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SIR THOMAS BROWNE'S WORKS, 
 
 VOLUME THE FIRST, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
 http://archive.org/details/worksofsirthomas01brown 
 

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 THE WOKKS 
 
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 SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 HIS UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE, 
 AND A MEMOIR. 
 
 EDITED BY SIMON WILKIN, E.L.S, 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 
 
 1846. 
 
CONTENTS TO VOLUME ONE. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 MEMOIRS of Sir Thomas Browne .... xvii to ex 
 
 Pedigrees xvii 
 
 Life by Dr. Johnson xvii to liv 
 
 Supplementary memoir Iv to cix 
 
 Mrs. Lyttleton's communication to Bp. Kennet ex 
 
 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE, JOUR- 
 NALS, &c 1 to 350 
 
 Dr. Browne's letters to his son Thomas, 1660-2 1 to 16 
 Mr. Thomas Browne's narrative of his journey 
 
 from Bordeaux to Paris, 1662 . . . . 17 to 22 
 Journal of Edward and Thomas Browne's tour 
 
 into Derbyshire in 1662 22 to 42 
 
 Dr. Browne to his sons Edward and Thomas 
 
 [July 1663] ........ 42 
 
 Journal of Mr. E. Browne, Jan. 1 to Apl. 11, 
 
 1664 44 to 59 
 
 Letters of Mr. E. Browne to his family, 
 
 Apl. 5 to June 9, 1664 . . . . . 60 to 65 
 His journal resumed, June 6 to Aug. 12, 1664 65 to 67 
 His letters to his father, his brother Thomas, 
 
 and Mr. Craven, from Aug. 10, 1664, to 
 
 Sep. 30, 1665 67 to 114 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edw. Sep. 22, 1665 110 
 Sketch of the naval career of the Dr's. younger 
 
 son, Thomas 114 to 116 
 
 His correspondence with his father, from Nov. 
 
 25, [1664,] to Jan. 1, [1665] . . . 116 to 119 
 S Journal of his voyage with Sir Jeremy Smith, 
 
 J from Dec. 21, [1665,] to Mar. 11, [1666] 120 to 128 
 
 } Letters to his father, July and Sep. 1666 . 128 to 134 
 
VI 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Voyage from the Thames to Falmouth, Nov. 
 
 29, [1666,] to Feb. 21, [1667] . . 134 to 140 
 Admiral Kempthorne's general orders . .141 
 Correspondence resumed [Feb. to June, 1667] 142 to 152 
 Dr. Browne's correspondence with Mr. E. 
 
 Browne during his travels, from Aug. 12, 
 
 1668, to Dec. 15, 1669 153 to 201 
 
 Further correspondence, from June 8, [1670,] 
 
 to Oct. 3, 1682 202 to 350 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE 351 to end. 
 Mr. Samuel Duncon to Dr. Browne . . 352 
 Mr. Henry Bates to Dr. Browne, Aug. 28, 
 
 1647 353 
 
 Dr. Browne to [Dr. Power?] [1647?] . 356 
 Dr. Henry Power to Dr. Browne, Feb. 10, 
 
 1648 358 
 
 Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Browne . . 359 
 Dr. Henry Power to Dr. Browne, Sep. 15, 
 
 1648; Aug. 28, 1649; Nov. 9, 1668 . 361 to 365 
 Mr. Merry weather to Dr. Browne, Oct. 1, 
 
 1649 366 
 
 Sir Hamon L'Estrange to Dr. Browne, Jan. 
 
 16, 1653 369 
 
 Dr. Browne to [J. Hobart, Esq. ?] Aug. 1654 371 
 Dr. Browne to J. Hobart, Esq. Aug. 31, 1666 372 
 Dr. Browne's correspondence with Evelyn 
 
 in 1658 373 to 380 
 
 with Dugdale, 
 
 from Oct. 4, 1658, to Apl. 5, 1662 . . 380 to 393 
 : with Dr. Mer- 
 
 rett from July 13, 1668, to [June?] 1669 393 to 408 
 Sir Robert Paston to Dr. Browne, Sep. 19, 
 
 [1662,] Apl. 5, 1669 409 to 410 
 
 The Earl of Yarmouth to Sir Thomas Browne, 
 
 Sep. 10, 1674 411 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Elias Ashmole, Oct. 
 
 8, 1674 413 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Mr. John Browne 
 
 [1667-8] 414 
 
vn 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Mr. Talbot . . 415 
 Sir Thomas Browne to [Dean Astley?] . . 416 
 Dr. How to Dr. Browne, Sep. 20, 1655 . 417 to 419 
 [Dr. Browne?] to Mr. Daniel King, [1656] 419 to 420 
 Dr. Robinson to Dr. Browne, Dec. 12, 1659 421 to 424 
 M. Escaliot to Dr. Browne, Jan. 26, 166| 424 to 440 
 Another letter from the same, no date . . 440 to 442 
 Dr. Merrett to Dr. Browne, Aug. 29, 1668, 
 
 and May 8, 1669 442 to 445 
 
 Dr. Browne to [ ?] concerning Cortex 
 
 Peruvianus , 445 to 446 
 
 Additional correspondence of Dr. Edward 
 
 Browne with his father, Aug. 8, 1669, to 
 
 Feb. 7, 1681 446 to 460 
 
 Dr. Browne to Mr. William Lilly, Feb. 8, 
 
 no year 462 
 
 Dr. Browne to Mr. Elias Ashmole, Jan. 25, 
 
 1658, and March 1674 463 to 467 
 
 Dr. Browne to Mr. John Aubrey, March 14 
 
 and Aug. 24, 1673 467 to 471 
 
SYNOPSIS OF THE CONTENTS OF VOLS. II, III, IV. 
 
 VOLUME SECOND. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Religio Medici, with Editor's Preface and Postscript, Digby's 
 
 Observations, &c i to xxxii 1 to 158 
 
 Pseudodoxia Epidemica, books 1 to 4 159 to end. 
 
 Editor's Preface 160 to 176 
 
 Book I. The general part; the various causes of common errors 182 to 266 
 Book II. The particular part; Of vulgar errors concerning 
 
 mineral and vegetable bodies 267 to 384 
 
 Book III. The same continued; respecting animals .. .. 385 to 540 
 
 VOLUME THIRD. 
 
 Pseudodoxia Epidemica, books 4 to 7 1 to 374 
 
 Book IV. The particular part continued; of popular errors 
 
 concerning man . . .. 1 to 86 
 
 Book V. The same continued ; of questionable or erroneous 
 
 representations in pictures ; of many popular customs, Sfc. 87 to 184 
 Book VI. The same continued ; of popular tenets, cosmogra- 
 
 phical, geographical, and historical 185 to 293 
 
 Book VII. The same concluded; of popular tenets, chiefly 
 
 historical, and some deduced from Scripture 295 to 374 
 
 The Garden of Cyrus 375 to 448 
 
 Hydriotaphia ■ 449 to 496 
 
 Brampton Urns 497 to 505 
 
 Editor's Preface to these three tracts 377 to 380 
 
 VOLUME FOURTH. 
 
 Editor's Preface to the volume i, ii 
 
 Repertorium, &c. 1 to 32 
 
 Letter to a Friend, &c. with Editor's Preface 37 to 52 
 
 Christian Morals, &c. with Editor's Preface 53 to 114 
 
 Miscellany Tracts, &c. with Editor's Preface 115 to 256 
 
 Latin Letters from Theodore Jonas 256 to 270 
 
 Unpublished Papers 271 to 456 
 
 Dr. Thomas Browne's Journey with Dr. Plot 458 to 462 
 
 An Account of the Manuscript Collections of Sir Thomas 
 
 and Dr. Edward Browne 463 to 476 
 
 Index to the four volumes 477 to end. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Nearly twelve years have elapsed since the pre- 
 sent edition was undertaken ; and it affords me no 
 small gratification to have at length accomplished, 
 however imperfectly, a task which has been at- 
 tended by a degree of labour proportioned to the 
 difficulty of the work, and the competency of the 
 workman. The delay, though not my own, and 
 incurred in the hope of securing a corresponding 
 advantage to my readers, cannot, I fear, be justi- 
 fied : — and, when I consider how often plans have 
 been defeated, assurances forfeited, and character 
 thus sacrificed, by a spirit of procrastination, I 
 cannot but rejoice that my own intentions have 
 survived that which threatened their frustration, 
 and that I have been permitted, though late, 
 to redeem my pledge by the publication of these 
 volumes. 
 
 Respecting the Works of Sir Thomas Browne, 
 I need say the less here, because explanatory pre- 
 faces accompany the principal of them. Religio 
 Medici, Pseudodoxia Epidemica, and the volume 
 containing Hydriotaphia and the Garden of Cyrus, 
 
10 PREFACE. 
 
 were published by himself; after his decease, and 
 in consonance no doubt with his understood inten- 
 tions, appeared the Miscellany Tracts, Letter to a 
 Friend, Posthumous Works, and Christian Morals. 
 The last of these, we are informed by his daugh- 
 ter, 1 was "a continuation of his Religio Medici, 
 drawn up in his elder years," and seems to have 
 been left in readiness for the press. Of his lesser 
 pieces he had probably intended to make a com- 
 plete collection, and either publish, or leave them 
 for publication in a revised form; for he has in- 
 formed us himself that he had " some miscellane- 
 ous tracts which might be published." 2 The collec- 
 tion which was brought out by Abp. Tenison does 
 not appear to me to have been so complete or so 
 revised and arranged, as the author would have left 
 it. Generally speaking, I have arranged the works 
 according to the date of their publication ; devi- 
 ating only occasionally in order to place similar 
 subjects together. On this principle I have placed 
 the Miscellany Tracts last, because the hitherto 
 unpublished works which follow are also miscel- 
 laneous. 
 
 It will be expected that I should say a few words 
 respecting the Life and Correspondence, which 
 occupy the first volume. The only original and 
 authentic biographical materials which exist re- 
 
 1 See last page of Supplementary Memoir, and Archdeacon Jeffery's Preface 
 lo the Christian Morals. 
 
 - Vol. i, p. 468. 
 
PREFACE. 11 
 
 specting Browne are, first, his own brief notice 
 sent to Aubrey for the use of Anthony Wood ; 3 
 secondly, the " Minutes," drawn up at the request 
 of his widow, by the Rev. John Whitefoot, M.A.; 4 
 thirdly, some additional information given by Mrs. 
 Lyttleton to Bp. Kennet. 5 The first life which 
 appeared accompanied the Posthumous Works, in 
 1712, and included the Minutes. In 1736 a second 
 was prefixed to the 13th edition of Religio Me- 
 dici: and in 1756 Dr. Johnson wrote his biography 
 for the 2nd edition of the Christian Morals. I am 
 not aware of any other distinct life of Browne; but 
 he is noticed more or less copiously in the principal 
 biographical collections, foreign as well as Eng- 
 lish: especially the Biographical Dictionary, Aikin, 
 Chalmers, Biographie Universelle, Bayle, Jocher, 
 Niceron, 6 &c. I have reprinted Dr. Johnson's 
 
 3 Vol. i, p. 467, 470. 
 
 4 He was but five years younger than Sir Thomas, and for 30 years his inti- 
 mate friend. Bp. Hall, in 1652, instituted him to the Rectory of Heigham, 
 Norwich, which he resigned in 1682 to his son, the minister of St. Peter's Man- 
 croft, whose portrait is in the vestry of that church. The Biourapliia Britan- 
 nica mentions a letter from Mr. Whitefoot to Lady Browne, respecting his pro- 
 posed life; — but I have not been able to trace it. He died in 1699, aged 89, 
 and was buried in St. Gregory's, Norwich. The greater part of this Minutes 
 was included by Dr. Johnson, in his life ; and the remaining paragraphs will be 
 found in this edition, at the foot of pp. xli, xliv, xlvii. He probably intended 
 to write a much fuller life, and it was to this design that Abp. Tenison alluded 
 in his preface to the Miscellany Tracts. 
 
 5 Vol. i, ex. 
 
 6 The article in the Biographia by Kippis is far more copious than any other. 
 It contains references to, and translations of, many criticisms on Browne, and 
 an original letter by him, (see p. 356.) 
 
 Dr. Aikin, in a letter to the Rev. R. Barbauld, in 1775, (inserted in Miss 
 Aikin's memoir of the Dr. ) says, " I have lately been writing the life of a very 
 extraordinary man, Sir Thomas Browne, &c." Miss Aikin, in reply to an in- 
 quiry what had become of this Life, says, " it was not printed in the Biogra- 
 phical Memoirs of Medicine, the only work of my father's on medical biography, 
 
12 PREFACE. 
 
 Life, adding here and there a note, corrective or 
 explanatory ; — but reserving such additional in- 
 formation, or more ample notices, as I have been 
 able to collect from preceding biographies and 
 other sources, for a separate and Supplementary 
 Memoir. Here I have collected all the inform- 
 ation in my power respecting the family of Sir 
 Thomas, his literary and scientific pursuits and 
 habits, his correspondents, his works, and the 
 various criticisms they met with both abroad and 
 at home. Respecting the MSS. which he left, I 
 
 because that work comes no lower than Harvey ; but he inserted it, I appre- 
 hend, in an abridged form, in the General Biography." 
 
 I forgot to notice, in my Preface to the Pseudodoxia, that M. du Petit Thou- 
 ars (who wrote the article in Biographic Universale,) ascribes the French trans- 
 lation of that work to the Abbe Souchay. 
 
 I must not omit to remark that some of his biographers have attributed to 
 Browne works which he did not write. " In the Life prefixed to Religio Me- 
 dici, 1736, it is asserted that he wrote a treatise entitled, De Lucis causa et 
 Origine, in a letter to Isaac Vossius, with whom he had a dispute upon that 
 subject, (printed at Amsterdam in 1663, and criticising Vossius's work, Dc na- 
 tura et Proprietate lucis, J wherein he strongly maintains Des Cartes's hypothesis. 
 He also wrote an Apology for the Cartesian Philosophy, in opposition to a 
 divine, named Vogelsang." It may be conjectured that the writer had inadver- 
 tently applied to Sir T. B. the following account given by M. Bayle, of a very 
 different person. " Jean de Bruyn, Professeur a Utrecht en Physique et en 
 Mathematique, ne a Gorcum, 1620, mort a Leyde, 1675; ecrivit a Isaac Vos- 
 sius, une lettre de 68 pages in 4to. De Lucis causis et Origine ; qui fut im- 
 primee a Amsterdam, 1668. II a fait aussi une " Apologie de la Philosophie 
 Cartesienne," coutre un Theologien nomme Vogelsang." 
 
 Jb'cher, in his Allgemeines Gelehrten Lexicon, erroneously attributes to him two 
 other works, viz. " The History of the Life and Reign of the famous Princesse 
 Elizabeth," — which is " Camden's tomus alter et idem; or the History of the Life 
 and Reign of the famous Princesse Elizabeth, by Thos. Brown, D.D. Lond. 1629, 
 4to. and Jani Philadelphi consultatio desultoria de optima Christianorum secta, et 
 Vitiis Pontificiorum. Prodromus Religionis Medici, small 8vo. Patav. 1688. 
 Jiicher asserts that Janus Philadelphus was an assumed name ; — it might be so ; 
 and, though Sir Thomas died 1682, the book might have appeared posthumously, 
 like several other of his works, — but in the course of it, the author refers to "Avis 
 aux RR. PP. Jesuites, du Ime, Mai, Van 1685 : — this is conclusive against our 
 author's claims, who died 3 years before. 
 
PREFACE. 13 
 
 have drawn up (by the help of a catalogue in the 
 Bodleian Library) rather a full notice, partly in 
 order to prove that I have left nothing unpub- 
 lished, and partly to point out, that the far greater 
 part of the collection is still preserved, in about 
 100 volumes, extending from No. 1824 to 1924 in 
 the Sloanian MSS. of the British Museum. 7 By 
 the kindness of Charles George Young, Esq. York 
 Herald, I am enabled to give two pedigrees ; — one 
 by Sir Thomas in 1664, the other at a much later 
 date, from the MSS. of Peter Le Neve, Esq. Nor- 
 roy. In addition to these I have drawn up a full 
 pedigree of the family, continuing it to the present 
 in day the only surviving branch, — the Earl of 
 Buchan and Lord Erskine ; both descended from 
 Francis Fairfax, granddaughter of Sir Thomas 
 Browne, and sole heiress of Henry, grandson of 
 Thomas Lord Viscount Fairfax, in Ireland. In 
 the construction and revision of this document I 
 have to acknowledge the kind assistance of Sir 
 N. Harris Nicholas. My account of the family of 
 SirThomas is considerably fuller than those hitherto 
 given : — and if in this memoir I have been reluct- 
 antly compelled to leave many points of interest in 
 obscurity, I must console myself with Dr. John- 
 son's reflection, " that in all sublunary things, there 
 is something to be wished, which we must wish in 
 vain." 
 
 But no part of the work has cost me more per- 
 plexity and labour than the selection and arrange- 
 
 7 See end of vol, iv, p. 463. 
 
14 PREFACE. 
 
 ment of the Correspondence. A great propor- 
 tion, being family letters and therefore illustrative 
 of family history, I have kept distinct ; dividing the 
 whole into Domestic and Miscellaneous Correspond- 
 ence. I have placed the letters of each corres- 
 pondent together ; but, with the occasional excep- 
 tions arising from such grouping, 8 the collection is 
 arranged chronologically, — as far as it was possi- 
 ble. — But here arose the difficulty : — the family 
 letters, extending through a period of twenty years, 
 were almost all without date of the year, though 
 supplied with that of month and day: and they 
 were bound up without any kind of order. To sup- 
 ply the omission was no easy affair. Some of the 
 letters indeed contained incidents which determin- 
 ed the year, and in a few the day of the week was 
 mentioned, but in the great majority I was com- 
 pelled to judge by the connection of their subjects 
 with those which I had already dated. It was in 
 short a process of approximation, which, after all, 
 has left many very doubtfully, and several, I fear, 
 wrongly arranged. Some of little interest I reject- 
 ed, from utter inability to place them; — and, could 
 I have foreseen the bulk of the volume, the rejec- 
 tions would have been more unsparing. 
 A copious Index closes the whole. 
 
 The portrait at the head of this work, has been 
 engraved by Mr. Edwards 9 from White's, in the 
 
 8 Excepting also the supplementary series of letters at pages 417 and 461. 
 9 No. 1. Gloucester Place, Camden Town. 
 
DR. JOHNSON'S LIFE 
 
 SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Though the writer of the following Essays * seems to 
 have had the fortune common among men of letters, 
 of raising little curiosity after his private life, and has, 
 therefore, few memorials preserved of his felicities or 
 misfortunes ; yet, because an edition of a posthumous 
 work appears imperfect and neglected, without some 
 account of the author, it was thought necessary to 
 attempt the gratification of that curiosity which na- 
 turally inquires, by what peculiarities of nature or 
 fortune eminent men have been distinguished, how 
 uncommon attainments have been gained, and what 
 influence learning has had on its possessors, or virtue 
 on its teachers. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne was born at London, in the 
 parish of St. Michael in Cheapside, 2 on the 19th of 
 
 1 The following Essays.'] It will be chad ad Bladum, or " at the Corn : " the 
 recollected that this life was written in church having been originally erected 
 1756, not for an entire edition of Browne's about the reign of Edward III, on the 
 works, but for a second impression of site of a corn market. The church was 
 his Christian Morals, originally publish- taken down and rebuilt in 1430, in the 
 ed by Archdeacon Jeffery in 1716, and eighth of Henry VI. In the great fire of 
 reprinted by Payne in 1756. London it was destroyed, and not sub- 
 
 2 St.. Michael in Cheapside.] St. Mi- sequently rebuilt, the parish being united 
 chael's Cheap, as it was formerly called, to that of St. Vedast, in Foster-lane. 
 or St. Michael -le- Quern, probably a The registers have all perished, 
 corruption of the translation of St. Mi- 
 
 VOL. I. b 
 
XV111 DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 October, 1605.* His father 3 was a merchant 4 of an 
 ancient family at Upton in Cheshire. Of the name 
 or family of his mother, I find no account. 5 
 
 Of his childhood or youth, there is little known ; 
 except that he lost his father very early ; that he was, 
 according to the common fate of orphans, t defrauded 
 by one of his guardians ; and that he was placed for 
 his education at the school of Winchester. 6 
 
 His mother, having taken three thousand pounds,^ 
 as the third part of her husband's property, left her 
 son, by consequence, six thousand; 7 a large fortune 
 for a man destined to learning, at that time when 
 commerce had not yet filled the nation with nominal 
 riches. But it happened to him as to many others, 
 to be made poorer by opulence ; for his mother soon 
 married Sir Thomas Dutton, probably by the induce- 
 ment of her fortune ; and he was left to the rapacity 
 of his guardian, deprived now of both his parents, and 
 therefore helpless and unprotected. 
 
 He was removed in the beginning of the year 1623 
 from Winchester to Oxford ; § and entered a gentle- 
 man-commoner of Broadgate Hall, which was soon 
 afterwards endowed, and took the name of Pembroke 
 College, from the Earl of Pembroke, then Chancellor 
 of the University. He was admitted to the degree 
 of bachelor of arts, January 8 31, 1626-7, being, as 
 
 * Life of Sir Thomas Browne, prefixed to the Antiquities of Norwich. 
 
 f White foof s Character of Sir Thomas Browne, in a marginal note. 
 
 X Life, Sj-c. § Wood's Athena Oxonienses. 
 
 3 His father. ~\ Whom Blomfield er- in Sussex. He mentions his grandfather 
 roneously names John. — Vol. ii. 291. in a letter, p. 323. 
 
 4 a merchant.'] Mrs. Lyttelton (as we ° the school, 8fe,"\ Wykeham's school, 
 are informed by Bishop Kennet) says near Winchester. — Posth. Life. 
 
 that her father was " a tradesman, a ' left her son, 8fc.~\ This would be 
 
 mercer; but a gentleman of good family correct, had he been an only child; but 
 
 in Cheshire." — Europ. Mag. xl, p. 89. he had a brother and two sisters. 
 
 5 no accoimt.] From a pedigree in s January.] June 31, 1626: half a 
 the College of Arms, (which I have print- year earlier, says Wood. — Fasti i, 426, 
 ed,) it appears that his mother was Ann, ed. Bliss. 
 
 the daughter of Paul Garraway, of Lewes, 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. XIX 
 
 Wood remarks, the first man of eminence graduated 
 from the new college, to which the zeal or gratitude of 
 those that love it most, can wish little better, than 
 that it may long proceed as it began. 
 
 Having afterwards taken his degree of master of 
 arts, 9 he turned his studies to physick, and practised 
 it for some time in Oxfordshire ;* but soon afterwards, 
 either induced by curiosity, or invited by promises, 
 he quitted his settlement, and accompanied his father- 
 in-law,! who had some employment in Ireland, in a 
 visitation of the forts and castles, which the state of 
 Ireland then made necessary. 
 
 He that has once prevailed on himself to break his 
 connexions of acquaintance, and begin a w r andering 
 life, very easily continues it. Ireland had, at that 
 time, very little to offer to the observation of a man 
 of letters : he, therefore, passed into France and 
 Italy ;t made some stay at Montpellier and Padua, 
 which were then the celebrated schools of physick j 
 and returning home through Holland, procured him- 
 self to be created doctor of physick at Leyden. 1 
 
 When he began his travels, or when he concluded 
 them, there is no certain account; 2 nor do there re- 
 main any observations made by him in his passage 
 through those countries which he visited. To con- 
 sider, therefore, what pleasure or instruction might 
 have been received from the remarks of a man so cu- 
 rious and diligent, would be voluntarily to indulge a 
 painful reflection, and load the imagination with a 
 wish, which, while it is formed, is known to be vain. 
 It is, however, to be lamented, that those who are 
 
 * Wood's Athena Oxonienses, vol. i, col. 713. f Life, Sfc. J Ibid. 
 
 9 master of arts. ~\ June 11, 1629. — 2 When he began, 8{C.~\ It was be- 
 Wnod's Fasti. tween 1630 and 1633. 
 
 1 at Leyden.'] About 1633, probably. 
 
XX DR. JOHNSON S LITE OF 
 
 most capable of improving mankind, very frequently 
 neglect to communicate their knowledge; either be- 
 cause it is more pleasing to gather ideas than to im- 
 part them, or because to minds naturally great, few 
 things appear of so much importance as to deserve 
 the notice of the publick. 
 
 About the year 1634,* he is supposed to have re- 
 turned to London ; and the next year to have written 
 his celebrated treatise, called Religio Medici,' 6 "the 
 religion of a physician," t which he declares himself 
 never to have intended for the press, having composed 
 it only for his own exercise and entertainment. It, 
 indeed, contains many passages, which, relating merely 
 to his own person, can be of no great importance to 
 the publick : but when it was written, it happened to 
 him as to others, he was too much pleased with his 
 performance, not to think that it might please others 
 as much ; he, therefore, communicated it to his friends, 
 and receiving, I suppose, that exuberant applause with 
 which every man repays the grant of perusing a ma- 
 nuscript, he was not very diligent to obstruct his own 
 praise by recalling his papers, but suffered them to 
 wander from hand to hand, till at last, without his 
 own consent, they were in 1642 given to a printer. 
 
 This has, perhaps, sometimes befallen others ; and 
 this, I am willing to believe, did really happen to Dr. 
 
 * Biographia Britannica. + Letter to Sir Xenelm Digby, vol. ii, p. xxvii. 
 
 J Religio Medici.] Dr. Kippis deems would be 163(5 ; which is contradicted by 
 
 himself to have proved, in his note B, another passage in Religio Medici, (p. 60,) 
 
 p. 628, that Religio Medici was written in which Browne says he was not thirty 
 
 in 1635. His argument is drawn from years old, whereas in 1636 he was older, 
 
 a comparison of the date of Browne's I think it, however, very possible that 
 
 Letter to Digby, (March 3, 1642,) with the true reading of the passage at p. xxxi, 
 
 a passage in his Epistle to the Reader, vol. ii, is " above seven years," which 
 
 (p. xxxi, vol. ii,) stating that it was would justify Dr. Johnson's date. See 
 
 written "about seven years ago." But the point spoken of in the Preface to Re- 
 
 this is inconclusive; because the true ligio Medici, and in the Supplementary 
 
 date of the letter being 1642-3, the result Mevioir. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Browne : but there is, sorely, some reason to doubt 
 the truth of the complaint so frequently made of sur- 
 reptitious editions. A song, or an epigram, may be 
 easily printed without the author's knowledge ; be- 
 cause it may be learned when it is repeated, or may 
 be written out with very little trouble : but a long- 
 treatise, however elegant, is not often copied by mere 
 zeal or curiosity, but may be worn out in passing from 
 hand to hand, before it is multiplied by a transcript. 4 
 It is easy to convey an imperfect book, by a distant 
 hand, to the press, and plead the circulation of a false 
 copy as an excuse for publishing the true, or to cor- 
 rect what is found faulty or offensive, and charge the 
 errors on the transcriber's depravations. 
 
 This is a stratagem, by which an author panting 
 for fame, and yet afraid of seeming to challenge it, 
 may at once gratify his vanity, and preserve the ap- 
 pearance of modesty; may enter the lists, and secure 
 a retreat : and this, candour might suffer to pass un- 
 detected as an innocent fraud, but that indeed no 
 fraud is innocent ; for the confidence which makes 
 the happiness of society, is in some degree diminished 
 by every man, whose practice is at variance with his 
 words. 
 
 The Religio Medici was no sooner published than 
 it excited the attention of the publick, by the novelty 
 of paradoxes, the dignity of sentiment, the quick 
 succession of images, the multitude of abstruse allu- 
 sions, the subtlety of disquisition, and the strength of 
 language. 
 
 What is much read, will be much criticised. The 
 Earl of Dorset recommended this book to the perusal 
 of Sir Kenelm Digby, who returned his judgment 
 
 '' a transcript.] See remarks on this point in the Preface to Religio Medici. 
 
XX11 DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 upon it; not in a letter, but a book ; in which, though 
 mingled with some positions fabulous and uncertain, 
 there are acute remarks, just censures, and profound 
 speculations, yet its principal claim to admiration is, 
 that it was written in twenty-four hours,* of which 
 part was spent in procuring Browne's book, and part 
 in reading it. 
 
 Of these animadversions, when they were yet not 
 all printed, either officiousness or malice informed 
 Dr. Browne ; who wrote to Sir Kenelm with much 
 softness and ceremony, declaring the unworthiness of 
 his work to engage such notice, the intended privacy 
 of the composition, and the corruptions of the im- 
 pression ; and received an answer equally gentle and 
 respectful, containing high commendations of the 
 piece, pompous professions of reverence, meek ac- 
 knowledgments of inability, and anxious apologies 
 for the hastiness of his remarks. 
 
 The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most 
 risible scenes in the farce of life. Who would not 
 have thought, that these two luminaries of their age 
 had ceased to endeavour to grow bright by the ob- 
 scuration of each other : yet the animadversions thus 
 weak, thus precipitate, upon a book thus injured in 
 the transcription, quickly passed the press ; and Reli- 
 gio Medici was more accurately published, with an 
 admonition prefixed " to those who have or shall pe- 
 ruse the observations upon a former corrupt copy ;" 
 in which there is a severe censure, not upon Digby, 
 who was to be used with ceremony, but upon the 
 Observator who had usurped his name : nor was this 
 invective written by Dr. Browne, 5 who was supposed 
 
 * Digby's Letter to Browne, vol. ii, p. xxix. 
 5 nor was this invective, <^c] Yet as that of the advertisement relating to 
 the style of this admonition would justify Nature's Cabinet Unlocked, which Dr. 
 our ascribing it to Browne, quite as much Johnson considers to have been his. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. XXill 
 
 to be satisfied with his opponent's apology ; but by 
 some officious friend zealous for his honour, without 
 his consent. 
 
 Browne has, indeed, in his own preface, endea- 
 voured to secure himself from rigorous examination, 
 by alleging, that " many things are delivered rheto- 
 rically, many expressions merely tropical, and there- 
 fore many things to be taken in a soft and flexible 
 sense, and not to be called unto the rigid test of 
 reason." The first glance upon his book will indeed 
 discover examples of this liberty of thought and ex- 
 pression : " I could be content (says he 6 ) to be nothing 
 almost to eternity, if I might enjoy my Saviour at the 
 last." He has little acquaintance with the acuteness 
 of Browne, who suspects him of a serious opinion, 
 that any thing can be " almost eternal," or that any 
 time beginning and ending is not infinitely less than 
 infinite duration. 
 
 In this book, he speaks much, and, in the opinion 
 of Digby, too much of himself; but with such gene- 
 rality and conciseness as affords very little light to his 
 biographer : he declares, that, besides the dialects of 
 different provinces, he understood six languages ; that 
 he was no stranger to astronomy ; and that he had 
 seen several countries : but what most awakens curi- 
 osity, is his solemn assertion, that "his life has been 
 a miracle of thirty years ; which to relate, were not 
 history but a piece of poetry, and would sound like a 
 fable." 
 
 There is, undoubtedly, a sense, in which all life is 
 miraculous ; as it is an union of powers of which we 
 can image no connexion, a succession of motions of 
 which the first cause must be supernatural : but life, 
 
 6 (says he.)] Religio Medici, i, p. 11. 
 
XXIV DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 thus explained; whatever it may have of miracle, will 
 have nothing of fable ; and, therefore, the author un- 
 doubtedly had regard to something, by which he ima- 
 gined himself distinguished from the rest of mankind. 
 
 Of these wonders, however, the view that can be 
 now taken of his life offers no appearance. The 
 course of his education was like that of others, such 
 as put him little in the way of extraordinary casual- 
 ties. A scholastick and academical life is very uni- 
 form ; and has, indeed, more safety than pleasure. 
 A traveller has greater opportunities of adventure; 
 but Browne traversed no unknown seas, or Arabian 
 deserts : and, surely, a man may visit France and Italy, 
 reside at Montpellier and Padua, and at last take his 
 degree at Leyden, without any thing miraculous. 
 What it was, that would, if it was related, sound so 
 poetical and fabulous, we are left to guess ; I believe, 
 without hope of guessing rightly. The wonders pro- 
 bably were transacted in his own mind : self-love, co- 
 operating with an imagination vigorous and fertile as 
 that of Browne, will find or make objects of astonish- 
 ment in every man's life : and, perhaps, there is no 
 human being, however hid in the crowd from the ob- 
 servation of his fellow-mortals, who, if he has leisure 
 and disposition to recollect his own thoughts and ac- 
 tions, will not conclude his life in some sort a miracle, 
 and imagine himself distinguished from all the rest of 
 his species by many discriminations of nature or of 
 fortune. 
 
 The success of this performance was such, as might 
 naturally encourage the author to new undertakings. 
 A gentleman of Cambridge,* whose name was Merry- 
 weather, turned it not inelegantly into Latin ; and 
 
 * We, Sfc. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. XXV 
 
 from his version it was again translated into Italian/ 
 German, Dnteh, and French ; and at Strasburg the 
 Latin translation was published with large notes, by 
 Lenuus Nicolaus Moltfarius. 8 Of the English anno- 
 tations, which in all the editions from 1644 accom- 
 pany the book, the author is unknown. 9 
 
 Of Merryweather, to whose zeal Browne was so 
 much indebted for the sudden extension of his re 
 nown, I know nothing, but that he published a small 
 treatise for the instruction of young persons in the 
 attainment of a Latin stile. 1 He printed his transla- 
 tion in Holland with some difficulty.* The first 
 printer to whom he offered it, carried it to Salmasius, 
 " who laid it by (says he) in state for three months," 
 and then discouraged its publication : it was afterwards 
 rejected by two other printers, and at last was received 
 by Hackius. 
 
 The peculiarities of this book raised the author, as 
 is usual, many admirers and many enemies ; but we 
 know not of more than one professed answer, 2 written 
 under the title of Medlcus MedicatusA by Alexan- 
 der Ross, which w r as universally neglected by the 
 world. 
 
 At the time when this book was published, Dr. 
 Browne resided at Norwich, where he had settled in 
 1636, by the persuasion of Dr. Lushington^ his tutor, 
 
 * Merryweather' 's Letter — Correspondence, vol. ii, 367. 
 f Life, Sfc. % Wood. 
 
 7 Italian.] This translation I have encore Conclave Alexaridri VII, et alia 
 never met with, nor have I ever seen it Historica conjunctim edita Slesvici, 1656, 
 more distinctly mentioned than in this 8vo." — Niceron, Mem. p. servir a I'Hist. 
 notice. den Homm.es Celebres, xxiii, 356. 
 
 8 Lenuus Nicolaus Moltfarius ] The 9 the author, ^c] Was Mr. Thomas 
 true name is Levinus Nicolaus Moltke- Keck, of the Temple. — Pr. to liel. Med. 
 nius. He signs his preface, (vol. ii, ' Latin stile.] See Supplementarij 
 p. 156,) in initials, thus, L.N. M. E. M. Memoir. 
 
 which are thus explained by a French 2 answer.] In 1645 See Preface to 
 
 critic: — ■" Ces lettres initiates designent Religio Medici, p. viii, and Supplementary 
 Levinus Nicolaus Moltkius, dont on a Memoir. 
 
XXVI DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 who was then rector of Burnham Westgate 3 in the 
 neighbourhood. It is recorded by Wood, that his 
 practice was very extensive, and that many patients 
 resorted to him. In 1637* he was incorporated doc- 
 tor of physick in Oxford. 
 
 He married in 1641 1 Mrs. Mileham, of a good fa- 
 mily in Norfolk; 4 "a lady (says Whitefoot) of such 
 symmetrical proportion to her worthy husband, both 
 in the graces of her body and mind, that they seemed 
 to come together by a kind of natural magnetism." 
 
 This marriage could not but draw the raillery of 
 contemporary wits I upon a man, who had just been 
 wishing in his new book, "that we might procreate, 
 like trees, without conjunction ;" and had lately de- 
 clared, § that " the whole world was made for man, but 
 only the twelfth part of man for woman ;" and, that 
 "man is the whole world, but woman only the rib or 
 crooked part of man." 
 
 Whether the lady had been yet informed of these 
 contemptuous positions, or whether she was pleased 
 with the conquest of so formidable a rebel, and con- 
 sidered it as a double triumph, to attract so much 
 merit, and overcome so powerful prejudices ; or whe- 
 ther, like most others, she married upon mingled 
 motives, between convenience and inclination ; she 
 had, however, no reason to repent : for she lived hap- 
 pily Avith him one and forty years ; and bore him ten 5 
 children, of whom one son and three daughters out- 
 lived their parents : she survived him two years, and 
 passed her widowhood in plenty, if not in opulence. 
 
 * Wood. f Whitefoot. 
 
 X Howell's Letters, book i, GO, and Religio Bibliopolee. § Religio Medici. 
 
 3 Burnliam Westgate.'] See Supple- Edward Mileham, Esq. of Burlingham, 
 mentary Memoir. in Norfolk. — See Pedigree, fyc. 
 
 4 Mrs. Mileham, #c] Daughter of s ten.] Eleven.— See Pedigree. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Browne having now entered the world as an author, 
 and experienced the delights of praise and molesta- 
 tions of censure, probably found his dread of the pub- 
 lick eye diminished ; and, therefore, was not long 
 before he trusted his name to the criticks a second 
 time : for in 1646* he printed Enquiries into Vulgar 
 and Common Errors ; a work, which as it arose not 
 from fancy and invention, but from observation and 
 books, and contained not a single discourse of one 
 continued tenor, of which the latter part rose from 
 the former, but an enumeration of many unconnected 
 particulars, must have been the collection of years, 
 and the effect of a design early formed and long pur- 
 sued, to which his remarks had been continually re- 
 ferred, and which arose gradually to its present bulk 
 by the daily aggregation of new particles of knowledge. 
 It is, indeed, to be wished, that he had longer delayed 
 the publication, and added what the remaining part 
 of his life might have furnished: the thirty-six years 
 which he spent afterwards in study and experience, 
 would doubtless have made large additions to an 
 " Enquiry into Vulgar Errors." He published in 
 1672 the sixth edition, with some improvements ; but 
 I think rather with explications of what he had already 
 written, than any new heads of disquisition. But 
 with the work, such as the author, whether hindered 
 from continuing it by eagerness of praise, or weariness 
 of labour, thought fit to give, we must be content ; 
 and remember, that in all sublunary things, there is 
 something to be wished, which we must wish in vain. 
 
 This book, like his former, was received with great 
 applause, was answered by Alexander Ross, and trans- 
 lated into Dutch and German, and not many years 
 
 * Life, Sfc. 
 
XXV111 DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 ago into French. It might now be proper, had not 
 the favour with which it was at first received filled the 
 kingdom with copies, to reprint it with notes partly 
 supplemental and partly emendatory, to subjoin those 
 discoveries which the industrv of the last a£:e has 
 made, and correct those mistakes which the author 
 has committed, not by idleness or negligence, but for 
 want of Boyle's and Newton's philosophy. 6 
 
 He appears, indeed, to have been willing to pay 
 labour for truth. 7 Having heard a flying rumour of 
 sympathetick needles, by which, suspended over a cir- 
 cular alphabet, distant friends or lovers might corre- 
 spond, he procured two such alphabets to be made, 
 touched his needles with the same magnet, and placed 
 them upon proper spindles : the result was, that when 
 he moved one of his needles, the other, instead of 
 taking by sympathy the same direction, " stood like 
 the pillars of Hercules." That it continued motion- 
 less, will be easily believed ; and most men would 
 have been content to believe it, without the labour of 
 so hopeless an experiment. Browne might himself 
 have obtained the same conviction by a method less 
 operose, if he had thrust his needles through corks, 
 and then set them afloat in two basons of water. 
 
 Notwithstanding his zeal to detect old errors, he 
 seems not very easy to admit new positions ; for he 
 never mentions the motion of the earth but with 
 
 6 This booh, ^c] See Preface to ments depended. By this disappoinl- 
 
 1'seudodo.ria Epidemlca , for a detailed ac- merit, (which I submitted to repeated 
 
 count of the replies to it, as well as of delays, in the vain hope of avoiding,) 1 
 
 the various editions and translations of have been deprived of some important 
 
 the work itself. If the present edition scientific illustrations, precisely of the 
 
 be deemed but imperfectly to answer the character described in the paragraph be- 
 
 doctor's description of what it ought to fore us 
 
 be, I can only offer the plea, that ar- ' truth.] His willingness to take pains 
 
 rangements (on whose efficiency I was to disprove even the most absurd fables, is 
 
 justified in relying) have been, in a great well evinced in his chapter On the Three 
 
 measure, frustrated, by the nonfulfilment Kings of Cullcin, vol. iii, p. 317. 
 of engagements, on which those arrange- 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. XXIX 
 
 contempt and ridicule, though the opinion, which 
 admits it, was then growing popular, and was, surely, 
 plausible, even before it was confirmed by later ob- 
 servations. 
 
 The reputation of Browne encouraged some low 
 writer to publish, under his name, a book called 
 "Nature's Cabinet Unlocked," * translated, according 
 to Wood, from the physicks of Magirus ; of which 
 Browne took care to clear himself, by modestly adver- 
 tising, that " if any man had been benefited by it, he 
 was not so ambitious as to challenge the honour 
 thereof, as having no hand in that work."t 
 
 In 1658 the discovery of some ancient urns in Nor- 
 folk gave him occasion to write Hydriotaphia, Urn- 
 Burial, or a Discourse of Sepulchral Urns, in which 
 he treats with his usual learning on the funeral rites 
 of the ancient nations ; exhibits their various treat- 
 ment of the dead ; and examines the substances found 
 in his Norfolcian urns. There is, perhaps, none of 
 his works which better exemplifies his reading or 
 memory. It is scarcely to be imagined, how many 
 particulars he has amassed together, in a treatise 
 which seems to have been occasionally written ; and 
 for which, therefore, no materials could have been 
 previously collected. It is, indeed, like other treatises 
 of antiquity, rather for curiosity than use ; for it is of 
 small importance to know which nation buried their 
 dead in the ground, w r hich threw them into the sea, 
 or which gave them to birds and beasts ; when the 
 practice of cremation began, or when it was disused ; 
 whether the bones of different persons were mingled 
 in the same urn ; what oblations were throwoi into 
 the pyre ; or how the ashes of the body were distin- 
 
 * Wood, and Life of Sir Thomas Browne. f At the end of the Garden of Cyrus. 
 
XXX BR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 guished from those of other substances. Of the use- 
 lessness of all these enquiries, Browne seems not to 
 have been ignorant ; and, therefore, concludes them 
 with an observation which can never be too frequently 
 recollected. 
 
 " All or most apprehensions rested in opinions of 
 some future being, which ignorant! y or coldly be- 
 lieved, begat those perverted conceptions, ceremonies, 
 sayings, which Christians pity or laugh at. Happy 
 are they, which live not in that disadvantage of time, 
 when men could say little for futurity, but from rea- 
 son ; whereby the noblest minds fell often upon doubt- 
 ful deaths, and melancholy dissolutions : with these 
 hopes Socrates warmed his doubtful spirits, against 
 the cold potion ; and Cato, before he durst give the 
 fatal stroke, spent part of the night in reading the 
 immortality of Plato, thereby confirming his wavering 
 hand unto the animosity of that attempt. 
 
 " It is the heaviest stone that melancholy can throw 
 at man, to tell him he is at the end of his nature ; or 
 that there is no further state to come, unto which this 
 seems progressional, and otherwise made in vain : 
 without this accomplishment, the natural expectation 
 and desire of such a state, were but a fallacy in na- 
 ture ; unsatisfied considerators would quarrel the jus- 
 tice of their constitution, and rest content that Adam 
 had fallen lower, whereby, by knowing no other ori- 
 ginal, and deeper ignorance of themselves, they might 
 have enjoyed the happiness of inferior creatures, who 
 in tranquillity possess their constitutions, as having 
 not the apprehension to deplore their own natures ; 
 and being framed below the circumference of these 
 hopes or cognition of better things, the wisdom of 
 God hath necessitated their contentment. But the 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 superior ingredient and obscured part of ourselves, 
 whereto all present felicities afford no resting content- 
 ment, will be able at last to tell us we are more than 
 our present selves ; and evacuate such hopes in the 
 fruition of their own accomplishments." 
 
 To his treatise on Urnburial was added the Garden 
 of Cyrus, or the Quincunxial Lozenge, or Network 
 Plantation of the Ancients, Artificially, Naturally, 
 Mystically Considered. 8 This discourse he begins 
 with the Sacred Garden, in which the first man was 
 placed ; and deduces the practice of horticulture from 
 the earliest accounts of antiquity to the time of 
 the Persian Cyrus, the first man whom we actually 
 know to have planted a Quincunx ; which, however, 
 our author is inclined to believe of longer date, and 
 not only discovers it in the description of the hanging 
 gardens of Babylon, but seems willing to believe, and 
 to persuade his reader, that it was practised by the 
 feeders on vegetables before the flood. 
 
 Some of the most pleasing performances have been 
 produced by learning and genius exercised upon sub- 
 jects of little importance. It seems to have been, in 
 all ages, the pride of wit, to shew how it could exalt 
 the low, and amplify the little. To speak not inade- 
 quately of things really and naturally great, is a task 
 not only difficult but disagreeable ; because the writer 
 is degraded in his own eyes by standing in comparison 
 with his subject, to which he can hope to add nothing 
 from his imagination : but it is a perpetual triumph 
 of fancy to expand a scanty theme, to raise glittering 
 ideas from obscure properties, and to produce to the 
 
 8 Mystically Considered.] He with- with apprehension and distrust, the Cu- 
 
 stood the Copernican hypothesis — on vierian System of Geology — as opposing 
 
 precisely the same ground on which some the statements of Scripture. — See vol. ii, 
 
 modern naturalists are disposed to regard, p. 164, and the Supplementary Memoir. 
 
XXX11 DR. JOHNSONS LIFE OF 
 
 world an object of wonder to which nature had con- 
 tributed little. To this ambition, perhaps, we owe 
 the Frogs of Homer, the Gnat and the Bees of Virgil, 
 the Butterfly of Spenser, the Shadow of Wowerus, and 
 the Quincunx of Browne. 
 
 In the prosecution of this sport of fancy, he consi- 
 ders every production of art and nature, in which he 
 could find any decussation or approaches to the form 
 of a Quincunx ; and as a man once resolved upon 
 ideal discoveries, seldom searches long in vain, he finds 
 his favourite figure in almost every thing, whether 
 natural or invented, ancient or modern, rude or arti- 
 ficial, sacred and civil ; so that a reader, not watchful 
 against the power of his infusions, would imagine that 
 decussation was the great business of the world, and 
 that nature and art had no other purpose than to ex- 
 emplify and imitate a Quincunx. 
 
 To shew the excellence of this figure, he enume- 
 rates all its properties ; and finds in it almost every 
 thing of use or pleasure : and to shew how readily he 
 supplies what he cannot find, one instance may be 
 sufficient ; " though therein (says he) we meet not 
 with right angles, yet every rhombus containing four 
 angles equal unto two right, it virtually contains two 
 right in every one." 
 
 The fanciful sports of great minds are never with- 
 out some advantage to knowledge. Browne has in- 
 terspersed many curious observations on the form of 
 plants, and the laws of vegetation ; and appears to 
 have been a very accurate observer of the modes of 
 germination, and to have watched with great nicety 
 the evolution of the parts of plants from their seminal 
 principles. 
 
 He is then naturallv led to treat of the number 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. XXX111 
 
 five ; and finds, that by this number many things are 
 circumscribed ; that there are five kinds of vegetable 
 productions, five sections of a cone, five orders of ar- 
 chitecture, and five acts of a play. And observing that 
 five was the ancient conjugal or wedding number, he 
 proceeds to a speculation which I shall give in his 
 own words ; " the ancient numerists made out the 
 conjugal number by two and three, the first parity 
 and imparity, the active and passive digits, the mate- 
 rial and formal principles in generative societies." 
 
 These are all the tracts which he published : but 
 many papers were found in his closet, " some of them, 
 (says Whitefoot) designed for the press, were often 
 transcribed and corrected by his own hand, after the 
 fashion of great and curious writers." 
 
 Of these, two collections have been published ; one 
 by Dr. Tenison, the other in 1722 by a nameless 
 editor. 9 Whether the one or the other selected those 
 pieces which the author would have preferred, cannot 
 now be known : but they have both the merit of giv- 
 ing to mankind what was too valuable to be sup- 
 pressed ; and what might, without their interposition, 
 have, perhaps, perished among other innumerable 
 labours of learned men, or have been burnt in a scar- 
 city of fuel like the papers of Pereskius. 
 
 The first of these posthumous treatises contains 
 " observations upon several plants mentioned in Scrip- 
 ture." These remarks, though they do not immedi- 
 ately either rectify the faith, or refine the morals of the 
 reader, yet are by no means to be censured as super- 
 fluous niceties or useless speculations ; for they often 
 shew some propriety of description, or elegance of 
 allusion, utterly undiscoverable to readers not skilled 
 
 9 editor."] John Hase, Richmond Herald. — See Preface to Repertorium, vol. iv, p. S. 
 VOL. I. c 
 
XXXIV DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 in oriental botany ; and are often of more important 
 use, as they remove some difficulty from narratives, 
 or some obscurity from precepts. 
 
 The next is " of garlands, or coronary and garland 
 plants ;" a subject merely of learned curiosity, with- 
 out any other end than the pleasure of reflecting on 
 ancient customs, or on the industry with which studi- 
 ous men have endeavoured to recover them. 1 
 
 The next is a letter, " on the fishes eaten by our 
 Saviour with his disciples, after his resurrection from 
 the dead ;" which contains no determinate resolution 
 of the question, what they were, for indeed it cannot 
 be determined. All the information that diligence 
 or learning could supply, consists in an enumeration 
 of the fishes produced in the waters of Judea. 
 
 Then follow " answers to certain queries about 
 fishes, birds, and insects ;" and " a letter of hawks and 
 falconry, ancient and modern :" in the first of which 
 he gives the proper interpretation of some ancient 
 names of animals, commonly mistaken ; and in the 
 other has some curious observations on the art of 
 hawking, which he considers as a practice unknown 
 to the ancients. I believe all our sports of the field 
 are of Gothick original ; the ancients neither hunted 
 by the scent, nor seem much to have practised horse- 
 manship as an exercise ; and though, in their works, 
 there is mention of " aucupium" and " piscatio" they 
 seem no more to have been considered as diversions, 
 than agriculture or any other manual labour. 
 
 In two more letters he speaks of "the cymbals of 
 the Hebrews," but without any satisfactory determi- 
 nation ; and of "ropalick or gradual verses," that is, 
 
 1 recover them.'] To which Browne's in his projected work on horticulture, and 
 attention was turned by the enquiries of to whom this essay was enclosed, in a 
 Evelyn, who applied to him for assistance letter. — See Correspondence, p. 379. 
 
Silt THOMAS BROWNE. XXXV 
 
 of verses beginning with a word of one syllable, and 
 proceeding by words of which each has a syllable more 
 than the former; as, 
 
 " Dens, (EterncB stationis conciliator.'" — Ausonius. 
 
 and, after his manner, pursuing the hint, he mentions 
 many other restrained methods of versifying, to which 
 industrious ignorance has sometimes voluntarily sub- 
 jected itself. 
 
 His next attempt is "on languages, and particularly 
 the Saxon tongue-" He discourses with great learn- 
 ing, and generally with great justness, of the deriva- 
 tion and changes of languages ; but, like other men 
 of multifarious learning, he receives some notions 
 without examination. Thus he observes, according 
 to the popular opinion, that the Spaniards have re- 
 tained so much Latin, as to be able to compose sen- 
 tences that shall be at once grammatically Latin and 
 Castilian : this will appear very unlikely to a man that 
 considers the Spanish terminations ; and Howell, 
 who was eminently skilful in the three provincial lan- 
 guages, declares, that after many essays he never 
 could effect it. 
 
 The principal design of this letter, is to shew the 
 affinity between the modern English and the ancient 
 Saxon ; and he observes, very rightly, that " though 
 we have borrowed many substantives, adjectives, and 
 some verbs, from the French ; yet the great body of 
 numerals, auxiliary verbs, articles, pronouns, adverbs, 
 conjunctions, and prepositions, which are the distin- 
 guishing and lasting parts of a language, remain with 
 us from the Saxon." 
 
 To prove this position more evidently, he has drawn 
 up a short discourse of six paragraphs, in Saxon and 
 
XXXVI DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 English ; of which every word is the same in both 
 languages, excepting the terminations and orthogra- 
 phy. The words are, indeed, Saxon, but the phrase- 
 ology is English ; and, I think, would not have been 
 understood by Bede or iElfric, notwithstanding the 
 confidence of our author. He has, however, suffici- 
 ently proved his position, that the English resembles 
 its parental language, more than any modern European 
 dialect. 
 
 There remain five tracts of this collection yet un- 
 mentioned ; one " of artificial hills, mounts, or bur- 
 rows, in England ;" in reply to an interrogatory letter 
 of E. D. whom the writers of Biographia Britannica 
 suppose to be, if rightly printed, W. D. or Sir William 
 Dugdale, one of Browne's correspondents. These 
 are declared by Browne, in concurrence, I think, with 
 all other antiquarians, to be for the most part funeral 
 monuments. He proves, that both the Danes and 
 Saxons buried their men of eminence under piles of 
 earth, "which admitting (says he) neither ornament, 
 epitaph, nor inscription, may, if earthquakes spare 
 them, outlast other monuments : obelisks have their 
 term, and pyramids will tumble ; but these mountain- 
 ous monuments may stand, and are like to have the 
 same period with the earth." 
 
 In the next, he answers two geographical questions ; 
 one concerning Troas, mentioned in the Acts and 
 Epistles of St. Paul, which he determines to be the 
 city built near the ancient Ilium ; and the other con- 
 cerning the Dead Sea, of which he gives the same ac- 
 count with other writers. 
 
 Another letter treats " of the answers of the oracle 
 of Apollo at Delphos, to Croesus king of Lydia." In 
 this tract nothing deserves notice, more than that 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Browne considers the oracles as evidently and indubi- 
 tably supernatural, and founds all his disquisition upon 
 that postulate. 2 He wonders why the physiologists of 
 old, having such means of instruction,, did not enquire 
 into the secrets of nature : but judiciously concludes, 
 that such questions would probably have been vain ; 
 "for, in matters cognoscible, and formed for our dis- 
 quision, our industry must be our oracle, and reason 
 our Apollo." 
 
 The pieces that remain are, " A prophecy concern- 
 ing the future state of several nations ; " in which 
 Browne plainly discovers his expectation to be the 
 same with that entertained lately with more confidence 
 by Dr. Berkeley, that America will be the seat of the 
 fifth empire:" and "Museum clausum, sive Bibliotheca 
 abscondita ; " in which the author amuses himself 
 with imagining the existence of books and curiosities, 
 either never in being, or irrecoverably lost. 
 
 These pieces I have recounted as they are ranged 
 in Tenison's collection, because the editor has given 
 no account of the time at which any of them were 
 written. Some of them are of little value, more than 
 as they gratify the mind with the picture of a great 
 scholar, turning his learning into amusement; or shew 
 upon how great a variety of enquiries the same mind 
 has been successfully employed. 
 
 The other collection of his posthumous pieces, pub- 
 lished in octavo, Lond. 1 722, 3 contains " Repertorium ; 
 or some account of the tombs and monuments in the 
 cathedral of Norwich ; " where, as Tenison observes, 
 
 2 postulate.'] His perfect conviction confession of the devil himself, in his ora- 
 
 of the Satanic influence exerted in oracles cle to Augustus. 
 
 is strongly expressed in a passage of his 3 1722.] This date was taken from a 
 
 Religio Medici, vol. ii, p. 42, respecting copy which had a reprint title. The 
 
 the ground of his belief of their cessation book was published in 1712. — See Pre- 
 
 at the coming of Jesus Christ; — viz. the face to vol. iv. 
 
XXXV111 DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 there is not matter proportionate to the skill of the 
 antiquary. 
 
 The other pieces are, "Answers to Sir William 
 Dugdale's enquiries about the fens ; a letter concern- 
 ing Iceland ; another relating to urns newly discover- 
 ed ; Some short strictures on different subjects;" and 
 "A letter to a friend on the death of his intimate 
 friend," published singly by the author's son in 1690. 
 
 There is inserted, in the Biographia Britannica, 
 "A letter containing instructions for the study of phy- 
 sick;" which, with the Essays here offered to the pub- 
 lic, completes the works of Dr. Browne. 
 
 To the life of this learned man, there remains little 
 to be added, but that in 1665 he was chosen honorary 
 fellow of the college of physicians, 4 as a man, " Vir- 
 tute et Uteris omatissimus, — eminently embellished 
 with literature and virtue : " and, in 1671, received, at 
 Norwich, the honour of knighthood from Charles II, 
 a prince, who with many frailties and vices, had yet 
 skill to discover excellence, and virtue to reward it, 
 with such honorary distinctions at least as cost him 
 nothing, yet, conferred by a king so judicious and so 
 much beloved, had the power of giving merit new 
 lustre and greater popularity. 
 
 Thus he lived in high reputation ; till in his seven- 
 ty-sixth year he was seized with a colick, which, after 
 having tortured him about a week, put, an end to his 
 life at Norwich, on his birthday, October 19, 1682.* 
 Some of his last words were expressions of submission 
 to the will of God, and fearlessness of death. 
 
 He lies buried in the church of St. Peter Mancroft, 5 
 
 * Life, Sfc.— irJiitefoot. 
 
 4 in 1665, $c] Rather in 1664. — railes at the east end of the chancel." — 
 See Supplementary Memoir. Wood, 4to. Le Neve says the cathe- 
 
 5 He lies buried, SfC."] " Within the dral, vol. iv, 38. — See next page. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. XXXIX 
 
 in Norwich, with this inscription on a mural monu- 
 ment, placed on the south pillar of the altar : 
 
 M. S. 
 
 HIC SITUS EST 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE, M.D. 
 
 ET MILES. 
 
 Ao 1605. LONDINI NATUS 
 
 GENEROSA FAMILIA APUD UPTON IN AGRO CESTRIENSI ORIUNDUS. 
 
 SCHOLA PRIMUM WINTONIENSI, POSTEA 
 
 IN COLL. PEMBR. 
 
 APUD OXONIENSES BONIS UTERIS 
 
 HAUD LEVITER IMBUTUS. 
 
 IN URBE HAC NORDOVICENSI MEDICINAM 
 
 ARTE EGREGIA, ET FCELICI SUCCESSU PROFESSUS, 
 
 SCRIPTIS, QUIBUS TITULI, RELIGIO MEDICI 
 
 ET PSEUDODOXIA EPIDEMICA ALIISQUE 
 
 PER ORBEM NOTISSIMUS 
 
 VIR PIENTISSIMUS, INTEGERRIMUS, DOCTISSIMUS; 
 
 OBIIT OCTOBR. 19. 1682. 
 
 PIE POSUIT MCESTISSIMA CONJUX 
 
 Da. DOROTH. BR. 
 
 NEAR THE FOOT OF THIS PILLAR LIES 
 
 SIR THOMAS BROWNE, KNIGHT, 
 
 AND DOCTOR IN PHYSICK, 
 AUTHOR OF RELIGIO MEDICI, AND OTHER LEARNED BOOKS, 
 
 WHO PRACTIC'D PHYSICK IN THIS CITY 46 YEARS, 
 
 AND DIED OCTOBER 19, 1682, IN THE 77 YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF WHOM 
 
 DAME DOROTHY BROWNE, 
 
 WHO HAD BEEN HIS AFFECTIONATE WIFE 41 YEARS, 
 CAUSED THIS MONUMENT TO BE ERECTED. 
 
xl dr. Johnson's life of 
 
 Besides his lady, who died in 1685, 6 he left a son 
 and three daughters. Of the daughters nothing very 
 remarkable is known ; but his son, Edward Browne, 
 requires a particular mention. 
 
 He was born about the year 1642; and after having 
 passed through the classes of the school at Norwich, 
 became bachelor of physick at Cambridge; and after- 
 wards removing to Merton College in Oxford, was 
 admitted there to the same degree, and afterwards 
 made a doctor. In 1668 he visited part of Germany, 
 and in the year following made a wider excursion into 
 Austria, Hungary, and Thessaly; where the Turkish 
 Sultan then kept his court at Larissa. He afterwards 
 passed through Italy. His skill in natural history 
 made him particularly attentive to mines and metal- 
 lurgy. Upon his return he published an account of 
 the countries through which he had passed ; which I 
 have heard commended by a learned traveller, who 
 has visited many places after him, as written with 
 scrupulous and exact veracity, such as is scarcely to 
 be found in any other book of the same kind. But 
 whatever it may contribute to the instruction of a 
 naturalist, I cannot recommend it as likely to give 
 much pleasure to common readers : for whether it be, 
 that the world is very uniform, and therefore he who 
 is resolved to adhere to truth, will have few novelties 
 to relate ; or that Dr. Browne was, by the train of 
 his studies, led to enquire most after those things, by 
 which the greatest part of mankind is little affected; 
 a great part of his book seems to contain very unim- 
 portant accounts of his passage from one place where 
 he saw little, to another where he saw no more. 
 
 Upon his return, he practised physick in London ; 
 
 Besides his lady, ^r.] Her monument is given in the Supplementary Memoir. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. xli 
 
 was made physician first to Charles II, and afterwards 
 in 1682 to St. Bartholomew's hospital. About the 
 same time he joined his name to those of many other 
 eminent men, in " A translation of Plutarch's lives." 
 He was first censor, then elect, and treasurer of the col- 
 lege of physicians; of which in 1705 he was chosen 
 president, and held his office, till in 1708 he died in a 
 degree of estimation suitable to a man so variously 
 accomplished, that King Charles had honoured him 
 with this panegyrick, that " He was as learned as any 
 of the college, and as well bred as any of the court." 
 
 Of every great and eminent character, part breaks 
 forth into public view, and part lies hid in domestic pri- 
 vacy. Those qualities which have been exerted in any 
 known and lasting performances, may, at any distance 
 of time, be traced and estimated ; but silent excel- 
 lencies are soon forgotten ; and those minute peculi- 
 arities which discriminate every man from all others, 
 if they are not recorded by those whom personal 
 knowledge enabled to observe them, are irrecoverably 
 lost. This mutilation of character must have hap- 
 pened, among many others, to Sir Thomas Browne, 
 had it not been delineated by his friend, Mr. White- 
 foot, who "esteemed it an especial favour of Provi- 
 dence, to have had a particular acquaintance with him 
 for two thirds of his life." Part of his observations 
 I shall, therefore, copy. 7 
 
 7 copy.~] Mr. Whitefoot's being the " Some Minutes for the Life of Sir 
 
 earliest existing biographical sketch of Thomas Browne, by John Whitefoot, M.A. 
 
 our author, and the work of a contempo- late Hector of Heigham, in Norfolk. 
 
 rary, and an intimate friend, I had felt " Had my province been only to preach 
 
 strongly disposed to print it entire, rather a funeral sermon for this excellent per- 
 
 than give Dr. Johnson's extracts. But son, I might, perhaps, have been allowed, 
 
 as he has omitted only the commence- upon such a singular occasion, to have 
 
 ment, and two or three paragraphs in the chosen my text out of a book, which 
 
 midst, I have thought it better to present though it be not approved to be canoni- 
 
 Dr. Johnson's Biography just as it stood, cal, yet is not permitted only, but ordered 
 
 supplying his omissions in notes. Here to be read publickly in our church, and 
 
 follow the introductory paragraphs, thus for the eminent wisdom of the contents, 
 
 headed : — well deserving that honour, I mean that 
 
Xlll DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 " For a character of his person, his complexion and 
 hair was answerable to his name, his stature was 
 moderate, and habit of body neither fat nor lean, but 
 sutrdgzog. 
 
 " In his habit of clothing, he had an aversion to all 
 finery, and affected plainness, both in the fashion and 
 ornaments. He ever wore a cloke, or boots, when few 
 others did. He kept himself always very warm, and 
 thought it most safe so to do, though he never loaded 
 himself with such a multitude of garments, as Sue- 
 
 of Syracides, or Jesus, the son of Syrach, 
 commonly called Ecclesiasticus, which, 
 in the thirty-eighth chapter, and the first 
 verse, hath these words : ' Honour a phy- 
 sician with the honour due unto him ; for 
 the uses which you may have of him, for 
 the Lord hath created him ; for of the 
 most High cometh healing, and he shall 
 receive honour of the King?' (as ours 
 did that of knighthood from the present 
 king, when he was in this city.) ' The 
 skill of the physician shall lift up his 
 head, and in the sight of great men shall 
 be in admiration.' So was this worthy 
 person by the greatest men of this nation 
 that ever came into this country, by 
 whom also he was frequently and person- 
 ally visited. 
 
 " But a further account of his extraor- 
 dinary merits, whereby he obtained so 
 great a degree of honour from all that 
 knew him, remains to be given in the 
 history of his life. And had that been 
 written by himself, as hath been done by 
 many eminent persons, both antient and 
 modern, Hebrews, Greeks, Latins, and 
 others,* it would not only have gratified, 
 but obliged, the world beyond what is 
 possible to be done by any other hand, 
 much more by that, into which (upon 
 divers particular obligations) that task is 
 fallen : ' For what man knows the things 
 of a man, save the Spirit of a Man, which 
 is in him.'f And though that must 
 needs know more of any man, than can 
 be known by others, y?t may it be, and 
 generally is, (being blinded with that 
 original sin of self-love,) very defective in 
 the habit and practice of that original 
 
 precept, that is said to have come down 
 from heaven, yvui6i Gsavrov, ' Know thy- 
 self.' Two things there are in nature, 
 which are the greatest impediments of 
 sight; viz. nearness and distance of the 
 object, but of the tw^, distance is the 
 greater; in ordinary cases every man is 
 too near himself, others are too far dis- 
 tant from him, to observe his imperfec- 
 tions ; some are greater strangers to 
 themselves than they are to their neigh- 
 bours; this worthy person had as com- 
 plete an intelligence of himself as any 
 other man, and much more perfect than 
 most others have, being a singular ob- 
 server of every thing that belonged to 
 himself, from the time that he became 
 capable of such observation, whereof he 
 hath given several remarkable instances 
 in his Religio Medici, of which I shall 
 have occasion to speak more hereafter. 
 
 " I ever esteemed it a special favour of 
 Divine Providence to have had a more 
 particular acquaintance with this excel- 
 lent person, for two thirds of his life, 
 than any other man that is now left 
 alive; but that which renders me a wil- 
 ling debtor to his name and family, is the 
 special obligations of favour that I had 
 from him above most men. 
 
 " Two and thirty years, or there- 
 abouts, of his life was spent before I had 
 any knowledge of him, whereof I can 
 give no other account than I received from 
 his relations ; by whom I am informed, 
 that he was born in the year 1605, in the 
 city of London." 
 
 (Then follows the text, to foot of 
 p. xliv.) 
 
 Moses, Josephus. Antoninus. Cardan, Junius, Bishop Hall, &c. 
 
 + 1 Cor. ii, 11. 
 
SIB THOMAS BROWNE. xllU 
 
 tonius reports of Augustus, enough to clothe a good 
 family. 
 
 " The horizon of his understanding was much larger 
 than the hemisphere of the world : all that was visible 
 in the heavens he comprehended so well, that few that 
 are under them knew so much. He could tell the 
 number of the visible stars in his horizon, and call 
 them all by their names that had any ; and of the 
 earth he had such a minute and exact geographical 
 knowledge, as if he had been by Divine Providence 
 ordained surveyor-general of the whole terrestrial orb, 
 and its products, minerals, plants, and animals. He 
 was so curious a botanist, that besides the specifical 
 distinctions, he made nice and elaborate observations, 
 equally useful as entertaining. 
 
 " His memory, though not so eminent as that of 
 Seneca or Scaliger, was capacious and tenacious, inso- 
 much as he remembered all that was remarkable in 
 any book that he had read ; and not only knew all 
 persons again that he had ever seen at any distance of 
 time, but remembered the circumstances of their 
 bodies, and their particular discourses and speeches. 
 
 " In the Latin poets he remembered everything that 
 was acute and pungent ; he had read most of the his- 
 torians, antient and modern, wherein his observations 
 were singular, not taken notice of by common readers; 
 he was excellent company when he was at leisure, and 
 expressed more light than heat in the temper of his 
 brain. 
 
 " He had no despotical power over his affections 
 and passions, (that was a privilege of original perfec- 
 tion, forfeited by the neglect of the use of it,) but as 
 large a political power over them as any stoick or 
 man of his time, whereof he gave so great experiment, 
 
XllV DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 that he hath very rarely been known to have been 
 overcome with any of them. The strongest that were 
 found in him, both of the irascible and concupiscible, 
 were under the controul of his reason. Of admira- 
 tion, which is one of them, being the only product, 
 either of ignorance, or uncommon knowledge, he had 
 more, and less, than other men, upon the same account 
 of his knowing more than others ; so that though he 
 met with many rarities, he admired them not so much 
 as others do. 
 
 " He was never seen to be transported with mirth, 
 or dejected with sadness ; always cheerful, but rarely 
 merry, at any sensible rate, seldom heard to break a 
 jest ; and when he did, he would be apt to blush at 
 the levity of it : his gravity was natural without 
 affectation. 
 
 " His modesty was visible in a natural habitual 
 blush, which was increased upon the least occasion, 
 and oft discovered without any observable cause. 
 
 "They that knew no more of him than by the 
 briskness of his writings, found themselves deceived 
 in their expectation when they came in his company, 
 noting the gravity and sobriety of his aspect and con- 
 versation ; so free from loquacity, or much talkative- 
 ness, that he was something difficult to be engaged in 
 any discourse ; though when he was so, it was always 
 singular, and never trite or vulgar. Parsimonious in 
 nothing but his time, whereof he made as much im- 
 provement, with as little loss as any man in it, when 
 he had any to spare from his drudging practice, he 
 was scarce patient of any diversion from his study ; so 
 impatient of sloth and idleness, that he would say, 
 he could not do nothing. 8 
 
 8 do nothing.'] Here Dr. Johnson has " In his papers left behind him, which 
 omitted the following passages: — were many, nothing was found that was 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. xlv 
 
 "Sir Thomas understood most of the European 
 languages, viz. all that are in Hntter's bible, which he 
 made use of. The Latin and Greek he understood 
 critically ; the oriental languages, which never were 
 A^ernacular in this part of the world, he thought the 
 use of them would not answer the time and pains of 
 learning them ; yet had so great a veneration for the 
 matrix of them, viz. the Hebrew, consecrated to the 
 Oracles of God, that he was not content to be totally 
 ignorant of it ; though very little of his science is to 
 be found in any books of that primitive language. 
 And though much is said to be written in the deriva- 
 tive idioms of that tongue, especially the Arabick, yet 
 he was satisfied with the translations, wherein he found 
 nothing admirable. 
 
 " In his religion he continued in the same mind 
 which he had declared in his first book, written when 
 he was but thirty years old, his Religio Medici, wherein 
 he fully assented to that of the church of England, 
 preferring it before any in the world, as did the learned 
 Grotius. He attended the publick service very con- 
 stantly, when he was not withheld by his practice. 
 Never missed the sacrament in his parish, if he were in 
 town. Read the best English sermons he could hear 
 
 vulgar, but all savouring of much inge- tues; who were left bebind to propagate 
 
 nuity and curiosity ; some of them de- that ivpvta, that excelled in his person, 
 
 signed for the press, were often tran- Though health, grace, and happiness, are 
 
 scribed and corrected by his own hand, no hereditary portions, yet good nature 
 
 after the fashion of great and curious generally is. 
 wits- " His surviving son f was his eldest 
 
 " He had ten children by his surviving child, a person of eminent reputation in 
 
 only wife,* a lady of such a symmetrical the city of London; and hath seen the 
 
 proportion to her worthy husband, both bestpartof Europe— France, Italy, Lower 
 
 in the graces of her body and mind, that and High Germany, Croatia, and Greece, 
 
 they seemed to come together by a kind as far as Larissa— has been in four of the 
 
 of natural magnetism. greatest princes' courts that border upon 
 
 " Four of his children survived, a son the Mediterranean, viz. that of the Em- 
 
 and three daughters, all of them remark- peror, that of France, the Pope, and the 
 
 ably partakers of his ingenuity and vir- Grand Signior." 
 
 * Wh ?l < ? maiden name was Mileham, a gentlewoman of a very considerable familv in thp 
 county of Norfolk. J 
 
 t Dr. Edward Browne, late President of the College of Physicians. 
 
xlvi dr. Johnson's life of 
 
 of, with liberal applause ; and delighted not in con- 
 troversies. In his last sickness, wherein he continued 
 about a week's time, enduring great pain of the cholick, 
 besides a continual fever, with as much patience as 
 hath been seen in any man, without any pretence of 
 stoical apathy, animosity, or vanity, of not being con- 
 cerned thereat, or suffering no impeachment of hap- 
 piness. Nihil agis dolor. 
 
 " His patience was founded upon the Christian 
 philosophy, and a sound faith of God's providence, 
 and a meek and humble submission thereunto, which 
 he expressed in few words. I visited him near his 
 end, when he had not strength to hear or speak much ; 
 the last words which I heard from him were, besides 
 some expressions of dearness, that he did freely sub 
 mit to the will of God, being without fear. He had 
 oft triumphed over the king of terrors in others, and 
 given many repulses in the defence of patients ; but 
 when his own turn came, he submitted with a meek, 
 rational, and religious courage. 
 
 " He might have made good the old saying of dat 
 Galenus opes, had he lived in a place that could have 
 afforded it. But his indulgence and liberality to his 
 children, especially in their travels, two of his sons in 
 divers countries, and two of his daughters in France, 
 spent him more than a little. He was liberal in his 
 house entertainments, and in his charity; he left a 
 comfortable, but no great estate, both to his lady and 
 children, gained by his own industry, having spent the 
 greatest part of his patrimony* in his travels. 
 
 " Such was his sagacity and knowledge of all history, 
 antient and modern, and his observations thereupon 
 so singular, that it hath been said by them that knew 
 
 * He was likewise very much defrauded by one of his guardians. 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. xlvii 
 
 him best, that if his profession, and place of abode, 
 would have suited his ability, he would have made an 
 extraordinary man for the privy council, not much in- 
 ferior to the famous Padre Paulo, the late oracle of 
 the Venetian state. 
 
 " Though he were no prophet, nor son of a prophet, 
 yet, in that faculty which comes nearest it, he excelled, 
 i. e. the stochastick, 9 wherein he was seldom mistaken, 
 as to future events, as well publick as private; but not 
 apt to discover any presages or superstition." 1 
 
 It is observable, that he who in his earlier years had 
 read all the books against religion, was in the latter 
 part of his life averse from controversies. To play 
 with important truths, to disturb the repose of estab- 
 lished tenets, to subtilize objections and elude proof, 
 is too often the sport of youthful vanity, of which 
 maturer experience commonly repents. There is a 
 time, when every wise man is weary of raising diffi- 
 culties only to task himself with the solution, and 
 desires to enjoy truth without the labour or hazard 
 of contest. There is, perhaps, no better method of 
 encountering these troublesome irruptions of scepti- 
 
 9 stochastick.] On the predictive power was the best guesser of the future from 
 expressed by this term, I meet with the the past.* ' Should this faculty of mo- 
 following passage in D' Israeli's Curiosities ral and political prediction be ever consi- 
 of Literature, 2nd series, vol. ii, 425: — dered as a science, we can even furnish 
 "This faculty seems to be described by it with a denomination ; for the writer of 
 a remarkable expression employed by the life of Sir Thomas Browne, prefixed 
 Thucydides in his character of Themis- to his works, in claiming the honour of 
 tocles, of which the following is given as it for that philosopher, calls it ' the Sto- 
 a close translation. ' By a species of sa- chastic,' a Jerm derived from the Greek 
 gacity peculiarly his own, for which he and from archery, meaning, ' to shoot at 
 was in no degree indebted either to early a mark.' This eminent genius it seems, 
 education or after study, he was super- often 'hit the white.' Our biographer 
 eminently happy in forming a prompt declares, that 'though he were no pro- 
 judgment in matters that admitted but phet, yet in that faculty, &c.'" 
 little time for deliberation ; at the same l superstition.] End of Whitefooi's 
 time that he far surpassed all in his de- Mimiies. 
 ductions of the future from the past ; or 
 
 * Olxi'ta ydg ^wess7, %al ours <zgo(ia@&v \g worry ovdh, ovr lirif^a&uv, ruv 
 n <ira£ayjr\(j,a hi iXa^jcrr,g /SouXSjg zguriarog yvw(j,wv, xui ruv f&eXkoVTM 
 imnrKiiiSrov to ysvrioo'Asvov 6t,Pi6ro£ zixu6rr]g, — Thucydides, lib. I. 
 
XlVlll DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 cism, with which inquisitive minds are frequently har- 
 rassed, than that which Browne declares himself to 
 have taken : "If there arise any doubts in my way, I 
 do forget them; or at least defer them, till my better 
 settled judgment and more manly reason be able to 
 resolve them: for I perceive, every man's reason is his 
 best Oedipus, and will, upon a reasonable truce, find 
 a way to loose those bonds, wherewith the subtilties 
 of error have enchained our more flexible and tender 
 judgments." 
 
 The foregoing character may be confirmed and en- 
 larged, by many passages in the Religio Medici ; in 
 which it appears, from Whitefoot's testimony, that 
 the author, though no very sparing panegyrist of 
 himself, has not exceeded the truth; with respect to 
 his attainments or visible qualities. 
 
 There are, indeed, some interior and secret virtues, 
 which a man may sometimes have without the know- 
 ledge of others; and may sometimes assume to him- 
 self, without sufficient reasons for his opinion. It is 
 charged upon Browne by Dr. Watts, as an instance 
 of arrogant temerity, that, after a long detail of his 
 attainments, he declares himself to have escaped "the 
 first and father-sin of pride." A perusal of the Re- 
 ligio Medici will not much contribute to produce a 
 belief of the author's exemption from this father-sin: 
 pride is a vice, which pride itself inclines every man 
 to find in others, and to overlook in himself. 
 
 As easily may we be mistaken in estimating our own 
 courage, as our own humility; and, therefore, when 
 Browne shews himself persuaded, that "he could lose 
 an arm without a tear, or with a few groans be quar- 
 tered to pieces," I am not sure that he felt in himself 
 any uncommon powers of endurance; or, indeed, any 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. xlix 
 
 thing more than a sudden effervescence of imagina- 
 tion, which, uncertain and involuntary as it is, he 
 mistook for settled resolution. 
 
 " That there were not many extant, that in a noble 
 way feared the face of death less than himself," he 
 might likewise believe at a very easy expence, while 
 death was yet at a distance ; but the time will come 
 to every human being, when it must be known how 
 well he can bear to die; and it has appeared, that our 
 author's fortitude did not desert him in the great hour 
 of trial. 
 
 It was observed by some of the remarkers on the 
 Religio Medici, that "the author was yet alive, and 
 might grow worse as well as better: " it is, therefore, 
 happy, that this suspicion can be obviated by a testi- 
 mony given to the continuance of his virtue, at a 
 time when death had set him free from danger of 
 change, and his panegyrist from temptation to flattery. 
 
 But it is not on the praises of others, but on his 
 own writings, that he is to depend for the esteem of 
 posterity ; of which he will not easily be deprived, 
 while learning shall have any reverence among men : 
 for there is no science, in which he does not discover 
 some skill; and scarce any kind of knowledge, profane 
 or sacred, abstruse or elegant, which he does not 
 appear to have cultivated with success. 
 
 His exuberance of knowledge, and plenitude of 
 ideas, sometimes obstruct the tendency of his reason- 
 ing, and the clearness of his decisions : on whatever 
 subject he employed his mind, there started up imme- 
 diately so many images before him, that he lost one 
 by grasping another. His memory supplied him with 
 so many illustrations, parallel or dependent notions, 
 that he was always starting into collateral considera- 
 
 VOL. I. d 
 
1 DR. JOHNSON S LIFE OF 
 
 tions: but the spirit and vigour of his pursuit always 
 gives delight ; and the reader follows him, without 
 reluctance, thro' his mazes, in themselves flowery and 
 pleasing, and ending at the point originally in view. 
 
 To have great excellencies, and great faults, te mag- 
 nce virtutes nee minora vitia, is the poesy," says our 
 author, " of the best natures." This poesy may be 
 properly applied to the style of Browne : It is vigor- 
 ous, but rugged ; it is learned, but pedantick ; it is 
 deep, but obscure; it strikes, but does not please; it 
 commands but does not allure: his tropes are harsh, 
 and his combinations uncouth. He fell into an age, in 
 which our language began to lose the stability which it 
 obtained in the time of Elizabeth; and was considered 
 by every writer as a subject on which he might try his 
 plastic skill, by moulding it according to his own fancy. 
 Milton, in consequence of this encroaching licence, be- 
 gan to introduce the Latin idiom : and Browne, though 
 he gave less disturbance to our structures and phrase- 
 ology, yet poured in a multitude of exotick words; 
 many indeed, useful and significant, which, if rejected, 
 must be supplied by circumlocution, such as c commen- 
 sality' for the state of many living at the same table ; but 
 many superfluous, as c a paralogical' for an unreasonable 
 doubt; and some so obscure, that they conceal his mean- 
 ing rather than explain it, as 'arthritical analogies' for 
 parts that serve some animals in the place of joints. 
 
 His style is, indeed, a tissue of many languages ; a 
 mixture of heterogeneous words, brought together 
 from distant regions, with terms originally appropri- 
 ated to one art, and drawn by violence into the service 
 of another. He must, however, be confessed to have 
 augmented our philosophical diction ; and in defence 
 of his uncommon words and expressions, we must 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. 11 
 
 consider, that he had uncommon sentiments, and was 
 not content to express in many words that idea for 
 which any language could supply a single term. 
 
 But his innovations are sometimes pleasing, and 
 his temerities happy: he has many "verba ardentia" 
 forcible expressions, which he would never have found, 
 but by venturing to the utmost verge of propriety ; 
 and flights which would never have been reached, but 
 by one who had very little fear of the shame of 
 falling. 
 
 There remains yet an objection against the writings 
 of Browne, more formidable than the animadversions 
 of criticism. There are passages, from which some 
 have taken occasion to rank him among deists, and 
 others among atheists. It would be difficult to guess 
 how any such conclusion should be formed, had not 
 experience shewn that there are two sorts of men 
 willing; to enlarge the catalogue of infidels. 
 
 It has been long observed, that an atheist has no 
 just reason for endeavouring conversions; and yet 
 none harrass those minds which they can influence, 
 with more importunity of solicitation to adopt their 
 opinions. In proportion as they doubt the truth ol 
 their own doctrines, they are desirous to gain the at- 
 testation of another understanding; and industriously 
 labour to win a proselyte, and eagerly catch at the 
 slightest pretence to dignify their sect with a cele- 
 brated name.* 
 
 The others become friends to infidelity only by 
 unskilful hostility: men of rigid orthodoxy, cautious 
 conversation, and religious asperity. Among these, 
 
 * Therefore no hereticks desire to spread 
 Their wild opinions like these epicures. 
 For so their stagg'ring thoughts are computed, 
 And other men's assent their doubts assure. 
 
 Davies. 
 
 d2 
 
lii dr. Johnson's life of 
 
 it is too frequently the practice, to make in their heat 
 concessions to Atheism, or Deism, which their most 
 confident advocates had never dared to claim or to 
 hope. A sally of levity, an idle paradox, an indecent 
 jest, an unseasonable objection, are sufficient, in the 
 opinion of these men, to efface a name from the lists 
 of Christianity, to exclude a soul from everlasting 
 life. Such men are so watchful to censure, that they 
 have seldom much care to look for favourable inter- 
 pretations of ambiguities, to set the general tenor of 
 life against single failures, or to know how soon any 
 slip of inadvertency has been expiated by sorrow and 
 retractation; but let fly their fulminations, without 
 mercy or prudence, against slight offences or casual 
 temerities, against crimes never committed, or imme- 
 diately repented. 
 
 The infidel knows well, what he is doing. He is en- 
 deavouring to supply, by authority, the deficiency of his 
 arguments; and to make his cause less invidious, by 
 shewing numbers on his side : he will, therefore, not 
 change his conduct, till he reforms his principles. But 
 the zealot should recollect, that he is labouring, by this 
 frequency of excommunication, against his own cause; 
 and voluntarily adding strength to the enemies of truth. 
 It must always be the condition of a great part of 
 mankind, to reject and embrace tenets upon the au- 
 thority of those whom they think wiser than them- 
 selves; and, therefore, the addition of every name to 
 infidelity, in some degree invalidates that argument 
 upon which the religion of multitudes is necessarily 
 founded. 
 
 Men may differ from each other in many religious 
 opinions, and yet all may retain the essentials of 
 Christianity; men mav sometimes eagerly dispute, 
 
SIR THOMAS BROWNE. IIll 
 
 and yet not differ much from one another: the rigo- 
 rous persecutors of error, should, therefore, enlighten 
 their zeal with knowledge, and temper their ortho- 
 doxy with charity; that charity, without which 
 orthodoxy is vain; charity that " thinketh no evil ," 
 but "hopeth all things," and "endureth all things." 
 
 Whether Browne has been numbered among the 
 contemners of religion, by the fury of its friends, or 
 the artifice of its enemies, it is no difficult task to 
 replace him among the most zealous professors of 
 Christianity. He may, perhaps, in the ardour of his 
 imagination, have hazarded an expression, which a 
 mind intent upon faults may interpret into heresy, if 
 considered apart from the rest of his discourse; but 
 a phrase is not to be opposed to volumes: there is 
 scarcely a writer to be found, whose profession was 
 not divinity, that has so frequently testified his belief 
 of the sacred writings, has appealed to them with 
 such unlimited submission, or mentioned them with 
 such unvaried reverence. 
 
 It is, indeed., somewhat wonderful, that he should be 
 placed without the pale of Christianity, who declares, 
 that " he assumes the honourable style of a Christian," 
 not because it is " the religion of his country," but 
 because " having in his riper years and confirmed judg- 
 ment seen and examined all, he finds himself obliged, 
 by the principles of grace, and the law of his own rea- 
 son, to embrace no other name but this :" who, to 
 specify his persuasion yet more, tells us, that " he is 
 of the reformed religion; of the same belief our Sav- 
 iour taught, the apostles disseminated, the fathers 
 authorised, and "the martyrs confirmed:" who, 
 though " paradoxical in philosophy, loves in divinity 
 to keep the beaten road ;" and pleases himself, that 
 
I1V DR. JOHNSON S LIFE. 
 
 " he has no taint of heresy, schism, or error :" to 
 whom " where the Scripture is silent, the church is a 
 text ; where that speaks, 't is but a comment ;" and 
 who uses not " the dictates of his own reason, but 
 where there is a joint silence of both :" who "blesses 
 himself, that he lived not in the days of miracles, when 
 faith had been thrust upon him ; but enjoys that 
 greater blessing, pronounced to all that believe and 
 saw not." He cannot surely be charged with a defect 
 of faith, who " believes that our Saviour was dead, 
 and buried, and rose again, and desires to see him in 
 his glory :" and who affirms, that " this is not much 
 to believe;" that "as we have reason, we owe this 
 faith unto history ;" and that " they only had the ad- 
 vantage of a bold and noble faith, who lived before 
 his coming ; and, upon obscure prophecies and mysti- 
 cal types, could raise a belief." Nor can contempt 
 of the positive and ritual parts of religion be imputed 
 to him, who doubts, whether a good man would re- 
 fuse a poisoned eucharist ; and " who would violate 
 his own arm, rather than a church." 2 
 
 The opinions of every man must be learned from 
 himself: concerning his practice, it is safest to trust 
 the evidence of others. Where these testimonies 
 concur, no higher degree of historical certainty can 
 be obtained ; and they apparently concur to prove^ 
 that Browne was a zealous adherent to the faith of 
 Christ, that he lived in obedience to his laws, and died 
 in confidence of his mercy. 
 
 2 rather than, 8fC~\ To the foregoing added his own resolutions for the guid- 
 arguments in vindication of Browne's at- ance of his conduct, and the regulation of 
 tachment to Christianity, may well be his heart See vol. iv, 420. 
 
 I should be glad to know the authority of the following assertion attributed to 
 Dr. Johnson : — " I remember the remark of Sir Thomas Browne ; — ' Do the Devils 
 lie?' No; for then hell could not subsist." — Croker's Johnson, vol. iv, p. 152. 
 
jftemotrsi 
 
 SIR THOMAS BROWNE 
 
AD CLARISSIMUM VIRUM, 
 
 THOMAM BROUNUM, EQUITEM ET DOCTOREM MEDICUM, 
 
 DE SUA RELIGIONE MEDICI ET PSEUDODOXIA EPIDEMICA. 1 
 
 Relligio Medici si cui suspecta videtur, 
 
 Te legat, et discat teque, librumque tuum. 
 Inter communes, Errata Epidemica, morbos, 
 
 Non est deterius suspicione malum. 
 Error hie est inter malesani dogmata vulgi, 
 
 Hippocratis socios non nimis esse pios. 
 Hoc crimen, Medici tu Relligione refellis : 
 
 Et medicum certe quid vetat esse pium ? 
 Juramentum utinam, Christi qui castra sequuntur, 
 
 Sic sancte colerent, Cous* ut ille senex ! 
 Disce mori, sanctse est non ultima regula vitas : 
 
 Quique timet mortem, perdidit ille fidem. f 
 At morbi ante oculos cui sic versantur et umbra?, 
 
 Ilium quis credat non didicisse mori ? 
 Tam bene conveniunt, et in uno corde morantur, 
 
 Corporis alterius cura, animseque suae. 
 
 * Vid. Hippocr. Juramentum. + Augustin. 
 
 1 This address is from Dnporti (Jac.) Muss Subsesiva, sen Poetica Stromata, 8vo. Canto//. 
 1076, p, 210. I believe this Mr. Duport was master of the college to which Edward Browne was 
 admitted. — See p. lxxv, note. And probably it might be the same who was rector of Brixton in 
 1645.— See Btomefield, i, 633. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 Scarcely a trace remains of the earlier events of Browne's 
 life ; nor are we possessed of any memorials whatever, from 
 his own pen, respecting those travels and various adventures 
 which preceded his residence at Norwich. An interesting 
 piece of autobiography must, therefore, have perished ; for 
 it is impossible to suppose, that he travelled without observing, 
 or that he observed without recording. And, although (as 
 Johnson has remarked) "he traversed no unknown seas or 
 Arabian deserts," Browne was not the man to have visited 
 even "France and Italy, or resided at Montpellier and Padua,'' 
 without having stored his note books with much that would 
 have amply repaid the perusal. Besides which, his family 
 connexions were sufficient to have provided him with intro- 
 ductions to foreigners of character and eminence, of which he 
 would eagerly have availed himself. To all these we should 
 have been introduced, and every thing worth remembering 
 in his intercourse with them, would have been preserved. It 
 has, indeed, been conjectured, that "he was an absent and 
 solitary man;" 1 but I can by no means adopt this opinion: 
 
 1 I refer to a series of papers in the Atlievceum, No. 03, 1820, entitled The Hu- 
 mourists, the first of which is devoted to Sir Thomas Browne ; from which I subjoin 
 the following passage :■ — " We have endeavoured to rescue Sir Thomas Browne 
 from the imputation of being merely a ' curious thinker,' while we have ever admit- 
 ted that the philosopher and the humourist are strangely blended in his character. 
 Of his domestic manners and relations little is known. But we may conjecture, 
 from various passages in his works, that the same melancholy enthusiasm and eternal 
 speculation which appear in them, tinged, also, with sad and solemn colours, his 
 daily habits. In all likelihood, he was an absent and solitary man, extracting the 
 
lvi 
 
 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 on the contrary, I am persuaded, that his social deportment 
 must have been distinguished by the kindliest courtesy ; and, 
 though "free from loquacity," he was too ardent in the pur- 
 suit of knowledge, not to have improved to the utmost every 
 opportunity of increasing his stores, by conversation with 
 those who were capable of enriching them. I am satisfied, 
 in short, that had his earlier journals been preserved, they 
 would have exhibited him to us as a traveller, in just as strik- 
 ing a point a view, as that in which "his diligence and curi- 
 osity," his originality of thought and fervour of feeling, and 
 the creative richness of his fancy, have placed him under 
 other characters. 
 
 Nor do we find either journals, or correspondence, (except 
 a very few letters on scientific or literary subjects,) to guide 
 us through the first twenty years of his residence at Norwich. 
 To account for this almost total absence of autobiographical 
 memoranda, I have sometimes felt inclined to suspect, that 
 Browne might have occasionally indulged himself in the ex- 
 pression of opinions relating to the political aspect of affairs in 
 his own country, which his subsequent position, especially 
 when the civil war actually broke out, led him to think it 
 most prudent to suppress. For though a royalist, he was 
 utterly averse to all that was arbitrary, especially in matters 
 of religion; and, therefore, might have seen much to disap- 
 prove in the measures of the court, as well as in the subse- 
 quent outrages of the popular party, which he was very likely, 
 both in his private memoranda and in his confidential corres- 
 pondence, to have denounced in terms which would have 
 rendered him obnoxious to both parties, if "the liberty of 
 those times had committed them to the press." But let this 
 
 food of serious contemplation from all objects indifferently, and busied in perpetual 
 abstractions. Ceremonious in observing times and seasons, as reverencing the inner 
 mysteries of custom. Attached to old manners, as apprehending hidden wisdom in 
 their properties, and as connecting him with remembrance and speculations on the 
 past; curious, probably, in casting the fashion of uncertain evil, and, therefore, lit- 
 tle inclined to innovation. He was at once .Sir Roger de Coverley, directing the 
 psalmody of the village church, and the melancholy humourist of Milton, — 
 
 ' Whose lamp at midnight hour 
 Is seen in some high lonely tower, 
 Where he may oft outwatch the bear 
 With thrice great Hermes, or unsphere 
 The spirit of Plato, to unfold 
 What worlds, or what vast regions hold 
 The immortal mind that hath forsook 
 Her mansion in this fleshly nook, &c.' " 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 1V11 
 
 pass as an idle speculation : it is just as useless to regret the 
 want of these materials, as it is to conjecture whether they 
 ever existed, or what has become of them. We have them 
 not; and must, therefore, proceed to do our best without 
 them. 
 
 It appears, that when Browne left the university, he took 
 up his first residence somewhere (but we are not informed 
 where) in Oxfordshire, and practiced physick probably for 
 about two years, from the end of 1629 or beginning of 1680. 
 He then commenced his travels, by visiting Ireland with his 
 father-in-law, Sir Thomas Dutton. Mr. Le Neve, in his 
 pedigree of the Browne family, has (erroneously) calledjthis 
 gentleman Sir Ralph Dutton. The epithet bestowed on him 
 by Mrs. Lyttleton- does not agree with the account with 
 which Dr. Birch has given 3 of a Sir Thomas Dutton, whom 
 he elsewhere affirms to be the individual here spoken of; 
 "the same Sir Thomas Dutton who killed Sir Hatton Cheke 
 in a duel." 4 In allusion to which, very possibly, it was, that 
 Browne composed the following lines, preserved in MS. Sloa?i. 
 1869:- 
 
 2 " A worthy person." — See her account of her father, in Preface to the Life. 
 
 3 In his Life of Prince Henry, 8vo. Lond. 17C0, p. 199, 200; where he gives a 
 letter from Sir Edward Cecil, commander of "the English forces employed in the 
 war about the succession to the deceased Duke of Cleves, written on the 29th of 
 July, 1610, from the camp before Juliers, to Prince Henry, relating to the progress 
 of the siege; in which letter is the following passage : — ' I am only unhappy in one 
 thing, that the mutinous and unworthy carriage of Sir Thomas Dutton, whom your 
 highness was pleased to favour beyond his merit, bath from time to time disturbed 
 the course of the service ; having even, at his first arrival here, braved me at the 
 head of the troops, daring to tell me, to my face, that it seemed his majesty had 
 given me a commission to abuse men, when there was nothing in question but the 
 doing of the duty of a captain, which he ought not to dispute amongst us, seeing it 
 was the first time that even he or his company came into the field amongst us: and 
 ever since, in all meetings, he hath disputed my commission and authority so far, 
 and with so much scorn, that, though hitherto, in respect to your highness, I have 
 contained myself; yet seeing that now again, in a public assembly, he hath con- 
 temptibly spoken of my commission, and, upon base advantage, hurt Sir Hatton 
 Cheke, his colonel, who took upon him the defence of it, I most humbly beseech 
 your highness will be rather pleased to allow of that which justice here shall allot 
 him ; presuming that your highness's princely judgment will find it expedient that I 
 be discharged of such a bad member, which, in the heat of his majesty's service, 
 dare contest with me, and be content, upon any terms, to murder his commander.'" 
 Dr. Birch adds, in a note, that Sir Hatton Cheke was, soon after the surrender of 
 Juliers, killed in a duel, on Calais sands, by Sir Thomas Dutton. The Biograpkia 
 Brittanica says, "that he enjoyed an honourable post in the government of Ire- 
 land: " what this post was he does not say, nor can I. 
 
 4 In a copy of Christian Morals, presented by Dr. Johnson to i!irch, is this me- 
 morandum, in the hand-writing of the latter. 
 
1V111 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 Diseases are the arms whereby 
 We naturally do fall and die. 
 What furie is't to take a death part, 
 And rather than by nature, die by art. 
 Men, for me, again shall chime 
 To Jared's or Mathuselah's time. 
 That thread of life the Fates do twine 
 Their gentle hands shall clip, not mine. 
 O let me never know the cruel 
 And heedless villany of duel ; 
 Or if I must that fate sustain, 
 Let me be Abel, and not Cain. 
 
 From the same biographer, I learn that Sir Thomas died 
 May 16th, 1634; so that Browne's mother was probably left 
 a widow the second time. 
 
 His continental travels in France, Italy, and Holland, im- 
 mediately followed his Irish tour, and the whole may be 
 supposed to have occupied about two years, terminating in his 
 return to England, after having obtained his degree of M. D. 
 in the university of Leyden, in 1633. He then settled as a 
 physician at Shipden Hall, near Halifax. None of his bio- 
 graphers, indeed, have mentioned this fact ; but I cannot see 
 the slightest reason for refusing the testimony of Bently, who 
 published the following account of him, during the life of his 
 son, Dr. Edward Browne. After enumerating Dr. Power 
 and other physicians who resided at Halifax, he proceeds 
 thus : — " And unto whom I cannot forbear adding the learned 
 Dr. Browne, (who, for his worth and fame, was thought 
 worthy of knighthood by his prince,) because, in his juvenile 
 years, he fixed himself in this populous and rich trading place, 
 wherein to shew his skill and gain respect in the world : and 
 that during his residence amongst us, and in his vacant hours, 
 he writ his admired piece, called by him Religio Medici." 5 
 This account is confirmed by the Rev. Thomas Wright; 
 who wrote for the express purpose of revising Bently's work 
 and correcting its errors, and, therefore, had he not believed 
 the account of Browne to be correct, he would have omitted 
 it: whereas he has adopted and amplified it; informing us 
 that " about the year 1630 he lived at Shipden Hall, nigh 
 Halifax ; at which time he composed that excellent piece, &c." 6 
 
 5 Halifax and its Gibbet-law placed in a true light, 12mo. Lond. 1708, p. 88, 89. 
 
 6 Wright's Antiquities of Hie Town of Halifax, fyc. 12mo. Leeds, 17SS, p. 152. 
 His date, however, is certainly too early by two or three years. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lix 
 
 Dr. Watson, 7 and, more recently, Dr. Whitaker, 8 have adopt- 
 ed the statement, which derives additional countenance from 
 the fact, that Dr. Henry Power and Mr. J. Brearcliffe, both 
 resident at Halifax, were among Browne's correspondents. 
 In such a spot, and especially at the commencement of 
 his professional career, he must have had considerable lei- 
 sure ; which it is very natural to suppose he would endeavour 
 to improve, by reviewing and preparing some memento of the 
 events of his past life. We may regard. Religio Medici as 
 the result of such retrospect ; for though not pretending to 
 the character of a narrative, it makes frequent allusion to in- 
 cidents and conversations which had occurred in the course of 
 his travels ; and exhibits to us the impressions made on him 
 by the imposing ceremonies of the Romish church, which he 
 had witnessed abroad. It was not, however, Browne's object 
 to draw up a narrative ; but to compose "a treatise upon the 
 spirit and form of his religious belief, and it may claim (as one 
 of his reviewers has well said 9 ) a high rank among the fairest 
 monuments of English mind." It has always appeared to me, 
 that it was Browne's great aim, in the conduct of his under- 
 standing, and in the regulation of his feelings, to assign just 
 limits to the respective jurisdictions of faith and reason ; as- 
 serting, on the one hand, his right to the free exercise of his 
 understanding on those subjects of which it is the legitimate 
 province of reason to judge ; but, on the other hand, submit- 
 ting both intellect and feeling wherever the decisions of reve- 
 lation have commanded the exercise of faith. This was his 
 rule ; and if he fell into false philosophy, it was less through 
 the fallacy of his reason than the erroneous or overstrained 
 application of his rule. For example, he too hastily deemed 
 the language of scripture opposed to the tenets of Coperni- 
 cus ; and, therefore, rejected instead of examining them. He 
 found witches and inchantments mentioned in the Bible, as 
 well as various forms of spiritual existence and agency ; all 
 these he therefore placed at once among the articles of his 
 faith, scarcely allowing his reason either to investigate the 
 meaning of terms, or even to inquire whether that which was 
 
 ~' Antiquities of Halifax, 4to. p. 459. 
 ? Loidis and Elmete, fol. p. 370. 9 Aiheneeum, IS* 1 9, No. 93. 
 
lx SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 permitted in those days might not, like miracles, long ago 
 have ceased to exist. To advocate the principle just stated, 
 and thus (as Browne quaintly says) endeavour to "compose 
 those feuds and angry dissentions between affection, faith, 
 passion," was his object in his first and most celebrated work . 
 in which we admire no less " the universal charity of his 
 spirit, the catholic humanity of his feelings, and his strong 
 assurance of hopeful faith," than that force of genius and 
 fervour of imagination, those glowing sentences, and noble 
 flights of fancy, with which it abounds. 
 
 It is not improbable, however, that the leisure, so favorable 
 to the accomplishment of this work, was more ample than 
 suited his professional aspirations ; and inclined him to seek 
 for a wider sphere of action. This was soon supplied by his 
 migration, after a residence of about three years, to Norwich ; 
 whither, as Anthony a Wood informeth his readers, he " was 
 induced in 1637 to remove, by the persuasions of Dr. Thomas 
 Lushington, 1 formerly his tutor, then rector of Burnham 
 Westgate, in Norfolk. Whitefoot does not mention Dr. 
 Lushington, but attributes his removal to the joint solicitations 
 of Sir Nicholas Bacon, of Gillingham, 2 Sir [or rather Dr.] 3 
 Justinian Lewyn, and Sir Charles Le Gros, of Crostwick. 4 
 Both these accounts, I have no doubt are correct; and the 
 
 1 Dr. Lushington, "a famous scholar of his time," bom in 15S9, at Sandwich, in 
 Kent; matriculated at Oxford, as a member of Broadgate's Hall in 1 606-7. Bp. 
 Corbet (then of Oxon.) first made him his chaplain, obtained for him a preben- 
 dal stall at Salisbury, and on his own translation to Norwich, bestowed upon him 
 the rectory of Burnham-Westgate, in Norfolk, and got him appointed one of 
 Charles the first's chaplains. During the Commonwealth, he lost his spiritualities, 
 and lived obscurely, publishing several books for his maintenance. At the Res- 
 toration, he had the offer of great dignities in the church, " but being then aged and 
 infirm, he chose rather to keep what he had with quietness, than be a dean with 
 riches." He accordingly ended his days in retirement, among his relations at 
 Sittingbourne, in Kent, on 22nd Dec. 1661 — aged 72 — and was buried in the 
 parish church there, and a comely monument was erected to his memory, exhibiting 
 his bust to the middle, in his doctor's gown. — Wood's Athena, by Bliss, iii, 526. 
 Browne, in a letter to Aubrey, says that Lushington was born at Canterbury; and 
 was chaplain to Prince Charles in his minority. He also enumerates other works 
 besides the Treatise on Logic.' — Seep. 467 of this vol. 
 
 2 He was then Mr. Bacon: — see note to the dedication of the Garden of Cyrus, 
 vol. iii, 381. 
 
 3 I find Justinian Lewyn, LL.D. mentioned as commissary in the archdeaconries 
 of Norfolk and Norwich in 1633 and 1660 ; but no Sir J. L. — See Blomfield, ii, 474. 
 
 4 This was the father of Thomas Le Gros, Esq. to whom Hydriotapkia was 
 dedicated. The grandfather, Sir Thomas, was knighted by James, in 1603. 
 See vol. iii, 451. The Biog. Brit, says, on what authority I know not, that the 
 grandson was afterwards knighted. The writer, probably, confounded the two. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxi 
 
 question immediately arises, why did these men take so lively 
 an interest in the affairs of Browne ? His acquaintance with 
 Dr. Lushington is explained by Wood ; it was a college con- 
 nection : — and I believe that of the others to have been the 
 same. They were all probably at college together, and I sus- 
 pect Dr. Lushington to have been tutor to more than one of 
 the party : Mr. Bacon held him in such high regard and ad- 
 miration, that he published a work of his on Logick in 1650, 
 when he was living in obscurity and subsisting on his pen, 
 having been deprived of his spiritualities. From the anxiety 
 thus evinced by both tutor and friends to place Browne within 
 their reach, we are entitled to infer that his university career 
 was distinguished by that attractive amenity of disposition, 
 which conduced not less than his rare intellectual qualifica- 
 tions to secure him the attachment and admiration of all who 
 knew him. 
 
 It was possibly in compliance with the suggestions of these 
 friends that Browne, in a few months after he settled at Nor- 
 wich, was incorporated Doctor of Physick at Oxford, July 
 10, 1637. 5 When settled at Norwich," says Whitefoot, "he 
 was much resorted to for his admirable skill in physick :" and 
 we may presume, that the zealous recommendations of his 
 powerful friends were not wanting to bring him into notice. 
 In short, the advantages of connexion with which he started 
 in this county were very considerable; and he was well calcu- 
 lated to improve them to the utmost. He very soon contracted 
 an alliance with a family of some antiquity and well connected 
 in the county, by marrying, in 1641, Dorothy, the fourth 
 daughter of Edward Mileham, Esq. of Burlingham St. Peter, 6 
 
 5 In the annals of the College of Physicians, the date of this incorporation is 
 July 13, 1635. But I find it thus entered by Wood, among those which occurred 
 in 1637. "July 10. Thomas Browne, lately M. of A. of Pemb. Coll. now 
 Doct. of Phys. of the University of Leyden, in Holland, was then incorporated 
 Doct. of that faculty." Attached to this entry is a note, by Bp. Kennet ; quoting 
 a passage from the preface to Master Blundevile his Theoriques of the Seven 
 Planets, 4to. 1602; — in which he expresses his obligations to his good friend, 
 M. Doctor Browne, (one of the ordinarie physicians to her Majestie) in Norwich." 
 Who this Dr. Browne was, I cannot say with certainty ; it might be Dr. Launcelot 
 Browne, physician to the Queen, who wrote a commendatory letter to Gerarde's 
 Herbal of 1597. In this letter he calls himself Launcelotus Brunivs, Medicus 
 Reginens. It is dated, not from Norwich, but ex Aula Reginea Westmonast. ipsis 
 Kal. Dec. 1597. 
 
 6 In the church of Burlingham St. Peter, I find the monuments of Robert, 
 the grandfather of this gentleman, who had six children, and of Gregory his 
 
iXil SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 and grand-daughter (as I suppose) of John Hobart, Esq. By 
 this marriage Dr. Browne's connexions were greatly extended, 
 his fathers family being numerous. I have not been able to 
 trace his collateral alliances, but he asserts a relationship to 
 several families of note in the county : — for example, those of 
 Hobart, Townsend, Astley,7 &c. and it is highly probable 
 that his marriage was the connecting link. 
 
 The unexpected publication of Religio Medici in the fol- 
 lowing year, his avowal of it, and his consequent correspond- 
 ence with Digby, contributed no little to his fame and suc- 
 cess. From that time he took that distinguished rank among 
 the literary men of his day, which he ever after maintained. 
 Respecting the occasion and circumstances of this his first 
 appearance before the public, I shall say nothing here, hav- 
 ing already spoken of it in my preface to the Religio Medici. 
 No sooner was the book printed, than the public commenced 
 operations upon it. Merry weather 8 placed it more fully be- 
 fore the continental critics, by his excellent version into Latin, 
 printed at Leyden in 1644, and immediately repi'inted at 
 Paris. In the following year came forth Ross's Medicus 
 Medicatus, of which Johnson drily remarks, thatitw r as "uni- 
 versally neglected by the world. 9 Editions with copious an- 
 
 father, who had but two, a son and daughter. In the registers of the parish, 
 which I had the opportunity of consulting, through the kindness of the present 
 minister, the Rev. Jer. Burroughes, I find no entry of the marriage of Dr. Browne : 
 but one marriage occurring in 1641, and none from that time till 1648. Mr. 
 Mileham, I find from these registers, married twice, and had eight children 
 bv the first wife, and five by the second. 
 
 "' Dean Astley married into the Hobart family. — Blomfield, ii, 451. 
 
 s This gentleman was of Magdalen College, Cambridge, and became B. D. 
 before 1652, in which year is dated " Some short Directions for a Student in the 
 University ;" a MS. in the Bodleian, by him. Johnson attributes to him the au- 
 thorship of " a small tieatise for the instruction of young persons in the attainment 
 of a Latin stile." Mr. Crossley pointed out to me some years ago the following 
 article in the catalogue of Mr. Ford, a Manchester bookseller, for 1811 : — " No. 
 11701: Directions for the Latin Tongue, by the Author of Religio Medici (Sir 
 Thomas Browne), very scarce, and not in his collected Works ; As. 6d. London, 
 1681." In all probability this was the work spoken of, written not by the author, 
 but by the translator of Rel. Med. 
 
 9 This remark stands in very pleasant contrast with the mention which Sir 
 Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, in his Jewel, hath made of this remarkable person- 
 age. " I must salute that most learned and worthy gentleman, and most en- 
 deared minion of the muses, Mr. Alexander Ross, who bath written manyer excel- 
 lent books in Latine and English, what in prose, what in verse, than he hath lived 
 yeers." After a formidable list of these books, he says, " Besides all these vol- 
 umes, books, and tractates, he composed above 300 exquisite sermons, which were 
 by the merciless fury of Vulcan destroyed all in one night, to the great grief of 
 many preachers, to whom they would have been every whit as useful as Sir 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. Ixiii 
 
 notations soon appeared, — by Moltke in Latin in 1652, and 
 Keck in English, two years later ; and these were followed at 
 short intervals by translations into several of the modern lan- 
 guages of Europe. No less various were the opinions ex- 
 pressed. By one of the translators Browne was announced 
 in the preface as a Catholic ; by another, as a Protestant : 
 while the Holy See settled the question by consigning him to 
 the Index Expurgatorius. From Samuel Duncon, a mem- 
 ber of the Society of Friends, resident at Norwich, he re- 
 ceived a most obliging communication, in which the writer 
 seems to have been led, by some passages in Rel. Med., to 
 entertain hopes of winning Browne over to his own opinions. 
 It would, indeed, seem singular, that in the narrow compass of 
 this little volume, Browne should have so expressed himself 
 as to be claimed for a brother by such antipodes to each other 
 as Roman Catholics and Quakers : — did we not consider, that 
 in some of their vital charactericks, these extremes in practice 
 may be said to have almost met in point of principle. It is 
 not difficult to find passages in which the author has indulged 
 himself in expressions so imaginative, if not hyperbolical, as to 
 lead easily to conclusions the very reverse of his real senti- 
 ments. Dr. Jortin l has happily selected an instance in this 
 remarkable passage : — " Methinks there be not impossibilities 
 enough in religion for an active faith. I can answer all the 
 objections of Satan and my rebellious reason, with that odd 
 resolution I learned of Tertullian, Certum est, quia impossi- 
 ble est. I am thankful that I lived not in the clays of mira- 
 cles, &c."2 To this Abp. Tillotson had alluded when he 
 said, 3 "I know not what some men may find in themselves; 
 but I must freely acknowledge, that I could never yet attain 
 to that bold and hardy degree of faith, as to believe any thing 
 
 Edward Coke's reports are to the lawyers." Sir Thomas proceeds to deplore the 
 loss of other precious MSS. the work of him " who for his piety, theological endow- 
 ments, philosophy, eloquence, and poesie, is so eminently qualified, that (according 
 to the metempsychosis of Pythagoras) one would think that the souls of Socrates, 
 Chrysostorne, Aristotle, Ciceron, and Virgil, have been transformed into the sub- 
 stantial faculties of that entelechy, wherewith, by such a conflated transanimation, 
 he is informed and sublimely inspired." Tracts, by Sir T. U. 12mo. 1782, p. 108- 
 110. Alas for the person of poor Master Ross, which must, on this theory, have 
 been rather thickly peopled with souls ! 
 
 1 In his Remarks on Tillotson. — Tracts, v. i, p. 373. 
 
 2 Rel. Med. p. 13. s Sermon 140th, vol. iii. 
 
Ixiv SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 for this reason — because it was impossible. So that I am very 
 far from being of his mind, that wanted not only more difficul- 
 ties, but even impossibilities, in the Christian religion, to 
 exercise his faith upon." " But by impossibilities,''' replies 
 Jortin, " Sir Thomas Browne, as well as Tertullian, meant 
 seeming, not real, impossibilities : and what he says should be 
 looked upon as a verbum ardens, a rhetorical flourish, and a 
 trial of skill with Tertullian ; in which, however, he had little 
 chance to come off superior. Both of them were lively and 
 ingenious ; but the African had a warmer complexion than 
 the Briton. Tillotson, however, judging that the Papists 
 would make an ill use of this, and such passages as this, in 
 Protestant writers, was willing to pass a gentle animadversion 
 upon it. Sir Kenelm Digby, a Roman Catholic, who criti- 
 cises several things in the lleligio Medici, yet gives his loud 
 approbation to these pious sallies. ' I am extremely pleased 
 with him, when he saith, there are not impossibilities enough 
 in religion for an active faith, &c.' Extremely pleased, with- 
 out question; and full of hopes, that this young author might 
 at last unreason himself into implicit belief, and go over to the 
 church which would feed his hungry faith with a sufficient 
 quantity of impossibilities! — Tendimus in Latium!" In the 
 Biographia Brit, there is a short critique on the work from a 
 MS. entitled A Century of Short Characters of Books and 
 Authors ; but it does not seem to me to deserve insertion. 
 
 In the mean time, so industriously was Browne employed 
 in completing and arranging his materials, (the accumulation, 
 no doubt, of many years,) that in 1646 he published the first 
 edition of his great work, Pseudodoxia Epidemica ; which 
 speedily attracted the notice of those who had attacked his 
 former book. Ross again took the field in his Arcana Mi- 
 crocosmi, <yc. 4 and with him a new adversary, Robinson, who 
 published a pedantic book with a suitable title: — Endoxa, 
 or a Calm Ventilation, eye. 4 Against these the following re- 
 mark seems to have been levelled by Richard Whitlock,^ who 
 enumerates, " among writers, first some that write to eat ; — 
 inke must earn ale, and three-penny ordinarys ; write they 
 
 4 See vol. ii, 1G9, Preface to Ps. Ep. 
 5 In his Zoolomia, or Observations on the Present Manners of the English, 12mo. 
 Lond. 1651. p. 232. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. Ixv 
 
 must, against things or men, sparing neither Bacons, Har- 
 veys, Digbys, Brownes, or any the like — of Improvement 
 College, &c." It is to be supposed, too, that a number of 
 private communications were made to our author on his two 
 books, the far greater part of which were complimentary ; 
 and few have reached us. Some I have omitted, especially 
 five Latin letters from Isaac Gruter, (who translated some 
 of Lord Bacon's works, 6 ) respecting a projected (but never 
 accomplished) Latin translation of Pseudodoxia. 
 
 But it was on the continent that our author received the 
 greatest share of attention : and truly it must be confessed, 
 that he presented a front of some breadth to their attacks ; 
 standing before them as he did, not only in the character of 
 a theologian, but as a philosopher of almost every class. So 
 early as 1645 did the foreign critics notice Religio Medici. I 
 have (in vol. ii, p. 15,) printed Guy Patin's epistolary animad- 
 versions on it, 7 which, however, Niceron 8 thus condemns as too 
 harsh. " Patin en a juge trop malignement a son ordinaire. 
 Les Joumalistes de Leipsic 9 en parlent d'une maniere plus 
 juste, lorsquils disent que cest un lime rempli d'excellens 
 preceptes, parmi lesquels sont melts plusieurs paradoxes." 
 Bayle also cites this slashing criticism of Guy Patin's, in re- 
 viewing his Lettres Choisies, with a similar observation, that 
 he was accustomed to speak very unceremoniously, both of 
 books and men, and that he seemed not aware that the author 
 of the book was an English physician. 10 Kippis, after advert- 
 ing to the same censure, goes on thus : l — " Yet this stroke of 
 French censure is but gentle, in comparison to the correction 
 given our author and his writings, by German pens. One 
 Tobias Wagner is pleased to say, that the seeds of atheistical 
 impiety are so scattered through this book, that it can hardly 
 be read without danger of infection. 2 The same writer, in 
 
 c See his letters on the subject to Dr. Rawley, in Dr. Tenison's Baconiana, 
 8vo. 1679. 
 
 7 Dated Paris, April 7, 1645. See Patin, Lettres Choisies, 12mo. Frankfort, 
 1681, p. 12. 
 
 3 Niceron, Nouvelles de la Republique de Lettres, Avril, 1684. 
 
 9 Acta Eruditorum, Sup. vol. i, Leips. 1692. 
 
 10 Bayle, (Euvres Diverses, 3 vols. fol. vol. i, p. 25. 
 1 Biogr. Brit. p. 629, note G. 
 
 - Wagner, Examen Ehnchticus Atheismi Speculative, Ato, Tubing. 1677, c. v. p. 11. 
 
 VOL, I. e 
 
Ixvi SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 reference to a passage in Rel. Med. commencing " I confess 
 there are in scripture, &c." 3 asks, " Quis hujus Medici, ita de 
 >$. S. judicantis, religionem cum religione Galeni, qui nullum 
 religion-em curavit, eandem esse, — non suspicareiur ? " 4 He 
 had not the candour to couple, with that passage, the ortho- 
 dox and most satisfactory reflection, uttered in the very same 
 breath : — "Yet is all this of an easy possibility, if we conceive 
 a divine concourse (concurrence), or an influence but from the 
 little finger of the Almighty." Kippis proceeds thus : — " Two 
 other learned men of the same nation, Muller 5 and Reiser, 6 
 agree with Wagner in passing sentence on our author as an 
 Atheist. The very learned John Francis Buddeus 7 is a little 
 more moderate ; for though he puts Sir Thomas Browne's 
 name in the list of English Atheists, in conjunction with Lord 
 Herbert of Cherbury, Thomas Hobbes, and John Toland, 
 yet he is pleased to add, that as for Thomas Browne, though 
 he is not free from the suspicion of absolute indifference in 
 religion, yet from the charge of Atheism he ought certainly 
 to be acquitted. Yet the no less learned John Frederick 
 Reimmannus, who also wrote very largely on Atheism, and 
 of such as have been justly or unjustly suspected thereof, 
 has taken great pains to wipe off, not only the latter, but the 
 former aspersion from our author, and has very fairly shewn 
 the true state of the case ; that the Religio Medici has been 
 condemned by some without reading it carefully, and by 
 others for want of understanding what they did read." 8 He 
 thus mentions Browne: — " Thomas Browne, Med. Doct. et 
 Poliater Norvicensis, vir exquisites doctrines, a quibusdam in 
 suspicionem atheismi adductus est ob libellum mole exiguum, 
 acumine vastum, qui Religio Medici inscriptus, <yc." The 
 same writer in another work 9 says, " Hie auctor non omnis- 
 prorsus expers est macidce et anomalies ; sed eidem non ita 
 
 3 Vol. ii, p. 29, 30. 4 Wagner, Exam. $c. p. 15. 
 
 5 Muller, Examen Atlteismi, c. vi, § 34. 
 
 c Reiser, Dissertalio de Atheismo, p. 35. To Muller I have not been able to re- 
 fer. Kippis's reference to Reiser is erroneous. The passage he quotes is at p. SSG. 
 But from a passage at p. 349, I presume a still more extended notice of our author 
 will be found in Reiser's Vindicice Anti-Thomisticce — which I have not seen. 
 
 7 Buddeus, Theses Theologicce de Atheismo et Superstitionc, p. 136. 
 
 8 Reimman. Hist. Univers. Atlteismi, p. 448. 
 
 9 Reimman. Bibliotheca Theologicce Catalogus, 2 torn. 12mo, Hildesice, 1731, 
 p. 1052. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. Jxvii 
 
 immersus tamen, ut Patronus Syncretismi universalis did 
 mereatur, (quo nomine in indice knjus editionis appellatus 
 est) vel in Atheorum familiam conjici, quod fecit J. Micrce- 
 lius, in H. E. L. iii, s. ii, p. 864, vel ceternis tenebris, una cum 
 ipso libello, obduci, qua Adami Reichenbergii x mens est. 
 Mult a spargit in hoc libello paradoxa, non diffitemur ; sed 
 multa etiam habet sana, sobria, prceclara, et non cotiidiani 
 commatis, quae lectori pensare poterunt, quam eidem perlus- 
 trando impendit operam" Morhof remarks thus : 2 — " Sunt 
 et, qui AtJieismi crimine infamare volunt autorem Religionis 
 
 Medici, cm nomen Thomas Browne." " Quod ejus 
 
 sententiam et dogmata attinet, quanquam liberius forte judi- 
 cet de nonnullis religionis articulis, pro atheo tamen habere 
 nolim, quod mihi videor ex ejus multis sententiis, quae serio 
 prolatce sunt, deprehendere." Another eminent foreigner, the 
 celebrated Herman Conringius, 3 professed himself always a 
 great admirer of our author, and was wont to say he had read 
 his Religio Medici with fresh delight ; and in respect to that 
 imputation of Atheism, or indifferency in point of religion, 
 which had been circulated with such industry by certain su- 
 percilious critics, he delivered his sentiments of it in these 
 words : — •" Utinam nemo Medicorum, imo Theologorum, illo 
 homine sit minus religiosus." The learned and judicious 
 Frederick Heister, son of the celebrated Laurentius Heister, 
 whose System of Surgery has made him known to all the 
 learned world, thought himself obliged, on Buddeus's pub- 
 lishing a large work against Atheism and Superstition, to vin- 
 dicate the physicians in general, and our author in particular, 
 from the injurious aspersions cast upon him in that book. His 
 defence of Dr. Browne takes up the whole 19th section, in 
 which, from a great variety of passages in our author's works, 
 he demonstrates the cruelty of this calumny, as well as its 
 notorious falsehood. 4 An excellent defence of the professors 
 
 1 In Euremati Hobbesiano, c. iii, § 7, p. 209. This Adam Reichenberg publish- 
 ed a small 4to. tract of 32 pages, entitled De Gemmis Errores Vulgaris, helps. 1687. 
 
 2 Morhof, Polyhistor, cura ./. A. Fabricii, 3 torn. 4to. Lubeca, 1747, torn, iii, 
 lib. v, § 10. 3 Conringlana, p. 10. 
 
 4 Elice Frederici Heist eri, Laurentu filii, Apologia pro Medicis ; qua eorum depel- 
 litur cavillatio, qui Medicinam in Aiheismum aliosque in Theologia errores abducere 
 perhibent, et qua simul prcecipui Medici et nominatim Hippocrates, Galenas, Carda- 
 nus, Taurellus, Vannius, et Brownius, qui Atheismi crimine commacidati sunt, defend- 
 untur. Amstel. 1736, 8vo. 
 
lxviii SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 of medicine against the charge of impiety was written, towards 
 the close of the 17th century, by Charles Drelincourt, Pro- 
 fessor of Anatomy in the University of Leyden, under the 
 title of Oratio Doctoralis, qua Medicos Dei, operum conside- 
 ration? atque contemplatione permotos, cceteris hominibus re- 
 ligione astrictiores esse, demonstratur : atque adeo impietatis 
 crimen in ipsos jactatum diluitur." 5 With equal reprobation 
 Dr. Aikin speaks of these critics : — " The German divines 
 treated [the Religio Medici] with severe censure ; and more 
 theologico represented the author as an infidel, and even an 
 Atheist, though almost every page displays the fervour of his 
 piety, and the docility of his belief." 
 
 Respecting Pseudodoxia, " k the judicious Morhof speaks 
 with all possible marks of approbation and esteem : — ' No 
 modern author, says he, has treated this subject more accu- 
 rately or copiously. In his first book he learnedly inquires 
 into the general causes of error ; and in his succeeding books 
 he not only discourses of the mistakes which are crept into 
 natural philosophy, but such also as have corrupted history, 
 theology, mechanic arts and physick.' Reimman says, 6 'As 
 he excelled in theoretical and practical divinity, so he shone 
 no less in philosophy, wherein he emulated Hercules ; and 
 undertaking by his Pseud. Ep. to clear the sciences from 
 error, he fell nothing short of the other's labour, in cleansing 
 the Augean stable.' " Niceron remarks, that " it is an excel- 
 lent work and contains abundance of curious things." The 
 inuendo of Lilienthal, mentioned by Kippis, is almost beneath 
 notice. "In his Dissertation on Literary Machiavelism" 7 
 under the head Novitatis pruritus, declaiming against those 
 who were disposed to underrate antiquity, " tantoque quemque 
 sententiam magis suspectam esse, quanta sit antiquior et pcr- 
 vulgatior, crepantes" he adds in a note, " Ita quondam ex- 
 istimavit Th. Browne in Pseudodoxia Epidemica, lib. i, c. 6, 
 p. 28 : " in the index he has thus nicknamed him : — "Browne 
 
 5 Note in Drake's Evenings in Autumn, vol. ii, p. 73. My kind friend, E. H. 
 Barker, Esq. has just sent me the following notice, in Songs and other Poems, brj 
 Alexander Brome, Gent., 8vo. London 16C8, p. 1S2: — 
 
 " Thou next •n-ouldst hare me turn Divine, 
 
 And Doctor too ; — indeed 'tis fine! 
 
 Physick and preaching ill agree ; — 
 
 There is but one Religio HJedici." 
 
 6 Hist. Univ. Atheismi, p. 448. 7 § v. p. 39. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxix 
 
 Thorn, novattiriens." I have preserved this reference, be- 
 cause a former biographer has taken the pains to supply it ; 
 but may safely leave it to its own refutation. 
 
 Amidst the attacks of his enemies, and commendations of 
 his admirers, the reputation of Browne became so established 
 and extended, that he was applied to on all hands for profes- 
 sional, literary, and scientific advice and assistance, and as he 
 thoroughly enjoyed to oblige and assist others, his leisure, it 
 may be readily imagined, became very soon too fully occupied 
 to leave him much opportunity for further authorship. 
 
 Among the earliest of these correspondents was Dr. Henry 
 Power, who afterwards attained considerable eminence as a 
 physician at Halifax. I apprehend that the long letter of 
 professional recommendation, 8 inserted from Biogr. Britan. 
 and which is there said to have been first published by Dr. 
 Massey, was addressed to Dr. Power. He seems for many 
 years to have kept up his intercourse with Browne, who pro- 
 bably communicated much curious information; though, un- 
 fortunately, we are not enabled to refer to his letters for proof. 
 Some MSS. of Power's remain in the British Museum, and 
 he is known by several works, especially by one on experi- 
 mental philosophy. 
 
 It was probably in 1650, or soon after, that Browne was 
 enabled to open a communication with Iceland, through the 
 medium of a party to whom he had rendered valuable profes- 
 sional assistance. He addressed some inquiries to Theodore 
 Jonas, minister of Hitterdale, in Iceland, respecting the natu- 
 ral history and geography. &c. of that island, and the dis- 
 eases to which its inhabitants were liable. Several very 
 agreeable letters were sent in reply by his reverend friend, 
 who has therein placed himself in a most amiable point of 
 view. From these materials Browne drew up, for the Royal 
 Society, a few years after, a sketch of that singular and then 
 almost unknown spot ; which paper was printed in the Post- 
 humous Works, and is reprinted at page 254, vol. iv. 9 
 
 8 See page 356. 
 9 In running my eye over it, I find a choice specimen of the havock which a sin- 
 gle letter too much will sometimes make in the common sense of a passage. Browne, 
 in describing a horse "of mean stature," — an Iceland poney we may call him — 
 brought over to Yarmouth, informs us that it "could not for many months be 
 brought to feed upon oaths ! " — Gentle reader, be pleased to read oats ! 
 
1XX SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 Another of Browne's correspondents, and one of his per- 
 sonal friends in the county, was Sir Hamon L'Estrange, of 
 Hunstanton, a man of real love for natural history, and most 
 zealous in its pursuit. From him Browne received, in Jan. 
 1653, a letter, enclosing a most substantial proof of the estima- 
 tion in which his works were held — a MS. of eighty-five pages 
 of Observations on the Pseudodoxia : some of them highly in- 
 teresting. This MS. is preserved in No. 1830 of the 3IS. 
 Sloan. I have given some extracts. 1 About the same time 
 he appears to have rendered some assistance to a botanist of 
 considerable note, (or as Wood calls him,) a noted herbalist of 
 his day — Mr. William How, commonly called Dr. How ; who, 
 after having served as a captain in King Charles the First's 
 cavalry, took up his residence in London, first in Lawrence 
 Lane, then in Milk Street, as a physician, though he does 
 not seem to have qualified by taking a degree. How was 
 distinguished among the earlier English botanists for his love 
 of the science, and for his published contributions to it. 
 Some local catalogues, enumerating the plants of certain dis- 
 tricts in England, had already been published by Dr. John- 
 son, the learned editor of Gerard's Herbal; but How was the 
 first who brought out a general list of the plants of Great 
 Britain, as distinguished from those of foreign countries : 
 under the title of Phytologia Britannica, natales exhibens 
 indigenarum stirpium sponte emergentlum, 12mo. London, 
 1650. In 1655 he edited a portion, which had fallen into his 
 hands, of Lobel's MSS. for his projected large work, entitled, 
 " Illustratlones Plantarum:" of which Parkinson had used 
 another portion in his Theatrum Botanicum. From a letter, 
 which he addressed to Dr. Browne in that year, 2 it would 
 appear, that he contemplated, and had made considerable 
 preparation for, another botanical work ; but his death, which 
 took place a year afterwards, prevented its completion. The 
 said letter must be admitted abundantly to justify the charac- 
 ter given of this writer by Dr. Richard Pulteney : 3 it is, in- 
 deed, written " in a flowery and bombast stile," and in terms 
 
 1 See Preface to Pseud. Ep. 2 See Correspondence, p. 394. 
 
 3 In his Sketches of the Progress of Botany in England, 2 vols. 8vo. London, 
 1790, vol. i, p. 173. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. Ixxi 
 
 so affectedly figurative, that it seems not at all clear, whether 
 he is speaking of a botanical work which he was writing, or 
 of a botanical garden which he was engaged in superintending. 
 Perhaps it was a catalogue raisonnS either of his own garden 
 or of some other in which he was concerned. 
 
 Browne's learning and science, however, soon added to his 
 acquaintance two of the most distinguished men of his day — 
 Evelyn and Sir Wm. Dugdale. In 1657 5 through the inter- 
 vention of Mr. (afterwards, Sir) Robert Paston, created Earl 
 of Yarmouth in 1678, a correspondence commenced between 
 Browne and Evelyn. The latter being much interested with 
 his favourite pursuit of gardening, and just then busily occu- 
 pied in preparing for the press a work to be entitled Elysium 
 Brittanicum, sought the assistance of our author, as a man 
 well known for his extensive acquaintance with natural his- 
 tory ; and we have sufficient evidence that Browne's contri- 
 butions were considerable: — Tract 2, Of Garlands, <8fc. 4 and 
 probably the Observations on Grafting 5 were written for the 
 use of Evelyn. It is, however, very much to be regretted, 
 that so little of their correspondence has descended to us; for 
 we must suppose that it was kept up for many years- Eve- 
 lyn's Silva contains an extract from a communication received 
 in 1664, which I shall insert here, though somewhat out of 
 the order of date. 
 
 "But whilst I am on this perod, see what a Tilia that most 
 learned and obliging person Sir Thomas Browne, of Norwich, 
 describes to me in a letter just now received. 
 
 "An extraordinary large and stately Tilia, Linden, or 
 Lime-tree, there groweth at Depeham, in Norfolk, ten miles 
 from Norwich, whose measure is this : — The compass, in the 
 least part of the trunk or body, about two yards from the 
 ground, is at least eight yards and a half; about the root, 
 near the earth, sixteen yards; about half a yard above that, 
 near twelve yards in circuit; the height, to the uppermost 
 boughs, about thirty yards. This surmounts the famous 
 Tilia of Zurich, in Switzerland ; and uncertain it is, whether 
 in any Tilicetum, or Lime-walk, abroad, it be considerably 
 exceeded : yet was the first motive I had to view it, not so 
 
 4 Vol. iv, p. 174. s Vol. iv, p. 365. 
 
Ixxii SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 much the largeness of the tree, as the general opinion that no 
 man could ever name it ; but I found it to be a Tilia fcemina ; 
 and (if the distinction of Bauhinus be admitted, from the 
 greater and lesser leaf) a Tilia platyphyllos or latifolia; 
 some leaves being three inches broad ; but, to distinguish it 
 from others in the country, I called it Tilia colosscea Depe- 
 hamensis" 6 
 
 I think it very probable, that Browne derived from his distin- 
 guished correspondent some hints which availed him in his 
 Garden of Cyrus, which he published in the year 1658, with 
 Hydriotaphia. In this latter work he announced his disco- 
 very of the singular substance, called by the French chemists 
 adipocire, and which M. Du Petit Thouars, the writer of the 
 article Browne, in the Biographie Universelle, thus mentions : 
 — " On y trouve, entre autres, la premiere observation sur la 
 substance singuliere provenant de la decomposition des cada- 
 vres, retrouvee depuis, par Fourcroy, dans le cimetiere des 
 Innocents, a Paris, et connue maintenant sous le nom d'adipo- 
 cire." — See vol. vi, 62. 
 
 Towards the close of the same year, 1658, Sir William 
 Dugdale applied to Dr. Browne for critical as well as histori- 
 cal and scientific contributions to his work, On Embanking 
 and Draining, then in progress. And several of their letters 
 are preserved. Sir William has acknowledged his obliga- 
 tions to his learned and zealous friend, in the following pas- 
 sage, at p. 175 of his work : — " Touching which kind of urne 
 buriall see further in that excellent discourse of the learned 
 Dr. Thomas Browne, of Norwich, (printed at London in An. 
 1658,) from whom I acknowledge to have received much 
 direction for my better guidance in this present work." And 
 to show that this was not a mere compliment, it will be suffi- 
 cient to compare Browne's critical remarks, 7 in reply to Sir 
 
 c Hunter's Evelyn, vol. ii, p. 196. This celebrated Linden-tree stood upon the 
 property of Mr. Amias ; it was cut down nearly a century ago. — Excursions through 
 Norfolk, vol. ii, p. 111. But the village of Deepham is still distinguished for a sin- 
 gle tree. There is a very lofty elm, said to be of great age, growing alone on the 
 top of a hill, about half a mile from the church. Having been always shorn of its 
 boughs, except at the head, it looks like a reversed broom-stick of colossal dimen- 
 sions, forming a most conspicuous object for many miles around ; and is sometimes 
 called Deepham High Tree. The Hiil has obtained the name of Deepham One- 
 tree Hill. 
 
 ' Correspondence, p. 383-4. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. Ixxiii 
 
 William Dugclale's inquiries respecting the meaning of the 
 term paludibus emuniendis, used by Tacitus in speaking of the 
 labour to which the Britons were compelled by their Roman 
 conquerors, with Dugdale's remarks thereon, at p. 17 of his 
 work. Again, 8 Browne, at his friend's request, sends him a 
 direction where to find a quotation from Lelandus, which had 
 been given by himself in the Tract he had sent Dugdale on 
 Tumuli; and this quotation, together with that of Wormius 
 from Adolphus Cyprus, we find in Dugdale, p. 174. For want 
 of several important letters from Browne to Dugdale, (which it 
 seems very singular should never yet have made their appear- 
 ance, if they still exist,) we cannot so distinctly trace his hand 
 further in this valuable work ; but it appears 9 that the chap- 
 ter on Holstein, p. 15, was Browne's; and the same letter of 
 thanks would afford ground for suspecting that the History of 
 Foreign Imbanking and Drayning (pp. 7 to 14) is largely in- 
 debted to him. Very probably, indeed, Browne complied 
 with Sir William's desire, (p. 392,) that he would see the en- 
 tire MS. before it went to press. I referred to MS. Harl. 
 5011 — the original manuscript of the work — in the hope of 
 gaining further information; but I only met with a fragment, 
 in Browne's hand writing, which is at foot. 1 
 
 But it is time to take up the thread of his domestic history. 
 As years passed on, there arose other claims, which not even 
 his professional avocations, added to the pursuits of literature, 
 the wide and increasing range of his acquaintance, and the 
 conduct of a correspondence whose limits were daily extend- 
 ing, could enable him to evade or resist. His family was 
 large, and rapidly coming into life ; and they must have more 
 and more engrossed his thoughts and his care. We have, it 
 must be lamented, but scanty means of judging what was his 
 system of management and education ; though it is probable, 
 that if he erred, it was not in the exercise of too great aus- 
 
 8 Correspondence, p. 387. 9 Correspondence, p. 3S9. 
 
 1 " The reason given by the inhabitants of Malabar and their neighbours how 
 Malabar became a gayned land : — ' Uno ore affirmatur, Malabarrorum regionem., 
 etiamnum humilem et palustrem, crebrisque interruplam insulis, olim totam marifuisse 
 contectam. Defluente vero continuo materia e montibus Delhi, totam se extulisse 
 supra undas ; et denudasse tractum trecentorum fere pass, millium, excusso huge 
 atque abactu oceano. , — Isaacus Vossius in Pomponium Melam de situ orbis, p. 277. 
 Malabar you shall find a remarkable country in the East Indies." 
 
