved for the fixth and laft Part of his great Undertaking ".
2. This double View of the Author may feem to increaſe the Difficulty
of compleating a Philofophy, whereof he has left us no more than a few
Sketches; without any explicit Directions for conducting and bringing
the whole to a Period.
3. It appears, however, that this First Philofophy was to be general, and
copied after Nature, in her full Extent and Latitude; fo as to include the
Hiſtory of the Heavens, of the Earth, and of Man: tho the whole was
intended only as an Effay, or temporary Structure, to be raiſed by the or-
dinary Means; without the affiftance of the Art of Induction: which Art
being afterwards employ'd upon it, was to afford fit Matter for the Second
or Perfect Philofophy.
4. And if a tolerable First Philofophy might have been wrote a Century May be ad-
ago, when Natural Knowledge had been but little cultivated; doubtless vantageously
fuch a Philofophy may be wrote at prefent, to greater Advantage; on ac- executed as
count of the numerous Experiments and Obfervations that have of late been prefent.
made in the ſeveral Countries of Europe, for promoting all the Parts of
Natural Knowledge.
5. At leaſt it cannot be unſeaſonable, for Perfons acquainted with the
Lord Bacon's Views, to try what may at prefent be done towards forming
a First Philoſophy from the many Portions of Natural Hiſtory that have been
*
See Vol. I. p. 15, 510. Vol. II. p. 404, 405. Vol, III. p. 18, 578, 579.
written
630
APPENDIX.
Not already
extants
How to be
Supplied.
The Advan-
tages of at-
tempting it.
The Second
Philofophy
more tedious
and difficult.
Tet not to be
written fince his Time; beginning with thofe himfelf has left us, and de-
fcending gradually to the Labours of later Writers, and the Works of the
feveral Societies of Europe, inſtituted for the improvement of Knowledge.
6. If a Philofophy of this kind be fuppofed already extant, in the Wri-
tings of M. Robault, du Hamel, or other Syftematical Authors; we muft
remember, what was before intimated, that the First Philofophy of the Lord
Bacon was to be general, and formed upon the Model of the Univerſe ;
and that it was to afford Matter ready digefted and prepared, as much as
poffibly it could be without the Art of Induction, for forming a Second
ΟΙ more perfect axiomatical Philofophy. In which Light, the Works
of the abovementioned Philofophers, with others of the fame kind, may,
fo far as they are found folid and ferviceable, be received into this First Phi-
lofophy as Parts; but cannot be allow'd to execute the whole.
7. Perhaps the End might be anſwered, in fome confiderable degree, by
digeſting into a proper order, the pure Philofophical Matters to be found
in the Writings of Dr. Hook, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Evleyn, Dr. Becher, M. Pafchal,
M. Mariotte, Dr. Stahl,and Sir Ifanc Newton; in the Philofophical Tranfac-
tions; the French Memoirs, the German Ephemerides, the Acta Erudiio-
rum, &c. ſo as hence to form a kind of general Syftem of Philoſophy;
to be amended from time to time, as new Improvements and Diſcoveries.
fhall be made. And unlefs fomething of this kind be done, it fhou'd
feem that little Advantage can be rationally expected from all the Labour
hitherto bestowed in collecting and regiftring fuch numbers of Obfervations
and Experiments, as are to be met with in thofe Writings.
8. An Attempt in this Way might alfo ferve to fhew the Sufficiency or In-
fufficiency, of our prefent Natural History; what Progrefs has been made in
the Improvement of Knowledge fince the Lord Bacon's time; how far hist
Directions have been followed; what is farther wanting towards com-
pleating the Deſign of his grand Inftauration; and, in particular, how far we
are prepared to enter upon the laſt Part thereof, the Philofophia Secunda.
9. Again, a First Philofophy of this kind might have a great tendency to
promote the Accomplishment of all the Parts of the Inftauration; and, con-
fequently, the Felicity of Mankind; which is naturally founded in the Per-
fection of Philofophy. And, certainly, to procure fuch a Firft Philofophy,
upon this Plan, were no difficult, or tedious Tafk; if properly recommended
to a competent number of Hands.
10. But to execute the Second or Axiomatical Philofophy, is a Work of
much greater Labour, and length of Time; for, to fay the Truth, the
prefent State of Knowledge feems by no means ripe enough to afford it, in
any tolerable Perfection; and perhaps fome Ages are ftill required to bring
it to Maturity. So that all we can do, at prefent, is to labour the under Parts
of this grand Structure; and recommend the finiſhing of it to Pofterity.
II. We may, however, form fome tolerable Idea of this future Philofo-
deſpaired of phy; be convinced that it is within the human Abilities to procure; and
affured, that fome confiderable Foundation is already laid for it. Thus
much cannot well be doubted of by thoſe who underftand the Nature and
2
Ule
APPENDIX.
631
Uſe of the Author's Novum Organum, and his ſeveral Portions of induƐtive
Hiftory, to be met with in the Sylva Sylvarum, Hiftory of Life and Death,
&c ".
12. Nay, if Men would in earneft bend their Endeavours this way; and The Time of
were poffeffed of a juſt and actuating Notion of the Thing intended; the bringing it to
Work might be greatly fhorten'd in point of Time: But to poffefs Man- Perfection
kind with a juft Notion of the Thing, is no fmall part of the Difficulty en'd.
might be short-
and cannot be removed without fome Labour of Thought on their own
fide. And, indeed, unleſs the Novum Organum be underſtood, and its force
perceived and felt, there are little Hopes of making the generality of Men
fenfible of their own Philofophical Abilities.
13. This great Work, therefore, muft, of neceffity, be conducted by
thoſe who underſtand the way of working with Engines; where the
Strength of others may be advantageoutly employ'd, to an End which the
Labourers will not be eaſily apprized of.
14. The Things wanting to perfect the Defign are; (1.) a compleat The Particn-
lars required
Inductive Hifiory; or a full fet of Enquiries into Nature, with a direct View for profecuting
to the forming of Philofophy; (2.) The Completion of the Art of Induc- the Works
tion, or the Execution of the whole Defign of the Novum Organum; (3.) The
due Application of this Art to theMatter of Inductive Hiftory; fo as thence
to deduce Axioms of the higheſt Order, for Practice, Contemplation, and
human Ufes; (4.) A Collection of thefe Axioms ranged in exact Method;
fo as to form one fingle Syftematical Philofophy, in Conformity with Na-
ture; and exhibit a true Draught, or Copy, of the Univerfe, with all its
Laws; and (5.) a fhort but full Explanation, annex'd to each Axiom;
fo as to break it into Parts, and bring it down to particular Cafes, both of
Theory and Practice.
15. A Philofophy procured in this manner is the ultimate End of the The Second
Inftauration; an End worthy of the Author; and fixed with true Judgment, Philofophy
as a defirable, yet poffible Pitch of Perfection; to which human Knowledge
the End of the
Inftauration.
may arrive, by a right Uſe and Application of the human Faculties.
16. A little to exemplify and illuftrate the Method of raiſing ſuch a Phi- The way of
lofophy; let us fuppofe, (1.) A particular Inductive Hiftory carefully wrote, forming it ex
or a rigorous Enquiry made about the Bufinefs of common Fermentation;
emplified
ſo as to regiiter all the prerogative Inftances, capital Facts and Phænomena,
or principal Changes obferved in the feveral Subjects employ'd; as Grapes,
Malt, Treacle, Sugar, G. (2.) That thefe Inftances being carefully rang-
ed or tabled, and thorowly confidered, reduce themſelves, by the Method
of Rejection, or Art of Induction, to this fingle Axiom; viz. That a faccha-
rine Matter is the Basis of Wines, Beers, Vinegars, and Brandies. (3.) This
Axiom wou'd then be the Refult of the Enquiry; and, like an Algebraical
Expreffion, or general Theorem, contain feveral Arts wrapped up in few
Words. But, (4.) To verify this Axiom, and render it fit to be relied on,
* See Vol. I. p. 16.
"
or
632
APPENDIX.
As leaft a Col·
lection of im-
perfect Axioms
may be dedu-
ced from En
quiriese
The Method
general.
or worthy to enter the Second Philofophy; it must be verified by particular
Experiments. Thus, if a faccharine Matter be the Bafis of Wines, &c. let
Art try to obtain a Sugar from all the Subftances that afford Wines, &c. And
(2.) again, if a faccharine Matter be the Bafis of Wines, &c. let Wines, &c.
be made from Sugar. The Experiments therefore must be tried; and if Su-
gar can be procured from all fermentable Subftances; if thefe Subftances will
not afford Wines, &c. after the Sugar is got out; and if Wines, &c. can be
made from Sugar; the Axiom may appear duly confirmed; or verified.
(5.) To draw out the feveral Arts abovementioned, and fhew how they may
all be hence improved or perfected, requires a particular Explanation, un-
der the feveral Heads of Wines, Beers, Vinegars and Brandies; or the
Arts of the Wine-maker, Wine-Cooper, Vintner, Brewer, Vinegar-maker
and Diſtiller; each whereof may be improved, and fome of them perfected
by this Diſcovery.
17. The Axiom here fet down is purpoſely made Choice of, becauſe it
was the Refult of an Enquiry, profecuted with fome Diligence; and if the
Axiom be not abſolutely perfect; yet it affords a highly uſeful phyſical
Canon by means whereof many confiderable Things may be perform❜d.
And, doubtlefs, it wou'd prove of great Advantage to have a Collection
made of fuch Axioms, which tho not perfectly true, or thorowly verified,
fhou'd yet hold in moft Cafes, or rarely fail; and ferve as ufeful Guides.
tho not infallible. But then fuch Axioms muſt always be the Reſult of En-
quiries; and be found, not made: otherwife they are of no validity; and
can never be trufted.
18. The Example above propofed is taken from Phyficks; but the
fame Method of Inveſtigation is equally fitted for improving all the
Parts of Knowledge; fo that Civil Policy, Ethicks, Law, Medicine, and
the other Branches of Science, may be perfected in the fame manner:
whence it appears, that the Lord Bacon has thus open'd a Way for bringing
Philofophy to its higheſt Perfection; and Mankind to their greateſt temporal
Happineſs.
9 See Vol. III. p. 324.
The End of the THIRD VOLUME.
A
A General
INDEX
TO THE
Three VOLUME S.
N. B. The Marks i. ii. iii. denote the Volumes, and the
fubfequent Figures the Pages.
A
Abjuration, what.
A.
ARON, his Age and Cha-
racter. Vol. iii. Page 358
Abator, who
11. 244
Abilities, natural, how im-
proved.
Abraham, his Age and Character.
His Faith, what.
Abridgments, of the Law, what.
How to be uſed.
Abfolution, how to be rectified.
Abſterfion, whence.
ii. 272
iii. 222
i. 162
•
1.257
ii. 222
Activity, what.
Hinders the Progreſs of Philofophy.
Compared with Profperity.
How doubled.
Why but few human Idols there. i. 116
Vol. i. Page 106
The Art thereof neglected. i. 107
Actium, the Battle there.
i. 240
Admiration, what,
i. 324
ii. 381
ii. 65
Adverfity, its Advantages.
Admonitions for promoting Knowledge. i. 8,
9,92. iii. 4, 12, 15, 18
Advantage, publick, how hinder'd.
ii. 149
ii. So
ibid.
i. 157
ii. 316
Egypt, an ancient School.
Adulterations, to be fought.
ii. 512
1.33
iii. 45
iii. 32
Efculapius reitores a dead Man to life. i. 596
i. 97
Why made Brother to Circe.
Accents of Words.
Acceſs to Princes, why coveted.
Accidents of Words.
i. 141
Æther, where found.
iii. 171
ii. 26
i. 229
How divided.
i.
140
How diftinguished from Air
ii. 37
Accretion, different from Affimilation. ii.
Achelous, the Fable of him explained. i. 599,
How it affects Flame.
ii.
4.I
Whether continuous or contiguous. ii. 25
600
Aches in Men, why moft felt againſt
of Weather.
Acids, why they excite the Appetite.
Acteon, the Fable of him explained.
change
Affairs, civil, the Errors therein.
Affection, vehement, its Effects,
i. 236
iii. 98, 99
iii. 63
Affections, how conquered.
ii.71
iii. 970
i. 589
The Tye of Subie&ts.
Their Operations at a diftance.
i. 317
iii 101
Action, lefs laborious than Study.
i. 201
i. 181 Agarick, what.
In an Orator, recommended.
Of the Stage, recommended.
Actions performed in different Times. ii. 522
VOL. III.
1. 413
After-fumes explain'd
iii. 522,524
Its Virtue
M m m m
iii. 283, 289
111. 132
Agathocles,
Academicks characterized. i. 118, 156. ii. 60
Acceleration, a grand Enquiry.
INDE X.
Agathocles, an Apophthegm of his. Vol. i.
Page 513
Age, its Character and Advantages, ii. 101,
Air, whence made calm, or boisterous.
Fol. iii. Page 473
iii. 481
iii. 534
iii. 548
iii. 550
iii. 557
iii. 34
Whether fixable in a rarified State.
Whether condenſable for Nourishment.
Currents therein.
Agrippa, the modern Philofopher,
102. iii. 385
Its Effects.
iii. 349, 336, 416
Whence it occafions Wafte. iii.
412
Its difference from Youth. iii. 415, 417
Why fometimes attended with Corpulency.
iii. 416
See Deficcation and Time.
Agefilaus, his Age and Character.
iii. 360
his Cha-
Dilated by Heat.
Affimilates Moiſture.
Rarified.
racter.
Agues, their Cauſe.
How cured by Sympathy.
ii. 59
iii. 173
Aid to the King, what.
Air, its Rarifaction.
Its Senfibility.
111. 228
ii. 248
ii. 521, 546
1. 112
ii. 26
ii. 33
Its fundamental Divifion.
Wherein permanent.
Contains Light. ii. 36. iii. 326,327
Is a general Receptacle. ii. 517. iii. 162
Why it afcends from under Water. iii. 42
Its Difpofition and Tendency to Putre-
faction, how diſcovered. iii. 59, 60
Directions for trying its Wholefomenefs.
iii. 33, 56, 366, 397
Its Difpofition to Tempests, where fooneft
perceived.
iii. 61
111. 71
How mixed with Flame.
Its different Effects on Flame. iii. 75, 76
Its confinement.
iii. 75, 127, 196
Of Caves, warmeft in Winter.
Imbibitions thereof.
Its Percuffion in Sounds.
Its Effects on Health.
How poifoned.
Its Exclufion, how it affects Bodies.
iii. 126
The Means of Dilating and Contracting
it, wanting.
iii. 571, 57%
Made the Principle of all Things.
iii. 589,590
111. 13
iii. 15.2
Its Hiſtory to be wrote.
Airs, in Muſick, have an Agreement with the
Paffions.
Albert Durer, had an
Painting.
erroneous Notion in
ii. 123
i. 577
Alchemifts, their golden Bough.
Their Procedure and Succeſs. ii. 382,
551. See Chemifts.
i. 28
Their Character.
Alchemy, its fuppofed Foundation. iii. 88.
See Chemistry.
i. 88
iii. 140
Its Imperfection.
The Metal, its Compofition.
Alcibiades, an Apophthegm of his.
Alexander the Great, his Character.
i. 513
i. 35
His Afiatic Expedition flighted. i. 29
Compared to the Author.
ii. 393
The Pope, Apophthegms of his.
i. 513, 514
iii. 95
iii. 99
iii. 100, 189
iii. 158
Algebra, its Imperfection and Perfection. i.91.
ii. 563
iii. 167
iii. 175
Alienation-office, what.
ii. 248
iii. 176
Aliens, in Law, how confider'd.
i. 341
iii. 207
411
iii. 240
iii. 190, 191, 216
iii. 238, 386, 389
How it promotes Putrefaction.
Condenſed for preſerving Bodies.
Condenſed for conveying Sounds.
Condenſed by long Burial.
Rarified by Sounds.
Is predatory.
Whether convertible into Water. iii. 33,
239, 240, 241, 559, 560, 571
Its Corrufcations.
Its Subftance, what.
iii. 323
iii. 342, 412
changed.
iii. 367, 389
When, and how, properly
When coldeft.
How it affects Life.
iii. 386, 387.
How to be excluded the Body.
When to be excluded.
The Properties of a good Air.
When known to be dry.
Suffocates, if too hot.
iii. 34
iii. 387
ill. 427
iii. 397
iii. 34
Aliment, the Properties required in it. iii. 356,
Its Preparation and Motion.
How to be chofe.
Alimentation, its Action.
iii. 356
iii. 392, 401--403
iii. 357, 412
Caufes Dilatation.
When to be changed.
What Heat it requires.
External, how procured.
111. 424
iii. 429
iii. 549
ill. 131
iii. 140
i. 369
iii. 254
iii. 396
i.
514
Alloy, the ancient one.
Allegiance, muſt be independent.
Almonds, bitter, how made fweet,
Aloes, not to be uſed common.
Alonso, an Apophthegm of his.
Alphabets for Decyphering.
i. 142---144
Alphonfo, of Caftile, his Compilement of the
Laws.
ii. 215
Alterations, how procurable. iii. 6c2, 603
iii. 410
Its penetrating Power.
iii. 425
Put in Motion by Heat.
iii. 472
See Bodies, and Tranfmutations.
Alte-
INDE
X.
Suffered an Inundation.
Alterations, procurable without Separation.
Vol. iii. Page 613
Amalgamation, the Enquiry relating to it.
iii. 137
Ambaffadors, how to be treated in cafe of
Confpiracy.
i. 371
Amber, thought to promote Venery. iii. 157
Ambition, its Nature and Kinds. ii. 142--144,
416,417
i. 286
America, its ancient State.
Amurca, what.
Angels, their Nature.
Their Tranfgreffion.
Anger, how to be regulated.
Of ufe to Health.
Anna, the Prophetefs, her Age and Character.
Annals, their Character.
Vol. i. Page 72
i. 198, 199
ii. 85
iii. 383
iii. 359
i. 52,53
i. 320, 321
1.514
iii. 37
i. 204
i. 519
iii. 363
Anne of Bullen, her Fate and Character.
An Apophthegm of hers.
Annihilation impoffible.
Antaclidas, an Apophthegm of his.
Anthony, St. his Age and Character.
Anticipation, its Force and Character. ii. 348,349
Antigonus, an Apophthegm of his.
Antimony abounds with Sulphur.
Antinomia, in Law, what, and
i. 286, 287
iii. 296
Anſwers, how to be made.
iii. 360
i.
1.373
i.
514
i. 519
i. 139
iii. 136
i. 131
Character.
how to be
ii. 221
iii. 362
and De-
Antioch, its Wholeſomeneſs.
iii. 158
i. 99
1. 100
Antipater, an Apophthegm of his.
Antipathy, its Doctrine.
i. 514
iii. 226
i. 414
i. 514
i. 93
iii. 589, 590
treated.
Anacreon, his Age and Character.
Anabaptifts, approach to Papiſts.
Anacharfis, an Apophthegm of his.
Analogy, Cæfar's Book thereof.
Analyticks, what.
Anaftafius Dicorus, his Age and
Anatomy, comparative, its Requifites
fects.
Of live Creatures difapproved.
Anaxagoras, his Character.
An Apophthegm of his.
Anaxarchus, his Character.
Anaximenes, his Philoſophy.
Ancients, unacquainted with the Interpretation
of Nature.
ii. 409
Their Improvement of the Sciences. i.7
Their Knowledge. ii. 370, 471, 409
Weakly admired.
ii. 380, 381
Anicius Juftinianus, his Age and Character.
iii. 362
Animals, the Difference betwixt Male and
Female.
iii. 35, 36
The Male when young, and when caf-
trated, why like Females. iii. 36
Their comparative Magnitude.
ibid.
To accelerate their Births.
iii. 39
Why fome are cold to the Touch. iii. 53
Whence they change their Hair and
Plumage.
The Ways to dwarf them.
Prognoſticate the Weather.
Their vital Spirits, what.
Their Nutrition.
fii. 6z
iii. 54
iii. 57
iii. 71
iii. 81
84
Their different Times of Geftation.
iii. 85, 350, 351
Why fome bring many, and others few
at a Birth.
iii.
Some generated by Putrefaction. iii. 86
Why fome move after Death. iii. 11
How nourished in Utero.
Inftances thereof. iii. 227, 228, 229,
231, 232. See Sympathy.
Antiquity, too much regarded. ii. 380,384
Receives Credit from modern Vanity.
ii. 384
Antiquities, why acceptable.
Of Law, what.
How far to be valued in Authors. iii. 9
i. 50, 51
i. 257
A Book to be made of them. ii. 220
Are the Wrecks of Hiſtory. i. 50, 5 1
Antisthenes, an Apophthegm of his
1. 519
Antithets, a Collection thereof. i. 163---178
Apelles, his Error in defigning a perfect Piece.
ii. 123
Aphorifms, what.
i. 147, 148
Relating to the common Affairs of
Life.
Recommended.
Differ from Axioms.
i. 203, 204
ii. 383
ii. 330
Apollo, why made the God both of Medi-
cine and Mufick.
Deceived by Caffandra.
i. 96
i. 533
Apollonius, his Judgment of Nero's Fall. i. 349
Apologies, wherein unfortunate.
i. 355
Apophlegmatifins, their attractive Virtue. iii.45
Apophthegms, their Ufe.
i. 56
i. 512
The Writers thereon.
By anonymous Authors. i. 514--19
Apoplexy, how cured. ii. 490. iii. 413, 53
Apparatus, chemical.
i. 295
Philofophical, defcribed. i. 291--300
Apparel, Luxury therein to be reftrained.
iii. 154
iii. 171
iii. 284
350-354 Appetite, its Kinds.
Their chief Materials.
How they differ from Plants.
Their different Ages.
i.
ii. 205
i. 188
Some have no Bones.
ill. 40
Animation by Heat.
ii. 490
Wherein it confifts.
Appetites, and Motions, their Kinds.
iii. 77, 97
1. 80
M m m m 2
Appetitus
INDE
X.
Appetitus caninus, whence.
Vol. iii. Page 97
Apples, whether producible without Core.
Application of Experiments, what.
Aque fortes, their penetrating Virtue.
Aquila and Prifcilla, their Age and
Aquinas, his Character.
Aragon united with Caftile.
iii. 83
i. 123
iii. 158
Character.
iii. 363
ii. 53
i. 342
Affaffination, of Princes, execrable. Vol. 1,
i.
Page 371
iii. II.
ibid.
iii. 428,
Affemblages of Matter, the larger.
The lefs.
Affimilation, how performed. ii. 535.
Where moſt confpicuous.
How promoted.
The Appetite thereof.
How quickened and
448
iii. 55
iii. 81, 82
iii. 403
Archias, his Endowments.
i. 93
regulated.
iii. 403, 404
Arefaction, whence.
iii. 349
Arguments, how invented.
i. 123
Ariftotle, contradicted Antiquity.
Litigious, their Effects.
i. 267
i. 73
Aftrology, what.
Affurance, a Remedy for fome Defects. i. 227
Aftriction, may prevent Putrefaction. iii. 174
i. 75
Its Pretenfions.
i. 28, 110
i. z8
Its Procedure.
i. 192, 195, 197
His Character.
ii. 52
ii. 394
ii. 562
80,81
i. 519
i. 79
i. 75
i. 75, 76
179,
His Account of Virtue and Pleaſure.
His Hiſtory of Animals.
His Analyticks.
His Obfervation upon Plants. iii.
Ariftippus, an Apophthegm of his.
Armada, Spanish, an Account thereof. ii.
Arms, military, their Properties.
Army, veteran, its Ufe.
Arnoldus de Villa Nova, his Character.
Arrows call'd Sprights, what.
Art of Beautifying, divided.
Its Singularities to be collected.
Operates quicker than Nature.
Its Torturing.
Its principal Works.
Artaxerxes, his Age and Character.
Artillery, its Revolutions.
Arts, mechanical, their Way of
The fendentary kind to be left to
Their Aim.
180
ii. 83
i. 240
ii. 54
iii. 37
i. 106
How to be rectified and perfected.
i. 77, 79, 88, 159
Its Ufe in Predictions and Elections.
Aſtronomy, its Foundation.
Its Defects.
To be united with Phyficks. ii. 28
Its Hiſtory how to be wrote. ii. 15-27
Atalanta, the Fable of her explained. i. 563
Athanafius, St. his Age and Character. iii. 363.
Atheiſm, lefs pernicious than Superftition.
ii. 93
Why no Miracles are wrought to con-
fute it.
Its Cauſes.
ii. 94
ii. 95
Diſtinguiſhed from Superftition. ii. 98
ii. 95
iii. 599
iii. 599, 600
The Notion of them juft or uſeful.
iii. 600
ii. 485
ii. 550
iii. I
iii. 92
iii. 360
Atheiſts, who.
ii. 83
Atoms, what.
improving.
i. 5, 28
Strangers.
i. 238
i. 61
i. 62
i. 107
Of Democritus, confuted.
Attainder of Treafon, gives the
Efcheat to
ii. 246
ibid.
ibid.
the King.
the Lord.
ii. 250
i. 239
The Law thereof.
ii. 251
i. 107
Hero's Notion thereof.
Their Similarity and
Diffimilarity.
iii. 60z
iii. 603
How corrupted.
Of Elegance, divided.
The Liberal.
Military, when moſt flouriſhing.
By whom principally cultivated.
Of Luxury.
More owing to Brutes than Men. i. 116,
Are imperfect.
117
ii. 344, 345
ii. 385
iii. 12
Advanced differently from Sciences. ii. 372
Their Imperfection, whence.
Which to be preferr'd.
The Experiments to be received therein.
How to be confider'd.
How to be improved.
ibid.
iii. 17
iii. 316
Artificial Things, their Difference from na-
tural.
Affaffin, the Name whence
i. 44
1373
Which gives the Efcheat to
Attraction, Inftances thereof. ii. 473, 474,
532, 533. iii. 37, 38, 122
Of Moiſture, explain'd.
How caufed.
How to be cauſed in the
ii. 529
iii. 99
Body.
iii. 400
iii. 98
Ser
iii. 361
Audacity, its Effects on weak Minds.
Its Effects in Buſineſs. iii. 101.
Boldness.
Augurfhip, the Qualifications for it.
Auguftus Cæfar, his Character. i. 228, 313.
ii. 215. iii. 220, 361, 362.
Author,
INDEX
Their Humming whence.
Author, his Procedure and Conduct. Vol. iii.
419
Page 402, 404, 405, 411,413,414, 418,
The Reaſon of his differing from others.
íi. 410, 411
Authority, how deſtroy'd.
Sometimes for Truth.
goes
Its Kinds.
Bees, have Senfes.
Vol. iii. Page 117
Their Time of Living.
ibid.
iii. 198
iii. 285
1. 71
Their Labour.
Being, divine, whence inferr'd.
Belief, preferred to Knowledge.
Bell-metal, its Compofition.
Bellows, their Ufe and Action.
Bellum Sociale, what.
Benefit of Clergy, what.
When inflituted.
Benfalem, a fictitious Ifland,
ii. 140
iii. 4
iii. 101
Aviaries, where to be approved of.
ii. 134
Axioms, in primary Philofophy.
i. 70
Their Doctrine to be carefully delivered.
ii. 329, 339
Differ from Aphorifms. ii. 336
How to be formed. ü. 347, 348, 395,
398, 426, 427, 477
Their Kinds.
ii. 427, 431
Betony, its Virtue.
ii. 589
iii. 18
iii. 230
iii. 237
Their afcending and defcending Scale.
Imperfect ones to be formed.
One of great Ufſe.
Relating to Melioration.
A Set relating to Life and Death.
iii. 418---433
A Set relating to the Winds. iii. 494-497
A Set relating to Rarity and Denſity.
iii. 569, 570
Betel, uſed by the Turks.
i. z6z
iii. 140
iii. 493
i. 342
ii. 241, 250
ii. 241
defcribed. i.
283-300
Bettenham, an Apophthegm of his
Bezoar, how obtained.
Bias, a Precept of his.
An Apophthegm of his.
Biography, defective.
Bion, an Apophthegm of his.
Bird-lime, its adhefive Nature.
Birds of Paradiſe, never light.
iii. 132, 377
ill. 45
i. 523
iii. 262
i. 231
1. 523
1.52
i. 523
ii.
jj. 227
i. 352
Male, whence they excel the Female
in Singing, and Beauty of Feathers.
iii. 36, 164
Not nouriſhed by the Female after ex-
clufion.
iii. 36
Experiments to be made on them. iii. 4z
Their change of Colours, whence. iii. 54
Forefhew the Weather.
B.
B
Abylon, the Name applied to Rome before
Luther.
Bacchus, the Fable of him explained.
Baking, its Effect.
iii. 60, 62
i. 367
i. 66--69
Why they prune themſelves.
iii. 62
iii. 538
Balance, hydroftatical, its Foundation. iii. 519
Baptifm, how to be adminiftred. ii. 316
Bafenefs, whence.
The carnivorous not eatable.
iii. 76
Their different Times of Hatching. iii. 85
Why better Meat than Beafts.
iii. 165
ii. 67
Their Imitation of Voices.
iii. 212
Barbary, its Heat.
iii. 95
Grow white with Age.
iii. 239
122
392
iii. 117
111. 158
iii. 280, 399
111. 40
54
iii. 36
Beafts, their Hair whence.
Beatitude, the Style claimed.
iii. 36
iii. 62
i. 367
i. 163
ii. 123
Baths, an Experiment relating to thern. i.
Bathing, its Ufe. iii. 38, 118, 387, 388, 390,
Bats, eat little.
Battery, in Law, where the Action lies. ii. 229
Bays, Groves thereof.
The Nature of its Wood.
Beaks in Birds, whence.
Beard, grows hoary ſooner than the Head. iii.
Beards in Men, whence.
Bears, their Sleeping.
Why larger than Birds.
Delight in a moift Air.
11. 182
iii. 164
Beauty, Antithets for and againſt it.
Its Character and Effentials.
Its Advantages and Difadvantages.
Beer, the Ufe of racking it.
How corrected.
ibid.
ilid.
iii. 305
Bleeding, where ferviceable.
Blindnels, whence.
Blood of the Cuttle-Fish, why black.
iii. 299
iii. 40
Compared with Quadrupeds. iii. 351, 355
Their Motion in Flight.
in. 351
Their Time of full Growth.
ibid.
Their Age.
iii.
352,353
Whence long lived.
111.355
Why they move after Death.
Biſhops, the reverence anciently paid
Their Stiffneſs.
Their Government to be continued.
Their Authority.
111. 421
them.
ii. 296
ii. 301
ii. 310, 311
Not to act alone.
ii. 311
ii. 311, 312
Should not depute.
11. 312, 313
Bitches, their Time of Geftation.
iii. 85
Bitumen, its Nature.
iii. 70
Blackmoors, whence their Colour.
iii. 39
Blacknefs, whence.
iii. 302
iii. 81
Blood,
INDE
X.
iii. 302
Boars, their Fangs whence.
iii. 36
Blood, how ftaunched.
Attracts Salt.
Its Saltnefs whence.
Vol. iii. Page 130
iii. 231
iii. 291
Its Diſorders how remedied. iii. 390, 391
Bloffoms, the white, why inodorous. iii. 265
Bluſhing, how caufed.
Bodies, their Changes whence. Vol. iii. Page 60z
iii. 608
Senfible and infenfible, their Correfpon-
dences.