IXXIV SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 terity. His ambition was, their accomplishment ; and there is 
 sufficient evidence that he spared neither expense, nor trou- 
 ble, neither admonition, example, nor encouragement, to attain 
 it. One remarkable feature in his plan is, however, very evi- 
 dent, that he did not keep them at home ; but endeavoured 
 to form them to habits of independence, and to give them, in 
 a wide sense, a knowledge of the world, by sending them 
 abroad. Some of his daughters visited France, though, in all 
 probability, they were accompanied by himself. We have a 
 single and imperfect allusion to a visit which he paid to Hol- 
 land, on which occasion, I suspect that one or more of his 
 daughters accompanied him, going probably or returning 
 through France. 2 But he certainly must be considered to 
 have put his system in practice at rather an early age, and in 
 a most perilous manner, when he sent his second son. Thomas, 
 to France in 1660, at the age of fourteen, and sent him thither 
 alone. We are not told that he had any particular plan of 
 education in view for the boy in so doing, nor have we the 
 intimation of any special motive which led to it. He exhort- 
 ed him, in his letters, to learn all he could, to take notice of 
 every thing remarkable, " to cast off pudor rusticus," to put 
 on a " commendable boldness," and to " have a good hand- 
 some garb of his body." It is, moreover, to ba especially 
 observed, how earnestly he enjoins him to "hold firm to the 
 Protestant religion, and be diligent in going to church : " 
 " be constant," he adds, " not negligent in your daily private 
 prayers, and habituate your heart in your tender days unto 
 the fear and reverence of God." Excellent as is the advice, 
 it must be apprehended that he did not place his boy in cir- 
 cumstances the most favourable to its adoption, when he sent 
 him, so young, and unattended, amidst such scenes as he 
 would be sure to meet with. Probably he contemplated, if 
 he had not resolved on, the profession into which his son 
 afterwards entered, and deemed it essential to his excelling 
 therein, that he should early learn to " shift for himself." If 
 so, the event justified the plan, for it seems that his boy did 
 not fail to acquire that laudable boldness and freedom of car- 
 riage which his father was anxious to see in him, and which 
 
 ■ Vol. ii, p. sii. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. IxXV 
 
 he told him, " he that learneth not in France travelleth in 
 vain." He was a spirited and talented young man, and would, 
 in all probability, have risen to eminence in the navy, had he 
 lived. He was remarkable, withal, for kindness and frank- 
 ness of disposition. His " Tour in Derbyshire" z (for there is 
 internal evidence that he wrote that journal,) sufficiently shews 
 that he had acquired some taste for adventure, and was ready 
 enough to play his part. The greater part of the following 
 year he passed at college, and at the close of 1664, entered 
 the navy. A brief sketch of his subsequent career, till about 
 the middle of 1667, will be found at pp. 114 to 152, to which 
 I have not been able to make any addition. 4 
 
 With his eldest son, whom he destined for his own profes- 
 sion, Browne somewhat modified his plan, though it was sub- 
 stantially similar. He sent him abroad, but not at so early an 
 age ; choosing, probably, to keep his education in his own 
 hands, or, at least, within reach of his own controul. With 
 this view, after passing through the Free School at Norwich, 
 Edward was sent to Cambridge, where he entered at Trinity 
 College, Oct. 27, 1657, and took the degree of bachelor in 
 physic in the middle of 1663. 5 In the autumn of 1663 he 
 
 3 With his brother Edward, towards the close of the year 1662. — See p. 22. 
 
 4 Unless, indeed, I may offer a conjecture as to the date of his death. It can 
 only be conjecture, resting on a pedigree of the family by Le Neve ; who asserts his 
 burial to have taken place at St. James's, Clerkenwell, " on Wednesday, Sept. 1 ;" 
 but leaving the year blank. Now September 1st fell on a Wednesday in 1624 and 
 1669 — but not in any intermediate year. The register of the parish in question 
 affords no help. If he died in 1669, it is most unaccountable that we have no men- 
 tion of him after the summer of 1667. I am strongly tempted to suggest, as a 
 various reading of Le Neve's MS. either the 4th or I lth September, both which 
 days fell on a Wednesday in 1667, the year in which I have always supposed 
 Lieut. Browne to have died. 
 
 5 The convenience of its greater nearness to Norwich is supposed by the writer 
 of the article in Biogr. Brit, to have been Browne's motive for sending his son to 
 Cambridge. But that writer has placed his degree M. B. two years later than the 
 fact; and in several other points has committed errors in his life. To the admis- 
 sion and degree of M. B. I am enabled to assign correct dates, by the kindness of 
 Professor Sedgwick, who has given the following copy of Browne's admission : — 
 1657, Oct. 27. Edwardus Brown admiss. Pension, sub Mro. Daport. The Master of 
 Trinity College, in his note to the Professor, has added the following interesting in- 
 formation : — "I consulted the register, to see if he had ever been elected scholar; 
 but, unfortunately, during the troubles, that book was kept very irregularly," (or 
 rather very regularly unlcept ? ) "and there are no admissions of scholars recorded 
 from 1643 to 1661." " We have, in my dining room, (in the lodge,) a drawing in 
 crayons of the Poet Cowley, which was given in the year 1824, by Mr. Richard 
 Clark, Chamberlain of the city of London. When he put it in my hands he told 
 me it had belonged to Sir Thomas Browne, and Mr. C. brought it from Norwich." 
 During the unlcept period, however, may we not conjecture that he took his degree 
 of A. B. ? See his mother's letter, p. 6. 
 
lxxvi SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 returned to Norwich, and probably commenced his profes- 
 sional studies with his father, who seems to have infused into 
 him some portion of his own spirit, if we may judge from the 
 diligence with which Edward devoted himself to the study of 
 his profession, and to the collateral pursuits of comparative 
 anatomy and natural history. He spent the winter of 1663-4 
 in Norwich ; and his journal, describing the amusements of 
 the city at that period, is interesting. 6 Mr. Henry Howard, 
 afterwards sixth Duke of Norfolk, (grandson of the celebrated 
 Thomas, Earl of Arundel, who made those splendid collec- 
 tions which have immortalized him,) then resided there; and 
 his munificence and m'banity are evinced by the frequency of 
 the parties given at the Duke's Palace, as well as by the free- 
 dom of access which young Browne obtained to them. But 
 the public spirit of Mr. Howard vied with the splendour 
 of his entertainments. He purchased, and devoted to the 
 amusement of the public, the gardens in King Street, which 
 were long afterwards (and, as I am assured by Dr. Sutton, 
 of Norwich, even within his recollection,) designated " My 
 Lord's Gardens." 
 
 In the spring of 1664, Mr. Edward Browne commenced 
 his foreign travels, first spending a short time among his re- 
 lations and friends in London. And here he seems to have 
 formed his first acquaintance with the family of Dr. Terne, 
 whose daughter he afterwards married. He took up his resi- 
 dence, while in London, at the house of his relation, Mr. Bar- 
 ker, in Clerkenwell, where his sister Ann was then living. 
 Here he met "Madam Fairfax," probably the mother of Mr. 
 Henry Fairfax, 7 whom his sister Ann afterwards married, and 
 who was the grandson of Thomas, Lord Viscount Fairfax. 
 He also mentions his " dear sister Cottrell " as being of the 
 party; and says that he afterwards "waited upon Madam 
 Cottrell home to her house in St. James his Park, &c." 
 
 6 See p. 43, &c. 
 " Henry Fairfax, Esq. of Burlington, in the county of York, second son of Tho- 
 mas, Lord Viscount Fairfax, of Eraely, in Ireland, married Frances, the only 
 daughter of Henry Barker, of Hurst, Esq. ; and died in 1656, leaving his widow, 
 (this Madam Fairfax, as I suppose,) who was buried at Hurst, March 25, 1668-9. 
 They had three children, Henry, (who married Ann Browne,) John, (mentioned 
 by Dr. Edward Browne, vol. i, p. 194?) and Frances. Thus is the relationship 
 of the Fairfax and Barker families made out ; but how Mr. Barker became the cou- 
 sin of Edward Browne, before his sister's marriage to Mr. Fairfax, does not appear. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. Ixxvii 
 
 Hence I concluded, perhaps too hastily, that Sir Charles Cot- 
 trell married a daughter of Sir Thomas Browne. More proba- 
 bly it was a son of Sir Charles's ; but I cannot give the slightest 
 authority for the conjecture beyond the present passage. 
 From London he proceeded to Paris, and thence to Italy, 
 visiting Genoa, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Venice, and Padoa, 
 returning to Paris through Aries, Montpellier, Thoulouse, 
 and Rochelle. He travelled in company with Sir William 
 Trumbull, (afterwards Secretary of State,) Sir Samuel Tuke, 
 Sir Christopher Wren, and other distinguished characters. 
 At Paris he incidentally became acquainted with Guy Patin, 
 one of his father's earliest criticks, who received him with 
 great urbanity, and spoke in the most courteous terms of his 
 father. A portion of this tour has been printed at the end of 
 the folio edition of his Travels. 9 The whole is preserved in 
 his journal, MS. Sloan. 1906, and extends, in the present 
 volume, from p. 57 to 114, partly printed from the just-men- 
 tioned journal, and partly from his letters in MS. Sloan. 
 1868. The last letter of the series is dated Paris, Sep. 30, 
 1665 ; soon after which I suppose him to have returned to 
 Norwich. I find him incorporated of Merton College, Ox- 
 ford, June 16, 1666; and in the following year, July 4, 1667, 
 he took his doctor's degree. 
 
 In the same year he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal 
 Society; — whether from the influence of his father's name, or 
 from his own recently formed acquaintance with Dr. Wren, 
 Mr. Ray and other distinguished fellows, we are not told. 
 It is, however, highly probable, that his admission into that 
 learned body had some connexion with his determination to 
 
 S At present, I have been disappointed in my search for earlier registers of Sir 
 Thomas Browne's family, than 1650. The daughter in question must have been 
 born some years earlier. But Whitefoot informs us, that Edward, (born in 1644, 
 according to his monumental inscription at Northfleet, and his father's pedigree, 
 preserved in the College of Arms,) was the "eldest child." Besides him, I trace 
 four children born before 1650; viz. Thomas, Elizabeth, (afterwards Mrs. Lyttle- 
 ton,) Anne, (afterwards Mrs. Fairfax,) and Dorothy, (buried at Norwich in 1652.) 
 Tn order, then, to account for the passage quoted above, we must suppose Sir Tho- 
 mas to have had another daughter, between 1644 and 1650, besides the four child- 
 ren just named. I have taken various means (hitherto in vain) to find the registers, 
 or even to ascertain where he resided, during that period. Should I meet with 
 better success, it will appear in my pedigree of his family. 
 
 9 It is singular, that in Biog. Brit, though this journey is mentioned, it is ex- 
 pressly asserted that Dr, Edward Browne was never abroad till 16GS. 
 
Ixxviii SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 renew his travels, and even induced him ultimately to extend 
 them (in opposition to his father's decidedly expressed wish, 1 ) 
 to countries peculiarly rich in those natural productions to 
 which the society's attention was then directed. In the ab- 
 sence of journals, or other positive information respecting the 
 three years which inteiwened between the termination of his 
 first and beginning of his subsequent travels, we may conjec- 
 ture, that if a part was spent at the University, and a part in 
 the improvement of the advantages which he enjoyed under 
 his father's roof at Norwich, no inconsiderable portion of the 
 remainder was devoted to that circle of scientific and literary 
 friends to which he had obtained access in London. Among 
 these were several distinguished travellers, whose society 
 must have had its influence in reviving and strengthening his 
 own taste for foreign adventure. And it was in all probability 
 as much on their recommendation, as from his own inclination, 
 that in August, 1668, he commenced those travels which have 
 contributed so much, and on the whole so justly, to his repu- 
 tation. For though he did not inherit his father's high intellec- 
 tuality, he was, like him, ardent in pursuit of knowledge, and 
 strongly attached to the studies to which he made his travels 
 principally subservient : and his literary attainments, as might 
 be supposed, were considerable. But above all, he was an 
 accurate observer and a veracious narrator of what he met 
 with. He was, in short, a conscientious traveller, not supply- 
 ing from imagination what was wanting in the reality. His 
 pen was under the guidance of his senses ; not carried away 
 by his fancy. Hence, notwithstanding the somewhat con- 
 temptuous terms in which his travels are mentioned by Dr. 
 Johnson, who neither understood nor cared for the subjects 
 on which Browne wrote, he acquired by his work, and has 
 retained to the present day, a character for which travellers 
 are not proverbial : — viz. that whatever he has related, may 
 be received with implicit confidence. 
 
 Having embarked at Yarmouth on the 14th August, he 
 landed at Rotterdam ; and thence proceeded through Delft, 
 the Hague, Leyden, and Haarlem, to Amsterdam; through 
 Utrecht, Boisleduc, Breda, and Dort, to Flushing, and up the 
 
 1 Seep. 163, 166. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxXlX 
 
 Scheldt by Antwerp, Brussels, and Maestricht to Aix-la-Cha- 
 pelle, which he reached on the 7th Oct. From " Aken," he 
 went direct through Juliers to the Rhine ; along which river 
 he travelled from Cologne to Bingen, Mayence, and Frank- 
 fort; and thence, passing through Darmstadt, Heidelberg, 
 Nurnberg, Ratisbon, and Lintz, he reached Vienna on the 
 20th November. There he passed the winter of 1668-9; 
 visiting and examining every object within and around it, 
 worthy his notice ; and making excursions in several directions. 
 The Imperial Museum and Library were his great attrac- 
 tions ; and his acquaintance with Peter Lambecius, the libra- 
 rian, gave him special facilities. Through his influence he 
 was allowed the privilege of withdrawing books to his lodg- 
 ings, and he has preserved a list of some which he read, 
 which I subjoin. 2 He speaks of the Emperor Leopold, as a 
 man of considerable literary attainments, and a patron of 
 learning and learned men. Lambecius was in the habit of 
 suggesting books for his Imperial master's reading, and it 
 happened on one occasion, that he put Religio Medici into 
 the Emperor's hands, wherewith, says Browne, 3 " the Emperor 
 was exceedingly pleased, and spake very much of it unto 
 Lambecius, insomuch that Lambecius asked me whether I 
 knew the author, he being of my own name, and whether he 
 
 2 [from MS. SLOAN. 1922, FOL. 50.] 
 Bonks which I borrowed out of the Emperor's library : — 
 Vernherius de Admirandis Hungarias aquis. 
 
 Georgius Agricola de re metallica lib. xii. De Animalibus subterraneis. 
 De Ortu et causis subterraneorum, lib. v. 
 De natura eorum que effluunt ex terra, lib. iiij. 
 De natura fossilium, lib. x. 
 De veteribus et novis metallis, lib. ij. 
 Bermannus sive de re metallica dialogus. 
 De mensuris et ponderibus Romanorum et Grsecorum. 
 De externis mensuris et ponderibus. 
 Ad ea quae Andreas Alciatus denuo disputavit de mensuris et ponderibus, brevis 
 
 defensio. 
 De mensuris quibus intervalla metimur. 
 De restituendis ponderibus atque mensuris. 
 De pretio metallorm et monetis. 
 Lucas Poeti jurisconsul. de mensuris et ponderibus Romanis et Grsecis cum his quae 
 
 hodie Romae sunt collatis, lib. v. 
 Ejusdem variarum lectionum liber unus. 
 Mundus alter et idem ; sive terra Australis antehac semper incognita longis itineri- 
 
 bus peregrini Academici nuper lustrata. Authore Mercutio Britannico. Accessit, 
 
 propter affinitatem materiae, Thomas Campanellas Civitas Solis, et Nova Atlantis 
 
 Franc. Baconi Bar. de Verulamio. 
 
 3 Travels, folio, p. 141. 
 
1XXX SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 were living. And when he understood my near relation to 
 him, he became more kind and courteous than ever, and de- 
 sired me to send him that book in the original English, which, 
 he would put into the Emperor's library, and presented me 
 with a neat little Latin book, called Pr biceps in Compendio, 
 written by the Emperor's father, Ferdinandus the Third." Dr. 
 Browne also received from Lambecius a curious catalogue of 
 some hundreds of alchymical manuscripts, for the Royal So- 
 ciety, with the remarkably liberal permission to have any of 
 them copied in Vienna, or even brought into England for 
 transcription. He was so fortunate as to obtain also introduc- 
 tions to individuals of high rank, from several of whom he re- 
 ceived great kindness. He especially mentions Counts Lesly 
 and Souches, the latter of whom afforded him essential as- 
 sistance during his travels, in the capacity of governor of the 
 fortress of Leopoldstadt. 
 
 While at Vienna, he received a communication from Dr. 
 Oldenburg, the secretary of the Royal Society, requesting 
 such information as he might be able to obtain for them in 
 the course of his proposed Hungarian excursion. For his 
 guidance a paper was enclosed, which we find printed at large 
 in the Philosophical Transactions,* under the following 
 title : — " Directions and inquiries as they were sometime since 
 recommended by the publisher to the care of the ingenious 
 and learned Dr. Edward Browne, (son to that deservedly 
 famous physician Dr. Thomas Browne, and Fellow of the 
 Royal Society,) travelling in Germany, Hungary, Turkey, 
 &c." To these queries, Dr. Browne gave very copious an- 
 swers, which were also printed at large in the Transactions.* 
 
 Very early in the spring of 1669 Browne made an excur- 
 sion through Baden and Mannersdorf, across the Newsidler 
 Sea to Raab and Komora, and thence, after visiting the mar- 
 ble quarry at Dotis, he went by Leopoldstadt to the gold, 
 silver, and copper mines of Cremnitz, Schemnitz, Newsol, &c. 
 and returned to Vienna in the middle of April. His next 
 excursion was through Styria, Carinthia, See. to see the 
 Zirchnitzer lake and quicksilver mines at Idria, whence, after 
 
 4 Phil. Trans. No. lviii, p. 1159. See also vol. i, p. 171. 
 5 See a list of these papers in a note at p. 203. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxxxi 
 
 again visiting Vienna and Padua, he returned to the Imperial 
 Capital at the close of July. His last excursion was to visit 
 the Ottoman Court, which was then held at Larissa in Thes- 
 saly. This occupied from the 1st of September to the end of 
 October, when he regained Vienna, to take a final leave of it. 
 Early in November he started on his journey homeward, 
 through Prague and Dresden, at which latter city he took 
 particular notice of the Elector of Saxony's collections, both 
 in natural history, mechanics, and works of art. He then 
 visited the silver and sulphur mines of Freiburg, and after 
 passing through Leipsig and Magdeburg, he embarked at 
 Hamburg, and reached England at the close of the year 1669. 
 
 Nor was this safe return of his son from long and distant 
 travels the only circumstance which enlivened Dr. Browne's 
 fireside this Christmas. His family circle had at the same time 
 to welcome a further addition to its numbers, in the marriage 
 of his daughter Anne, to Henry Fairfax, Esq. 6 and their arrival 
 at Norwich. The visit seems either to have been protracted, 
 or repeated ; — for I find in St. Peter's, Norwich, the registers 
 of the birth and burial of their first child, Barker Fairfax, on 
 the 30th of August and 5th of September, 1670. Their sub- 
 sequent residences were at Shiplake, near Henley, in Oxford- 
 shire, and lastly at Hurst, 7 a seat on the borders of Wiltshire 
 and Berkshire, inherited from the Barkers. 8 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne soon proceeded to London, where, 
 after some hesitations, he determined to fix his permanent 
 residence. On the 30th of April, 1672, he married Henri- 
 etta Susan, the daughter of Dr. Christopher Terne, a phy- 
 sician of eminence, and lecturer at Chirurgeon's Hall in 
 1662-3, 9 who lived in Lime Street. There Dr. E. Browne 
 
 6 Before mentioned as the grandson of Thomas Lord Viscount Fairfax. — See 
 page lxxvi. 
 
 7 Hurst — a parish comprising the liberties of Whistley-Hurst, (Hund. Charlton,) 
 Newland and Winnersk, (Hund. Sonning,) Co. Berks; and that of Broad Hinton, 
 (Hund. Amesbury,) Co. Wilts. An hospital was founded here by William Barker, 
 Esq. (who died in 16S5,) for eight poor, to whom he gave 3s. 6d. weekly. 
 
 8 They had eight children, who all died in infancy, except two daughters, Fran- 
 ces and Alethea. The younger, Alethea, married her cousin, Thomas, only sur- 
 viving son of Dr. Edward Browne, but they died without issue in 1704 and 1710. 
 From the elder daughter Frances, who married David Erskine, Earl of Buchan, 
 descended Lord Chancellor Erskine, and his nephew, David Henry, the present 
 Earl, the only representative, I believe, of Sir Thomas Browne's family. 
 
 9 See Pepys's Memoirs, p. 204. 
 VOL. I. f 
 
Lxxxii SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 resided till the decease of his father-in-law, Dec. 31st, 1673 : 
 soon after which time, he removed to Salisbury Court, Fleet 
 Street, where he remained during the rest of his father's life. 
 Having thus pursued the history of Dr. Browne's family, 
 uninterruptedly, to the death of his younger son and mar- 
 riage of his elder son and daughter, comprising nearly four- 
 teen years, from 1660 to 1673, I must now return to collect 
 and arrange the scattered passages of his own life during the 
 same period. In introducing the earliest and most remarkable 
 of these, I cannot help observing, that the striking influence 
 which has sometimes been exerted on the institutions, the 
 history, or the character of an entire age, by the genius of 
 one man, or the importance of a single event, may occasion- 
 ally be paralleled by the effect which a solitary action or inci- 
 dent has produced upon the character or estimation of an in- 
 dividual. Such an incident occurred in the history of Sir 
 Thomas Browne in the year 1664 ; and it is not a little singu- 
 lar that his principal biographers, Whitefoot, Johnson, and 
 Kippis, have all passed over, in silence, a circumstance which 
 has unquestionably given rise to more reflections on his cha- 
 racter, both for discernment and feeling, than any other cir- 
 cumstance in his life. I refer to the part which he took in the 
 trial of Amy Duny and Rose Cullender, at Bury St. Ed- 
 mund's, on the 10th March, before Sir Matthew Hale, then 
 Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. I shall introduce it in 
 the words of Dr. Aikin: — "Fancy and feeling," says he in 
 his biography of Browne, " were, in his mind, predominant 
 over judgment, and his tendency to superstition and enthu- 
 siasm is plainly evinced by other instances. He was fully 
 possessed with the belief of the existence of invisible beings, 
 holding an intermediate rank between the human and angelic 
 natures ; favored the notion of guardian angels ; was per- 
 suaded of the reality of apparitions, and of diabolical illu- 
 sions ; and affirms, from his own knowledge, the certainty of 
 witchcraft. This last article of his belief was not so harmless 
 as his other fanciful opinions ; for Dr. Hutchinson, in his sen- 
 sible Essay on Witchcraft, animadverting upon a trial of two 
 supposed criminals before Lord Chief Justice Hale, at St. 
 Edmund's Bury, in 1664, mentions that 'Sir Thomas Browne 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR, lxxxitf 
 
 of Norwich, the famous physician of his time, was in court, 
 and was desired by my Lord Chief Baron, to give his judg- 
 ment in the case : and he declared, that he was clearly of 
 opinion that the fits were natural, but heightened by the 
 Devil's co-operating with the malice of the witches, at whose 
 instance he did the villanies? And he added, that ' in Den- 
 mark there had lately been a great discovery of witches, who 
 used the very same way of afflicting persons, by conveying 
 pins into them. 5 This declaration, from a man of such au- 
 thority, was thought to have had no small influence in occa- 
 sioning the condemnation of the wretched victims, whose ex- 
 ecution was one of the latest instances of the kind, by which 
 the English annals are disgraced." Aikitis Biographical 
 Dictionary, , 1 
 
 The reflection conveyed in the remarks of Dr. Aikin has 
 been echoed and re-echoed ; and this solitary incident has 
 gone far in the estimation of many, who in other respects have 
 held Browne in the highest admiration, to detract from his 
 character as an acute and philosophical investigator of deep- 
 rooted and long-established errors, and to place him rather 
 among those who, while they can detect and will condemn 
 the false philosophy and extravagant notions of others, are 
 yet led, by mere caprice or prejudice, obstinately to defend 
 opinions just as absurd, and perhaps far more pernicious. 
 
 But let us be cautious and slow to pronounce judgment on 
 such a man. In the first place, it must surely be admitted that 
 he had nothing whatever to do with the justice or injustice 
 
 1 I also here subjoin another account from a small volume of pieces relating to 
 Sir Matthew Hale, entitled, A Short Treatise touching Sheriff's Accounts, to which 
 is added, A Tryal of Witches, Sf&. Svo. London, 1716, p. 96 : — " There was also 
 Dr. Browne, of Norwich, a person of great knowledge ; who, after this evidence 
 given, and upon view of the three persons in court, was desired to give his opinion, 
 what he did conceive of them: and he was clearly of opinion that the persons were 
 bewitched ; and said, that in Denmark there had been lately a great discovery of 
 witches, who used the very same way of afflicting persons, by conveying pins into 
 them, and crooked, as these pins were, with needles and nails. And his opinion 
 was, that the devil in such cases did work upon the bodies of men and women, 
 upon a natural foundation, (that is,) to stir up and excite such humours super- 
 abounding in their bodies to a great excess, whereby he did in an extraordinary 
 manner afflict them with such distempers as their bodies were most subject to,— 
 as particularly appeared in these children; for he conceived, that these swooning 
 fits were natural, and nothing else but that they call the mother, but only height- 
 ened to a great excess by the subtilty of the devil, co-operating with the malice of 
 those which we term witches, at whose instance he doth these villanies." 
 
 f 2 
 
lxxxiv SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 of the law which made witchcraft a capital offence. Hutchin- 
 son, therefore, has committed a flagrant injustice in attempt- 
 ing to make him accountable for the blood of these women. 
 — Can I with a safe conscience acquit a man whom I believe 
 to be proved guilty, solely because I deem the law unjust 
 which makes his offence capital? — Can my conscientious ver- 
 dict make me a party to the injustice of that law ? — Most 
 certainly not. So must not Browne be condemned for giving 
 his opinion, on the sole ground " that it was a case of blood." 
 It must be shown, either that he was wrong in believing that 
 witchcraft had ever existed; or, if this cannot, in the very 
 teeth of scripture, be shown, then, secondly, it must be 
 proved that he was wrong in his opinion that cases of witch- 
 craft still existed ; or, thirdly, that he erroneously deemed the 
 present to be a genuine instance of it. On the first of these 
 questions, be it remembered, his biographer (Dr. Aikin) stood 
 on very different ground from that occupied either by Browne 
 or by the great man before whom he was examined. These 
 believed, firmly and literally, the witchcraft and sorcery, and 
 incantations, as well as the demoniacal possessions related in the 
 Bible. And, from their regarding alleged cases of witchcraft 
 in their days as being liable to investigation, and open to evi- 
 dence, it is clear that they knew of no proof satisfactory to 
 their minds, that what existed in the days of the Bible, had 
 at any subsequent period totally and universally ceased. We 
 know that Browne had previously considered this question. 
 More than 20 years before, he had published his conviction 
 thereon in these terms ; — " for my part, I have always believ- 
 ed, and do now know, that there are witches," 2 and in one of 
 his common-place books there occurs a passage on possession 
 and witchcraft, beginning with a similar assertion, — " we are 
 no way doubtful that there are witches, &c." 3 He believed, 
 in short, on the highest of all testimony, that witchcraft had 
 existed : and — in the absence of either argument or evidence 
 satisfactory to him that it had at some defined period altoge- 
 ther ceased— he also believed that it still existed. These 
 sentiments he declared openly, and has been the victim of his 
 
 - Rel. Med. p. 43. 3 Vol. iv, 389. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxXXV 
 
 opinions, as every man must expect to be, who does not flinch 
 from their avowal. But they were opinions, as I have else- 
 where remarked, which he held in great and good company ; 
 — in common with Bacon, Bishop Hall, Baxter, Hale, 4 La- 
 vater, &c &c. I shall take the liberty of extracting some 
 highly interesting passages on this subject from Ellis s Poly- 
 nesian Researches ; 5 which agree also remarkably with an 
 opinion still more decidedly and very recently expressed to 
 myself, by a missionary who has had the advantage of many 
 years' residence in India ; and who declared to me his perfect 
 conviction, that there still exist, and that he has seen on that 
 continent, instances of possession, strikingly similar in all their 
 phenomena to those mentioned in Scripture, and which he 
 has no doubt are as truly demoniacal. 
 
 4 " The judge in giving his direction to the jury, told them, that he would not 
 repeat the evidence unto them, least by so doing, he should wrong the evidence on 
 one side or on the other. Only this he acquainted them, that they had two things 
 to enquire after. First, whether or no these children were bewitched ? Secondly, 
 whether the prisoners at the bar were guilty of it ? — 
 
 " That there were such creatures as witches he made no doubt at all ; first, the 
 Scriptures had affirmed so much. Secondly, the wisdom of all nations had provided 
 laws against such persons, which is an argument of their confidence of such a crime. 
 And such hath been the judgment of this kingdom, as appears by that act of parlia- 
 ment which hath provided punishments proportionable to the quality of the offence. 
 And desired them, strictly to observe their evidence ; and desired the great God of 
 heaven to direct their hearts in this weighty thing they had in hand ; for to con- 
 demn the innocent, and to let the guilty go free, were both an abomination to the 
 Lord." Tryal of Witches, p. 102. 
 
 5 Mr. Ellis says, "No people in the world, in ancient or modern times, appear to 
 have been more superstitious than the South Sea Islanders, or to have been more 
 entirely under the influence of dread, from imaginary demons, or supernatural 
 beings. They had not only their major but their minor demons, or spirits, and all 
 the minute ramifications of idolatry. Sorcery and witchcraft were extensively prac- 
 tised. By this art, the sorcerers pretended to be able to inflict the most painful 
 maladies, and to deprive of life the victims of their mysterious rites. 
 
 " It is unnecessary now to enquire whether Satanic agency affects the bodies of 
 men. We know this was the fact at the time our Saviour appeared on earth. 
 Many of the natives of these islands are firmly persuaded, that while they were 
 idolaters, their bodies were subject to most excruciating sufferings, from the direct 
 operation of Satanic power. In this opinion they might be mistaken, and that which 
 they regarded as the effect of superhuman agency, might be only the influence of 
 imagination, or the result of poison. But, considering the undisputed exercise of 
 such an influence, recognized in the declarations and miracles of our Lord and of his 
 apostles, existing not only in heathen, but Jewish society, and considering, in con- 
 nection with this, the undisputed dominion, moral and intellectual, which the powers 
 of darkness held over those that were entirely devoted to the god of this world, it 
 does not appear impossible, or inconsistent with the supreme government of God, 
 that these subordinate powers should be permitted to exert an influence over their per- 
 sons, and that communities, so wholly given to idolatry of the most murderous and 
 diabolical kinds, should be considered corporeally, as well as spiritually, to be lying 
 ' in the wicked one.' In addition to the firm belief which many who were sorcerers, 
 or agents of the infernal powers, and others who were the victims of incantation, still 
 
lxxxvi SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 In the summer of this year (1664) a little work made its 
 appearance, which might seem to have some claim to a place 
 in the Correspondence, were its value equal to its extent. The 
 title is as follows: — Mercurius Centralis; or a Discourse of 
 Subterraneal Cockle, Muscle, and Oyster-Shels, found in the 
 digging of a Well at Sir William Dot/lie's 6 in Norfolk, many 
 foot underground, and at considerable distance from the Sea. 
 
 maintain, some of the early missionaries are disposed to think this was the fact. 
 Since the natives have embraced Christianity, they believe they are now exempt 
 from an influence to which they were subject during the reign of the evil spirit. 
 
 " Individuals, among the most intelligent of the people, sometimes express their 
 deliberate conviction, that it is because they live under the dispensation or govern- 
 ment of Jesus Christ, that they are now exempt from those bodily sufferings to 
 which they were exposed while they were willing and zealous devotees of the devil. 
 It is, I believe, also an indisputable fact, that those kinds of violent, terrific, and fatal 
 corporeal agony, which they attributed to this agency, have altogether ceased, since 
 the subversion of that system, of which it was so dreadful a part. I am not prepared 
 to pronounce the opinions many of the natives still hold, as altogether imaginative: 
 at the same time, the facts that have come to my knowledge, during my residence 
 among them, have led me to desire the most satisfactory evidence for rejecting their 
 sentiments. 
 
 "Witchcraft and sorcery they considered the peculiar province of an inferior 
 order of supernatural beings. These were the kinds of beings invoked by the wiz- 
 ards or sorcerers. Different names were applied to their arts, according to the rites 
 employed, or the effects produced. 
 
 " Incantations sometimes commenced with an imprecation or curse, either by the 
 priest or the offended party, and it was usually denounced in the name of the gods 
 of the party, or of the king, or some oramatua. This was generally employed in 
 revenge for an injury or insult, which the party using the imprecation imagined 
 they had received ; and the poor people entertained the greatest horror of this mode 
 of vengeance, as it was generally considered fatal, unless by engaging a more power- 
 ful demon, its effects could be counteracted. 
 
 " On one occasion, Mr. Nott sent two native boys, who were his servants, from 
 Eimeo to Tahiti, for taro, or arum-roots. The man, under whose care it was grow- 
 ing, was a sorcerer: he was from home, I believe; but the boys, according to the 
 directions they had received, went to the field, and procured the roots for which 
 they had been sent. Before they had departed, the person who had charge of the 
 field returned, and was so enraged, that he pronounced the most dreadful impreca- 
 tions upon one, if not both of them, threatening them with the pifao. The boys 
 returned to Eimeo, but apparently took no notice of the threatening. One of them 
 was shortly afterwards taken ill ; and the imprecation of the sorcerer being made 
 known to his friends, it was immediately concluded that he was possessed by the 
 evil spirit. Alarming symptoms rapidly increased, and some of the missionaries 
 went to see him in this state. On entering the place where he lay, a most appalling 
 spectacle was presented. The youth was lying on the ground, writhing in anguish, 
 foaming at the mouth, his eyes apparently ready to start from his head, his counte- 
 nance exhibiting every form of terrific distortion and pain, his limbs agitated with 
 the most violent and involuntary convulsions. The friends of the boy were stand- 
 ing round, filled with horror at what they considered the effects of the malignant 
 demon ; and the sufferer shortly afterwards expired in dreadful agonies. In gene- 
 ral, the effects of incantation were more gradual in their progress, and less sudden, 
 though equally fatal in their termination." — Polynesian Researches, vol. ii, pp. 
 225—230. 
 
 6 Sir William D'Oyley resided at Shottisham, near Norwich. He was knighted 
 in 1642, returned M. P. for Great Yarmouth at the Restoration, and created a 
 Baronet in 1663. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxXXvii 
 
 Sent in a letter to Thomas Browne, M.D. by Tho. Lawrence, 
 A.M. — London : Printed by J. G. for J. Collins, and are 
 to be sold at the Angel in Ivie-Lane, 1664, 12mo. 94 pages. 
 Opposite to the title-page is the " Imprimatur" of Roger 
 L 'Estrange, dated June \o, 1664. 7 The author's alleged ob- 
 ject is to assign "the truest cause of that vein of cockle and 
 muscle-shells that was digged up in Norfolke, so many foot 
 deep under the surface of the earth." After a long, rambling, 
 discussion of 94 pages, he sums up in the following delectable 
 series of propositions. "And thus (Doctor) you have my 
 opinion of the way by which those cockle, muscle, and oys- 
 ter-shells you mentioned, were brought and lodged in that 
 place. If they were truly shells, they were conveyed either 
 above or underground ; but not so usually above, therefore 
 under. If under-ground, then by natural or voluntary agents. 
 If by natural and necessary, then either by vapours, exhala- 
 tions, or waters; but this is done usually and commonly, by none 
 of the former, therefore by the last ; which is the more likely 
 to effect it. 1. Because there are numerous generations in the 
 earth. 2. Where many generations are, much water is neces- 
 sary. S. No fountain can supply the earth to these purposes 
 but the sea, which is the original of all waters. 4. Though 
 the sea communicate his waters to places near it by percola- 
 tion; it must and doth supply that afar off by whole flouds, 
 gulp/is, and indraughts. 5. Where mighty flouds come with 
 violence, they will carry very weighty bodies with them. 6. He- 
 terogeneous bodies are not easily brought back again when they 
 are forced into a narrow place. 7. But in a little time gather 
 slime, and earth about them, and so are lodged in firm ground. 
 Psal. cxxxix, 14. Marvellous are thy works, (O Lord) and 
 that my soul knows right well. FINIS." 
 
 Dr. Browne was admitted Socius Honorarius of the Col- 
 lege of Physicians, cum multis aliis, in the December of this 
 year ; — but for some reason, which appeareth not, he did not 
 receive his Diploma till July 6, 1665. It occurs in the Pos- 
 
 7 In 1668 the following title-page was substituted for the former and the impri- 
 matur omitted: — A Discourse of Subterraneal Treasure, occasioned by some late 
 Discoveries thereof in the County of Norfolk, and sent in a letter to Thomas Browne, 
 M.D. London, Printed for J, Collins, at the King's Head in Westminster Hall, 1668. 
 
IxXXviU SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 thumous Works, and I find in Dr. Rawlinson's copy in the 
 Bodleian, a MS. note, saying that the original was in his 
 possession, having been presented to him by Owen Brig- 
 stocke, Esq. 8 
 
 In the year 1666 Browne presented to the Royal Society 
 some fossil bones found at Winterton, on the coast of Nor- 
 folk ; — then a much greater rarity than they have since been, 
 and perhaps the more valued, as they were less understood. 
 Hooke mentions the fact in his Posthumous Works, and I 
 record it, though unimportant, in order to show Browne's 
 early connexion with the Royal Society, as a correspondent, 
 though (probably from local considerations) he never became 
 a fellow. He was certainly acquainted with several leading 
 fellows, and was known to, if not acquainted with, the Hon. 
 Rob. Boyle. It is evident, from a passage in Mr. Boyle's 
 Second Essaij upon Unsucceeding Experiments, that he held 
 Dr. Browne in very high estimation, as an accurate experi- 
 mentalist. " In that essay, two things are proposed. First, 
 to render people cautious of establishing any doctrine of con- 
 sequence upon single experiments, all the circumstances of 
 which they have not particularly observed. The other is, 
 that practical writers should not be too hastily censured on 
 the score of experiments by them related, failing upon repe- 
 tition. After mentioning various instances in support of these 
 positions, he proceeds thus with regard to our author. 9 
 ' And as having been informed that the learned Dr. Browne 
 somewhere delivers, that aquafortis will quickly coagulate 
 
 s The Diploma given to Sir Thomas Broume, by the College of Physicians, Lon- 
 don, when he was chosen an Honorary- Fellow thereof: — Cum jam per Lustra admo- 
 dum quadraginta, Regum, Reginarum, et Parliamentorum gratia, data sit Collegio 
 Medicorum Londinensiuni poteslas, de Medicis domi forisque Doctoratus gradum adep- 
 tis cognoscendi, et cum ijsdem pro merit o communicandi prcerogativas, quibus ipsi 
 fruerentur nos Edvardus Alston, Eques Auratus Medicince Doctor, et Collegij 
 Prases, faventibus Electorum et Sociorum suffragiis, ante aliquot menses adscivimus 
 in ordinem Sociorum Honorariorum virtute et Uteris ornatissimum virum Thomam 
 Browne, jampridem in celeberrima Oxoniensi Academia Doctorali purpura insignitum 
 Eundemque dignum juclicavimus, qui per totam Anglican Arlem Medicam exerceat, 
 atque hie etiam Londini, prceter praxeos libertatem, omnium nobiscum immunitalum 
 atque privilegiorum beneficio gaudeat. lnque plenam hujus rei fidem, hoc Instrumen- 
 tum Collegii nostro Sigillo munivimus, sexto Calendas Julij Anno Christi supra mil- 
 lesimum sexcentesimum sexagesimo quinto, Regisque nostri Caroli Secundi decimo 
 septimo. Geo. Ent, Eq. Aur. M.D. Coll. Med. Loud. Socius, Elector, et Registarius. 
 Boyle's Works, voli, p. 224, or p. 345, Ed. 1772. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. lxXXlX 
 
 common oil, we poured some of those liquors together, and 
 let them stand for a considerable space of time in an open 
 vessel, without finding in the oil the change by him pro- 
 mised, (though we have, more than once, with another liquor, 
 presently thickened common oil.) Whereupon, being unwil- 
 ling that so faithful and candid a naturalist should appear fit 
 to be distrusted, we did again make the trial, with fresh oil 
 and aquafortis, in a long-necked phial left open at the top, 
 which we kept both in a cool place, and after in a digesting 
 furnace ; but after some weeks, we found no other alteration 
 in the oil, than that it had acquired a high and lovely tinc- 
 ture ; notwithstanding which, being still concerned for the 
 reputation of a person that so well deserves a good one, the 
 like contingencies we have formerly met with in other expe- 
 riments made us willing to try whether or no the unsuccess- 
 fulness we have related, might not proceed from some pecu- 
 liar, though latent quality, either in the aquafortis, or the oil, 
 by us formerly employed. Whereupon, changing those liquors, 
 and repeating the experiment, we found, after some hours, 
 the oil coagulated almost into the form of a whitish butter.'" 
 This quotation is made in Biogr. Britan. by the writer of 
 the article "Dr. Edward Browne," who supposes him to be 
 alluded to, and on this supposition proceeds in the following 
 terms. " It appears clearly from hence, how great an opinion 
 so good a judge, as Mr. Boyle was, had of our author's abili- 
 ties, and moi'e especially how just a sense he had of his inte- 
 tegrity in reporting, as well as capacity in making experiments. 
 But at this distance of time, it has not been possible for us to 
 recover the original experiment, as made and delivered by 
 Dr. Browne ; and, therefore, this as well as other circum- 
 stances, seems to justify what we have hinted in the text, that 
 there may be several communications of our author's pre- 
 served in the archives of the Royal Society, exclusive of those 
 that are to be met with in the printed Transactions, which I 
 have very carefully examined, and find no papers bearing his 
 name later than 1673." All this, however, is corrected by the 
 date of Mr. Boyle's Essay, — 1G61 ; at which time Dr. Browne 
 was but a young man at Cambridge. It was his father, whose 
 experiment Mr. Boyle took so much pains to verify. 
 
XC SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 The next correspondence of interest in which Browne en- 
 gaged was in 1668, with Dr. Christopher Merrett, librarian 
 to the College of Physicians ; who had brought out, in 1666 
 and 1667, two editions (or rather re-impressions ] ) of his 
 Pinax Rerum Naturalium Britannicarum : and was contem- 
 plating a third. In an auspicious moment he sought the 
 assistance of Browne, who had been most industriously em- 
 ployed in collecting materials for an account of the Natural 
 History of Norfolk, at the request of some friend. But that 
 friend having died, the work remained unfinished; and the 
 collectanea were placed at the disposal of Dr. Merrett. 
 The greater part of the correspondence has been preserved, 
 and, on comparison, will be found to comprise a considerable 
 portion of the papers on Norfolk Birds and Fishes, 8fc, in 
 our fourth volume. But, unhappily, Browne's liberal readi- 
 ness to render his knowledge serviceable to others, again 
 failed of its object. Either superseded by the more learned 
 labours of Ray and Willoughby, or laid aside on account of 
 the perplexities in which its author became involved with the 
 College of Physicians, the Pinax never attained an enlarged 
 edition. Had Browne completed and published his own Na- 
 tural History of Norfolk, he might have contended for pre- 
 cedency among the writers of County Natural Histories, with 
 Dr. Robert Plot, who published the earliest of such works — 
 those of Oxfordshire and Staffordshire, in 1677 and 1679. 
 He seems, however, to have preferred to contribute to the 
 labours of those whom he considered better naturalists than 
 himself; and in his third attempt thus to render his observa- 
 tions useful he had somewhat better success. He placed his 
 materials, including a number of coloured drawings, at the 
 disposal of Ray, the father of systematic natural history in 
 Great Britain, who has acknowledged the assistance he deriv- 
 ed from him in his editions of Willoughby 's Ornithology and 
 Ichthyology," especially the former. But Browne, it seems, 
 found it more easy to lend than to recover such materials ; 
 
 1 They are mere reprints — one is in the British Museum ; of the other I have 
 a copy. 
 
 2 In the first (Latin) edition of the Ornilhologia , (fol. 167G,) I find the following 
 acknowledgment in the preface; it occurs also in English in the translation which 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. XC1 
 
 for he complains, several years afterwards, that these draw- 
 ings, of whose safe return he was assured, both by Ray and 
 by their mutual friend, Sir Philip Skippon, had not been sent 
 back to him. 
 
 On the 28th of September, 1671, Charles II, who had been 
 carousing with his profligate court, at Newmarket, made an 
 excursion to Norwich, attended by the Queen, the Dukes of 
 York, Monmouth, and Buckingham, and others of his nobi- 
 lity. It was the last royal visit, 3 with which the city has been 
 honoured! — Would that the royal visitor had possessed those 
 exalted qualities, which alone can stamp on such a visit the 
 value which truly belongs to it ! Johnson remarks that with 
 all his frailties and vices he yet had skill to discover excel- 
 lence, and virtue to reward it, at least with ivhat cost him 
 nothing/^ Whether he discovered the excellencies of Browne 
 by his own skill, and rewarded them from the impulse of his 
 own virtue, those may question, who doubt, ft would ap- 
 pear from Blomfield's account, that the king was not content 
 to leave the city without knighting some one, and therefore, 
 on Mr. Mayor's declining the honour, it was thrust upon 
 Browne. After relating other particulars of the king's pro- 
 gress, — his visit to Mr. Howard, his attendance on divine ser- 
 vice at the cathedral, his review of the trained bands, his 
 feasting in the New Hall, at an expense of £ 900 to the city, 
 and his visits to Blickling, Oxnead, and Rainham, the histo- 
 rian proceeds to inform us that " when his majesty was at the 
 New Hall, he was earnest to have knighted the mayor, who 
 as earnestly begged to be excused ; but at the same time, 
 conferred the honour on that deserving physician, Dr. Tho- 
 mas Browne, &c." 5 The fact however probably was, that 
 
 Ray published of the work in 1678. "Tandem celeberrimus Vir D. Thomas 
 Brown, eques auratus et medicina professor Norvicensis, avium aliquot rariorum pic- 
 turas sane elegantes, additis etiam notis et descriptionibus nonnullis, pro suo Histories 
 Naturalis yromovendce studio libera/iter nobis communicavit." In the Historia Pis- 
 cium, which appeared in 1686, we find so little trace of Browne, as to leave some 
 doubt whether his ichthyological notes had been used. Sir Philip Skippon's name 
 occurs in both works, and it is very evident that he was a most zealous naturalist. 
 Dr. Edward Browne (as well as the other fellows of the Royal Society) communi- 
 cated one of the plates to the work, which was printed at the cost of the society. 
 
 3 James II, when Duke of York, lodged a night at the Bishop's Palace in Nor- 
 wich, when he landed at Yarmouth, on his return from Scotland. 
 
 * See p. xxxviii. 5 History of Norfolk, vol. ii, 291. 
 
XC11 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 though the literary celebrity of Browne must have been well 
 known, his loyalty was the crowning excellence in the eyes of 
 Charles. In perilous times, Dr. Browne had steadily adhered 
 to the royal cause. He was one of the 432 principal citizens 
 who, in 1643, refused to subscribe towards a fund for regain- 
 ing the town of Newcastle. Charles was not likely to have 
 been ignorant of this, and he had the good feeling to express 
 his sense of it, by a distinction, which was no doubt valuable 
 as well as gratifying to Sir Thomas Browne. 6 It is remark- 
 able that he has never recorded it, and only once made a 
 slight allusion to it, in his Repertorium ; where among royal 
 visits to Norwich, he mentions that of Charles II, adding, " of 
 which I had particular reason to take notice." But though 
 he never boasted of his distinction, I strongly suspect that he 
 has left a costly memorial of it. In the drawing room of the 
 house in which he lived, there is, over the mantel-piece, and 
 occupying the entire space to the ceiling, a most elaborate and 
 richly ornamented carving of the royal arms of Charles the 
 Second : — who will undertake to disprove my assertion, that 
 this was placed there by Sir Thomas, to express his loyalty, 
 and to commemorate his knighthood? 7 
 
 In Matthew Stevenson s Poems, I2mo. 1673, there is a long 
 poem on this progress of Charles II into Norfolk, in which 
 the honour conferred on Browne is noticed, as well the royal 
 
 6 The prefix has not been without its use, to distinguish our Browne from others ; 
 though it has not always sufficed to prevent confusion. A learned book-auctioneer, 
 in selling a copy of the folio edition of Sir Thomas (1686,) called him " the face- 
 tious Tom Browne" and assured his bidders that they would find ''lots of fun in 
 him, that would make their sides shake again ! " So much for the efficiency of 
 titular distinction ! 
 
 ' In support of this position, I ought perhaps to point out the house in which I 
 suppose Browne to have resided. Blomfield asserts that he lived where Dr. How- 
 man then lived, (vol. ii, 391 ;) and that he succeeded Aid. Anguish in that house, 
 (vol. ii, 647.) I have ascertained, by reference to title-deeds, that the last house 
 at the southern extremity of the Gentleman's Walk, Haymarket, in the parish of 
 St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, (which has for very many years been occupied as a 
 china and glass warehouse, and which tradition has always asserted to have been 
 Sir Thomas Browne's residence,) belonged in Blomfield's time, to Dr. Howman. 
 Still further I find that " Sep. 22, 1650, Katherine, the wife of Mr. Alex. Anguish, 
 was buried in St. Peter's; and that, July 26, 1654, Mr. Alex. Anguish was there 
 buried, from St. Julian's Parish. The earliest register of a birth in Browne's 
 family in St. Peter's, occurs in Nov. 1650. I conclude therefore, that the Alder- 
 man left the parish on the decease of his wife, and that Browne took immediate 
 possession of his house.. — Of Browne's previous residence, I regret to say I find not 
 the smallest trace. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. XC111 
 
 visits to Blickling, Rainham, and Oxnead, in the following 
 lines : — 
 
 " Paston and Hobart did bring in the meat, 
 
 Who the next day at their own houses treat. 
 
 Paston to Oxney did his sovereign bring, 
 
 And, like Araunah, offered to the king. 
 
 Blickling two monarchs and two Queens has seen, 
 
 One King fetch'd there, another brought a Queen. 
 
 Great Townshend of the treats brought up the rear, 
 
 And doubly was my Lord Lieutenant there. 
 
 And now with Norwich, for whose sake I writ, 
 
 Let me conclude. Norwich did what was fit j 
 
 Or what with them was possible at least; 
 
 That city does enuff, that does its best. 
 
 There the King knighted the so famous Browne, 
 
 Whose worth and learning to the world are known." &c. 
 
 Early in October, Evelyn went down to the Earl of Arling- 
 ton's (then Lord Chamberlain) at Euston, in company with 
 Sir Thos. Clifford, to join the royal party. Lord Henry 
 Howard arrived soon after and prevailed on Mr. Evelyn to 
 accompany him to Norwich, promising to convey him back 
 after a day or two. — "This," says he, "as I could not refuse 
 I was not hard to be persuaded to, having a desire to see 
 that famous scholar and physitian, Dr. T. Browne, author of 
 the ' Religio Medici ' and ' Vulgar Errors,' &c, now lately 
 knighted. Thither then went my lord and I alone, in his 
 flying chariot with six horses ; and by the way, discoursing 
 with me of severall of his concernes, he acquainted me of his 
 going to marry his eldest sonn to one of the king's natural 
 daughters by the Dutchesse of Cleaveland, by which he 
 reckon'd he should come into mighty favour. 
 
 " Being come to the ducal palace, my lord made very much 
 of me ; but I had little rest, so exceedingly desirous he was 
 to shew me the contrivance he had made for the entertainment 
 of their majesties and the whole court not long before, and 
 which, tho' much of it was but temporary, apparently fram'd 
 of boards only, were yet standing. As to the palace, it is an 
 old wretched building, and that part of it newly built of brick 
 is very ill understood ; so as I was of opinion it had been 
 much better to have demolish'd all, and set it up in a better- 
 place, than to proceede any farther ; for it stands in the very 
 market place, and tho' neere a river, yet a very narrow muddy 
 one, and without any extent. 
 
XC1V SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 " Next morning I went to see Sir Tho. Browne (with whom 
 I had some time corresponded by letter, tho' I had never seen 
 him before). His whole house and garden being a paradise 
 and cabinet of rarities, and that of the best collections, espe- 
 cially medails, books, plants, and natural things. Amongst 
 other curiosities, Sir Thomas had a collection of the eggs of 
 all the foule and birds he could procure, that country (espe- 
 cialy the promontary of Norfolck) being frequented, as he 
 said, by severall kinds, which seldome or never go farther 
 into the land, as cranes, storkes, eagles, and variety of water- 
 foule. He led me to see all the remarkable places of this 
 ancient citty, being one of the largest, and certainly, after 
 London, one of the noblest of England, for its venerable 
 cathedrall, number of stately churches, cleanesse of the 
 streetes, and buildings of flints, so exquisitely headed and 
 squared, as I was much astonished at ; but he told me they 
 had lost the art of squaring the flints, in which they once so 
 much excell'd, and of which the churches, best houses, and 
 walls, are built. The castle is an antique extent of ground, 
 which now they call Marsfield, and would have been a fitting 
 area to have placed the ducal palace on. The suburbs are 
 large, the prospects sweete, with other amenities, not omitting 
 the flower gardens, in which all the inhabitants excel. The 
 fabric of stuffs brings a vast trade to this populous towne. 
 
 "Being returned to my Lord's, who had ben with me all this 
 morning, he advis'd with me concerning a plot to rebuild his 
 house, having already, as he said, erected a front next the 
 streete, and a left wing, and now resolving to set up another 
 wing and pavilion next the garden, and to convert the bowl- 
 ing-greene into stables. My advice was, to desist from all, 
 and to meditate wholly on rebuilding an handsome palace at 
 Arundell House in the Strand, before he proceeded farther 
 here, and then to place this in the castle, that ground belong- 
 ing to his lordship. 
 
 " I observed that most of the church-yards (tho' some of 
 them large enough) were filled up with earth, or rather the 
 congestion of dead bodys one upon another, for want of earth, 
 even to the very top of the walls, and some above the walls, 
 so as the churches seemed to be built in pitts. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. XCV 
 
 "18 Oct. I returned to Euston in my lord's coach, leaving 
 him at Norwich." 8 
 
 In the succeeding year, 1672, the name of Sir Thomas 
 occurs as having given his testimony, in the following terms, 
 to the extraordinary precocity of Wotton, afterwards the 
 friend of Bentley : — 
 
 "I do hereby declare and certify, that I heard Wm. Wot- 
 ton, son to Mr. Henry Wotton, of Wrentham, of the age of 
 six years, read a stanza in Spencer very distinctly, and pro- 
 nounce it properly. As also some verses in the 1st Eclogue 
 of Virgil, which I purposely chose out, and also construe the 
 same truly. Also some verses in Homer, and the Carmina 
 Aurea of Pythagoras, which he read well and construed. As 
 he did also the 1st verse of the 4th ch. of Genesis in Hebrew, 
 which I purposely chose out. 
 
 "July 20, 1672. THO. BROWNE." 9 
 
 In the same year, in compliance with the request of Anthony 
 Wood, the Oxford historian, Sir Thomas communicated, 
 through his friend John Aubrey, some information respecting 
 Dr. Lushington, his former tutor, and several other persons, 
 together with those few biographical particulars respecting 
 himself, which have formed the basis of all subsequent notices 
 of him. These letters were detected in the Ashmolean Mu- 
 seum, by Mr. Black, who has had the kindness to transmit 
 them just in time for insertion, with some others : one from 
 Sir Thomas to Lilly, the astrologer, and two to Ashmole, in 
 reference principally to Dr. John Dee and his son, Dr. Arthur 
 Dee, who resided for many years on terms of the kindest 
 friendship with Browne at Norwich, and there died. Sir 
 Thomas, in these letters, bears testimony most unequivocally 
 to the sincerity of Dr. Arthur Dee's belief in the power of 
 alchymy to transmute the baser metals into gold and silver ; 
 which he assured Sir Thomas he had " ocularly, undeceiv- 
 ably, and frequently " beheld. He was even on the point of 
 
 8 Memoirs of Evelyn, vol. i, p. 444-6. 
 9 See An Essay on the Education of Children in the first Rudiments of Learning, 
 together with a Narrative of what Knowledge Wm. Wotton, a child under six years 
 of age, had attained unto, upon the Improvement of those Rudiments in the Latin, 
 Greek, and Hebrew Tongues. By Henry Wotton, of Corpus Christi College, Cam- 
 bridge, and Minister of Wrentham, in Siiffolk. London, 1753, 8vo. p. 59. 
 
XCV1 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 going to the continent in pursuit of such riches, had not the 
 death of the artist, with whom he was about to hazard his pro- 
 perty, most opportunely prevented him. 
 
 Sir Thomas had also another zealous alchymist among his 
 correspondents, in the person of one of his earliest friends, 
 Sir Robert Paston, with whom he corresponded from 1663 to 
 1672, principally on experiments which Sir Robert was mak- 
 ing in alchymy. Blomfield speaks of this gentleman as "a 
 person of good learning, who, travelling into foreign countrys, 
 collected many considerable rarities and curiosities, and being 
 an accomplished fine gentleman, entertained King Charles II, 
 his queen, and the Duke of York at Oxnead, with the nobility 
 that attended them." J 
 
 But though Sir Thomas was willing enough to afford all 
 the assistance in his power to those who sought it, in pursuit 
 of astrology and alchymy, (as on every other subject within 
 his range,) it does not follow, nor dq his writings justify our 
 supposing, that he placed any reliance on the one, or enter- 
 tained any hopes from the other, of those pseudo-sciences ; 
 which, indeed, ought rather to be regarded as the cradles of 
 astronomy and chemistry. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have 
 been at one time on the hunt after the philosopher's stone : 
 and he himself owned that it was his pursuit of the idle and 
 vain study of astrology which led him into the love of astro- 
 nomy. Lord Bacon speculated on the making of gold ; but 
 this, it is contended, arose from his lofty conceptions of the 
 yet untried resources of experimental science. 
 
 Our history now fast approaches its conclusion. The re- 
 maining ten years of Sir Thomas's life afford us few incidents 
 of importance or interest. His leisure seems to have been 
 very considerably occupied with rendering professional and 
 literary assistance to his son Edward ; with whom he kept up 
 a constant correspondence to the very close of his life. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. Edward Browne, in 1672, had settled 
 him in London ; and he naturally availed himself of every 
 means, whether derived from his own exertions, or from the 
 celebrity of his father's name, to extend his connexions, which 
 were already considerable. In the summer of 1673 he went 
 
 1 Blowfieid's Norfolk, vol. iii, p. G99. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. XCV11 
 
 over to Germany with Sir Joseph Williamson and Sir Leoline 
 Jenkins, the English plenipotentiaries who were sent over to 
 Cologne to negociate a treaty of peace between England, 
 France, and Holland. This, although but an excursion of 
 pleasure, probably enabled him to make some valuable addi- 
 tions to his circle of influential and ttiled friends. 
 
 Having thus terminated his travels, (which he never subse- 
 quently resumed,) he soon brought out his first account of 
 them in 4to. under his father's advice, and, four years after- 
 wards, published a second collection. They were very well 
 received ; as will appear from a brief sketch of his works 
 which I have subjoined below. 2 In 1675 he was chosen, on 
 
 2 During his absence from England, Dr. Edw. Browne had transmitted to the 
 Royal Society, in reply to their inquiries, some curious information, together with a 
 collection of minerals, &c.' — See Correspondence, p. 447. These communications 
 were published at different times in the Philosophical Transactions : of which see a 
 list at page 202, note. On his return to England, his first work was a translation 
 of "A Discourse of the Original, Countrey, Manners, Government, and Religion of 
 the Cossacks, with another of the Precopian Tartars. And the History of the Wars 
 of the Cossacks against Poland, London, 8$c. 1672," 12mo. ; with a preface, signed 
 " Edward Brown," in which he informs his readers that " The author of this work 
 was a commander, and employed his sword in foreign countreys, as well as his pen, 
 and his living long in Poland gave him sufficient opportunity to make these obser- 
 vations, &c. &c." The volume is, as its title-page announces, divided into three 
 parts ; the first (31 pp.) a sketch of the history, &c. of the Cossacks of the Ukraine ; 
 the second (pp. 32 — 54) on the Prsecopian (or Crim) Tartars, the inhabitants of the 
 Lesser Tartary ; the third, (pp. 55 — 195), a history of the first and second wars of 
 the Cossacks against Poland, from 1648 to the Peace of Bialacierkiew, Sep. 28, 
 1650. In 1673 he published, in 4to., A Brief Account of some Travels in Hunga- 
 ria, Servia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Thessaly, Austria, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, 
 and Friuli. As also some Observations on the Gold, Silver, Copper, Quicksilver 
 Mines, Baths, and Mineral Waters, in those parts: with the figures of some habits 
 and remarkable places. This work he divided into distinct subjects, which are 
 arranged in the following order: — 1. The General Description of Hungary. 2. A 
 Journey from Vienna in Austria to Larissa in Thessaly. 3. The Description of 
 Larissa and Thessaly. 4. Some Occurrences and Observations in this Journey. 
 5. A Journey from Komara or Gomora to the Mine Towns in Hungary, and from 
 thence to Vienna. 6. A Journey from Vienna into Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, 
 Friuli, unto the strange Lake of Zirchnitx, to the Quicksilver Mines at Idria, and to 
 other remarkable places in the Alpes. This arrangement cannot be commended ; for 
 the last of the three journies in point of time (having occupied him from Sep. 1, to 
 Oct. 27, 1669) is placed before the visit to Komara, (which took place in March 
 and April,) and the tour through Styria, &c. (which extended from May 31, to July 
 31, in the same year.) To this collection he was induced, in 1677, to add, An Ac- 
 count of several Travels through a great part of Germany ; in four journies. 1. From 
 Noriuich to Colen. 2. From Colen to Vienna, with a particular description of that 
 imperial city. 3. From Vienna to Hamburg. 4. From Colen to London, &;c. 4to. 
 The first thfee chapters, together with his former volume, complete the history of 
 his travels from Dec. 1668 to Dec. 1669; The 1st and 2nd recording their com- 
 mencement, the 3rd their termination. The 4th narrates his short tour in the Ne- 
 therlands in the summer of 1673. In 1685 he reprinted these volumes in a thin 
 folio, with this title: — A brief Account of some Travels in divers parts of Europe, 
 viz. Hungaria, Q-c. Through a great part of Germany and the Low Countriet, 
 
 VOL. I. e 
 
XCV111 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 the 14th June, Lecturer in Chirurgeon's Hall, Sir Nathaniel 
 Heme being then Master ; 3 and, on the 29th July, Fellow of 
 the College of Physicians. From this time we are constantly 
 meeting with evidence, in the Correspondence, of the large 
 assistance he received from his father, in the preparation of 
 his lectures ; which it seems gave very general satisfaction, 
 and did him great credit. 4 
 
 In the following year Sir Thomas sustained a domestic 
 affliction in the death of his daughter Mary, about twenty- 
 four years of age. It may be supposed that she did not die 
 under her father's roof, from the fact of her burial not occur- 
 ring in the register of the parish in which he resided. My 
 information is derived from Blomfield, who enumerates, among 
 "the stones below the rails, in the church of St. Peter's, 
 Norwich, one to the memory of Mary, daughter of Sir Tho- 
 mas Browne, Knt., 1676." 5 
 
 In 1678, I find an instance of Browne's compliance with 
 a custom very prevalent with authors in his day, — that of 
 
 Through Marca Trevisana, and Lombardy, on both sides the Po, SfC. fyc. London, 
 &c. 1685. (The British Museum copy has a' reprint title, dated 1687.) But in- 
 stead of arranging his various excursions, in this edition, according to the order of 
 their dates, he most absurdly printed them just as they had stood in the former edi- 
 tion, adding, at the close of the volume, (to complete the confusion,) a tour which 
 he had taken in 1664, four years before the earliest of the preceding journies. 
 
 As soon as these travels made their appearance, they were noticed with high com- 
 mendation by the Royal Society in their Transactions, No. xciv, p. 6049, and No. 
 cxxx, p. 707 (or 767?). They are also highly spoken of in the Introductory Dis- 
 course to ChurchilVs Voyages, written by, or under the direction of, Locke. They 
 were translated into French ; and are recommended by Du Fresnoy, Melhode pour 
 etudier I'Histoire, torn, iv, p. 328. The last edition was translated into Dutch, by 
 Jacob Leeuwe Dirkx, and published in 4to. at Amsterdam in 1696. The arrange- 
 ment was somewhat improved, by the translation of the commencement of the tra- 
 vels of 1668-9 to the beginning of the volume; but the visit to Larissa still pre- 
 cedes, instead of following, those to the Mine Towns of Hungary and to Slyria, &c. 
 and the volume closes where it ought to have begun, with the Italian tour of 1664. 
 The Dutch translator has incorporated a number of additions to the text of 1685-7 ; — 
 to mention but one ; he has asserted that Dr. B. saw a splendid procession which 
 was annually held at Antwerp; of which he has taken occasion to give a very spi- 
 rited and elaborate plate, by Jan Luyken — the Callot of Holland. The plates 
 which accompany this work are far superior to those of the English edition ; some 
 are the same subjects, others original illustrations. 
 
 To complete this account of Dr. Edward Browne's works, must be added his 
 translations of the life of Themistocles in 1683, and that of Sertorius in 1684, for 
 that edition of Plutarch's Lives which was published in 5 vols. Svo. 1683, &c. 
 There is a work which has been confounded with Dr. Edward Browne's travels, 
 under the following title : — The Travels and Adventures of Edward Brown, Esq. 
 formerly a Merchant in London, SjC. 8vo. London, 1739. It was reprinted in 2 vols. 
 12mo. in 1753 ; but without even the announcement, Second Edition. 
 3 See MS. Sloan. 1833, fol. 46. 
 4 See Correspondence, p. 212, 218, &c. 5 Vol. ii, p. 625. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. XC1X 
 
 prefixing to their works recommendatory letters from persons 
 of literary eminence. Kiiig's Vale Royal of Chester contains 
 such a letter, signed Thomas Brown, and supposed to be Sir 
 Thomas's. In the present year he addressed a brief note of 
 cautious recommendation to Mr. John Browne, a surgeon 
 residing at Norwich, who had published a work on Preterna- 
 tural Tumours. This gentleman afterwards became surgeon 
 to the King, to whom he paid his court, by publishing, in 
 1684, a book entitled, Adeno choir adelogia, or a Treatise of 
 Glandules, and the Royal Gift of Healing them. In this 
 work he relates a number of marvellous cases of cure; in one 
 of which Sir Thomas makes rather a prominent figure. 6 He 
 was not living to contradict the story, or even to disclaim his 
 participation in the Vulgar Error of believing in such royal 
 miracles. We find from his letters 7 that he was in the habit 
 of giving medical certificates, to such as wished to be touched, 
 that their cases were genuine. But this would involve no 
 opinion as to the efficacy of the touch ; — and probably, in the 
 present instance he only believed in that of the journey. 
 
 6 The following is the story adverted to. — " Being in the society of many per- 
 sons of quality I had this remarkable following observation from an eminent person 
 of this strange cure. A nonconformist's child in Norfolk, being troubled with 
 scrophulous swellings, the late deceased Sir Thomas Browne of Norwich being con- 
 sulted about the same, his majesty being then at Breda or .Bruges, he advised the 
 parents of the child to have it carryed over to the King, (fiis own method being 
 used ineffectually :) the father seemed very strange at his advice, and utterly de- 
 nied it, saying the touch of the King was of no greater efficacy than any other man's. 
 The mother of the child adhering to the doctor's advice, studied all imaginable 
 means to have it over, and at last prevailed with her husband to let it change the 
 air for three wdeks or a month ; this being granted, the friends of the child that 
 went with it, unknown to the father, carried it to Breda, where the King touched 
 it, and she returned home perfectly healed. The child being come to its father's 
 house, and he finding so great an alteration, enquires how his daughter arrived at 
 this health, the friends thereof assured him, that if he would not be angry with 
 them, they would relate the whole truth ; they having his promise for the same, 
 assured him they had the child to the King, to be touched, at Breda, whereby they 
 apparently let him see the great benefit his child received thereby. Hereupon the 
 father became so amazed, that he threw off his nonconformity, and exprest his 
 thanks in this method ; ' Farewell to all dissenters, and to all nonconformists : if 
 God can put so much virtue into the King's hand as to heal my child, I'll serve 
 that God and that King so long as I live with all thankfulness.'" Browne's Ade- 
 nochoiradelogia, 3rd part, p. 187-9. 
 
 Nearly a century later, the avowal (or seeming avowal) of a belief in this kingly 
 gift cost poor Carte the historian his annual subsidy from the chamber of London. 
 See Nichols's Literary Anecdotes, vol. ii, p. 495, where is collected much curious 
 information on the point. So general was the belief in Charles II 's reign, that no 
 fewer than 92,107 persons are asserted by Browne, to have been " touched" from 
 1660 to 16S3. See Tables at the end of his work. 
 
 7 "Corresp. p. 159, 162." 
 
 g 2 
 
C SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 In the same year he subscribed towards building a new 
 library in Trinity College, Cambridge, at the instance of the 
 masters and seniors of that College, who, in their letter 8 urged 
 the following argument ; " We doubt not but that God will 
 bless the rest of your substance the better for what you shall 
 conferr towards this ; and we shall pray that he may, &c. &c." 
 
 In the same MS. I also find the acknowledgement of £ 12 
 subscribed "towards the building of a new school in the Col- 
 ledge near Winton," — where his education commenced. Ken- 
 net 9 has preserved another instance of his public spirit; he 
 contributed £130 to the repairs of Christ Church, Oxford. 
 
 It was probably about 1680 that Sir Thomas completed his 
 Repertorium, or Account of the Tombs and Monuments in 
 the Cathedral Church of Norwich, by continuing it up to the 
 time. The basis of the work was a sketch hastily drawn up, 
 20 years previously, on the information of "an understand- 
 ing singing man, 91 years old j" 1 not under the impulse of an 
 antiquarian taste, (which he has himself informed us he did 
 not possess, 2 ) but in order to preserve some remembrance of 
 the many monumental antiquities, which blind and barbarous 
 zeal had mutilated or destroyed. The reckless character of 
 these ravages has been exhibited in a description made on 
 the spot, and at the moment, by one who suffered, in his per- 
 son, property, and health, from a lawless rabble, — perpetrat- 
 ing, in the sacred name of liberty, the most outrageous deeds 
 of despotism. Bp. Hall, in his Hard Measure, has given a 
 most touching account of the brutal treatment which he ex- 
 perienced from the republicans of his day, — treatment which 
 acquired a deeper degradation and a fouler stain from the 
 very elevation and purity of his own character : Browne at- 
 tended him for many years, and even to his dying hour; a 
 fact which the editor of the volume containing the account to 
 which I advert, 3 has noticed in these quaint and simple terms. 
 " After his prevailing infirmities had wasted all the strengths 
 
 8 i< p reS erved in the Bodleian Library, MS. Rawlinson. 391." 
 9 Rennet's Register, p. 345. x Corresp. p. 467. 2 Vol. iii, p. 452. 
 
 3 The Shaking of the Olive Tree. The Remaining Works of that incomparable 
 prelate, Joseph Hall, D.D. late Lord Bishop of Norwich. With some Specialties of 
 Divine Providence in his Life, noted by his own hand. Together with his Hard 
 Measure, written also by himself, 4to. Lond. 1660. Curll, in publishing the Reper- 
 torium, has most appropriately though inaccurately prefixed the following quotation 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. CI 
 
 of nature, and the arts of his learned and excellent physician, 
 D. Browne of Norwich, (to whom, under God, we and the 
 whole church are ingaged for many years preserving his life 
 as a blessing to us,) — after his fatherly reception of many 
 persons of honour, learning, and piety, who came to crave 
 his dying prayers and benedictions, — he roused up his dying 
 spirits, to a heavenly confession of his faith, which ere he 
 could finish, his speech was taken from him, so that we can- 
 not here insert it." 4 
 
 At the close of the same year Sir Thomas's daughter 
 Elizabeth married Capt. George Lyttleton, the 12th and 
 youngest son of Sir Thomas Lyttleton, Bart, afterwards major 
 in Prince George of Denmark's regiment of dragoons ; who 
 
 from this work, which (having omitted it in that place) I shall insert here, verbatim 
 from Bp. Hall. 
 
 " It is no other then tragical to relate the carriage of that furious sacriledge, 
 whereof our eyes and ears were the sad witnesses under the authority and presence 
 of Linsey, Tofts the sheriffe, and Greenwood; Lord, what work was here, what 
 clattering of glasses, what beating down of walls, what tearing up of monuments, 
 what pulling down of seates, what wresting out of irons and brass from the windows 
 and graves, what defacing of armes, what demolishing of curious stone-work, that 
 had not any representation in the world, but only of the cost of the founder, and 
 skill of the mason, what toting and piping upon the destroyed organ pipes, and 
 what a hideous triumph on the market day before all the countrey, when in a kind 
 of sacrilegious and profane procession, all the organ pipes, vestments, both copes 
 and surplices, together with the leaden crosse, which had been newly sawne downe 
 from over the greenyard pulpit, and the service books and singing books that could 
 be had, were carried to the fire in the publick market place ; a leud wretch walk- 
 ing before the train, in his cope trailing in the dirt, with a service book in his hand 
 imitating in an impious scorne the tune, and usurping the words of the letany used 
 formerly in the church : neer the publick crosse, all these monuments of idolatry 
 must be sacrificed to the fire, not without much ostentation of a zealous joy in dis- 
 charging ordinance to the cost of some who professed how much they had longed 
 to see that day. Neither was it any newes upon this guild-day to have the cathe- 
 drall now open on all sides to be filled with muskatiers, way ting for the majors 
 returne, drinking and tobacconing as freely as if it had turne'd alehouse." The 
 Shaking of the Olive Tree, Sfc. p. 63. 
 
 4 From the following certificate, (which I find in MS. Sloan. 1848, fol. 166,) 
 it would appear that he also attended a successor of Bishop Hall's, Anthony Spar- 
 row, D.D. translated to the See of Norwich, in 1676: on what occasion the certi- 
 ficate was required, I have not been able to ascertain ; and I insert it, on the bare 
 possibility that it may be of some interest to some one engaged in hunting for inci- 
 dents, however minute, in the life of that Bishop. It was probably drawn up but 
 a short time before Sir Thomas's death: — " By these wee humbly certifie, that the 
 Right Reverend father in God, Anthonie L. Bishop of Norwich, hath been for divers 
 yeares afflicted with the dysurie, acrimony of urine, and paynfull diseases of the 
 bladder and urinary parts, so that hee hath not been able to make use of horse or 
 coach without great payne and torture presently ensuing ; and therefore wee do 
 not apprehend how his lordship can performe a long journey, or as farre as Lon- 
 don ; and if hee should undertake it, it would in all probability bring such affliction 
 and paynes, and ill symptomes upon him, that it might endanger his life, or at 
 least shorten his dayes." 
 
CU SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 died in 1717, at Windsor, in the 77th year of his age. This 
 was probably thought a desirable alliance ; but it deprived Sir 
 Thomas of a daughter who had resided with him far longer 
 than any other of his children, and of whom he has expressed 
 himself in terms of very high commendation. She went to 
 reside in the island of Guernsey, where the captain then had 
 some military employment. 
 
 Sir Thomas had now the satisfaction of seeing his son 
 Edward daily adding to his honours, his connexions, and his 
 practice. In 1678 he had been chosen Censor of the College 
 of Physicians ; an office which he again filled in 1685 and 
 1686. In 1680 he attended the dying illness of the cele- 
 brated Earl of Rochester, at Woodstock Park : as well as 
 that of the Marquis of Dorchester, a patron and amateur of 
 the medical profession, and a Fellow of the College of Phy- 
 sicians ; who had long been his great friend ; to whom he 
 had dedicated his first travels in 1672; and with whom he 
 had sufficient influence to prevail on his lordship to bequeath 
 his library to the college. We also find among Dr. Browne's 
 patients, the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Aylesbury, Sir 
 Joseph Williamson, &c. In February, 1682, he was engaged 
 to translate the life of Themistocles, for an edition of Plu- 
 tarch's Lives, of which the first volume was published in 
 1683; and for the second of which, in the following year, he 
 translated that of Sertorius. In this occupation, also, he en- 
 joyed the advantage of his father's assistance ; the sheets 
 being successively transmitted to Norwich for revision. On 
 the 7th of September, 1682, he was appointed, by the ex- 
 press recommendation of his royal master, Physician to St. 
 Bartholomew's Hospital, on the death of Sir John Mickle- 
 thwayte. He entered upon the duties of this office with 
 characteristick diligence, and, as it appears, in his accustomed 
 reliance upon the aid of his father ; to whom, on the 3rd of 
 Oct., he addressed the last letter which has come down to us ; 
 communicating some particulars relative to the appointment, 
 and requesting his advice as to the hospital practice. Ever 
 prompt as Sir Thomas was to comply with such applications, 
 especially from his son, it may be doubted whether he was 
 permitted to do so in the present instance : — for on the 19th 
 

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SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. C1H 
 
 of the same month, the day on which he completed his 77th 
 year, a severe attack of colick terminated the life of this great 
 man, after a few days' illness. He left considerable property, 
 real 5 as well as personal ; which he had devised three years 
 before his decease in the following will: 6 — 
 
 Decemb. 2, 1679. 
 
 In the name of God. Amen. I, Thomas Browne, Knight and 
 Dr. of Physick, of the citty of Norwich, do make this my last 
 will and testament. Imprimis, I giue and bequeath vnto my deare 
 wife, Dame Dorothie Browne, all my Lands, Leases, and Tene- 
 ments, all my bonds, bills, moueables, money, plate, Jewells, and 
 all my goods whatsoeuer, thereby to hane a provision for herself, 
 and make liberall maintenance and portions for my deare daugh- 
 ters Elizabeth Browne and Frances Browne. Excepting such 
 lands and tenements as were assigned and made ouer vnto my 
 sonne Edward Browne upon marriage, and to bee entered upon a 
 yeare after my decease. Item. I appoynt and make my wife, 
 Dame Dorothie Browne, my sole executrix, and give her power to 
 sell all leases, all my goods, moueables, mony, plate, Jewells, 
 bonds, and all goods valuable whatsoeuer, for the the*? prouision 
 of herself and of my daughters Elizabeth and Francis Browne, and 
 for the payment of my debts, legacies, and charitable gifts, where- 
 with she is fully acquainted, and will, I doubt not, performe my 
 will therein. And if it shall please God that my wife Dame 
 Dorothie should dye before mee, then I make my daughters, Eli- 
 zabeth and Frances Browne my executrixes, and giue them the 
 same enjoyment and power in my estate as I haue before giuen 
 vnto my wife, Dame Dorothie. This is my last will and testa- 
 ment, which I haue writt with my owne hand, and confirmed it 
 with my hand and seale. 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Witnesses, Nicho: Bickerdike 
 Anthony Ming ay 
 Aug: Briggs, Junior. 
 
 5 I have great pleasure in acknowledging the courtesy of Mr. John Bruce, who has 
 had the kindness to transmit to me, through my friend Mr. Amyot, the following 
 proof that Sir Thomas was a landed proprietor. What would be said by the pre- 
 sent possessor of " The Great Lady Howe" and " The Little Lady Howe," were 
 such a sum as £ 130 tendered in purchase of their ladyships in this our day? 
 
 Indre. dated " the thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord God one thou- 
 sand six hundred and sixty. Between Edward Mileham, of North Burtingham, in 
 the Countye of Norff. Esq. of the one part, and Thomas Browne, of the Cittye of 
 Norwich, Doctor of Phisiche, Robert Bendish, of the Cittye of Norwich, Merchant, and 
 John Robbins, of the said Cittye, Gent, (they the said Robert Bendish being psons 
 named in trust on the behalfe of the said Thomas Browne,) being a conveyance of cer- 
 tain Marshes at Aldebye, in the Comity of Norfolk, called " Great Lady Howe and 
 Little Lady Howe," in consideration of £130. Signed " Edw. Mileham." 
 
 6 Through the kindness of my friend, John Kitson, Esq. of Norwich, I am en- 
 abled to present an engraved fac simile of this will, from a copy by Mr. S. Woodward. 
 
 7 Sic. in MS. 
 
CIV SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 Of the two daughters named in this will, only one (Frances) 
 remained single at the time of his death. Whether she mar- 
 ried afterwards or not I cannot say with certainty. In the 
 pedigree drawn up by Le Neve — among the daughters of 
 Mr. Fairfax are enumerated two of the name Frances, both 
 married, the latter to Mr. Bosville, a Yorkshire gentleman. 
 This I suppose to have been the daughter of Sir Thomas, 
 and to have been confounded by Le Neve with his grand- 
 daughter. But I cannot bring any evidence whatever to sup- 
 port my suggestion, which must, therefore, remain mere hy- 
 pothesis. His widow, Lady Dorothy, survived him little more 
 than two years. Her monument, in St. Peter's church, bears 
 the following inscription : — 
 
 SACRED 
 TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 THE LADY DOROTHY BROWNE, 
 
 OF NORWICH, 
 
 IN THE COUNTY OF NORFF. 
 
 SHE DIED FEBR. 24, MDCLXXXV. 
 
 IN THE SIXTY-THIRD YEAR OF HER AGE. 
 
 Reader thou maist believe this pious stone, 
 
 It is not common dust thou treadst upon, 
 
 'Tis hallowed earth, all that is left below 
 
 Of what the world admired and honoured too ; 
 
 The prison of a bright celestial mind, 
 
 Too spacious to be longer here confined ; 
 
 Which after all that virtue could inspire, 
 
 Or unaffected piety require, 
 
 In all the noblest offices of life, 
 
 Of tendrest benefactress, mother, wife, 
 
 To those serene abodes above is flown, 
 
 To be adorned with an immortal CROWN. 
 
 It is very remarkable, that although Sir Thomas Browne 
 had forty children and grand-children, (including those who 
 were so by marriage,) yet, in the second generation, within 
 thirty years after his decease, the male line became extinct ; 
 and of the third generation, none survived their infancy, 
 excepting in the family of his eldest daughter, Anne ; 8 of 
 whose eight children, none left any descendants but the third 
 daughter, Frances Fairfax, married to the Earl of Buchan ; 
 whose daughter, Lady Frances Erskine, married the cele- 
 
 8 Always excepting, also, the possible result of the supposed marriage of his 
 daughter Frances to Mr. Bosville, of Yorkshire ; and that of another (supposed) 
 daughter to Mr. Cottiell. 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. CV 
 
 brated Colonel Gardiner, killed at Preston-pans in 1745 ; — 
 whose grandson was the late Lord Erskine, one of the most 
 splendid ornaments of the English bar, created Lord Chan- 
 cellor in 1806; — and from whom are thus lineally descended 
 Henry David, the present and 12th Earl of Buchan, and 
 David Montague, the present and 2nd Lord Erskine of 
 Restormel Castle. I shall insert here some monumental in- 
 scriptions relating to the family, from the church of Hurst, in 
 Berkshire. I understand from the Rev. Mr. Cameron, min- 
 ister of that parish, (who has favoured me with the tran- 
 scripts, together with a folio sheet of most valuable information 
 respecting the Barker and Fairfax families,) that tradition 
 ascribes the poetical inscription to the pen of Waller, who 
 lived there. 
 
 On a flat stone immediately on the N. side of the altar : 
 
 HERE LYETH FRAN. . . . 
 
 YE GRANDCHILD OF HENRY FAIRFAX, 
 
 OF BURLINGTON, IN YE COUN. OF YORKE, ESQ. 
 
 BY HIS 
 
 ELDEST SON HENRY AND ANN HIS WIFE 
 
 DAUGH. TO SIR THOM. BROWNE, OF NORWICH, KT. 
 
 WHO DIED SEPT. YE 15th, 1678, 
 
 ANNO jETATIS SVM 5. 
 
 Directly above this, on a tablet on the wall : 
 
 SACRED 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 WILLIAM FAIRFAX, SON TO HENRY FAIRFAX, ESQ. 
 
 BY ANN HIS WIFE, 
 
 DAUGHTER TO SIR THOMAS BROWNE, KT. 
 
 WHO DIED JULY THE 27th, 1684. 
 
 This little silent, gloomy monument 
 
 Contains all that was sweet and innocent : 
 
 The softest prattler that ere found a tongue ; 
 
 His voyce was music, and his words a song, 
 
 Which now each listening Angell smiling heares, — 
 
 Such harmony composed the spheres ; — 
 
 Fair as young Cherubins, as soft and kind, 
 
 And tho' translated, could not be refined. 
 
 The seventh deare pledge ye nuptiall joys had given, 
 
 Toyld here with play, retired to rest in heaven, 
 
 Where they the shining host of Angells file, 
 
 Spread their gay wings before the throne and smile. 
 
 IN THE SAME GRAVE RESTETH ALSO ANN ALFTHEA, 
 THEIR DAUGHTER. 
 
CV1 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 On a flat stone in front of the altar : 
 
 HERE LYETH 
 
 THE BODY OF HENRY FAIRFAX, ESQ. 
 
 SECOND SONNE OF THOMAS VISCOUNT FAIRFAX, OF EMELY, 
 
 IN IRELAND, 
 
 WHO MARRIED FRANCES, THE ONLY DAUGHTER OF 
 
 HENRY BARKER, OF HURST, ESQ. 
 
 BY WHOM HE HAD TWO SONNES AND ONE DAUGHTER, 
 
 HENRY, JOHN, AND FRANCES. 
 
 HE DYED THE 4th DAY OF JULY, ANNO DNI. 1656, 
 
 BEING THE 50th YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
 
 None of Dr. E. Browne's numerous family left any children. 
 Eight died unmarried, the greater part in their infancy. Of 
 the remaining three, Susannah, the eldest daughter, died soon 
 after her marriage to Arthur Moore, Esq., M. P. for Gran- 
 tham, and was buried with her two infant daughters at North- 
 fleet. Thomas, the eldest son, and Anne, the sixth daughter, 
 survived their father. Thomas resided for many years at Nor- 
 wich with his grandfather ; whose correspondence is not a lit- 
 tle enlivened by the very orthographic postscripts of Dame 
 Dorothy, touching this her most especial favourite and grand- 
 son, " litle Tomey ; " setting forth his excellencies and defects, 
 his demeanors and misdemeanors, his maladies, and his lite- 
 rary progress. Of the doings and writings of "litle Tomey" 
 I can find very little to record. He took his doctor's degree 
 in medicine, and probably practised with his father. He was 
 a Fellow of the College of Physicians, and in 1699 was ad- 
 mitted F. R. S. He was intimately acquainted with Dr. Robert 
 Plot, and was his companion in one of those "journies," 
 which he undertook " for the discovery of antiquities and 
 curiosities in England." I believe that the only original pro- 
 duction of Dr. T. B. Jun. is an account of this tour, in his 
 own hand-writing, preserved in MS. Sloan. 1900 ; which I 
 have printed, vol. iv, p. 457. 9 
 
 In 1698 he married his cousin Alethea, fourth and youngest 
 daughter of his uncle, Henry Fairfax, Esq. ; but she died in 
 1704, and was buried at Hurst, leaving no children. His own 
 death occurred in 1710, in a manner much to be deplored, if 
 
 9 See D'Isiaeli's notice of Dr. Plot, in Second Series nf Curiosities, SfC, vol. iii, 
 page 28. 
 
1 -: omas Brown £MB.«Miles 
 
 A° 1605 liQTvlDINI-natus- 
 GcnerolaFdlniJiaapuci Up TON 
 Inagro CESTRTEMSI ormndus 
 SAola.prMiiwn.V'/lNTOlSnENSI-poIlea 
 in Co Ji.pEMBR, 
 Apucl O^omenfef bonis litems 
 J' "J OU.tcl ) evi ter in vbufv\s . 
 h 1 u r-V Wlx ORP OVICEN 53 - 
 Arte egregia,8fnelioJ iucceflu-profefltis. 
 Scripti3quibusti(u]i.]RELIOIO MEDICI 
 BtPSEUDODOXTA El J ]"PE?1ICA alitfque 
 Per Orbem noKflimus, 
 ien{lIil]xtiis,Iritegeri"n'nus J I5ct\i.J"!iiTi-us, 
 Obiit OfloW 13 iC8 2 , 
 i ic pofijit ■ iosi ivrna C oni 3> 
 
 hUtw «fe frr't 
 
 />>"■ ■.-Jr.-.'.'l : ,l I,. /.>.. ■tttJF&yfot in i/,*; CtlyA.£ "Cart 1/ 
 
 MtlCdy.tGfo m ■ .- ;; ", . <tr 'afhis M e faMcmety ■■/ 
 iim7 Do 01 (■inn-o1>,y?.yi,wr » ni*« iiJtrriA, ; ulfi i f. ■ t alt 
 li'ycqj jn.-?-rj,£/tufeurfi4avf>.\i*mcn£ '*j Ic crecfr.J.. 
 
 ™ ! IpiP^^ 5 ^^^??^ I i r 
 
 HI MAI 
 
 : ( 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. CVll 
 
 we may credit the account given in Le Neve's pedigree of 
 the family. But that document exhibits so many inaccura- 
 cies, that we may, in charity, hope the story is not true. 
 However this may be, he was in every respect a man so 
 greatly inferior both to his father and grandfather, that the 
 first line of the Horatian apostrophe, "JEtas parentum, pejor 
 avis, tulii nos neqmores" may not unfitly be applied to him, 
 though we must omit the " mox daturos, 8fc. ; " as his race 
 ended with himself. 
 
 Anne, the sixth daughter of Dr. Edward Browne, married 
 Owen Brigstocke, Esq. of Llechdenny, Co. Carmarthen. 
 But his great grandson, Augustus Brigstocke, Esq. of Blaen- 
 pant, Co. Cardigan, has done me the favour, in reply to my 
 inquiries, to inform me, that she had no children ; and that 
 his ancestor's family was the result of his second marriage to 
 Mary, only daughter and sole heiress of Francis Gwynne, 
 Esq. of Glyn Abbey, M. P. 
 
 The writer of the memoir of Dr. Edward Browne, in the 
 Biographia Britannica, has collected some further and inter- 
 esting particulars respecting him, and has subjoined a charac- 
 ter of him, drawn up by a contemporary. These I shall give 
 in a note ; but without vouching for their accuracy, especially 
 as I find that several of the statements in that life are errone- 
 ous. I have, indeed, in this extract, corrected his age and 
 the date of his death, i In the parish church of Northfleet 
 are the following inscriptions to his memory and that of his 
 
 1 " He attended his royal master, King Charles II, in his last illness and to the 
 time of his decease. Upon the coming of the Duke of York to the crown, he was 
 left out of the number of his physicians ; but his practice still continued as great as 
 ever, or rather increased. After the revolution, he remained, likewise, at a distance 
 from the court, but his great success in his profession made him known and consi- 
 dered both at home and abroad, and that too by men of all parties and persuasions; 
 as appears by a letter of his to the celebrated M. le Clerc, in favour of one Mr. 
 Beverland, a man of great learning, and particularly remarkable for writing a most 
 excellent latin style ; in which, however, he had exercised his pen, on subjects that 
 occasioned his being banished his country; on the repeal of which sentence this 
 letter of recommendation was written, at the request of Mr. John Locke and the 
 Earl of Carberry. It is, without doubt, as elegant a piece of latin as can well be 
 seen, and may be therefore considered as a proof of our author's excellence in that 
 respect. In 1701, about the month of May, when King William was preparing for 
 his last voyage to Holland, Dr. Browne, in conjunction with Sir Thomas Millington, 
 Sir Richard Blackmore, and Dr. Lawrence, was called to a consultation on the state 
 of his health ; but it does not appear that he attended him in his last illness. In 
 the spring of the year 1705, upon the death of Sir Thomas Millington, Dr. Browne, 
 who had risen gradually through all the honours of the faculty, and was at that 
 
CV111 SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 son; followed by an (incorrect) extract from his will, bequeath- 
 ing his Northfleet estate equally between the College of Phy- 
 sicians and Hospital of St. Bartholomew, in the event (which 
 soon happened) of failure of heirs to his son and daughter. 
 There are also inscriptions to his three daughters, Susanna, 
 Henrietta, and Mary. 
 
 H. s. E. 
 EDVARDUS BROWNE NORDOVICENSIS, M. D. 
 
 THOM/E BROWNE MILITIS, ET MEDICI CELEBERRIMI 
 
 FILIUS PATRE NON INDICNUS. 
 
 QUIPPE QUI IN ARTE SUA USQUE ADEO EXCELLUIT 
 
 UT REGI CAROLO IIdo. 
 
 E MEDICIS PRIMARIIS FUERIT UNUS. 
 
 ET COLLEGIO MEDICORUM QUOD EST LONDINI 
 
 SUMMA CUM LAUDE PR^FUERIT. 
 
 QUI ETIAM SCRIPTIS SUIS 
 
 (IN QUIBUS ITINERA SUA PER PR^CIPUAS EUROPE REGIONES 
 
 ET RES UBIQUE NOTATU DIGNIORES 
 
 PULCHRE PARITER AC FIDELITER DESCRIBIT,) 
 
 MAGNAM AB OMNIBUS LITERATIS INIVIT GRATIAM. 
 
 DE CETERIS ANIMI DOTIBUS SI QU^ERAS 
 
 CUM SUMMA ERUDITIONE PAREM SEMPER MODESTIAM CONJUNXIT. 
 
 LAUDI AC DIGNITATE HAUD NIMIUM, 
 
 PECUNLE AC DIVITIIS PARUM, AUT NIHIL STUDUIT. 
 
 ALUS VERO QUAM MAXIME POTUIT BENEFACERE 
 
 • HMC RES EI SUMMiE FUIT VOLUPTATI. 
 
 QUAM NON TANTUM SUORUM PRIVATO COMMODO, 
 
 VERUM ETIAM PUBLICO UTILITATI CONSULUIT— 
 
 VERBA EX TESTAMENTO INFRA DESCRIPTA 
 
 PR^ECLARO ERUNT DOCUMENTO. 
 
 OBIIT VICESIMO OCTAVO DIE MENSIS AUGUSTI 
 
 ANNO DOMINI MDCCVIII, 
 
 .ETATIS LXII1I. 
 
 HIC ETIAM SITUS EST THOMAS BROWNE, M. D. 
 
 EJUSDEM EDVARDI BROWNE 
 
 FILIUS UNICUS. EX HAC VITA MIGRAVIT 
 
 ANNO vETATIS 36to ANNOQUE DOMINI 1710. 
 
 [Then follows the passage from Dr. Edward Broivne's will.] 
 
 lime one of the elects, and treasurer, succeeded him as president of the Royal Col- 
 lege of Physicians, which office he filled with great abilities, and discharged it with 
 universal approbation, to the time of his death, which happened on the twenty- 
 eighth of August, 1708, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, after a very short ill- 
 ness, at his seat at North Fleet, near Greenhithe, in the county of Kent. He was 
 extremely regretted by such as were best acquainted with his merits, as appears by 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. C1X 
 
 The library and manuscripts of Sir Thomas passed into 
 the hands of his son and grandson ; on whose decease his 
 library was sold by auction. 2 But the far greater portion of 
 his MSS. together with those added by his son, were sold, I 
 suppose, to Sir Hans Sloane. A catalogue of them is pre- 
 served in the Bodleian Library ; by means of which, with the 
 help of Sir Hans Slpane's MS. catalogue of his own immense 
 collections, I have succeeded in identifying nearly all the arti- 
 cles, in our National Library at the British Museum. But 
 this memoir has already extended so far beyond my intention, 
 that I must refer my readers to the close of the fourth volume 
 for my Account of the MS. Collections of Sir Thomas and 
 Dr. Edward Browne. 
 
 a very large character, which (says the writer of the article in the Biographia 
 Britannic a J I have been favoured with, and which was drawn up for the use of 
 Dr. Harris, in case he had lived to publish the second part of his history of Kent. 
 It was written by an old clergyman in Kent, out of pure zeal for the honour of 
 that county ; after whose death, it fell into the hands of the Rev. Mr. Knipe, from 
 whom I had it several years ago. ' Though this gentleman was no native of Kent, 
 yet having settled, and lived therein many years, and seeming to have fixed his 
 family there, in case God had been pleased to continue it in the male line, he may 
 well deserve a place amongst the Kentish worthies. He received from his father 
 an earnest desire after useful and extensive science, which was the best inheritance 
 he left to his son. It is wonderful, that knowing so many things as he did, he 
 should know them all so thoroughly well. He was well acquainted with Hebrew ; 
 he was a critic in Greek ; and no man of his age wrote better Latin ; High-Dutch, 
 Italian, French, &c. he spoke and wrote with as much ease as his mother-tongue. 
 Physic was his business, and to the promotion thereof, all his other acquisitions 
 were referred. Botany, Pharmacy and Chemistry he knew and practised. As to 
 the latter, he inherited from his father the MSS. of Dr. A. Dee, among which too 
 were some of John's; but his own lights went farther, and taught him, as some 
 have thought, the whole Arcana of that mysterious science. In the company of 
 the learned, his discourses were so academical, that he might be thought to have 
 passed his days in a college. Amongst politer company, his behaviour was so easy 
 and disengaged, you would have judged that he lived all his life in a court. With 
 all this fund of knowledge, he was inquisitive, patient, and modest, heard with 
 great attention, and spoke with much circumspection. In religion, zealous without 
 bigotry, in politics, inflexible but without asperity or rudeness ; in private life, 
 affable, beneficent, and cheerful. In a word, he justified what King Charles said 
 of him on a particular occasion, he ivas as learned as any of the College, and as well 
 bred as amj at Court. The nobility were fond of his company, his house was the 
 resort of strangers ; and, as he acquired the prudence of age without gray hairs, so 
 when they came he kept up all the cheerfulness of youth.' " 
 
 2 The following advertisement of the sale is from the Gentleman's Magazine for 
 1830, pt. i, p. 515 : — " Sir Thos. Browne, Dec. 26, 1710. A catalogue of the libra- 
 ries of the learned Sir Thomas Brown, and his son Dr. Brown, deceased, consist- 
 ing of many very valuable and uncommon books in most faculties and languages, 
 with choice manuscripts, which will begin to be sold by auction at the Black Boy 
 Coffee-house, in Ave-Mary-Lane, near Ludgate, on Monday, the 8th of January 
 next, beginning every Monday at 4 o'clock till the sale is ended. Catalogues are 
 delivered at most booksellers in London, at the two Universities, and at the place 
 of sale, price 6d." A copy of this catalogue exists in the British Museum. 
 
CX SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
 I shall subjoin, in conclusion, a paper, which was pointed out 
 to me by John Chambers, Esq. of Norwich, and which seems to 
 possess some claim to be regarded as a document of authority. 
 
 TO THE EDITOR OF THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE. 
 Sir, 
 
 In a copy of the works of Sir Thomas Brown, printed in 1686, which for- 
 merly belonged to Dr. White Kennet, Bishop of Peterborough, I find the following 
 memorandum, in the hand-writing of that prelate. It contains circumstances not 
 generally known, and may afford some information to the readers of the European 
 Magazine. I am, SfC. C. D. 
 
 " Memdom, In the time of my waiting at Windsor, in the latter part of Nov. 
 1712, Mrs. Littleton, a daughter of Sir Thomas Brown, of Norwich, lent me a 
 short account and character of her father, written by John Whitefoot, a minister 
 well acquainted with him, the same person who preacht and publisht a funeral ser- 
 mon for Bishop Hall.* It was contained in one sheet, 4to. beginning thus. ' Had 
 my province been only to preach a funeral sermon for this excellent person, &c.' 
 
 " All the matter of fact contained in the said account were in these words : — 
 
 [/ omit the bishop's epitome, having already printed at large, i?i Johnson's Life, the 
 whole account of Whitefoot, from which it was abridged.] 
 
 " Thus ended the account, and after it was written by Mrs. Littleton. ' This was 
 part of the life of Sir Thomas Brown, by that learned and good man, Mr. John 
 Whitefoot.' And then follows, in the same hand of Mrs. Littleton. ' His father 
 dying left him young ; his mother took her thirds, which was three thousand 
 pounds, and married Sir Thomas Dutton, a worthy person, who had great places. 
 The executors took care of his education at Winchester school and Oxford. He 
 lived some time in Montpellier and Padua. His father-in-law shewed him all Ire- 
 land in some visitation of the forts and castles. He was born Oct. 19, 1605. He 
 died Oct. 19, 1682, 77 years of age. His father used to open his breast when he 
 was asleep, and kiss it in prayers over him, as 'tis said of Origen's father, that the 
 Holy Ghost would take possession there. His picture is at the Duke of Devonshire's 
 house in Piccadilly, in his mother's lap. f His father, mother, brother, and sisters, 
 in it. A family picture, his father being nearly related to that countess of Devon- 
 shire whose picture is in the first room with her three sons by her, and very like to 
 Sir Thomas Brown's father, as the servants shew to persons who go to see the pic- 
 ture, which is so good painting, that my lord duke values it at four hundred pounds.' 
 
 "Memdm, The said Mrs. Littleton reports that the MSS. papers of her father 
 were in the hands of her late brother Dr. Edward Brown, who lent them in a box to 
 Dr. Thomas Tenison, vicar of St. Martin's, in the reign of King James II, and that 
 she herself, at her brother's request, went to fetch home the box, and accordingly 
 brought it back, and delivered it to her brother, who soon after complained that he 
 misst the choicest papers, which were a continuation of his Religio Medici, drawn 
 up in his elder years, and which his son Dr. Brown had now intended to publish. 
 She went back to Dr. Tenison, and desired him to look for those papers, which he 
 could not find, but she hopes they may be still recovered, either as mislaid by the 
 Archbishop of Canterbury, or by her brother, whose only daughter is married to 
 Mr. Brigstock, a member of the House of Commons." — Eur. Mag. vol. xl, p. 89. 
 
 * His funeral sermon on Browne was never printed. In the Br. Mus. I find a MS. discourse of 
 his on the question, " Whether the damned, after the last judgment, shall live in everlasting tor- 
 ments, or be utterly destroyed?"— in which, with great earnestness, lie advocates the latter, as the 
 more merciful alternative. It is among the Additional MSS. 6269, No. 31, with this title :— " Ar- 
 canum T/ieologicum. A Sceptical Discourse concerning the Everlasting Torments of Hell, by 
 JX. N. (Mr. Whitefoot, of Norwich.)" 
 
 + "This picture was probably destroyed when Devonshire House was burnt some years after- 
 wards." Grove, in his Lives of the Devonshire family, expressly says that " the library and 
 the admirable collection of pictures, &c." were saved from this fire. 1 have seen that which is 
 still considered to be the picture, though, through the mistake of Lord 'Walpole, it is called the 
 portrait of Sir Thomas Browne and Family, by Dobson. It could not have been by that artist ; who 
 died before Sir Thomas had such a family, — and was but ten years old at the date of the picture, 
 supposing it that of Sir Thomas's father,— of which the present paper is a very strong evidence. 
 It might have been by Vansomer, who painted for the Devonshire family at about that period. 
 
 END OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEMOIR. 
 
Correspondence* 
 
domestic Correspondence* 
 
 I HE earliest specimens of Sir Thomas Browne's 
 family correspondence, which have been discovered, 
 are his letters to his younger son Thomas, while in 
 France ; of which the following thirteen, preserved in 
 No. 391 of the Rawlinson Collection of MSS., at the 
 Bodleian Library, Oxford, seem to have been tran- 
 scripts by Mrs. Elizabeth Lyttelton, his daughter. 
 They are in the same hand-writing as those addressed 
 to herself, which are inserted at the close of the 
 Domestic Correspondence. The series is entitled, 
 Letters of my Fathers, which he ivrit to my Brother 
 Thomas when he went into France, at 14 years of 
 age ; 1660. I have not thought proper to alter the 
 spelling of these letters ; but would observe that its 
 faultiness must not be charged on Sir Thomas. He 
 wrote so illegibly (as those are well aware who have 
 been fated to decypher his hieroglyphics) that his or- 
 thography was left at the mercy of the copyist, who, 
 in the present case, seems not to have been remark- 
 ably skilled in that accomplishment. 
 
 VOL. I. B 
 
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE, [1660. 
 
 Mrs. Browne to her son Thomas. 1 
 
 DEARE TOM, 
 
 We have thought very long to hear from [you]. We 
 had a letter from the Isle of White, but not since. Pray let 
 us heal* as often as you can and give your father an account 
 how you spend your time, you had need make the best use of 
 it, for you find by this time I am confident some inconveni- 
 ence, in the first place a troublesome journey, which I hope 
 God have delivered you out of, and many things will seem 
 strange to you at first, but be sure to put your trust in God 
 and be civill to all that you have to doe withal], and find out 
 all that you can in that place, for in the sommer I beleeve your 
 father will have you goe to some other place. I hope you fol- 
 low writeing and all elce can be learnd there. We are all in 
 good health thanks to God. That God of his mercy would 
 be pleased to send yours and continue his blessing to you is 
 the dayly prayer of your affectionate Mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Ms son Thomas. 
 
 Deer. 22, Norwich, [1660.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I hope by Gods assistance you have been some weeks 
 in Bourdeaux. I was yesterday at Yarmouth where I spoke 
 with your uncle Charles Mileham who told me Mr. Dade 2 
 would accommodate you with what moneys were fitting for 
 defray of your charges in any kind and therefore would not 
 have mee at present send you any bill to receive any particu- 
 lar summ, but hqwever when I hear from you I will take care 
 for such a bill to be sent to Mr. Dade to whom in the mean 
 
 l M ithout date : probably written early in 1660, — before he had left the kingdom. 
 2 Of Bourdeaux. 
 
1661.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 3 
 
 time present my true respects and service and be sure to be 
 observant of what he shall advise you; be as good a husband 
 as possible and enter not upon any cours of superfluous ex- 
 pences ; be not dejected and malencholy because you can yet 
 have litle comfort in conversation, and all things will seem 
 strange unto you. Remember the camells back and be not 
 troubled for any thing that other ways would trouble your 
 patience here, be courteous and civil to all, put on a decent 
 boldness and avoid pudor rusticus, not much known in France. 
 Hold firm to the Protestant Religion and be diligent in going 
 to church when you have any litle knowledge of the language. 
 God will accept of your desires to serve him in his publick 
 worship tho you cannot make it out to your desires ; be con- 
 stant not negligent in your dayly private prayers, and habitu- 
 ate your heart in your tender days unto the fear and reverence 
 of God. It were good you had a map of France that you might 
 not be unacquainted with the several parts, and to resort unto 
 upon occasion for your information; view and understand all 
 notable buildings and places in Bourdeaux or near it, and take 
 a draught thereof, as also the ruind Amphitheatre, but these 
 at your leisure. There is I think a book in french calld Les Mo- 
 numents or les Antiquites de Bourdeaux, enquire of the same ; 
 read some books of french and latin, for I would by no means 
 you should loose your latin but rather gain more. 
 
 Ned comes not home this Xtmas. 3 I shall God willing re- 
 member your new years gift. Give me an account of your voy- 
 age by sea as perticuler as you can, for I doubt you had a 
 rough passage ; be temperate in dyet and wary to over heat 
 yourself; remember to compremere et non extendere labra. To 
 God's Providence I commit you. I have sent a little box by 
 this ship. 
 
 Vostre tres chere Pere, 
 
 THO: BROWNE. 
 
 3 From Cambridge, where he then was, at Trinity College. 
 
 B 2 
 
4 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1661. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Jan: 31, Norwich, [1660-1.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I was glad to receive your letter, where you gave a 
 good account of your voyage ; take notice of all things remark- 
 able, which will be pleasant unto you hereafter ; if you goe to 
 Saintes you may better learn the languadge and I think there 
 is a protestant church ; be as good an husband as you can ; to 
 write and cast account will be necesarie ; for either singing 
 painting or dancing if you learn let it be but for a while ; paint- 
 ing will be most usefull if you learn to draw landskips or build- 
 ings, the other takes up much time and your own private 
 practise will sufficiently advantage you. I would be glad you 
 had a good handsome garb of your body, which you will ob- 
 serve in most there, and may quickly learn if you cast of 
 pudor rusticus, and take up a commendable boldness without 
 which you will never be fit for any thing nor able to show the 
 good parts which God has given you. I would think it very 
 happy if you had more Latin, and therefore advantage yourself 
 that way if possible ; one way beside learning from others will be 
 to read the scripture or chapters thereof dayly in french and 
 Latin and to look often upon the grammars in both languages. 
 Since you went there was a little box with 4 knives and a pair 
 of gloves &c. in it which I hope you received. Commend my 
 humble service and respects to Mr. Dade and when you send 
 unto him acknowledge your obligations to him, and how in- 
 dustrious you will be in all returns of gratitude which shall 
 ever fall within your power. Sir Joseph Pain 4 writes often to 
 Mr. Dade. Some riseings there have been in London of the 
 Anabaptists, fift Monarchie men and others, but soon suppresd 
 and 13 executed. Upon the King's letter 5 of our Aldermen 
 were put out which had got in in the usurpers time in other 
 mens places, Andrews, Allen, Davie, Ashwell &c. Yesterday 
 was an humiliation and fast kept to divert the judgments of 
 God upon us and our posteritie for the abominable murther 
 
 4 Of Norwich. 
 
1G6L] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 5 
 
 of King Charles the first and is by act of Parliment to be kept 
 yearly on that day for ever. Ned is at Cambridge. Nancy still 
 in London. God's mercifull Providence guide and protect you. 
 Your ever loveing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 When you goe to Saintes you are about a days journey from 
 Rochell, which I would have you see. 
 
 Mrs. Browne to her son Thomas. 
 
 DEAR TOM, 
 
 I thought very long to hear from you and am now 
 much joyd to hear you got so well to Bourdeaux, it was the 
 26 of february when we received your letter. I beseech God 
 of his mercy continue your health, and be carefull to spend 
 your time to the best advantage. I understand it is a charga- 
 ble place which you are to live in ; learn what you can tho it 
 be something extraordinary now you are where you may im- 
 prove yourself, if you like to sing or dance learn, or any thing 
 elce you like. Your Unckle 5 will convey moneys to you. I thank 
 God we are all well and want nothing but the hearing from 
 you oftner ; pray let us know if you want any thing and how 
 you imploy your time ; your father was well pleased with your 
 account of your voiage and it will please very much if you 
 continue informing of him still what you observe there. I sup- 
 pose you can frequently send them to Mr. Dade and he to 
 your Unckle Mileham. Be sure you omit not serving God and 
 then you will [have] his Blessing upon all your endeavors, to 
 whose protection I leave you with my Prayers for you. 
 
 Your loveing Mother, 
 
 D. BROWNE. 
 
 All the servants present their loves to you and are mighty 
 joyd to hear of you and will observe your commands. 
 
 5 Charles Mileham, of Yarmouth. 
 
6 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1661. 
 
 Your brother Ned is at Cambridge and is to commence Ba- 
 chalar of arts this Christmas, 6 if you want any thing let me 
 know and you shall be suplied. I hope you doe not forget your 
 Painting. Pray be careful to serve God in the first place, and 
 industrious to spend your time to your advantage that you 
 may be the better for this Journey. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 March the 10, stylo vet. [1660-1.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I presume you are by this time at Xaintes. If you live 
 with an apothecairie you may get some good by observing the 
 drugs and practise which will be noe burden and may some- 
 what help you in latin ; I would be at some reasonable charge 
 if any young man would assist you and teach you french and 
 latin dayly as they are to be found commonly ; you are not only 
 to learn to understand and speak french but to write it which 
 must be dun by practise and observation because they write 
 and speak differently, and in what you write in English, ob- 
 serve the points and date your letters. Write whether you like 
 the place and how language goes down with you, be not fear- 
 full but adventure to speak what you can for you are known 
 a stranger and they will bear with you, put on a desent bold- 
 ness and learn a good garb of body, be carefull you loose not 
 such books or papers wherein you take notes or draughts. Let 
 nothing discontent or disturb you, trust in God to return you 
 safe to us ; by this time you may attempt to hear the Protestant 
 preachers ; live soberly and temperately, the heat of that place 
 will otherwise mischief you and keep within in the heat of the 
 day. Mr. Bendish is or was Mr. Johnson's prentice of Yar- 
 mouth, lives at Rochell. I will get Mr Johnson to write unto 
 him about you ; my respects and service to Mr Dade. I recei- 
 ved a letter about 3 weeks agoe from you. The Amphitheatre 
 
 6 It appears that he became Bach, of Fhys. of Trinity Coll. Cambridge, in 1CC3. 
 Wood's Fasti, ii, 293, note. 
 
1661.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 7 
 
 of Bourdeaux was built by the emperor Gallienus whose coyns 
 you have seen, there is one also at Perigeaux in Perigort a 
 neighbour Province ; you live upon the river Charante within 
 the compass of the old English possessions which was from 
 the Pyrenean hills unto the river La Charante, to the mouth 
 whereof Cognac wines are brought down, which we drink in 
 summer. Frequent civill company. 
 
 God bless thee. Vostre tres chere pere, 
 
 T. BROWNE. 
 
 Your Mother and all commend them to you. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Aprill the 22, Norwich, [1661.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I hope by this time thou art got somewhat beyond 
 plaist il, and ouy Monsieur, and durst ask a question and give 
 an answer in french, and therefore now I hope you goe to the 
 Protestant Church, to which you must not be backward, for 
 tho there church order and discipline be different from ours, 
 yet they agree with us in doctrine and the main of Religion. 
 Endeavour to write french ; that will teach you to understand 
 it well, you should have signified the Apoticary's name with 
 whom you dwell, in such a place you may see the drugs and 
 remember them all your life. I received your letter and like 
 your description of the place, both the Romans and English 
 have lived there ; the name of Santonna now Xaintes is in the 
 geographie of Ptolemie who lived under Antoninus, as also 
 Porto Santonicus where Rochell stands, and Promontorium 
 Santonicum where now Bloys. My coyns are encreased since 
 you went I had 60 coynes of King Stephen found in a grave 
 before Christmas, 60 Roman silver coyns I bought a month 
 agoe, and Sir Robert Paston will send me his box of Saxon 
 and Roman coyns next week, which are about thirtie, so that 
 I would not buy any there except some few choice ones which 
 I have not already ; but you doe very well to see all such things, 
 
8 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1661. 
 
 some likely have collections which they will in courtesie show, 
 as also urns and lachrimatories ; any friend will help you to a 
 sight thereof, for they are not nice in such things. I should he 
 content you should see Rochell and the Isle of Rhee, salt 
 works are not far from you, for the sommer will be too hot to 
 travail and I would have you wary to expose yourself then 
 to heats, but to keep quiet and in shades. Write some times to 
 Mr. Dade civil letters with my service. I send at this time by 
 Rochell whither the ships will be passing from Yarmouth for 
 salt. Point your letters hereafter, I mean the ends of sentences. 
 Christ church 7 is in a good condition much frequented, and 
 they have a sweet organ ; on Tuesday next is the Coronation 
 day when Mr. Bradford preacheth : it will be observed with 
 great solemnity especially at London : a new Parliment on the 
 8th of May and there is a very good choice almost in all places. 
 Cory the Recorder, and Mr. Jay, 2 Royallists gained it here 
 against all opposition that could possibly bee made ; the voyces 
 in this number, Jaye 1070, Corie 1001, Barnham 562, Church 
 436. My Lord Richardson and Sir Ralph Hare caryed it in 
 the county without opposition. Lent was observed this year 
 which made Yarmouth and fishermen rejoyce. The Militia is 
 settled in good hands through all England, besides volunteer 
 troops of hors, in this Citty Collonell Sir Joseph Pain, Lieu- 
 tenant Coll. Jay, Major Bendish, Captain Wiss, Brigs, Scot- 
 tow, 2 volunteer troops in the country under Mr Knivet and 
 Sir Horace Townsend, who is made a Lord. Good boy doe 
 not trouble thy self to send us any thing, either wine or bacon. 
 I would have sent money by Exchange, but Charles Mileham 
 would not have me send any certain sum, but what you spend 
 shall be made good by him. I wish some person would direct 
 you a while for the true pronunciation and writeing of french, 
 by noe means forget to encrease your Latin, be patient civil 
 and debonair unto all, be temperate and stir litle in the hot 
 season : by the books sent you may understand most that has 
 pasd since your departure, and you may now read the french 
 Gazets which come out weekly. Yesterday the Dean preached 
 and red the Liturgie or Common prayer, and had a Comunion 
 at Yarmouth as haveing a right to doe so some times, both at 
 
 1 Norwich Cathedral. 
 
1661.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 9 
 
 St Marys the great church at Lynn and St Nicholas church 
 at Yarmouth as he is Dean. It is thought by degrees most will 
 come to conformitie. There are great preparitions against to- 
 morrow the Coronation day, the County hors came hither to 
 joyn the Regiment of foot of this Citty, a feast at the new hall, 
 generall contributions for a feast for the poor, which they say 
 will be in the market place, long and solemn service at Christ 
 Church beginning at 8 a Clock and with a sermon ending at 
 twelve. Masts of ships and long stageing poles already set up 
 for becon bonfires, speeches and a little play by the strollers 
 in the market place an other by young Cityzens at Timber 
 Hill on a stage, Cromwell hangd and burnt every where, 
 whose head is now upon Westminster hall, together with Ireton 
 and Bradshows. Have the love and fear of God ever before 
 thine eyes ; God confirm your faith in Christ and that you may 
 live accordingly, Je vous recommende a Dieu. If you meet 
 with any pretty insects of an[y] kind keep them in a box, if 
 you can send les Antiquites de Bourdeaux by any ship, it 
 may come safe. 
 
 (No Signature.) 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Norwich June the 24, [1661.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I received yours dated in May, God continue thy 
 health, no ships yet goeing for Rochell or Boardeaux, I cannot 
 send an other box, I hope you have received the last, be 
 as good an husband as possible ; when the next ship goeith 
 you shall have such things from your mother as are desired. 
 Practise to write french and turn latin into french, be bold and 
 adventrous now to speak ; and direct yourself by grammar es- 
 pecially for the moods and tenses, now you have leisure observe 
 the manner of the french courts, their pleading if there be any 
 court in Xaintes. We wanted you at the Guild (where neither 
 was Ned) ; Mr Osborn Mayor : and we were engaged in hang- 
 ing our house, which was dun to purpose. Ned is at Cam- 
 
10 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1661. 
 
 bridge, Nancy we expect in July about the assises. By this 
 time the ships are gon to convey hither 8 Donna Cathara in- 
 fanta of Portugall the kings sister who is to be our Queen ; 
 the English are unwilling to part with Dunkirk and Jamaica 
 and have about 6000 Souldiers in Dunkirk, so that we doubt 
 how the Spaniards will take it ; you may find such news in the 
 french Gazzets if they come to your town. A parlirnent is now 
 setting and a convocation of the Clergie made up of all the 
 Bishops, Deans, Archdeacons, and a minister chosen out of 
 every County by the Clergie thereof; the Bishops are voted to 
 set again in the house of Peers or Lords, the house of Com- 
 ons received the Sacrament by the book of Common Prayers 
 or liturgie in Westminster church. In Norwich the Court of 
 Aldermen and Common Councell have made a law to resort to 
 the Cathedrall every Sunday, and to be not only at sermon 
 but at prayers, which they observe ; these small things I write 
 that you might not be totally ignorant how affairs goe at home. 
 Thy writeing is much mended, but you still forget to make 
 points. I have paid the bill drawn by Mr Dade upon Charles. 
 Pray present my true respects to him. Remember what is never 
 to be forgot, to serve and honour God. I should be very glad 
 you would get a handsome garb and gate. Your mother and 
 all send their good wishes. I rest your ever loveing father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 My respects to Mi* Bendish. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Ms son Thomas. 
 
 July the 26, [1661.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 Yours dated in March I received yesterday by Mr 
 Gooch, and your other of July the 18th. this day, sent in Mr 
 Johnsons letter of Yarmouth. Now bear up thy spirits and be 
 
 8 The King had recently, in his opening Speech to the Parliament, May 8, 1661, 
 adverted (o his treaty of Marriage with the Infanta of Portugal, and intimated his 
 intention of sending his Fleet to bring her over. He also spoke of the cession of 
 Dunkirk and Jamaica — as objects likely to be contended for by Spain, in the event 
 of the marriage taking place. 
 
1661.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 11 
 
 not malencholy sad or dejected, for the hot whether will be 
 soon at an end, and haveing made good entrance into the lan- 
 guadge I would have you remove out of those parts and to 
 aproach neerer England : to goe to Coniack will afford thee 
 noe great content except it be for a time, and therefore I 
 would have you to goe to some more emenent place, from 
 whence you might come by help of the messenger, who may 
 take care of and for you in the journey, untill you come to 
 Paris, where you may remain a fortnight or month or more, 
 and so come to Rouen and to Diep and so for England, and 
 by this means you may see a notable part of France : now the 
 more handsomly to contrive this, you may I think best goe a 
 while to Rochell, for there you may contrive your journey by 
 Poitiers, Orleans and other places to Paris, and both the mes- 
 senger or post of Bourdeaux and Rochell meet at Poitiers, 
 for if you goe by Rochell you may be advised and directed by 
 friends: in such kind of travailing they use to agree with the 
 Messenger for the whole journey, and if they desire may stay 
 at some town in the way till the post in his second journey calls 
 them to goe on again ; in your travail thus by land you must 
 carry nothing but a portmanteau or valise which may contain 
 your linnen and some other things and may upon occasion 
 be carried in coach or hors, and to leave your trunk at Rochell 
 or Bourdeaux, and take order for the safe conveyance of it 
 unto Yarmouth to Charles or to London to some known friend, 
 and before you set out for Paris, to dispose of your trunk in 
 safe hands ; probably Mr Bendish will afford you that cour- 
 tesie, and oblige me so far in it. There were nothing more to 
 be wished then good civill company, and you may begin your 
 journey when you find the opertunety of such, and an honest 
 Messenger, and if you can, to have some Protestant in your 
 company, altho you may boldly acknowledge yourself a Pro- 
 testant in any part of France. You must not carry much lugadge 
 about for that is chargeable and apt to be stollen. Nancy and 
 my cosen Barker are at present with me, your Mother and all 
 relations send their good wishes ; you may carry small books 
 or papers to set down remarkables or take draughts. 
 Your affectionate father, 
 
 T. BROWNE. 
 
12 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1661. 
 
 Be carefull you eat very few grapes and fruits, for they cause 
 diseases in strangers, be carefull to fashion yourself well in 
 your gate and behaviour. Serve God. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Aug. 3, [1661.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I was very glad to receive your letters dated July 
 the 13th. but I hope by this time thou art not so mallencholy 
 as you seem to be, hold out a litle, diffuse thy spirits, and trust 
 in God's protection, and aply thy heart unto him. I have writ 
 one letter already which Charles sent last week to Mr. Dade. 
 I repeat the main thereof in this least it should miscarry. I 
 would now have thee take leave of Xaintes, Cogniac, or any 
 other lesser towns and come to Rochell, or some good place 
 where you may take advantage of the messenger, and if pos- 
 sible good company, wherein some Protestant goeith along, 
 and so to agree for a sum with the messenger to bring you to 
 Paris, and to have the directions of some friends to live about 
 a month in Paris and so to come to Rouen and Diep for Eng- 
 land ; for 5 or 6 pound the Messenger will bring you from Pa- 
 ris to London ; you may go from Orleance to Paris by coach, 
 and from Paris to Rouen by coach ; you must intrust your 
 trunk with Mr Bendish at Rochell or with Mr Dade at Bour- 
 deaux to be sent by the Vintage Ships to Yarmouth, and must 
 travail only with a portmanteau or valise and one sute of 
 cloths, for it will be hard to carry more, be directed herein by 
 some English friend, have a care of your draughts and obser- 
 vations, remember to make comas, as(,) and full points at the 
 end of a sentence thusQ My respects to Mr Bendish and Mr 
 Dade unto whom we are much obliged. Begin your Journey as 
 soon as you will : eat few or noe grapes or fruit but bread with 
 all things. Affairs goe quietly on with us both in Religious and 
 Civill concernments. Be firm to thy Religion. God of his mer- 
 cy preserve thee. Your Loveing father, 
 
 T. BROWNE. 
 
1661.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 13 
 
 Advantage yourself as much as possible in the languadge 
 and mind the grammar for that will help you. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Sept. the 21, Norwich, [1661.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I understood lately that you are come to Rochell 
 and intend to continue there for some months : doe therein as 
 you shall find it advantageous unto your intentions. We are all 
 exceeding obliged to Mr Bendish, to whom I pray commend my 
 respects, I shall be studious to find out some way of studious 
 return unto him. Study the french languadge and help your- 
 self by the grammar, forget not limning and perspective and 
 dayly practise arithmetick. Endeavor an handsome garb and 
 laudable boldness, be courteus unto all, and betime practise pati- 
 ence. You may see the Isle of Rhe before winter and the Salt 
 works, observe the manner of the makeing of wine, both white 
 and Claret, and also of makeing oyle, enquire whether it be useal 
 to go up the Loir against the stream, for so you may goe from 
 Nantes or there abouts to Orleans and so by coach to Paris, 
 or over land with the Messenger, when you shall be advised 
 by friends to remove. I hope this box will come safe unto you. 
 Serve God with all fidelitie and God protect you. I. rest your 
 ever loveing father, T. B. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Norwich, November the 1, [1661.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I hope by this time you have received the box and 
 books sent by the french ship which came to Yarmouth and 
 returned to Rochell. I should be glad to hear of your health 
 for I know the country where you are is very sickly, as ours 
 is heer. God of his mercy preserve you and return you 
 
14 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1661. 
 
 safe. Except you desire to return by sea, I would be at the 
 charge of your return by Paris in the spring, observe the 
 manner of trade, how they make wine and vineger, by that 
 we call the rape, which is the husks and stalks of the grape, 
 and how they prepare it for that use. Commend me kindly to 
 Mr Dade and Mr Bendish. Read books which are in french 
 and Latin, for so you may retain and increase your knowledge 
 in Latin : some times draw and limn and practice perspective. 
 We hear the Protestants in France are but hardly used, noe 
 doubt the King will be carefull to keep them low haveing had 
 experience of their strength. However serve God faythfully 
 and be constant to your Religion. The Parliment adjourned 
 last August sets again on the 20th of November when they will 
 publish a strict act for uniformitie in the Church. Our Bishop 
 Dr. Reynolds my loveing friend hath been in Norwich these 
 3 months ; he preacheth often and comes constantly to Christ 
 church on Sunday mornings at the beginning of prayers, about 
 which time the Aldermen also come, he sitteth in his seat 
 against the pulpit, handsomely built up and in his Episcopall 
 vestments, and pronounceth the Blessing or the Peace of God 
 &c. at the end : where there is commonly a very numerous con- 
 gregation and an excellent sermon by some preacher of the 
 Combination, appointed out of Norfolk and Suffolk, the one 
 for winter the other for sommer. The Bishops set again in the 
 house of Lords and our Bishop is goeing thither. My Lord 
 Townsend is made Ld lieutenant of Norfolk and hath the 
 power of all the Militia, which hath trained by Regiments in 
 severall parts of the Country. Sir Joseph Pain our Collonell 
 trayned our Regiment of the Citty last week. Be temperate 
 and sober in the whole course of your life, keep noe bad or 
 uncivill company be courteous and humble in your Conversa- 
 tion still shunning pudor rusticus, which undoes good na- 
 tures, and practise an handsome garb and civil boldness which 
 he that learneth not in France travaileth in vain. Gods Bless- 
 ing be upon you. I rest your ever Loveing father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Corn is very dear the best wheat 4 or 5 and forty shillings 
 the comb which is 4 bushells. The king of Portugal resigns up 
 
1661.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 15 
 
 Tangere a town on Africk side in Barbarie in the midle of 
 the streights mouth, whether my Ld of Peterbourogh is goeing 
 with a Regiment of foot and 2 troops of hors to take posses- 
 sion. All Parliment money must be brought in to the mint and 
 coyned with the Kings stamp and is not to pas corrant beyond 
 December the first. You may stay your stomack with litle pas- 
 tys some times in cold mornings, for I doubt Sea Larks will 
 be too dear a collation and drawe too much wine down ; be 
 warie for Rochell was a place of too much good fellowship 
 and a very drinking town, as I observed when I was there, 
 more then other parts of France. 
 
 Dr. Bronze to his son Thomas. 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I sent November the first a box with letters and 
 other things, by a ship bound for Rochell, but perhaps that 
 may be a month before it comes unto you, and therefore by 
 this of the post I signifie that you may goe to Nantes if you 
 desire and have convenience, and from thence may goe to 
 Paris as you find the season favour. I received the pritty 
 stones and insects, it is good to take notice of quarrys and 
 mines. I know not whether I shall have the convenience to 
 write to you to Nantes as I have here except you signifie by 
 some way, by some English marchants there. God Bless you. 
 
 Your loveing father, T. B. 
 Nov. ye 2. stilo veterie, [1661.] 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 Jan. 4, 1661 [-2.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 I have not written unto you since November because 
 I thought you had been removed from Rochell, but now un- 
 
16 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1G62. 
 
 derstanding you are still there, I send this by land with my 
 good wishes and prayers unto God to bless you, and direct 
 you in all your ways. So order affairs that when you remove, 
 you may be accomodated with money when you come to Paris. 
 There is a book cald les Antlquites tie Paris which will direct 
 you in many things, what to look after, that litle time you stay 
 there, beside you may see many good new buildings, since you 
 have been at Rochell you might have seen the Isle of Rhe, and 
 salt works if you had any opertunety. Serve God and honour 
 him with a true sincere heart, your old friend Mr Bradford 
 preacheth tomorrow at Xt church, as being his turn in the 
 Combination, on the 30 of this month an humiliation is to be 
 kept annually for ever by act of Parliment, in order to the 
 expiation of Gods judgments upon the nation for the horrid 
 murther of King Charles the first, acted upon that day. I sent 
 a box unto you by a ship that went to Rochell in the begin- 
 ning of November. Your mother and all send their good wishes. 
 I rest your Loveing father, 
 
 T.B. 
 
 God bless thee. You may learn handsom songs and aires not 
 by book but by the ear as you shall hear them sung. 
 
 Just as were closing up the box I now send you I received 
 your letter and box, where by I see you are mindful! of us and 
 are not idle. You may surely stay safely in Rochell being stran- 
 gers, but if you find good convenience I am as willing you 
 should be any where elce, for where ere you are it will be best 
 to move to Paris in the beginning of March, and there is noe 
 citty considerable near Rochell but Nantes, where you will be 
 upon the Loir, on winch many good cittys stand. Be guided 
 herein by advice of friends. God bless you. By this time I hope 
 you have received the former box I sent about a month agoe. I 
 wish you had acquaintance with some Protestant in Nantes if 
 you goe thither or might be recommended, for there are Eng- 
 lish also. 
 
 Your ever loveing father, 
 
 T.B. 
 
1662.] NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY. 17 
 
 The following narrative, preserved in the British 
 Museum, affords the only additional particulars which 
 have been met with of young Browne's residence in 
 France. Though headed " My Journey from Bor- 
 deaux to Paris," it comprises the periods of his resid- 
 ence at Sainctes, Rochelle, and Nantes, which were 
 considerable. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745. fol. 22.] 
 
 My Journey from Bordeaux to Paris. 
 
 Bordeaux is the capital city of Guienne, a very ancient 
 strong place, situated very commodiously on the south side of 
 the river Garonne, which by its bending course makes it in 
 the shape of an half-moon. It is also an archbishoprick, a 
 parliament city, and university. The parliament was first set 
 up by Charles VII, after that he had put the English out of 
 Guienne. There are divers remarkable things in this place, 
 made not only by the Romans but since their time, as the Am- 
 phitheatre of Galienus, a little out of the city, of an oval form, 
 very large and spatious, but now very much ruined. There 
 is also a very ancient and noble building, standing within the 
 city, called, Piliers de Tutele, consisting of very large and 
 high pillars, whereof there are at this day standing eighteen. 
 
 There are also two castles of later date. The one called 
 Chateau du Huy, which was built by Charles VII ; the other 
 named Chateau Trompette, built also by him, but is now much 
 enlarged by Louis XIV, and thought impregnable. The 
 cathedral church of St. Andrew stands near the walls of the 
 city, where is also the archbishop's house, a very noble build- 
 ing. There is also a very remarkable church, out of the 
 town, called St. Severin, which gives the name unto the 
 suburbs wherein it standeth. 
 
 On the 26th of January [1661-2] I left Bordeaux, and took 
 boat for Blaye ; where I arrived about nine o'clock that night. 
 It is an ancient town, seated by the river ; and hath a very 
 vol. i. c 
 
18 NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY [1662. 
 
 strong castle belonging unto it, said to be built by Charles the 
 Great ; where in late times the English ships passing to Bor- 
 deaux were obliged 9 to leave their ordnance, and take them 
 again as they returned. From here I went to Pons, which 
 stands upon a hill, upon the top whereof there is a castle be- 
 longing to the family d'Albret. In the castle there is a very 
 high four-square tower, from whence one may see the city of 
 Sainctes, four leagues off. To this place are sent such male- 
 factors as are taken in the seigneurie of Pons ; and in a fair 
 hall of this castle are pourtraited, as big as the life, all the 
 chiefest of the family d'Albret, masters of this place, some 
 whereof have been kings of Navarre. This hath been a walled 
 town ; but now the walls are rased. 
 
 From thence, through a fine champian country, I came to 
 Sainctes, the chief city of Xaintoing (St. Onge,) standing on 
 the river Charente ; a very pleasant place, and a bishoprick. 
 The cathedral church of St. Peter hath a very large steeple, 
 but no spire. The church was broken down by the protest- 
 ants, but is now rebuilded. Here hath been a very strong and 
 ancient castle, which is now somewhat demolished. It w r as 
 rased towards the town by Louis XIII, a little before the siege 
 of La Rochelle, where were found some urns and many Roman 
 coins. Besides the city here are three suburbs ; the one on 
 the north side, called the suburb of Notre Dame, where there 
 is an ancient abbey of nuns, built by Geoffroy Count of Xainc- 
 tes ; the other, on the east side, called the Fauxbourg des 
 Britoniens, where is the ancient church of St. Eutropius, who, 
 being sent to convert France, was martyred and buried here ; 
 and his head is shown with the wound he received at his death. 
 Under the choir of St. Eutropius's church, (like that of St. 
 Faith's, under St. Paul's,) lieth the body of St. Eutropius : but 
 on one day only, the last of April, when there is a great fair 
 kept here, his head is to be seen or shown. 
 
 There are also still to be seen some remains of Roman mag- 
 nificence ; as, an amphitheatre, in a valley a little out of the 
 town, nigh unto St. Eutrope ; but is much ruined. I took the 
 draught thereof, and have set it down in my papers. There 
 is also an ancient canal and aqueduct; but, above all, two stately 
 
 9 Bv an edict of Louis XT, in 1475. 
 
1GG2.] FROM BOURDEAUX TO PARIS. 19 
 
 and magnificent arches on the bridge, which containeth four- 
 teen arches in all. On the two aforesaid arches are these words, 
 graven in large letters, 
 
 CiESARI- N- P- D- PONTIFICI- AVGVRI 
 And on the other side these words, much defaced, and hard to 
 
 read. 1 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 There are belonging to this town of Xainctes three prin- 
 cipal gates. The first, Porte St. Louis, which stands to the 
 suburbs called Britoniens ; — the second, Porte d'Equiere, 
 standing to the suburbs of St. Vivier ; — the third, Porte du 
 Pont, which openeth to the bridges. 
 
 Three leagues from Sainctes, through a fine woody coun- 
 try, is the town of Brisambourg, where is a little castle, fa- 
 mous for the bringing up of that valiant soldier, the marshal 
 de Biron, who was beheaded in the reign of Henry the 
 Fourth, 1602. Five leagues from Sainctes, up the river 
 Charente, stands the town of Coniac, or Cognac, a very 
 pleasant place, less than Sainctes, nor having much remark- 
 able in it ; but is a mayor town ; and hath many privileges 
 belonging unto it. From thence cometh the Cognac wine, 2 
 whereof we drink in England in the summer. 
 
 The 3rd of September I parted from Sainctes, for Ro- 
 chelle. Two leagues down the river stands the town of 
 Taillebourg, where is a very long bridge. Here was also a 
 very strong castle, belonging to the prince of Taranta ; but 
 was demolished by the king, Henry IV. in the late troubles. 
 Three leagues from hence is the town of Touneboutonne, 
 which hath also been walled. Here is a little old castle, 
 something resembling Norwich castle ; but much less. The 
 fifth of September I came to Rochelle, which hath formerly 
 been a famous, strong, and populous place ; but the walls 
 were demolished by Louis XIII ; those of the religion ex- 
 pelled ; the round church given unto the Jesuits ; and some 
 convents built in and about it ; and hath little or nothing left 
 
 1 They are wanting in MS. 
 2 It appears that at this time vessels were regularly freighted with the light wines 
 of the South of France to Yarmouth ; some of the best of those wines are produced 
 along the banks of the Garonne, especially the left bank. But Cognac has been 
 celebrated for its eaux de vie rather than its wines. 
 
 C 2 
 
20 NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY [1662. 
 
 of its strength and beauty, but some towers, which, by the 
 last war, are much defaced, or going to ruin ; as the lantern- 
 tower (light-house) and the two towers which enclose the har- 
 bour, between which there is a great chain, which openeth 
 unto vessels which come in, and lie within the town. There 
 are here divers merchants — English, Scotch, and Dutch. 
 
 I went to see the isle of Rhe, passing by water ; a pleasant 
 island, where much salt is made. Therein is the town of St. 
 Martin's, and a fair fort of St. Martin's by it. There is also 
 another, but smaller fort upon the same island, named Fort 
 Depre. There are also some small wines made. From 
 Rochelle I also went into the isle of Oleron. There are few 
 things of remark in this island, besides a strong castle and 
 St. Peter's church, or chapel, in the town of St. Peter's, 
 which stands in the middle of the isle. From hence we 
 crossed to Brouage, a very strong place, and accounted im- 
 pregnable. It is indeed a notable fortification, and hath 
 scarce any but soldiers in it. It was built to defend the coast, 
 and bridle these parts of France. From thence, along the 
 sea-coast, we came to Moyre, where there is a good steeple, 
 like that of Eutropius at Sainctes, but much less. From 
 hence we passed to Chastel-a-Lyon, which is an old castle, 
 said to be built by the English ; but now much eaten by the 
 sea ; and that night we returned again to Rochelle. 
 
 Feb. 25, 1661-2. I parted from Rochelle for Nantes. Four 
 leagues from Nantes stands the town of Maran or Marran, a 
 remarkable place for the great quantity of corn which useth 
 to be laden from hence for other parts. From hence to 
 Nantes, there was little remarkable. Nantes is a very fair 
 city, seated on the river Loire, before it runneth into the 
 sea. It is also ancient ; and is called the maiden-city, be- 
 cause it hath never been taken by force. It is walled about 
 with a strong wall. There is also a castle, built very fairly 
 on the water side. The bridge is very long over the river, 
 reaching from island to island, till it cometh to the other side. 
 There are also very great suburbs, which are accounted big- 
 ger than the city. The cathedral church of St. Peter's is 
 fair : it hath a very fair frontispiece, but no spire. The 
 quire is very neat and noble ; the doors of the church are of 
 
1662.] FROM BOURDEAUX TO PARIS. 21 
 
 brass ; and upon them the images of St. Peter and St, Paul. 
 In the church of St. Clere, in the middle of the quire, there 
 is a very stately tomb of white and black marble, erected for 
 the duke and duchess of Britany ; but of what duke and 
 duchess I could not learn. There are also many other 
 churches, convents and monasteries ; and here is also great 
 resort of merchants, English, Flemish, and other nations ; 
 and here are also embarked the Orleans, Blois and Anion 
 wines and commodities, to be transported into other parts. 
 
 From Nantes I parted for Paris ; and that night came to a 
 small city about seven leagues off, called Ancenis ; the walls 
 whereof are now rased. Here hath also been a very strong 
 castle; but it is now demolished. From thence I came to 
 Angers, the capital city of the dukes of Anjou; large and po- 
 pulous, and well accommodated with all provision. It is also 
 a bishopric. The cathedral church of St. Maurice is noble, 
 and hath a high steeple ; according to the common saying 
 among them: Haat docker; pauvre escolier ; riche putain. 
 
 There is also a very strong castle, which they say was built 
 by the English. There are also divers good churches and 
 convents ; and many of the nobility and gentry resort hi- 
 ther. We parted from hence ; and lodged that night at La 
 Fleche, a town which was given by the king 3 unto the 
 Jesuits for an university, which is now the most famous one 
 of France. The Jesuits church is a very brave structure, and 
 richly adorned. From hence we travelled to Conard, a vil- 
 lage ten leagues from La Fleche ; and passed by the city Le 
 Mans to Nogent, a great bourg, where is a castle standing 
 upon a very high hill, but burnt in the civil wars ; and after- 
 wards we came unto Chartres. This is a handsome and very 
 ancient place, and large, seated upon the river Eure, which 
 runneth into the river Seine. Though there be many remark- 
 able churches, yet the church of Our Lady is very noble, 
 and for antiquities exceedeth all in these parts. For this is 
 said to have been a temple long before the birth of Christ ; 
 built by certain druids, who inhabited these parts ; which St. 
 Savinian and St. Poteneian, coming into Gaul to convert the 
 people, caused to be enlarged and consecrated to the Virgin 
 
 3 Henry IV. 
 
22 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1602. 
 
 Mary. Upon the front of this church are two spires : the 
 one very curiously wrought ; the other plain ; and in the mid- 
 dle a brave and stately window. On the two sides are two 
 magnificent entrances of ancient work, containing at least forty- 
 eight statues on a side, and innumerable small ones, very well 
 carved. The church within is very large : and about the 
 church innumerable stories carved both in ancient and modern 
 work ; but what is most incomparable is the whole passion of 
 our Saviour carved in modern work, in the year 1610. After 
 the sight of many curiosities, we went into the treasury ; a very 
 rich place, upon one side of the quire ; where, in a box adorned 
 with diamonds and precious stones, crosses, and such like, is 
 said to be the shift or smock of the Virgin Mary, remarkable 
 for many miracles ; namely for miraculously causing Rollo, 
 duke of Normandy, not only to raise his siege, but also to 
 change his religion. There is also a phial, in which they hold 
 that there is the milk of Our Lady ; and that they also have 
 the flesh, bones, teeth, and hair, and innumerable reliques of 
 Romish saints. We had the favor to touch the Chemise de 
 Chartres in a small silver box made in the fashion of Our 
 Lady's shift. So leaving this place and magnificent piece of 
 antiquity in the morning, we lodged that night at a village 
 called Bonell. The next day, being the 27th of April, 1662, 
 we came unto the great city, and, as the French will have it, 
 the little world of Paris. 
 
 It appears, from the following tl Journal of a Tour" 
 taken in September with his brother, that young 
 Browne returned from France, in the summer of 
 1662. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1900.] 
 
 September the 8, 1662, wee set out for our journy from 
 
 Norwich, baited that day at Licham and layed at the King's 
 
 Head in Linne. The next day morning after the towne mu- 
 
 L\sick 4 had saluted us, wee saw the churches of St. Margarets 
 
 4 Possibly the minstrels who were attached to most of the numerous gilds of the 
 town. 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 23 
 
 and St. Nicholas, both very large and well built parish 
 churches, having each of them a very handsome leaden spire ; 
 the oyle mill, the kettle mills which convey fresh water to the 
 towne ; the furnace in the glasshouse was out, and so wee 
 mist seeing them make glass. Wee- likewise tooke a walke 
 that morning to the lady's mount, and by that time wee came 
 home wee were met with by some friends, who invited us to 
 some excellent Burnham oisters and smelts, and afterwards 
 went along with us to Mr. Kirby's the mayor of the towne» 
 where wee received the courtesy of drinking out of king 
 John's cup, an ancient piece of plate which that king gave to 
 this towne, together with a sword, as a favour for their loyalty 
 to him in the civill wars. These sights and the civility of our 
 friends, with the mayor and the new elect Mr. Bird, had de- 
 tained us so long that wee began allmost to despaire of getting 
 to Boston that night: but our desire to make all the hast wee 
 could, and to see as much as was possible, in that short time 
 wee had allotted ourselfe for this journy, made us to goe out 
 from Lin about two in the afternoon, though much sollicited 
 to stay. Wee were fferried crosse the water to old Lin, and 
 from thence we went to the Cross Keys, a place where they 
 ordinarily goe on to the Wash: where, taking a guide, it being 
 somewhat late, wee desired to bee conducted in the nighest 
 way to Boston. Hee told us there were two waies to passe, 
 either over two short cuts, or else quite over the long Wash, 
 which latter wee chose, partly because it was the nighest, but 
 chiefly for the novelty to us of this manner of travailing, at 
 the bottome of the sea; for this passage is not lesse convenient 
 at a flood, for navigation, than at an ebbe, for riding on horse- 
 back out of Norfolk into Lincolnshiere. The way quite over 
 is very good, and not at all troubled with flies with which all 
 those fenne countrey's are extreamly pestered : but it is 
 somewhat dangerous without a guide, by reason of some 
 quicksands. The way is not all alike, for some is a hard 
 sand, other a softer, and some like a fine green meddow, 
 whose grasse is nothing but glasswort ; through all which, 
 together with divers rivers, which are easily fordable at low 
 tide, our convoy made such haste, with his fliing horse, that 
 hee landed us on the banks in Lincolnshire in lesse then two 
 
24 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1662. 
 
 hours, quite crosse this equitable sea or navigable land, four- 
 ten miles in length : where being arrived in very good time, 
 wee found our selves but three miles from Boston, and so 
 wee might the better ride easily both to refresh our horses, 
 and entertaine one another with some discourse of our that 
 day's journy, till wee came to our inn, the White Hart, where 
 having rested us very well for that night, wee went in the 
 morning to view more accurately that famous steeple which 
 wee had seen the day before, and had been indeed our land- 
 marks over most part of the washes. Wee found it to bee a 
 4 square steeple allmost up to the top, but there for a little 
 way it is an octagon. We counted 336 staires up to the top 
 of the lanthorne, upon which, in a cleare day, may bee seen a 
 vast compasse of sea and land. Lincolne minster, six and 
 twenty mile distant, is visible. To say wee saw into Holland 
 from hence, though true, would bee but small commendation 
 for this lofty companion of the clouds. 
 
 There is unto this steeple a very noble church adioyned, 
 besides a large neat chancell ; the font was newly built of 
 black and white marble, with a cover in the fashion of a 
 crowne, which might bee lift up higher or lower as you please 
 by a cord, which was fastned to it and the top of the church ; 
 and so have fully seen both the inside and out side of this 
 church. Wee left its celsitude, and the sea-town of Boston, 
 to travell upon a plaine even fenne, further in to the land ; 
 and, having baited at Sleeford, wee soone got into Lincolne 
 heath, where wee had the sight of the minster at eleven miles 
 distance, which gave such encouragement that wee travailed 
 more pleasantly that afternoon, and got into the city in good 
 time. Having entred the gate, wee went through a street 
 halfe a mile long, in which the houses though low did shew 
 themselves to be built upon very antient peeces of walls and 
 foundations : afterward, climing up a steep hill, wee came un- 
 der two arches built after such a manner, with such vast 
 stones, that wee guess'd them to bee no lesse then Roman. 
 Upon this hill stands the kathedrall, much to bee admired, 
 but especially for its front or west end which is very broad : 
 the church there abouts containing four iles, besides the mid- 
 dle alley, and beautified with two fair steeples, in one of which 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 25 
 
 is a good ring of 5 very well tuned bells, in the other hanges 
 the great bell, very remarkable by the name of Tom of Lin- 
 coln. There is also besides these another bigger steeple over 
 the crosse isle, a very large square steeple with six bells. 
 Over the west door stande the statues of the kings of England 
 from Will : Conq : to Edward the third ; over these, allmost 
 at the top were four or five fine pictures, but broken downe 
 in the late troubles, but with small dextery, and by as bad a 
 handicraft, for besides the quite ruining of the picture hee 
 lost his right fist in the action. The tombs in this church, as 
 in most other, are very much defac'd, yet thei'e was one which 
 pleasd us very well, upon which laied the statue of a starved 
 body, very fine carv'd ; upon the wall in the north isle are 
 painted the pictures of divers ancient bishops of this see. 
 The cloisters are large, the windows neat, long and slender, 
 not very big, except two great round ones, at both ends of 
 the crosse isle ; the quire very long with a very large space 
 behind it; the pillers not exceeding bigge, unlesse it bee 
 those that support the steeples, but very handsome ; the 
 whole fabrick highly remarkable for its vast neatnesse, or its 
 curious vastness, and gave such satisfaction to us as wee ac- 
 counted our journy more then fully recompenc'd with the 
 sight of so noble a structure. Of the charter house wee had 
 onely a view of the out side, and made haste to our inne, 
 where, having either din'd very soone or breakfasted very 
 late, wee tooke our leave of this city ; but the minster would 
 not bid us farewell so soone, but after many miles riding, 
 when soever wee turned our backs would again salute us with 
 its goodly prospect. That afternoon wee cross'd the Trent 
 and went into Nottinghamshiere, but before we were ferried 
 over, upon the side of the hill, as wee walked downe our 
 horses, wee found a fine veine of talkum out of which plaister 
 of Paris is made ; wee were no sooner entred this countrey 
 but wee tooke some notice of the civility of the people towards 
 us ; amongst whom very few let us passe without a " good 
 e'en," and were very ready to instruct us in our way. One 
 told us our wy Ugd by youn nooke of oakes and another that 
 wee mun goe strit forth, which maner of speeches not only 
 directed us, but much pleas'd us with the novelty of its dia- 
 
26 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [16G2. 
 
 lect ; here wee came to see horned sheep again, for in Lin- 
 colneshire they have none. They burne a great kind of cole 
 called pit or Scotch coale, which flames more and burnetii 
 sooner then the Newcastle. Wee lodged at night at Tuckes- 
 ford, a markettowne, whither wee came, not the day after, 
 but before, the faire, and so wee were called up betimes by 
 some of the faire folkes, that used very foule play to one ano- 
 ther, beginning to quarrell, fight, and pull down, before they 
 had scarse built up their stalls. This day broke very rudely 
 upon us, and our entertainte till night was answerable to this 
 our morning's salutation ; for I never traveld before in such a 
 lamentable day both for weather and way, but wee made shift 
 to ride sixteen mile that morning, to Chesterfield, in Darbi- 
 shiere, passing by Bolsower castle belonging to the earl of 
 Newcastle, very finely seated upon a high hill ; and missing 
 our way once or twice, wee rode up mountain, downe dale, 
 till wee came to our inn, where wee were glad to goe to bed 
 at noon. One of our companions came no better armd against 
 the weather then with an open'd sleev'd doublet, whose mis- 
 fortune, though wee could doe no otherwise then much pity, 
 as being the greatest of us all, yet it made us some sport to 
 see what pretty waterworkes the rain had made about him ; 
 the spouting of his doublet sleeves did so resemble him to a 
 whale, that wee that could think our selfe no other then fishes 
 at that time, swimming through the ocean of water that fell, 
 dare never come nigh him. This gentleman indeed was in a 
 lamentable pickle, but wee had no great reason to laugh at 
 him, for wee were pretty well sous'd our selves ; and the way, 
 being so good as 'twas impossible to ride above two mile an 
 hour in this stormy weather, did administer an excellent re- 
 medy for our madnesse, to see our selves thus drench t, — 
 patience per force ; and made us in spite of our teeth march 
 an alderman's pace some seven houres together in this fine 
 morning : but coming to our inne, by the ostler's helpe having 
 lifted our cramp'd legs off our horses, wee crawl'd up staires 
 to a fire, where in two houres time wee had so well dried our 
 selves without and liquor'd our selves within, that wee began 
 to bee so valiant as to thinke upon a second march ; but, in- 
 quiring after the businesse, wee received great discourage- 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 27 
 
 ment with some storys of a moor, which they told us wee must 
 goe over. Wee had by chance lighted on a house that was 
 noted for good drinke and a shovel borde table, 5 which had 
 invited some Darbishier blades that liv'd at Bakewell, but 
 were then at Chesterfield, about some businesse, to take a 
 strengthning cup before they would incounter with their 
 journey home that night. Wee, hearing of them, were desir- 
 ous to ride in company with them so as wee might bee con- 
 ducted in this strange mountainous, misty, moorish, rocky, 
 wild, country ; but they, having dranke freely of their ale, 
 which inclined them something to their coimtrie's naturel 
 rudeness, and the distaste they tooke at our swords and pis- 
 tols with which wee rid, made them loth to bee troubled with 
 our companies ; till I, being more loth to loose this opportu- 
 nity then the other, (one of which had voted to ly in bed the 
 rest of the day,) went into the roome and perswaded them so 
 well as they were willing, not onely to afford us their compa- 
 ny, but staid for us till wee accoutred ourselves. And so, 
 wee most couragiously set forward again, the weather being 
 not one whit better, and the way far worse ; for the great 
 quantity of rain that fell, came down in floods from the tops 
 of the hills, washing downe mud and so making a bog in 
 every valley, the craggy ascents, the rocky unevenness of the 
 roade, the high peaks and the almost perpendicular descents, 
 that we were to ride down ; but, what was worse then all this, 
 the furious speed that our conductors, mounted upon good 
 horses, used to those hills, led us on with, put us into such 
 an amazement, as we knew not what to doe, for our pace wee 
 rode would neither give u& opportunity either to speak to 
 them, or to consult with one another, till at length a friendly 
 bough that had sprouted out beyond his fellows over the rode, 
 gave our file leader such a brush of the jacket as it swept him 
 off his horse, and the poor jade, not caring for his master's com- 
 pany, ran away without him; by this means while some went to 
 get his courser for him, others had time to come up to a ge- 
 nerall rendevouz; and concluded to ride more soberly: but I 
 think that was very hard for some of these to doe. Whilst 
 
 5 A game in very general repute, in former times, even among the nobility ; su- 
 perseded more recently by billiards. See Strutt's Sports and Pastimes, p. 263. 
 
28 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1662. 
 
 we were helping this dismounted knight to recover his saddle 
 again, for indeed he had need of some attendance, I perceiv- 
 ed in one of my fellow squires visages, for all his disgise, some 
 likeness to a face I had formerly been acquainted with all, and 
 tooke the boldnesse presently to tell him both his and my 
 name : but yet nether that nor some other circumstances at 
 presente could worke a right understanding betwixt us. But 
 wee, being all up again, our light hors'd companions thundred 
 away and our poore jades I think being afraid, as well as their 
 masters, to bee left alone in this desolate vast wide country, 
 made so much hast as they could after them ; and this pace 
 wee rid, till wee lost sight of one another, the best horses 
 getting formost, very loath wee were to loose our guides, but 
 more unwilling to part with one another ; in this case every 
 one shifted as well as wee could for our selfe, yet at last our 
 leaders were so civill when it was almost too late, to make 
 another halt at the top of one of the highest hills thereabout : 
 just before wee were to goe on to the moare ; and I was the 
 last that got up to them, where missing one of my companions 
 who was not able to keep up with us, I was in the greatest 
 perplexity imaginable, and desiring them to stay awhile, I rid 
 back again, hooping and hallowing out to my lost friend, but 
 no creature could I see or hear of, till at last being afraid I 
 had run myselfe into the same inconvenience, I turned back 
 again towards the mountaineers, whom when I had recovered, 
 they told me twas no staying there, and twere better to kill 
 our horses than to bee left in those thick mists, the day now 
 drawing to an end ; and so setting spurs to their horses they 
 ran down a precipice, and in a short time wee had the favour 
 to be rain'd on again, for at the top of this hill wee were 
 drencht in the clouds themselves, which came not upon us 
 drop by drop, but cloud after cloud come puffing over the 
 hill as if they themselves had been out of breath with climing 
 it. Here all our tackling faild, and hee that fared best was 
 wet to the skin, these rains soking through the thickest lin'd 
 cloake ; and now wee were encountering with the wild more, 
 which by the story's wee had been told of it, we might have 
 imagined a wild bore. I am sure it made us all grunt before 
 we could get over it, it was such an uneven rocky track of road, 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 29 
 
 full of great holes, and at that time swells with such rapid cur- 
 rents, as we had made most pitifull shift, if we had not been 
 accommodated with a most excellent conductour ; who yet for 
 all his hast fell over his horses head as he was plungeing into 
 some dirty hole, but by good luck smit his face into a soft 
 place of mud, where I suppose he had a mouth full both of 
 dirt and rotten stick for he seemd to us to spit crow's nest a 
 good while after. If his jaws had met with a piece of the 
 rock, I doubt hee would have spit his teeth as fast ; but by 
 this they were all strong enough to get up again without helpe 
 when they chanc'd to fall, and so were no stay to our journey, 
 and now being forc't to abate something of their speed, I re- 
 newed my acquaintance with two of our new companions, 
 and made them understand how wee had left a third man 
 behind us, not being able to ride so fast, and how our inten- 
 tions were to stay at their own town, with them this night, 
 who now, overjoyed to see an old acquaintance, were so kind 
 and loving that what [with] shaking hands, riding a brest, in this 
 bad way, and other expressions of their civilities, they put me 
 in as much trouble with their favour as before they had put 
 mee to the inconvenience by their rudeness : yet by this mean 
 I procured them to ride so easily as I led my horse down the 
 next steep hill, on the side of which laid a vast number of 
 huge stones, one instire stone of them being as big as an or- 
 dinary house : some of the smaller they cut into mill stones. 
 Here we gat a prospect of that famous building, the earl of 
 Devonshiere's house at Chatsworth, seated most commodiously 
 by the banke of the river Dorrahn, 6 and the foot of an high 
 mountain ; and upon a peake at the top of the hill is built a 
 neat rotundo, or summer house, which seems as if it hung over 
 the other, a quarter of a mile high in the air. Passing the 
 river which then ran with the strongest [current] that ever I 
 behelde any, wee climed over another hill, a mile up and a 
 mile downe, and crossing the Wy we got to Bakwell a little 
 after it was darke, when our entertainment at our inn, as it 
 could not be expected sumptuous, neither was it half so bad 
 as wee might fear ; for our host was very civill and carefull to 
 give us the best accommodations this barren country could 
 
 6 Derwent. 
 
30 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1G62. 
 
 afford, and therefore after we had drunk a gun of their good 
 ale, I cannot say down went the spit, but to spite it, up went 
 a string with a piece of mutton and a chicken at the end of it. 
 We tooke no further care for our selves, but our poor horses 
 could not fare so well, for their was neither litter nor oates to 
 bee gotten for them, and therefore they were forc'd to pack 
 out and. lay abroad this wet night, poor jades, in a cold rotten 
 medow which made their hides so tender as you might rub 
 the hair of them as easily as the bristles from a scalded pig ; 
 but alas horses and all here were forc'd to shift themselves. 
 As soon as wee came in and had squash'd our selves down 
 upon our seats amongst some other townes men, I concluded 
 my Darbishiere friend who had now vouchsafed us his com- 
 pany at our inne, to be clearly the oracle of that country, and 
 well hee might for hee had been at an university, which I per- 
 ceived was a worke of superarrogation amongst their divines, 
 and that their greatest clarkes might have passed in other 
 places for sextons, for they never went to any other schoole 
 but to the parish church. To him therefore the more judi- 
 cious people did refer themselves, and I was going to say 
 pin'd their faith upon his sleeve. The day before hee had 
 most manfully led up a train of above twenty parsons, and 
 though they thought themselves to bee great presbiterians, 
 yet they followed him in the subscription at Chesterfield, and 
 kept themselves in their livings despite of their own teeth. 
 For his sake I think wee had very good usage here, and were 
 somewhat merry this night, although the thought of our lost 
 companion did much perplex us. But having taken order 
 that one should goe back to looke for him next day and give 
 directions to him where to find us, wee thought our duty ful- 
 ly discharged though wee were sorry for our unhappy separa- 
 tion. And now having time and a good fire, wee began to 
 flea of cloathes, and tried to dry our selves or them if it were 
 possible, but the natives they neer put themselves to that 
 trouble. I think dry and wet is all one to them, they fear no 
 weather, and their common saying is, when all is wet to the 
 skin hold out yet. To draw one of them through a river, I 
 think, would bee but laterem lavare, they are such tile skin'd 
 strong people. If I had been of Darbishiere I should never 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 81 
 
 have doubted of the truth of Ovid's story, that wee were all 
 produc'd of stones. This was our comfort wee had got the 
 best bed in the house, which was somewhat softer than a rock, 
 but if it had not, wee should have made shift to have slept ; 
 this days travell had so wearied our bones, and indeed I snort- 
 ed out the night pretty well, till at last, awak'd with dreaming 
 that I saw my lost friend, I jump'd out of my bed, running to 
 the window to looke whether it were true, but perceiving it 
 was onely a dream I was forc'd to bee content ; yet tooke it 
 for a good omen of my finding of him that day. This morn- 
 ing wee walk'd up and down to see the church, and a hot 
 bath and well, which are here, but for want of looking to they 
 have let the cold spring break in and mingle with the hot ; so 
 as they are at present of little use. In this church were di- 
 vers ancient monuments and very handsome tombs. Upon 
 the forehead of one that was held to be very ancient we might 
 read (the nazeren) and upon a tomb stone digged up in the 
 churchyard wee could perceive this written on the long side, 
 nulli parens mors pietati, on the other, quantula sunt homi- 
 num corpuscula. 
 
 Their houses are most of them built without any morter, 
 stones heap'd upon stones make a substantiall wall, and by 
 their owne weight keep one another fast and strong. They 
 cover their houses with a slat, of which they have great plen- 
 ty in most of their hills ; their buildings are but low, and 
 seem rather to bee naturall than artificiall ; when wee had 
 viewed this famous towne of Bake well, wee returned to our 
 inne to strengthen ourselves against what encounters wee 
 should meet with next ; where at our entrance wee were ac- 
 costed with the best musick the place could afford, an excel- 
 lent bagpipe ; and breakfast being ready, I think our meat 
 danced down our throats, the merrylier. But, to consumate 
 all our jollities, in comes our opensleev'd companion, which 
 wee had outrid the day before, as if he had dropt out of the 
 clouds ; and made up the triumvirat again : and so being 
 well met, wee purpos'd presently to ride to the devill's arse 
 of peak together, but our friend loth to be so often metaphor- 
 mis'd, as hee was the day before by the weather, very pru- 
 dently buyes honest Jarvis our host his cinnemon coat for 
 
32 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [16G2. 
 
 eight shillings, and turn'd him selfe in to his shape once for 
 all ; so that now wee fearing neither wind nor weather, hill 
 nor dale, being all of us Tunicati et ocreati, wee most 
 curragiously mounted upon our hackneys, promising them if 
 they did performe well to day, that they should rest the next, 
 being Sunday. Within a mile's riding wee came to a towne, 
 Ashford, where it was left to our choice whether wee would 
 swim our horses through an overflown ditch or ride over an 
 extream narrow bridge. I had heard that elephants had 
 danc'd upon roapes and so ventur'd my horse on the latter : 
 two mile more brought us to Wardlo, a little beyond which, 
 I saw a veine of stone which I gues'd to bee marble ; three 
 mile further Bradwall, where we tooke some notice of the 
 lead mines, of which there are a vast number all about these 
 hills ; that which we went to was about twenty fathom deep ; 
 some are more, some lesse, the diameter of the hole, through 
 which they descend, was not above a yard. When they find 
 ore they may follow it eleven or twelve yards and no more, 
 from the bottom of the hole they have first sunk ; least they 
 should fall into one another's workes ; wee tooke some pieces 
 of the lead as it came out, and some spars which are in all 
 other mines, some clear like christall but very rare : wee hap- 
 pen'd of one very bright. And so wee led our horses downe 
 a steep mountain to Castleton, so called from the castle situa- 
 ted upon the left buttock of the peak hill. As soon as wee were 
 got to the town, wee prepar'd our selves to see this place so 
 much talk'd of, called (save your presence) the devill's arse, 
 which in my judgement is no unfit appellation considering its 
 figure, whose picture I could wish were here inserted, but for 
 want of it you must bee content with this barren description. 
 At the bottome of the backside of a high rocky mountain, 
 bipartite at the top and perpendicularly steep from thence to 
 the leavell of the ground, wee beheld a vast hole or den which 
 was presently understood by us to bee the anus, into which 
 by the helpe of light and guides wee did not onely enter, but 
 travailed some space up the intestmum rectum, and had made 
 further discovery of the intralls had the way been good, and 
 the passage void of excrement; but the monster having 
 drunke hard the dav before, did vent as fast now, and wee, 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. S3 
 
 thinking it not good sayling up Styx against the tide ; after 
 some inspection, with no small admiration of these infernall 
 territories, wee returned again to the upper world, at our en- 
 trance wee found the countrey inhabited, but scarce gesse by 
 their habit what kind of creatures they were, whither they 
 were onely Ascarides, which did wrigle up and downe and 
 live in the devil's postern, answerably to wormes in men, or 
 whither they were shades dwelling in these Tartarean cav- 
 ernes, to us at first was doubtfull. They looked indeed like 
 furies, but for manners sake wee ask'd whether they were Gip- 
 sies. By the answer wee gathered indeed those wandering- 
 tribes did sometimes visit them, but these famous IlgwroTwX/rcu 
 did make good their mansions in this cave and reserved to 
 themselves a more fixed habitation, skorning to change theirs 
 for any mortal mansion having greater accommodations in 
 this their commonwealth, then in other that are beholden to 
 the sun or annoyed by the weather, both which they seem to 
 contemne, and having got so strong a shell upon their backs, 
 they fear'd no externall weapons, and if their Nile overflows 
 not its bankes too high they can suffer no inconvenience at 
 all ; for you must understand, this retromingent divell, whose 
 podex they inhabit, is alwaies dribling more or lesse where- 
 by these doe sometimes suffer inundations. Next to these 
 mountains is another of no lesse height, called by the people 
 as well as wee could understand them, Memtor, 7 which is as if 
 halfe of it had been rent away, it being perpendicularly steep 
 from allmost the top to the bottom. About three or four 
 miles distance from hence is a well which ebbs and flows, 
 not constantly with the sea, but irregularly, and oftener by 
 far. The next place wee saw, two miles distance from hence, 
 was Elden hole, a pit such vast depth, that the greatest in- 
 gines and the boldest fellows that could bee found to goe down 
 could never find any bottome. Divers have descended eight 
 score fathom, and have neither found water nor can perceive 
 any bottom, it struck some terror in us to hear the noise of the 
 stones which wee threw downe, so long after they were out 01 
 our hand. This hole is a fitter place for cleanly conveyance 
 then I know, and any thing once thrown in is as safe as if it 
 
 1 Mam Tor, or the Shivering Mountain. 
 VOL. I. D 
 
34 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1662. 
 
 were in the moon. One wretched villain confessed upon a 
 time at the gallows that hee rob'd a gentleman and threw him 
 [in] together with his horse. Empedocles might have made 
 himselfe immortall here without fear of the discovery of his slip- 
 pers, this yawning of the mountain is not past six yards broad, 
 but four times as long. From hence wee made as much haste as 
 wee could to Buxton, and gaind by that time it was darke by 
 the helpe of a guide. The hilly rocky way continued still, and 
 had made us almost despaire but that these strange sights 
 satisfied us something, and wee conceiv'd some comfort in 
 hope of resting ourselves the next day ; but neither could wee 
 get any oats here for our horses, although besides a little bar- 
 ly it bee the onely corne that grows in the countrey ; harvest 
 being not begun here, for all the sun had sunke below the 
 equinox and left these hills to bee covered with frosts each 
 morning. At this town the better sort of people wore shoes 
 on Sondays, and some of them bands. Wee had the luck to 
 meet with a sermon which wee could not have done in halfe a 
 year before by relation (I think there is a true chappell of 
 ease indeed here, for they hardly ever goe to church). Our 
 entertainment was oat cakes and mutton, which wee fancied 
 to taste like dog ; our lodging in a low rafty roome, and they 
 told us wee had higher hills to goe over than any wee had 
 passed yet, which rellished worst of all, but for all this, 
 
 Buxtona quae calidae crebravere nomine lymphse, 
 
 wee are more beholden to thee than to speak ill of thy fame, 
 thy noble bath and springs afforded us more delight and plea- 
 sure than that wee should silently and ungratefully passe 
 them over. These waters are very hot and judged not infe- 
 rior to those of Somersetshiere, 
 
 Buxtoniis thennis vix praefero bathonianas. 
 
 They are frequented in the summer by the gentry of the ad- 
 iacent countrys ; they drink of the waters as well as bath in 
 them, I judge them to bee the same although the well from 
 whence they come is at some distance. It was pretty to ob- 
 serve the hissing of the cold and hot springs, so nigh one 
 another that by putting my hand into the water, I conceived 
 
1682.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 35 
 
 one finger to freze till the other could not indure the heat of 
 the boyling spring just by it. There is a handsome house 
 built by them, and a convenient bathing place, though not 
 very large ; but neither the time of the year nor day of the 
 week being seasonable to bathe in wee contented ourselves 
 with the sight, without any more than a manuall immersion 
 into these delicious springs. By this town of Buxton there 
 is another subterraneous cavity as remarkable, though not as 
 famous, as that of the peak hill, and goes by the name of 
 Poole's hole, from an outlaw, as they told us, who if hee did 
 not discover did yet at least make use of this cave for a refuge 
 and secure hole against those that were hunting after him. 
 The entrance into this is but low and troublesome to passe, 
 not above a yard high, but after a little creeping wee came 
 into a more spacious valt, and which encresed bigger and big- 
 ger till it came to bee as large as any church. In this hole 
 there is water which dropps from the top continually and 
 turnes into stone, with the which the side, bottom and top of 
 this cave is crusted, shaping itselfe sometimes into pretty fi- 
 gures. We observed in one place the shape of an old man, 
 in another of a lion, in a third of a foot, this water dropping 
 from the topping causes these stones to hang like iseickle all 
 about the roofe; one larger and more remarkable than the 
 rest, about a yard and a halfe long, they called from the re- 
 semblance to it, the flitch of bacon. Wee hobbled under 
 ground here nigh a furlong, till wee came to a piller of this 
 hydrolith, water turn'd into stone, which they called the 
 queen of Scots' piller, who, when she fled out Scotland in the 
 reign of queen Elizabeth, coming to Buxton, mov'd with the 
 same curiosity as our selves, enterr'd this cave, and went thus 
 farr, giving it by so doing the honour of her name ever since. 
 Wee brake of a piece of this pillar and brought it away with 
 us. In our coming back again, wee went into another cleft 
 of this hollow rock, which they called Poole's chamber, where 
 wee saw his stone table and bed, and so creeping through 
 that narrow place, by which wee had before entred, wee had 
 the happinesse at length to see daylight again, and, according 
 to the custome of the place, wee were no sooner enterd the 
 open air but wee were accosted with a company of damsells 
 
 d 2 
 
36 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1662. 
 
 very cleanly dreast, having each of them a little dish of water 
 full of sweet hearbs, which they held out to us to wash our 
 hands, which wee had dirty and bedaubed with the slime 
 within this hole, which done and wee being somewhat taken 
 with this pretty custome, did the more freely immerge our 
 recompences for this their odde kinde of civility. On Mun- 
 day morning wee again set out towards Chester, and taking a 
 guide to direct us in the nigher and best way, which was not 
 by the common rode, wee ascended the hills, white with frost 
 and extream high ; but, because there were some trees far 
 pleasanter then ther stone hedges and the way not altogether 
 so stony as before, together with our hope to bee now quickly 
 past. them, wee travailed with lesse teediousnesse then wee 
 had done before. Our foot guide that went with us for the 
 credit of the businese went a little way with shoes on, but 
 after a short space, I perceiv'd him cast them of, behind a 
 hedge, and march upon his bare hoofes, and asking him why 
 hee did so, hee answer'd the hardness of the way forced him 
 to it, for being used to it hee could goe any where barefoot 
 more conveniently than with shoes. After four or five miles 
 riding, wee came to have a prospect as delicious as almost 
 England can afford. I never saw any to compare to it, except 
 it were upon king Henry's mount in Petersham parke in Sur- 
 rey, where you may see part of ten counties together, neither 
 doth that goe in my opinion beyound this onely in this respect, 
 that you have a prospect every way there, from hence onely 
 on one side, the Darby mountains quickly terminating your 
 sight eastward. From this place wee could see the mountains 
 in Wales, and have a fair view of most parts of the county 
 Palatine of Chester, together with the southerne parts of 
 Lancashire. Here the Valle Royall of England which seem- 
 ed like paradise to us adorn'd with pleasant rivers, cristall 
 springs, delighted buildings, high woods, which seem'd bend- 
 ing by sweet gales to becken us to come to them, afforded us 
 so much delight as wee travailed without any discontentment 
 over the back of these swelling mountains, till wee came to 
 Maxfield where they end. As wee came down the last hill, 
 though very glad that twas the last, yet it did not altogether 
 repent us that wee had visited them, and conceiv'd this with 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 37 
 
 our selves when wee had, tandem aliquando, overcame these 
 dangerous passages with Eneas in Virgill, or rather with 
 Heroical Tom Coriat as hee travailed over the Savoyan moun- 
 tains tandem et hcec olim meminisse juvabit. 
 
 Wee baited here at Maxfield, which is eight miles distance 
 from Buxton, and counted a very good mornings worke, con- 
 sidering the steepnesse and unevennesse of the roade, and 
 got seventeen miles further that night to Northwich in Che- 
 shire, having now very pleasant way and a faire day. Here 
 wee saw the salt spring, and the manner of their making salt, 
 which they performe onely by boyling, and are not put to that 
 trouble of exhaleing the brine in the sun, as those which make 
 it out of the sea water ; their springs being far Salter, and so 
 sooner boyled up than any water in the ocean. The next 
 morning wee set out for Chester, which was but fourten miles, 
 the furthest place of this our intended pilgrimage, and where 
 we must set up our nil ultra of this voyage. Wee observed 
 as wee rode through Cheshire, that most of the water look'd 
 red and wee at first would not let our horses drink of it, but 
 afterwards wee perceiv'd that it was caused by the rednesse 
 of the earth, the soyle of this county being most part of it 
 of that coulour, and not onely the earth but the stones too, 
 as wee tooke notice of afterwards in most of the buildings 
 in Chester. 
 
 Chester is an ancient fair city, having about nine or ten 
 churches ; remarkable for the convenient contrivance of the 
 houses towards the street, under which you may walke dry 
 in the most rayny weather, and is very advantageous for 
 trading, there being in many places as it were four ranks of 
 shops in one street, two towards the street, and two further 
 inward beyond the roof 'd walks. The city is exactly in the 
 fashion of the Roman Castrum and populous. You may 
 walke round the town upon the walls. There is a large 
 bridge over the river, a little above which there is a small 
 cataract or fall of the river. Wee viewed the water as it ebbs 
 and flows here, but wee saw very few boats. There is a 
 handsome cathedrall here, by the name of St. Worbert, 
 though not very large, yet there is a fair parish church in the 
 south isle : the cloisters are very small. The bishop's palace 
 
38 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1662. 
 
 was then repairing ; the whole building of red but large 
 stone. Wee did not so much admire it, having before seen that 
 famous church at Lincolne, which so far exceeds it. In this 
 city wee thoroughly refreshed ourselfe after our mountainous 
 voyages, and lookt after our horses backs which were galld 
 with travailing up and down hill ; and finding very good ac- 
 commodation and good eight-penny ordinary, not without ex- 
 cellent appetat, that the fashion here, wee tooke courage for our 
 returne, setting out on Wednesday, and having a clear day, 
 wee rode on pleasantly to Whitechurch, and because one of 
 my acquaintance was seated in this towne, that wee might en- 
 joy one other more fully, wee determined to passe no further 
 that night, and therefore as soon as wee entered the towne 
 wee inquired out the free school, which having seen, and 
 given the boys a play, Mr. Wakeman, my very good friend the 
 schoolmaster, accompanied us to our inn, and afterwards 
 shew us the church which is very large one, and adornd with 
 divers monuments and ancient tombs. Here lies the famous 
 Lord Talbot slain at Burdeaux; about another tomb wee 
 read this, Hie jacet Georgius Vernon Baccalaureus rector 
 qui quondam ecclesice parochiales de albo monasterio obiit 
 Anno MDXXXIV., and many other. Our friend's good com- 
 pany did this night wellcome us into Shropshire. 
 
 From hence wee steered our course towards Staffordshiere; 
 and, taking only a cup at Draiton, without any more baiting 
 wee got to Stafford, long before night. By reason wee had 
 tired our selves with riding so far without resting, wee had 
 no desire to walke that night, having a full view of the town 
 house which is the thing most remarkable in this place, it 
 being a handsome building, supported with stone pillars, lead- 
 ed on the top, and railed also with stone. This town is 
 not very bigge for a shire towne, yet hath been wall'd. 
 
 The people hereabout doe exercise running much. This 
 day there was a foot race run betwixt a Shropshire man and 
 a Stafford, from Draiton to some place the name of which I 
 have forgot, twelve miles distance. The next morning wee rose 
 early and rode to Lichfield, where wee had a sight of an in- 
 comparably neat church, which although it has been horribly 
 defae'd and a great deal beaten down in these wars, yet the 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 39 
 
 very mines are so curious, that they caused in us no smal admi- 
 ration. As there is three steeples in Lincoln, so there were here 
 three pinacles or spires very neat, large and finely carved, in 
 most places ; but the largest which stood over the crosse was 
 beaten downe with a granado in the late wars, when as they for- 
 tified the church and held out a hot seige for their soveraighne. 
 It was very confidently reported to us that not long [since] 
 they had found a burning lamp in an ancient sepulchre in 
 this church. There is such a vast deal of carvel work in all 
 places, both on the inside and outsiele of this church, though 
 most now is either defaced or quite ruin'd, and such a num- 
 ber of statua some wereof have been gilt, that wee could not 
 well conceive the splendour of these things when they were 
 at their glory, but did exceedingly admire even et Curios jam 
 dimidios, nasuma. minorem Corvini et Galbam auriculis na- 
 soq. carentem. 
 
 Wee were glad to see them teach a reparation, and wish 
 them many a Cyrus for their benefactor. Taking leave of 
 this town, wee had a pleasant journy to Coltshill this after- 
 noon, being a small town and nothing remarkable but an in- 
 different high pinacle. Here wee lodged anel it was elebateel 
 among us whither we should crosse immediately over to Leis- 
 ter and so home, or fetch a compass and see Warwick and 
 Coventry, the latter of which at last wee concludeel of, and in 
 our journey next day wee saw the ruins of Chillingworth cas- 
 tle, after, within a mile and a halfe of Warwick, wee entreel 
 Guy of Warwick cave in a rock, and in an old building harel 
 by view'd his statua, which hath been abus'd by some valient 
 knight of the post, in these late troubles, who, I suppose, 
 counted it valour sufficient to encounter but the statua of 
 Sir Guy. Such Don Quixot hectoring wee have had lately 
 that I wonder how their prowesse sufferd a windmill standing 
 in the land. 
 
 Warwick is a neat well built town, with a fair church and 
 many fine monuments in it, but its chiefly famous for that 
 noble tomb of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, treble 
 gilt, and judged by the skillfullest workmen to bee second to 
 none in Englanel. I cannot say but in old time Mausolus his 
 tombe might goe beyound it, but I am such an admirer of 
 
40 TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. [1662. 
 
 this, dear reader, I would wish my selfe a painter for your 
 sake to show you the picture of it. 
 
 About another very handsome tombe wee read, " Here 
 
 lies servant to Queen Elizabeth, counsellour to King 
 
 James, and friend to Sir Philip Sidney." 
 
 Wee walked to the castle and were very courteously inter- 
 taind, though mere strangers, by Mr. Allen my Lord Brook's 
 chaplain, who shew about most roomes of this house not ex- 
 cepting the cellar, they are most of them very noble. Wee 
 walked up to the top of Guy's tower, and saw Sir Guy's pot 
 and such like other reliques of his. After this into the gar- 
 den in which is a very high mount, which is so orderd in the 
 going up to the top you shall scarce perceive your selfe to 
 ascend, till you are mounted above all the countrey and have 
 a goodly prospect of most part of Warwickshiere ; but our 
 eyes did not care to wander farre, having so fair an object 
 nigh at hand, as this almost invincible yet incomparable de- 
 light castle, pleasently seated upon the river Aven. 
 
 This night being wee reach'd Coventry, whose goodly 
 
 walls had been lately pulled down lest they might again bee 
 made use of to secure a rout of factious rebells. The next 
 day being Sunday, wee rested our selves and horses and took 
 some notice of the city, in which there are two very large 
 churches and three very high spire steeples : one of the stee- 
 ples having lost its church : which are carv'd about and very 
 handsomely wrought. Wee likewise saw that famous struc- 
 ture, Coventry crosse, and had the luck to meet with another 
 old acquaintance here too, Mr. Richard Hopkins. 
 
 For the buildings in generall they are but mean, an oister 
 barrell serves instead of a chimney in divers places, and most 
 of the city is built the old wooden way, yet there may be 
 some good houses within side, but not many gentlemen living 
 in them. 
 
 Warwick, though the lesser place, yet for a seat is more 
 affected by the gentry. 
 
 Hence on Munday wee went, in a very blind rode very 
 hard to find, to Leister, where by the church they shewed us 
 an ancient ruine, consisting of four arches, under which, they 
 reported, in old time, that children were sacrificed. Wee 
 
1662.] TOUR IN DERBYSHIRE. 41 
 
 baited hard by the house where King Richard III. lodged 
 the night before hee fought with Henry the Seventh. There 
 is a neat crosse here but few good houses. Wee made hast 
 out of towne, hoping to get forward our journey, that wee 
 might the better reach Peterborough next day ; but the way 
 being very bad, the rain, and the soyle about Leister being 
 most of it full of clay, forced us to lodge in a pitifull village 
 called Bilzel, 8 six miles from Leister, where wee had the 
 worst accomodation in all our travaile. For supper wee could 
 get nothing but a piece of a dolphin, or cheese, which you 
 please, for such is the ingenity of these Bilzel dayry maids, 
 that they forme the cheese in to the figure of fishes, but I 
 had rather have had flesh at present. Our beds you must 
 not suppose them too soft, nor our chambers like the best in 
 the Escuriall, but yet wee fared better then many a knight 
 arrant, and march away next day to Stamford, which is [a] 
 very handsome wall'd town, with five good churches. Here 
 wee only drank a glass of sack, having before din'd at Up- 
 pingham, and so took our leave of Rutland. Wee saw Bur- 
 leigh House, a most noble fabrick indeed, seated in the middle 
 of a walled parke, and in a short space gained Peterborough, 
 where wee lodged this night ; and went to see the minster betimes 
 next morning, which is supported with large pillars, beautified 
 with a handsome front quire, which is no small grace to the 
 church. Wee went up to the top of the lanthorne, and from 
 thence saw Ely minster, eight and twenty miles distance, hav- 
 ing from hence a large prospect over all the fens ; but intend- 
 ed to have viewed Ely nearer hand, but, being almost tir'd 
 and discouraged by reason of the bad way, wee tooke over to 
 Wisbich, riding ten mile upon a streight banke of earth, and 
 four mile more by the side of a made river, which goes through 
 Wisbich, having all this morning a pleasent sight of the fenes 
 under, and by this avoyding the bad way by Whittlesea. 
 
 Wisbich is a handsome well built town, and did goe beyond 
 our expectation. From hence wee travel'd along through 
 marshland, and ended our circuit this night at Lin, from 
 whence next day wee returned home, when towards night, 
 recollecting and discoursing of all the citys and places wee 
 
 8 Qu. Billesdon? 
 
42 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 had mettewith in this our little more then fortnight's journey, 
 to consummate all, that famous city of Norwich presents it- 
 selfe to our view; Christ Church high spire, the old famous 
 castle, eight and thirty goodly churches, the fields about it 
 and the stately gardens in it, did so lessen our opinion of any 
 wee had seen, that it seem'd to us to deride our rambling 
 folly, and forcd a new admiration from us of those things 
 which, with their often view had dull'd our conceptions, and 
 due estimation of theyr worth ; but so much for that. Our 
 intent here was onely to recollect something of our journey, 
 which being here flnish'd, a further digression will not be ad- 
 mitted, if the relation bee more tedious then the journey, and 
 our caracter of our own county may seem to savour of affec- 
 tation, and wee want to bee rather our country friend then 
 truth's, yet give mee leave to say this much : let any stranger 
 find mee out so pleasant a county, such good way, large 
 heath, three such places as Norwich, Yar. and Lin. in any 
 county of England, and I'll bee once again a vagabond to 
 visit them. 
 
 It is not to be wondered at, if, after the adventure 
 which has just been related, the Dr. should consider 
 a little study a salutary discipline for his two bovs, 
 who were accordingly dispatched to Cambridge. That 
 they were busily employed there in the following year 
 we have a solitary testimony in the following paternal 
 epistle, hastily addressed to them both. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Ms sons Edward and Thomas. 9 
 [ms. sloan. 1S48. fol. 123.] 
 
 [July, 1663.] 
 
 NED AND TOM, GOD BLESSE YOU. 
 
 I am glad thou hast performed thy exercises with 
 credit, though they have proved very chargeable. Tom 
 
 Who were then at Cambridge. The first part of this letter evidently addresses 
 the elder son, who had recently taken his degree, M.I3. at Trinity College. 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 43 
 
 Bensley 1 is much satisfied with his journey. I am going out 
 of towne, and, I doubt, return not till Monday, and so I must 
 bee brief and have only time to present my service to all 
 friends, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Nurse, Mr. Craven. Our assises 
 begin not till August. Take notice of the extraordinarie over- 
 throwe given to the Spaniards by the Portuguese. 2 
 
 Honest Tom, be of good heart, and follow thy businesse. 
 I doubt not butt thou wilt doe well. God hath given thee 
 parts to enable thee. If you practise to write, you will have 
 a good pen and style. It were not amiss to take the draught 
 of the College, or part thereof if you have time, butt however, 
 omitt no opportunitie in your studie, you shall not want while 
 I have it. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 No apology, it is hoped, need be offered for print- 
 ing the following journal. It affords us a pleasant 
 glimpse of the amusements of Norwich, at a time 
 when it was the residence of a nobleman of the high- 
 est rank, who appears to have associated without re- 
 serve with its leading families, and to have made it 
 his study to promote the gaieties of the place. Mr. 
 Edward Browne's own participation in those gaie- 
 ties is placed in most amusing contrast with his more 
 professional occupations. His morning dissections and 
 prescriptions, relieved by his evening parties., — the 
 interest he evinces in the marvellous powders of Dr. 
 deVeau, — his faith in a magical cure for the jaundice, 
 — and not least, the gravity with which he tells of " a 
 serpent vomited by a woman," which " she had unfor- 
 
 1 Most probably a confidential servant of Dr. B's. 
 2 By the Portuguese, under the command of Counts Villaflor and Schomberg, at 
 the battle of Ebora, in the summer of 1663 : of which victory the first intelligence 
 arrived in London, June 25th, 1663. 
 
44 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 tunately burnt" before he arrived to see it; — all these 
 afford abundant evidence, that, "though on pleasure 
 bent," he was keen in his pursuit of knowledge, though 
 too ready to believe all he heard, and much more than 
 he saw. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. NO. 1906.] 
 
 January 1 [1663-4]. I was at Mr. Howard's 3 , brother to 
 the duke of Norfolk, who kept his Christmas this year at the 
 duke's palace in Norwich, so magnificently as the like hath 
 scarce been seen. They had dancing every night, and gave 
 entertainments to all that would come ; hee built up a roome 
 on purpose to dance in, very large, and hung with the bravest 
 hangings I ever saw ; his candlesticks, snuffers, tongues, fire- 
 shovels, and andirons, were silver ; a banquet was given every 
 night after dancing; and three coaches were employed to 
 fetch ladies every afternoon, the greatest of which would holde 
 fourteen persons, and coste five hundred pound, without the 
 harnasse, which cost six score more. I have seen of his pic- 
 tures which are admirable ; hee hath prints and draughts 
 done by most of the great masters' own hands. Stones and 
 Jewells, as onyxs, sardonyxes, jacinths, jaspers, amethists, &c. 
 more and better than any prince in Europe. Ringes and 
 seals, all manner of stones and limmings beyond compare. 
 These things were most of them collected by the old earl of 
 Arundel, 4 who employed his agents in most places to buy him 
 up rarities, but especially in Greece and Italy, where hee 
 might probably meet with things of the greatest antiquity 
 and curiosity. 
 
 This Mr. Howard hath lately bought a piece of ground 
 
 of Mr. Mingay, in Norwich, by the water side in Cunsford, 
 
 - which hee intends for a place of walking and recreation, 
 
 3 Henry, afterwards created Lord Howard of Castle Rising, subsequently Earl 
 of Norwich and Earl Marshal of England, became, on the death of his brother 
 Thomas, sixth Duke of Norfolk. He was the second son of Henry-Frederic, and 
 grandson of Thomas, the celebrated Earl of Arundel, whose magnificent collection 
 of marbles he afterwards, at the suggestion of Evelyn, presented to the University 
 of Oxford. At the same time he presented his grandfather's library, valued at 
 10,000/. to the Royal Society. 
 
 * Mr. Howard's grandfather. 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 45 
 
 having made already walkes round and crosse it, forty foot 
 in bredth; if the quadrangle left be spatious enough hee 
 intends the first of them for a bowling green, the third for a 
 wildernesse, and the forth for a garden. 5 These and the like 
 noble things he performeth, and yet hath paid 100,000 pounds 
 of his ancestors debts. 
 
 January 2. I cut up a bull's heart and took out the bone, 
 &c. 
 
 January 3. I heard Mr. Johnson preach at Christchurch, 
 and Mr. Tenison at St. Luke's chappell, and took notice that 
 the sun rose in an eliptical or oval figure, not round, the 
 diameter was parallel to the horizon. 
 
 January 4. I went to dinner to Mr. Briggs, where there 
 was some discourse of Drabitius' 6 prophesy. I went to Mr, 
 Howard's dancing at night ; our greatest beautys were Mdm. 
 Elizabeth Cradock, Eliz. Houghton, Ms. Philpot, Ms. Yal- 
 lop; afterwards to the banquet, and so home. — Sic transit 
 gloria mundi ! 
 
 January 5. Tuesday, I dined with Mr. Howard, where wee 
 dranke out of pure golde, and had the music all the while, 
 with the like, answerable to the grandeur of [so] noble a 
 person: this night I danc'd with him too. 
 
 January 6. I din'd at my aunt Bendish's, and made an end 
 at Chrismas, at the duke's place, with dancing at night and a 
 great banquet. His gates were opend, and such a number 
 of people flock'd in, that all the beere they could set out in 
 the streets could not divert the stream of the multitudes, till 
 very late at night. 
 
 January 7. I opened a dog. 
 
 January 8. I received a letter from Sr. Horden, wherein 
 hee wrote word of Mr. Craven's play, which was to bee acted 
 immediately after the Epiphany. 
 
 January 9. Mr. Osborne sent my father a calf, whereof I 
 observed the knee joynt, and the neat articulation of the put V 
 bone which was here very perfect. I dissected another bull's 
 heart ; I took of the os scutiforme annulare and aritfenoide 
 
 5 Which was long afterwards called " My Lord's Gardens." 
 6 A Moravian Protestant minister, who declared himself inspired, in 1638, and 
 uttered various prophecies, which were printed in 1654. He was at length arrest- 
 ed, tried, condemned, and beheaded at Presburg, in 1671. 
 
46 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 of a bullock. This day Monsieur Buttet, which playes most 
 admirably on the flagellet, bagpipe, and sea trumpet, a long 
 three square instrument having but one string, came to see 
 mee. 
 
 January 10. Mr. Bradford preached at Christchurch. 
 
 January 11. This day being Mr. Henry Howard's birth- 
 day, wee danc'd at Mr. Howard's till 2 of the clock in the 
 morning. 
 
 January 12. Cutting up a turkey's heart. 
 
 A munkey hath 36 teeth ; 24 molares, 4 canini, and 8 
 incisores. 
 
 January 13. This day I met Mr. Howard at my uncle 
 Bendish's, where he taught me to play at l'hombre, a Spanish 
 game at cards. 
 
 January 14. A munkey hath fourteen ribs on each side, 
 and hath clavicles. 
 
 Radzivil in his third epistle 7 relates strange storys of diving 
 in the river Nile. 
 
 There are one million of soelgers to guard the great wall 
 of China, which extends from east to west three hundred 
 leagues : author, Belli Tartarici Martin Martinius. 
 
 January 1 5. Wee gat a bore's bladder. 
 
 I took out the bones of the carpinn in a munkey 's forefoot, 
 which were in number ten. 
 
 January 16. Wee had to dinner a weed fish, very like to 
 an haddock. I went to Mr. Dye's, where I saw my lady 
 Ogle and her daughter Ms Anne, an handsome young wo- 
 man : afterwards, with Mr. Alston, I went to see Mr. Howard's 
 garden in Cunsford. At night I read two letters which my 
 father had formerly received from Island, from Theodorus 
 Jonas, minister of Hitterdale, which were to bee sent to 
 Gresham Colledge. 
 
 January 17. I waited upon my lady Ogle, Ms Windham, 
 and Ms An. Ogle, to Christchurch ; Mr. Scambler of Heigh- 
 am preached : in the afternoon I heard Mr. Tofts at St. 
 Michael's of Must Paul. 8 The weather is extraordinarily 
 
 7 Nicol. Christ. Radzivili Hierosolymitana Peregrinatio, iv Epistolis comprehen- 
 sa; fol. Brunsbergse, 1601. Id. fol. Antwerp. 1614. 
 
 s St. Michael ad Placi/a, or at Plea ; see Blomficld. 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 47 
 
 warme for this season of the year, our January is just like 
 April. 
 
 January 18. I saw Cornwall's collection of cuts, where I met 
 with some masters which I had not seen before, as Quellinus, 
 Hans Sebalde Beohme, Petrus Isaacs, Breinburge, 9 Block- 
 landt, A. Diepenbieck. 
 
 January 20. Tonombaus would sweeten a whole pond 
 with sugar and cause it to bee drunk drye. 
 
 January 21.1 shew'd Dr. de Veau about the town; I sup'd 
 with him at the duke's palace, where hee shewed a powder 
 against agues, which was to bee given in white wine, to the 
 quantity of 3 grains. He related to mee many things con- 
 cerning the duke of Norfolke that lives at Padua, non compos 
 mentis, 1 and of his travailes in France and Italy. 
 
 January 22. This morning I went to Lowe's, the butcher, 
 here I saw a sheep cut up. Wee eat excellent hung beefe 
 for our breakefast, and Mr. Davie gave to mee and Mr. 
 Gardner a bottle of sack and Renish wine after it. I heard 
 Dr. de Veau play excellently on the gitterre, and Mr. Shad- 
 wel on the lute. Mr. Gibbs gave mee a Muscovian rat's skin, 
 the tayle smells very like muske ; the servants to the late 
 Russian embassadors, which were here last winter, 1662, 
 brought over a great number of them, and sold them for 
 shillings a piece to people about the streets in London. This 
 day two fishermen brought a mola to shore ; wee have one 
 of them, catch'd a great while agoe, in our house. 
 
 January 23. Don Francisco de Melo came from London 
 with Mr. Philip Howard, 2 the queen's confessour, to visit his 
 honour Mr. Henry Howard ; I met them at Ms Deyes, the 
 next day in Madam Windham's chamber. 
 
 I boyled the right forefoot of a munkey, and took out all 
 the bones, which I keep by mee. 
 
 9 Qu. Breemberg, and Gregory Pentz, or Peins? 
 
 1 Thomas, fifth Duke of Norfolk ; eldest son of Henry-Frederic, Earl of Arundel. 
 He was attacked with a distemper of the brain, while at Padua with his grandfather, 
 the celebrated Earl of Arundel : and died on the continent, in 1C77. He had been, 
 in 1664, restored to all the titles of his ancestor who was beheaded in 1572. 
 
 2 Third grandson of the great Earl of Arundel. While on the continent with 
 his brothers and his grandfather, he was induced by a Dominican to turn Catholic 
 and to join that order: he became Lord Almoner to Charles the Second's Queen, 
 and subsequently received a cardinal's cap from Clement X. 
 
48 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 In a putbone the unfortunate casts are outward, the fortu- 
 nate inward. 
 
 January 24. Mr. Wharton preached in the morning, at 
 Christchurch, and in the afternoon at St. Peters. This day 
 it snowed and was somewhat colde, but for a longe while be- 
 fore wee have scarce had any winter weather. 
 
 January 26. I went to Norris his garden, where I saw Aco- 
 nitum hyemale in flower, which is yellow. I saw a little 
 childe in an ague upon which Dr. de Veau was to try his 
 febrifuge powder, but the ague being but moderate and in 
 the declension, it was thought too mean a disease to try the 
 strength and efficacy of his so extolled powder. 
 
 January 27. My cousin Barker came from London. 
 
 January 28. I went to the butchers to see oxen killd ; one 
 oxe had his omentum growing to his side or peritonceum all 
 along by the spleen, I saw the ductus virtsungianus out of 
 the pancreas into the duodenum. I saw the water distilled. 
 At night wee had a dancing at Mr. Houghton's, with Mr. 
 Henry Howard, his brother Mr. Edward, and Don Francisco 
 de Melo, wee had sixe very handsome women, Ms. El. Hough- 
 ton, Ms. El. Cradock, Ms. Philpot, Ms. Bullock, Ms. Shadwell 
 and Ms. Tom Brooke ; wee staid at it till almost four in the 
 morning. 
 
 January 29. I cut up an hare wherein I could find no omen- 
 tum. At night I saw a great pike opened. A munkey hath 
 six vertebrce lumborum. 
 
 January 30. Mr. Gill preached at Christ church in the 
 morning. A magical cure for the jaundise ; — Burne wood 
 under a leaden vessel fill'd with water, take the ashes of that 
 wood, and boyle it with the patient's urine, then lay nine long 
 heaps of the boyld ashes upon a board in a ranke, and upon 
 every heap lay nine spears of crocus, it hath greater effects 
 then is credible to any one that shall barely read this receipt 
 without experiencing. 
 
 January 31. Mr. Kinge preached at Christ church in the 
 morninge and Mr. Seaman at St. George's in the afternoon. 
 
 February 1. I tooke notice that the Nantuates were not 
 rightly placed in Homeus map for Caesar's Commentaries. I 
 boyled the head and foot of an hare to save the bones. 
 
1G64.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 49 
 
 February 2. I saw a cockfighting at the Whitehorse in St. 
 Stephens. 
 
 February 3. I saw Helleboraster in flower. I cut up a hare 
 which had one young one in the left corner of the uterus. I 
 cut up a hedgehog, with a pretty large omentum. 
 
 February 5. I went to see a serpente that a woman living 
 in St. Gregories church yard in Norwich vomited up, but shee 
 had burnt it before I came. I saw Helleboraster in flower. 
 February 6. Mr. Clarke exhaled for us water taken out of 
 a salt springe in a medow betwixt this and Yarmouth ; there 
 remained gray salt, but in a small quantity in proportion to 
 the water. 
 
 February 7. Mr. Neech preached at Christchurch. 
 February 8. I saw a polypus which was taken out of Mr. 
 Townsend's nose ; it was of a soft fleshy substance, with di- 
 vers glandules in it, it was about three inches longe. Mr. 
 Croppe extracted it. 
 
 February 9. The Bishop's son of Skalhault in Islande was 
 here this afternoon, of whom I enquired many things concern- 
 inge his country. 
 
 February 10. I dissected a badger. 
 
 February 13. Wee drew valentines and danced this night 
 at Mr. Howards. Hee was gat by Ms. Liddy Houghton 
 and my sister Betty by him. 
 
 February 14. Mr. Harmer preach'd at Christ church. A 
 plaister for Ms. Bedingfield's back. 
 
 February 16. I went to visit Mr. Edward Ward, an old 
 man in a feaver, where Ms. Anne Ward gave me my first 
 fee, 10 shillings. 
 
 February 17. I went to see Maior Walgrave sick in a con- 
 sumption. 
 
 February 18. I went to Crostwick to visit Mr. Le Grosse. 
 February 19. I rode to the sea side, where I gathered a 
 great many sea plants ; in the afternoon I had a great deal 
 of discourse with Mr. Le Grosse, about his travails into 
 France, the Low Countreys, and Italy, and about his pilgri- 
 mage to Loretto, and of the treasure which is in that place. 
 February 20. I returned to Norwich, and visited Ms. Jane 
 Boatman, at Smalborough. 
 
 VOL. I. E 
 
50 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 February 2\ . Mr. Seppings preached at Christ church this 
 day. Mr. Peel, Sr. John Barker's chaplain, dined with us. 
 
 February 22. I set forward for my journey to London, 
 baited at Thetford, and reached Cambridge this night, 46 
 miles of; where I was entertained by my good friends, Mr. 
 Nurse, Mr. Craven, Mr. Bridge, &c. 
 
 February 23. I proceeded in my journey to London, as 
 farre as Hodsdun, 21 miles more ; where I lodged this night 
 with some of my countrey men. 
 
 February 24. This morning I rode the last seventen mile 
 to London, where, setting my horse at the George, I visited 
 Mr. Nat. Scottow, Dr. Windate, Ms. Howell, and laide this 
 night at my cosin Barker's in Clarkenwell. 
 
 February 25. I went to heare an anatomy lecture at Chirur- 
 geons hall, and ordered my businesse so as to see the dissec- 
 tion on preparing of body by the chirurgeons, as well as to 
 hear the discourse of the parts by Dr. Tearne, 3 who reads 
 this time ; this is the third humane body I ever saw dissected 
 at Chirurgeon's hall. 
 
 February 25. This morning Dr. Tearne made a speech in la- 
 tine and afterwards read de Cuticula. I din'd at Dr. Windates, 
 and in the afternoon heard the second lecture, wherein these 
 parts following were insisted upon ; Ventriculus cum orificiis 
 suis, intestina, me s enter turn, which I having before the lec- 
 ture well observed in the anatomizing roome, did receive the 
 greater satisfaction from the lecture. This night I walk'd in- 
 to St. James his Parke, where I saw many strange creatures, 
 as divers sorts of outlandish deer, Guiny sheep, a white raven, 
 a great parot, a storke, which, having broke its owne leg, had 
 a wooden leg set on, which it doth use very dexterously. 
 Here are very stately walkes set with lime trees on both sides, 
 and a fine Pallmall. 
 
 February 26. I heard the third lecture, in which these parts 
 following were taken notice of; glandulce renales, renes, 
 vesica, arteria et vena prcepar -antes, testiculi, penis. 
 
 This day I dined with my sister An, at Mr. Howell's, from 
 whence in the afternoon I went to the forth lecture, these parts 
 
 3 Dr. Christopher Tearne, of Leyden, M. D. originally of Cambridge, Fellow of 
 the College of Physicians. He died in 1673. 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 51 
 
 following were discoursed of, which I had seen dissected in 
 the morning ; pleura, mediastinum, pulmones, fyc. 
 
 I returned to Mr. Howell's, from whence taking my sister 
 Nancy with mee 4 
 
 In the afternoon the 6th and last was wholly about the eye, 
 in which are principally remarkable, humores tres, processus 
 ciliares, pupilla, tunicce. Hee ended all with a speech in 
 latine as the custome is, having read very ingeniously and 
 philosophically. 
 
 I went to the signe of the Queen's armes in St. Martins, 
 where, in the celler, being arched and close, the roofe is all 
 covered with a slimy substance formed into the figures of 
 grapes or bunches of grapes, which, although sometimes 
 wiped of, will encrease againe by the steame or vapour of the 
 wine from the vessels ; a pretty rarity and worth the observa- 
 tion. I brought some of these grapes away with mee. In 
 this cellar, not longe since, one pulling downe a partition of 
 boardes founde the body of a dead man with his leg in a 
 payre of stocks, the body afterwards stirred fell into ashes. 
 I met with Mr. Hollingworth and Mr. Udal, who promised, 
 if it pleaseth God to continue our healths, to meet mee 
 at Paris the first of November next or else to forfeit forty 
 shillings. 
 
 February 28. It being Sundays I went to the Queen Mo- 
 ther's chappel, which is a stately one, well painted and adorn- 
 ed with a large golde crucifixe, a most admirable paynted 
 crucifix, tapers, lamps, and the like. I noted some at confes- 
 sion, in little wooden apartments, and having satisfied my cu- 
 riositie in observing the manner of their worship, I left this 
 chappell of Sommerset house, and passing through a crowde 
 of Irish beggars, I went to the Savoy church, where the 
 liturgye of England is read in French. In the afternoon I 
 read a sermon to Madam Fairfax, my dear sister Cottrell, and 
 Nansy; and afterwards waited upon Madam Cottrell home to 
 her house in St. James his parke, which is hansomely built up- 
 on a piece of grounde, which the kinge gave to Sr. Charles. 5 
 
 4 A part of a leaf here torn out in the MS. 
 5 Sir Charles Cottrell, master of the ceremonies to king Charles II., married Sir 
 Thomas Browne's daughter. He translated Cassandra, and was one of the trans- 
 lators of Davila's History of the Civil Wars of France. 
 
 E 2 
 
52 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [16G4. 
 
 February 29. I was at the cbymists to inquire for spiritus 
 urines, spiritus cornu, sal cornu cervi et cinnaberis anti- 
 monii. 
 
 I carried some Islande stones to one Royal], a stone cutter 
 living over against the spur, at the upper end of Woodstreet. 
 I eat for my dinner a Woodstreet cake, which cakes are fa- 
 mous for being well made. 
 
 March 1. I went to see Dr. Dey living in Crouchet Friers, 
 but hee was not within. I was at Mr. King's, living in little 
 Britain, an ingenious chirurgeon, which shew mee parts of 
 many things that hee had dissected, as a liver of a man excar- 
 nated, a spleen excarnated, a man's vena porta, the chorion 
 and amnion of a woman, the uterus and all parts belonging to 
 it, the coats in the third stomack of an ox neatly separated. 
 I being desirous to see the inside of a man's stomacke hee cut 
 up one for mee which hee had by him, the gutts opened and 
 dried, the caecum part of the colon and ilium dried, so as 
 there was plainly to see the manner of the iliums insertion 
 into the colon of a man, and the valve ; and many other parts, 
 which hee kept dryed in a large paper booke. This after- 
 noon I went to see a collection of rarities of one Forges, or 
 Hobarte, by St. Paules, among which were many things which 
 I never saw before, as a sea-elephantes head, a Lazy of Bra- 
 zil, an Indian Serpente, &c. I went to Arundell house where 
 I saw a great number of old Roman and Grascian statuas, 
 many as big again as the life, and divers Greek inscriptions 
 upon stones in the garden. I viewed these statuas till the 
 approching night began to obscure them, beinge extreamly 
 taken with the noblenesse of that ancient worke, and grieving 
 at the bad usage some of them had met with in our last dis- 
 tractions. From hence by water to Sr. Charles Cotrels, where 
 taking my leave of my dear sister, I returned to my cousin 
 Barkers in Clarkenwell. 
 
 March 2. I went to Mr. Foxe's chamber in Arundell house, 
 where I saw a great many pretty pictures and things cast in 
 brasse, some limmings, divers pretious stones, and one dia- 
 monde valued at eleven hundred pound ; and, having received 
 letters from him to carry to his honour Mr. Henry Howarde 
 at Norwich, I tooke horse at the George in Lumbard street, 
 
16G4.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 53 
 
 and gat to Chelmsford this night, travelling 25 miles through 
 that pleasant county of Essex. 
 
 March the 3d. I rose very early, and set forward on my 
 journy by four of the clock, so as betwixt eight and nine I 
 got to Colchester ; a very large, but a stragling towne, the 
 heart of the towne standing upon an hill, but it shoots out 
 long streets into the valleys, on all hands. From hence to 
 Ipswich, where I dined. A very great and clean neat towne, 
 standing advantagiously upon a river so as ships come up to 
 the towne. There are about 12 churches in it, and it gives 
 place in bignesse to nere a towne in England. From hence 
 this afternoon I rode to Thwait, through the Pye roade, a 
 very deep uneven roade ; so, having roade about 45 miles 
 this day, I thought it best to ride no further, although it were 
 not yet night, and I might easily have reached Scole. The 
 man of the house seemed to bee a very honest fellow, and 
 gave us kinde entertainment as his house was capable of. 
 Hee had a daughter which was not fifteen, and yet as tal as 
 most women. I observed that to one in the jaundice hee 
 gave the green ends of goose dunge steep'd in beere, and 
 then strayned and sweetned, a country remedy. 
 
 March the 4. Having roade about two mile, I came to 
 the white horse ; a horse carv'd in wood, upon a wooden 
 structure, like a sighne post, an old woman and a gardener 
 one standing behind and another before the horse; under- 
 neath hanges a globe, out of which comes four hands, which 
 directs passengers in the crosse roads (which meet iust in 
 these places) one standes towards Norwich, the contrary to- 
 wards Ipswich, one to Bury and the other to Framlingham. 
 About three mile further I came to Scoale, where is very 
 handsome inne, and the noblest sighne post in England, about 
 and upon which are carved a great many stories, as of Cha- 
 ron and Cerberus, of Actason and Diana, and many other, 
 the sighne it self is the white harte, which hangs downe carved 
 in a stately wreath. Fifteen mile more to Norwich, whether 
 I gat about eleven of the clocke ; and in the afternoon waited 
 upon Mr. Howard, and delivered him his letters, and to lit- 
 tle Mr. Fox (heir to Mr. Fox of London), who dances a jig 
 incomparably. 
 
54 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 March 5. I dissected a shoveler. 
 
 March 6. Dr. Porter preached at Christchurch upon this 
 text, "Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drinke 
 his bloode, ye have no life in you," John 6. 53 ; in which hee 
 expounded the flesh the body, and the blood the spirit, or 
 soul. 
 
 March 9. I went to N orris his garden where I saw black 
 Hellebore in flower, which is white ; the white Hellebore is 
 not yet come up. 
 
 I drank some birch tree liquor, which now runneth. 
 
 March 10. I saw Mr. Howards closet, in which are a 
 great number of delicate limmings, but one pretty large 
 one, of our blessed lady with our Saviour in her armes, 
 more than extraordinary. There are two heads in agath 
 pretty large, a great many things cut and turnd in ivory, deli- 
 cate china dishes, divers things cut in fine stones, a pearle in 
 the fashion [of] a lion very large, and child's head and thigh 
 bone very neat ; divers things in gold and delicate workman- 
 ship, worthy so noble a person's closet. 
 
 March 11. I walked out in the morning as far Harford 
 bridges and found some very large Arum. 
 
 I had great deal of discourse with one Mr. Flatman a chi- 
 rurgion that had lived in the gold country in Guiny, about 
 that country, the inhabitants, their manners, our plantation at 
 Cormontine, and the trafficke with the natives : as also about 
 Lisbone, Barbadoes, and Jamaica, where hee had likewise 
 been. 
 
 March 12. I roade out in the morning, and brought home 
 some radix cava minima flore viridi, which groweth under a 
 hedge on the left hand, a little beyond New found, as you goe 
 to Intwood. 
 
 I dissected a frog, whose skin doth not stick close to the 
 membrana carnosa, but is easily flead. 
 
 March 13. Mr. Hedges preached at Christ church. 
 Walking out with Mr. Flatman, hee told mee the Portuguez 
 used this way to the Jews or those that are in the inquisition, 
 to make them dye in the Christian religion of the Church of 
 Rome ; — they put a cord about their neck the end of which is 
 put through the hole of a great post so as they on other side 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 55 
 
 may streitn or slack the rope, choke or save them again as they 
 please which they doe till with the extremity of the paine they 
 professe what they will have them, and then immediately 
 strangle them. 
 
 March 14. I cut up a young rat. 
 
 March 15. [I prescribed] for his honour Mr. Howard. 
 Lying all along upon St. James' mount, in such a posture as 
 one eye was perpendicularly over the other, the prospect of 
 Norwich (which of it selfe is most delicate) was so much bet- 
 tered as I never saw any picture, or any thing else, so pleasing 
 to the eye. 
 
 March 17. I received a letter from Mr. Rand, wherein hee 
 sent mee the inscription of the columne to bee set up at Rome 
 upon the Corsican's expulsion. 
 
 March 18. I received a letter from my worthy friend Mr. 
 Isaac Craven, who, being sent by the society of Trinity Col- 
 ledge in Cambridge, of which hee is fellow, to complement 
 the Marquisse of Newcastle and the Marchionesse for their 
 workes presented to our library, was pleas'd to write me a 
 short relation of his journy through Stamford, Grantham, 
 Newark, Southwell, (where is a pretty minster,) and Mans- 
 field, to Wellbeck the Marquisse his house; where hee saw 
 many pictures of Vandike, and a fine cabinet, but above all 
 his fine stable and brave horses for the great saddle, of which 
 the Marquisse (as his noble booke horsmanshippe will testify) 
 hath no small number nor ill managed, and is without compare 
 the best horsman living, taking delight dayly, although hee bee 
 now threscore and eleven years old, to see his horses practice. 
 
 March 19. [I prescribed] for Mr. Colman's sore, bruised 
 by the fall of a windowe. 
 
 March 21. I dissected a polcat. 
 
 March 22. I gave 5 shillings in earnest for my coach-hire 
 to London, 20s. in all hee is to have. 
 
 March 23. I went to Norris his garden, where amongst 
 other plants I saw dens caninus in flower. 
 
 March 24. [I prescribed] for Mr. Bird of Lin in scorbuto. 
 
 March 26. I took spiritus salts nitri, and dissolved as much 
 2 in it as the liquor would corrode, afterwards I praecipitated 
 it with sal tartari. 
 
56 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 March 27. Dr. Porter preached at Christ church. I 
 tooke leave of my friends ; my cousin Dorothy Witherly gave 
 me ten shillings, my aunt Bendish gave me a ringe. 
 
 March 28. I set out towards London ; Mr. Arrowsmith 
 and my brother accompanied mee as far as Attleborough ; 
 this night wee layd at Barton mills ; I had the kings chamber 
 for my lodging, where Charles the first once layd : upon the 
 wall, between the door and the chimney, there is written with 
 the kings owne hande Caualleiro Honrado. 
 
 March 29. We bayted at Chesterford, and lodged at Bishop 
 Stafford at the George, this day I had much discourse with 
 Mr. Bedingfield, about his travailes in Flanders, Artois, Bra- 
 bant, &c. wee had to our suppers pike and crafish. 
 
 March 30. By two of the clock in the afternoon wee gat 
 to London, where Mr. Uvedal and Mr. Rand met mee at the 
 Green Dragon, I waited upon Mr. Howells family, delivered a 
 letter to my cousin Betty Cradock, and laid in Clerkenwell. 
 
 March 31. I measured the pell mell in St. James Parke, 
 which is above twelve hundred paces longe. I went to Mor- 
 gan's Garden at Westminster ; St. Pauls church is 43 of my 
 paces broad, Westminster Abbey is 33, Christchurch at Nor- 
 wich 28, Christchurch at Canterbury is 30. 
 
 April the 1. I tooke money for my journey, at a gold- 
 smith's in Lumbardstreet, ten pound ; most of it in gold and 
 French coyne. 
 
 April 2. I took leave of my friends at London. My 
 cousin Garway, my cousin Cradock, Mr. Uvedale, and Mr. 
 Hollingworth, accompanied mee this night to Gravesend; 
 wee had a pleasant passage downe the river of Thames, 
 sometimes sayling, sometimes rowing, close by many hundred 
 brave ships which trade to most parts of the knowne world. 
 About 1 in the morning my friends left mee, and I went to 
 bed at the blew Anchor, to refresh mee against the morrow. 
 
 April 3. I rode from Gravesend through Rochester to 
 Sittenborne. Rochester hath a pretty cathedral church, in 
 which is a neat quire ; and a bridge over the Medway inferior 
 to few ; it is extreamly high and longe, the water runs under 
 it with such a force at lowe water, that all the river is covered 
 with a white foame. From Sittenburne I took a fresh horse, 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 57 
 
 and rode fiften miles further to Canterbury, through a plea- 
 sant countrey, having the sight of the river most part of the 
 way on my left hand ; the cherry grounds on both, in great 
 numbers, in which the trees are planted equi-distantly and 
 orderly. I went to Christchurch, the cathedral church at 
 Canterbury, which is an extreame neat church, very long, 
 30 paces broad. I saw in it the Black Prince's tombe ; the 
 painted glasse, most of which is of a fine blew colour, is ex- 
 cellent ; the front is neat, having two steeples on each side, 
 the tower of the crosse isles is handsome. There is an ex- 
 treame bigge steeple at the east end begun, but finished no 
 higher then the church. Under the quire is another church, 
 which is made use of by the Walloons. There is a double 
 crosse in this church. In Canterbury are fiften parishes. 
 Hence I roade to Dover, and had a sight of the land in 
 France three miles before I came to my journey's end. This 
 night I lay'd at Mr. Carlisle's, the clarke of the passage, at 
 the Kingshead. 
 
 April 4. I walked to the seaside, where I found very large 
 sea girdles, some seastarres, many lympits, and divers hearbs. 
 In the afternoon I saw Dover castle, a very large one, and 
 situated upon an high rock, with many fine roomes in it. They 
 shew mee the horn which was blown at the building of the 
 castle, which is made of brasse. I saw likewise a very longe 
 gun called Basiliscus, 23 foot 8 inches long, which was very 
 neatly carved. Captain John Stroade is Mr. of the castle. 
 
 April 5. I went to sea to see them catch lobsters, sea 
 spiders, wilkes, Spanish crabs, crabwilkes, or Bernardi ere- 
 mites, &c. Wee gat our passe portes, and 
 
 April 6. Betimes in the morning, wee set sayle for Calais 
 in the packet boat ; wee gave five shillings a piece for our 
 passage, and having a fair winde, wee gat in four houres 
 time into Calais roade, from whence a shallop fetch'd us to 
 shoare. 
 
 At our entryng of the port wee payd threepence a piece 
 for our heads ; they searched my portmantle at the gate and 
 the custom house, for which I was to pay 5 sols. After that 
 agreed with the messenger for 40 livres to Paris. I dined at 
 Monsieur la Force his house, at the sighne of the Dragon, 
 
58 JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1664. 
 
 and so walked out to see the towne. I was not sick at all in 
 coming over from Dover to Calais, upon the sea, but yet 
 could hardly forbear spuing at the first sight of the French 
 women : they are most of them of such a tawny, sapy, base 
 complection, and have such vgly faces, which they here set 
 out with a dresse would fright the divell. They have a short 
 blew coat, which hath a vast thick round rugge, in the place 
 of the cape, which they either weare about their necks or 
 pull over their heads, after such a manner as tis hard to 
 guesse which is most deformed, their visages or their habits. 
 This afternoon I went to the church which is a fair one, de- 
 dicated to our Blessed Lady ; the large marble altar is noble, 
 many chappells as to St. Peter, and others, are well adorned ; 
 in an oval chappell, behinde the altar, I saw the priests in- 
 struct the common people, and the young folkes of the 
 towne, in matters of religion, and learne them to say their 
 prayers. I went to a convent of Cordeliers, where Pere 
 Barnatie, whose right name is Dungan, an Irishman, was 
 very civill to us, and shew us all about the convent, and had 
 much discours with us about England, and other countries. 
 Wee saw a monastery of nuns ; their altar in their chappell 
 was covered with very rich lace. The Port Royall is a very 
 stately building. I agreed with the messenger for forty 
 livres to Paris, and 
 
 April 7. Wee set forward about 2 of the clock in the 
 afternoon, and got to Boulogne 7 leagues, where I saw the 
 Port. The buildings here, as at Calais, are of stone, and the 
 streets evenly paved, but there are very few shops. 
 
 April 8. Wee dined at Monstreuil. There they search 
 my portmantle again, and I, not knowing I was to take a 
 passe at Calais, was put to some inconvenience, and had like 
 to lose my stockins, which were in my portmantle ; but that 
 one that travayled along with mee could speake both Eng- 
 lish and French, who perswaded [them] I was no merchant, 
 and with fair words I got of. This night I layd at Bernay. 
 
 April 19. Wee dined at Abbeville, a great towne, built 
 much after the English fashion, with wooden houses. I saw 
 St. Voluhran's church, which hath a most stately front with 
 two steeples in it, and a great deal of neat carving both in 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 59 
 
 the stone and in the wood [of] the gates. I layd this night 
 at Pois, a small towne. 
 
 April 20. I got to Beauvais, time enough (if I had listed) 
 to heare masse ; however, I went to see St. Pierre's church, 
 which is an extream high one, and very stately. The North 
 and South ends are most noble, the church paved with mar- 
 ble, checquered with stone : there is no building westward, 
 beyond the crosse isle, which makes the church but short ; 
 but if there were a body answerable to the rest, I think it 
 might compare with most churches in Christendome. This 
 night I layd at Tilierre. This day was the first day in which 
 I saw vineyards, pilgrims, or was sprinkled with holy water. 
 
 Wee roade this day divers times beteewn rowes of apple 
 trees a great waye ; they are likewise set here orderly as the 
 cherrytrees in Kent. Most of the country betwixt Calais 
 and Paris is open, and sewen with corn, so as wee had fine 
 prospects upon the top of every hill. 
 
 April 11, St. v. 21, stylo novo. Weebayted at Beaumont, 
 where after dinner each of us gave a messenger trente sofa, 
 for his care of us in our journey. 
 
 This after noon wee rode through St. Dinnis, where there 
 is a noted church, in which are a great manye stately tombes 
 of the Kings of France and other nobles. About four of the 
 clock wee entered Paris, just by Maison des Enfans Trouvts, 
 so through Fauxbourg St. Denis, and other places to the 
 sighne of Ville de Soissons, dans rue de la Vererie, where 
 the messenger lodges. This night I walked about to see 
 Pont Neuf, upon which standes a noble copper statua of 
 Henry the fourth, the statuas of our Saviour, and the Sama- 
 ritan woman, by a delicat fountain, made in the shape of a 
 huge cockle-shell, which allwayes runs over. I went to 
 Monsieur Michel de Clere, who lives in Riie de Chevalier 
 de Guet, and tooke an hundred liures of him, I went and 
 hired a chamber in Riie St. Zacharie for 7 liures par mois, 
 and so, je vous souhaitte le bon soir. 
 
60 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE, [1664. 
 
 The Journal of this tour occupies the whole of MS. 
 Sloan. 1906; but I have thought it preferable here to 
 discontinue the Journal, where its narrative is taken 
 up by the following series of letters from MS. Sloan. 
 1868. A small portion of the tour they describe 
 forms the subject of the last chapter in Dr. E. Browne's 
 Travels, fol. 1685, under the title of "A Journey from 
 Venice to Genoa." One of these letters has been col- 
 lated with a duplicate copy — somewhat fuller, in the 
 Bodleian, No. lviii, MS. Rawlinson. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his brother Thomas. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 DEARE BROTHER, 
 
 I give you many thancks for your company to At- 
 tleborough. I am now (god be thancked) at Douer, where 
 I have seen the Castle. In the same is a very great peece, 
 called the Basilisk, 23 foot and 8 inches long. I saw the 
 home which they say was blowne at the building of the cas- 
 tle. This day I was at sea, and saw them catch shell fish, as 
 lobsters, Spanish crabbs, wilks, sea spiders, heauers, crab- 
 wilks, which is the same with our Bernardus Eremita. Here 
 are also limpits, or lympots, as they call them, in great num- 
 bers, which they eat. To morrow, god willing, we are for 
 Calis. Your louing brother, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 [Dover,] April 5 [1664.] 
 
 Air. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 I have been divers times at Hospital de la Charite and 
 Hostel de Dieu ; which latter stands nigh to Nostre Dame, 
 
1GG4.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 61 
 
 and has far more diseased in it then the other. I have been 
 often at St. Innocents church yard, and have seen them dig 
 up bones which have been very rotten after 3 weeks or a 
 months intendment. The flesh must needs then bee cor- 
 rupted in a far shorter space ; but I will send word in my next 
 more punctually about it. In the middle of summer I think 
 to goe for a month or two out of towne when the terme is 
 done. There are coaches which goe from Paris to any place 
 in France, and I suppose it is no where so deer living as here. 
 I shall bee glad to see Monsieur Morillon ; 6 hee may doe me 
 some courtesies in directing of mee and showing mee things I 
 have not seen. Luxemberg is the stateliest hostel I have 
 seen ; — the Tuilleries and Jardin Royall (assauoir, the physick 
 garden), the most noble of the gardens, though there be in- 
 numerable here, and those far more pleasant then I could ex- 
 pect. The broad leav'd Tilia, and the thick groues of tall 
 cypres, afford us a coole shade in the hottest dayes ; here are 
 a great many locust trees. 7 Oranges and lemons come to no 
 great perfection, though these trees bee far greater then in 
 England. I take up some sometimes of the little wither'd black 
 ones, wich fail of the trees, and carry in my pocket ; they have 
 the most delicious smell in the world. I have been to agree 
 with one to see a course of chymistry, but hee askes three 
 pistoles, and speakes French when hee shows it. In the 
 physick garden there will, in a short time, be showne all the 
 operations in chymistry publickly, thrice in a week. I heare 
 four physick lectures, Dr. Maureau reads de hernia; Dr. 
 Dyneau de febribus ; Dr. Pattin answers all doubts and 
 questions proposed ; Dr. Le Bell reads of chirurgicall opera- 
 tions. Aloe growes here to a vast bignesse ; the plants will 
 not yet bee showne this fortnight. I have been once at Charen- 
 ton already, and intend to goe to Charenton again to morrow. 
 The number of boats that goe upon the riuer together, the 
 multitude of people walking on the bankes, the litle islands in 
 the Seine, and the Protestants continually singing the French 
 psalmes, makes the passage uery delightfull. The church is 
 
 6 Tutor for some time to Lord Howard's sons at Norwich. He afterwards set- 
 tled at Padua as a language-master. 
 
 7 Robinia Pseud- Acacia : named by Linnaeus after M. Robin, a French botanist, 
 who introduced it into France in the reign of Henry IV. 
 
62 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 a long square, uery capacious, double galleried on all sides ; 
 my lord ambassadour was there the last Sundaye. I went 
 this week to Vincenne, the house has a large broad perpen- 
 dicular ditch, the sides of which are free stone ; the new 
 building is handsome ; one of the canons shew mee the 
 church, and, in a litle chappell by it, Cardinall Mazarines 
 hearse. I have been in a great many churches in Paris ; 
 Nostre Dame is ten of my paces broader then St. Paules, be- 
 sides the chappells on both sides ; St. Eustace church is a 
 delicate one ; St. Geneuieue's front is neat ; St. Geruais front 
 with its braue pillars shows stately, but is farr surpassed by 
 the Jesuists church, in Rue St. Anthoine, which hath a great 
 cupulo carved and painted within, with the figures of famous 
 and religious persons ; the alters are set about with copper 
 statuas almost as big as the life. Place Royalle, in proportion 
 to Lincolne's Inne Fields in London, is not so much as 4 to 9. 
 In the gazette I reade that wee are about to make warre with 
 the Dutch, and that there is an act of parliament passed to 
 furnish his maiesty with prouisions for it. I am much inqui- 
 sitiue after news, but especally that of my owne countrye. 
 Sr, I would that I might, in your next, here the certainty. 
 Your obediant Sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 Paris, May 17, Stylo nouo 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Ms Sister. 
 
 DEARE SISTER, 
 
 I long to have a letter from you, and therefore I 
 write to tell you where I live. I have been at St. Denys, 
 about three mile from Paris, where I saw a great many rari- 
 ties and fine relickes, as some of the wood of our Sauior's 
 crosse, one nayle of the same, one of the water pots in which 
 our Sauiour turn'd the water into wine, Malchus his lantern, 
 which hee had in his hand when hee came with Judas to take 
 our Sauiour, many pieces of saints, as the head of St. Denys, 
 
1664] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. G3 
 
 the chin of St. Lewis, &c. If you will have any beads or 
 little pieces of silver that have touched these things, write 
 mee word, and the next opportunity I meet with, I will send 
 you some ; but it may be you are not curious for such things. 
 I saw likewise an unicorne's home, Jeanne of Arc the maid 
 of Orleans' sword, with which shee fought so ualyantly against 
 the English with all, and many such kinde of rarities. Let 
 mee know when you goe to Norwich. When I walk in the 
 neate gardens of the monasteries, or in the Tuilleries, a place 
 like Gray's Inn walks, but farre surpassing it, or in any shady 
 groue, which is a great conuenence in this hot weather, or 
 when I begine to take the least delight in any thing, I pre- 
 sently wish your companys ; which, when I consider it is a 
 thing impossible, I underualew all the delights of France, and 
 prefer our little garden at Norwich before that of Luxem- 
 bourg at Paris. To morow I am to goe to see two English 
 gentlewomen made nuns. Deare sister, I have nothing else 
 to say to you at present, but that I am 
 
 Your loving brother, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Paris, May 24, 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I receued your third letter. The garden is not yet 
 open, but will bee now in a day or two. The chymick lec- 
 ture I am informed will be publick. I read at present Dar- 
 let's Chymistry in french, (hee who I myght have seen a 
 course of,) to furnish mee with the words [and] termes in 
 french proper for that art. It is the old Guido Patin that 
 reads here, to whom Prseuolius dedicates his booke. Hee is 
 very old, yet very pleasant in his discourse, and hearty ; hee 
 is much followed, is a Gallenist, and doth often laugh at the 
 chymists. I have not heard of any ancient aqueduct, but I 
 shall inquire after it ; and I have seen a great many new ones, 
 fountaines, at Rueill, the Duke of Anguelesme's house, 
 
G4 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [16G4 
 
 within 4 leagues of Paris, whose garden is excellent, the 
 groves strangely thick, the walkes very longe, and extreame- 
 ]y coole in the hottest weather. There is a piece of perspec- 
 tive of a portall, rarely done, and water works without num- 
 ber: the house is little, but neat, there is a pretty garden 
 with a fountaine in it, out of one of the great windows which 
 stands upon pillars. I have seen the Duke of Orleans house 
 at St. Cloud, finely situated upon the riuer, and looking 
 toward Paris ; the grots, water works, statues, garden house, 
 and groves, would take up too much roome to discribe. I 
 have seen the King's house at St. Germains, about 5 lieus 
 from Paris : the prospect, the two galleries, the three clois- 
 ters, one aboue an other, upon the side of the hill, supported 
 with uast pillars, are most remarkable there. The president 
 of Paris his house at Maison, the finest country house I 
 haue seen yet, about 5 leagues from Paris ; there is a multi- 
 pliing glasse chamber in it, round, in the middle of which you 
 see your self a great many times. Here is a vast rich bed, 
 stair case, the gates all of carued steell, a long court, orange 
 trees with out number. The last Sunday being Whitsunday 
 here, I went to Nostre Dame, where I saw the Archbishop 
 of Paris and all the seruis ; hee had red gloues on, and upon 
 the fore finger of his right hand a ring with the greatest Ag- 
 marine I ever saw. The Sorbonne is noble ; but the Jesuists 
 church in Rue St. Anthoine doth not give place to this ; and 
 that of Vail de Grace, not yet finished, built by the queen 
 mother, will goe beyond them both. The church of Nostre 
 Dame is 10 paces broader than St. Paule's at London, and 
 yet I dooe not reckon the chappells on each side. I have 
 seen the ceremony of making of a nun. Two English gen- 
 tlewomen took their habit a fortnight since, in the monastery 
 of St. Augustin de Sion, a convent lately built by the now 
 Abbesse of it. The church for the nuns Carmelites, 
 Nostre Dame de Champs, in Faubourg St. Jacques, is 
 the best adorned with painting, guilding and pictures of 
 any in Paris. Sr, I have already seen some pretty rarities 
 in apotheacary's closets, and will not loose the opportunity of 
 seeing more. I continue to set downe in my book what I 
 meet with remarkable every day, I long for Morillon's com- 
 
1664.] JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. 65 
 
 ing, to bee informed in many things. I hope hee will bee 
 here with in this week. On Whit Tuesday I went to Mount 
 Caluarie, a hill about 2 leagues from Paris, upon the top of 
 which live two hermits. They will not be seen or spoken to, 
 but I went into their little chappells. This hill is made to 
 resemble the true Mount Caluary, and here are three huge 
 crosses where on our Sauiour and the theeues are crucified ; 
 there are litle chappells also about it, in every of which some 
 part of our Sauiours passion is described. Here was one Sr 
 William Meredith who, haueing a great desire to be cured 
 of his deafnesse, a physitian ordered him to be anointed, I 
 suppose in order to saliuation, the effect of which was, that 
 after his head was light, and [he] talk'd wildly for some space, 
 he died. The English here often fight ; I see their wounds 
 dress'd sometimes. I cannot goe for Orleans till the garden 
 be past. I hope the pope's legate will not make his entrance 
 till then neither; so as I may see Fountainbleau at that time 
 that hee comes thither. 
 
 Your obediant Sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 Paris, [about 9th of June, 1664.] 
 
 From Mr. Browne's Journal it appears, that about 
 this time he received from his father some directions 
 as to his future proceedings which were in the highest 
 degree unpalatable to him, and may even be imagined 
 to have caused or aggravated a severe attack of illness, 
 which lasted him till about the date of the next letter. 
 Some extracts follow, which may serve to fill up the 
 interval, not without interest. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1906.] 
 
 June 6, Vendredy. I received a letter from my father, in 
 which hee gave mee notice of returning, and told hee could 
 not spare mee any longer then Michaelmas, which put mee 
 
 VOL I. F 
 
GG JOURNAL OF MR. E. BROWNE. [1G64. 
 
 into dolefull dumps and spoild all the fine chymaeras and geo- 
 graphical! ideas that I had formed in my braine of seeing 
 Spaine, Italy, Germany, and I cannot tell how many countreys 
 and people ; this letter quite spoil'd all the high conceits of my 
 travailes, yet I could hardly beat out of my braines the desire 
 of seeing Italy. I walk'd, to divert my thoughts, with a Poic- 
 tovin lad into the little garden of St. Jean de Lateran, and 
 afterwards into Fauxbourg St. Germain. I heard of Dr. 
 Napper that Sir William Meredith was dead; hee was under 
 cure for his deafnesse, the physitian thought fit to salivate 
 him by anointing, which proved, it seems, his extreame unc- 
 tion. 
 
 June 13. I received a letter from my father, in which my 
 brother Tom drew the picture of a monstrous Tartar which 
 was reported to bee taken by Count Serini. 
 
 June 18, Mecredy. I still found my selfe ill, yet the desire 
 I had of seeing the garden made mee get up betimes ; the 
 weather was so bad as the professor was forc'd to set under a 
 great acacia tree and name all the plants hee did intend to 
 teach, and to showe them afterward. I found my selfe very 
 ill, not able to stirre downe. About six of the clock I sent 
 for a chirurgeon and was let blood, I went to bed and conti- 
 nued ill. 
 
 Juin 27, Vendredy. I received a letter from my father 
 which ordered mee to goe as soon as I could to Montpelier. 
 I received one the post before about the same. This being 
 Friday I had an aumuliet for my dinner, which though not so 
 good, perhaps, for one in my condition, yet with good eldre 
 vinagre I got it downe ; being somewhat weary of ptisane I 
 sent for limons and made my selfe some limonade. Dr. 
 Downes and Mr. Abdy came to see mee. 
 
 Juillet 11, Vendredy. I was much in the same condition 
 as the day before. I received another letter from my father, 
 wherein he bids mee make ready and take my journy as soon 
 as possible I could for Montpellier ; hee gave mee leave also 
 to goe into Provence to Marseilles, but alas I am so weake at 
 present as I cannot travail downe stayres. 
 
 Juillet 30, Mecredy. As I was standing in Bouillet's shop, 
 in comes Dr. Patin : Bouillet told him whose son I was ; hee 
 
1664.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 67 
 
 saluted mee very kindly, asked mee many things concerning 
 my father, whom hee knew onely as author of Religio Medici, 
 discoursed with mee very lovingly, and told mee hee would 
 write to my father. Mr. Tristan came to see mee, but I was 
 at Roherval's lecture ; afterwards Mr. Dicas, hee and I supp'd 
 at the Chapeau Rouge, the first supper I have eat since I 
 was ill. 
 
 Aoust 6, Mecredy. Pere Macbree, a Jesuist, came to in- 
 vite us to a tragedy at the Jesuist's college. I had a thesis 
 given mee dedicated to the king of England, which was sus- 
 tained by Fitz Patrick, the Sunday following, the embassadeur 
 of England being there present at the disporte. I now am 
 well enough I thank [God] to dine and sup with the rest of 
 our pension. Wee pay thirty solz a day, besides our lodgings, 
 which are in prizes according as they are in goodnesse. 
 
 Mardy, Aoust 12. I received a letter from my father, 
 with directions how to order my selfe as to my health, to 
 purge if need required. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Ms Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Yesterday the legate * entred Paris with a great deal 
 of splendour, first all the religious of Paris passed by, two 
 by two, in such order as the archbishop of Paris, Hardouin 
 Perefix, had appointed them. After them, some part of the 
 gard, then diuers coches, more of the gard, hors and foot, the 
 companys with their banners before them, their gownes 
 veluet — 'hats and gold hat bands ; the president of Paris, as 
 at the lord mayors show in London ; more of the gard in 
 red coats, after them were led the legats mules for carriage, 
 forty in number, very large ones with their rich couerings and 
 feathers; diuers noblemen's pages on horseback; twenty of 
 the legats pages on horseback ; diuers noblemen and gentle- 
 men with very rich habits and foot cloath like our noblemen, 
 
 * Cardinal Chigi, Cardinal Patron, the Pope's nephew. — Note by Sir T. B. 
 
 F 2 
 
68 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 when the king came from the tower ; then the kettle drums 
 after ; under a canopy rode the legate, upon a white mule, 
 betwixt the Prince of Condy and Duke of Anquien, in a red 
 habit and legats hats ; then followed about thirty bishops and 
 archbishops, then more of the gard. Such a number of 
 coaches, and a thronge of people, as I found it no easy matter 
 to get home. E. B. 
 
 Paris, Aug. 10, 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have seen the aqueduct at Arcueil which you writ 
 me of in one of your letters; it is a noble one, but not 
 ancient, being built but by our queen mother's mother. Here 
 lodgeth at our pension, 8 at present, one Mr. Sitden. I think 
 I have heard you speake of him. Hee hath been at Morocco, 
 in Turkey, and in the East Indies. I saw lately Mazarine's 
 house, which for statuas and pictures goes beyond any thing 
 I could have expected to have seen in France. The library 
 is a uery long one, far the best in Paris, but esteemed by the 
 French for the brauest in the world. If I goe to morrow I 
 shall have no English company, which considering the bene- 
 fit of being forced to speak French, I count no inconuenience. 
 I dare not uenture a ten dayes journey, though in a carosse, 
 to Lyons, but choose rather to creep up this riuer of Seine, 
 and so strik ouer land to some towne upon the Sosne, from 
 whence I may passe as far as I please downe that and the 
 Rosne. I shall desire your blessing, and with my duty rest 
 
 Your obediant Sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Paris, [the end of Aug. 1664.] 
 
 8 Boarding house. 
 
J664.J DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 69 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 9 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I finding my self euery day in better health then 
 other, and not willing to loose any more time, I haue uentured 
 to leaue Paris. In the water coach I came as farre as Joigny, 
 4 dayes journeys from Paris ; passing through Melun, Mon- 
 lereau, Sens, and Villeneuf. The first, though wee breakfast 
 at it, yet wee left it before daylight, being call'd up at mid- 
 night ; the 2nd is only remarkable by the meeting of the 
 riuers Sonne and Seine, haueing a castle seated betwixt them, 
 and a bridge to each opposite banke, like Pont Neuf at Paris. 
 Sens is a neat place, haueing water running through the 
 streets and gardens, situated in a braue champion. It putt 
 me in mind of Salisbury. The front of its cathedrall hath 
 two steeples, one of which is somewhat broken, else it would 
 bee little inferior to that of Nostre Dame. At Villeneuf, in 
 the church, there is a St Cristopher no lesse though worse 
 shaped then that at Paris. I passed in a carriole from Joigny 
 to Auxerre, a handsome large towne, in which are two well 
 built churches; the one St Meurice of twelve hundred years 
 standing; there is also here a sanctuary, from whence I am 
 now, I thanke God, arriued at Chaalons Sur Saone, quite 
 through Bourgoigne, a braue country though hilly, which 
 furnisheth Paris with its best wines. These places I baited 
 at, Vermanton, Rouery, Saulien, Nele Duke * Yury, 2 Chalons. 
 Amongst the hills I was taken with the situation of a neat 
 little house upon a high tri-angular rock, the walls of the 
 house being built upon the edge of the rock, Roche Fauquieu. 
 This day I saw millet growing in great quantities. Here is 
 little worth seeing at Chalons ; the citadell, hospitall, the 
 Carmes church, and the cathedrall St Vinceau, the darkest 
 church I ever saw. I haue met with uery ciuill, courteous, 
 company hether ; with a priest, and one of my owne name, 
 
 9 MS. Sloan. No. 18SG, contains a Journal of that part of this excursion which 
 is related in the six following letters; but proceeds no further. 
 Arnay-le-Duc? 2 Givry ? 
 
70 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDE^"CE. [1664. 
 
 who live at Brugnoli in Prouence. I think to goe towards 
 Lyons to morrow, where I thinke to stay a week to rest my 
 self. The Soane is a noble riuer. 
 
 Your obediant Sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Chaalons, September 10, 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I wrote to you from Lyons. I was scarce well w r hen 
 I came out of Paris, but I thanke God I am uery hearty here 
 at Montpellier. This place is the most delightfull of all 
 France, being seated upon an hill in sight of the sea ; inhabit- 
 ed by a people I suppose, without injury to my owne country, 
 the most handsome in the world ; the meanest of them going 
 neatly dressed euery day, and there carriage so free, that the 
 meerest stranger hath acquaintance with those of the best 
 ranck of the towne immediately. We haue sermons here 
 euery day, and Sunday 4, the greatest part of the towne being 
 still of the religion. I live at an apothecary's house, where 
 I have the conuenience of the shop, and am already acquaint- 
 ed with a dr of physick, who professeth himself ready to do 
 mee any fauour in his way. I went with him to the baths of 
 Balarue. Afterwards wee crossed the lake together, and 
 went to Mont Septo, a hill famous for plants. I wrot to my 
 father since I came hither ; I hope hee hath receiued my 
 letter; and the other which I wrote to him from Chaalons. 
 I trauild from Paris hither alone, about 500 miles, which 
 would haue made mee uery melancholy, but haueing some- 
 what of the language, I could entertain my self with the 
 French, who are good companions in a journey. I did not 
 see Sr Sam. Tuke, 3 nor Morillon, before I came out of Paris, 
 
 3 Sir Samuel Tuke, Bavt, of Cressing Temple, in Essex; sent to Paris by 
 Charles II, to condole with Lewis XIV on the death of Cardinal Mazarine. He was 
 cousin to Evelyn ; had been a colonel in the king's service during the civil war, and 
 afterwards, being one of those that attempted to form a body in Essex for King 
 Charles, he narrowly escaped with his life. He died in 1673. 
 
1664.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 71 
 
 but at my returne I will waite upon them. In the physick 
 garden here, I meet with many things which are neither in 
 England nor Paris. The whispering place is remarkable in 
 it, so continued that one whispers at one side the other heres 
 him uery distinctly on the other side, and those in the middle 
 heare nothing at all. My duty to my mother and your selfe. 
 I am your obediant Sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Montpellier, Octobre 7, 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 The plague being in Prouence, I could not passe by sea in 
 to Italy, at least without doing quarantaine ; which forc'd mee 
 to goe by the way of Grenoble, a towne extremely populous, 
 though but small for a parliament. I saw there the Duke of 
 Leddiguere's hous, a bridge of boats ouer the Liser, a riuer 
 more swift then the Rosne. Three leages of is a burning 
 hill. From Grenoble wee went to visit the solitary desert of 
 St Bruno, the most desolate retired place of all the Alpes ; 
 the entry is betwixt two rocks almost touching one another 
 at the top, a portall fit for so strange an habitation; it is so 
 cold that no fruit ever growes in it ; the number of firre trees 
 somwhat abates the horrour of those high pracipices. The 
 cloisters are the longest that euer I saw, but three paces 
 broad ; ther chappells well adorn'd ; the pere generall's 
 chambers are inrich'd with pictures of a uery great ualeu. I 
 lodged one night in the Couent, and was extremely ciuilly en- 
 tertained, though I declared my self to bee a protestant. 
 From hence I went to Montmelian, one of the strongest fort- 
 resses in Christendome; to Aiguebelle, where the rockes in- 
 compas a plaine in the forme of an amphitheatre; to St. 
 John de Moriene, where is a square obelisk, a gilded ball and 
 crosse upon it : the bishops house fairly built ; many relicks 
 in the church. Wee laid at St Michel, dined next day at Ma- 
 
72 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 dane, and laid at Lasnebourg, at the foot of Mount Senis. 
 We passed this hill with great difficulty, the weather being 
 extremly bad. In the winter they descend by the r amass, 
 sliding downe the hill a league high in a quarter of an hour. 
 Wee went downe the other side in a chair : the Marans who 
 carry us step from stone to stone in the most dangerous places 
 with such confidence and speed, that without slipping of ther 
 feet, though in rainy weather, they carried us downe two 
 leagues in lesse then two hours. Wee lodg'd at Suse, where 
 the tower of the church is the neatest thing I observed. 
 Wee passed by Riuoli, an house of the Duke of Sauoy's : and 
 are now, thankes be to God, in good health at Turino. The 
 Duke of Sauoy is a man of a midle or rather low stature, light 
 browne haire, pleasant in conuersation, and one that spends 
 most of his time in hunting ; hee hath his buck hounds from 
 England, and pays forty pistolls a couple for them; his 
 palace the most rich for gilding I have yet seen ; a closet 
 furnished with limmings strangely neat ; into which they enter 
 by a gallery. The new buildings are stately and more uni- 
 form than any in France. One sees through his highness's 
 pallace, and the whole neat built towne, at one view. There 
 are two places uery noble and cloysterd, the church of St. 
 Carlo ; the Jesuits are rich beyond expression ; the cupulo of 
 St Jean noble. The marble buildings here must needs goe 
 beyond the freestone of France. I had almost forgot the 
 duke's gallery, so famous for its old Roman statuas ; the por- 
 traytures of the family of this prince, and its painted roof, 
 besides the library, and the length of it; a banquetting house 
 also, upon the walls of the towne, furnished with draughts, 
 mappes, and limminges. I was this day at Millefleur, an 
 handsome house of the Duke's, at Mont Callier, well furnish- 
 ed with pictures, and at Valentin not inferior to his palace 
 at Turin. On Saturday wee goe towards Genoa. I saw 
 here yesterday one whom they report to be brother to the 
 great Turk, his picture I have inclosed herein. 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Turin, Nouember 5, 1664. 
 
1664.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 73 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his brother Thomas. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 DEARE BROTHER, 
 
 I sent you the picture of a dominican frier from Tu- 
 rin, the brother (as they say) to the grand Turck. I would 
 not loose any opportunity of writing to you. I am so farre 
 of, and am unsatisfied in nothing so much as in not haueing 
 your company, in a place where your judgment in picturs 
 and statuas would be so satisfied, and your fancy pleasd. 
 The oddest rarity that I have met with, is the tombe of a 
 dog on the side of a hill, with Jupiter's statua ouer it, as big 
 as St. Christophe a Paris, with this epitaphe in Italien ; my 
 father will interpret it to you. 
 
 Qui giace il gran Roldano cane del Principe Geo. Andria 
 D'Oria, il quale per la sua molta fede et beneuolenza fu me- 
 riteuole di questa memoria, et per che servo in uita si grande- 
 mente fu anco giudicato in morte douersi Collocare il suo 
 cenere appresso del sommo Gioue, come ueramente degno 
 della real custodia. 
 
 Here lies the great Roldano, the dog of Prince Andria 
 Doria, which for his great fidelity and beneuolence was di- 
 seruing of this memory : and because hee serued so greately 
 in his life, was also judged in his death to deserue to haue 
 his ashes placed neere great Jupiter, as truly worthy of so 
 royall a custodie. 
 
 It was no ordinary cur that receiued thie interrement, but 
 a dog of 500 crownes per annum. I haue just now past the 
 Alpes and Apenines, which journys put mee much in mind of 
 our Darbishire aduenture. 4 I long to bee with you, which 
 will make me haste for England after Christmas. If you 
 write to Cambridge, present my sarvis to Mr. Nurse, Mr. 
 Crauen, Mr. Arrowsmith, and the rest of our friends. 
 Your loueing brother, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 Genoua, Nou. 14, 1664. 
 
 4 Tn September, 1662; the particulars of which journey are preserved in No. 
 1900, MS. Sloan. See before, page 22. 
 
74 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I wrote to you the last weeke from Turino. I am 
 now come to Genoa. Trauayling in this country is more ex- 
 pensiue then I could imagine, butt the hopes of seeing the 
 most remarkable places in Europe, and attaining that sweet 
 languauge heere spoken, doth still encourage mee. I have 
 been heere alreadie 4 dayes, and intend to morrow or next 
 day to go by sea to Lerici, a port of this state, about 70 miles 
 of. Genoa is one of the best ports in these seas ; hath a noble 
 tower or pharo, the most stately one I euer beheld ; the in- 
 habitants exceeding rich ; many palaces exceeding those of 
 kings and princes in other parts. At Signor Imperiale his 
 palace, I saw fish ponds built of marble, and set about with 
 statuas ; fish come upon whistling, and follow one as hee 
 walks upon the side of the ponds. The orange and lemon 
 trees are delightfull, and come to better perfection then in 
 France. The water workes are not to be expressed ; they 
 hauing a great conuenience of the hill to make their water 
 rise. This Imperiale hath 5 daughters, to euery one whereof 
 hee giues in mariadge about thirtie thousand pound sterling. 
 Out of his windowe hee can see so much of his owne as is of 
 value vnto him fiftie pound sterling a day. The palace of 
 Prince Doria is the most famous in the citty ; where is an 
 auiary or bird cage of fourscore paces long and 18 broad ; 
 very high, so that many trees growe vnder it. There are 
 also fountaines and many strange birds ; where I saw an 
 hen of Grand Cayro, &c. In the garden of this house is 
 a fountaine with Neptune riding upon 3 sea horses, one 
 of the noblest in Italic Strada Noua, or the new street, 
 hath eleuen palaces, and is reputed the fayrest in Europe. 
 I saw Francesco Maria Balbi his palace, furnished with 
 pictures of old masters, also del Negro and the Duke of 
 Genoa his palace ; the senate house and the manner of 
 choosing their officers. Their gallies much delighted mee, 
 
1G64.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 75 
 
 butt the poor slaues, and their miserable life, is a very piti- 
 full spectacle. 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Genoua, Nou. 14, 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 18fi8.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am now, thanckes bee to God, safely arriued at 
 Rome ; haueing inioyed my health better then I could expect. 
 My last I wrote to you was from Genoa, since which time I 
 haue not found a good opportunity of writeing. My greatest 
 affliction is, that I cannot hear from home or receue your 
 commands here. Wee set sayle in a small boat from Genoa, 
 but the wind being contrary, wee were four days before wee 
 got half the way to Leghorn. Wee put in at Porto Fin al 
 Leuanto, and landed at Lerici in Porto Venere. The coast 
 is rocky. Near Lerici is a fort fitted to a rock in the sea, in 
 which is a spring of fresh water. From hence to Massa, well 
 situated on the side of an hill in sight of the sea, the princes 
 garden is the most remarkable, where the orange trees and 
 myrtles grow to a uast bignese. Three miles from hence is 
 Carrara, from whence comes the best marble in Italy. From 
 thence to Luca, a towne that lyes upon flat ground, incom- 
 pas'd round with hills, at three or four miles distance. Tis a 
 place extremely well fortified, hath eleuen bastions and a 
 wall of earth that four coaches may goe a brest on ; the side 
 shoring, 5 and set with fiue rowes of poplars round the towne. 
 There is a good armory in the Gonfaloniere's palace. To 
 Pisa, where the church is admirable for its pictures, mosaique 
 work in stone and wood. The gates of bronze rarely car- 
 ued ; they report them to be those that belonged formerly to 
 the temple of Hierusalem. At one end of this church is a 
 very high steeple, with eight rowes of marble pillars, one 
 
 5 Sloping, aslant ; from the oblique or slanting position of a shore, or buttress. A 
 Norfolk word. See Forby's Vocabulary of East Avglia. 
 
76 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 above another, built purposely awry. At the other is a 
 round church dedicated to St John, with a noble pulpit and 
 baptistair in it. On the north side stand es the Campo Santo, 
 the noblest buriing place surely in Christendome. Among 
 the rest lyes Mathilda. Wee saw Bartolus his hous, and the 
 physick garden, ouer which is written, hie Argus esto, nan 
 Briar eus ; tis a long square, not well furnished with plants, 
 nor yet very big. In the closet of rarities were many things 
 remarkable : a beast which they called a syren ; Egyptian 
 idolls, much larger than those I had seen before ; all sorts 
 and productions of mineralls, very orderly placed ; with gum- 
 mi, resinae, &c. At Legorne, the Duke of Florence his sta- 
 tua, with 4 slaues tied to the pedistalls, is uery noble. The 
 streets there are uniforme, and the houses well painted. Wee 
 happened to be there on St Cicilis day, the festiuall of the 
 musitians; so as wee heard the eunuchs singe. One Coseni 
 hath the noblest voice of any in Tuscany. At Florence, for 
 statuas of Baccio Bandinelli, of Michael Angelo ; and for 
 pictures of all the rare masters of Italy and elsewhere ; for 
 an inestimable treasure, for raritis of all sorts, the Dukes gal- 
 lery and closets goe beyond all that is possible to be seen. 
 Amongst other masters, Corregios paintings pleased mee 
 best. The cathedral is of black and white marble ; the cu- 
 pola as high again as Boston steeple. At the west end an 
 old temple of Mars made into a church. St. Laurence chap- 
 pell is couered in the inside with pretious stones ; the alter is 
 of an inestimable valew, set with large topaces and other 
 stones, long pillars of chrystalls, and the like. Wee saw 
 Michel Angelo's tombe, with Painting, Caruing, and Archi- 
 tecture lamenting him : Baccio Bandinelli his, carued by his 
 own hand : a very neat library of manyscripts, the desighn of 
 the front of it by Michal Angelo ; and many other very re- 
 markable things, wich would take up too much roome to 
 describe. Of Rome I can say but little, haueing beene here 
 but a day and a hafe. Two mile before wee came to the 
 towne, we saw Neros sepulchre, passed ouer the Via Flaminia, 
 a uery noble entrance to the city, and came in at Porta dell 
 Popolo, where stands an /Egiptian obelisk, dedicate al sole 
 da Augusto nel circo massimo, and makes a braue [show], 
 
1664.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 77 
 
 down three long streets which look against it. The amphi- 
 theatre not so intire as that at Nismes. Tis still, besides 
 what is underground, as high again as the castell at Norwich. 
 The reliques of the old capitoll, new capitoll, Vespatian and 
 Constantines triumphall arches, St Peters and the buildings 
 by it by this present pope, 6 very magnificent. An obelisk 
 stands before it but without hieroglyphicks. Mr. Wray is 
 here at Rome : hee hath been in Sicilia and Malta. I haue 
 bought itinerario D Italia di Franc. Scoto, which giues mee 
 notice of most thinges remarkable in Italy, in which also there 
 are mapps of all the great cities. Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient sonne 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Rome, December 6, 1664. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Mr. Craven. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S68.] 
 
 Let it suffice, deare friend, for this time, that I tell you I 
 am at Naples, a place that goes farre beyound those great 
 expectations I had of it, and where I meet with so many re- 
 markables that I'll not venter to set them downe, till I see 
 there be roome left in my letter for them. You shall know 
 then, at present, those rarities I have seen this day. Wee 
 went from hence in the morning by Castello del Ouo, a rock 
 in the form of an egge, upon which stands a strong castell, 
 which hath communication under the ground and sea with 
 Castell Novo ; haveing Castell di St Elmo on the right hand. 
 These three forts held out against Massinello, and were the 
 onely refuges of the Spaniards in the eight dayes fury of that 
 noble rascall. Hard by stands the mountaine Pausillippo, so 
 fruitfull that it beares grapes thrice in a year, and green pease 
 and hartichokes at present, with many other fruites, which 
 require the heat of our summer in England. Under this 
 mountain wee rode very nigh a mile in a stately vault, haueing 
 
 Alexander the Seventh. 
 
78 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 no other light then what comes in at both ends ; hallowing 
 out al the way, " al marino," to give notice to others, that 
 might chance to trauell here at the same time, which side to 
 take. Tis paued with broad stones, just as the Via Appia was, 
 from hence to Rome. After this wee took dogs and went to 
 Grotto del Cane, where wee saw one killd out right, the second, 
 dead in appearance, we reuiud by throughing him into the 
 Lake of Agnano. Much taken with this curiosity, I went into 
 the grot myselfe, and findeing no inconuenience from those 
 poysonous exhalations, either by standing or putting my hand 
 to the place where the dog died, I was about to put my head 
 to it allso ; when, to the hindrance of my satisfaction in this 
 point, my companions and the guide furiously tore mee out of 
 the grot, and I think, without some persuasions, would haue 
 throwne mee into the lake also. 7 Hard by here wee went 
 into the stoues of St. German, a place naturally hot, where 
 many come to swet. The house is diuided into diuers roomes, 
 some much hotter then others. There is a strong salt shoots 
 out of the walls. From hence wee went to a place now cal'd 
 Sulfaterra, by some Forum Uulcani. If I had not seen the 
 mountain Vesuuius and his smoking entrailes, I shuld with 
 more feare haue approachid these sulfurious breathings ; and 
 indeed at present this smoeks the more furiously of the two. 
 "Wee roade about half a mile here, where the earth being 
 hollow our horses feet sounded a march upon it, till wee came 
 to the thickest of the smoak, which riseth with so great a 
 force that casting many things into it, it caried them up a 
 great heighth into the air. Holding our swords in it, the 
 water dropped from them. I was afraid at first they had 
 been melted. Wee were not able to put our hands nighe the 
 ground by reason of the heat. The smoak of this place I 
 saw fifteen mile of, and I suppose it is uisible much further 
 by sea. It is within a mile of ancient Puteoli, where wee saw 
 many antiquities ; an old amphitheatre, ruines of the sepull- 
 chre of Virgill, of Cicero's hous, and the like. Here I bought 
 diuers Roman coins, Roman seals, some odd fishes, shells, 
 
 7 Evelyn tried the same experiment in 1645, and with the same result: but he 
 remarks that dogs are recovered by being plunged into the lake, men cannot be so 
 recovered. 
 
1664.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 79 
 
 and such like curiosities. Wee took boat here and cros'd this 
 hauen, three miles, to Bayae, passing by the mens of Caligu- 
 la's bridge, which hee made crose this arme of the sea. As 
 soon as wee landed wee went in to the sepulchre of Agrippine, 
 under ground ; the roof wrought with diuers figures very 
 neatly. Nigh to this is a noble castle, built by Charles the 
 fift; Caesar's hous, some ruines of which are yet standing; 
 Marius his hous ; and part of the temple of Hercules, though 
 fallen into the sea, are uisible from hence. Wee saw so many 
 ruins that I haue almost forgot them ; the most considerable 
 are ISTero's piscina admirabilis, the plaister more durable then 
 stone, made, as they say, with the whites of egges ; Nero's 
 judgement hall and his hundred chambers, or prison, under 
 ground ; an old burring place where they set up there urnes. 
 From hence wee went into the Elisean fieldes, neare to which 
 wee saw the Dead Sea and the place where Caron ferried ouer. 
 After this wee saw the temple of Venus, another place which 
 they called the termes 8 of Trulli. After this Cicero's baths, 
 uery medicinall, as they report; by which are the stones of 
 Tritola, so hot that to one standing upright they are insuffer- 
 able. I crept into them a uery great way, being almost melt- 
 ed. Within halfe a yard of the bottom the earth is cold, but 
 higher intolerably hot. Here they haue a naturall cure for 
 the morbus Neapolitanus. At the bottom of the sea the sand 
 is so hot that I could not indure it in my hand though the 
 water bee cold. From hence wee went to the lake Avernus, 
 the vapour of which was formerly so poisonous as to kill the 
 birds fiiing ouer it. Upon the banks of it stands the temple 
 of Apollo. Wee went into Sibilla Cumaea's grot, which is 
 five miles long, reaching from the lake Avernus to Cuma. 
 On the right hand wee descended by a narrow passage into 
 her chamber wrought in the sides with mosaique work ; wee 
 saw her bath too, and returned the same way out again. 
 Wee passed by the lake of Lucrino, so famous in former 
 time, 9 now almost stopt up by the new mountain, which rose 
 here in the memory of some of the fathers of those that are 
 now liuing at Puzzuolo. Tis a vast mountain for so young an 
 one, and wee had not time to goe up it, to see the riuer which 
 
 8 Thermce, baths. 9 Famous for its delicious oysters. 
 
80 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 they say runs at the top. Nigh it is the mountain Gauro, 
 which produceth the brave Falerne wine, which will keep an 
 hundred yeares. Wee came home by the iland Nisida, some 
 two miles in compasse, belonging to one gentleman, who in it 
 keeps all creatures tame by force, haueing no way to get from 
 him. In sight of Caprea, once the delight of Tiberius, and 
 so under the mountain Pausilippo again, with torches in our 
 hands, it being night before wee could reach it, which wee 
 passed safely ; the better by reason that the holy virgin is 
 gouuernesse of this cauerne, and hath a chappell dedicated 
 to her in the middle of it. By this time you must coniecture 
 wee had a good stomach to our supper, which wee made of 
 pigeons, the best heare without controuersy in the world, as 
 big as pullets. Their sauce onely lemons, which are some- 
 what remarkable by reason they are a sort which have no 
 kernells in them. I could wish there were more roome to 
 show how much I haue an ambition to sarue you. 
 
 Yours for ever, 
 Naples, December, 16, 1664. ED. BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Mr. Craven. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 Wee went from Rome to Veletri, twenty miles; from thence 
 to Sermoneta ; to Piperno ; to Terracina, where are ancient 
 walls, and an inscription on a stone concerning the draining 
 of the fennes by Theodoric, king of the Goths, a pillar of 
 Traian, two lyons at the gates ; to Fundi, the first citty of the 
 kingdome of Naples, where wee sawe hunting of buffalos, and 
 a buffalo drawing of a bull that would not otherwise go for- 
 ward ; by Aquino to Mola and Gaieta, seated three sides in 
 the sea ; to Garigliano, where is an amphitheatre and aque- 
 duct ; to Sessa or St. Agat, where I had the first sight of the 
 comet, being up early in the morning; to Capua, where a 
 noble church made out of a large pretorium, a small cittadelle, 
 and an handsome bridge. 
 
1664-5.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 81 
 
 To Naples, where wee obserued three castles, Castello 
 Nouo, del Ouo, and St Elmo, where is the Chartreuse, the 
 noblest conuent I ever sawe. Nouo and del Ouo haue a way 
 vnder ground vnto each other. St. Blesa street goes quite 
 through the citty. Rue de Toledo obseruable. Wee saw the 
 viceroy, Cardinal d'Arragon, giue audience vnto all petitions 
 and complaints, which hee doth once a weeke. The front of 
 the palace, and the guards relieved. A cascade, where the 
 water runnes through beasts mouths into a fountaine, where 
 Neptune is made by Bernigno. Stables, souldiers, horses, 
 casting of ordinance, the arsenall, a chappell well guilt, an 
 hall where the pictures of all the viceroyes, good tapistrie in 
 two roomes, hall for comedies, the mole, a fine fountain, and 
 a canal. 
 
 Sta. Maria de Noua painted by Josapin, in the sacristie 
 whereof lye buryed two famous captaines and the body intire 
 of St. Jacomo de Camerera. The Jesuite's church well 
 paynted by Joardin ; in the sacristie a picture by Guido Re- 
 nus. Statuas made by Caualliero Bernino. Santa Clara, 
 wherein four pillars, brought by Constantine, of the temple of 
 Jerusalem. Tis the oldest church in Naples. 
 
 St. Dominico maior, where the crucifix spake to Thomas 
 Aquinas, " bene scripsisti de me Thoma." In the sacristie 
 are many sepultures of kings and queens in lead, placed in 
 truncks. By it is a conuent of Jacobins, of which order there 
 are eighteen in this citty. 
 
 St. Seuerino, paynted by Belisarius, who fell down from 
 the roofe, brake his neck, and there lyeth buryed. Where 
 are also the sepulchres of three brethren, killd by their vncle, 
 the prince of Salerno. 
 
 The church of St. Gaetan, paynted by Lanfranc, hung full 
 of tables of vowes made in time of the plague. In the front 
 are eight Corinthian pillars which belonged to the temple of 
 Castor and Pollux, whose statuas lye one by side of the other, 
 and were throwne downe when St. Peter first came thither. 
 
 The noble church of the Annunciada, paynted by Bassan. 
 Ouer the altar a canopie couered with beaten gold, a taber- 
 nacle of massie syluer about ten foote high, and on each side 
 two angels about the same hight, of massie syluer, worth 
 
 VOL. I. G 
 
82 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664-5. 
 
 11000 crownes. St. Luke's picture of our lady round faced. 
 The noblest argenterie imaginable, among which a couer for 
 the altar in syluer with statuas. In the church queen Joanes 
 tomb, her crowne and rose of diamonds, besides cupboards 
 full of syluer plate of vast bignesse, hangings for the whole 
 church in satin and gold, upon cloath of syluer. Wee saw 
 the body of queen Joane's daughter, in a chest, her hands 
 and slippers, who dyed two hundred and twenty yeares agoe. 
 A chappell wherein were the bodyes of twelve saints. Wee 
 saw two of the Innocents' bodies. St. John's finger, ecce ag~ 
 nus dei. St. Barbara's head, which smells sweet. 
 
 Wee sawe the palace of prince Caraciolo, the gallerie filld 
 with pictures of the best masters, of Michael Angelo's Day 
 of Judgment ; syluer tables ; syluer great shell ; the cabanets 
 which play of themselues many tunes, imitating diuers sorts of 
 instruments in one ; there are flue which dance ; many look- 
 ing glasses, in some of which wee saw only our backs. 
 
 Rome, January 2, 1664-5. E. B. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S68.] 
 
 In my last journey to Naples I met with many antiquities 
 very remarkable ; at Terracina, a pillar sit up by Traian, the 
 old walls of the towne, and an inscription of Theodoric, when 
 hee drained those fenns ; at Garriglano, an amphitheatre and 
 an aqueduct ; at Capua, a noble praetorium, now made into a 
 church ; at Puzzoli and Baias, so many as I shall not haue 
 roome to number them. Mr. Crauen's letter here inclosed 
 containes most of them. I went up monte Vesuvio, and a 
 litle way into it, till the steepnes hindred me. The whole 
 ground for 4 mile about is couered with sinders, and burnt 
 stone ; at the top the ground is burnt to a red colour, and 
 within it in many places it lookes white. It smokes in abun- 
 dance of places, both on the sides and at the bottom. The 
 circuit of the mouth I judged to bee about three mile, the 
 
1664-5.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 83 
 
 guid told us 5; uery deep. In this is another hole of aboue a 
 mile in compasse, they say two ; and in the middle of that I 
 perceued another, which had a litle hill rais'd in the middle 
 of it. At the foot of the Peak, after wee had mounted 4 
 mile, by many cracks and clefts of the mountaine, wee left 
 our horses, and with uery much labour got up a-foot, our feet 
 sinking each step into the ashes ; but our descent was ex- 
 tremly pleasant, we slipping safely 10 yardes at a time, with- 
 out any inconuenience but that of haueing ashes in our shoes. 
 About this hill grows the pleasantest and the least offensive 
 wine, to the head, of any I haue tasted in Italy. Tis much 
 like that of Condrieu, by Lyons. The plants that I saw but 
 few ; diuers sorts of thornes and some strawberry trees. At 
 Naples the churches goe beyond all I have yet seen, setting 
 aside St. Peter's ; and the Carthusians here beyond all other 
 couents, the cloisters being supported by threescore large 
 marble pillars, and paued with inlayed marble, in delicat 
 works and flowars ; in the quire are five noble pieces of 5 se- 
 uerall masters, Paulo Verronese, Guido Boloniensis, Spanio- 
 letto, Carazzio, Josapin. I saw the viceroy Cardinal Arragon, 
 according to the custome, giue audience to all people that had 
 any business or petitions to put to him. Caualliero Dernigno 
 hath made many statuas here ; one that is now aliue at Rome, 
 not inferior to Michel Angelo, as his works in Piazza, Na- 
 uona, sufficiently testify. On Christmas euen I saw the Car- 
 dinalls at supper at the Pope's at monte Cauallo. I heard 
 the midnight musick at the Apollinari, and was at St Maria 
 Maggiore in the morning, where the Pope was expected to 
 say masse, but by reason of a cold hee had gotten, it was per- 
 formed by Cardenall Barberin, the head of the colledge. I 
 haue since seene some antiquities, as Mausoleum Augustij, 
 Thermse Dioclesianae, Pantheon, now St. Maria di rotonda, 
 Cestius his pyramid ; some palaces, as that of Pamphilio, Jus- 
 tiniano, Mont-alto, Barberini, Farnese, where the bull that 
 was brought from Rhodes is ; [some] of the most ancient and 
 noble statuas of Rome. On St Thomas day wee were very 
 kindly entertained by the Jesuites, with a feast and good mu- 
 sick. There are at present a great number of English men 
 here at Rome, seldome so many knowne here together ; and 
 
 g 2 
 
84 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664-5, 
 
 diuers personnes of great quality, as my Lord Sunderland, 
 my Lord Anslo, my Lord Finchinbrook. My Lord Castel- 
 main is just now gone. 1 Mr. Noel, Viscount Camden's son, 
 one that goes by the name of Duke of Northumberland, 2 
 Sir Edward Stradling and Sir Edward Witherington, that 
 comes hither on pilgrimage out of Cumberland. The comet 
 I see most nights when it is clear : the first time I obserued 
 it was at Sossa, within 30 miles of Naples. The head was 
 then by Crater, and his tayle almost reached Corhydra, De- 
 cember 16th. The last time I saw it was December 31, when 
 the last star of Orion's sword, Orion's heel, and that, stood 
 in a right line, the comet to Orion's heel, was somewhat fur- 
 ther then that to the other star. At Puzzolo are a great 
 many Caualli marini, z and old coynes and seals, but strangers 
 coming thither so often, they hold them at strange prises, 
 though most of them bee worth nothing. I bought fowr or 
 fiue seals, which cost mee a pistoll, and some Roman coynes. 
 Sir, pray be pleased to allot mee how long to stay at Padua ; 
 which way I shall return, ether by Milan, Geneua, and so to 
 Paris, or downe the Rhine to Colen (from whence, as also from 
 Liege, goe coaches euery week to Paris), or to Montpellier 
 again, where I may bee time enough to hear the lecture of 
 the plants and druggs, what you think most fit for your 
 
 Obedient sonne 
 Rome, Jan. 2, 1664-5. ED. BROWNE. 
 
 Mr, Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S68.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I intend to be at Venice about three weeks hence ; 
 though I shall take my leave of Rome with a great deale of 
 
 1 Lord Castlemain had quitted England in the preceding year, on account of the 
 conduct of his Lady, one of Charles the Second's mistresses. 
 
 2 Son of the Duchess of Portsmouth. 
 
 3 Cavallo marino is the Italian name given to the Hippopotamus, and sometimes 
 to the Tapiir ; but in the present instance it refers to a much smaller animal, the 
 Hippocampus, Syngnathus Hippocampus, Lin. 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 85 
 
 regret, and leaue behind mee some noble things unseen, 
 though when the weather is fair, I am commonly imploy'd in 
 viewing antiquities, pallaces, statuas, and other curiosities, 
 which Rome, aboue all other places, is famous for. Of any 
 Naumachia there is not any thing standing, nor of any circus 
 within the walls. I saw that of Caracalla out of Porta St 
 Sebastiano, the walls of wich are yet standing ; round the top 
 of it were inclosed urnes, pretty large, at about a foot dis- 
 tance one from another ; they haue broken them all, great 
 pieces stick still in the walls. For sepulchres about Rome, 
 there are abondance ; the most remarkable that I haue seen 
 are, of Adrian, or Castel Sto Angelo, Mausoleum Augusti, 
 Metellus his monement, just by the Praetorian camp, and 
 Plautius by Tiuoli. Vespasian's amphitheatre, though much 
 ruined, and out of the stones of it Farnesi's pallace, one of 
 the most splendid in Rome, was built, and diuers others bor- 
 row dayly from it, yet is still a miracle ; and is one story or 
 two of arches higher then that of Nismes. For theatres, 
 that of Pompey is, as it were, totally ruined, and without ex- 
 act serening one finds nothing of it. The building of Savel- 
 lis pallace, upon Marcellus his theatre, hath preserued what 
 is left. There are some ruines left of Pons Triumphalis, and 
 Pons Sublicius, upon wich Hor. Codes defended Rome. 
 Janus square temple, like 4 triumphall arches, I haue seen, 
 and many round ones, as the Pantheon, St Bernardo, and St 
 Stefano di rotunda. For bathes then, in which the Romans 
 were in nothing more magnificent, there are uast ruines re- 
 maining of Antoninus' and Dioclesian's ; out of the latter di- 
 uers noble churches are built, and they take up as much 
 ground, as would serue to build a large towne upon, For 
 triumphall arches, there are diuers, as of Seuerus, Constan- 
 tine, Titus, &c. Arcus Portugalliae was pull'd doune 2 
 yeares since, becaus it hindred the prospect of Don Mario's, 
 the Popes brother's, house. I haue often admired the pillars 
 of Traian and Antoninus, the 5 greater obelisks, Piazza Na- 
 uona, that at Porta del populo, that before St. Peters, before 
 St. John de Lateran, and that before St Maria Maggiore : 
 yet there is a single Corinthian pillar taken out of the temple 
 of Peace, that stands behinde this last church, which makes 
 
86 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 as great a show as most of these ; the blessed virgin stands 
 on it; St. Paul on Antoninus', and St. Peter on Traian's 
 pillar. Another lesser obeliske there is, standing by St. Bar- 
 tholomeo, another I saw in Medici's garden, another great 
 one, but not rais'd, in Barberino his pallace. That in the 
 garden of Mattei I haue not yet seen. I haue seen Cestius 
 his pyramid, nere wich is Mons Testaceus, betwixt the Pa- 
 latin and Auentin hill, hard by where the Circus Maximus 
 was, stande noble ruenes of Augustus his pallace. The 
 French pyramid is a thing ridiculous, the inscription is no- 
 thing as they giue out, and placed so as one may liue a long 
 while here without seeing it. I took notice of it as I went to 
 the Ghetto or place where the Jewes liue, where I saw a cir- 
 cumcision. I have been at the Greeks, and saw all there 
 ceremonys of blessing the water, &c. To-morrow is the 
 great ceremony here of blessing the horses. I have been 
 weary long agoe of seeing of relickes, there are such an in- 
 finite number of them. Mr. Wray hath made a collection of 
 plants, fisshes, foules, stones, and other rarities, which hee 
 hath with him ; and Mr. Skippon, besides a great number 
 which hee hath sent home, though they had the illfortune to 
 loos one venture with a seruant of thers, who is now slaue in 
 Tunes. I went with them to Tiuoli. Cardinall d'Estes 
 garden, there, goes beyond all in Italy and France. The 
 whole riuer hard by it falls a uery great heighth and runs 
 under ground. Wee saw Sibella Tiburtina's temple and 
 grott. Wee saw a large .^Egyptian statue, and by chance 
 the manner of making oyle. Wee past a riuer which is of a 
 perfect blew colour, and stinkes intollerably ; tasting of it it 
 made mee sick, all about it the ground is petrified. There 
 are stones just in the shape of sugar plums, I haue been also 
 at Frescati, which is one of the most noted places in Italy for 
 water works. I was the other night at the Queene of Swe- 
 den's, shee is low and fat, a litle crooked ; goes commonly in 
 a ueluet coat, crauat, and a man's perruke ; she is continually 
 merry, hath a free carriage with her, talks and laughs with 
 all strangers, whom shee entertains, once in a weeke, with 
 musick, and now this carniuall euery other night with come- 
 dies. I haue seen KLircher, who was extremely courteous 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 87 
 
 and ciuill to us, and his closet of raritys ; the most consider- 
 able, and which I neuer saw in any other, are his engines for 
 attempting perpetuall motions, and other pretty inuentions, 
 which I understande much the better for haveing read Doc- 
 tor Wilkins Mechanicall Powers. His head that speaks, 
 and which hee calls his Oraculum Delphicum, is no great 
 matter. Hee hath the modell of all the obelisks, and hath 
 inuented one himself for the Queen. Ventiducts, aqueducts, 
 and making instruments, are seene neatly performd in so litle 
 a space. A Clepsydra hee hath, pictures of many famous 
 men, and most of those raritys which are seen in other Mu- 
 sasums. I dare buy litle here, by reason I shall bee search- 
 ed so often before I come at Venice, which I haue often 
 found extremely troublesome and chargeable ; but at Venice, 
 if you pleas to write mee word what you pleas to haue, there 
 is a conuenience of shiping any thing for England, with out 
 any farther trouble. 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 Rome, January 16, 1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Not being willing to loose all this winter without 
 seeing anatomies, makes mee come out of Rome so soone, 
 though I shall allwayes regret the occasion left of seeing many 
 rarities in that city, though for the antiquities, I think none 
 escaped mee, and for the palaces, the chief I haue seen. 
 Borghese's is one of the noblest ; but his uilla is beyond com- 
 pare, where besides the park, gardens, and waterworkes, his 
 hous on the outside is set all with statuas and old sepulchres. 
 Three new statuas by P. Bernino are incomparable : Dauid 
 throwing a stone, biting his lip, Anchises carried by iEneas, 
 and Apollo laying his hand on Daphne's side ; for old ones, 
 are Seneca in the bath of black marble, the Gladiater, Venus 
 clipping Cupid's wings., Diana and an old woman with a dog. 
 