Their kinds of Diffolution.
iii. 174
Body, human, its Union with the Soul.
i. 93, 95
Its Doctrine divided.
i. 96
Bodies, animal, their hard Subſtances.
iii. 40
Its Perfections, what.
ibid.
Natural, variouſly compounded.
i. 96
Its Compofition.
i. 136
Their Affemblages.
iii. 11.
Its Wafte, how cauſed and prevented.
i. 105
The moſt periſhable kind.
i. 349
Its Decoration.
i. 106
Celeſtial, have no Reſt.
11.5
Their Hiſtory how to be wrote.
ii. 15---36. iii. 13
Changes therein. ii. 31---33
Whether hot.
ii. 35
Their Influences.
ii. 81
Organical, how formed.
ii. 508
Inanimate, how relaxed and
opened.
ii. 514
Tangible, hard to compreſs.
ii. 521
Untangible, how compounded.
ii. 515
Their Appetites.
iii. 227
Great Alterations therein.
iii. 35
ibid.
iii. 169, 344
Their Confiftencies, what.
How deſtroy'd.
How preferved. iii. 37, 170, 342, 346
Their Appetites, Characters, and Paf-
Its Good, wherein confifting.
Its confent with the Mind.
Its Canals and Organs how
Its Exerciſe, when ferviceable.
How affected by offenfive Objects.
Its Juices how to be harden'd. iii. 392
How foftned and diffolved.
How to be malaxed for prolongingLife.
iii. 404, 423, 428
Boldnefs, Antithets for and against it. i. 164.
See Audacity.
Its Hability.
i. 107
i. 199
ii. 122
actuated.
iii. 36
iii. 67
iii. 32, 33
How preferved.
iii. 387
ibid.
Their Differences. iii. 65---67, 81, 82,
92, 121, 153, 154, 283, 326, 379, 392
How fixed.
How render'd active.
iii. 71
iii. 108
Is fomewhat ridiculous.
fions.
iii. 48
Its proper Ufe.
Their Burials in Earth.
iii. 43
Boletus, what.
Their Parts.
iii. 222
Bones their Growth.
Their Spirits. iii. 53, 153.
See Spirits.
Have Perception.
iii. 58
How converted to Nouriſhment.
Broken, hard to cure in froſty Weather.
How affected by Froſt.
Bone-aſhes, whence their Fixednefs.
Books, contain little ferviceable
ii. 68
ibid.
iii. 289
iii. 40
iii. 78
iii. 236
iii. 561
iii. 71
Matter.
i. 4. ii. 382
Their ſpecific Gravities.
iii. 512
Their Force of Union.
iii. 238
Borage, its Nature.
How made foft and yielding.
Dead, waſte leſs than living.
Are not compofed of the four
iii. 386
Box, the Nature of its Wood.
iii. 277
iii. 280
Elements.
Why denſe near the Earth's
iii. 517
Surface.
Brafs, how made.
iii. 518
iii. 411
Boyle, Robert, his Method of profecuting En-
quiries.
Bracelets for comforting the Spirits.
Its medicinal Virtue.
ii. 567
iii. 229
iii. 140
iii. 306
Their Expanſion, whole and
in
Powder.
Bread, how beſt prepared.
iii. 402
iii. 520
Their Expanfion, crude and
diftilled.
iii. 521
Briar, the Effects of its Fruit
Brefquet, an Apophthegm of his.
Bribery deſcribed.
i. 523
ii. 145
when eaten.
iii. 44
Their Expanfions compared.
ii. 510.
iii. 525
Thoſe made fluid by Heat.
Combustible, how relaxed.
iii. 536
iii. 537
Bodies, flatulent, their Phænomena in the Fire.
Froze and thawed.
iii. 537, 538
iii. 541, 542
The tangible and pneumatical claffed.
iii. 522-524
Brewing, how beft perform'd
iii. 50, 51
Recommended for Turky.
Bricks, how made magnetical.
Brimftone, why it wants the Force of Gun-
powder.
Where found.
iii. 71
iii. 171
Britain, its Advantages and Forces. ii. 173-176
iii. 63
iii. 123
Brothers,
INDE
X.
Page 489
1.523
Brutus, his Behaviour at his Death.
i. 233
Bubbles, explained.
iii. 42
Brothers, or Caftor and Pollux, at Sea. Vol. iii.
Brown, Dr. an Apophthegm of his.
Brutes. See Animals.
Cafes in Law omitted, how to be governed.
Vol. i. Page 244
Willingly omitted, are not to be relieved.
i. 249
Caffandra, the Fable of her explained. i, 583
Cafia, its Defect, how fupplied.
iii. 286
Bugs, whence.
iii. 115
Caffius, a Saying of his.
i. 525
Building, how to be conducted. ii. 127--130
Caftor, its Ule.
iii. 399
Bullets, their fhuddering Motion.
iii. 537
Bulls, whence the Smallneſs of their Horns.
Catiline, his immoral Declaration. ii. 231, 23 2
Catharticks, their Operation. iii. 45, 130
Burgh-English, what.
iii. 36
ii. 245
Burleigh, Lord, an Apophthegm of his. i. 524
Burning-glaffes varied.
Lofe their Virtue by boiling. iii. 46
How to be uſed.
Caterpillars, how bred.
ii. 437, 438
Bur-roots, an Experiment therewith recom-
mended.
iii. 78
Cato, his Judgment of Learning.
iii. 130
iii. 44
i. 21
Bufinefs, why loved.
i. 20
How obſtructed. i. 202, 228. ii. 150
Reducible to Rule.
i. 203
Its Doctrine divided.
How to be treated.
i. 202, 203
i. 203--219
The Advantages of contriving it. i. 213
The fittest Inftruments therein. i. 229
How to be conducted. ii. 67, 72, 112,
113
How to be found.
Caution, what.
Cautions, the Doctrine thereof.
Celfus, his Character.
His Rule of Health.
A Saying of his.
Catulus, a Saying of his.
Caves, for philofophical Ufe.
Caufes, their Chain.
The elder, and younger, characterized
i. 219, 229
1.525
ibid.
+
i 291. ii. 544
i. 16, 18
Their kinds.
i.
85---87. ii. 424
iii. 18
i. 226
C.
Adiz, taken by the English, in 1586.
Cadiz,
Cement, as hard as Marble.
Cements.
Ceremonies, religious.
Idolatrous and magical.
ii. 183
Antithets for and against them.
Civil, how to be practiſed.
Ceres, feeking Proferpine.
Certainty, effential to Laws.
Its Foundation.
Cafar, Julius, his Character and Sayings,
i. 35, 36, 92, 161, 220, 225, 310---313,
371,524
ii. 214
iii. 33
iii. 137
Cairo, whence its Plenty.
Calcination of Metals, what to be enquired
therein.
Calculations, of all kinds, to be made. ii. 521
Calendars of Doubts, &c. recommended.
i. 81, 82
i. 93
Califthenes, his Character.
Camphire, its inflammable Nature. iii. 71,379
Candles, how made durable. iii. 69, 74, 75
Cannibals.
iii. 76, 356
Canons, what.
111. 15
ii. 190, 191
ii. 56
ii. 125
iii. 47
iii. 48
1. 300
i. 263
i. 164
ii. 66,67
i.
575, 576
1.244
ii. 563
ii. 583
iii. 396
iii. 48
398-407
1. 207
i. 233
The Cautions it requires.
Chalybeates, how to be uſed.
Chameleon, Obfervations thereon.
Chancery, how to be regulated. i.
Characters of Men, how known.
Charles V. his Saying.
His Procedure againſt the Pope. i. 367
Of Sweden, a Saying of his.
i. 525
i. 138
i. 137
iii. 18 Charity, defcribed. i. 185, 198, 199. ii. 91
ii. 91
ii. 92
Charities, not to be deferr'd till Death. ii. 121
Chearfulneſs, its Effects.
Characters, real, what.
Ufed by the Chinefe.
Variable ones to be formed.
Cannons, whence their Report.
iii. 189
May err.
Cantharides, whence corrofive.
ill. 44
Its Degrees.
Affect the Bladder.
iii. 227
Capons, a Drink thereof.
Capers, why they excite the Appetite.
iii. 97
Chattels, real, what.
iii. 78
Cardan, his Character.
ii.
52
Chemistry, its Pretenfions.
Cares to be moderated.
ii. 113
Carneades, his Age and Character.
i. 93.
iii. 360
Chemifts, their Philofophy.
Carthagena, the taking thereof, in 1585.
ii. 178
Carvajal, a Saying of his.
» 525
2
How to be improved.
Its Principles.
Their four Principles.
ii. 252
iii. 383, 385
i. 28
ii. 550, 551
iii. 171
i.
.. 30. ii. 55
i. 133
The moſt ferviceable fort.
ii. 56
Chemifts
INDE
X.
Chemifts, their Improvement of Philofophy.
Cold condenfes Bodies.
Its Tranfition.
Vol. iii. Page 241
iii. 304
Vol. ii. Page 371
Children, why not hairy.
iii. 165
Its proper Effect.
iii. 345
Chilon, a Saying of his.
i. 525
Colewort, why an Enemy to other Plants.
iii. 258
China Earth.
iii. 562
Chinefe, their Laws againft Strangers.
i. 288
Turns to Rape.
iii. 267
Attempt to make Silver.
iii. 888
Chiromancy, what.
i. 94
Colleges of Jefuits, worthy of Imitation. i. 22
Colliquation, what.
Chriſtianity, its Points of Faith above Reaſon.
Colour, fymbolizes with Tone.
ii. 285---288
Church, its Peace how procurable. i. 264, 339
Its Union, what.
i. 339, 347
Its Office.
ii. 99
Chriftians, characterized from their Articles of
Belief.
ii. 285
Columbus, his Diſcoveries why flighted. i. 29
Command, which to be eſteemed.
Colours, afforded by Metals.
How made bright.
How to be enquired into.
iii. 419
iii. 152
iii. 53
iii. 54
iii. 239
Comets, their Hiſtory.
ii. 32, 33, 43, 438
i. 37
Of England, how to be regulated.
ii. 307---322
Its Maintenance, how to be provided.
for.
ii. 321, 322
Churches compared. ii. 297---299, 308
Cicero, his Character.
ii.
Sayings of his. i. 161, 188, 192, 197,
200, 201, 231, 324, 526
Q. His Book de Petitione Confulatus. i. 203
Cineas, a Saying of his.
Cion over-ruling the Stock.
Circe, why made Sifter to Efculapius.
Civet, its Virtue.
Civilians to be countenanced.
Clarification, how procured. iii.
Where pernicious.
Clay, vitrified.
Clearchus, a Saying of his.
iii. 157
ii. 199
50---57, 165
...
iii. 555
i. 525
i. 526
ii. 172
Clouds, Prognofticks from them.
iii. 467,
489, 490
Coals, their Smoke poisonous.
iii. 168
Clement, Pope, a Saying of his.
Clinias, his Opinion of War.
How to be confider'd by the State.
ii. 195
Commentaries, what.
i. 50
Commentary of Law Terms, how to
made.
i. 256
Commendams confider'd.
ii. 322
Commendation reſembles Gain.
ii. 66
53
Communion, Chriftian, its Bonds what. i. 264
Compafs, its Invention improbable.
Compaffion, to be limited.
Compilers, philofophical, to be
ii. 399
i. 209
inftituted.
i. 298
Compofts, their different kinds. iii.
281, 282,
i. 526
297, 380
iii. 257
i. 97
Compreffion of Liquors.
iii. 54, 64
Concoction explained.
iii. 54
Its Periods.
iii. 55
Concretion, its Cauſe.
ibid.
iii. 125
How to be ftrengthened
Condenſation and Rarefaction, why not well
underſtood.
The Foundation of the Enquiry.
iii. 505
iii. 505, 506.
See Contraction.
Its kinds.
Its Operation.
ii. 548, 549
iii. 378
i. 157
iii. 429
Cocks, their Combs and Spurs, whence. iii. 36
Calum, the Fable thereof explain'd. i. 550--552
Coffee, how uſed by the Turks.
Cold, its Sphere of Activity.
Its Contrariety to Heat.
Condition, the beſt which.
Conditions, not lightly to be changed. i. 207
Conduct of a wife Servant, what.
Confectionary, philofophical.
Confirmation, how to be regulated.
i. 204
i. 297
i. 220
ii. 316
Conflagrations, ſtrongeſt againſt the Wind.
iii. 132, 337
Confidence, exceffive, what.
ii. 519
ii. 534
ii. 548
Its Degree to be increaſed.
ii. 547, 548
Its Nature.
Its Preparative.
Its Caufe.
The Caufes of catching it.
111. 12
iii. 34
iii. 46
Experiments to be made thereon. iii. 43,5 z
How produced.
Its Effect on Spirits.
May caufe Mortifications.
iii. 52, 53
iii. 56
iii. 83
When it operates moft powerfully. iii.110
Conformities to be fought.
Confutation of Sophiſms.
Of Interpretation what.
Of Idols, what.
How to be avoided.
Where uſeleſs.
Its kinds.
ii. 451
ii. 478, 480
i. 131
1.132
i. 132, 134
i. 148
ii. 250
ii. 403
iii. 56
iii. 551
i. 186
Congelation, Experiments thereon.
Explained,
Its Law, what.
Preventive of Putrefaction. iii. 172, 174 Confcience, its Pleaſures.
May hinder Sleep.
iii. 183
i. 262
Coй-
INDE
X.
Confent, a Method of Practice. Vol. ii. Page 552
No fure Argument in Philofophy.
ii. 373, 374
Conſents, the more univerfal kinds. ii. 552,553
Betwixt Bodies and their Áliments.
Converfion, its kinds.
Vol. iii. Page 55
Conveyance of Lands, by Feoffment, Fine,
and Recovery.
ii. 255, 256
ii. 258, 259
By Will.
Convocation, whether it be ſtrengthened. ii. 212
Cookery, Improvements therein. iii. 401--403
Coolneſs, how obtained.
iii. 57, 469
Condufive to Longevity. iii. 431
iii. 138, 534
With what Things it incorporates. iii. 140
ii. 553
Betwixt the Senfes and their Objects.
ibid.
Conſiſtency, what.
Its Cauſe.
iii. 609
iii. 611
Copper, how diffolved.
Inftances thereof.
ii. 472, 473
How made.
Confpiracy, how to be treated.
i. 371, 372
Coral, its Ufe.
Conftables, their Office and Authority. ii. 230,
Its Growth.
231, 233, 234
Its Virtue.
How elected.
Cordials, how to be uſed.
iii. 141
iii. 42, 43
Their Oath.
ii. 232
ii. 233
High, and Petty-conftables, how
appointed.
ii. 231, 236
Their Origin.
ii. 231
Conftancy, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 164
Confumption, how cured. iii. 78, 80, 418
Contemplation, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 170
Continents, why colder than Iſlands.
Continuity explained.
iii. 34
ii. 528
How given.
Continuance, a Method of Practice.
ii. 551
i. 159
iii. 551, 552
Contraction explained.
Whence.
ii. 532
By the Emiffion of a Body received.
iii. 552---554
By the Shrinking of the Parts re-
ceived.
iii. 555,556
By actual Cold. iii. 557--562,565
By potential Cold. iii. 563, 564
By Flight and Antiperiftafis. iii. 564,
By Affimilation.
By external Violence. iii. 566--568
iii. 57
iii. 229
iii. 398
iii. 63
Corn, its Diſeaſes how remedied. iii. 295, 296
Corns, why moft felt towards Froft.
Experiments to be made thereon. iii. 234
Corruption, its Principles in Nature.
Whence.
Corruptions, the Doctrine thereof
Morality.
Corrufcations, whether hot.
Cofmical Quantity, what.
i. 159
ii. 489
wanting in
i. 190
ii. 438
ii. 525
Council, at Law, the King's, how to be choſe.
ii. 197
Of State, how to be conducted. ii. 138,
139, 200
Standing Councils recommended. ii. 140
Council-Tables, long and fquare, their differ-
ii. 139
ence.
Counsellors, of State, ſhould not be Scorners. i. 208
How to be choſe. ii. 199. 200
Counfel, its kinds.
Characterized by Demofthenes.
ii. 67
i. 183
A Variety to be allow'd therein. i. 417
Scatter'd, not to be relied on.
Its Advantage to Princes.
Its Inconveniences.
How to be managed.
565
ii. 72
üi. 565
ii. 137
ii. 137, 138
By Saturation.
iii. 567
Inftanced.
iii. 555
Countenance, its Effects.
1. 201
i. 221
Is more than Dryneſs.
ibid.
Its Proceſs and End, by Fire.
iii. 555,
Countries, the Diſcovery of new ones to be
iii. 498
556
predicted.
Its Law.
iii. 567
County-court, what.
ii. 235
Its Efficients.
iii. 566
Its Jurifdiction.
ii. 236
The genuine kind.
iii. 557
Court-Baron, its Institution.
ii. 249
The fpurious kind.
iii. 567
Controverfies in the Church, how to be con-
ducted.
ii. 291, 293, 306
Their Occafions. ii. 295--306
Their Growth and Progreſs. ii. 299,
300
The People no Judges thereof. ii. 306
Contufions, how cured.
iii. 226
Converfation, prudential, deficient.
Not to be flighted.
i.
152
i. 201
Why defpifed by the Learned. i. 203
How to be managed. i.207. ii. 105,106
Rules for it.
Courtleets, their Office and Jurifdiction.ii.231,232
Courts, how they are to judge where the Law
is defective.
i. 247
to be confined.
Cenforial and Prætorial what, and how
i. 247,248
Of Equity, their Jurifdiction. i. 248, 249
Not to Decree againſt a Statute. i. 249
To be kept diftinct from thoſe of
Juftice.
ibid.
Should Decree againft obfolete Laws.
i. 537
Of Juftice, their Jurifdiction.
Nnnn
i. 251
i. 247
Courts,
Court of Green-cloth, what.
i. 333
VOL. III.
INDE
X.
To miantain Peace with each other.
i. 259. ii. 197
Courage, how to be caufed by Sympathy.
Courts, their Judgments how to be recorded.
Vol. i. Page 254, 255
Dangers, the Conduct required therein. Vol. ii.
Page 111
Covenant, to ftand feized to Ufes.
iii. 100
ii. 258
Not to be over-rated, or provoked, ibid.
Darkneſs, whence its fmall Action.
Deafnefs, how helped by an Inftrument. iii. 220
Dearths, whence.
iii. 296
iii. 302
Cows, their Horns why larger than in Bulls.
iii. 36
Death, eaſy, how to procure. i. 100, 101,
323, 324. ii. 100
The Fear of it how conquered. i. 189
Their Time of Geftation.
iii. 85
Its Advantages.
ii. 100
Cramp, its Cauſe and Cure.
iii. 222
Its immediate Cauſe.
iii. 119
Craſſus, a Saying of his.
ii. 526
Its Procefs.
Cream, how matured.
iii. 125
Credulity, pernicious in Princes.
Its kinds.
i. 209
i. 27
punished.
Crifpation, whence.
Criticiſm, how divided.
Their Office, what.
Its Inconveniences, in Hiftory.
In Arts and Opinions.
With regard to Authors.
Crimes, the preparative Parts thereof to be
Criticks, wherein prejudicial to Learning.
Crocus Vernus, why ſo early.
ibid.
How caufed.
By Poiſon, Drunkenneſs,
Its more certain Avenues.
Fear, Joy, &c.
iii. 409, 410
iii. 412, 433
iii. 335, 336
ili. 409
i. 28
Its Forerunners.
ibid.
Its Symptoms.
The Confequents upon it.
iii. 413
ibid.
ibid.
i. 248
Apparent, recover'd from. iii. 413, 414
iii. 36
Decay, where it begins.
i. 179
Decency, its Rules.
ibid.
Deception-houſes.
ibid.
Decoction explained.
iii. 276
Decorum, its Effect.
Crudity explained.
iii. 55
Cruelty, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 165
Affects only particular Perfons.
i. 210
Cryſtal, where found.
iii. 56
Cunning, defcribed in all its
Difguifes. ii.
Self-cunning defcribed.
Cupid, the Fable of him explained.
107---109
ii. 109, 110
i. 568--570
iii. 581--588
Two Cupids.
i. 568
Cupping-glaffes explained.
iii. 534
Curiofity, uſeleſs, deſcribed.
i. 205
Currents of the Sea, to what owing.
iii. 453,
614, 615
ii. 154
ill. 77
i. 347
i. 348. ii. 219
i. 141
How contrived to divert Examination.
Cuſtom, its Power. ii. 104, 105, 154. iii. 128
Its Advantages.
Its Rule.
Cuftoms, English and Scotch, their Difference.i.346
Amount to municipal Laws.
Their Power.
Cyphers, their Kinds and Properties.
Its Rules.
Decrees, how to be reverſed.
Decyphering explained.
Dedications, modern, blamed.
Deer, their Rutting-time.
Defects, how beſt learnt.
How concealed.
Deficiencies, of Knowledge, indicated. i. 267,
Definitions, how to be formed.
Deformity characterized.
270
ii. 564
11. 122
...
111. 57
Deianira, contended for by Hercules and Ache-
lous.
Delay, Antithets for and againft it.
Delivery, its Doctrine.
Deluges, caufe Oblivion.
iii. 425
i. 201, 202
i. 298
iii. 51
i. 201
i. 201, 202
i. 259
i. 145
i. 23
i. 84
i. 222, 223
i. 226
How prevented.
i. 599, 600
i. 165
Delays, confider'd.
ii. III
i. 178
Democritus, his Atoms.
How to elude Sufpicion.
Cyrus, his Character.
i. 141
ibid.
i. 93
His Age and Character.
His Philofophy. ii. 582, 584-586,
Demonſtration, its kinds. i. 11, 134. ii. 368
Demofthenes, his Rebukes to the Athenians.
i. 158, 159, 228, 526. ii. 391
Sayings of his. i. 22, 183, 230.
ii. 172
ii. 8r
i. 569, 570. ii. 60
iii. 360
601
tors.
D.
D
Dangers, their Forerunners.
How exaggerated by the Athenian Ora-
Edalus, the Fable of him explain'd. i. 601
Daify-roots, their Uſe.
iii. 91
i. 425
i. 422
Dendamis, Sayings of his.
Denizens, the Law concerning them.
Denization, among the Romans, what.
Denfity, answerable to Weight. ii. 509, 510,
i. 262. ii. 60
i. 341
i. 238
519
Denſity
INDE X.
iii.
iii. 517
517,518
Des Cartes, his Book de Methodo.
Defcent, its Rules.
ii. 230
i. 298
ii. 562
Density and Rarity confider'd. Vol. iii. Page
505, 506, 507---511
Its Limits in Bodies.
Its Scale.
Deodand, what.
Depredators, inftituted.
Diogenes, Apophthegms of his.
His Age and Character.
Diomed, the Fable of him explained.
Vol, i. Page
526.527
iii. 360
586---588
Dionyfius, an Apophthegm of his.
i. 527
Dionyfius, the Areopagite, his Age and Cha-
iii. 363
Defires, unlawful, their Nature.
ii. 244, 245
Deficcation, by Age, Air, Fire, Cold, Salt,
Gums, Powders, Spirit of Wine and Smoke.
iii. 344, 345
How prevented.
iii. 345, 346
Its Hiſtory.
iii. 344---353
Its Proceſs.
iii. 348, 349
Defigns, how to be judged of.
i. 222, 223
Deſpair, what.
i. 67
i. 262
racter.
Difcipline, military, retained by Chriftians.
i. 239
Of the Church, not directed in Scrip-
ii. 309, 310
ture.
Difcourfe, the Matter of it, how procurable.
Its Doctrine.
How to be conducted. i. 207, 210,
i. 125
i. 60, 125, 126
536, 537
i. 197
1. 4
ii. 398,
400
ii. 410
101, 103
Moral, why ineffectual.
390---403
Diſcoveries, but few real.
i. 60
iii.
i. 571
240, 558
iii. 124
iii. 164
Hurts Philofophy. ii. 372, 373, 389,
Deftinies, why made Sifters to Pan.
Deucalion, the Fable of him and Pyrrha, ex-
plained.
Dew, what.
How to be collected.
Diamonds, Cornish, what.
Dictionary, of the Law, how to be made.
ii. 222
Diet, Luxury therein to be reftrained. ii. 205
A free one to be uſed.
For prolonging Life. iii.
Aliment.
Diet-Drinks, their Ufe.
Diets, emaciating, their Ufe.
Differences, how compoſed.
Diffidence, how fhewn.
iii. 401
401---403. See
iii. 131, 408
How to be made rationally.
Whence to be derived.
Diſeaſes, how to be treated.
i. 98,
The incurable neglected.
How remedied by Exerciſes.
Which moſt dangerous.
Their Cure by Motion of
Epidemical, whence.
Peftilential, why moft fatal in
Of Repletion, their Cauſe.
Some cured by Exceſs.
How to be procured.
i. 100
ii. 66
ii. 71
Confent.
iii. 129
iii. 182
Summer.
ibid.
iii. 300
iii. 129
iii. 81
i. 215
Diſloyalty characterized.
i. 425
i. 353
Diſpatch, where chiefly required.
i. 212
ii. 112
Difficulties, how to be encounter'd.
i. 230
Digeftor, its Contrivance intimated.
ii. 545
A new one applied.
iii. 540
527---529
Dilatation, caufed by Introfufception. iii.
Difpofitions in Men, how diſcovered. i. 193,
194. ii. 12f, 145
To be fuited in determining the
Courfe of Life.
ii. 122.
i. 263
Difquiet, its Cauſes, whether to be avoided.
i. 186
From the innate Spirit. iii. 529--533 Difpute, its Ufe.
Natural and preternatural.
iii. 529
By means of Fire. iii. 533--538
By external Heat, and Diſtillation.
iii. 538---541
By the Remiffion of Cold. iii. 541,542
By potential Heat. iii. 542, 543
By a Releaſement of the Spirit. iii.
544---546
Upon the uniting of Bodies related.
By Affimilation.
By external Force.
By Diffuſion.
iii. 547
iii. 548, 549
iii 549, 550
By Emiffion.
iii.
iii. 551, 552
552-554
iii. 549
iii. 567
Its Efficients.
Its Motion double.
Spurious. iii. 568. See Contraction.
Diffeifor, who.
Diffimulation, Antithets for and
ii. 244
againſt it.
i. 165
How to be practifed.
i. 227, 311
Its Ufe.
Its Degrees.
Its Advantages and
Diſtance, how perceived.
Diftillation, clofe, its Effects.
Its Action.
Its Procefs.
ii. 68
ii. 69
Difadvantages.
ii. 70.
iii. 300
iii. 93
iii. 538
iii. 539,558
Improved for Converfons. iii. 539, 540
The Matter loft therein to be eſtimated.
Nnnn 2
iii. 541
Diving-
INDE X.
Diving-bell defcribed. Vol. ii. Page 544. iii.
iii. 155
Dolphins, Prognoſticks from them.
Dominion of the Sea, what.
iii. 492
i. 240
Over the Creatures, how
See Empire.
loft. ii. 5.
Dormice, why they eat little.
iii. 117
Doves, why they breed often.
iii. 84
Doubts, a Calendar thereof to be made. i. 81
Dragon-Fly.
ii. 44
Draining, its Advantages.
ii. 205
Drake, Sir Francis, his Expedition againſt the
Spaniards in 1587.
ii. 178
Dreams, their Doctrine and its Foundation.
i. 93, 94. iii. 157
Drinks of various kinds. i. 281, 294. iii. 125,
246
Divinity, its Foundation.
Scholaftic, whence.
58---63,486
i. 233
i. 265
Divination, what.
How divided.
Artificial and Natural.
566
i. 110
ibid.
ibid.
Its Doctrine. i. 110, 425. iii. 33,
EA
AR, how affected by its Objects. Fol.
iii. Page 180
ill. 13
Earth, its Hiftory, how to be wrote.
Whether it moves.
ii. 22, 29, 496
ii. 29
Its internal Parts permanent.
Its Doctrine.
i. 18, 266, 261
The Changes therein.
Its Subftance, how preferved.
ii. 30, 31
ii. 42
When it flouriſhed moſt.
i. 359
Its Exhalations and Vents.
iii. 464
Diureticks, how they differ from Purgatives.
iii. 47
Doctrine, civil, how to be treated.
i. 235
i. 137
How divided.
ibid.
Earthquakes.
iii. 588
i. 371
ii. 7
i. 197
Traditive, what.
Doctrines, moral.
Does, their Time of Geſtation.
Dogs, why they delight in fetid
iii. 85
Odours.
Whether it fwells. iii. 530, 531, 532
Why not made the Principle of Things.
Some do little hurt.
Happen only near the Surface. ii. 30
Compared to Comets.
Cauſe oblivion.
Echo, why efteemed Pan's Wife.
Echoes, their Super-reflection.
Where beſt heard.
The Doctrine thereof.
ibid.
ii. 81
i.
55
iii. 65, 66
iii. 66
iii. 213---216
ii. 215
Edgar, King, his Character.
Education, collegiate, its Advantages. i. 180
How to be conducted.
Edward II. an Apophthegm of his.
Edward III. compared with James I.
Attempts the Conqueft of Scotland. i. 340
Effluvia, their powerful Operations.
Their pernicious Effects
E.
ii. 105
i. 527
i, 335
iii. 156
inftanced.
iii. 167
How to be preſerved.
Turkish.
iii. 125, 126
ii. 63
Eggs, differently hatched.
Petrified.
How affected by Incubation. ii. 514. iii.
154
iii. 64
iii. 562
Droughts, what they prognofticate.
Dropfy, how treated by Heraclitus.
ii. 59
iii. 405
Prolifick and unprolifick, indiftinguishable.
Drunkenneſs, its Phænomena and Effects. iii.
Ehud, the Judge, his Age and
iii. 352
Character.
iii. 358
60, 65, 128, 147, 299
Elder-flowers, their Virtue.
iii. 132
Dryness, what.
iii. 97
iii. 341--343
•
1. 227
i. 189
iii. 132
Duelling, how to be fuppreffed. i. 393---398
Durability, confidered in various Subſtances.
Dulneſs, its Pretext.
Duty, the Term where proper.
Duties, comparative, the Cafes.
Refpective, the Doctrine.
Religious.
Dwarf-pine, its Quality.
Dye, Scarlet.
i. 192
i. I
191
i. 197
Elenches, their Doctrine. i. 131.
tations.
iii. 65 Elephants, their Time of Geſtation.
Eleſmere, a Saying of his.
Eli, the Prieft, his Age and Character. iii.
Elifbah, the Prophet, his Age and Character.
Elizabeth, Queen, Sayings of hers.
Electricity, what.
ii. 529
The Enquiry into it begun. iii. 66, 67
Electrum, what.
iii. 140
Of the Ancients.
iii. 141
Elements of Things, what.
ii. 564. iii. 10
Ariftotle's Notion of their
Rarity fic-
titious.
iii. 526
See Confu-
iii. 85
i. 528
·359
iii. 359
i.
527
Her Felicities.
i. 320
Elizabeth,
INDE
X.
Elizabeth, Queen, her Reign and Character.
Vol. i. Pag. 305, 320, 321, 323, 324, 325,
326---328,366
i. 25
Elocution, characterized.