88 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 In Beluedere, the garden to the Vatican, are statuas of the 
 greatest note. Twelve idols, brought from the Pantheon, 
 Laocoon, Apollo, Cleopatra, lying along (it is pity the foun- 
 tain ouer it doth it so much iniury), two Venus's, one come- 
 ing from the bath, Commodus like Hercules, four riuers, 
 Saturnus, and that delicat statua of Antinous. Here I saw 
 also the peacockes and pine apple in bronze, that held the 
 ashes of Adrian, upon the top of Castell St. Angelo. Most of 
 the rarities out of towne I have seene. I have seene a great 
 way in Roma Sotorranea, in two seuerall places. I saw 
 Bachus his tombe, Frescati, Tiuoli, and Aqua Aretosa, about 
 two miles out of Rome, handsomely adorn'd by this Pope. I 
 was diuers times at the hospitelles ; that of St. Spirito is a 
 uery large one, and that of St. Giacomo for the curables ; at 
 this latter I gat an acquaintance with an honest chirurgeon, 
 who died, while I was there, very sudainly, Sr Nicolo. Rome 
 is notable for sore legges, and the hospitelles allwayes full of 
 them ; and for the lues venerea they are neuer without a great 
 number. I have not seen the comet now a great while. I 
 beleeue it disappeard about the tropick of Cancer, appearing 
 first about the head of Capricorne ; I obserued it as much as 
 I could with so little help or acquaintance giuen to those 
 studies ; the center of its motion I thinke was about the neck 
 of Taurus, waning nigh twenty times as fast sometimes as at 
 another. For prints, coins, intaglias, and such rarities, if I 
 had had mony there, I could haue bought many, but the fear 
 of not conueniently drawing my bills from Venice, and the 
 professed knaue that our English marchand at Rome is, made 
 mee be sparing, and yet I am here at my last, so uastly more ex- 
 pensiue is lining here then I expected ; but my companions, I 
 suppose, will lend mee till I come at Venice. Wee came out 
 of Rome twenty in company, and by reason of the bad way 
 haue bin thirten days coming to Bologna. Wee passed the 
 Apenin to Loreto, with a great deal of difficulty, though at 
 another time the way bee good, and mount Soma, in Vmbria, 
 the highest hill wee passed. Spoleto is a great towne. Fu- 
 ligni the best auenus I euer saw ; wee happined to be there 
 on St. Falicians, their saint's day, so by Casa Noua, Volcima- 
 ra, Macerata, Recanati, by an ancient aqueduct to Loreto, 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 89 
 
 where wee saw the tresory, the holy hous, and bought those 
 toys which they sell, as beads, night caps, &c. Our queen 
 mother's present is an heart in gold, with her name in good 
 diamonds, and her picture in limming with in it. At Ancona, 
 the marchand's hous, the mole, and the triumphall arch, as 
 new as if it were made yesterday, are the most remarkable. 
 By Senigaglia, Fano, where is a neat place in imitation of a 
 Naumachia made by Paulus 5; Pesaro, where are diuers 
 Roman inscriptions ; to Rimini, where the arch is the best 
 antiquity, by Siccigniano ; Immola and other places of smaller 
 note to Bologna. It being carnauall time, wee haue seene 
 there madness all along, masquings, dancings, and the like. 
 My Lord Sunderland, Mr. Noell, Sir Ed. Stradling, Mr. Sa- 
 uill, Mr. Soames, Mr. Skipwith, all persons of good quality, 
 are upon the road with mee ; and Dr. Palman, a physitian, a 
 uery ciuill person,. The cuts of the Poe being frozen, wee 
 are forced to stay two or three days here, and then by water 
 wee goe to Venice. This towne, for couents and good houses, 
 may compare with most in Italy ; the schools are fair. St. 
 Michell in Bosco, painted by Carazzio, wee saw to day. I 
 want only the sight of Aldrouandus his museum, which I am 
 now going to. My duty to yourself and my mother. 
 I am your most obediant son, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 
 This hath been the coldest winter that hath been known 
 this forty year. It froze twenty days together, before I came 
 out from Rome ; the cuts of the Poe are still so frozen that 
 wee cannot pase ; so as to morrow wee goe for Ferrara by 
 land, in uery bad way. I saw Aldrouandi musaeum, where are 
 the gretest collections of naturall things I euer saw ; and be- 
 sides bookes painted of all sorts of annimalls, there are twelue 
 large folios of plants, most exquisitely painted. Cortona is 
 the best painter in Rome. 
 
 Bologna, February 7, 1665. 
 
 *** The following twelve letters relate to that small portion of the present tour 
 which forms the subject of the concluding chapter of Dr. E. Browne's 
 Travels, fol. 1685. 
 
90 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I wrote to you last weeke from Bologna. From 
 thence we came to Ferrara by land, the way being extremely 
 bad, and many of the banks broken downe, and one large 
 streame, about twice as broad as Norwich riuer, broake out of 
 its wonted channell, and ouerflowed all the country within six 
 or seven miles of Ferrara ; at wch place the piazza, domo, 
 this pope's statua, the square palace, with all the dukes 
 paynted on the walls of it, are the most remarkable. I saw 
 also Ariosto's tomb, in the Benedictine's church, and a good 
 comedie at night. Three miles from hence wee imbarked 
 upon the Po, and that night were fayn to lay in a hay cham- 
 ber belonging to an inne upon the banck side. Next day, 
 impatient to see Venice, wee tooke post boates, and made 
 threescore miles before night, through diuers sluces and cutt 
 riuers, and passed by Malamocco, where lay many Dutch 
 shipps. Chiozza and Pollestrina were the biggest townes wee 
 passed by. I am now at the consul's house, with thirtie 
 English more, wch made this tedious iourney lesse vnpleasant ; 
 trauayling thirteen dayes together from Rome to Bologna, in 
 very bad way and wether, except upon the coast of the Adri- 
 atick, betwixt Ancona and Rimini ; upon which coast wee found 
 prettie shells and stones resembling beanes, for twentie miles 
 together sometimes. I haue seen litle of Venice as yet, butt 
 haue alreadie had a good prospect thereof from the top of 
 St Marke's steeple; haue been at the Rialto, and at the 
 palace, and at an opera the last night, wherein were the best 
 lines that euer were, though the scenes haue been formerly 
 better. The singing is good beyond imagination ; Ciccolini, 
 the most famous eunuch in Italie, sings in it, and yet is much 
 out done by a woeman, named Catharina Porri. Sights, rope 
 dancing, flying downe ropes, and diuers showes, in the 
 piazza of St Mark, diuertise the people continually in publick 
 all the time of the carniual. They also hunt bulls, and 
 yesterday stroake of the heads of three with swords, and one 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 91 
 
 so luckily as to passe the bone at one stroake. I saw this day 
 a woeman whose head hung downe to her wast, her forhead 
 downeward ; born so. The anatomies at Padua beginne the 
 second day in Lent, where, God willing, I shall bee. I am 
 glad my journey of Italie is so farre ouer, hauing seen most 
 things remarbable in so many places of it, except Lombardie, 
 wch I may take in my way homeward. 
 
 Venice, Febr. 13, 1665. E. BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Jus Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I received two letters from you yesterday, and 
 haue met with a great many more at Venice and Padoua. I 
 intend not to come by Lions or Geneua ; the way being too 
 bad to crosse the Alpes ouer Mount Godard, Mount Sam- 
 pion, or Mount Senis. I think it will not bee worth my 
 staying much longer when I haue seen the practise in the hos- 
 pitalls. The anatomy is done ; it hath giuen mee gi'eat satis- 
 faction, not in any thing that hath been said upon the parts, 
 but in seeing the praparations, which was done so neatly, that 
 I think I shall neuer see any thing like it againe. 'Twas 
 young Marchetti that dissected ; hee first learned this dexte- 
 rity of Sr John Finch, 4 a worthy gentleman, and of great 
 esteem all ouer Italy, and one that in anatomy hath taken as 
 much pains as most now liuing. Hee hath tables of the 
 veines, nerues, and arteries, fiue times more exact then are 
 described in any author. I am particularly obliged to him, 
 hee doing mee the fauour of showing mee the receptaculum 
 
 4 Younger brother to Sir Heneage Finch (afterwards Earl of Nottingham). He 
 studied physic early, travelled into Italy, and became doctor of his faculty at 
 Padua : of which university he was afterwards chosen syndic. He was made 
 English consul at Padua, and his statue in marble was set up there, " in contempla- 
 tion and memory of his excellent government." The great duke made him the 
 public professor at Pisa. On the restoration of Charles II. he revisited his native 
 country, and was presented by Lord Clarendon to the king, who knighted him, 
 June 10, 1661. In 1665 he was sent resident for Charles II. with the great duke 
 of Tuscany. He subsequently became ambassador at Constantinople for some 
 years. He died 18th Nov. 1682. — Wood's Athena:. 
 
92 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 chyliductus thoracicus, ductus Whartoni, and ductus Stenonis, 
 in a dog, which wee got for the purpose. Hee is a great 
 honourer of you, sir, which made him willing to doe me a 
 kindnesse, though hee be nice in showing any thing in ana- 
 tomy. My design as to my journey is to goe directly into 
 Prouence, if the plague be ceaced there, and from thence, as 
 I find opportunity, to Paris, by some way which I have not - 
 yet gone. I haue laide aside my thoughts of seeing Ger- 
 many, chusing rather to be perfect in Italian and French then 
 to understand Dutch also, and haue but a smattering of all 
 three. I think I shall haue Mr. Trumbulls 5 companye againe, 
 at least some part of the way. There is heere an academy ; 
 those of it call themselves / recouerati; one made a speech 
 about the last commet, which I read in print. Hee afirms 
 that there was at first obserued a large parallax by obserua- 
 tion from diuers places, but by some instances in his discourse 
 I perceive he understands not the business, and names places 
 where it was seen different five degrees, but in such a part of 
 the heauen where tis impossible for it to bee seen, by obser- 
 uations made from such parts of the earth. But I hope 
 some astronomer will write of it ; the relation of it would bee 
 mighty pleasing to mee, haueing made some obseruation of 
 its motion my self at Rome. The best picture that euer I 
 saw, and which I think goes beyond Michell Angelo's day of 
 judgment, is in the refectory of the conuent of St Georges at 
 Venice. Tis a marriage by Paul Veronese, upon a piece of 
 cloth four times as big as your Icarus. 
 
 Your obediant Sonne, 
 Padoua, March 20, 1665. ED. BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Ms Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am now resolued not to come through Germany, 
 haueing seen so little of Lombardy, and nothing of Prouence. 
 
 5 Afterward? Sir William Trumbull. 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 93 
 
 The ways are still very bad, though the weather begins to 
 be hot. The plants are now come out in the garden which I 
 uisit sometimes. I haue agreed with the gardiner to make 
 mee a book of 600 plants ; and Mr. Short will dooe mee the 
 fauour to order the sending of them into England. The 
 hospitalls at Padua are not so full as they used. Those sick 
 of venereall diseases being sent to the house at Venice, where 
 they sweat. I am sorry that I haue not time enough before 
 my journey to learn some considerable matter in architecture, 
 being I shall suddenly haue occasion to see some noble build- 
 ings. Rome will euer make mee loue that study, and that so 
 deservedly admired fabrick of St Peters will teach mee how 
 to value all other buildings ; and certainly the Romans neuer 
 did any thing beyond it. The coliseum or amphitheatre of 
 Domitian must, I thinke, give way to it. The panthean in ef- 
 fect stands upon the church, the cupola being of the same 
 bignesse ; and then the hole at the top of it is so much 
 stronger contriued, that the weight of another cupola stands 
 upon it. For the Santo at Padua, the quire is neat ; behind 
 St Antonios altarr the best basso relieuo that I have seen, 
 done by Sansouinus, Tullius Lombardus, and Compagno 
 Veronensis. For the body, tis but ill ordered, and the midle 
 naue or isle is three yards too broad proportionally to the 
 other. St Justina is beautifull, but I doe not understand the 
 architecture of it perfectly ; it being not of an ordinary de- 
 sighne. In the Duke of Norfolks house is a facciata of good 
 architecture after the Dorick way. I am now come to 
 Venice to see the ceremonies at this time. This day being 
 Good Friday, the next Monday I am for Padua again, and 
 about the latter end of the week I hope to set out towards 
 Montpellier. Here there will be little more for me to see, 
 especially of what I cannot see in another place. The reme- 
 dies used here are not extraordinary, few understanding chy- 
 mistry ; yet of very ordinary things I see uery good successe ; 
 and, onely purging, and drinking decoctions of guiacum, and 
 salsaparilla, people are remedied beyound all expectations. 
 Here is a disease which they say is particular to this country; 
 it affect the bones principally, and is call'd by Marchetti spina 
 uentosa. I am at present inclined to be hot and feuerish; I 
 
94 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 will be let blood. I am somewhat afraid to purge, unless it 
 bee with rubarb, or something that may be astringent after- 
 ward. I haue drunk pure wine euer since I came into Italy, 
 But I begin now to drink all water, or uery little wine with it. 
 Temperance and an umbrella must be my defence against the 
 heats. Mr. Wray and Mr. Skippon went lately from hence 
 through Switzerland towards Geneua. The diabolino danc- 
 ing in the water, which I saw at Kirchers study, is now shown 
 upon St Mark's place ; I bought some of them, and saw them 
 made. If I can see the treasury on Monday, I shall haue 
 left little unseen which is remarkable in Venice ; having seen 
 the arsenall, the galeasses, the bucentora, in which vessel the 
 Duke of Venice marieth the sea, the working of all things 
 belonging to galleys and the armories. The first ceremony 
 which I saw here last night was the processions, and those 
 which whip them selfs ; a sight more cruell then I could well 
 imagine, and which forced from mee a detestation of so bar- 
 barous a solemnity. I lately saw two circumcisions at Padoua. 
 The Greeke church here is small, but well built. The Ar- 
 menean service I haue not yet seen, by reason they doe not 
 goe to church in Lent. Your obediant Sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Venice, April, % 1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [ms. sloan. 1868, and bibl. eodleian. ms. rawlinson. Iviii.] 
 SIR, 
 
 Since my coming to Padua, I have received a great 
 many letters from you, some sent a great while since to Mont- 
 pellier ; your last was of Feb. 27. That 6 letter wich I wrote 
 to you from Bologna I heare miscarried. 7 The townes which 
 wee passed by were not much remarkable in that journey, 
 
 6 Thus far, the copy preserved in the Bodleian Library, MS. Rawlinson. Iviii, 
 has been adopted. The remainder of the letter, with few exceptions, is from MS. 
 Sloan. 1868. 
 
 7 It did not miscarry : see before, p. 87. 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 95 
 
 being not of the greater ranck. The first night that wee left 
 Rome, wee lay at Castell Nuouo, dined next day at Ciuita 
 Castellana, thence to Otrioli. The next day I passed by a 
 riuer that look'd blue, like that by Tiuoli, but being almost 
 night had no time to take any further notice of it. Wee 
 passed by Narni, Terni, ouer Mount Soma, and lodg'd at 
 Spolletto, the chief towne in Umbria. Wee drunck uin cotto 
 in all this country. Sometimes it would haue a pretty tast 
 of orenge or apricock. Some mention an amphitheatre in 
 this towne, but the people here knowe of no such thing. 
 Wee din'd at Foligni ; there is the finest auenue to this towne 
 of any in Italy ; you may see the town betwixt two rows of 
 trees, almost four miles all flat and plaine way before you 
 come at it. The womens dresse of their head is particular. 
 Wee happened to be there on their great Sts day St. Fali- 
 cian. Wee layd at Casanoua, dined next day at Muccia, 
 and lodged at Nolumara ; the next day by Macerata and Re- 
 canati to Loretto. There is an aquiduct on the right hand 
 as wee came to it. The towne without the walls is hand- 
 somely built of brick; within tis but small. Most of the 
 tradesmen sell chaplets and medells of the uirgin ; the most 
 ador'd things are the uirgin's cup, in which shee gave our 
 Sauiour drink, the walls of the house, and the chimney by 
 which hee was brought up. The seller belonging to the con- 
 uent is a noble one, and the apothecary's shoppe handsome, 
 the pots of it being painted by Raphael Urbin. The trea- 
 sure goes much beyond that of St. Denis, or that of St. 
 Mark's : it chiefly consists in rich habits for priests, in gold 
 uesells, in crosses, crownes, roses, and other things set with 
 precious stones and pearles. I saw this Queen of Sweden's 
 crowne and scepter ; a pearl about the bredth of a shilling, 
 with the picture of the uirgin and our Sauiour in it, naturall. 
 Our queen mother's present, which looks the most gentilely 
 in my mind of any other, is an heart in gold, within a fine 
 limming of her self, and of the uirgin Mary and our Sauiour ; 
 her name with out side is set with good diamonds. There 
 are the modells of diuers townes in silluer, and a little box 
 carued by a Capucin extremly neat. From hence we went 
 to Ancona, the snow melting fast by reason of the rains, wee 
 
96 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 had so uery bad a journey of it, that wee did not escape with 
 out some danger, and one of our horses drowning. The first 
 three days that wee set out, it froze so that our horses, which 
 are always in Italy ill shod, would fall one of them against 
 another as wee came downe hills. Here the hauen and mole 
 is handsome, and Traian's triumphall arch upon it as white 
 and fresh as if it were built yesterday. The place where the 
 marchants meet is well built, and there [are] some good statues 
 about it ; the best church is St- Criaccia. Senigaglia is but 
 a small towne, a riuer runs through it ; it hath 5 bastions. 
 Wee saw here their dancings in this carnauall time ; their 
 master of the reuells had a great club, which when hee lifted 
 up and cried allegri, they all fell a dancing. Amongst the 
 women she bears the bell that hoppes highest upon one leg, 
 shaking out her other foot ; when hee knocks his club against 
 the ground, they all leaue. Fano is a pritty towne, and one 
 side of it is a small harbour built in imitation of a Naumachia, 
 by Paulus 5. Wee dined at Pesaro, where are diuers old 
 Romane inscriptions upon stones, an handsome fountaine in 
 the piazza. The Jews are rich here. The masquers enter- 
 tained us with musick whilst wee were at dinner. There are 
 two churches, pretty good, and a long street, in some places 
 well built. Wee lay at Cattolica. By the sea side I found 
 stones just like beans, diuers sorts of capae or cocklii canali, 
 and I think a sort of sea hedghog, with a tender shell and 
 smaller place for the mouth, and diuers other fine coloured 
 shells. Mr. Wray did not come with us, he is by this time 
 at Geneva. At Rimini I observed the triumphall arch, the 
 popes pallace, Paullus 5 statua, St. Antonio's chappell, where 
 is the place in which Cesar made a speech to his soldiers. 
 Wee lay at Sauignano, so by Forti Faenza and Imola, to Bo- 
 logna, passing the Rubicon, where the old inscription remains 
 on the bottome, and a new one set aboue it on the higher 
 part of the pillar which is there erected. This is most of 
 that which I wrote from Bologna; onely the description of 
 some uillas and the statuas in Beluedere at the Vatican, which 
 would bee too long to write here, and I beleeue you haue the 
 cuts of most of them. I will only admire the noble pine ap- 
 ple of bronze, and the two neat peacocks which were placed 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 97 
 
 at the top of Castell St. Angelo ; the former designed to con- 
 tain the ashes of the Emperour and his fauorite Antinous, as 
 wee were told. At Bologna the running at the ring and the 
 giostra, or justing, was new to mee. The curso for the coach- 
 es handsome ; St. Katherin, whose nayles are still par'd, and 
 the print upon her lips where our Sauiour kise'd her, as odd 
 a relick as can bee ; and St. Michel in bosco, 8 painted by Co- 
 razzio, may compare with most couents ; though many in this 
 towne bee fair ones, as St. Dominick's, where hee is buried ; 
 
 the 9 where also are stately statuas ; in St. Paulo of 
 
 the Barnardites an alter by Michel Angelo ; in the Domini- 
 can's hall Cauedone 1 has made an admirable piece, but this 
 I think was in my letter at Venice. 2 I received thirty pound 
 of Mr. Dubisson by your order, but being behind hand when 
 I came to Venice I have but little left of it, the forty pistolls 
 which Mr. Hales lent me, your letters nor Mr. Johnson's 
 being not yet come, I am forc'd to pay it him again here. I 
 cannot get any thing of Romagna, the letter of credit upon 
 him being either lost or in his hands; if I should stay here a 
 fortnight longer, I suppose I might receive some order from 
 you for a further supply, but the summer coming on I dread 
 any longer stay in these hot countreys; I thinketo come away 
 with Mr. Trumbull, if the plague which is reported to be at 
 Milan hinder us not, hee will lend me mony to beare my 
 charges to Montpellier, and if an old letter of credit of his bee 
 good at Marseilles I shall have that too, but for fear of the 
 worst I would desire you to give mee credit at Rochel, where 
 if our design hold, I hope to be within this six weeks, and if 
 our monyes do not fall short, at Paris in the beginning of 
 June, where the chymick lecture and plants will just then be- 
 gin ; I have a book of plants beginning here, Mr. Short will, 
 when it is done, take order for the sending of it into Eng- 
 land. At Venice I have a box of coines and some other ra- 
 rities, which I think to leave there with the consull till it be 
 convenient to send for them. I saw Aldroandus his musaeum 
 at Bologna, which is the greatest collection of naturall things 
 that I have seen. The Franciscans is a good convent. My 
 
 8 "Basso;"— Bib. Bodl. 9 A blank in MS. 1 "Cardone; "— Bib. Bodl. 
 2 The rest of this letter is from the Bodleian copy. 
 
 VOL. I. H 
 
98 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 duty to my clear mother, my service to Madam Grossi, my 
 love to my brother, to dear Nansy, Betty, Mol, Franck. 
 
 Your obedient sonne 
 
 E. BROWNE. 
 Padua, Aprill 9. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father, 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I staid at Padoua till your order came to Mr. 
 Bowyer, to pay mee or Mr. Hayles the mony which I had 
 taken up of him, forty pistolls ; so that all is clear at Venice, 
 and the 15th of Aprill I begun my journey ; after that I had 
 seen the baths of Abano, the drinking waters at Monte 
 Ortore, the hot springs at St Pietro di Montagna, at Monte 
 Caldo, and at other places called La Cogola ; where from a 
 grot, in the heat of summer, is conueyed into an adioyning 
 pallace an aire so cold that they doe there goder il fresco 
 more then can bee expected ; and sometimes so much, that it 
 is scarce to be indured in the hottest weather. I went into 
 another grot hard by, where, after passing about a quarter of 
 a mile under ground, through a place I coniecture formerly a 
 quarry where they digged stone, wee came to a small lake, out 
 of which wee took shrimps ; the top of the caue dropping 
 petrifying water. Wee came to Vicenza, a place worth the 
 seeing, by reason Palladius hath here principally showne his 
 great skill in architecture in his rotonda in imitation of the 
 pantheon at Rome, in his theatre, exactly proportioned to 
 the strict rules of building, and other fine houses in the 
 towne. There are also two arches worth taking notice of, 
 one before the gate, behind which is a noble ascent, and one 
 other in Campo Marzo. Two days before I left Padoua I 
 saw the Marquis of Obizzi his hous, painted within and with- 
 out by Paulo Veronesse, well contriued and accomodated 
 with a good armory, theatre, stable, tenis court. Aprill 16 
 wee dined at Villa Noua, and so to Verona ; where the inside 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 99 
 
 of the amphitheatre is most intire of any now extant ; forty- 
 five steps high, with four rows of vomitoria, eighteen in one 
 row ; it was neuer finished, though intended, as may be seen 
 by the beginning of the outward row of arches, and the con- 
 tinuing the other stones fit to receiue the weight of an other 
 arch. It was left of, I suppose, not knowing any other reason, 
 because, if finish'd, the area would not haue been proportion- 
 able to the height or thicknesse of the amphitheatre, for the 
 height would haue been nigh equall to that of the Colisaeum 
 at Rome, and the diameter of the area wants about three- 
 score paces of it. In the garden of Don Augustino Justo I 
 saw the aloe tree that flowrd and seeded ; begun with a noise 
 like that of a musket, grew a yard in an hour, and in fifteen 
 days died; tis now about seven or eight yards high. Aprill 17 
 wee went to Mantoua, remarkable for its situation ; wee saw 
 the dukes two pallaces, the duchess and her maids of honour. 
 Carlo Secundo, the present duke, was not well disposed, else 
 we had waited upon him, by Counte Fachini's means, to whom 
 I had a letter. The unfortunate rumor of the plague being 
 at Milan (rais'd only to keep the Spanish soldiers from run- 
 ning away, being to bee imbarg'd at Finall) hath hindred us 
 from seeing the best country in Italy. If I had come to 
 Geneua, I must have passed through Val Camonica, the Val- 
 toline, and the Grisons country, ouer the mountaine of St. 
 Marke, which would not haue been without eminent danger, 
 the snow melting at this time of the year. Apr: 18 wee 
 passed by Guastala, a dukedome, by Gualtea and Bersaglia, 3 
 belonging to the Duke of Modena, to Parma, one of the 
 neatest townes in Lombardy. The dukes pallace is large; 
 his coaches, next to Cardinall Patron's, the best I have seene. 
 St. Giouanni, one of the largest conuents in Europe. The 
 duke's brother is a lusty man, and was very courteous. Wee 
 could not passe by Piacenza, by reason of a noock of the 
 Milanese state shoots out just by it, so as wee passed a uery 
 bad and dangerous way to Cestria, all along the riuer Taro. 
 Four-neuue and Bourg-de-Ual 4 are the best townes wee saw. 
 Wee cross'd the riuer forty times, in some places uery incon- 
 ueniently. Mr. Trumbull's mule fell into an hole one time, 
 
 ' Brescello. 4 Fornovo and Borgo di Valle. 
 
 H 2 
 
100 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [.1665. 
 
 and hee was put to it by swimming to recouer the shore, a 
 great way below the place, by reason of the swiftnesse of the 
 riuer. From Cestria, a pretty towne, by sea to Genoa, and 
 from Genoa to Nisa, in sight of all the braue townes in the 
 Genuese state, the most barren and yet most populous place 
 I have seen. Wee had a sight of Sauona, La Petra, Finall, 
 Lea, belonging to Prince Doria, of St. Jacques, taken in 
 forty-eight by the Turkes, by Arbenga, a great place. The 
 wind being contrary, wee put into the island of Arbenga, 
 where I eat limpits, and sea hedg hogs, bigger than euer I saw. 
 By Arace, aboue a mile long, wee lay one night at Porto 
 Moritio, formerly a great towne by St. Remo, where the 
 country is somewhat more fruitfull. About this place the 
 wind rose so high that, in apprehension of the danger we 
 were in, and being a great way distant from the shore, wee 
 undress'd our selfs, fearing lest the boat should be turned 
 ouer ; but it pleas'd God that wee got well to Nisa, in sight 
 of Monaco, and Villa Franca, making aboue fifty miles in a 
 little more than six hours ; where I saw the ruines of a small 
 amphitheatre and of an old temple. The citadelle is uery 
 strong. Mr. Trumbull and I are got as far as Aries, but I 
 haue not roome to relate my journey : only wee had a uery 
 great difficulty to pass the riuer Var to come into Prouence. 
 Tolon being not yet free, wee lay half a day with those that 
 did quarantaen, and saw all their smoakings and cleansing 
 things with venigar and the like ; and at last, with courting 
 the French, they admitted us, passing with two or three men 
 to hould us and our horses from falling downe that swift cur- 
 rent. In passing from Burdeual to Sestria, betwixt the duke- 
 dome of Parma and the state of Genoua, wee went ouer the 
 mountaine of the Holy Cross, with a guard of musquitiers ; 
 the banditi appearing there the day before, and some pas- 
 sengers narrowly escaping. This journey hath been stranglye 
 expensiue to mee ; it hath cost mee a pistoll a day, for these 
 seuenteen dayes together, which I haue trauaild ; but now, 
 being in the great roade, it will not cost mee aboue half as 
 much. 
 
 The weather is here extremly hot allready ; our drinke is 
 commonly julips frozen, which, with the heat of our hands, 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 101 
 
 wee dissolue and drinke. Most people trauile in the night, 
 but, by reason of the plague here, tis hard to passe by tovvnes, 
 so as wee make use of the morning ; sleep in the middle of 
 the day, and to hors again in the euening. As wee set at 
 dinner, there is a fan in the middle of the roome ouer our 
 heads, about two yards broad, wich, with a string, is pulld 
 backward and forward to coole us. 5 The better sorts of 
 people haue there beds couerd ouer with a net, to keep out 
 the flyes ; and before they sleep haue there warming pan fild 
 with snow to cool their sheets ; but wee, in the in, are forc'd 
 to indure biting, and our only way of cooling is to ly without 
 the bed upon a sheet, with all the shutters open, there being 
 no glasse windows in most houses ; but I am hasting to a more 
 temperate air. 
 
 Sir, I am your obediant Sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 Aries, May 2, 1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I wrote to you from Aries, which I hope you haue 
 receued ; at Montpillier I receued one from you, in which my 
 deare sister Anne wrote a letter. From Nissa wee came in 
 four days journey to Marseilles, much troubled with the heat; 
 but wee carried syrrup of lemmons with us which refresh'd us 
 by the way. Before wee came out from Genoa one of there 
 best ships were burnt in the porte. At Ville Franche the 
 Hollanders had taken a small vessall of ours. The Hollanders 
 at Genoa, and other ports, haue manned a marchand ship to 
 rob about and bring in prises. After wee had passed the 
 riuer Var, wee went by Antibo, 6 a strong towne, and lodged 
 at Cannas, 6 by the sea side. The next day, nigh to Freieux, 6 
 I saw an old aqueduct in the fields supported by fiue arches, 
 
 5 An expedient adopted in the East Indies. Bishop Heber, in his Journal, has 
 described it. 6 Antibes, Cannes, and Frejus. 
 
102 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 in the manner of Pont du Garde. Wee lodged this day at 
 Uidauban. The country is full of corke trees, pines, firres, 
 larch trees, arria, 7 diuers sorts of oakes, broome, and thornes 
 euer green, besides all manner of sweet hearbs, which grow 
 wild, and afford great refreshment to those that passe. Ap. 
 27 wee dined at Brigeolles ; the prunella trees growe about 
 the fields. Wee got as far as St. Zacharias, a small village, 
 remarkable onely for some reliques, amongst which is our 
 lady's slipper. Tis hard by the noble desart of Sta. Baume, 
 and not far from St. Magdalen, where her gigantick arme and 
 head is shown. At Marseilles the long port and key, with 
 the drugguist shops upon it, the old walls and towers, and 
 the number of country houses about it, make the best show. 
 Wee entred that place of the wall which the king of France 
 beat downe at his being here. The new citadelle is extremly 
 neat, and hath a perfect command of the towne, except a litle 
 of it, which lyes by the windmills. Mr. Trumbull haueing 
 letters hither, the marchands entertain'd him uery handsome- 
 ly in a bastido, or summer house. From hence, by coach, to 
 Aix, the neatest towne I have seene in France, uery well 
 built ; the houses like those of Montpellier, but the streets 
 straiter and handsommer. In the great street are many good 
 houses, set with four rowes of elmes for their course. The 
 baths are closed and dark, the water of a temperate heat ; 
 there is a stove by them also. The towne house is not yet 
 finished. The parliament house is a very good one. Ap. 
 30th wee came to Sallon ; in the Cordellier's church wee saw 
 the tombe of Nostrodamus, esteemed a great prophet in this 
 country. The castell is seen a great way, upon the stony field, 
 which wee passed the next day, seven leagues by St. Martin, 
 in sight of Berre, on the left hand, belonging to the Prince of 
 Monaco, and came to Aries ; whose amphitheatre shows one 
 the beginning and manner of building more then the other ; 
 as also the caue. In the towne house wee saw the statue of 
 their Diana, in a garden, an obeliske, now fallen downe and 
 half couered with earth. The port towards Auignon is not 
 contemptible ; but what is most taken notice of is the great 
 number of old tombes about the towne, chiefly by the couent 
 
 1 Acacia, probably. 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 103 
 
 of the Minimes, euery stayre of which house is a graue stone; 
 the alters set with them, and in a vault under ground they 
 shew as the tombe of St. Honoris, allways they think miraco- 
 lously half full of water, which I found in some of the others 
 too. They send it about to cure feauers. They told us some 
 of these tombes were Christians and Pagans, and how to dis- 
 tinguish them ; as also to know when the famely was extinct. 
 Under an alter here lies intered St. Trophimus, ouer which 
 stands a uery handsome statua of Nostredame. I saw here 
 Mr. Agat's cabinet, who tells mee hee is about to put out a 
 book of stones, gemmes, and other naturall things. Hee hath 
 a pritty good collection of intaglies, medalls, lampes, urnes, 
 and lacrymatories, of old statuas, besides great uariety of 
 stones, coralls, and the like. Our frends at Montpillier re- 
 ceiud us with all expression of joy and kindnesse. My lady 
 Roberts, wife to my lord Roberts, 8 hath liud here this twelue- 
 months, and is but just now gone, shee liud here so nobly and 
 oblieged the people so much that they dooe nothing but talk 
 of her. She was wayted upon out of towne by a great num- 
 ber of coaches, diuers of which accompanied her to Auignon; 
 at Orenge shee had a speech made her at her entring, the 
 best of the towne came and gaue her a uolly at her inne ; and 
 at her departure the gouuerneur saluted her from the castel 
 with aboue thirty guns. At Montpellier I saw the plants 
 shown by Monsier Chicaneau, the Arbor Judas is in flower. 
 Docter Joly was extremely courteous unto us. As I came 
 through Prouence I saw the turpentine tree. Speaking about 
 the aloe here, of which I can get noe account here, to Mr. 
 Lyster, a ciuill and learned person, hee told mee hee had seen 
 one in Gernsey castle, which was reported to haue flowred 
 after the same manner as you write, and after the same man- 
 ner, as they reported it, that did which I saw in Don Augus- 
 tino Justo's garden at Verona. On the 7th of May wee got 
 to Pezenas, a pretty towne, with an house of the Prince of Con- 
 ti's by it. The 8th wee dined at Beziers, a great towne, and 
 ly at Narbonne. Wee could not find the ruin of the amphi- 
 theatre, but wee saw some of the old walls carued ; the pal- 
 
 8 John Lord Roberts, afterwards Earl of Radnor; Lord Privy Seal from 1C61 to 
 1669. 
 
104 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 lace of the bishop, who is Fouquet's brother ; it was formerly 
 the house of the king of the Visigoths. In the cathedrall of 
 St. Juste is a picture of Lazarus rising from the sepulchre, 
 uery finely done. Carcassone towne and city together would 
 make a large place. The tenth wee lye at Castelnaudarry ; 
 the 11th, by reason of bad weather and way, wee went but 
 flue leagues, and lay at Baleage, within three leagues of Tho- 
 louse. My duty to my mother. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Tholouse, May 12, 1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since my returning into France I wrote to you from 
 Aries and Tholouse. I receued yours at Montpellier, dated 
 March 21. Wee chose to goe rather in the coach to Tho- 
 louse, then with the messenger to Lyons ; the company wee 
 also met with did induce us the rather, they being all Hugo- 
 notts, and men of good years. The French, commonly, the 
 older they grow, are the more obliging and ciuill, and not at 
 all formall, or expecting more respect then what themselves 
 show to others ; and indeed for ten days together wee neuer 
 trauail'd better then with them, and at lesse expence. Wee 
 passed by Beziers, Pezenas, Narbonne, Carcassonne, and 
 Castelnaudarry, for two or three dayes being in sight of the 
 Pyrenaeans, couered with snow, through a uery fine country, 
 not unlike England. Tholouse, a uery great towne, yet I 
 cannot compare it to Lyons, being built but of brick, and the 
 houses much lower. The churches also, much accounted of 
 in France, I could not admire, coming so lately out of Italy. 
 At St. Sernin or Saturnine are the bodys of seuen of the 
 Apostles, of our king St. Edmund, and of St. George and 
 forty saints more, a thorne of our Sauiour's crowne, and one 
 of the stones that kill'd St. Stephen. From the steeple of the 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 105 
 
 cathedrall, St. Estienne, wee had a good sight of the towne. 
 I cannot judge it by my eye so big as Norwich. The chap- 
 pell of the Penitents Noirs is the neatest in France, after 
 Nostredame des Champs a Paris. At the Dominicans, the 
 tombe of St. Thomas Aquinas and the alter, at the Cordelli- 
 ers the charnell house, is remarkable ; for the skins of people 
 buried doe not corrupt, so as you see many bodys which re- 
 taine the same shape, and are to bee knowne many years after 
 death. In the towne house I saw the stone on which Mont- 
 morency was beheaded, and some od pictures, one of Louis, 
 the Dauphin, son to Charles 7, entring into Tholouse on hors 
 back, with the queen his mother behind him. The mills and 
 sluce are worth seeing ; the new bridge is uery noble in the 
 fashion of Pont Neuf a Paris ; the course by it, and a walk of 
 free stone by the riuer side, are handsome. From hence wee 
 went to Bourdeaux by water, downe the most pleasent riuer 
 I euer yet saw ; passing by diuers small townes, Verduse, 
 Viole, &c. ; wee stayd halfe a day at Aagen, a great place. 
 Scaliger's house, and the hermitage in a rock, is all that is to 
 be seen there ; by Langon, where wee tasted of the white 
 wine, and by Cadillac, a house of the Duke of Espernons, 
 giuing way to few palaces in France. At Bourdeaux wee saw 
 St. Andrew's church, and from the steeple had a prospect of 
 the towne, riuer, and country about it, and could not but 
 judge its situation the most conuenient of any towne wee had 
 seen. St. Michel's church and steeple are high ; an earth- 
 quake not long since broke downe the top of it. The amphi- 
 theatre, or Palais Galien, was about the bignesse of that of 
 Verona ; the Carthusian's couent is neat and large ; the great 
 street Chapeau Rouge well built ; they are building, at pre- 
 sent, a new citadelle, about Chasteaux de Trompette, that 
 noble antiquity which they call Piliers or Palase de Tutele. 
 I cannot gesse what it was, it resembles the most an old Pra- 
 torium, and hath six columnes in the front, but then it hath 
 but eight on the sides, so that it wants three, and the manner 
 of building arches on the top of the piliers [seems] peculier to 
 this piece of antiquity. Wee went to Blay by water ; from 
 thence wee tooke horses to Xaintes, lying at Petiniords, and 
 dining the next day at Fonts, where is only the ruines of an 
 
106 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 old castell, and graue stones after the manner of those at 
 Aries. At Xaintes the amphitheatre is more ruined then that 
 at Bourdeaux, though not inferiour to it, I suppose, when in- 
 tire. The inscription upon the arch on the bridge is scarce 
 legible ; St. Eutropius's steeple is uery high, and St. Peter's 
 uery thick. The old walls were built of great stones like 
 those at Vienne ; the bastions were uery large ; wee are but 
 just arriued here, so as I can say nothing of Rochell. I doe 
 not now despair of being at Paris in good time to v see the 
 course of chymistry ; I hope to get acquaintance in the hospi- 
 talls as soon as I come there, but if you can further mee in it, 
 I would desire you, Sir, to doe it as soon as may bee, for I am 
 uery desirous to employ that short time I haue to stay here to 
 my greatest aduantage. Mr. Preston is extremely obliging 
 here. Mr. Trumbull presents his seruis to you. I think to 
 goe to the lie of Re to morrow, and the next day onward 
 again. Your obediant sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Rochell, May 20, 1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am at last arriued at Paris. I receued one from 
 you at Nantes which was sent to mee from Mr. Dade, at 
 Bourdeaux. My short stay there, and my not knowing hee 
 was there at that time when I passed by, may, I hope, excuse 
 my not uisiting him. In all the townes upon the riuer Loyr, 
 I found no more then I expected. Sonmur is much the best 
 built, being of freestone and ardois : the fosse at Nantes bet- 
 ter then the fiowne. Angiers large, but not so big as Orleans, 
 which from the steeple of St. Croix I guesse to be little lesse 
 then Tholouse. The gilded ball upon the spire I suppose by 
 relation to be as big as either of the two at Morocco. Blois 
 is pleasent by reason of its situation upon the side of an hill. 
 The Duke of Orleans' garden there is quite ruined, but a 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 107 
 
 noble gallery is left, and one side of a pallace begun. At 
 Towers we stay'd three dayes by reason Mr. Trumbull fell ill 
 of a uery sharpe paine of his teeth, accompanied with a fea- 
 uerish distemper; but after being let blood, glisters, and 
 plasters to his ears and temples, tobacco took it away. In 
 and about this towne are obseruable the church of St. Martin, 
 St. Gesian, Marmousier, the long Maille, and Caue Goutiere. 
 I got some terra Blassentis in passing by. Here is no house 
 in France so noble, so much finish'd, and so well accommo- 
 dated, as Richelieu's. The uniformity of the building of the 
 towne also was not a litle diuertissing, being very different 
 from any thing else in this country. 
 Juin 15, Paris. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to Ms Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I receaued your last letter which you sent to Padoa, 
 though I was gone from thence before the post came in. 
 Cardinal Barlerigo is Bishop of Padoa, and Contarini is the 
 present Doge of Venice, an old man, not much vnlike Tom 
 Bensly. The court is now at St. Germain, Mr. T.'s indispo- 
 sition hath hindred him from going thither a long time. Tis 
 hard for men not to fall into extremes, his discours to me, if 
 it bee not of his owne life, is commonly the great charity of 
 papists, the religious liues of the tradesmen of Paris, and of 
 one Vincent, a cobler, whom hee takes to bee the greatest 
 saint ; as also about the wickednesse of the English protest- 
 ants, and the great power, hee finds by experience, that 
 going in procession hath, to obtaine any thing desired. The 
 Louure will not bee finished in many yeares if warres should 
 happen. Bernini mislikes the deseigne of most which was 
 done at the vpper end the last summer, which must bee quite 
 pulled downe, or much altered. The side by the Tuilleries 
 is much built since I last left Paris. The colledg for the four 
 nations ouer against it, ordered to bee built by Card. Maza- 
 
108 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 rine's will, may bee perfected in three yeares more. The 
 queen mother's sicknesse hinders the building of her monas- 
 terie and church of Val de Grace ; which is the fayrest in 
 Paris, though the cupola bee much too bigge for the church. 
 The antiquities you mention of Paris is a booke of a large 
 quarto, and is very particular ; butt the new buildings are 
 better worth seeing then any thing that pretends to be anci- 
 ent in Paris. The lecture of plants heere is only the naming 
 of them, their degrees in heat and cold, and sometimes their 
 vse in physick, scarce a word more then may be seen in euery 
 herball. When I was in Italie I did reade a booke De Vipera, 
 printed at Florence, made by Francesco Redi. Some are 
 upon translating it into French; butt Sir John Finch, in Italie, 
 hath promised to write more perticularly and experimentally 
 on that subiect. Redi mentions another of his bookes, calld, 
 Discorso della Natura di Sale e delle loro Figure. I shall 
 not write into Italie for it, because probably I may find it in 
 England. The next weeke will putt an end to the course of 
 chymistrie and the plants ; but it will begin a priuate course. 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 Paris, July 11, 1665. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Fearing I should not haue the conueniance of com- 
 pany when I desired, I took the first opportunity of going to 
 Fontainebleau, though the weather is extreamly hot. The 
 house is uery large, and hath diuers courts, but is but two 
 story s high. There are diuers gallery s, two made by Francis 
 the First, the painting being old is almost worne out, another 
 by Henry the Fourth with his owne battels. The gallery 
 under this is full of great stag's horns, some of them of uery 
 odd shaps. The roomes indifferent ; the chappell is one of 
 the neatest in France. The gardens large ; there is a cut 
 riuer like to that of St. James's, and at one end a handsome 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 109 
 
 cascade. The statuas are cast after diuers good originalls, 
 which I saw at Rome. In the fish ponds I saw some of the 
 greatest carpes that euer I beheld, and which followed us 
 when wee whistld, like to the fish at Imperiall's palace in 
 Genoa, or to those at Farrara, which they call together by 
 the sounding of a bell. In the hall for the comedies is a good 
 piece of basso relievo of Henry the Fourth fighting. From 
 Fountainbleau wee went to Vaux, an house of Fouquet's; 9 
 the king haueing seised upon all his goods, it is, at present, 
 unfurnished, tis but small, but extreamly well built ; hath good 
 gardens, through which there is a cut riuer which hath water 
 works on each side, esteem'd as good as any in France. For 
 one fountaine, I haue not seen the like any where, but at Ti- 
 uoli and Frescati ; it throughs up the water a great height in 
 a stream bigger then a man's body, which is contriued so as 
 to fall into diuers shapes, sometimes like hayle and snow. 
 Wee return'd to Melun and came downe by water to Paris, 
 where I met your letter of July xth, vet. Barlet's course of 
 chymistry is not yet begun, so as I shall not see that, but goe 
 the oftner to Glaser's, and to his partner which is now parted 
 from him, and workes in another place of the towne. I doe 
 desighne to spende a great deall of my time this winter, if it 
 please God to bring mee safe home, in distilling and dissecting. 
 Paris, July 13th [1665]. 
 
 From a passage in the next letter, it appears, that 
 between July and September, Mr. Edward Browne 
 was ill of small-pox ; which sufficiently accounts for 
 the interruption in the correspondence. The follow- 
 ing unfortunately is the only letter, which has been 
 met with, from Sir Thomas to his son during his Tour 
 in France and Italy. The letter to which it is a reply 
 is wanting. 
 
 9 Nicolas Fouquet, son of Francis, Viscount de Vaux, and Minister of Finance to 
 Louis XIV, from 1652 to 1661 ; when through the intrigues of the celebrated Col- 
 bert, he was arrested, accused of high treason, his property seized, and himself con- 
 demned to perpetual imprisonment in the citadel of Pignerd, where he died, in 1680. 
 
110 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his Son Edward. 
 
 [ms. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 DEARE SONNE EDWARD, 
 
 I recaived yours of Sep. 23. I am glad you have 
 seene more cutt for the stone, and of different sex and ages ; 
 if opportunitie seemeth, you shall doe well to see some more, 
 which will make you well experienced in that great operation, 
 and almost able to performe it yourself upon necessitie, and 
 where none could do it. Take good notice of their instru- 
 ments, and at least make such a draught thereof, and es- 
 pecially of the dilator and director, that you may hereafter 
 well remember it, and have one made by it. Other operations 
 you may perhaps see, now the sumer is over ; as also chymis- 
 trie and anatomic The sicknesse 1 being great still, fewe I 
 presume will hasten over. Present my services and thancks 
 unto Dr. Patin. I hope Dr. Wren is still in Paris.'- I should 
 be glad the waters of Bourbon might benefitt Sir Samuel: 3 
 and those of Vic Mr. Trumbull. God bee praysed that you 
 recovered from the small pox, which may now so embolden 
 you, as to take of, at least abate, the sollicitude and fears 
 which others have. Mr. Briot 4 may at his pleasure attempt 
 at translation, for though divers short passages bee altered 
 or added, and one [or] two chapters also added, yet there is 
 litle to be expunged or totally left out ; and therefore may 
 beginne without finding inconvenience : in my next I will 
 send you some litle directions for a chapter or two to be left 
 out, and a coppy of the third and fourth editions, 5 which are 
 
 1 The plague, which was so fatal in England. 
 
 2 Afterwards Sir Christopher Wren. 
 
 3 Sir Samuel Tuke ; see before, p. 68, note. 
 
 4 Briot. Peter Briot translated a number of English works into French — a His- 
 tory of Ireland; an Account of the natural productions of England, Scotland, and 
 Wales; Lord's History of the Banians; Ricault's History of the Ottoman Empire. 
 He appears, from the present letter, to have had some intention of translating 
 Pseudodoxia Epidemica, but probably abandoned it; for the only French translation 
 I have seen bears the date of 1738, and is from the seventh edition, viz. that of 
 1672. 
 
 5 The third, fol. 1658, but published with Religio Medici, Hydriotaphia, and 
 Garden of Cyrus, in 1659: the fourth, 4to, 1658, with the two latter pieces only. 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. Ill 
 
 all one, as soone as pleaseth God to open an opportunitie. 
 Whatever your gazette sayth, that the Indian fleet 6 is come in 
 without seeing any of our ships, wee are sure wee have two 
 of their best in England, beside other shipps, making up in 
 all the number of thirtie ; and what shipps ether of warre or 
 merchands came home unto them were such as wee could not 
 meet or not watch, having got the start of us : it holds still 
 that the prisoners amount to about three thousand. Wee 
 here also that a caper 7 of twentie gunnes was taken not far 
 from Cromer, last Saturday, by a frigat, after two howers 
 fight. God blesse you ; I rest your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 September 22, styl. v. [1665.] 
 
 The sicknesse which God so long withheld from us, is now 
 in Norwich. I intend to send your sisters to Claxton, and if 
 it encreaseth, to remove three or four miles of; where I may 
 bee serviceable upon occasion to my friends in other diseases. 
 Paris is a place which hath been least infested with that dis- 
 ease of such populous places in Europe. Write mee word 
 what seale is that you use. 
 
 Mr. Edward Bromie to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1868.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Three days the last week I was abroad in the coun- 
 try with Dr. Wren and Mr. Compton. I did not thinke to 
 see any thinge more about Paris, but was tempted out by so 
 good company. Dr. Wren's discourse is very pleasing and 
 satisfactory to mee about all manner of things. I asked him 
 which hee took to bee the greatest work about Paris, he said 
 
 6 The Dutch East India fleet, of which the greater part reached their own ports 
 in safety, in consequence of the failure of an attack on them in August, 16(55, by an 
 English squadron, under Sir Thomas Tyddiman, at Bergen, in Norway, where they 
 had taken refuge. Lord Sandwich soon afterwards captured some of the larger 
 Indiamen, and a number of others. Sir Thomas Browne's younger son, Thomas, 
 distinguished himself on board the Foresight, at Bergen. 
 1 A privateer, or private ship. 
 
112 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 the quay, or key upon the riuer side, which he demonstrated 
 to me, to bee built with so uast expence and such great quan- 
 tity of materialls, that it exceeded all manner of ways the 
 buildings of the two greatest pyramids in ^Egypt. I told him 
 that upon the banks of the riuer Loyre for some miles, there 
 was a wall built of square stone ; but because there could not 
 be allowed any thicknesse proportionall to the key at Paris, 
 hee did not know how to esteem of that, as not haueing euer 
 seen it. Wee went the first day to Chantilly, where Hues the 
 Prince of Condy, but hee was gone out, and so wee mist Ab- 
 bot Bourdelot 8 too ; wee saw the princesse carried in a chair 
 about the gardens, being with child. The hous is old built, 
 and belonged formerly to the Duke of Montmorancy, whose 
 statua on horseback in bronze stands before the house ; the 
 gardens and water works are neat. The next day wee went 
 to Liancourt, belonging to the president of Liancourt ; the 
 house is built but on two sides, the gate makeing the third, 
 and the fourth layeing open to haue a better prospect of the 
 gardens. The waterworks here are in greater number then 
 in any place in France, and the water throwne up in pretty 
 shaps, as of a bell turned up or of a bell turned downe, out of 
 frogs mouths in a broad thin streame, &c. The mill that 
 serues to rayse the water is the largest I haue seen. The 
 presidents chaise in which they draw him about the garden, 
 is so well poised upon the wheels, made just like the chaises 
 roulantes, that are here so much in fashion at present, that 
 one may draw it with two fingers. His only son was killed 
 the last yeare in Hungaria, so that hee and his wife will re- 
 turne no more to court, but end there days here. The 
 groves are stately, and cut through in many places into long 
 shady walks. Wee went from hence to Vernueil, seated upon 
 an high hill, a uery neat castel, but furnished with old fourni- 
 ture. The duke I suppose is still embassador in England ; 
 hee keeps a pack of English dogs here, and hues in a good 
 hunting country. The house is uery finely carued without 
 side. Dr. Wren guest that the same man built this which 
 built the Louure, there being the same faults in one as in the 
 other. Wee lye at Jenlis this night, a great towne, and a 
 
 S Physician to the Prince of Conde. 
 
1665.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 113 
 
 bishops seat, with three or four good churches in it, and an 
 od kind of hospitall without the towne, where the chambers 
 are built like those of the Carthusians, at some distance one 
 from another. The next day wee saw Rinsy, an house be- 
 longing to the Dutchesse of Longueville, sister to the Prince 
 of Conde. The gardens and waterworks are not yet finished ; 
 the house is small but extremely neat, and the modell pleased 
 Dr. Wren very much ; the chambers are excellently well 
 painted, and one roome with an handsome cupola in it is one 
 of the best I haue seen. Returning to Paris, the King ouer- 
 took us in chaise roulante with his Mistress La Valiere with 
 him, habited uery prettily in a hat and feathers, and a just 
 aucorps. Hee had dined that day with his brother, at a 
 house of his in the country ; and had left his company and 
 came away full speed to Paris. Upon the news of the King 
 of Spaines death, they prepare apace ; Marischal Turenne is 
 ordered for Flanders. The King of France doubts whether 
 hee should imploye the Prince of Conde or no. Yesterday 
 being Michaelmas day, Hostel Dieu was crammed up with 
 people that came to pay their deuotion. I heareing there was 
 an arm to be cut of in a roome apart, desired the fauour of 
 the Chirurgien to see it, and after a little grumbling hee let 
 mee in. The operation is the same with a leg, but sooner 
 done, by reason there is but one bone, and the periosteum 
 quicklyer separated. Pray present my duty to my mother, 
 my seruice to all my friends. I haue not the least thoughts of 
 staying here this winter. The anatomies beginning already, 
 there will be nothing that can keep mee here much longer, 
 unlesse it bee the chymick lecture ; if it begins within these 
 ten days I will hear it, so as I may set out the first of your 
 Nouember , if not, I believe I shall come sooner. I was the 
 last week with Mr. Peti, a mathematician, that hath been once 
 or twice to see me when I was not within. Hee hath got 
 your Vulgar Errours translated, but tis halfe into English and 
 halfe into Latin, so that it cannot bee printed so ; hee doth 
 not understand English, but hath got this done for his owne 
 satisfaction. I beleeve he will present you with one of his 
 books de Cometis, which he hath lately written, upon an hy- 
 pothesis of his owne, different from Des Cartes. Hee hath 
 VOL. i. i 
 
114- DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 diuers fine instruments, glasses, and other inuentions in his 
 chamber. Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 Paris, Septembre last, 1665. 
 
 Here we take our leave of the elder son till towards 
 the autumn of 1668, when we shall again find him in- 
 dulging his roaming propensities in fresh adventures. 
 The following series of journals and letters, present, 
 uninterruptedly, all the records which have been found, 
 of the short but brilliant career of the younger son, 
 Thomas, in the service of his country. He entered 
 the English navy in the close of 1664, just when the 
 nation was rushing, with the utmost enthusiasm, into 
 the Dutch war, and when Charles II, to gratify the 
 public eagerness, as well as to further his own views, 
 was making every possible exertion to equip and man 
 a fleet capable of meeting the powerful navy of Hol- 
 land, assisted, as it was expected to be, by that of 
 France. The moment was auspicious for our young 
 adventurer; who appears to have obtained his com- 
 mission without delay, and made his first voyage up 
 the Mediterranean on board the Foresight, command- 
 ed by Captain Brookes, the brother of Sir Robert 
 Brookes, 9 an intimate friend of his father's. He re- 
 turned in time to join the grand English fleet under 
 the command of James, Duke of York, assisted by 
 Prince Rupert and the Earl of Sandwich ; and was 
 present, on the third of June, 1665, at the first great 
 action, off Lowestoft, with the Dutch, under Opdam, 
 which terminated in the total defeat of the enemy, 
 
 9 Lord of the Manor of Wanstead, and M. P. for Aldboro', Suffolk. 
 
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 115 
 
 who lost four admirals, seven thousand men, and 
 eighteen ships. Browne had the good fortune soon 
 afterwards to distinguish himself in the unsuccessful 
 attempt made, by Lord Sandwich and Sir Thomas 
 Tyddiman, to seize the two rich Dutch East India 
 fleets which had taken shelter in the neutral Danish 
 harbour of Bergen, on the coast of Norway -, 1 and was 
 engaged in the subsequent capture of a portion of 
 those fleets, in September. In the winter of the same 
 year he made his second voyage up the Mediterra- 
 nean, with Sir Jeremy Smith, during which period 
 Louis XIV declared war against the English, and fit- 
 ted out a fleet to assist the States General. Browne, 
 on his return from the Streights, took a share in all 
 the actions of 1666. In the unexpected and unequal 
 conflict between the entire Dutch fleet, under De 
 Ruyter and Van Tromp, and one division of the En- 
 glish fleet, under the Duke of Albemarle, during the 
 unfortunate absence of Prince Rupert with the other 
 division in quest of the French fleet under the Duke 
 of Beaufort, his ship was in the duke's division. In 
 that furious engagement, and during the subsequent 
 four days' fight in July, after the junction of Prince 
 Rupert, he acquired, as will be seen, a character for 
 the most able conduct, and the most undaunted bra- 
 very. He was present, in the following month, at 
 the destruction of the town of Brandaris, with a hun- 
 dred and fifty Dutch merchantmen and some line of 
 battle ships ; and, in the close of the year, was again 
 sent as convoy to the Mediterranean, on board the 
 Marie Rose, in the fleet under Admiral Kempthorne. 
 From thence he returned to Portsmouth in about 
 May, 1667. And here, unfortunately, all traces of 
 
 1 See " Sir Gilbert Talbot's Narrative of the Earl of Sandwich's Attempt upon 
 Bergen in 1G65 ;" from MS. Harl. 6859. Archceologia, xxii, 33. 
 
116 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1664. 
 
 him are lost. — The most diligent inquiries have not 
 hitherto enabled me to discover the sequel of his his- 
 tory : a solitary allusion, in a letter written many 
 years after, adverts to him in terms which prove that 
 he had been long dead. But how and when he died, 
 I have, to my great mortification, not as yet been able 
 to ascertain. His career was brief and splendid ; but 
 of its close we know nothing. Enough appears, how- 
 ever, to prove, beyond all doubt, that he possessed a 
 character and talents of no ordinary calibre; which, had 
 he not been early cut off, would have secured to him, 
 in the profession he had chosen, a distinction not in- 
 ferior to that which his amiable father attained through 
 the more quiet paths of philosophy and science. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 TOM, 
 
 I presume you are in London, where you may satis- 
 fie yourself in the buisinesse ; do nothing rashly, but as you 
 find just grounds for your advantage, wch will hardly bee 
 at the best deservings, without good and faythfull friends ; 
 no sudden advantage for rawe though dangerous services. 
 There is another and more safe way, whereby Capt. Brookes 
 and others come in credit, by going about 2 yeares before 
 they were capable of places ; [with] which I am not well ac- 
 quainted. God and good friends advise you. Bee sober and 
 complacent. If you cood quit periwigs it would bee better, 
 and more for your credit. If Mr. Rand live in London in- 
 forme him of Ned. Hee would teach you Latin quickly, by 
 rule and speech. God blesse you. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 TH. BROWNE. 
 
 2 Should any further information be obtained on the subject, it shall be given in 
 the Life of Sir Thomas Browne. 
 
1G65.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 117 
 
 If you are not in hast for the present, it would bee of ad- 
 vantage to learne of Mr. Goulding or others, the practicall 
 mathematicks and use of instruments. 
 
 Ned sent you a print of Domenic Ottoman, one of Hibraim 
 the Grand Signor's sonnes, the brother of Mahomet, now 
 raigning. Hee was taken at sea by a shippe of Malta, 1652, 
 at IS yeares of age ; now a Christian and a dominican friar ; 
 your brother saw him at Turin. 3 It is a very good and serious 
 face ; on the back side hee sent more French verses concern- 
 ing the pope and king of France, and that one Chairo 4 of 
 Milan is now the famous paynter. You may see hee went 
 through many of those townes I mentioned, and the passinge 
 of Mont Cenis. 
 
 DEAR TOM, 
 
 I am glad to heare you will [judge ?] prudantly of 
 things, and if you dooe not find them acording to expectation, 
 com home to us againe. I will send your weg by the choch, 
 and the buf cotte if I can gett it. If you want more monyes 
 then you thinke fit to take of my cosen, Mr. Scoltowe will 
 latt you have it, butt bee suer to spand as little as you can. 
 Latt mee here from you. Bee carfull and sivell to my cosens, 
 Mrs. Cottrall, and the Howalls, and carey all our services to 
 them. I besich God bles and dereckt you. 
 
 Your loving Mother 
 Novem. 25. [1664.] DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 Thes for Mr. Thomas Browne, att William Barkers, Esq. 
 in Clarken Wall upon New Prison Wallke, London. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 HONEST TOM, 
 
 God blesse thee, and protect thee, and mercifully 
 lead you through the wayes of his providence. I am much 
 
 3 See p. 71. 
 4 The name is not to be decyphered in the original hieroglyphics, and is not ex- 
 plained by our copy of the letter referred to, p. 7 1 . 
 
118 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1665. 
 
 greived you have such a cold, sharpe, and hard, introduction, 
 wch addes newe feares unto mee for your health, whereof 
 pray bee carefull, and as good an husband as possible ; wch 
 will gayne you credit, and make you better trusted in all af- 
 fayres. I am sorry you went unprovided with bookes, with- 
 out which you cannot well spend time in those great shipps. 
 If you have a globe you may easily learne the starres as also 
 by bookes. Waggoner 5 you will not be without, wch will 
 teach the particular coasts, depths of roades, and how the 
 land riseth upon several poynts of the compasse. Blunde- 
 vill 6 or Moxon 7 will teach you severall things. I see the 
 litle comet 8 or blazing starre every cleare evening, the last 
 time I observed it about 42 degrees of hight, about 7 o'clock, 
 in the constellation of Cetus, or the whale, in the head there- 
 of; it moveth west and northerly, so that it moveth toward 
 Pisces or Linum Septentrionale pisces. Ten degrees is the 
 utmost extent of the tayle. Anno 1580, there was a comet 
 seen in the same place, and a dimme one like this discribed 
 by Msestlinus. 9 That wch I saw in 1618 began in Libra, and 
 moved northward, ending about the tayle of Ursa Major ; it 
 was farre brighter than this, and the tayle extended 40 de- 
 grees, lasted litle above a moneth. This now seen hath last- 
 ed above a moneth already, so that I beleeve from the motion 
 that it began in Eridanus or Fluvius. If they have quad- 
 rants, crosse-stafFes, and other instruments, learn the practi- 
 call use thereof; the names of all parts and roupes about the 
 shippe, what proportion the masts must hold to the length 
 and depth of a shippe, and also the sayles. I hope you re- 
 ceaved my letters from Nancy, after you were gone, wherein 
 was a plaine electuary agaynst the scurvie. 
 
 Mr. Curteen stayed butt one night, pray salute him some- 
 times, my humble service to Captaine Brooke, whom I take 
 the boldnesse to salute, upon the title of my long acquaintance 
 
 5 Wagenar, L. Jans. E. Speculum Xauticum ; translated into English by Ant. 
 Ashley, loSS. 
 
 6 Thomas Blundeville, of Newton Flotman, in Norfolk. Referring probably to 
 his " Theorique of the Planets," or " Exercises in Arithmetic, Cosmography, As- 
 tronomy," &c. 
 
 1 Joseph Moxon, F.R.S. Concerning the Use of Globes, fol. 1G59. 
 S Mentioned by Mr. Edward Browne, in his letter, Rome, Jan. 2, 1664-5, p. 7S. 
 9 Michael Msestlinus, a celebrated German astronomer, published several trea- 
 tises on Comets. 
 
1666.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 119 
 
 with his worthy brother Sr. Robert and his lady. God 
 blese you. Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 Norwich, January 1, [1664-5.] 
 
 Forget not French and Latin. No such defence agaynst 
 extreme cold, as a woollen or flannell wascoat next the skinne. 
 
 DEARE TOM, 
 
 I am in much care and fair for you. I besich God 
 of his marcy bles you ; trust in him, for it his marcys only can 
 suport you. Bee as good a husband as you can posable, for 
 you know what great charges wee are now att. Your sisters 
 present their trew loves to you, and Franke prayes for her 
 prity brothar dayly, so dooes your affectionate Mothar 
 
 D. B. 
 
 Mis Corbet and the Hothams, and the rest of your frinds 
 present their loves to you. 
 
 For Mr. Thomas Browne.l 
 
 Mr. Thomas Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1910.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I send you the journall which I made of our voyage 
 with Sir Jeremie Smith, the last winter ; which proued not so 
 successefull as we hoped, hauing not taken many prizes, met 
 with much foul and tempestuous wether, and at last not 
 without much sicknesse, there dying thirtie in our shippe, and 
 no less than fiftie in the admirall. 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 [No date, but in 1666.] 
 
 ' It does not appear how this letter could have been forwarded to him ; for if 
 the date is correctly decyphered he must already have been on his voyage. 
 
120 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [166G. 
 
 Thursday, December the 21st, I arriued at Portsmouth, in 
 order to embarck myselfe in Sr. Jeremy Smith's fleet, consist- 
 ing of 16 sail of frigats, 2 fire shipps, and 4 ketches ; the 
 Mary, admirall. Saturday 23rd I spake with Sr. Christo- 
 pher Minns, who then rid admirall in Portsmouth harbour, 
 in the Fairfax. Sunday 24th, not hauing opportunity to fit 
 my self for the voyage in so short a time, I was forst to ex- 
 pect a convenience in the reere of the fleet. Sr. Jeremy 
 saild this day with 12 frigats, 1 fire ship, and the ketches. 
 Thursday 28th I went on board the Mountague, a third rate 
 ship, and was receiued by the commander of her, Captain 
 Fenn. This day arriued the Jarsy, who brought us news of 
 our admirall, that he had only touchd at Plimouth one night, 
 and had proceeded on his voyage. The remainder of this 
 week and the next being partly spent in expecting provisions 
 for the shipp, but mostly of a fair wind, on Saturday the 6th 
 of January, wee set sail from the Spithed, having that morn- 
 ing taken aboard Sr. Robert Southwell 2 and his retinew, 
 agent to the King of Portugall : being in company, the Moun- 
 tague 3d, Newcastle, Portland, and Reeserve, fourth rate 
 ships, with the Brier, a fier ship. We turned out at St. El- 
 lens Point, the Newcastle struck on the Horse, but receiued 
 no damage; about 2 o'clock wee wethered the island, and 
 leauing the bay and castle of Sandford, the 7th, we were off 
 Portland and Torbay ; the 8th, Plimouth and the Lizard ; the 
 9th, Huissant, 3 and entred the Bay of Biscay. The 10th wee 
 spied a sail, and made chase after her; hauing made our 
 shipps, she lay by for us, not knowing of the warr. 4 The 
 Portland took her ; shee was a Frenchman of about a hundred 
 and fifty tonne, loden with sugar and tobacco, from St. Chris- 
 tophers to Haure de Grace, upon the companies account. 
 Tenn gunns she had, where of two they had cast over board 
 in foul weather, which they had much of. All this way from 
 the channell wee had a great foame of a sea from the west- 
 
 2 Of Wood Rising, in Norfolk ; Principal Secretary of State for Ireland, and 
 President of the Royal Society. He was employed by Charles II. on several nego- 
 ciations. 
 
 3 L'lle d'Ouessant, off the north-west coast of France. 
 
 i Louis XIV. joined the Dutch, and declared war against England in the early 
 part of January, 1665- fj. 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 121 
 
 ward, the signs of a precedent storm that sore shatterd Sr. 
 Jeremyes fleet, as wee afterwards understood. 
 
 January 10th, the French captain came the same day on 
 board us, the best humor'd and least giuen to the French 
 fantastickness, that I have obserued. His name was .... 
 La Chapelle, of St. Maloes. The 11th, 12th, and 13th, wee 
 stood on our cours. The 14th wee chast a small Englishman that 
 came from Bideford, laden with fish, and was bound for Lis- 
 bone. Hee told us he had met with verry bad wether, and 
 been forst unto the coast of Ireland, there chast by 12 sail of 
 Hollanders. The 15th wee made the Burlings, somthing to- 
 wards euening, they appeared like two sails under the shore. 
 The 16th wee hald close into the shore, about a league to the 
 northward of the rock of Lisbone. All the shore full of 
 castels and small redowts to the seawards, and up the riuer 
 to Lisbone. About tenn o'clock wee were in Cascales Rode ; 
 hence wee had a prospect up to the citty of Lisbone, the 
 castle in the midst of the riuer, and famous monastery of 
 Boelyn, St. Gillens Castle, reported to have 300 pieces of 
 ordinance in it, the woodden castle, and verry many others 
 of meaner force and beuty, on each side of the riuer. Here 
 wee put Sr. Robert abord the small Englishman, as the best 
 conuenience to convay his retinue and baggage to the citty. 
 After the salutes past from each ship to him at his departure, 
 about two o'clock wee stood on our course ; that night had 
 sight of Cape Spitchel and Mount Chigo. The 17th Cape 
 St. Vincent, and Cape St. Maryes, Granada hill, and Mount 
 Chigo. The 18th wee spied six saile and chased ; they stood 
 with us and made us, then went from us, wee not being able 
 to fetch them. They were Turks men of war, and had spoke 
 with Sr. Jeremy Smith. Four of them, 2 dayes after, set 
 upon a great ship, in sight of Cales, 5 and after a long dispute 
 took her ; shee was then supposed to bee a French ship of 36 
 gunns, coming from Newhauen, worth 100,000 pounds, bound 
 for Cales ; they reckoning by her departure and not hearing 
 of her long after. A Barca Longa told us this morning of 
 the Dutch fleets departure from Cales, and the English fleet 
 passing by soon after. Wee saild along the coast with a 
 
 5 Cadiz. 
 
12-3 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1666. 
 
 small brize of wind. Medina wee had a prospect of, liing on 
 the brow of a hill within the land, St. Peters Island, and Co- 
 nib, a pritty large town, close to the shore, Cape Trafalagar 
 known by the great quantity of white sand which lies bare on 
 the side of the hill. 
 
 Saturday, the 20th, wee were of Cape Sprat, about six in 
 the morning, from whence to the Jews riuer the land is all 
 couered with woods and green shrubs. From the Jews 
 riuer, (which is for the most part drie, unless after rains, 
 which, falling from the mountaines, giues it a streme), is little 
 above two miles to Tanger. Wee came to an anchor in the 
 bay about ten of the clock ; here wee had inteligence of Sir 
 Jeremies being at Malaga, haueing staied here a day or two 
 in his way. Tanger, situated to the westward of the bay on 
 the bending of a hill, from whence to the sea side is a verry 
 deep descent. I take it to bee a verry ancient citty, as the 
 old castle and staires to the sea ward, thoug now ruind, do no 
 les testifie. Yet not that Tengis written of in ancient his- 
 toryes, as namely of Plutarch in the life of Sertorius, who af- 
 firmes hee past ouer from Spain into Barbary, tooke Tengis, 
 and finding a tomb reported to bee that of Antoeus, broake 
 it open, and found bones of an exceding length : this, if true, 
 must bee understood of that old Tanger now call'd, to the 
 eastward of the bay ; a ruinous building, with a broken bridge 
 ouer the riuer, whose ruines do show it to haue been a place 
 far more antique then this. Tanger, now inhabited, is allmost 
 fower square, the best street in it is that which runneth from 
 Port Catherine downe to the Key gate, and is called the 
 market ; the rest inconsiderable, narrow, and crooked streets. 
 A towne of little force and lesse proffit, till put into the 
 English hands, now verry much mended as to the former, and 
 in great hopes of raising the latter, if the mould goes forward 
 for a security of marchant shippes lying there, the bay beeinge 
 somthing too open a roade. On the east point of the bay 
 stands two towers, one aboue the other. Hauing left our 
 French prise here, about flue o'clock wee wayed and stood 
 ouer for Malaga ; in the night, spiing a strange ship, wee 
 fired at her : coming under our lee, shee struck against our 
 counter, beat in her side, and did her self some other damage, 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. .123 
 
 carried away ourensigne staf, and one of our lanterns. Shee 
 was a Turks man of war. The captaines came aboard of 
 us ; in the hurly burly two slaues got aboard of us, but, 
 after long search, one of them was found again and carried 
 aboard. 
 
 The 21st, in the morning, wee arriued in Malaga roade, 
 where wee found Sir Jeremy, in great expectation of us, with 
 but eight of his twelve sail, and one of his ketches ; the rest 
 hauing lost their masts, were put back again with the foul 
 weather. He had not only been denied product here, but 
 with none of the ciuilist expressions from the governour ; a 
 spight they bore him, I thinck, since his namesake, Cap: 
 Eustace Smith, with a squadron of frigats, beat the towne and 
 castle about theyr ears, fired theyr ships in the mould, and 
 threw their guns into the sea, in the last Spanish wars. 
 
 The rest of this day, and the 22d, wee stayd in Malaga 
 road. Wee rid farr from the towne, therefore could take but 
 little notice of the strength or bewty of the towne. There is 
 a castle standing on a hill, with two walls running downe to 
 another that stands in the bottom by the sea side. It appears 
 to be a large towne, and well built ; the land very high about 
 it. Cape de Mole to the westward of it, the Granada hills, 
 fan* up in the land, seen here, couered with snow. The 23d, 
 by one in the morning, wee wayed, and stood ouer for the 
 Barbary coast. The 24th wee had sight of Ceuta point, and 
 stood in for Tetuan bay. It was verry hazy and calme, wee 
 stood of to sea again. That night, 25th, wee hal'd in for the 
 shore again, and in the afternoon, about one o'clock, made it 
 about four leagues to the westward of Busema, verry high 
 rocky land. Wee stood along the shore till we open'd the 
 bay, being about abluf point verry remarkable, and an island 
 with in it. Wee sent the ketch in, who, finding it an open 
 road, beginning to blow fresh, stood of to us again. This 
 night wee had a verry great storm at northwest, which lasted 
 till five in the morning. Wee past betwen the maine and a 
 small uninhabited island, calld Alboran ; some of our seamen 
 had been formerly upon it ; being a mere sandy island, rushes 
 and drye shrubs growing on it, some few rabits breed there ; 
 about halfe a mile long, not halfe so broad. 
 
124 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1666. 
 
 The 26th wee were under Cape One ; there is good rid- 
 ing in the bay, and a small rocky island of the cape, which may 
 bee sailed about on either side. The 27th wee were of 
 Cape Falcon, and that day ly in sight of Busema castle. Be- 
 hind the westwardmost point of the bay there is a high round 
 hill, with a watch tower on it, that stands over the "castle. 
 The towne is a league up the bay ; the whole country about 
 forty miles round are subject to this towne, so that it is verry 
 plentifully stor'd with all manner of provisions, and a great 
 quantity of corn shipt from hence yearly. We stood in nearer, 
 and sent our ketch in. The 28th the ketch came of again, 
 with a letter from the gouernour, and a small present ; there 
 came two small gallies out with her, bound for Spain ; they 
 saluted the admirall, and stood on their course. Wee under- 
 stood no Hollanders to bee in the bay ; some small French 
 settees, one Englishman, the rest Spaniards. The 29th 
 wee stood ouer for the coast of Spain. The 30th, about 
 euening, wee were of Cartagena ; that night wee lay by. The 
 31st we were of Cape Palos. 
 
 February 1st, wee came in sight of Alicant in the morning, 
 hauing notice by a small Englishman that came from thence 
 of five saile of Hollenders riding in the roade, loden with 
 corn. Wee went in with an easy sayl, purposing to set on 
 them, but they had hald verry neare the town, and in verry 
 shoald water. Wee came to an anchor within less then a mile 
 of the towne, which is pretty large, and hath a verry strong 
 castle built on the top of the high steep hill. The gouernour 
 was so ciuill as to let us haue diuers things brought us to the 
 mould lied, though he could giue us no product in the towne. 
 The Spanish army, that had been rowted by the Portugese, 6 
 was about eight leagues of. An English souldier, coming 
 from thence, came aboard of us. The 2d and 3d wee rid 
 here, hauing put the Dutch ships in sufficient fear, least wee 
 should veare aboard them. The fourth, about two in the 
 morning, wee wayhed, and stood of to sea. That day had a 
 storm so violent that a Prouincal prise wee had taken was like 
 to haue founderd. The fift wee stood in again to Cape 
 
 5 Perhaps alluding to their defeat by the Portuguese, under the command of the 
 Marquis of Marialva, at the battle of Montes Claros, on the 7th of June, 1665. 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 125 
 
 Palos. The 6th wee were of Cartagena. The 7th wee stood 
 along the coast with an easy saile. The 8th wee said in 
 close with Table Round Bay ; there is a tower on the easter- 
 most point, and a castle in the bay, which is all sandy, and a 
 good watering place. About three in the afternoon wee were 
 close under the Round Table, a hill to the westward of the 
 bay, that showes it selfe like a table. This night wee got 
 about Cape de Gallo, and the 9th, in the morning, wee opened 
 Aimeria Bay, a large sandy bay, the pleasantest I euer saw- 
 In the bottom of the bay layes the towne and castle of Aime- 
 ria, and to the westward of it Roguetta. Wee stood in to the 
 bay till noon, and then came out again. All this day wee 
 sayled by a low sandy shore, but the land mountainous inward ; 
 that night wee past Modrill, Malaga, and Veles, hauing sent 
 our ketch into Malaga. The 10th, in the morning, wee had 
 sight of Gibralter hill, and stood ouer for the Barbary coast. 
 About noon wee were of Ceuta Point, and sailed fair in with 
 the shore ; saw Ceuta in the bottom of the bay ; it stands very 
 low : there is a large place walld about on the hill, to the east- 
 ward of the bay, and another, but much les, to the westward, 
 diuers watch towers to the land ward. Wee sayld by Apes 
 Hill, a vast high rock, hauing nothing growing on it, but full of 
 great clefts ; there are two towers at the bottom of it. Some- 
 thing to the eastward wee saw Alcaser, and an old castle, on a 
 hill ; in the bay is another castle by the sea side. About five 
 o'clock wee came by Tangier. All this afternoon wee had the 
 greatest fret of wind I ever was in, at east : I judge the wind 
 beeing forst between these two high lands to bee the cause of 
 it. That night wee lay by, between Cape Sprat and Trafal- 
 gar. The 11th wee anchored of Rota, hauing driuen a 
 French man of war from his anchor there, into more security 
 nearer the towne of Cales. The 12th wee had order, with 
 fower sail more, to cruse between Cales and the straits : wee 
 waighed about four in the morning, and lay of St. Peters 
 Island. About ten wee spied six small sails comeing about 
 Cape Trafalgar. It proued our ketch, in return from Malaga, 
 chasing five sail of settees; four of them hee brought by the 
 lee, the fift was too swift of sail, and getting close under the 
 shore had scapt him ; wee man'd out two pinnaces, and forst 
 
126 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1660. 
 
 him a shore near St. Peters Island, and, at the flood, brought 
 him of verry leaky. She was a French settee, called Nostre- 
 dame de Carme, belonging to Martegues, in Prouence, now 
 come from Oran, loden with corn for Cales ; the master of her, 
 Jaques Antoine, was brought aboard wounded, and died a day 
 or two after. Wee had one man wounded in the dispute. 
 Wee sent in the other fower settees, whereof one allso prou'd 
 prise. The 13th, in the morning, wee sent in our settee, not 
 being able to keep her longer aboue water. The 14th, wee 
 chasd a bark with our boats ; shee was loaden with corn for 
 Cales ; the Spaniards had left her, fearing us to bee Turks, 
 but it was sent in and deliuerd them again. The 15th, went 
 into Cales to Sir Jeremy ; where wee had certain news of the 
 Lion, Antelope, and Crown's arriuall in England, sore shatter- 
 ed, but no news of the Mitford. The 16th wee came out 
 of Cales road betimes in the morning ; that night were 
 thwart of the straits mouth, it blowing extreamly hard out of 
 the gut ; an Englishman and our Prouincall prise lost company. 
 The 17th, in the morning, being shot under the Barbary 
 shore, wee had little wind, some shippes not halfe a mile 
 a stern of us hauing as much as they could carry their top- 
 sails with. Wee chasd a ship in the after noon, shee was an 
 Englishman come from Cales ; this night wee had a great 
 storme. About 7 in the morning Cape Sprat bore east and 
 by south of us, about 7 or 8 leagues of; wee had lost com- 
 pany of our admirall, and could see but 8 sail of our whole 
 fleet. Two verry large sharks and a grampus came verry 
 near our ship, and some time after a large drift tree with the 
 bows and leaues on it. About 9 or 10 we spied our admirall 
 a lied, and that afternoon were all together again. The 19th 
 being calme wee lay by most part of the day of the white 
 cliffs betwen Arsilla and Larache. The 20th wee chasd an 
 English shipp ; shee was bound for Genoa, and told us of 
 severall frigats ready to sail that were comeing to us from 
 England. The 21st wee stood in within three leagues of 
 Larache, which is a town of the Spaniards, standing with a 
 great castle on the side of the south point of the bay, which 
 hath allso a riuer running into it, though but shole ; opposite 
 to it on the north point of the bay are some buildings, or 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 127 
 
 rather ruins ; on the top of the point there lyes a sand before 
 the riuer's mouth, and is a place of little trading. They fired 
 many gunns from the towne and castle whilst wee were before 
 it ; wee heard afterwards they were then hard beseeg'd by 
 the Mores. This night wee tackt and stood to the norward. 
 The 22d wee were of Cape Sprat, that night lay by. The 
 23d wee ly of the Barbary coast ; being change day, riding 
 under Cape Sprat N E, wee found the tide that came from 
 the westward, 8 of the clock, and the estern tide to run until 
 2 o'clock, being calme ; thus wee found the tide to shape its 
 cours. Observed, that under Cape Sprat, riding in 20 fathom 
 water, wee found that at 3 o'clock the currant came so strong 
 toward the east that wee thwarted wholly up to the east ; 
 wee had good ground but coarse, the Cape N E and by N, 
 about 4 leagues of. The 24th wee anchord in the bay to the 
 southward of the Cape, a fine sandy bay, in the bottome of it 
 a pleasant vally, all sowne with corn, the hills covered with 
 woods, the bay full of diuers sorts of fishes, especially of 
 porgues, 7 of which wee took diuers, and some small nurses, 8 
 the 25th, 26th, and 27th, being most spent in this exercise. 
 The 28th wee waighed and came into Tangier Bay, where 
 hauing got some water from the shore, the wind comeing 
 easterly again, the 1st of March we waighd and stood to the 
 westv/ard. The 2nd the ketch went again to Tangier. The 
 3rd wee were betwen the Cape and Cape Trafalagar, som- 
 thing of to sea. The 4th wee came again into Tangier Bay ; 
 that night I went a shore and lay in the castle. The 5th, 
 hauing walk't about the lines, seen the new towne at the 
 coue, tooke some obseruation of the mind stairs, and the 
 mould, wee came abourd and that night waighed. The 6th 
 wee were again under Cape Sprat, it blew hard at east. The 
 7th wee were of Arzyla, and stood in within fower leagues of 
 it, not so near as to make any great obseruacions of it ; it is 
 under the command of Guyland, and one of his cheef seats, 
 from whence, in the yeare 9 the Earle of Sandwich 
 
 1 The Porgee, or Porgy ; Spams Chrysops, Lin. 
 
 8 Some species of shark, or dog-fish ; very probably Sq. CanicuJa, or Catulus. 
 
 9 "August 20th, 16C2. To my Lord Sandwich, whom I found in bed. Among 
 other talk, he do tell me that he hath put me into commission with a great many 
 persons in the business of Tangier, which is a very great honour to me, &c. I per- 
 
128 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1GG6. 
 
 treated with him ; tis said to bee pretty strong, though not 
 verry large ; all I could obserue of it is, that tis a square 
 towne, standing on a small rising close by the sea side, with 
 many turrets in it. The 8th wee past, with little worth ob- 
 seruance, under the Barbary shore. The 9th wee stood ouer 
 to the Spanish coast, and, hauing little wind, wee lay most of 
 the day of Trafalagar and Conill, examining a small fleet 
 which came from Cales, who were most of them Genoese. 
 About eleven at night wee were alarmd with a fleet of eight 
 sail of ships a hed ; the admirall made his false fire, and wee 
 were in a fighting posture presently, the wind comeing about 
 wee were not able to reach them, and in great doubt what 
 they were ; they had made us sooner, and sent theyr boats 
 aboard of us about six in the morning ; they proued the Lion 
 and Swallow, with six marchantmen and victuallers bound for 
 Tangier. They stood on their course, and wee in with the 
 shore, hauing with us a prise which the Lion tooke, coming 
 from Lisbone, laden with sugar and tobacco. That afternoon 
 came to an anchor in the Bay of Bulls, of Rota. The 11th 
 wee waighed again, and came to an anchor in Cales roade. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 From aboard the Marie Rose, at the Buoy of 
 the Middle Grounds, July 16, 1666. 
 
 DEAR FATHER, 
 
 If it were possible to get an opportunitie to send so 
 often as I am desirous to write, you should heare more often 
 from me, especially being now so neare the grand action, from 
 which I would by no meanes bee absent ; because it is gene- 
 
 ceive there is yet good hopes of peace with Guyland, which is of great concernment 
 to Tangier." — Pepys's Diary, &;c. vol. i, p. 160. 
 
 " August 21st, 1663. Lord Teviott has received another attack from Guyland 
 at Tangier, with ten thousand men ; and at last, it is said, is come, after a personal 
 treaty with him, to a good understanding and peace with him." — Pepys, vol. i, 
 p. 247. 
 
1666.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 129 
 
 rally thought it will bee the conclusion of the warre, and an 
 utter confusion of one partie. I extremely long for that thun- 
 dering day; wherein I hope you shall heare wee have behaved 
 ourselves like men, and to the honour of our country. Wee 
 have been for divers dayes from the body of the main fleet, 
 since we heard of the Duch being out ; and are now with 
 some other frigates riding at the buoy of the middle grounds, 
 as a forlorne hope, in sight of the Duch fleet ; where wee 
 wayt and observe their motions, and make signes accordingly 
 to the fleet. Five dayes wee judge will bee the longest time 
 before wee engage. If the Duch will stand to it, wee hope 
 to make an end of the warre, otherwise wee may have cause 
 to repent that wee ever beganne it; wee having now the 
 strength of England with us. Our men are resolute ; and I 
 know the temper of our squadron ; that by God's assistance 
 you may expect notable service from them. Wee now lye in 
 a sollicitous and wachful guard, in the face of the enemie ; 
 but expect dailie to joyne with our fleet, in order to sudden 
 action. I thank you for your directions for my eares agaynst 
 the noyse of the gunnes, butt I have found that I could endure 
 it ; nor is it so intolerable as most conceave ; especially when 
 men are earnest, and intent upon their business, and unto 
 whom muskets sound but like pop gunnes : it is impossible to 
 expresse unto another how a smart sea fight elevates the spi- 
 rits of a man, and makes him despise all dangers. Hee that 
 so often stands in the face of a cannon will thinck nothing 
 terrible. In and after all sea fights I have been very thirstie, 
 which makes mee alwayes provide some bottles of quick and 
 fresh middle beere to carry with mee, whereby I having found 
 so great relief in the hot fight the last moneth, 1 I have got six 
 bottles from a gentleman on the Essex shoare, which I reserve 
 for that use. For want hereof I found a great inconvenience 
 when I was in the Foresight, at Bergen fight; 2 where wee 
 had little and bad beere. I humbly crave your blessing and 
 good prayers ; and if it shall please God that I survive this 
 battayle, I hope to see you before winter. I am very sorry 
 
 1 On the third of June, between the English fleet, commanded by Lord Albe- 
 marle, and the Dutch, under De Ruyter and Van Tromp. 
 2 Third of August, 16G5. 
 
 VOL I. K 
 
130 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1666. 
 
 to heare the plague increaseth so much in Norwich ; butt am 
 glad you are removed out of it. I receaved yOur two last 
 letters, and give you many thanks for the discourse you sent 
 me out of Vossius De Motu Murium et Ventorum. It seemed 
 very hard to mee at first; butt I have now beaten it out, and 
 wish I had the booke. Butt I am not able to beat it into our 
 seamen's heads ; and the truth is, I meet not with any so re- 
 fined as to enquire after such ingenious tracts ; and so I leave 
 them to their "Wagoner and Seaman's Kalender, as their nil 
 vltra. Reading in the Fiery Columne I found this passage : 
 " Among the rocky islands in the coast of East Finland, neare 
 Cape Sound, and the Liet of Abboo, among the rocks lyeth 
 a great rock vnder water, which is a magnes or loadstone ; and 
 the ground seemeth there to have the virtue of the loadstone ; 
 for there the compasse doth not stand, but runne and turne 
 without any certain station, till you bee at least at a league 
 past it." Nor must I omitt a story which an honest knowing 
 seaman lately told mee, while hee sayled formerly in the 
 Crowne frigat with stormy weather in the Gulf of Lyons : 
 there appeared two Corpos Santos, or St. German's fires ; 
 the one in the foreyard arme, about the sheet-block, the other, 
 being lesse, on the crosse sack : hee having seene some before, 
 and now desirous to knowe what substance they were of, 
 went up, and sliding along the foreyard, perceaved it to make 
 from him, till it came to the end ; and being at the extreme 
 part, began to drop down in light droppes ; hee laid his hand 
 on it, and found it extreme cold and slimie, sticking to his 
 fingers, where it would seeme to burne while the matter was 
 dryed on, and having drawne it to him a good while, till most 
 of it was consumed, he left it. They are many times seen 
 sticking to the skuppers of ships in very fowle weather, and 
 the like I remember I saw in bad weather upon the coast of 
 Oran, in Barbarie, in our voyage with Sir Jeremie Smith. If 
 Radziuill had observed or knowne what a poore peece of cor- 
 ruption this admired light was, hee might have spared his 
 superstitious feares concerning it, which may bee seene at 
 length in his Trauayls : but hereof I hope to receave some- 
 thing hereafter from you. I was diuers times on shoare when 
 we lay farther up. At Quinborough I saw the foundation of 
 
1666.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 131 
 
 a very old round castle, nothing now standing above ground, 
 a poore and meane place. At East Church, at the other end 
 of the Isle of Sheppey, there hath been a very noble howse, 
 belonging to the Earle of Penbrooke, now almost runne to 
 mine, and only vsed for a farme howse. Many of the people 
 on both shoares are runne up into the country as fearing the 
 presse, and some of our seamen have been so rude as to bring 
 away not only common labourers, butt farmers and constables, 
 not sparing a justice of peace from the Essex side. They are 
 at a very great height of licentiousnesse, which wee are fayne 
 to overlooke in many things, because of the present action ; 
 yet there were two hanged last weeke for a mutinie, at the 
 buoy of the Nore. I should have been very glad to have 
 seen my brother Edward, hee having been almost in all the 
 places of France where I have been. I hope wee may exer- 
 cise that languadge together. When hee writeth or goeth to 
 Cambridge, I desire him to present my service to Mr. Craven, 
 Mr. Nurse, Mr. Arrowsmith, and all our friends in Trinitie 
 College. I humbly beg your prayers and blessing, resting, 
 Sir, your most obedient and dutifull sonne, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Allen and Captain Darcy present their service. 
 
 Mr, Thomas Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 September, 1666. 
 
 HONORD FATHER, 
 
 After our returne from the coast of .Holland, the 
 firing and destroying of at least an hundred and fiftie good 
 marchand shippes and some men of warre, and the burning of 
 the handsome towne of Brandaris, on Skellink island, we re- 
 turned to England, to fitt up our shipps, especially such as 
 had been damaged in the last July fight ; and to make hast 
 out agayne to meet with the Duch fleet, who, by this time, had 
 recruited, and had, as wee conceaue, an intention to joyne 
 
 K 2 
 
132 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1666. 
 
 with the French fleet. Wee went out agayne well prouided 
 and resolved, the Duch making to the French coast, and, in- 
 deed, sauing themselues there ; for had not the winds been 
 uery high, in all probabillity, wee had ruined their fleet. In 
 the late July fight, though it lasted not many howers before 
 the Duch made away, yett our shippe spent many shot, 
 and not in vayne ; butt a Duch flagge shippe lay hard upon 
 us, and so batterd our sayles and mayne-mast, that Sir Thomas 
 Allen thought it best that wee should make for England, and 
 repayre, and so make hast to them agayne, then going for the 
 coast of Holland. Butt wee were not willing to heare of 
 that, but fished our mast, and so well repayred our shippe at 
 sea, that wee were in good case to go along with our squad- 
 ron, and returned not till all was over at Skellink, in company 
 with the fleet. Then I brought the shippe to Woollage, and 
 layd her fast in the dock ; the captaine being gone to Lon- 
 don. She is now repayred, and wee are designed to conuay 
 the Cales and Malaga fleet, with others bound for the 
 Straights. Wee are to take up the marchands at the Downs, 
 and conuey them through the Channell to Plimouth, and 
 there to expect admirall Kempthorne, with 6 or 7 shipps 
 more, and so to passe forward. Wee are now riding in the 
 Long Reach, and hindred by this hard wether, which is so 
 extreme that the whole riuer of Thames is couered ouer with 
 huge flakes of ice, which, with the foame of the tide, doth so 
 gall us, that wee are forced to lay chaynes ouer our cables, 
 and fasten great elme plancks to the sides and bowes of our 
 shippe to saue her ; and if this extreme wether continueth, 
 wee shall bee fayne to hale her ashoare, the wind not pre- 
 senting to carry us lower downe. I confesse I could not butt 
 call to mind what I had read in captain James his trauayles, 
 though with no comparison unto his dangers. I receaued 
 some time ago all the things you sent ; violin, nocturnall, and 
 Wagoner, which is a very good one, though not of the last 
 edition, which was printed 1600. No newes at present 
 butt what cometh from your coast, of the taking and spoyling 
 5 sayle of Duch men of warre. The discontent of the sea- 
 men, for want of pay, is no newes unto you. Yesterday 
 diuers of them, now bound outward, presented a petition to 
 
16G6.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 133 
 
 the Duke of York, for some of their pay, to prouide for them- 
 selues and families, wch they are to leaue at home. What 
 the euent will bee it is easie to judge, by what hath alreadie 
 passed. Certaine it is that they are in a sad and pitifull con- 
 dition* ; and no small trouble it is unto us, who are to command 
 a company of mutinous unpayd men. For my part, while I 
 haue a penny, I cannot but releiue them, of whose fidelity 
 and valour I can giue so good testimonie ; nor do I find them 
 so untractible, who all this while, though the captaine were 
 ashoare, haue kept them aboard and unto their duties better 
 then I might haue feared I should haue done. I cannot butt 
 wonder at this unreasonable and unpolitick course, to dis- 
 oblige the seamen, who haue behaued themselues so stoutly, 
 and discontent the whole land, who haue so largely disbursed 
 for their paye. The consequence must be bad, and at least 
 no honourable peace. I neuer looke to see another fleet so 
 well manned and readie. for the seruice, except a speedie re- 
 couery be made of their affections unto it. I hope by this, 
 my third winter voyage to the Strayghts, much to improue 
 my knowledge of what I haue seen and learned alreadie, and 
 wee hope to bee in England by April, before any action. 
 Prince Rupert being pleased to take notice of my endeauors, 
 gaue mee counsell by all means to take paynes to be a good 
 channell man, and to understand the narrow seas as exactly 
 as I could ; and therefore, though I haue alreadie taken the 
 best notice I could thereof, yet in this voyage I shall bee a 
 more strict obseruer ; and if it please God I returne, shall 
 send you my obseruations thereof, with what discriptions and 
 draughts time will give mee leaue to sett downe. I am much 
 satisfied that I haue got my boy Will Blanchot's pension set- 
 tled for his life ; haueing had his thigh broake by a splinter 
 in the last fight butt one, to the greif, not only of myself, butt 
 of all the shippe : it will be hard to meet with a boy so boald 
 and useful in a fight, though I haue another that doeth well. 
 I shall take all the care to bind him out ; and I hope it is al- 
 readie done by those I have employed about it. His father 
 was chief gunner of our shippe, at Bergen, where hee was 
 slayne, and his sonne left to the wide world till I tooke him 
 into my care. The honest Moore hath leave to go to London 
 
134 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1666. 
 
 for some days, but I hope I shall haue his company with mee 
 this voyage also. Hee is a right honest and stout man, and 
 hath now the oversight of 6 gunnes to better his pay. There 
 is not such a man in all the fleet, hee understands and speakes 
 Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, high Duch, Polish, and the 
 vulgar Greeke ! I exercise my Latin and French with him, 
 and intend this voyage to practise Italian with him ; hauing 
 an Italian grammar with mee, and hauing Latin and French, 
 find it will be easily obtained. Hee is much affected to my 
 brother Edward since he was with us at Southwould bay ; 
 whether if wee come agayn I intend that hee should wayt 
 upon you at Norwich. I intend to draw his picture in litle, r> 
 as I have done the masters and some others. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. NO. 1745. FOL. 31.] 
 
 From the Thames to Falmouth. 
 
 The 29th day of Nouember [1666], 4 being Saterday, I 
 parted from London to goe aboard the Mary Rose friggatt, 
 then fitted out at Woolidge, and intended for Cales and Tan- 
 gier. The 1st of December she fell downe into the Long 
 Reach, where she stayed to take in her prouisions and stores, 
 till the 2nd of January ffollowing. Our long stay there was 
 cheefly caus'd by an extraordinary ffrost for about a fortnight 
 together, which couered the whole Thames with great fflakes 
 of ice, hindring all passage up or downe by water, some of 
 which were halfe a musket shot ouer, and of a great thicknes, 
 which by the violence of the tide were forc'd upon us with 
 such impetuousnes, that wee were forc'd to new seruice our 
 cables, continually fastning our top chains to them ; allso the 
 best 3 inch plancke wee had dayly fastned to her bows, were 
 forc'd away like durt, the ice grinding there continually, and 
 
 3 In miniature. 
 4 On reference to tables in Nicolas's Notitia Historica, it appears that the 29th 
 of November fell on a Saturday in 1662 and 1673. Notwithstanding this, I have 
 no hesitation in affirming 1666 as the date of the present journal. See Pepys's 
 Diary, vol. ii, p. 10. — "Feb. 3, 1666-7; away home, and received some letters 
 from Sir W. Coventry, touching the want of victuals to Kempthorne's fleet, going to 
 the Streights, and now in the Downs." 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 135 
 
 making a hideous noise, shaking the whole shipp. At length, 
 wearied out with this kind of labour, and ffearing iff the frost 
 should continue, it might sincke our shipp, the sheathing 
 being quite torn from her bowes, and part of her bends be- 
 ginning to be shatterd, wee wayed, and fell with the tide 
 before Grauesend, where then rid a considerable fleet of 
 merchant shipps bound out, with seural newly arriued from 
 Gottenborg. From hence to London tis somwhat aboue 
 twenty mile by water, the riuer turning and winding seuerall 
 wayes, which our seamen call reaches. The townes that 
 stand on it are, Debtford, one of the king's yards for build- 
 ing and repairing of shipps ; Greenwich, an ancient seat of 
 pleasure of the kings ; the howse during the rebellion was 
 pulld down, but now very magnificently building again with 
 free stone, the queen's howse a little aboue it, a handsome 
 building, to which joins a verry spacious parke. Blackwall 
 hath the largest wet dock in England, and belongs cheefly to 
 the East India Company. Woolidge hath another dock yard 
 of the king's, with magasins and stores for the conuenience of 
 his nauy. Eref 5 and Purfleet, a mannor of the king's, at the 
 upper end of Long Reach ; the lower is Gren-hiue, 6 a market 
 towne, and Grayes, 7 opposite, on the Essex side. Northfleet, 
 a village about a mile from Gravesend. Gravesend is a 
 maior towne, pretty large, but yields no other trade than 
 what the marchant shippes continually lying there afourd it. 
 There is a castle and block-house on eyther side the riuer, 
 where all merchant men are stopt and searcht, paying some 
 duties to the castle. Wee lay our shipp ashore near the 
 block-howse, to mend such damages as the ice had done us, 
 and the 9th wayhed and came into the Hope, a noted anchor- 
 ing place, there being a conueniency for many shipps to ride 
 in safety together ; near this, Tilbury, a small village, famous 
 for Quen Elizabeth's camp there. The next day wee 
 waighed again, and, haueing stopt one tide near Old Hauen, 
 wee came to an anchor again at the buy of the Nore, where 
 rear-admirall Kempthorn 8 then rid commander-in-cheef, with 
 
 5 Erith. 6 Greenhithe. ' Grays Thurrock. 
 
 8 Afterwards knighted, and made Commissioner at Portsmouth, which place he 
 represented in parliament. He died 1679. 
 
136 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1666. 
 
 6 or 7 sail of frigats. A little aboue the buy of the Nore, is 
 Lee Towne and Roade, where the London, a second rate ship, 
 was blown up in the year 1665; but 13, out of 300 and od 
 men, saued in her. The Nore is a sand that shooleth of 
 from the south point of the riuer ; upon the outwardmost end 
 of it lies a buy continually. Opposite to this is Shear nes, 
 on the island of Sheppy, where the king hath lately built a 
 yard, and furnisht it with all manner of stores for the fitting 
 his fleet, which before were brought from Chattam and 
 Woollidffe. Between the Nore and Shearness runs in the 
 Swale to Quinborow, which is an old mayor towne, and had 
 formerly an ancient castle, lately demolisht. Up the riuer 
 Medway is Chattam and Rochester citty, where in time of 
 peace the nauy shipps are laid up. At the buy of the Nore 
 wee rid till the 19th, when the wind comeing fair wee sailed. 
 There are two wayes to sail out of the riuer, from the north- 
 ward, along by the Nase, and through the Kings Channel ; 
 or from the southward, by the North Forland, which is not 
 to bee done neither but at spring tides by the great shipps, 
 and is called the Flats. From the east point of Sheppy to 
 Whitstaple lies in a bay, which is not to bee sayled in by 
 ships of burthen. The Recculuers is a small towne ; the 
 church hath two spires in front, a, great land marke for sailing 
 ouer the flats. Marget is a towne on the foreland, with a 
 peere, where small vessels may come in at half tide and ly 
 dry, it is remarkable for the North Down ale brued there. 
 Ramsgate and Broadstairs, two small towns on the pitch of the 
 forland with peers allso ; the forland is a rocky promontory 
 running out into the sea, on the extreamity of which are two 
 light howses ; when you come about the north foreland, the 
 Downs open it selfe, being a bay that lies between the N and 
 S forlands, and is secured from the violence of the sea by the 
 Goodwin sands, dry at low water ; the north part is called 
 the Small Downes. In the bottome lies Deal, a pretty large 
 towne, alltogether sustained by the concours of shipps dayly 
 arriuing there. There are three castles for the security of 
 the Downes ; Sandowne, about half a mile to the northwards 
 of Deal ; Deal castle, standing near the town, and Wamouth, 
 a mile more southward, by the south foreland, is much like 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 137 
 
 the north, being a high white cliffe, with 2 lighthowses also 
 on it, to direct the going in and out of the south channell. 
 Wee arriued in the Downes the 20th ; and the 22nd the rear- 
 admirall came to us, hee being a third rate, and forc't to goe 
 about the king's channell. Wee rid here till the 29th, when 
 the wind presenting, wee sailed with a conuoy of about 38 
 sail of marchant men bound for Lisbone, Cales, Tangier, &c. 
 About a league from the foreland is Douer; the castle is verry 
 large, fortified after the antique manner, and stands on the 
 top of a verry high cliffe ; the towne stands in the bottom be- 
 neath, it hath a peer for shipps, which is kept at a great deal 
 of charge. From hence wee sail along by Dungeon ness, a 
 low nook of land with a light house on it ; to the westward of 
 it lies Ry, in a should bay, that hath only a channell for small 
 vessels, and the old ruind towne of Winchelsy ; the other 
 hedland of this bay is Fayr Lee, 9 from whence wee haue 
 Becke, 1 one of the most renown lands in this part of Eng- 
 land, it being a great white cliffe. Before wee come to the 
 Isle of Wight, lies the should s of the Owers, aboue a league 
 from the land, from which wee see Culuer cliff, a great square 
 white cliff, and Dunnose, the southermost land of the Isle of 
 Wight, and soon after St. Ellens Point, couered with trees 
 and shrubbs. Further in upon the main is Portsmouth, a 
 uerry strong towne, and one of the cheefest magasines in 
 England, both for sea and land; not far from it is Porchester, 
 an old castle, built by Julius Caesar, as they will haue ; there 
 haue been diuers old medals found near it. Southsea castle, 
 about a mile from Portsmouth ; there is allso Calshot and 
 Hurst on the main. There was formerly one at the Spit-hed, 
 but long since demolisht. On the island, which is verry 
 fruitfull, is Newport, a large market towne, besides severall 
 other inferior ; the castles are Yarmouth, Cowes, and one in 
 the bay between Culver clif and Dun nose. The Needles at 
 the west end of the island, verry remarkable rocks, being 3 of 
 them, which stand loose from the cliff, a pretty way in the 
 sea; in going in" wee sail verry near them, to auoid a sand 
 that lies on the other side. West from the Needles is 
 Sandwich bay, where Sir Thomas Allen commands a cas- 
 
 9 Fairlight. 1 Bexhill, 
 
138 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1666- 
 
 tie. 2 Toward night we made the land of St. Albans, and 
 that night past by Portland, which is a peninsula, the 
 land of it is high, from whence comes our Purbeck stones. 
 The race which sets off of it, is very remarkable, being 
 a meeting of the tides, which is sometimes with that vio- 
 lence that ships have been very much endangered going 
 through it. It blew very hard all this night, at east. 
 Eight o'clock wee lay by, to auoid over shooting our port, 
 being bound to touch at Plimouth. In the morning wee 
 made sail in with the land, thick rainy wether, the first we 
 saw was the rock which lies to the southward of Torbay, and 
 soon after the ferry which is the land beyond it; about 9 
 o'clock, we saw Dartmouth range, which are a company of 
 rocks lying of that port ; after wee had opened the harbour, 
 we sailed fair by the Start, a ragged point reching into the 
 sea ; wee sailed along by Praul and the Boult, two other 
 headlands, and at 4 in the afternoon, came to an anchor, in 
 Plimouth Sound, abrest of St. Francis Island, where wee 
 found the rear-admiral Vtburd, who commanded the western 
 squadron, with fiue or six sail of 3 and 4 rate fFrigats, hauing 
 taken seuerall prises to the westward. The bay of Plimouth, 
 is one of the most comodius in England, being about two 
 leagues deepe and lying in. The two head lands are the 
 Mewstone with the point that lies of from Weemberry ; the 
 westermost is the Ramhed or rather Pen Lee, which is 
 another point within it, about which is Caisson bay, a small 
 fisher towne, lying in the bottom of it. Of the eastermost 
 point lies a long ridg of ragged rocks, the outwardmost of 
 which is calld the Shagg Rocke from the number of those 
 fowl which are continually upon it, the whole sound is gene- 
 rally rocky, unles it be west [of] the bay under Mount Stam- 
 ford, where there is very good ground for a good compas, but 
 it lies rocky of a great way from the island. To the north- 
 wards of the island again is good ground, and in Cawsome 
 bay there are two very good harbours in the sound, Catwater, 
 
 2 Pepys (vol. ii, p. 41,) says, "Sir G. Carteret did tell me on one occasion 
 how Sir Thomas Allen was tried for his life, in P. Rupert's fleet, in the late time, 
 for cowardice, and condemned to be hanged, and fled to Jerzy, &c." The storm, 
 however, blew over; for he was sent out in 1668-9, in command of the Mediterra- 
 nean fleet. 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 139 
 
 where all shipps that are bound to the westward ly, and Ham 
 ose for those bound to the eastward, beside the Barbican 
 which is the harbour in the towne, and lies dry at low water. 
 Mount Buttin is the outwardmost point of Catwater, being a 
 round hill, almost an island, with a round tower on it; in 
 the siege of Plimouth, it served notably to straighten the be- 
 seiged, the channel being not above musquet shot ouer, the 
 kings party then hauing a fort on Mount Stamford, and con- 
 tinually plying this place with store of small shot. The tower 
 upon it hath been since built to hinder the like inconueni- 
 ences. Opposite to it is the fort of Plimouth, built upon 
 the extremity of a rock, the lower part of which is called 
 Fishers Nose ; it hath always been accounted very strong, 
 but is now much strengthened by the new fortificasions which 
 run along the hill. To the westward behind this hill, lies the 
 town of Plimouth ; you can see nothing of it but the top of 
 the steeple, as you rid in the sound ; it is a very large towne 
 and of great trade, and keeps a number of shipping ; it hath 
 been formerly walled, but is now quite dismantled. There is 
 an ould square castle in the towne, which hath been long 
 made a prison and is now pulling downe for the new workes. 
 To sail into Ham ose, you pass by the island St. Frances, 
 leaving it on your larbord side ; it is a rocke that lies in the 
 sound, hauing no possible access to it but one, which is allso 
 verry difficult and well fortified. The top of it is green, and 
 hath a large fortified howse on it. A little within this stands 
 Mount Wise, a great house, on Plimouth side, and on the 
 other, Mount Edgcome, a very handsome howse and pleasant 
 seat, belonging to Sir Richard Edgcomb ; it is verry well 
 wooded down to the sea side, and hath a very handsom parke ; 
 between these goeth in Ham ose and Milbrooke ; between 
 Mount Wise and Plimouth, is Stonhowse and Milbay, where 
 small vessels do anchor, there is a good watering place. The 
 7th of February, rear-admirall Kempthorn ariued with the 
 rest of our frigats. We continued here waiting a wind, till 
 the 19th, when, it comeing eastwardly, wee sailed all together, 
 the rear-admiral of the white being bound to cruce of the 
 Lands end, and wee to the southward with our conuoy. 
 About 12 at night, the wind scanted upon us, and our mar- 
 
140 JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. [1666. 
 
 chant men not being able to make any thing of it, wee put 
 back again for Plimouth, severall of them went into Falmouth. 
 The rear-ad mirall of the white only, with his squadron, kept 
 the sea. The 21st, the wind came about eastwardly again, 
 and the Mary Rose was ordered to way and call the marchant 
 men out of Falmouth, and stay there for the coming of the 
 fleet. About 10 at night, we wayed, hauing a fine small gale, 
 that night wee ly by about 3 howers, and by 6 in the morn- 
 ing, were of the Deadman, a point of land shooting out from 
 the rest; to the westward is still another point, of which 
 about halfe a mile lies the Gull rocke. 
 
 Falmouth is a deep bay, that takes its name from a rock 
 which lies almost in the mid channell, at the entrance, on 
 either side of which stands a castle ; Pendennis castle on a 
 high hill in a peninsula, being one of the strongest in Eng- 
 land, is on the west side, and St. Maurs on the side of a hill, 
 on the east. There are seuerall towns in the bay, as St. 
 Maurs, Perin, and Falmouth, which is named and made a 
 corporacion by the king, it being formerly a place that had no 
 other name but Penylome Quick, being only a few ale howses 
 for the reception of seamen ; the rock only was calld Falmouth. 
 Truro lyes in the bottom of the bay ; it is very much used by 
 merchant shipps, being not so commodious for the great 
 shipps of warr there as at Plimouth ; the shipps eastwardly 
 bound run up to Perin, the westwardly toward Truro, the 
 eastward point of the bay lies of rocky, as at Plimouth, and 
 hath a shagg rock continually covered with that sort of fowl. 
 Something to the westward of Pendennis castle, is Hilfort, a 
 small towne that hath a harbour for small vessels ; about two 
 leagues from that is the Manackles, a ledge of rocks that ly 
 aboue a league of the Blackhead, which is part of the land of 
 the Lisart. The Lisart hath three points, the eastwardmost 
 of which is the Blackhead, of which lies the Manackles, the 
 southermost, which is commonly called the Lisart, hath a 
 ledge of rocks running out from it aboue water, called the 
 Staggs, the westermost is Predamour point ; they are all 
 much like one another, being flat land, not very high, and all 
 three bluf steep points. 
 
1666.] JOURNAL OF MR. THOMAS BROWNE. 141 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 Admiral Kempthornes General Orders. 
 
 Instructions in particular for the present outbound expedi- 
 tion : 
 
 1. That the Defyance and Dreadnought keepe in the van 
 of the fleet. The Cambridge on the starboard wing, as neere 
 the middle as may bee. The Fairfax on the larboard in the 
 same manner ; the Dunkirk and Marie-Rose in the reare, ac- 
 cording to the description hereunder. 
 
 o 
 a 
 
 T3 5 
 
 Fayrfax Cambridge 
 
 o 
 
 
 PJ 
 
 
 <D . 
 
 '<% 
 
 'u 
 
 a 
 
 <a 
 
 s 
 
 % 
 
 Q 
 
 2. That none give chase out of the sight of the fleet upon 
 any pretention whatever. 
 
 3. In case of separation by foule weather, or any other ac- 
 cident which may happen, that then the rendezvous of meeting 
 be at Tangier. 
 
142 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1667. 
 
 4. In case we should meet a considerable enemie that may 
 stand to engage us, that wee fall into the posture as heere 
 deciphered. 
 
 <v> 3 o iac 
 
 .& s .5 "E 
 
 c «•>"> S £ e 
 
 a 
 
 Rj 
 
 Pn Q Q Q S O 
 
 5. When the admirall desireth to speake with any of the 
 commanders hee will abroad a pendant 
 
 f Main yard arme 
 Fore yard arme 
 In the \ Mayne topsayle yard arme \ for the 
 I Fore topsayle yard arme 
 I Mizen topsail yard arme 
 
 r Cambridge 
 Fayrfax 
 Dreadnought 
 Dunkirk 
 Marie Rose 
 
 JOHN KEMPTHORNE. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 [February, 1667.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Wee are now riding in Plimmouth Sound, whether 
 wee brought safe our convoy of 38 marchand shipps. Heere 
 I found Captain Utberd, with five good men of warre ; many 
 considerable prizes have been lately taken, and dailie some 
 are brought in, both Duch and French. Wee now attend the 
 coming of Rere-admirall Kempthorne, butt I hope I may bee 
 so happy as to receave one from you before wee sayle. I 
 lately read a good part of Lucan, whose sentences, orations, 
 and noble straynes, I like very well ; and to say truth, some 
 other poets of great name, seeme to mee butt flat in compari- 
 son of him. The speech of Vulteius is very remarkable, and 
 handsomely expressed ; and I was much affected with it. I 
 
1667.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 143 
 
 beleeve the translation by May will come short of it. Hee 
 was one of Caesar's commanders, who, finding his shippe en- 
 tangled by ropes layd purposely in the sea, and surrounded 
 with a great body of Pompey's forces, fought it out an whole 
 day with them; and seing no way to auoid taking, rather than 
 to bee slaves and prisoners, exhorted his souldiers in the 
 shippe to kill one another, which was effected the next morn- 
 ing, himself being first slayne, and afterward all the rest. It 
 is in the fourth booke ; [beginning] 
 
 Libera non ultra parua quam nocte Juventus 
 
 and so on, unto 
 
 Sed virtus te sola daret. 
 
 His character of Cassar I like very well ; — 
 
 Acer et indomitus, &c. 
 
 Nil actum credens, si quid superesset agendum. 
 
 This temper would haue serued well, and had probably 
 concluded the warre in our first fight with the Duch. 
 
 I am like to see Tangier the third time. Our voyage must 
 not bee long. I expect to receave your farther commands by 
 the next. Your obedient sonne, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Thomas. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 I receaved yours, and would not deferre to send vnto you 
 before you sayled, which I hope will come vnto you ; for in 
 this wind, neither can Reare-admirall Kempthorne come to 
 you, nor you beginne your voyage. I am glad you like Lucan 
 so well. I wish more military men could read him ; in this 
 passage you mention, there are noble straynes ; and such as 
 may well affect generous minds. Butt I hope you are more 
 
144 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1667. 
 
 taken with the verses then the subject, and rather embrace 
 the expression then the example. And this I the rather hint 
 unto you, because the like, though in another waye, is some- 
 times practised in the king's shipps, when, in desperate cases, 
 they blowe up the same. 3 For though I know you are sober 
 and consideratiue, yet knowing you also to be of great resolu- 
 tion ; and having also heard from ocular testimonies with what 
 vndaunted and persevering courage you have demeaned your- 
 self in great difficulties ; and knowing your captaine to bee a 
 stout and resolute man; and with all the cordiall friendshippe 
 that is between you ; I cannot omitt my earnest prayers vnto 
 God to deliver you from such a temptation. Hee that goes 
 to warre must patiently submitt vnto the various accidents 
 thereof. To bee made prisoner by an vnequall and overrul- 
 ing power, after a due resistance, is no disparagement ; butt 
 upon a carelesse surprizall or faynt opposition ; and you have 
 so good a memorie that you cannot forgett many examples 
 thereof, even of the worthiest commanders in your beloved 
 Plutark. God hath given you a stout, butt a generous and 
 mercifull heart withall ; and in all your life you could never 
 behold any person in miserie butt with compassion and relief; 
 which hath been notable in you from a child : so have you 
 layd up a good foundation for God's mercy ; and, if such a 
 disaster should happen, Hee will, without doubt, mercifully 
 remember you. Howeuer, let God that brought you in the 
 world in his owne good time, lead you through it ; and in his 
 owne season bring you out of it ; and without such wayes as 
 are displeasing vnto him. When you are at Cales, see if you 
 can get a box of the Jesuits' powder at easier rate, and bring 
 it in the bark, not in powder. I am glad you haue receaued 
 the bill of exchange for Cales ; if you should find occasion to 
 make vse thereof. Enquire farther at Tangier of the mine- 
 rail water you told mee, which was neere the towne, and 
 whereof many made use. Take notice of such plants as you 
 meet with, either upon the Spanish or African coast ; and if 
 you knowe them not, putt some leaves into a booke, though 
 
 3 In the action of the 3rd of June, 1666, Albemarle, the commander-in-chief, 
 confessed his intention rather to blow up his ship, and perish gloriously, than yield 
 to the enemy. 
 
1667.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 145 
 
 carelessely, and not with that neatenesse as in your booke at 
 Norwich. Enquire after any one who hath been at Fez ; and 
 learne what you can of the present state of that place, which 
 hath been so famous in the description of Leo and others. 
 The mercifull prouidence of God go with you. Impellant 
 animce lintea Thracice. 
 
 Your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 For Mr. Thomas Browne, Lieutenant of his Majesties 
 shippe, the Marie Rose, riding in Plimouth Sound. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 From aboard his Majestie's shippe, the Marie Rose, 
 in Portland Roade. [Early in May, 1667?] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I receaved not your letter at Cales before wee were 
 readie to returne ; and therefore sent no answere, in hope I 
 should bee in England before that could come vnto your 
 hand : and, God be thanked, I am now riding in Portland 
 Road, and, if the wind favour, hope to bee to-morrowe at 
 Portsmouth, from whence this is to come vnto you. The last 
 I writ vnto you was from Plimmouth, from whence wee sayled 
 the 21st of Februarie, with Rere-admirall Kempthorne, and 
 about fiftie marchand shippes. The order, and manner of 
 the sayling of our men of warre in this expedition, I have set 
 downe in a sheet of paper, as ordered by our admirall. The 
 28th wee had the length of the North Cape; and were order- 
 ed to convoy in all the marchand shippes in our fleet which 
 were bound for Lisbone. So the first of March wee stood 
 into Cascales Road, and saw our convoy safe up the river ; 4 
 and being to make hast after our fleet, that night wee got al- 
 most Cape Spichel or Picher; the next day Cape St. Vincent ; 
 and the sixth day wee arriued at Tangier ; two dayes before 
 the admirall. There wee stayed four dayes, then wayghed, 
 
 l Tagus. 
 VOL. I. L 
 
146 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1667. 
 
 and went for Cales ; where wee stayed about a fortnight, to 
 bring away such shippes as were readie for our convoy. I 
 found Mr. Knights ashoare at Porto Sta. Maria ; of whom I 
 tooke up an hundred and fiftie six peeces of eight ; which I 
 haue now aboard in sherry sack ; and which I hope will turn 
 to good account. I have also six jarres of tent, each contain- 
 ing about three gallons ; which I intend to present vnto my 
 friends ; and a roll of excellent tobacco, as they tell mee who 
 have taken of it ; very noble sweet waters, and orange flower 
 butter, which may prove welcome presents to some friends. 
 I stayed three dayes at Porto Sta. Maria, which is a large 
 towne belonging to the Duke of Medina, wherein are two 
 very fine churches ; the one of St. Victor, the other of St. 
 Anna ; severall also of the king's galleys are layd up in this 
 river, which cometh from the citty of Xeres, commonly called 
 Sherrez. From hence I passed over to Cales, where I stayd 
 some dayes : a very strong and well peopled place, with seve- 
 rall fayre churches, of one whereof I tooke a draught ; butt 
 the streets are narrow and ill paved, hauing little or no fresh 
 water butt what is brought from other places ; from whence 
 also they have their hearbes, fruits, meal, and other necessa- 
 ries ; standing itself on a meere sand, it little differs from the 
 figure of it in Brawne's 5 Book of Citties. From hence wee 
 sayled with our convoy of marchands, which came in timely 
 enough for us, and hauing made the South Cape were agayne 
 ordered to go into Lisbon with the Revenge, who had sprung 
 a leake. Wee stayd one day, and left the Revenge, to bring 
 away the marchantmen in the river. I was not sorry I stayd 
 no longer ; hauing been twice there before, and hauing taken 
 a full view and observation of that place and all considerable 
 places, forts, castles, and the famous conuent of Belim, in my 
 first voyage in the Foresight with Captain Brooke, when, for 
 a fortnight, wee dailie visited the court, attending the com- 
 mands and dispatches of the Conde Melhor, the favorite, and 
 minister of state, who sent divers letters and juells to our 
 queen. Wee have had much fowl weather, and contrarie 
 winds since wee parted from Lisbone, till within these six 
 dayes. Wee had putt into Plimmouth this morning, butt it 
 
 5 Braun. 
 
1667.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 147 
 
 blowing hard last night, wee overshot the port, being up with 
 the Steart Poynt by break of day ; and this evening wee are 
 come to an anchor. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1745.] 
 
 [May, 1667?] 
 
 HONORD SIR, 
 
 I am newlie come into Portsmouth, and have alreadie 
 disposed of my adventure from Cales. Wee came in with 
 full expectation that wee should have found our fleet readie 
 for this summer's action ; butt, to the great grief of ourselves, 
 and all honest publick spirited souldiers and seamen, wee find 
 all contrarie to our desires ; and that our great and most con- 
 siderable shipps shall not be employed this summer. And in 
 the meane time wee vnderstand, for certaine, the Duch are 
 coming out with a good fleet. I confess as yet I vnderstand 
 not this counsell at land ; butt I dare confidently say, wee 
 shall sadly repent of it. The Duch would never have given 
 us this advantage ; and I beleeve they will not neglect to 
 make vse of it now wee haue giuen it them. Sir Thomas 
 Allen hath a squadron of shippes at Plimmouth of the third 
 and fourth rate, butt not able to oppose a fleet. Some shipps 
 are heere, together with the Souernign, which is vnprouided. 
 Wee heare of none in the riuer of Thames ; nor how the fort 
 at Sheerenesse is fortified or manned. I am sure it was butt 
 in meane case when I was at it in January. To treat for 
 peace thus vnprovided, without a cessation of armes, or acts 
 of hostilitie, is not pleasing vnto us ; butt wee are readie to 
 embrace a peace which should bee made with our swords in 
 our hands. Wee stayed butt four dayes at Tangier, this 
 voyage : of the towne I tooke a draught before, which I have 
 sett downe in my Journall of my voyadge with Sir Jeremie 
 Smith, which I sent vnto you; and I can say litle more of it than 
 what I said there, only, the mole goeth well forward, they 
 bauing the assistance of some Italians acquainted with that 
 
 L 2 
 
148 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1667. 
 
 kind of work : tis a very great attempt, the sea being deepe, 
 and as they aduance will bee deeper, and then they will come 
 from a rocky to a sandy bottome, where the stones will sinck 
 deeper, and the work take time to settle. When it is com- 
 pleat it will be a notable peece, and scarce to be matched. 
 I should thinck that in some places it were as easie to build 
 an amphitheatre. I was curious to obserue the whole manner 
 and way of making of it ; and spent some time in obseruing, 
 discoursing, and questioning about it; and haue set downe 
 the way of it. I walked agayne about the line on the land 
 side, and viewed the forts, redoubts, and workes, which make 
 it very strong. When I first saw it with Captain Brookes, I 
 thought it a poore and contemptible place ; butt since, I per- 
 ceave, there are diuers new buildings, and the towne is fuller, 
 and hath diuers nations in it, and they haue notably thriued 
 by this warre, and like to driue a trade. Of that great masse 
 of building, like stony stares, by the sea side, at the bottome 
 of the towne, which is sett downe grossely in the mappe of 
 Tangier, in Braun's Book of Citties, I could learn no more 
 then that the Moores, in old time, kept their market upon 
 them, butt who built them is vncertain, though they seeme of 
 good antiquitie. Of the city of Fez men heere knowe as litle 
 of it as though it were much farther of. I beleeve it is much 
 altered since Leo Africanus described it, by reason of the 
 continuall warres : and I doubt is not so noble a place now as 
 Vincent Leblanck, a much later trauayler, made it. I spoke 
 with a Jew, who informed me much of severall parts of Bar- 
 barie ; and told mee that some of their nation had been at 
 Fez, and were then butt at Arzilla. I obliged him much by 
 two English knifes ; and he promised mee that hee would 
 gett an account sett downe by them, which hee would putt 
 into French, and I should haue it whenever I came again, or 
 sent for it ; hee intending to abide in Tangier. Three Spa- 
 niards which were imprisoned by the Moores about Azamore, 
 by contriuing a woodden key to open the prison doore, made 
 their escape, and came to Tangier. 
 
 Tangier is situated to the westward of the bay, upon the 
 bending of a hill, from whence to the sea-side is a very great 
 descent ; it is almost four-square, the best street in it is that 
 
1667.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 149 
 
 which runneth from Port Catherine downe to the Key Gate, 
 and is called the Market ; the other streets somewhat narrow 
 and crooked ; the mole will bee of great vse for the securitie 
 of shippes, the road being too open. I take this to bee an 
 ancient citty, as the old castle and stayres to the seaward, 
 though now much ruined, do testifie; yet not that Tingis from 
 whence Mauritania Tingitana had its name ; and which is so 
 often mentioned in ancient histories ; as, namely, by Plutarch, 
 in the Life of Sertorius, where it is set downe that hee passed 
 over from Spayne and tooke Tingis, and finding a tomb, re- 
 ported to bee that of Antaeus, hee broake it open, and found 
 therein bones of an exceeding length : which must surely bee 
 understood of that which is now called Old Tangier, situated 
 a little more eastward in the bay ; where I have seen a great 
 ruinous building and a broken bridg ouer the river, with ruins 
 which shewe it to haue been a more ancient habitation then 
 this of our Tangier. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Letter from Sir Thomas Browne to his Son, a Lieutenant of 
 his Majesty's ship the Marie Rose, at Portsmouth. 
 
 [May or June, 1667.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am very glad you are returned from the strayghts 
 mouth once more in health and safetie. God continue 
 his mercifull providence over you. I hope you maintaine 
 a thankful heart and daylie bless him for your great de- 
 liverances in so many fights and dangers of the sea, whereto 
 you have been exposed upon several seas, and in all seasons 
 of the yeare. When you first under tooke this service, you 
 cannot butt remember that I caused you to read the descrip- 
 tion of all the sea fights of note, in Plutark, the Turkish his- 
 tory, and others; and withall gave you the description of 
 fortitude left by Aristotle, " Fortitudinis est inconcussum 
 fivmrkTixTov a mortis metu et constantem in malis et intrepidum 
 
150 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1667. 
 
 ad pericula esse, et malle honeste mori quam turpiter servari 
 et victoriae causam praestare. Praeterea autem fortitudinis est 
 laborare et tolerare. Accedit autem fortitudini audacia et 
 animi praestantia et fiducia, et confidentia, ad hasc industria 
 et tolerantia." That which I then proposed for your example, 
 I now send you for your commendation. For, to give you 
 your due, in the whole cours of this warre, both in fights and 
 other sea affairs, hazards and perills, you have very well full- 
 filled this character in yourself. And allthough you bee not 
 forward in commending yourself, yett others have not been 
 backward to do it for you, and have so earnestly expressed 
 your courage, valour, and resolution ; your sober, studious, 
 and observing cours of life ; your generous and obliging dis- 
 position, and the notable knowledge you have obtayned in mi- 
 litary and all kind of sea affayres, that it affoordeth no small 
 comfort unto mee. And I would by no meanes omitt to de- 
 clare the same unto yourself, that you may not want that en- 
 couragement which you so well deserve. They that do well 
 need not commend themselves ; others will be readie enough 
 to do it for them. And because you may understand how 
 well I have heard of you, I would not omitt to communicate 
 this unto you. Mr. Scudamore. your sober and learned chap- 
 laine, in your voyage with Sir Jeremie Smith, gives you no 
 small commendations for a sober, studious, courageous, and 
 diligent person ; that he had not met with any of the fleet 
 like you, so civill, observing, and diligent to your charge, with 
 the reputation and love of all the shippe ; and that without 
 doubt you would make a famous man, and a reputation to 
 your country. Captain Fenne, a meere rough seaman, sayd 
 that if hee were to choose, hee would have your company be- 
 fore any he knewe. Mr. W. B. of Lynn, a stout volunteer 
 in the Dreadnought, sayd, in my hearing, that you were a 
 deserving person, and of as good a reputation as any young 
 man in the fleet. Another, who was with you at Schellinck's, 
 highly commended your sobrietie, carefullnesse, undaunted 
 and lasting courage through all the cours of the warre ; that 
 you had acquired no small knowledge in navigation, as well as 
 the military part. That you understood every thing that be- 
 longed unto a shippe ; and had been so strict and criticall an 
 
1667.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 151 
 
 observer of the shipps in the fleet, that you could name any 
 shippe sayling at some distance ; and by some private mark 
 and observation which you had made, would hardly mistake 
 one, if seventie shippes should sayle at a reasonable distance 
 by you. You are much obliged to Sir Thomas Allen, who 
 upon all occasions speakes highly of you ; 6 and is to be held 
 to the fleet by encouragement and preferment : for I would 
 not have him leave the sea, which otherwise probably he might, 
 having parts to make himself considerable by divers other 
 wayes. Mr. I. told mee you were compleately constituted to 
 do your country service, honour, and reputation, as being ex- 
 ceeding faythfull, valiant, diligent, generous, vigilant, observ- 
 ing, very knowing, and a scholar. How you behaved yourself 
 in the Foresight, at the hard service at Bergen, in Norway, 
 captain Brookes, the commander, expressed unto many before 
 his death, not long after, in Suffolk ; and particularly unto my 
 lord of Sandwich, then admiral, which thoughe you would 
 not tell me yourself, yet was I informed from a person of no 
 ordinary qualitie, C. Harland, who when you came aboard 
 the admiral after the taking of the East India shippes, heard 
 my lord of Sandwich, to speak thus unto you. " Sir, you are 
 a person whom I am glad to see, and must be better ac- 
 quainted with you, upon the account which captain Brooke 
 gave mee of you. I must encourage such persons and give 
 them their due, which will stand so firmely and courageously 
 unto it upon extremities, wherein true valour is best dis- 
 covered. Hee told mee you were the only man that stuck 
 closely and boldly to him unto the last, and that after so many 
 of his men and his lieutenant was slayne, hee could not have 
 well knowne what to have done without you." Butt beside 
 these I must not fayle to tell you how well I like it, that you 
 are not only Marti but Mercurio, and very much pleased to 
 find how good a student you have been at sea, and particu- 
 larly with what success you have read divers bookes there, es- 
 pecially Homer and Juvenal with Lubines notes. Being 
 much surprised to find you so perfect therein that you had 
 
 <5 There is evidently some omission here, either in the original or the copy ; the 
 following sentence appears to be Sir Thomas Allen's remark, the beginning of which 
 is apparently wanting. 
 
152 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 them in a manner without booke, and could proceed in any 
 verse I named unto you. I am glad you can overcome Lucan. 
 The other bookes which I sent, are, I perceive, not hard unto 
 you, and having such industrie adjoined unto your apprehen- 
 sion and memorie, you are like to proceed [not only] a noble 
 navigator, butt a great schollar, which will be much to your 
 honour and my satisfaction and content. I am much pleased 
 to find that you take the draughts of remarkable things 
 where ere you go; for that may bee very usefull, and will 
 fasten themselves the better in your memorie. You are 
 mightily improved in your violin, butt I would by no meanes 
 have you practise upon the trumpet, for many reasons. Your 
 fencing in the shippe may bee against the scurvie, butt that 
 knowledge is of little advantage in actions of the sea. 
 
 The absence of any correspondence between Sir 
 Thomas and his son Edward from 1665 to 1668, 
 favours the supposition that the latter resided at 
 Norwich during the greater portion of that period. 
 He was incorporated of Merton College, Oxford, in 
 June, 1666, and took his degree, Doctor of Physick, 
 July 4th, 1667. In August, 1668, he went over to 
 Holland, but probably intending only a short excur- 
 sion. He remained abroad, however, for nearly a 
 year and half, extending his travels from place to 
 place, far beyond his original plan, and in direct op- 
 position to his fathers urgent and reiterated requests. 
 It is, indeed, most edifying to contrast this persever- 
 ing disobedience with repeated and verbose profes- 
 sions of profound respect and implicit obedience to 
 his " most honoured father," followed by a profusion 
 of the humblest apologies and most sorrowful re- 
 grets for having disobeyed " such indulgent parents." 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 153 
 
 His letters to his father are so voluminous, that it 
 was absolutely necessary to curtail or omit the far 
 greater portion of them ; especially as the substance 
 has been published in his Travels, fol. 1685. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Though the wind served, yet I was confident the 
 shippe would not sayle, the wind being so high ; pray God, 
 when it groweth lower, the wind do not turn against you. 
 My humblest service and thanks unto Mr. Johnson. Betty 
 and I searched for the Transactions, butt could only find the 
 lesser part, wherin that discours is not ; butt I have sent you 
 all myne, wch are loose. When it shall please God you are 
 in the Netherlands, it were good to take notice of such plants 
 as you see, obseruing what growes common, what not so, on 
 the wayes and fields ; and putt up some in a booke. If your 
 bill of credit bee at Amsterdam, I know not whether you have 
 mony enough with you, to carry you thither, being to land at 
 Roterdam. God blesse and preserve you. I rest your loving 
 father, THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Aug. xiii, [1668.] 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWU CVIII.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Though I haue nothing to adde, yet I could not 
 omitt to send these few lines as a testimony of my true and 
 deare affection towards you, whereof you shall neuer want 
 the reall expressions. Confirme still the good reports I haue 
 euer heard of you. As I am alwayes sollicitous for you, 
 so shall I euer endeauor and pray for you. The mercifull 
 
154 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 prouidence of God go with you, and return you safe agayne 
 unto us. Your euer louing father, 
 
 Aug. 14, [1668.] THO. BROWNE. 
 
 You may haue often occasions to speake Latin in those 
 parts, wch I would haue you do boldly. My humble seruice 
 to Mr. Johnson. 
 
 Bettis loue to you. I wish you a happy voyage. 7 
 Its since writing, an arithmetick table was sent by Mr. Den- 
 ton, and another will bee sent on Thursday. If Mr. Wind- 
 ham and Mr. Meade will haue them they shall, except you 
 would haue another kept, or one at least. To preserue it 
 'twere good to keep yours in a bagge. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne to be left at Mr. 
 James Johnson's hous in Yarmouth, with 2 port- 
 mantles and an hamper. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.8] 
 
 Rotterdam, Aug. 26, Styl. nouo. 1668. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 Wee sett sayle from Yarmouth, on Friday, at 6 
 in the afternoon, and leauing the St. Nicholas sands, and 
 afterwards the Nowl (which is a new sand) on the starboard 
 side, and the next day by ten in the morning discoured 
 Grauesandt steeple, and entred the Maes at thirteen foot 
 water, wee arriued at Rotterdam a litle after 6 o'clock on 
 Saturday, and saw part of the Kermes. On Sunday Mr. 
 Hill preached at the English church, who was proctour 
 in Cambridge in my time. The cleanenesse and neatnesse 
 of this towne is so new unto mee, that it affoordeth great 
 satisfaction, most persons going about the streets in white 
 slippers. ED. BROWNE. 
 
 Aug. 17, Styl. vet. 1668. 
 
 1 This line is in the hand-writing of his sister, 
 8 These two numbers form one volume. 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 155 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I stayed 4 dayes at Rotterdam, where Mr. Panser 
 was very obliging. Great shipps come up to their howses 
 through most of the graefts or cutts out of the Maes, which 
 I obserue as yet no where els. From Rotterdam I passed by 
 Ouerschee to Delft. In an howse of this towne, I saw the 
 marks in a wall which a bullet made at prince William, who 
 was thereby murthered, From Delft I went to the Hague. 
 I saw the princes court, the piazza by it full of green trees, 
 the prince his grandmothers howse, the cours where the 
 coaches meet, and many fine howses in the towne, the pell 
 mall, the wood, the park, and went downe to Scheuelin, 
 where our king tooke shipping at his return to England. 
 From thence I went to Leyden, and one day I made an ex- 
 cursion to Alphen, with Mr. Thompson of Lynne ; heere wee 
 dyned at a country mans howse. In this place they make 
 much oyle for soape, make great store of tyles, and build 
 boates. On Monday I came back to Leyden by Goukerk, 
 where is the oldest hows in Holland. In Leyden I tooke 
 notice of that antiquitie called Hengist his castle, or the 
 Berg. In the anatomy schooles, are a very great number of 
 sceletons, the 2 leggs of an elephant, the sceleton of a whale 
 taken out of another whale, of an horse, deare, cow, cat, fox, 
 and what not; diuers sceletons of men and woemen, some 
 with muscle, one with the whole flesh and skinne ; butt I 
 haue since seen farr neater curiosities of this kind at Amster- 
 dam, performed by Dr. Reus. From Leyden I came to 
 Harlem, where, being alone, I fell in company with the go- 
 uernour of Maynhems sonne, who is a captaine heere, and 
 now going agaynst the duke of Lorraine, in seruice of the 
 Electour Palatine. From hence in 3 hours I passed to Am- 
 sterdam, where I haue seen so many curiosities, and am so 
 highly satisfied, that I thinck I cannot see better ; butt many 
 tell mee Antwerp surpasseth it, which I hope to see sud- 
 
158 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 denly. In the howse where I lodge, there lyes also one Mr. 
 Vernon, an Englishman, who hath trauelled these 6 yeares, 
 speakes excellent Latin, Spanish, Italian, high Duch, and 
 French; hath been almost in all parts of Christendom, be- 
 side Barbarie, with him I haue seen many things. I heare 
 your booke of Vulgar Errors is translated into low Duch, 
 and now in the presse. EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 Amsterdam, Sept. 14, 1668. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 My last I wrote to you from Middleburg, since 
 which time I have been at Brussells, and am returned unto 
 Antwerp. In Brussells, there are 3 hundred howses infected, 
 so I made litle stay there. I wayted upon Mrs. Waldegraue, 
 a nunne, in the English colledge, who presents her duty to 
 my lady, my sisters, and spake very worthily of yourself, in 
 remembrance of the great good you had done her father 
 Sir Henry 
 
 From Terueer I went to Middleburg, where Mr. Hill, the 
 minister, was exceeding obliging. I dined at his house ; hee 
 gave mee a booke, and when I went to Vlussing, accompanied 
 mee to the boat, and sent his kinsman with mee ; hee told mee 
 that the same man who translated your Religio Medici hath 
 translated your Vulgar Errors into low Duch. At Brussells 
 they cannot dissemble their joy that Castle Rodrigo 9 hath 
 left them, and stuck not to say upon his departing on Michael- 
 mas day, that their patron, St. Michael, had now overcome 
 and cast out the diuell. I pray direct a letter to mee, at 
 Frankfort, my letter of credit being for that place, upon 
 Monsr. Pierre de Neufille. 
 
 Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 Antwerp, Octob. 1, Styl. nouo, 1668. 
 
 9 The Marquess of Caste! Rodrigo, the Spanish governor of the Low Countries. 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 157 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I have receaued seuerall letters from you, the last 
 dated Sept. 14, from Amsterdam, by Mr. Pecket, and am 
 sorry I cannot write so often to you, not knowing wheither to 
 direct, but I would not omitt to aduenture this unto you in 
 Mr. Johnsons couert to Mr. Houenaer. The mony you tooke 
 up is payd, and though you have a letter of credit for a great 
 summe, yet I conceaue and hope you will take up butt a 
 part, for the yeare is spent and I would not have you make 
 wide excursions. I receaued some prints by Mr. Dearesly 
 which I like. Capt. Cox is not yet returned. I like it well 
 that you take notice of so many particularities. Enquire also 
 after the policie and gouernnient of places. Wearie not nor 
 tire thyself, butt endeauor to preserue thy health by sparing 
 thyself from labour and obseruing a good dyet. I am glad 
 you haue met with a person who speakes so many languadges ; 
 you may practise your Latin and Italian with him, little 
 troubling your head with the languadge of the Netherlands. 
 I am glad you haue seen the best of Holland. What way 
 you tooke from Utreckt I am uncertaine ; but probably, toward 
 Antwerp, which were very well worth the seeing, if the con- 
 tagion and disorder of souldiers in those parts will permitt. 
 But before this can probably come to your hand, you may 
 have seen that place. Buy no bookes : what are small and 
 portable, if any : for by London we can send for such bookes 
 as those parts afford. Nancy writ mee word that shee re- 
 ceaued a letter from you. Your mother, Betty, and sisters, 
 pray for you, wishing your returne, which God prosper. Many 
 friends enquire after you ; but no letters have come for you, 
 since the last I sent to Yarmouth, they understanding you 
 are abroad. When you were at Amsterdam, I wished you 
 had enquired after Dr. Heluetius, who writ Vitulus aureus, 
 and saw proiection made, and had pieces of gold to shew of 
 it. Hold up thy spirits and bee not deiected that you 
 
158 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 receaued no more letters, for if we were assured of their 
 deliuery we would write weekely. God blesse and protect 
 you. I am, your euer loueing father, 
 
 Sept. 22, Norwich, 1668. THO. BROWNE. 
 
 I wish you would bring ouer some of the red marking stone 
 for drawinge, if any very good. One told mee hee read in 
 the French gazette, that the Duch had discovered the north- 
 east passage to China round about Tartaric I do not care 
 whether you go into Zeland, but if you should, Flushing and 
 Middleburgh are only worth the seeing. 
 
 If you have opportunitie, you may obserue how the Duch 
 make defences agaynst sea inundations. Obserue the seuerall 
 fish and fowle in markets and their names. Wee haue not 
 heard a long time of Lewis de Bills, his practise of preserving 
 bodyes, &c. What esteeme haue they of Van Helmont, in 
 Brabant, his own country ? Since I wrote this, I receiued 
 yours this morning, from Dort, and am exceedingly glad 
 to see how God hath blessed you, and that you haue had ad- 
 uantages beyond expectation. Your accounts are very good 
 of all things. God blesse you. Madam Burwell is at present 
 with mee. Hee and shee send their seruice. Wee are on the 
 declination of the assises which last 2 dayes. The contagion 
 may hinder you from going into Flanders, butt Brabant, I 
 thinck, is not much vnder it. Mr. Johnson is with mee at 
 this hower, and I hast to send this by his letter to Mr. Houe- 
 naer. The mercifull protection of God bee with you. Mr. 
 Johnson, Hawkins, Whitefoote, Robins, &c. salute you. 
 
 A Monsr. Monsieur Edouard Browne, Francfort. 
 
 Mr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.] 
 
 Wien in Austrich, Novemb. 29, Styl. nouo. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I wrote to you from Passaw. Since when it hath 
 pleased God to continue his blessings in my health and a 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 159 
 
 prosperous passage to Vienna. The farther I go the more 
 my desires are enlarged, and I desire now to see Presbourg, 
 Leopoldin, the strong fortification which the emperour hath 
 built in lieu of Newheusel, as also Rab, Comorra, Buda, and 
 Chremnitz, where the gold mines are, and other places : butt 
 I haue trespassed too farre alreadie upon your goodnesse, and 
 intend to looke no farther. Here is at present a Tartarian 
 embassadouer, desiring a league offensiue and defensiue 
 with the emperour, his name Cha Gagi Aga, Cha signifieth 
 master, Gagi somewhat like proselyte, and Aga signifieth 
 king. They haue brought diuers horses with them of high 
 esteem here, but not the least beautifull. Some of the Tar- 
 tars haue syluer rings, with the same signature as the Turk- 
 ish seales. They take much tobacco in very long pipes; 
 their tobacco is not in rowles butt in leaues and drye. Heere 
 is a fayre in the citty, where yesterday I mett the Tartars, 
 who were strangely delighted with it, and very much with the 
 babies and figures in gingerbread. The emperour presented 
 the Cham of Tartarie with a syluer bason and ewer, and a 
 fine wach of curious work ; sent also presents to the 4 bro- 
 thers of the great Cham, to the chamerine his wife, and to 
 his sisters ; yet after all this kindnesse they are jealous heere, 
 as hauing newes out of Hungarie, that Siebenbergen is to bee 
 putt into the hands of the Tartars. The varietie of habits in 
 this place is very remarkable, as of Hungarians, Transyl- 
 uanians, Grecians, Croatians, Austrians, &c. In the riuer 
 there is kept a tame pellican, which heere they call a lettel- 
 gantz or spoongoose. I saw a comedie in the Jesuit's col- 
 ledge, the emperour and empresse present. In the emperours 
 chappell is very good musick, vocall and instrumental!, per- 
 formed by Italians, whereof some are eunuchs. I saw the 
 emperour at chappell on Wednesday, hee hath a very re- 
 markable aspect, and the Austrian lipp extraordinarily. 
 Count Cachowitz is Maistre del Hostell. Montecuculi, the 
 generall, is a leane tall man. On St. Nicholas day I sawe the 
 emperours mother and his 2 sisters, as they lighted out of 
 their coach to enter into the monasterie of St. Nicholas, his 
 sisters are very beautifull sweet ladyes. The empresse hath 
 a very good looke butt somewhat sad at present, perhaps too 
 
160 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 sollicitous about her deliuerie. I would willingly leaue this 
 place in order to my returne the first weeke in February, or 
 sooner if I haue the happinesse to heare from you. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edivard. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 Dec. 2, Norwich, 1668. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Vpon the receit of your letter from Passau upon the 
 Danube, dated Nou. 1, styl. vet. I got our louing friend Mr. 
 Couldham to send this vnto Venice, to Mr. Hayles, in whose 
 hands it may lye till you ether call or send for it. I am sorry 
 you are to make that long round agayne, and once more be 
 inclosed within the Alpes : butt if it hath pleasd God to bring 
 you safe to Venice out of Germanie, and through so bad a 
 winter passage, with your thankfull acknowledgments vnto 
 God, make the best vse you can of such places for your im- 
 prouement and knowledg the time you linger there ; and 
 whereuer you go, in your returne, bee neuer without some 
 institution or the like of physick, whereof you may daylie or 
 often read, and so continue 1 the method and doctrine 
 
 of physick, which intention ~ upon varietie of obiects of other 
 subiects may make you forget. Wearie not nor wast your 
 spirits too much in pursuing after varietie of obiects, which 
 I knowe you cannot butt do with earnestnesse, for thereby 
 you shall, by God's blessing, conserue your health, whereof 
 I am very sollicitous. Make what conuenient hast you can 
 homewards and neerer England, according as the passages 
 and season will permitt. To returne by sea is thought by all 
 no fitt or good way for you : 'tis very hazardous in many 
 respects, nothinge considerable to bee learned, and of litle 
 credit. In places take notice of the gouerment of them, and 
 the eminent persons. Burden not yourself with superfluous 
 luggage, and if you buy any thing lett [it] bee of easie portage. 
 Keepe yourself still temperate, which virtue may conserue 
 
 1 Hiatus in MS. - Intentness. 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 161 
 
 your parts. You are in your trauayl able to direct your self; 
 God also direct and preserue you. I do not know that you 
 shall want accommodation for mony, butt Mr. Couldham 
 hath been so courteous as to write to Mr. Hayles, in case of 
 necessitie, to accommodate" you ; whereof I hope you will 
 make vse butt vpon good occasion, and moderately. Informe 
 your self concerning the state of Candia, and enquire whether 
 there bee any relation made thereof, so far as it hath yet pro- 
 ceeded. Padua, I presume, you will take notice of agayne : 
 butt seriously I would not haue you make excursions remote 
 and chargeable. Consider how neerely it concerneth you to 
 bee in your country improuing your time to what you intend, 
 and what most concerneth you. Of all your letters sent out 
 of Germanie, that only wch you sent from Bing 3 miscarried. 
 I wish you had met with Heylin, or some short description 
 and diuision of those countryes as you trauayled, and if you 
 haue not, do it yet ; for that may produce a rationall know- 
 ledge of them, confirmed by sence, and giue you a distinct 
 apprehension of Germanie, wch to most proues the most in- 
 tricate of any in Europe. Your mother prayes for you and 
 sends her blessing, and would bee happy to see you. Shee 
 is in health, as your sister B. and Mai. Crane 4 liuely and 
 cheerily, butt leane, and another sharpe feuer [may] yet 
 soone take her away. Beside limning, Bet practiseth wash- 
 ing in black and colours, and doth very well. All is quiet 
 enough, butt the countryman complaines, and rents are still 
 badly payd, corne and inward commodities being at lowe 
 coste. It hath yet been an open winter, no snowe, fewe and 
 small frosts, much rayne and wind, wch hath made catarrhs, 
 
 coughs, and rheumatismes affectinge the most 
 
 common diseases among us. The parliament is adiourned to 
 the 1 of March. Mr. England of Yarmouth was prickt for 
 knight of the shiere, but got of, and Sr George Viner, a Lon- 
 doner, prickt in his place. The Bishop and Mr. Hawkins 
 haue been some moneths in Norwich : he enquireth of you. 
 I receiued your things in Capt. Coxe's ship, the Concord. 
 The description of Amsterd. Mr. Primerose brought mee. 
 
 3 Bingen. 
 4 Probably Moll. I suspect that Crane should, be Franc, for Frank. 
 
 VOL. I. M 
 
162 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 My lady Maydston was well satisfied with your letter. Mr. 
 Skippon is to marry Mr. Brewster's daughter, of Wrentham 
 by South wold, as I heard credibly. It were well you could 
 obserue any thinge in order to the Royall Societie. These 
 things I putt together, though the whole letter may bee vn- 
 sertaine to come to you. Your letter from Passau not assur- 
 ing your determination : but before you can receaue this, I 
 hope to receaue one from Vienna, which may tell more of 
 your resolution, and whether you intended to returne by 
 Prague or Venice. The mercifull protection of God go with 
 you, guide and direct and blesse you, and giue you euer a 
 gratefull heart vnto him. 
 
 Your louing father 
 Dec. 2, Norwich, 1668. THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 I sent a letter to Franckfort long ago, butt could neuer 
 tell how to send since, your place being vncertaine. You 
 did well to send often to mee. I was ioyfull to heare you had 
 so good rencountres. God continue the like. My humble 
 seruice to Mr. Hayles, a person whom wee must euer respect. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Decemb. 15, styl. vet. 1668, Norwich. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I receaved yours from Vienna, dated Decemb. 6, 
 when I came home this evening ; and would not deferre to 
 write to Mr. Johnson this night, to Yarmouth. 16 dayes ago 
 I writ to Venice, according to the desire of your former let- 
 ter, wch Mr. Couldham, your friend, enclosed to Mr. Hayles ; 
 and writ unto him, that, if you were necessitated for mony, 
 you might be conveniently accommodated, wch I did out of 
 abundant caution ; becaus you expressed no desire thereof, 
 and I thought you had still gone on upon the credit from Mr. 
 Hovenaer, wch might have been continued from place to 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 163 
 
 place. None of your letters have miscarried, butt onely one 
 from Bing ; pray bee moderate as possible in what summes 
 you take up, and especially not to take up much at a time, 
 butt after the rate which you have yet done. If you had de- 
 clared your intention for Vienna, wee had not fayled to have 
 sent, some way or other, that you might have receaved ours 
 at your first coming thither. You have travayled far this 
 winter, wch hath yet proved very favorable. I would have 
 you spare your self as much as you could conveniently, and 
 afford some rest unto your spirits, for I see you have observed 
 much and been earnest therein. My prayers you have day- 
 lie for you, and want not assistance to my utmost abillitie. 
 Wch way you intend to take in your returne, I knowe not. 
 I should bee glad if you could escape a journey to Venice, 
 butt rather thither then any further eastward, ether to Poland, 
 Hungarie, or Turkie ; which both myself and all your friends 
 do heartily wish you would not so much as thinck of. Your 
 letter is very obscure at the end, that I would not forbid you 
 any thing that might happen in the meane time for your ad- 
 vantage, wherein I pray consider yourself seriously, and lett 
 your thoughts and determinations bee very well grounded. 
 From Constantinople, or Turkey, I am most averse, for many 
 reasons, wee all wish you in England, or neerer it. I doubt 
 not butt that you will ever have a gratefull heart unto God, 
 who hath thus farre protected you. If you had gone to Ve- 
 nice, wee were very solicitous how you would have returned, 
 and all were against going , 5 as not only incon- 
 venient, butt dangerous and uselesse unto you, and of no 
 great credit. Have alwayes some physick treatise to reade 
 often, least this varietie of obiects unsettle the notions of it. 
 Vienna is an universitie, and some things probably may be 
 learned in knowledge and chymistrie ; it were fitt to take a 
 good account of the emperor's court, &c. being upon the 
 place. My L. Maydstone was glad of your letter. Sr Daniel 
 Harvey 6 is by this time in Turkey, and my lord, probably, 
 upon coming away, as they heare. Pray bee mindfull to 
 
 5 Probably "by sea." 
 G He married the sister of Ralph, Duke of Montagu, was knighted, made Ran- 
 ger of Richmond Park, and afterwards Ambassador to Constantinople. 
 
 M 2 
 
164 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 order your speech distinctly and leasurably, and not after 
 that precipitous way of France. Your mother sends her 
 blessing, sisters their love, and wishes for you ; the mercifull 
 and gratious protection of the almightie bee with you. This 
 letter will bee somewhat long a coming to you ; when you go 
 from Vienna, leave order with Mr. Beck, how to send to you ; 
 for probably I may send one not many dayes after this. 
 
 Your ever loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 Decemb. 15, Norwich. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER, 
 
 Wee wish for you dayly, but especialy at Shrovtide ; 
 for then my sister will please you and us better than ever she 
 did, I should be glad if this would tempt you. My lady 
 Maidston was much delighted with your letter ; that you may 
 have all happynesse and a safe return, are the continuell de- 
 sires of your ever afectionat sister E. B. 
 
 S. Moll, and Franks love to you. 
 
 A Monsr. Monsieur Edouard Browne, Anglois, chez 
 Monsr. Johan. Beck, a Vienne, en Austriche. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Decemb. 21, 1668. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 The same day whereon I receaved yours, Decemb. 
 6, I sent unto Mr. Johnson, Decemb xv, to write to Mr. 
 Hovenaer, to accommodate you with a letter of credit or ex- 
 change at Vienna, and enclosed a letter of myne to bee sent 
 by Mr. Hovenaer. Mr. Johnson hath writ me word, that hee 
 wrote the next day, and that, if the letter doth not unfortu- 
 nately miscarrie, you shall, God willing, heare of it. Hee 
 sayth hee also writ to Mr. Dreenstein, at Venice, and also 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 165 
 
 one to Monsr Morelli, I thinck, at Venice, in your behalf, and 
 to accommodate you, if need required ; and this I suppose hee 
 did, because you writ before that you intended for Venice. 
 Mr. Couldham also sent a letter of myne to you, in one of 
 his, to Mr. Hayles, to keep it while you called or sent for it, 
 and whereby he desired Mr. Hayles to accommodate you, if 
 need required ; wch letter is, by this time of my writing, at 
 Venice. Now all this is done out of my abundant care and 
 caution for you, butt I hope you will heare from Mr. Hove- 
 naer at Vienna; for I should bee glad you might decline 
 Venice, and so, after a bad journey, bee shutt up agayne 
 within the Alpes. Vienna is at a great distance, and there is 
 litle communication between it and London, so that it is not 
 so easie to send unto you as to receave from you, and I be- 
 leeve postage is to bee twice payd, after it goes from London, 
 before it will come to Vienna, butt where I yet knowe not, 
 butt have taken the best care I can at London. Direct no 
 letters immediately to Norwich, for you mention one lately 
 sent so directed wch I received not ; one I receaved from Mr. 
 Panser, who sent it from Rotterdam. Before you leave the 
 place you may write something of it, and of the emperours 
 court. Which way you will returne I cannot advise, only am 
 very unwilling you should go farther. If you come southerly, 
 by Ausberg, Ulme, &c. to Straesburg, you gett at last unto 
 the Rhyne, butt after an hilly and long passage, and not a 
 great roade ; if you go by Prague, and so, through part of 
 Saxonie and Turingia, by Erfurt, it is a long way also, butt 
 perhaps more travayled from Vienna; and if you were in 
 Turingia, [you] might find convenience for Collein, eschewing 
 the countries, townes, and provinces, on or toward the Bal- 
 tick, lesse worth the seeing of any, and the coldest. God 
 direct, guide, and protect you, and returne you safe unto all 
 the longing desires of your friends, who heartily wish you 
 were at a more tolerable distance. All yours, except one from 
 Bing and another directed lately to Norwich, have come to 
 my hand. Take notice of the various animals, of places, 
 beasts, fowles, and fishes ; what the Danow affordeth, what 
 depth, if conveniency offers ; of mines, minerall workes, &c. 
 They say spelter or zink is made in Germanie ; from thence 
 
166 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 also pompholyx, tutia, mysi, sori, zaffera, &c. You are to 
 bee commended for observing so well alreadie ; I wish you 
 could take notice of something for the information of the Soc. 
 Reg. to learn speciall medicines and preparations : butt, as I 
 still saye, try not thy spirits too farre, but give due rest unto 
 them ; I doubt not butt you will be warie of the vice of the 
 country. Beat not thy head too much about the languadge ; 
 
 you will learne enough to proceed if you shall thinck 
 
 fitt. Wee lately read the seidg of Vien by Solyman, when 
 it was much weaker than at present ; now the bullwark of 
 Xtendom. I should bee sorry you should want money at 
 this distance ; I hoped you had once taken up more, by your 
 credit at Franckfort, upon Mr. Neufville. Tis generally 
 sayd that Mr. Howax*d goes embassadour to Morrocco unto 
 Taffelsur; who hath driven Guiland into Argier, whether hee 
 is fled ; taken Benboker, and killed the king of Morrocco, and 
 is crowned king of Morrocco and Fez. Mr. Mayow, your 
 friend, hath putt out a booke, De Respiratione et Rachitide ; 
 some endemical and proper diseases there may bee in those 
 parts where you are also. Your mother, sisters, and many 
 friends recommend, praying and wishing for you. The mer- 
 cifull protection and blessing of God bee with you. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 Norwich, Decemb. 21, 1668, styl. vet. 
 
 I shall bee very happy to heare you have receaved this ; 
 and of your resolutions toward your country : beleeve it, no 
 excursion into Pol. Hung, or Turkey addes advantage or 
 reputation unto a schollar. 
 
 Eduardo Browne, Anglo, apud Dn. Johannem Beck, 
 in sedibus vocatis Keller-hoff, Viennse. 
 
 An dem Hern Edwart Browne, Englander, bey dem 
 Hem Johanne Beck, gelosert in Keller-hoff, Wien. 
 
1668.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 167 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Norwich, December 23, 1668. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I wrote unto you eight dayes ago, which Mr. John- 
 son, of Yarmouth, sent inclosed to Mr. Hovenaer, of Amster- 
 dam, to bee sent unto you, with a bill of credit from him to 
 Vienna ; which I hope you have receaved. I sent one to 
 Venice, three weekes ago, inclosed in Mr. Couldham's letter 
 to Mr. Hayles, whereby you might bee accommodated if you 
 fayled elswhere. Hee sayth one Mr. Hobson keepes the 
 howse, though Mr. Hayles bee consul; butt I beleeve the 
 letter is in Mr. Hayles' hand, if hee left it not with Mr. Hob- 
 son ; butt you need not retard your journey for the letter 
 only, which will take some time to recover, and there is no- 
 thing peculiar in it or private. Yesterday I receaved another 
 from you, which I thought had miscarried, of an elder date, 
 November 24; wherein I understood what accommodation 
 there was for travayl to Prag, Magdeburg, and other good 
 townes, to Hamburch ; which, though a great place, is a good 
 way from Amsterdam ; and to come from Hamburch by sea, 
 in winter, is very discouraging, from rough seas and benumb- 
 ing weather. Spare thyself what you can, and preserve your 
 health, which is precious unto us all. I am very glad you are 
 in an howse where you are so kindlye vsed; if Mr. Beck hath 
 any friend in England, wee will endeavour to expresse no or- 
 dinarie kindnesse unto him. That I wrote two dayes ago, I 
 sent to London, to your sister, to get Mr. Skoltowe to send 
 it, in some marchand's letter, or deliver to the post, paying 
 the postages part of the way ; butt this I send to London, to 
 bee delivered to the forraine post, paying what they require ; 
 which I putt to the adventure, though perhaps you may have 
 left that place before this may come unto you. You mention 
 travayling from some places, in three dayes and three nights; 
 butt I think travayling by night, in those parts and in winter, 
 
168 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 very uncomfortable and hazardous unto health. God send 
 you still happy rencountres and good company. It were good 
 to have an Itinerarium Germanicum. Heylin accounts twen- 
 ty-one universities in Germany, whereof Vienna one, (butt I 
 doubt chiefly for divinitie,) Coin, Mentz, Heydelberg, Franck- 
 ford, Leipsick, Jena, Wittenberg in Saxonie, Prag, which is 
 thought the greatest citty in Germanie, made out of four 
 citties, like Passaw out of three. Studie the mappe of Ger- 
 manie, and have the chorographie thereof distinctly in your 
 head, with the politicall divisions and governments, which are 
 therein more numerous then in Italie ; the lesser owing some 
 acknowledgment to the greater, beside free cities. Just now 
 I heare that Mr. Johnson will write agayne, this night, to Mr. 
 Hovenaer. Dresden is accounted one of the remarkablest 
 places of Germanie ; where the duke's court. Magdeburg is 
 I beleeve rebuilt, since burnt by Tilly, in the Suedish warres. 
 Brunswick sayd to bee bigger then Nuremberg. Take the 
 best account you can of Vienna as to all concernes ; for tis 
 hard to find any peculiar account of it. Bohemia is a round 
 large country, about two hundred miles diameter, containing 
 many mines, mineralls, and stones. Bohemia granates, and 
 other stones, you may take notice of, if you passe that way ; 
 in the country, and at Prag, and at Vienna, such stones may 
 bee seen probably. I have heard that among the emperour's 
 rarities severall conversions there are of basser metall into 
 gold. Take notice of the great and many cellars in Vienna. 
 Learne the most authentic account how the half moone was 
 set upon St. Stephen's ; which, in Brawne's Booke of Citties, 
 seemes a very noble one. If you can fix any probable place 
 where a letter may meet you, I will endeavour to find out a 
 way to send a letter. Wee have had no winter till this day, 
 and not now like to hold, so that wee feare a back winter. A 
 Yarmouth man just now tells mee that about ninety vessells, 
 great and small, went out this yeare to other parts, with red 
 herrings. The king is sending the order of the garter to the 
 young King of Sarden, by my lord of Carleisle. Dr. Merrett's 
 comment upon Neri de Arte Vitriaria is new come out in 
 Latin. His Pinax Rerum Brita?iicarum not yet published ; 
 I send to him agayne next weeke. Mr. Mayoe, of All Souls, 
 
1668-9,] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 169 
 
 his booke De Respiratione et Rachitide, newly come out; 
 also Mr. Boyle's continuation of new experiments concerning 
 the spring and weight of the ayre, English, 4to. I keepe the 
 sheets of the Transactions as they come out, monethly. Our 
 forrein letters do not despayre of Candy. Sir Thomas Allen 
 hath renewed and confirmed the peace with Argiers. Sure 
 you have gazettes at Vienna. Tangier in a good condition. 
 The parliament adjourned to the first of March. Mr. Haw- 
 kins, White. Rob. Bend. &c. recommend, wishing a good re- 
 turne. God's blessing bee with you. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Your mother, sisters, are daylie mindfull of you. Just now 
 Mr. Couldham came to mee, and tells mee that he writes this 
 night to Venice, to Mr. Hayles, to send the letter writt above 
 three weekes ago unto you, and to accommodate you if you 
 should bee disappoynted ; his letter will bee in nineteen dayes 
 at Venice, before this can come to you, which I thinck must 
 go by Hamburch, Prag, &c. 
 
 Eduardo Browne, Anglo, apud Dn. Johannem Beck, 
 in sedibus vocatis Keller-hofF, Viennae. 
 
 An dem Hern Edwart Browne, Englander, bey dem 
 Hern Johanne Beck, gelosert in Keller-hoff, Wien. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.] 
 
 Vienna, January, 1668-9. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I hope my letters are so fortunate as to trauayl safe 
 vnto you through vnsafe countries, for wee heare of robberies 
 often about Flanders, and the Holland embassador's sonne 
 and the secretarie, whom I met at Nuremberg, were robbed 
 before they could get home, returning from Constantinople by 
 land. I am sorry for it, because they were discreet and oblig- 
 ing persons ; I doubt their trauelling in Turkish habits was 
 some temptation to the robbers. And from Hungarie wee 
 
170 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1668-9. 
 
 heare that Ostracapo, a Grannisk Waradinsk cavallier, set 
 upon the Turkish courier in his returne and tooke four thou- 
 sand florins from him. Yesterday came vnto mee a Greek 
 priest who hath been in Holland and England to find a youth 
 sayd to bee taken by some of our frigates. Hee was kindly 
 entertained at Trinitie Colledge, and other places in England, 
 whereof hee hath a very high resentment, 7 and will allow no 
 nation to bee so learned as the English, having met with many 
 that spoake Greek with him, and satisfied him highly in any 
 poynt of knowledge, withall obliging him by their ciuillities. 
 Hee hath sent this enclosed, which I pray send by the Cam- 
 bridg caryar, being a short Greek letter. Hee is striuing to 
 get a passe for Constantinople, which hee will not readily do, 
 though hee was borne in that citty. If not, hee intends to 
 go for Venice or Liuorno. My Lord Castlemain hath been 
 heere, endeauoring to get into Turkey this way, butt obtained 
 not his desire. The Grecian tells mee that there are great 
 mountaines in Sagora that beare northward up the Danube, 
 or Thonaw, as the Germans call it ; butt that Moldauia, on 
 the other side, is a flat, fruitfull, country, and supplies Con- 
 stantinople with butter and cheese ; that giuing a Janizarie 
 half a crowne a day, a man may trauell into any part of the 
 Turkish empire. Hee sayth that the English in Turkey, of 
 all other nations, hath the greatest priuiledges, and that when 
 the Patriarch of Constantinople was deposed and threatened 
 by the Vizier, hee made the English embassadour's howse his 
 refuge. One Rudolpho, the emperour's courrier vnto the 
 Ottoman court, tells mee that the Grand Signor is still in 
 Morea in order to the siedg of Candia, whereon hee is so in- 
 tent that hee will not return into Adrianople this winter, nor 
 remoue any farther then Salonica, where the Sultana is to 
 meet him ; a woeman, as hee sayth, somewhat marked with 
 the small pox, of low stature, and a Candian by nation, so 
 much beloued by him that hee litle regards his other woemen. 
 The Grecians heere play upon a musicall instrument which 
 they call a r£//3wg/; it is about four spanns long, hath three 
 strings of wire, the neck is three-fourths in length vnto the 
 whole ; the back is either made of a gourd or back of a tor- 
 
 ' From the French, ressentiment. 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 171 
 
 tois ; two of the pegs are fastened upon the same place where 
 they stop, and one on the side as in a violin ; they play upon 
 it with a quill, and sing withall as with a guitarre. 8 Last 
 Saturday the court had newes of a great earthquake, which 
 happened the last October, in Angrony, in Persia, lasting 
 fiftie dayes together, whereby, beside other great mischief, 
 there perished six thousand men at Giansianistan, and eigh- 
 teen hundred at Focqueto and Bobic. On Tuesday the Ve- 
 netian embassadour made his entrance, with a great number 
 of coaches and six horses. Here is also a Turkish enuoye, 
 butt will soone depart. 
 
 The letter of the Greek Priest to Dr. Pearson, Mr. Barrowe, 
 and Dr. Gunning. 
 
 roig tfotpwrdroig xai svyevsGraTQig, 
 
 irgosffruffif tov tpgovTitsrrigiov 
 
 rr]g <itawax%aroQxr\g rgid- 
 
 dog rrig sv Axadri/Mia, xvgiw 
 
 UzetStovi xai xvgiw Bagwvi 
 
 Wirparreiv 
 
 2Dv woXKoj itovoj xai did paxgag rr\g (iira^xi yz^aviag odou eeuOriv s'/g iroktv 
 
 xaiaapog Bisvvav, turuy^uv ds rw thyzvidrarw xvgiw, ~Erj3d^du Bgovvca xomoj 
 
 <pi\o), ovx sniXsXrjGpai vrgoaayog$v6a/ vftdg fisfivrifihog ruv mKkuv xal xakuv 
 
 bf/jwv hipyzeiwv. s^uidSi. 
 
 Itgi^iag 6 affb xuvSTavrivovTroXiog 
 
 fir] ds 6 zvpiog yovviv unoXziirdra rr\g irgoffriyogiag. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 1. To procure for me, upon the account of the Royall 
 Society, what ingenious correspondents you can in matters 
 
 8 This instrument is common to the whole Archipelago, and to the southern pro- 
 vinces of Italy, particularly Naples and Sicily, and is called by the Italians, a Man- 
 dolino. The description of the author of this letter agrees perfectly with the word, 
 if we change the zeta for ro, and Bft>£/ for Boa : — thus, T£iZou. Tf/ ; three; Boa, 
 to bellow, sound, or ring. — /. W. 
 
172 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 philosophicall, mathematicall, mechanicall, chymicall, but 
 chiefly for natural philosophy, and what observations and ex- 
 periments may occurre concerning the same, in Hungaria, 
 Austria, &c. 
 
 2. Particularly to inquire in those parts, what is observable 
 there, as to mineralls, springs, warm baths, earths, quarries, 
 metalls, especially the kinds, qualities, vertues of minerall 
 waters, and how they are examined ? What are the particu- 
 lar conditions of the quarries and stones, and how the beds 
 of stone lye in reference to north and south ? Item. Whither 
 there be any marles, earths for potters wares, bolus and other 
 medicated earths ; whither those parts yield any coles, salt 
 mines, or salt springs, allum, vitriol, sulpher, and yet more 
 particularly, 
 
 3. To inquire into and procure some of all the severall 
 sorts of antimony and antimony ore ; but especially of the best 
 Hungarian vitriole, and the cinnaberis native to be found in 
 Hungary; and to put them up in severall boxes, according 
 to their severall kindes, and to superscribe the severall places 
 whence they come. 
 
 4. To enquire after the true gold and silver earth or ore, 
 said to be found at Cranach, in Hungary, whence the gold is 
 called Cranach gold ; first lighted upon by the care of the 
 Emperor Rudolphus, and worked chymically by his particu- 
 lar order and inspection. 
 
 5. To enquire into, and, if it may be, to bring over some of 
 that kinde of vitriole which is affirmed to be found crystal- 
 lised in Hungary. 
 
 6. To get a good account of the salt pits in Transylvania, 
 said to yield two sorts of perfect salt, the one being a sal 
 gemmae, the other a common table salt, and to bring over a spe- 
 cimen of both. Further, to observe how deepe those salt 
 mines lye from the surface of the ground, how deepe they have 
 been digged hitherto, and what damps are met with in them. 
 
 7. To inquire after the veins of gold and quicksilver at 
 Cremnitz, in Hungary, and after those of silver at Schemnitz, 
 and to endeavour to get some of their ores to bring over, 
 
 8. Whether the waters of the Therma that passe by Schem- 
 nitz depose a certain sediment, which, in time, turnes into a 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 173 
 
 yellow stone ? and, if so, to procure and bring over some of 
 the same. 
 
 9. Whether, in all the mines of gold, silver, copper, iron, 
 lead, of Hungary, and particularly about Newheusel, there be 
 found every where quicksilver and sulphur ? 
 
 10. Whither it be true that in the copper mines of the 
 place called Hernn-ground there be found, no quicksilver 
 at all? 
 
 11. Whither it be so that in some parts of the Upper 
 Hungary the ores of copper, iron, and lead, be sometimes so 
 commixed, that there is often found in the upper part iron, 
 in the midst copper, and in the lowermost lead ? As also that 
 in other places coppery fluos are mixt with leaden ores ? 
 
 12. Whither it be true, what Kircher writes from relation, 
 that the ductus of metalls doe sometimes run north and south, 
 sometimes crossewayes ? 
 
 13. To learn if it may be the way of extracting the perfect 
 metalls out of their mineras without lead, which is said to be 
 performed by casting a powder upon the minera, that make a 
 quick and advantagious separation, of which sulphur is sup- 
 posed to be one of the ingredients. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I received these inquiries from the Secretary of the 
 Royall Society this last weeke, and, according as I have oppor- 
 tunity of informing my selfe concerning any of these particulars, 
 I will, if you please, sir, set them downe in my letters to you, 
 that, if I lose my papers abroad, or any other accident hinders 
 me to serve the society as I desire, as much as I am informed 
 of may be in your hands, sir ; and those things which I pro- 
 cure for them I would willingly sende to your selfe first, sir, 
 if I had any friend at London to whom I could addresse let- 
 ters or sende packets. To the third demande I am informed 
 that there are two sorts of antimony ore, and two sorts of 
 cinnaberis native, which I hope to procure. To the 5th, that 
 [there] is cristallised vitriol in Hungary, natural, as cleare as 
 any dissolved, filtrated, and coagulated. To the sixth, Cap- 
 tain Broden, an Irish captain, tells me that there are salt 
 mines in Transilvania very deepe ; that the salt is softest at 
 
174 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 the bottom, but hardened at the top, and when it is brought 
 into the open aire ; that the soldiers choose to use it, because 
 it is most convenient for cariage, and they scrape of it at any 
 time they need, and that the countrymen give of it to their sheep 
 and oxen often, as once in three or four dayes. In Hungary 
 there is rock salt, and great pillers and stones of salt ; but it 
 is forbidden to be brought to Vienna by the command of the 
 emperor, who hath the salt there, as the king of France hath 
 in France ; and we use here a white salt brought from Saltz- 
 burg, made from a salt spring, as at Nahtwich, Northwich, 
 and other places in Cheshire, and elsewhere in England. 
 
 Mr. Du Bois, an apothecary, tells me, that nigh to Transyl- 
 vania, there is a spring which changeth iron into copper. 
 
 I hope, sir, with your assistance, to give some satisfaction 
 to these proposalls, and upon some of them a good discourse 
 may be raised, backed with what my experience here, in some 
 time may afford me. On Thursday, sir, I hope to write to 
 you again, so, as in the mean time, with my duty to my dear 
 mother, and love to my sisters, I remaine 
 
 Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 Februar. 3, st. nov. 
 
 If you direct your letters in French, sir, it is sufficient, for 
 so I received one from Mr. Oldenburg. A Monsieur Edward 
 Browne, Anglois, chez Monsieur Beck, in de Keller-hoff, 
 Vienna, en Austriche. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at Nor- 
 wich, to be left with Ms Anne Browne, at Esqre. 
 Barker his house, in Clarkenwell, neare New Prison, 
 London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I receiued yours, and shall, God willing, pursue 
 your directions. I haue bought some Hungarian vitriol. I 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 175 
 
 can haue great quantitie of cinnaberis natiua in powder, butt 
 not in lumpes or pieces. Nigh unto this place is the tomb of 
 Modestus, an Irishman, who, with Virgilius, planted the gos- 
 pell in these parts. It began to freez heere the same day that 
 it did with you in England. The ice now beginnes to break, 
 and, while I am writing, I heare that it begins to come downe 
 with such force, that it hath alreadie caryed away part of the 
 great long bridge ouer the Danube. The colica austriaca is a 
 disease endemicall to this country, and uery obstinate, ene- 
 mata helping litle, nor many other medicines. An Italian com- 
 ming this day to see mee preuented my sending by the last 
 post: hee is of Fiume, in Istria: hee hath been upon the 
 Euxin sea, and tells mee that Pompey his pillar is still stand- 
 ing there, and that at Belgrade there are very fine baths from 
 hot springs. I haue herin enclosed the figure of a magicall 
 glasse, whereby the emperor Rudolphus saw many strange 
 sights, and the manner of conversing with spirits ; perhaps 
 the same or like that of Dee and Kelly. 
 Vienna, Feb. 14. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 1, styl. vet. 1668-9. 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I receaved your last letter, Febr. 14, with others 
 which should have come before, but they all came together. 
 I sent to you about xii dayes ago. Yours came together of 
 late, when some have layn by the way a weeke or more, and 
 so they come unto your sister safe at last, and therefore, I 
 thinck you may so direct them from any place. I cannot con- 
 ceaue your stay will bee longer at Vienna, perhaps not while 
 this may come unto you ; but out of my love and care of you, 
 I would not omitt to send adventure this. For satisfaction of 
 the queries of the R. S. putt yourself to no hazard or ad- 
 venture, butt learne and make the best enquiries you can of 
 
176 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 things in Hungarie, and at distance, by others, and what is 
 neere Vienna or in it, you may observe yourself. Your chief 
 buisinesse must bee to settle a correspondent, who may write 
 unto you at any time and answer your letters, in order to the 
 R. S. or to their secritarie, if need requireth, which must bee 
 some person resident in Vienna, of an ingenious and inquisi- 
 tiue temper, who make it his businesse to enquire particularly 
 of himself or according to your queries, or what may bee 
 further hinted hereafter. There is an author named Wern- 
 herius, or Vernherius, de rebus Pannoniae, which is Hun- 
 garie and part of Austria, who hath writ of all the mineralls 
 and all minerall waters in and about those parts ; out of whom 
 Baccius, de Thermis, hath taken what hee writes of such 
 things in Austria, Hungarie, and neere Poland. I doubt 
 whether you can have the opportunitie in any librarie there to 
 looke upon it. You may receave some knowledge about the 
 mines in your queries by proposing them all, or some, to 
 some of the emperours officers implyed about the mines, 
 which you may find in Vienna, or some practicall workmen 
 
 that hath observed them. Quarries of are 
 
 probably not farre from the city. The baths of Baden, by 
 Vienna, are mentioned in Baccius, de Thermis. You may 
 enquire of what they consist, and what tryall hath been made 
 of what mineralls they consist. You may enquire about 
 an hot bath by Buda, very hot, which Baccius calls purga- 
 torie, from the popular name. Vitriolum Hungaricum, the 
 best is only worth the obtaining ; Cinnaberis nativa, best in 
 lumps ; and Vitriolum Crystallinum, and other things you 
 mention ; but how you should send them, I see not, sure not 
 by the post, in respect of dearenesse and hazard to bee lost. 
 You must fall in with some merchands that send any goods to 
 Amsterdam, and so putt them up distinctly in boxes ; the 
 saline bodyes being apt to relent by moyst ayre ; and some 
 smaller quantities of what is singular you may putt in your 
 portmantell. I confesse I should bee willing to receave or see 
 such things. Take as good account, and as particular as you 
 can. Whether you should give any account now, or rather 
 hereafter, to the R. S., I make some doubt ; for in your re- 
 turne you may observe many things, perhaps considerable, in 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 177 
 
 those poynts; butt, however, you may signifie them, and 
 write of them, in your letters to mee. You may enquire of 
 Mr. de Bois concerninge thus and myrrha, non arborea, 
 sed fossilis, found at Gradisco in Moravia, whereof you may 
 read in Ortelius his Geographie in the cap. of Moravia; 
 read also his chap. De Mansfieldiae comitatu, where scheyffer- 
 steyn are found, and a lake wherin the shape of fishes and 
 froggs are found in stones. I am glad you gave account of 
 so many things in your letters. It was high enough to go up 
 338 stepps in St. Steph. steeple ; and very much that the 
 half moone should stand so longe. The ice showes exceed 
 others in any place. Clusius, the learned botanist, that writ 
 De stirpibus Pannonicis, was over the emperours garden. 
 Endeavor by all means to see his treasure of rarities, and 
 what is remarkable in any private custodie. I am glad you 
 have anatomies there. 'Tis not hard to converse with learned 
 men in those parts. I am sorry the great bridge is broke 
 down, which must much incommodate the citty. How came 
 you to see Rudolphus his glasse, and what credit doth it 
 beare ? Dee I thinck was at Prag in his time. 9 The fountaine 
 at Saltzberg is noble. I could make a shift to understand the 
 Duch writing in it. I like the Turkish foot ensigne well, &c. 
 The Turkish Asper was not in the letter. 'Tis good to see 
 the manner of the executions in all places. I beleeve Nurn- 
 berg is the largest towne you have yet met with. You do 
 well to observe fishes and birds, and to learne the Duch 
 names, which commonly are significant, and are set downe 
 with the Latin in Aldrovardus. By that time you are on 
 your returne, the hearbs will showe a litle in the fields and 
 trees also, which you may take notice of. Enquire what tree 
 that is of which they make musicall instruments ; a white 
 waved wood which is called ayre, and sayd to come from 
 Germanic I bless God for your health, good rencountres 
 and protection of you, and that he would continue the same, 
 is the prayer of your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 9 Dee and Kelly were at the emperor's court at Prague in 1585, but were soon 
 afterwards banished from his dominions as magicians, at the instigation of the 
 pope's nuncio. 
 
 VOL. I. N 
 
178 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 What minerall waters you see you may tast, butt take 
 downe none, nor any way hazard the discomposure of your 
 body. We are all glad you have layd by the thoughts of Tur- 
 key or Turkesh dominions. Observe the great jaspis agayne, 
 whether of a good green colour where it is worne. What 
 kind of stone is that which stoned St. Stephen, pebble, flint, 
 or freestone ? See the emperour's librarie or any other. De 
 Terris Bohemicis you may read in Musaeum Wormianum, 
 terra Bohemica, Silesiaca, &c. whereof divers. I have con- 
 ferred with some who knowe the country about Saltzberg well, 
 for that is plentifull in mines, mineralls, sallts, sulphur, anti- 
 mony, &c. Mr. Scoltow is much out of London, at his 
 mothers ; cosen John Cradock is constant at Mr. Thomas his 
 howse, at the Sheaf, in Covent Garden. Hee was heere [at] 
 Christmas, and Nancy never out of London. The Bishop, 
 Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Dentry, now with the Bishop, Whitefoot, 
 Robins, Bendish, and all friends, present respects. Your 
 mother, Betty, Moll, and Franck, also. I have payd the 
 bills of fortie pounds. I hope you will not bee to seeke for 
 credit, as at your coming to Vienna ; but that you may go on 
 upon the former credit, as need requireth, in your returne. 
 Sir Tho. Woodhowse, now with me, presents his respects. 
 We all hope your returne before the hott wether. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER, 
 
 Wee are mightily delighted with your little pictures. 
 Now I hope you will be heare as soon as you can. My sister 
 is still at Clerkenwell, and I believe ever will be out. Every 
 body you left, they all desire to see you, cheefly 
 
 Your affectionate sister, 
 
 E. BROWNE. 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am sorry to heer your coming home is defured ; 
 for there is nothing we all desire more then to see you. I 
 besich God of his mercy bless you, and send you well to us, 
 and as soone as may be. [D- B.] 
 
 A Monsr. Monsr. Edouard Browne, Anglois, chez 
 Mr. Beck, in Keller-hoff, Vienne en Austriche. 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 179 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you my last from Vienna, in which I en- 
 closed a figure of three suns, which appeared at Cassovia, 
 in Upper Hungary, the last 30 of January, and another of 5, 
 which was seen the last Easter day. I should be glad to 
 hear they come safe to your handes. Before that I came 
 from Vienna, I waited upon Baron La Haye and the Conte 
 Leslye, who was very courteous to me. I went to the great 
 quarry for stones, out of which much of Vienna is built. 
 The stones are large ; they cut and carve them at the quarry. 
 The water that drains from the top of the hill, betwixt the 
 stones, incrustates them with a substance like to that of 
 Ockey Hole in Somersetshiere, or of Pooles Hole in Derby- 
 shiere. The colour of the stone is of a light graye. This 
 day I came by Hungarish Altemburg, over a plaine like New- 
 market heath, to Rab. As I proceed, I shall write to you, 
 sir, of it. Mr. Beck, my landlord, accompanies me. I 
 shall go no farther in Lower Hungary then Gomorrha, and 
 then go over the river where it is most safe, towards the 
 gold mines if it please God. 
 
 My service, sir, to my friends. I should be glad to heare 
 from my dear mother. My love to my sisters. The Hunga- 
 rian women weare a great linnen cloth about their head, 
 which makes it show very big. The maids goe in their haire 
 with a garland upon their heads, their haire hanging downe, 
 at its length, behind them. The mens habits are blew, or 
 red, or white, with a black cap ; but I will observe more as I 
 go into the countrey and return to Vienna, I hope within 
 fourten dayes, where, if I meet with a letter from you, sir, it 
 will be a great comfort to me. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 March 9, 1668-9. Rab in Ungarn. 
 
 N 2 
 
180 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 DEAR SISTER BETTY, 
 
 I want you with me, to draw me abundance of fine 
 pictures of strange things ; but seeing that I am too far from 
 you to hope that you will come to me, I thinke of returning 
 to you, and, though I have spent the winter without you, I 
 must not thinke of being from Norwich this summer, whither 
 I hope to returne to a great deale of joye, if my friends be in 
 health. Pray tell me that you are so, as often as you can. 
 A whole sheet full of news will not cost me sixpence. Dear- 
 est sister, I am your loving brother, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father Dr. Browne, at. his 
 
 house in Norwich. 
 Leave this with Ms Anne Browne, at Esqr. Barker 
 
 his house, in Clerkenwell, upon New Prison 
 
 Walke, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Vienna, Aprill 28, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you the last post. Most of my letter 
 was concerning dampes in mines ; which account may be, by 
 it selfe, if you thinke fit, sir, communicated to Mr. Oldenburg ; 
 if not, at my returne, which I hope in God will be in a few 
 months, with the rest of my observations. I have now taken 
 up three hundred florins in preparation to goe into Turkey 
 this next weeke ; but, if it please God, I hope to be at Vienna 
 again by that time that I can have an answer to this. I hope, 
 sir, you will forgive me this excursion, and helpe me to 
 returne to you by giving me credit again upon the same mar- 
 chants as formerly, the same way, by Mr. Johnson, for the 
 heirs olf Mr. Fuchs ; Mr. Triangle particularly, at Vienna ; for 
 he tells me that my credit is limited so as I have had all, which 
 I knew not ; but since my returne out of Hungary, I have 
 had, since my coming abroad, 700 reichs-tallers : but I hope, 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 181 
 
 with Gods blessing, a small summe more will helpe me to 
 come safe home. I shall continue to write still ; and shall 
 have many occasions ; and it will make me happy at my re- 
 turne to hear from you, sir, and from any of my friends. My 
 duty to my most dear mother, and love to my dear sisters. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at his 
 
 house in Norwich. 
 Leave this with Ms Anne Browne, at Esqre Barker 
 
 his house in Clerkenwell, upon New Prison Walke, 
 
 London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Wien, Aprill 4-14, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 It hath pleased God, after a very prosperous jour- 
 ney, to bringe me safe to Vienne. As my journey was some- 
 what harsh and laborious in Hungary, so also it was very 
 fortunate to me, and I have informed myselfe in many things 
 which the Royall Society inquired after, and found friends 
 unexpectedly in all places, both among the officers and com- 
 manders of the soldiers, when need was, to convoy me, and 
 amongst the officers in the mines, who have presented me with 
 many curiosities. The earle of the chamber, Sigr. Gianuelli, 
 did me a great deale of honour and favour, both in his coun- 
 tenance at Schemnitz, and his order to the governours of the 
 mines, by Chremnitz and Newsol, that I should have all things 
 shown me; which was performed with so much kindnesse, 
 generosity, and true heartednesse, that I shall never have 
 occasion to acknowledge it enough ; and this journey is already 
 so much the more comfortable to me, that I am in a probability 
 to serve the society without hazarding the repute of their name, 
 and what upon my owne account I have procured, I may be the 
 more free to present it them, as you shall thinke fit, sir. I 
 should have been too happy at my returne if I had met with 
 
182 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 a letter here from you, sir ; but I hope the best. I hope that 
 God will still blesse me in the preservation of yours and my 
 dear mothers healths. My service to Mr. Hawkins, and Mr. 
 Whitefoot, Mr. Robins, with the rest of my friends. I heard 
 from Mr. Panser, of ^Rotterdam, lately, and from one Mr. 
 Verrin, of Amsterdam, a learned young man, who is going into 
 England, and at whose fathers neat house at Amsterdam I 
 was kindly treated ; I should be glad my friends would show 
 him kindnesse. Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at Nor- 
 wich, to be left with Ms Anne Browne, at Esqre 
 Barkers house in Clarkenwell, London. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Aprill 28, st. vet. 1669. 
 
 DEARE SONNE. 
 
 I am heartily sorry my letters come not to you, as 
 yours do to mee. I have writ eight or nine letters beside 
 those by Mr. Hovenaer and Mr. Hayles. All yours haue 
 come to my hands, except one, wch your letter lately men- 
 tions, that you wrote from Schemnitz. I received all the rest 
 from Rab, Komara, Treistad, Cremnitz, and yours yesterday 
 from Vienna, dated Aprill 14, styl. novo. I am heartily glad, and 
 blesse God, that you are returned to Vienna. I had many sol- 
 licitous thoughts for you. His gratious protection still goo with 
 you, and returne you safe unto your country, to serve him all 
 your dayes. You have taken good observations of very many 
 things, and used great industrie every where, wch, though I 
 like well, yet I cannot but renew my old admonition, to afford 
 convenient rest and quiet unto thy selfe, nor to fatigate thy 
 spirits and body to the discomposure of your health or hazard 
 thereof. Georgius Wernerus hath writ De aquis Hungarian. 
 You may probably get a view thereof in some parts or libra- 
 ries in Germanie, as of Kirchir in his sixt and tenth booke of 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 183 
 
 his Mundus Subterraneus and Baccius de Thermis. Lazarus 
 Erker hath writ of mineralls in high Duch, and was a practi- 
 call man therein, as Agricola de Mineralibus et Metallis, in 
 Latin; wch last I have. The mines you saw are notable 
 ones, and you are not like to meet with any like them ; and 
 having well viewed them, I would not have you hazard your 
 health in going farre, or staying long in any, if you meet with 
 any more. All your letters are writ out into a booke. Many 
 things I proposed in letters, wch came not to your hand ; as, 
 to informe yourselfe at Vienna of the myrrha fossilis, found 
 in the ground about Gradisco, in Moravia ; of ginger, which 
 thrives well at the bottome of Haimburg hill, not farre from 
 Presburg ; to enquire after the stones in a lake in Comitatu 
 Mansfeldiano, wch represent severall animals. Though you 
 go not thither you may reade of them in Ortelius, in the cap. 
 ' De Comitatu Mansfeldiano.' Bellies or backs of fiddles are 
 made out [of] a wood called ayre, wch they say is a kind of ma- 
 ple brought out of Germanie. In what proportion Lutherans, 
 Calvinists, Catholicks, Jewes, are in Germanie. Where the 
 best high Duch is spoake. To take notice where copper is 
 made or wrought, and whether the pompholyx and tutia may 
 be discerned from them; and whether they take notice of 
 mysi, sory, chalcitis, &c. 1 Mines, baths, and minerall waters, 
 have been more taken notice of, and writt of, in other parts 
 of Germanie then in Austria and Hungarie ; and you have 
 done well to take so exact account of them. You must be 
 warie in the conveyance of what you have, and may divide 
 them, and send them in two parcells, and send them at twice; 
 that, if one be lost, the other may escape ; and bring also 
 some part of them. Do as you conceave best. Enquire after 
 smalt, a stone v/hereof they make blewing, for paynting and 
 starch. It comes out of a stone or earth in Germanie, and 
 
 much get to Amsterdam. If I had knowne which waye 
 
 you would have come, I would have contrived a letter to have 
 met you; and now, doubting the post caryadge, I have sent this 
 to Mr. Panser, by Mr. Robins his helpe, to send it unto you. 
 Mr. Denton writ to you ; but I beleeve it never came to you. 
 
 These are all kinds or sulphate of iron, green vitriol of copperas, as it is com- 
 monly called. — Gray. 
 
184 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 Your mother also, and Betty, writ to you in my letters, and 
 Nancy hath writ to you. I am very sorry none came unto you 
 since the two first. I writ a note also out of Dr. Jorden, of 
 minerall waters and baths. Beside naturall things, you may 
 also enquire into politicall, and the government, and state, 
 and subsistence of citties, townes, and countries, wch, though 
 you have done, yet you may be still mind full thereof; for his- 
 tories are short therein. Sir John Denham is dead, and they 
 say Dr. Wren shall have his place. 2 The theatre is finished 
 at Oxford, and used this act; my Lord Howard hath given 
 twenty and more of his statues unto it. The Prince of Tus- 
 canie is now at Newmarket with the king, to see horse races 
 and hunting. Bee carefull of your health now the summer 
 season approacheth especially. The blessing and mercies of 
 God go ever with you. I rest your ever loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 I sent the figure of the soles parelii to the society, wch was 
 very well taken. 3 Dr. Merret presented it for you ; your in- 
 formations hereafter will bee very welcome. Mr. Verrin is 
 well at Cambridge. I will provide some furre for him at Ox- 
 ford, whether he goes at the act. I intend to send next weeke 
 by Mr. Johnson, to have a letter left at Mr. Hovenaers, when- 
 ever you send for it. I payd the 100 florins taken up March 
 18, and shall assist you to my abilitie alwayes. 
 
 A Monsr. Edouard Browne, Anglois, chez Mr. Beck, 
 in Keller-hoff, Vienna, en Austriche. 
 
 Dr. Edivard Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 May 9, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I thought to have sent to you this day by a worthy 
 honest gentleman, captain Mackdughall ; but the last night 
 
 2 Denham died in 1668, and was succeeded by Wren as P. R- S. 
 3 An account of two parhelias, or mock suns, lately seen in Hungary, Jan. 30, 
 1668, by Edw. Browne Phil. Trans, vol. 4, p. 953, No. 47. 10 May, 1669. 
 
1669.J DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 185 
 
 he fell sick again of the collick, which hath hindred his jour- 
 ney. Mine is also put by, in regard that Sigr. Gabriel, who 
 was to have been sent this weeke to Larissa, in Thessaly, by 
 the emperour, stayeth here still, to entertaine and assist the 
 Turkish envoye. We have news that Buda is burned downe 
 to the grownde, and that the Grand Seigneur is sick. I 
 wrote you, sir, a letter by the last post, with a catalogue of 
 what I observed more particularly in the emperours library. 
 The woode which they make violins of groweth by Saltzburg. 
 I hope to procure some of the leaves. The woode here is 
 not deere ; they make trenchers of it. It is called Augenes 
 Holtz. The stone with which St. Stephen was stoned is a 
 kinde of pebble. I will sende you, sir, a piece just like it; 
 but it looketh like marble, and is polished, and worne a little 
 hollow in the middle by the continual touching of it by every 
 one that goeth in or out of that door of the church wherein 
 it is fixed. I thinke to returne right by Mansfield, so as I 
 may inquire after those fishes you mention, sir, and frogs 
 found in stones. I read of the frogs, in Agricola, found at 
 Schneberg, on the borders of Bohemia. I hope to see some 
 things remarkable in my returne, which I wish may be 
 sodainly ; but all things are uncertaine. Howsoever, if I bee 
 again disappointed of my Turkish journey, though it would 
 be very advantageous and considerable to me, I thinke not to 
 waite longer, but come away for Prague. Pray sir be pleased, 
 howsoever, to write to me. This little fish is ill coloured ; 
 but I had rather have this then no figure of it. My duty to 
 my most dear mother, and service to my friends. We heare 
 that the French are fallen into Flanders again. I have in- 
 quired after the myrrha fossilis in many places, but cannot 
 procure it. I reade in a description of Moravia concerning 
 it, (Gradsco, the village where it is, lies within three miles of 
 Allmitz the chief towne,) that there was a man founde and 
 digged out all of mirrhe in the mine at Chremnitz, in the gold 
 mine. The woode which supports the stollen, or cuniculos, 
 was once set on fire by the carelesnesse of a boy, and fifty 
 miners smothered therein. They were all taken out but one, 
 who was afterwards founde to be dissolved by the vitriole or 
 vitriolate water ; nothing of him escaping, either bones or 
 
186 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 flesch, but his clothes alone. In my next, I will write better 
 and more orderly ; but I was unwilling to loose the opportu- 
 nity of this poste. I remain, sir, 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father Dr. Browne, at his 
 residence in Norwich ; to be left with Ms Anne 
 Browne, at Esqre Barker his house, in darken- 
 well, near New Prison, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to Jtis Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1660-1.] 
 
 Venice, June 14, styl. nov. 1669. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I rested some time at St. Veit, and after, as occa- 
 sion presented, proceeded forward not in a direct road, butt 
 from one curiositie to another, till I arrived at this place. And 
 first I went to Saal Sala, colonia Soluensis, where I saw 
 many Roman antiquities. From Saal I went to Clagenfort, 
 of old called Claudia. At this place I receaued great kind- 
 nesse from my lord Peasly, whose company quartered in this 
 town, and very much favour from my lord Lesly and baron 
 La Haye, unto whom I had the honour to bee knowne 
 last winter, at Vienna. My lord Lesly invited mee to 
 his table during my staye, and carried mee in his barge 
 through a fine artificiall cutt into the lake of Clagenfort 
 or Werde sea, so called from the towne of Werde seated on 
 the south side thereof, and so to a howse of pleasure called 
 Loretto, finely seated, and which hath also a chappell in it of 
 the same figure with that at Loretto in Italie ; he also gaue 
 mee letters to Vienna, which is a great peece of German 
 kindnesse. Baron La Haye entertained mee with his trauells 
 in Turkey, and if I would trauell that way they both pro- 
 mised to take such care in my behalf that I should not bee 
 iniured, and to procure meanes of my safe journey by the 
 order of Montecuculi, president of the counsell andgouernour 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 187 
 
 of Rab, which courtisie I receaued with many thanks, butt 
 made no acceptance thereof at that time. [E. B.] 
 
 Dr Browne to his son Edward, 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 June 25, styl. vet. [1669.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I should bee glad this might come unto you, many of 
 myne having miscarred. I have receaued all your letters from 
 Vienna and Hungarie, and one yesterday from Venice, and 
 the same day another from St. Veit in Carinthia. Mr. Cold- 
 ham was with mee this day, and sayth hee hath goods to 
 come from Venice to be laden in a short time in a shippe of 
 London, by Mr. Hayles, and will be glad to do you any ser- 
 vice. Mr. Hayles sent a bill of credit to you at Vienna, butt 
 you were come away before you could receeue it. I presume 
 you will find also that Mr. Hovenaer hath renewed the credit 
 expired, for I tooke care for it 6 weekes ago. I am glad you 
 did not go into Turkey, though probably you have bad butt 
 a hard and toylesome iourny of this. I hope to heare from 
 you within a few dayes, and your passage through Carniola, 
 Goritia, and part of Friuli. Most of the places I find in my 
 mappes, and Saal I thinck is Colonia Solunensis in Ortelius 
 his mappe of Carinthia. I sent your observations [concerning 
 damps] in the mines of Hung, to the R. S. adding some par- 
 ticulars out of the other letters, and the firing of Chremnitz 
 mine by a boy. Oldenburg sent mee a letter and another of 
 thancks to you unto Vienna. In my former letters I sent a 
 good note out of Dr. Jordans booke of bath and minerall 
 waters. God preserue thee in health and euer go with you. 
 Though your body bee in motion, maintaine a tranquillitas 
 and smootheness of mind, which will better conserue to health. 
 Your mother and sisters recommend, &c. 
 
 I rest your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
188 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 iEnaeas Syluius, who was after named Pope Pius Secundus, 
 hath in his works in his epistles one chap, de descriptione 
 Viennae, you may if you have time see how it agreeth to the 
 present state of that place. In all Bohemia, Saxonie, &c. 
 you may understand much of metalls. Goldecranach is the 
 name of a place where gold is or hath been found, not farre 
 from those parts, as in Agricola de mineralibus nouis et 
 veteribus I find it, but you need not go to the same. 
 
 A Monsr. Edouard Browne, Anglois, chez Monsr. Beck, 
 in Colnerhoff, Vienna, in Austriche. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Venetia, July 5, st. nov. 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you two letters from Padoa, which I hope 
 are come to your hands, and am in great expectation of re- 
 ceiving divers letters at Vienna, if it please God to bringe 
 me safe thither. At present I cannot desire you, sir, to 
 write to me, because I hope to be at Vienna before that you 
 receive this, and doe not thinke to stay there above a fort- 
 night ; so that any answer to this would come too late. How- 
 soever, I shall continue to write as often as I finde good 
 opportunity of sending. At Padoa I caused a booke to be 
 made of six hundred plantes, which I have with me, and 
 thinke to send it from hence to Yarmouth. There are few 
 English at present at Padoa ; and I was unfortunate in the 
 losse of Sign. Carlo Theobaldi, who died two days after my 
 coming thither. Dr. Cadinet, a Scotchman, is there still, 
 whom I knew formerly ; and by his telescopes I had a good 
 sight of this new moone. He hath one of those made at 
 London, and sent him by my lord Howard. Mr. Morillon, 
 who taught my lord Howards sonnes at Norwich, after that 
 Sir Samuell Tuke had dismissed him, came into Italy, hath 
 lived at Rome, and is now a language master at Padoa. He 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 189 
 
 presents his humble service to you, sir. I revieued at 
 Padoa many things which I had seen before ; as the garden, 
 the churches of Sant Antonio and Santa Justina, the Cardi- 
 nalls Pallace, his hall wherein are the pictures of all the 
 bishops of the place, from St. Peter to the present Cardinall 
 Barberigo. The statua of Gatamelato on horseback, by the 
 Santo, esteemed above that of Bartholomeo di Bergamo, by 
 St. Giovanni e Paulo, at Venice. The duke of Norfolk is 
 much as he useth to be. There is one Mr. Leeth, a Scotch- 
 man, in good reputation, who liveth with the Cardinall ; and 
 one Mr. Edmunds, an Englishman. I hope sodainly to 
 write again so as I will at present present my duty to my 
 dear mother, and rest your obedient sonne 
 
 E. BROWNE. 
 
 MOST DEAR MOTHER, 
 
 I have travelled into many places since that I left 
 Norwich, which I did not thinke of or desighne at my coming 
 abroad ; so that I have been a great expense to you this 
 yeare ; but I am now returning, though the way be long, and 
 doe not thinke to make any stay more then is necessary in 
 any place till I arrive in Holland ; so as in October I doe pro- 
 mise myselfe great satisfaction. It hath been a melancholy 
 time for me, that I have heard so little from my friends since 
 I came abroad ; but I hope before this that divers have wrote, 
 and that I shall receive their letters with great joy e at Vienna. 
 My coming into Italy was merely accidentall ; and my stay in 
 it will be but few dayes more. If there comes a boy to Nor- 
 wich, who was with me in Hungary, and waited upon captain 
 Mackdugall from Vienna to London, I humbly desire that 
 you would be pleased to entertayne him in your service. I 
 hope all are well, with my uncle Bendish and the rest of my 
 friends at Norwich. My service to Mr. Deye, to Madam 
 Burwell and her family, to Mr. Whitefoot, Mr. Robins, Mr. 
 Hawkins, Mr. Corbet, to my aunt Gawdy, my aunt Tenison, 
 my unkle Mileham, and all my relations and friends. So, 
 with many thankes for your long continued indulgence, I 
 remain, Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
190 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 DEAR SISTER BETTY, 
 
 Though I make many journeys, yet I am confident 
 that your pen and pencill are greater travellers. How many 
 fine plaines do they passe over, and how many hills, woods, 
 seas doe they designe ? You have a fine way of not onley 
 seeing but making a world ; and whilst you set still, how 
 many miles doth your hand travell ! I am onely unfortunate 
 in this, that I can never meete you in any of your voyages. 
 If you had drawne your lines more towards Austria, I should 
 have been a greater emperour, in my owne conceit ; but I 
 hope you denied me that favour upon no other account then 
 that I should make the more haste to you, who know not 
 how to live without something of you. If so, your intention 
 is good, but, like yourselfe, too severe to 
 
 Your loving brother, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE SISTER MOLL, 
 
 How unlucky was it that you did not goe with me 
 into Holland ; for (so being obliged to returne with you into 
 England) I had in all probability been with you at present. 
 I have no remedy now but patience, and yet am very im- 
 patient till I see you. I am, dear sister, 
 
 Your loving brother, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 DEAR SISTER FRANCK, 
 
 It seemeth to mee seven yeares since I saw you ; so 
 as, if it were not for my great love to you, I might lawfully 
 take another wife. To assure me that you are alive, pray 
 write two or three wordes to me ; for any thinge of you, that 
 are all life, will easily convince me of it. I would give you a 
 fine peach if you were with me ; but I suppose that you will 
 not want for fruit, for a husband, and brother, 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 191 
 
 Since I began to write this, I received a kinde letter from 
 Monsieur Morillon, at Padoa, and the inclosed to you. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at his 
 house in Norwich, vid London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 July 21, Vienna in Austria, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 Yesterday, at my return from Venice, I received 
 one from you by the means of Mr. Panser, who wrote to me, 
 and inclosed yours. I am very unfortunate that your letters 
 come not to me. The fault must be at London, where per- 
 haps the letters were put in without paiing for them, and so 
 they stopt at Brussells. Mr. Dentons came to me ; and I 
 have had letters and answers again from Mr. Oldenburg very 
 speedily. In his last he lets me know that my observations 
 were well accepted by the R. S., and that they had command- 
 ed him to write me word so, and that they did not doubt but 
 I would further communicate what I meet withall to them. 
 I know not what you sent them besides the figure of the 
 soles parelii. I would not give them an account of Hun- 
 gary, till I have drawne it into some method, or be able 
 therewith to answer their first proposalls to me ; but if you 
 please (I inclosed an account of the lake of Zircknitz, which 
 I visited in my last journey into Carniola and Carinthia) if 
 you have received it, it may be sent to them. I am, I thanke 
 God, once again arrived in good health at Vienna, notwith- 
 standing the great heat of the weather and the tediousnesse 
 of my journy from Venice, all alone. I am sorry that my 
 letter from Schemnitz is lost. That, and the other from 
 Bing, I was forced to trust others with, in the putting them 
 into the posthouse ; but by the next post I will recollect some- 
 thing, and write to you what was in my Schemnitz letter. 
 In the mean time I will speake something of my journey 
 
192 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 through Friuli, Carinthia, Styria, Austria, hoping that you 
 have received all my letters from Venice ; the last of which 
 hath one enclosed in it from Mr. Morillon, whom I met at 
 Padoa. I suppose that my lord Howard is by this time out 
 of England. I am so desirous to hear again from home, that 
 I would beg a letter by the same way again of my loving 
 friend Mr. Panser, if I were not resolved to leave Vienna 
 shortly. Howsoever, the heat of the weather will keepe me 
 here some dayes ; and it will not be lost, althoughe it misse 
 of me in this place ; and pray, sir, write word whether captain 
 Mackdugall be arrived in England. The next poste I will 
 write again, not despairing jet of hearing from you again, 
 sir, sodainly, in answer to my request at Venice. I am most 
 happy by Mr. Oldenburg's meanes, who assures me that you 
 were well in health in June ; the continuance of which will be 
 the greatest blessing on earth, if it please God, to 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, , 
 
 E. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Browne, at his house in Norwich, in 
 Norfolke, these present with care. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Wien, 25 August, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 This day twelvemonthes I arrived at Rotterdam ; 
 since which, although I have informed myself in some things, 
 yet I can not but have a great deale of regret for spendinge 
 so much time from you, sir. If it please God to returne me 
 safe to you, I hope to improve my selfe, and enjoy a more 
 quiet settled life. The heat beginning to decrease, I shall 
 have a good season to travell in. The last autumne was very 
 faire. If I goe somewhat out of the way, I hope, sir, you will 
 pardon it, and continue your goodnesse and blessing to me, 
 which maketh me happy, and able to goe through many diffi- 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 193 
 
 culties. Lambecius, a most learned, worthy person, doth 
 again present his service to you, sir, and is kinder to me then 
 ever; offering me, showing me, and instructing me, in any 
 thinge that I mention ; and because that the emperour ex- 
 pressed his esteeme of your workes, sir, and this noble person 
 doth courte your acquaintance, if you would be pleased to 
 write something to him, or of him, in a letter to me, directed 
 as formerly, though I be gone from hence, I will order it so 
 that he shall thereby see, sir, that I have not neglected his 
 civility. I hope that all my friends are well at Norwich. 
 My service to Mr. Whitefoot, Mr. Hawkins, my unkle Bendish, 
 who, perhaps, is mayor by this time, and to all his family. I 
 learned of a soldier to make looking glasses with a mixture or 
 amalgama of quicksilver, bismut, tin, and lead. I wrote to 
 my sister Betty this last poste. I hope that my sister Ann is 
 longe since returned, well satisfied, from London. My duty 
 to my most deare mother. When I once again heare from 
 home, it will be a greate contentment and joye to me. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 I have inclosed here this antiquity at Petronell ; it being 
 the other side of the arch of which I already sent you a cut. 
 
 For my ever honoured father, Dr. Browne, at Norwich. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Vienna, October 17, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I am just now arrived again at Vienna after a hard 
 journey. God's holy name be praised for ever ! His mercy 
 hath been infinite to me, in preserving me ; and I hope, sir, 
 that you will forgive this excursion. I will make haste home- 
 ward, soe that I beg of you to write to me into Hollande 
 soone after the receipt of this. I saw the Grand Seignor at 
 vol. i. o 
 
194 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE [1669- 
 
 Larissa, in Thessaly. He is now gone into Negroponte, and 
 the Sultana is come to Monaster, or Toli, by which place I 
 passed in my returne. The English embassadour is expected 
 at the Ottoman court ; but that and greater considerations 
 could not stay me from returning poste to Vienna. I hope 
 in God that he still blesseth me with your health, sir. My 
 duty to my most dear mother, and love to my dear sisters. 
 
 Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 I received a letter from Mr. Oldenburg this day, and from 
 Mr. John Fairfax, from Constantinople, and from Mr. Do- 
 nellan. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, of Nor- 
 wiche, to be left with Ms Anne Browne, at Esq. 
 Barker his house, in Clarkenwell, near New Prison, 
 London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Vienna, October 24, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you twice since I arrived here ; and if I 
 had been successefull this morning in my petition for a passe 
 from the emperour, to avoyde searching or other hindrances 
 in my journey, I had immediately taken a place in the coach 
 which goeth to Prague. Howsoever, with God's blessing, I 
 hope to continue my journey homeward sodainly. I would 
 willingly set downe something more of my Turkish journey ; 
 but the consideration of my rashnesse and obstinate folly in 
 undertaking it, renders my thoughts of it unpleasing. How- 
 soever, God's infinite goodnesse and mercy protecting me and 
 preserving me, in rendring both the rage and subtil malice of 
 man unable to hurte me, and keeping me from all dangers, 
 day and night, I hope I shall rejoyce in his mercifull provi- 
 dence all my life, and more cheerfully imbrace all conditions 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 195 
 
 and fortunes through which God shall please to leade me. 
 Hoping in God that you are in health, sir, with my most deare 
 mother and sisters, I rejoyce that I have this opportunity to 
 say, sir, that I reste 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 My service to Mr. Whitefoot, Mr. Robins, Mr. Hawkins, 
 my unkle Bendish, and all my friends. I pray sir, write to 
 me to Mr. Hovenaer, or to Mr. Panser. I just now saw Mr. 
 Cottrell, Sir Charles Cottrell's sonne. He goeth soone to 
 Venetia. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at his 
 house in Norwich. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Prague, November 9th, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you the last of October, just before my 
 leaving Vienna. I am since (thanks be to God) safely arrived 
 here. My greatest joye would be to receive a letter from you, 
 sir ; but I know not how to propose any probable way of ac- 
 complishing it, unlesse, sir, that you would be pleased to write 
 to Hamburg. Sir Nevel Catlin, I beleeve, hath a brother 
 there, a merchant, Mr. James Catlin, formerly my school-fel- 
 low ; a letter sent to him for me would come to my handes, if 
 that it pleaseth God to give me safe journey thither. Got- 
 tenberg, or Cottenberg, is eight Bohemian miles from Prague. 
 They have worked here seven hundred years ; there are 
 about thirty mines. I went downe into that which was first 
 digged, but was afterwards left for a long time ; but now they 
 dig there again. It is called the Cotna, auffder Cotten, upon 
 the Cotten or Coate hill. A monke walking over this hill 
 founde a silver tree sticking to his coate, which was the occa- 
 
 o 2 
 
196 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 sion that they afterwards built these mines, and the place 
 retaines this name of Cottenberg. I have read that the prin- 
 cesse and great sorceresse of Bohemia, Libussa, did foretell 
 many thinges concerning these mines ; but in such matters I 
 beleeve little ; knowing how confident men are in such super- 
 stitious accounts. In the mines at Brunswick is reported to 
 be a spirit; and another at the tin mine at Slackenwald, in 
 this kingdome, in the shape of a monke, which strikes the 
 miners, singeth, playeth on the bagpipe, and many such tricks. 
 But I doubt, if I should go thither, I should flnde them as vain 
 as Montparions drumme ; but the winter, and my great desire 
 to return home speedily, will not permit me to goe so farre 
 out of the way. From Gottenberg by Colline and Bohemian 
 Broda, to Prague ; where, I thanke God, I am very well, 
 after such tiresome voyages as I have made ; and when I 
 looke back upon all the dangers from which it hath pleased 
 God to deliver me, I can not but with some assurance also 
 hope that his infinite goodness will also bring me backe into 
 my owne country and blesse me there with the continuance of 
 my dear father's life, health, and prosperity. I have divers 
 thinges to write to you, sir, concerning Turkhia ; but I will 
 not trouble you, sir, too much at once. I know, sir, that you 
 cannot but reasonably be offended with my long stay abroad ; 
 especially in countryes of small literature ; but I hope that 
 your displeasure will not continue, and that you will adde this 
 to the rest of your great goodnesse and indulgence to me, to 
 pardon my rashnesse, and the expense I have put you to. 
 My duty to my most dear mother, and love to my sisters and 
 friends. I an uncertaine which way I shall take. Travelling 
 is not certain here, as in France. If it were not for my port- 
 mantle, I would buy a horse, and come streight into the Low 
 Countreys. Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at his 
 house in Norwich. 
 
1669.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 197 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 [Dresden, Nov. circa 20th, 1669.] 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you last from Prague, and shall continue 
 to sende letters upon all occasions, the onely means which I 
 have of expressing my obedience at this distance. The last 
 which I received from you, sir, was of June 21, st. veter. I 
 have since been deprived of the like blessing by my allmost 
 continuall travelling ; but I have great hopes, sir, to have a 
 letter from you at Hamburg. I will inquire at the posthouse 
 when I come thither. Be pleased, sir, to direct, a Monsieur 
 Edward Browne, or thus, a Mr. Catlin, pour faire tenir a Mr. 
 Browne, Anglois, presentement a Hamburg. Sir Nevel Cat- 
 lin his brother, I thinke liveth there ; and if you would be 
 pleased to write, I beleeve that your letter would arrive at the 
 same time with me ; for though I make all convenient speede, 
 yet I doubt it will be the fourth or fifth of December, old 
 style, before my arrivall there; the boates not going any longer 
 downe the Elbe, by reason of the season ; so that I thinke to 
 goe from hence to Leipsick, when I finde opportunity, and so 
 continue my journey that way. My duty to my most dear 
 mother, and love to my sisters. 
 
 I remain your obedient sonne, 
 
 ED. BROWNE. 
 
 Sir, at Prague I founde out Captain Makdugall, who hath 
 had many misfortunes since my parting with him. He was 
 invited to a gentleman's house, who first borrowed money of 
 him, and afterwards his servant robbed him. Then the Hun- 
 garian boy ran away from him (but had only two ducats of 
 him). Since that he hath been divers months sick, and, of 
 nigh a thousand dollars which he brought out of Milan with 
 him, he hath so few left, that he hath [been] forced to pawne his 
 ringes, watches, and other thinges. I am sorry for his mis- 
 
198 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 fortune, being a gentleman who is generally obliging, and hath 
 been particularly kinde to me. I have all my thinges of him 
 again. 
 
 I am now come to Hamburg, 4 and have seen Mr. Catlin, 
 who hath the small poxe, but is recovering. 
 
 DEAR MOTHER, 
 
 I have been above once since my coming abroad so 
 happy as to hear from you. I am in hopes that now I am 
 coming nigher unto you, you will be pleased to write to me to 
 Hamburg. I have not done, I think, advisedly to stay so long 
 from my most dear parents ; but I hope you will forgive it, 
 and that your goodness will meet your prodigal son now that 
 he returneth. I should be sorry to have travelled beyond 
 your kindness. If it be so, I should be much out of my way. 
 I hope the best ; having had all my life-time experience of 
 your goodness. And for what is to come, when it shall please 
 God to bring me home, I shall strive to let you see, by my 
 obedience to you, that I have no greater desire or design than 
 that of being always with all thankfulness and submission, 
 most dear mother, Your obedient son, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 For my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at his house in 
 Norwich. Leave this with Ms Anne Browne, at 
 Esqre Barker his house, neare to New Prison, in 
 Clarkenwell, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 Hamburg, December 16, 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I hoped at my first coming to Hamburg to arrive at 
 Norwich before that time in which you will receive this, hav- 
 
 4 This last paragraph, written at Hamburgh, must have been added in making 
 up a pacquet of letters, sent thence, for it appears that the present and following 
 letters were not sent till he reached Hamburgh. 
 
1069.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 199 
 
 ing met with a ship bounde for London, and the winde was 
 then goode, since which time it 'hath turned and continued 
 most at west. It now beginneth to freeze, so as that I hope 
 it will soone be easterly again, for I am loath to travell any 
 farther by lande. In my last I wrote you something of Magde- 
 burg from whence I came hither in four dayes time through 
 a countrey most of it barren ; little accommodation, nor any 
 thing worth the seeing ; first through the Electour of Bran- 
 denburg's countrey, and then through the Prince of Lune- 
 berg's. There are sometimes rowes of stones as in the Danish 
 antiquities, and in one place I tooke more particular notice of 
 them where three great stones were in the middle incompass- 
 ed in a longe square by other large stones set up an end. 
 Here, at Hamburg, I have met with divers courteous under- 
 standing persons, as Mr. Griffin, the minister, a good scholler 
 and preacher, and hath been particularly obliging to me ; as 
 also Mr. Free, the treasurer, he tells me that he was this last 
 summer at Norwich; Mr. Bankes, who hath travelled in divers 
 parts of Turchja, as through Natolia and the Holy Lande ; 
 and Mr. Catlin and his partner, Mr. Tounly, who are so civill 
 as to offer to furnish me with money, but I hope my stay will 
 not be so longe as to want any. The English have great pri- 
 viledges here, and a riche trade ; there are ships come laden 
 hither with cloath to the valew of an hundred thousand 
 pounds sterling in a ship. Here is one Mr. Jenkinson, a 
 merchant, who hath given me a letter to you, sir, but I am to 
 deliver it to your owne hands. Hamburg is one of the great- 
 est townes in Germany; fortified a la moderna. The churches 
 are many of them faire, with high steeples covered with cop- 
 per; the front of St. Katharine is beautifull. They have 
 sermons every day as in all Lutheran countries. I lodge at 
 the signe of the City of Lubeck. I am in some hopes of 
 hearing from you here, sir, especially if you received a letter 
 from me, sir, from Prague, in which was something concerning 
 the mine of Gottenburg, in Bohemia. I heare here that the 
 Lord Bishop of Norwich is deade, and that Mr. Skottow hath 
 left the towne. I should be glad to finde the rest of my friends 
 in health and prosperity, to whom my service. My duty to 
 my most dear mother, and love to my sisters. I have read 
 
200 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 here a little booke in High Dutch, translated out of English, 
 of the three great impostures of this age. Padre Ottomanno, 
 whom I have seen, he himselfe cannot be much guilty of the 
 cheats. John Michael de Cigala, the description of whose 
 life, in French, I read at Larissa, in Thessaly, but it was 
 laughed at there, and one Sigr. Georgio, an interpreter, told 
 me that he was a Greeke, he is set downe a Wallachian. And 
 of the third I have heard Turkish songes ; but I have no 
 more roome at present onely to present my duty. 
 
 Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 P'or my honoured father, Dr. Browne, at his house in 
 Norwich. Leave this with Ms Anne Browne, at 
 Esqre Barker his house, neare to New Prison, in 
 Clarkenwell, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Retzbiitell, or Cookes-haven, Dec. 15, st. vet. 1669. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I hoped to have been at Norwich before this ; but 
 contrary windes have hindered our voyage. I left Hamburg 
 the tenth of this month ; which day I wrote to you my last 
 letter from thence, the dayes being at the shortest, and the 
 night darke in the new of the moone. The tide falling also 
 in the day time, we were able the first daye to sayle no 
 farther than to Stadt, belonging to the king of Sweden, five 
 miles from Hamburg, where the ships which come up the 
 river pay custome. Decemb. 11, we sayled by Gluckstat, 
 the king of Denmarks. The castle, the kings palace, and 
 the church, show handsomely upon the river. We anchored 
 this night before the mouth of the Ost, a river which 
 falleth into the Elbe out of Bremertland, a mile below 
 Brunsbutell, on the other side of the water. December 12, 
 we lost sight of the northern shoare, passed Cookes haven, 
 in full hopes to be able to put to sea that night, but were 
 
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 201 
 
 becalmed about three in the afternoon, a league and an halfe 
 below it, where we were forced to anchor again, lest that the 
 stronge ebbe should set us ongrounde. So we lay that night 
 between the Dick, or thick sande, on the north, and new- 
 werch, on the south, right over against a light house. 
 Decemb. 13, the winde turning westerly, and blowing harde, 
 we returned to Cooke haven, where our ship now is at 
 anchor. Yesterday I came on shoare, and went up the 
 lande to the fort here, belonging to the towne of Hamburg. 
 It is a high square worke, with a double ditch. Some vessells 
 come up to the fort ; but the ditch which comes thither from 
 out of the Elbe is drye at low water. The towne is called 
 Retzbiitell : here are some other vessells driven in with us 
 also. God send us well out, that I may once again come to 
 you, sir. In the mean time I have sent this to Mr. Catlyn, 
 to sende to you. My duty to my most dear mother, and love 
 to my sisters. Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honourd father, Dr. Browne, at his 
 house in Norwich. 
 
 Dr. E. Browne, after his travels, settled in London. 
 From the directions of his father's letters, we gather 
 that he changed his residence several times before 
 1673. In that year he was tempted to another short 
 visit to the Continent, which is described in his tra- 
 vels, fol. 1686, at p. 180. July 29, 1675, he was 
 elected a Fellow of the College of Physicians, and 
 lectured in that and several succeeding years. He 
 was first chosen censor in 1678. From 1675, 
 throughout the whole of his father's life, he resided 
 in Salisbury-court, Fleet-street. During the long 
 period of his practice in London he was in constant 
 correspondence with his father ; from whom it is 
 quite evident he derived much of the materials of his 
 
202 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1670. 
 
 lectures, and great assistance in all his engagements, 
 both literary and professional. He appeared to have 
 had considerable practice among the higher ranks, 
 both in London and in the country. He attended 
 the celebrated Earl of Rochester in his dying illness, 
 at Woodstock Park. Some of Sir Thomas's letters 
 have been omitted, and several are considerably abridg- 
 ed, especially those which are strictly professional, and 
 such as contain passages for his son's lectures. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Burwell hath held out tolerably this journey. 
 Hee being some dayes at leasure, I gave him pills and an 
 electuary. I writ in my last about an addition of the baths 
 of Villach, butt I beleeve too late, so you may do what you 
 please; the Transactions of May beeing probably printed 
 alreadie. 5 Now, at leasurable times, you must thinck of histo- 
 ricall and narrative observations concerning your last tra- 
 vayles, you may sett downe maney wch may be acceptable, 
 and your letters will afford many beside, such as you have 
 not sett downe, and particular passages will be pleasing and 
 somewhat instructive, and the draught of things wch Betty 
 drewe will help much ; I may give you hints of some. God 
 blesse you. Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 June viij, [1670.] 
 
 5 The following communications from Dr. Edward Browne appeared in the 
 Philosophical Transactions : — 
 
 Of two parhelias, or mock suns, seen in Hungary, Jan 30, 1668 : vol. iv, p. 953, 
 published May 10, 1669. 
 
 On the damps in the mines of Hungary : iv, 965, June 21, 1669. 
 
 Relation of the quicksilver mines of Friuli. — Account of the Zirchnitzer sea in 
 Carniola: iv, 1080, Dec. 13, 1669. 
 
 Account of the copper mine of Hern Grund, in Hungary, as also of the stone 
 quarries and Talc rocks in Hungary: v, 1042, May 23, 1670. 
 
 On the mines, minerals, baths, &c, in Hungary: v, 1 189, April 25, 1670. 
 
 Queries and answers concerning the Zirchnitz sea: ix, 194, Dec. 14, 1674. 
 
1670.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 203 
 
 I only mention these things now because your friends 
 thinck you should, though not suddenly, sett them downe, and 
 not lett all passe in silence concerning countries travaylled by 
 so fewe. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, at his lodging in the back 
 street over against the Royall Oake, in Hatton Gar- 
 den, London. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I writ unto you last Monday, and I have litle now to 
 say ; only I have half an howers time, wch opportunity I 
 would not lett passe, this being the post day. Mr. Deane, 
 after a languishing sicknesse of about two yeares, left this 
 world early on Thursday morning. 6 He voyded for a long 
 time many small stones, much gravell, and often, of late, much 
 blood, and together with the very parenchyma of his left 
 kidney. Hee held out much longer then could be expected, 
 and so was emaciated to a sceleton, which expyring condition 
 gave opportunitie to very many to make for his place, and 
 more than ever I remember for that dignity. I wish our 
 honest friend, Dr. Hawkins, might bee the man. Dr. Burton 
 wee say heere could not be admitted, as yet to yong. The 
 deane died a good Christian, and like a clergieman oi old, 
 leaving not much more then what may pay all the world and 
 serve for his burial, which is this evening. Hee gave mee his 
 chariott and harnesse. Hee found much good in drincking 
 the clarified juices of urtica and plantago in milk, for his 
 bleeding, sweeten with syrup or cons, of red roses and the 
 like. You showed mee a litle draught of the crowne of 
 Hungarie, different from other crownes, and wee could not 
 tell how to drawe it distinctly as you discribed it. I read last 
 weeke about it, and what a venerable and sacred opinion the 
 Hungarians have of it, as sent from heaven by an angel ; and 
 
 6 Dean Crofts died July 27, 1670, and was succeeded by Herbert Ashley, 
 Sep. 2, 1C70. 
 
204 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1670. 
 
 in Pinedas Monarchia Ecclesiastica, in Spanish, I think I 
 found out the ground and originall of that opinion. King, or 
 St. Stephen, being christined by Adelbardus, bishop of 
 Prague, to further that religion, made two archbishops, the 
 one of Colocta, and the other of Strigonium, wch was^the 
 place of his nativitie, and the metropolitan see. And sent to 
 Rome, unto the pope Benedect, to confirme him in his 
 dominion, and to send him the regaglios 7 of it. At the same 
 time the king of Poland, newlie Christian, sent about the 
 same errand. The pope provided a crown of gold and 
 sceptre for the king of Poland ; butt in the mean time, by an 
 apparition of an angel, hee was warned to send the crowne 
 unto Stephen, wch hee did ; and from hence may probably be 
 derived the opinion that it was sent by an angel, &c. I am 
 uncertaine whether you bee at London, or return to Tun- 
 bridg to Mr. Burwell, if hee come not from thence. My 
 humble service unto him and his lady, the chal. medecins 
 may, I hope, supply the use of the waters, wch some day did 
 not agree with him. I rest your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 July 29, [1670.] 
 
 I sent the manuscript of the Seraglio by Mrs. Holyburton; 
 it is quickly read over. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, at his lodging in Hatton 
 Garden, in the back street over agaynst the Royall 
 Oake, these, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I now send you the rest, if you will take the paynes 
 to write your journey into Upper Hungarie to the mines, you 
 may beginne at Comorn or Raab, and so to Gutta, Schella, 
 Schinta, Freistad, for you have alreadie writt particularly of 
 
 7 Regalia? 
 
1671.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 205 
 
 Raab, Comorn, &c. in your journey to Larissa, and so must 
 passe them lightly over as having writ of them elsewhere ; 
 you have also discribed Leopolstad. I know not how to do 
 any thing in this, you having the booke of your letters ; and 
 the transactions will afford you matter about the mines and 
 baths, you may sett downe the baths much as they are in the 
 transactions, adding anything unto them, as the story of the 
 man that putt a snake's head into his mouth in the bath ; and 
 of the huzzar whch bathed in a frost at midnight ; and, for 
 the mines, you need not be so particular as to give the full 
 account of separating the metalls, in this narration, butt how 
 you went in, how deep, and what you observed, &c. : do as 
 you thinck fitt. Remember to putt in the green jasper 
 color'd tomb at Larissa in the barber's shop, (see the red 
 book ;) and Croatian provender into that part wch contains 
 observations and occurrences in the journey to Larissa : as 
 thus, " they dock not their horses, butt lett their tayles growe 
 at length, or handsomely make them up ; and in their 
 journeys sometimes light from them, and strongly pull out 
 their foretop, or forehead lock, and thinck that doth much 
 refresh them ; which the strangers that travell here call 
 Croatian provender." When you print it, it may bee best to 
 deale with some substantiall setled stationer. I shall, God 
 willing, write agayne by the next post. Visit Mr. Jenkenson, 
 and you must be doing something alwayes to satisfy him : if 
 my writing may do any good, I will write unto him. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 Decemb. 1, [1671 or 2.] THO. BROWNE, 
 
 You may adde to the quecksylver mines this : — " They 
 keep a register of the names of all strangers, who come from 
 any remote parts, to see these mines. Looking over the 
 names I could [find] butt one Englishman who had been there 
 before myself; " and so you may name him or not, as you 
 please, or are acquainted with him. I did not observe, in this 
 great abundance of quecksylver, that they tooke the advan- 
 tage of making cinnaber, mercurie sublimate. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, at Dr. Ternes howse in 
 Lymestreet, London. 
 
206 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1673. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Coin, June 20, 1673. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I wrote to you the last post, and had done it sooner, 
 but that we have always been at uncertainties, and made no 
 stay any where. While I am writing this I can hear the 
 gunnes from Maestricht, although it raineth hard ; and yes- 
 terday morning the shooting was so fierce, and the winde 
 westerly, that it shaked the earth upon the workes of Cullen ; 
 at which time, we understand since, that the French tooke 
 two half-moones. Mareschal Turenne is with his army be- 
 yonde the Rhine, almost as high as Franckfordt; and it is 
 thought he will afterwards come downe with a great force 
 into Friesland. I heare that the English have also a designe 
 upon Zealand; in the middle of which, the Hollanders have 
 a fine time to brag of their victories over the French and 
 English, in all their letters and gazettes. Being at Mr. 
 Elburg's the apothecaries to write a bill, I met with Hel- 
 vetius, he who wrote De vitulo aureo. He is come hither 
 physitian to the Dutch embassadours, and I intend to have 
 some further discourse with him. We went then together, 
 to see the body of one of the innocent children killed by 
 Herod, and the tombe of Duns Scotus, in the Minims church. 
 Mr. Elburg is a civil person, where Sir Alexander Fraser 
 lodged, and was apothecary to his Majesty, when he lived 
 here. He offreth me to lodge in his house, which I will 
 accept of, if I stay. Here are good Roman coynes digged 
 up, of which he shew me divers, and I am to see a good 
 collection to-day. When I was at sea, I was taken with 
 captain Welsh, a blunt right down man, but a most notable 
 seaman, and one of the greatest pyrates that ever was. We 
 have with us here one Mr. Christmas, the best trompet in 
 England, and a Swede ; and a little boy who exceede all 
 upon the violin ; and Mr. Hadly upon the flagelet, which in- 
 strument he hath so improved as to invent large ones, and 
 outgoe in sweetnesse all the basses whatsoever upon any other 
 
1675.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 207 
 
 instrument. At Antwerp, Mr. Duart came and carried me 
 to his house, and shewe me the best collection of pictures 
 that any man hath in those parts ; the flowers by Van Ems 
 outgoe Seghers, or any else ; a piece of King Henry the 
 Eight, when he was a childe, is well done ; and the picture 
 of a Capuchin in his cell ; besides many of Van Dike, Quin- 
 tin, Hans Holbin, Correggio, &c. These citadells I have 
 seen, since my coming out, which are very remarkable ; the 
 citadelle over against Gravesend, near Tilbury; that of 
 
 Shernesse ; Dunkirch, which is most beautiful, 
 
 of Ghent, said to be the first shape, having 
 
 four bastions ; and of Antwerp. Pray sir, 
 
 direct to me A Monsier Brown, docteur en med 
 
 chez les ambassadeurs d'Angleterre, a Cologne. I hope in a 
 short time to be in England again, and that you will pardon 
 this excursion, intending soon to returne to my house. My 
 duty to my most dear mother, and love to my sisters. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 For pictures, I saw a very fine one, at Mr. Elburg's, of 
 Alexander, drinking his potion, and at the same delivering 
 the letter to his physitian, in which he had notice he would 
 poyson him ; and I cannot contrive a better than the duke of 
 Chaune or Chosne, the French embassadour here, at supper, 
 in a large roome with all the windowes open, with the ladyes 
 at table, a rowe of servants about them behind them, a rowe 
 of musick rounde the table, and behind them still mulettiers. 
 
 For my honoured father Sir Thomas Browne. For 
 Ms Browne, at Dr. Tern his house, in Lime 
 Street. London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 21, [1675.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Some occasion of this letter is, to rectifie a mistake 
 in the paper of yours, which I sent yesterday, by Mr. Miller, 
 
208 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1676. 
 
 Mr. Tho. Peck's brother-in-lawe, who dwells not farre from 
 you and by whom I returned the first of your lectures ; in 
 that I putt in a paper, with the draught of the kidney, and 
 heart of a vitulus marinus or seale, which Betty drewe out 
 fresh, from one I had in blewe paper before. The mistake 
 was this ; that I sett it downe the kidney of a dolphin, for it 
 is the kidney of a vitulus marinus, and is not much unlike 
 that of a dolphin, in the numerous divisions ; butt it may 
 serve to showe in discowrsing of the kidney. The passage 
 you mentioned out of Bartholomeus Georgevitz, is not to 
 bee omitted for it comes in very well ; it is a prettie little 
 booke, and you having seen something of Turkie, I wish you 
 would read it over, for it may bee often useful unto you. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 A litle shippe, with 6 small gunnes, came up from Yar- 
 mouth to Carrowe Abbey, this night, and hath taken a great 
 deale of mony by selling wine and the like ; a strange number 
 of people resorting unto it, taking twelve pence for every 
 shott 8 at healths. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 25, [1676?] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My neibour, Mr. Bickerdik, 9 going towards London 
 to-morrowe, I would not deny him a letter; and I have sent by 
 him Lucretius his six bookes De Rerum Natura, because you 
 
 8 The King, in Hamlet, may illustrate this passage : — he says, 
 " This gentle and unforc'd accord of Hamlet 
 Sits smiling to my heart ; in grace whereof 
 No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day, 
 But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell." 
 
 Hamlet, Act I, Sec. 2. 
 » Nicholas Bickerdike, an alderman of Norwich. 
 
1674.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 209 
 
 lately sent mee a quotation out of that author, that you might 
 have one by you to find out quotations, which shall consider- 
 ably offer themselves at any time. Otherwise I do not much 
 recommend the reading or studying of it, there being divers 
 impieties in it, and 'tis no credit to be punctually versed in it; 
 it containeth the Epicurean naturall philosophic Mr. Teni- 
 son, I told you, had written a good poem, "contra hums 
 sceculi Lucretianos" illustrating God's wisdome and provi- 
 dence from anatome, and the rubrick, and use of parts, in a 
 manuscript dedicated to mee and Dr. Lawson, 1 in Latin, 
 after Lucretius his style. 2 With it goes along a very litle 
 Tullies offices, which was either yours or your brothers ; 'tis 
 as remarkable for the litle sise as the good matter contained 
 in it, and the authentick and classicall Latin. I hope you do 
 not forgett to carry a Greeke testament allwayes to church, 
 you have also the Greek or septuagent translation of the other 
 parts of scripture; in reading those bookes, a man learnes 
 two good things together, and profiteth doubly, in the lan- 
 guage and the subject. You may at the beginning of Lucre- 
 tius, read his life, prefixed by Petrus Crinitus, a learned phi- 
 lologer or humanist, and that he proved mad and dyed by a 
 philtrum or pocula, given him by his wife Lucillea. Mr. 
 Tho. Peck and his good wife are dead ; shee died in child- 
 bed some 8 or 9 moneths past ; he left this life about a 
 moneth ago. Hee found obstacles that he could not come to 
 Skickford, 3 without compounding with the widdowe in posses- 
 sion for a thousand pound, though his father, Mr. James 
 Peck, parted with his owne share upon tolerable termes unto 
 Mr. Thomas. Hee lived in Norwich, was growne very fatt, 
 and dranck much. They saye hee dranck dayly a quart 
 bottle of clarett before dinner, one at dinner, and one at 
 night. If any company came to him, which was seldome, 
 hee might exceed that quantitie ; however, he made an end of 
 that proportion by himself; he died suddenly, none being with 
 him. His daughter finding him indisposed, asked whether 
 shee should send unto mee, hee putt it of, and soon after was 
 
 1 Dr. Lawson was brother-in-law to Archbishop Tenison, each having married 
 a daughter of Doctor R. Love, Master of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. 
 2 This MS. was never published. 3 Q u . Spixworth ? 
 
 VOL. I. P 
 
210 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1676. 
 
 found dead. Hee had litle or no money in his howse ; his 
 father James sent ten pounds for his buryall, which served the 
 turne. Surely if hee had lived a little longer, hee would 
 have utterly spoyled his brayne, and been lost unto all con- 
 versation. Happy is the temperate man. God send all my 
 friends that virtue. God blesse my daughter Fairfax, my 
 daughter Browne, and the litle ones. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 14, [1676.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am sorry to heare Mr. Bishop is so much his owne 
 foe ; surely his brayne is not right. Probably you may heare 
 agayne of him, before hee returnes into his country ; hee 
 seemed to be fayre conditiond when hee was in these parts, 
 though very hypochondriacall sometimes. Mr. Hombarston, 
 whenever his brayne is distempered, resolves upon a journey 
 to London, and there showes himself, acts his part, and 
 returnes home better composed, as hee did the last time; 
 hee would not bee persuaded to bleed agayne before hee 
 went. If the dolphin were to bee shewed for money in Nor- 
 wich, litle would, bee gott; if they showed it in London, 
 they are like to take out the viscera, and salt the fish, and 
 then the dissection will be inconsiderable. You may remem- 
 ber the dolphin opened when the king was heere, and Dr. 
 Clark was at my howse, when you tooke a draught of severall 
 parts very well ; wch Dr. Clark had sent unto him. Bartho- 
 linus hath the anatomie of one, in his centuries. You may 
 observe therein the odde muscle whereby it spouts out water, 
 the odde larynx, like a goose head, the flattish heart, the 
 lungs, the renes racemosi, the multiple stomach, &c. When 
 wee wasshed that fish a kind of cuticule came of in severall 
 
1676.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 211 
 
 places on the sides and back. Your mother hath mast 4 to 
 dresse and cooke the flesh, so as to make an excellent savory 
 dish of it ; and the king being at Newmarket, I sent collars 
 thereof to his table, which were well liked of. 
 
 Though you must take the paynes to compose a new set 
 of lectures, yet I do not see why you should not retaine the 
 greatest and necessarie part, for information of the auditors ; 
 allthough [you] may alter or adde some things, as observation 
 or reading shall informe you, or as you find they are not cleare 
 enough, or fully enough expressed. 
 
 I shall returne the lect. upon the first good opportunity, 
 that you may have them by you to make use of; and send 
 hints as they occurre. Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 16, [1676.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 This daye I sawe the transactions of May ; in which 
 Dr. F. Beale gives an account of shining flesh of veal. 5 
 I remember the societie hath had account of the like in 
 London, and Mr. Boyle hath mentiond something like ; and 
 Bartholinus mentions the like, in his medicall epistles ; cen- 
 turia lma, epist. 9. " Caro lucens ac si accensa esset con- 
 dita," which hee observed at Montpelier long agoe. Butt it 
 may bee fitt for anatomists, to take notice of what Dr. Wil- 
 liam Cole delivers, in the same transactions, concerning the 
 spirall, instead of the hitherto supposed annular, structure 
 of the fibres of the intestines ; and you may take notice of a 
 booke writt by Monsr. de Blegny, chirurgeon to the Queen 
 of France, of newe and curious observations concerning the 
 French disease, translated by Dr. Walter Harris, in 8vo. 6 In 
 
 4 Sic MS. 5 j n Phil. Trans. May 22, 1676. London, 1676. 
 
 P 2 
 
212 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1676. 
 
 my last I mentioned an observation of goose skinnd persons, 
 that such had not had the lues venerea ; you may adde, " or 
 had not undergone the cure thereof." Dr. Witherly send 
 mee his respects by an old acquaintance of his and myne, 
 and withall bid him tell mee, that you performed your pub- 
 lick lectures so much like a gentleman, and with so much 
 learning, as had not been done for these seven and seven 
 yeares. This is the hottest season I have felt, in June, for 
 these many yeares. Capt. Woods 7 hath a fine time of it, at 
 or neere the pole, while unto us the temperate zone is so 
 intolerable. God blesse your sisters, in their hot and dustie 
 journey; to morrowe they will come seasonably home, my 
 howse being butt this daye made an end of tiling. I beleeve 
 it was such a kind of season, when you travelled from Venice 
 to Vienna, &c. Temperance is the chief defensative and 
 preservative in such intemperate a season. In your next 
 lectures you are obliged, for information sake, to showe the 
 substance, fabrick, connexion, and use, &c, so that a very 
 great part will serve, except you can adde any thing more 
 exact touching those circumstances, as you shall think of or 
 find out from yourself or authors. He that reades the oste- 
 ologie lecture cannot showe the os hyoides, for it is not in 
 [the] sceleton ; so you may gett one of a man, of some quad- 
 ruped, and some birds. You do well to make use of your 
 Aristotle ; Lacunus, epitome of Galen 8 you had of myne, and 
 tis usefull to read it ; his bookes De Administrationibus 
 
 Anatomicis et de usu partium, &c. to bee upon 
 
 all occasion. In these three authors are the chief of the 
 Greeke. Waygh the head of a man, braynes, scull, and 
 other parts, and the scull and brayn distinctly ; that you may 
 know what proportion it hath to the body, at least with some 
 latitude, allthough you do not waygh the trunk. God blesse 
 you, your sister Fayrfax, wife, and litle ones. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 7 Capt. John Woods, having presented a memorial to Charles II, on the possibi- 
 lity of a north or north-east passage to the Indian seas and China, was sent out by 
 the Admiralty, in command of the Speedwell, accompanied by tbe Prosperous, Capt. 
 Hawes. They set sail on the 28th of May, 1676. 
 
 s Epitome omnium Operum Galeni, per And. Lacunam. — Lugd. 1553 — 12mo. 
 
1676.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 213 
 
 I have enclosed the ureters and vesica, or bladder, such as 
 it is, of carp which wee had this day ; but I had a fayre one 
 long ago, and lost it. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 July x, [1676.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I writt unto you lately, to take notice of the cuticula 
 and cutis of negros, and to examin it well ; and to make a 
 vesication upon one, and observe how the cutis lookes, when 
 the cuticula is of; and observe the scarres if they have any, 
 how the scarre becometh whiter or lesse black than other 
 parts ; the colour of the nayles, &c, for you may [find] some 
 use thereof, the next time de cuticula et cute. And you may 
 introduce it much after this manner : — " A greater division of 
 mankind is made by the skinne then by any other part of the 
 body ; that is into white skinned men, and negros, which are 
 [a] very considerable part of mankind, and differ also from 
 others, not only in the colour, butt the coolenesse, softnesse, 
 and smoothnesse, of the skinne, as though it had been oyled. 
 Yet this tincture seemes not to bee deepe, for if their skinnes 
 bee cutt, the scarre becomes paler," and so you may adde 
 what you can find, and as I hinted formerly. I cannot yet 
 find a convenient or trustie bearer, by whom to send your 
 remaining lect. butt wish they were safe in your hand agayne. 
 One Mr. Newton, who maryed my Lady Marie Hevering- 
 ham's daughter, was at Norwich last weeke; and asked 
 courteously for you. Hee went to Cologne with you, and 
 seemes a good sober and studious gentleman, and they thinck 
 themselves happy in so well bestowing their daughter. Hee 
 will passe this summer at Mr. Heveringham's, at Kette ring- 
 ham, four miles of. I doubt Sr. Leolyn Jenkins 9 is like to 
 
 9 One of the English Ministers at the Congress of Nimeguen. 
 
214 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1676. 
 
 have a tedious time at Nimegen, what he sheweth of the 
 Prince of Orange will bee at Maestrecht is uncertaine. The 
 Osnabrugge forces beseidg Vic the suburb of Maestrecht, 
 and the prince is on this side. Philipsburg by Spire is also 
 a dangerous attempt, and the French have greater forces 
 then the beseedged. Stade is in danger, and, I beleeve, 
 Hamburgh had rather have it in the Suedes hands still, then 
 either the Danes, or their neibour the Duke of Lunenburg. 
 Our assises beginne on Tuesday next, and butt one judge. 
 God blesse you all. Your loving father. 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 July xii. In a litle time I shall, God willing, send the 
 prefatory. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] i 
 
 July 14, [1676.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 You have done very well to obtayne the manuscript 
 or booke wch you mention you had from my Lord of Ayles- 
 burie's howse. How you came to knowe of it, or obtayne 
 the use of it, I knowe not ; butt I beleeve you might, if you 
 would putt forward, obtayne such a favor of my lord himself, 
 who when he was at Norwich asked for you. Hee was at 
 Montpellier about the time when you were there. Now you 
 have the booke by you, it will bee fitt to make the best use 
 you canne of it; for perhaps it must bee returned to the 
 French embassador; or, if hee gave it unto my lord, tis 
 like hee will expect it agayne from you in a short time ; and 
 therefore bestowe most of your vacant time about it. Tran- 
 scribe all you can out of it, and drawe out the most material 
 
 1 This letter was published (very incorrectly) in the Retrospective Review, 
 vol. i, p. 163. 
 
1676.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 215 
 
 cutts yourself, by a penne or otherwise, which you can do 
 well enough, for I would not have it out of your hands, and 
 I do not desire that Moreland should have any thing to do 
 with it, for hee will drawe out of it for himself and his owne use, 
 and so all the towne will take notice of it. Nor would I have 
 you showe it to any or very fewe, and such as are not like 
 to make use thereof. Blasius (as I sent you word) hath 
 lately published anatomical observations from many animals, 2 
 and probably of many in this booke. Transcribe what you 
 can out of it, and sett downe the names of the animals, and 
 the singular and peculiar observations upon any. The cutts 
 being so fayre, tis probable they are not many. I hope 
 you receaved the paper I sent concerning the fistula of a 
 dolphin. The proper place thereof, it may bee brought in 
 when you speake de pulm. or de respiratione, and I would 
 not have you omit it ; and if you did not keepe the skull of 
 the dolphin you cutt up, I will, God willing, send you one. 
 Tis likely the cutts are not of common animals, at least not 
 altogether, but of such strange animals as have been brought 
 to Paris, or some of the king's howses. When you see the 
 elephant, observe whether hee bendeth his knees before and 
 behind foreward differently from other quadrupeds, as Aris- 
 totle observeth ; and whether his belly be the softest and 
 smoothest part ; the testes are not exterior and outward, butt 
 inwardly in the body, as Aristotle. Perhaps the booke hath 
 the dissection of a camell, it were good to observe of what 
 that bunch in the back consisteth, whether the backbone or 
 spine ariseth up into it, or it bee a lump of flesh upon it, and 
 the spine notwithstanding bee as in others. I thought good 
 to give these hints, because probably they would not come 
 into your mind. My hedgehogge, being putt into my garden, 
 gott away with two yong ones, and I never looke to find them 
 agayne ; observe the teeth, because you speake of them, de 
 dentibus. God bless you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 2 Blasii Observationes Anatomico-practicas, 12nio. Lugd. Bat. 1674. 
 
216 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1676. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 October 17, 1676. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I am very much rejoyced to hear of your recovery. 
 Tommy is so well as to goe to schoole to-day, and my sister 
 Fairfax's daughter is well again. The anatomy lecture is like 
 to begin on Saterday next, the 21, and it may come to my turne 
 about a quarter of a year hence, the masters of anatomy re- 
 solving to have a preparing body for me at the ende of this 
 terme, so that it would be a great furtherance to me to helpe 
 
 me in a short concluding in the last afternoon. I 
 
 shall this time show the new section of the braine, the eare, 
 and the nose, the morning before ; the outward parts of the 
 braine and the eye, the other four lectures much as they were, 
 but altered, and observations added to them. I give you 
 many thankes for the bill ; my sicknesse was a great hindrance 
 to my practise in that sick time of the year, but I hope in 
 God it will now encrease. My duty to my dear mother and 
 love to my sisters. The last cut of my booke is now finished, 
 so that the next weeke I suppose it will be publick, there are 
 divers false prints, but most of them made by the corrector of 
 the presse, in ignorantly altering of the copy ; as printing 
 burg in many places for berg, the first signifiing a towne, the 
 latter a hill ; Province for Provence ; Berch for Betch ; the 
 name of Vienna, and the like. I saw Dr. Burton the last 
 weeke, who presents his service to you, sir. With mine and 
 my wives duty, I remain, 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father, Sir Thomas Browne, 
 at his house in Norwich. 
 
1676-7.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 217 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 7, [1676-7.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Ever since Friday night last, untill Tuesday, wee 
 have had such boysterous cutting and freezing winds, that the 
 weather hath been allmost intollerable, and much hurt done, 
 both at sea and land ; chimneys blowne downe, and tiles, and 
 one man killed by a wall blowne downe in Norwich ; the wind 
 east and somewhat northerly. Such a cutting season there 
 was, in March, many yeares ago, at the time of assises in 
 March ; when so many gentlemen dyed after, and among them 
 your old friend Mr. Earle. So that if they had the like wea- 
 ther in Flanders, the French must have a very hard time at 
 the seiges of Valenciennes and St. Omar, 3 which most men 
 write St. Omer, forgetting that St. Omar hath its name from 
 St. Andomarus. So, many townes' names derived from saints 
 are observed ; St. Mallowes is St. Mallovius ; St. Didier, St. 
 Desiderius. I have heard that St. Omar was a place famous 
 for good onyons, and furnished many parts therewith ; some 
 were usually brought into England, and some transplanted, 
 which were cryed about London, and by a mistake called St. 
 Thomas onyons. I mett with my old friend Dr. Peregrine 
 Short, and his sonne, Dr. Thomas Short. Dr. Thomas told 
 mee of severall dissections, given them notice of by Dr. Short 
 of London, and specially of a boare, whereof you writt unto 
 mee. And I told him you would shewe a newe way of dis- 
 secting the brayne at these lectures; hee sayd none could 
 performe that dissection butt Mr. Hobbes, and that it was 
 thought the best way for the dissection of the brayne of 
 man, butt for sheep, &c. Dr. Willis his way was best. In 
 JSartholini, centuria 4;ta, historia trigesima, titulo Anatome 
 Gulonis* I find something peculiar in the gutts of a gulo. 
 
 3 Taken by the French in the spring of 1677. 
 4 The Wolverene, or Glutton ; Mustela Gulo, Lin. The story here mentioned 
 was first related by Olaus Magnus, and has been repeated by Gesner, Topsell, &c. 
 Gmelin and Buffon, and later naturalists, regard it as a mere fable. 
 
218 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1677. 
 
 This is a devouring ravenous quadruped, frequent about the 
 bignesse of a dogge, which filleth itself with any caryon, and 
 then, when it can eat no more, compresseth itself between 
 two trees standing neere together, and so squeezeth out, 
 through the gutts, what it hath devoured, and then filleth 
 itselfe agayne. This was thought very strange, considering 
 the division of the gutts, their complications, foulds, and 
 caecum; till Petrus Pavius or Pau, a famous professor of 
 Leyden, dissected a gulo; for thereby hee found that this 
 voracious animal had no such divisions in the gutts as are to 
 be found in other quadrupeds ; butt one gutt, undique sibi 
 simile, nor any way changing figure, which is the cause that 
 this animal, by compression of the abdomen, can squeese out 
 what is receaved, as having no caecum, and all the gutts being 
 
 as it were one intestinum rectum God blesse 
 
 you all, and endowe you with prudence, sobrietie, and frugal- 
 ity and providence. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 dear sonne, [April, 1677,] 
 
 I intend to send this letter by Mr. Dale, the chirur- 
 geon, who, intending for London, came to mee to offer his 
 seruice. Surely a physitian practising in London may make 
 very good vse of the minerall waters about it ; and you may 
 haue good experience thereof hauing made frequent and suc- 
 cessefull vse of them, especially those which are purging. 
 What inconueniences sometimes happen with them you must 
 also take notice, and endeauor to preuent the same. It seemes 
 the company were well pleased, there was such crowding or 
 fullnesse vnto the last daye, and the rather because [they] 
 could heare you so well. How did they like the new way of 
 dissecting the brayne ? 5 Did you showe the iuory eye of the 
 
 5 Mentioned in the preceding letter. 
 
1677.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 219 
 
 gladius piscis, or the dolphin's head, or circumcision, or infi- 
 bulation, &c. or reserued any for the next. Tis good to take 
 notice what course or medicines haue proued successefull in 
 practice, and so to haue a foundation for observations, and 
 also a help vnto yourself in the like or analogous cases. I send 
 by Mr. Dale a tophus coccinus, or ball taken out of the sto- 
 mach of an ox, of which it may be worth your paynes to read 
 cap. 21, centuria secunda, of Bartholinus his centuries of 
 rarer obseruations, whereof he hath left six centuries. Mine 
 are in three volumes in 12mo, or a small octavo. I cannot bee 
 without his centuries, nor can you be well without them. In 
 the ball I send there is one place opened where the hayre 
 may bee perceiued. I shall, God willing, write a few lines 
 more enlargen of it. God blesse you all. Loue to my good 
 daughter. I neuer heard my sister Terne was maryed till 
 your sister came to Norwich: I wish her much joye, and Mr. 
 Whiting. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Whiting was a surgeon of good note, I thinck, long 
 agoe. Litle Tom is liuely, God be thancked. He lyeth with 
 Betty : shee takes great care of him, and getts him to bed in 
 due time, for hee riseth early. Shee or Frank is fayne some- 
 times to play him asleep with a fiddle. When wee send away 
 our letters hee scribbles a paper and will have it sent to his 
 sister, and sayth shee doth not knowe how many fine things 
 there are in Norwich. 
 
 April 8. I was surprized yesterday with a payne in my 
 loynes, which makes mee vnable to go or stand. I haue often 
 had it for two or three dayes. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 4039.] 
 
 Nov. 23, [1677.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I received your's yesterday; and therein how the 
 societie had received a letter from that great astronomer, He- 
 
220 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1677. 
 
 velius, of Dantzick ; with an account of an eclipse, and a new 
 starre in Cygnus ; 6 but what new starre, or when appearing, 
 I knowe not ; for there was a new starre in that constellation 
 long agoe, and writ of by many. If it bee now to bee seen it 
 is worth the looking after. I have not had the Transactions 
 for divers moneths ; but some that have had them tell mee 
 there is account of some kind of spectacles without glasses, 
 and made by a kind of little trunk or case to admitt the spe- 
 cies with advantage. I have read of the same in the Trans- 
 actions about a yeare ago; 7 but now I hear such instruments 
 are made and sold in London ; and some tell mee they have 
 had them heere. Enquire after them, and where they are 
 made, and send a payre, as I remember there is no great art 
 in the making thereof. I am glad to heare that Isaac Vossius 
 is living, and in England. You send some of his notes and 
 observations upon the geographie of Mela; in that particular 
 of Mount Haemus and possibility of seeing the Euxine and 
 Adriatick sea from the top thereof. In that piece he promis- 
 eth a mappe of Old Greece. I wish I knew whether he had 
 yett founde any such mappe or tract publick. I presume hee 
 came over with the Prince of Aurange ; 8 and it were no hard 
 matter to bee in his company at his owne or the prince's 
 lodgings. You may tell him you have been in some parts of 
 Greece, as Macedonia and Thessalie ; and ask his opinion of 
 the mappe of Laurenbergius, of Greece, which placeth the 
 Pharsalian Fields on the north of the river Peneus; whereas 
 at Larissa all accounted it to the south, and about three dayes 
 journey from thence ; and may signifie how unsatisfactory you 
 find the mappe either of [Ortelius] or others, in placing the 
 towns through which you passed in Macedonia, as also in 
 [Servia], omitting divers, and transplacing others. He will 
 bee glad to discours of such, and of Olympus, which is not so 
 well sett downe. I doubt not but that hee speaketh French 
 and Italian, if not English, besides Latin. Tis a credit to 
 knowe such persons ; and therefore devise some way to salute 
 
 6 Hevelius's letter on Lunar Eclipses was published in the Trans, for Jan. 1676 ; 
 vol xi, 590 : and his letter on the New Stars, Jan. 2, 1677 ; vol. xii, 853. 
 7 Phil. Trans, vol. xi, 691. 
 
 8 This was not the case. The Prince of Orange came over Oct. 10, 1677. Vos- 
 sius resided in England from 1670 til! 1682, when he died. 
 
1677-8.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 221 
 
 him. I perceave you are not so well satisfied with London 
 as you thought to have been; and am therefore sorry that 
 you have obliged yourself to that place by taking a chamber 
 for so long, or else to bee at a fruitless charge of the lodgings; 
 but I would not have you discontented. If either your health 
 or second thoughts incline you to live heere, wee shall bee 
 willing ; where you may see and observe practice, and practise 
 also, as opportunity will by degrees permitt ; and a great 
 deale of money may bee saved which might serve you here- 
 after, and your sisters. However, in the meane time, make 
 the best use you can of London. 
 
 I rest your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 [dear son,] 
 
 I sent this day and payed the four pounds to Mr. 
 Minges, I ansered for you ; but I had not your receit. I be- 
 sich God of his marcy bless and direckt you, and sende you 
 helth. Your louing mothar, 
 
 D. BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. 5, [1677-8.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 There is one Vansleb, who hath writt a description 
 of ^Egypt ; hee writt it 1672 or 3, and it is newly translated 
 into English in 8vo. Hee seemes to have been employed to 
 collect antiquities, butt especially manuscripts, for the King 
 of France ; for hee sayth hee sent divers to his library, to 
 which purpose hee learnt the Arabick tongue, and writes 
 much of his historie out of the Arabick writers, who writt 
 long since the Greeks; and gives many particulars not men- 
 tioned by them, though many are fabulous and superstitious. 
 Hee travelled not only into Lower .ZEgypt, butt into the 
 Upper, above or southward of Grand Cayro, and setts downe 
 
222 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678. 
 
 many monasteries, and the noble ruins of many, hardly to be 
 mett with in other writers. Hee went into divers caves of 
 the mummies, and in one hee sayth hee found many sorts of 
 birds, embalmed, and included in potts, one whereof hee sent 
 into France. Hee also sayth, that he found empty eggs, 
 whole and unbroaken, butt light and without any thing in 
 them. Hee speakes of the hieroglyphicall cave in Upper 
 ./Egypt, the walls whereof full of hieroglyphicall and other 
 old writing, butt much defaced, with divers others, and also 
 a noble columne of Antoninus, &c. Of the great pyramids 
 hee sayth, that the north side is larger then that of east or 
 west. I hope you heard of Dorothy Irney, at Mrs. Carleils, 
 at the Black Boy, in St. James' markett place. Tom, God 
 be thanked, is well, so I hope you are all. God blesse you 
 all. Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his so?i Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1833.] 
 
 May viii, [1678.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I receeved the print of Stonehenge, of the singing 
 at the Hospital!, and chorus, by Mr. Richardson, an honest 
 taylor in the Close. That of Stonehenge is good, according 
 to the south and west prospect ; [the] chorus I have not yet 
 perused. 'T is rare to find a heart without a pericardium. 
 Columbus observed it in one body, and Bartholinus also in 
 an hydropicall person ; vide. lib. 9, Centuriar. Historia xx. 
 In the same chapter he writes, de septo cordis pernio in the 
 same person, communicated to him by Dr. Brodleck, pro- 
 fessor of Tubinge, in the Duke of Wertemberg's dominions. 
 
 I perceave my Lady F. bled, and hath had newe prescrip- 
 tions ; I hope they may be beneficial unto her. 
 
 Considering the bitter quality of the cerumen, or earewax 
 lining the eare, a man might thinck that horse-leaches would 
 
1678.} DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 223 
 
 have litle delight to insinuate themselves into the eare ; butt 
 thereof there have been some examples, and Severinus found 
 out a good remedie for it, in a person of Naples, who had 
 one gott into his eare ; for to that purpose hee moystend 
 the outward part of the eare ; whereupon the leach came out 
 to suck the blood. You may mention it in the discourse 
 about the eare. See Bartholini, centuria 4<ta. 
 
 Men are much in doubt yet concerning the warre ; and 
 the proceedings of the Duch seem butt odde, God direct 
 our English counsells for the best. 
 
 Tom is much delighted to thinck of the Guild ; the maior, 
 Mr. Davey, 9 of Alderhollands, 1 intending to live in Surrey 
 howse, in St. Stephen's, at that time ; and there to make his 
 entertaines ; so that hee contrives what pictures to lend, and 
 what other things to pleasure some of that parish, and his 
 schoolmaster, who lives in that parish. God blesse my 
 daughter Browne, and you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Deane Astley, who is your very good freind, and a 
 very civill person, goes for London this next Friday. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, these, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 13, [1678.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I thought Mr. Tovy and Mr. Peterson had been 
 masters of anat. the last yeare, and that you should have 
 newe ones the next time ; butt if otherwise, they may bee 
 considred in the conclusion, for there will bee scarce roome 
 now in the preface ; and I beleeve you do not yet knowe who 
 will be master of the company. In the old and new globes 
 
 9 Jehosaphat Davey, mayor in 1678. 
 
 1 Alldery-holland, Alldery -hallows, All-hallows, or All-saints. 
 
224 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678. 
 
 there is some varietie, butt it will be best to followe the 
 newe ; so that it may be sayd, avem scilicet paradisceam, 
 apem Indicam et pavonem. It was very ingeniously done of 
 
 Mr. Hally to take such a voyage " for the obser of 
 
 the starres about the south pole 3 take a particular 
 
 viewe of them and descriptions butt for the sized 
 
 star that the Hollanders have taken a 
 
 thereof. When I was in Oxford, I enquired 
 
 sometimes of my old friend Mr. Halley de usu 
 
 globi or de globis, who Candish's voyage, about 
 
 the state of Polarie starres ; and hee sayd they 
 
 were and dimmer comparatively to the north . . . 
 
 was of Christchurch, and after his travels and 
 
 . . . with my Lord of Northumberland in the hous 
 
 lived and dyed in Oxford, living in a friend's howse neere 
 Christ church, and attaining unto great yeares. He writt his 
 booke " De Globis " for the sake and information of one of 
 my Lord of Northumberland's sonnes, whom hee had in- 
 structed in that waye. Hee came to church constantly, the 
 parish church, which was St. Aldates, commonly St. Fowls, 
 and whether the scollars of Pembroke colledge also went, 
 and had one isle for themselves. Hee was a very good and 
 playne dealing man, and had read Euclide and Ptolemie very 
 accurately, and also Aristotle, whereof wee should often dis- 
 course, and I cannot butt remember him with some content. 
 
 Mr. Hally will find no newe constellation, 
 
 . . . es not yet obserued, butt may something them. 
 
 I wish him all successe. I remember the repayring of St. 
 
 Paul's in K. C. the first's there was a great summe 
 
 gathered, butt it happened that a part thereof was employed 
 
 warre against the king ; that is what 
 
 found in the hands of treasurers, and there is 
 
 some cause to feare there so much gathered this 
 
 brief, as by the last o sectarie is like to give any 
 
 thing, or inconsiderably, for fashion sake ; so . . . 
 
 2 He embarked November, 1676, and returned to England in November, 1678. 
 
 " At his returne (from St. Helena), he presented his Planisphere, with a short 
 
 description, to his Majesty, who was very well pleased with it; but received nothing 
 
 but prayse." Aubrey's Life of Edmund Halley — Letters from the Bodleian, iii, 366. 
 
 3 A part of this letter is torn away. 
 
1678.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 225 
 
 whole benevolence is like to arise from the 
 
 conformist, and divers of them will be cold towards building 
 of churches, 4 till they thinck their owne bee well secured. 
 Wee heare nothing of late concerning my Lady Felton, per- 
 haps shee hath given over taking any thing this hot season. 
 Mr. Reppes his wife, who was this countrywoeman, is a very 
 good woeman ; when you see her present my service unto 
 her, as also unto Mr. Chancellour, Dr. Pepper. Things 
 seeme to go forward and backward, and the parliament is 
 like to sett some time yet. 5 God direct and assist us in all 
 difficulties. Bee carefull of your owne health, as well as of 
 others, especially this hot season. If you can live frugally, 
 and keepe from being engaged for others, you may passe this 
 vncertaine world with some comfort. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I bles is much batter of his coffe .... 
 
 .... I writ last : but has bin so loth as it was 
 
 much the wars in the sleps very well, and his 
 
 sta I hope the worst is past h all loue 
 
 from 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Aug. 29, [1678.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I enquired after Mr. Browne, butt could not heare 
 of him ; butt should have been glad to have seen him, and to 
 have been civill unto him. One Mrs. Towe, Madame Repps 
 daughter, of Maltshall, who liveth in London, will come unto 
 
 4 Instead of those destroyed by the fire of London. A bill was brought in, June 
 1, 1678, to rebuild St. Martin's in the Fields. 
 
 5 The long parliament was not dissolved till January 24, 1678-9. 
 
 VOL I. Q 
 
226 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678. 
 
 you. Shee is a very good woeman, and complains of her 
 eyes, and some breaking out of her face. Lett her knowe 
 that I writ unto you when shee commeth. I think shee 
 liveth in Guildhall street. If one Mr. Jones, of the Middle 
 Temple, a yong man splenicall and hypochondr. cometh unto 
 you, lett him knowe that I mentioned him unto you. Mr. 
 Newton's lady, my lady Marie Heveringham's daughter, 
 cometh out of Lyncolnesheere to lyve in London. My lady 
 Bruce, I beleeve, is come before this time. God send her a 
 good time. My cosens Cradock are well ; pray my service 
 to my cosen Hobbs. Tom hath been recreated with the 
 assizes. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I had this last weeke som venison, 6 and I putt a platt 
 in to a pott for you, for fare I should not gett any more ; but 
 if I had thought of my daughter's time, I would have seasoned 
 it more. I intend to send it the next Friday, in a basket 
 direct sealed to you. I pray latt mee know as neer the time 
 as you can for your cacke, 7 and if I have any more venison I 
 will make you an othar pott. I bless God your Tomy is very 
 well ; goose to scolle, and is a very good boy, and delights his 
 grandfather when hee comes home. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Sept. 8, 1678. 
 Concerning the mineral waters, it was the Tunbridge 
 which I imitated in this manner : I tooke of Lamb's Conduit 
 
 6 The receipt acknowledged in the following letter, which has an original date of 
 the year. 
 
 7 Lege, cake ; the accustomed donation on such occasions, and called of yore the 
 groa?ii}ig cake ; the custom has, however, long become obsolete, from the progress, 
 be it supposed, of civilization and the march of intellect. 
 
1678-9.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 227 
 
 or of any very clear spring water, to every quart of which I 
 put onely one grain, or somewhat lesse, of vitriolum martis, 
 whereby there is no way to distinguish it from Tunbridge 
 water, either upon tryalls before, or upon its operations in the 
 body. As for Epson, Dulledge, Northall, Suitor's hill, and 
 Barnet waters, the salt which is in them is cubicall, and most 
 like alume, which I have taken notice of, as they have shot 
 naturally near their springs upon the earth, and alumen 
 counterfits them well ; but it must be in a very small quantity, 
 as the former. None of our purging waters strike with galls, 
 or containe any thing which is metalline in them, as of cop- 
 per, iron, &c. 
 
 The tartarum chalybeatum may also serve to imitate iron 
 waters ; but tarter coming from a vegetable, it cannot be so 
 natural!. Dr. Willis made his chalybeat waters thus : — He 
 mixed salt of tartar and prepared Steele, about equall quanti- 
 ties, and set them in a seller ; and, when the salt of tartar dis- 
 solved, he mixed up the whole into balls, and dryed them, and 
 then powdered them again ; which powder he put into water ; 
 but many times it would not all dissolve, and was no neat 
 way of performing it ; but the powder is a good powder, and 
 the salt of tartar hath taken into itself of the body of the steel. 
 
 We received the pot of venison yesterday by the waggons, 
 as also the matts for my sister Fairfax, with letters, and one 
 pound seventeen shillings, and rubands, and other things. 
 I have not yet heard of the gentleman or gentlewoman you 
 wrote me word of. Mine and my wives duty to yourself and 
 my dear mother, and love to my sisters. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. xiii, [1678-9.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 There have been and are still many quartane agues. 
 It is sayd, and not untruely, that quartane agues come 
 
 Q 2 
 
228 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678-9. 
 
 seldome twice in a mans life, if hee hath had one for a 
 considerable time, and that it hath left him for some yeares ; 
 or if then a man should have one agayne, it would not last 
 long, nor very many fitts ; and 1 have observed the same 
 verified in many. And I remember old Sir Edmund Bacon 
 fell into a quartane, in the 76 yeare of his age ; and I, under- 
 standing that hee had a long quartane thirtie yeares before, 
 did encourage him that it would not be lasting ; and so it fell 
 out, for hee had butt nine or ten fitts. Butt this last weeke, 
 Mr. Francis Thursby, an acquaintance of myne, of about 45 
 yeares of age, came to see mee, and that he was [in] a 
 quartane ague, and so had been ever since before Michael- 
 mas, which hee fell into after a spurious tertian fever. Hee 
 sayd hee had thought himself secure from a quartan, hee 
 having had one about seventeen yeares before ; in so much 
 that I thought of a distinction, that quartans were some 
 legitimate or genuine, — wch are quartans from the first fitt, 
 and without a preceding disease, — some nothous or spurious, 
 into wch some former distemper hath degenerated. So that 
 the observation is best verified in legetimate quartans ; that is, 
 a man very rarely hath two legetimate ones in his life, or 
 if hee had the first long, seldome hath the second for any 
 considerable time. Butt, allthough^ a man hath had a long 
 legetimate one, hee may, notwithstanding, fall into a spurious 
 quartan, and wch may be lasting ; which was his case. Mr. 
 John Earles wife, Sir Ralph Hare's sister, fell into a genuine 
 quartan, when she was yong with child, which held her long, 
 and when shee came to her time shee was delivered of a 
 daughter in the fitt, and the child was so ill that none thought 
 shee would live; butt it grewe better; butt, on the third day, 
 about the hower of its birth, fell into a fitt of an ague, and 
 so agayne the third day after, and that quartane settled and 
 lasted for divers moneths, till she was emaciated to skinne 
 and bone, and was so lowe that shee was fayne to use bathing 
 for a good while; butt she is now of the age of 18 yeares, 
 and a very full yong woeman, I calld to mind this account, 
 because shee dined with mee lately ; her father was your 
 loving friend. The elector of Brandenburg's countries seeme 
 to bee in great danger, especially if the emperour makes a 
 
1678-9.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 229 
 
 peece without him. 8 For the French haue raysed souldiers 
 for the Swede about Hamburg and Dantzick, the Swedes 
 have also an armie about Koningsberg ; the French forces 
 have Aguisgrane 9 and counties about, and tis sayd they 
 intend to send good forces by sea for their relief. God 
 blesse and prosper you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Wee expect a regiment of souldiers out of Flanders, to 
 bee quartered and disbanded in Norwich, butt the wind hath 
 been crosse. 
 
 I bless God Tomay is very well, and sends dutty to you and 
 his mother, to Succy, and you and yours. [D. B.] 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. 26, [1678-9.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Since I last writt unto you I thanek God I have had 
 good ease as to the payne, butt my feet are very weake, and 
 somewhat swelld. I could make a shift to stand with croches, 
 and I am fayne to write in my bed, so that perhaps I had not 
 writt to you this cold day, butt that I could not well avoyd it. 
 One Mr. Flatman, a cosen of Mr. Thomas Flatman, recom- 
 mended one William Bland, his neibours or acquaintance 
 sonne, unto him in a letter last weeke. This day wee under- 
 stood that the parliament 1 was dissolved, web. was very 
 
 S Which happened very soon after. The Emperor Leopold, submitting to neces- 
 sity, abandoned Brandenburgh and Denmark, and on the 5th of February signed a 
 peace with France and Sweden. But the Elector displayed so much spirit and 
 policy, as to obtain, subsequently, comparatively advantageous terms for himself. 
 9 Aix la Chapelle. 
 1 The Long Parliament, dissolved Jan 24, 1678-9. 
 
230 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678-9. 
 
 supprising, and affords men various thoughts upon it. God 
 blesse my daughter Browne, and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broivne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Febr. 14, [1678-9.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 You make often mention of a censors " daye, which 
 I suppose is some day sett out for the censor to convene upon 
 the colledge affayres ; and when, perhaps, you may have a 
 dinner. If there bee a lecture at the colledge after this 
 sessions it will bee expected that the physitians of the colledge 
 should be there, especially at the opening of the theatre. 
 And, therefore, when you intend at the same time to have a 
 private preparing body at Chirurgeon's Hall, you may have a 
 diversion, and not bee able to bee at the colledge, except you 
 can contrive the buisenesse better then I apprehend as yet. 
 Being arrived so high as censor, it will concerne you to putt 
 on some gravity, and render yourself as considerable as you 
 can, in conversation in all respects. Tis probable there will 
 bee a great number at the lecture the first time, the place 
 being capacious ; butt, being read in Latin, very many will not 
 bee earnest to come hereafter, and the place being so large, 
 there are like to bee more spectators than auditors. Your 
 lecture at Chirurgeon's Hall will, I perceive, bee somewhat 
 late this yeare ; so that you may bee forced to dissecte the 
 brayne the first day in the afternoon, or the next morning. I 
 writt unto you by my last to read Mr. Duncans way of dis- 
 secting the brayne, mentioned in the Transactions of the 
 R. S. last August. 3 Wee heare Sir Jos. Williamson is out 
 
 2 Dr. E. Browne was elected Censor of the College of Physicians Sept. 30, 1678. 
 
 3 See Phil. Trans, xii, 1013. — Explication novelle et Mechanique des Actions 
 Animales, ou il est traite des fonctions de l'ame, &c. — Par M. Duncan, D. en Med. 
 in 12mo, a Paris, 1678. 
 
1678-9.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 231 
 
 of his secretaire's place, and my Lord Sunderland putt in, 
 whose acquaintance you might well have continued. Sir 
 Joseph is like to be chosen burgesse for Thetford, as hee was 
 before, and Sir William Coventrie, the other secretaire of 
 the counsell, will be for Yarmouth. Sir Joseph, I beleeve, 
 found his secretaire's place to bee of some danger, for hee 
 could not well refuse to signe what the higher powers would 
 command ; and if it were agaynst any lawe, the parliament 
 would question him as they did the last session. I am sorry 
 to find that my Lord Sterling and L. Dunblayne would have 
 been chosen at Abingdon if the designe had succeeded ; for 
 thereby tis knowne that my lord treasorer strikes in. On 
 Monday next is the election for burgesses of Norwich ; on 
 the same day for knights of the shyre for Suffolk. My Lord 
 Huntingdon, a worthy honest yong gentleman, Sir Lyonell 
 Talmach his sonne, of Suffolk, standeth. Duke Lauderdale 
 maryed his mother. Hee lost it the last time, because, 
 though the gentry were much for him, yet the people feared 
 hee would prove a meere courtier. Sir Samuel Bernardiston 
 also stands, who was knight of the shyre last time and some 
 others. The election is commonly at Ipswich, where the 
 seamen and watermen are very rude and boysterous, and take 
 in with the country party, as they call it. Tom would have his 
 grandmother, his avnt Betty, and Franck, valentines ; butt hee 
 conditioned with them that they should give him nothing of 
 any kind that hee had ever had or seen before. God send 
 my daughter Fayrfax a good time. God blesse you all. Your 
 loving father, THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1833.] 
 