Eloquence, its Ufe, Doctrine, and Deficiencies.
i. 55, 150, 151, 182, 183, 313
The Affectation thereof.
Embalming, how performed.
Of the Egyptians.
i. 25
iii. 170
ibid.
Entails, the Device of their Perpetuity.
Vol. ii. Page 254, 255
i. 166
i. 602. ii. 87
Envy, Antithets for and againſt it.
Ufual among Artiſts,
How excited.
How it acts.
How extinguiſhed.
Characterized.
i. 425. ii. 88
i. 111. ii. 87. iii. 101
i. 311. ii. 79, 88
ii. 87, 88. iii. 383
Who moſt ſubject thereto.
!
Embaffies, how to be conducted. ii. 201, 202
Emblems, the Doctrine thereof.
Emiffion of Spirits.
Its Cure.
i. 136
Epaminondas, a Saying of his.
iii. 99
iii. 100, 101
Of fpiritual Species.
Empiricks, the Danger in trufting them. i. 19,
97, 194
Whence more fucceſsful than Phyfi-
i. 97
ii. 392
Empire, how to be extended and preferved.
i. 239, 241
cians.
Their Procedure.
Over the Creation, how loft.
Antithets for and againſt it.
Roman, its Increaſe.
The Art of it defcribed.
ii. 87
ii. 89, 116
i. 528
i. 36, 528
ii. 95
Ephemera Flies, whence fo fhort-lived. iii. 117
Epictetus, Sayings of his.
Epicurus, unjustly accuſed of Atheiſm.
iii. 359
Epimenides, his Age.
Epimetheus, his Behaviour to Pandora.
i. 558
Epifcopacy, the Oppofition made to it.
ii. 294--296, 303
Erichonius, the Fable of him explained. i. 564
Errors, in Philofophy, what and whence.
ii. 375, 391---402
Erysipelas, how cured.
Efaiah, the Prophet, his Age and
...
iii. 5
i. 166
i. 181
i. 234---241
i. 345,
Efcheats, their Caufes.
i. 321
Effenes, their Sect.
Eſtates, how to be fecured.
Empires, their Beginnings, whence.
Decay with Age.
92,93
i. 222--224
Endowments, natural; particular ones. i.
Ends of Men, how diſcovered.
Endurance, its Philofophy neglected.
i. 107
Endymion, the Fable of him explained. i. 593
England, compared with Scotland. i. 340,
346, 347, 351
Compared with France.
How to be defended.
Its Safety, wherein lodged.
Its Greatnefs.
Characterized.
What go to the Crown.
Ethelwold, a Saying of his.
iii. 405
Character.
iii. 359
ii. 246
ii. 251
i. 205
ibid.
i. 528
Ethicks, characterized. i. 114, 151, 182, 183,
How divided.
Whence like Females.
192, 200
The Writers thereof.
i. 182
i. 183
i. 237
i. 341
Eunuchs, whence employ'd by Princes.
ii. 122
iii. 36
i. 344
ibid.
i. 337,338
Whence dimfighted.
ii. 299
Euphorbium, its Milk.
iii. 290
Eurydice, recovered and loft.
i. 560, 561
ii. 203
Its Alliance with Holland, wherein ad-
vantageous.
When firſt united with Scotland. i. 303
Its Laws characterized.
Enquiry, the Art of it.
ii. 217
i. 116
The inductive Method thereof exem-
plified.
Too limited.
Evidence againſt Arguments, pleaded for and
againſt.
i. 166
Evil, compared with Good. i. 154, 155, 158,
232. ii. 144, 154
Whence fome natural Notions thereof.
i. 262
ii. 433---466
iii. 492
Evils, extreme.
i. 363
The Rules for a perfect one.
i. 220
Ewe, her Time of Geftation.
iii. 85
ii. 587
Its Limits.
ii. 588
Excels, wherein ferviceable.
Examples, how to be confidered.
i. 225
iii. 129
i. 406
ii. 458
Its prerogative Subjects.
How reduced to Practice.
Its Preliminaries.
ibid.
ii. 589
Enquiries, how to be varied and conducted.
ii. 330, 331, 587.
How to be contracted.
Entails, how created.
ii. 331
ii. 253
Their Origin and Inconveniences.
Exchequer, when healthy and when fick.
Exclufion of Natures exemplified. ii. 456, 457
Leads to Induction.
Excommunication, by the Pope, characterized.
Its Abuſe.
i. 325, 372
ii. 319, 320
. 253,254 Excrements, their Scent, when moft naufeous.
iii. 154
Excrefcences,
INDE
X.
on.
In Law, how to be directed.
Exeter, the Rebellion there.
iii. 234
Exercife, where prejudicial, and where fervice-
able. iii. 383, 400, 425, 4.27
Exerciſes, academical, their Uſe. i. 181
Excrefcences, whence.
Vol. iii. Page 36
An Experiment to be made there-
Faſcination, its Power. Vol. i. Page 110, 111.
111. IOI
i. 258
Fafting, wherein prejudicial.
Fat, how obtained from Fleſh.
Favour, loft, how to be recovered.
Favours, wherein the Baits of Sloth.
Faults, how beft excuſed.
iii. 97
iii. 68
i. 210
i. 222
►
1. 204
i. 315
Small ones cenſured in the Wife. i. 208
Exile, its Cafes.
ii. 272
Faufta, her Death.
Fear, whence implanted.
Panic, whence.
iii. 410
i. 6z
ibid.
Expenſes, how to be regulated.
Expanfion, its Motions to be meaſured. ii. 520
Of two kinds, by Diſtillation iii. 538
The fimpleſt kinds.
Experience, what.
Learned, defcribed.
Wants a Foundation.
Has been little profecuted.
Should be made learned.
Experimenting, an Order to be
therein.
To be profecuted.
Experiments, their Ufe.
ii. 402
i. 180
iii. 568
ii. 116, 117
Not to be trufted.
Where uſeful.
ii. 114
ibid.
i. 337
Wherein catching.
i. 119---125
Shortens Life.
ii. 393, 394
ii. 401
ii. 395,
Legal, what.
Juft, a Cauſe of War.
Feathers, whence their Change of Colours.
iii. 101
iii. 383
ii. 171
ii. 173
396, 401
obferved
iii. 54
Fee-fimple, its Advantages.
ii. 255
ii. 394, 595
How to be varied.
The Doctrine thereof.
i. 119, 120
i.
119---125.
iii. 15,17,18
The Error of leaving them too foon.
i. 568, 379
Of Information, wanting.
ii. 394
Explanations, in Law, how to be made. i. 256
Extenfion, in Law, where to be admitted, and
where nct.
i. 245
Feet, their Sympathy with the Head. iii. 228
Felicity, characterized. i. 161,185, 186, 314,
320, 323. ii. 147
Wherein it confifts. i. 185, 186, 189
Succefs attributed thereto.
i. 220
Felo de fe.
ii. 230, 250
Felony, its Punishment. ii. 230, 250, 267--271
The Cafes thereof.
Fenns, ill fuited to Strangers.
ii. 268
iii. 366
Feoffment.
ii. 257. See Conveyance.
Fernelius, his Character.
ii. 54
Fertility, how promoted.
iii. 252
In Philofophy, explained.
ii. 528
Fevers, peftilential, how cured.
iii. 230
Fewel, how to be made cheap.
iii. 69
Its Confumption, how accelerated and
F.
retarded.
ii. 41. iii.
· 347,349
Fine. See Conveyance.
FAbles,
Some defignedly allegorical.
'Ables, ancient, how to be understood.
Fire, its Invention.
i. 555
i. 58
How extinguifhed.
ii. 452. iii. 409
i. 546,
Fewel and Flame.
547
Earlier than the Relators.
i. 547
The Alterations it caufes. ii. 511. See
Its Effect on Men, not the fame as the Sun.
Facility, Antithets for and againſt it.
Their Ufe. i. 548. See Mythology.
i. 166
Forefhews Wind.
Pernicious in a Judge.
i. 214
Not violent unleſs check'd.
Faction, its Confequences and Cure. i. 357.
ii. 155, 156, 157
A Fly bred therein.
Facts, not to be wholly truſted.
Faculties of the Mind, the Doctrine thereof.
1. 222
i. 109, 114
Fainting, how remedied.
Faith, its Object.
iii. 413
i. 183
Characterized.
i. 262, 263
Fame greateſt after Death.
i. 206
ters.
Their Nature.
iii. 70
iii. 84, 353
Whence coveted.
How affected by Auguftus Cæfar. i. 313
Its poetical Deſcription.
Compared to a River.
i. 229
Putrefied, fhine in the dark.
iii. 120
Are frighted by Noiſe.
iii. 190
ii. 76, 156
ii. 78
The Nature of Shell-fiſh.
Their Age.
iii. 181
iii. 353, 354
Fishes,
3
How it operates upon Fat.
Made the Principle of all Things. iii.
Its proper Action, what.
iii. 349
Fiſhes, whence fome are larger than Beafts. iii. 36
iii. 6z
Foretell Rain.
Of the Sea, recommended for freſh Wa-
iii. 39
iii. 61
iii. 73
iii. 116
iii. 238
591
INDE
X.
Fixation of Bodies.
iii. 71, 138
Fixednefs, its Degrees.
Fiſhes, how fuffocated, and refreſhed. Vol. iii.
Fluids, their Tenacity.
Support Solids.
Fly, in Smelting Furnaces, what.
Vol. ii. Page 42
iii. 90, 91
Page 411
iii. 138
iii. 116
Flying in the Air, an Experiment thereon.
iii.
77
Flame, whence differently coloured.
ii. 36, 41.
iii.
ill. 323
Folietani, who.
ii. 553
Whence its pyramidal Figure.
ii. 4!
ibid.
Their Order put down.
Followers, how to be treated.
iii. 77
ii. 146, 147
Where permanent.
Conſtantly hot.
ii.
439, 487
Fomentation for the Gout.
iii. 128
How made ſtrongeſt.
Its tranfitory Nature.
How made.
Its Mixture with Air.
iii.
ii. 451
ii. 501,502
iii. 69
71, 528, 549
Foods, whence fome cloy fooner than others.
iii. 77
Forefight, political, what.
Force, how render'd more efficacious.
iii. 108
Its fecret Nature.
iii. 72, 73
Form, human, its Perfection.
i. 343
i. 188
Experiments relating to its Duration.
Admits no foreign Body.
Is lefs hot in the middle.
How inſtantly extinguiſhed.
Its Subſtance.
Its kinds.
How render'd lefs active.
Its Requifites.
Its Relation to Spirit and Air. iii.
More penetrating than Air
Affords Prognofticks.
Of Heat, enquired into.
ii. 433
iii. 73---76
Forms, what.
i. 84. ii. 423 424
iii. 163
iii. 178
How to be enquired after. i. 84. ii.
432---466
甲
​iii. 221
iii. 342
iii. 375
Lead to great Difcoveries. ii. 424, 425
Known intuitively to Spirits.
ii. 414
Their Notion limited and fixed. ii.
iii. 389
iii. 409
455, 456
Found more eminently in fome In-
409, 432
ftances.
ii. 459
and Water.
Scholaftick, their Origin.
iii. 586
iii. 426
Is rarer than Air.
iii. 490
iii.
Fortitude, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 166
How to be employ'd.
i. 374
Its true Notion.
i. 394
525
Expands more than Fume.
iii. 526, 549
Fortune, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 167
From Oil.
iii. 526, 549
Its Doctrine.
i. 220
Into what it turns.
iii. 462
Compreffed.
iii. 566
Flattery, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 167
Its Nature.
The Remedy againſt Self-flattery.
ii. 72
Flatulency, a Cauſe of Purging.
iii. 46
Flax, fowed to Advantage.
ii. 205
Fowls, their different Ages.
Fleas, how deftroy'd.
iii. 115
Fleſh, which edible, and which not.
iii. 76, 77
How made tender.
Human, why not eaten.
Has a Confent with Fleſh.
Flies, how preſerved.
Foreſhew Rain.
Flowers, fome yield little Scent whilft
Which perfume the Air moſt.
iii. 407
iii. 76
iii. 407
How to be made. i. 221, 230.
ii. III
Foundations for profeffory Learning, their
Failure.
Prognofticks from them.
Fox, Bishop, intimate with King
Fragility, its Caufe.
France, compared with England.
ii. 115,
116
1. 40
iii.
352
iii. 491
Henry VII.
i. 316
iii. 82
i. 344
iii.
iii. 63
growing.
37
Frauds, the Doctrine thereof.
i. 190, 191
Frictions, where ferviceable,
iii. 81, 82,
400, 414, 425, 42
ii. 131
ibid.
Whence fome are white.
Influenced by the Sun.
Collect Honey.
Whence their Preheminence.
iii.
.239
iii. 259
iii. 261
iii. 264
The white, why moſt inodorous. iii. 265
Their different Colours, whence.
iii. 266
ibid.
iii. 288
iii. 265, 266
Proceed from fine Juices.
How produced double.
Whence not nutrimental.
How prefervable.
Fluidity, what.
·
Where better than Exercife. 111.82
Friends, what.
i. 201
How to be adviſed and reproved.
i. 216. ii. 1
147
Friendſhip, Antithets for and against it. i. 167
How to be contracted and conducted.
i. 215. ii. 147
ii. 71, 72
Its Advantages.
Froft, what.
Fruit, Experiments thereon by Burial. iii.
Attempts to produce it without Core
Stone.
iii. 346
How made ſweet.
ii. 609, 610
How ripen'd foon...
iii. 240
4.3
or
iii. 83
iii. 84
iii. 94
Fruit,
INDE X.
Vol. iii. Page 254
Its Growth, how flinted.
iii. 255
How produced.
iii. 266
Fruit, why more nutrimental than Leaves.
Glafs, the Art, how to be improved. Vol. iii.
Whether confumable by Heat.
J
Page 86, 87
iii. 537
Dilated by Heat.
ibid.
Why it degenerates.
iii. 267
Glew, its Tenacity, whence.
iii. 227
How preferved various Ways. iii. 287,
Glory, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 176
346, 347
Glow-worms, their Nature and Properties.
iii. 87, 120
Its different Juices.
iii. 288
Ripens differently ſweet.
iii. 291
Glyfters for cooling the Blood.
iii. 399
Fumes, their Effects.
iii. 156
Of Earth recommended.
iii. 157
Thoſe proper for the Brain.
iii. 399
Fumitory, its Virtue.
iii. 132
Fufion, its Proceſs.
iii. 537
Gnats, how produced from Wine-lees. iii. 116
Gold, in the Leaf, its Adhefion, whence.
Whence its Fixednefs.
Whether it may be made.
ii. 529
iii. 71
iii. 88, 89,
Whence its great Gravity.
G.
Its Properties.
G
Ad-fly, where bred.
iii. 116
Gain, the honeſt and diſhoneſt. ii. 120
Galen, his Character.
ii. 53
Its Alloy.
Galenifts, whence to be approved.
i. 418
Galeria Copiola, her Age.
iii. 361
Its Ductility.
Galley-flaves, whence fat.
iii. 168
Expanded.
Galileo, his Theory of the Tides.
iii. 91
Games of the Torch, what.
i. 559
Gaming, its firſt Rules.
i. 264
Gangrenes, their Cure how to be attempted.
iii. 83
Gardening, its Pleaſure.
ii. 130, 205
Gardens royal, how to be laid out. ii.
131--134
i. 293
Gardiner, Biſhop, a Saying of his.
i. 528
...
For philofophical Uſes.
Gargarifms, their Virtue.
ill. 45
Garments, woollen, preferable to Linen.
iii. 389
ii. 245
Gaunt, the celebrated Retreat there, in 1582.
Perfective.
Compared with Evil. i. 154, 155.
The Doctrine of its Image.
Poſitive and fimple, how treated
Heathens.
Comparative, how treated.
Of Communion, what. i.
Individual, what.
Good-nature, what.
i. 528
ibid.
i. 187
i. 188
ibid.
Gonfalvo, a Saying of his.
Its colour when diffolved
Incorporates with what.
Its Difference from Silver.
Gondomar, a Saying of his.
144, 519
iii. 90
ibid.
in Aqua regia.
iii. 138,544
iii. 140
ibid.
iii. 143
iii. 544, 552
ill. 549
Good, active and conſervative.
Paffive.
ii. 154
i. 187
i. 183
by the
ibid.
i. 184
184,189, 191
i. 184, 185
Gavelkind Land, what.
ii. 91
ii. 178
Gaza, how they procure Coolness there. iii. 57
Geefe, their gaggling expreffive.
iii. 62
Goodneſs, characterized.
How to be regulated.
Gordianus, the elder, his Age and
ii. 91, 92
ibid.
Gems, what.
Whether of Ufe in Medicine.
Their fympathetic Virtue.
Generation, what and whence. ii. 489.
Character.
iii. 362
ii. 478
iii. 391
Gorgias, his natural Endowments.
iii. 228
His Age and Character.
ii.
489.
Gorgon-fhield, its Origin.
i. 93
iii. 360
i. 66
iii. 84, 85, 86, 420
Gout, how cauſed.
How prevented.
Plato's Notion thereof.
iii. 249
iii. 367
How cured.
Generations, their Hiftory.
Genius, how to be cultivated and ſuited. i. 180
Georgicks of the Mind, what.
i. 183
Germination, a kind of Putrefaction. iii. 290
How accelerated.
Gefture, its Doctrine.
iii. 244, 245
i. 93, 138
i. 597
iii. 168
ii. 120
Giants, the Fable of them explained.
Giddineſs, how cauſed.
Gifts, how to be rated.
Glafs, Experiments to be tried thereon. iii. 71
111. I I
Governors, rich ones to be choſe.
Their different Talents.
Government, Learning of uſe therein.
The Doctrine thereof.
That of King Henry VII.
That of Queen Elizabeth.
Which the beſt.
I
i. 357, 361
Its Foundation and Laws derivable
from Natural Philofophy. ii. 5, 6
Roman, what moft obfervable there-
in.
ii. 9. See States.
Grafting,
iii. 63
iii. 127, 128
1.214
i. 235
i. 19
i.
234, 235
1.318
i. 321
Its Doctrine and Diviſion.
INDE X.
W
Grafting, whence it meliorates the Fruit.
Hands fympathize with the Heart. Vol. iii.
Page 228
Vol iii. Page 255
Its Effects.
iii. 257
Hanging, an Experiment made thereon. iii.417
How performed.
iii. 295
Hannibal, a Saying of his.
i. 528, 529
Grain, its Order of ripening.
iii. 276
Hanno, a Saying of his.
1.529
How beſt preſerved.
iii. 345
Hardneſs, its Caufe.
iii. 92
Grammar, its kinds.
i. 137
Harmony, may end in Difcord.
i. 339
Its Office and Uſe.
i. 138
How made. iii. 209.
See Mufick.
Its Divifion.
i. 139
Hatton, a Saying of his.
i. 529
Philofophical, how to be form'd.
ibid.
Granaries for preferving Corn.
iii. 345
Head, how affected by Sympathy.
Health, its Prefervation, how to
iii. 228
be
treated
Grapes, how preſerved.
iii. 287
of.
i. 98
Grafs-hoppers, how fed.
iii. 117
Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 168
Gravel, how diſcharged by Sympathy. iii. 227
Gravity, a glaring Inftance in the Enquiry.
ii. 472
An Inſtance of Alliance therein. ii. 491
For what defirable.
i. 186
Its Rules.
ii. 124, 125
How prejudiced.
iii. 60, 400
How preſerved.
iii. 395
Its Cauſe, where.
ii. 491, 492, 497
Hearing increaſed by Winds.
iii. 460
Specific, determinable.
ii. 509
mated.
Its Motion.
A Table of fpecifick Gravities inti-
Its different Effects above and within
the Earth.
The Ancients Opinion thereof.
Acquired by Solution.
iii. 90
ibid.
ibid.
Gravities, fpecific, a Table thereof. iii. 512,513
ii. 510
ill. 37
Heart, its Affections, how diícover'd. iii. 228
Heathens, their Summum Bonum fuperfeded.
i. 184. See Good.
Their Difference from others. i. 71
Heats early in the Spring, portentous. iii. 59,
489
Heat, a Specimen of a rigorous Enquiry into its
Nature.
ii. 435---466
Of the Sun, differs with the Direction of
the Rays.
ii. 437
In Springs, Liquors, Vapours, Air, &c.
ii.
Communicable to all Bodies.
400, 401
ii. 442
ibid.
Vary.
iii. 516
i.
Grea, who.
The Moral of them.
i. 65, 66.
Green-cloth, its Officers and Law,
ii. 209
Greenvil, Sir Richard, his Fight
with the
Cauſed by Attrition.
Spaniards in 1582.
i. 178
In putrefying Herbs.
Grevil, a Saying of his.
i. 528
In Quick-Lime.
ii. 443
ibid.
Grievances, how to be reprefented.
i. 361
Metals diffolving.
ibid.
Growth, how forwarded and ftinted.
iii. 36,
In Animals.
ii. 444
In Excrements.
ibid.
57, 91
Its Requifites.
iii. 92
In Menftruums.
ibid.
Gums of Trees, what.
ii. 478.
iii. 164
Whether in Spirit of Wine, Wood, &c.
Guns, their Invention.
i. 121
ii. 415
Gunpowder, its Expanfion into
whence.
Its Force, whence. iii. 71,
A white kind.
Its Phænomena explained.
Its Effects on the Body.
Flame,
In Spices.
ibid.
ii. 500
In cold things.
ibid.
149, 379
May act like Cold.
ibid.
iii.
iii. 611,
111. 188
Its Degrees.
ii. 446---257, 489
612
Its Differences.
Potential.
ii. 489
iii. 379
Attends Putrefaction.
ii. 447
ii. 448
Gunther, his Book of Method.
Gymnafticks, the Doctrine thereof.
ii. 562
Of Animals.
ii. 448, 449
i. 106
Of the celestial Bodies.
Of Metals.
ii. 449, 450
ii. 450
In Bodies ignited.
H.
Increaſed by Motion.
ii. 45!
ibid.
AIR, whence its Change of Colour.
HAIR,
iii. 54, 239
Why not on the Palms of the Hands.
iii. 165
Halos,what they prognofticate. iii. 467,488,489
VOL. III.
By Action, Continuance and Cold.
The Scale of Bodies moft
thereof.
Averſe to tangible Bodies.
Оооо
fufceptible
ii. 453
ibid.
Heat,
Its Degrees of Reception.
ii. 4.52
ibid.
INDE
X.
461---465
Fruits from the Enquiry of Heat. ii. 465,
Its different Effects whence.
466
ii. 508
Heat, its Form, what. Vol. ii. Page 459, 460
Is really Motion
ii. 460
Heating not the Form of Heat. ii. 460,
461,536
Differences of Motion in its Form. ii.
Henry VIII. of England, his Temper. i. 3 20
His Acts.
Heraclitus, a Saying of his.
Wherein he founded
His Philofophy.
Heraldry, for Books recommended.
ii. 215
i. 529
Philofophy.
ii. 60.
iii. 591
i. 53
Herbs, how meliorated.
iii. 254
Its Sphere of Activity.
ii. 519
How render'd more medicinal.
What efculent, and what not.
iii. 268
iii. 287,
288
Its Ufes.
ii. 549
The gentle kinds recommended.
ii. 549,
Hercules, his crofling the Ocean in a Pitcher.
i, 559
Different kinds to be tried.
Not violent unleſs check'd.
11. 550
iii. 73
His Combat with Achelous. i. 599, 600
Its proper Office.
iii. 84
Herefies, fpeculative their Effects.
ii. 82.
Natural, how quicken'd.
iii. 92
Herefy, its Cauſes.
ii. 98
In Man, how prejudicial.
ibid.
Which the moſt heinous.
ibid.
Applicable to a confined Subject. iii. 93,94
Its Degrees.
i.99
That of Fire differs from that of boiling
Water.
Different kinds producing the fame Effects.
ibid.
iii. 94
Subterraneous, what.
iii. 95
How qualified by Moiſture.
Lefs under the Equinoctial than in Barbary.
Has a like Effect with Age.
Produced by Burning-glaffes.
How educed.
How generated by the Rays
Its Property.
of Light.
iii. 216
iii. 386
Wherein destructive to the
Spirits. iii.
411
Its expanfive Power.
iii. 534-536
Its various kinds.
iii. 539
Potential, its kinds to be fought.
iii. 543
ibid.
ibid.
iii. 95,96
iii. 147
i. 291
ii. 56
iii. 80
i. 563
i. 43
ibid.
Civil, divided.
i. 50, 54
Its beft Materials.
i. 56
Whether the potential heat of Spirit may
Cofmographical, varioufly mixed
i. 54
ibid.
Ecclefiaftical, divided.
i. 44, 54
rarify.
Compared with Age.
iii. 554
Of the Church.
i. 54
Heavens, their Hiſtory and Order.
ii. 5, 17,
Of Prophecy.
i. 55
Of Providence.
ibid.
26, 27, 28
Heifer, fnuffs the Air againſt Rain.
Heirs inheriting Lands, bound by
ceftors Acts.
Charged for falfe Plea.
Helena Britanna, her Age and
iii. 62
Its Appendages.
ibid.
their An-
Divine, its Prerogative.
i. 44
Helicon, hid.
ii. 245
ibid.
Character.
iii. 362
i. 562
Inductive, deficient.
i. 47.
Helwiffe, how difcovered to be
the Murder of Overbury.
Hemlock, whence it gives an eaſy Death.
concerned in
i. 382
iii. 290, 291
Hemmorages, how ſtopped.
iii, 405
ii.
205
Hemp, its fowing advantageous.
Henry III and IV. of France, how murder'd.
i. 366
Henry VII. of England, his Character. i. 141,
237, 304---332
Natural, its Office, End, and Divifion.
i. 13---15, 44, 46, 47.
Hiftories, the Difference betwixt
Lives.
Required for Philofophy. iii.
Hogs, afford Prognofticks.
Holland, its Alliance ufeful to England.
Holly, whence an Ever-green.
Holly-oak, affords a Scarlet Dye.
Homonymia, in Law, what.
iii. 280
iii. 65
ii..2.21.
Honours
Literary, its Defign and End.
i. 49
iii. 7,8,10
•
Includes Arts.
How to be wrote.
i. 44
iii. 3---16
them and
i. 218
19---29
iii. 492
ii. 203
of Caves.
111. 100
Hereticks, their Procedure.
Hero, the Structure of his Altar defcribed.
Heron, her foaring a Prognoftick.
Hiccup, its Cauſe and Cure.
Mortal, what.
Hierarchy, celeftial, of the fuppofed
Hieroglyphicks, their Ufe.
Hills, their Height compared with the Depth
Hippocrates, his Character.
His Rule about Cloathing.
Hippomenes, his Conteſt with Atalanta.
Hiſtory, where properly concerned.
Its Rife and Divifion.
ii. 98
iii. 534, 535
iii. 62
iii. 96
iii. 413
Dionyfius.
i. 32
i. 138
1NDE
X.
Honey fuperfeded by Sugar. Vol. iii.
Whether made by the Bee.
Page 223
Ice, whence eaſily diffolved. Vol. ii. Page 7.
iii. 55
iii. 285
Wine anciently made thereof.
iii. 224
Honey-dews, what.
iii. 563
Idols, of the Mind, their Doctrine. i. 132--134,
ii. 348, 349--360
Honours, Antithets for and againſt them.
i. 168
How marſhalled. i. 229, 480. ii. 79,
Their kinds.
80, 217
Of the Tribe.
Derived from the King.
i. 395
ibid.
Of the Den.
Of the Market.
How eclipfed.
How courted by Julius Cæfar.
i. 310
Of the Theatre.
How to be justly acquired.
ii. 79
How impoſed upon the Underſtanding.
i. 132
i. 132. ii. 351, 358
i. 133. ii. 35
i. 133. ii. 351, 356, 358
1. 134. ii. 352
'The Doctrine of them deficient.
ii. 352, 358
i. 134
The popular Means of procuring them.
Whence they proceed.
ii. 326
ibid.
How fuppreffed.
ii.
360, 366
Their Advantages.
ii. 143
How countenanced.
ii. 366
Hooke, his Method of improving Philofophy.
Jerom, St. his Age and Character.
ii. 568
Hope, characterized.
ii. 114, 115
Jefts, Antithets for and againſt them.
Jews-ears, their Virtue.
iii. 363
i 168
iii. 132
Whence not to be trufted.
ii. 114
ibid.
Ignis fatuus, its Matter.
iii. 69
Where allowable.
Ignition, attended with Heat.
Its proper Objects.
ibid.
Contributes to prolong Life.
iii. 384
Its Ufe.
i. 158.
ii. 114
Horns, how produced.
iii. 36
How caft, and renewed.
iii. 40
Experiments to be made thereon.
iii. 42
Horſes, their Currying, wherein ſerviceable.
iii. 81
When they thrive beſt.
iii. 155
The Weight they carry in Running,
how examined.
iii. 118
iii. 239
what.
ii.
iii. 41
207
Why they turn White.
The Mark in their Mouth,
Houfhold, royal, how to be regulated.
Houſeleek, growing in the Air.
Howland, a Saying of his.
Hue and Cry, how raiſed.
Humours, operating like Opiates.
iii. 34
ii. 529
Of Caufes, retards Philofophy. i. 16
Renders the Mind mutinous.
Writing in Methodo Ignorantia, what.
How concealed.
Imagination, its Office in Logick and Ethicks.
Its Power over Reaſon.
Its Operations to be confidered. iii.
The feveral Ways of its Operation.
iii. 98--100
Imitates the Senfes.
Its kinds.
ii. 231
iii. 377
iii. 102
ibid.
ibid.
Ignorance, whence.
ii. 439
1. 3
Of the Illiterate, what.
i. 21
i. 37
Its Offspring.
Its Force.
i. 427
ii. 67. iii. 399
iii. 35
i. 114
i. 115
iii. 97, 98, 102
97, 98
Hundred-courts, to whom firſt granted. ii. 236
Hurts, why moſt felt towards change of
Weather.
iii. 63
Husbandry, profitable Articles therein. ii. 204,
Hypocrify characterized.
205
ii. 97
Hypocrites, their diſtinguiſhing Marks. ii. 98
Hypothefes, weak and arbitrary.
iii. 4
I.
J
Acob, his Age and Character. ii. 358
James I. King of England, Sayings of his.
i. 529, 530
His Character. i. 303--306, 352, 356,
359, 364, 373,374, 381, ii. 217
Jafon, a Saying of his.
i. 530
Icarus, the Fable of him explained. i. 565, 566
Its kinds of Power.
The Means of working with it.
iii. 103. 233
The Ways of fortifying it. iii. 104
How it may operate at great diftances,
iii. 105
How to raiſe it in another to Ad-
vantage.
iii. 105, 106
Its nature and manner of operating.
ibid.
Its Effects on a dead Body. iii. 107
Its Effect by Ligature.
ibid.
Imbibitions.
iii.
ill. 141.
See Metals.
Imitation, a Difpofition thereto in Animals. iii. 3
Of Sounds, by Animals. iii. 211
Impoſture, characterized.
ii. 97
Impoftures, their Doctrine deficient. i. 190,
Impotency, by Ligature, how caufed.
Impreffion, its Doctrine.
00002
191
94, 97
Impreffions
iii. 107
i.
INDE
X.
iii. 285
i. 94
Its Art wanting.
i. 119
Its Parts.
ibid.
upon them.
ii. 250
Impreffions, from Mind to Mind.