 Feb. 24, [1678-9.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Since you take in the ungues in this lecture, I pre- 
 sume you have read and considered what Dr. Glesson saycl 
 
232 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678-9. 
 
 thereof, in his last work ; and also anatomically describe them. 
 Riolanus hath a small peculiar tract, " De Unguibus" in 
 in his Encheiridion. Hippocrates was therefore so curious 
 as to prescribe the rule in cutting the nayles, that is not longer 
 or shorter then the topps of the fingers. Vide Hippocrates 
 De qfficina med. That barbers of old used to cutt men's 
 nayles is to be gathered from Martial, lib. 3, epigram. 74, 
 You may do well to cast an eye on Martial sometimes cum notis 
 variorum. There is much writt, and good expressions therein, 
 and the notes containe much good learning ; the conceit and 
 expression will make them the better remembered. De 
 unguium resectione, read Bartholin, centuria tertia, cap. 78. 
 Since the differences are so composed among the chirurgions, 
 that the former masters of Anat. will do their office, you 
 have no considerable cause, that I knowe, but that you may 
 speake of them as intended in conclus. if you find no cause 
 to alter. I perceave you have omitted cerumen in what you 
 have sett downe of the eare, which [you] must mention and 
 discourse of. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEAR DAUGHTER, 
 
 I bless God your deare Tomey is very well. I must 
 trouble you againe for your sister Betty, to bey a paire of 
 sheus, eythar pinke or blew. Your owne shous fitt her very 
 well, and I would desire you to by mee a painted fan, it is for 
 a present ; a bought twenty shilens, give rayther under. Wee 
 ar not in hast, so you may tacke your own time, and send 
 them when you have an opertunity, and I shall send you the 
 mony, with that you have alredy lagh out for us. I shall 
 thinke long to here of your sister Fairfax delivery, and hope 
 you will gooe downe to her. I besich God bless you all. 
 
 Your affectinat mother, 
 
 D. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
1678-9.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 233 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 [About the end of Feb. 1678-9.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 This gentleman, captaine le Gros, come lately out 
 of Bruges and landed in Flanders with his company, 
 which is now quartered in Norwich. Hee had a long 
 and bad passage ; hee seemes to bee an honest civill good 
 person, and sayth hee hath seen you and knowes your sister 
 Fayrfax, and Madame Burwell. Hee dined with us to-day, 
 and goeth for London to-morrowe, hee is a Cornish man, and 
 gives the same amies with my old friends the Le Gros his in 
 Norfolk. Hee was merry with little Tomay, and gave him a 
 pretty Flanders toye, of which hee furnished himself with 
 some, to present, I believe, unto children or yong people. 
 Sir Robert Howard and Mr. Oast are chosen for Rising. 
 
 There is a Duch merchand's sonne bought Mr. Cobb's 
 
 estate of Sanderi 4 by Lynne ; and is well beloved. I 
 
 heare very credibly this day, that Sir Thomas Allen's sonne 
 and Sir Philip Skippon bee chosen for Dunwich, in Suffolk. 
 James Johnson will not stand for Yarmouth, but Sir William 
 
 Coventry will bee chosen the competition will bee 
 
 between 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I have not much to say this night, yet could not 
 omett latting you know wee ar all well, I bless God ; and 
 Tomey is very fine, and warm, in his gown, and this day has 
 behaved himselfe so well to on captain Le Gros, which is 
 now com out of Flanders, as hee has presented him with a 
 prity picktur in a silver box. Hee knew your sister Fairfax 
 in Franc, and has seane you att London, and will dooe very 
 sudingly ; he goos for London to-morrow. Wee thincke him 
 a very si veil parson. Hee was here abought 17 years since 
 with Madame Burwell. I thought still to latt you know of 
 
 4 Santlringhatn. 
 
234 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1678-9. 
 
 him becaus you might thanke him for Tomey. I besich God 
 bless you and yours. Your affectinat mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 1, [1678-9.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Though the cerumen bee not sett downe in your 
 catalogue de partialis intends, yet I conceive you mention it 
 in your discourse, because it is in meatu auditorio, and the 
 place from its melleous consistence and colour called alveare. 
 I sett down this following, because it may bee brought in 
 after the description of the eare, or when you speake of 
 deafenesse. "Riolanus observeth, that a man deaf from a 
 bad conformation of the organs of the eare, picking his eare 
 too deepe, unawares peirced the tympane membrane, and 
 moved or broake the litle bones, and afterward came to 
 heare ; and, thereupon, proposeth the question, whether 
 such a practise might not bee attempted, which I confesse I 
 should bee very warie to encourage ; and I doubt fewe have 
 attempted that course, which hee also proposeth, agaynst the 
 tinnitus and noyse in the eares ; that is to perforate the 
 mastoides, and so to afford a vent and passage unto the 
 tremultuating spirits and winds. Rolfinckius sayth, that from 
 violent causes the litle bones in the eare may bee dislocated, 
 and so deafenesse followe. Bone-setters would be much to 
 seeke on this cure ; but the only waye is, by a strong reten- 
 tion and holding of the breath, which may probably reduce 
 them into their proper place ; which if it fayleth, incurable 
 surditie ensueth. And, therefore, although wee seeme to 
 knowe and bee well acquinted with the naturall structure and 
 parts of the eare, in sound bodyes, and such as have had no 
 impediment in hearing, yett, because wee do not enquire, at 
 
1678-9.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 235 
 
 least butt rarely, into that organ in dead men who have been 
 notoriously deaf, wee may bee sometimes to seeke, in the par- 
 ticular causes of deafnesse ; and therefore very reasonable it 
 is, that Avee should more often embrace or seeke out such 
 opportunities. For hereby wee might behold the tympane 
 too thick or double in some, the chord or bones not rightly 
 ordered, the fenestri or windowes, cochlea or labyrinthus 
 ill-conformed in others ; with other particular causes, which 
 might induce a deafnesse from nativity." You may adde 
 some other, as defects in the auditory nerves. 
 
 I presume my cosen Barker is come to London, my humble 
 service unto him. I find Mr. Gay in the catalogue of the 
 elected. Though the common letters, which come from 
 London, come not to Norwich till Tuesday morning, yet the 
 newes letters of coffie bowses come to us on Monday, by 
 noone, as being brought on purpose from Beckles, where the 
 Yarmouth post leaveth them. Wee heare by them, that the 
 king approveth not the speaker; 5 and have the king and 
 chancellor's speeches. I presume there was a good appear- 
 ance at the new theatre, especially of such who understand 
 Latin. God send my daughter Fairfax a good delivery. 
 God blesse my daughter Browne, and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [ms. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 5, [1678-9.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Though you do not putt cerumen into the catalogue, 
 yett it may bee well to speake something of it, in the dis- 
 course of the eare, in its proper place. Four regiments are 
 
 5 Seymour, the Speaker to the last Parliament; re-elected by the Commons, in- 
 stead of Sir Thomas Meres, whom the King desired they would elect. 
 
236 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 come out of Flanders, to be quartered about these parts. 
 Sir Christopher Calthorp, Sir Neville Catelyn, and Mr. 
 Briggs, are gone yesterday for London, to the parliament. 
 Sir John Hobart went to London, about ten dayes past. I 
 am sorry my lord Bruce missed the election, yet in a cata- 
 logue which I saw, his name was inn. I should bee very 
 sorry so worthy a person as my lord of Aylesbury should bee 
 disobliged. Mr. Briggs his man hath a letter to my daughter 
 Browne, with some muney in it. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 April 2, [1679.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 You did well to observe Ginseng. All exotick 
 rarities, and especially of the east, the East India trade 
 having encreased, are brought in England, and the best 
 profitt made thereof. Of this plant Kircherus writeth in his 
 China illustrata, pag. 178, cap. " De Exoticis Chinee plantis." 
 I perceive you are litle acquainted with our Norfolk affayres ; 
 and knowe not the late differences. Sir John Hobart com- 
 playne of some illegall proceedings in the election, and 
 petiond the howse about it ; and delivered my Lord Yar- 
 mouth my Lord Lieutenant's letter, which hee is sayd to 
 have writt in the behalf of Sir Christopher Calthorp and Sir 
 Neville Catelyn, which was construed as a thrating letter, 
 and sett the howse in such a heat, that they had like to have 
 been presently dismissed the howse. But the farther exami- 
 nation is appoynted about a fortnight hence, and many thinck 
 there will bee a newe election. What will bee the issue wee 
 knowe not, yett wee heare Sir Christ. Calthorp fell sick last 
 weeke, of the small pox. I think hee lodgeth in Westminster. 
 If the election bee made agayne, 'tis sayd parties will stand 
 agayne. Mr. Verdon, keeping no rule and travelling about, 
 hath his ague agayne, and notwithstanding intends to go to 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 237 
 
 Thetforcl assises, on Thursday. I dought these election 
 businesses, and the charge that may go along with it, doth 
 something discompose his mind, I perceive you are yet at 
 some uncertaintie of a publick lecture, butt bee provided, for 
 tis very likely they will have one. An old acquaintance, Mr. 
 Shadwell, was with mee at Norwich ; hee speaketh well of 
 you, butt wisheth you were not over modest in this world, 
 where that virtue is litle esteemed. I am afraid that un- 
 seasonable qualitie makes you decline the friendshippe of my 
 Lord B. of London, which others would thinck themselves 
 happy in. Some say that Mrs. Harmin is much better, butt 
 a weeke ago they sayd shee was in a consumption, and sum 
 decline in it. It was expected every post that the parliament 
 would bee dissolved or prorogued, which cannot now bee so 
 expected, because a proclamation is published for a fast. 6 My 
 service to my cosen Barker, cosen Hobbes, and cosens Cra- 
 dock. I read a sermon of Dr. Tillotson, preched at the 
 Yorkshire [Feast], December 3, which hee dedicates to the 
 twelve stewards of the company. Wee have not seen Dol- 
 finey yett. Tom remembers his duty and love to his sister. 
 God blesse you. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, these, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 April 25, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I have litle to write, butt, because I have not writt 
 this week before, I would not omitt a fewe lines. I have had 
 a great cough, which tooke mee about a moneth since, and 
 in a weeke the rheume grewe upe ; butt of a sudden grewe 
 thinne agayne, and proved of exceeding molestation, day and 
 night, and the wether all the while was very sharpe, and 
 wind at north-east, butt, God bee thancked, it is now well 
 abated, and butt seldome troublesome. My daughter Betty, — 
 
 6 Parliament was prorogued May 27, and afterwards dissolved. 
 
238 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 who is very seldome out of health, though she sits often in 
 cold wether five or six hours together in her closett, reading 
 and praying, and in all wethers and seasons, never omitts to 
 go to church, Sundayes and weeke dayes, to sermons and 
 prayers in our parish ; — fell into a very extreme cough, 
 whereof, God be thancked, shee is now nerely recovered. 
 I presume your time of reading will be about a fortnight 
 hence ; bee therefore provided, and have your speeches me- 
 moriter, and pronounce them not fast butt distinctly, and like 
 an orator, with their due phrases, and words with their proper 
 emphases. Most of our gentlemen and wittnesses concerning 
 the election, are ether returned or return to morrow. The 
 day of election, for a new choyce of the knights for Norfolk 
 will be on Monday come sevenight. Sir John Hobart, Sir 
 Christopher Calthorpe, and Sir Neville Catelyn stand agayne, 
 and they [say] also Mr. Windham of Felbrigge. 7 There is 
 like to bee very great endeavouring for the places, which 
 will still keep open divisions which were too wide before, and 
 make it a countrey of Guelphs and Ghibellines. I am sorry 
 to find my Lord of Aylesbury left out of the list of the privie 
 counsell, hee beeing so worthy and able a person, and so well 
 qualified for the publick good. Tom presents his duty ; my 
 love and blessing unto you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 April 28, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 A Norwich man in London, sent a letter hither to 
 a friend to this effect, that being at a coffie howse, hee sawe 
 
 7 The house had, after long delays, decided, on the 21st of April, that none of 
 the candidates were duly elected, and fresh writs were accordingly issued on the 
 22d. But before the new members had time to take their seats, parliament was 
 dissolved ; so that, in point of fact, the county of Norfolk was not represented in 
 that Parliament. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 239 
 
 Mr. Rob. Bendish, in a high distraction, breaking windowes, 
 and doing outrageous things, so that they were fayne to laye 
 hold of him ; what became of him afterwards hee sayth 
 nothing. This came to his father's eare, who is much trou- 
 bled at it, butt can do very litle for him, having been at great 
 charges for him before. Now if you heare of any such dis- 
 traction, or what is become of him, you may give a touch 
 therof in any of your letters, butt I would not urge you to 
 bee buisine therein ; but I heare my brother Bendish hath 
 allreadie writt to a friend to informe him of the truth thereof, 
 which is like to bee done before you can say any thing in a 
 letter from London. These are the sad ends of many disso- 
 lute and governeless persons, who, if they bee of a sheepish 
 temper, runne into melancholy or futaity, and if [they] prove 
 haughtie and obstinate into a maniacal madnesse. I am glad 
 you left Madame Cropley better, you had the opportunity to 
 see the shipps and forts upon the river. I am glad there is 
 so strong a shippe built at Wolleige, and a large shippe a 
 second rate, I wish we had half a dozen of them. The bill 
 against popery is intended to be very severe, 8 butt the howse 
 of lords will moderate it : and whether the king will allowe 
 of it, it is yet uncertaine, or what execution there will bee of 
 it, may yet bee as doubtfull. The deferring of the trial of 
 our election may much incommode the gentlemen who went 
 up for wittnesses, and also encrease the charge, and how 
 matters will bee determined wee are butt uncertaine. Mon- 
 day is the day appoynted, but whether it will not be putt off 
 to a farther day wee are in doubt. 9 Litle Tom comes loaded 
 from the fayre this day, and wishes his sister had some of 
 them. God blesse you all. 
 
 I rest your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Take notice of the sea horse skinne. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 8 A bill for the more speedy conviction of Popish recusants was brought in and 
 read a first time March 27. 
 
 9 On the 21st April, the house had summoned Mr. Verdun, under-sheriff of 
 Norfolk, "to answer his miscarriages and ill practices in electing of knights of the 
 
240 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1GT9. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edivard. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 May 7, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 It is not well contriuecl by the chirurgeons that you 
 are at such vncertainties about your lectures, and it will bee 
 very inconuenient to beginne the lectures on Saturday, by 
 reason of Sunday interuening, and the hard keeping of the 
 body in this warme and moyst wether. Butt I remember you 
 read so once before, butt with some inconueniency. Our 
 election was the last Monday. The competitors were the 
 former elected Sir Christopher Calthorp and Sir Neuille Cate- 
 lyn, and Sir John Hobart and Mr. Windham. I neuer ob- 
 serued so great a number of people who came to giue their 
 voyces ; but all was ciuilly caryed at the hill, and I do not 
 heare of any rude or vnhandsome caryadge, the competitors 
 hauing the weeke before sett downe rules and agreed upon 
 articles for their regular and quiet proceeding. They came 
 not downe from the hill vntill eleven o'clocke at night. Sir 
 John Hobart and Sir Neuille Catelyn caryed it, and were 
 caryed on chayres about the market place after eleuen o'clock, 
 with trumpets and torches, candles being lighted at windowes, 
 and the markett place full of people. Dr. Brady was with 
 mee that day, who presents his seruice and speakes well of 
 you, and sayth hee was your constant auditor, and sayth yours 
 are very good lectures, and proper to the intention, as being 
 very good and profitable, which they haue rarely been for- 
 merly. Hee came with Sir Thomas Hare, of Stowe, Sir 
 Ralph Hare's sonne, and not long of age. Sir Thomas was 
 of Cams Colledge, and brought, they say, four hundred for 
 Sir Neuille and Sir Christopher, 1 and Dr. Brady brought 
 
 shire for Norfolk.'' The said examination was repeatedly postponed, 'till the new 
 election had taken place, and John Jay, the high sheriff, having refused to make a 
 return, was ordered, on the 12th of May, to be taken into custody. On the 24th, 
 Sir T. Hare's petition against Sir J. Hobart's return was presented, and on the 27th, 
 parliament was adjourned, so that neither of the elections was ever settled. 
 
 1 Sir Thomas Hare and others petitioned the House, but unsuccessfully, against 
 the return of Sir John Hobart. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 241 
 
 eighteen or nineteen from Cambridge, schollars, who were 
 freeholders in Norfolk. These were the number of the voyces, 
 Sir John Hobart - - - 3417 
 Sir Neuille Catelyn - - 3310 
 Sir Christopher Calthorp 3174 
 Mr. Windham - - - 2898 
 I do not remember such a great poll. I could not butt ob- 
 serue the great number of horses which were in the towne, 
 and conceiue there might haue been five or six thousand which 
 in time of need might serue for dragoone horses ; beside a 
 great number of coach horses, and very good sadle horses of 
 the better sort. Wine wee had none butt sack and Rhenish, 
 except some made prouision thereof before hand, butt there 
 was a strange consumption of beere and bread and cakes, 
 abundance of people slept in the markett place, and laye like 
 flocks of sheep in and about the crosse. My wife sent the 
 receit for orenge cakes, and they are comfortable to the sto- 
 mack, especially in winter, but they must be eaten moderately, 
 for otherwise they may heartburne, as I haue sometimes found, 
 especially riding upon them. Tom presents his duty. God 
 blesse you all. Your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 May 10th, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 If you were upon your lectures on Thursday, or to 
 beginne on Saturday you will haue a more temperate time 
 then might bee hoped, for the wind is this day at north 
 east and the wether coole. If you read, write mee word who 
 were there present, as well as you can obserue or remember, 
 with any other things considerable. I perceaue Mr. F. B. 
 is still writing to render himself considerable, knowne and 
 taken notice of, and so aduance into practise. Butt I pre- 
 vol. r. R 
 
242 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 sume the censors found him imperfect in what hee pretends 
 vnto ; self conceit and confidence deludes a great number of 
 men, who notwithstanding by boldnesse and forwardnesse 
 and great words among those who vnderstand nothing, make 
 a shift to bustle through and gett money, and thinck highly 
 of themselves, though the knowing world find them empty, 
 and haue butt a mean opinion of them. I perceaue my 
 daughter and sonne Fairfax are like to bee at London the 
 next weeke, God preserue them in health. Hazard not your 
 owne health by any intemperance with H. F. for men who 
 must haue drinck and company are content with any, and are 
 litle obliged by compliance or ioynt intemperance, at least tis 
 soone forgott, and tis the greatest friendship that can bee 
 testified to dehort them from excesse, which destroyes them- 
 selues at last, and their children before. They say this is 
 the richest parliament that hath been a long time, and are 
 the more concerned in the welfare of their countrey. They 
 seeme prettie stiffe and resolute. God endowe them with 
 prudence and moderation where it is required. Tom pre- 
 sents his duty : a gentleman at our election asked Tom who 
 hee was for? and hee answered for all four. The gentle- 
 man replyed, that hee answered like a physitian's sonne. I 
 am glad Mr. Stoakes is like to recouer : perhaps hee was 
 wounded in a duel], tis hard to knowe the way and what 
 parts the sword passed and what parts were wounded. Loue 
 and blessing to my daughter Browne and you all. 
 
 Your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 If the Norfolk feast bee kept this yeare, it will be allmost 
 time to looke after venison. Sir John Hobart will bee in 
 London, and is acquainted about London, and my wife shall 
 write to my lady to gett warrant thereabout, where by the 
 way I hope my daughter and yourself returned the visit to 
 my lady. 
 
 There are diuers parks about Shiplake, perhaps my cosen 
 Buck, or my sonne Fairfax, or daughter, may do something. 
 Twere good to have a timely resolution of the company, 
 whether there will bee any feast kept or no. There will bee 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 243 
 
 the more charge because there is no French wine, and so the 
 feast may bee the better omitted. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Wednesday, May 22nd, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 God send my L. Bruce " happy successe in his 
 journey. I am glad you have the opportunity to revive your 
 forrayne acquaintance ; for which an ingenuous man would 
 embrace every opportunity, and take it as a great content- 
 ment to communicate with persons of merit. Aken, I think, 
 is not in the French hands this warre ; butt I beleeve my L. 
 must ask the French leave to come unto it. Tis doubtfull, 
 I perceave, whether there will bee a Norfolk feast this yeare; 
 however, if there should bee any, I am glad you are in so 
 good a way for venison. The chirurgeons, in equity should, 
 meethincks, in some measure gratifle you, though you did 
 not read; 3 having made you prepare for the same, and you 
 having been taken up with preparing bodyes in order thereto. 
 I am glad you are so well acquainted with Dr. Millington ; 
 hee seemes to bee a person of worth and good parts ; and 
 Dr. Lower dedicated his booke " De Corde " unto him. 
 Tis good to take notice, wherein men excell, and to rayse ex- 
 amples of imitation from the same, as farre as every man's ge- 
 nius and proper Minerva will enable. Hee that buildeth 
 himself up, by the modell of the best parts of men, is like to 
 become no ordinary man. Wee have litle or no clarett or 
 white wine commonly vendible, butt wee have syder and 
 Rhenish wine and Spanish wines, so that we can make a shift 
 to subsist without French wine. I most feare the want of 
 vineger, which wee cannot bee without ; whether wee may 
 supply the want thereof by sack vineger, I knowe not, butt I 
 
 2 Thomas, Lord Bruce, afterwards Earl of Aylesbury. He married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Henry, Lord Beauchamp. 
 
 3 The college had determined not to have a lecture this Spring, as appears from 
 a letter, which has been omitted, as containing nothing besides but a medical case. 
 
 R 2 
 
244 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 have tasted some thereof very bresk ; and I once steeped 
 elder flowers in sack, and in time it became strong vineger. 
 I should think that Rhenish wine should make good vineger, 
 and probably you eat thereof in Germany, especially where 
 the wines are common ; and perhaps in Hungary, they have 
 the vineger of their owne wines ; and though the Turks 
 drinck not wine, yet they make use of vineger, for pickles and 
 sawces. Verjuice well made may supply the defect of vineger, 
 and one yeare I tooke the grapes of a vine which afforded 
 butt a sower grape, and such as ripend not, and putt the 
 juice thereof into a runlett, and it fermented, and became a 
 brisk strong verjuice, farre exceeding that which is made of 
 crabbs. I hope you are all in health. God preserve you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Hydrosaccharum and hydromel, which may be made to 
 what temper wee please, may bee usefull. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 May 28th, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Your account was good of Toothanage, Tincall, 
 and the fine Japan copper ; of Sebets you will scarce gett any 
 account, for Mr. Pierce told mee it was seldome sent into 
 England, and I thinck hee sayd that it came from Arabia, or 
 about Balsara, and it was sent back agayne. I have sent you 
 by Mrs. Alice Peirce, a skinne of the palme of a woemans 
 hand, cast of at the end of a fever, or in the declination there- 
 of; I called it exuvium palmce muliebris, the Latin word being 
 exuvia in the plurall, butt I named it exuvium, or exuvia in 
 the singular number. It is neat and worthy to bee showne 
 when you speake of the skinne. Snakes and lizards and di- 
 vers insects cast their skinnes, and they are very neat ones ; 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 245 
 
 men also in some diseases, by peeces, butt I have not mett 
 with any so neat as this ; a palmister might read a lecture of 
 it; the whole soules of the feet came of, and I have one. I 
 mett with Mrs. Arrowesmith, who tells mee her sonne went 
 with my lord Bruce. Shee desired me to write unto you, 
 that whenever you heard of or from him, you would send me 
 word, that I might informe her of his health, and when you 
 thought hee would returne, and any occurrences you receave. 
 It had been well if my lord had carryed your last booke with 
 him, for it might have been very beneficiall in their travells ; 
 your booke speaking so particularly of many remarkables of 
 those parts. Mr. Arrowesmith's mother lives ten miles of; 
 butt his sister liveth in Norwich, at a howse in the hospitall 
 yard. Remember mee to Dr. Short. I hope hee will find 
 some way to staye in London this second time. Wee expect 
 Mr. Deane this night at Norwich. I perceave my daughter 
 Fairfax will staye butt a small time in London. God blesse 
 them all, my service to Madame Barker, my cosens Cradock 
 and cosens Hobbes. Madame Crofts, your constant patient, 
 who now liveth in Hereford, sent unto mee yesturday by 
 Mrs. Pierce, about couching a cataract in her eye. I thinck 
 shee is 76 or 7 yeares of age, and, though shee hath no other 
 way to afford her a litle help, yett I doubt shee will have butt 
 a very dimme sight after it, if the operation should succeed, 
 which she hopes for, by a person of that countrie practicall in 
 that way. I sawe a woeman of 80 yeares, while the cataract 
 was couched in both eyes, and shee had a dimme sight for a 
 yeare after, till shee dyed ; it was done by Vanderlas. The 
 ignorance of chirurgeons, as to chirurgecall operations, creates 
 so many mountebanck and stage quacksalvers. Heere hath 
 been a mountebanck these 2 moneths, who cutts for wrye 
 necks, coucheth cataracts, cures hare lipps, &c. wherin no 
 chirurgeon of this place being versed, hee hath had a great 
 deal of employment, to the shame of our chirurgeons. Tom 
 presents his duty. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
246 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 May 29, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Alderman Wisse went this day to London, with 
 his wife, whose brother, Mr. Utting, keeps the Green Dragon, 
 at Bishopsgate. By him I sent a letter, and a small box, and 
 therein an East India drugge called sebets or zebets or 
 cussum sebets. 5 It was brought from the East Indies by order 
 from Mr. Tho. Peirce, who hveth near Norwich, 1663, who 
 gave mee some divers yeares agoe. Hee sayth that there was 
 considerable quantitie brought into England ; butt not being 
 a good commodity, it was sent back agayne; butt he reserved 
 a box full, whereof these I send were a part, hee sayth they 
 in those countries thicken broath with it, and it serveth to 
 make gellies. I never tried it nor knowe whether it bee 
 wholsome, for they looke a little like Ahouai Theveti, or 
 Indian Morris Bells, in Gerard or Johnson's herball, which 
 are sayd to bee poysonous. I send them unto you because 
 you being acquainted with many of the East India company, 
 you may enquire about it and satisfie yourself as well as you 
 can, for perhaps few knowe it, and 'tis good to knowe all kinds 
 of druggs and simples. In the list of commodities brought 
 over from the East Indies, 1678, I find among the druggs 
 Tincal and Toothanage, 6 set downe thus ; 105920 Tooth- 
 anage, 49610 Tincal. Enquire also what these are, and may 
 gett a sample of them. Tom's cuppe was all this while at 
 Mr. Beecroft the caryar's warehouse, who sent it to us on 
 Saturday last, and 'tis indeed a very prettie one, and Tom 
 sends his duty and thancks. 
 
 Mr. John Jaye, our high sherifFe, was sent for by the 
 Howse of Commons, for not sending the writts or writings, 
 certifying those who were elected in good time ; butt hee fell 
 sick, before the pursuivant came in Norwich, of a fever, and 
 
 5 Probably satep, the roots of orchis, which renders water very thick and gela- 
 tinous, and is imported threaded on strings, not unlike one of the figures here re- 
 ferred to. It has never been much used in England. — Note by Mr. Gray. 
 6 Tutenague, called in this country zinc. — Gray. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 247 
 
 so the pursivant was fayne to returne this daye or yesterday, 
 with a certificate of his inability to take such a journey, and 
 a promise that when hee shall bee able, hee will bee ready to 
 come up, if they thinck fitt, butt Sir John Hobart and Sir 
 Neville Catelyn are now admitted into the howse, and proba- 
 bly hee will hear no more of it. I do not yet heare that Mr. 
 Verdon and Dr. Hylliard are discharged. 7 Mrs. Verdon 
 went to London, to have her sonne touched ; if you see her, 
 remember my service. She was very earnest to have her 
 litle sonne touched, being very hard to admit of medicines. 
 I hope my cosen Barker, my daughters, and you all are well. 
 God blesse you all. Wee are under a great drought heere 
 and want rayne very much ; God help us. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My service to Mr. Deane and his lady, and to Mr. Dob- 
 bins, when you see him ; my cosens Cradock, cosens Hobbs, 
 and all our friends. Write your letters at the best advantage, 
 and not when the post is ready to go. Wee heare a noyse of 
 the poysoners in France, 8 butt do not well apprehend it, wee, 
 who imitate the French in their worse qualities, may not un- 
 likely follow them in that. 
 
 DEAR SISTER FAIRFAX, 
 
 I must desire you to put a frame and glas to the 
 pictur, for Mr. Flatman — a very good one ; I forgot it in my 
 last : I think both are of a size. If you could help me to a 
 good bunch of gittarre strings, I should be glad. I hear the 
 Italian coock is dead. I am not so good as my word; I 
 thought I had nothing to bey, but I hope you pardon it. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London, 
 
 7 They were summoned to the house on the subject of the Norfolk election. 
 
 8 This seems to refer to the marchioness of Brinoilliers who was beheaded, and 
 her body burned to ashes, 17 July, 1*576, for poisoning her father, two brothers, 
 and divers other persons, in conjunction with one Sainte-Croix. This affair making 
 a great noise, and the public mind being apprehensive of the practice of poisoning 
 being common, a court was established at Paris, in 1679, under the name of La 
 Chambre ardente, for the trial of these offenders ; but it is said that this was only 
 a political manoeuvre to throw an odium on the enemies of the court. — Gray. 
 
248 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [ms. sloan. 1847.] 
 
 June 9, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I beleeve about this time my cosens Barker and 
 Nancy are returning into the country ; I pray God go with 
 them and preserve them. There is a pill used in London, 
 and I have seene it used heere, commonly called Mathewes 
 pill, and by some Mathias his pill; the dosis is ordinarily, 
 gr. 8 ; about 15 years agoe one brought mee a recipe thereof, 
 R. Opii 3hi. Sal. Tartari 3fi. Sal. Absynthii Mithridatii 
 5iii. Hellebori Nigri 5h\ Hellebori Albi |v. Spica Ind. Sm\ 
 Sp. de Germanis 5h\ Sp. Terebinth. 3ii. some use Sp. Junip. 
 This is very like, but not altogether the same which is now 
 used ; therefore I desire you to take care to send the true 
 and used receipt, though probably I shall make litle or no 
 use thereof: 'tis an odde composition. I have heard that 
 Dr. Willis tooke it in his last sicknesse, hee speakes of it in 
 Pharmaceut. Rationalis, page 321. I have heard that some 
 leave out the Hellebores, you may gett the most practised 
 recept. The masse hath a prettie good smell, which may 
 proceed from the Ol. Terebinth. Spica Indie, et Sp. de 
 Germanis, some say that if the Hellebores bee left out it 
 doth not do so well. There was a preparation call'd Sulphur 
 Martis, and formerly I have often used it, butt for some 
 yeares have not had it, nor knowe who prepares it ; it was in 
 one of the chymicall bookes you brought from Paris, in oc- 
 tavo, I meane not Glacier butt another, who lived then in 
 Paris. God blesse you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEAR DAUGHTER, 
 
 I sent a latter to your sister Farefax, the last weeke, 
 abought my cossen Tenoson's things, with a bill for 20 pounds, 
 15 for her and 5 for us. I hope it came safe to your hands, 
 I should have sent you this day a bill for 6 pounds for Mrs. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 249 
 
 Mary Mires, but I could not gett in, but by the next post I 
 shall ; the meane time I must tell you what it is wee desire you 
 to bey for her. A manto gown and 5 yards of sage-coulard 
 satten, not the best, you may know bey the price, but if this 
 be not innufe, what you ade more she will be willing to alow. 
 Sum othar thing, I thinke, will dooe batter then that which 
 Frankes is of; I wish that had some colors in it, for the 
 goold att a litle distance, goos but for buf-colard silke. I 
 pray latt us have this as soone as you can conveanantly. If 
 it be to be had at my cossen Cradock's, bey it thar ; if not, 
 whar you please. I hope you thinke of Tomey briches, 
 against the assise ; for wee shall bee out of all manar of 
 lyning by that time, that is to be worne with cotts. He 
 growes a beawx tall boy, and will be much a man. Wee have 
 
 hat my lord Maidston have had in very from 
 
 London 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 June xi, [1679.] 
 You say your booke is like to bee re-printed, probably 
 the first part, not the second, which was printed since 
 some additions would bee made. I writt one to you concern- 
 ing Hippocrates, that hee practised in Thessalie, and menti- 
 ons diuers particulars of Larissa ; and therefore tooke out 
 that paper, and if you haue lost it, giue mee notice, for that 
 is a materiall obseruation especially unto physitians and 
 schollars. 
 
 Tis an odde passage concerning the French kings getting 
 Sauoy and Piedmont into his hand for money, and will con- 
 cerne many states and make them looke about them. Though 
 hee had a good army, yet tis thought hee hath preuayled 
 much by his money in all the wane and current of his 
 affayres. 
 
250 - DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679- 
 
 This rising in Scotland falls out unhappily att this time. 
 Many may wish that the parliament were setting, butt some 
 jealous people will thinck that this may rather hinder their 
 sitting. 
 
 I am glad the buisinesse succeeded so well at Halstead, in 
 Kent. Miles about London are short, and 4 horses go farre 
 in a summers daye. Sir Joseph Ash whose daughter my lord 
 Townshend maryed, is a parliament man, butt of the west 
 country and about Bristowe. I knewe well one Mr. Abraham 
 i\.she, who was a Russia marchant, who dyed neere xxx 
 yeares since. Perhaps hee might bee related unto this fami- 
 lie. It was a good rencounter to meet with Mr. Ash, who had 
 trauelled in those parts which you haue discribed, and if hee 
 had read them might haue been some light and information unto 
 them. Mr. Soames may bee re-called from Turine, since the 
 prince is dealing with the French about it. Haue a care of 
 your health this hott season. Tom presents his duty. Loue 
 and blessing to my daughter Browne and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 28, [1679?] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I heard that some shipps passed by Yarmouth, 
 with souldiers in them for Scotland, six or seven dayes past, 
 and the coffie and common news letters tell us something of 
 the rebellion in Scotland, butt I think very imperfectly. A 
 litle more time will better informe vis of that buisinesse ; and 
 they are like to bee more effectually dealt with and brought 
 to reason, by the English forces, when there shall bee a suf- 
 ficient number of them in Scotland ; for the rebells hope, and 
 others doubt, whether those of their nation will fight heartily 
 agaynst them ; for tis sayd there are more discontented in 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 251 
 
 Scotland than those in amies. So that this may bee a coal 
 not so soon quenched ; though it was begun by the lowest 
 sects, yet the Scots are very tenacious of the Protestant 
 religion, and have entertained feares and jealousies of des- 
 signes to introduce the Roman, from their observation of the 
 afFayres in England ; and are not like to bee quieted long, 
 without a parliament. And if that should bee broake of 
 to their discontent, they would bee contriving agayne, and 
 the English parliments would bee butt cold in suppressing 
 them. When the duke of Monmouth giveth a further 
 account, wee may see farther into the buisinesse. When 
 the wether proves cold and fitt for dissections if you have 
 opportunity, take notice of a beare ; tis commonly sayd that 
 a beare hath no breast bone, and that hee cannot well runne 
 downe a hill, his heart will so come up toward his throat. 
 Examine therefore the pectorall parts, and endeavour to find 
 out the ground of such an opinion at opportunity. I once 
 dissected a beare which dyed in Norwich, and I have the 
 lower jaw and teeth ; tis a strong animal, hath notable sinewes 
 and teeth. 
 
 This day one came to showe mee a booke and to sell it ; it 
 was a hortus hy emails, in a booke, made at Padua, butt I 
 had seen it above thirtie years ago, and it containes not 
 many plants. You had a very good one or two if you have 
 not parted with them. Love and blessing to my daughter 
 Browne and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I have received all the things, to the great content 
 of the owners, who returne you many thankes. Thay ar 
 indeed very well chose things of all sorts : and I give you 
 many thanks for the troble you have had with them : I sent 
 you Tomey's scurt and long slevs of his ould cott ; I hope you 
 have them. On Mr. Felden it semes took it last Wadins- 
 day, and sayd hee would deliver it him selfe. Wee dayly 
 wish for the new cloths ; all our linen being worne out but 
 shefts, and Tomey would give all his stock to see his briches. 
 
252 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 I bless God wee ar all well as I hope you ar. Tomey pre- 
 sents his dutty, your sisters all love and services. 
 Your affectinate mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 July 4, [1679.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Tis somewhat unreasonable to have an anatomie 
 lecture at this time of the yeare, and I scarce beleeve the 
 assistants will persist in their resolution ; however it is good 
 to be readie and prepared, if they must needs have one : it 
 were better in Michaelmas terme. I have not heard a long 
 time any thing concerning, or from the R. S. That which 
 you mention of Monsier Papin 9 would bee farther enquired 
 into and the way of it, may-bee, how it is performed, for it 
 may bee usefull. There was one Papin, a Frenchman, who 
 wrote De pulvere sympathetica about 20 years ago. 1 You 
 say the bones are softened without any liquor, that is, as I 
 understand, without beeing infused or boyled in any liquor, 
 and therefore I suspect it must bee effected by humid exha- 
 lation or vapour, by being suspended or placed in the vapour, 
 so that it may act upon the body to bee mollified. According 
 to such a kind of way as in that which is called, the philoso- 
 phical! calcination of hartshorne, made by the steeme of water, 
 which makes the hartshorne white and soft, and easily pul- 
 verisable ; and it is to bee had at some apothecaries and 
 chymists; and whether a fish boyled in the steeme of water 
 
 9 Papin exhibited to the Royal Society, on the 22d May, 1679, bones softened 
 by a new method. He afterwards published a work on the subject. " The New 
 Digester; or the Engine for the softening of bones, by Denys Papin, F.R.S." 4to. 
 Loud. 1681. Evelyn (in his Diary, by Bray, vol i, 542) has given an amusing 
 account of a most philosophical supper of flesh and fish, cooked in M. Papin's 
 digestors. 
 
 1 Nicholas Papin, father of the preceding, who wrote " La Poudre de Sympathie 
 defendue contre les objections de M. Cattier." 8vo. Paris, 1651. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 253 
 
 will not have the bones soft, I have not tried. Whether hee 
 useth playne water or any other, mixed or compounded, any 
 spirituous steeme, wee are yet to learne. The steeme of 
 common water is very piercing and active, the steemes in 
 baths likewise, and also the fume of sulphur. You have 
 seen a sweating tubbe of myne whereof the figure is in 
 Loselius " De Podagra," a booke in duodecimo ; wherein 
 the steeme of the water doth all, as in some the steeme of 
 aqua vitce. Write agayne of Papin's farther experiments. 
 My service to Dr. Grewe. The large egge with another 
 lesser within it was a swann's egge which I sent divers yeares 
 past unto the Royal Societie. I had before met with an 
 egge within an egge, as in hennes egges and turkey's egges. 
 I kept any I found in that kind, in a box inscribed ovula in 
 ovis. At last I met with a swan's egge of that kind, which 
 I presented unto the R. Societie, having never before nor 
 since mett with another from a swanne. Tom presents his 
 duty. Love and blessing to my daughter Browne. Wee 
 can hardly avoyd troubling her, from the importunity of 
 friends, to buy things in London. Little Susan, I beleeve 
 is returned out of the country. Wee cannot have a bill from 
 Mr. Briggs before Monday, when, God willing, it will be sent. 
 Yesterday was a fayre butt windy day, a fire beginning at 
 a dyer's howse in Dearham, a markett towne, the greatest 
 part of the towne was burnt downe. 
 
 GOOD DAUGHTER, 
 
 I must troble you once more abought my cossen 
 Tenoson. She would macke a manto gown of the grene and 
 whight silke you sent down for a peticot, but she wants two 
 yards, and as much slit grene sarsinat as will line it in sight. 
 I pray send nurs to gett it and lett mee know what it com 
 to, and I will send you the mony. I sayes my cossen Cra- 
 dock might send it to me by the choch for she would have it 
 as sonne as possible. I bless God wee ar all in helth, and 
 Tomey much longing for his briches. 
 
 Your afFectinat mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
254< DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 July 5, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I received yours, for which I thanck you. Mr. 
 Payne tells mee that Madame Doughtie his daughter is gone 
 or going unto Tunbridge, and sayth shee is much obliged 
 to you for your kind and faithfull respects unto them. Shee 
 is a good woeman butt fearfull and dubious, and hee a good 
 ingenous gentleman and hath a good estate. I had yester- 
 day the dissection of a porpesse discribed by Dr. Tyson '■> 
 you knowe you were at the dissection of a dolphin when Dr. 
 Clark was here, your brother drewe a dolphin and a porpesse 
 that wee might see the difference between them, which is 
 not great. Scaliger putt a difference in the rostrum. Aris- 
 totle sayth that a phocena or porpesse est rostro latiore 
 colore ccerideo. Old Mr. Whitefoot intends to bee in Lon- 
 don the later end of next weeke, and if the Norfolk feast 
 had held, would have offered you a sermon ; butt I beleeve 
 these times will scarce give encouragement. It raynes here 
 every day, and all the meadowes have been under water 
 these twelve dayes, so that haye will be a deere commodity, 
 most of the medowe haye fayling. Madame Burwell gave 
 mee a handsome medall of Sir Edmund Bury Godfrey's 
 murder. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Tomey have receved his clones, and is much delighted, 
 and sends you and his mother and grandmother dutty and 
 thanckes, and meanes to war them carfully. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 255 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 [July 7, 1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Perhaps by this time you have inquired farther into 
 the art of softening of bones. Consider that hydrargyr. soft- 
 eneth nodes and takes of exostoses : and as I remember Rio- 
 Ian saw the bones of a dead body cereous or somewhat soft 
 like wax, which hee thinkes was a body infected with the 
 lues, butt I know not whether mercureall meanes had been 
 used. Quicksylver brings gold into a soft and pappy sub- 
 stance, by an homalgama. Bones were soft at first, and solids 
 have been fluid ; butt probably the artist only showeth the 
 experiment or quod sit, affording litle light how to effect the 
 same. Tis not improbable that the king will knowe it, and 
 so that it may in time become a common culinary practise. I 
 am not so well contented that you should bee putt to read 
 lectures at this time of the yeare, butt if they will insist upon 
 it, it cannot well bee hindred. The bill is enclosed. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 This bill taketh too long time ; I will endeavor to take no 
 more payable so long after. 
 
 I heare that there are 2 elephants in London, when you 
 have opportunity and leasure to see one, observe this well and 
 safely what Julius Scaliger sayeth, Comment in Hist. Animal. 
 lib. 2, 
 
 Love and blessing to my daughter Browne and you all. 
 If Mr. Goodall cometh our circuit, and next terme, wee shall 
 not, God willing, forgett to bee kind unto them, and wee shall 
 all bee glad to see Mr. Henry. Mr. Whitefoot, I beleeve, is 
 in London, my cosen Townshend comes out of London this 
 day. You did well to have him at your howse. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Ralls, London. 
 
256 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 July xviii, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am very glad and blesse God to heare that you are 
 prettie well agayne. Many heere have had the like trouble, 
 especially such as to satisfie their thirst drincke inordinately 
 in hot wether, or exceed in eating of fruits, or odde or mixed 
 dishes, butt such as ouercome it haue vsually a more confirm- 
 ed measure of health after it. I am sorry Dr. M. was so 
 suspensory, irresolute, and dilatory, which is hardly auoidable 
 in his temper, for which I cannot butt pity him ; and being 
 otherwise a good matured person, men must haue patience 
 and beare with him therein, and afford the best content and 
 satisfaction to his doubts that may bee. Probably an apothe- 
 cary, with your directions might haue suffised, butt tis like 
 some recommended Mr. Zwoule vnto him, whose employ- 
 ments will not giue him self to attend sufficiently, or satisfie 
 his feares and doubts. You must do your best ; take the 
 more paynes to relieue a doubtful mind, and hee must also 
 haue the patience to attend the longer in so considerable a 
 concerne, especially since hee hath lost time as to the begin- 
 ninge, and the fuller prosecution may proue his great advan- 
 tage and safety ; and so, with my seruice, you may tell him 
 from mee. I thinck I haue heard of Mr. Browne, whom you 
 mention in your letter, and in a former letter from your selfe. 
 It seemes hee is one that hath ingenuity to his riches, and 
 such men are to bee valued and obserued. Omitt not [to] en- 
 quire further after Mr. Papin's experiment. I told it to some 
 who wondred much at it, and wishd mee to enquire further 
 of it, beside I take litle pleasure to drinck of the waters of 
 knowledge, instar canis ad Nilum, as the prouerb, " a lick and 
 away," if I can help it. Some doubt whether the bones or 
 homes softened will not returne unto their hardnesse agayne. 
 The dissolution of parliament 2 vnexpected heere. 
 
 2 Prorogued May 27th; dissolved July 12th, 1679. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 257 
 
 Some thinck the of York is coming ouer. Colonel 
 
 will be one of our burgesses, the sec 
 
 not yet fully resolued on. Mr. Briggs neth it as 
 
 yet. In the county tis there will bee greater con- 
 tention For Thetford, Sir Joseph Williamson, 
 
 Mr. Harbord are like to bee chosen and 
 
 the same men agayne for Lynne Turner and Mr. 
 
 Taylor. I cannot say wh they will elect the same 
 
 agayne a litle time will afford coniecture, po 
 
 they will not much alter in London. I you did not 
 
 reade lectures this hot season. ..... blessing vnto my 
 
 daughter Bro and you all. 
 
 Your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Tom is to hot, and looks as though something would breake 
 out. Hee useth many times to haue litle specks breake out 
 in his face, which remayne for a few dayes. 
 
 Sir Christ. Calthorpe and Sir N. Catelyn, Sir John Hobart 
 and Mr. Windham stand agayne. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Aug. 22, [1679.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 The epitaphe of Carolus Clusius, the famous phy- 
 sitian and hearbalist, would not bee left out. Joseph 
 Scaliger, the sonne of Julius, was also a very learned and 
 famous man, butt his epitaphe may probably bee too large, 
 and also it may be omitted. God blesse you all ; from 
 
 Your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Thetford, Lynne, Rysing, haue chosen the same persons 
 agayne ; wee are like to do the same in Norwich. Yar- 
 mouth chose yesterday England and Huntington. William 
 vol. i. s 
 
258 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Coventry, who was one before, not being willing to bee 
 chosen. Our day is next Monday. They say Sir Philip 
 Skippon will bee chosen for Dunwich, butt the temper and 
 inclination of the nation will bee best judged by the generall 
 choyce of knights of the shyres and counties. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Sept. 22, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. B. the scrivener being so civill vnto you, it will 
 be good prudence to preserve his friendshippe, and to en- 
 crease it into a closer unitie, whereby you may have a true 
 friend to make bold with upon occasion, hee having such re- 
 lations or friends, which may do you a pleasure. And if hee 
 bee an honest and courteous man, hee may bee worth your 
 conversation. When Sir Leoline Jenckins comes over, 3 I 
 doubt not butt you will wayt upon him, and not let your ac- 
 quaintance decay or slippe away for want of maintaining it. 
 I hope you have by this time received the partridges, for Mr. 
 Saygett tells us that they were left behind, and that hee sent 
 them by his coache which would bee at London on first Sa- 
 turday, so that you may enquire after them. However wee 
 have provided another pott, which wee intend to send by the 
 next carte, on Friday. God blesse you, my daughter, and 
 you all. Tom, God be thancked, is well. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 I hope you have receaved the hare bones, which I returned 
 by Mr. Marshall, of the Lamb. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Sali.sburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 3 He returned from the Congress of Nimeguen in August, 1679. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 259 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Octob. 2, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My daughter Fairfax still complaineth that our let- 
 ters to her miscarry, and that shee hath not receaved our 
 letters for some weekes. I wish wee could tell where they 
 miscarry ; the post used to bee a sure way, and wee direct 
 them to bee left at one West, a buchers house, in Reading ; 
 if shee knoweth any more certaine way, I wish wee were ac- 
 quainted with it. There goes also a caryar from London to 
 Reading, butt how sure a way that is wee knowe not ; her 
 letters come safe to Norwich. I heard this daye that there 
 was a warrant from the counsell, directed to the baylives of 
 Yarmouth, to stoppe and apprehend a man for some treason- 
 ous designes, butt what I knowe not; probably tis better 
 knowne in London. In the newes letters last weeke there 
 was a report of a printer, that was in prison for printing some 
 seditious booke. Mr. Man, a friend of Mrs. Browne, of Col- 
 ney, was lately in Norwich, and did mee the favor to dyne 
 with mee. I presented my service to madame Hunt. His 
 majestie commeth this day to Newmarkett ; and I shall have 
 occasion to write unto sirjeant Knight, and send certificates 
 for the evill for divers. I am sorry to heare that my old 
 friend Sir Alex. Fraisier droopes so much. I heare that Dr. 
 Briggs is going or gone to live in London ; perhaps it might 
 bee better for your affayres if hee went not these two or three 
 yeares yet. I think Dr. Croone hath printed some booke of 
 the muscles ; whether a serious or particular tract thereof, or 
 bare enumeration, as I find in some litle bookes, I knowe not. 
 Riolanus is esteemed to have done very well on that sub- 
 ject 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbuiie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London, 
 
 S •> 
 
260 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Octob. 6, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Wee heare that his majestie was to leave Newmar- 
 ket on last Saturday, 4 being desired to come to London by 
 the privie counsell. Upon what occasion wee knowe not, 
 butt most men are well contented that hee should not staye 
 at Newmarket, so long as it was given out that he intended ; 
 for the country is still sickly, the wether uncertaine, and it 
 rayneth allmost daylie ; so that the cheif diversions are with- 
 in doores, by cockfiting and playes. The players being so 
 numerous that they have sent out acolonie to Bury, of whom 
 a lady, who was there at a play, gave mee a very tragicall and 
 lamentable description. That honest heartie gentleman, Mr. 
 Cotterell, was on Saturday at my howse, who told mee you 
 were with his children, who were very ill ; when you see his 
 lady present my service unto her, hee came with my lady 
 Adams. There was also Mr. Colt who belongeth to prince 
 Rupert, who sayd hee sawe you lately, I thinck with Dr. 
 Needham, also madame Prujeane, who maryed Sir Francis 
 Prujeane's grandson, and liveth at Hornechurch, in Essex, 
 ten miles from London ; and others. Wee newly heare that 
 Sir Robert Clayton 5 is chosen L. maior. I heare that hee 
 and Mr. Morrice have been noted scriveners, and gott great 
 estates ; and so Mr. Browne may have the neerer acquaint- 
 ance with them. Some scriveners in London gett great es- 
 tates, butt when they dye many have lost great summes by 
 them, they having purchased estates with other mens money, 
 and so ordering the matter that others cannot recover their 
 money. This was observable in the rich scrivener, Mr. 
 Child, butt it may bee good to have friends who have ac- 
 
 * Evelyn (Memoirs, vol. i, 512) mentions the king as then newly returned from 
 Newmarket, Oct. 23rd, 1679. 
 
 5 This prince of citizens, as Evelyn calls him, had served the office of sheriff in 
 1672, was chosen mayor, Oct. 1679, and represented the city in the parliaments of 
 1678, 79, 89, 95, 1700, 1701, and 1705, in which year he died. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 26*1 
 
 quaintance with my L. maior. This day beginneth St. 
 Fayths fayre, the greatest in these parts ; and Tom should 
 have had a sight thereof, butt that it hath proved so very 
 raynie wether. In your travells you say St. Veit or St. 
 Fayth, perhaps Veit may signifie fayth in High Duch, butt St. 
 Fayths day in the almanach, when our fayre is kept, was 
 sancta fides, a holy virgin of Agen, in France, unto whom 
 many churches were dedicated ; as St. Fayth under St. Pauls, 
 and others. I do not at present remember any churches well 
 beare the name of Sanctus Vitus or St. Veit in these parts. 
 I wish wee were now at peace with the Algerines ; they are 
 now too well provided to be forced by us, and there will bee 
 great number of captives to be redeemed, and what care can 
 bee taken for it is doubtfull, considering all things. God 
 give you health and grace to serve him all your dayes. Loue 
 and blessing to my daughter Browne, and litle Susan, and 
 you all. I beleeve your troublesome office of censor is grow- 
 ing now towards an end. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My lord of Arundell, eldest sonne to my L. duke of Nor- 
 folk, when he was at Norwich, did, a fortnight past, give mee 
 a visit. Hee went to church at Christchurch, and was at 
 
 prayers, and sermon, and dined with Mr. Bish was 
 
 way ted upon at his lodging by my L. duke hath 
 
 taken away all things at the dukes palace, so hee was fayne 
 to take a seperate lodging ; no good correspondence between 
 
 them upon the account of giving all the to 
 
 the 6 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 6 Probably the library and marbles, which the duke had presented to the Royal 
 Society and the University of Oxford ; a donation not unlikely to give umbrage to 
 the duke's family. 
 
262 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679" 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Wednesday, Octob. 29, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am glad to understand that you returned from 
 Cobham 7 on Friday, and I hope my lady O'Brian, and Sir 
 Jos. Williamson 8 are in a way of recovery, though I cannott 
 butt conjecture that one or both were very ill ; and perhaps 
 of the common distemper, which in many hath a very long 
 declination and subject to relapses. This letter commeth by 
 my good neibours Mr. Briggs 9 and Mrs. Briggs his wife ; 
 shee hath an intention to bee touched by his majestie, pray 
 vewe the tumor on the outside of her throat, which shee sayth 
 still groweth bigger, and though it bee not the common evell, 
 yet the king toucheth many in the like case, and therefore 
 direct her to some of the king's chirurgeons. I doubt Dr. 
 Knights is not well, for I writt to him when the king was at 
 Newmarkett, butt never heard any thing from him, and I am 
 afrayd my honest friend Mr. Pearce may go with the duke to 
 Scotland ; and if so, pray find out some others, for probably 
 you may bee acquainted with some who may bee assistant in 
 this particular. Remember my service to my cosens Hobbs, 
 cosens Cradock, and all our friends. Your sisters and Tom 
 had ill luck to come when you were so long out of the towne, 
 and I heare your sister Fairfax will soone come also. I doubt 
 not butt you will bee kind unto them all. Playne dyet and a 
 kinde wellcome will serve their turnes. Love and blessing 
 
 7 The Duke of Richmond's seat. 
 S Sir Joseph Williamson was keeper of the Paper Office at Whitehall; in 1665 
 he became under secretary of state, and was knighted in June, 1677. In 1674 he 
 became secretary of state, which office he held four years. He represented Thet- 
 ford and Rochester in several parliaments. He was first chosen president of the 
 Royal Society, Nov. 30, 1677, and was re-elected in the two following years. In 
 Dec. 1678, he married Catherine Obrien, baroness Clifton, widow of Henry, Lord 
 Obrien, sister and sole heiress to Charles, Duke of Richmond. Sir J. W. died 
 in 1701. 
 
 9 The brother of Dr. Briggs. See following letter. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 263 
 
 to my daughter Browne. With my thancks for her care 
 and kindnesse, I rest 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Novemb. 3, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I would not longer deferre to write unto you, as 
 hoping by this time your buisinesse at Cobham and long visits 
 are over ; and that you may have some time to bee in Lon- 
 don, while your sisters staye in London, which now is not 
 like to bee long, if it shall please God to send them health. 
 My cosen Rotherham, and Mr. Stubbs of Trinitie colledge, 
 were in Norwich, and dined with mee on Saturday. They 
 spoake with a great deale of kindnesse and respect of you, 
 and desired to have their services presented with their true 
 and heartie loves. I sent you a pretty opteck booke, by Mr. 
 Briggs ; * it may bee usefull and is butt compendious butt with 
 figures for illustration. I am well content that the yeare of 
 your censorshippe is over, and I hope you will not have any 
 trowblesome place in the R. S. this yeare. I doubt not butt 
 you will bee kinde and loving unto your guests, as my daugh- 
 ter Brown hath been ; a kinde and heartie reception will bee 
 more acceptable unto them then the best table entertaine. 
 Tom eats butt of playne and fewe sorts of meats, and is [in] 
 some action perpetually, or doing of something. I have been 
 fayne to hire him to sitt still half an hower. I am glad to 
 heare litle Susan is a good girle. God blesse them both, and 
 you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 ' Ophthalmograph^, by W. Briggs, M.D. Svo. Camb. 1676. 
 
264 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 My wife made lately a pretty sage wine, with water and 
 sugar boyled together, well skimmed, then infused bruised 
 sage two dayes in it, and wrought it up with yest, beat up 
 with juice of lemon, and so keep it in a vessel three weekes, 
 then drawe it out into bottles, putting into every bottle [a] 
 peece of loaf sugar ; and it will keep about a yeare, butt may 
 beginne to drinck it in a fortnight. It may bee good liquor 
 for the head, and you may have the recipe ; it may bee also 
 made of drye sage. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Novemb. vii, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am glad at last to understand that you returned 
 about twelve dayes agoe from Cobham hall, and that my 
 L. O. Bryan is come to London ; her brother the duke of 
 Richmond was a good natured brisk man, and was at my 
 howse twice, when hee came to Norwich. It is sayd also 
 that shee is a fine courteous lady. Sir Joseph hath also the 
 repute of [a] worthy and highly civill gentleman, and is not 
 probably without a good study of bookes ; being now presi- 
 dent of the R. S. and having been a student of Queens 
 Colledg, in Oxford, and as a benefactor, hath rebuilt a part 
 of that old colledge. I find by your description, that Cob- 
 ham hall is a very notable place, and few to compare with it; 
 so that, in your long staye, you might have somewhat within 
 or without to divert you. The many excellent pictures must 
 needs bee recreative ; the howse also in St. James's square is 
 a noble one and not many exceed it. Butt I am exceedingly 
 sorry for the death of that worthy honest gentleman, Dr. 
 Jaspar Needhame, 2 and the colledge will have a great losse of 
 him. Have a speciall care of your owne health ; under the 
 
 2 He died Oct. 3, 1679, aged 57. — Evelyn's Memoirs, I, 512. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 265 
 
 providence and blessing of God, there is nothing more like to 
 conserve you, and enable you to go about, and wach, and to 
 mind your patients, then temperance and a sober life. And 
 'tis not unlikely that some of the Drs. patients may fall to 
 your share. Bee kind to Mr. Austin Briggs and his wife, 
 daughter to old Mr. Cock the miller, a good woeman, and a 
 lover of Tom, and our kind neibours both of them, although 
 Mr. Briggs owne brother in London, Dr. Briggs, may do 
 much for them. All the noyse heere is of the new plot, sett 
 up to make nothing or litle of the former, which I perceave 
 no contrivance can effect. I am sorry Mr. Gadbury is in 
 trouble, 3 upon erecting of schemes and calculating nativities, 
 and, as I remember, it is high treason to calculate the nativi- 
 tie of the king, especially when procured by ill designers. 
 Service to Madame Burwell, my lady Pettus, Sir Will. 
 Adams, and his worthy lady, who went towards London yes- 
 terday, and shee intends to call at your bowse very soone. 
 Remember mee to my cosens Cradock, cosens Hobbes, Mr. 
 Nathan Skoltowe, when you see him, and all our friends. 
 To my sonne Fairfax, my daughter Fairfax, Betty, Frank, 
 Tom, and Sukey. My daughter Fairfax and litle one," I be- 
 lieve, is not in London. God blesse you all, and be loving 
 and kind together. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Love and blessing to my daughter Browne. Service to my 
 sister Whiting, Mr. Whiting, Mr. Boone, &c. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I thanck God for your latter, and shall be so glad 
 to see my Tomey returne in helth though ever so durty ; bee 
 knows fullars earth will cleane all. I besich God of his 
 mercy blesse you all. Your afFectinat mothar, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 Thes for Docter Browne, att his hous, in Salisbery 
 Court, at the Black Balls, in the Square, London. 
 
 3 The celebrated astrologer, who was apprehended on a charge of treasonable 
 practices. 
 
266 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Nov. 17, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I hope my good daughter Brownes trouble is over, 
 and you enjoye your privacy agayne. Betty having sent us 
 word that they intended to come away on Monday, and to 
 bee in Norwich, on Wednesday. God send they may bee 
 able to undertake the journey, being under such coughs. 
 And I beseech God to send you your owne health, and that 
 you take a reasonable care for it, as also my daughter Browne, 
 who may bee not a litle discomposed by the trouble and care 
 shee hath been under, and may now have leasure to looke 
 after litle Susan. I hope my lady O. Bryan is by this time in 
 a good way of recovery ; if shee falls not into a quartan ague, 
 as very many do at last, who have had the common dis- 
 temper ; but it now growes late in the yeare, and very fewe 
 quartans take so late, and rarely after the solstice. I have 
 knowne winter quartans and after the solstice, but they have 
 ended at the spring and early ; vernal quartans I have knowne, 
 butt they have been short, and some scarce three weekes, 
 and therefore, Hippocrates truly sayth, qtiartance autumnales 
 long. Many quartans this yeare beginne double, and some 
 surely treble, for I observe that divers complayne of a quoti- 
 dian, or every day ague, which at last proves a quartan or third 
 ague, as they call it heere, and so ether was a treble quartan 
 at first, or degenerated into one after. When Hippocrates 
 sayth that a quartan is the securest of agues, hee meanes a 
 legitimate and genuine quartan, for of nothous and spurious 
 quartans which degenerate out of others, divers dye, and 
 some before Christmas. Divers have allready fallen into ex- 
 cessive haemorrhagies, which hath notoriously abated the 
 fitts, and in a manner taken them away, and have not yet 
 fallen into dropsies, which if it happens to old men, they 
 seldome escape a pernicious dropsie. I remember a yong 
 man in this towne tooke, by a friends advice, mercurius dulcis 
 in a quartan of 6 weekes standing, without intention of sali- 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 267 
 
 vation, but hee fell into it, for about 3 weekes, and during 
 that time hee had no fitts, but when that ceased, the ague 
 returned agayne. I remember also a woeraan who, being 
 thirstie in a quartan ague, called for a bottle of beere in the 
 windowe ; butt the servant in hast brought her a bottle of 
 physick which stood in the windowe ; and shee dranck a good 
 draught, and vomited much, and black, and the ague left her; 
 this was about the spring. Shee was my brother Bendish's 
 mother, who discovered not the error at first, but vomiting 
 such black matter, all dispayred of her. I suppose sir 
 Jos. Williamson will bee chosen president agayne. God 
 blesse you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My wifes cold is better, and shee remembers to you 
 both, &c. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Nov. 24, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 The feverish and aguish distempers, which beganne 
 to be common in August, are now very much abated, and few 
 fall sick thereof; only there are very great numbers of quart- 
 ans ; tis also a coughing time. Extraordinarie sickly seasons 
 woorrie physitians, and robb them of their health as well as 
 their quiet ; have therefore a great care of your health, and 
 order your affayres to the best preservation thereof which 
 may bee by temperance, and sobrietie, and a good compe- 
 tence of sleepe. Take heed that tobacco gayne not to much 
 upon you, for the great incomodities that may ensue, and the 
 bewiching qualitie of it, which drawes a man to take more 
 and more the longer hee hath taken it ; as also the ructus 
 nidorosus, or like burnt hard eggs, and the hart burning 
 after much taking at a time, and also the impayring of the 
 
268 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 memorie, &c. I am glad you like a playne dyet ; affect butt 
 ordinarie sawces. I thanck you both for the psoe? which I 
 desire to see, butt I beleeve it may render the blood more apt 
 to ferment, and bee distemperd, and unquiet, and our owne 
 sawces are best agreeable unto our bodyes. There is a book 
 in a middle folio, lately published by Paul Ricaut, esqr. of 
 the lives of Morat or Amurat the fourth, of Ibrahim, and of 
 Mahomet the fourth, present emperour. In this are delivered 
 the taking of Newhewsell, the battail at St. Goddard, the 
 fights between count Souches and the visier of Buda, actions 
 of Nicholas Serini, his burning the bridge of Esseck, the 
 Grand Signors being at Larissa, the seidge of Candia, &c. 
 and things acted in late times, which might not bee unplea- 
 sant unto yourself when you have time to cast your eye upon 
 that booke. I am glad you did not read at Chirurgeon's hall, 
 last yeare, because thereby you are provided for this. I am 
 sorry for the death of your neibour, honest Dr. Needham. 
 I doubt hee thought himself still a yong man, and so took 
 the paynes of a yong man, and so acted beyond the shere of 
 abillity of body : sed quosdam " nimia congesta pecania ciira 
 strangidat .•" Juvenal. God blesse you, my daughter Browne 
 and you all. Present our service and thancks to Mr. Boone 
 and Mrs. Boone, my cosens Hobbes, my cosen Cradock, 
 Madame Burwell, Mrs, Dey, and all friends. 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I give you and my good daughter many thankes for 
 your great kindnes to your sisters. They are very sensable 
 of it, and Tomey very much ashamed that he behaved him- 
 selfe no better, but hops hee shall the next time, Hee is 
 now as sivell as I can wish him, and spends much of his time 
 with grandfather. I know but on fault hee has, which is for 
 his bouk, and that I quston not but wee shull give you sonne 
 a better account of. I besich God of his mercy bless you all. 
 Your affectinat mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 4 Probably "soy." — Gray. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 269 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Nov. 28, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I receaved yours. I am glad to heare wee have so 
 many shipps launched and hope there may bee more before 
 the spring. God send faythfull, valiant, and sober command- 
 ers, well experienced and carefull ; above all, if places bee 
 sould or given by favor only, such virtues will concerne butt 
 contingently. The French are a sober, diligent, and active 
 nation, and the Duch, though a drincking nation, yet managed 
 their warre [more] carefully and advantageously then the 
 English, who thought it sufficient to fight upon any termes, 
 and carry too many gentlemen and great persons to be killed 
 upon the deck, and so encreaseth the number of the slayne and 
 blott their uictories. Pray represent my service to sir John 
 Hinton when you see him, tis a long time agoe since I had 
 the honour to knowe him beyond sea. Mr. Norborne maryed 
 sir Edm. Bacons daughter, who was [a] very good lady, and 
 dyed last summer, and I thinck hee was a member of the last 
 parliament. Performe your businesse with the best ease you 
 can, yet giving every one sufficient content. I beleeve my lady 
 O. Bryan is by this time in better health and safetie ; though 
 hypochond and splenitick persons are not long from complayn- 
 ing, yet they may bee good patients and may bee borne with- 
 all, especially if they bee good natured. A bill is inclosed ; 
 espargnez nous aidant que vous pourres, car je suis age, et 
 aye beaucop d'anxiete et peene de sustenir ma famille. God 
 send my L. Bruce well in France and well to returne, surely 
 travelling with so many attendants it must bee a great charge 
 unto him. Dr. Briggs wrote a letter to mee concerning the 
 bronchocele of his sister who was touched. Your mother 
 and sisters remember to you, and Tom presents his duty. 
 God blesse you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
270 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Dec. 9, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Wee are all glad to understand that the bill of mor- 
 tallety decreased so much the last weeke ; for people were 
 fearefull that there might bee somewhat pestilential in the 
 disease. The sentences of Cateline's conspiracy were, I be- 
 leeve, much taken notice of, and were very apposite to our 
 present affaires. Wee understand the king hath issued out 
 a proclamation for all papists or so reputed to depart from 
 London ten miles ; which makes men conceive that the parli- 
 ament will sitt at the prefixed time. I sawe the last transac- 
 tions, or philosophicall collections of the R. S. 5 Here are 
 some things remarkable, as Lewenhoecks finding such a vast 
 number of litle animals in the melt of a cod, or the liquor 
 
 which runnes from it ; as also in a pike or ; and 
 
 computeth that they much exceed the number of men upon 
 the whole earth at one time; though hee computes that there 
 may bee thirteen thousand millions of men upon the whole 
 earth, which is very many. It may bee worth your reading, 
 as also that of the vast inundation which was last yeare in 
 Gascoigne, by the irruption of the waters out of the Pyrenean 
 mountaines ; as also of a flying man, and a shippe to sayle in 
 the ayre, wherin here are some ingeneous discourses; likewise 
 the damps in coale mines, and Lorenzini, a Florentine, con- 
 cerning the torpedo ; beside some other astronomicall obser- 
 vations. God blesse you all. Your mother and sisters send 
 their respects, and Tom his duty. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Calls, London. 
 
 5 See " Hooke's Philosophical Collections," published in IfiTi*. &:c. in which will 
 be found all the subjects of which notice is here taken. 
 
1679.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 271 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 Dec. 15, [1679.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Some thinck that great age superannuates persons 
 from the vse of physicall meanes, or that at a hundred yeares 
 of age 'tis either a folly or a shame to vse meanes to Hue 
 longer, and yet I haue knowne many send to mee for their 
 seuerall troubles at a hundred yeares of age, and this day a 
 poore woeman being a hundred and three yeares and a weeke 
 old sent to mee to giue her some ease of the colick. The 
 macrobii and long liuers which I haue knowne heere haue 
 been of the meaner and poorer sort of people. Tho. Parrot 
 was butt a meane or rather poore man. Your brother Tho- 
 mas gaue two pence a weeke to John More, a scauenger, who 
 dyed in the hundred and second yeare of his life : and 'twas 
 taken the more notice of that the father of Sir John Shawe, 
 who marry ed my Lady Killmorey, and liueth in London, I 
 say that his father, who had been a vintner, liued a hundred 
 and two yeares, or neere it, and dyed about a yeare agoe. 
 God send us to number our dayes and fitt ourselues for a 
 better world. Times Iooke troublesomely ; butt you haue an 
 honest and peaceable profession which may employ you, and 
 discretion to guide your words and actions. Madame Peirce 
 went to London last weeke and I beleeve is now there. God 
 send Mr. Peirce still better in health, and to bee wary in 
 preseruation of himselfe, the cold weather may be disadvan- 
 tageous vnto him. My seruice at your opportunity to them 
 both. I am very glad that you are prouided for chirurgeon's 
 hall, if there should be any lecture this yeare which you say 
 is yet vncertaine, so that your buisinesse should continue or 
 encrease, you need not yet giue any suspicion of your leauing 
 that place. God blesse my daughter Browne and yourself. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next the 
 Golden Balls, these, London. 
 
272 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broivne to Ms so?i Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Dec. 22, [1679.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 You sett downe a plentifull list of good medicines. 
 Lambs-wooll 6 in water is also very good where men's stomacks 
 will beare it. I remember Captain Bacon, Sir Edm. Bacon's 
 father, of Redgrave, a tall bigge man, had once such an ex- 
 cruceating dysuria, acrimonia et ardor urines that hee was 
 beyond all patience; it being at that time of yeare when 
 peaches were in season, I wished him to eat six or seven peaches, 
 butt before the morning hee eat twenty-five, and found extra- 
 ordinary relief, and his payne ceased. Have a care of your 
 self this cold weather, wee are all in snowe, and tis now a 
 proper time to freez eggs or the galls of animals with salt and 
 snowe; as also-how blood of animals freez, and how marrow 
 in a small bone, and whether it will freez through the bone, 
 the bone being covered with snowe and salt, with the like. I 
 am fayne to keep my self warme by a fire side this cold wea- 
 ther. Tom presents his duty, and all their love unto my 
 daughter, yourself, and all friends. 
 
 I rest your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Your sister Betty hath read unto mee Mr. Ricaut's historie 
 of the three last Turkish emperours, Morat or Amurah the 
 Fourth, Ibrahim, and Mahomet the Fourth, and is a very 
 good historie, and a good addition unto Knolls his Turkish 
 historie, which will then make one of the best histories that 
 wee have in English. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 G Ale mixed with sugar, nutmeg, and the pulp of roasted apples. 
 
1679-80.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 273 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS, SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. 5, [1679-80.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Present my service to Sir John Churchman and his 
 lady. Sir John is a discreet and sober person and courteous, 
 and his lady, though shee bee somewhat hypochond. fearefull, 
 and complayning, is a kind gentlewoman ; they have been used 
 to apply unto some one physitian in London, and not more, I 
 thinck, except upon very great occasion. Sir John hath an 
 estate within four miles of Thetford ; unto which bee cometh 
 every yeare about July, and returnes in October. Autumne 
 was twelvemoneth his lady fell sick of the autumnall spurious 
 ague, and I being then within three miles, shee sent to mee, I 
 found her weake and dispirited, despondent, and even de- 
 spayring ever to go to London agayne ; butt I comforted her 
 to some good satisfaction, though I conceave shee did butt 
 half beleeve my predictions of her recovery in time. I knowe 
 not where in London shee liveth ; remember mee also to her 
 daughter, who is a sober and modest young gentlewoeman ; 
 they had also a sonne or two, butt young; the answering their 
 doubts doth give them good content. Dr. Jasper Needham 
 hath showne himself a kind and right honest gentleman, and 
 you may wish well unto his relations. 7 There was a woeman 
 or mayd in Suffolk who had a julking and fluctuation in her 
 chest and somewhat upwardly : so that when shee stood and 
 stroked her chest it might be heard by the standers by, and 
 I once heard it ; shee dyed, as I remember, about a yeare and 
 half after, and in her chest was found a cystis containing above 
 a quart, as I take it, of a matter like thick whaye, of this, Dr. 
 Fairfax, now of Woodbridg gave an account to the R. S. 
 about seven yeare past, and it is printed. 8 There is a man in 
 
 7 He died in the preceding November. 
 
 8 Dr. Nathaniel Fairfax sent a paper to the Royal Society, which was published 
 
 in the Phil. Trans. Nov. 11th, 1667, under the title, " Anatomical Observations on 
 
 a Humane Body, dead of odd diseases, as they were communicated by Dr. N. F." 
 
 The case alluded to is that of a young woman of Rumborough, in Suffolk, who died 
 
 VOL. I. T 
 
274- DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679-80. 
 
 Suffolk at this time who hath the like julking or fluctuating 
 on the right side as hee findeth, hee is about thirtie yeares or 
 more, and also troubled with a cough. About four or five 
 weekes past Dr. Carver, an honest physitian at Halsworth, 
 sent to mee; I writt unto him that hee was in extreme danger, 
 and how to releeve him I did not see any way so probable as 
 the paracentesis and letting out the matter, butt that was also 
 anceps remedium, especially if it were included in a thick 
 cystis as the woeman's was, butt if hee were in a case to ad- 
 mitt thereof it must bee done by an experienced artist, and 
 able to regulate the same. Now on Friday last I receaved a 
 letter from the Dr. agayne that the patient was resolved to 
 adventure upon that operation, and desired mee to recommend 
 a chirurgion unto him, and whether hee should not send to 
 Mr. Crop, or if hee were not versed therein to send to Lon- 
 don, and would lett him heare from mee the next Saturday, 
 and that, in the interim, I would write unto you to informe 
 mee what chirurgion you thinck were to bee consulted therein, 
 or who were like to performe it, if hee bee in case to admitt 
 thereof, with any hopes of successe, and therefore pray speake 
 unto my cosen Hobbes about it, and any other who you knowe 
 hath performed the like. I mentioned my cosen Hobbes and 
 Mr. Malleins, now only returne mee a few lines thereof for to 
 absolve my promise, though I doubt whether hee bee able to 
 go to London, or whether hee will bee found in such a state 
 as to admitt thereof, butt if hee bee I shall direct him unto 
 you, and that my cosen may see him and enquire further. I 
 have heard that my Lord of Shaftsbury 9 had his side opend 
 upon an empyema or the like. You may send mee word only 
 at present what chirurgion I may mention unto them, to give 
 some answer to Dr. Carver's letter which I may receave next 
 from him. I have not seen him for these ten months at 
 Norwich. Love and blessing to my daughter Browne and 
 you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 of the complaint described. She had been attended by Dr. Browne, " whose opi- 
 nion was to salivate her." Dr. Fairfax mentions that he had met with the like in 
 an Italian author. 
 
 9 When he was Lord Ashley. 
 
1679-80.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 275 
 
 Just now I receaved a letter from Dr. Carver which makes 
 mee beleeve hee will bee in no case for the operation, butt 
 however write something though not much. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. xiiii, [1679-80.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 What Mr. Ricaut hath writt of the Turkish em- 
 peror is not a full Turkish history such as Knolls hath writt ; 
 Knolls writt butt unto the life of Achmet, whose life makes 
 the conclusion of his work, butt in the last edition there is an 
 addition of the life of Osman, who was killed; and of 
 Mustapha, and of Morat or Amurah the fourth, whose life 
 Mr. Ricaut sayth is imperfectly writt, and, therefore, hee 
 hath writt the same, and as also the life of Ibrahim, and of 
 Mahomet the fourth, and, I thinck, asfarreas 1677. I intend 
 to send the booke by the next carts on Friday, and to give it 
 you ; it is writt by annals from yeare to yeare. Mr. Ricaut 
 hath also writt a booke of the Armenian and Greek Churches. 1 
 I perceave you are yet uncertain whether you shall read or 
 not, butt, however, bee provided ; because the master is an 
 honest man, and your friend ; hee deserveth to have some 
 litle elogium or a few lines to bee sayd of him, and you may 
 find where it may best come in. I acquainted Dr. Carver, of 
 Halsworth, with what you sayd of the aperture of the thorax 
 last Saturdaie, butt could not heare any thing since ; however, 
 I presume it may give satisfaction that divers have practised 
 the like. God blesse the affayres of the nation : men speake 
 generally heere that there will be a parliament in March. 2 
 Tertian agues beginne to bee common, butt not lasting. I 
 remember you sayd that at Aldthorpe, by Worringbury, elder 
 
 1 The Present State of the Greek and Armenian Churches, anno Christi, 1678. 
 Lond. 1679, Svo. 
 
 2 Parliament had been prorogued from its first meeting, in Oct. 1679, and was 
 suspended by successive prorogations till Oct. 1680. 
 
 T 2 
 
276 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1679-80. 
 
 with white berries was accounted a raritie, so it was heere till 
 of late, now it is planted in many gardens, and the juice 
 thereof makes an elder wine, and makes white wine richer and 
 stronger, and, I beleeve, being a noveltie, it may be much 
 used : one told mee this day that about six miles of, by Bur- 
 lingham, there were many common elders, among wch there 
 was one with white berries, and some sinnce sett in gardens 
 and thrive. Love and blessing to my daughter Browne and 
 you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 Tom presents his duty. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. 19, [1679-80.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Since I last writt unto you I have found out a way 
 how you shall receave Ricaut's historie without sending it by 
 the carts. I have desired Mr. George Rose, a bookseller in 
 this towne, to write last Friday unto his correspondent, Mr. 
 Clavell, stationer in London, at the Peacock, in St. Paul's 
 churchyard, that you may have one of those bookes of him 
 upon demand upon Mr. Rose's account, for T pay him heere 
 in Norwich, at the rate which hee selleth the booke heere, 
 and as soone as hee understands from Mr. Clavell that you 
 have receaved it I paye him heere. I would not have you 
 borrowe it, because you may have it allwayes by you ; the life 
 of Mahomet the fourth is larger than all the rest, and you 
 having seen the Grand Signor now raygning, you may do well 
 to knowe as much of his historie as you can. I wonder 
 whether Galeazzi Gualdi doth write still or not, if hee bee 
 living; 3 there hath of late yeares been a copious subject for 
 him. Mr. Ricaut hath also writt of the present state of the 
 
 3 Count Galeasso Gualdo, an Italian historian, who died 1678. His historical 
 works, which related principally to the period in which he lived, were numerous 
 and extensive, and several of them were translated into English. 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 277 
 
 Greek and Armenian Churches, by his majesties command. 
 I have read Sir George Ent's booke 5 lately printed, in answer 
 to Dr. Thruston ; 4 'tis pleasant to read, and very rationall 
 done by two very good pens, which may give a great deale 
 of creditt unto the English, there being very few bookes, or 
 none, so elegantly writt ; Dr. Thruston is very full of para- 
 doxes in physick, and a witty man also. Heere was so much 
 sider made this last autumne, that there will not bee half so 
 much French wine spent heere as in other yeares, nor 
 probably hereafter, for there is so much planting of apple 
 trees and fruits, that they will become so cheap that there will 
 bee litle profit thereby; the last was a strange plentiful yeare 
 of fruit, and my wife tells me shee bought above twentie 
 quinces for a penny ; the long southerly wind makes trees 
 budde to soone, and the corne to growe to forward, and wee 
 are afrayd of back winters, wch causeth diseases. Love and 
 blessing to my daughter Browne and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My service to my cosens Cradock, Hobbes, Madame Bur- 
 well, and all friends. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 July 7, [1680.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Wee vnderstood this weeke, by some of our com- 
 mon news letters, 6 that Sir Arthur Ingram was cutt of the 
 
 4 Antidiatribe ; seu Animadversiones in Malachise Thrustoni, M. D. Diatribam 
 de Respirationis usu primario. Auctore Georgia Entio, Eq. Aur. M.D. et Col. 
 Lond. Soc. 1679. 
 
 5 Malachi Thruston, M. D., De Respirationis usu, 12mo. Lug. Bat. 1671. 
 
 6 In the Monthly Review of " The Ellis Correspondence, 2 vols. 8vo." occurs the 
 following passage: — "The greater part of this Correspondence is supposed to be 
 formed of the letters which were written by a description of persons not now in 
 existence, and who are termed in one of the extracts, the gentlemen who write the 
 
278 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 stone, and that the operation was performed in three minutes. 7 
 Pray God hee may do well after it. Hee and his lady, about 
 four yeares agoe, were at Norwich, and at my howse, and 
 they were at Mr. Longs howse about a fortnight. I conceiue 
 that in some part of the next weeke you must bee thinking 
 agayne of your visit at Woodstock. 8 And because you must 
 bee then in a park, I will sett downe some particulars " De 
 Cervis" out of Aristotle and Scaliger, whereof you may 
 enquire and informe yourself. 9 That their gutts are so 
 tender, that they will breake upon a blowe, though their side 
 be not broaken. There is a dayntie bitt accounted by many, 
 called the inspinne, which may be the intestinum rectum, 
 wch is very fatt, and, being broyled or fryed, is much desired 
 by some. I haue seen it at some gentlemens tables, butt my 
 stomack went against it ; you may enquire of it if you know it 
 not : I think the gutt is turned side outward to make it. It 
 is a particular bitt, and I know no other animal wherein the 
 rectum is cooked up. Wee heare that the Grand Signor, 
 Mahomet the fourth, is dead, wch may alter the affayrs of 
 those parts, and restore the seat of the empyre to Constanti- 
 nople from Adrianople. Wee heare of the great penitence 
 and retractation of my Lord Rochester, 1 and hereupon hee 
 hath many good wishes and prayers from good men, both for his 
 recouery here and happy state hereafter : you may write a few 
 lines and certifie the truth thereof; for my cosen Witherley, who 
 liveth with J. Witherley, writt something of it to her mother in 
 Norwich. Captain Scoltown acknowledgeth your great kind- 
 ness to his wife. Sure they must haue some physitian at 
 Tunbridge to aduise them upon all occasions. I was acquaint- 
 ed with Dr. Amerst while hee liued. God blesse you all. 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 news letters. The necessity of public journals, which were not then invented, being 
 thus provided for by persons appointed to give information to those who required it 
 on public matters." — Monthly Revieiv, March 1829, p. 359. 
 
 1 The operator, Francis Collot, drew up an account of the operation, which is 
 preserved in the British Museum, MS. Sloan. 1SG5. 
 
 S Woodstock Park, the seat of Lord Rochester, whom Dr. Edward Browne was 
 now attending in his last illness. 
 
 9 The quotation is omitted. 
 
 1 Lord Rochester's letter to Bishop Burnet, June 25, 16S0. 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 279 
 
 Wee haue litle or none of viscus quercinus, or miselto of 
 the oake, in this country; butt I beleeve they may have in 
 the woods and parks of Oxfordshyre. And about this time 
 the crevises 2 haue the stones or litle concretions on their head 
 vnder the shell or crusta, and there are plenty of crevises in 
 those riuers. God blesse my daughter Browne, litle Sukey, 
 and Ned, and be mercifull vnto us all, and keepe our hearts 
 firme vnto him. Tom holds well, God be thancked. Mr. 
 Whitefoot is at the commencement. I wish my Lord Bruce 
 may haue got good by his journey. Mr. Deane Astley, who 
 is now with mee, presents his seruice. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Aug. 18, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mrs. Skoltown professeth great obligations vnto 
 you, notwithstanding shee vndertooke a hazardous journey, 
 and contrarie to your aduice, yett shee gott indifferently to 
 Yarmouth, and intends for Norwich to morrow. She is still 
 sometimes griped, butt makes vse of the cordiall you prescrib- 
 ed, which I presume hath some /. liquid, in it. In your 
 next letter pray send the receipe of it, that shee may haue it 
 heere. Madame Cock, Colonel Cock's lady, tells [me] shee 
 sawe your self and wife; shee left her daughter at schooll, I 
 think at Hackney. Mrs. Skoltown had been long indisposed, 
 and applyed not herself to meanes of relief, so that shee may, 
 without wonder, remaine still weake ; but it seemes shee found 
 great benefitt by the waters. Mr. Collot, I beleeve, is, about 
 this time, returning. You haue gayned great repute about 
 the businesse of Sir A. Ingram. I receaued the booke of 
 Dr. Loue by Mrs. Feltham, though I haue not yet seen her. 
 If hee sent it to mee, my service and thancks vnto him. That 
 subiect hath been often writt on. Though people will call it 
 
 2 Crevise, or Cray-fish, or Craw-fish : from the French ecrevisse. 
 
280 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1080. 
 
 the new disease, yet I remember the like in all the time of 
 my practise; butt as the course of dyet and life of men is 
 much altered, so the distemper may haue more irregular or 
 worse symptomes. After a droughty hot summer it generally 
 showeth itself. Dr. Loue may bee an ingenious ciuill person, 
 and industrious, and so he deserues the countenance and good 
 wishes of men. I do not remember that I haue heard of his 
 name, Louemorly. 3 Dr. Loue, of Cambridge, whose daughter 
 Dr. Tennison maryed, had a sonne, butt whether a physitian 
 or not I know not. Old Mr. Whitefoote is with mee, and 
 presents his seruices. Wee heare that there is like to bee a 
 peace with the Moores, which I think will be the best way. 
 Tom presents his duty. Loue and blessing vnto my daughter 
 Browne, and also the litle ones. I haue not lately heard of 
 my daughter Fairfax. God blesse her. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My service to my cosen Cradock, cosen Hobbes, Mr. Dob- 
 bins, &c. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broivne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S47.] 
 
 Aug. 22, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I was very glad to receaue your last letter. God 
 hath heard our prayers, and I hope will blesse you still. If 
 the profitts of the next yeare come not up to this, I would 
 not haue you discouraged ; for the profitts of no practise are 
 equall or regular : and you haue had some extraordinary 
 patients this yeare, which, perhaps, some yeares will not 
 afford. Now is your time to be frugall and lay up. I thought 
 myself rich enough till my children grew up. Be carefull of 
 your self, and temperate, that you may bee able to go through 
 your practise ; for to attayne to the getting of a thousand 
 
 3 Dr. Christopher Love-Morley was a Fellow of the College of Physicians, 1GS3. 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 281 
 
 pounds a yeare requires no small labour of body and mind, 
 and is a life not much lesse paynfull and laborious then that 
 wch the meaner sort of people go through. When you putt 
 out your money, bee well assured of the assurance ; and bee 
 wise therein from what your father hath suffered. It is 
 laudable to dwell handsomely ; butt be not too forward to 
 build, or sett forth another mans howse, or so to fill it that it 
 may increase the fuell, if God should please to send fire. 
 The mercifull God direct you in all. Excesse in apparell 
 and chargeable dresses are got into the country, especially 
 among woemen ; men go decently and playn enough. The 
 last assizes there was a concourse of woemen at that they 
 call my lords garden in Cunsford, and so richly dressed 
 that some strangers sayd there was scarce the like to 
 bee seen at Hide Park, which makes charity cold. Wee 
 now heare that this parliament shall sitt the 21 of Octo- 
 ber, which will make London very full in Michaelmas terme. 
 Wee heare of two oestriges wch are brought from Tangier. 
 I sawe one in the latter end of king James his dayes, at 
 Greenwich; when I was a schoolboy. King Charles the first 
 had a cassaware, or emeu, whose fine green channelled egge 
 I haue, and you haue seen it. I doubt these will not bee 
 showne at Bartholomew fayre, where every one may see them 
 for his money. I haue read all or most of Dr. Loves booke, 4 
 which is a pretty booke, and giues a good account of the 
 lowe countrey practise in that disease, and hath some other 
 obseruables. I knewe one Mr. Christopher Loue, sonne vnto 
 the Dr. Loue, warden of Winchester colledge, who was an 
 actiue man agaynst the king in the late warres, and got a great 
 estate ; butt I think hee was fayne to fly upon the kings 
 restauration. The chirurgions haue made choyce of new 
 officers ; tis probable they may agree, and so you may read 
 the next lent. The king comes to Newmarkett the next 
 moneth. A Yarmouth man told mee that hee sawe Dr. 
 Knights at the Bath ; perhaps hee will not bee at New- 
 markett. I beleeve you neuer sawe Madame Baxter. Since 
 Mr. Cottrell and his lady and child are with Sir W. Adams 
 
 4 Morley, Charles Love, M. D. De Morbo Epidemico, annorum 1678-9, Svo. 
 London. 1080. 
 
282 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 they speake often of you, and all go to London at Michaelmas. 
 Mrs. Dey is at my howse, butt returnes with Madame 
 Burwell. Mr. Parsons his sermon 5 is like to sell well. God 
 blesse my daughter Browne and you all. 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 I haue not had Mrs. Feltham at any entertainment at my 
 howse, because shee soone expects her husband. I heare but of 
 a fewe East India shipps arriual this yeare, nor whether they 
 brought as many diamonds, &c. as formerly. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Sept. 6, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My cosen Cradock is now in Norwich, and lyeth at 
 my cosen Townshends, butt I have as yett seen him butt once. 
 I am sorry to heare of so high a bill of mortallity in London 
 this last weeke, especially at this time, when there are so 
 many thousands out of it, as the court and inhabitants retired 
 into the countrey, and in the long and emptie vacation. There 
 are they say butt 140 dyed of fevers, so that there must bee 
 several other diseases to fill up the account. If there dyed 
 816, 'tis probable there might bee no lesse then fiftie thousand 
 sick. They are still sick at Sprowston, butt many recovering. 
 Madame Burwell hath been extremely ill, and reduced to great 
 weaknesse ; butt is in a more comfortable condition, and takes 
 some sustenance and rest. I pray God to continue [her] ; shee 
 being in yeares gives us yet cause of feares, how shee may 
 persist to the duration of that distemper wch hangeth long 
 upon many. Her distemper, a continuall double tertian, or at 
 least an irregular continuall tertian. I have given of the 
 cortex divers times, wherein shee hath found good relief, and 
 yesterday was the best day shee hath had since shee was sick. 
 
 5 Probably on the death of Lord Rochester. 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 283 
 
 Mrs. Corbet, whom you visited, maryed one Mr. Corbet, who 
 is Mrs. Sarah Corbets brother. I beleeve there may bee no 
 good agreement betwixt Mrs. Corbet and her husband, who 
 is an odde headed man. Shee had a good joynter when shee 
 maryed him. I beleeve she sojourned formerly at Mr. 
 Metholds. Mr. Brewster is an honest gentleman, and is 
 brother to Mrs. Mildmay, formerly a Brewster, a singular 
 good woeman, and maryed esquire Mildmay, who had a 
 quartan ague the last winter in Norwich, and laye at Capt. 
 Skoltowes howse ; a melancholy and semidelirious person, yet 
 fayre conditioned. They did live together at Ilford, or there- 
 about, seven miles from London ; if you see them agayne 
 present my service to Mr. Brewster, and Madame Mildmay, 
 and esquier Mildmay. Last Thursday wee had a great deale 
 of thunder for three or four hours in the afternoon, and an 
 extraordinary deale of rayne ; butt, God bee thancked, the 
 harvest about Norwich was ended before. I hope in God litle 
 Ned is by this time in a recovery. Tom presents his duty 
 and thancks for his token. Love and blessing to my 
 daughter Browne. Service to Mr. Boone and all friends. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 The wind is come this day into the north, and it is suddenly 
 coole, so that many, in their summer habits, may fall into agues, 
 and others, newly recovering, may relapse if they be not warrie. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [ms. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Sep. 6, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Feltham hath been so taken up with his kin- 
 dred, and a journey to Yarmouth, and I have been often at 
 Sprowston, that wee have not had the opportunity to bee so 
 civ ill unto him and his friends, as wee desired and intended. 
 
284 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 I was glad to see him, and wish him all prosperitie, both for 
 his owne sake, and of his parents, my loving friends and ac- 
 quaintance. His father was a cordiall and very loving friend 
 of myne, and his mother a very good woeman, unto whom 
 wee recommend as many as wee can, and his two sisters in 
 Norwich are very good woemen. I thought to have sent a 
 spider by him, which was brought mee out of the fields, large 
 and round, and finely marked green, and even almost as bigge 
 as the figures inclosed, drawne by your mother, for your sis- 
 ters dared not doe it. It may bee seen in Moufetus, and I 
 have had of them before, and one drawne out in oyle colours, 
 upon an oyled paper. I do not find it in Dr. Lister's table 
 of spiders, though hee hath writt well De Araneis. I am 
 glad Sir William went to London, for hee would [find] an 
 uncomfortable howse at Sprowston, where there are and have 
 been so many sick, as I doubt not butt my L. Adams hath 
 informed Sir William. I hope Mr. Adams is much better. 
 My service to Sir William. Madame Burwell hath been bet- 
 ter to daye, butt these diseases are most dangrous unto per- 
 sons in yeares. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I should have writ to you by my cossen Buckbarg 
 Bendish, the last Munday, but that I was prevented by being 
 cald to visett madam Burwell, who is very ill of a feavar, and 
 wee fare in som danger. I sent the twenty-four shilens by 
 her, and a paire of shoes, which I must intreat you to send to 
 Dicksons, as thay are directed ; and to call to him for a paire 
 in the stead of them, and to bey two yards of such loop parle, 
 as is at the bottome of poynte ; and to by a ownce of siprus 
 powder, for the heare ; it is to be sould att the New Ex- 
 change, the uper inward row, a perfumers, in the midle next 
 the window, it is twelve-pence the ownce. If my cossen Ben- 
 dish dooe not com, I desire you would send to Mr. Ballows, 
 a marchant in Exchang Ally, in Lombard-street. I am sory 
 wee could shew no sivilitys to my cosen Felton ; that litle time 
 hee has bin in towne, hee has bin so tacken up with his 
 relatives, that I could not. have them, my husband being 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 285 
 
 out of town som time. All so I have sent you a pattorn 
 of the [govvne ? ] I bless God wee all continow wel, and 
 Tomey present his dutty to you and his fathar, and give you 
 many thanks for your toulcen. Hee did thinke to wright 
 him selfe. Hee is now a very good boy for his boak, I can 
 assuer you, and delights to read to his grandfather and I, 
 when he coins from schole. God of his mercy bless you all. 
 
 Your affectinat mothar, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. IS 47.] 
 
 Sept. 11, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Tho. Ward brought the things, and Mr. Car- 
 penter who lives in the same howse came with him, by whome 
 I send this letter. Wee are all sad for the losse of litle Tom, 
 at Islington, and the effect it is like to have upon my daugh- 
 ter Fairfax, who though shee hath had many occasions to 
 learne patience, hath I feare not sufficiently learned that 
 christian virtue, nor sufficiently wayghed and prepared her 
 thoughts agaynst the uncertaintie of things, and yet I like 
 that temper better then to bee sad for nothing, as long they 
 are well themselves, as is the manner of voluptuous and sen- 
 sual persons. And I am sorry shee shall have an encrease 
 of sorrowe by the sicknesse of my cosen Barker, my daughter 
 Browne writt word that Nancy sayd shee had not spoake for 
 many bowers ; but whether shee was sick before for divers 
 dayes in the common fever, or were apoplecticall, or under 
 any of the affect us sopor osi wee knowe not, butt have reason 
 to suspect; if shee were so ill I make some doubt w r hether 
 shee dyed not before you could come to Shiplack. I receav- 
 ed also that odde shaped coyne by R. Moulton, with the 
 other things ; your conjecture was right that this was a larin, 
 and some thereof might bee coyned by Sha Ismael, in Persia ; 
 
286 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1G80. 
 
 butt it is properly an Arabian kind of money, and so sett 
 downe by Tavernier, in the figures of the coynes of Asia, 
 where hee discribeth and setts downe the figures of the la- 
 rin and half larin. The larin justly answereth that you sent, 
 hee sayeth five larins want eight souls of our crowne. This 
 is that which the emirs and princes of Arabia take for the 
 coynage of their money, and the profitt which they make by 
 the marchands which travell through the desert into Persia 
 or the Indies, for then the emirs come to the caravan to take 
 their tolls and to change their realls, crownes, and ducates of 
 gold into larins. The larins are one of the ancient coynes of 
 Asia, and though at this day they are only currant in Arabia 
 and at Balsara, neverthelesse from Braydal to the island of 
 Ceylon, they traffick altogether with larins, and all along the 
 Persian gulf. Taverniers Travells, second part, page one 
 and two. Tis the oddest shaped coyne that Tavernier hath 
 in all his figures, and better to bee taken in a good summe by 
 wayght then tale, his figure hath one foot a litle shorter then 
 the other as yours hath. I presume you will, God willing, 
 returne this Monday. The fayrings were wellcome to Tom, 
 hee finds about the howse divers things that were your bro- 
 thers, and Betty sometimes tells him stories about him, so 
 that hee was importunate with her to write his life in a quar- 
 ter of a sheet of paper and read it unto him, and will have 
 still some more added. Love and blessing to my daughter 
 and litle Sukie, I am glad shee is so well. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Sept. 16, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My cosen Cradock went suddenly awaye, so that I 
 could not enioy him at my howse, as I intended. Present my 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 287 
 
 seruice vnto him, and my cosen his wife. I am glad to heare 
 that Sir Arthur Ingram is so well, as to go abroad into the 
 country, and also so kind as to remember you with a present 
 of wine, which may do you more seruice in the winter, then in 
 this hott and sickly wether; for tis likely to bee of the most 
 spirituous and heady sort. I beleeve Collot is now gone. 
 Mr. Feltham told mee hee had butt ill successe in one ope- 
 ration, when your self and Mr, Feltham were present. I am 
 glad you haue so good hopes of Mrs. Tye. Madame Burwell 
 hath yet some distemper'd nights. I am glad you can please 
 my L. M. of Dorchester 6 when you go to him, with some 
 dissection, or what hee desires; you haue surely much obliged 
 him by his last recouery. God blesse my daughter Browne 
 and you all. Tom was ill last weeke, butt upon taking a litle 
 powder of rhubarb, grewe better, and now goeth abroad. 
 Wee all send our love and good wishes, I rest 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Sept. 22, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I send Swammerdams Miraculum Naturae, dedi- 
 cated to the Royall Societie, 7 or 8 years past, wherein are 
 divers things observable, butt in that litle booke he promised 
 to write more particularly of many things hinted in this worke. 
 Hee finds fault with De Graef in severall passages, and for 
 assuming some discoveries which were first knowne to Van 
 Home. The king is at Newmarket, and hath good wether 
 for his races and falconrie; divers go from hence to bee 
 
 C Lord Marquis of Dorchester, a great friend and benefactor to the physicians 
 and the college ; seems to have been an amateur of medicine, — a physician out of 
 his proper situation in life. — Gray. 
 
288 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 touched, butt what chirurgeons are there, I yett understand 
 not, nor what physitians attend his majestic Tis much to be 
 feared, that many, who resort to that towne, will fall sick, 
 the country being still very sickly, and divers quartan agues 
 allreadie appeare, and. many of the old ones not quite worne 
 out. Many of these continuall remitting tertian, after a 
 while, prove of small and uncertaine remissions, though they 
 take the cortex. Have a care of your health, and God pre- 
 serve, direct, guid, and blesse you. Love and blessing to 
 my daughter Browne. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broivne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Oct. 15, 80 J 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I am glad to heare you are all in health this sickly 
 time, wherein, as you find, there are so many febres tertiance 
 
 simplices, duplices, continues, and I found 
 
 one lately, under ajebris quartana continua. I am also glad 
 that Mr. John Myngays daughter is recovered, who is a good 
 young gentlewoman and very deare unto her parents. When 
 you see them remember mee unto them. I thinck you are in 
 the right, when you say that physitians coaches in London are 
 more for state then for businesse ; there being so many wayes 
 whereby they may bee assisted, and at lesser charge and care 
 in London. The Thames and hackney coaches, being no 
 small help, beside the great number of coaches kept by pri- 
 vate gentlemen, in and about London. When I read Gages 
 travells in America, many yeares ago, I was much surprised 
 to find that there were twentie thousand coaches in Mexico, 
 perhaps there may be now, in London, half that number. 
 
 7 The date, thus abridged, is original. The present letter was published, but 
 not correctly, in Retrospective Review, vol. i, 102. 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 289 
 
 When Queen Elizabeth came to Norwich, 1578, she came on 
 horseback from Ipswich, by the high road to Norwich, in 
 the summer time ; but shee had a coach or two, in her trayne. 
 She rid through Norwich, unto the bishop's palace, where 
 she stayed a weeke, and went sometimes a hunting on horse- 
 back, and up to Mushold hill often, to see wrestling and 
 shooting, &c. When I was a youth, many great persons 
 travelled with 3 horses, but now there is a new face of things. 
 I doubt there will bee scarce cortex enough to bee to suffise 
 the nation. God bless you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Octo.22, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I writt unto you by the last post concerning sir 
 Robert Raldock, butt I understand since that hee intends 
 not to go for London till the next Monday, and so will not be 
 there till Wednesday night, men generally now making 3 
 dayes in that journey. And so you may deliver my letter ac- 
 cordingly to him according as you can. On Thursday last, 
 that is yesterday, Madame Burwell, Madame Cottrell, Mr. 
 Cottrell, his child, and 2 of my lady daughters and servants, 
 and I hope they will be in London upon Saturday. You 
 shall do well to see Madame Burwell, for shee went away butt 
 weake and tender, pray God shee fell not ill before she got 
 to London. Wee were somewhat surprized at the chan- 
 cellours and lord presidents speeches. They delivered them- 
 selves very playnly, and when such sense is so boldly de- 
 livered, men are apt to thinck that it was high time to speake. 
 God blesse my daughter Browne and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 vol r. u 
 
290 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1G80. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browjie to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 Nouemb.j, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Wee were somewhat vncertaine whether you were 
 returned from Ampthill, till Madame Burwell writt a letter to 
 my cosen Townshend that you had giuen her a visit, which 
 was very well done. I heare that sir Robert Baldock doth 
 not sett out for London before to-morrowe, being Tuesday. 
 Mr. alderman Briggs, my neibour, who is our burges, went 
 to London last Thursday, and in another coach Mr. Alder- 
 man Man and others ; between Barton Mills and Thetford, 
 both the coaches were robbed by 3 highwaymen: but not 
 much money was lost, passengers vsually trauelling with litle 
 money about them, but the coachman lost fifteen pounds 
 which he caryed to buye a horse. Captaine Briggs, my nei- 
 bour, would haue made some resistance, but they presently 
 tooke awaye his sword which hee used to weare in the parlia- 
 ment : his man also was gone out of sight, and none of the 
 trauellers would joyne with him to make resistance. Mr. 
 Dade, the chirurgeon, was with mee, hee tells me his bro- 
 ther's wife is dangerously ill and that you desired to joyne 
 with another physitian, wherein you did well, and may oblige 
 Mr. Dade and giue the better satisfaction. It cannot butt 
 bee a very dangerous haemoptysis, shee hauing been often 
 troubled with a cough or catarrh. 
 
 Just now while I am writing, a poore woeman of a hundred 
 and flue yeares old next Christmasse, sent her water unto 
 mee, and seemes to be vnder the common distemper. Shee 
 dwells in one of the towers of the wall, and we vse to be 
 charitable vnto her, and your sisters giue her often some relief. 
 Joh. More, who was one hundred and 2 yeares old, to whome 
 your brother Thomas gaue something weekely all the while 
 hee was abroad, dyed of these autumnall distempers, as 
 did also the old man beyond Scoale Line, who wayted on 
 the Earle of Leicester, when Queen Eliz. came to Nor- 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 291 
 
 wich, and who told mee many things thereof. God blesse 
 you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1333.] 
 
 Nov. xi, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I have perused Dr. C's. oration, 8 which is good, 
 butt long ; where it was delivered either in the hall of the 
 colledge, or anatomie theatre, I knowe not; butt herein 9 
 Cutler, being one of the benefactors and founder of the 
 theatre, something may bee sayd, not only in his commenda- 
 tion, butt of the theatre itself; not only of the largenesse, 
 statelynesse, and noble contrivance, butt also comparatively 
 to other outlandish theatres, which you have seen, as of Vi- 
 enna, Altorff, Leyden, Padua, Montpellier, and Paris : for I 
 knowe not whether you tooke notice of Pisa, Rome, and any 
 other, whereof you may advertise mee ; if you observed any 
 thing about them which may enlarge this, which I now butt 
 imperfectly sett downe 1 .... This being so particularly deli- 
 vered, may be acceptable, and more then any other is like to say. 
 I writt to you lately, of the poore woeman, of a hundred 
 and five yeares old, laking one moneth; shee hath had this 
 continuall autumnal tertian fever, and there is good hopes of 
 her recovery, for she can now rise and sett up out of her 
 bed, and desires a litle wine, which shee could [not] endure in 
 her distemper. Your sisters sawe her yesterday, who use 
 to give her money ; shee sees so well, that shee knewe them 
 at a distance, and her hearing is good. Formerly they gave 
 not the cortex to quartanarians, before they had been ill 
 a considerable time, butt I think it should be good to give it 
 at the beginning, before their bloods are corrupted by the 
 
 8 Dr. Charlton's oration. 
 
 9 Herein, i. e. in the approaching lecture, which he was assisting his son to 
 prepare. 
 
 1 The proposed opening of the speech, in Latin, is omitted. The entire speech, 
 including this passage, is preserved in MS. Sloan, 1839, in the hand writing of 
 Sir Thomas, who must be considered the author of it. 
 
 U-2 
 
292 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 length of the disease. Write whether they do not give it 
 early in London. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I pray tell ray daughter that we haue receved the 
 box, and dooe very well liake all that was in it ; and I will re- 
 turne her my thanks with what she have layd out for us, but 
 this night I cannot. I writ something to you in my last, 
 I was then in som doughts, which I am now free from ; for I 
 dooe hope all things will dooe very well, and I sopos all 
 things will be agread very sudinly. Mr. Dobines shall have 
 the settelling the bisnes, and I shall giue you a more pertacler 
 acount when I have more time. 
 
 Your affectinat mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 I take him to be a very good and man, and very 
 
 suttable. I bless God Tomey is very well, hee had a lossness 
 for a weake, which did pull him, but not to kepe from scoole 
 but 2 days. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbuiie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Nov. 29, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am sorry to understand that your good friend my 
 L. marquis is fallen so ill agayne, and is in a coma, or some 
 soporous disease, and threating apoplexis and palsie : and 
 should bee glad to heare that hee were in some way of re- 
 covery ; perhaps his last mistaken draught of the opiat, left 
 some ill impression upon his brayne. Tis well that hee 
 hath declared that hee will give his librarie to the colledge, 
 whether hee live or dye. However, such a noble gift must 
 bee commemorated in the anniversarie orations, and his per- 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 293 
 
 son duly commended, who, being a person of honor and 
 learning, will afford, some subject and roome in such an en- 
 comium as I shall, God willing, hereafter shewe you. I pre- 
 sume the president and some others were with you ; otherwise 
 the president may bee apt to take exceptions, inasmuch as 
 hee was consulted the last time ; if hee getts cleare of this fitt, 
 meethinks hee should make use of some preventitive course. 
 Intermitting palsies are not esteemed so dangerous in old 
 men, as in those in the vigour and strength of their dayes ; 
 many in the common distemper have been comatose, and it is 
 a bad signe, especially in senibus. I hope you will bee well 
 considered for your paynes and sitting up. I have seen the 
 new English Atlas, printed at the Theatre, and published by 
 Moses Pit. 2 I receaved the first part which describeth the 
 northern countries in Europe, tis a fayre impression, and 
 there are good discourses concerning the severall countries, 
 butt the book is so long and broad, that it becomes untract- 
 able and uneasie to make use of. Two volumes more, that is, 
 2 and 3d volumes, are promised to come out the next moneth. 
 There are to bee eleven in all. Sir Jacob Astley had the 
 first volume, and the binding came unto twentie 2 shillings. 
 The players are at the Red Lyon, hard by ; and Tom goes 
 sometimes to see a playe. Ut Jilia tua educetur in religione 
 Anglicana etiam atq. etiam cara. Wee heare the successe 
 at Tangier is confirmed, butt the losse of the governour is 
 very considerable, and the Moores are like not to give over ; 
 and therefore the king doth wisely to send presents, as intro- 
 ductive to a peace upon good termes. I heare that Mr. 
 Welsh, who lived in Clarkenwell, and was an acquaintance of 
 Mr. Barker's, is admitted in the parliament hovvse, as burges 
 of Hye, by Skole Inne. And that Sir Robert Reve will not 
 pursue his title unto it. 3 God blesse my daughter Browne, 
 litle Susan, and my daughter Fayrfax. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 2 In five volumes fol. Oxon. 16S0-2. 
 3 George Welch and Charles Fox, Esqrs. were declared by the house duly elect- 
 ed burgesses for the borough of Eye, in the place of Sir Charles Gaudy and Sir 
 Robert Reeve. — Journals of the House of Commons, ix, 672 ; Dec. 8, 16S0. 
 
294 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Dec. 3, [1680.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I am glad you receaved the pot of teale. I hope 
 they will prove good, for they were the fattest, this late open 
 season, that I have seen for some yeares. I must also tell you 
 that this Friday, Mrs. Skoltowe sends you a pot of teale, by 
 the waggons ; shee desired my wife to give you notice there- 
 of, shee being somwhat ashamed to write concerning such a 
 meane present, being so highly obliged unto you. Comming 
 so late unto you, you may well keepe them till Christmasse, 
 or the middle thereof. I am glad to find that there is so good 
 a stock of the cortex in London, so that though deare yet it 
 will not bee out, and it may prove cheape agayne in another 
 yeare. A ma'rchand of Yarmouth told mee about midsummer 
 last, that there was a shippe which had store of the cortex, 
 which, by some accident, came not home with the fleet, butt 
 remained at Honduras, in America; which probably came 
 home with this yeares fleet, so that which came in that shippe 
 may be older then what came in the rest, and surely there is 
 some difference in goodnesse of the cortex. I hope my L. 
 marquis is recovered, you saying nothing of him in your last. 
 I presume it is a noble librarie, and consisteth of usefull 
 bookes, which may bee of good advantage unto those who 
 have leasure to passe their time in a publick librarie, and 
 because there are most good authors, it may bee usefull to 
 others, as not being in every private mans librarie. It may 
 serve for others to looke after any thing in them upon occa- 
 sion. Though the bookes will much aclde unto the honor of 
 the colledge, yet they occasion some charge, if the colledge 
 must build [a theca] case, or repositorie for them. It was 
 kindly done of old Dr. Denton to call you in. Hee must bee 
 a man of great yeares, for hee is much my senior, and I re- 
 member him in Oxford ; my service unto him. Dr. Tuber- 
 vile hath been a noted oculist a long time, and I have recom- 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 295 
 
 mended some persons unto him. The Queen of Hungries 
 water, which is distilled from the flowers of rosemary, is a 
 very good water, and some will snuffe up a litle, and others 
 snufFe up the strong waters of III. convalllum. I knewe one 
 Browne, an empericall practiser in London, who made a 
 powder benzoin, musk, and amber, and gave it to be snuffed 
 up into the nostrills in the toothach. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 nest the Golden Sails, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 Dec. 13, [1680.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am sorry to understand that my L. marquesse of 
 Dorchester is dead. You haue lost a good creditable patient, 
 and what issue hee hath left I knowe not ; some daughters I 
 thinck hee hath, but what sonnes or sonne, or vnto whom the 
 honour descendeth I cannot tell. I hope his librarie is as- 
 sured vnto the colledge, which I heare is a good and fayre 
 and profitable one. Vnto the physitian who liueth in the 
 colledge it may bee of good vse, because hee is neere it, and 
 may make vse of it daye and night ; vnto others it may bee ser- 
 uiceable to read any booke, orlookeinto it upon occasions, the 
 bookes being of the best or most scarce editions. With his 
 bookes perhaps there may go along his mathematical! instru- 
 ments, fayre globes, rarities, and the like. I find in Dr. 
 Charlton's orat. that Dr. Hametus gaue some bookes, butt 
 probably to the old colledge ; so did Dr. Harvey, butt I 
 thinck they were burnt. It were well if you could so order 
 the matter among you, that you might not make the librarie 
 too chargeable vnto the societie, by a standing office of a 
 librarie keeper, &c. When you see my L. Adams, pray 
 present my humble seruice and my wifes vnto her, as also to 
 
296 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680. 
 
 Madame Burwell, Mr. and Madam Cottrell, &c. With us 
 heere is a great deale of snowe upon the ground, which, if 
 suddenly melted, will cause a great flood. Tom, God be 
 thancked, is well : blessing, loue, and good wishes vnto you 
 all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Dec. 17, [1680.] 4 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I receaved yours, and cannot butt commend you for 
 takeing notice of the comet, and for giving so playne a de- 
 scription how you found it, and setting downe a figure thereof; 
 it was the first account of it that came to Norwich, though 
 some report there was, that it had been seen. And therefore 
 your description, in what manner you sawe it, was the more 
 wellcome, and Mr. [Oliver,] the bookseller, would needs write 
 it out, that he might gratifie his friends and customers with 
 your account thereof. The newes letters mentioned it, butt 
 to litle or no purpose, or any information. Wee have had 
 somewhat cloudy or foggy evenings, so that we heare no more 
 of it, and this day was cleare and frostie, and the sunne sett 
 very bright and red, butt wee could not see a starre, it was 
 so mistie this night, while I am writing, which is between 
 seven and eight o'clock. I never sawe a large and very long 
 tayle of a comet, since 1618, when I was at schoole. I be- 
 leeve it will bee much observed and discoursed, and accounts 
 given of it by the R. S. and observers beyond sea. You did 
 well to sett downe, in your booke, a kind of diarie of your 
 practise ; tis good providence so to doe, it may bee usefull 
 hereafter unto you upon the first good opportunity. I dayly 
 pray God to prosper you and continue his goodnesse and 
 mercyes unto you. Your sister is yet as she was. God 
 blesse you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 * See Retrospective Review, 1, 164. 
 
1680.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 297 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Wee did receve all the things very safe, and all 
 
 extreame well, no far but too good. The writings 
 
 all so came safe, and wee have finished all thing but what is 
 to be donne at church, which wee thinke shall be on Sunday 
 morning, 5 before church, that being a seacrament day, and 
 wee ar all to receve. I hope God will give a blissing. Hee 
 is of a very good humor, and temprat as can be, and sartainly 
 as agreeable as ever cuple war. Your sister would faine 
 know whethar wee should pay Mr. Dobins, or hee, and what 
 you thinck should be geven. I sopos three pounds, or there 
 a bought ; but she thinck more. 
 
 I will writ to my daughter on Munday ; now I had not 
 
 time I thanke God Tom is very harty and 
 
 livly, and larne his bowk very well. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Dec. 27, [1680?] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Wee are all very sorry for the losse of the litle one; 6 
 God give us still grace to resigne our wills unto his, and pa- 
 tience in all what hee hath layd out for us. God send you 
 wisedome and providence, to make a prudent use of the 
 moneys you have from mee, beside what you gett and other- 
 wise. Least repentence come to late upon you, consider that 
 accidental charges may bee alwayes coming upon you, and 
 the folly of depending or hoping to much upon time turnes yet 
 to come; since yeares will creepe on, and impotent age 
 accuse you for not thincking early upon it. The christening 
 and buryalls of my children have cost mee above 2 hundred 
 
 5 Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Browne, was married to Mr. Lyttleton, on 
 Sunday, 19th Dec. 1680. 
 
 6 Probably " little Ned ;" see page 283, 
 
298 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680-1. 
 
 pounds, and their education more ; beside your owne, which 
 hath been more chargeable, then all the rest putt together; 
 and therefore consider well that you are not likely to playe in 
 this world, or in old age, and bee wise while you are able to 
 gett, and save somewhat agaynst a bad winter, and uncer- 
 taintie of times. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Bulls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1347.] 
 
 Jan. 5, [1 680-1. ] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My daughter Browne writt mee word, that you 
 went last Thursday, to Ampthill, to my L. Bruce his sonne, 
 which hath made us very sollicitous concerning you, because 
 you tooke such a journey, when you had wached with the 
 Duke of Richmond the night before, as also because it was 
 exceeding bad travelling, and worse then it hath been all 
 this winter, and exceeding cold. I hope you are returned 
 and in health, and that the yong lord is better. I beleeve it 
 may bee expected that, upon your returne, you should visit 
 the duke, you being so suddenly called from him. Mr. 
 Thomas Wood, of Braken, enquered of you, and gives you 
 thancks for your kindnesse to his daughter Mrs. Betty, who 
 was with you the last summer, and gott much good by Tun- 
 bridg waters. His old father died the last weeke, and left 
 him a fayre estate in lands, beside good summes of money, 
 which may paye the debts which the oversparing hand of his 
 father made him contract, by borroweng and takeng up of 
 money. I beleeve hee is fiftie-four yeares old, at least. Sir 
 William Cooke, of Broome, is 85 or 6 yeares old, and likely 
 to live ; so that that honest and worthy gentleman, his sonne, 
 captain Cooke, is like to stay yet awhile before hee cometh 
 to the estate. Mr. Thomas Holland, who liveth at Bury, 
 
1680-1.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 299 
 
 cannot bee so litle as fiftie, and sir John Holland, who is his 
 father, like to live some yeares. These are the old heyres 
 which the country lookes upon, and wonder at their fathers, 
 who are not like at last to encrease their goods by sparing, 
 since a considerable part must bee dispersed into the hands 
 of creditors. Heere is a printed speech, supposed to be my 
 L. Shaftsburies, it is cacht up and read by many ; there are 
 many passages in it litle to the honour and reputation of the 
 king. 7 Though the commons howse bee free, and the howse 
 of lords also, for what they say within their walls, yet [it] is 
 much that their speeches should be printed and sent about. 
 Tom, God be thanked, is well. God blesse my daughter 
 Browne and little Susan. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. vii, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Though T have litle to write at present, yet I take 
 content to bee saying something unto you. The streame or 
 tayle of the comet was very long, when I sawe it, in a cleare 
 night, and I beleeve it was the same night when you sawe it, 
 at St. Albans ; butt the wether was so pierceing cold, that I 
 could not endure to stand in it, otherwise I might have taken 
 the altitude of the starre or head of the comet, and then 
 reckoned the length of the tayle to our verticall poynt, and 
 then, allowing for the altitude, I might have seen how much 
 of ninetie degrees the tayle tooke up ; as, if the altitude were 
 30 degrees, the tayle, coming to the vertex, must be sixtie 
 degrees extended. If the starre hath been observed at the 
 
 1 A speech lately made by a noble peer of the realm. London, printed for F. S. 
 at the Elephant and Castle, in the Royal Exchange, in Cornhill, 1681. — 2 pp. 
 sm. folio in Bib. Mus. Brit. 
 
300 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680-1. 
 
 same time in places far re distant, by 2 or 3 observers, and it 
 seems to both to have been in the same place, in reference 
 unto the fixed starres, then cannot the earth's semidiameter 
 have any proportion unto the distance of the comet ; butt if 
 the comet do appeare diversely to them among the fixed 
 starres, then hath the comet parallaxis, more or lesse accord- 
 ing to his distance from the earth. By this parallaxis astro- 
 nomers find out the comet's distance from the earth ; and, in 
 that of 1618, they found it to be as farre above the moone as 
 the moone is above the earth, and so find out its place, or 
 sphere it is in, which I beleeve will bee performed, or is 
 alreadie, by some astronomers. I am sorry to heare that my 
 old neibour, Mr. Alderman Briggs, is fallen ill at London, 
 t and sent unto you when you were in the country. I should 
 bee content that he might knowe I knowe of his sicknesse, 
 and that I am sorry fqr it, though I have heard no more of 
 it then that it is a cold. Though I presume hee hath made 
 use of others, yet it might bee well taken, and continue frind- 
 shippe, if you go and present my service, which you may do 
 either alone, or with his sonne, Dr. Briggs, to whom also my 
 service. Wee heare, by the coaches last weeke, that a man 
 was found dead upon Newmarket heath, with a periwigge by 
 him and wounded on the side, which the travellers in the 
 coach sawe ; and likewise another dead about Chesterford, 
 his body much cutt and hacked which was thought to bee 
 some caryar. The first person was found to have 20 shillings 
 in his purse. Just as I am writing, Tom comes and tells mee 
 the blazing starre is in the yard, and calls mee to see it. It 
 was butt dimme, and the skye not cleare ; it seemed to bee in 
 Pegasus, and is come nearer to Aries. God of his mercy 
 blesse you all. I am very sensible of this sharpe wether. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My wife thought to have writt to my daughter Browne, 
 butt was prevented. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
1680-1.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 301 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his so?i Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. xii, [1G80-1.] 
 
 DEAR, SONNE, 
 
 I beleeve by this time you may have receaved your 
 paper booke from Mrs. Mary Briggs, which you lately sent 
 mee. I wish you may live to make many such, and the 
 blessing of God bee ever with you, and prosper your 
 endeavours. In my last letter I used the words parallaxis, or 
 differentia loci veri et visi stellce alicujus, their true place 
 being computed by a line from the center of the earth, and 
 their appearing or place of vision, where wee see them in the 
 heavens, by a line from the surface of the earth whence wee 
 see them, so that there is the semidiameter of the earth 
 between and the center; which, if it hath any proportion to the 
 distance of place where the starre or comet appeareth, then 
 the comet or planet will have a differentia loci veri et visi, 
 and bee seen with some difference in the heavens from what 
 it would bee seen in a line drawne from the center of the 
 earth ; and that is the parallaxis. You might do well to have 
 a figure of parallaxis, and to understand it, for it may bee 
 very useful, and is in many bookes. Now, if this comet bee 
 very high, and at a great distance above the moone, or in the 
 sphere of Mercurie or Venus, it will have butt litle parallaxis, 
 and so wee may conclude that it is above the moone ; for the 
 moone hath a considerable pai'allaxis, I think of 66 minutes. 
 It were good to read some of the Latin poets sometimes, 
 because they are knowne to so many, and have handsome 
 expressions and sense, and so you may cast your eye upon 
 Martial, cum notis variorum, in 8vo. ; and upon Horace, who 
 is also published cum notis variorum, in 8vo. ; and Juvenal 
 and Persius, in 8vo. Your brother Thomas, when hee was 
 at sea, learned much of Horace, and all Juvenal in a manner 
 without booke. Sir John Knyvett and Sir Philip Gawdie, of 
 Herling, were so well versed in them, that they never came 
 butt they would have two or three bowers discourse with mee 
 
302 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680-1. 
 
 about them, and especially Sir John Knyvett, who translated 
 divers satyrs of Juvenal, which is now done by Sir Philip 
 Stapleton ; butt there is a great difference between the 
 Latin and the English. If you also read sometimes Seneca it 
 may bee very delightfull ; there are divers parts of Seneca 
 translated, and they may help toward the closer understanding 
 of the Latin, butt the Latin exceedeth the translation. It is 
 also translated into French. D. C., 8 in his oration, hath butt 
 eight pages, wch are close to the buisinesse, and those are at 
 the end ; the large part being in generalls, so that I conceave 
 two sheets or litle more may suffice. I am sorry to heare my 
 daughter Browne is so troubled wth the headach ; I knowe 
 not whether shee hath an issue, or keepeth her hayre very 
 short. Love unto her and to litle Susan ; all heere present 
 their love and services. Tom, God bee praysed, is well. 
 God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thojnas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. 24, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 My daughter Betty had a letter from Nancy, 
 wherein shee writt concerning her daughter, litle more than 
 two moneths old, which shee sayth is a fayr full faced child, 
 great headed, and butt short winded, which showeth that 
 shee is like to bee rachiticall, and, as they speake heere, is 
 sett for the ricketts. And these are early signes of what may 
 bee expected or feared. Being a full child, you did well to 
 appoynt her syrupe of rhubarb sometimes, and an issue, and 
 that being butt lately made, shee cannot expect much from it, 
 though shee bee yet over forward. To make it rnnne much 
 
 S Probably Dr. Charlton. 
 
1680-1.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 303 
 
 shee useth a litle orange for a pea, and probably that, or 
 orrice, or elder, may quicken, when the running slacketh, butt 
 if it might suffise it were well if it would ramie with a pea; 
 for that lyeth quietly, nor so much hazard inflamations. The 
 midwife or nurse persuaded her to give her vingar scytts a 
 spoonfull, and that made her sick, butt is a good medicine. 
 Shee is somewhat to yong and unable yet to take drincks or 
 decoctions of china, sarsa, eryngo, rad. osmundag, agrimonies, 
 horestong, betonica, and antirachiticall jngredeents; except 
 a syrupe or distilled water, or both, bee made, of which shee 
 may bee able to take some spoonfulls, and the mild chalybeats 
 do excellently well. The bleeding at the eare no hurt, 
 sometimes good : care would bee taken that the nurse keepe 
 a good dyet ; many do well who are bred up by the spoone. 
 As soone as you have time, write a kind word unto her, for 
 she perplexeth herself night and day about the child. Mr. 
 Alderman Briggs is not yet returned to Norwich, and whether 
 he will bee chosen agayne burgesse is yet uncertaine ; or 
 whether hee will totally decline it. My Lord Paston will bee 
 one, and, if Mr. Briggs bee layd aside, then Mr. Norris, the 
 lawyer, our recorder. Sir Jacob Astley and Sir Tho. Hare 
 are nominated and agreed on by one partie, Sir John 
 Hobart and Sir Peter Gleane agayne by the other ; so that 
 it is like to bee a hard canvase : the people, for ought I yett 
 perceave, being still of the same mind as before the dissolution 
 of the parliameut. The calling of the parliament at Oxford 
 will make citizens and tradesmen the lesse earnest to bee 
 burgesses in corporations. Our day of election, if the writts 
 come, will be on Monday come sevenight. Dr. Burnett's 
 booke, in 8vo., is come to Norwich, of the life and death of 
 my Lord of Rochester. Love and blessing to my daughter 
 Browne and litle Susan. Tom, God bee thancked, is well, 
 though I wonder hee falls into no cough, wearing his hat and 
 gloves so seldome. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
301' DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680-1. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 1, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Wee have been exceeding sollicitous for Mrs. Jane 
 Allington, and the great sorrowe my good Lady Adams was 
 like to haue if shee should dye. And therefore you did very 
 well to giue us that wellcome notice that shee was well agayne. 
 I took notice this weeke of the notable voyce of a hound 
 aboue all other doggs ; and therefore at your opportunity you 
 may examine the vocall organs of a hound; there may be 
 something considerable, perhaps, beside the rest, from the 
 frame of his mouth and slabbing lipps. I haue not seen Sir 
 W. Adams since hee came into Norfolk. I beleeve hee hath 
 been buisie about the election for knights of the shyre. Butt 
 iust as I am writing Sir William Adams comes to me, and 
 deliuered your letter and token to Tom, who was very glad, 
 and presents his duty and thanks to his father and mother, 
 and loue to his sister. Four stood, Sir J. Hobart, Sir Peter 
 Gleane, Sir Jacob Astley, and Sir Thomas Hare. It was a 
 hard canuas ; Sir John caryed it by a hundred voyces, 
 wanting two or three. Sir Peter by sixteen or seventeen, 
 which hee had more then Sir Jacob. Sir Thomas Hare had 
 the fewest, yet not many lesse then Sir Jacob. Sir Peter had 
 like to haue lost it, by the great and tempestuous wind wch 
 was on last Sunday night, and held the greatest part of 
 Monday, which was the election day. The Yarmouth men 
 came to Norwich, either by boat or horse, the day before, to 
 the number of three hundred, for Sir John and Sir Peter; 
 butt there were three boates which were to come on Sunday 
 night, with fishermen, for Sir John and Sir Peter, butt the 
 wind was so high and contrarie that they were fayne to 
 returne. Only sixteen or seventeen of them were so resolute 
 that they went on shoare and came on foot, which made Sir 
 Peter to haue the second voyce. Sir Henry Hobart was 
 chosen one of the burgesses for Lynne, and Alderman Taylor 
 
1G80-1.] DOkESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 305 
 
 the other, who was burgesse the last parliament. Sir Joseph 
 Williamson and Mr. William Harbord were chosen agayne. 
 Mr. Hoast and Sir Robert Steward for [Rysing] as before. 
 Ours are like to be chosen agayne, as also the knights of the 
 shyre for Suffolk. God blesse you all. I shall, God willing, 
 soone write agayne. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My serue to my lady Adams. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I receued your letter, and giue you many thanks for 
 your care for [us]. I will send you the mony when I haue an 
 opertunity. I am glad to heer my sonne is so much batter ; 
 I hope in a short time hee will purfetly recouer. I blesse 
 God Tomey is so well as I beleue hee could induer a jerrney 
 to see his grandmother ; and hee sends his humble dutty to 
 her, and to your selfe and his ffathar, and says in sumor hee 
 shall see you and his sister, which hee doos much long. I 
 besich God of his marcy bless you all. 
 
 Your affectinat mother, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 Franke M. sent her loue and serves. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 14, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Sir William Adams, with his sonne Mr. W. Adams, 
 intends for London, butt they go somewhat out of the road. 
 I am glad to see Mr. Adams much better, and I hope he will 
 still improve. Hee sayeth hee finds good of the waters, and 
 may find more in a better season. I writt to you about our 
 election for the countie ; this day was the choyce of the bur- 
 gesses for Norwich. Wee were in a full security that my 
 vol. i. x 
 
306 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680-1. 
 
 Lord Paston, eldest sonne to the Earle of Yarmouth, and 
 Mr. Alderman Briggs, would have stood only, and so all have 
 passed quietly, without opposition, to our content : butt this 
 morning there appeared a considerable body of men, crying 
 out for Hobart and Payne ; that is, for old Mr. Hobart, 
 whose daughter Deane Astley maryed, and now liueth at the 
 deanery. Mr. Payne is of St. Gyles, whose daughter Mr. 
 Doughtie maryed. Hee is butt on a bad state of body, and 
 so hath been all this winter, and I heard him lately say, that 
 hee had rather give a hundred pound than stand, yett by ve- 
 hement importunities they gott him out. Mr. Hobart, a man 
 now in his 77th yeare, withdrew himself out of the towne ; 
 yett they sett up one to ride for him. My Lord Paston had 
 voyces 1509, Mr. Briggs 1451, Mr. Hobart 829, Mr. Payne 
 919. Tis probable there will be allwayes some opposition, 
 though without successe ; the people delight in it, and saye it 
 will bee the better for the towne, as causing more concourse 
 of persons, and more mony to bee spent in the towne. My 
 Lord Paston was not heere in person, nor need hee bee pre- 
 sent hereafter upon the like occasion, hee being sure to bee 
 one. Tom hath been much delighted this day. God blesse 
 my daughter Browne and you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 28, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I trust in God that you are in health, which I dayly 
 pray for. A great part of our newes hath been, of late, made 
 out [of] severall elections, and the circumstances of them. 
 Sir James Johnson and Mr. England are burgesses for Yar- 
 mouth. Sir James is a sober and understanding person, 
 very civill, and your kind acquaintance. Sir Robert Kemp 
 
1680-1.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 307 
 
 and Sir Philip Skippon are chosen for Dunwich as before, 
 the towne having sent unto them desiring them to accept of 
 the place. So wee have butt two newe parliament men for 
 Norfolk. Sir James Johnson for Yarmouth, and Sir Henry 
 Hobart for Lynne. And for ought I perceave there is no 
 considerable number of new men chosen in other parts. I 
 find in the newes letters that Mr. Whittle, the kings chirur- 
 geon, is dead, and that your neibour Mr. Moullins, is sworne 
 in his place ; butt which of the Moullins I knowe not, per- 
 haps Mr. Peirce may bee in Scotland with the duke. I am 
 sorry to find that the King of England is fayne to reduce his 
 howsehold expences to twelve thousand pounds p. annum, 
 especially hee having a farre greater revenue then any of his 
 predecessors. God keepe all honest men from penury and 
 want ; men can bee honest no longer then they can give every 
 one his due : in fundo parsimonia seldome recovers or re- 
 stores a man. This rule is to bee earned by all, vtere divitiis 
 tanquam moriturus, et idem tanquam victurus parcito divi- 
 tiis. So may bee avoyded sordid avarice and improvident 
 prodigallity ; so shall not a man deprive himself of God's 
 blessings, nor throwe away God's mercies ; so may hee bee 
 able to do good and not suffer the worst of evils. Two 
 earthern bottles floatting upon the sea, with this motto, " si 
 collidimur frangimnr," is applycable unto any two concernes 
 whose interest is united, and is to conserve one another; 
 which makes mee sorry for this dissention between the king 
 and the people, that is, the major part of them, as the elec- 
 tions declare. God send a happy conclusion, and bee recon- 
 ciled unto us, and give us grace to forsake our sinnes, the 
 boutefeux and incendiaries of all. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Dr. Donnes sermon is a very good one, and so is Dr. Bur- 
 nets and the Bishop of Oxford's. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I thanke both you and my daughter for your care 
 in my daughters concernes, and when I haue an oportunity I 
 
 X 2 
 
308 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1680-1. 
 
 shall send the thirteen shilins. I must desire my daughter 
 att her best .... to gett my cussen Cradocks bills of all that 
 wee owe him, for I would, if I could, pay him before your 
 sister cuming, which will be as they now thinke the weeke 
 after Easter : and they intend to log in the Pall Mall, becaus 
 of his bisnes that they to be often with you, whiles they stay, 
 thay think will be five or six weeks. Thay present all love 
 and services, so dooes your sister Franke. Tom his dutty, 
 he is beging books and reading of them. 
 Your 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London, 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edivard. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 March 4, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I thinck the colledge is much obliged to you for 
 what you haue done toward the procuring of my lords li- 
 brarie. And I hope such care will bee taken as that you 
 may soone haue the possession of it. It may proue both or- 
 namentall and beneficiall. It were well if you could so con- 
 tinue the buisinesse as to bee at litle charge for a library 
 keeper, for there is not like to bee any constant studying at 
 it, men being diuerted by the auocations of their profession. 
 This librarie and bookes may bee a great honour vnto my 
 lord in an anniuersarie encomium. I find that Mr. Papin 
 hath published a litle booke of his new digester as vsefull in 
 cookery, chymistrie, &c. butt how hee dissolueth bones you 
 may say something when you write again to mee, if you bee 
 acquainted with the manner. The newes letters tell us that 
 the comet hath been seen agayne some few nights past. My 
 Lady Pettus hath not been dangerously ill lately : shee hath 
 hath had a great roughnesse with idling in her armes. I 
 find in the new catalogue of bookes sett out by Clauell, The- 
 
1680-1. ] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. o09 
 
 ophyli Benoti's Sepulchrilum or Anatomia Practica, and I 
 haue heard something of it before, it may probably bee a con- 
 siderable work, and concerne you to looke into it. What 
 opinion haue men of it, or what is the price ? I am glad my 
 lady Gearie hath consulted you ; and I doubt not butt you 
 will bee very obseriiant of her. Shee must surely bee left 
 very well. All present respects to your self and my daugh- 
 ter Browne. Tom, God be thanked, is well. God blesse 
 you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1833.] 
 
 March x, [1680-1.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I perceave it is not improbable that you may read 
 the next weeke, though there may be uncertaintie in it, whe- 
 ther the high sheriffe of Surrey will grant a body, or whether 
 there will bee any to grant, and there will bee also some diffi- 
 cultie to convaye a body from Kingston in a reasonable time; 
 whatever you read God, make it successefull unto you; I could 
 bee very content it were over, because I cannot butt thinck 
 that it doth take up allmost all your thoughts. I beleeve Mr. 
 Deane was not with you, for wee heare that a daye or two 
 after hee came to London hee fell ill of a vomitinge and loose- 
 nesse, whereof when his lady heard shee went presently to 
 London, butt wee heard this weeke that hee was prettie well. 
 I read an odde passage in the Academia naturce curiosa, of Ger- 
 manie, I thinck at Leipsick, in there first sheets published, of 
 a person borne deaf, who could heare if they shaved his head 
 upon the coronall suture, and washed it cleene, and then one 
 put his mouth to it and spoke, which they say hee could heare; 
 this is somewhat odde, and I doubt it will not hold, yett if the 
 scull bee not closed a voyce may make some sound about the 
 brayne. I think it is taken notice of [by] fewe, you may consider 
 thereof with yourself and upon opportunity examine it. The 
 
310 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681. 
 
 account of that body of philosophers is sometimes in the trans- 
 actions, and this, among others, in a part of their transactions. 
 Serve God and have a care of yourself; wee shall, God wil- 
 ling, provide for you the next weeke, your desires seem the 
 quicker because we are in some 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 dear sonne, April 26, [1681.] 
 