Fol. iii.
Page 97
ii. 322, 323
Impropriations confider'd.
Impulſe, its Nature and Cauſe. iii. 107, 108
Inception compared with Increaſe. iii. 158
Incorporation, of Powders with Waters. iii.
108, 109
Indian-Fig, the Tree deſcribed.
Indication, its Doctrine.
Indictments, the Penalty of ſtanding mute
How to be conducted.
Innovations, their Advantages. Vol. ii. Page
154
ii. 154
ii, 219
improving
i. 299
iii. 63
iii. 44
Which fufpected.
Inoculators, to be inftituted for
Philofophy.
Infects, forefhew Wet.
Their different Breeds.
Inftances of their Generation. iii. 115,
116
How they feed.
Their Duration.
iii. 117
ibid
Whence they ſtir after Death. iii. 117,
119
Indigeftibility, a Cauſe of Purging.
iii. 45
Indolence, its Pretext.
i. 227
Have Senfes.
iii. 117
Induction, its Form.
i. 11. ii. 397, 398
Their Abundance forefhews peftilential
Its Ufe perverted and neglected.
Its Neceffity.
i. 117
Seaſons.
iii. 166
ibid.
Bred in Corn.
iii. 296
Its Want caufes Scepticism.
ibid.
How preferved.
iii. 347
How to be treated.
ii. 329
Inftances, of Approximation.
ii. 435
Levels all Capacities.
ii. 410
Regards the Whole of Philoſophy.
The Doctrine thereof.
The Solitary deſcribed and exemplified.
ii. 467--558
ii. 468, 469
ii. 413
Is no Stranger to the Mind.
ii. 418
The Travelling.
ii. 469, 470
Its
proper Buſineſs.
To be uſed in analyſing Bodies. ii. 430
How made.
Its Helps and Rectification. ii. 585,
The Glaring.
ii. 471
ii. 432--466
Of Alliance, Confederacy,
or Union.
ii. 488--492
ii. 454, 455
The Clandeftine.
586
A priori and à pofteriori.
Induration, how effected.
ii. 586
iii. 43, 109
ii. 472, 473
'The Conftituent or collective.
ii. 474
The Parallel or conformable. ii. 477-480
The Singular, Irregular, or Heteroclite.
ii. 480, 481
Inftances thereof.
ili. 109
By Affimilation.
iii. 1 1 1
The Deviating.
The Frontier.
By Cold.
iii. 109, 110
By metallic Waters.
iii. 110
Of Power.
By natural Springs.
ibid.
ii. 481, 482
ii. 483---485
The Friendly and Hoftile. ii. 486--488
ii. 482
By Heat.
ibid.
The Subjunctive.
ii. 488
Trials thereof upon various
Bodies.
The Crucial.
iii. III
Of Divorce.
ii. 493---502
ii. 502--504
Induſtry, its Effects.
iii. 98
Of Light.
Infants, whence fwathed.
iii. 58
Of Entrance.
Infection, how it acts.
iii. 101, 112
Summoning.
Information, to be procured of ourſelves and
i. 221
others.
How begun and ended.
Whence to be fought.
ii. 517
The Journeying.
Supplemental.
Lancing.
ii. 504
ibid.
ii. 506---513
ii, 513, 514
ii. 514---516
ii. 516, 517
Practical.
ii. 517, 518
111. 13
Infufions, how beſt made. ii. 524,
525. iii.
Of the Staff.
ii. 518---521
50, 112
Of the Courſe.
ii. 522---525
How made in the Air.
Ingratitude, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 168
iii. 114
Of Quantity.
ii. 525
Inheritance. See Property.
Injuries, why committed.
ii. 86
Of Keluctance and Prevalence. ii.
Intimating,
526--542
ii. 543
Injury, Senfibility thereof in a Nation, what.
Sovereign.
ii. 543--559
i. 239
Injustice, wherein founded.
i. 242
Innovation, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 169
Innovations, what.
Which the greateſt.
ii. 154
ibid.
Magical.
Vellicating.
Limiting,
Mathematical.
Propitious.
ii. 555--557
ii. 516
ii. 517
ii. 518
bid.
Initances,
INDE X.
1. 10
Ishmael, his Age and Character.
Ifocrates, his Age and Character.
Iffue, the want thereof, whether a Diminution
of Felicity.
Iſabella, Queen of Spain, a Saying of hers.
Vol. i. Page 530
iii. 358
iii. 360
i. 323
Italy, ancient, its Character.
Judæus, Philo, a Saying of his.
i. 237
i. 530
Inftances, a Summary of their Doctrine and
Ufe.
Vol ii. Page 556, 557
Inftauration, its Scope.
Instinct, in Brutes, exemplified. i. 117
Inſtitutions, of the Law, their Office. ii. 222
Inftruction, Caution to be uſed in giving it.
i. 197
Interpretation of Nature, what. ii. 348
An Idea of it. ii. 404---418
Does not fuddenly affect the Mind.
ii. 349
The Indications for it. ii. 431, 432
Interpreters of Nature to be inftituted. i. 299
Invafions, how to be prevented. ii. 202---204
Invention, its kinds.
The Art deficient.
Of Arguments, what.
The Art, to increaſe with Inventions.
Judgment, divine, the firſt after the Flood. i. 33
i. 130
By Induction, its Art.
By Syllogifm, its Origin and Office.
ibid.
i. 131
i. 134
i. 254
ii. 199
In Law, how reverſible by Parliament.
To proceed only from the Judge. i. 258
The Uncertainties thereof, how re-
medied.
i. 262
Judges, to conquer Prepoffeffion in them. i. 211
Their Duty and Office. i. 356--358, 407.
ii. 73, 74, 195, 196
Of Affize, their Office.
In Eyre, their Authority transfered.
Their Commiffion of Affizes,
Terminer, Nifi Prius, &c.
Its Art, how divided.
Its Appendix.
i. 116
ibid.
Judgments, how to be recorded.
Topical, what.
Inventions, but few.
i. 125
i. 127. ii. 418
i. 125
General and particular. i. 126, 127-130
ii. 381, 382
To be wrote down.
How generally treated.
ii. 399, 401
Their Efficacy.
ii. 395
ii. 416
ii. 239
Their Origin.
ii. 216
ii. 239
Inventors, how to be treated.
Oyer and
i. 299
Their Honours.
ii. 416
ii, 239,
Inveſtigation, of Forms, explained. ii.
Examples thereof propoſed.
433-466
Joab's Cafe of Murder.
i. 15
i. 363
in.
Judicature, its Courts, the beſt Procedure there-
iii. 317.
240, 241
See Law.
Job, His Age and Character.
iii. 359
July-Flowers, whence they prove
white.
Jobbing characterized.
ii. 120
iii. 264
John, St. his Age and Character.
iii. 363
Junia, her Age and Character.
iii. 361
Johnson, Dr. a Saying of his.
i. 530
Juniper-wood, its Nature.
iii. 280
Jofeph, his Age and Character.
iii. 358
Juno, the Fable of her Courtship explained.
Joshua, his Age and Character.
ibid.
i. 582
Fotham, his Parable applied.
i. 353
Jovinian, the Emperor, his Death. iii.
168, 410
Jupiter and Metis, the Fable explain'd.i. 592
Juries, how to be regulated.
i. 248
Journals, their Uſe recommended.
i. 53, 54
Joy, exceffive, whence mortal.
jii. 160
Juries, Grand, their Inftitution and Office.
ii. 274---281
Ireland, how naturally provided.
ii. 172
iii. 165
i. 326
How to be planted.
i. 480---486
Invaded by the Pope in 1580.
Irish, their Practice of anointing themſelves.
ii. 177
iii. 387
Their Treatment of themſelves in Sickneſs.
iii. 389
Its Effects on the Spirits.
Its Suppreffion.
Its Pleaſure compared.
Leaf-joy, what.
Iphicrates, his Opinion of War.
Ippocras, how clarified.
iii. 383
ibid.
iii. 299
Of the Verge, their Office.
ii. 275
The Offences they are to prefent.
ii. 275, 278
i. 341
iii. 384 Jus Nativitatis, what.
Juftice, who beft qualified to treat the Subject.
How treated by Philofophers.
How treated by Lawyers.
How fubjected to vulgar Opinion.
Antithets for and against it.
i. 242
ibid.
ibid.
Its cardinal Virtues.
i. 374
i.
Its Lanthorn.
Its firft Record.
379
i. 384
i. 385
i. 169
Iron, heated by hammering.
ii. 451
How to be adminiftred. ii. 75,
195-197,
Its Solvents.
iii. 138, 545
Its Virtue.
Ifaac, his Age and Character,
iii. 306
iii. 358
See Law.
To be mixed with Mercy,
ii. 198
Juftices
INDE
X.
Juftices of the Peace, their Origin. Vol.i. Pag,357
Their Ufe and manner of Election. ii. 198
Their Office and Authority. ii. 237, 238
Juftinian, his Recompilement of the Laws,
ii. 215, 219
Lamps, or certain Officers, to be inftituted for
philofophical Purpoſes. Vol. i. Page 299
Language, English, its Difference from the
Scotch.
i. 146
Languages, ancient, compared with the mo-
dern.
i. 140
K.
Laffitude, how caufed and cured. iii. 118, 383
Latimer, a Saying of his.
i. 530
Kings, their Sovereignty.
Repreſented three Ways.
King's-bench, its firft Inftitution and Jurifdiction.
ii. 235
Kingdoms, their different Origin. i. 480.
See Government and States.
Kingfale, the Battle there in 1601.
Kites, their high Flight a Prognoſtick of fair
Weather.
iii. 62
Knights-fervice, what. ii. 426. See Tenure.
Knowledge, its Office and Ends. i. 2. ii. 424
Its Imperfection.
i. 349
Their Perfection. i. 350, 352, 360,
364, 369
Laughing, its Caufe.
iii. 162
Law, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 170
Its Abridgments, what,
i. 257
ii. 277, 278
Its Antiquities, what.
ibid.
Its Auxiliary Books.
i. 255
How corrupted.
i. 214
When good.
i. 244
Certainty, an Effential therein.
ibid.
ibid.
ii. 184
Its Uncertainty.
Cafes omitted therein, how to be con-
ibid.
fidered.
Its Contrarieties to be examined.
i. 251
Its Inftitutes.
i. 255
How to be obtained.
Not the Caufe of the Fall.. i. 17.
See Learning.
i. 3. 35
i. 15
Its Terms, how to be explained.
Its Rules.
i. 256
i. 257
Its Forms of Pleading, whence to be
collected.
ibid.
Leads not to Atheiſm.
i. 27
Its Reduction to Method.
i. 30
How to be delivered.
i. 31
Its End, how miſtaken.
ibid.
Its original Dignity.
i. 32
Its Anſwers and Confultations, whence to
proceed.
i. 257,258
Readings therein, how to be inftituted. ibid.
Of the Chinese, with regard to Strangers.
i. 288
Its Advantage. i. 37, 38,
218, 221
Its Wiſdom.
i. 340
Its Divifion.
i. 69
Its principal Part, what.
i. 406
Antithets for and against it.
Civil, how divided.
i. 170
220
i. 200
Shallow, its Difference from
found.
i. 217
Of Men, how procurable. i. 221,
224, 225
At fecond hand, what. i. 223. See
Philofophy.
ii. 58
Whence to be derived.
Idolatrous, its Difference from the
ii. 60
ii. 81
true.
Plato's Notion thereof.
Its Intention.
i. 17.
ii. 329
ii.
332
Its Limitation.
Coincides with Power. i. 32. ii. 344
L.
A Courſe thereof to be compiled. ii. 219,
How known to be defective.
Innovations therein, how
Maxims thereof.
Civil, not to be flighted.
Law-givers, why called Principes
ii. 218
dangerous.
ii. 220
ii. 222
i. 199
perpetui.
ii. 217
Laws, publick, extend to Religion, &c. i. 243
Their End.
Their Difference.
Should not be wreſted.
ibid.
ibid.
i. 245
Extenfion of them, where moſt allowable.
Their principal Fault, what.
i. 245,250
Retroſpective, how to be uſed.
i. 249
i. 250
i. 251, 253
i. 251
ibid.
Doclaratory, where to be enacted. ibid.
Whence obfcure.
Abour, its true Ends.
L Labyrinth of Crete, explained.
Lakes, how to be ordered for philofophi-
cal Ufes.
ii. 144
Obfolete, to be cancelled.
i. 6oz
How to be made,
i. 292
Poiſonous.
Lamps, why more durable than Candles.
Their Structure for laſting.
iii. 168
iii. 75
ibid.
New Digeſts thereof, how to be made.
i. 252, 253. ii. 217
Their Verbofity to be abridged.
'Their Preambles to be ſhort.
Their Purport, whence known.
i. 253
1
i
25.4
• ibid.
Laws,
INDE X.
up.
Laws, the faulty Method of drawing them
Vol. i. Page 254
What to be deemed authentick therein.
i. 255
Of England, how regulated by King
Henry VII.
i. 314
Forbidding popiſh Priefts the Kingdom.
i. 327
Learning, Antithets for and againſt it. Vol. i,
Page 170
How to be acquired. i. 180. ii. 66
Its Profeffors reproached for want of
civil Behaviour, Prudence, &c. i. 22
202, 220, 221
ii. 65
Its Ufe and Abuſe.
Whether to be united with thofe of Scot-
land.
Different Effects of its different Parts.
ii. 66
i. 346
Remedies, the defects of the Mind. ibid.
Whence to be encouraged.
ii. 206
Its Fate and Revolutions.
ii. 375
Their Ufe with regard to Princes. ii. 213,
Leafe-Parole, how it creates Eftates.
ii. 252
Characterized.
Require Amendment.
214
ii. 195, 216
Leafes, to whom they defcend, and how for-
feited.
ii. 252
ii. 216
For Lives, how made and forfeited.
ii. 253
How to be recompiled. ii. 217, 220--223
In general, their Diviſion.
Penal, their Inconveniences. ii. 74, 218
Whence they do not promote Virtue.
How paffed in England.
ii. 10
Leather, the Cauſe of its ftretching.
iii. 82
Leaves, of what made.
iii. 266
Why larger in Plants than in Trees.
iii. 285
ii. 105
ii. 199
Of the Decemvirs, what.
Their Ufe.
ii. 214, 219
Why not nutrimental.
Leets, the Authority of their Stewards.
iii. 288
ii. 236,
237
Law-Terms, how to be explained.
ii. 229
i. 256
Lees, their Effect on the Liquors.
iii. 50
ii. 222
Experiments to be tried thereon.
ibid.
Lawyers, how to be judged of.
i. 96
Lemmons, how preferved.
iii. 43
Their prudent Practice, as to Decifions.
i. 98
Lemnos, why confecrated to Vulcan.
Letters, articulate, their Sound.
iii. 131
iii. 203
Why little verfed in making their For-
Letters of the Wiſe, their Uſe.
i. 55
tunes.
i. 230
Lead, its Solvents.
iii. 138, 140, 544
Letters, of the Author, to Lord Burleigh; on
determining his courfe of Life.
i. 413
What the pooreſt.
iii. 136, 143
Offering Service.
i. 414
Increaſed.
iii. 520
iii. 118
i. 18---21
i.
i. 416
Recommending his Suit for the Sol-
licitor's Place.
i. 417
To Sir Robert Cecil; intimating Sufpicion
of unfair Practice.
Expoftulating upon his Conduct to
i. 418
Excufing a Speech in Parliament. i. 415
Craving Affiftance.
Leaping with Weights.
Learning, defended from the Objections of
Politicians.
Serviceable in Government.
Does not difpofe to Indolence.
Cato's Judgment of it.
19, 22
1. 20
i. 21
Vindicated from the Difcredit brought
upon it by the Learned. i. 21---25
Whether the Caufe of Poverty. i. 21,22
Its Diſeaſes.
Its peccant Humours.
i. 24--27
i. 29, 30
It's Errors.
i. 30, 31
How preſerved.
i.. 34
How enliven'd.
ibid.
ibid.
Its Dignity.
Its Effects on learned Men. i. 22---26
Its Effects in Society.
Its Influence on Rulers.
i. 35
ibid.
Its Effects on private Virtue.
i. 36
Its Fruits and Advantages. i. 36. 37.
ii. 65
Its Advancement, how procurable.
Its publick Objects.
Its publick Defects.
i. 39, 40
i. 39
i. 40, 42.
the Author.
ibid.
To the Earl of Effex; reminding him of
his Suit.
i. 419
Upon the Queen's refufal of the Au-.
thor's Service.
On his Conduct with the Queen.
ibid.
i. 420
Author's
Defiring him to excufe the
Defign of going Abroad.
Upon the Earl's Expedition into Ire-
land.
i. 424
ibid.
To the Lord Howard; clearing himſelf of
Afperfion in the Cafe of the Earl
of Eſſex.
i. 427
To Sir Fulke Greville; complaining of
Difappointment in Preferment. i. 428
To the Queen; upon his keeping from
Court.
i. 429
To the Earl of Northumberland; tendering
Service.
ibid.
Letters
INDE
X.
Letters, to the Earl of Devonshire; apologizing
for his Conduct to the Earl of Effex.
Vol. i. Page 430---444
To Sir Robert Kempe, on the Queen's
Death.
i. 444
To Sir Robert Chaloner; for Recommen-
dation to the King.
ibid.
To the King; offering Service at his
coming in.
i. 445
To the Earl of Northumberland; recom-
mending a Proclamation on the
King's coming in.
i. 44.6
To the Earl of Northumberland; giving
fome Character of the King. i. 447
To Mr. Mathews; on the King's Pro-
ceedings at his Entrance.
To the Earl of Salisbury; fuing for
the Sollicitor's Place.
i. 448
Another on the fame Subject.
i. 449
To the Lord Chancellor ; fuing for the
Sollicitor's Place.
ibid.
ibid.
To the King; petitioning for it. i. 450
To Sir Edward Coke; upon Sir Ed-
ward's Behaviour.
To the King on Occafion of
ton's Eſtate.
To the King; petitioning for
torney's Place.
i. 451
Mr. Sut-
i. 452
the At-
i. 456
Another on the fame Subject.
i. 457
Another upon the Lord Chancellor's
Sickneſs.
ibid.
Another relating to the Chancellor's
Place.
i. 458
To Sir George Villiers; folliciting to be
fworn of the Privy Council.
i. 459
Another upon accepting a Place in
Council.
i. 460
To the King; propofing to regulate
his Finances.
ibid.
his Dan-
To Mr. Mathews; believing
ger less than he found it. i. 461
Another upon his apprehenfion of Dan-
ger.
i. 462
Another on the fame Subject. ibid.
To the Houſe of Lords; upon the Com-
plaints against him.
ibid.
To the King; imploring Remittance
of his Sentence.
i. 463
Another, imploring Favour. i. 465
To the Houſe of Lords; containing the
Lord Chancellor's Submiffion, &c. ibid.
To the King; imploring Affiſtance,
i. 468
To the Marquifs of Buckingham; re-
commending Mr. Mathews. i. 470
To the King; petitioning for a Re-
mittance of his Sentence. i..
-471
To the Earl of Arundel.
Letters, to Mr. Anthony Bacon; dedicating the
first Edition of his Eſſays. Vol. i. Page 473
To the Earl of Northampton; upon
dedicating The Advancement of
Learning to the King.
i. 474
3:472
I
To Sir Thomas Bodley, with the Advance-
ment of Learning.
ibid.
To the Earl of Salisbury; with the
fame.
i. 475
To the Univerfity of Cambridge; with
the fame.
ibid.
To Trinity-College; with the fame. i. 476
To the University of Oxford; with the
ibid.
To Mr. Mathers; with the fame. ibid.
To the Lord-Treaſurer Buckhurst; with
the fame.
i. 477
fame.
To Dr. Playfer; defiring him to tran-
flate the Advancement of Learning
into Latin.
i. 478
To the King; with the Difcourfe of the
Plantation of Ireland.
i. 479
To Sir Thomas Bodley; defiring him to
return the Cogitata & Vifa. i. 486
To the Biſhop of Ely; with the Cogi-
tata & Vifa.
i. 488
To Sir George Carea; with the Me-
moir in felicem Memoriam Elizabetha.
i. 491
To Mr. Mathews; along with a Part
of the Inftauration-
i. 492
To the Lord Chancellor; with a Pro-
pofal for A complete British Hiftory.
i. 493
To the King; relating to A Hiftory of
his Majefty's Times.
To the Univerſity of Cambridge; with
the De Sapientia Veterum.
1. 494
i. 495
To the Earl of Salisbury; with the
fame Book.
i. 496
To Mr. Matherus; with the fame. ibid.
To his Brother, Sir John Constable, de-
dicating a new Edition of his Eſſays.
i. 497
To Mr. Mathews, on the Subject of his
Writings.
ibid.
To Mr. Mathews, on the Memoir of
Queen Elizabeth's Felicities, and the
Inftauration.
i. 498
To Sir Henry Saville; on A Difcourſe of
the Intellectual Powers.
i. 499
i. 502
To Mr. Mathews; intreating Judgment
upon his Writings.
Dedication of the Novum Organum to
King James.
ibid.
To the Univerſity of Cambridge; with
the Novum Organum.
i. 503
Letters,
INDE X.
Letters, to the King; with The Hiftory of Life, how prolonged by Bathing.
Henry VII. and a Propofal for a new Digeſt
of the Law.
Vol. i. Page 504
Dedication of The Hiftory of Winds, to
Prince Charles,
i. 505
To the Duke of Buckingham; dedica-
ting the laſt Edition of his Effays. ibid.
To the Biſhop of Winchester, on his
publiſhed and intended Writings.
i. 506
To Dr. Williams, Bishop of Lincoln;
on his Letters and Speeches, i. 508
To Father Fulgentio, on his Writings.
Lettuce, why not hot.
By what Means ſhorten'd.
The Requifites thereto.
Its natural Progreſs.
Axioms with regard thereto.
Vol. iii.
Page 392
iii. 388
iii. 412
iii. 415
iii. 418
iii. 427
i. 32
The fure Means of prolonging it intimated.
Light, its relation to Knowledge.
The Enquiry into its Origin and Form
deficient.
Tranfmitted by Flame.
i. 113
ii.36
Whether related to Heat.
Whence to be fought.
ii. 37
ii. 519
ii. 523, 537
ii. 438, 439
iii. 13
iii. 120
iii. 271
iii. 322,323
Original and fecondary.
Why thought poiſonous.
Leucadians, their Superftition about
i. 509
iii. 277
iii. 290
flying in
Its Sphere of Activity.
Its Motion.
the Air.
iii. 77
In rotten Wood.
Levi, His Age and Character.
iii. 358
Where it abounds.
Levity, correfponds not in Scale to Gravity.
A Table for its Hiftory.
iii. 523
Its Colours.
Lewis XI. a Saying of his.
i. 530
Its Reflections.
Lewis XII. his Character. i. 320, 345, 367.
Its Multiplication.
ii. 215, 219
Its Effects.
Its Continuance.
ii. 323
Liberality of King Henry VII.
ii. 315
Lies, on both Sides, where ſerviceable. ii. 77
Why accounted odious.
ii. 85
Lieutenants of Counties, their Uſe. ii. 198
Life, its Preſervation not well treated of. i. 98
How to be prolonged. i. 104, 105. iii.
Antithets for and against it.
Active, wherein preferable to
plative.
Requires Purſuit.
119, 133
i. 170
Contem-
i. 185
i. 187
The Doctrine of rifing therein. i. 220,
221, 229--234
Its principal Rule.
Its principal Support.
ii. 105
ii. 114
iii. 94
Its Heat.
Some Remains of it after Death. iii. 119
In Animals, its Length. iii. 350---355
In Man, its Length.
iii. 358, 359
iii. 101, 136, 427
How prolonged.
Its Hiftory, how to be treated. iii.
335-337. See Death and Longevity.
A Table of Enquiry for its Hiſtory.
iii. 337---341
Its Length in the Antediluvians and Poft-
diluvians.
iii. 358, 359
Lengthen'd by young Company. iii. 101
How prolonged in Auguftus Cæfar. iii. 362
Its Length under the Equinoctial. iii. 366
The Courfes conducive to its Prolongation.
iii. 370
iii. 373
ii. 324
ibid.
iii. 325
ibid.
Its Directions and Motions. iii. 325, 326
Its Agreements and Difagreements. iii.
326
Lightning, its Heat. ii. 451. ii. 489
Limbs, thofe of the Right-fide, why ſtrongeſt.
iii. 178
Liquors, moft durable in large Quantities. iii. 7
Whence their Sphericity.
How clarified.
Their reſtleſs Nature.
iii. 42
iii. 50
iii. 162
Their Appetite of Union, weak. iii. 227
Fermented, how alter'd by Age. iii.
How to be improved.
Sweet and unctuous, their
Experiments thereon by Burial.
How affected by Heat.
Liquefaction, its Caufe.
Liturgy, excepted to.
394, 402
ibid.
Effects.
iii. 397
iii. 43
iii. 535, 536
iii. 120, 121
ii. 315---322
Liver, of a Goofe, efteemed by the Romans.
Lives, their Hiſtory to be written.
Livia, a Saying of hers.
iii. 77
i. 51
7
i. 530
iii. 361
i. 201
iii. 99
ü. 532, 533
Her Age and Character.
Livy, his Notion of Decorum.
Loadſtone, its Operation by Confent.
Has four Motions.
Experiments therewith. iii. 123.
See Magnetiſm.
The real Paths thereof.
Locke, his Effay upon the Underſtanding.
How prolonged by Melancholy.
How prolonged by anointing.
iii. 377
ii. 568
iii. 388
VOL. III.
Logick, where properly applied.
PPP P
1. 7
Logick
INDE
X.
Mechanicks, their Envy towards one another.
Mendoza, a Saying of his.
Medicinal-Earths, their Virtues.
Medicine, what.
Vol. i. Page 602, 603. See Arts,
Mechanicks, the Science, its Origin. i. 87
What.
ii. 431
Medea's Cauldron, the Fable thereof applied.
ill 404
iii. 131
i. 96. iii. 371
Whence its Difficulties and
fections.
Menftruums, how to be charged.
Particular ones to be fought. iii. 5:47
Merchandizing, wherein beneficial. i. 206
Merchants, of Light, to be inftituted for phi-
lofophical Ufe.
i. 298
Not to be oppreffed with Taxes.
ii. 141
Vol. i. Page 531
iii. 138
Imper-
i. 96
Mercury, its Menftruums. iii. 138. See Quick-
'filver.
Its Difficulties, how removed.
ibid.
Where it abounds.
iii. 171
How divided.
i. 98
Mercy, may be cruel,
i. 210
What it receives.
i. 107
Merit, how heighten'd and
extinguiſhed.
How to be improved.
i. 98, 102
i. 425, 426
Innovates.
ii. 154
i. 281
For the Gout.
iii. 131
iii. 128
For the Stomach.
iii. 133
For the Stone.
iii. 132
Which condenſe and relieve the Spirits.
ibid.
'The propereft Simples for them.
ibid.
For preferving Life.
ibid.
For the Spirits.
iii. 134
Againſt melancholy.
ibid.
Medicines, new ones intimated.
Purgative, their Quantities, and man-
ner of Operating. iii. 45,46,113, 375
The Order of giving them. ill. 127
Should be chang'd.
For procuring Rejuvenefcency. iii. 133
Metals, a common Error in refining them.
i. 120
Their Hiſtory how to be wrote. iii. 13,135
Whether ferviceable in Glaſs-making.
iii. 87
Heads of Enquiry for their Hiftory.
iii. 135---139
iii. 135, 136
iii. 135
iii. 136
ibid.
iik. 141
iii. 136--139
iii. 138
Their Sprouting and Branching in So-
lution.
The ways of hardening and foftening
Their Separation.
Their Smelting.
Their Extraction.
Their Principiation.
Their Imbibition.
Their Changes.
ibid.
A reſtorative one,
ibid.
them.
A Prefervative againſt Waſte, by Heat.
'Their Growth.
ibid.
Their Reduction.
iii. 139
ibid.
One for prolonging Life.
ibid.
Their Incorporation.
iii.
139, 140
Difcutient, their Effects.
iii. 375
Incorporated with Quickſilver.
How multiplied.
iii. 399
Their Volatility and Fixednefs.
111. 140
iii. 138,
558
Acting by Dilatation.
iii. 542
Megrims, whence.
iii. 189
Their Tranfmutation.
iii. 401
iii. 134.
How mixed with Foffils.
iii. 141
iii. 140
ibid.
ibid.
Melancholy, stinging Nettles recommended for
it.
A Medicine for it.
Melons, how made perfect in England. iii. 237
Memnon, the Fable of him explained. i. 579,
Memoirs, what.
Their kinds.
Memory, its Art, how divided.
Its Helps.
580
i. 50
ibid.
i. 135
ibid.
The Doctrine of Prenotion and Em-
blem relating thereto. i. 136. iii. 106
Artificial. ii. 474---476. iii. 106
How affifted by the Novum Organum.
ii. 328
Men, the feveral Ways of knowing them.
i. 222, 223, 227
How to be moulded.
11.151
Menander, his Saying of fenfual Love. i. 198
The compound Sorts in uſe.
The imperfect, what.
Whether they will incorporate with Glafs.
ibid.
Compofitions thereof, how to be made.
iii. 141, 142, 143
Whether new Incorporations of them are
practicable.
iii. 141
Incorporation of their Solutions to be
tried.
iii. 142
The Agreement and Difagreement of
their Solutions.
ibid.
New Mixtures of them to be made,
iii. 142, 143
The Drowning thereof,
Their Compofition.
111. 143, 144
iii. 162, 171
Open differently in different Heats. iii. 545
Whether dilatable in Subftance. iii. 545,
546
Metals,
INDE X.
Vol. iii. Page 546
Diffolving like Sand.
Recoverable.
iii. 552, 553
How condenfed.
iii.
Demetallized.
111. 553
ibid.
Metals, whether fupportable by their Solutions.
ibid.
i. 11
Mind, its firft Notions to be fufpected.
Its Idols what, and how to be extirpated.
i. 12, 13
Millepedes, why not venomous. Vol. iii. Page
115
Its Pleaſure, as defcribed by Lucretius.
Calcined.
iii. 555
i. 38
Vitrified.
ibid.
Volatilized.
iii. 558
How affected by Froſt.
iii. 561
Whether their Solutions will petrify.
Its Faculties, how perverted.
When moſt open to Impreffions.
Inftances of its Compofure in Death. i. 93
Its Union with the Body to be explained.
i. 42
i. 58
iii. 562
A Way wanting to increafe their Gra-
vity.
iii. 571
The Colours they afford.
iii. 53
Metaphyficks, its Office and Origin. i. 74,
A Part thereof deficient.
Relates to Forms and final
83,87
ibid.
ibid.
Its Difpofitions, how diſcovered.
Its Accidents regarded by Phyficians. i.95
The Doctrine of its Faculties, how di-
vided.
i. 114
-
Its deepeſt Fallacies. i. 132. See Idols.
Its Georgicks, what. i. 183. 195. 198
Whether to be prepared againſt Diſquiet.
i. 186
To fuit the Subject.
Of conquering Prejudice.
Methods, leſs uſeful than aphoriftical Writings.
i. 84, 87
Caufes..
i. 85,86
What.
ii. 431.
Meteors, fiery, whether hot.
Watery, whence.
Meteor-houſes, philofophical.
i. 292
i. 438
Whether at once capable of Fruition and
Tranquillity.
i. 189
The Doctrine of its Cure deficient. i. 192,
iii. 558
i. 146
i. 147
i. 145
How diftinguiſhed.
The fuperficial, what.
i. 146
i.
1. 149
Method, initiative, deficient.
Concealed, what.
Of Speech, what.
Its two Parts.
i. 150
By Queſtion and Anfwer, how to be
ufed.
i. 148
ibid.
ibid.
Its Tasks, how to be proportion'd. i. 196,
Its beft and worſt State to be obſerved.
Should endeavour againſt Nature.
Its beſt Conduct in Studies.
Its Cultivation, what.
193
i. 193
How influenced.
The Doctrine of its Affections deficient.
i. 194, 195
i. 195
229
i. 196
ibid.
i. 197
Its Cure.
i. 197, 198
i. 147
Its Good.
i. 199, 232
Mezentius's Torture, in Law, what.
By whom treated of. ii. 562---569
i. 251
Its Motions in Princes.
Its natural Folly.
1. 212
ibid.
Explained in a medicinal Senfe.
iii. 81
How moſt ſearched.
Microſcopes, their Invention and Inconveni-
How bent and formed.
Its Mathematicks.
ii. 504, 505
ences.
Mildew, feldom found on Hills.
How remedied.
Military Power, its chief Parts.
Military Affairs, Cafar's Talent therein. i.
Military Men, their Nature.
iii. 295
ibid.
ii. 187
312
Some of its Perturbations Tortures. i. 222
i. 222. i, 350
i. 228, 229
How to be prepared in every Action. i. 231
Its Goods, whether to be procured.. before
Fortune.
i. 229
How acted upon in Knowledge.
i. 232
i. z6z
i.
238
Its Perfection, what.
i. 313.
Military Offices, how conferred in Spain. ibid.
Military Rewards, how to be difpenfed. i. 240
Military Strength, in England, how increaſed.
Milk, wherein ferviceable.
How increaſed in Cattle.
Its Nakedness uncomely.
ii. 69
Its worit State.
ii. 114
Its Confent with the Body.
ii. 122
i. 237
How exhilerated.
ii. 14.0
iii. 79
Minds of Men, how enervated.
i. 2372
24.0
iii. 144
An Attempt to preſerve it.
iii. 169
Quenches Wild-fire.
Whence it fometimes taftes of Garlick.
iii.
179
Minerals, why called leffer Affemblages. iii. ix
Miners, philofophical, to be inftituted. i. 299
Mines, how to be enquired into.
iii. 518
iii. 262
Milky-way, what,
ii. 43
Mining, how to be profecuted. ii. 206. iii. 518
Minions, whence their Name.
ii 71
Minifters,
INDE
X.
Minifters, of the Church, to be examined be-
fore Ordination.
Vol. ii. Page 319
How to be procured.
Minifters, of State, feldom good Oeconomiſts.
i.
ibid.
How choſe by King Henry VII.
Morality, Queftions determined therein. Vol. i.
Its Perfection, what.
Moral Law, what.
Page 185, 186
i. 198
i. 262
More, Sir Thomas, his Compofure at the time.
of Death.
. 224
i. 93
i. 316
Sayings of his.
i. 531
Miracles, for what End defign'd.
Miniſtry, ecclefiaftical, confider'd. ii. 317, 318
Mint, its Regulation,
Mofes, his Age and Character.
iii. 388
i. 315
Mofs, what.
iii. 270, 283
iii. 290
i. 71
iii. 115
ii. 8, 10. iii. 176
ii. 511
i. 311
ii. 359. iii. 147
iii. 95
175
Their Nature and Ufe. i. 283, 284
Of Chriſt, different from others. ii. 96
The fuperftitious.
iii. II
Mirrors, of the Romans, how made. iii. 140
The Angle of Incidence thereon. iii. 213
Mifanthropes, their Delight.
ii. 91
Milletoe, its Hiſtory.
iii. 272, 273
Mifprifion of Treaſon, what.
ii. 267
Mifts, what.
ibid.
iii. 559
iii. 499
The Puniſhment and Proceedings there-
in.
Prognoſticks from them.
Mixture, its difference from Compofition. ii. 7
Inftances of it, perfect and imperfect.
The Enquiry into it begun.
Simple, of Liquors, without Heat.
iii. 144---147
Modefty, the Appearance thereof affumed by
Cæfar.
Moiſture, its Signification.
Its Effects on Heat.
Adventitious, hinders Putrefaction. iii.
The ſweet-fcented.
Moths, where they breed.
Motion, Inftances of Alliance therein. ii. 490,
491
Circular, whether proper to the Heavens.
Of the Heart, whence.
Projectile, its Cauſe.
Infenfible, made ſenſible.
Its Regulation a means
Spherical, what.
Of the Heavens.
ii. 539, 540
11.540
91
ii. 499. iii.
ii. 512
of Practice.
ii. 551
ii.
520
ii. 538
Its feveral kinds.
ii. 526---543
How communicated.
ii. 536
Of Refiftance,
Of Connection.
ii. 526
ibid.
Of Liberty.
ii. 526, 527. iii. 149
Of Extenfion.
ii. 528
Of Continuity.
ibid.
Of Acquifition.
ii. 529
Of the greater Congregation.
ibid.
Of the leffer Congregation.
ii. 530
Magnetical.
ii. 533
Of Avoidance.
ibid.
Which the fineſt.
iii. 294
Of Affimilation.
ii. 534---536
Whether it has a virtual Tranfition.
Of Excitation.
ii. 536
iii. 304
Of Configuration.
ii. 537
A diſcharge thereof, when ferviceable.
Of Impreffion,
ii. 538
iii. 426
Of Tranfition.
ibid.
ibid.
Political.
Moldavia, revolts from Conftantinople.
i. 343
Moles, forefhew wet.
iii. 63
Spontaneous Motion of Rotation. ii.
1.539
Monarchies, their Origin.
i. 345
Of Trepidation.
ii. 540
Monopolies, not to be admitted.
Monkey, a pleaſant Story of one.
i. 318
Of Indolence.
ibid.
ii. 206
Of Rotation, its Difference.
ii. 539
Her Confents.
For Re-fale, what.
Monſters, their Hiſtory to be wrote.
Moon, whether it affords Heat. ii.
Her Subſtance, what.
Her Effects when in Leo.
ii. 120
iii. 8
437, 438
ii. 498
ii.
554
11. 7
Her different Phaſes.
ii. 38
Whether magnetical of Heat.
iii. 53
Her Influences.
iii.
Prognofticks from her.
Her Effects upon the Air.
Moralifts, whether to quit Society.
Morality, its Doctrine deficient. i. 183, 189,
147, 148
iii. 467
iii. 472, 488
i. 186
Of Bodies upon Preffure.
Upon Percuffion.
Violent, the Motion of Liberty.
Voluntary, why wanting in
nefs.
Violent, why hurtful to
Where leaſt apparent.
Of Gravity and Levity, of the Ancients.
By Imitation, what.
Of Birds, why ſwifter than of Beaſts.
iii. 149
ibid.
ibid.
ii. 527
Drunken-
iii. 64
the Body.
iii. 68, 383
iii. 120
iii. 148
ibid.
1
190. See Ethicks.
Hinders Putrefaction.
iii. 175
Motion,
INDE X.
Motion, its vulgar Divifion fuperficial. Vol.
iii. Page 603, 604
Mythology, has been wrefted and abuſed.
Vol. i. Page 545
To be carefully enquired into. iii. 604,
Moral.
i. 579---588
605
The moving Principles.
iii. 605
Phyfical.
Political.
i. 550---578
i. 589---604
Violent and Projectile.
iii. 606
How diſtinguiſhed by Ariftotle.
ibid.
The true Notion of violent Motion.
N.
623, 624
Motions, the Meaſures thereof an attendant
on Phyficks.
To be meaſured.
ii.
Mechanical, their Cauſe.
i. 81
522---524
iii. 154
iii. 606, 607, 608
The diurnal, cofmical. iii. 619, 620, Name, a good one, what
Napellus, accounted a Poiſon.
Naphtha, of Babylon, attracted.
Narciffus, the Fable of him explained.
Narcoticks, how they act.
i. 430
iii. 262
iii. 58
i. 581
iii. 565
Narratives, their Excellence.
i. 51
Mouldinefs, what.
iii. 174
Mucianus, his Trick on Antony.
Mummy, Egyptian, what.
Mountains, the high ones.
The ſnowy, not wholeſome.
Mulberry-Tree, its Nature.
Its ftyptick Virtue, whence.
Murder, the abetting of it, what.
The Crime diſplay'd. i. 381, 382, 385,
The Appeal therein, where it
ii. 436
Why more exact than Hiftories. ibid.
Where liable to Sufpicion.
ibid.
iii. 366
Perfect, how furnished with Matter.
ibid.
i. 222
ibid.
iii.
iii. 124
169, 170
How to be wrote.
Nations, their Laws in Caſes of Injury.
i. 239
iii. 231
i. 386
363
lies.
With regard to Allies.
When not to enlarge their
Naturalization, what.
ibid.
Dominion.
i. 240
i. 339
ii. 229
In Spain, what.
General, of the Scots,
i. 238
argued for.
What.
ii. 279
Muſhrooms, what.
iii. 270, 283
Its Bond, what.
Mufical Strings, how ftrained.
iii. 200
In the Church, what.
i. 339
ibid.
Mufick, how to be meliorated.
iii. 219
i. 341
Its ſweeteſt Inftruments.
iii. 219
In Churches.
ii. 317
Its Practice and Theory, how purfued.
iii. 150, 184
iii. 150
The Cauſe of Unifons therein. iii. 150,
Its Notes, whence.
Its Difcords, what.
Its Bafs and Treble.
151
iii. 151
ibid.
The Caufe of Harmony therein. iii. 152
Has its Tropes and Figures. ibid.
Whence its Influence on the Mind. ibid.
The Tenor, why its ſweeteſt Part. iii. 198
See Sounds.
Musk, why thought to promote Venery. iii.
Muſtard, the Effect of its Odour.
Myrobalans, their Operation.
i. 336, 343, 344, 347
How beſtow'd by King James I. i. 340
To whom given by Law.
Has been the Caufe of War. i. 342
Whether an Effect of Nature. i. 343
The Romans liberal thereof.
ii. 9
Natural Hiſtory, how to be procured. ii. 394,
479,482 488, 588
The preſent defective. ii. 405,454, 492
May be fafely imperfect.
ii. 406
Muſt contain vulgar, difagreeable, and
ii. 406---408
fubtile Matters.
How to be ranged.
Its Ufes.
Its End.
Its Importance.
ii. 432
iii. 8
iii. 8, 10
iii. 8
iii. 6, 9
iii. 10, 12, 13
iii. 7, 14
iii. 15, 16
artificial.
i. 161
To be made univerfal.
How to be compiled.
Its Appendages.
Natural Things, why preferred to
Nature, of Things, how diſcoverable. i. 6, 14, 46
Her Subtilty.
1. 7
i. 16, 44, 116
i. 60
ibid.
Its Bulk and Extent.
157
iii. 45
iii. 46, 291
Myfteries, divine, how to be regarded. i. 262
How to be explain'd.
i. 263
Myftery-men, to be inftituted for the Service
Inferences therefrom, how drawn. ibid.
How found out.
ii. 69
of Philofophy.
i. 298
How conquerable.
on.
Mythology, of the Ancients a Critique there-
i. 545---549
Earlier than our prefent Hiftory.
i. 545
Her Rife.
'The Sublimities thereof.
How repreſented in the Perfon of Pan.
i. 61, 63
Nature
INDE X.
i. 97
i. 119
Antithets for and againſt it.
Its Laws.
i. 172
Nature, its Net.
Vol. i. Page 63
Its practical Doctrine.
i. 89
Human, its utmoſt Extents to be col-
lected.
i. 92, 93
Whether capable at once of Tranquil-
lity and Fruition. i. 189. ii. 122
Discoveries therein, how to be made.
Its Interpretation, what.
Newfoundland, whence its Coldnes. Tol. iii.
Page 455
Newport, the Battle there, in 1600.
ii. 183
Newton, Sir Ifaac, his Method of Enquiry.
Nile, its Water, how clarified.
Nitre, whence cold.
Its Quality.
Its Effect on Children and grown Perfons.
ii. 569
iii. 54
iii. 53, 380
iii. 71, 379
iii. 92, 379
i. 185
Its Excellence in cooling.
iii. 564
Celeſtial, what.
i. 187
Whether it will condenſe, by its potential
Terreftrial, what.
ibid.
Coldness.
ibid.
Its infeparable Affection.
ibid.
Where it abounds.
iii. 154
How limited.
ibid.
Has a Spirit.
iii. 380
How to be imitated by Man.
i. 228
How to be uſed at Meals.
ibid.
Its Light what, and how
i. 242, 262
Her Rules compared with thoſe of Po-
liticks
ii. 5, 6
ii. 5
Her fundamental Law.
Suddain Changes therein attended with
limited.
Subſtitutes for it.
ibid.
Nobility, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 172
Of England, their Grandeur.
i. 237
Neglected by King Henry VII.
i. 317
Violence.
Her Proceſs in Changes.
How perfected.
ii. 6
ii. 25
ii. 65
Where neceſſary, and where not. ii. 147
By Birth, flackens Induſtry, and ex-
tinguiſhes Envy,
Nobles, the Advantages and Difadvantages
thereof.
ii. 141
By Birth, feldom excel their Anceſtors.
ii. 148
ii. 148
ii. 84
Their Convenience to Princes.
Non-refidence confider'd.
ibid.
ii. 320, 321
How most remarkably conquered. ii.
80, 121, 153
Human, its fovereign Good.
Victory over her, not to be truſted.
Aphorifms for a juft Interpretation
thereof.
Its Anticipation and
what.
Its Hiſtory, what.
Her different States.
How laid out.
How faſhion'd.
Her Hands, what.
Her chief Power.
Her capital Work.
ii. 121
ii. 332---336
Interpretation,
ii. 348
iii. 5,6, 8
iii. 10
Natures of Men, how diftinguished.
How fifted.
The fixed, unhappy.
iii. 1 1
iii.
52
iii. 92
iii.
124, 171
i. 193
i. 222
i. 228
Navigation, once imperfect.
i. 7
Its Hiſtory.
i. 287
Navy, the Importance of its Strength.
i. 240
How to be regulated.
Neceffity, its Strength.
ii. 203
i. 206
iii. 8
Notions, falfe, among Hereticks, whence.
See Idols of the Mind.
ii. 346
iii. 411
Not fafely trufted.
How to be formed.
ii. 347
ii. 437
Nova Zembla, the Hollanders wintering there.
Novelty, its Nature. i. 213,351. See Innovation.
Nouriſhment, of the Body, how promoted.
i. 105. iii. 77, 78, 80, 82, 92
The Meats that beſt afford it. iii. 77
How procured in aged and confump-
iii. 77, 78, 80
tive Perfons.
Exceſs thereof hurtful in Children.
iii. 91
In Plants, differs from that of Animals.
iii. 343, 356, 357
Requires a prepared Aliment. iii. 356
How diftributed in Fruits.
Its Degrees differ with Age.
Whether procurable from
ibid.
ibid.
iii. 357
Externals.
Its Pretext.
i. 227
Negotiation, how beft managed. ii. 150, 151
Novum Organum, what.
i. 10, 119
Nemefis, the Fable of her explained.
The Perfons to be employ'd therein.
Negroes, where bred.
Its general Defign.
ii. 325---332
ii. 150
Its End.
ii. 415
iii. 39
Its Advantage.
ii. 417
i. 594,
Not a Philofophy, but a Logick. ii.
556
595
Appendix thereto.
ii. 561---590
Nero, wherein he delighted.
A Saying of his.
i. 187
i. 532
Left unfiniſhed.
ii. 561,584. iii. 5
Attempts of the fame kind.
ii. 562
Novum
3
INDE
X.
Novum Organum, compared with the Medicina
Mentis.
Vol. ii. Page 566, $67
Its general Scheme.
ii. 569
A fummary Account thereof. ii. 570-584
What is wanting to complete it. ii.
585--590
i. 569
iii. 359
iii. 168
Nox, her Egg.
Numa, his Age and Character.
Numbedness, how caufed.
Nurſes, why ſeldom infected in Plagues. iii. 128
Nutrition, how performed.
ii. 535
ibid.
Paracelfus's Notion thereof.
O.
Ath of Self-accufation.
to
Oaths, how to be impofed on Strangers.
Oil, why it floats on Water. Vol. ii. Page 534
iii. 305
Its flow Evaporation inftanced. iii. 342,
398
Wherein ferviceable to the Body. iii. 387
Adviſed externally by Hippocrates. iii. 388
Anointing therewith, how to be practifed.
iii. 388, 389
How uſed in the way of Unction, by the
Ancients.
How expanded by Heat.
Chemical, cold to the Touch.
iii. 388
iii. 535
iii. 52
Why little affected by Cold or Heat. iii. 56
Ointment for Affimilation.
iii. 82
Ointments, magical, their Ingredients. iii. 98
Olives, whence they excite the Appetite. iii. 97
Omens, whence the Opinion of them. i. 111
Omnipotence, divine, whence inferred. i. 71
Omniſcience, divine, whence inferred. ibid.
Onions, whence they ſhoot in the Air. iii. 34
Provoke the Appetite.
Operations, to be performed in
ii. 97
extendible
Oats, wild, their Growth.
Obfervations, to be interfperfed
Hiſtory.
in
ii. 314
i. 280
iii. 295
Natural
iii. 15, 18
Obfervatories, for philofophical Ufe.
Odours, which the more durable.
Their Sphere of Activity.
How preſerved and recovered.
The Requifites thereto.
Their different kinds.
Their corporeal ſubſtance.
Fetid, their Cauſe.
Fragrant, produced by
i. 291
Veffels.
iii. 541
ii. 78
Opiate-Diet.
ill. 377
ii. 519
Opiate-Fumes.
iii. 378
ii. 534
Opiate-Waters.
ibid.
ill. 155
ibid.
ibid.
Opiates, induce a kind of Inebriation.
Their Virtue.
Eſteemed by the Greeks.
iii. 64
iii.
376, 377
iii.376
iii. 155, 156
Putrefactions.
The Simple and Compound.
iii. 377
Infpiffate the Spirits.
iii. 156.
See Effluvia.
The milder forts.
iii. 378
ibid.
For Pleaſure.
For procuring Dreams.
iii. 157
ibid.
Opinion, what.
i. 420
May nouriſh.
iii. 158
Infinite.
Their Effects as to Health.
ibid.
Opinions of the Ancients, to be revifed. i. 82
Received, how to be treated. iii. 16
iii. 4
Why ſweeteſt at a Diſtance.
Whence ſtrongeſt in dry Bodies.
The beſt among Flowers.
Of Flowers, whence loft by
Where effectual.
Of growing Vegetables recommended.
ibid.
OEdipus, the Fable of him explained. i.
572---574
Offences, which the greateft.
i, 393
Officers, of State, how to be chofc.
ii. 201
Maritime, how to be advanced. ii. 204
Military, not to be difcouraged. ibid.
Not to be rewarded with Forfeitures.
To take no Fees.
Oil, how mixed with Water,
Of Almonds, a Nouriſher.
Where it abounds.
How it differs from Water.
Produced from Water.
VOL. III.
iii. 171
iii. 171, 172
Order, the Pleaſure thereof.
ibid.
Opium, how uſed by the Turks.
iii. 1
iii. 132, 377
ibid.
Its Virtue.
iii. 380, 381
ibid.
How it acts.
iii. 565
bruifing.
Opportunities to be made.
i. 230
iii. 159
Opportunity, its Ripenefs to be feized. ii. 111
iii. 398
Optatives, what.
i. 18
Opticks, what.
iii. 184
Optick-houſes, for philofophical Ufe.
Orator, excels the Sophift.
i. 296
i. 132
Oratory, the Advantage of Action
therein.
ii. 67
Orbilius, the Grammarian, his Age and Cha-
racter.
iii. 360
Orchards, philofophical.
1, 293
iii. 152
ii. 210
Ordnance, an improbable Difcovery.
ii. 399
i. 279---280
Ordinary, in Law, who.
ii. 264
iii. 71
iii. 79
Organs, their Deſtruction, what.
iii. 118
How dilated.
iii. 199
Organization, whence.
iii. 4.20
ibid.
Ornament of Speech, what.
i. 150
Q ૧ ૧ ૧
Orpheus.
INDE
X.
Orris-root, its fingular Virtue.
Page 68, 480, 560---562
Orpin, whence it fhoots in the Air.
iii. 34
Orpheus, the Fable of him explained. Vol. i.
iii. 159
Orthography, what.
i. 141
Oftentation, its Vanity.
ii. 77
Pater Patria, who.
Paffions, how affwaged.
Their Impreffions on the Body. iii. 159
Patience, inftanced in Anaxarchus.
i. 93
Patronage, how to be afforded.
ii. 146, 147
ii. 147
i. 332
Vol. i. Page 364
Its Uſe in Life. i. 225, 226. ii. 77,78
The Cautions it requires.
Paul, the Hermit, his Age and Character.
iii. 363
Oftrich, her Eggs, how hatched.
iii. 94
Ottoman Family, its Origin.
i. 345
Outlawry, its Procedure.
Overbury, Sir Thomas, his Murder. i. 376, 381
Peace, its Confervators, their Office. ii. 237.
See Juftices of the Peace.
ii. 250
Oxen, their Horns, why larger than in Bulls.
iii. 36
Its Officers. ii. 230. See Conſtabies.
The Surety to keep it.
Peaches, how beft produced.
ii. 229
iii. 267
Oysters, how fatted.
How fatted, and made tender when old.
iii. 81, 250, 347
Hi. 70
Pearls, the Effect of burying them.
Peaſe, their Growth how to be accelerated.
iii. 43
iii. 244
Pegafus, his Origin,
i. 66
Penetration of Bodies, what.
iii. 162
P.
Pentheus, the Fable of him explained. i. 68,
589, 590
P Ace,
Ace, a Saying of his.
i. 532
Pain, its different kinds.
Paints, wherein ſerviceable to the Body. iii. 387
Painting the Body, a Cuftom in different
ii. 478
Nations.
iii. 259, 387
Palate, how offended.
Pamphlets, of two kinds.
iii. 156
ii. 294
People, a Surcharge thereof, how
Pepper, how it provokes the Appetite.
Perception of Bodies, its Nature.
Diffuſed thro' all Nature.
Percolation, Experiments thereof.
prevented.
i. 338
iii. 97
iii. 58
i. 112
ii. 51,
Pan, the Fable of him explained.
Panama, the English Enterprize there.
Pandora, her Box explained.
Paper, a fingular Inftance of Art. ii. 485
Papifts, the Severe Laws against them in Eng-
land.
Characterized.
i. 59---64
ii. 185
i. 553, 557
Its Effects.
Percuffion, its Motion.
163---165
iii. 165
iii. 42
Its Nature.
iii. 108
Its Effect on Sounds.
iii. 196, 199
Perfection, its Bond,
i. 198
Parables, their Uſe.
Paracelfus, his Character.
Paracelfifts characterized.
i. 325. ii. 175
i. 372
i. 548
ii.
54,
60
•
1. 418
Parchment, whence it ſtretches.
Pardons, how granted by King Henry VII. i.
Parents, their State.
The Conduct they ſhould uſe to their
Children.
iii. 81
Perfia, founded in Poverty.
i. 345
315
ii. 103
Perfons, private, beft judged of by their Ends.
i. 222
iii. 412
1.222
Perfume-houſes, philofophical.
i. 297
Period of Things above the Earth's Surface.
Peripateticks characterized.
Perfeus, the Fable of him explained. i. 64--66
iii. 34
iii. 73
Parks, philofophical.
Parliament, its Liberty.
ii. 103, 104
i. 293
i. 349
Of England, its Nature. i. 352--354
The Matters to be handled therein,
i. 360, 361
Its Court.
A Council to the King.
Its Power.
Its Ufe.
Parmenides, his Philofophy.
Parfimony, not innocent.
ii. 198
ibid.
ii. 190
ibid.
Perfpiration, infenfible.
Perturbations, fome are Tortures.
Peru, why nearly as temperate as Europe.
iii. 461
iii. 472, 473
Its Weather.
Peftilence, Prognofticks thereof.
Petrifaction, Inftances thereof.
iii. 59
iii. 561, 562
The practical Means of effecting it
wanting. iii. 571. See Induration.
Its Puniſhment.
Petty-Treafon, what,
iii. 594
1.119
Pewter, its Compofition.
Phænomena, indirect, what.
ii. 71
Parfons, the Jefuit, his feditious Book. i. 304
Participes Curarum, who.
Parties, in Power, their Procedure. ii. 301, 302
Out of Power, their Behaviour. ii. 303
Partnerſhips, how to be enter'd into. ii. 120
ii. 267
ii. 268
iii. 140
iii. 452
i. 532
i. 321
Philofophy,
Philip, of Macedon, a Saying of his.
Philip II. of Spain, quitted his Acquifitions.
INDE
X.
Its Objects.
Its Divifion.
Divine, what.
Natural, its Divifion.
Its ancient State.
i. 69, 431
i. 71
i. 72, 73
Moral, Queſtions therein determined.
185, 186
ii. 337
The Origin of Errors therein. ii. 361
Natural, how corrupted. ii. 361, 363,
364, 365
i.
Philofophy, primary, its Scope and Office.
Vol. i. Page 15, 69, 92
Secondary, its Nature.
1. 15
Whether to be adorned with Eloquence.
i. 24
By whom mixed.
i. 30
i. 33
Found in Scripture.
Its Service to Religion.
i. 34
i. 40
i. 43, 233
Supplies the Profeſſions.
Its Origin and Ufe.
Of the ancient Fables wanting.
i. 58
1.69
Philofophers, their Errors. Vol. i. Pag. 23, 24,184
i. 3༠
ii. 58, 59, 60, 61. iii. 316,318
Cenfured by Heraclitus.
Ancient, their Characters. ii. 52--57,
Reduced to two Tribes.
337
ii. 339
Their Differences. ii. 372, 373
Their Opinions, how propagated.
iii. 4
Philofophies, ancient, a Collection thereof to
i. 8z
be made.
Philofophia prima, its Defign. iii. 577--579,629
How to be executed. iii. 630--631
Philofophia fecunda, not to be deſpaired of.
iii. 630---632
Phineas, his Age and Character.
iii. 358
Phosion, his Behaviour on being applauded by
i. 532
Phyſicians, their View in Cures.
i. 154
the Rabble.
A Saying of his.
i. 95
Empirical.
ii. 362
Superftitious.
ii. 363
The Grecian, characterized. i. 369--371
ibid.
Its beft Signs.
Its Barrennefs.
ibid.
Hurt by Superftition and religious Zeal.
ii. 386, 387
Not favoured by Schools and Univer-
fities.
Not fufficiently rewarded.
Reaſons to expect its Advancement.
ii. 388
ibid.
Improvable by uniting
Experience,
ii. 390---402
Reafon and
ii. 392
To be kept pure.
Greatly improvable by united Labours.
i. 100
Deficient in the Cure of Difeafes. i. 101
Their Clue wanting.
i. 103
The Saying of a blunt one.
Arabian, their Characters.
Phyfick, defective in Remedies.
Its Difference from Empiricifm.
A Secret therein.
Phyficks, what, and how divided.
Abſtract, and Concrete, their
Divifions.
ii. 402
Its Appendages.
ii. 392
Muſt be extended to the Sciences. ii. 398
Requires Time and Treaſure to im-
prove it.
ii. 401
Whether a better than the old ones be
obtainable.
How divided juſtly.
i. 9z
iii. 113
i.
74, 75.
ii. 431
Parts and
i 80,81
i. 8t
Phyfiognomy, its Doctrine deficient. i. 93.
Picts, their Name whence.
iii.
58
iii. 387
Pigeons, when they thrive beſt.
iii. 155
Ufed medicinally.
iii. 405
ii.
ü, 412
431
Pilofity, whence.
iii. 36, 165
ii. 28
Pindar, his Obfervation on fuddain Fortune.
i. 194
ii, 376, 377
His Saying on Silence.
i. 200
His Age and Character.
iii. 360
iii. 44
To be joined with Aftronomy.
But little cultivated.
Whether it inclines to Atheiſm. ii. 94
How to be cenfured.
Should vary their Remedies.
i. 97
Their Office to procure eafy Deaths.
i. 97, 156
Their Predictions, how founded. i. 110
Who the beſt.
i. 102
i. 159
i. 54
i. 102
3
Pine-Apple, the Nature of its Kernel.
Pioneers, philofophical, to be inftituted. i. 298
Its State.
iii. 3
Its true Foundations.
111. 7
Its Infancy.
iii. 9
Different Syſtems thereof.
iii. 6
Piony, its Virtue.
Its Tendency.
iii. 313
Natural, its Hiſtory.
iii. 581-598
Corpufcular, explained. iii. 599---601
Effective, how to be improved. iii. 605,
606
Axiomatical,not to be deſpaired of.ii.336
Its Fate.
ii. 374
iii. 132, 230
Pifa, its Revolt from Florence.
i. 343
Pifcina mirabilis, the Cement of its Walls.
Piſtaches, how made nutrimental.
Pitch, its Tenacity, whence.
Pity, where bad.
Piague, its Prognofticks.
Q9942
iii. 47
iii.
8
iii. 227
iii. 383
iii. 166
Plague,
INDE X.
Obferved to run in a Blood.
iii. 166
ibid.
Plague, how prevented. Vol. iii. Page 166, 230 Pleaſure, how affected by Auguftus Cæfar.
Where it feizes fooneſt.
Vol. i. Page 313
How raiſed by Art.
iii. 167
Pleaſures, how ufed by Julius Cæfar. ibid.
Senfual, what.
iii. 383
From Effluvia.
Its Cauſe.
ibid.
iii. 182
Plot, againſt Queen Elizabeth, how diſcovered.
i. 326
Plantations, what,
ii. 32
ii. 151
Planets, Alterations therein.
How to be fettled and governed.
ii. 151, 152, 153, 207, 208
The Trades to Plant with. ii. 152
Not to be abandon'd.
ii. 153
Their Governours to have a certain
Power.
ii. 207
The Laws whereby they are to be
govern'd.
ibid.
His Character.
Pluto, carries away Proferpine.
Plutus, the Fable of him illuftrated.
Poetry, where properly concerned. i. 43, 141
What.
Allegorical, and its Ufes, what. i.
Plumage, its Cauſe.
iii. 165
Plumbum Argentarium, its Mixture.
iii. 140
Pluralities confider'd.
ii. 322
Plutarch, Apophthegms of his.
i. 532
ii. 53
i. 575
ii. 119
i. 56
Its Divifion.
i. 57
57,58
Their Trade to be regulated. ii. 208
Commiffioners of them to be ap-
Dramatick, what.
i. 57
pointed.
ibid.
Narrative, what.
ibid.
Their Duties, how to be laid. ibid.
Excels Hiſtory.
ibid.
Plants, growing without Seeds.
i. 293
Its divine Nature.
ibid.
Which ſmell beft when walked on.