 I sent vnto you the scull of a poulcat's head, by yong 
 Mr. Whitefoot, which I would haue you see and take notice 
 of, and probably you haue none by you. I gave a badger's 
 skull vnto Dr. Clarke, and if you meet with an opportunity 
 keep one. The lower jawe of that which I had, needed no 
 tying to the vpper, butt would moue and hold to the upper 
 jawe without any tye. I had not obserued the like in any 
 skull. For the disposing of your money into the East India 
 Company, it were fitt to take friendly and good aduice before 
 you resolue thereon. Two complaints I haue heard of the 
 East India Company, ever since I was a youth, that it was a 
 very hard matter to gett their money out who putt any in ; 
 and that the considerable profitt went vnto the officers. I 
 remember my vnkle Browne had eight hundred pounds in 
 that stock, and hee always complayned that proued the least 
 profitable summe hee implyed in his estate, and could not gett 
 it out, butt was fayne at last to sell it to his great disaduan- 
 tage. The East India trade hath been great of late, butt how 
 long it will bee so is uncertaine, for the commoditie.of China 
 silks and gownes, and the like, is not like to hold allwayes, 
 with a mutable and changing people ; and how the trade will 
 bee interrupted I knowe not, when the French growe power- 
 full and buisie in the Indies. And therefore consider, aduise 
 well, before you part with your money, or whether you may 
 not as well or better otherwise dispose of it. Mr. Buxton 
 doth well like of Mr. Mole, of whom Sir John Hobart writt. 
 Hee intends to bee in London next Saturday. Hee Mill bee 
 
1681.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 311 
 
 glad of a carefull good natured man : for though his mind bee 
 earnestly bent to the journey, yet hee is butt yet faynt, and 
 had, as I heare, an angry push broake on his shoulder. God 
 send my daughter a good deliuery, and blesse you all. Your 
 loving father, THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 April 30, [1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My worthy friend Mr. Deane Astley going to Lon- 
 don, hee ciuilly asking mee whether I would send vnto you 
 and hee would be ready in his seruice, I would not omitt to 
 send this letter. I had nothing of litle bulk fitt to trouble 
 him to carry ; butt I knowe you will bee ciuill unto him and 
 also to his lady. Hee hath had a lingering ague and aguish 
 distemper which hath made him weake, yet hee knewe not 
 howe to auoyd going to the conuocation, and hee preached 
 last Sunday at the cathedrall : hee tooke the cortex, butt his 
 ague returned, and [he] careth not to make further vse thereof, 
 and hopes by degrees to repayre as hee hath formerly done 
 in lingering distempers, and so I hope. There was some ac- 
 ceptions last time by his lady, that when shee had visited 
 your self and wife the visit was not returned. God blesse 
 you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Yesterday I had a cock bustard sent mee from beyond 
 Thetford. I neuer did see such a vast thick neck : the crop 
 was pulled out, butt as [a] turkey hath an odde large sub- 
 stance without, so had this within the inside of the skinne, 
 and the strongest and largest neck bone of any bird in Eng- 
 land. This I tell you, that if you meet with one you may 
 further obserue it. 
 
312 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1081 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 May 14, [1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Deane and his lady and sonne came safe to 
 Norwich, and this morning hee deliuered vnto mee the medall 
 of Cosmus, Duke of Florence : it is a good one, butt the in- 
 scription on the reuerse being altered in the word vitem for 
 vitis makes it somewhat obscure. I will consider further of 
 it. I haue not yet spoake with his lady concerning the mere, 
 didcis. I perceaue they feare it may saliuate if giuen without 
 purges ; butt it is dayly vsed for wormes, and sould by apo- 
 thecaries, and giuen to lesser children without saliuating. I 
 wish your case may succeed with the gentleman, as it may 
 well do if hee hath not been saliuated before, and you are 
 well acquainted in that way. You will deserue well, and I 
 hope you will be considered accordingly. You knowe how 
 beneficiall it proues vnto chirurgeons, and I would not haue 
 you vndervalue your paynes. I haue not yet seen Sir William 
 Adams, butt his lady was here on Tuesday, and complains 
 very litle or nothinge, butt I perceaue shee hath some cough, 
 though not much to what shee hath had. Madame Burwell 
 hath more flesh then euer, butt is the same woeman, and her 
 good parts the same, and her loue and respects vnto us and 
 ours. Sir J. Pettus sayth hee is well, I haue not yet seen his 
 lady. Sir John is fallen away in his flesh, as it is no wonder. 
 I am glad my daughter Browne recouereth so well, God hath 
 heard our prayers for her safetie. They tell mee that the 
 child is bigge and fatt, the more care there need to bee of it, 
 that hee bee not ouer nourished, which giues mee a hint to 
 sett downe what Aristotle, Histor. Animalium, lib. iii. sayth 
 of milk. In the same place, or neere it, hee speakes of the 
 vast cowes of Epirus. These, perhaps, were buffalos, which 
 are now knowne to bee so large in Epirus. Tom remembers 
 his loue to litle Sukey. I am glad shee holds well. My 
 daughter Fayrfax, I heare, will bee in London next weeke. 
 
1681.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 313 
 
 God blesse her. Respects and seruice to all our friends : to 
 Mr. Whiting, sister Whiting, Mr. Boone, cosen Hobbs, Cra- 
 dock, Mr. Dobbs, &c. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Payne, lately an alderman of Norwich, who liues in St. 
 Gyles, his daughter, Mrs. Doughtie, will go to London the 
 next weeke and consult you about the waters and some other 
 infirmities. Shee is a good woeman and hath a sober honest 
 gentleman of this countrie to her husband, of whom I will 
 write further in my next, God willing. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWI,. CVIII.] 
 
 June 6, [1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Deane Astley went to London on this day was 
 se'nnight, and sayd he would call upon you: hee went butt 
 much indisposed, and so had been in the country before, and 
 with thoughts and desires to drinck the waters, especially of 
 Tunbridge. My cosen Astley his lady went about a fortnight 
 past, and caryed her sonne agayne to Windsor to bee touched 
 agayne, and so hee was. They lodge at one Mr. Blagraues, 
 in Westminster, by Henry the Seventh Chappell. This day, 
 God bee thancked, wee had a fine showre of raine; the spouts 
 of our howse haue not runne for eight or nine weekes before. 
 I had a cough for six weekes, very fierce in the night, and it 
 held mee till within these twelve or fourteen dayes, most per- 
 sons in my howse had it or have it, except my wife. Frank 
 hath it, and it hath been with hooping and vomiting : butt is 
 persuadable to take litle, and will not abstaine from going to 
 morning and euening prayers which wee day lie haue at our 
 owne parish church. Tommy hath had it with some hooping 
 and vomiting, butt now vomits butt seldome, butt sleepes 
 prettie well in the night, and at any time when hee lyeth 
 downe in the day : hee hath been very hot, and so that hee 
 
314 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681. 
 
 begged to bleed a litle, and to goe into a balneum dalie, which 
 [he] had vsed in a sicknesse before. These three dayes hee 
 hath been in a better temper and prettie chearly, God bee 
 praysed. A gentlewoeman's footboy with whom hee vsed to 
 play, whose mistress is now at my howse staying for the guild, 
 is in the same case, butt his cough more violent. Tom hath 
 been nice and backward in taking things, butt my wife is and 
 hath been most preualent with him, and hee tooke some purg- 
 ing and clysters readily. I shall not persuade you to buy Dr. 
 Morrison's herball of five pound price. It was ill contriued 
 to print it first in small volumes and then afterwards other 
 peeces in large volumes, and fewer then euer are like to bee 
 so criticall as formerly in botanicks, especially in the nomen- 
 clature and distinction of vegetables. The Atlas may proue 
 a vsefull peece and a noble sett of volumes, so that I am glad 
 you haue subscribed for them. My daughter Lytelton hath 
 been at Tichfield, at my Lord Noel's howse, in Hampshyre, 
 with whom you trauelled, where they are wellcome, and stay 
 till the yackt appoynted comes to waft them to Guernsey. 
 Tommy presents his duty. Loue and blessing to my daugh- 
 ter Browne. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Captain Williams was mistaken when hee told Captain Li- 
 tleton's place, with his company, was worth a thousand pounds 
 per annum. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his daughter Mrs. Lyttleton. 9 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. BAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 [June 6, 1681.] 
 
 DEAREST BETTY, 
 
 Thy letters are still our best divertion, to hear you 
 and all that belong to you gat so well to Portsmouth was 
 
 9 The present is the first of four letters preserved in No. 391, of the Rawlinson 
 MSS. at the Bodleian, thus headed, "Here follows some of them, my dear father 
 
1681.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 815 
 
 very wellcom to us, your thoughts for us are equald with ours 
 for you. I am sure there passes not a day that we are not se- 
 verall times talking of you. Poor Tomeys cough have 
 brought him in to a great heat, but I hope it will not be so 
 bad as that feavor was which you were so helpfull to him ; his 
 stomack very bad, we are this after noon gouing to bath by 
 his own desire. 
 
 Our Tommy has had a grieveous cof and feavor, your sis- 
 ter Fi'ank has dun more for him then I could have thought ; 
 he was bled and bathd, and I bless God he has got down 
 amongst us again, and is much delighted with your letters. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his soti Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 [June, 1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I perceave you are often mentioned in Dr. Grewes 
 booke, you have much contributed to the metallicall descrip- 
 tion, which would have proved to thinne without what you 
 have conferred. There was a prettie booke, writt 1612, by 
 Michael Drayton, a learned poet, in smooth verse, called 
 Polyolbion ; and Mr. Selden writt a learned comment upon it, 
 though without his name. It describeth many rivers and 
 hills, of England and Wales, with figures of nymphs or 
 shephards at them 
 
 I must give you a troble I did not desire you, but it is upon 
 an eurgent ocation, our naybour Mr. Whightfout is to mary 
 Mis Sucky Payne ; the writings ar drawn and all concluded, 
 but stay for some things which she could not please herselfe 
 here with. I writ to my daughter Fairfax, to send sum 
 pattern, becaus her mothar would willingly know the prises 
 
 and mother writ to me when I was at Guernsey." It was intended to place them 
 together at the end of the Domestic Correspondence ; but they are, perhaps, better 
 in chronological order. 
 
316 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681. 
 
 before she bought. I writt twice, the last I directed to you 
 in her absance, but hearing nothing I fare thay both miscared. 
 It is a gown, and petticot, and mantu, which she desires ; if 
 ther be no pattarns sent I pray send som as soone as you can, 
 for ould Mr. Whightfott is as much in hast as his sonne, 
 becaus hee desires a jerney to London, as soone as they are 
 mared. 
 
 Your sister Frank love and services to you both, and love 
 to Sucky. Her coffe has bin as bad as Tomeys, yet shee has 
 bin a very good nurs for him. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 9, [1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am sorry to heare my louing worthy friend, Mr. 
 Deane Astley, is in such a lowe and weake state, that I heare 
 that Sir John Hobart sent a letter to Norwich, that hee 
 would hardly bee aliue till his letter was receaued. Hee hath 
 seemed to languish these divers moneths, to have no appetite, 
 and no good disgestion, for hee could take but little nourish- 
 ment, and had for the most part a loosenesse. Of late time 
 hee hath been more at his parsonage, at Foullsham, 12 miles 
 off, so I have seen him butt seldome. Hee was a man of a 
 good comfortable spirit, and very vnactive in taking of medi- 
 call remedies ; hath sometimes taken anti-scorbutiks, topicall 
 applications to the stomack, rhubarb also in substance in- 
 fused. But though hee went about, and was much abroad 
 in the countrey, yet most men looked upon him in a declining 
 condition, and that hee could not last any considerable time ; 
 and aboue 2 moneths since, the common voyce was heere 
 that great meanes was made for the deanerie ; such a confi- 
 dence there was abroad that hee could not hold out. And I 
 have now, from the letters of this day, little hope that by 
 this letter you may be able to present my good wishes to so 
 true and worthy a friend. I am glad Dr. Lower was with 
 
1681.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 317 
 
 you, and I beleeve very good remedies haue been vsed, and 
 such of the best kind hee could admitt. My service, I pray, 
 to my loving cosen Madame Astley. Wee are all much 
 afflicted for so good a person. Few men were so sensible of 
 his worth and goodnesse as myself. 
 
 I cannot excuse Paulus Jovius, in all what Thuanus ob- 
 iects vnto him, for I beleeue hee is partial! in his elogia. 
 Hee hath chapters upon many, litle better then school- 
 masters ; butt he deliures himself handsomely, and hath 
 verses annexed vnto euery elogie or chapter, composed not by 
 himself, but seuerall poets of his time ; and, chiefly at least, 
 hee writes upon those whose pictures hee could obtaine, to 
 hang in his galleries, at Como, in Italic All his workes, 
 which I have not myself, are printed in 2 vol. at Basil, 1570; 
 my Elogia doctorum virorum, is butt a midling octauo, printed 
 at Basil. Hee hath also writt elogies of famous warriors and 
 divers of the Turkish emperors, butt I haue only doctorum 
 virorum, as lesse writt on by others. Elogia Thuanen is also 
 good in its kind. There are many verses in Jovius his 
 elogia, though but here and there considerable. I am glad 
 you haue the Laudatorie, for now you are armed and may 
 avoyd much sollicitude wheneuer it shall come or feare the 
 coming. Forgett not Phrases Scholce Wintoniensis. 
 
 Thes for Doctor Browne, att his hows, in Sallisbery 
 Court, att the Black Balls, in the Square, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his daughter Mrs. Lyttleton. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL., MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 [June, 1681.] 
 
 DEAR BETTY, 
 
 You discribed your voyage very prettily. The 
 Casquets are very noted rocks and infamous for many mis- 
 fortunes ; your brother Thomas who had very experimentall 
 knowledge of the channell between England and France, 
 would speak often of them and of Sark and other islands. 
 
318 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681. 
 
 Almighty God is omnipotent every where in his mercys. 
 Have not a doubtful opinion of us that we shall euer forget 
 you, but write as often as possible, and be industrious in 
 finding out ways of comunication. God bless you both. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 You may draw any thing that is in the island of any kind. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son EdiOard. 
 
 [ms. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 20, [1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 The letter which I received from my daughter 
 Lyttleton, at Garnsey, was, I beleeve, inclosed in your letter 
 and vnsealed, butt was sent sealed by your seal, so that you 
 might read it, and see what was in it. Shee discribeth the 
 voyage well, and places neere which shee passed. Shee 
 makes nothing of the Needles, which are rocks at the west 
 end of the Isle of Wight, butt sayth the Casquetts are terri- 
 ble rocks, not farre from the Isle of Alderney, and within 7 
 leagues of Garnsey, and your brother Thomas, I remember, 
 was vsed to speake of them. They passed by the lesser 
 islands, Sark, Arme, and Chetto, which belong to the go- 
 uernment of Gernsey. My sonne Littleton told us that G. 
 abounded with varietis of sea fish, mullets, gurnets, rochets, 
 and many more; many shell fishes also, and my daughter 
 sayth shee allready had eat the best lobsters and artichoaks 
 she euer eat, and had a present of 24 carpes, the biggest 
 that euer shee sawe, and the biggest eeles, so that they 
 intend my lord Noel a present of pickled eeles, as he desired 
 of them, there being the most eeles of any place ; being so 
 large, they may bee congers. 1 Butt they haue large and 
 fresh water ponds, and other such waters in the island. My 
 lord Hatton, the cheef gouernour, liuing there diuers yeares 
 
 1 Congers are abundant in Guernsey. — Grni/. 
 
1681.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 319 
 
 did much good in the island. Phesants there are in very 
 great numbers. I am well content that shee complained not 
 of any great drought in the last weeks, in the island. My 
 daughter Lit. directs mee to send my letters to Dr. Speed 
 of Southampton, to bee sent to him. Whether bee bee a 
 divine or physitian ? If a physitian, I beleeve I knewe well 
 his grandfather, or father, Dr. Speed. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 I blesse God our deare Tome dooes still mend, but 
 is so leane as there will be need of a good stomach, to re- 
 cruitt him ; which hee now has, if it may hould. Wee have 
 found every change of wethar have puld him back, yet I will 
 assure you I have bin as carfull as I could. He is now 
 strangly delighted in helping to made the gardins, and hopes 
 to looke out att the winding to morow. Hee presents his 
 dutty to you and his mothar. I pray except all our loves. 
 God of his mercy bless. I pray lett mee know if my 
 daughter Fan haue sent any thing for Mr. Deane. 
 
 Your affectinat mothar, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his daughter Mrs. Lyttleton. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Sept. 15, [1681.] 
 
 DEARE BETTY, 
 
 Tho it were noe wonder this very tempestious and 
 stormy winter, yet I am sorry you had such an uncomfortable 
 sight as to behold a ship cast away so neer you ; this is noe 
 strange tho unwelcom sight at Yarmouth, Cromer, Winterton, 
 and sea towns : tho you could not saue them, I hope they 
 were the better for your prayers, both those that perishd 
 
320 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681. 
 
 and those that scapd. Some wear away in calmes, some are 
 caried away in storms : we come into the world one way, there 
 are many gates to goe out of it. God giue us grace to fit 
 and prepare our selues for that necessity, and to be ready to 
 leaue all when and how so ever he shall call. The prayers 
 of health are most like to be acceptable ; sickness may choak 
 our devotions, and we are accepted rather by our life then 
 our death : we have a rule how to lead the one, the other is 
 uncertain, and may come in a moment. God, I hope, will 
 spare you to serve him long, who didst begin early to serve 
 him. There died thirty-six last week in Norwich. The 
 small pox very common ; and we must refer it to Gods mercy 
 when he pleaseth to abate or cease it ; for the last run of the 
 small pox lasted much longer then this has yet dun. Your 
 brother Thomas went once from Yarmouth in the evening, 
 and arrived at the Isle of White the next day at one o'clock 
 in the afternoon, but it was with such a wind, that he was never 
 so sick at sea as at that time. I came once from Dublin to 
 Chester at Michaelmas, and was so tossed that nothing but 
 milk and possets would go down with me two or three days 
 after. Your self is not impatient, you will haue noe cause to 
 be sad : giue no way unto melancholy, which is purely sadnes 
 without a reasonable cause. You shall never want our dayly 
 prayers, and also our frequent letters. God bless you both. 
 
 I rest your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his daughter Mrs. Lyttleton. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 [Autumn of 1681.] 
 
 DEAR BETTY, 
 
 Thou didst use to pass away much of thy time alone 
 and by thyself in sober ways and good actions, so that noe 
 place, how solitary so euer, can be strange to thee, nor, 
 indeed, solitary, since God, whom thou servest, is euery where 
 with thee, and thy thoughts on him, and noe place should be 
 
1681.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 321 
 
 teadious wherein we may serue God, and lay up a stock and 
 treasure for our happiness in an other world. I am glad you 
 carried good books and divers sermons. Probably there may 
 be some good preachers there, especially of the French 
 church : they preach in good French, though the speech of 
 the common people be corrupt, you may hear some of their 
 sermons. I hope you find some company with whom you 
 may delight to convers. The French woemen are commonly 
 frugall and good company, and the people may be w T ell con- 
 ditioned. I am glad you are in a commodious house. God 
 send you your health ; all things considered it may be feared 
 you haue too much company rather then too litle. When I 
 travailed beyond sea I resolved to my best power to doe 
 nothing that should trouble my mind when T returnd into my 
 own country. I know you will indeavor to do the like. 
 You giue us satisfaction by your letters, continue the same. 
 I beleeve you will fall to drawing, and, besides faces, it may 
 be pleasent to the inhabitents as well as your self if you draw 
 anything elce in the island. Tom wishes himself with you 
 for some days. God, I trust, will support and bless you ; 
 make your life as comfortable as you can under a sober and 
 prudent management, allways conjoynd with the love, honour, 
 and service of God, where in lyeth the truest content and 
 happiness. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Dec. 26, [1681.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am heartily glad, and blesse Almightie God, to 
 understand you are in a good way of recouerie. The Author 
 of life restore health vnto you, and giue you wisedom to take 
 care for the conseruation thereof, by sobrietie and temperance 
 to auoyd fulnesse. Looke upon the 118th Psalme from the 
 14th verse to the 20th. The Epitome of Anatomie, in En- 
 glish, is come to Nonvich, at seven shillings and sixpence 
 
 VOL. I. Y 
 
322 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 price, which is deare for an epitomie, and will sell the slower. c 
 Boretus of the muscles may be pleasant, butt it is very much 
 that hee should bee mistaken in a muscle. It was obserued 
 long ago that Aristotle, who writ De motu ant incessu Ani- 
 malium, did not vnderstand a muscle. Some imperfections 
 will bee found in the best authors, and most excusable in them 
 who lesse accuse or find fault with others. I hardly remem- 
 ber the small pox so much in Norwich as it hath been of late, 
 and still continueth. Thirteen weekes ago there dyed, of all 
 diseases, fifty-two. God be praysed it hath not been in my 
 howse ; and Tom hath held well. Tom is iust now gone to 
 see two beares which are to be showne, butt the maior will 
 not suffer them to be bayted, by reason of the contagion, by 
 drawing yong people together. Some find good in your case 
 by chewing of rhubarb. God blesse my daughter Browne 
 and you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S47-] 
 
 Jan. 9, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I presume you are carefull of your health, and not 
 only to regayne butt to conserve it. Long health is apt to 
 begett security, and God mercifully interposeth some admo- 
 nitions and rubbs to make us consider ourselves, and to carry 
 a warie hand in our affayres of all kinds. The merciful pro- 
 vidence of God go ever with you, and continue to blesse you. 
 Mr. Carpenter, who brought the letters, is secretary of Jersey, 
 and when or whether hee goes back to Guernzey, I beleeve 
 is uncertaine ; for, to obtaine conveniency of passage, the 
 Jersey men come commonly to Guernzey. I thinck you did 
 
 2 Thomas Gibson, M. D. Anatomy of Human Bodies Epitomized. 8vo. Lond. 
 1682. 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 323 
 
 well not to hazard your self at that time by such a journey as 
 to Lewys, whereof part is very bad waye. I remember, when 
 I was very yong, and I thinck butt in coates, my mother 
 carryed mee to my grandfather Garawayes howse in Lewys. 
 I retaine only in my mind the idea of some roomes of the 
 howse, and of the church. Our maior was sent for by a 
 letter to appeare before the king and counsel! the weeke 
 before Xmas ; some chief brewers of Norwich and excisemen 
 had accused him for putting downe some alehouses, and deny- 
 ing to licence others, and hindring the kings profitt. Butt 
 when hee had shewen that he did butt what the law required 
 of him, that there were still an unreasonable number of ale- 
 houses, and that they were a great occasion of debaucherie 
 and povertie in the towne, so that the rates to the poore have 
 been encreased eight hundred pounds more then formerly, 
 hee was dismissed with commendations. His maiestie soone 
 perceaved the excisemen and brewers made a cloake of his 
 interest for their owne, and would not have his subjects de- 
 bauched and impoverished upon his account. Wee have had 
 much cyder given us this winter, and now at Christmas it is 
 apt to gripe many, and so hard that they drinck it with a little 
 sugar. That which was sent you from Guernsey may proba- 
 bly bee good, but having been upon the sea tis likely it may 
 be hard. My wife and others, except myself, drinck a little 
 at meales ; and Tom calls for the bottomes of the glasses, 
 where tis sweetest, and cares litle for the rest. It helps to 
 make good syllibubs in the summer. A great part of our 
 newes is of the king of Fez and Morocco's embassadour, with 
 his presents of lyons and oestridges. 3 I remember an embas- 
 sadour who, in King Charles the First's time, came from the 
 king of Morocco to help him to besiedge Sally, then revolted 
 from him ; hee besiedged it by land, and the English with 
 eight shipps by sea, and so the town was taken. Hee brought 
 with him many gallant horses, for a present, with strong tayles 
 and very long maines, and pictures thereof were taken ; and 
 there is one still in this towne; and, at a gentleman's howse in 
 the country, the picture of the Moorish embassadour on 
 horseback, as hee rid through London at his entry, as bigge 
 
 5 Evelyn i, 537, S. 
 
 Y 2 
 
324 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 as the life, which cost fiftie pounds, and is a noble peece, 
 about as bigge as Titian's 4 Charles the First on horseback, in 
 the hall of the Duke's place. I am glad my cosen Cradock is 
 come of so well. Tis like my L. S. will sett still, and content 
 to have escaped such a danger. Love and blessing to you, 
 my daughter Browne, and you all, as also from my wife ; love 
 from Franck, duty from Tom. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 I doubt all my letters sent [to] Guernsey within these two 
 moneths lye still at Southampton; the wind having continued 
 southerly and westerly at this time of yeare beyond observa- 
 tion, to the great detriment of many marchands. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London, 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Jan. x, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I thanck you for the account of the embassadour of 
 the King of Fez and Morrocco, you did well to give a visit 
 unto a person so unusual, and so much talked of. Hee will, 
 at his returne, tell stories of wonder unto his countrymen, and 
 such as they will hardly understand, butt I thinck the king 
 doth wisely to caresse him, and shewe him the respect he giv- 
 eth him ; for such a tyrannicall ambitious prince as hee seem- 
 eth, may probably bee sooner taken with such honours then 
 with ordinarie respects. Now what kind of prince Muley Is- 
 mael is, a letter you sent mee, concerning the embassage unto 
 him, did give mee notice about 2 moneths since ; and I have 
 showed that letter to divers, who were glad to see it. There 
 being so many oestridges brought over, tis likely some of them 
 
 * This is an error ; Titian died in 1576. It was Vandyke ; to whom Charles I. 
 repeatedly sat. 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 325 
 
 will [be] brought about to showe, hither, as soone as other 
 parts out of London. If any of them dye, I beleeve it will 
 bee dissected ; they have odde feet and strong thighes and 
 legges. Tis much the use of the eggeshells is not more com- 
 mon in physick, like other eggeshells and. crabbs eyes or 
 clawes ; and there would be enough to bee had, if they were 
 looked after, and sought for, by the droggesters. Perhaps 
 the king will putt 3 or 4 of these oestridges into St. James' 
 park, and give away the rest to some noblemen. The time 
 of your lecture is yet a prettie way of, and perhaps the chi- 
 rurgeons are not so well agreed as to have one ; you were 
 prepared a yeare or 2 agoe. The new English anatomie 
 speakes of things briefly, butt according as they are receaved in 
 the new doctrine, and so may bee usefull in its kind, pray bee 
 carefull in your dyet, and the 6 non-naturalls, that you may 
 the better establish your health, and assist nature to renewe 
 your blood now the sunne is approaching. Mr. Wilson, who 
 was my sonne Lytelton's lieutenant, was heere some yeares 
 past. Wee heard that my lord Noel, who sayd hee knewe 
 you in your travells, was to bee governour of Portsmouth, and 
 wee knowe hee is a mightie kind friend to my sonne L. butt 
 how farre it is in his power to do him good, wee knowe not. 
 Col. Legge, the former governour, was also his good friend. 
 God blesse you, my daughter Browne, and you all. Tom 
 presents his duty, Frank her love, my wife the like. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 My L. Townshend sent a letter to my cos. Townshend, 
 that hee would have no voyces made upon his interest, for 
 Sir J. Hobart and Sir Peter Gleane, I perceave hee thincks 
 new men would do best, when there shall be an election ; but 
 is not fallen out with Sir John or Sir Peter. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next the 
 Golden Balls, these, London. 
 
326 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [3681-2. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [.MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 3, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I beleeve you must bee carefull of your ostridge, 
 this returne [of] cold wether, least it perish by it being bredd 
 in so hot a countrey, and perhaps not seen snowe before or 
 very seldome, so that I beleeve it must be kept under covert, 
 and have strawe to sitt upon, and water sett by it to take of, 
 both day and night. Must have it observed how it sleepeth, 
 and whether not with the head under the wing, especially in 
 cold wether, whether it bee a wachfull and quick hearing bird, 
 like a goose, for it seems to bee like a goose in many circum- 
 stances. It seems to eat any thing that a goose will feed on, 
 and like a goose to love the same green hearbs, and to delight 
 in lettuce, endive, sorrell, &c. You will bee much at a losse 
 for hearbes this winter, butt you may have cheape and easie 
 supply by cabbadges, which I forgott to mention in my last, 
 and draines, all kind of graines and brinne, or furfure, alone 
 or mixed with water or other liquor. To geese they give 
 oates, &c. moystned with beere, butt sometimes they are ine- 
 briated with it. If you give any iron it may bee wrapped up 
 in doue or past ; perhaps it will not take it up alone. You 
 may trie whether it will eat a worme, or a very small eele ; 
 whether it will drinck milk, and observe in what manner it 
 drincks water. Aldrov. and Johnstonus write, that a goose 
 will not eat bay leaves, and that they are bad for it. You 
 may laye a bay leafe by the oestridge, and observe whether 
 it will take it up, you may in your next lr. drawe the figure 
 of the head with a pen, for the Icons in Bellonius, Johnstonus, 
 and Aldrov. do not seeme to bee strictly like yours. John- 
 stonus sayth, " Rostrum habct exiguum sed acutum." When 
 it is anatomized, I suppose the sceleton will bee made, and 
 you may stufle the skinne with the feathers on. You must 
 observe that peculiarity or difference from other animals, 
 " Palpebras habet vtrinque solus allium ut homo, pilos in su- 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 327 
 
 periore palpebra." When the dissection of it is intended, it 
 were fitt to take the wayght of it. If it delights not in salt 
 things, you may trie it with an olive. The next weeke, God 
 willing, on Monday or Wednesday, I intend to send to you 
 agayne, and a paper which I mentioned, wherin will bee some 
 hints, which I set downe after the perusall of Aldrovandus, 
 Johnstonus, Bellonius, &c. and some others which came into 
 my mind ; you may adde or diminish, or passe by, as you find 
 cause. The king or gentlemen will bee litle taken with the 
 anatomie of it, though that must also bee, butt are like to 
 take more notice of some other things which may bee sayd 
 upon the animal, and which they vnderstand. Have a care 
 of yourself this sharpe wether. God blesse you all. I rest 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 5, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEARE SONNE, 
 
 Mr. Alexander Briggs, the drs. brother, being to go 
 to London to morrowe, came to aske of mee whether I would 
 send any thing to you, and I would therefore send these few 
 lines. It is hee who was so leane and emaciated in London, 
 divers yeares past, and an honest good yong man, who liveth 
 with his father. I have enclosed these two heads of an os- 
 tridge, which Franck suddenly drewe out ; figure 1 is the 
 head, as I find it in Bellonius " De la nature des oyseaux" 
 in French, which book perhaps you cannot easily meet with ; 
 mine was printed at Paris, 1555. I doubt it will not well 
 answer the head of yours. That of figure 2 is the head of 
 one in Mr. V/illoughbye's Ornithologia, Mr. Raye's, which 
 many have. The heads are different ; whether the head of 
 the male and female bee so different, I knovve not; nor, when 
 
328 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 authors sett downe the figures, do they tell us whether they 
 bee of male or female, butt such likely as they had the op- 
 portunity to see. The head in Willoughbye's Ornithologia 
 is different from that in Aldrovandus or Johnstonus, by that 
 circular rising on the head ; mark the foote well of yours, 
 whether it hath any kind of teeth, and the one division more 
 hornie then the other ; the tayle in all is round not sprede. 
 You may read Raye's chapter upon the oestridge ; myne is in 
 Latin. Nierembergius speakes of some oestridges to bee 
 found in America, butt not so well fetherd as in Africa. I 
 intend, God willing, to write to you by the post, on Wednes- 
 day, with some hints on this subject. I beleeve you have 
 enough to do to keepe it, this cold wether; if it should swal- 
 low 3 or 4 nuttgalls, I beleeve they would be voyded whole, 
 and perhaps bind the body. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Looke upon Mr. Raye's cutt, in the Ornithologia. When 
 the elephant was heere in a cold season, they covered a good 
 part of him with strawe. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Feb. 9, 1681-2. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I received a letter from you this day, wherein were 
 two heads of oestridges. The first is nothing like ours, but 
 the second is, that which is taken out of Mr. Willoughbye's 
 booke ; and the head stands upright upon the neck as it 
 really does, and the head makes a right angle with the neck 
 when it walkes, and so it turnes its head prettily, and there 
 is a litle round vertebra next to the head, on purpose for the 
 head to turne about more elegantly, but the bill of ours seemes 
 to be more flat than of either of those sent in the letter, and 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 329 
 
 the round eare is not exprest in the figures. Ours died of a 
 soden, and so hindred the drawing or delineating of the head 
 and other parts, or making further experiments. We gave 
 it a peece of iron which weighed two ounces and a half, 
 which we found in the first stomack again not at all al- 
 tered. In the skeleton we finde nine ribbes ; six true 
 ribbes which goe quite round, and three false ribs which 
 make but part of the circle, and come not to the sternon. 
 One of the false ribbes is before and two behinde the true 
 ribbes. There are seven vertebrae of the back, to which 
 the six true ribbes are joyned, and the one false ribbe 
 before; the two false ribbes behinde are joined to the ver- 
 tebrae of the loynes, which are solid and united to the os 
 ilium, and not movable. There are ten bones in the tayle, 
 the last is the largest, flat, and long. By the skeleton and 
 the cartilages, I perceive that our oestridge was a young one, 
 and might have growne much bigger, and there is a skeleton 
 of an oestridge, in the repository of the Royall Society, whose 
 bones are firmer, bigger, and stronger. There is a designe 
 of translating Plutarch's lives into English again, the English 
 of the former being not so pure as what is now spoken ; 
 divers are to be employed in it, and I am desired to translate 
 the life of Themistocles for my share. I shall have the 
 Greeke and the French sent me ; if I doe it, it must be in the 
 evenings, and I may take my owne time. My duty to my 
 most dear mother, and love to my sister and Tommy. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 For my honour'd father Sir Thomas Browne, at his 
 house in Norwich. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward, 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. x, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I am glad you have done so much, if not in a man- 
 ner all, in your oestridge buisiness. The 2 papers you sent 
 
330 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 are very well done, and with good exactnesse. I have read 
 them often over. Some particular anatomicall dissections and 
 discussions have been printed, by some of the R. S., and I do 
 not see why this may not bee, it having not been done before, 
 and about 3 sheets of paper may containe it, and it will not 
 be necessarie to have figures. I find in the weekely memori- 
 all of this weeke, Gerardi Blasii Anatome Anhnalium, 
 wherein are anatomies of various quadrupeds, fishes, birds, 
 &c. printed at Amsterdam, 4to. 81, in the number whereof I 
 do not find an oestridge. 1 hope you will receave my letter 
 this day, which I sent on Wednesday last, wherein that para- 
 graph which is on it concerning its voyce or note may go thus ; 
 " Quce sit Mi vox aliis perscrutatur, ego vocem ejus nunquam 
 audivi" sayth Aldrovandus, butt while it was in my howse his 
 voyce was taken notice of, and they who heard it likened it 
 to the crying or schriking of a hoarse child, butt I thought it 
 more mournfull and dismall. 
 
 You may perhaps yet take notice whether it hath litle teeth 
 like a goose, but they are most, if not only, found in fowls 
 that can live in the water. If you boyle the head of a goose 
 the sutures are playne. You need not bee to hastie in what 
 you do, butt nether to slowe, least other oestridges should 
 dye, and others dissect them. Have a care of your health 
 and bee thanckfull unto God. God blesse you, my daughter 
 Browne, and the litle ones. You did well to write to your sis- 
 ter Fayrfax, and prescribe for her. Gilla 5 may bee probably 
 good agaynst the childs fitts. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Tom, God bee praysed, is well and presents his duty. 
 
 In your 2 papers sent there is enough to afford a large dis- 
 course, butt things must bee first writt briefly, whatever ad- 
 ditions may be made hereafter; this being, I thinck, the 
 first oestridge dissected in England, at least to any purpose. 
 
 It is some wonder how such numerous birds, which go in 
 such great numbers often together, can be sustained in the 
 desert and barren parts of Africa. If you gett any con- 
 
 •5 Gilla, now called zinci sulphas, or in common language, white vitriol. — Gray. 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 331 
 
 ference with any of the retinue of the embassade, you may 
 enquire further whether lyons and tigers do not prey upon 
 them. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, these, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his soji Edward. 
 
 [131SI,. BODL. MS RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 Feb.xiii, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I receiued yours, and I conceaue you may adde vnto 
 your description of the outward parts first sent; the bill of 
 this ostridge seems to bee more flat then in the figure of any I 
 haue seene. The eare is round and large so as to admit the top 
 of ones finger, and is playnly sett downe in the figure of John- 
 stonus. It beareth the head remarkably vpright upon the 
 neck, and the head makes a right angle with the neck when 
 it walketh, and so turnes its head more prettily, and there is 
 a litle round vertebra next to the head whereby the head 
 turnes about more elegantly. In the paper I sent beginning 
 quce sit Mi vox, fyc. and concluding movrnfully dysmall, this 
 may bee added which confirmeth the account giuen by Mr. 
 Sandys in his trauells. There are great flocks of ostridges in 
 the deserts, they keepe in flocks and often fright stranger 
 passengers with their fearfull screeches. You are not con- 
 fined, you may bring this and other in where you find it will 
 best come in. 
 
 You say in your last there are 7 ribbes, as also there are 
 seuen vertebras of the back, to which the six true ribbes are 
 joyned, and the one false or bastard ribbe before. This 
 must bee made more playne for it will not bee readily con- 
 ceaued how the one bastard ribbe is joyned before. 
 
 There are x bones in the taj/le. I knowe not whether you 
 should call it the tayle. Aldrouandus sayth, 6 " Coccyx nouem 
 vertebris humanis similibus coagmeniatur" 
 
 G Ornithol. fol. 1599, p. 598. 
 
332 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 You write of a designe of translating Plutarch's liues 
 agayne, probably by some stationers, which if it proceeds, 
 will take some time. It was first translated by Amyot, 
 bishop of Auxerre, but whether immediately out of the 
 Greeke and by some help of the Latin, or not, also and 
 especially out of the Italian, I knowe not ; for the French 
 formerly translated old writers out of the Italian, and we 
 afterwards out of the French. Sir Thomas North translated 
 his out of the French, which is that which commonly passeth, 
 and dedicated it to Queen Elizabeth, which was that you and 
 your brother Thomas vsed to read at my howse, reprinted 
 1612, of a fayre and legible print. 1656, it was printed 
 agayne, as also Plutarch's moralls by one Lee, I thinck, a 
 stationer, in Fleet-street, but in a lesse letter and little or no 
 alteration, whereas, if the disused words and some other 
 faults had been altered, North's translation might haue suf- 
 fised and still passed, especially with gentlemen, who, if the 
 expression bee playne looke not into criticismes. The 
 French language is altered since Amyot's translation, butt 
 perhaps there is another since Amyot's, or Amyot's rectified. 
 If you undertake it, bee sure to take time enough, for you 
 will only haue time in the euenings, which in the summer are 
 long and warme. If you haue the Greek Plutarke haue also 
 the Latin adioyned vnto it, so you may consult either upon 
 occasion, though you apply yourself to translate out of 
 French, and the English translation may be some times help- 
 full. God blesse you, my daughter Browne, and little ones. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I am glad to heare you ar all well, I bless God wee 
 ar so att present, and I hope your sister Fairfax little on may 
 haue no more fitts, she is very thankfvl to my sonne for his 
 care of her, and wee hope all so thanke him. I find by her 
 writing she is so much consarned, as I ferre it may dooe that 
 which she is withall much hurt ; I haue writ to her what I 
 can to perswad her to patiance. Your Tomey grows a stout 
 fellow, I hope you will com and see him this svmmor, hee is 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 333 
 
 in great expextion of a tumbler you must send him for his 
 popet show, a punch he has and his wife, and a straw king 
 and quen, and ladies of honor, and all things but a tumbler, 
 which this town cannot aford : it is a wodin fellow that turns 
 his heles ouer his head. 
 
 Your sister Frank present her serues to my daughter, and 
 begs that she would send sombody to Mr. Browns, att the 
 Blew Bell and Key, in Little Queens Street, and by her a 
 set of craions which will cost a crown she is told : perhaps 
 cheaper. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, these, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Febr. 21, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 After I had sent my letter to Mr. Packle, I found 
 my error, for I enclosed the letter I receaued from you this 
 day, instead of this which I enclosed in this letter ; which 
 concernes something of the oestridge, which may remind you 
 of something of it. The other was of the eclips which is 
 very rational, and I was glad to see it, and also concerned 
 Themistocles, of which I writt something in my other letter, 
 If this new translation bee knowne to bee made out of the 
 old French translation, men knowing there is a truer, it may 
 much disparadge the opinion and sale of it. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
334 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broivne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. 15, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I receaved yours by the last post, which you writt 
 after eleven o'clock at night, and made a shift to send it the 
 same night. You did well to observe the eclipse, for it was 
 a totall one, and remarkable. By this time probably you have 
 conferred with knowing persons about it, your doubts were 
 rationall, and also your thoughts of the Apogeeum, and how 
 the shadowe of which should bee so faynt as not to obscure 
 the moone more, whereas some times it hath been observed, 
 " Lunam eclipsatam inter dum penitus in ccelo evanuisse? 
 Butt I doubt not butt something will be sayd hereof at the 
 R. S. or elswhere, from whence they will receave accounts, 
 and also from Mr. Flamsted. The wind hath been these 
 3 dayes at south west agayne, so that wee may expect letters 
 from Guernsey. Wee heare the Duches of Portsmouth 
 goeth for France, some time in March. I doubt the English 
 will not like the setting up a colledge of physitians in Scot- 
 land, 7 nor their endeavouring to sett up an East India and 
 straight company. 8 They hope to do anything, by the favor 
 and encouragement of the duke. If they sett up a colledge 
 and breed many physitians, wee shall bee sure to have a great 
 part of them in England. 
 
 Mr. Clarke tells mee hee sawe 2 ostridges in London, in 
 Cromwell's time. Though you sawe an ostridge in the Duke 
 of Florance his garden, yett I do not perceave you sawe any 
 one among the curiosities and rarities of any of the 
 princes of Germany. Perhaps the king will send some of his 
 to the King of France, the Prince of Orange, &c. The 
 
 ' 29th Nov. 1681, the king, by his letters patent, incorporated certain physicians 
 in Edinburgh and their successors, into a body politick, by the title of the Presi- 
 dent and Royal College of Physicians, at Edinburgh. 
 
 s 29th Oct. 1681, Charles II, granted a charter to " the Company of Merchants 
 of the city of Edinburgh." It was confirmed June 15, 1 60.1, till which time 
 the trade of Edinburgh seems to have been confined to Norway, the Baltick, and 
 England. 
 
1681-2.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 335 
 
 losse of the Netherlands hath been very great, butt I hope 
 not so great as is related. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 I writ to you in hast in my sonnes last, to gett som 
 crayons for your sister Franke, and to mind you of Tomey. 
 Our neighbour Mr. Sander Brigs is now in London, and 
 does not com horn till the next weeke ; if you have the things 
 ridy, hee may bring them. I sopos hee will call upon you 
 before hee com down. I besich God bless you and all yours. 
 I pray keep a count what you lay out for us, and I will send it. 
 Your afFectinat mother, D. BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1347.] 
 
 [March? 1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I sent this day the two sheetes of Themistocles, by 
 the two dayes coaches, by yong Mr. Barnham, who is brother 
 to Mr. Thomas Ward's wife, of Friday Street. My daughter 
 Lyttleton sent mee word* that shee had sent the draught of 
 Cornet Castle, and also the draught of the towne, taken on 
 the land side, from a rock. Pray bee carefull that they may 
 bee carefully sent, and by sure hands, for I would by no 
 means have them miscarry. My cosen Cradock sent mee 
 kindly an excuse, that hee could not possibly give mee a visit 
 in that hurry ; God send him his health, and to bee able to 
 endure the hurries and ill dyet which hee is exposed unto. 
 A guinne for a night's lodging, every night, I beleeve will 
 make divers wearie of Newmarket. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
336 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1681-2. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 15, [1681-2.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I perceave my Lady Portsmouth was not forgetfull 
 of you, though I thinck it had been best not to have hazarded 
 it, butt if possible to have taken your leave, especially when 
 there might bee some doubt of her returnne. The verses 
 upon the monument of Themistocles are good, butt the sense 
 much enlarged; so that I doubt they will not bee admitted as 
 a translation, the originall being so much shorter, though 
 these might be most for his honour. I am glad my cosen 
 Townshend dined with you ; I heare hee comes to Norwich 
 to-morrowe night with my Lady Adams, by a letter which my 
 wife receaved from Madame Burwell this morning, brought 
 by Alderman Freeman's daughter. Beside my daughter 
 Lyttleton's letter I receaved one from Mr. Isaac Carey, one 
 of the jurites or justices of Guernsey, a civill person and great 
 acquaintance of my sonne and daughter. Hee sent mee one 
 before, which I answered, and now another kind complimental 
 one in French also. Hee hath read many English bookes, 
 and I beleeve accommodates my sonne and daughter with 
 some. They have had heart porridge, and tanseyes, some 
 weekes allreadie, and varietie of lobsters and crabbs, for the 
 pearly auris marina which they call ermus, the pectines or 
 skollops, turbines or whilks, and divers others, though com- 
 monly eaten, shee cannot reconcile her palate to them, butt 
 likes their oysters. It was my misfortune to bee layd up at 
 that time, otherwise I had not fayled to wayt upon his High- 
 ness; butt I heare that a Scoch lord enquired for mee, which 
 I beleeve was the Earle of Perth, a notable and learned per- 
 son. Norwich grewe soone emptie, butt Newmarkett filleth, 
 butt how they will shift for lodgings wee knowe not. Love 
 and blessing to my daughter Browne, and litle ones. Tom's 
 galling is in a manner well. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 337 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 28, [1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I send this letter by Captain Lulman, and with him 
 twenty-five shillings ; for I find I am indebted for some bookes 
 vnto Mr. Martyn, bookseller, at the Bell, in St. Paul's Church 
 Yard, twenty-four or twenty-five shillings. When Mr. Ray 
 was to print his Ornithologie, or description of birds, I lent 
 him many draughts of birds in colours, 9 which I had caused 
 at times to bee drawne, and both hee and Sir Philip Skippon 
 promised mee that they should bee safely returned ; butt I 
 haue not since receaved them. Butt they were left in Mr. 
 Martyn's hand ; therefore present my service unto Mr. Mar- 
 tyn, and desire him from mee to deliver the same unto you, 
 and I shall rest satisfied. Pay him the twenty-five shillings 
 which are now sent, with my respects and service ; for I have 
 alwayes found him a very civill and honest person. 
 I rest your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE, 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward, 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 March 31, [1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I sent by Mrs. Green the sugar baker, my neibour, 
 a roll upon a stick, with the figure of a naked man, wherein 
 may bee seen all the veynes of the body, which were vsed to 
 bee opened by the ancients, and also by the modernes ; with 
 directions, in Latin, how, and in what cases. I have had [it] 
 
 9 Which are mentioned in the preface to Willoughby's Ornithology, by Ray, p. 16. 
 VOL. I. Z 
 
338 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682. 
 
 fortie yeares ; and probably it is not now easily to bee gott, 
 and there might bee additions and exceptions made, to better 
 the designe ; as also if the figure were made two or three 
 times larger, and in a flesh colour or yellowish, for so the 
 veynes might bee more visible, if it were hung up, and a good 
 picture might perhaps bee made thereof. I would not have 
 you part therewith. This I send will keepe best rolled up, 
 for if you hang it agaynst a wall, it will growe fowl and dark 
 in no long time, as I had experience by keeping it open but a 
 litle while ; you may consider hereof, and do as you think good. 
 Since it hath pleased God to restore your health, [may] hee 
 also establish it unto you. Hazard not the amission 1 of it; you 
 have a fayre opportunity and also excuse to be temperate, and 
 to avoyd the common excesse of the times, in what may any way 
 injure your body. Now is also your best time of frugallitie and 
 saving, that you may not repent the lost opportunities when 
 you will be unable to repay re them. I beleeve Mr. Peirce is 
 not at Newmarket, butt I understand Mr. John Browne " is. 
 I heare that the third part of the Atlas is out, and the fourth 
 in the presse, so that you may soon have a third part of the 
 whole work. One Mr. Adams, a strange active, industrious 
 person, is about the description of England, with mapps, in 
 three volumes, which hee sayth will bee found of a larger size 
 then the Atlas, and that it will come out in three yeares. 
 Perhaps that part of the Atlas which concernes England will 
 not come out, or bee deferred till Adams' be published. Mr. 
 Adams his sett will bee at ten pounds, hee hath many sub- 
 scriptions, butt, I beleeve, when they are published, they will 
 be as cheap to the buyer as to the subscriber, only the money 
 is not all payd at once. The small pox is much in Norwich 
 still, and I perceave the bills of mortallity encreased consider- 
 ably last weeke in London. The weeke before, there dyed 
 in all in Norwich but twenty, and this weeke thirty-one. The 
 cold weather spoyles the field sports at Newmarket, where 
 men are content to drinck very bad claret, at eighteen pence 
 a bottle, and Havre dearer. The coming of the Emperor of 
 
 1 Loss. 
 2 One of the surgeons in ordinary to Charles II. ; the author of a work on the 
 king's evil, and the royal gift of healing the same. 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 339 
 
 Morocco will still drawe in more company out of the country. 
 East India ships should come in soone. Is lapis goes much 
 used? Mr. Love's eyes are well. God blesse my daughter 
 Browne, and you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 [April, 1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I presume by this time you receaved my letter, by 
 Captain Lulman. I receaved yours last weeke, with Dr. 
 Grewe's paper of proposalls, 3 and I am willing to subscribe 
 for one booke myself, and will shewe the paper unto others, 
 and probably some may subscribe, butt others may bee back- 
 ward, there having been so many subscriptions to other 
 bookes, and some now on foot. I should bee willing to do 
 him any service. You had a kind of fungus not usual, fungus 
 ligneus lanterniformis, like the lanterne of a building ; and 
 you had also I thinck the draught thereof. I have also a 
 draught by mee ; if you remember not what you did with it, 
 I can send you the draught. It was found within a rotten 
 willowe. Of the Lapis obsidianus Islandicus you had a peece, 
 which I receaved from Island ; and I have another peece of 
 three times the bignesse. There is a rock of it in Island, 
 butt at a good distance from the sea, and I beleeve it is not 
 usual to meet with such a stone. Among the draughts of 
 birds which Mr. Martyn had, I thinck there is the icon of an 
 unusuall kind of locust, which was given mee long ago, and 
 brought from the West Indies, butt I never sawe another ; 
 which I was fayne to call locusta sonora, as supposing that 
 odde horny excursion or prominence, running beyond the 
 
 3 Probably, " Proposals for printing his Anatomy of Plants," which were read to 
 the Royal Society, March 15, 16S1-2, and printed in that year. fol. Lond. 1682. 
 
 Z 2 
 
340 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682, 
 
 head, made the sound the lowder. I have the animal, and 
 will have it drawne out, if need bee. 
 
 Wee all long to heare of my daughter Browne's safe deli- 
 very. Pray present my service to my sister Whiting and Mr. 
 Whiting. God blesse you all. 
 
 Your louing father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 You may well insert that verse you mention, as thus : 
 " The water of the Danube seemes white, troubled, and more 
 
 confused, according to the expression of Virgil 4 That 
 
 of the Savus, &c." I remember you sent me some good ob- 
 servations of an asse's colt or fole, to give a reason of an asse's 
 bearing so great a burden, of the baying, &c. which you 
 might have well mentioned at your dissection, if you did not 
 forgett it. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 May 8, [1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I hope you have receaved the seven sheets of the 
 translation you sent mee ; the three last I cannot yet find an 
 opportunity to returne. Last weeke a bookeseller of this 
 towne sent mee some newe bookes to vewe, among which was 
 a Historie of Athiopia, set out by one Ludolphus, and trans- 
 lated into English, and now published in a thinne folio, with 
 some cutts in it, especially of some animals, as apes, elephants, 
 &c. The author seemes to bee a learned, sober, person. 
 There is also a booke in Svo. of Dr. Sydenham's, 5 treating 
 most of the small pox, chiefly de variolis conjluentibus, and 
 hystericall and hypochrondriacall symptomes ; upon the solli- 
 
 4 This line was introduced in the folio edition of the Travels, p. 26 : — 
 
 " Turbidus et volvens flaventeis Ister arenas." 
 
 5 Sydenham Thomas, M.D. Bissertatio de Febre Pu/ritla, Variolis confltientibus, 
 SfC. Svo. Lond. 1682. 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 341 
 
 citation of Dr. Cole, of Worcester. It is well writt, wherein 
 are many good things, and some very paradoxicall. Tis much 
 that the coaches travell to and from London, the last night 
 was so windie; it rayned so much that they were fayne to rise 
 to prevent the overflowe of the cockeys. The people are 
 afrayd of a Colchester yeare, God of his mercy send more 
 favourable seasons. Wee heare the Bantam embassadour 6 
 hath brought a present of rough diamonds to the king, butt 
 no strange animals. I hope litle Sukey is well recovered by 
 this time. Mr. Clark is in a very lowe condition. God blesse 
 you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Wee heare from Guernsey on Saturday, by a letter dated 
 April 27, when the Monmouth yact is mended, and fitted, 
 and returnes to Guernsey by Captain Cotton, shee intends to 
 take the advantage of the first wind, and they expect the 
 yackt dayly. If the Duke of York were at sea, hee had a 
 tempestuous night, and the like hee had before hee gott to 
 Yarmouth. I beleeve the Monmouth yackt is fitted at Lon- 
 don or Portsmouth. My service to my cosens Cradock, 
 cosens Hobbs, my Lady Adams, Madame Burwell, Mr. and 
 Madame Suckling. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Ms son Edward, 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Monday, May 29th, [1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 My daughter Lytelton came to my howse this daye, 
 about six o'clock in the morning ; shee came from Guernsey 
 on Thursday last in the afternoone ; and arrived at Yarmouth 
 on Sunday, about five or six o'clock in the afternoone. Shee 
 had a most pleasant passage, and was not sick all the while, 
 though shee could have been contented to have been sea-sick, 
 
 6 See Evelyn, i, 544. 
 
342 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682. 
 
 as shee was when shee went from Portsmouth to Guernsey. 
 When shee came by Deale, by a shippe that was going to 
 Deale, shee writt a letter unto you, and the master of the 
 shippe promised that hee would putt it into the post office of 
 Deale ; that as soone as you receaved it, you might write to 
 my sonne Lytelton, and give him notice that shee was come 
 safe as farre as the Downes, on Saturday last. If they had 
 come a day sooner, they had mett with his Royal Highnesse : 
 who I thought would have a tedious passage, in such disad- 
 vantage of winds as I told you. Captain Cotton, commander 
 of the Monmouth yackt, which attendeth on Garnsey, did not 
 come to an anchore in Yarmouth road, butt sayled into the 
 haven's mouth, and came up the streame as farre as Gorlston, 
 and there anchored ; then putt out his boat, and the mariners 
 rowed your sister up into the towne ; and shee landed on the 
 key and went to the Three Fethers, where shee had a light 
 supper provided, and came away by boat that night, and to 
 Norwich by six o'clock, praysed bee God. Shee came not on 
 shoare all the waye, which is a hundred leagues, nor cast an- 
 ker, butt only two howers off of Lestoffe. When Captain 
 Cotton had come so neere as Gorlston, hee discharged all his 
 gunnes, and also a lowd kind of gunne, though butt small, 
 called paturaines, which had been taken from the Turks ; 
 whereupon, it being Sunday, a great many runne out of the 
 towne to see what shippe was come in, the greater part having 
 never seen one of the king's yackts so neere hand, and that 
 newlie trimmed and paynted, tooke much delight to looke 
 upon it. Captain Cotton, having never seen Norwich, intends 
 to bee heere to-morrowe, to see the place, and then returne 
 with as much speed as the winds will give leave. That honest, 
 industrious, gentleman, Dr. Grew, writt unto mee, and sent 
 mee his proposalls, which you knowe, on last Saturday. I 
 have sent him this day my owne subscription, Dr. Howman's, 
 Dr. Harvy's and Mr. Henry Bokenham's. Myself and Dr. 
 Howman paye downe ten shillings a peece, for the half paye, 
 and desire for each of us a coppy of Duch-demy ; the other 
 two paye downe butt seven shillings and sixpence for the first 
 pay, as being the half of fifteen shillings a peece ; so that the 
 whole comes to one pound fifteen shillings, which money is in 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 343 
 
 my hand. Pray, therefore, pay unto Dr. Grew one pound 
 fifteen shillings, and desire him to give a receipt particular to 
 every one, and I will, God willing, find an opportunity to re- 
 pay you and send you that money. 
 
 I returned the papers by Mr. Andrewe Brierton, attorney, 
 lodging at Fumevalls Inne, at Mr. Thymblethorp's chamber. 
 There are three translations of the meeter of the rapturd 
 paedagogue ; that on the left side of the sheet [is] the playn- 
 est, that which rymes every second word not so allowable. 
 , God blesse you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 DEARE DAUGHTER, 
 
 Your fathar have given you an acount of your sister 
 Lyttelton's arivall safe amongst us ; wee bless God for it. 
 And now I hope to see you and yong Suecy here, and when 
 you cum, my cosen Bendish desires you to bring her fan 
 along with you, or to send it if you have an opertunity. You 
 must also bring Tomey anothar hat, hee gives you many 
 thanks for his clothes ; hee has apered very fine this king's 
 day with them. Yong Mistres Whightfoutt is now brought 
 to bad, with a fine boy. As you helped att the weding, so 
 you must dooe now. A lased taile, of fifty shilins, or if it be 
 somthing more, as you shall see caus, and two thin houds ; 
 she would gladly have them next Satterday night, by the 
 choch, and you shall have the money. I pray God bless you 
 and yours. Your afFectinat mothar, 
 
 DOROTHY BROWNE. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. EODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 [June, 1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I haue read ouer the four sheets, and shall, God 
 willing, returne them by the first good opportunity. I knowe 
 not whether you intend to putt any marginall notes, which 
 
344 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682. 
 
 denotes some particulars how the storie proceeds in the sub- 
 iect thereof, according as it is in our English translation; 
 which is somewhat more gratefull to the reader then a bare 
 margin, and affords some direction when a man would find 
 out any particular. I told you I doubted much that it would 
 not bee allowable in a translator to putt in the last verses, 
 which are so many, and some not at all contained or implyed 
 in the originall. 
 
 The first may bee retained, butt you may consider whether 
 they may not passe thus : 
 
 Thy (2og thy, not your,) tomb is fittly placed on the strand 
 Where marchands from all parts may passe or land, 
 And shippes from euery quarter come in sight, 
 And here engage in many a bloody fight, 
 So that thy ashes, placed on the shore, 
 Both earth and sea may honour and adore. 
 
 Wee do not yet heare whether Captain Cotton bee returned 
 to Guernsey. Hee sayd hee would call at your house. Butt 
 my daughter hath receaued two letters from her husband 
 since shee came to Norwich : hee writes that on the last of 
 May, at three in the morning, upon a vehement storme of 
 thunder, rayne, and hayle, the sea, in the hauen where the 
 shipps laye, flowed and ebbed twice in lesse than half an 
 hower; so that it ranne allmost quite out of the hauen at high 
 water, and in agayne. My daughter, knowing the place, 
 giues some account how it might possibly come to passe. Dr. 
 Parham brought mee a philosophicall collection of last Marche. 
 sent mee from Dr. Briggs ; it containes an account of a mon- 
 strous animal vomited up and obserued by Dr. Martin Lister, 
 of York ; a new theorie of vision communicated to the Royal 
 Society by Dr. Briggs; and a voyage made to the South terra 
 incognita, extracted from the Journall of a Captaine Abel 
 Jansen Tasman. I am obliged to giue Dr. Briggs my thancks 
 by a few lines. I haue not seen a philosophicall collection a 
 long time. Perhaps your account of the oestridge was not 
 printed, butt what you sent mee I had got transcribed. When 
 I send the papers of translation, I shall, God willing, send 
 also a paper with some notes which you are to consider : 
 
 Nee verbum verbo curabis reddere fidus 
 Interpres 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 345 
 
 was Horace his advice, de arte poetica, and hee may bee 
 Jidus interpres who renders not only the words butt also en- 
 largeth a little, maintaining the same, and so you have done 
 allowably in both. My daughter tells mee they haue very 
 good powdred beef and neates tongues brought to them fre- 
 quently from Ireland, which probably were of the same sort 
 with those which Captain Briteridge sent you, and shee 
 brought some in the yackt. Bee as officious as you can to 
 the captaine. I am sorry you were not acquainted with Dr. 
 Sharp, our good deane, who is to come in a fortnight hence 
 to Norwich : if, when you go that way, you may do well to 
 present my seruice to him, and tell him how glad I shall bee 
 to enioy his good company at Norwich ; hee had come last 
 weeke but for a sister of his come out of Yorkshire to see 
 what may bee done about a cancer in her breast. God blesse 
 you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisburie Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broicne to Ids son Edward? 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 June 16, [1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I have sent the 4 sheets you sent mee, by captaine 
 Lulmans eldest sonne, who went this morning towards Lon- 
 don, in the 2 dayes coach, and a paper within them. I am 
 glad you have putt an end to that labour, though I am not 
 sorry that you under tooke it. Wee are glad to understand, 
 by my daughter Browne's letter, that my daughter Fairfax is 
 delivered of a sonne. The blessing of God bee with them 
 both, and send them health. The vessel of sider sent you 
 from Guernzey was rackt, it came not out of Normandie butt 
 from Guernzey, though it was not of my sonne and daughters- 
 making. They might have made much, there being plenty of 
 
 1 Retrospective Review, vol. i, p. 162. 
 
346 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682. 
 
 apples, butt they made butt 2 or 3 hoggesheads themselves 
 for their own use. Your sister tells mee that they have plen- 
 tie of large oysters, like Burnham oysters, about Gurnzey, 
 and all those rocky seas to St. Mallowes and have a peculiar 
 way of disposing and selling of them, that they are not de- 
 cayed or flatt before they bee eaten. They bring them into 
 the haven in vessells that may containe vast quantities, and 
 when they come at a competent distance from the peere head, 
 they anker and cast all the oysters overboard into the sea ; 
 and when the tide goeth away, and the ground bare, the 
 people come to buy them, and the owners stand on drye 
 ground and sell them. When the tide comes in, the buyers 
 retire, and come agayne at the next ebbe, and buye them 
 agayne, and so every ebbe till they bee all sould. So the 
 oysters are kept lively, and well tasted, being so often under 
 the salt sea water, and if they had a vessell of a hundred 
 tunne full they might sell them while they were good, being 
 thus ordered allthough it should take sometime to sell them 
 all. This seemes a good contrivance, and such as I have not 
 heard of in England. Wee hope captain Cotton is got by 
 this time to Guernzey, though the winds have been often 
 crosse to gett from the Downes thither, it hath been in the 
 north these 3 dayes, and it was yesterday so cold that wee 
 could have endured a fire. Captain Cotton intended to call 
 at Southampton, if possible, for divers letters and dispaches, 
 which had been retarded by the lasting south-west wind, 
 which I doubt hee could not performe. My daughter hath 
 heard twice from Guernsey, since shee came to Norwich, 
 and once from Lychfield, from Mrs. Katherine Litelton, her 
 husbands sister, a singular good woeman. I heare Mrs. Suck- 
 ling is well at her brothers, in Suffolk, butt shee dares not yet 
 adventure to Norwich, with her children, for feare of the small 
 pox. The warlike provisions of the emperour and empyre, 
 &c. hath the countenance of a warre, butt the summer is farre 
 advanced. Wee heare the Duchesse of Portsmouth hath 
 found much benefitt by the waters, and is returning into 
 England. The peace with Argier gives some life unto the 
 Yarmouth men, and no small content unto all. My daughter 
 receaved the things by Mrs. Dove, which were provided by 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 347 
 
 the singular good care of my daughter Browne. Tom, God 
 bee thancked, is well, and beginnes to thinck on the guild 
 which is to bee the next Tuesday; butt the maior dwells 
 beyond the water, and so wee are like to have the more quiet 
 time. My service to my cosen Cradock, cosens Hobbes, Mr. 
 Dobbins, and all friends. 
 
 These for Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, 
 next the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to his son Edward. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CVIII.] 
 
 June? [1682.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I met this weeke with the oratio anniuersaria in 
 commemoration of the benefactors made by Dr. Rogers, 
 made the 18th of October, upon St. Luke's day, 1681, which 
 I had not seen nor heard of before, printed by Ben Tooke, 
 1682. Hee hath taken good paynes and vseth many learned 
 expressions and conceptions therein, concluding with a com- 
 plaint that they did not then obserue the founders will in a 
 conuiuium ordained by him ; which charge probably they 
 spared toward their new librarie. Hee speakes so much of 
 it that perhaps the next time they will not omitt it. Hee hath 
 also ioyned vnto this oration another which hee made at 
 Padua, when hee tooke his degree of Dr. 1646, Benedicto 
 Syluatico Prceside, Fortunio Liceto promotore. In the col- 
 ledge oration hee mentioneth the lady Genet, my lord mar- 
 quis his daughter as you may perceaue, which must bee 
 thought on, especially you hauing been an instrument in pro- 
 curing the bookes, and have also been obliged by that good 
 lady. If captain Briteredge bee still in London, present my 
 humble seruice vnto him. Enquire also after my L. Arch- 
 bishop of Cashell, and Sir Standish Harstong, with my 
 humblest seruice vnto them. There is a booke come very 
 lately out called a Prospect of the state of Ireland, from the 
 yeare of the world, 1756, to the yeare of Christ, 1652, butt 
 
348 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682. 
 
 this alreadie published is butt the first part and endeth before 
 the English conquest of Ireland. The second part the 
 author promiseth hereafter which may proue a part of better 
 creditt. It was writt by Mr. or Sir Peter Walsh, a Roman- 
 ist, gathered out of the manuscripts of Keating, and Lynch 
 alias Gratianus Laicus, 2 priests. I thinck there was one 
 Peter Walsh of the Royal Societie : it is 3 shillings price. 
 Printed by Broome at the Gunne, in St. Paul's church yard, 
 perhaps captain Briteridge hath not heard of it. Keting and 
 Barry writt in Irish. If captain Briteridg desire to carry our 
 booke into Ireland you may present one to him, few will take 
 any pleasure to read it who haue not been in Ireland, and is 
 acquainted with the old historie of that country. If hee hath 
 not, or not seen your trauells you may present them, and best 
 if the false printing were corrected. Mr. Reppes will consult 
 you this weeke about the waters, hee goeth for London this 
 daye. I shall, God willing, send you the fortie-two shillings 
 and sixpence which you payd vnto Dr. Grew for the subscrip- 
 tions. I wish I had his receipt for the satisfaction of the par- 
 ticular subscribers, which hee promiseth to giue as hee re- 
 ceiueth the first payments. God blesse my daughter Browne 
 and you all. Your loving father, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 For Dr. Edward Browne, in Salisbury Court, next 
 the Golden Balls, London. 
 
 Dr. Edward Brotvne to his Father. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Oct. 3, 1682. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 The salary of the hospitall is so ordered that it 
 comes to twenty shillings a weeke : for the patients within the 
 house, the physitian receives quarterly nine pounds and a 
 noble, and for the out patients at Easter, fiften pounds, 
 which comes to fifty-two poundes and a noble in a year ; for 
 which hee cannot write less then six thousand praescriptions. 
 We want a good chalybeat electuary, that doth not purge, 
 
1682.] DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. 349 
 
 for ours doth sometimes. I know not who invented it, and it 
 is not well compounded, yet it doth much good ; it is this, 
 R. Rad. Raphani rustic. 3IIJ . 
 
 Cort. Ligni Sassafras 5iij. 
 
 Rad. jalappae, 
 
 Rad. Mechoacan. a 5ft. 
 
 Trium Santal. a 9ij. 
 
 Rassurae Eboris 3fi. 
 
 Crem. Tartari 3J. 
 
 Limaturae Chalybis §ij. 
 
 Conserv. Cochleariae hortensis §j. 
 
 Theriacae Diatessar. 5vj. 
 
 Conserv. Marrubij 
 
 Conserv. Absynt. vulgaris a 3ft. 
 Oxymel. scyllit q. s. m. f. Electuar. 
 I thinke to have this made ready, but if you please to adde 
 or alter it, it shall not be made up till I hear from you, sir. 
 R. Conserv. Absynt. vulgaris |ij. 
 
 Conserv. Rosar. Rubrar. 3X1J. 
 
 Zinzib. condit, 5 iiij - 
 
 Cort. Winter. §j. 
 
 Limaturae Chalyb. siij. 
 Syr. de Quinq. Rad. q. s. m. f. Electuar. 
 And so it may be a standing medicine, as well as the other. 
 They make use of pills in old coughs and diseases on the 
 lungs, which they call pilulce tiigrce, which are these, 
 R. Rad. Enulae 
 
 Rad. Irid. florent. 
 
 Sem. Anisi 
 
 Sacchari Cadi a lib. j. 
 Picis liquidae q. s. m. f. Massa 
 but I praescribe more of a strong diacodkim they make. Pray, 
 sir, write me word how you make your syrupus de scordio, 
 for it is not knowne in London, Pray, sir, thinke of some 
 good effectual cheape medicines for the hospitall ; it will be a 
 piece of charity, which will be beneficiall to the poore, hun- 
 dred of years after we are all dead and gone. The purging 
 electuary, which is divided into boluses of half an ounce, or 
 six dragmes, as it is ordered, is thus, 
 
350 DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE. [1682. 
 
 R. Electuarii lenitivi sxij. 
 Cremor. Tartar. 3HJ 5vj. 
 Jalap. Pulv. sijfs. 
 Syr. Rosar. solutivi q. s. m. f. Electuarium. 
 We make much use of caryocostinum and jalep powdered, 
 which are also often taken in four ounces of the purging de- 
 coction, which is made of senna, rhubarb, polypody, sweet 
 fennell seeds, and ginger. Their scurvy grass drinke is good ; 
 they allow three barrells every weeke of it, to every barrell 
 they put a pound of horse raddish, four handfulls of common 
 wormwood, fifteen handfulls of scurvy grasse, garden scurvy 
 grasse, fiften handfulls of brokelime, and fiften handfulls of 
 water cresses, to a barrell of good ale ; which the poor peo- 
 ple like very well. 
 
 St. Thomas Hospitall is larger than ours, and holds forty 
 or fifty persons more ; we have divers of the kings soldiers in 
 the hospitall. My wife sent downe the last weeke, a past- 
 borde box, by the waggons, with candlesticks for Mrs. Pooly, 
 and chocolate for my lady Pettus. My duty to my most 
 dear mother, and love to my sister, and Tomy. 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 When I am out of towne, there are divers other physitians 
 who will willingly praescribe for me at the hospitall. 
 
 These for Sir Thomas Browne, at his house, in 
 Norwich. 
 
jBtscellaneous Correspondence* 
 
 WHITEFOOT in his "Life of Sir Thomas Browne" 
 says, that " he was not only consulted by the most 
 eminent men at home, but likewise by the most learn- 
 ed foreigners ; viz. Gruter, PPmdet, Theodorus Jonas 
 of Iceland, &c." Letters from all these, and a num- 
 ber of other persons have been found among his 
 papers : but, unfortunately, Sir Thomas's replies to 
 the greater number of those letters have not reached 
 us ; for which reason a selection only has been made 
 of them. There are four Latin letters from Isaac 
 Gruter, the first in 1650, the last in 1675, on the sub- 
 ject of a Latin translation of the Pseudodoxia, which 
 he contemplated, and seems to have had in hand du- 
 ring those twenty-five years, but which never made its 
 appearance. The letters of Windet, a medical practi- 
 tioner, residing at Yarmouth, and apparently not a 
 foreigner, are most tedious and pedantick ; — written 
 in Latin, profusely ornamented with Greek and even 
 Arabick, but utterly destitute of interest. All these, 
 and several other Latin letters of a similar stamp, from 
 persons still less known, have been omitted. Three 
 Latin communications from Theodore Jonas, not 
 strictly epistolary, are reserved for another part of the 
 
352 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 work. They probably supplied the information con- 
 tained in Sir Thomas' communication to the Royal 
 Society respecting Iceland, 1 and may afford some illus- 
 tration to that paper. 
 
 Mr. Duncon 2 to Sir Thomas Browne. 
 
 [eIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 ESTEEMED FRIEND, 
 
 Haveinge perused a booke of thyne called Religio 
 Medici (and findeinge these sound assertions followinge — 
 " To aske whare heauen is, is to demand whare the presence 
 of God is " — " Moyses committed a gross absurditye when 
 with these eyes of fflesh he desired to see God." 3 Wee are 
 much contested agst by some, because we can't comply to 
 their tenett in that particular, viz. that with their ffleshly eyes 
 they shall see God. "There is surely a piece of divinitye in 
 us, some thinge that was before the elements" 4 — "That God 
 loves us for that part which is, as it were himselfe, and the 
 traduction of his holy spirit.") 5 Judgeinge thee juditious, 
 I therewith send thee a booke to peruse ; and if thou desire 
 any personall conferrance with me, or any of my friends con- 
 cernynge the principalis of our religion, (which we believe is 
 the immortal religion, though generally accounted herisie) I 
 shall indeauer it, in the same loue I present this booke to thy 
 vieue, who am a lover of mankinde in generall, and thyselfe 
 in particuler. 
 
 SAMUEL DUNCON. 
 
 1 Printed in the Posthumous Works, 8vo. 1712. 
 
 2 In reply to my enquiries respecting this Samuel Duncon, I have been favoured 
 with the following particulars, by a member of the Society of Friends, resident in 
 Norwich. "We trace Samuel Duncomb in many of our books, both printed and 
 manuscript. He was in jail in Norwich, in 1660, for refusing to take an oath, and 
 again in 1664. In 1670 he wrote a letter to the magistrates from prison. His 
 signature is always put Duncomb in the printed books, whilst in the registers of 
 the time, I see he appears to have lost his wife and two sons, both spelt Duncon. 
 I also find the following entry, 1679, Samuel Duncon of Norwich, departed this 
 life the 12th day of the 8th month, 1679, and is the 72nd person buryed in Friends 
 burying place there." 
 
 3 Rel. Med. i, § 49. Works, ii, p. 72. 4 Ibid, ii, § 11. Ibid, p. 111. 
 
 5 Ibid, ii, § 14. Ibid, p. 116. 
 
 
164-7.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 353 
 
 Mr. Henry Bates to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [bIBL. BODL. MS. R.AWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 From the Court at Greenwich, Aug. 28, 1647. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 If my boldnes bee a sinne, I hope your goodnes will 
 make it veniall, and give me leave to kiss your hands. Sir, 
 amongst those great and due acknowledgments this horizon 
 owes you, for imparting your sublime solid phansie to them, 
 in that incomparable piece of invention and judgment, R. M. 
 give mee leave, sir, here at last to tender my share, which I 
 wish I could make proportionable to the value I deservedly 
 sett upon it, ffor truly, sir, ever since I had the happines to 
 know your religion, I have religiously honourd you ; hug'd 
 your Minerva in my bosome, and voted it my vade mecum. 
 This makes mee think, that though my library was plundered 
 from mee long since, I have it still in my pocket, onely chy- 
 mically quintessentiated into the spirit of science, or, secundum 
 vulgus et cevum, ' reformed,' but into a more noble and sacred 
 religion then those two are like to produce. Oh how oft in that 
 litle house, soe well filld, have I recreated my soule, and that 
 with more varieties and delights then all the folioes and 
 booke-follies of the time could aftbord mee. Three lines at 
 any time will fill me to the brimme of admiration, yet can I 
 never bee satisfied, still sitio, and every reading produces new 
 graces. Had Alexander light on't in his time, sure Homer 
 had gone to the paystry. Or were Ptolemy alive now, the 
 next straightsman of Yarmouth would land another Septua- 
 gint there, with supplication that you would honour theire 
 Alexandria with a present of the rich meditates in R. M. 
 And let the Cimons and Triuialists of the time bite or snufFe, 
 or say what they can ad oppositum, it shall never move mee 
 from the truth of my first conceptions. I received it at first 
 as one of the blessings almighty God had, by your faire hands, 
 sent to this age, and was accordingly thankfull ; nay, and I 
 am of that opinion still, that next the Legenda Dei, it is the 
 vol. i. 2 A 
 
354 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1G47- 
 
 master-piece of Christendome ; and though I have met some- 
 times with some omnes sic ego vero non sic men, prejudicating 
 pates, who bogled at shadowes in't, and carpt at atoms, and 
 have soe strappadoed mee into impatience with their sense- 
 lesse censures, yet this still satisfied my zeale toward it, when 
 I found nonintelligunt was the nurse of theire vituperant, and 
 they onely stumbled for want of a lanthorne. That Scara- 
 bceus Aquilam and Jockey R. 6 should rush in with his ob. 
 and publish sae muckle impudense and ignorance at once, I 
 doe not wonder ; its the nature of the beast and the countrie 
 that bred him. Alas, how hee hath toyld himselfe for a vic- 
 tory, yet foyles himselfe by so foolish engagements ; indeed 
 all he hath done is but a foyle to sett of and illustrate your 
 gallant thoughts. But it troubles mee like the fall of Phae- 
 ton, that Monsieur le Chevalier, 7 who passes both for a wit 
 and a judgment, should attempt to reyne the horses of the 
 sunne, and Schioppir on 8 Religio Medici ; I wish hee had 
 thought on the motto of that noble family, 9 whence hee tooke 
 that employment, aut nunquam tentes aid perjice, or that hee 
 had animadverted better, or had beene alind agendo, then soe 
 nihil agendo on that piece, sure then he would have crost 
 himselfe, blest him for that undertaking, and gone to bed ra- 
 ther then to have sitt up soe late to soe little purpose, and 
 lose his sleepe, unles hee intended to make an opiate for his 
 readers. I must confesse, sir, I was once taking that piece 
 in hand myselfe, but soe, as with your good grace to reach it 
 into other nations, to stop theire leualtoes and brauadoes over 
 our northerne clime, and let them know, that et hie habitant 
 muses ; but before I got to the middle, I found another at the 
 latter end ; for coming to Leyden, I saw opus operatum, and 
 the busines by a friend of mine done to my hand. 
 
 At my returne into England, each poast presented mee 
 with the frontispiece of your enquiries, and I was readie to 
 present an hecatomb in thankfulnes, and did acknowledge it 
 the greatest entertainement the kingdome could affoord mee ; 
 nothing could bee more satisfactorious to mee who had been 
 long in quest after most of those particulars, and lamented 
 
 6 Alexander Ross. 7 Sir Kenelm Digby. 
 
 s To fire upon. 9 The Duke of Dorset. 
 
1647.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 355 
 
 the confident mistakes and worm-eaten errours of the age. 
 To correct which I have beene long collecting from my 
 studies, trauells, and discourse with forraigners, whatsoever 
 would tend toward resolution in those queries, and I have 
 been proud in that I attained to soe much satisfaction by my- 
 selfe ; but when you, sir, lent mee your hand I was ravishd 
 with ioy, and could have wisht I had been happy in the pa- 
 rents acquaintance before the child was borne. For my owne 
 observations and collections in those particulars, as I thought 
 it pitty to let them returne to their confusion and dust, soe I 
 knew not well how to preserve them ; but now, sir, I thank 
 you, you have showd mee a way, by laying them up in your 
 urne, which doubtlesse will see the last fire. And might I, 
 sir, avoid the name of an intruder, I would tell you how ; I 
 made bold to interleafe your enquiries, and soe insert my 
 blank and empty phansies, under the protection of your 
 blanch and clearer judgment ; soe hope to preserve my litle 
 bird in the lap of Jupiter, which else would undoubtedly have 
 perisht with the sheets she was first lapt in. And now, sir, 
 having so faire an occasion to salute you, were this book ad 
 manum, I would beg leave to present it too, that you might 
 see how much your child is growne in a yeare, and perhaps 
 what a thankless office I have undertaken ; yet, sir, had you 
 intent of another edition, of which some probabilitie I see, the 
 turning over of those thoughts of mine, and adiutant collec- 
 tions, probably aut prodesse volunt aut delectare, and if 
 either, they shall be at your command. I know how many 
 answers, and the worst, a solitary or crosse polumathist might 
 returne mee ; but, sir, for yourselfe, your second part told 
 mee seaven years agoe, you was endowd with soe much cha- 
 ritie and polished civilitie, that I might goe on and say any 
 thing, since I had to deale with Dr. Browne. And I was a 
 litle confident on my owne part too, as being conscious of the 
 
 candour and ingenuitie of my thoughts in all which 
 
 aimes at nothing but the advancement of le and all 
 
 gallant respects to a gentleman, and a sen and I see 
 
 you are both, soe much, and soe refin'd in spight of 
 
 distance and disacquaintance must bee all yours ; 
 
 all in all, morrall and observance, and would blesse 
 
 2 a 2 
 
356 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1647. 
 
 God for an opportunitie to tell you soe in your armes. Till 
 I bee so happy, sir, give me leave to embrace and entertaine 
 you in the highest mansion of my thoughts, and to serve you 
 in any thing within my circumference and reach; cast mee 
 into what mould you please, I will endeauour to fitt it, and 
 every way to approve myselfe, sir, 
 
 Your faithfull friend, servant, honourer, 
 
 HENRY BATES. 
 
 Dr. Browne to * 
 
 [FROM KIPriS's EIOGRAPHIA BRITANN'ICA.] 
 
 [1647?] 
 Ex B/EX/Vj x.\jZiPyr,ra [i. e. statesman from the book] is 
 grown into a proverb ; and no less ridiculous are they 
 who think out of book to become physicians. I shall 
 therefore mention such as tend less to ostentation than use, 
 for the directing a novice to observation and experience, 
 without which you cannot expect to be other than tx 8ij3}Jou 
 xuZi^ir,7'ni. Galen and Hippocrates must be had as fathers 
 and fountains of the faculty. And, indeed, Hippocrates's 
 Aphorisms should be conned for the frequent use which may 
 be made of them. Lay your foundation in anatomy, wherein 
 ccvro-^iu must be your jidus Achates. The help that books 
 can afford you may expect, besides what is delivered sparsim 
 from Galen and Hippocrates, Vesalius, Spigelius, and Bar- 
 tholinus. And be sure you make yourself master of Dr. 
 Harvey's piece De Circul. Sang. ; which discovery I prefer to 
 that of Columbus. The knowledge of plants, animals, and 
 minerals, (whence are fetched the Materia Medicamentoruin) 
 may be your tagi^/ov ; and, so far as concerns physic, is attain- 
 able in gardens, fields, apothecaries' and druggists' shops. 
 
 * From a reference in Mr. Smith's letter, p. 360, there seems little doubt that the 
 present, (which appears to have been communicated to the world by Dr. Richard 
 Middleton Massey, F. R. S.,) was addressed to Dr. Henry Power, of New-Hall, 
 near Ealand, Yorkshire ; author of Experimental Philosophy, in Three Books, con- 
 taining neiv Experiments, Microscopical, Mercurial, and Magnetical, 4to. 16C4. 
 
1647.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 357 
 
 Read Theophrastus, Dioscorides, Matthiolus, Dodonaeus, 
 and our English herbalists : Spigelius's Isagoge in rem 
 herbarium will be of use. Wecker's Antidotarium speciale, 
 Renodaeus for composition and preparation of medicaments. 
 See what apothecaries do. Read Morelli Formulas medicas, 
 Bauderoni Pharmacopcsa, Pharmacopcea August ana. See 
 chymical operations in hospitals, private houses. Read 
 Fallopius, Aquapendente, Parseus, Vigo, &c. Be not a 
 stranger to the useful part of chymistry. See what chymis- 
 tators do in their officines. Begin with Tirocinium Chymicum, 
 Crollius, Hartmannus, and so by degrees march on. Materia 
 Medicamentorum, surgery, and chymistry, may be your 
 diversions and recreations ; physic is your business. Having, 
 therefore, gained perfection in anatomy, betake yourself to 
 Sennertus's Institutions, which read with care and diligence 
 two or three times over, and assure yourself that when you are 
 a perfect master of these institutes you will seldom meet with 
 any point in physic to which you will not be able to speak like 
 a man. This done, see how institutes are applicable to 
 practice, by reading upon diseases in Sennertus, Fernelius, 
 Mercatus, Hollerius, Riverius, in particular treatises, in coun- 
 sels, and consultations, all which are of singular benefit. But 
 in reading upon diseases satisfy yourself not so much with the 
 remedies set down (although I would not have these alto- 
 gether neglected) as with the true understanding the nature 
 of the disease, its causes,, and proper indications for cure. 
 For by this knowledge, and that of the instruments you are to 
 work by, the Materia Medicamentorum, you will often conquer 
 with ease those difficulties, through which books will not be 
 able to bring you ; secret um medicorum est judicium. Thus 
 have I briefly pointed out the way which, closely pursued, 
 will lead to the highest pitch of the art you aim at. Although 
 I mention but few books (which, well digested, will be 
 instar omnium) yet it is not my intent to confine you. If at 
 one view you would see who hath written, and upon what 
 diseases, by way of counsel and observation, look upon 
 Moronus's Directorium Medico-practicum. You may look 
 upon all, but dwell upon few. I need not tell you the great 
 use of the Greek tongue in physic : without it nothing can be 
 
358 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1647-8. 
 
 done to perfection. The words of art you may learn from 
 Gorreus's Definitiones Medicce. This, and many good 
 wishes, From your loving friend, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Dr. Henry Power to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Ch. Coll. Cambridge, Feb. 10, 1647-8. 
 
 RIGHT WORSHIPFULL, 
 
 The subject of my last letter being so high and 
 noble a peece of chymistry, viz., the reindividualling of an 
 incinerated plant, invites mee once more to request an experi- 
 mental! eviction of it from yourselfe, 1 and I hope you will not 
 chide my importunity in this petition, or be angry at my so 
 frequent knockings at your doore to obtaine a grant of so 
 great and admirable a mystery ? Tis only an ocular demon- 
 stration of our resurrection, but a notable illustration of that 
 phychopannchy well antiquity so generally received, how 
 these formes of ours may be lulled, and ly asleepe after the 
 separation (closed up in their ubis by a surer then Hermes 
 his seale) untill that great and generall day when, by the 
 helpe of that gentle heat wch in six dayes hatched the world, 
 by a higher chymistry it shall be resuscitated into its former 
 selfe ; suamque arborem inversam, in contmuo esse, et operari, 
 iter at a prceservabit. 
 
 The secret is so noble and admirable, that it has invited 
 my enquiries into divers authors and chymicall tractates, 
 amongst wch Quercitan and Angelus Sala give some little 
 hint thereof, but so obscurely and imperfectly, that I have no 
 more hopes to be ocularly convinced through their prescrip- 
 tions, then to be experimentally confirm'd that the species of 
 an incinerated animal may be encask'd in a piece of winter 
 chrystall, as some other mineralists confidently affirme. 
 Alsted, I confesse, in his Pyrotechnia, more cleerely describes 
 
 1 See Religio Medici, vol. ii. p. 70, note. 
 
1647-8.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 359 
 
 the matter, but the manner of experimenting it hee utterly 
 leaves unmentionecl. Therefore, my only acldresse is to you, 
 hoping to find as much willingnesse to communicate as ability 
 to evince the certainty of this secret to 
 
 The most engaged of your friends, 
 
 HENRY POWER. 
 
 Sir, this enclosed is from a worthy friend of myne, who 
 hath made bold, upon my incitement, to enwrappe a few lines 
 to you ; if you please to repay us both but with one single 
 answer, it will not only evince us of your faire acceptance 
 of them, but shall also challenge a double gratulatory as a due 
 debt, in counterpoize and recompence thereof. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Dr. Browne, resident in 
 Norwich, these. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Chr. Coll. St. Thomas. 
 
 WORTHY DOCTOR, 
 
 Though this be the first time I venture upon so 
 much boldness as to send you a letter, it is not the first that I 
 have written. I once penned a large sheete of observations 
 upon that exact manual of yours which our Greeke professor 
 copied out, and I and other scholars were once about to 
 learne memoriter. But considering with how many scriblings 
 of that kind your serious studies might be interrupted, I con- 
 secrated not that paper to your hands, as I intended, but to 
 the flames. Yet must confesse I never met with the articles 
 of any religion which I could better subscribe to than to 
 yours. I can as little digest Fr. Cheynel as Card. Bellar- 
 mine, and can, without indignation, peruse the Alcoran or the 
 Talmud. I was never yet so hsereticall as to be frighted with 
 bookes, those horrible liogttokvxua, I can live with pleasure 
 among the dead, though they stinke, and dye among the 
 living, yea, be buried among them, and not feare biting. 
 AVhich hath made me so inquisitive after Ochinus De tribus 
 
360 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1647-8. 
 
 mundi impostoribus (which you first acquainted me with 1 ), that 
 I have searched many libraries, inquired of most of the book- 
 sellers in London, yet could never see it. If you would be 
 pleased to helpe me or my loving friend Sr. 2 Power with the 
 sight of it, or tell us where we might see it, you would doe us 
 such a courtesy as we might ever study but never be able to 
 requite. But I intend not to rest here, seeing I have begun 
 to beg favours, pardon my boldness, good sir, if I proceed. 
 
 It hath been my fortune, among other studies which my in- 
 genium desultorium hath tasted of, to looke a little into your 
 honourable profession, having been told by Drexelius that^m- 
 tus Medicus cegroto Angelus, into Dens est. And tis no small 
 comfort to me, having perused some bookes, to see your 
 directions to Sr. Power 3 (which I had the happiness to see 
 even now) run parallell to my small readings. I first read 
 Bartholinus, then Spigelius, Sennertus his Institutions and 
 De febribus, and some few other small tracts, as Dr. Harvey 
 De circul. Asellius De venis lacteis, Fienus. As for Lacuna, I 
 have read here and there two or three leaves in him, but I saw 
 nothing in him which was not in Sennertus ; perhaps I was 
 too perfunctory, and did not see through him. I have some 
 thoughts of reading over Sennertus his Praxis, and to that 
 purpose bought his works printed at Venice, but I shall first 
 crave your advice, Ingignerus his Physiognomia naturalis 
 pleaseth me better than any booke I have seene in Italian. 
 I have looked a little into the Arabicke, and gone so far as to 
 read apeece of the Bible, but whether there be any thing in 
 physick deserving and requiring my further progresse in it is a 
 question desiring your resolution. Would you be pleased, 
 when your leisure may permit, to condescend so low as to lend 
 me a catalogue of such bookes, great and small, as you shall 
 conceive to be the most rational and solid pieces in this, or 
 that, or any language, I shall thinke my selfe eternally 
 obliged, and ever subsci'ibe myselfe, Sir, your thankfull 
 servitour, THO. SMITH. 
 
 1 Rel. Med. i. § 20. 
 2 This title was, in tlie early ages, general to all who had taken a degree or 
 entered into holy orders ; and thus, in our old writers, we continually meet with 
 Sir prefixed to the name, which has occasionally given rise to a mistaken supposi- 
 tion that these persons were knighted. — Letters, S;c.froni the Bodleian, I. p. 117. 
 3 See letter at p. 357. 
 
1648.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 361 
 
 Dr. Henry Power to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Ch. Coll. Camb. 15th Sept. 1648. 
 
 RIGHT WORSHIPFULL, 
 
 I cannot but returne you infinite thankes for your 
 excessive paynes in doubling of your last letter to mee, both 
 pages whereof were so exceeding satisfactory to my requests, 
 as that I know not wheather of them may more justly chal- 
 lenge a larger returne of thankes from mee. For the fore- 
 page I have traced your commands, and simpled in the woods, 
 meadows, and fields, instead of gardens, which being obvious 
 and in every countrey, I may easyly hereafter bee made a 
 garden herbalist by any shee empirick. I have both Gerard 
 with Johnson's addition, and Parkinson ; the former has the 
 cleerer cutt, and outvies the other in an accurate description 
 of a plant; the latter is the better methodist, and has bedded 
 his plants in a better ranke and order. I compared, also, 
 DodonaBus with them, who does very well for a short and curt 
 herbalist : yet I shall embrace Gerard above all, because you 
 pleased to honour him with your approbation. For the back 
 side of your letter, I am extreamely satisfied in your resolves 
 of my quaere, I confesse I run into too deepe a beliefe and too 
 strong a conceipt of chymistry, (yet not beyond what some of 
 those artists affirme)of the reproduction of the same plant by 
 ordinary way of vegetation, for (say they) if the salt be taken 
 and transferred to another countrey and there sowed, the 
 plant thereof shall sprout out even from common earth. But 
 it will be satisfaction enough, to the greatest of my desires, to 
 behold the leafes thereof shaddowed in glaciation, of which 
 experiment I hope I shall have the happynesse to be ocularly 
 evinced at some opportunity by you. 
 
 Sir, I have a great desire to shift my residence awhile, and 
 to live a moneth or two in Norwich by you : where I may 
 have the happynesse of your neighbourhood. Here are such 
 fewe helpes here, that T feare I shall make but a lingering 
 
362 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1648. 
 
 progresse unlesse I have your personall discourse to further 
 and prick forwards my slow endeavours. But I shall deter- 
 mine of nothing till I see you here, in which journey I could 
 wish (were it not to the disadvantage of your affaires) you 
 would prevent our expectations. Sir, I have now by the fre- 
 quency of living and dead dissections of doggs, run through 
 the whole body of anatomy, insisting upon Spigelius, Bartho- 
 linus, Fernelius, Columbus, Veslingius, but especially Harvey's 
 circulation, and the two incomparable authors Des-Cartes 
 and Regius, which, indeed, were the only two that answered 
 my doubts and quaeres in that art. I have likewise made 
 some little proficiency in herbary, and by going out three or 
 four miles once a weeke have brought home with mee two or 
 three hundred hearbs. I have likewise run through Heurnius 
 which I very well allow of for a peripateticall author ; hee is 
 something curt De urina, which I conceive to bee a very 
 necessary piece in physick now the circulation is discovered ; 
 for since the urine is channelled all along with the blood, 
 through almost all the parenchymata of the body, before it 
 come to the kidneys to bee strained and separated, it must 
 needes carry a tincture of any disaffected or diseased part 
 through which it passes. For Sennertus I cannot yet procure 
 him, but 'tis sayd hee is comming out in a new letter, and then 
 I question not but I shall have him. Mr. Smith presents his 
 humble respects to you, and shall bee extreame glad to give 
 you a deserved welcome to Cambridge, who may doe it, per- 
 chance, more nobly yet not more heartyly then will 
 Your most obliged friend and servant, 
 
 HENRY POWER. 
 
 Sir, my father Foxcroft and mother in their last to Cam- 
 bridge forgott not to tender their best respects to you, which 
 I have requited in the like returne of yours to them (accord- 
 ing to your request) this last journey. 
 
 To his ever honoured friend Thomas Browne, Dr. of 
 Physick, at his house in Norwich, these. 
 
1649.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 363 
 
 Dr. Henry Poiver to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Hallyfax, August 28th, 1649. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 I cannot by silence let fall that same interest you 
 have beene pleased to grant mee in you ; though this large 
 distance twixt Hallyfax and Norwich might almost put mee 
 to the dispaire of an answer from you. I sent a letter about 
 three or four moneths since by Cambridge to you, wherein I 
 made bold to raise some little discourse upon those tenets 
 you pleased to deliver to mee in point of concoction; with 
 which I shall not here trouble you againe, as accounting them 
 unworthy of a repetition. But wheather those lines came to 
 your hands or no, or miscarryed in the conveihance, I know 
 not. I therefore send this letter, as a second arrow, to find 
 out the first. Sir, the great satisfaction I have alwayes re- 
 ceived from you in the resolve of such quaeres as still puzled 
 my progresse in study, emboldens mee still to some further 
 proposealls : amongst which, the chiefe quaere I desire to be 
 resolved in, is wheather toads, froggs, snailes, swallows, and 
 such like animals as wee usually say sleepe all winter, doe in 
 that interim only lose the rise and motion of their lungs, (the 
 heart still working and circulating the blood,) or cease from 
 all motion both of heart and lungs, and for that season abso- 
 lutely ly dead or no ? Van Helmont peremtoryly asserts the 
 former, page 189, fig. 33. 
 
 Du Roy (or Regius) will have both the motion of their 
 heart and lungs also to cease, and they to ly that halfe yeare 
 as perfectly dead. Fundament. Phys. page 154. 
 
 Harvey asserts neither the one nor the other, but, having 
 demonstrated that insects ly void of all motion in the winter 
 season, and the part analogous to the heart in them, utterly 
 to cease from all palpitation, hee thus waryly concludes : 
 " Sed an idem etiam quibusdam sanguineis animalibus accidat, 
 ut ranis, serpentibus, etc. dubitare licet." 
 
364 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1649. 
 
 I shall in this point so farre agree with Helmont, that the 
 motion of the lungs and heart are not inseparable, but that 
 the latter may bee where the former is not requisite ; as wee 
 clearly see in infants, which ly almost twelve moneths in the 
 wombe without any respiration at all, but not without pulsa- 
 tion of the heart. But in this case of other animals methinkes 
 Du Roy has hitt on the better probability ; for wee see flyes, 
 butterflyes, &c. yea, and snailes, in winter time cease from all 
 motion, and the heart (or that vesicle in them which is analo- 
 gous to it, for such a pulsing particle they all have) lyes still 
 and rests without the least palpitation whatsoever all winter 
 long ; till the vernall equinox begin to actuate and re-enliven 
 them againe. The like may be probably conjectured of those 
 other sanguineous animals : but I'll leave the decision of the 
 question to your more experienced selfe, and give my assent 
 to neither part any further, but that your rationall determina- 
 tion may easily recall it to the truth. 
 
 There is one other quaere which I shall make bold to su- 
 peradde, and it is this : to what use and purpose is that long 
 tenuous and thin bladder found alwayes full of aire in fishes, 
 lying above the entrayles just cleaving to the spinall bone and 
 vertebrae of the back, stretched even from the very mouth to 
 the anus of the fish ; as is clearely to bee seene in salmons, 
 trouts, chubbs, grailings, perches, eeles, herrings, gougeons, 
 &c. De Back, a Roterdame physician, (which I met with 
 accidentally,) has a little touch concerning this point in his 
 dissertations De corde, cap. 5. Hee there asserts with the 
 ancients, that the lungs in animals doe not only serve ad re- 
 frigerium scmguinis, but that the aire in the lungs is mingled 
 and incorporated with the blood to rarefy and attenuate it, 
 that it might passe through the capillary veines and arteryes 
 and still through the pores of the flesh, to give nuti'ition to 
 every atome of it : for without this intermixion (saith hee) the 
 blood would be so grosse that it could not penetrate the sub- 
 tle pores of the flesh, either to maintaine the circulation or 
 nutrition ; and therefore, (saith hee,) since nature could not 
 supply that double office by the gills in fishes, (the part ana- 
 logous to the lungs in other animals,) shee superadded this 
 vesicle of aire, which might serve for the subtiliation and 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 365 
 
 rarefaction of the blood, ut melius penetraret in partes nutri- 
 endas, and the gills solely for its refrigeration. 
 
 To this conceite of his I could first oppose that the serous 
 humour, togeather with the naturall heat intermixed with the 
 blood, serves no other purpose, but by subtiliation and atte- 
 nuation of it, to conduct it through all the parts of the body 
 and the minute and capillary chanells, and therefore there 
 needs not the intermixion of aire with it for that purpose. 
 
 Secondly, upon strict inspection into the bodyes of fishes I 
 could never find this vesicle had any chanel or passage but 
 one which came straight to the mouth, by which the fish re- 
 ceived the aire, and there eructates it (for any thing I know) 
 againe. But this also I wholly leave to your determination. 
 
 Sir, there were many things which I tooke notice of in the 
 viper's head you pleased to shew mee when I was last at 
 Norwich, especially concerning the two poysonous teeth which 
 moved in the upper jaw upon .jemmers, which shee could lay 
 flatt along in a little cavity of either side of her jaw, or erect 
 them as shee pleased. Yet there was one thing therein which 
 slipped my observance, which was weather these two teeth 
 were perforated or no, as the two venomous teeth of the aspe 
 is sayd to bee, through which shee ejects her poyson. Sir, 
 if you please to honour mee in the grant of these requests you 
 will strike a deeper engagement upon 
 
 Your most obliged friend and servant, 
 
 HENRY POWER, 
 
 Dr. Henry Power to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3515.] 
 
 9thof9ber, 1668. 
 Yours I receaved, togeather with the little tractate of 
 urnes, for both which I returne you a thousand thankes. 
 To tell you that I honour the piece for the author's sake, 
 were obliquely to disparage it ; give mee leave to peruse it, 
 and I doubt not but by its own merit it may well challenge 
 the applause of the world ; one thing as I glanced over the 
 
366 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1649. 
 
 latter part of it I could not passe, and that is the peculiar sig- 
 nature of Acaia, Viviu, Lilil. 4 In what plant these tearmes 
 are inscribed, I would gladly know, though I have narrowly 
 searched very many, yet either my fancy was not so active, 
 or else my enquh'ies not so satisfactory, as to light of any 
 plant where I could ever rudely imagine any such characters. 
 I should have blamd the barrenesse of our soile in not pro- 
 ducing it, had not you tould mee 'twas a common one. I 
 shall desire you to be my Oedipus. 3 old Spanish bookes I 
 have found of my fathers, I knowe not wheather they be 
 worth the carriage to Norwich or noe, much less worthy of 
 your acceptance, yet I have presumed to send them to you, 
 hoping they will be entertained, if not for their own, yet for 
 his sake that formerly ought them, who I am sure was one that 
 did much honour you, and left one that can doe noe lesse 
 whilst hee is H. P. 
 
 Mr. Merryweather to Dr. Browne. 5 
 
 Cambridge, Magd. College, Octob. 1, 1649. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 To know and be acquainted with you, though no 
 otherwise than by your ingenious and learned writings, which 
 now a good part of Christendom is, were no contemptible de- 
 gree of happiness : the fool-hardy enterprize of translating 
 your book might seem to give me some small title to a further 
 pretence ; but it is my great unhappiness, that as small as this 
 is, I have forfeited it already upon several scores. I under- 
 took a design, which I knew I could not manage without cer- 
 tain disadvantage and injury to the author ; and after, though 
 I saw the issue no happier than I expected, yet I could not 
 be content to conceal or burn it, but must needs obtrude to 
 
 4 See Garden of Cyrus, towards ihe end of ch. 3. 
 • r ' Mr. Merryweather returning from his travels in France and Holland, Anno 
 1649, went to Norwich, to acquaint the Doctor with the different sentiments enter- 
 tained abroad of the Religio Medici ; but he being at that time from home, Mr. 
 Merryweather left a book with a friend, to be presented bim the first opportunity, 
 and shortly after writ the following letter from Cambridge Whitefoot's Life, p. v. 
 
1649.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 367 
 
 the large world, in beggarly and disfigured habit, that which 
 you sent out in so quaint and polisht a dress. Besides, I 
 might have acquainted you with it sooner, presented you with 
 a copy, begged pardon sooner for these miscarriages, which 
 now I may justly fear is too late. The truth of it is, sir, I have 
 some real pleas and justifications for most of these crimes; 
 and have, with impatience, waited for some opportunity to 
 have represented them by word of mouth, rather than writ- 
 ing ; which I hoped to have had the happiness to have done 
 when I was lately at Norwich, as my honoured friend, Mr. 
 Preston, of Beeston, will assure you, whom I desired, after 
 we found not you in the town, being unwilling to continue 
 this incivility any longer, to present you with a copy at his 
 first opportunity, which I question not but by this time you 
 have received. Thus much, sir, at the least I had done soon- 
 er, if I had not been hundred by a constant unwelcome ru- 
 mour, all the time I was abroad in the Low Countries and 
 France, (which was the space of some years after the impres- 
 sion,) that you had left this life : upon what ground the report 
 was raised I know not, but that it was so, many then with me, 
 and some of them not unknown to your self, can witness. 
 When I came at Paris, the next year after, I found it printed 
 again, in which edition both the epistles were left out, and a 
 preface, by some papist, put in their place, in which making 
 use of, and wresting some passages in your book, he endea- 
 vour'd to shew, that nothing but custom and education kept 
 you from their church. Since my return home, I see Hack- 
 ius, the Leyden printer, hath made a new impression, which 
 furnished me afresh with some copies, and whereof that which 
 I left with Mr. Preston is one, as is easily observable by the 
 difference of the pages, and the omission of the errata, which 
 were noted in the first, though the title page be the same in 
 both. These frequent impressions shew the worth of the 
 book, which still finds reception and esteem abroad, notwith- 
 standing all that diminution and loss which it suffers by the 
 translation ; which I am the willinger to observe, because it 
 found some demurr in the first impression at Leyden ; and 
 upon this occasion, one Haye, a book-merchant there, to 
 whom I first offered it, carried it to Salmasius for his appro- 
 
3(58 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1652. 
 
 bation, who in state, first laid it by for very nigh a quarter of 
 a year, and then at last told him, that there were indeed in it 
 many things well said, but that it contained also many exor- 
 bitant conceptions in religion, and would probably find but 
 frowning entertainment, especially amongst the ministers, 
 which deterred him from undertaking the printing. After I 
 showed it to two more, de Vogel and Christian, both printers ; 
 but they, upon advice, returned it also ; from these I went to 
 Hackius, who, upon two days deliberation, undertook it. 
 Worthy sir, you see how obstinately bent I was to divulge 
 my own shame and impudence at your expence ; yet seeing 
 this confidence was built upon nothing else but the innate and 
 essential worth of the book, which I perswaded myself would 
 bear it up from all adventitious disadvantages, and seeing I 
 have gained rather than failed in the issue and success of my 
 hopes, as it something qualifies the scruples, which the con- 
 science of my own rashness had in cold blood afterward raised, 
 so I hope it will conduce to the easier obtaining pardon and 
 indulgence from you for the miscarriages in it. This, I am 
 sure, I may with a clear mind protest, and profess, that no- 
 thing so much moved me to the enterprize as a high and due 
 esteem of the book, and my zeal to the author's merit, of 
 whom I shall be ever ambitious to show my self an admirer, 
 and in all things to give some testimony that I am, 
 
 Honoured sir, 
 Your most affectionate, and most devoted servant, 
 
 JOHN MERRYWEATHER. 
 
 Dr. Browne to 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 [April or May, 1652.] 
 Pray request Mr. Johnson to obtayne this favor of Mr. Ba- 
 con, who is unknown unto me, to afford mee his resolution to 
 these fewe queries concerning the whale, whereof I under- 
 stand hee had the cutting up and disposure. Whether there 
 were any spermaceti found or made out of other parts beside 
 
1653.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 369 
 
 the head, if soe, of what parts, and out of what most, and 
 whether any out of the meere fleshie parts? Whether that 
 which runne from it ahout the shoare came out of the mouth? 
 
 Mr. Bacon to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S47.] 
 
 Yarmouth, 10th May, 1652. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 In answer to your questions concerning the whale, 
 I founde noe sperme but in his heade, and that after I had 
 taken off his scalpe, one tonn weight or more of a nexuous 
 substance we found, in the circumference as large as a small 
 coach wheele, in the middle part certaine round pieces of 
 sperm, as bigg as a man's fist, some as large as eggs, and on 
 the out side of the said rounds flakes as large as a man's head, 
 in forme like hony combs, beinge very white and full of oyle. 
 And that sperm which was cast upon the shore, I doe con- 
 ceive came out of his nostrells. Thus much from him who 
 doth remayne, 
 
 Sir, your humble servant, 
 
 ARTHUR BACON. 
 
 Sir Hamon IS Estrange 6 to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Jan. 16, 1653. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I acknowledge the great favour of your late large 
 and full expressions to mee in opinion, advice, and direction 
 for myne infirmitye. I wish my servant had so well collected 
 himselfe (upon Mr. Sares absence) as to have broken open 
 
 6 Of Hunstanton, in Norfolk : a learned man and an active magistrate. Arm- 
 strong, in his History of Norfolk, has printed the translation of a Latin letter, from 
 a MS. at Hunstanton, describing Sir Hamon's exertions in saving the valuable 
 goods of a wreck of the ship Bon Adventura (dated June 11, 1649), and appropri- 
 
 VOL. I. 2 B 
 
370 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1653. 
 
 and shewed you my letter to Mr. Sares, which might better 
 have informed your judgment for direction. I am aged neare 
 70 yeares, of sanguine humour, and a thinn cholerique frame 
 of body, and was taken with the palsey 3 yeares since, though 
 (I prayse God) I endure no great affliction or disability here- 
 by. I doe not find but my chief vitalls are well conditioned, 
 
 onely some spleenatique obstructions I presume to 
 
 send you a list of such things as I have used. I pray you 
 bee pleased to fixe your sence and opinion generally to them, 
 and after to returne the paper. Now I come to give you an 
 account of your desire and question concerning the whale 
 and sperme. About 3 yeares since, I hapned to read your 
 book of Enquiries into Common Errours, and in that masse 
 of various matter, I met with many things in the middle and 
 lower formes of the schoole of knowledge, formerly obviated 
 to my curiosity and observation, which set my fancy and pen 
 on worke, as you may reed in this my rude and imperfect 
 manuscript, which I send you to peruse, and pag. 27 thereof, 
 I write of the whale cast upon my shoare. I acknowledge 
 the excellency of your learning ; — 
 
 qui monte potitus 
 
 Ridet anhelantem 
 
 may laugh att my creeping and crawling at the foote of the 
 hill, but amare licet, si potiri non licet. In the ambition of 
 knowledge to God's honour and service is no errour, and so 
 armed, I feare not the ferula of your candour, and write 
 myselfe, sir, 
 
 Your most serious friend and servant, 
 
 HAMON L'ESTRANGE. 
 
 ating what in fact was his, as lord of the manor, to the original owner. Sir Hamon 
 had three sons, Nicholas, Hamon, and Roger, the latter, afterwards the celebrated 
 Sir Roger L'Estrange, an eminent royalist, who was compelled to leave the king- 
 dom, from the part he took in the attempt to rescue King Charles when in the Isle 
 of Wight, but returned in 1653. Soon after the restoration he established the first 
 Newspaper, The Public Intelligencer and News, and was afterwards appointed 
 licenser of the press. He translated Seneca's Morals, and jEsop's Fables. — See 
 Stacy's Norfolk Tour, ii, 926. 
 
1654.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 371 
 
 Dr. Browne to [J. Hobart, Esq.] 7 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. TANNER. XLI, 90.] 
 
 August, 1654. 
 
 HONORD SIR, 
 
 I was at your howse this afternoone to haue kissed 
 your hand, and testified my good wishes vnto you, wch being 
 in no waye able to act in proportion to my desires, I am in 
 noe small measure left vnto the mercy of your construction. 
 
 I haue enclosed this bill for pills and an aperitiue syrupes, 
 wch you may haue made at any apothecaries. 
 
 Of the pills you may please to take one last to bed and 
 three in the morning, sleepinge after them, and about two 
 howers after to take a messe of broath or gruell, and obserue 
 noe other rule in order to them. You may take them upon 
 occasion when your body is costiue, when you find yourself 
 hartburned, hott, or find any predominance of choler or salte 
 flegme in your stomack. You may make triall first of one 
 ouer night and two in the morninge, and if they be not 
 operatiue enough three in the morning. 
 
 Of the syrupes, two spoonfuls may bee taken in a morning 
 in a draught of beere or whaye, wch may open obstructions 
 and keepe your flegme from being drie and tough. Creme of 
 tartar may be vsed also sometimes in broath or gruell. 
 
 The last to bed to moysten your throat and moderate the 
 drinesse of salt humours eat a piece of a codling roast apple 
 or bargamot peare, and at noe time fast to long. 
 
 Sir, I exceedingly wish your health and welcome returne 
 agayne vnto your true and respectfull friends, resting your 
 faythfull seruant and unworthy kinsman, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Scuruie grasse, beere, and wormwood, not to strong, equall 
 parts in the winter. 
 
 1 This and the following letter were probably both addressed to Mr. Hobart, 
 whose daughter married Dean Astley, to whom Sir Thomas was related; and 
 through whom, possibly, the letters found their way into the MS. collection of 
 Bishop Tanner. 
 
 '2B2 
 
372 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [16G6. 
 
 R. Syr. de 5 Rad. siij. 
 
 Syr. de Cochlear. ) % .. 
 deSuc. Auranc)^ J ' 
 Caryophyll. p. 
 M. 
 
 Sp. Sulph. gutt. 4. 
 R. pil. Mastick") 
 
 Aloes Ros. 5 
 
 Ol. Muscat, gutt. 7. 
 M. fiat pil. n. 12. 
 
 The whole endorsed " Dr. Browne's directions, Au- 
 gust 1654.'' 
 
 Dr. Browne to J. Hobart, Esq. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. TANNER. NO. CCLXXXV. p. 90.] 
 
 Great Melton, Aug. 31, [1666.] 
 
 WORTHY AND HONORD SIR, 
 
 I am extremely troubled to heare that some haue 
 had the sicknesse in your howse. As you shall all haue my 
 day lie prayers, so I cannot giue myself any satisfaction unlesse 
 I conferre my mite vnto the preseruation of a person, whose 
 friendshipp I highly ualue, and whose true worth I haue soe 
 long and truly honord. And, therefore, in order to preuen- 
 tion you may please to use two fumes, one of vinegar, wherein 
 rue, angelica, wormwood, scordium, juniper, bay leaves, and 
 savin are steeped, wch may bee vsed often in the day, and in 
 the chambers. Another of an higher and stronger nature 
 twice or thrice a day in the hall, parlor, and other roomes ; 
 and if any one hath had it, before hee cometh to communicate 
 with others his chamber may bee fumed, the doors being 
 shutt close. Of this you may haue, if you please to send to 
 Mr. Dey, the apothecarie, where you may also haue a pre- 
 uentiue, and also an antidotall electuary of no meane nature, 
 whereof giue a dragme and half in posset drinck vnto any 
 that is falling sick, and to bee in bed, and agayne the next 
 night, and so agayne the third night, and to drink possets of 
 
1657-8.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 373 
 
 scordium, wood sorrell, and angelica. If you haue no issue 
 to make one may bee of singular effect, though it bee stopped 
 up two moneths hence, or to keepe a blister alwayes on some 
 part, sometimes on the arme, sometimes on the legge ; from 
 the report made of some who haue been sick in your howse 
 and escaped, I am very hopefull that the malignitie was not 
 so great as in other places ; and I haue one obseruation set 
 downe by a learned man, and confirmed to mee by Dr. 
 Wetherley, in the late sicknesse of London, wch affordeth 
 mee much comfort, and I hope will be verified in your familie ; 
 that in howses where the first that falleth sick escape, the 
 rest either fall not sick, or, if sick, escape ; of this I would 
 not omitt to informe you, because I comfort myself much 
 thereon, and I am sure it holds ad pliir'unam if not alwayes. 
 Good sir excuse mee. 
 
 I rest your most faithfull friend and unworthy kinsman, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 To my honord friend John Hobart, esquier, at his 
 howse in St. Giles parish, these. 
 
 Dr. Browne to John Evelyn, Esq. 
 
 [FROM THE MS. COLLECTION OF DAWSON TURNER, ESQ. 8] 
 
 Norwich, Jan. 21, 1657-8, 
 
 WORTHY SIR, 
 
 In obedience unto the commands of my noble friend, 
 Mr. Paston, and the respects I owe unto soe worthy a person 
 as yourself, I have presumed to present these enclosed lines 
 unto you, which I beseech you to accept as hints and propo- 
 sals, not any directions unto your judicious thoughts. I have 
 not taken the chapters in the order printed, butt set downe 
 hints upon a few, as memorie prompted and my present diver- 
 sions would permit ; readie to bee your servant further, if your 
 noble worke bee not alreadie compleated beyond admission of 
 
 S Mr. Turner, who has favoured me with a copy of this letter, informs me that it 
 " is addressed to John Evelyn, is endorsed by him." 
 
374 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1657-8. 
 
 additionalls : esteeming it no small honour to hold any com- 
 munication with a person of your merit, unto whom I shall 
 industriously endeavour to expresse myself, 
 
 Sir, your much honouring friend and servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 John Evelyn, Esq. to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [FROM THE LONDON MAGAZINE (1824) VOL. X. P. 589.] 
 
 Co. Garden, Lond. 28 Jan. [1657-8.] 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 By the mediation of that noble person, Mr. Paston, 
 and an extraordinary humanity of your owne, I find I haue 
 made acquisition of such a subsidiary, as nothing but his 
 greate favour to me, and your communicable nature could 
 haue procur'd me. It is now, therefore, that I dare promise 
 myselfe successe in my attempt ; and it is certaine that I will 
 very justly owne your favours with all due acknowledgements, 
 as the most obliging of all my correspondents. I perceive you 
 haue seene the proplasma and delineation of my designe, 9 
 which, to avoyde the infinite copying for some of my curious 
 friends, I was constrain'd to print ; but it cannot be imagined 
 that I should haue travell'd over so large a province (though 
 but a garden) as yet, who set out not many moneths since, 
 and can make it but my diversions at best, who haue so many 
 other impediments besieging me, publique and personal!, 
 whereofFthe long sicknesse of my mucus, my only sonn, now 
 five moneths afflicted with a double quartan, and but five 
 yeares old, is not one of the least ; so that there is not danger 
 your additionalls and favours to your servant should be pre- 
 
 9 A projected work bearing the title, Elysium Brittannicum, the plan of which is 
 given in Upcott's Miscellaneous Writings of J. Evelyn, Esq. This work was 
 intended to comprise forty distinct subjects, or chapters, disposed in three books. 
 One of the chapters was " Of the coronary garden, Sfc." to which Sir Thomas 
 Browne's tract, " Of garlands, and coronary or garland plants," was intended as a 
 contribution. The work, however, was never completed ; though parts of it remain 
 among the MSS. at Wotton. One chapter only, " Of Sallets, " was published in 
 1699, under the title, " Acetaria ; a Discourse of Sallets." 
 
1657-8.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 375 
 
 vented by the perfection of my worke, or if it were, that I 
 should be so injurious to my owne fame or your civility, as 
 not to beginn all anew, that I might take in such auxiliaries 
 as you send me, and which I must esteeme as my best and 
 most effectuall forces. Sir, I returne you a thousand acknow- 
 ledgements for the papers which you transmitted me, and I 
 will render you this account of my present vndertaking. The 
 truth is, that which imported me to discourse on this subject 
 after this sorte, was the many defects which I encounter'd in 
 bookes and in gardens, wherein neither words nor cost had 
 bin wanting, but judgement very much; and though I cannot 
 boast of my science in this kind, as both vnbecoming my 
 yeares and my small experience, yet I esteem'd it pardonable at 
 least, if in doing my endeauour to rectifie some mistakes, and 
 advancing so vsefull and innocent a divertisement, I made some 
 essay, and cast in my symbole with the rest. To this designe, 
 if forraine observation may conduce, I might likewise hope to 
 refine upon some particulars, especially concerning the orna- 
 ments of gardens, which I shall endeavor so to handle, as that 
 they may become usefull and practicable, as well as magnifi- 
 cent, and that persons of all conditions and faculties, which 
 delight in gardens, may therein encounter something for 
 their owne advantage. The modell, which I perceive you 
 haue seene, will aboundantly testifie my abhorrency of those 
 painted and formal projections of our cockney gardens and 
 plotts, which appeare like gardens of past-board and march- 
 pane, and smell more of paynt then of flowers and verdure : our 
 drift is a noble, princely, and universal Elysium, capable of all 
 the amcenities that can naturally be introduced into gardens of 
 pleasure, and such as may stand in competition with all the 
 august designes and stories of this nature, either of antient 
 or moderne tymes ; yet so as to become vsefull and significant 
 to the least pretences and faculties. We will endeauour to 
 shew how the aire and genious of gardens operat vpon 
 humane spirits towards virtue and sanctitie, I meane in a 
 remote, preparatory and instrumentall working. How caues, 
 grotts, mounts, and irregular ornaments of gardens do con- 
 tribute to contemplatiue and philosophical! enthusiasme ; 
 how ehjsium, antrum, vermis, paradysus, /tortus, Incus, &c, 
 
376 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1657-8. 
 
 signifie all of them rem sacrum et divinam ; for these expedi- 
 ents do influence the soule and spirits of man, and prepare 
 them for converse with good angells ; besides which, they 
 contribute to the lesse abstracted pleasures, phylosophy natu- 
 rall and longevitie : and I would have not onely the elogies 
 and effigie of the antient and famous garden heroes, but a 
 society of the paradisi cultores, persons of antient simplicity, 
 Paradisean and Hortulan saints, to be a society of learned 
 and ingenuous men, such as Dr. Browne, by whome we might 
 hope to redeeme the tyme that has bin lost, in pursuing 
 Vulgar Errours, and still propagating them, as so many bold 
 men do yet presume to do. Were it to be hoped, inter Jws 
 armorum strepitus, and in so generall a catalysis of integrity, 
 interruption of peace and propriety, the hortulane pleasure, 
 these innocent, pure, and vsefull diversions might enjoy the 
 least encouragement, whilst brutish and ambitious persons 
 seeke themselues in the ruines of our miserable yet dearest 
 country, quis taliafando —? — But, sir, I will not importune you 
 with these matters, nor shall they be able to make me to desist 
 from my designe, so long as you reanimate my languishings, 
 and pardon my imperfections. I greately thanke you for your 
 discourses, and the acoustic diagramme, &c. I shall be a 
 faithfull reporter of your favours to me. In my philosophico- 
 medicall garden you can impart to me extraordinary assistances, 
 as likewise in my coronary chapter, and that of transmuta- 
 tions, c. i. lib. 3. Norwich is a place, I understand, which is 
 very much addicted to the flowry part ; and what indeede 
 may I not promise myselfe from your ingenuity, science, and 
 candor ? And now to shew you how farr I am aduanced in 
 my worke, though I haue drawne it in loose sheetes, almost 
 euery chapter rudely, yet I cannot say to haue finished any 
 thing tollerably farther than chapter xi. lib. 2, and those 
 which are so completed are yet so written that I can at plea- 
 sure inserte whatsoeuer shall come to hand to obelize, cor- 
 rect, improve, and adorne it. That chapt. of the history of 
 gardens being the 7th of the last booke, is in a manner 
 finished by itselfe, and, if it be not ouer tedious, I thinke it 
 will extreamely gratifie the reader: for I do comprehend 
 them as vniversally as the chapter will beare it, and yet am 
 
1657-8.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 377 
 
 as particular in the descriptions as is possible, because I not 
 onely pretend them for pompous and ostentatiue examples, 
 but would render them usefull to our trauellers which shall 
 goe abroad, and where I haue obserued so many particulari- 
 ties as, happly, others descend not to. If you permitt me to 
 transcribe you an imperfect summ of the heads, it is to let you 
 see how farr we correspond (as by your excellent papers I 
 collect) and to engage your assistance in suppliing my omis- 
 sions; you will pardon the defects in the synchronismes, 
 because they are not yet exactly marshalled, and of my desul- 
 tory scribbling. 
 
 CHAP. VII, lib. 3. 
 
 Paradise, Elysian fields, Hesperides, Horti Adonidis, Alcinoi, 
 Semyramis, Salomon's. The pensile gardens in Babylon, of Nabu - 
 codonosor, of Cyrus, the gardens of Panchaia, the Sabean in 
 Arabia Felix. The Egyptian gardens out of Athenseus, the Villa 
 Laura neere Alexandria, the gardens of Adominus, the garden at 
 Samos, Democritus's garden, Epicurus's at Athens, hortorum Me 
 magister, as Pliny calls him. That of Nysa described by Diodorus 
 Siculus ; Masinissa's, Lysander's, the garden of Laertes, father of 
 Ulysses, ex Homero. Theophrastus's, Mithridates' gardens; Alexan- 
 dra's garden at Sydon, Hieron's Nautilus gardens out of Athe- 
 nseus ; the Indian king's garden out of iElian ; and many others, which 
 are in my scattered adversaria, not yet inserted into this chapter. 
 
 Amongst the antient Romans. — Numa's garden, Tarquin's, 
 Scipio Africanus's, Antoninus Pius's, Dioclesian's, Maecenas's, 
 Martial's gardens; the Tarentine garden, Cicero's garden at Tuscu- 
 lum, Formia, Cuma ; the Laurentine garden of Pliny junior, Cato, 
 at Sabinus, iElius Spartianus's garden, the elder Gordian's, Horti 
 Cassipedis, Drusi, Dolabella's garden, Galienus's, Seneca's, Nero's, 
 the Horti Lamiani, Agrippina's, the Esquiline, Pompey's, Luculla's 
 most cosriy gardens, &c. 
 
 More moderne and at present. — Clement the 8th's garden ; the 
 Medicean, Mathseo's garden, Cardinal Pio's; Farnesian, Lodovisian, 
 Burghesean, Aldobrandino's, Barberini's, the Belvedere, Montalta's, 
 Bossius's, Justiniane's, the Quirinal gardens, Cornelius's, Ma- 
 zarini's, &c. 
 
 In other parts of Italy. — Ulmarini's at Vacenza, Count Giusti's 
 at Verona, Mondragone, Frescati, D'Este's at Tivoli. The gardens 
 of the Palazzo de Pitti in Florence ; Poggio, Imperiale, Pratoline, 
 
378 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1657-8. 
 
 Hieronymo del Negro's pensile garden in Genoa, principe d'Oria's 
 garden, the Marquesi Devico's at Naples, the old gardens at Baiae, 
 Fred. Duke of Urbine's garden, the gardens at Pisa, at Padoa, at 
 Capraroula, at St. Michael in Bosco, in Bolognia; the gardens 
 about Lago di Como, Signior Sfondrati's, &c. 
 
 hi Spaine. — The incomparable garden of Aranxues, Garicius's 
 garden at Toledo, &c. 
 
 In France. — Duke of Orleans at Paris, Luxemburg, Thuilleries, 
 Palais Cardinal, Bellevue, Morines, Jard. Royal, &c. 
 
 In other parts of France. — The garden of Froment, of Fontaine 
 Beleau, of the Chasteau de Fresnes, Ruel, Richelieu, Couranet, 
 Cauigny, Hubert, Depont in Champagne, the most sumptuous 
 Rincy, Nanteuile, Maisons, Medon, Dampien, St Germain en Lay, 
 Rosny, St. Cloe, Liancourt in Picardy, Isslings at Essonne, Pidaux 
 in Poictiers. At Anet, Valeri, Folembourg, Viliiers, Gaillon, 
 Montpellier, Beugensor, of Mons. Piereskius. In Loraine, at 
 Nancy, the Jesuites at Liege, and many others. 
 
 In Flanders. — The gardens of the Hofft in Bruxelles, Oroen- 
 endael's neere it, Risewick in Holland. The court at the Hague, 
 the garden at Leyden, Pretor Hundius's garden at Amsterdam. 
 
 In Germany. — The Emperor's garden at Vienna, at Salisburgh ; 
 the medicinall at Heidelburg, Caterus's at Basil, Camerarius's gar- 
 den of Horimburg, Scholtzius's at Vratislauia, at Bonne neere 
 Collen, the elector's there : Christina's garden in Sweden made 
 lately by Mollet; the garden at Cracovia, Warsovia, Grogning. 
 The elector's garden at Heidelburg, Tico Brache's rare gardens at 
 Vraneburge, the garden at Copenhagen. Tho. Duke of Holstein's 
 garden, &c. 
 
 In Turkey, the East, and other parts. — The grand Signor's 
 in the Serraglio, the garden at Tunis, and old Carthage ; the gar- 
 den at Cairo, at Fez, the pensal garden at Pequin in China, also 
 at Timplan and Porassen ; St. Thomas's garden in the island neere 
 M. Hecla, perpetually verdant. In Persia the garden at Ispahan ; 
 the garden of Tzurbugh ; the Chan's garden in Schamachie neere 
 the Caspian sea, of Ardebil, and the citty of Cassuin or Arsacia; 
 the garden lately made at Suratt in the East Indias by the great 
 Mogoll's daughter, &c. 
 
 In America. — Montezuma's floating garden, and others in Mex- 
 ico. The King of Azcapuzulco's, the garden of Cusco ; the 
 garden in Nova Hispania. Count Maurice's rare garden at Boa- 
 vesta in Brasile. 
 
1657-8.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 379 
 
 In England Wilton, Dodington, Spensherst, Sion, Hatfield, 
 
 Lord Brook's, Oxford, Kirby, Howard's, Durden's, my elder 
 brother George Evelyn's in Surry, far surpassing any else in England, 
 it may be my owne poore garden may for its kind, perpetually 
 greene, not be vnworthy mentioning. 
 
 The gardens mentioned in Scripture, &c. 
 
 Miraculous and extraordinary gardens found upon huge fishes' 
 backs, men over growne with flowers, &c. 
 
 Romantique and poeticall gardens out of Sidney, Spencer, 
 Achilles Statius, Homer, Poliphele, &c. All these I have already 
 described, some briefly, some at large according to their dignity 
 and merite. 
 
 But this paper, and my reverence to your greate patience, 
 minds me of a conclusion. 
 
 Worthy, sir, 
 I am your most humble and most obliged servant, 
 
 J. EUELYN. 
 
 Sir, I beg the fauour of you when you see Mr. Paston to 
 make my seruice acceptable, and to let him knowe how 
 greately I thinke my selfe obliged to him for this civillity. 
 
 I make bold to send you another paper of the chapters, 
 because I have there added another chapter concerning 
 Hortulan entertainments ; and I intend another for wonderfull 
 plants, &c. 
 
 If you thinke me worthy of the continuance of these fauours 
 to your servant, your letters will infallibly find me by this 
 addresser— "For Mr. lohn Euelyn, at theHaukand Feasant 
 on Ludgate Hill, London." 
 
 Dr. Browne to John Evelyn, Esq. 1 
 
 [FROM THE MS. COLLECTION OF MR. WILLIAM UPCOTT.] 
 
 WORTHY SIR, 
 
 Some weekes past I made bold to send you a letter 
 with an enclosed paper concerning garlands and coronarie 
 
 1 Indorsed hy Evelyn " Dr. Browne from Norwich." 
 
380 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1658. 
 
 plants, 2 which I hope you have received, having directed it 
 unto the Hawke and Pheasant, on Ludgate Hill. If you think 
 fit to make use of such a catalogue as I sent therewith, I could 
 add unto it. However for Moly flore luteo, you may please 
 to put in Moly Hondianum novum. I now present unto you 
 a small paper which should have been attended with a cata- 
 logue of plants, 3 wherein experiments might bee attempted by 
 insition and wayes of propagation ; but probably you may bee 
 provided in that kind. Yet I have not met with any of that 
 nature and particulars, this extending beyond garden plants 
 unto all wild trees among us. This, if you please, you may 
 command within very few dayes, or any thing in the power of, 
 Sir, your honoring friend and servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 I pray my humble service unto Sir Robert Paston when 
 you see him, which you may now at pleasure, he being of the 
 House, and an highly deserving and loyall member of it. 
 
 The gardens upon great fishes I would not tearme miracu- 
 lous gardens, but rather extraordinarie and anomalous gar- 
 dens, animal gardens, or the like. 
 
 Mr. Dugdale to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [posthumous WORKS, AND MS. SLOAN. 341 S.] 
 
 Blyth-hall, neer Colhill, in Warwickshire, 
 honoured sir, 4th Oct. 1658. 
 
 By your letter, dated 27th September, (which came 
 to my hands 4 about two days since) I see how much I am 
 obliged to you for your readinesse to take into consideration 
 those things which I desired by the note sent to Mr. Watts ; 
 so that T could not omitt, but by this first opportunity, to re- 
 turne you my hearty thanks for the favour. I resolve, God 
 willing, to be in London about the beginning of the next 
 terme, and by Mr. Watts (my kind friend) will send you some 
 of the bones of that fishe which my note mentioneth. 
 
 2 No. 2 of the "Miscellany Tracts." 
 
 3 Now first published from MS. Sloan. 1848, 1SS2, 5233.— See vol. IV. 
 
 i Unfortunately it has not come to our hands. 
 
1658.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 881 
 
 Certainly, sir, the gaining Marshland, in Norfolk, and Hol- 
 land, in Lincolnshire, was a worke very antient, as by many 
 circumstances may be gathered ; and therefore considering 
 the industry and skill of the Romans, I conceive it most like 
 to have been performed by them. Mr. Cambden, in his Bri- 
 tannia, speaking of the Romans in Britaine, hath an observa- 
 tion out of Tacitus in the life of Agricola ; which Dr. Holland 
 (who translated Cambden) delivers thus : viz. that the Romans 
 wore out and consumed the bodies and hands of the Britans, 
 in clearing of woods, and paving of fens. But the words of 
 Tacitus are, paludibus emuniendis, of which I desire your 
 opinion; I meane, whether the word emuniendis do not meane 
 walling or banking. 
 
 Sir, I account my selfe much happy to be thus far known 
 to you as I am, and that you are pleased to thinke me worthy 
 to converse with you in this manner, which I shall make bold 
 still to do upon any good occasion, till I be more happy by a 
 personall knowledge of you, as I hope in good time I may, 
 resting Your very humble servant and honourer, 
 
 WILLIAM DUGDALE. 
 
 For my much honoured friend, Dr. Browne, at his 
 house in Norwich. 
 
 Mr. Dugdale to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [posthumous WORKS, AND MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 From my chamber, at the Herauld's Office 
 in London, 9th Nov. 1658. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 Yours of October 27th, with that learned discourse 
 inclosed, 5 came safe to my hands the last weeke, for which I 
 return you my most hearty thanks, being highly satisfyed 
 therewith. Since the receipt thereof, I have spoke with Mr. 
 Jonas Moore (the chiefe surveyor of this great worke of drayn- 
 ing in Cambridgeshire and the counties adjacent) who tells 
 
 5 The letter (probably a mere envelope) has not reached us; the discourse (which 
 it contained) there is very little doubt is published among the Miscellany Tracts, 
 No. 9, Of Artificial Hills, &-c. preceded by Dugdale's Note of Enquiry. 
 
382 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1658. 
 
 me that the causey I formerly mentioned is sixty foote broad 
 in all places where they have cutt through it, and about eigh- 
 teen inches thicknesse of gravell, lying upon the moore. and 
 now in many places three foote deepe under a new accession 
 of moore. 
 
 It seemes I mistook when I signifyed to you that Mr. Ash- 
 mole had some Romane coynes, which were found in the fens ; 
 for he now tells me that he hath nothing as yet, but that urne 
 which Jonas Moore gave him ; but my Lord St. John had 
 divers, as he tells me, which are lost, or mislayed. 
 
 Jonas Moore now tells me, that very lately, in digging a 
 piece of ground which lyes within the precincts of Soham, 
 (about three or four miles from Ely,) the diggers found seven 
 or eight urnes, which by carelessnesse were broken in pieces, 
 but no coyne in or near them. The ground is about six acres, 
 and in the nature of an island in the fenne, but no raysed heap 
 of earth to cover them, as he tells me. I resolve to intreat 
 Mr. Chichley, (my very good friend,) who is owner thereof, 
 to cause some further digging there ; for they are of opinion 
 that there are many more of that kind ; and then I shall be 
 able to satisfy you better, and what is found in them. Sir 
 Thomas Cotton is not as yet come up to London, otherwise 
 I would have sent you some of those bones of the fishe, which 
 I will be sure to do so soone as he comes. 
 
 Mr. Ashmole presents his service to you, with great thanks 
 for your kinde offer, desiring a note of what manuscripts you 
 have that may be for his purpose, whereupon he will let you 
 know whether he wants them or not ; for he hath others than 
 what he hath formerly made use of. I hope I shall obtain so 
 much favour of the adventurers, as to procure one of those 
 large heaps of earth to be cut through, to the end that we 
 may see whether any urnes or other things of note are cover- 
 ed therewith. 
 
 Sir, this favour which you are pleased to afford me, thus to 
 trouble you with these things, I highly value, and shall rest 
 At your commands wherein I may serve you, 
 
 WILLIAM DUGDALE. 
 
 For my much honoured friend, Dr. Browne, at his 
 house in St. Peter's, in Norwich. 
 
1658.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 383 
 
 Dr. Browne to Mr. Dugdale. 
 
 [posthumous WORKS, AND MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 Norwich, Nov. 10th, 1658. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Your observation is singular, and querie very inge- 
 nious, concerning the expression of Tacitus in the life of Agri- 
 cola, upon the complaint of the Britans, that the Romans 
 consumed and wore out their bodyes and hands, sylvis et 
 paludibus emuniendis, that is, whether thereby walling or 
 bancking the fennes is not to bee understood according to the 
 signification of the word emunire. 
 
 This, indeed, is the common and received signification, as 
 probably derived from the old word mcenire, that is, mcenibus 
 cingere, to wall, fence, or fortifie by enclosure, according to 
 the same acception in warlike munitions and entrenchments. 
 
 But in this expression strictly to make out the language of 
 the author, a sense is to be found agreeable unto woods as 
 well as fennes and marshes ; the word emuniendis relating 
 unto both, which will butt harshly be expressed by any one 
 word in our language, and might cause such different and 
 subexpositive translations. 
 
 And this may be made out from the large signification of 
 the word munire, which is sometimes taken not only to wall, 
 fence, or enclose, butt also to laye open, and render fltt for 
 passage. Soe is that of Livie expounded by learned men, 
 when, in the passage of Hannibal over the Alpes, he sayth, 
 rupem muniendam curavit, that is, he opened a passage 
 through the rock; and least the word should bee thought 
 rather to be read minuendam, a fewe lines after, the word is 
 used agayne; et quies muniendo fessis hominibus triduo data. 
 
 And upon the same subject the like expressions are to bee 
 founde in the Latin translation of Polybius, sett forth by Ca- 
 saubon, lab ore improbo in ipso principitio viam munivit. 
 And for the gettinge downe of his caryages and elephants 
 from the hills covered with ice and snowe, it is afterwards 
 
384 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1G58. 
 
 sayd, Numidits adviam muniendam per vices admovet vixque 
 tertio demum die elephantos trajecit, which cannot well be 
 understood by raysing any banks and walls, butt by removing 
 the snowe, planing the wayes, and making it passable for 
 them. 
 
 Which exposition is received by Godelevasus upon Livie, 
 and also the learned Turnebus, Adversariorum, lib. xiii. "In- 
 terpreter autem munire, per rupem viam aperire eamque in 
 ea munire et tanquam struere, earn caedere et opere laboreque 
 militari complanare, et aequare iter aut deorsum deprimere et 
 declive reddere quodam anfractu molli. Itaque qui aggerem ja- 
 ciunt, fossas aperiunt, vias muniunt, militia? munitores vocantur." 
 
 And therefore when Dr. Holland translated this passage 
 in Cambden out of Tacitus, by cleering of woods and paving 
 the fennes, hee may be made out by this acception of munire, 
 extending unto fennes and woods, and comprehending all 
 pyoners work about them. As likewise Sir Henry Savile, 
 when hee rendreth it by paving of bogges and woods; and as 
 viam munire is also taken in Livie, that is, lapidibus sternere. 
 
 And your owne acception may also bee admitted, of walling 
 and banking the fennes, which the word will also well beare 
 in relation to paludibus, beside the other signification of 
 causies, wayes, and passages, common unto woods and fennes ; 
 nor only the clearing of woods and making of passages, butt 
 all kind of pyoning and slavish labour might bee understood 
 in this speech of Galgacus which with stripes and indignities 
 was imposed upon the Britans in workes about woods, bogges, 
 and fennes ; and soe comprehend the laborious aggers, banks, 
 and workes of securement against floods and inundations, 
 wherein they were imployed by the Romans, a careful and 
 provident people, omitting noe waye to secure or improve 
 their dominions and lands, lost by carelesse ignorance in the 
 disadvantages of sea and waters, and which they were first to 
 effect, before they could well establish their causies over the 
 marshes. 
 
 And so the translation in two words may be tolerably made 
 by one. By clearing the woods and fennes, that is, the woods 
 by making them passible, by rendring them open and lesse fit 
 for retreat or concealment of the Britans ; and by clearing 
 
1658.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 385 
 
 the fennes either for passage or improvement, and soe com- 
 prehending cawsing, paving, drayning, trenching, fencing, and 
 embanking agaynst thieves or sea-floods. 
 