Ariftotle's Obfervation thereon.
Which yield their Odours beft when
growing.
Efteem'd in ignorant Ages.
ibid.
ii. 131
Its Deficiency.
i. 58
ibid.
Whence called the Devil's Wine. i. 197.
ii. 84
iii. 81
Their Growth.
iii. 91, 265,
269, 347
Poifons, by Man's Fleſh.
iii. 167
Their Putrefaction.
iii. 132
By Effluvia.
ibid.
How moſt deſtroy'd.
iii. 169
By the Vapours of burning Coals.
iii. 168
Why they degenerate.
iii. 267
How to be tranſmuted.
iii.
268, 269
Why they occafion ſwelling.
iii. 174
How they differ from Minerals.
iii. 283
How render'd familiar.
iii. 128
Their Sexes, how diftinguifhed.
The efculent.
ibid.
How imitated.
iii. 166
üi. 287
Their ill Effects, how prevented.
iii. 167
Their nutrimental Parts.
iii. 288
Whence fome are ſtrongeſt in the Seed.
Whence fome are milky.
ibid.
iii. 290
How produced on Plants.
iii. 289, 294
Some have a red Juice.
iii. 290
Some faline.
iii. 291
Some why curled.
Why ſome ſtrike deep Roots.
Their different Juices.
Delight in different Soils.
iii. 292
ibid.
iii. 293
iii. 294
Some to be water'd with falt Water. iii. 297
Why they feel not the Effects of Age.
By Odours, how practifed.
Policy, Civil, has its Empiricks.
Its Doctrine difficult.
Private, its Difference from publick. i. 219
Its durable Part.
Politicians, beft qualified for treating of Juftice.
In Poft, always complaining.
Who fitteft to be made fo.
Politicks characterized i. 74, 200, 231. ii. 68
i. 110
Its Predictions.
Different from Ethicks. i. 200. ii. 173
Derivable from phyfical Obfervations.
ibid.
ii. 68
i. 200
i. 315
i. 242
ii. 88
ii. 92
iii. 344
Whence nouriſhed.
iii. 356
Plato, his Obfe.vation on topical Invention.
Wherein imperfect.
i. 126
Polycarp, his Age and Character.
His Enquiry into the Etymology of Names.
i. 139
His Character.
Pleading, its Form with reſpect to Aliens. i. 341
Pleadings, different Forms thereof to be col-
lected.
i. 257
His Treatment of Rhetorick. i. 151
Sayings of his.
i. 532
ii. 53. iii. 360
Pomegranates, Experiments thereon.
Pompey, his Saying on Novelty.
ii. 5, 6
ii. 140
iii. 363
iii.
111. 43
i. 213
ii. 225
His Error, with regard to Imitation.
His Preparation againſt Cæfar. i. 240
A Saying of his.
Ponds, for philofophical Ufe.
Pools, for philofophical Ufe.
i. 532
i. 294
i. 292
Pope,
INDE X.
Pope, his Defign againſt Queen Elizabeth.
Vol. i Page 326
How treated by certain Powers. i. 367
Pope Gregory XII. his Age and Character in.363
John, his Age and Character. ibid.
Paul III his Age and Character. ui 364
Paul IV. his Age and Character. ibid.
Popes, their Ages for a Series of Years iii 363
Popery, extirpated by Queen Elizabeth. i 327
Popham, a Saying of his.
i. 533
Popularity, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 172
Of Subjects, odious to Princes. i. 212
Poffidonius, his particular Endowment.
Poft, of Lord Privy-Seal, what.
Poſts, of Honour, when honourable to grow
rich therein.
i. 93
i 422
il. 120
The Conveniencies and Inconveniences of
Great ones
How to be behaved in
How to be obtained
Pofterity, how regarded by
11 144 145
ii. 144, 145, 146
11. 146, 197
Auguftus Cæfar.
i 313
where greateſt
11 102, 103
Poſtures of the Body, the beſt for prolonging
111 168
ii. 140
Life
The Care thereof,
Pot-metal, its Compofition.
Poverty, in a Kingdom, how prevented 11.158
Powders, fternutatory, how they attract 11 45
Power, human, its Office
Its Intention.
Its Limits
11. 98
Prætergenerations, their Hiftory to be wrote.
Vol. iii. Page 8, 11
Prayer, at the Sight of a Miracle. i. 283
To be reverenced.
i1 315
Its Form
Preambles, of Laws, to be ſhort.
Precedents, in Law, none to be of a Precedent.
To be authentick
ibid.
i 254
i. 245
How to be derived.
i 246
ibid.
To be limited.
Partial, to be guarded againſt ibid.
i 247
Rejected, not to be eafily admitted.
ibid
ibid
1 132
ill 487
in 498
ii 498
ibid.
Are not Rules.
Predicaments, their Ufe.
Predictions of the Weather
Of Winds.
Of new Countries.
Of Plenty and Scarcity.
Of Sicknefs. ibid. See Divination.
Predominancy, its Rules to be collected ii 542
Prelates, impriſon'd by Queen Elizabeth 1. 325
Preparation, Antithets for and againſt it. 1 173
Prepoffeffion, in a Judge, how conquered 1 211
Preiogative, royal, what
How to be carried.
Prerogatives, of the Crown.
In Peace and War.
In Parliament.
In Trade.
il 406
1.315
11 273
ibid.
ibid.
ii 274
In the Perſon of the Subject. ibid
Prefervation of Bodies, how effected. ii. 43,
168, 169, 170
11 424
il 329
11 332
Not to be defired in Excefs.
Divine, how revealed
11 91
Exorbitant, what
il 140
Preffure, its Effects on the Shapes of Creatures.
A Plenitude thereof, what.
11 169
iu. 57
Arbitrary, not allowable
in 195
Pretext, what
i. 226
Its Inftruments.
Antithets for and againſt it
Its Defects. i. 517---519. See Theory
Its feven Means.
Praife, compared with Good
How affected by Auguftus Cæfar. i. 313
Coincident with Knowledge. 11 344, 345
Practice to govern Theory
11 425
The Properties of a good Rule for it
11 426
Pride, Antithets for and againſt it. i 173
Priests, Romish, their Confpiracy againſt Queen
Elizabeth
i 325
Forbid England
1 326
The Laws againſt them.
i 327
Prime, what
11 82
11 543--555
Princes, their Sufpicions.
i 212, 222
u 544, 545
Their Hearts, whence unfearchable
1 223
1 154
1. 172
The Conduct to be obferved therein
How to estimate their Power.
How corrupted
1 236
1. 217, 218
1 320
Their Danger from the Pope. 1. 366,
What.
1 359
Its Effects
11 115
Of the Vulgar, often falſe.
1.78
Its falfe Colours.
ibid.
ibid
Its kinds
Moderate and ſeaſonable, its Effect 11 79
Præmunire, its Cafes
11 271
Its Puniſhment and Proceedings 1 272
Prænotion, what.
156 See Memory.
373
1 320
in 139, 140, 143
11 217
Principles, to be examined by Induction i 263
The Errors committed in laying
them down 111 522---594, 597
Printing, how difcovered
An obvious Contrivance.
I 122
i1 400
Prifons,
Which the beſt.
Their State.
Principes perpetui, who
INDE X.
Crafty, what.
Political.
How to be joined with Innocence. ii.
A labouring one Mortal.
Priſons, their Infection. Vol. iii. Page 166
Privation, compared with Diminution. i. 158
Problems, natural, a Calendar thereof to be
made.
Procefs, latent, what.
Prolixity, in writing, how occafion'd.
Promethean Games, what.
Prometheus, the Fable of
Promifes, great ones made by
Proof, oftenfive, what.
By Abfurdity.
i. 8z
Proteus, the Fable of him explained. Vol. i.
Prudence, civil.
Traditive, its Parts.
Its Divifion.
ii. 428
iii. 8
Of advifing.
Its Rule.
i. 553,559
him explained.
ibid.
ii. 552-560
modern Authors.
i. 384, 387
i. 131
Pulſe, its Motion, what.
ii. 243
ibid.
By Occupancy, what.
ii. 244
How loft.
ibid.
ii. 244, 245
Property of Lands, how acquired.
By Entry, what.
By Defcent, what.
Of Land left by the Sea, whoſe. ii. 243
By Efcheat, what. ii. 246. See Tenure.
By Gift.
By Sale.
By Theft.
By Waving.
By Legacy.
ii. 260
ii. 261
ibid.
ii. 261, 262
Page 566, 56m
i. 55
i. 178, 179
1. 200
i. 203
i. 216
i. 224, 225
i. 231
93
iii. 410
iii. 413
iii. 521
ibid.
i. 194
i. 299
iii. 45---47
iii. 46
iii. 47
Prophecy, what.
ii. 264
i. 44
Divine, its peculiar Latitude.
i. 55
Prophecies, that of the Pythonia to Saul. ii. 134
One of the Roman Empire in Virgil.
That of Polycratus's Daughter.
That of America, in Seneca.
That of Philip of Macedon.
That of the Phantom to Brutus.
That of Tiberius to Galba.
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
ii. 135
ibid.
ibid.
That concerning a Ruler coming out
Pulverization, what.
Of different kinds.
Puniſhment, its Ufe in civil Life.
Pupils in Philoſophy, to be inſtituted.
Purgatives, the Cauſe of their Operation.
Their different attractive Qualities.
Wherein they differ from Diureticks.
...
Purging, whence ſerviceable. iii. 81, 148, 408
Whence pernicious.
ill. 130
Purſuits, long ones not to be engaged in. i. 230
Purveyance, its End.
ii. 209
Purveyors, the Abuſe of their Office. i. 332--336
How to be regulated. i. 333---336
Putrefaction, how prevented. ii. 532. iii.
174-176
Is attended with Heat. iii. 84, 120
What moſt diſpoſed thereto. iii. 115
How promoted.
Attended with inteftine Motion.
iii. 132
iii. 121
How introduced. iii. 147, 173, 174
Makes a Confufion of the Parts.
iii. 156
iii. 169
iii. 172
Its chief Caufes how fufpended.
ibid.
of Judea.
That of Domitian.
ibid.
That of Henry VI.
ibid.
Whether an Accident.
That of an Event in the English Nation.
'That of an Aftrologer concerning the
King of France.
Its Cauſes.
ibid.
iii. 170
ibid.
The Work of the included Spirit.
That of the Spaniſh Invafion.
That of Regiomontanus.
ibid.
ibid.
ii. 136
ibid
an
That of Cleon in a Dream.
How to be judged of.
Prophecying, recommended as
Propofitions, their Limitations.
Proferpine, the Fable of her
Exercife.
ii. 318, 319
i. 149
Its Origin, whence.
explained. í.
Its Operation.
575---578 Pythagoras, A Saying of his.
i. 140
His Numbers explained.
Proſperity compared with Adverſity. ii. 80, 81
Protagoras, his Age and general Character.
iii. 360
i. 93
Profodia, what.
His particular Character.
iii. 602
Q.
The practical Ways of introducing it.
iii. 173, 174
Its Affinity with Vegetables. iii. 283
Where it begins in Vegetables.
iii. 347
iii. 349
iii. 173
iii. 420
i.
533
INDE X.
Qual
Ualifications, which required by Princes
in their Servants. Vol.i. Page 212
Qualities, communicated without Subſtance.
ii. 476
Secondary, may act upon inanimate
Reaſon, its Motives.
Vol i. Page 182
Its adminiſtration, how diſturbed. i. 151
To be preferred before Cuftom.
i. 244
How to be uſed in Religion. i. 263, 264
How to be affifted.
Its Operation,
Rebellions, which the worst.
How fuppreffed by King
ii. 328
ibid.
ii. 157
Henry VII.
i.
314, 315
i. 315
i. 215
Of Exeter and Black-heath.
Reconciliation, how procured.
Recovery, in Law, what. ii. 256, 257. See
Conveyance.
Bodies.
iii. 543
Should be tabled.
iii. 563
Quantity, its Powers.
ii. 525
Quarries, growing hard in the Air.
iii. 48
Queries, to be fubjoined in a Natural
Hiſtory.
Recufancy, what.
iii.
15, 16
Quickfilver, how killed.
ii. 534
Reduction, what.
Whence the coldeſt Metal.
iii. 53
ibid.
Its Ufe.
Its Force when heated.
Whether Gold may be made from it.
Its Approximation to Silver. iii. 144
ii. 276
ii. 507, 512
Redneſs, a proper Inſtance in its Enquiry. iii.12
ii. 508, 509, 511, 512
Made to the Senfes of other Animals.
ii. 512, 513
Reformation, in Religion, whether good Po-
iii. 90
Its Gravity.
iii. 90, 91
licy allows it.
ii. 308
The beſt time for it.
ii. 309
Its Effluvia.
iii. 167
How effected by Queen
Elizabeth.
i. 328
Where it abounds.
iii. 171
Diffolved in Aqua fortis.
Expanded.
iii. 544
Refraction, its proper Effect.
iii. 215
iii. 549
Quinctius, a Saying of his.
Quintus Fabius Maximus, his Age
and Cha-
racter.
Quotations, where to be omitted.
i. 533
iii. 361
iii. 9
Regifters, their kinds.
Regimen, mortifying, its Effects.
iii. 400
i. 51
Female, how eſteemed.
Rejuveneſcency, what.
Reigns, may be good in bad Times.
i. 200
i
1. 320
iii. 178
How procurable.
iii. 407, 430
Relation, a fecond-hand Knowledge.
i. 223.
Relaxation, its Cauſe.
iii. 46
Religion, how to be regarded by the State
R.
Rabbits, why they feed hard before Rain,
Rablais, Apophthegms of his.
Rain, how produced.
Whence its Scarcity in Ægypt.
When moft ferviceable.
ii. 194
iii. 62
Not hurt by Philofophy.
ii. 387
i.
533
Proteftant, where feated.
ii. 195
Not to be treated theatrically.
ii. 293
1. 44
iii. 176
How to be reformed.
ii. 308
iii. 294
Some Countries without any.
iii. 451
Whether political to reform it.
Its Origin and Doctrine.
ibid.
i. 263
What it denotes.
ibid.
With an Eaft-Wind, generally continues.
iii. 46
And Wind, their Succeffion.
iii. 477
The Ufe of Reafon allowable therein.
i. 263, 264
How regarded by Queen Elizabeth.
i. 325, 327, 328
Its Hiſtory to be wrote.
iii. 492
Rain-bow, the Notion of its Sweetneſs.
Of what it confiſts.
iii. 177
ibid.
Refolves into Wind.
iii. 468
Raleigh, Sir Walter, a Saying of his.
i.
533
Ramus, his Character.
ii.
52
Rarifaction explained.
iii.
Rationalifts, their Procedure.
Rays of Things, what.
177, 384
ii. 392
i. 61
Readineſs, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 173
Reading, how to be regulated.
i. 179
Reports, in Law, how amended.
Repofitiories of Difcourfe.
True, wherein it confifts.
ibid.
Religions, how introduced and fuppreffed. ii. 82
Remainder, in Law, how appointed. ii. 255.
Its Difference from Reverfion.
Renovation, how procured quick.
Repetitions, whence occaſioned.
Repletion, its Effects.
iii. 429
ili. 8.
New ones, when to be ſuſpected. ii. 82
The Requifites thereto.
ibid..
ii. 98
iii. 249, 269
11. 221
i. 55
Reasoning, an Inftance of Alliance
therein.
il. 492
Republickss, their Advantages.
Reproof, the kind due to Friends.
i. 216
ii. 147
Reputation,
IN
NDE X.
Reputation. See Honour.
Its Place in the Mathematicks of the
Mind.
i. 229
How courted by Julius Cæfar. i. 310
Of Princes, how increafed abroad.
i. 316
Requests of the Author.
i. 9
Reſpiration, in what time performed. iii. 410
The force of Cuſtom therein. ibid.
Different in different Animals. ibid.
Refidents, how chofe by Queen Elizabeth.
Retreats, honourable, not inferior to Charges.
Romans, their War with the Latins. Fol. I.
Page 342
Rome, flourished under the Government of
Scholars.
i. 19
Grew perfect in Arts, before perfect in
i. 21
Empire.
Its Increaſe of Empire, whence. i. 181,
238. ii. 9, 214
Its Cuftom of Denization. i. 238. ii. 9
Its fettling of Colonies.
i. 238
ii. 214
Whence it became a Patria Communis. ii. 9
Its Laws, by whom reform'd.
Romulus, his Charge to his People.
Roots, bulbous, whence.
Fibrous and hairy.
Roſemary, may lofe its Sweetneſs.
i. 238
iii. 285
ibid.
iii. 260
iii. 259
Rofes, whence their excellence of Odour.
Reft confider'd.
ii. 202
iii. 609
Falſe Reſt.
ibid.
Human, its Perfection.
ii. 144
Rofa folis, what.
Returns of Juries.
ii. 178
i. 248. See Juries.
Revelation, its Prerogative over the Light of
Nature.
i. 261, 262
Revenge, Antithets for and againſt it. i: 174
The prudent and imprudent Way of
taking it.
ii. 86, 87, 170
Private, unfortunate.
ii. 87
Revenues, royal, how to be preſerved. ii. 210
Reverſion, its Difference from Remainder.
In November, why ſweeteſt.
How dwarfed.
iii. 155
iii. 247
ibid.
iii. 258
ibid.
Set by Garlick, made ſweeter.
Rue, why ſtronger near the Fig-Tree.
Rulers, their Favourites of uſe.
The Fortunate often turn fuperftitious.
ii. 143, 193
ii. 140
Revolutions of the Planets.
Rewards, military, what.
Their Ufe in civil Life.
Rhetorick learnt too ſoon.
Whence a frothy Art.
Its Office and Ufe.
Its Power and Effects.
Its Deficiencies, how to be ſupplied.
i. 153, 163--.178
How to be made.
Their State confidered. ii. 140---142.
ii. 255
See Princes.
iii. 13
i. 240
How to be adviſed.
Two Precepts for them.
ii. 142
ii. 209
i. 195, 213
1. 41
i. 92
i. 151
i.
1.152
Their Memory, how beft perpetuated.
Rules of Law, a Treatife of them to be col-
lected.
Differ from Pofitions.
ii. 213
i. 256
ibid.
i. 257
Rheum, how dried up by Sympathy.
Rhubarb, its Virtue.
iii. 228
Ruft, how produced.
ii. 507. iii. 531.
iii. 46
How promoted by Wet.
iii. 174
...
How to be uſed.
iii. 396
Rufting, how to be enquired into.
iii. 137
Riches, their Place in the Mathematicks of the
S.
i. 229
Mind.
Their Ufe.
ii. 116, 118, 120
The Baggage of Virtue.
ii. 119
Private, its Foundation.
Its Protection.
Roasting, its Effect.
Rivers, navigable, their Advantage.
How to be acquired.
Right, abfolute, the Subjects thereof.
Right-fide, of the Body, whether different
from the left.
Rimenant, the Battle there, in 1578.
Rites and Ceremonies, of the Church, left to
Diſcretion.
Rivals, in Fortune, how to be confider'd. i. 225
ii. 119, 120
i.
315
SA
Addle-Nofe, how prevented.
Saffron, its external Ufe.
iii. 57
iii. 387
i. 242
i. 243
Its diffufive Nature.
Sailing, how to be improved.
Sails, their Figure and Ufe.
iii. 552
iii. 483, 484
iii. 481, 482
iii. 178
Salamander, how he may endure the Fire.
ii. 177
Salamander's Wooll.
iii. 69.
ii. 310
Salluft, his Obfervation on the
Kings.
iii. 178
See Fewel.
Temper of
i. 194
ii. 205
Salt, where ferviceable.
iii. 45, 402
iii. 538
iii. 164
Rock-Rubies.
Increaſes the Cold of Ice.
How diffolved.
Attracts Blood.
111.53
Romans, their Cuftom as to War.
i. 239
Their Triumphs.
i. 241
Provokes the Appetite.
iii. 55
111. 231
iii. 97
Salt,
INDE
-
X.
リ
​Sekt, whence extracted for medicinal Ufe.
Vol. iii. Page 291
Saltneſs in Water, whence.
iii. 163
Saltpetre, its Growth how haften'd. iii. 281.
See Nitre.
iii. 179
Salt Water, how made freſh.
Sand, found of the Nature of Glaſs. iii. 86
Of the Sea, why barren.
Sarah, an Image of the Natural
Sciences, wherein confined.
The old ones, not to be abolished. ii.
Vol. iii. Page 4
414
i. 93
i. 208
Scipio, his particular Endowments.
Scorners, wherein deſtructive.
Scotland, when firſt united with England. i. 303
Its Naturalization pleaded for. i. 336,
337, 339, 343, 344
i. 340
iii. 275
Characterized.
Reaſon.
i. 262
Her Age and Character,
iii. 358
Satiety, in Pleaſures.
i. 38
Its Cauſe.
iii. 77
Scruples, not to be deſpiſed.
Whether to have the fame Laws as
England.
i. 346
Scripture, how to be interpreted. i. 204, 265,
ii, 17
266
Satyrium, whence its fuppofed Virtue.
iii. 14
Sauce, its Ufe.
iii. 397
Scylla and Charybdis, the Fable thereof ex-
plained.
i. 565---566
Saville, Sir Henry, a Saying of his.
i. 533
Scythians, whence called Horfe-eaters. iii. 76
Saviour, his Anſwers, why not fuited
Queſtions.
to the
Sea, Prognoſticks from it.
iii. 491
i. 266
Its Swelling.
iii. 532
Scala Intellectus, its Defign and Method.
Its Hiſtory to be wrote.
iii. 13
iii. 315, 317
Its Refounding, a Prognoftick.
iii. 61
Scepticiſm, not patronized by the
Author.
ii. 413
i. 118
i. 26, 27. ii. 97
ii. 195
i. 24---26
i. 69
i.
4
Scepticks, their Error.
Schoolmen, characterized.
Schools, to be encouraged.
Science, its Harmony.
Univerfal, what.
Sciences, their Pillars.
Why not farther improved.
Not recorded perfect. i. 5.
How uſually taught.
How hurt.
i. 5, 28
ii. 344, 345
i. 6
i. 6. ii. 51, 385
Their Principles, whence borrowed.
Its Ebbing and Flowing, accounted for by
Why clearer with a North Wind.
Breaks moſt where ſhalloweſt.
Wherein eternal.
Ebbs and Flows in Florida and Europe at the
fame time.
iii. 617
Whether it moves from Eaft to Weſt. iii. 452
Its Swelling more frequent than Earth-
iii. 463
quakes.
i. 28
The Advantage of Dominion there. i. 240
Seaſons, fruitful or unfruitful, how foretold.
iii. 297
Secrecy, its Verge,
ii. 69
Secrets, of Nature, revealed by herſelf. ii. 386
Sects, in Philofophy, may be infinite.
iii. 4
Secundine, what.
iii. 178
ibid.
i. II
The Neceffity of rebuilding them.
i. 13. iii. 6,7
Their Solidity, how broke. i. 26
Some fway the Imagination more than
the Reafon.
How corrupted.
Of the Ancients, wherein moft flouriſh-
Galilæo.
Its Tides.
iii. 91
iii. 100
iii. 179
ibid.
ii. 33
Its five Motions.
iii. 614, 615
ibid.
ing.
Whence they degenerate.
ibid.
May be extended.
i. 54
How judged of.
i. 96
Whence their Perplexities.
i. 97
Which the foundeſt.
ii.
219
Their End wrong fixed.
ii. 377, 378
Seditions, how prognoſticated. ii. 156, 157.
Sce Rebellions.
How fuppreffed. ii. 156, 157, 158--161
Their Caufes.
ii. 158
Seeds, why more nutrimental than Leaves.
Why they degenerate.
Their Goodneſs, how known.
iii. 254
iii. 267
iii.
iii. 267,
296
The erroneous Methods of improving
Semele's Requeſt, its Moral.
them.
ii. 378, 379
Sena, its Virtue.
Why not farther advanced.
Sophiſtically taught and
ii. 349
Senators, ſhould not be Scorners.
i. 67
iii. 46
i. 208
defcribed.
ii. 383
Seneca, his Character.
By what Sects treated.
Their true End.
11. 411
May be mifemploy'd.
ii. 417
Its Organs.
The old ones, why rejected.
ii. 410
Grofly formed.
ii. 429
ii. 392
Senfe, and Senfibility, its Doctrine. i. 112, 113
How to be affifted. ii. 327. iii. 313, 314
Inferior to Perception.
How deſtroy'd.
Rrrr
iii. 58
iii. 219
iii. 216
Senfe,
ii. 53
VOL. III.
INDE
X.
The more ſpiritual ones.
iii. 302
Which the moſt pleaſurable.
iii. 399
Sentence of Life and Death, how to proceed.
How to be repealed.
i. 248
i. 259
Separation, by Gravity, how effected. iii. 180,
Senfes, proportion'd to the Organs. Vol. ii.
Page 477. iii. 219
Their Defects, how remedied. i. 11.
ii. 507, 512, 517. iii. 11, 313, 314
Their offenfive Objects. iii. 32, 33
Whence their Pleafure and Difpleafure.
iii. 180
Silver, in Gold.
Vol. iii. Page 143
The Approximation to it.
Its Ductility.
Diffolved.
Simeon, his Age and Character.
Son of Cleophas, his Age and Character.
Simonides, a Saying of his.
Simples, which the propereft for Medicines.
Its Advantages and Difadvantages.
iii. 144
iii. 552
iii.
544, 545
iii. 359
iii. 363
i. 534
iii. 132
Simulation, what.
ii, 69, 70
ii. 70
181
Sin, original, wherein imitated.
iii. 4
Separatifts, their Procedure.
ii.
Serpents, their Teeth.
Serjeants at Law, how to be made.
303, 306
ii. 197
Sirens, the Fable of them explained.i. 584--586
Situation, how to be chofe for Building.
ii. 127
iii. 41
Sefa, Duke, a Saying of his.
Servants, prudent, their Conduct.
i. 204
Sixtus, the Pope, Sayings of his.
i. 534
i. 533
Skin, what Creatures caft it.
iii. 178
Severinus, his Character.
ii. 55, 60
60
Skinck, Scotch, what.
iii. 78
Sex Viri, at Athens, who.
ii. 215, 219
Skull, its Contents.
iii. 40
Shadows, their Motion, whence.
iii. 181
Slanders, the worſt, what.
i. 378
Shame, wherein infectious.
iii. 101.
Sleep, whence a Cordial.
iii. 80
Where prejudicial.
Sheep, why they feed against Rain.
Their Nature.
Their time of Geftation.
iii. 383
Why it cauſes Fatneſs.
iii. 182
iii. 62
Why hinder'd by Cold.
iii. 183
iii. 84
iii. 85
Why promoted by certain Sounds.
May nouriſh.
ibid.
ibid.
iii. 382
Shell, what Creatures caft it.
iii. 178
ibid.
Sheriffs of Counties, to attend
the
Judges.
ii. 196
Quiet, how procured.
ibid.
How to be chofe.
ji. 197, 198
iii. 411
Sloth, its Baits.
i. 222
Tourne, what, and when firſt infti-
tuted.
Their Office.
Ships, their different Mafts
iii. 231, 232, 235
ii. 236
and Rigging.
ii. 481, 482
of their Sails,
Required in Old Age.
The fuppofed Sleep of Epimenides.
The Refreſhment it gives.
}
Smells, how they affect the Senfes. iii. 180.
See Odours.
•
Smoke, why in the Figure of an inverted
Pyramid.
Whence it ripens Fruits.
Whence it preferves Fleſh.
Snakes, whence cold to the Touch.
Whence long-lived.
iii. 72
iii. 126
The Figure and Size
iii. 176
How to be improved.
Shipping, of the Ancients,
iii. 482
iii. 497
iii.
53
iii 117
characterized.
i. 285
Snares of the Law.
i.
250, 346
Shops of Medicines, deſcribed.
Showers, their Effects.
i. 295
iii. 59
Its Caufe.
Sneezing, how it ftops the Hiccup.
iii. 96
་
iii. 183
iii. 182
216, 217,
218
How procured.
Snow, whence colder than Water.
Why ſerviceable in Mortifications by Cold.
iii. 237
iii. 53
Sickneſs, why greateſt in Summer.
Sight, its relation to Sound. iii. 215,
Signs of Things, how divided.
Silence, the Art thereof, how to be
i. 138
practiſed.
Has a fecret Warmth.
i. 200
Why it fertilizes.
*
ii. 399
Why it eafily diffolves.
Silk, an improbable Diſcovery.
Silk-worms, whence cold to the Touch. iii. 53
How reſembled.
How fed.
iii. 44
iii. 117
Silver, whether it may be made. iii. 88, 89,
144, 520
With what it incorporates. iii. 140, 141
Its Menftruum.
iii. 138
New Mixtures made with it,
111. 141
iii. 83
iii. 116
iii. 294
ii. 7
i. 186. ii. 70
Society, whether to be quitted by a Moralift.
The Good procurable by it. i. 200,
Socrates, characterized by Plato.
His Notion of Felicity.
A Saying of his.
Softnefs, whence.
242
i. 23
i. 189
1.534
iii. 92
Soils,
INDEX.
Soils, their Difference. Fol. ii. Page 295
Their Nature how difcovered 111 294
Solemnity, of Forms and Acts, admits not of
Extenfion,
Solidity, what.
Solitude, the Love of it, whence.
Solomona, an imaginary King, characterized.
Sound, feeming Inftances of the contrary.
Vol 1. Page 190
111 191
How preſerved by Encloſure.
Wherein producible without Air
ni.
191, 192
By means of the pneumatical Parts. in 192
What its Phyfical Production in Strings.
1. 245
ill, 610
i. 70
i. 287
Solomon's Houfe, or a philofophical College, de-
fcribed.
How produced in-Horns.
In particular Buildings.
rbid
ibid.
iii. 193
ibid.
It's Cauſe.
i 288---292
The End of its Inftitution.
Its Apparatus.
Solon, his Anfwer to Crafus.
His Age and Character.
Sayings of his.
Solution, a Rule for it.
How performed. ii, 547.
i 291
ibid.
i 236
P
1
in 359
1 534
ii. 529
In Hawks-bells, and Drums.
Whence heard farther by Night than by
Day.
Its kinds of Reflection.
ibid,
ibid.
Its Advantage from the Make of mufi-
cal Inftruments,
1 546
See Men-
ibid.
From the Structure of particular places
in Churches.
in 194
Communicates with the Spirits of Bodies.
ftruums.
ibid.
Solutions, metallic, how to be tried.
iii. 142
Their Agreement and Difagreement.
Magnified by Concavities.
ibid.
ibid.
How generally increafed.
ibid.
Sophifms, their Doctrine i. 132, 153, 154-162
Of Sophifms, what.
Its Exility, whenće.
iii 195
1. 132
Inftances thereof in mufical Strings, &c.
ibid.
Rhetorical, their Ufe.
i. 153
Sophifts, wherein preferable to Orators
Their Felicity.
i 132
i 189
Their Doctrine
ii 55
Sophocles, his Age and Character.
ii 360
Sorrel, its Nature.
ill. 297
Sovereignty, what.
The Confequences of its Diminution.
t
Soul, how filled.
1 349
ibid.
i 17
Its Doctrine.
Senfitive.
Its Faculties.
Its Perfection.
i. 93, 107, 108
Rational and irrational. i. 108, 109.
111. 411
i 109, 111
1 109
i 262
Sound-houſes, philofophical.
i. 296
Sound, grammatical, what.
i. 140
The Introduction to its Enquiry. ii
Its Non-exiſtence in celeftial Bodies
inſtanced.
184
in 186
Of Winds, what.
Of Waters, what.
Of Solids, what.
in 187
ibid.
iii. 187, 188
Inftances of ſmaller Motions with and
without it.
Of Air and Flame.
ui 187
ui. 188
Of whate Gunpowder, what. ibid.
The Requifites to make it perceptible.
111 189
Deadned by foft Bodies more than hard.
ibid.
Experiments of Light therein, directed.
111 196
Whence flatter by the Application of Bel-
lows to a Drum.
ibid.
Its Loudneſs and Softneſs, their prin-
cipal Cauſe.
ibid.
Its Communication fhewn in Bells, &c.
111 197
Its Inequality in crack'd Bells, &c. ibid.
Whence different Sounds in Inftruments.
ibid.
Whence in Strings
ii 198
Afforded by Waters, inftanced. ibid.
Rough, what Notes in Muſick produce it.
ibid.
Of Metals quenched it Water, what ibid.
In boiling, what
ibid.
The Effects of unequal Mediums to be
tried therein
ibid
Bafs and Treble, the Cauſe thereof
111 199
Of an empty Veffel, whether the Dia-
pafon to that of the fame when full.
The ſmaller Sounds by Eruption of Air,
what.
ibid.
What attributed to Elifion.
ibid.
Local Motion of the Air not neceffary
thereto.
111. 190
Rril 2
111 201
The Difference required in the Cre-
ation of a Note
ibid
Internal, its Notion illuftrated. ibid.
External and internal, differently pro-
duced
Its Articulation, what
111 201
rb.d
Sounds,
INDE X.
Sounds, their Articulation not confounded by Sounds, their Sphere of Activity. Vol. ii. Page
unequal Agitation. Vol.iii. Page 202
By what confounded.
ibid.
Of the alphabetical Letters, and Speech.
iii. 303
Their Articulation, how produced.
Move every way.
ibid.
iii. 204
When ftopped, go round.
ibid.
ibid.
Where go fartheſt.
Whether they move better upwards or
downwards.
ibid.
Whence their Continuance and Melting.
Their Motion.
iii. 205
ibid.
An Experiment for determining their
Velocity.
Move flower than Light.
ibid.
iii. 206
ibid.
Their Difference from Colours, as to
melting away.
Cautions required in Experiments on
their Paffage.
ibid.
What co-operates in their Paffage thro'
hard Bodies.
ibid.
How differently damped. iii. 206, 207
The beſt adapted Medium thereof. ibid.
Whether Flame be a Medium thereof.
Their Motion.
Their Medium.
519
ii. 522, 523,537
iii. 150
iii. 84
Sourneſs, wherein it confifts.
Sowthiftles, whence their milky Juice. iii. 290
Spain, characterized. i. 238, 345. ii. 174-176,
215
Its Deſigns againſt England. i. 322, 325,
326,344. ii. 174
Confider'd as to its Strength. ii. 170, 171
Its growing Power.
Not an Overmatch for England.
Its State compared in 1588 and
Whence thin peopled.
ii. 174
ii. 176
1624.
ii. 188
ii. 187
Its Secret of Power, wherein it confiſts.
ibid.
ii. 188
Its Riches precarious.
A War at Sea, therewith, gainful to the
English.
ibid.
Deſtitute of faft Confederates. ii. 188,189
Spaniards, their Courage.
Sparta, how ruined.
Speech, its Organs.
Its Method.
ii. 187
i. 237, 342
i. 137. iii. 203
i. 145, 146
ibid.
Its Ornament.
i. 150, 151
Whence muſical or immuſical by volun-
tary Motion.
Its Openness, what.
iii. 198
Their Degrees of Pleaſure.
iii. 180
How convey'd.
iii. 207, 208
How formed.
Effects of their Mixture.
In what Proportion propagated.
iii. 209
ibid.
How imitated by Birds.
How meliorated.
How imitated in Animals.
The Reflections thereof.
iii. 210, 211
iii. 211
iii. 213
i. 223
How judged of by Themistocles. i. 71
How imitated by Animals. iii. 211, 212
Whether practicable in Bodies inani-
mate.
Speeches, of the wife, their Uſe.
For regulating the Purveyors.
For naturalizing the Scotish Nation.
iii. 203
iii. 212
iii. 203
i. 55
i.332
How obftructed and promoted.
Paffing thro' the Noftrils.
Whether any Refraction therein. üi. 215
Their relation to Sight. iii. 215, 216,
217, 218
Their Sympathies and Antipathies.
iii. 219
iii. 220
i. 336
For uniting the Laws of England and
Scotland.
i. 346
For perfuading the Commons to receive
the King's Meſſages by their Speaker.
i. 349
ibid.
Their fpiritual Nature.
ibid.
Whether they are Impreffions.
Their extraordinary Properties. ibid.
Whence fuddenly generated and de-.
ftroy'd.
iii. 221
Againſt the Undertakers for the Houfe
of Commons.
i. 351
To the Speaker's Excufe.
i. 358
Againſt the Lord Sanquhar, for Murder.
i. 363
ibid
ibid.
Their Diviſion,
The Diligence required in the Enquiry
thereof.
How imitated by Birds.
Harmonical and unharmonical,
ibid.
iii. 212
which.
iii. 302
Againſt Counſellor Talbot, for maintain-
ing the Pope's temporal Supremacy.
i. 365
Againſt Owen, for High-Treafon. i. 370
Against the Countess of Somerſet, for
Impoifonment.
i. 380
Their relation to Light.
iii. 327
ibid.
Againſt the Earl of Somenfet, for Im-
poifonment.
i. 384
How generated.
Prognofticks from them.
iii. 492
Against Duelling.
i. 393
Upon being made Lord-Keeper. i. 398
I
Speeches,
INDE X.
Speeches, to Sir John Denham. Vol. i. Page 403 Spirits, of Men, their Predominancy over one
To Juſtice Hutton.
Species, audible and viſible, their Diverſity.
Sphinx, the Fable of her explained. i.
Spiders, in Amber.
Spies, wherein approved.
Spirit, to be enquired after in Bodies.
another.
Vol. iii. Page 100
i. 407
iii. 208
Their Force how increaſed.
Vital, where lodged.
572-574
iii. 36
i. 317
ii. 430
Its Existence proved from Senfe. ii. 503,
...
iii. 118
iii. 119
How render'd mild in their Motion.
iii. 120
Of Bodies, the Opinions thereof. iii. 153
Their Nature and Properties. ibid.
Their Eſcape, how effected.
iii. 173
Human, how moſt rejoiced. iii. 228, 229
Are confineable.
iii. 614
Of Bodies, two capital Obfervations
thereon.
iii. 34z
Its Action in Bodies.
How made fenfible.
Three kinds thereof.
How condenſed.
504
ii. 507, 538, 539
ii. 507, 508, 515
ii. 508, 509
ii. 548
Of Wine, made pneumatical by Heat.
Spirits, their Doctrine.
ii. 510
i.
Of the Body, their Office. iii. 375, 399
The Temper required therein. iii. 376
How affected by Vapours.
ibid.
1. 72
How condenſed by Flight.
ibid.
Of the Body, whether they remain iden-
tically the fame.
iii. 411
Of a middle Nature betwixt Flame and
Air.
iii. 412, 433
Contained in all tangible Bodies. iii.
418, 419
Their Operation with regard to Are-
faction.
Colliquation.
Generation.
Putrefaction.
How condenſed by Appeafing. iii. 380,
381
How affected by Opiates. iii. 376,377,
How condenſed by Cold.
How cooled by the Air,
Nitre.
The Degree of Heat beft
iii. 419
ibid.
iii. 420
Their Quantity.
ibid.
How render'd predatory.
The two kinds in all animate Bodies.
Their Subftance.
iii. 433
iii. 422
ibid.
Lifeleſs and vital, their Difference. ibid.
Vital, its kinds.
Its Office.
iii. 421
ibid.
How deſtroy'd.
Their Appetites.
New, how produced.
How preſerved.
Life.
Their Condenſation conducive to
Their Redundancy prejudicial.
The fine leſs predatory.
Their irregular Motion confuming.
378, 409
iii. 378
and how by
iii. 379, 380
fuited thereto.
iii. 381, 411
iii. 381
How kept from growing turgid.
iii. 382
ibid.
Their Motion, how check'd by Sleep.
iii. 382, 411
Their Motion, how check'd by a Regu-
lation of Exerciſe.
iii. 383, 411
How check'd by governing the Paffions..
iii. 383, 384
ibid.
Should not be often diffolved.
iii. 384
iii. 423
ibid.
By what diffuſed.
ibid.
How refreſhed.
ibid.
long
How kept from growing fluggiſh.
ibid.
iii. 424
How regulated.
ibid.
ibid.
How preſerved uniform.
iii. 385
iii. 425
ibid.
How alter'd and oppreffed.
ibid.
How to be refreſhed in old Age.
ibid.
How to be detained in the Body.
Willingly refide in Fat.
ibid.
What moſt grateful thereto.
ibid.
iii. 426
How wafted.
ibid.
Juvenile, how produced.
iii. 427
Require a diligent Enquiry.
iii. 386
Rarer than Air.
iii. 524
On what they immediately operate. ibid.
More fenfible of Heat than Air. iii. 542,
How operated upon.
ibid.
Their Seat and Office.
iii. 399
543
Of Bodies, how releaſed.
iii. 544
Their Requifites.
iii. 409
Mafter-Spirits, whence.
iii. III
Their relation to Flame..
ibid.
How refined.
iii. 36-
ibid.
In the Brain, their Effects.
Of Wine, its Quality when
How expanded by Heat.
iii. 72
burnt. iii. 74.
iii. 535
Animal, how lefs fitted for Motion. iii. 64
Vifual, their Refraction.
Great Dilatations thereof.
How affected by Heat.
iii. 99
iii. 222
Spiritual Species, their Tranfmiffion.
Sponges, their Growth and Nature.
Spouts, or Cataracts, an Account of them. ii.492
Springs, their Origin.
iii. 410
üi. 411
iii. 559
Springs,
INDE X.
Springs, artificial. Fol. i. Page 292. iii. 222
Where chiefly generated.
Spurge, its milky Juice, whence.
Stag, the Bone of his Heart.
iii. 241
iii. 290
iii. 40
Stage, the Action thereof recommended as a
part of Difcipline.
Stalks, why not nutrimental.
Stammering, its Cauſe.
Stars, their Number, Magnitudes,
and Diſtances.
The ſmaller, when beft feen.
Some invifible.
Their apparent Magnitude.
The fmaller afford Prognofticks.
Whether true Flames.
Their Colours.
Star-fhoots.
States, how to be regulated.
iii. 63
Stone, its Sweating whence.
Why more brittle than Metal. iii. 82
Stones, precious, Experiments thereon. iii. 43
For exhilerating the Spirits. iii. 228,
229
Style, its Luxuriancy whence, and how to be
i. 181
iii. 288
iii. 223
Figures,
Structure, concealed or latent, what.
Studies, fhould be fuited to the Genius.
Study, more laborious than Action.
Stupefactives enumerated.
ii. 429
i. 180
i. 413
iii. 563
ii. 44, 48
Their Operation.
iii. 53,64
•
ii. 467
iii. 489
remedied.
i. 24---26
iii. 558
Styx, the Fable of the Oath by it explained.
iii. 61
iii. 74
Suarez, his Character.
i. 590, 591
i. 367
iii. 323
Kings. i. 368
iii. 137
iii. 489
i. 22
How fupported. i. 200, 347. ii. 8, 146
How kept from Diſorder. i. 200, 237
The beſt Minifters thereof, who. i. 224
348. ii. 158
Their Difference, how known. i. 236,
Their Greatnefs how to be eſtimated.
His Doctrine of depofing
Sublimation of Metals.
Subſcription of Articles.
Subftitution, what:
ii. 317
ii. 506
ii. 515
By Analogy.
Succefs, why attributed to Felicity by the Wife.
i. 220
Succeffion, of the Crown of England to King
James I.
ii. 303, 304, 305
Sucking, long, its Effect in Children. iii. 92
Suffocation, by hot Air.
iii.
410
ibid.
iii. 55, 60
iii. 223, 285
iii. 285
i. 236
Not to depend on hired Forces.
Their Greatnefs, how preferved.
ibid.
Abandoned, relieved by Queen Elizabeth.
i. 322
i. 240,
338, 342
Its Action.
Sugar, how diffolved.
Its Ufes.
How obtainable.
Sugar-Cane, whence fmooth and hollow. iii.
Their Divination.
i. 416
293
Seldom changed fuddenly without Vio-
lence.
ii. 6
Suitors, their double dealing.
ii. 149
Their juft Temper.
ii. 140
How to be treated.
ii. 159
How destroy'd.
ii. 155
Their Practices.
ibid.
Their Disturbances.
ii. 156
Courageous, may have juſt Fears.
ii. 171
Summers, how made hot.
Summer-Iflands, when firſt diſcovered.
i. 359
iii. 60
The great Officers thereof, how to be
chofe.
Sun, its Spots, what.
ii. 26
ii. 209
Suffers great Changes.
ii. 32
iii. 39
Stateſmen, which are dangerous.
i. 19
iii. 94
Which to be choſe.
ii. 143
ibid.
Its Prognoſticks.
iii. 467
iii. 473
Their Neceffity and Uſe.
How to conduct themfelves. ii. 193
209
Their Office how diftributed. ii.
194, 195
Statute-Law, how to be recompiled. iii. 222, 223
Statutes, of Repeal, fhould not extend to
Cafes omitted.
Explanatory, ſtop Precedents.
How made.
Its Effects on Man.
Its Heat, whence fupplied.
Its Influence on the Weather.
Super-extenfion, where not to be made. ii. 245
Superfœtation, whence.
Superftition, more pernicious than Atheiſm.
iii. 273
ii. 93
ii. 94
ibid.
ibid.
Its Procedure.
i. 245
ibid.
Its Caufes.
Its Deformity.
i. 250
Expreís, not abrogated by Difufe.
Prejudicial, how to be over-ruled.
i. 251
ibid.
Stilpho, a Saying of his.
i. 534
Stoicks, ridiculed by Cicero.
Stomach, how furcharged.
i. 152
iii. 45, 46
How affected by Sympathy. iii. 228
How to be regarded. iii. 385, 395, 396
To be avoided in Reformation. ibid.
Its Difference from Atheiſm,
Antithets for and against it.
Supremacy, temporal of the Pope,
difallowed.
Surfeits, how they terminate.
Surplice, confider'd as a Ceremony.
ii. 98
i. 174
wherein
i. 372
iii. 45
ii. 317
Sufpicion
INDE X.
Its Remedies.
ii. 107
Antithets for and againſt it.
Whence faline.
i. 175
iij. 224
iii. 225
Sufpicion, its Inconveniencies. Vol. ii. Page 106 Tables, philofophical, how to be form'd. Vol.
Sweat, its Nature and Regulation.
Their Ufes.
ü. Page 433--466
ii. 454
Why moſt on the
upper
Parts.
Why moſt in Sleep.
The cold, why mortal.
ibid.
ibid. Tacitus, Sayings of his. i. 194, 209, 214, 217,
ibid.
226, 228
His Obfervation on Tiberius. i. 222
His Obfervation on the human Temper.
Where prejudicial, and where not. ibid.
Its Maxim.
Taciturnity, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 175
Its Effects.
i. 224
ii. 58
Its Tendency.
iii. 388. See Vifcera.
Moderate, preferves the Juices of the
i. 194
Body.
iii. 169
His Character of Mucianus.
i. 226
Sweetness, whence.
iii. 84
His Judgment of Nerva.
i. 349
Swelling, its Cauſe.
iii. 226
Taſte, conftituent Inſtances therein.
ii. 476
Swoonings, their Nature.
iii. 64
Its Effects on the Body.
ii. 534
His gigantick Paffion.
Sylla, Lucius Cornelius, his Singularities.
ii. 214
Bitter and ſweet, what.
iii. 302.
i. 188
Its Doctrine.
iii. 180
Compared with Pompey.
ii. 225
Tawny-Moors, their Colour whence.
iii. 39
His open Declaration.
i. 227
Taxes, not to be oppreffive.
i. 236
Syllogifm, where erroneous.
i. 221
Tears, how cauſed.
iii. 45, 160
ii. 344,345
Teeth, their Order.
iii. 40
ibid.
How formed.
ii. 346
ibid.
i.
13. iii. 3
i. 534
Wherein not rightly applied.
Sylva Sylvarum, its Defign.
Sylvius, A Saying of his.
Sympathy, its Operations.
Of Individuals.
iii. 99, 100
111. 100
The Importance of its Doctrine. iii. 226
To be obſerved for medicinal Ufe. iii.
Their Marrow.
Their Senſe.
In Men, their kinds.
Undivided, what.
Their different kinds.
The upper ones, why wanting
Creatures.
iii. 41
ibid.
ibid.
in fome
ibid.
227, 228
iii. 228
How bred, ſhed, and renewed.
How damaged.
ibid.
ibid.
Their aching, what.
ibid.
iii. 230, 231,
How to be confider'd.
ibid.
233, 234, 235
Whether reftorable in old Age.
How fet on Edge.
iii. 42
iii. 180
iii. 232
iii. 236
Indurarion caufed thereby.
Its fecret Virtue.
Inftances of its Power.
iii. 228, 229
Whether found between Perfons related.
Of Mens Spirits.
iii. 235
Sympathies, and Antipathies, to be collected.
Syrinx, why beloved by Pan.
Syftem of the World, how to be
Copernican.
Tychonic.
Ptolemaic.
T.
Able of Déclination, what.
Tabl Of Degrees, what.
Of Rejection, what.
Their Tenderneſs, whence.
The want of them how fupplied. iii. 403
Teleſcopes, their Invention and Diſcoveries,
ii. 553,554
ii. 63
enquired into.
ii. 15---46
Telefus, his Philofophy.
Its Errors.
Improvable.
ii. 15, 16
Confuted.
ii. 16
ii. 15, 16
ii. 435
ii. 446
ii. 457
ibid.
Of the Rudiments of Interpretation,.
what.
Of fpecifick Gravities. iii. 512---514
Its Explanation and Ufe. iii. 515, 519
Tables to be made of hiftorical Matters. ii. 395,
432, iii. 185, 186, 320, 321,337, 441,507
...
iil. 595
ii. 505
iii. 594---598
iii. 596
iii. 597, 598
i. 214
i. 310
i. 320.
Temper, Facility thereof pernicious.
Of Julius Cæfar.
Of Henry VII.
Temperance, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 175
Wherein employ'd by Juſtice. i.
Tempers, how beft judged of.
To fuit the Times.
The best for Statesmen..
374
1. 222
i. 224
ibid.
Tobe regarded in the Choice of Friends.
The military kind,
Tempeits, where fooneft perceived.
Tenfion explained.
Tenure of Knight's Service, its Inftitution
་
i. 225
i. 238
iii. 61
ii. 527
ii. 246, 247
Tenure
INDE
X.
'Tenure of Knight's Service, in Capite, what.
Vol. ii. Page 247
By grand Sergeantry, what. ibid.
By Soccage in Capite, its Inftitution.
ii. 248
In Capite, by Knight's Service.
Soccage Tenure, what.
By Copy of Court-Roll, what.
See Entail, Fee-fimple, and Leaſes.
ibid.
ii. 249
ibid.
Terentia, her Age and Character.
iii. 361
Teftimonies of Authors what.
iii. 317
Of Things what.
ibid.
Thales, a Saying of his.
i. 420
iii. 297
Suppoſes Water the Principle
Things.
of all
iii. 589
His Prognoftick of Scarcity of Fruit.
Theatre, how regulated by the Ancients. i. 57
Themistocles, Sayings of his. i. 267,535. ii. 71
Theodora, the Empreſs, her Age and Character.
Theodofius, a Saying of his.
Theology, wherein it confifts.
Natural, what.
Heathen, how aboliſhed.
Its Doctrine and Diviſion. i.
Whether it fuperfedes Reaſon.
Scholaftick, how produced.
Its Doctrine.
iii. 362
i. 535
1. 43
i. 71, 72
i. 183
261---266
Tides, their Caufe enquired into. Vol. iii.
Page 614---626
Whether owing to the Moon.
iii. 619
The difference in their Times. iii. 621,622
Where ſtrongeſt.
iii. 623
Their Sex-horary Reciprocation, whence.
iii. 624
The Velocity of their Motion. iii. 625
Correſpond to the Moon's Motion,
ibid.
The Enquiry about them to be farther
proſecuted.
Tillage to be encouraged.
Time, its Births, what.
Its Effects on Bodies.
iii. 625, 626
ii. 204
ii. 154
iii. 96
iii. 236
i. 5
ii. 375
i. 224
i. 161
Whence its contrary Effects.
Its Births, why not recorded.
Times, have their Waftes.
How beft learnt.
Timoleon, his Succeffes.
Timotheus, his arrogant Saying.
Tin, how diffolved.
Tinging of Metals, how to be
Tithonus, his Transformation.
Titillation, its Cauſe.
i. 219---220
iii. 138, 545
enquired into.
How it caufes Laughter.
Titus Quintius, a Saying of his.
Tobacco dried, recovers Weight.
Why it relieves Laffitude.
How uſed by the Turks.
How to be meliorated.
i. 264
ibid.
i. 266
Theophraftus, his Age and Character.
iii. 360
Theories, to be extirpated. ii. 392.
of the Theatre.
See Idols
Its Root and Seed.
Theory, coincides with Practice. ii.
426, 427,
428, 465
Thermometer, its Perception.
iii. 58
How to be placed.
iii. 60
Its Ufe. iii. 534, 557 See Weather-glaſs.
Thefeus and Perithons attempt Proferpine.
Thoughts, the Experiment of binding them.
Thirds, in Law.
iii. 137
iii. 417
iii. 236, 237
Its Virtues, to what owing.
iii. 237
i. 344
ii. 33
iii. 118
iii. 132
ibid.
iii. 237
iii. 377
Tobias, the elder and younger, their Ages and
Characters.
iii. 359
Toleration, why not allowed by Queen Eli-
zabeth.
i. 325
Tones, in Muſick, how formed. iii. 198, 200
Of a Drinking-glafs with Water. iii. 200
Bafs and Treble.
ibid.
How varied.
iii. 200, 201
iii. 237
Tongue, affords early Prognoſticks.
Torpedo,whence its benumbing Power. iii.234
Tortures, how made eaſy,
i.
11.
575, 577
ii. 260
iii. 106
Thread of Gold or Silver.
Thunder, when moft frequent.
iii. 64
iii, 59, 461
iii. 461
Toughneſs, its Cauſe.
Prognofticks from it.
iii. 489
Touch, its Doctrine.
Tiberius, his Retirement.
i.
224
His Opinion of Phyficians.
iii. 362
Trade, how promoted.
ibid.
Whence often accompanied with Hail.
What.
iii. 128
1. 222
His Age and Character.
His Saying of Macro.
i. 213
Ticinum, the Church there remarkable for its
iii. 65
Echo.
Ticks, whence.
iii. 115
Tides, how to be enquired into. ii. 493-495
Whether caufed by Attraction. ii. 495.
iii. 616---618
How accounted for by Galilæo.
ii. 524
Towers, for philofophical Uſe.
Wherein it confifts.
Trajan, a Saying of his,
Trances, what.
iii. 81
iii. 156, 180
i. 291
ii. 117, 207
Tranſlation of Experiments, what.
ii. 158
i.
535
iii. 382
i. 121
From Nature to Arts. i. 121.
Experiments.
Tranfmigation, its Doctrine.
See
iii. 411
Tranfmiflion of Spirits, how effected. iii,
98---100
Tranfmutation
INDE
X.
Tranfmutation, of Metals,what. Vol. iii. Page193
The Difficulty therein. iii. 238
Of Bodies, whence its Failure.
ibid.
Of the Colours of Animals. iii. 238,
How to be effected.
239
iii. 239
ii. 427
iii. 55
Of Air into Water. iii. 239---242
Tranfmutations, how made by Art.
What.
How promoted.
Are poffible.
iii. 56
iii. 520
Tranfpofition, its Motion how known. iii. 12
Tranfylvania, revolts from Conftantinople. i. 343
Travail, how helped.
iii. 230
Travelling, how to be undertaken. ii. 125, 126
The Things to be obferved therein. ii. 125
Treafon, its Cafes. i. 366, 374, 407. ii.
265---268,278
See Attainder, and
Its Forfeitures.
Efcheats.
The Puniſhments and Proceedings
ii. 266, 267
ii. 278
therein.
Of three kinds.
*Treaſure, how to be laid up by Princes. ii. 204,
210
Of a State, not to be engrofs'd. ii. 159
Trees, whether they may yield Bloffoms, and
no Fruit.
iii. 83
How made to fpend themſelves in Blof-
foms.
iii. 266
iii. 272
Truth, different from Authority. Vol.iii. Page 4
Tchirnhaus, his Book de Medicina Mentis.
ii. 562
Tully, his Defcription of a daring Writer. i. 367.
See Cicero.
Tumefaction, how produced. iii. 528-533
Phænomena relating to it. iii. 533.
See Swelling.
Tumours, difcuffed by Perfpiration.
Tunes have a relation to the Paffions.
Turcois Stones, how found.
Turks, never unprovided for War.
Their Compaffion.
The Bow they uſe.
Their Drinkss.
Turky wants Malt Liquors.
Turky-cocks, their Gills, whence.
Turret-Lamp, its Structure. iii. 75.
Typhon, the Fable of him explained.
Typofcomia, what.
iii. 548
iii. 152
iii. 43
i. 239
i. 209
iii. 37
iii. 132
iii. 63
iii. 36
See
Lamps.
i.
i. 598
150
i. 65
i. 580
Tyranny, to be fuppreffed.
Tythonus, the Fable of him explained.
U.
159 VA
The dead ones, what.
Wild ones, whence moſt durable. iii 287
Their Excrefcences, whence.
Their Difference in Bearing.
Acuum, whether any. ii. 24. iii. 601
Vain-glory, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 176
Valentine Borgia, his Character.
Valerian, the Emperor, his Age and Character.
iii. 362
i. 225
in. 289
ibid.
Valour, characterized. i. 394. See Fortitude.
Value, of Things, how to be eſtimated. i. 229
Vanities, their Origin to be noted.
iii. 14
Their Difference in Growing.
iii. 292,
Vapour, collected by Wooll.
i. 559
294
Vapours, their Effects in Medicine.
iii. 156
Their different Juices.
iii. 293
Variety, in Actions.
i. 187
Some hurt by Winds and Weather. iii. 294
Vegetables, how nourished,
i. 96
Some fertilized by Duſt.
iii. 295
Their different Duration. iii. 346, 347
Their Duration how prolong'd.
Their Duration, how ſhorten'd.
Dried, how foften'd.
iii. 347
ibid.
iii. 347
Old ones acquire new Leaves.
How to be grafted.
ibid.
Their Growth, how promoted.
Their feminal Power.
iii. 356
iii. 357
iii. 356
What Parts thereof are moft nutrimental.
Infition thereon, how to be practifed. ibid.
Their Gums and Tears, what. i 357
Their Funguffes, what.
iii. 77
Their principal Materials.
ii. 171
ibid.
Their Hiſtory to be wrote. iii.
242, 244
Trefoil, a Prognoſtick from it.
iii. 62, 492
Their Excrefcencies.
iii.
ill. 274
Truth, its Difference from Goodneſs.
Troubles in States. See Seditions.
Trumpet, whence its purling Sound.
Trunks of Trees, whence they fprout.
Truft, the greateſt, what.
Their Down.
ibid.
iii. 208
Their Exudation, what.
ibid.
iii. 34
Whence a wormy Oak-apple
denotes
ii.
Peftilence.
ibid.
137
i. 37
The Briar-Tuft, what.
ibid.
Its Nature.
ii. 84
How produced without Sowing.
ibid.
Divine and philofophical.
ibid.
Produced from Water.
ibid.
Or Veracity, its Nature.
ibid.
Whence fome grow on the Sea.
iii. 275
The Ways of diſcovering it. ii.
347,
Whether any may be produced from
563---566
Snow.
Sfff.
ibid
Vegetables,
VOL. IIF.
INDE
X.
iii. 276
ibid.
The earlieſt Bloffoms, what.
ibid.
not.
Which moft durable.
Maft-Trees, their Durability.
The Order wherein Grain ripens.
The Order wherein Fruit ripens. ibid.
What Trees bloſſom ſooneſt.
iii. 277
What Fruits and Flowers come twice a-
year.
ibid.
Whence an early Summer in Ruffia. ibid.
Whence Fruits and Bloffoms come toge-
ther.
ibid.
Whence fome Plants annual, and others
ibid.
iii. 278
ibid.
ibid.
Vegetables, whether they may grow out of
Stone.
Fol. iii. Page 275
The Reports of their growing in Mines.
ibid.
Whence feldom produced in Sea-fand. ibid.
Exotic, produced from foreign Earth. ibid.
The Exotics of hot Countries, how to
be preſerved.
'The Seaſons for Flowers.
Vegetables, the Means of their Fertilization.
Vol. iii. Page 295
The Diſeaſes of Corn. See Corn, its
Diſeaſes.
The Prognoſticks of the Plenty and Scar-
city of certain Vegetables, proper to
be known.
iii. 297
Probable Experiments of Profit therein.
iii. 297, 298
Their Growth, how accelerated by
Hot-beds.
iii. 244
ter.
Means of quickening their Spirit, &c. ibid.
Their Growth, how accelerated in Wa-
iii. 246
How by different Steepings, tried on
Wheat.
ibid.
How by watering with an Infufion of
iii. 245
Dung.
Whence late Trees more durable than
early.
ibid.
Whence frequent cutting cauſes Dura-
bility.
Experiments for caufing their Durability.
ibid.
Whence their want of a regular Figure.
iii. 279
Whence they put forth Leaves in
a certain Order.
ibid.
ibid.
Flowers, their requifite Figures,what. ibid.
Why fome bloffom before they have
Leaves.
iii. 280
'The Caufe of Evergreens.
ibid.
Some bear no Flowers, yet produce
Fruit.
ibid.
Why fome grow erect, and others creep. ib.
The relation between them and Animals.
iii. 283
Mifcellaneous Experiments and Obferva-
tions thereon.
iii. 285---299
ibid.
Some without Leaves
Whence the Indian Fig grows from its
own Branches.
ibid.
Whence their large and ſmall Leaves. ibid.
Whether they will yield a faccharine
Subfiance.
ibid.
ibid.
The Practice of placing Roots and
Boughs of Trees to different Suns,
whence.
ibid.
The Advantage of low Trees. iii. 250
Plenty of Fruit, how to be produced. ibid.
Digging about the Roots of Trees re-
commended.
The Advantage of accelerating the
Growth of Roots, &c.
ibid.
Whence Wheat will not grow in Water.
ibid.
Inference from the Acceleration of their
Growth in Water.
ibid.
The Advantages of houfing Plants, what.
iii. 247
The feveral Means of retarding their
Growth.
ibid.
Their Melioration, with the Advantage
of laying Stones to the Roots of
Trees.
iii. 248
How to ftir and cut Trees to Advantage.
ibid.
Coppice Woods, how to be haftened. ibid.
Roots, in Fruit-Trees, how to be mul-
tiplied.
iii. 249
Boughs, how converted into Trees. ibid.
How to render barren Trees fruitful. ibid.
How to meliorate Fruits by South-Walls.
ibid.
iii. 292
What Showers moft ferviceable to them.
ibid.
Some afford Clothing, &c. iii. 286
Their different kinds of Roots.
ibid.
Some Tears of Trees, how obtained. ibid.
Exotic, how traníported.
ibid.
The Enquiry into their Edulcoration
recommended.
Old Trees, how to be revived.
Large Roots from Plants, how caufed.
ibid.
The Effect of Panicum applied to the
Root of a Flant.
iii. 251
Their Melioration, by fhifting, how ef
fected.
ibid
Slitting the Bark of Trees, wherein fer-
ibid.
viceable.
Shade, uſeful to fome Plants. ibid,
ibid.
The Differences of Earths, with regard
thereto. See Soils.
Vegetables,-
INDE X.
Vegetables, their Crops how to be increaſed.
Vol. iii. Page 251
What the Principle of Vegetation. ibid.
'The Advantage of fowing Seed in a
Sea Onion.
iii. 252
The Effect of applying Sea-Weed to the
Roots of Plants.
ibid.
The Maturity of Fruit, by what effected
quick.
ibid.
Cucumbers, their Growth how accele-
rated.
ibid.
Whence the dying of annual Plants in
Winter.
ibid.
The Ufe of plucking off Bloffoms from
Trees.
ibid.
Trial of plucking all the Bloffoms off
recommended.
ibid.
Their Growth, whether accelerated by
warm Water.
ibid.
Their Fruit, whence meliorated by
Grafting.
iii. 253
The Effects of Tranfplantation and re-
grafting.
ibid.
Whence the Fig-Tree meliorated by
cutting.
ibid.
Cold Fruit meliorated by Wedges of hot
Trees, &c.
ibid.
Herbs, how meliorated by Potting and
Watering.
How to meliorate Cucumbers.
iii. 254
The Effects of ſteeping Cucumber-feeds
in Milk.
ibid.
ibid.
The Advantage of Terebration and
Tapping.
ibid.
Tapping, its Ufe what.
ibid.
Melioration by Retardation of the Sap.
ibid.
Whence the Stock in Grafting to be
poorer than the Cion.
Melioration by Compoft.
Onions meliorated.
iii. 255
ibid.
ibid.
Fruit, how meliorated by Potting, ibid.
Tranſplantation of Fruit-Trees, how to
be performed.
ibid.
Vegetables, their Union, what promotes it
Vol. iii. Page 257
Whence they become unfriendly to
each other.
Whence friendly.
iii. 258
ibid.
Whence certain Flowers peculiar to Corn
Fields.
ibid.
Trials recommended for meliorating
their 'Taftes, &c. iii, 258, 259
Poiſonous and purgative, how to be
corrected.
The Sympathy betwixt them
leftial Bodies, what
ibid.
and ce-
ibid.
The Effect of Moiſture thereon, fhewn.
ibid.
Whence the Noon-day Dew of the Rofa
folis.
ibid.
Honey-Dews, why chiefly found on
Oak Leaves.
iii. 261
Cuckow-Spittle and Mildew, where
found.
ibid.
Whether they attract Water at a dif
ibid.
tance.
Likely methods of producing Altera-
tions in them.
iii. 262
What accounted the ftrongeſt Poiſon.
ibid.
The Ways of rendering them medici-
nal.
iii. 262, 263
To produce different Fruits on the fame
Tree.
iii. 263
Fruits of different Shapes, how pro-
duced.
ibid.
Infcriptions on Trees, &c. how effected.
iii.264
How adorned with Flowers, &c.
ibid.
Trees how brought into certain Shapes.
ibid.
The Coloration of Flowers how effected.
ibid.
Trees grow beſt againſt buttreſs'd Walls.
ibid.
The Effect of Potting Roots.
iii. 256
The Effect of covering Roots high with
Earth in Winter.
Foliage procured to Trees by Grafting.
ibid.
Whence white Flowers and Bloffoms
more inodorous.
iii. 265
Whence white Berries more delicate of
Taſte.
ibid.
Whence white Fruit generally coarſeſt.
ibid.
Whence different coloured Flowers from
the fame Seed.
ibid
The Experiment of different Colours pro-
ibid.
Whence Barrennefs in Trees.
ibid.
duced from the fame Seed,
be tried.
how to
iii. 266
The Production of new Species in Ve-
getation recommended.
Experiments for compounding of Fruits.
Fruits, what red within.
ibis.
ibid.
Their various Colours, what.
ibid.
Their Sympathy and Antipathy, what.
iii. 257
ibid.
A yellow Colour in them lefs fuc-
culent than a green.
Double Flowers, how produced.
S f f f z
ibid.
ibid.
Vegetables.
IN
DE X.
Rules for effecting it.
Whence the 'Tallnefs of
pices.
Why hot Trees have tall Trunks.
Trees dwarfed by Covering.
The effect of planting Slips.
Trees in Cop-
Vegetables, whether inoculating of Flowers
makes them double. Vol. iii. Page 266
The producing of Fruits without Core
or Stone.
ibid.
Whence their Degeneration. iii. 267,268
The Tranfmutation of Plants, poffible.
iii. 268
iii. 268, 269
Venery, the Seaſon beſt ſuited to it. Vol. iii.
How excited.
Page 299
iii. 14
Venifon, how made more nutrimental. iii. 78
Verge, what.
ii. 275
Verjuice, an Experiment thereon.
iii. 300
Vermin, forefhew wet.
iii. 63
Verfe, Elegiac, what.
i. 140
Verfification, its Origin.
ibid.
iii. 269
Verticity of the Needle, whence. ii. 497,498,538
ibid.
Vertigo, how attended.
iii. 64
ibid.
Vefpafian, Sayings of his.
i. 535
iii. 270
Vefuvius, its Contents.
iii. 70
Tenders and Creepers whence.
ibid.
Vibulenus, his Harangue.
i. 181
The Requifites to Dwarfing.
ibid.
Vice, its greateſt Puniſhment.
i. 232
Mofs, its Nature and Growth.
ibid.
Some natural Notion thereof.
i. 262
Where Moſs chiefly riſes.
ibid.
Whence Mofs grows on old Ground and
Vices of Children affect the Parents.
Whence beſt learn'd.
i. 206
i.223
ibid.
Which the worst.
i. 425
Trees.
Whence near Fountains.
ibid.
Viciffitude of Things on Earth.
ii. 81
Tree-Mofs, what.
ibid.
Caufes Oblivion.
ibid.
Whence little Mofs yielded by moist
Trees.
Of Years, what.
ii. 82
iii. 271
Of Religion.
ibid.
ibid.
mofly.
ibid.
ibid.
Experiments on them.
The Fuz-ball, its Nature, what. ibid.
Jews Ear, its Nature and Property, what.
How improved.
The old ones, why beft.
ibid.
How grafted anciently.
Miffeltoe, its Hiſtory.
Where Miffeltoe chiefly grows. iii. 273
What to be collected from its Nature.
ibid.
Whence Trees grow moffy in Clay
Grounds.
Experiments for making Trees
Apple-Tree Mofs, what.
Muſhrooms, their extraordinary Proper-
ties.
ibid.
Whence a Surfeit of them hurtful. ibid
How they may be produced. ibid.
Trial of their Production in Horn, how
to be made.
'Toadstools, whence.
iii. 272
ibid.
The Cake-like Excrefcence on Trees,
what.
ibid.
Why it will not burn.
Vines, which known to the Ancients.
The Durability of their Wood.
Running along the Ground.
ibid.
Of Wars.
Of Artillery.
ii. 83
ibid.
Of Learning.
Of Military Conduct.
ibid.
Villany, fuccefsful, whence called Virtue. i. 197
Vinegar, how produced.
iii. 300
Serviceable in the Hiccup.
iii. 96
Confolidates Unguents.
iii. 564
How expanded by Heat.
iii. 536
iii.
125
iii. 286
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
iii. 287
iii. 290
iii. 295
ibid.
Experiments derived from it. ibid.
The Prickles of Trees, what. ibid.
Prickles in Boughs whence produced. ibid.
In the Leaves of Plants, whence. ibid.
Vegetation, its Proceſs.
ii. 513
Vellication, whence a Caufe of Purging.
iii. 45
Venery, where ferviceable, and where not.
ii. 300, 312
Profufe, why it weakens the Eyes.
Its Pleaſure anomalous.
Is a fixth Senfe.
iii. 299
ibid.
itid.
Violets, the Excellence of their Odour, whence.
iii. 155
iii. 41
Coloured, whence they turn white.iii.264
Vipers, their Teeth.
Virgil, his Bucolicks as excellent as his Æneid. 183
Virginia, when firft poffeffed by the English.
i.
1.359
Virtue, its Attendants.
Its greateſt Impediment.
Whence decried.
How quicken'd.
1. 21
i. 36
i. 97
i. 160. ii. 77, 81
Whether choſe for itſelf. i. 160. ii. 77
Its Ufe.
•
i. 189
ibid.
The Term, where proper.
Whence regarded.
1. 191, 226
That of Trajan recommended by Pliny,
i. 188
Of Children affects the Parents. i. 206
Virtue,
1 NDE X.
Whence beft learn'd.
1.219
i. 223
Its nobleft Reward.
i. 232
Characterized by Brutus.
i. 233
The natural Notion thereof.
i. 26z
Its Fame, whence.
ii.
ü. 77
Its Increaſe, whence.
ii. 105
Virtue, dangerous in bad Times. Vol. i. Pag. 217 Underſtanding, how to be helped.
Its publick Profeffion ominous.
Vol. i.
Page 113, 500, 502
11. 28
ii. 347
Its Affent to be guarded againft. ii.
How to be regulated.
Its Materials.
How hurt.
Its natural Action,
3 65
ii. 397
iii. 6
Where violent,
ii. 146
Undulation, in Water, its Caufe.
iii. 448.
Virtues, cardinal, what.
i. 374
See Winds.
How to be mollified.
ii, 518, 519, 520, 524
Their Meaſures to be fought. ii. 525
Immaterial. iii. 99. See Sympathy.
Vifcera, how to be preferved perfect. iii. 394,
Vifion, an Inſtance of Alliance therein. ii. 492
Of Things, have their Sphere of Acti-
vity.
Union, of the Romans and Latins.
i. 342
Of the Laws of England and Scotland to
be wiſhed.
i. 346
Of the Church, what.
i. 347
Of the State, what.
ibid.
398, 399
Of Laws, whether to precede
Naturali-
iii. 407
zation.
i.
347, 348
Its Advantage in States.
11. 7
ibid.
How performed.
ii. 520
By Victory.
Its Action fwift.'
ii. 522
How to be practiſed.
ii. 8
How confounded.
ii. 523
The perfect, which.
i. 9, 10
Increaſed by Winds.
iii. 460
Whence its Decay.
iii. 299
Its Rules may be drawn from Nature. ii.10
Union of Soul and Body, its Doctrine. i. 93,95
When beſt performed.
Why no difagreeable
Objects
iii. 301
therein.
Unity, how to be preſerved among Chriſtians.
i. 264
iii. 301, 302
Its Refractions.
iii. 302, 303
Why Globes appear flat at a Diſtance.
iii. 300
Why both Eyes move the fame way. iii.
Univerfe, its Origin.
Univerſities to be infpected.
i.. 60
ibid.
Nouriſh Emulation and Party. ii. 297
Voice, its Deepneſs in Men, whence.
The Cauſe of its Breaking.
How formed.
iii. 36
iii. 199
iii. 203
301
Squinting, how caufed.
ibid.
How heard over a Wall.
iii. 204
Double, its Cauſe.
ibid.
How made fweeter.
iii. 211
Why old Men ſee beſt at a Diſtance. ibid.
Volatility, its Degrees.
iii. 138
Vifitations, philoſophical.
i. 300
See Metals.
Vitrification, how to be enquired into. iii. 137.
Vitriol, apt to ſprout.
Voyage, a fictitious one deſcribed.
Voyages, of the Moderns.
i. 278
ii. 380
iii. 283
Its Oil a Prefervation of fresh Water.
iii. 174
Vivification, what.
iii. 420
Its Requifites.
iii. 44
Its Caufe.
iii.
85, 86
iii. 94
iii. 114
Its great Axiom.
How effected.
iii. 116
iii. 174
303
Negatives.
3
i. 133
Its Heat, whence fupplied.
Its Nature to be enquired into.
Ulcers in the Legs, why hard to cure. iii.
Unanimity, what.
Tend to improve Philofophy.
Urine, its too plentiful Difcharge prejudicial.
Standing feized to Ufes.
Its Advantages and Difadvantages.
How to be regulated.
A bad Means of Gain.
Its Flaws.
1. 156 Vulcan, his forming Pandora,
Unchastity, Antithets for and againſt it. i. 176
Unction, with Oil, how to be practifed.
iii. 118, 288
Understanding, how to be purged,
i. 13
When to be fufpected.
i. 7
1.
Infufficient, for Philofophy, without
Affiftance.
ibid.
W.
11. 117
ii. 118
Ainfcot, whence it fweats. iii, 60,63,
W
Forefhews a hard Winter.
240
iii. 60
i. 343
War
More affected by Affirmatives than Wallachia, its Revolt from Conftantinople.
ii. 391,
399
Urbanity, what.
i. 201, 202
iii. 80
Ufe, in Law, what.
ii. 257, 259
ii. 257, 258
Ufury, necellary.
ibid.
ii. 120
ibia.
1.557
INDE X.
War, its Precepts.
Fol. i. Page 64, 65
i.
Its Sinews, what.
1. 229, 236
Civil, its Difference from Foreign. i. 240
The requifite Preparation for it. ibid.
How remedied.
ii. 204
A Nation to be always ready for it. i. 239,
How conducted by Julius Cæfar.
By Henry VII.
Wealth, its Place.
Vol. i. Page 229
Weapon-Salve, its Nature and Effects. iii. 235
Weather, its Predictions from the Sun. iii. 487
From the Moon.
From Halo's.
iii. 488
ibid.
From Eclipfes.
ibid.
From the Planets.
ibid.
240
i. 312
From the Conftellations.
ibid.
Its Revolutions.
iii. 477
1. 314
Offenfive and defenfive.
i. 600
Fair, how produced.
iii. 475
Its various Cauſes.
ii. 82, 83
Fair, begins above.
iii. 467
How to be treated.
Its Requifites.
ii. 167, 170
ii. 168
ii. 168, 171, 176
Its Grounds.
Its Seat free after Indiction.
ii. 170
Foreign, not to be attempted by England
for enlargment of Dominion.
ii. 203
afte, of the Body, how cauſed and pre-
vented.
1. 105
Watchfulneſs, Antithets for and against it.
iii. 176
i. 292
Water, of Paradife, what.
Its Afcent in Water-works, whence, ii. 6
Compreſſed.
How prognoſticated. iii. 61--68, 305
Weather-Glaffes, how made.
Their Ufe.
Weeks, a Saying of his.
Weigelius, his Analyfis Ariftotelica.
Weight, whence it acquires Force
from on high.
ii. 452, 453
ii. 511
i. 535
ii. 562
by falling
iii. 108
by Conden-
iii. 516
1.292
thereon. iii.
iii. 453
Whether to be increaſed
fation.
Wells for philofophical Uſe.
Wens, Experiments to be tried
234
ii. 521, 546. iii. 56
Salt, how it diffolves Salt.
Whence colder than Oil.
Whether convertible to Cryſtal.
How tried.
Weft-Indies, how difcovered.
iii. 37
Wevils, whence.
iii. 116
111. 53
White, whence a penurious Colour.
iii. 238
iii. 56
Whitenefs, its Nature.
ii.
470
iii.
58, 304
Whitehead, a Saying of his.
i. 535.
How mixed with Oil.
iiì. 71
Warm, whence ferviceable in Mortifica-
Wicked, the Danger of reproving them. i. 206
Wife and Children, Antithets for and againft
tions by Cold.
iii. 83
them.
i. 176
Boiling, its different Heats.
iii. 94
Wildfires, their Nature.
iii.
70, 71
Of Springs, why warmer in Winter. iii. 95
How Roifoned.
Will, divine, where beſt revealed.
ii. 98
iii. 167
Wills, how made.
ii. 258, 259
Its Difference from Oil.
iii. 171
Wincopipe-Flower, a Prognoftick from it.
iii. 62
How turned to Oil.
Of the Nile, its Properties.
Confined.
Rarified.
ibid.
iii. 177
Wind, fome Years attended with little.
iii. 59
iii. 540
The Changes it caufes in the Body. iii. 305
iii. 550
To be predicted.
iii. 498
Its Phænomena in Freezing.
ii. 560
Generated in the Body.
iii. 549
Made the Principle of all Things. iii. 589
Moves from Eaft to Weft.
Whether capable of Contraction. iii. 56
Its Share in Nouriſhment.
iii. 246
How it operates upon the contiguous Air.
iii. 304
Conftant betwixt the Tropicks.
iii. 620
iii. 621
How to be regulated.
i. 292
How gathered for Freſhneſs.
iii. 57
Prognofticks from it.
iii. 61
South, its Effect on Health.
Winds, to prevent Ships Sails
robbed of their Wind.
iii. 68
from being
iii. 483
Its different Colours whence. iii. 303, 326
Where ferviceable as Drink.
iii. 392
Why it enters where Duſt will not. iii. 425
Whether it expands in fmall Quantities.
How expanded by Heat.
Water-Canes, what.
iii. 532
iii. 535
iii. 563
Water-Fowls, Prognofticks from them. ii. 62
Water-Mint, how turned to Field-Mint. iii. 267
Water-Spiders, where bred.
iii. 116
Waves, the Cauſe of their Breaking. iii. 180
Wealth, its Reputation to be abolished.
i. 21
Ships Sails, to be neither full ftretch-
ed, nor looſe.
iii. 484
Their Action in turning Windmills,
iii. 484, 485
confidered.
Experiments on altering Windmill-
iii. 485
Sails.
Oar-Sails to be tried in Windmills. ibid.
Windmills with large Sails to be ſtrong
built.
Wind-Coaches.
ibid.
iii. 486
Winds,
INDE X.
Winds, Carriages to be affifted by them.
Vol. iii. Page 486
Their Predictions from the Sun. iii.487
Winds, what the Serving Winds of the Globe.
Vol. iii. Page 455
Free, their Seaſons, what.
ibid.
From the Moon.
iii. 488
Where most frequent.
ibid.
From Halos.
ibid.
Admonition concerning the Serving
From Eclipfes.
ibid.
Winds.
ibid.
From the Conjunction of the
Planets.
ibid.
The Weft-Wind attends the Afternoon.
ibid.
How to be imitated. iii. 492---494
Their Agreement with Flatulencies.
Generated in Diftillations.
iii. 493
ibid.
By Gunpowder.
iii
493, 494
iii. 494
From the rifing of the Conftel-
lations.
ibid.
A Table of Heads requifite for their
Hiſtory.
iii. 441---449
Their different Names, what. iii. 441
Their different Qualities, what. iii. 442
Their local Origin, what.
iii. 443
All their Productions not original.
ibid.
The extraordinary ones, what. iii. 444
Their different Motions, what. iii. 446
Their Undulations, why called fo. ibid.
Whence their ancient Names preferved.
iii. 448
Their general Diviſion.
ibid.
A Table of their particular Divifion
according to the Compaſs. iii. 449,
450
May blow from all Points.
iii. 45*
General, chiefly within the Tropicks.
ibid.
A Breeze following the Sun in the Eu-
ropean Sea.
ibid.
A general Wind inftanced in the Mo-
tion of the higher Clouds. ibid.
General Directions for difcovering them.
iii. 451, 452
Whence the Weft-Wind more beneficial
than the Eaft.
ibid.
Their indirect Phænomena, what. ibid.
Whence the conſtant Breeze within the
Tropicks.
ibid.
Whence the Breeze there ceaſes by
night.
ibid.
The Confequence if the Air moves
with the Heavens.
iii. 453
Stated, the Subject of them tread un-
ſteddily.
ibid.
Inftances that there are fuch. iii.
444, 453
By Quicksilver and Gold.
Their Motion perceived by that of
Water.
Their Nature.
How produced.
Their Caufe.
Their Acceffaries.
Their Motion.
Denfer than Air.
How allay'd and raifed.
'Their Matter.
Produced by Heat.
How they blow.
Where generated.
tively,
ibid.
iii. 495
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
iii. 496
bid.
iii. 496, 499
iii. 496
ibid.
iii. 497
ibia.
Serving Winds, cool or warm, respec-
ibid.
Defiderata in the Subject of Winds.
To produce frange
by.
iii. 497---500
Appearances there-
Vaporcus, not high.
Their Breadth, what.
Spreading, not violent.
iii. 499, 500
iii. 476
ibid.
ibid.
Stated, travel far.
ibid
What confined.
ibid.
What durable, and what not.
ibid.
Seldom retrograde.
ibid.
'The Succeffion of Wind and Rain,
what.
iii. 477
Varying, coming to fettle, conftant
itha
455
The Eaft-Wind interpofes betwixt the
North and South.
ibid.
Their Succeffion a Prognoftick of the
State of the Winter.
ibid.
Obfervations as to their Revolutions.
ibid.
Authors fpeak inaccurately thereof.
ibid
Their Excitation and Direction con-
fidered.
ibid.
The Experiment of producing Winds in
a cloſe Turret varied.
iii. 478
What the Caufe of their Excitation. ibid.
Windo
When to be deemed foreign.iii. 454
Do not blow in the Night. ibid.
Generally weak.
ibid.
What the principal ones in Europe.
ibid.
The Bird-Winds, whence have no
relation thereto.
ibid.
Their Returns not known. ibict.
Serving Winds, what.
iii.
I
NDE X.
on.
Their Undulation different from that
of Waters.
Their Conflicts, &e. Obfervations there-
ibid.
ibid.
The Effects of contrary Winds meeting
at Sea.
ibid.
Obſervation on their blowing contrary
ways at once.
iii. 481
Whence occafion the Swelling of Ships
Sails.
ibid.
Whence cauſe the Sails to be arched.
ibid.
Whence the Swelling leſs, in a trian-
gular Sail.
ibid.
Whence a Wind near a Ship's Head
more powerful.
ibid.
Whence the upper Sails hold more
Wind than the under.
ibid.
Sails, why not placed in a ſtrait Line.
to the Wind.
ibid.
How beſt ſpread before aWind. ibid.
Whence Ships fail better with a Side-
wind.
iii. 482
What the beſt Wind for failing. ibid.
Load the Ship.
ibid.
How faft a Ship may fail with
vourable Wind.
Their Impulſe in failing, its Origins
Winds, their progreffive Motion, by what
governed.
Vol. iii. Page 478
ibid.
Winds, their accidental Productions. Vol. iii.
Page 469
What eaſily vary.
Whence blow differently ftrong. ibid.
Their moveable Nurferies, where. ibid.
Whence their Verticity.
iii. 479
How they blow from oppofiteNurferies.
How from different Quarters.
ibid.
ibid.
Moſt perceived in Vallies.
Where moſt found in Cities.
Accidental after Sea-Storms, whence.
ibid.
In Gardens, what obferved thereof.
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
How they change their Direction. ibid.
Their Nurſeries, ſome ſtable and others
In Capes.
moveable.
ibid.
Beating againft Hills; Obfervations
thereon.
Extraordinary, their Defcription, whence
iii. 470
ibid.
May they have a long Courfe. iii. 480
Their Undulation, what.
ibid.
to be derived.
A
Sudden, Gufts, how generated.
With Fogs, violent at Sea.
Larger Whirlwinds uncommon.
The Procedure of Hurricanes, &c. ibid.
The Production of Whirlwinds. ibid.
Burning and fiery Winds, what. iii. 471
The Ancients Doctrine thereof im-
perfect.
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
ibid.
From the Rotation of the Air.
Their principal Parent.
ibid.
How influenced by the Moon. iii. 471,
472
By the Planets.
iii. 472
The Sun, whence the Cauſe of many
Winds.
ibid.
Whence the Breezes betwixt the Tro-
ibid.
picks.
ibid.
Air made to act as Wind. iii. 472, 473
Vaporous, whence they proceed. iii. 473
How generated from Vapours and
Rain.
ibid.
Unequal Heats productive thereof. ibid.
Regard the Quantity and Quality of
Vapours.
ibid.
From the Earth more lafting.
From melted Snows, their
iii. 474
Nature.
a fa-
ibid.
iii. 483
From Ice.
ibid.
From Sea-Vapours and Land-Exhala-
what.
iii.
483, 484
tions.
ibid.
Low, how to be faved.
ibid.
From burning Vegetables.
ibid.
How generated above.
ibid.
Their Effects upon meeting.
ibid.
How they iffue from Clouds.
ibid.
How allay'd.
ibid.
In the lower Air, whence.
iii. 468
And Showers, prevent each
other.
The Generation of fome, like
thofe of
Mifts.
ibid.
How turned into Rain.
iii. 475
ibid.
Breezes, what.
ibid.
ibid.
The Rainbow fometimes refolved into
them.
Some generated below the Tops of
Mountains.
ibid.
In fair Weather, where generated. ibid.
Generated thro' the whole Height of
the Atmoſphere.
ibid.
Reach not the Tops of fome Moun-
tains, Instances thereof.
ibid.
What Rife and Fall with the Sun. ibid.
Whether allay'd by the ringing of Bells.
ibid.
Whirlwinds, how laid.
ibid.
Their Prognofticks, whence to be con-
fidered.
ibid.
Winds,
INDE X.
Winds, the South-Wind attends the Night.
Vol. iii. Page 456
The Serving-Winds at Sea, differ from
thofe of the Continent.
ibid.
The Waiting-Winds at Peru, what.
ibid.
Sea-Winds purer than Land-Winds.
ibid.
Winds, their Generation, Obfervations there-
Vol. iii. Page 462
on not eafily fixed.
Difficult to fix their Origin.
ibid.
Native, their local Origins what. ibid.
Their Origin, different Notions there-
of.
May burst out of the Earth.
ii. 463
ibid.
ibid.
Subterraneous, Obfervations thereon.
Generated like Rivers.
How rendered warm or cold. ibid.
Whence judged the Serving-Winds
of Countries.
Stronger than Land-Winds.
ibid.
iii. 457
Hollow rocky Countries windy. iii. 464
ibid.
In Pits, Inftances thereof.
ibid.
Recurrent, what and whence.
ibid.
After Earthquakes.
ibid.
Breezes found about Waters.
ibid.
May proceed from Air varioufly dif
Whence Trees bend from
the Sea
charged out of the Earth.
iii. 467
Breezes.
ibid.
May proceed from Vapours.
ibid.
The different Qualities of the
and South-Winds, what.
Qualities of the Eaft and Weft. iii. 458
Their more effential Differences, what.
North
Windmills to be improved.
iii. 497
ibid.
Wine, how fined.
iii. 50
Whence it inebriates.
iii. 64
How made to inebriate more or lefs.
ibid.
iii. 80
ibid.
The South-Wind, its Quality in Africa,
what.
When to be avoided.
ibid.
How corrected.
The South and Weft-Winds, whence
Its Power.
rainy.
ibid.
Their Agreement, what.
ibid.
The North and South-Winds, whence
more frequent.
ibid.
Their different Qualities.
ibid.
Their different Effects on the Weather.
ibid.
For a Man's felf.
On the Sea, what.
ibid.
Falfe.
Tumultuary, what.
ibid.
Wit, its true Uſe.
Made light by Diſtillation.
Winters, hard and warm, how
Wiſdom, wherein employ'd by Juftice.
Characterized.
iii. 305
ibid.
iii. 522
predicted.
iii. 60
i. 374
ii. 110
i. 150
i. 219
ii. 110, 111
i. 81
Its Difference from Eloquence.
nicious.
ibid.
ibid.
Whence they dry more than the Sun.
ibid.
March-Winds, their Properties what.
ibid.
Windy Years, whence wholeſome. ibid.
Their Power on the Temperature of
Countries.
ibid.
iii. 461,462
Their Strength what.
Their Difference whence.
VOL. III.
iii. 462
Why not venomous.
Woods, Prognofticks from them.
Woollen-cloth, whence it tenters.
Words, their Meaſure.
Tttt
North and South-Winds, wherein pre-
Sheep to reſpect the South-Wind. ibid.
When hurtful to Corn.
iii. 459
The Differences of the South and
North-Wind as to Health. iii. 460
Eaſt and Weſt-Winds, their Differences,
what.
ibid.
What the more conſtant and variable.
ibid.
Witches, the phyſical Doctrine thereof. iii. 76,
77, 97, 98, 105. See Imagination.
Witch-craft, what.
iii. 98, 105
Wives, the best Bond of their Fidelity. ii. 103
Characterized.
Women, why longer lived than Men.
Their Time of Geſtation.
Wood, dry, why more brittle than
Its Appetite of Union.
Shining.
The Eaft-North-Eaft Wind, whence
cloudy.
ibid.
Whence it fwells.
Cardinal, not ftormy.
ibid.
What calm, and what tempeftuous. ibid
Softened by Heat.
Which ftormy.
iii. 461
Changed.
Whence their Properties.
Wood-lice, how bred.
ibid.
iii. 68
iii. 85
green.
iii. 82
iii. 120.
See Light.
iii. 227
iii. 240
iii. 272
Putrefied.
iii. 537
iii. 555
iii. 115
ibid.
iii. 491
iii. 8z.
i. 140
Their Depravities.
ii. 359
Works, large, how to be effected.
Whence diſcoverable.
iii. ro
i. 87
Not delay'd by the Author's new Method.
ii. 405
World,
NON
CIRCULATING
World, its Delight.
Generates in its Parts.
Worms foreſhew wet.
In Children, whence.
INDE X.
Vol. i. Page 62
i. 63
iii. 63
iii. 115
Y.
In peftilential Diſeaſes.
In Wine-Lees and Snow.
Wotton, Sir Henry, a Saying of his.
Wounds, how best healed.
Awning, dangerous to pick the Ear
iii. 306
ibid.
iii. 116
YA
i.
535
iii. 306
Writing, whether to follow Pronunciation.
i. 141
Writings, of the Ancients, whence of little
Effect.
i. 197
The Author's Account of his own.
i. 509, 510
Wrong, fome natural Notions thereof. i. 262
X.
XEnophanes, his Age and Character.
Ximenes, a Saying of his..
iii. 360
i.536
therein.
Year-Books, how to be compiled. ii. 220, 221
Young Men, improper Hearers of Moral Phi-
lofophy.
i. 197
ii. 101
How to be governed.
Characterized. ii. 101. iii. 416, 417.
See Age.
Youth, Antithets for and againſt it.
i. 177
i. 556, 557, 577, 578
11. IOI, 102
Perpetual, the Notions of the Ancients
about it.
What.
Whether renewable. iii. 251,556, 557,
577, 578. See Life, and Longevity.
How to be regulated.
iii. 385
Its difference from Age. iii. 415, 416, 417
Z.
Elim, a Saying of his.
i.536
Zeno, his Age and Character.
iii. 360
iii. 95
ZElim,
Zone, torrid, its Heat.
The End of the INDEX.
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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B 1,030,963
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