 I remain, sir, yours, &c. 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Mr. Dugdale to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [posthumous WORKS, AND MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 London, 17th Nov. 1658. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 Yours of the 10th instant came safe to my hands, 
 with that learned discourse inclosed, concerning the word 
 emunire, wherein I perceive your sense is the same with my 
 good friends Mr. Bishe and Mr. Junius, (with both whome I 
 have also consulted about it.) I have herewithall sent you 
 one of the bones of that fish, which was taken up by Sir 
 Robert Cotton, in digging a pond at the skirt of Conington 
 Downe, desiring your opinion thereof and of what magnitude 
 you think it was. 
 
 Mr. Ashmole presents his best service and thanks to you, 
 for your kinde intention to send him a list of those books you 
 have, which may be for his use. 
 
 That which you were told of my writing any thing of Nor- 
 folke was a meere story ; for I never had any such thing in 
 my thoughts, nor can I expect a life to accomplish it, if I 
 should ; or any encouragement considerable to the chardge 
 and paynes of such an undertaking. This I mean as to the 
 county, and not my Fenne History, which will extend there- 
 into. And as for Mr. Bishe, who is a greate admirer and 
 honourer of you, and desires me to present his hearty service 
 and thanks to you for that mention you have made of him in 
 your learned discourse of Urnes. 5 He says he hath no such 
 
 5 It is not in the Hydriotaphia, but the Garden of Cyrus, that Browne mentions 
 "Upton de Studio Militari, et Johannes de Bado Aureo, cum Comm. CI. et Doct. 
 Bisacei. " — Hamper. 
 
 VOL I. 2 C 
 
386 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1658. 
 
 purpose at all, nor ever had ; but that his brother-in-law- 
 Mr. Godard (the recorder of Lynne) intends something of 
 that towne, but whether or when to make it publique he 
 knows not. 
 
 And now, sir, that you have been pleas'd to give me leave 
 to be thus bold with you in interrupting your better studies, 
 I shall crave leave to make a request or two more to you. 
 First, that you will let me know where in Leland you finde that 
 expression concerning such buriall of the Saxons, as you 
 mention in your former discourse 6 concerning those raysed 
 heaps of earth, which you lately sent me ; for all that I have 
 seene extant of his in manuscript, is those volumes of his 
 Collectanea and Itineraries, now in the Bodleyan Library 
 at Oxford, of which I have exact copies in the country. 
 
 The next is, to entreat you to speake with one Mr. 
 Haward 7 (heir and executor to Mr. Haward lately deceased, 
 who was an executor to Mr. Selden) who now lives in Nor- 
 wich, as I am told, and was a sheriffe of that city the last 
 yeare : and to desire a letter from him to Sir John Trevor, 
 speedily to joyne with Justice Hales and the rest of Mr. Sei- 
 dell's executors, in opening the library in White Friars', for 
 the sight of a manuscript of Landaffe, which may be usefull 
 to me in those additions I intend to the second volume of the 
 Monasticon, now in the presse ; for Sir John Trevor tells me, 
 that he cannot without expresse order from him, do it : the 
 rest of the executors of Mr. Selden being very desirous to 
 pleasure me therein. If you can get such a letter from him 
 for Sir John Trevor, I pray you enclose it to me, and I will 
 deliver it, for their are 3 keys besides. 
 
 And lastly, if at your leisure, through your vast reading, 
 you can point me out what authors do speake of those im- 
 provements which have been made by banking and drayning 
 in Italy, France, or any part of the Netherlands, you will do 
 me a very high favour. 
 
 From Strabo and Herodotus I have what they say of 
 .^Egypt, and so likewise what is sayd by Natalis Comes of 
 
 C Which discourse is No. 9, of the Miscellany Tracts published by Dr. Tenison, 
 Ann. 1684, but mistakenly superscribed to E. D. instead of W. D. for William 
 Dugdale, page 151. — Note in the Posthumous JVorks. 
 
 7 William Hcvward, or Howard. —Blomfield. 
 
1658.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 387 
 
 Acarnania : but take your owne time for it, if at all you can 
 attend it, whereby you will more oblige 
 
 Your most humble servant and honourer, 
 
 WILLIAM DUGDALE. 
 
 For my much honoured friend, Dr. Browne, &c. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Mr. Dugdale? 
 
 [from the original in the editor's possession.] 
 
 Norwich, Dec. 6, 1658. 
 
 WORTHY SIR, 
 
 I make noe doubt you have receaued Mr. Howard's 
 letter unto Sir John Trevor. Hee will be readie to doe you 
 any seruice in that kind. I am glad your second booke of the 
 Monasticon is at last in the presse. Here is in this citty a 
 conuent of Black Friers, which is more entire than any in 
 these parts of England. Mr. King tooke the draught 9 of it 
 when he was in Norwich, and Sir Thomas Pettus, Baronet, 
 desired to have his name sett vnto it. I conceive it were not 
 fitt in so generall a tract to omit it, though little can be sayd 
 of it, only coniectur'd that it was founded by Sir John of Or- 
 pingham, or Erpingham, whose coat is all about the church 
 and six-corner d steeple. I receaued the bone of the fish, 
 and shall giue you some account of it when I have compared 
 it with another bone which is not by mee. As for Lelandus, 
 his works are soe rare, that few private hands are masters of 
 them, though hee left not a fewe ; and therefore, that quo- 
 tation of myne was at second hand. You may find it in Mr. 
 Inego Jones' description of Stonehenge, pag. 27; having litle 
 doubt of the truth of his quotation, because in that place hee 
 hath the Latine and English, with a particular commendation 
 of the author and the tract quoted in the margin, and in the 
 same author, quoted p. 16, the page is also mentioned; butt 
 the title is short and obscure, and therefore I omitted it. 
 
 3 Not in Hamper's Correspondence of Dugdale. This letter bears the indorse in 
 Dugdale's hand-writing — " Dee. 6, 165S, Dr. Browne's letter (not yet answered.)" 
 
 9 (ire : to ask the Docter whether ever he saw this draught. — MS. marginal 
 Note by Dugdale in the Original. 
 
 2 C 2 
 
388 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1658. 
 
 Leylande Assert. Art. which being compared with the subiect 
 of page 25, may perhaps bee De Assertione Arthuri, which 
 is not mentioned in the catalogue of his many workes, 3 except 
 it bee some head or chapter in his Antiq. Britannicis or de 
 Yiris illustribus. I am much satisfied in the truth thereof, 
 because Camden hath expressions of the like sense in diuers 
 places ; and, as I think in Northamptonshire, and probably 
 from Lelandus : for Lambert in his perambulation of Kent, 
 speakes but some times of Lelandus, and then quoteth not 
 his words, though it is probable hee was much beholden unto 
 him having left a worke of his subject Itinerarlum Cantii. 
 
 Sir, having some leasure last weeke, which is uncertaine 
 with mee, I intended this day to send you some answer to 
 your last querie of banking and draining by some instances 
 and examples in the four parts of the earth, and some short 
 account of the cawsie, butt diuersions into the country will 
 make me defer it untill Friday next, soe that you may receive 
 it on Mondaye. Sir, I rest 
 
 Your very well-wishing friend and servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE, 
 
 To my worthy friend Mr. Dugdale, at his chamber, 
 in the Herald's Office, London, these. 
 
 Mr. Dugdale to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [posthumous WORKS, AND MS. SLOAN. 3418.] 
 
 London, 24 Feb. 1658. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 Being now (through God's goodnesse) so well re- 
 covered from my late sicknesse, as that I do looke upon my 
 bookes and papers againe, though I have not as yet adven- 
 tured abroad, in respect of the cold, I do againe salute you, 
 giving you great thanks for your continued mindfulnesse of 
 me, as appears by that excellent note which I yesterday re- 
 
 l Assertio Inclytiss. Arturi, &c. 4to. 1540, 1544. Translated by R. Robinson, 
 4to. 1582. Published by Hearne, Svo. Oxford, 1715. 
 
1658.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 389 
 
 ceived from you, touching the drayning made of late years 
 by the Duke of Holstein, it being so pertinent to my business. 
 My thanks for what you sent me from your learned observa- 
 tions touching the banking and drayning in other forreign 
 parts, 2 I desired my good friend Mr. Ashmole to present to 
 you, when I was not able to write my self; which I presume 
 he did do. 
 
 And being thus emboldened by these your favours, I shall 
 here acquaint you with my conceipt touching this spacious 
 tract in forme of a sinus or bay, which we call the great 
 levell of the fenns, extending from Linne, beyond Waynflete 
 in Lincolnshire, in length ; and in breadth, into some parts 
 of the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Northamp- 
 ton, Huntington, and Lincoln, intreating your opinion 
 therein. That it was at first firme land, the sea having no 
 recourse into it, I am induced to believe, when I consider the 
 multitude of trees, viz. firre, oake, and of other kindes, that 
 are found in those draynes and diggings which have of late 
 years been made there ; nay, some with their rootes standing 
 in the ground below the moore, having been cut off about 
 two foote above the ground, as I guesse ; which I my selfe 
 saw at Thorney, they having been dig'd up in that fen. And 
 Mr. Godard (the recorder of Linne) assures me, that lately 
 in Marshland, about a mile off Magdalene bridge, at 17 foot 
 deepe, (upon occasion of letting down of a sluce) were found 
 below the silt (for of that nature is all Marshland and Holland) 
 in the very firme earth, furr-bushes as they grew, not rotted ; 
 and nut-trees with nuts not perisht ; neither of which kind of 
 bushes or trees are now growing upon that silthy soil of 
 Marshland, though it be fruitfull and rich for other vegeta- 
 bles. The like firr-trees and other timber is found in great 
 abundance in Hatfield level, in the Isle of Axholme, where I 
 am assured from ocular testimony, that they find the rootes 
 of many firr-trees as they stand in the soyle, where they 
 grew, below the moore, with the bodyes of the trees lying by 
 them, not cut off with an axe or such like thing, but burnt ? 
 the coall appearing upon the ends where they were so burnt 
 asunder : therefore when, or on what occasion it was that 
 
 2 This communication has not been preserved. 
 
390 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1658. 
 
 the sea flowed over all this, as appears by that silt at the 
 skirt of Conington Downe, wherein the bones of that fish 
 were found whereof you have one, is a thing that I know not 
 what to say to, desiring your opinion thereof. 
 
 I shall now tell you how I do conclude that it became a fen, 
 by the stagnation of the fresh waters ; which is thus, viz. 
 that the sea having its passage upon the ebbs and flows 
 thereof, along by the coast of Norfolke to the coast of Lin- 
 colnshire, did in time, by reason of its muddinesse, leave a 
 shelfe or silt, betwixt those two points of land, viz. Rising in 
 Norfolke, and the country about Spilsby in Lincolnshire, 
 which shelfe increasing in height and length so much, as that 
 the ordinary tides did not overflow it, was by that check of 
 those fluxes, in time, so much augmented in breadth, that 
 the Romans finding it considerable for the fertility of the 
 soyle (being a people of great ingenuity and industry) made 
 the first sea-banks for its preservation from the spring tides, 
 which might otherwise overflow it. And now, sir, by this set- 
 ling of the silt the soyle of Marshland and Holland had their 
 first beginning ; by the like excesse of silt brought into the 
 mouths of these rivers which had their out-falls at Linne, 
 Wisbiche, and Boston, where the fresh waters so stop'd, as 
 that the ordinary land-floods being not of force enough to 
 grinde it out (as the term is) all the levell behind became 
 overflowed ; and as an ordinary pond gathered mud, so did 
 this do moore, which in time hath increased to such a thick- 
 nesse that since the Podike was made to keep up the fresh 
 water from drowning of Marshland on the other side, and the 
 bank called South Ea Bank, for the preservation of Holland 
 from the like inundation, the levell of the fen is become 4 foot 
 higher than the levell of Marshland, as Mr. Vermuden as- 
 sures me, upon view and observation thereof. And this, 
 under correction of your better judgment, whereunto I shall 
 much submit, do I take to be the originall occasion of Marsh- 
 land and Holland, and likewise of the fens. 
 
 But that which puzles me most is the sea coming up to 
 Conington Downe ; as I have sayd therefore, perhaps by 
 your great reading and philosophicall learning you may shew 
 me some probable occasion thereof. That the sea hath upon 
 
1659.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 331 
 
 those coasts of England, towards the North-west, much 
 altered its course as to the height of its fluxes and. refluxes, is 
 most apparent from those vast banks nere Wisbiche, which 
 you shall observe to be about 10 foot in height from the now 
 levell earth, which levell is now no lesse in full height than 10 
 foot, as I am assured, from the ordinary levell of the sea, as 
 it rises at the present. 
 
 I shall be able to shew about what time it was that the 
 passage at Wisbiche was so silted up, as that the outfall of 
 the great river Ouse, which was there, became altered, and 
 was diverted to Linne, where before that time the river was 
 not so large ; it being in King Henry III. time, as my testi- 
 monyes from records do manifest. And I finde in King Ed- 
 ward III. time, that upon the river Humber the tides flowed 
 4 foot higher than before they did, as the commission for 
 raysing the banks upon the sides of that streame, as also of 
 the great causey betwixt Anlaby and Hull, doth testify. 
 
 Having now sufficiently wearied you, I am sure, for which 
 I heartily desire your pardon, I shall leave you to your own 
 time for considering of these things, and vouchsafing your 
 opinion therein, resting 
 
 Your most humble servant and honourer, 
 
 WILLIAM DUGDALE. 
 
 For my much honoured friend, Dr. Browne, &c. 
 
 Mr. Dugdale to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [posthumous WORKS, AND MS, SLOAN. 34 IS.] 
 
 London, 23 Nov. 1659. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 Yours of the 17th instant came to my hands about 
 4 days since, with those inclosed judicious and learned ob- 
 servations, 3 for which I returne you my hearty thanks. 
 
 Since I wrote to you for your opinion touching the various 
 course of the sea, I met with some notable instances of that 
 
 3 These <( observations*' have not jet come to light. 
 
392 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1662. 
 
 kinde in a late author, viz. Olivarius Uredius, in his history 
 of Flanders; which he manifesteth to be occasioned from 
 earthquakes. 
 
 I have a great desire that you should see my copy, before 
 I put it to the presse. It is now in the hands of the late 
 chief justice St. John, who desired the perusall of it. In 
 Easter term I resolve (God willing) to be again in London ; 
 for I am now going into Warwickshire ; and then if you be 
 not here, I will endeavour to contrive some safe way for con- 
 veying my papers to you : resting 
 
 Your most obliged servant and honourer, 
 
 WILLIAM DUGDALE. 
 
 For my much honoured friend. Dr. Browne, &c. 
 
 Mr. Dugdale to Dr. Browne* 
 
 [FROM THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE.] 
 
 From the Herald's Office, in London, 
 5th April, 1662. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 Having at length accomplisht that worke, 5 where- 
 untoyou have been pleased to favour me with so considerable 
 assistance, and whereof, in page 175, I have made some 
 brief mention, 1 here present you with a copye thereof. 
 Some other things I have in hand of my owne, which (God 
 sparing me life and health) will ere long be ready for the presse. 
 But at present, at the desire of my lord chancelour, and 
 some other eminent persons, I am taken up much with the 
 ordering of Sir Henry Spelman's works for the presse, viz. 
 that part of his Glossary long since printed, with corrections 
 and additions, as he left it under his own hand ; and the 
 other part of it to the end of the alphabet : and of his second 
 volum of the Councells, which will reach from the Norman 
 
 4 This letter is not in Hamper's Correspondence of Dugdale. 
 5 " The History of Embanking and Draining of divers fenns and marshes, both 
 in foreign parts and in this kingdom, and of the improvements therebv." London, 
 1662, folio. 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 393 
 
 Conquest to the abolishing of the Pope's supremacy here. 
 There are many things, which I shall from my own collections 
 add to these workes, from records of great credit; for with- 
 out such authorities I will not presume to meddle. If in any 
 old manuscripts, which have or may come to your view, you 
 can contribute to these works, I know it will be very accept- 
 able. Sir, if your occasions should bring you to London, I 
 should thinke myself happy to wayt on you. Resting ever 
 Your most obliged servant and honourer, 
 
 WILLIAM DUGDALE. 
 
 For Doctor Thos. Browne, att Norwich. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Dr. Merritt. 
 
 [us. SLOAN. 1833.] 
 
 July 13, 1668. 
 
 MOST HONORED SIR, 
 
 I take the boldness to salute you as a person of sin- 
 gular worth and learning, and whom I very much respect and 
 honour. I presented my service to you by my son some 
 months past ; and had thought before this time to have done 
 it by him again. But the time of his return to London being 
 yet uncertain, I would not defer those at present unto you. 
 I should be very glad to serve you by any observations of 
 mine against the second edition of your Pinax, which I cannot 
 sufficiently commend. I have observed and taken notice of 
 many animals in these parts, whereof three years ago a learn- 
 ed gentleman of this country desired me to give him some 
 account, which, while I was doing, the gentleman, my good 
 friend, died. I shall only at this time present and name some 
 few unto you, which I found not in your catalogue. A 
 Trachuriis, which yearly cometh before or in the head of the 
 herrings, called therefore a horse. Stella marina testacea, 
 which I have often found upon the sea-shore. An Astacus ma- 
 rinus pediculi marini facie, which is sometimes taken with the 
 lobsters at Cromer, in Norfolk. A Pungitius marinas, where- 
 of I have known many taken among weeds by fishers, who 
 
394 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [16G8. 
 
 drag by the sea-shore on this coast. A Scarabceus Capri- 
 cornus odoratus which I take to be mentioned by Moufetus, 
 fol. 150. "I have taken some abroad; one in my cellar, 
 which I now send ; " he saith, " Nucem moschatam et einna- 
 momum vere spirat" To me it smelt like roses, santalum, and 
 ambergris. I have thrice met with Mergus maximus Faren- 
 sis Clusii; and have a draught thereof. They were taken 
 about the time of herring-fishing at Yarmouth. One was 
 taken upon the shore, not able to fly away, about ten years 
 ago. I sent one to Dr. Scarborough. Twice I met with a 
 Skua Hoyeri, the draught whereof I also have. One was 
 shot in a marsh, which I gave unto a gentleman, which I can 
 send you. Another was killed feeding upon a dead horse 
 near a marsh ground. Perusing your catalogue of plants, 
 upon Acorns verus, I find these words : — " found by Dr. 
 Brown neer Lynn:" — wherein probably there may be some 
 mistake ; for I cannot affirm, nor I doubt any other, that it is 
 found thereabout. About 25 years ago, I gave an account 
 of this plant unto Mr. Goodyeere, and more lately to Dr. 
 How, unto whom I sent some notes, and a box full of the 
 fresh juli. This elegant plant groweth very plentifully, and 
 leaveth its julus yearly by the banks of Norwich river, 
 chiefly about Claxton and Surlingham; and also between 
 Norwich and Hellsden-bridge ; so that I have known Heigham 
 church, in the suburbs of Norwich, strewed all over with it. 
 It has been transplanted, and set on the sides of marsh ponds 
 in several places of the country, where it thrives and beareth 
 the julus yearly. 
 
 Sesamoides salamanticum magnum; — why you omit Sesa- 
 moides salamantium parvum? This groweth not far from 
 Thetford and Brandon, and plentiful in neighbour places, 
 where I found it, and have it in my /tortus hy emails t answer- 
 ing the description in Gerard. 
 
 Urtica romana, which groweth with button seed bags, is 
 not in the catalogue. I have found it to grow wild at Gol- 
 ston by Yarmouth, and transplanted it to other places. 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 395 
 
 Dr. Browne to Dr. Merritt. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1830.] 
 
 Aug. 18, 1668. 
 
 HONORED SIR, 
 
 I received your courteous letter, and am sorry some 
 diversions have so long delayed this my second unto you. 
 You are very exact in the account of the fungi. I have met 
 with two, which I have not found in any author ; of which I 
 have sent you a rude draught inclosed. The first, an elegant 
 fungus ligneus, found in a hollow sallow. I have one of them 
 by me, but, without a very good opportunity, dare not send 
 it, fearing it should be broken. Unto some it seemed to re- 
 semble some noble or princely ornament of the head, and so 
 might be called fungus regius ; unto others, a turret, top of 
 a cupola, or lantern of a building ; and so might be named 
 fungus pterygoides, pinnacularis, or lanterniformis. You 
 may name it as you please. The second, fungus ligneus teres 
 antliarum, ox fungus ligularis longissimus, consisting or made 
 of many woody strings, about the bigness of round points or 
 laces ; some above half a yard long, shooting in a bushy form 
 from the trees, which serve under ground for pumps. I have 
 observed divers, especially in Norwich, where wells are sunk 
 deep for pumps. 
 
 The fungus phalloides I found not far from Norwich, large 
 and very fetid, answering the description of Hadrianus Ju- 
 nius. I have a part of one dried still by me. 
 
 Fungus rotundus major I have found about ten inches in 
 diameter, and [have] half a one dried by me. 
 
 Another small paper contains the side draughts ofjibulce 
 marines pellucidce, or sea buttons, a kind of squalder ; and re- 
 ferring to urtica marina, which I have observed in great 
 numbers by Yarmouth, after a flood and easterly winds. 
 They resemble the pure crystal buttons, chamfered or wel- 
 ted on the sides, with two small holes at the ends. They 
 cannot be sent ; for the included water, or thin jelly, soon run- 
 neth from them. 
 
396 iMISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 Urtica marina minor Johnstoni, I have often found on this 
 coast. 
 
 Physsalus I have found also. I have one dried, but it hath 
 lost its shape and colour. 
 
 Galei and caniculce are often found. I have a fish hang- 
 ing up in my yard, of two yards long, taken among the 
 herrings at Yarmouth, which is the canis carcharius alius 
 Johnstoni, table vi, fig. 6. 
 
 Lupus marinus, you mention, upon a handsome experiment, 
 but I find it not in the catalogue. This lupus marinus or 
 lycostomus, is often taken by our seamen which fish for cod. 
 I have had divers brought me. They hang up in many 
 houses in Yarmouth. 
 
 Trutta marina is taken with us. A better dish than the 
 river trout, but of the same bigness. 
 
 Loligo sepia, a cuttle ; page 191 of your Pinax. I conceive, 
 worthy sir, it were best to put them in two distinct lines, as 
 distinct species of the molles. 
 
 The loligo, calamare, or sieve, I have also found cast upon 
 the sea-shore ; and some have been brought me by fishermen, 
 of about twenty pounds weight. 
 
 Among the fishes of our Norwich river, we scarce reckon 
 salmon, 6 yet some are yearly taken ; but all taken in the river 
 or on the coast have the end of the lower jaw very much 
 hooked, which enters a great way into the upper jaw, like a 
 socket. You may find the same, though not in figure, if you 
 please to read Johnston's folio, 101. I am not satisfied with 
 the conceit of some authors, that there is a difference of male 
 and female ; for all ours are thus formed . The fish is thicker 
 than ordinary salmon, and very much and more largely spot- 
 ted. Whether not rather Boccard gallorus, or Anchorago 
 Scaligeri. I have both draughts, and the head of one dried ; 
 either of which you may command. 
 
 Scyllarus, or cancellus in turbine, it is probable you have. 
 Have you cancellus in nerite, a small testaceous found upon 
 this coast ? Have you mullus ruber asper ? — Piscis octan- 
 gularis Bivormii? — Vermes marini, larger than earth-worms, 
 digged out of the sea-sand, about two feet deep, and at an 
 
 c In June, 1827, 1 knew of two salmon-trout in our Ovei strand mackarel nets. — G. 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 397 
 
 ebb water, for bait V They are discovered by a little hole or 
 sinking of the sand at the top about them. 
 
 Have you that handsome coloured jay, answering the de- 
 scription of garrulus argentoratensis, and may be called the 
 parrot-jay? I have one that was killed upon a tree about five 
 years ago. 8 
 
 Have you a May chit, a small dark grey bird, about the 
 bigness of a stint, which cometh about May, and stayeth but 
 a month ; a bird of exceeding fatness, and accounted a dainty 
 dish ? They are plentifully taken in Marshland, and about 
 Wisbeech. 
 
 Have you a caprimulgus, or dorhawk ; 9 a bird as a pigeon, 
 with a wide throat bill, as little as a titmouse, white feathers 
 in the tail, and paned like a hawk ? 
 
 Succinum raro occurrit, p. 219 of yours. Not so rarely on 
 the coast of Norfolk. 1 It is usually found in small pieces ; 
 sometimes in pieces of a pound weight. I have one by me, 
 fat and tare, of ten ounces weight ; yet more often I have 
 found it in handsome pieces of twelve ounces in weight. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Dr. Merritt. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1830.] 
 
 sir, Sept. 13, [1668.] 
 
 I received your courteous letter ; and with all re- 
 spects I now again salute you. 
 
 The mola piscis is almost yearly taken on our coast. This 
 last year one was taken of about two hundred pounds weight. 
 Divers of them I have opened ; and have found many lice 
 sticking close unto their gills, whereof I send you some. 
 
 In your Pinax I find onocrotalus, or pelican ; whether you 
 mean those at St. James's, or others brought over, or such as 
 have been taken or killed here, I know not. I have one hung 
 up in my house, which was shot in a fen ten miles off, about 
 
 1 Bait for codling.— G. S The Garrulous Roller. 
 
 9 Not uncommon ; I had a young one brought me a few years ago. — G. 
 1 It is becoming scarce at Cromer. The fat amber most commonly occurs. — G, 
 
398 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 four years ago ; and because it was so rare, some conjectured 
 it might be one of those which belonged unto the king, and 
 flew away. 
 
 Ciconia, 2 raro hue advolat. I have seen two in a watery 
 marsh, eight miles off; another shot, whose case is yet to be 
 seen. 
 
 Vitulus marinus. In tractibus borealibus et Scotia. No 
 rarity upon the coast of Norfolk. 3 At low water I have 
 known them taken asleep under the cliffs. Divers have been 
 brought to me. Our seal is different from the Mediterranean 
 seal ; as having a rounder head, a shorter and stronger body. 
 
 Mafia piscatrix. 4 I have often known taken on our coast ; 
 and some very large. 
 
 Xiphias, or gladius piscis, or sword-fish, we have in our 
 seas. I have the head of one which was taken not long ago, 
 entangled in the herring-nets. The sword about two feet in 
 length. 
 
 Among the whales you may very well put in the spermace- 
 tus, or that remarkably peculiar whale which so aboundeth 
 in spermaceti. About twelve years ago we had one cast up 
 on our shore, near Wells, which I described in a peculiar 
 chapter in the last edition of my " Pseudodoxia Epidemica; " 
 and another was, divers years before, cast up at Hunstanton ; 
 both whose heads are yet to be seen. 
 
 Ophidion, or, at least, ophidion nostras, commonly called a 
 sting-fish, having a small prickly fin running all along the back, 
 and another a good way on the belly, with little black spots at 
 the bottom of the back fin. If the fishermen's hands be touch- 
 ed or scratched with this venomous fish, they grow painful and 
 swell. The figure hereof I send you in colours. They are com- 
 mon about Cromer. See Schoneveldeus, " De Ophidia." 
 
 Piscis octogonius, or octangularis, answering the descrip- 
 tion of Cataphractus Schonevelde ; only his is described with 
 the fins spread ; and when it was fresh taken, and a large 
 one. However, this may be nostras, I send you one ; but I 
 have seen much lai'ger, which fishermen have brought me. 
 
 2 The Stork. 
 3 Very rarely seen at Cromer. I think they are met with on sandbanks near 
 Hunstanton. — G. ' Fro,cr-nV,i. 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 399 
 
 Physsalus. I send one which hath been long opened and 
 shrunk and lost the colour. When I took it upon the sea- 
 shore, it was full and plump, answering the figure and de- 
 scription of Rondeletius. There is also a like figure at the 
 end of Muffetus. I have kept them alive ; but observed no 
 motion, except of contraction and dilatation. When it is fresh, 
 the prickles or bristles are of a brisk green and amethist co- 
 lour. Some call it a sea-mouse. 5 
 
 Our mullet is white and imberbis ; but we have also a mid- 
 lus barbatus ruber miniaccus, or cinnaberinus ; somewhat 
 rough, and but dry meat. There is of them major and minor, 
 resembling the figures in Johnstonus, tab. xvii, Rotbart. 
 
 Of the acusmarinus, or needle fishes, I have observed three 
 sorts. The acus Aristotelis, called here an addercock ; acus 
 major, or garfish, with a green verdigrease back-bone ; the 
 other, saurus acui similis. Acus sauroides, or sauriformis, 
 as it may be called ; much answering the description of sau- 
 rus Rondeletii. In the hinder part much resembling a mack- 
 erell. Opening one, I found not the back-bone green. John- 
 stonus writes nearest to it, in his Acus Minor. I send you 
 the head of one dried ; but the bill is broken. I have the 
 whole draught in picture. This kind is much more near 
 than the other, which are common, and is a rounder fish. 
 
 Vermes marini are large worms found two feet deep in the 
 sea-sands, and are digged out at the ebb for bait. 
 
 The avicula Maialis, or May chit ; is a little dark grey bird, 
 somewhat bigger than a stint, which cometh in May, or the 
 latter end of April, and stayeth about a month. A marsh 
 bird, the legs and feet black, without heel; the bill black, 
 about three quarters of an inch long. They grow very fat, 
 and are accounted a dainty dish. 
 
 A dorhawk, a bird not full so big as a pigeon, somewhat of 
 a woodcock colour, and paned somewhat like a hawk, with a 
 bill not much bigger than that of a titmouse, and a very wide 
 throat ; known by the name of a dorhawk, or preyer upon 
 beetles, as though it were some kind of accipiter muscarius. 
 In brief, this accipiter cantharophagus, or dorhawk, is avis 
 
 5 I have seen a sea-mouse taken out of a cod-fish, but they are not common at 
 Cromer. — (7. 
 
400 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 rostratula gutturosa, quasi coaxans, scarabceis vescens, sub 
 vesperam volans, ovum speciosissimum excludens. I have had 
 many of them ; and am sorry I have not one to send you. I 
 spoke to a friend to shoot one ; but I doubt they are gone over. 
 
 Of the upupas, divers have been brought me ; and some I 
 have observed in these parts, as I travelled about. 
 
 The aquila Gesfieri 6 I sent alive to Dr. Scarburg, who told 
 me it was kept in the colledge. It was brought me out of 
 Ireland. I kept it two years in my house. I am sorry I have 
 only one feather of it to send you. 
 
 A shoeing-horn or barker, from the figure of the bill and 
 barking note; a long made bird, of white and blackish colour; 
 fin-footed ; a marsh-bird ; and not rare some times of the year 
 in Marshland. It may upon view be called, recur virostra 
 nostras, or avoseta ; much resembling the avosetce species in 
 Johnstonus, tab. 5. I send you the head in picture. 
 
 Four curlews I have kept in large cages. They have a 
 pretty shrill note ; not hard to be got in some parts of Norfolk. 
 
 Have you the scorpius marinus ScJioneveldei ? 
 
 Have you put in the musca tuliparum muscata ? 
 
 That bird which I said much answered the description of 
 garrulus argentoratensis, 7 I send you. It was shot on a tree 
 ten miles off, four years ago. It may well be called the par- 
 rot jay, or garrulus psiltacoides speciosus. The colours are 
 much faded. If you have it before, I should be content to 
 have it again ; otherwise you may please to keep it. 
 
 Garrulus Bohemicus 8 probably you have. A pretty hand- 
 some bird, with the fine cinnabrian tips of the wings. Some 
 which I have seen have the tail tipt with yellow, which is not 
 in their description. 
 
 I have also sent you urt'ica mas, which I lately gathered at 
 Golston, by Yarmouth, where I found it to grow also twenty- 
 five years ago. Of the stella marina testacea, which I sent 
 you, I do not find the figure in any book. 
 
 I send you a few flies, which, some unhealthful years, come 
 about the first part of September. I have observed them so 
 numerous upon plashes in the marshes and marish 9 ditches, 
 
 6 The Golden Eagle. 1 The Garrulous Roller. 
 
 S The Waxen Chatterer. 9 Marshv. 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 401 
 
 that, in a small compass, it were no hard matter to gather a 
 peck of them. I brought some ; what my box would hold ; 
 but the greatest part are scattered, lost, or given away. For 
 memory's sake, I wrote on my box muscce palustres autum- 
 nales. 
 
 Worthy sir, I shall be ever ready to serve you, who am, sir, 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Dr. Broivne to Dr. Merritt. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1S30.] 
 
 December xxix, [1668.] " 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I am very joyful that you have recovered your 
 health, whereof I heartily wish the continuation for your own 
 and the public good. And I humbly thank you for the cour- 
 teous present of your book. With much delight and satis- 
 faction I had read the same not once in English. I must 
 needs acknowledge your comment more acceptable to me than 
 the text, which I am sure is a hard obscure piece without it, 
 though I have not been a stranger unto the vitriary art, both 
 in England and abroad. I perceive you have proceeded far 
 in your Pinax. These few at present I am bold to propose, 
 and hint unto you ; intending, God willing, to salute you 
 again. A paragraph might probably be annexed unto Quer- 
 cus. Though we have not all the exotic oaks, nor their 
 excretions, yet these and probably more supercrescencies, 
 productions, or excretions may be observed in England. 
 
 Viscum — polypodium — juli — pilules — gemmce foraminatce 
 foUorum — excrementum fungosuni verticibus scatens — excre- 
 mentum lanatum — capitula squamosa jaccecs cemula — nodi — 
 melleus liquor — tuber a radicum vermibus scatentia — muscus 
 — lichen— fungus — varce quercince. 
 
 Capillaris marina sparsa, fucus capillaris marinus spar- 
 sus ; sive, capillitius marinus; or sea perriwig. Strings of 
 
 VOL. I. 2D 
 
402 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 this are often found on the sea-shore. But this is the full 
 figure, I have seen three times as large. 
 
 I send you also a little elegant sea-plant, which I pulled 
 from a greater bush thereof, which I have, resembling the 
 backbone of a fish. Fticus marinus vertebratus piscicnli 
 spinum ref evens, ichthyovachius ; or what you think fit. 
 
 And though perhaps it be not worth the taking notice of 
 fovmicce arenavice marines, or at least muscus fovmicavius 
 mavinus: yet I observe great numbers by the sea-shore, and 
 at Yarmouth, an open sandy coast, in a sunny day, many 
 large and winged ones, may be observed upon, and rising out 
 of the wet sands, when the tide falls away. 
 
 Notonecton, an insect that swimmeth on its back, and men- 
 tioned by Muffetus, may be observed with us. 
 
 I send you a white reed-chock by name. Some kind offunco, 
 or little sort thereof. I have had another very white when 
 fresh. 
 
 Also the draught of a sea-fowl, called a sheerwater, billed 
 like a cormorant, fiery, and snapping like it upon any touch. 
 I kept twenty of them alive five weeks, cramming them with 
 fish, refusing of themselves to feed on any thing ; and wearied 
 with cramming them, they lived seventeen days without food. 
 They often fly about fishing ships when they clean their fish, 
 and throw away the offal. So that it may be referred to the 
 lavi, as lavus nigev gutture albido rostro adunco. 
 
 Gossander. — Videtuv esse pupkini species. Worthy sir, 
 that which we call a gossander, and is no rare fowl among us, 
 is a large well-coloured and marked diving fowl, most an- 
 swering the merganser. It may be like the puffin in fatness 
 and rankness ; but no fowl is, I think, like the puffin, differ- 
 enced from all others by a peculiar kind of bill. 
 
 Burganders, not so rare as Turn 1 makes them, common 
 in Norfolk, so abounding in vast and spacious warrens. 
 
 If you have not yet put in lavus minov, or stern, 2 it would 
 not be omitted, so common about broad waters and plashes 
 not far from the sea. 
 
 1 This name is very illegible in the original. 
 2 Probably sterna hirundo and minuta. See Sir Thomas's paper "On the Birds, 
 &e. of Norfolk." 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 403 
 
 Have you a yarwhelp, barker, or latrator, a marshbird 
 about the bigness of a godwitt ? 
 
 Have you dentalia, which are small univalve testacea, 
 whereof sometimes we find some on the sea-shore? 
 
 Have you put in nerites, another little testaceum, which we 
 have? 
 
 Have you an apiaster, a small bird called a bee-bird ? 
 
 Have you morinellus marinus, or the sea dotterell, better 
 coloured than the other, and somewhat less ? 
 
 I send you a draught of two small birds ; the bigger call- 
 ed a chipper, or betides carptor ; cropping the first sproutings 
 of the birch trees, and comes early in the spring. The other, 
 a very small bird, less than the cert hi/a, or eye-creeper, called 
 a whin-bird. 
 
 I send you the draught of a fish taken some times in our 
 seas. Pray compare it with draco minor Johnstoni. This 
 draught was taken from the fish dried, and so the prickly fins 
 less discernible. 
 
 There is a very small kindof smelt ; but in shape and smell 
 like the other, taken in good plenty about Lynn, and called 
 prims. 
 
 Though scombri or mackerell be a common fish, yet our 
 seas afford sometimes strange large ones, as I have heard 
 from fishermen and others ; and this year, 1668, one was 
 taken at Leostoffe, an ell long by measure, and presented to 
 a gentleman, a friend of mine. 
 
 Musca tuliparum moschata is a small bee-like fly, of an 
 excellent fragrant odour, which I have often found at the bot- 
 tom of the flowers of tulips. 
 
 In the little box I send a piece of vesicaria or seminaria 
 marina cut off from a good full one, found on the sea-shore. 
 
 We have also an ejectment of the sea, very common, which 
 is funago, whereof some very large. 
 
 I thank you for communicating the account of thunder and 
 lightning; some strange effects thereof I have found here; 
 but this last year we had little or no thunder or lightning. 
 
 d -i 
 
404 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1GG8-9. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Dr. Merritt. 
 
 [posthumous works.-"] 
 
 Norwich, Febr. 6, [1668-9.] 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 I am sorry I have had diversions of such necessitie, 
 as to hinder my more sudden salute since I received your last. 
 I thank you for the sight of the spermaceti, and such kind of 
 effects from lightning and thunder I have known, and about 
 four yeares ago about this towne, when I with many others 
 saw fire-balls fly, and go of when they met with resistance, 
 and one carried away the tiles and boards of a leucomb win- 
 dow of my own howse, being higher than the neighbour 
 howses, and breaking agaynst it with a report like a good 
 canon. I set down that occurrence in this citty and country, 
 and have it somewhere amongst my papers, and fragments of 
 a woeman's hat that was shiver'd into pieces of the bignesse of 
 a groat. I have still by me too, a litle of the spermaceti of 
 our whale, as also the oyle and balsome which I made with 
 the oyle and spermaceti. Our whale was worth 5001ib. my 
 apothecarie got about fiftie pounds in one sale of a quantitie 
 of sperm. 
 
 I made enumeration of the excretions of the oake, which 
 might bee observed in England, because I conceived they 
 would be most observable if you set them downe together, 
 not minding whether there were any addition : by excrementum 
 fungosum vermiculis scatens I only meant an usual excretion, 
 soft and fungous at first, and pale, and sometimes cover'd in 
 part with a fresh red, growing close unto the sprouts ; it is 
 full of maggots in litle woodden cells, which afterwards turne 
 into litle reddish brown or bay flies. Of the tubera indica 
 vermiculis scatentia I send you a peece, they are as bigg as 
 good tennis-balls and ligneous. 
 
 The litle elegant fucus may come in as a difference of the 
 abies, being somewhat like it, as also unto the 4 corallium in 
 Gerhard, of the sprouts, whereof I could never find any 
 
 3 Where it is published (erroneously) as a letter to Mr. Dugdale. 
 
1668-9.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 405 
 
 sprouts, wings, or leaves as in the abies, whether fallen off I 
 know not, though I call'd it ichthyorndius or pisciculi splnam 
 referens, yet pray do you call it how you please. I send you 
 now the figure of a quercus mar. or alga, which I found by 
 the sea-shore, differing from the common as being denticulat- 
 ed, and in one place there seems to be the beginning of some 
 flower-pod or seed-vessell. 
 
 A draught of the morinellus marinus, or sea-dotterel,* I 
 now send you; the bill should not have been so black, and 
 the leggs more red, and a greater eye of dark red in the 
 feathers or wing and back : it is less and differently colour'd 
 from the common dotterell, which cometh to us about March 
 and September: these sea-dotterels are often shot near the sea. 
 
 A yare-whelp or barker, 5 a marsh-bird, the bill two inches 
 long, the legges about that length, the bird of a brown or rus- 
 set colour. 
 
 That which is knowne by the name of a bee-bird, 6 is a litle 
 dark gray bird ; I hope to get one for you. 
 
 That which I call'd bet idee carptor, and should rather have 
 call'd it alni carptor, whereof I sent a rude draught ; it feeds 
 upon alderbuds, nucaments or seeds, which grow plentifully 
 here ; they fly in little flocks. 
 
 That call'd by some a whin-bird, 7 is a kind of ox-eye, but 
 the shining yellow spot on the back of the head, is scarce to 
 bee well imitated by a pen sill. 
 
 I confesse for such litle birds I am much unsatisfy'd on the 
 names given to many by countrymen, and uncertaine what to 
 give them myself, or to what classis of authors cleerly to re- 
 duce them. Surely there are many found among us which 
 are not described ; and therefore such which you cannot well 
 reduce, may (if at all) be set down after the exacter nomina- 
 tion of small birds as yet of uncertain class or knowledge. 
 
 I present you with a draught of a water-fowl, not common, 
 and none of our fowlers can name it, the bill could not bee ex- 
 actly expressed by a coale or black chalk, whereby the little 
 
 4 The ring plover, or sea lark, plentiful near Blakeney ; charadrins hiati- 
 cula. — G. 
 
 Names of two distinct species, the godwit, or yarwhelp, seolopax eegocephala, and 
 the spotted redshank or barker, S. Totanus. The description agrees with neither. 
 
 6 Probably the beam-bird, or flycatcher; Muscicapa Grisola. — G. 
 
 ' Possibly the goldennested wren, Motacilla Rpgulus, 
 
406 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1668-9. 
 
 incurvitie at the upper end of the upper bill, and small recurvitie 
 of the lower is not discerned ; the wings are very short, and it 
 is finne-footed ; the bill is strong and sharp, if you name it not 
 I am uncertain what to call it, pray consider this anatula or 
 mergulus melanoleucus rostro acuto. 
 
 I send you also the heads of mustela* or mergns mustelaris 
 mas. et fcemina, called a wesel, from some resemblance in 
 the head, especially of the female, which is brown or russet, 
 not black and white, like the male, and from their preying 
 quality upon small fish. I have found small eeles, small 
 perches, and small muscles in their stomachs. Have you a 
 sea-phaysant, so commonly called from the resemblance of an 
 hen-phaisant in the head and eyes, and spotted marks on the 
 wings and back, and with a small bluish flat bill, tayle longer 
 than other ducks, longe winges, crossing over the tayle like 
 those of a long winged hawke. 9 
 
 Have you taken notice of a breed of porci solidi pedes ? 
 I first observed them above twenty yeares ago, and they are 
 still among us. 
 
 Our nerites or neritee are litle ones. 
 
 I queried whether you had dentalia, becaus probably you 
 might have met with them in England ; I never found any on 
 our shoare, butt one brought me a few small ones, with smooth 
 small shells, from the shoare. I shall enquire farther after them. 
 
 Urtica marina minor, Johnst. tab, xviii. I have found more 
 then once by the sea-side. 
 
 The hobby and the merlin would not bee omitted among 
 hawks ; the first comming to us in the spring, the other about 
 autumn. Beside the ospray 1 we have a larger kind of eagle, 
 call'd an eruli." I have had many of them. 
 
 Worthy deare sir, if I can do any thing farther which may 
 be serviceable unto you, you shall ever readily command my 
 endeavors ; who am, sir, 
 
 Your humble and very respectfull servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 8 This must be the smew, mergus albellus : which comes on the coast of Norfolk 
 in hard winters. — G. 
 
 9 The pin-tailed duck. — G. 
 
 1 Several ospreys have been taken near Cromer. — G. 
 
 2 Erne? — The white-tailed or cinereous eagle ; falco albicilla. 
 
1668-9.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 407 
 
 Dr. Browne to Dr. Merritt. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 Feb. xii, 1668-9. 
 
 WORTHY' SIR, 
 
 Though I writ unto you last Monday, yet having 
 omitted some few things which I thought to have mentioned, 
 I am bold to give you this trouble so soone agayne. Have 
 you putt in a sea fish called a bleak, a fish like a herring, 
 often taken with us and eat, but a more lanck and thinne and 
 drye fish ? 
 
 The wild swan or elk would not bee omitted, being common 
 in hard winters and differenced from our river swans, by the 
 aspera arteria. Fulica and cotta Anglorum are different birds 
 though good resemblance between them, so some doubt may 
 bee made whether it bee to bee named a coot, except you set 
 it downe Fulica nostras and cotta Anglorum. I pray consi- 
 der whether that water-bird whose draught I sent in the last 
 box, and thought it might bee named anatula or mergulus 
 melanoleucos, fyc. may not bee some gallimda, it hath some 
 resemblance with gallina hypoleucos of Johnst. tab. 32, butt 
 myne hath shorter wings by much, and the bill not so long 
 and slender, and shorter legs and lesser, and so may either 
 be called gallina aquatica hypoleucos nostras, or hypoleu- 
 cos anatula, or mergulus nostras. 
 
 Tis much there should bee no icon of rallus or ralla 
 aquatica; I have a draught of some and they are found 
 among us. 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 The vescaria I sent is like that you mention, if not the 
 same, the common funago resembleth the husk of peas, this 
 of barley when the flower is mouldred away. 
 
408 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 Dr. Browne to [Dr. Merritt ?] 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1847.] 
 
 1669. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I crave your pardon that I have no sooner sent unto 
 you. I shall bee very reddie to do you service in order to 
 your desires, and shall endeavour to procure you such animals 
 as I have formerly met with, and any other not ordinary 
 which are to bee acquired, though many of my old assistants 
 are dead and sometimes they fell upon animalls scarce to bee 
 met with agayne. I wish I had been acquainted with your 
 desires 3 years ago, for I had about fortie hanging up in my 
 howse, which, the plague being at the next doores, the person 
 intrusted in my howse, burnt or threwe away. The figure of 
 the weazell cray was in a long paper pasted together at the 
 ends, and I make no question you will find it ; otherwise I 
 would send another, that fowl which some call willick, we meet 
 with sometimes; the last I met with was taken on the sea 
 shore, the head and body black, the brest enclining to black, 
 headed and litle like a crowe, wings short, leggs set very 
 backward, that it move overland very badly. It may bee a 
 kind of comix marinum. 
 
 That litle plant upon oyster shells I remember I have seen, 
 and surely is some kind of veseania or calicidaria. 
 
 Of what that other electricall body was Mr. Boyle showed; 
 by this time more tryall hath probably been made, something 
 of jet it might consist of. 
 
 I thanck you that you were pleased to enquire of those 
 German gentlemen concerning my sonne. I receaved a letter 
 lately from him, hee hath not been unmindfull of the Royal 
 Societie's concerns, and hath been in Hungaria, in the mines 
 of gold, sylver, and copper, at Schemts, Cremitz, and 
 Neusol, and desired mee to signifie so much unto Mr. 
 Oldenbersf. 
 
1662.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 409 
 
 Sir Robert Paston to Dr. Broivne, 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWL. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Parson's Greene, the 19th of September, [1662.] 
 
 WORTHY" SIR, 
 
 You may justly wonder my pen has beene soe long a 
 stranger to you, though, through manie removes, I could 
 never till now com att my meddalls. All I have of the 
 Brittish and Saxon I have this day sent you in a box, by the 
 Norwich coachman, which I hope will be with you this night, 
 with a large one of Heraclius, and some copper ones, which 
 I hope are good. The manuscript of Dunstan and Beniamin 
 Lock, I find verbatim in print, but nott the coronatio 
 natures, though I have the same figures in another manu- 
 script, without explication uppon them. 
 
 This ring with the head of Vespasian, which I esteeme 
 verie good, I desire your finger may honor, I having worne 
 itt on my owne, as the best I could find of that kind. 
 
 Sir, I desire the favor of you, by the returne of the coach- 
 man, to send me your two manuscripts of Mayerne, there 
 beeing somthing in one of them which I immediatelie intend 
 to putt in execution. 
 
 My wife has the ill fortune to be attacqued with a quartan 
 ague, which is soe much the worse, she beeing within two 
 months of her time. 
 
 My humble service to your ladie and my cousin Le Gross, 
 and, sir, if you have anie notion that you please to commu- 
 nicate, in order to the old affaire I discoursed to you att 
 Norwich, I shall hope to give you an'accompt of itt in som 
 short time; for I have delayed my self in vainelie endeavour- 
 ing to fix a volatile spiritt on itts fixed salt ; when I am 
 master of the way, bringing the fixed part over in a volatile 
 water, which, after circulation, I hope will performe the pro- 
 mises of Raymund Lullie. Your good hints may be a meanes 
 to aduance my design which will oblidge, 
 
 Sir, your verie humble servant, 
 
 ROBERT PASTON. 
 
410 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 Sir, be pleased to direct your letter, as also the bookes, to 
 Mr. George Clayton's, att the Crowne, in Lombard-street, 
 London, 
 
 Sir Robert Paston to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAIV'L. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Oxnead, April the 5th, 1669. 
 
 HONORED SIR, 
 
 On Saturday night last, going into my laboratorie, 
 I found som of the adrop (that had beene run foure or five 
 times in the open ayre, and euerie time itts aetheriall attracted 
 spiritts drawne of from itt) congealed to an hard candied sub- 
 stance, the which I ordered my man to grind in a marble to 
 attenuate itts parts, and make itt more fitt for attraction, 
 and comming in in the operation, I chid my servant for grind- 
 ing itt where white lead had before beene ground, for I found it 
 from itts fuscye red color, looke licke white lead ground with 
 oyle, butt more lustrous, and he to convince that the stone was 
 cleane, ground som of the same before my face on a tile, with 
 another muller, which came to the same color and viscositye. 
 I must confess that gave me a transport to find the ayre had 
 worked such an effect. Uppon about half a pound of this 
 I cohobated 3 som of itts aetheriall spiritt, which itt notwith- 
 standing tinged red, and I am now drawing itt of againe, for 
 I think I had better have exposed itt in itts consistence to the 
 open ayre againe, though I find itt hard to run into anye thin 
 substance ; yett perhapps the viscous matter may be more 
 pretious, and by often grinding, exposing, and distilling, itt 
 may att last goe a white and spiss water, such an one as phi- 
 losophers looke after, or att least be fitt to receiue, and be 
 
 acuated 4 with, the and saline parts of the aetheriall spiritt, 
 
 when that operation comes in hand if itt affords us anye that 
 way. I haue given Mr. Hcnshaw an accompt of this which I 
 
 3 Distilled again. ( Acidified. 
 
1674.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 411 
 
 beleeve will please him, and I desire your advice in the point 
 how to proceed upon't, for certainlye if these matters have 
 anye truth in them, wee are upon the brink of a menstruum 
 to dissolve mettalls in generall. The keys are not yett fitted 
 to your table, butt I hope will be by Thursday, my service to 
 your ladye, and excuse this relation with that generous con- 
 descention that allowes you to consider even the lowest 
 thinges. Sir, I am, 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 ROBERT P ASTON. 6 
 
 The Earl of Yarmouth to Sir Thomas Browne. 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. RAWI.. CCCXCI.] 
 
 Septembr. the 10th, 1674. 
 
 HONORED SIR, 
 
 The great ciuility of your letter is an obligation I 
 haue som time layne under, adiourning my returne on pur- 
 pose that I might haue som thinge to discourse. My 
 friend, Mr. Henshaw, (who is lately returned from his em- 
 ploymt. of envoye. extraordinary in Denmark,) and has 
 brought over with him many curiositys ; the principle of 
 which lyes in the Unicornes home, in which he has as much 
 as he prises att foure or five hundred pounds, beeing three 
 very long homes of the fish called puach and seuerall peeces ; 
 many rarityes of amber; great store of succinum 6 beeing 
 found about those shores, and a very large peece he gave 
 mee, which was found in the earth many miles from the sea, 
 he has one piece in which a drop either of water or quick- 
 silver is included, which turnes round as the amber is moved, 
 and severall with insects in them. He confesseth he had 
 licke to have beene cheated by a merchant Avith a piece that 
 had somwhat included in itt, which he found to bee rosin, 
 and wee have a way to counterfeitt itt very handsomely, which 
 he has taught mee, and, if wee had a workman to help us, 
 
 5 Created Earl of Yarmouth, Jan. 10*73. 6 Amber, 
 
412 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1674. 
 
 might doe many pretty thinges of that nature. He has 
 seuerall peeces of the mineralls of Dronthem ; he has brought 
 over a vegetable called the alga saccharified, which, when he 
 putt itt in the box, had nothing on the leaves, and in bring- 
 ing has attracted a matter in tast and feeling licke sugar. He 
 tells mee the former King of Denmark was curious in all 
 manner of rarities, and has one of the best collections of that 
 kind in the world, as allsoe a most famous library of choyse 
 collected bookes, butt this king's delights are in horses, and 
 the discipline of an army, of which he has thirty thousand 
 brauely equipped, which Mr. Henshaw saw encamped att the 
 rendevous att Colding, in Juteland ; allsoe a potent navy ready 
 to assist those that will pay the most for them. The king, 
 att his comming away, gave him considerable presents to the 
 value of betweene five and six hundred pounds, and has 
 written such a character of him that I feare may invite him 
 thither agayne, if our king has any occasion to send one. He 
 was there acquainted with the principle physitian, one Bou- 
 chius, a great louer of chymistry, butt I thinke nott much 
 experienced in itt, who assumed that leafe gold by continuall 
 grinding for som fourteen dayes, and then putt into a retort 
 in nudo igne yields som dropps of a bloud red licquor, and 
 the same gold exposed to the ayre, and ground againe, doth 
 totles quoties yield the same ; this is now under the experi- 
 ment of a physitian in this towne, to whome I gave the pro- 
 cess to undertake the tryall, and shall bee able shortly to give 
 you an accompt of itt. I have little leysure and less conve- 
 nience to try any thing heere, yett my owne salt will sett mee 
 on work, having now arrived to this that I can with foure 
 drachmes of itt dissolve a drachme of leafe gold into an high 
 tincture, which by all the art I have is nott seperable from 
 the menstruum which stands fluid, and is both before and 
 after the solution of the gold as sweet almost as sugar, soe 
 fan* is itt from any corrosive nature. I am gooing to seale up 
 two glasses, one of the menstruum with gold dissolved in 
 itt, and another of the menstruum per se, and to putt them 
 in an athanor, 7 to see if they will putrify, or what alteration 
 will happen. I have att Oxned scene this salt change as blackc 
 
 7 Furnace. 
 
1674.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 413 
 
 as inke, I must, att the lowest, have an excelent auruni'potabile, 
 and if the signes wee are to judge by in Sendivogius description 
 bee true, I have the key which answers to what he says, that 
 if a man have that which will dissolve gold as warme water 
 doth ice, you have that out of which gold was first made in 
 the earth. My solution is perfectly agreeable to itt; dissolves 
 itt without hissing, bubble or noyse, and doth itt in frigido : 
 that which encourages mee is that I shall make my lump with 
 spiritt of wine, which I could never by under twelve shillings 
 a quart, and now heere is one, which Prince Rupert recom- 
 mended mee to, that sells it for eighteene pence the quart, 
 and will fire gunpowder after itts burnt away in a spoone, 
 and answers all the tryalls of the highest rectified spiritt of 
 wine. I shewed some of itt to Di\ Rugeby, who thinkes itt 
 must com from molosses, butt whatever itt comes from there 
 itt is in all qualities bearing the highest tryalls of spiritt of 
 wine. Sir, I pray take my thankes for your kind remem- 
 brance of mee, and if you can recommend mee to any author 
 that can further enlighten my understanding pray doe. My 
 wife ioynes with mee in the presentments of our services to 
 your lady and yourself. I begg your pardon for tiring you 
 with soe many words to soe little purpose, and am, 
 Sir, your most humble servant, 
 
 YARMOUTH. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Elias Ashmole. 
 
 [FROM THE ASHMOLEAN MS. 1131, F. 280; BEING VOL 35 OF ELIAS ASIIMOLE'S 
 COLLECTIONS FOR THE ORDER OF THE GARTER.] 
 
 Norwich, Oct. viij, 1674. 
 
 HONORD SIR, 
 
 I give you late butt heartie thancks for the noble 
 present of your most excellent booke ; which, by the care of 
 my sonne, I receaved from you. I deferred this my due 
 acknowledgment in hope to have found out something more 
 of Dr. John Dee, butt I can yett only present this paper unto 
 
414 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1677-8. 
 
 you written by the hand of his sonne, Dr. Arthur Dee, my 
 old acquaintance, containing the scheme of his nativity, 
 erected by his father, Dr. John Dee, as the title sheweth ; 
 butt the iudgment upon it was writt by one Franciscus Mur- 
 rerus, before Dr. Arthur returned from Russia into England, 
 which Murrerus was an astrologer of some account at Mosko. 
 Sir, I take it for a great honour to have this libertie of com- 
 munication with a person of your eminent merit, and shall 
 industriously serve you upon all opportunities, who am, 
 Worthy good sir, 
 Your servant most respectfully and humbly, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 ("Reed. 24 Oct. 1674.") In the hand- writing of , 
 Ashmole. 
 
 Sir Thomas Broivne to Mr. John Brown? 
 
 [prefixed to "brown on tumours."] 
 
 [1677-8.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Since you were pleased to honour me with a sight 
 of your chirurgical endeavours in this work, I must, in justice, 
 return you my thanks and commendations due unto it : for 
 though the same subject hath been handled by others, yet 
 have you made so good a collection out of approved authors, 
 and so well disposed and set down the nature and cure of 
 tumours, together with apposite historical observations, that 
 the same may become of very good use, especially unto 
 younger chirurgions, unto whom you chiefly designed it ; 
 and, therefore, I wish you happy success therein, and also in 
 all future endeavours, unto which art and industry shall enable 
 you. Your loving friend and servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 8 Mr. John Brown was the nephew and pupil of Mr. William Crop, a distin- 
 guished surgeon in Norwich. He was appointed surgeon to King Charles II, and 
 published in 1678 ;i A Compleat Treatise of Preternatural Tumours, §r. 8vo." To 
 which is prefixed, among other recommendatory letters, the present, from Sir 
 Thomas Rrowno. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 415 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Mr. Talbot. 9 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 1833, FOL. 16.] 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The coyne which you shew me hath on the obverse 
 the head of Marcus Plaetorius Cestianus, with a dagger 
 behinde his head ; on the reverse it hath a Caduceus or Mer- 
 curies wande, with this inscription : m. plaetorj cest. ex. 
 s. c, the j in Plaetorius and s. c. on the reverse are scarce 
 visible, or the dagger on the obverse. It is thus to be read ; 
 Marcus Plcetorius Cestianus ex Senatus Consulto. 
 
 This Marcus Plaetorius, or, as some will have it, Laetorius, 
 was a remarkable man of the ancient Plaetorian family, who 
 derive themselves from the Sabines, which family was of the 
 faction of the commons of Rome, as may be gathered from 
 their being chosen aediles and tribunes of the people. He 
 was contemporary with Crassus, Pompey, Brutus, and was 
 designed praetor together with Cicero, in the 686 yeare after 
 the foundation of Rome, three yeares before Catilines con- 
 spiracy, and eighty-five yeares before the birth of our Saviour. 
 He had been an aedile before that, as I know by a coyne 
 which I have with an aediles chair on the reverse, and this 
 inscription : M. Plaetorius mi>. cvr. ex. s. c, on the obverse 
 his head, with this inscription : Cestianus. He is mentioned 
 by Varro in his fifth booke De Lingua Latina, and by Livy, 
 lib. 30. He preferred a law de jure dicendo, taken notice of 
 by Censorinus De die natali, cap. 19. He is spoken of by 
 Cicero in his oration pro Marco Fonteio, whom this M. Plae- 
 torius accused, and in another, pro A. Cluentio ; but this 
 coyne was stamped upon his being chosen to dedicate the 
 temple of Mercury, no small honour, and for which both the 
 consuls at that time sued, Claudius and Servilius, but carried 
 it from them both by the election of the people, although he 
 were at that time onely a centurion, as is to be seen in 
 Valerius Maximus, lib. 9. cap. 3. 
 
 This letter is but a fragment, It is accompanied by a pen drawing of the coin. 
 
416 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to 1( ' 
 
 [BIBL. BODL. MS. TANNER. CCLXXXV. P. 73.] 
 
 December 2. 
 
 HONOURED SIR, 
 
 I am very sorry it was my ill fortune to bee diuerted 
 by a journey into the country, from wayting upon you, ac- 
 cording to your courteous inuitation. I had sufficient cause, 
 and I sought a good opportunity to tender my thanks and 
 acknowledgements for your kindnesse vnto mee the last au- 
 dit, when you were pleased, with my other good friends the 
 prebends, to grant mee the medowe for life. This fauour I 
 confesse might reasonably restrayne mee from desiring any 
 higher ; but since some of the chapter are willing and desir- 
 ous that I might take a lease thereof, and to that intent haue 
 desired mee to addresse myself unto you ; I humbly craue 
 your pardon that I presume at this time to begge this fauor 
 of you : what fine you please to set shall bee accepted by 
 mee, who am 
 
 Worthy Sir, 
 Your euer respectful friend and humble seruant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Sir, I desire not to putt you to the trouble of an answer. 
 
 10 This letter seems to have been addressed to the Dean of Norwich. On en- 
 quiry, however, of my friend John Kitson, Esq. I am informed that there does not 
 appear to have been any lease granted to Sir Thomas; so that this was probably an 
 unsuccessful application. 
 
1655.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 41' 
 
 The remaining letters in this volume, having re- 
 sulted from a second examination, very recently made, 
 of the materials whence the former were drawn, are 
 of necessity placed out of their due order of date. 
 
 From Dr. How l to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 3418. FOL. 96.] 
 
 SIR, MY CHOISEST, ETC. 
 
 I received your rare present, and shall answere your 
 summons for yourselfe, or friends, with any faire florall re- 
 turnes, pacquett of seeds, or if this place may any wayes in- 
 strumentaly present mee yours I shall putt on such affected 
 employments. For the dresse of our garden, that you may 
 know the modell, this rough title may acquaint you ; Botano- 
 trophium Westmonasteriense, tentaminibus noviter exploratis 
 hortensibus, medicinalibus, tingentibus, imprcegnatum. The 
 style to this discourse will appeare Roman ; nor shall I pre- 
 sent you with a catalogue of nude names : a mode taken upp 
 to prevent further scrutinyes, in which designes the most ex- 
 perienced botanists find too much anxiety ; the younger stu- 
 dent meetes with nothing but confusion. Therefore to each 
 recited plant you shall have the original! author annexed, and 
 paged, that with small labor they may peruse the plant ; but 
 to nondescribed species who refuse limitts, wee shall present 
 them delineated in theire names. The method wee intend 
 in paging authors may bee discerned in this instance : Pim- 
 pinella moschata, sire Agrimonies folio, quomndam Agrimo- 
 noides. Fab. Columnar minus cog nit. stirp. pag. 145 ; after 
 wee have thus circumscribed the plant wee shall adde our 
 
 1 William How, of St. John's Coll. Oxon. a captain of Horse in K. Charles I's 
 army, afterwards a physician in London ; first in Lawrence Lane, then in Milk 
 Street, a noted herbalist of his time. He published " Phytologia Britannica, fyc. 
 Lond. 1650: and died in 1656. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 E 
 
418 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1655. 
 
 experiments; to this, hortensiall (wherein acquirements de novo 
 are onely to bee inserted ;) to that, medicinall, if never for- 
 merly approved in physicke, or applyed to such particular 
 disturbances; to those, tinctoriall, if by theire iuyces, or 
 decoctions any such qualityes may be perceived. For the 
 knowledge of our garden series whereby you say something 
 might bee annexed, wee almost equaly boast what our clyme 
 may produce, so that however you may appropriate your di- 
 gestions, wee easily may render them classicall ; though I 
 must be compelled to confesse you haue enrich't mee with 
 the Pimpinella. The Carduus Hisp. sine Carduus acule- 
 atus, Math, edent. Bauh. pag. 498, I further want : yett our 
 little instructed far me numbers aboue 2200 species, submit- 
 ting to no European culture ; which fabricke might be com- 
 pleated with any of your mature explorate additions ! since 
 our designes shall acknowledge those inuentions with affixed 
 titles ! Wee are emboldened from your " Common Errors," 
 pag. 103; — "Swarmes of others there are, some whereof our 
 future endeauors may discouer :" and being rauished with 
 those learned enquiryes, pardon this pressing discourse, ther- 
 fore vented, possit ut ad monitum facere tuum. Pag. 102 ; — 
 " That Ros soils which rotteth sheepe hath any such cordiall 
 vertue upon us, wee have reason to doubt." If the salubrious 
 operation in decoctions upon tabid bodyes might purchase 
 credentials, troopes of physitians might appeare combatants: 
 nor the rotting of sheepe in our apprehensions any wayes op- 
 pugnes his alexipharmacy in man : Pinguiculam oviaricum 
 gregem omnes villatici uno ore necare asserunt. Matronal 
 graves Cambro-Britannicce ex pinguicula parant syrupum, 
 uti rosaceum ad evacaandos pueros : ruricolce mulieres ho- 
 reales ex pulte avenacea, aut alio jnscido addita pinguicula 
 pueros purgant, evacuare phlegma verisimile. " That cats 
 haue such delight in the her be nepeta, called therefore cat- 
 taria, our experience cannot discouer." I haue numbred about 
 2 rootes of nep. in my garden 16 cats, who never destroied 
 those plants, but have totally despoyled the neighbouring 
 births in that bedd to a yard's distance, rendring the place 
 hard, and smooth like a walke with theire frequent treddings : 
 but of this una litura potest. I find many of my lord Bacon's 
 
1656.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 419 
 
 experiments concerning phytologie in his 6 and 7 centuries, 
 very crude. If you may commend any of these heads to 
 Dr. Short for his enlargments, it must proue a fauor which 
 cannot more obleidge, 
 
 Yours most obseruant, 
 Milk Streete, Sept. 20, 55. WILL. HOW. 
 
 For the most worthy, and his very much honoured 
 
 friend Thomas Browne, Dr. in Physicke, at his 
 
 house, these present, Norwich. 
 Post Paid. 
 
 [Dr. Browne ?] to Mr. Daniel King. 
 
 [FROM KING'S VALE ROYAL OF CHESTER.] 
 
 [1656.] 
 
 DEAR FRIEND, 
 
 Though it will be acknowledged that you have fallen 
 upon a most worthy subject, yet it may be started for a ques- 
 tion, whether owe a greater duty, you unto your country, 
 (whereof I also am a more unworthy member,) or your country 
 unto you. For it may be truly said that therein you drew 
 your first breath, that it hath been a fosterer of you and your 
 father's father, nay more, that you had education there and 
 that therefore cum ammo revertendi you owe all your pains 
 and labour to illustrate, beautifie, and adorn the place. But 
 though it be my way sometimes to put cases, yet should I be 
 injurious to have made this qugery without a resolve ; for I 
 shall answer for you, that though you had your beginning in 
 this countrey, yet like a plant removed you have elswhere 
 grown up to more com pleat man, and to that perfection which 
 speaks itself in this work. Had you still kept at home, its 
 more than probable you had not prospered so well in your own 
 soyl nor born such pleasant fruit as herein your countrey-men 
 may taste and refresh themselves withall, and therefore in that 
 you hold out your hand to your own countrey-men and bend 
 your studies, nay, I may say stoop and incline to do them 
 grace, I may well conclude that your countrey owes more to 
 you than you to it. By this work you have not onely done an 
 honour to your countrey, but also raised a glorious monument 
 
 2 E 2 
 
420 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [165G. 
 
 of your own worth, upon which although I am not able to 
 build turrets of silver to make it more famous and perspicuous, 
 yet will I strew about it a few flowers pickt out of your own 
 garden, this Royall Vale, which, like him qui suam iotam 
 proffert, speaks my good will to draw on the reader to a due 
 commendation of your imparted improvements. The first 
 flower that offers itself to my hand is a violet (a lively emblem 
 of yourself,) which, though it be odoriferous and as well 
 useful! as pleasant, yet being small is usually covered with a 
 great leaf; and so obscured that passers by cannot easily dis- 
 cern it, till the sense of smelling summon them to contemplate 
 the virtue of it. There needs no clavis to illustrate the 
 parallell your worth hath vaild, till time, the next flower in 
 this garden, makes a most pleasant discovery of it. I have a 
 rose that is grown up above the pricks, shewing how your 
 self hath been fenced and preserved amongst the briars, till 
 your riper years should bloom this fragrancie, that it had been 
 hard, nay pity too, any one should have nipt the bud without 
 a bloody finger. The next are gillyflowers of various and 
 most choice complexions ; should I name them all I must be 
 beholding France for some affected and fictitious terms to 
 expresse their beauties. These, stuck in camomile, strewd 
 round the foot pace of this monument will adde to the fra- 
 grancie, for the more spectators tread and trample, the greater 
 perfume do they make. 
 
 Of these and other choice blossoms from your own garden, 
 conglutinated with gratitude, will I also compose a coronet 
 most worthily to adorn your temples, in token of praise for 
 this Herculean labour in collecting and composing this book 
 so eminently beneficiall to your country-men, which I hope 
 will be acknowledged by all, as well as by 
 
 Your old acquaintance and true friend, 
 
 THO. BROWN. 
 
 To his endeared friend, Mr. Daniel King, the inge- 
 nious author of that worthily to be commended 
 work and accurate piece of the Geographicall and 
 Historicall description of the Vale-Royall of Eng- 
 land, or County Palatine of Chester, most artifici- 
 ally adorned with typographic and sculpture. 
 
 Note. — I feel somewhat doubtful as to the identity of the writer of this letter 
 with Sir Thomas Browne. — The style is certainly not like his: — nor did he spell 
 his name without the final e. But as it is so spelt in some editions of his works 
 
1659.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 421 
 
 From Dr. Robinson to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [ms. sloan. 3418. fol. 80.] 
 
 Honoured Sir, 
 
 I cannot but returne you infinite thankes for the 
 enjoyment of your excellent society at Norwich. And since 
 my fortune is not rich enough to present any thing in requit- 
 all of so large a favour, I shall presume to offer nothing but 
 a serious confession how infinitely I cherish the remembrance 
 of it; and how, to speak truth, I have since but lived upon 
 the received emanations of your goodnesse, repositing the 
 notions which then entertained my eare in a memory whose 
 greatest honour it was to bee before furnished with some of 
 your printed discourses. Which acquired ideas I despaire 
 not to fix in mee to eternity, knowing that if any sullen le- 
 thargy could possibly prevaile to theire obliteration, my greatest 
 happiness must needes vanish with them. And if I might 
 be allowed the presumption (as who knowes how diffusive 
 your goodnesse is) to hope for a continuation of this corre- 
 spondence, I should esteeme my selfe beyond expression 
 happy, that I might have such an oracle to appeale to in a 
 day of difficulty. 
 
 Sir, in discourse with that worthy and learned gentleman 
 Mr. Bacon of Gillingham, (who very nobly treated us in our 
 returne) something did occurre concerning the nostoch Para- 
 celsi, that gelatinous substance, which in the high-shoe phy- 
 siology passes for the slough and reliques of a decayed starr. 
 In which I did then deliver my private opinion (as I had done 
 long since to Dr. Power, who seemes not to disapprove it) 
 which I shall now briefly present to you, craving the boldnesse 
 
 published during his life-time, this may not be regarded as conclusive. On the 
 other hand we know that he was acquainted with Mr. King, who had visited Nor- 
 wich. And though not a native of Cheshire, he was descended from a Cheshire 
 family, and might therefore call himself " a member" of that country. This letter 
 was obligingly pointed out to me by Mr. Hunter, the accurate historian of Hal- 
 lamshire, — but without any opinion of its authorship ; — and I publish it, leaving 
 the reader to decide for himself. Mr. Ormerod and Mr. Upcot mention it as "a 
 letter signed, Tho. Brown." 
 
422 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1659. 
 
 to request your judicious and more mature decision of the 
 point. I know not what to conjecture it with more probabi- 
 lity to bee then the imperfect conception of sheep, produced 
 perhaps of some spermatick matter supervenient to the true 
 conception, and so by them after some little time excluded. 
 My reasons are, it is never to bee found (at least by the best 
 scrutiny that I could make) but in latter end of September, 
 and the beginning of October, which is time enough after 
 sheep's rutting (being much about the same time with that of 
 deere) to eject any thing which might bee vitious or super- 
 fluous. Nor could I ever find it (although I have seene many 
 of them) but in places where sheep were pastured. Besides, 
 that it is an animal concretion is evincible from the variety of 
 parts ; some of them consisting manifestly of flesh, veines, 
 membranes, and abundance of tough fibers. I once found it 
 all over bloudy : it was indeed in a churchyard, but where 
 the butchers (as afterwardes they affirmed to mee) had put 
 in sheep the night before. There are I confesse other con- 
 jectures of this strange matter. Amongst which those that 
 would have it relate to the philosophers mercury, may excuse 
 our belief. And that certainly of Dr. Charleton (that it is 
 the nocturnall pollution of some plethorick or wanton starr: 
 or rather excrement blowne from the nosthrills of a rheuma- 
 tick planett) savours more of the oratoi$then the philosopher, 
 a figurative locution, not a legitimate definition : and was I 
 suppose rather intended to putt a metaphor upon the rack, 
 then meant for a solid description of it. Helmonts conceipt 
 is yet more passable, as carrying with it a greater verisimility ; 
 that it is nothing but a frog resolved by the frost into a 
 slime. For (sayes hee) hang up a frog in a frosty night jlante 
 Borea, and it will bee turned into a gelly, which were worth 
 our experiment if wee could find a frog this frosty time, or 
 that they were not all retired to theire hybernall latitancy. 
 But there are many difficulties attend this opinion not easily 
 extricable at the first hearing. For 1. Neither is the time 
 of the yeare when these substances are found cold enough 
 nor frosty. 2. Neither is cold a proper instrument of resolu- 
 tion since wee experimentally find that nothing does more 
 conduce to the conservation either of fish or flesh : witnesse 
 
1569.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 423 
 
 your Iceland fish, which is preserved without any salt, only 
 the humidity (which disposes every thing to putrefaction) 
 frozen up ; witnesse the stories of your Greenland venison 
 killers, who affirm e that unless they presently embowell theire 
 deere, and fill the belly with snow, they will in two houres 
 stink beyond all recovery. It seemes the flesh and fat being 
 suddainly raised have not firmness or solidity enough to resist 
 the putrefying heat of the bowells. 3. I have found this 
 nostoch in several pieces interspersed here and there : which 
 must be affirmed to bee many frogs surprised together in 
 theire nocturnall march, at the same time, and by the breath 
 of the same Boreas, which is not probable. 4. I have had 
 entire pieces of it as big as two frogs, and upon some pieces 
 more bloud then can bee conceived in three or foure. 5. This 
 matter is not easily resoluble : for wee have exposed it foure 
 dayes and yet found some part of it remaining, notwithstand- 
 ing great raines that fell during that time. 
 
 I have oftentimes mett with two other entities which seeme 
 to bee of a congenerous substance with the aforenamed 
 gellies, both of them to bee found in the salt water. One 
 is flat and round, as broad as a mans palme, or broader, 
 and as thick as the hand, cleare and transparent, convex 
 on one side and somewhat like the gibbous part of the 
 human liver, on the other side concave with a contrivance 
 like a knott in the very middle thereof, but plainly with cir- 
 cular fibers about the verge or edge of it (where it is growne 
 thin) which suffer manifest constriction and dilatation, which 
 doe promote it's natation, which is also perceptible, and by 
 which you may discerne it to advance towards the shore, or 
 recede from it. About us they are generally called squalders, 
 but are indeed evidently fishes although not described in any 
 Ichthyology I have yet mett with. • The distinction of theire 
 parts is very obscure ; yet the succus nutritius or alimentall 
 liquor, discoverable on the convex part to run in peculiar 
 channells, not pellusid but subflavous, not much vnlike the 
 serum in the lymphceducts; wee have distilled these fishes, 
 and find that they come over the helme in a cleare insipid 
 water, and no residence or caput mortuum but a little sea-salt 
 granulated in the bottome of the cucurbites. 
 
424 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [166$. 
 
 The other is of a sphceroidall figure, of the magnitude of 
 a sparrow's egg, with both ends asqually obtuse, handsomely 
 chamfered with small ridges from pole to pole, like some kind 
 of buttons, (from whence they receive the denomination of 
 silver buttons) purely diaphanous, the christalline humour of 
 the eye not exceeding them in translucency. At each pole is 
 a little puncture, which seemes to passe quite through. I 
 could never attaine to the knowledge of these beings, or con- 
 jecture to what classis they are to bee referred, except wee 
 may imagine then the ovall exclusions of some fish. 
 
 Sir, if your leisure will at any time give leave, and your can- 
 dor condiscend to returne two or three lines in answere to this 
 imperfect scriblett, be pleased to direct them to Mr. John 
 Crooke, bookseller, at the ship in Paules churchyard, for mee 
 (by whom I intend to send this letter to the post). And I 
 [shall] either retaine these conjecturall conceptions, if your 
 more accurate judgment give them a placet, or relinquish them 
 if they agree not with your more solid disquisitions. However 
 you will thereby lay a high obligation upon one that truly hon- 
 ours your worth, and will encourage the poore enquiries of 
 Sir, your most obliged, 
 
 And most affectionate Servant, 
 
 REUBEN ROBINSON. 
 
 Maldon, Decemb. 12th, 1659. 
 
 These are lor my much honoured friend 
 Thomas Browne, Dr. of Physick. 
 
 From M. Escaliot to Dr. Broione. 
 
 [ms. sloan. 1S60, roL. 5.] 
 
 My last I wrote to youe was from abord the shipp Loyall, 
 merchant, then at anckor in the Downes, wich I hope 
 was safely brought in to you, and there in I gaue you an 
 account of my passage from Grauesend: wich I shall re- 
 peate least that letter should have miscarried. The winde 
 had been at east or very neere for eighteen dayes togather 
 
1662.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 425 
 
 after our shipp was ready to sayle, all wich tyme I was to bee 
 at a dayes warning to goe abord, or elss to go over land to 
 Deale, wich would have prooued a chargeable journey. And 
 therefore continued in a readyness from day to day expecting 
 a wind, vntill Satturday Aprill 4th, on wich day about noone 
 the winde began to vere to the south, and that night being 
 come faire the ship fell downe from Eriff to Gravesend and 
 came to an anckor. On Sunday I had notice of her depar- 
 ture to Grauesend, and on Munday, the 6th Aprill, 1663, I 
 tooke leave of my Lord Richardson at his lodgings, and 
 about six that night, after a great storme of winde and raine, 
 wich I mett with upon the Thams, and that soe violent as 
 forced vs in at Blackwall, I came on borde the ship, and 
 from thence went a shoare to the Torre, where I supped, 
 and lay that night. The next morninge about eight wee came 
 abord againe and hoysed sayle and came to an anckor that 
 afternoone about two. On Wedensday about nine in the 
 morning wee sett sayle againe ; at four afternoone came to an 
 anckor. Thursday 9th we weighed about four in the morn- 
 ing, and anckord againe at ten; and weighed againe about 
 five afternoone, and at nine that night cast anckor, the north 
 foreland bearing from vs S. W. by west. Friday the 10th, 
 about four morning, we sayled againe with little winde, wich 
 about seven proved calme till three that afternoone, about 
 wich tyme a gale arrising, wee sett sayle, and at five that 
 evening came to anckor in the Downes; that night tooke 
 abord our fresh provissions from Deale and tow passengers, 
 one of them a Portugall gentleman, called Don Vasco de 
 Gama, who for killing a man in a duel is banished from his 
 country and is now at Goa, where his kinsman is vice roye, 
 the other was a Kentish gentleman, Mr. Hardnett, now with 
 vs at Surat. Saturday the 11th, about seven in the morning, 
 wee being ready to weigh, there came one with a warrant 
 from his Majestie to search our ship for gold. He came 
 attended upon by the lieuetenant of Douer castell, and some 
 soldiers; thay kept vs from weighing anckor till four after- 
 noone, to the loss of so many bowers as with that gale wee 
 then inioyed, would, by judgement, have set vs 20 leagues, 
 wich tyme thay wholy spent in searching the captaines round- 
 
426 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [166i'. 
 
 house, and opening all the chests of treasure belonging to the 
 company, and carried away some ingotts of gold to the value 
 of about £2000, wich notwithstanding it was shipped of by 
 cocket: about five that afternoone we set sayle and had good 
 weather all the night and a fresh gale on the 13th: wee were 
 in the height of the Lizard Point and that day was my fare- 
 well to England for this voiage, I then seeing the land about 
 six: or seven leagues of, with various winds wee made the best 
 of our voiage possible (beeing much belated) and passed 
 without any considerable accident vntil wee were come into 
 the Bay of Biscay and had elevation about 44 degrees. 
 
 Thuss farr deare Browne, I had wrote on Tuesday the 
 fifth of January about ten in the morning, when on a sudden 
 a strong alarme was brought to our house from the towne 
 with news that Seua-Gee Raya, or principall governor, (for 
 such assume not the name of kings to them selues, but yet 
 endeuor to bee as absolute each in his prouince as his 
 sword can make him,) was coming downe with an army of an 
 vncertaine number upon Surat, to pillage thecitty, which newes 
 strook no small consternation into the mindes of a weake and 
 effeminate people, in soe much that on all hands there was 
 nothing to be seene but people flying for their lives and 
 lamenting the loss of their estates, the richer sort whose 
 stocke of money was large enough to purchase that favor at 
 the hands of the gouernor of the castle, made that their sanc- 
 tuary and abandoned their dwellings to a merciless foe, wich 
 they might well enough haue defended with the rest of the 
 towne had thay had the heartes of men. The same day a 
 post corns in and tells them that the army was come within 
 tenne course or English miles, and made all hast forward, wich 
 put the cowardly and vnfaithful govenor of the towne to send 
 a seruant to Sevagee to treat of some conditions of ransome. 
 But Sevagee retaines the messenger and marches forwards 
 with all speed, and that night lodged his camp about 5 miles 
 English from the city, and the governor perceueing well that 
 this messenger returned not againe, and that Sevagee did not 
 intend to treat at that distance, he craues admission into the 
 castle and obtaineth it, and soe deserted his towne. 
 
 The city of Surat is the only port on this side India, wich 
 
166|.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 427 
 
 belongs to the Mogol, and stands upon a river commodious 
 enough to admitt vessells of 1000 tun, seven milles up, at wich 
 distance from the sea, there stands a reasonable strong castle 
 well manned, and haueing great store of good guns mounted 
 for the securing of the riuer at a conuenient distance, on the 
 north east and south sides of this castle is the citty of Surrat 
 built of a large extent and very popelus. Rich in marchan- 
 dise, as being the mart for the great empire of the Mogol, 
 but ill contriued into narrow lanes and without any forme. 
 And for buildings consists partly of brick, soe the houses of 
 the richer sort partly of wood, the maine posts of wich sort 
 only are timber, the rest is built of bambooes (as they call 
 them) or caines, such as those youe make your angles at Nor- 
 wich, but very large, and these being tyed togather with the 
 cords made of coconutt rinde, and being dawbed ouer with dirt, 
 are the walls of the whole house and floors of the upper story 
 of their houses. Now the number of the poore exceedingly 
 surmounting the number of those of some quality, these bam- 
 boo houses are increased vnmeasurably, soe that in the great- 
 ter part of the towne scarce tow or three brick houses are to 
 bee seen in a street, and in some part of the towne not one 
 for many streets togather ; those houses wich are built of 
 bricke are vsually built strong, their walls of tow or tow and 
 a half feet thicke, and the roofes of them flat and couered 
 with a plaster like plaster of Paris, wich makes most comodous 
 places to take the euening aire in the hotter seasons; the 
 whole town is unfortified ether by art or nature, its situation 
 is upon a larg plaine of many miles extent and their care 
 hath been so little to secure it by art, that they have only 
 made against the cheefe auenues of the towne, some weake 
 and ill built gatts and for the rest in some parts a dry ditch, 
 easely passable by a footman, wanting a wall or other defence 
 on the innerside, the rest is left soe open that scarce any signe 
 of a dich is perceiuable ; the people of the towne are either 
 the marchants, and those of all nations almost, as English, 
 Dutch, Portugalls, Turkes, Arabs, Armenians, Persians, Jews, 
 Indians, of seueral sorts, but principally Banians, or els Moores 
 the conquerors of the country Hindues, or the ancient inha- 
 bitants or Persees, whoe are people fled out of Persia ages 
 
428 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [166f. 
 
 agoe, and here and some miles up the country settled in great 
 numbers. The Banian is one who thinks it the greatest wick- 
 edness to kill any creature whatsoever that hath life, least 
 possibly they might bee the death of their father or relation, 
 and the Persee doth supperstitiously adore the fire as his God, 
 and thinks it an vnpordonable sin to throw watter upon it, 
 soe that if a house bee fired or their clothes upon their backs 
 burning thay will if thay can hinder any man from quenching 
 it. The Moores ar troubled with none of these superstitions 
 but yet through the unworthy couetuousness of the gouernour 
 of the towne thay had noe body to head them, nor none vnto 
 whome to joyne themselves, and soe fled away for company, 
 whereas if there had beene 500 men trayned, and in a rea- 
 dyness, as by order from the king there ever should, whose 
 pay the gouernour puts into his own pocket, the number to 
 defend the citty would haue amounted to some thousands. 
 This was the condittion of the citty at the tyme of its inuasion. 
 The inuader Seva Gee is as I haue said by extraction a 
 Rayar or a gouernour of a small country on the coast south- 
 ward of Basiue, and was formerly a tributary to the King of 
 Vijapore, but being of an aspiring and ambitious minde, sub- 
 tile and withall a soldier, hee rebells against the king, and 
 partly by fraude, partly by force, partly by corruption of the 
 kings gouernours of the kings castles, seaseth many of them 
 into his hands. And withall parte of a country for wich the 
 King of Vijapore paid tribute to the Mogul. His insolencys 
 were soe many, and his success soe great, that the King of 
 Vijapore thought it high tyme to endeavor his suppression, 
 or els all would be lost. Hee raises his armies, but is worsted 
 soe euery where by the rebbell, that he is forced to condi- 
 tions to release homage to Sevagee of those lands wich hee 
 held of him, and for the rest Sevagee was to make good his 
 possession against the Mogol as well as hee could, after some 
 tyme of forbearance. The Mogol demands his tribute from 
 him of Vijapore, whoe returns answer that hee had not pos- 
 session of the tributary lands, but that they were detayned 
 from him by his rebbell who was grown too strong for him. 
 Upon this the Mogol makes warr both vpon the King of 
 Vijapore and Seuagee, but as yet without any considerable 
 
166^.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 429 
 
 success : many attempts have been made, but still frusterated 
 either by the cuning, or vallor, or money of Seuagee : but 
 now of late Kuttup Chawn, an Umbraw, who passed by 
 Surrat since I arriued with 5000 men, and 14 elephants, and 
 had 9000 men more marched another way towards their ran- 
 devouz, as wee hear hath taken from him a strong castle, and 
 some impression into his country, to deuest wich, ware it is 
 probable he took this resoluetion for inuation of this country 
 of Guzurat. His person is described by them whoe haue seen 
 him to bee of meane stature, lower somewhat then I am erect, 
 and of an excellent proportion. Actual in exercise, and when 
 euer hee speaks seemes to smile a quicke and peercing eye, 
 and whiter then any of his people. Hee is distrustfull, 
 seacret, subtile, cruell, perfidious, insulting over whomsoever 
 he getts into his power. Absolute in his commands, and in 
 his punishments more then severe, death or dismembering 
 being the punishment of every offence, if necessity require, 
 venterous and desperate in execution of his resolues as may 
 appeare by this following instance. The King Vijapore sends 
 downe his vnckell a most accomplished soldier, with 14000 
 men into Sevagee's country : the knowne vallor and experience 
 of the man made Seuagee conclude that his best way was to 
 assasinate him in his owne armye by a sudden surprise. This 
 conduct of this attempt, how dangerous soever, would haue 
 been vndertaken by many of his men of whose conduct hee 
 might haue assured himselfe, but it seemes he would haue 
 the action wholly his own, hee therefore with 400 as desperate 
 as himselfe enters the army vndiscovered, comes to the gene- 
 rails tent, falls in upon them, kills the guard, the generalls 
 sonne, wounds the father, whoe hardly escaped, seiseth on his 
 daughter and carries her away prisoner, and forceth his way 
 backe through the whole army, and returnes safe without any 
 considerable loss, and afterward in dispight of all the King 
 of Vijapore could do, hee tooke Rajapore, a great port, plun- 
 dered it, and seised our English marchants, Mr. Rivington, 
 Mr. Taylor, and digged vp the English house for treasure, 
 and kept the marchants in prison about 8 months. 
 
 Wednesday the 6th Janu: about eleven in the morning, 
 Sevagee arriued neere a great garden, without the towne 
 
430 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [I66f. 
 
 about a quarter of a mile, and whilst hee was busied in pitch- 
 ing his tents, sent his horsmen into the outward streets of the 
 towne to fire the houses, soe that in less then halfe an houer 
 wee might behold from the tops of our house two great pil- 
 liers of smoke, the certaine signes of a great dissolation, and 
 soe they continued burning that day and night, Thursday, 
 Friday and Saturday ; still new fires raised, and every day 
 neerer and neerer approaching our quarter of the towne, that 
 the terror was great, I know youe will eassly belieue, and 
 upon his first begining of his firing, the remainder of the peo- 
 ple fled as thicke as possible, so that on Thursday the streets 
 were almost empty, wich at other tymes are exceeding thicke 
 with people, and we the English in our house, the Duch in 
 theirs and some few marchants of Turkey and Armenia, 
 neighbours to our English house, possessed of a Seraw or 
 place of reception for strangers, were left by the gouernor 
 and his people to make what shift we could to secure ourselves 
 from the enemys : this might the English and Duch have 
 done, leaving the towne and gooing over the riuer to Swalley 
 to our shipps, which were then riding in Swalley hole, but it 
 was thought more like Englishmen to make ourselves ready 
 to defend our liues and goods to the uttermost than by a 
 flight to leaue mony, goods, house, to merciless people, and 
 were confirmd in a resolution that the Duch alsoe determined 
 the same, though there was no possibility of relieuing one 
 another, the Duch house beeing on the other side of towne 
 almost an English mile asunder. 
 
 In order therfore to our better defence, the president St. 
 George Oxinden, a most worthy discreet courageous person, 
 sent advice to our ships at Swalley of our condition, with his 
 desires to the Captains to spare him out of their ships what 
 men they could, and wee in the meane tyme endeavoured to 
 fitt our house soe well as wee could, sending out for what 
 quantity of prouision of victualls, watter and pouder we could 
 gett, of wich wee gott a competent store. Tow brass guns 
 we procured that day from a marchant in towne, of about 
 three hundred weight a piece, and with old ship carriages 
 mounted them, and made ports in our great gate for them to 
 play out of to scoure a shorte passage to our house; that 
 
I66|.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 431 
 
 afternoone we sent aboard a ship in the riuer for guns and 
 had tow of about six hundred a piece sent up in next morn- 
 ing with shott conuenient ; some are sett to melt lead and 
 make bullets, others with chezels to cutt lead into slugs, no 
 hand idle but all imployed to strengthen every place as tyme 
 would give leaue to the best advantage. On Weddensday men 
 arriued to the number of forty odd, and bring with them tow 
 brass guns more, our four smaller guns are then carried vp 
 to the tope of the house and three of them planted to scoure 
 two greet streets, the four was bent vpon a rich churles house 
 (Stogee Said Beeg of whom more by and by) because it was 
 equally of hight and being posesed by the enemy might haue 
 beene dangerous to our house ; Captaines are appointed and 
 every man quartered and order taken for relieuing one an- 
 other vpon necessity ; a fresh recrute of men coming of about 
 twenty more, wee than began to consider what houses neere 
 vs might bee most prejudiciall ; and on one side wee tooke pos- 
 session of pagod, or Banian idol temple, which was just vnder 
 our house, wich hauing taken wee were much more secured 
 on that quarter ; on the other a Morish Mesecte where seuerall 
 people were harboured, and had windowes into our outward 
 yard, was thought good to bee cleared and shutt vpp, wich 
 accordingly done by a party, all the people sent to seeke some 
 other place to harbour in. Things being thus reasonably well 
 prepared, newes is brought vs that Mr. Anthony Smith, a ser- 
 vant of the companyes, one whoe hath been cheife in severall 
 factoryes, was taken prisoner by Seuagee soulderiers as he 
 came ashore neere the Duch house, and was comeing to the 
 English, — an vnfortunate accedent wich made vs all much con- 
 cerned, knowing Seuagee cruelty, and indeed gaue him ouer 
 as quite lost: bee obtaines leaue some few houers after to send 
 a note to the president, wherin hee aquants him with his con- 
 dition, that hee being brought before Sevagee hee was asked 
 what hee was and suchlike questions, and att last by Sevagee 
 told that he was not come to doe any personall hurte to the 
 English or other marchants, but only to revenge him selfe of 
 Groin Zeb, (the great Mogol) because hee had invaded his 
 counttry, had killd some of his relations, and that hee would 
 only have the English and Duch give him some treasure and 
 
432 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1GG^. 
 
 hee would not medle with their houses, else hee would doe 
 them all mischeefe possible. Mr. Smith desired him to send a 
 guard with him to the English house least hee should finde 
 any mollestation from his men, but hee answers as yet hee 
 must not goe away, but comands him to bee carried to the 
 rest of the marchants, where, when hee came, hee found the 
 embassador from the great king of Ethiopia vnto Oram Zeb 
 prisoner, and pinioned with a great number Banians, and 
 others in the same condition : hauing set there some tyme, 
 about halfe an bower, hee is seised vpon by a cupple of black 
 rogges, and pinioned in that extremety that hee hath brought 
 away the marke in his armes with him ; this what hee writt 
 and part of what he related when wee gott him againe. The 
 president by the messenger one of Sevagee men, as we ima- 
 gined, returned answer that hee wounderd at him, that pro- 
 fessing peace hee should detaine an English man prissoner, 
 and that if he would send him home, and not to suffer his 
 people to come so neere his house as to give cause of suspi- 
 tion, hee would hurt none of his men, other wayes hee was 
 vpon his owne defence upon these tearmes ; wee were all 
 Wedensday and vntil Thursday about tow at afternoon, when 
 perceiueing tops of lances on the other side of a neighbour 
 house, and haueing called to the men to depart and not come 
 so neere vs, but thay not stirring and intending as wee con- 
 cluded to sett fier to the house, on the quarter whereby our 
 house would have been in most eminent danger of being 
 fiered alsoe, the president comanded twenty men vnder the 
 comand of Mr. Garrard Aungier, brother to my lord Aungier, 
 to sally forth vpon them, and another party of about soe many 
 more to make good their retreate, they did soe, and when 
 thay facd them, judgd them to bee about twenty-five horsmen 
 well mounted, they discharged at them and wounded one man 
 and one horse, the rest fac'd about and fled but made a shift 
 to carry off their wounded man, but the horse fell, haueing 
 gone a little way; what became of the wounded man we can- 
 not tell, but Mr. Smith saw him brought into the armey upon 
 mens shoulders and shewed there to Sevagee ; tow of our men 
 were hurt, one shott slightly into the legg with an arrow, the 
 other rashly parting from the rest and runing on before was 
 
16G|.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 433 
 
 cutt deep ouer the shoulder, but thanks to God in a faire 
 way of recovery. 
 
 On Wedensday afternoone a party of the enemy came 
 downe to Hogee Said Begs house, hee then in the castle, one 
 of a prodigous estate, and brake open the vndefended doores, 
 and ther continued all that night long and till next day, that 
 we sallyed out vpon their men on the other quarter of our 
 house, they appeared by tow or three at a tyme vpon the tope 
 of his house, to spye what preparations wee made, but as yet 
 had no order to fier vpon them, we heard them all night long 
 beating and breaking open chests and doores, with great 
 maules, but were not much concerned for him, for had the 
 wretch had soe much heart as to have stood vpon his guard, 
 the 20 part of what they tooke from him, would have hiered 
 soe many men as would haue secured all the rest ; when they 
 heard that wee wear abroad in the streets thay imediatly in 
 hast deserted the house, and that as it afterwards appeared, 
 in such hast as to leave tow baggs of mony dropt downe 
 behind them, yet with intention as they told the people they 
 mett (such poore wretches as had nothing to loose and knew 
 not whether to flye) to returne next day [to] fier the house, but 
 that was prevented. On Friday morning, the president sent 
 vnto the castle to Hogee Said Beg to know whether he would 
 permitt him to take possession of and secure a great com- 
 pany of warehouses of his adjoyneing to our house, and wich 
 would bee of great consequence to preserve both his goods 
 and our house, hee testified his willingness, and immediately 
 from the tope of our house by help of a ladder we entred it, 
 and haueing found the enemie, haueing beene all Wedens- 
 day afternoon and night till past Thursday noone plundering 
 the great house, had likewise entered and begun to plunder 
 his first warehouse, but were scard and that little hurt was 
 done, they had time to carry nothing that is yet knowne of, 
 and only broken open certaine vessells of quickesilver, which 
 there lay spilt about the warehouse in great quantetye ; wee 
 locked it vp and put a guard in the roome next the street, 
 wich through help of a belcoone secured by thicke planks 
 tyed to the belcoone pillers, soe close on to another as no 
 more space was left but for a muskett to play out, was 
 VOL. i. 2 F 
 
434 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1GG^. 
 
 so secured as no approach could bee made againe to the 
 doore of his great house or any passage to the warehouse, 
 but what must come vnder dainger of our shott. In the 
 afternoone on Friday, Sevagee sends Mr. Smith as his mes- 
 senger to our house with propositions and threats, haueing 
 first made him oblige himselfe to returne, and with all oblig- 
 ing himselfe when he did returne, that hee would doe him 
 noe hurt, what soeuer mesage hee should bring, his message 
 was to send him 3 lacks of rupees ; (every lack is 100,000, 
 and every rupee is worth 2s. 3d.) or elss let his men freely 
 to doe their pleasure to Hogee Said Begs house, if not threat- 
 ening to come and force vs, and vowed to kill euery person 
 in the house, and to dig vp the houses foundation. To this 
 it was answered by the messenger that came with Mr. Smith, 
 that as for his tow propositions he desired tyme to mak answer 
 to them till the morrow, they being of soe great moment, and 
 as for Mr. Smith that hee would and did keep him by force, 
 and hee should not returne till than, when if hee could con- 
 sent to either proposition hee would send him. Mr. Smith 
 being thus returned to vs, youe may bee sure each man was 
 inquisitive to know news ; whoe told vs for their number, they 
 did giue themselues out to bee 10,000, and they were now at 
 least a very considerable armey, since the coming of tow 
 rayers with their men whose names hee knew not : that their 
 horse were very good, and soe indeed, those wich we saw 
 were : that when hee came away, hee could not guess by the 
 mony heaped vp in tow great heapes before Sevagee his tent, 
 than that he had plundered 20 or 25 lack of rup. that the 
 day when hee came away in the morning, there was brought 
 in neere vpon 300 porters laden each with tow baggs of rupees, 
 and some hee guessed to bee gold, that thay brought in 28 
 sere of large pearle, with many other jewels, great diamonds, 
 rubies, and emeralds, (40 sere make 37 pound weight) and 
 these with an increedable quantety of mony, they found at 
 the house of the reputed richest marchant in the world, his 
 name is Verge Vora, his estate haueing beene esteemed to 
 bee 80 lack of rup. 
 
 That they were still every hower, while hee was there, 
 bringing in loods of mony from his house ; his desire of mony 
 
16G_5.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 435 
 
 is soe great, that he spares noe barbours cruelty to extort 
 confessions from his prisoners, whip them most cruely, threat- 
 ens death, and often executeth it, [if] thay doe not produce 
 soe much as hee thinks they may, or desires they should, at 
 least cutts of one hand, some tymes both; a very great many 
 there were, who hearing of his coming went forth to him, 
 thinking to fare the better, but found there fault to there cost; 
 as one whoe come to our house for cure, hee went forth to 
 meete him and told him he was come from about Agra with 
 cloth, and had brought 40 oxen loaded with it, and that hee 
 came to present him with it all, or elss what part hee should 
 please to command. Sevagee asked him if he had no mony, 
 hee answered that he had not as yet sold any cloth since hee 
 came to towne, and that he had no mony : the villaine made 
 his right hand to bee cutt of imecliately, and than bid him 
 begone, he had noe need of his cloth; the poore old man 
 returns, findes his cloth burnt, and himselfe destetute of other 
 harbor, comes to the English house where hee is dresed and 
 fed. 
 
 But to proceed, Mr. Smith farther tells vs, that on Thurs- 
 day their came a young fellow with some condition from the 
 govenor, wich pleased Sevagee not at all, soe that hee asked 
 the fellow whether his marster, being now by him cooped up 
 in his chamber, thought him a woman to accept such condi- 
 tions. The fellow imediately returns, "and we are not women ; 
 I have somewhat more to say to youe ;" drawes his dagger, and 
 runs full at Sevagee breast ; a fellow that stood by with a 
 sword redy drawne, strikes between him and Sevagee, and 
 strikes his hand almost of, soe that [it] hung but by a pece 
 of flesh; the fellow haueing made his thrust at Sevagee with 
 all his might, did not stop, but ran his bloody stumpp against 
 Sevagee breast, and with force both Sevagee and hee fell 
 together, the blood being seen upon Sevagee the noise run 
 through the camp that hee was killed, and the crye went, kill 
 the prisoners, where upon some were miserably hacked ; but 
 Sevagee haueing quitted himselfe, and hee that stood by haue- 
 ing clouen the fellows scull, comand was given to stay the 
 execution, and to bring the prisoners before him, wich was 
 imediately done, and Sevagee according as it came in his 
 
 2 F 2 
 
436 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [166|. 
 
 minde caused them to cutt of this mans head, that mans right 
 hand, both the hands of a third. It comes to Mr. Smith 
 turne, and his right hand being comanded to bee cutt of, hee 
 cryed out in Indostan to Sevagee, rather to cutt of his head, 
 vnto wich end his hatt was taken of, but Sevagee stopt execu- 
 tion and soe praised be God hee escaped. 
 
 There were than about four heads and 24 hands cutt of 
 after that Mr. Smith was come away, and retayned by the 
 president, and they heard the answer hee sends the embas- 
 sador of Ethiopea, whome hee had sett free upon delivery of 
 12 horses and some other things, sent by his king to Oron 
 Zeb, to tell the English that hee did intend to visitt vs, 
 and to raise the house and kill every man of vs. 
 
 The president resolutly answers that we were redy for him 
 and resolued not to stire, but let him come when hee pleased, 
 and since hee had as hee saicle resolued to come, hee bid him 
 come one pore, that is about the tyme of a watch, sooner than 
 hee intended. With this answer the ambassador went his way, 
 and wee heard no farther from him any more but in the ter- 
 rible noise of the fier and the hideous smoke wich wee saw, 
 but by Gods mercy came not soe neere vs as to take hold of 
 vs, ever blessed be his name. Thursday and Friday nights 
 were the most terrible nights for fier : on Friday after hee had 
 ransaked and dug vp Vege Voras house, hee fiered it and a 
 great vast number more towards the Dutch house, a fier soe 
 great as turnd the night into day ; as before the smoke in the 
 day tyme had almost turnd day into night ; rising soe thicke 
 as it darkened the sun like a great cloud. On Sunday morn- 
 ing about 10 a clocke as thay tell vs hee went his way. And 
 that night lay six courss of, and next day at noone was passed 
 over Brooch river, there is a credable information that he 
 hath shipt his treasure to carry into his own country, and Sr 
 George Oxenden hath sent a fregate to see if hee can light 
 of them, wich God grant. Wee kept our watch still till 
 Tuesday. 
 
 I had forgote to writte you the manner of their cutting of 
 mens hands, which was thuss ; the person to suffer is pinioned 
 as streight as possibly they can, and then when the nod is 
 giuen, a soldier come with a whitle or blunt knife and throws 
 
166|.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 437 
 
 the poore patient downe vpon his face, than draws his hand 
 backwards and setts his knee upon the prisoners backe, and 
 begins to hacke and cutt on one side and other about the 
 wrest, in the meane tyme the poore man roareth exceedingly, 
 kicking and bitting the ground for very anguish, when the 
 villiane perceiues the bone to bee laid bare on all sides, hee 
 setteth the wrest to his knee and giuesit a snap and proceeds 
 till he hath hacked the hand quite of, which done thay force 
 him to rise, and make him run soe long till through paine and 
 loss of blood he falls downe, they then vnpinion him and the 
 blood stops. 
 
 I now proceede in my relation of our voyage. I told youe 
 last that wee met with noe considerable accedent from the 
 tyme of our departure from the lands end till wee were come 
 to lat. 44 degrees N. where vpon the 9th of April, easterday, 
 early in the morninge wee sprang our maine topmast, (to 
 speake in the sea phrase) that is, by force of wind our top- 
 mast split a little above the capp wich sustaines him, we made 
 a shift by lowering him about a yarde into the capp, and 
 woulding or binding him with a strong rope to the head of 
 the maine mast, to make the mast screw till wee gott into a 
 calmer sea then the troublesome and daingerous bay of Bis- 
 cay ; at eight that night wee had a very great storme with 
 suddan gusts lightening and raine, soe that all that night wee 
 were faine to saile only with our low sayles. Munday the 27th 
 wee had faire wether and_, got up a new topmast and about 
 four afternoone wee came up and spake with Captaine Parker, 
 a ship belonging to the royall company and bound for Sera- 
 lone in Guinea, whoe next day came abord vs with his mar- 
 chant and staied late. That day wee discouered the He Sancto 
 about eight or nine leagues from vs, and about seven that 
 night discouered the Madera Island. Satturday May the 2nd 
 wee made the Island of Palme, some eleven or twelve leauges 
 of, and that night wee saw the Island Terro bearing S. about 
 13 or 14 leauges distant, with wich wee bore vp till midnight, 
 but fearing we should not bee able to weather the Island at 
 midnight, wee tacked and lay N. W. and next day Sunday, 
 at noone we were vnder the Island, and passed between that 
 Gomera; Captaine Parker sent his boat on shore to Terro for 
 
438 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1G6|. 
 
 wine and provision, and there wee lost his company, hee not 
 being able againe to fetch vs vp : for these two days togather 
 wee haue seene the Peake of Tenerif, and on Munday morning 
 I saw the top of it farr aboue the clouds, and by estimation 
 was from it 34 leauges or 102 miles. Wedensday 6th, about 
 four in the morning, wee passed vnder the tropick of Cancer, 
 and tow dayes after had the [sun] in our zenith. Thursday 
 the 14th being in lat. N. eight degrees 23, and being in expect- 
 ation of the turnados and raines, in the afternoone wee had 
 our first shower of stinking raine very violent, after wich wee 
 lay almost beecalmd, and about seven that night, our calme 
 in an instant almost was turnd into a strong gust of wind 
 and a violent raine, which came soe suddanly vpon vs that wee 
 were not able, before it ouertooke vs, to gett in our sayles, 
 and was soe violent that our men were faine to labor hard in 
 the midst of the storme to gitt them in, had they been let 
 standing till the violence of the storme, they would vndoubt- 
 edly haue beene blowne away, but God be thanked, wee 
 saued them and soe went on without any saile abord but the 
 main saile. 
 
 These turnados are a strange meeting together of winds, 
 and soe vncertaine that you shall in the space of one hower, 
 have the wind blow in all quarters of the heaven, but wee had 
 (praised bee God) a quick passage through them, and in the 
 beginning of June we crossed the line ; the 14th of June wee 
 met at sea with the Shipp Coast fregat, commanded by Cap- 
 taine Risby, bound for Bantam, wee had then south lat. 16 
 degrees. The next day wee had their Capt. and some of 
 their marchants abord vs ; wee indured a troublesome sea for 
 many dayes together, and when we came within some hun- 
 dreds of leagues of the Cape, I then saw the workes of the 
 Lord and his wounders in the deepe, our fellow ship not aboue 
 halfe a quarter of a mile from vs vpon rise of euery waue, 
 was hid from our sight, not only her hull but her topmasts, 
 and with such weather wee passed many dayes, cold raine and 
 stormes that scarce could wee stirr for cold in the morning, 
 or stand because [of] the rowling of the ship all the day long, 
 but at last, after much beating about, and being driven from 
 39 degrees S. lattitude into 314, wee passed about mid. July 
 
^^5"] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 439 
 
 the Cape of Good Hope, but neither made the land nor struck 
 ground with 120 faithome line; we passed by St. Lawerence, 
 and standing of somewhat too much (for fear of St. John's 
 Illand,) towards the African coast wee were there becalmd 
 six or seven dayes, scarce makeing aboue five miles, some- 
 times nothing at all in a day of our way ; aboue 30 men sicke 
 of the scurvey, and other distempers, and our fresh prouision 
 growing short, wee began to long for land to refresh in, wich 
 by Gods mercy, on the 17th of August five in the morning 
 was discouered ; wee then found ourselves about four leauges 
 distant from the Illand Mohelia, and all that day stood vp for 
 Johanna where is good refreshment to bee gotten, and better 
 ancorage for our ship ; that night about sun goe downe, wee 
 passed the southerly pointe of the island, and the next morn- 
 ing at 11 we were at anckor in 17 fathom watter, about three 
 leauges distant from the pointe of the illand in a very good 
 road. Till our sails were all firlld noe boat would stirr from 
 the shore, but as soon as they perceiued our anckors downe, 
 the natiues came abord vs in there canoos, and brought vs 
 coco nuts, lemons, oranges of severall sorts, the best that euer 
 I eat, and a sort of wich I believe none in Europe soe plea- 
 sant, as I tasted nothing almost with equall satisfaction; these 
 with plantaines and other sorts of fruits wee bought of them 
 for small pieces of cloth. And an old shirt scarce worth 
 sixpence would haue purchased as much as would haue loaded 
 a man, wee afterwards bought of them beefs at tow dollars 
 a head, goats as good as any fallow deere at f , others at 
 one dollar a head, wee tooke in wood, watter and refreshed 
 ourselves in six dayes tyme and departed, but above all I did 
 admire at one thing, that our sick men whoe were before most 
 of them soe feeble, that they could not stand alone, some 
 bowed togather in a most hideous manner, and expected death 
 houerly, were in four dayes tyme soe recouered with the aire 
 and by the fresh prouisions, that noe one of them but was 
 able to goe aboute the afares of the ship, tho' not fully re- 
 couered, yet able to doe some what towards the ships imploy- 
 ments; for 16 dayes after our setting sayle'we scarce handed 
 a saile, but went on with a prosperous gale 120, 130, and 
 sometymes 140 mile in 24 houers, and vpon the 23rd of Sept. 
 
440 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 wee made St. Johns point vpon the coast of India : vpon the 
 25th of Sept. we were at Barr foote, and at night about six 
 a clocke wee were at anckor in Swalley hole, for wich our 
 safe passage Gods holy name bee praised. The 28th, St. 
 George Oxenden, the president of India, and his councell Mr. 
 Goodier, Mr. Gary, and Mr. Aungier, came downe to the 
 watter side and receiued our captaine and my selfe with great 
 kindness, and testefied their gladness to receiue mee, one re- 
 comended to them, by their friends in England soe afection- 
 ately, and promised their vttmost fauoers vpon all occasions ; 
 and this Bro. I haue found fully veryfied, the countenance, 
 fauor and respecte from these persons, and from the whole 
 factory now after these monthes experience of them I can- 
 not easly express, soe that for my present condition of life 
 you may asure your selfe tis in all plenty as to necessaries, 
 with a happy contentment ; the aire I find to agree well with 
 mee, and I haue my health very well and haue had it euer since 
 I left England [better] then I had it there ; I was not so much 
 as sea sicke all the voyage, and at land but for one day was 
 a little feuerish. I hope God will continue his mercyes to 
 me and prolong my life to see you againe, I shall not enlarge 
 my selfe vpon the condition of the country, the discription of 
 the maners, customs, &c. of the people, it would swell a letter 
 into a booke, and by the next better information then yet I 
 haue had, and more leisure then now I haue, will give mee 
 incouragement to send you a full account of many particulars 
 I now wholy omitt. 
 
 Surat, Jan. 26: 166|. 
 
 " Part of another Letter from Mr. Escaliot, my wor- 
 thy louing friend." (Sir T. B. wrote this note.) 
 
 Fragment of a letter from Mr. Escaillot to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [ms. rawl. lviii. 10.] 
 
 The swelling of the waters at sett seasons is not proper 
 vnto iEgypt, butt incedent vnto all the great riuers as far as 
 I can learne, wich rise and runne a long cours between or 
 
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 44-1 
 
 neere vnto the tropicks. Indus as I have been informed by a 
 person who liued many years at Tutta, vpon its bancks, con- 
 stantly swells and overfloweth the country, and its swelling 
 beginns before they haue any considerable raynes neere the 
 moath of the riuer, where by the way you may take notice of 
 an error in seuerall of the ordinarie mappes ; placing the riuer 
 Indus upon the northern part of Cambaiah, and bounding it, 
 whereas it lyeth more to [...?] by many leagues, and enters the 
 sea, lat. 24 degrees or thereabouts. The riuer of Cambaiah, 
 entring into the bay so called in 22 degrees. The riuer Gan- 
 ges wich passeth by the citty of Siam, more truly called Odia, 
 the great riuers that disembogue into the bay of Bengala, 
 the riuers of Cochin China are also sayd to ouerflowe their 
 countries before they are swelled by any raynes, in the coun- 
 tries falling neere their mouths. The reason of raines heere 
 along the coast of India is when the sunne hath passed the 
 zenith towards the northerne tropick, I meane then they 
 begin to fall, so I found it at Johanna, first an island in 12 
 degrees of south latitude, when I required of them there 
 how long their raynes had been past, they answered three 
 moones, this was the later end of August, discounting those 
 three moones and about three more for the continuance of 
 their raynes, and it will give the later end of Februarie, about 
 wich time the sunne was somewhat passed their zenith north- 
 ward, and this rule holds in all the Indian islands, called the 
 Malclues, and along up the coast from Cape Comarin vnto 
 Surat and kingdom of Cambaiah. 
 
 March, April and May, are exceeding hot ; no sooner almost 
 is the sunne passed our zenith, butt the face of the skie is 
 altered with us, the heavens wich for three moneths before 
 have not been hid by a cloud, now beginne to bee ouercast, 
 and our ayre is cooled by those showers which the thirstie 
 earth gapeth for. The first showers come vsually from some 
 poynt between east and south-east, and with violence of 
 wind and thunder, and after some dayes the wind stands 
 continually south or toward south, to some poynts until the 
 beginning of September ; by these raynes all things grow 
 fruitful. 'The tantks or spacious receptacles of water are fil- 
 led, which afterwards seme both men and beasts in many 
 
442 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1668. 
 
 places the ensuing year ; by reason of the abundant fall of 
 raynes alone in the country, wee have sudden great fresh 
 floods come downe upon us, and I haue seen the waters in 
 one night's time raysed aboue 12 foote perpendicular, and in 
 tow daye's time all the waters gone from us into their origi- 
 nall, the ocean. Had wee no raynes at all, or very rarely as 
 in /Egypte, that the country aboue us were inaccessible vnto 
 us, and wee ignorant of the constant fall of raynes aboue at 
 a sett season, these ouerflowings would bee no lesse wonder- 
 full vnto us then those of Nilus were anciently vnto the world. 
 Kingdome of Cambaiah. The breaking up of this sou- 
 therly monson so called, heere brings freequently much sick- 
 nesse for about a moneth or six weekes ; a yeare since 25 of 
 our English heere not aboue tow escaped a sicknesse, yet it 
 proued mortall to none; butt the Banyans' burning place 
 was scarce day or night without 2 or o bodies frying upon 
 their seuerall piles. And the Persees made a continuall feast 
 for the vultures ; the rest of the yeare from Nouember to 
 March, is a wholesome season notwithstanding the sudden 
 changes of the ayre from cold to heat. Heere I haue felt 
 winter and summer in one day, in the morning, during the 
 time of those moneths, I am cloathed warmer then I vsed to 
 bee in the winters of England, and before noone I am slipped 
 into a thinne calico wastcoat, and find it hard to endure it. 
 
 " This is the account of Mr. L'Escaillot, minister in Norwich, my louing friend, 
 who dyed in the Indies, and so I lost the antiquities and varities which hee had 
 obtained for mee." 
 
 [The whole of the above note in Sir Thomas Browne's hand.] 
 
 From Dr. Merrett to Dr. Browne. 
 
 [SLOAN. MS. 1830. FOL. 3.] 
 
 WORTHY SIR, 
 
 Yours of the 14th instant 3 I received, as full of 
 learning in discovering so many very great curiosities as kind- 
 ness in communicating them to mee and promising your 
 
 3 See letter at p. 395 ; the date of which, Aug. IS, I see on reference to the MS. 
 was wrong copied; — it should have been Aug-. 14, 1669. 
 
1668.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 448 
 
 farther assistance. For which I shall always proclaim by my 
 tongue as well as my pen my due resentment and thanks. 
 
 The two fungi you sent the figures of are the finest and 
 rarest as to their figure I have ever seen or read of; and so is 
 your fibula marina, far surpassing one I received from Corn- 
 wall much of the same bigness, neither of which I find any 
 where mentioned. The urtica marina minor Jonst. and phy- 
 salus I never met with, nor have been informed of the canis 
 charcarius alius Jonst. Many of the lupus piscis I have 
 seen, and have bin informed by the king's fishmonger they 
 are taken on our coast, but was not satisfied for some reasons 
 of his relation soe as to enter it into my Pinax ; though 't is 
 said to bee peculiar to the river Albis, yet I thought they 
 might come sometimes thence to your coasts. Trutta marina 
 I have; and the loligo, sepia, and polypus, the three sorts of 
 the molles have bin found on our western coasts, which shall 
 bee exactly distinguished — as for the salmons taken above 
 London towards Richmond and nearer, and that in great 
 quantity, some years they have all of them their lower jaw as 
 you observe, and our fishermen say they usually wear off 
 some part of it on the banks, or else the lower would grow 
 into the upper and soe starve them, as they have sometimes 
 seen. You ask whether I have the mullus ruber asper, or the 
 piscis octangularis Wormii, or the sea worms longer than 
 the earth worms, or the garrulus Argentor. or the duck 4 cald 
 a May chit, or the Dorhawke. The four first I have no 
 account of, the two later I know not especially by those 
 names, wee have noe hawke by that name — your account of 
 Succinum as all the rest will be registred. As for the Aqnila 
 Gesneri I never saw nor heard of any such in the colledge 
 for this 25 years last past. Sir you are pleasd to say you 
 shall write more if you know how not to be superfluous — 
 certainly what you have hitherto done hath bin all curiosities^ 
 and I doubt not but you have many more by you. I can direct 
 you noe further then your own reason dictates to you — Be- 
 sides those mentioned in the Pinax I have 100 to add, and 
 cannot give you a particular of them. Whatever you write 
 is either confirmative or additional. I doe entreat this favour 
 
 4 This bird was not mentioned by Browne as at all resembling a duck, 
 
444 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1669. 
 
 of you to inform mee fuller of those unknown things men- 
 tioned herein, and to add the name, page, &c. of the author 
 if mentioned by any, or else to give them such a latin name as 
 you have done for the fungi, which may bee descriptive and 
 differencing of them — Sir I hope the public interest and 
 your own good genius will plead the pardon desired by 
 
 Your humble Servant 
 
 CHR. MERRETT. 
 London, Aug. 29. 68. 
 
 For Dr. Browne in Norwich. 
 
 Dr. Merrett to Dr. Browne." 
 
 [SLOAN. MS. 1830. FOL. 1.] 
 
 WORTHY SIR, 
 
 My due thanks premised, I at present acquaint you 
 that you have very well named the rutilus and expressed fully 
 the cours to bee taken in the imposition of names, viz. 
 the most obvious and most peculiar difference to the ey 
 or any other sens. I am farther to say that the icon of the 
 weazeling came not to my hands, pray be pleased to look 
 amongst your papers perhaps it might bee laid by through 
 some accident or other. I have the figures of your anas ma- 
 crolophos, and of the merg'i cristati, and of the pristis; that 
 which came from Cornwall was of the gladius, the name of 
 sword-fish beeing applyed to both of them by our nation. It 
 seemeth by yours that the Norwich aspredo is not the cernua 
 fiuviatilis contrary to what Camden affirms, for the rutilus 
 mentioned in mine to you differs toto ccelo from the cernua. 
 The difference of the elk's bill by you signified is remarkable 
 to distinguish it from others of its own kind. The crack- 
 ling teal seems to be the same which Dr. Charlton mentions 
 in his Onomasticon under the name of the cracker, and shew- 
 ing him their description hee acknowledged to bee the same; 
 the clangula I know noe more of then reading hath informed 
 mee ; a willock I have seen brought from Greenland where 
 they are said exceedingly to abound, but never thought either 
 
 - The reply to this letter is at page 408. 
 
1669.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 445 
 
 of them was found in England, and having not taken sufficient 
 notice of the later crave your description of both. 
 
 And now Sir, since my last only two things remarkable 
 have come to my knowledge. The one was a cake of black 
 amber one sixth of an inch thick and neer a palm each way. 
 Mr. Boyle brought it to the R. Society to whom it was sent 
 from the Sussex shore, hee had onely tryed it to its electricity 
 and found it answer his expectation, farther tryals will bee 
 made of it. The second is a small plant found on oystershells, 
 which when fresh did perfectly represent the flours of hya- 
 cinthus botryoides, but that 't was somewhat longer and not 
 so much sweld out towards its pedunculus, some of them are 
 here inclosed. 'T is doubtless a sort of vesicaria, though 
 much different from what you sent mee. Most of them are 
 now shrunk and the sides constituting the cavity come together 
 and appear onely a transparent husk. One thing more I had 
 to add (but scarcely dare speak it out) that is if it would 
 please you to let it be done without your charge and secondly 
 if it might be done without your trouble, then I would beg 
 of you to set some a work to procure mee some of those rare 
 animals, &c. you have mentioned in your several letters, my 
 intention therein is double, first to take their descriptions and 
 to furnish our colledge with them as curiosities, all beeing 
 lost by the fire. This is onely wished but must not bee 
 proposed without the former limitations by 
 
 Your too much allready obliged friend and servant, 
 
 CHR. MERRETT. 
 8th May, 69. 
 
 I met this week with some persons of quality high Germans 
 who lately saw your son and report all good things of him. 
 
 For Dr. Browne of Norwich. 
 
 [sloan. MS. 1895, fol. 93.] 
 
 Concerning the Cortex Peruvianiis, China-chine, or 
 Quinana Peruve. 
 
 I am not fearfull of any bad effect from it nor have I obser- 
 ved any that I could clearly derive from that as a true cause: 
 it doth not so much good as I could wish or others expect, 
 
446 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 but I can lay no harm unto its charge, and I have knowne it 
 taken twenty times in the course of a quartan. In such 
 agues, especially illegitimate ones, many have died though 
 they have taken it, but far more who have not made use of 
 it ; and therefore, whatever bad conclusions such agues have, 
 I cannot satisfy myselfe that they owe their evill unto such 
 medicines but rather unto inward tumours — inflammations or 
 atonie of partes contracted from the distemper. I pray my 
 humble service unto all our honoured friends. I rest 
 Your faithful Friend and Servant 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to Jus Father. 
 
 [fol. 24.] 
 
 August 8, st. novo, Vienna. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 I have received yours of July i, ii. Mr. Shottow 
 continues my good friend in delivering your letters with care 
 to the post at London. When I was at Zircknitz I asked 
 what fish were in the lake, and desired the Richter or chief 
 of the towne, to whose house I went, to prepare me a dinner 
 of fish taken in the lake, it being Saturday. He tolde me 
 divers Slavonian names of fishes, I could understande onely 
 Sleune and Aal, Dutch wordes for tenche and ele ; and that 
 the Prince of Eckenberg had not yet given him leave to fish 
 in the lake ; so as I coulde not taste of any. I borrowed 
 lately, out of the emperours library, Relnerus Solenander de 
 caloris fontium medicatoru causa eorumque temperatione, 
 which I read out ; also Gabriel Fallopius de medicatis aquis ; 
 out of both which authors Kircher hath taken many things, 
 whose Mundus subterraneous I had also by me, which will 
 be a delightfull booke to me when it shall please God to 
 bringe me safe to Norwich. They have in the Danube era- 
 fish, which they call crebs; but they are not crabs. The 
 arsenall I have not yet seen ; this morning I received a letter 
 from Captain Mackdugall from Prague, where he is still, 
 somewhat better, he saith, at present, but I fear the worst, 
 
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 447 
 
 for he hath harrassed his body this many years together, and 
 been in all actions, and hard service, and at present is hydro- 
 picall ; I am sorry to heare from him that the boy Hans hath 
 left him, and is gone no man knoweth whither; what he hath 
 carried away of mine I cannot yet learne; I am sorry for the 
 boy, he being a fine, understanding, lively, boy, and would 
 have done me service, especially in Bohemia. I brought him 
 out of Hungaria : if my things miscarry, I cannot helpe it, 
 having taken a probable way and care to sende them. I 
 will, howsoever, set downe what I have already sent from 
 hence, and which way ; and first, 
 
 By the boy Hans Kummel 
 Bolus, found nigh to Schemnitz. Hungarian vitriole. An- 
 timonium solis naturale. Nitrum, out of the bathes of Boden. 
 Lythargyrum Terra Sigillata, such as I could get at Komara. 
 Silver ore. Antimony ore. Stones from a quarry nigh 
 Wien. Antimony, and these little tracts that I procured 
 here. A description of the Seraglio, by Nicholas Brenner, 
 now prisoner in the Seven Towers. A discourse of silence, 
 in Dutch. The picture of the Great Agate, in the empe- 
 rours Treasure. The pictures of Hitzing. The emperours 
 Comedy at his marriage, in which I put those flowers, and the 
 like, which I drew here ; but they are worth nothing. A 
 French manuscript, being a Panegyrique of women, very 
 odde. Chronica Hungarica, and the voyage of Signr. Ludo- 
 vice of Fiame, which he himselfe gave me leave to write out 
 of his papers, he was sent with another, by the emperour, to 
 learne the Turkish language, his companion being killed, he 
 returned from Constantinople with Conte Lesley. 
 
 These following by Captain Makdugell to the 
 Roy all Society. 
 
 From Baden. Sulphur, taken out of the pipes through 
 which those thermae are brought from their spring to the 
 Dukes bath ; the sulphur being taken of from the upper part, 
 above, not below, the water. 
 
 2. Saltpeter, taken from the roofe of the cave through 
 which the water first runs from the spring. 3. What I tooke 
 of from the stones over the doore to the said cave. 
 
 From MannersdorfK 4, The lapis Atheneus, or the sub- 
 
448 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 stance which sticketh to the coppers in the boyling of the 
 hot-bath water at MannersdorfF, five Dutch meile from Vi- 
 enna. 
 
 From Wien. 
 
 5. Stone salt from out of Poland, or sal gemmae. 6. Stone 
 salt, with lesser shootes or parts, being pointed, not tabular 
 as the other out of Transylvania. 7. Purified Hungarian 
 vitriole. 
 
 From Chremnitss. 
 
 8. Earth, out of which they make vitriole at Chremnitz. 
 9. Gold ore. And 10, antimony of gold, fine substance. 
 From Schemnitz, and nigh to it. 
 
 II. Amethysts and crystalls, as they are founde in the sil- 
 ver mine. 12. Silver ore, the largest piece from the Trinity 
 mine. 13. Vitriolum nativum cristallised. 14. Cinnaber. 
 15. Bolus. 16. What I tooke out of the sweating bath at 
 Glasshitten. 17. Alumen plumosum from Hodrytz. 18. 
 Glass schlachen, a vitrified substance, to make lute of, to 
 cover the glasse bodies in the separating furnaces. 19. That 
 which groweth upon the wood in the bathes at Glasshitten. 
 20. The stone made of the bath water at Eisenbach. 21, 22, 
 23, 24. Four sorts of vitriole from Herrngrundt. 25. Iron 
 turned into copper in the old siment or vitriolate water, 170 
 fathoms deepe in the coppermines at Herrngrundt. 26. 
 Berggriine out of the Coppermine in Herrngrundt; — this is 
 mentioned in Kircher. 27. A stone founde in the copper- 
 mines at Herrngrundt, thought to bee the mother of the 
 Turquois. Copper ore from the same place; and antimony 
 ore out of Transylvania. 
 
 These following in a little box, Sir, to yourself e, 
 by the Captain. 
 
 1 . 20 Roman coynes from Sine. 2. A thunderstone. 3. 
 Iron turned into copper. 4. A stone made by the bath at 
 Eisenbach. 5. stones from a quarrey by Freistat. 6. A 
 stone from the sweating bath at Glasshitten. 7. An Indian 
 bow-ring of Agat. 8. Mony coloured by the baths of Glass- 
 hitten. 9. A green bone from Herrngrundt. 10. Mony 
 coloured at Baden. 11. Amethysts as they growe. 12. A 
 peece of ore with a sparke of silver. 13. Little amethysts 
 
1670.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 449 
 
 and cristalls. 14. A fine piece of cristall and silver ore. 15 
 A Schroeck stone, or a blue amulet against frights. 16. Mony 
 eoyned at Chremnitz. 17. Mony coloured at the bathes of 
 Banca. 18. Three ringes made of elkes clawes. 19. The haire 
 of a boy like woole. 20. Copper ore from Herrngrundt. 
 
 These fottoiving I have sent directed to Mr. Coldham to 
 Venice, to Mr. Hobson or the Consult. 
 
 Two bags of golde ore, A bag with the materialls in the 
 meltinge of copper; as fluss stein, slach, rost, also a piece of 
 khis ; a bag of severall sorts of silver ore; a box of vitriole : a 
 box with the materialls of the sweating bath at Glasshitten, 
 which are much commended against the stone and gravell ; A 
 paper of copper ore ; a box of the sediment of the baths at 
 Mannersdorff ; a box of antimony of gold from Chremnitz ; A 
 box of not ordinary silver ore, with other mixtures of metalls, 
 from Schemnitz ; glasse-schlachen : a faire peece of the ame- 
 thyst rocke ; a box full of the materialls of the bath at Baden ; 
 a peece of rich black copper ore ; a little bundell from Freistat; 
 the petrified stone in the baths of Eisenbach ; antimony ore 
 bought at Vienna ; iron changed into aurichalcum or copper, 
 with some gold. To these Mr. Donellan tells me he added 
 some things from Bleyberg, and lapis Calaminaris. 
 
 The great heat hindered me going out of the way to see 
 Aquilegia, and, in my returne, to visit the saltworkes at Hal- 
 stat. I am much comforted to receive four letters from you, 
 Sir, since my returne hither ; and I am in some hopes of ano- 
 ther to morrow, I thinke not to stay here above a fortnight. 
 My duty to my most dear mother, and love to my sisters, 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 For my honoured father Dr. Browne at his house in 
 Norwich, Norfolke. 
 
 Dr. Browne to his Son Edward. 
 
 [MS. SLOAN. 4039, FOL. 206.] 
 
 dear sonne, Dec. 1, [1670.] 
 
 Though my foot bee very paynfull, and disablcth 
 mee from going, yet my head is free, and, I thank God, I am 
 
 VOL. I. 2 G 
 
450 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1671. 
 
 not sick ; and therefore I take it as a merciful memento from 
 God, and am not without hope to find ease in no long time : 
 though, as years grow upon mee, I cannot butt expect more 
 frequent returns of these or worse infirmities. God send you 
 all your healths. I rest your loving father, 
 
 T. BROWNE. 
 
 December 1, [1670.] 
 
 DEAR SONNE, 
 
 I wish you att home this very could wethar, espeshally 
 this daye. Your fathar haveinglayd out the last night, have 
 gott som could, and it is fallne into his foutt, and is very paine- 
 full to him. Hee has complained of his head a good while, 
 and I sopos it is now fallne into his foutt. I besich God send 
 him ease. It is yett but sickly here, and hee has not much 
 rest. I wish you here to helpe him. I am just helping him 
 to bad, and can say no more, but thatt I am, 
 
 Your affectinat morthar, 
 
 D. B. 
 I hope I shall heare from you sudinly, and whethar you 
 did receve the box, and whether there be any thing don in 
 your sister Fairfax's bisnes, and how they dooe, for I have 
 not had a lattar a good while from her. I hop you see 
 Franke. 
 
 This for Dr. Browne, aft his Lodging at the Harp and 
 Fathars in Flett Street, against the Sonne Tauarn, 
 London. 
 
 Dr. E. Browne to his Father. 
 
 [rawl. lviii, 38-40.] 
 
 September 7, 1671. 
 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 Sir, I have formerly sent you word of Captain Nar- 
 borough's voyage in the Sweepstakes to Baldavia in the South 
 Sea; and having since been in his company, and seen Mr. 
 Thomas Wood's mappes of the Southern parts of America, 
 and of Tierra del fuego, and enquired after many things in 
 their voyage, I will set downe as much as I can in this sheet 
 
1671.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 451 
 
 of paper, least that you should not meete with any other ac- 
 count ; seing divers of those who understande most of the 
 voyage are seeking out further employe, and Mr. Woode who 
 giveth me the greatest satisfaction in every thing, thinks still 
 upon greater actions, and hath already offered his service to 
 the East India Company to goe for Japan. The Sweepstakes 
 was long upon the Atlantick ocean, before they made the 
 coast of America, almost five moneths; the Pinke, which 
 went with them, being but a slow sayler. The day before 
 they saw lande, they left the Pinke, with order for her to 
 stay at such and such places, and afterwards to come in to 
 the streights of Magellan, and there remain till they met ; 
 but the Pinke, being once out of sight, shifted her course, 
 and with eighteen men in her, bore away for Barbados, and 
 so into England, reporting the Sweepstakes to be lost. The 
 rest continued their voyage, and the next day, discovering 
 America belowe the river of Plate, they hasted away to Port 
 Desire, and there put in. At the mouth of this port is one 
 of the best sea markes in the world — avast rock in the shape 
 of a tower. They went up here to Le Maire's Islande, and 
 found a leaden boxe, with an account of his voyage so farre 
 in it. They went also to Drake's Islande, where Sr Francis 
 Drake executed one of his officers, and went up and downe 
 the country, but saw no inhabitants, although they were sen- 
 sible that the country was not without people ; for they had 
 divers things stolen from them, and at their return thither, 
 they founde a modell of their owne shippe, of the bignesse 
 of an ordinary boate, built by the Indians out of peeces of 
 boards and broken oares which the English had left there. 
 Mr. Woode founde two mussell shells here tyeii aether with 
 peeces of guts and divers peeces and kernels of gold in them, 
 some of which I have seen, they lost or left upon the sande 
 I suppose by some American. At their coming hither they 
 saw divers graves, and some of them very long, which they 
 tooke at first to be the sepulchres of the Patagonian gyants, 
 written of by Magellan and others, and pictured in mappes 
 with arrowes thrust downe their throates ; but, opening their 
 tombes, which are heapes of stones throwne over them, they 
 founde none to exceed our stature, and the people which 
 
 2 G 2 
 
452 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1671. 
 
 tbey saw all along; that coast are rather lowe ; and Captain 
 Narborough affirmes, that he never sawe an American in the 
 Southern parts so high as himself. They opened many 
 tombes, as they say, out of curiosity ; I know not whether 
 they might not also have hopes of finding treasure buried 
 with them, for certainly there is much gold in some of those 
 countryes, and the Indians in other places seing a' gold ring 
 on the captain's finger, would pointe to the hills and to the 
 ring, intimating from whence that metal came ; but as to the 
 tombes they at last discovered the reason of their great length, 
 and founde that it was their way to bury one at the foot of 
 another, the head of one touching the feet of the other, per- 
 haps man and wife, for they have brought home a man and a 
 woman's skull taken out of one grave laiing in that posture, 
 so that they 1iave hereby discovered that the race of the 
 gyants are much diminished in their stature. From Port 
 Desire they sayled to Port Julian, another faire port ; they 
 stayed also here sometime ; but this of all things which they 
 relate, seemeth most strange, that, going up the country, they 
 discovered a lake of salt, or rather a field of granulated salt 
 of some miles over ; some of which they separated from the 
 rest near the border. At their return thither three days after, 
 their was no salt at all left, except what they had separated 
 at some distance from the other, neither had it rained from 
 the time they first sawe it to the time they cam thither again 
 and found none ; the salt had been above the earth about a 
 foot deepe, and Mr. Woode pacing and examining the 
 grounde whereon it had layne, founde a deep hole or well in 
 the middle. I can imagine no other way to solve this, then 
 by comparing it to the Lake of Zirknitz, where the water 
 springs out from under the grounde and retires againe, or 
 rather like to a tide's well, which often ebbes and flowes, and 
 so might springe out of the grounde, dissolve the salt, and 
 carry it with itselfe into the earth again by large passages. 
 The quantity of salt was great which afterwards disappeared; 
 for to use their own expression, there was more salt than 
 would serve all the shippes in the world. From hence they 
 sayled to the streights of Magellan, where they spent five or 
 six weekes giving names to the islandes, capes, inlets, bayes, 
 
1671.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 453 
 
 harbours, and remarkable places, most of their acquaintance 
 sharing in their discovery, and the Duke of Yorke's servants 
 names are given to many places ; amongst whome Mr. Henry 
 Savill, whom I formerly travelled with in Italy, gives his name 
 to the southermost part which they saw off Tierra del Fuego. 
 At the coming into the streights, they pass a double nar- 
 row, and afterwards it is larger and full of islands. The 
 country is mountainous on each side and the hills covered 
 with snowe all the year long ; so that they sayle as in a deepe 
 vally. The sea in the middle is so deepe as they could finde 
 no bottome — six hundred fathomes would doe nothing ; but 
 near the shoars they found anchorage, which they exactly 
 marked. There are many rivers and inlets into these streights, 
 but they wanted their Pinke much to discover more, and they 
 thinke Tierra del Fuego to be many islandes. They saw many 
 fires there ; from hence it had its name. They are not the 
 flames of burning mountaines, but the inhabitants make fires, 
 and also burne the grass and weeds, as in Hungary, where I 
 have seen the country on fire for a great way together. Most 
 of these islandes are full of seales of a larger size then oures, 
 many of which they killed, no otherwise than by knocking 
 them on the head, and salted them up. They tooke also a 
 great number of penguins, which served the seamen in the 
 voyage. About the middle of the streights they touched at 
 a place on the north shoare, called Port Famine, where there 
 was formerly a plantation of Spaniards, but they were starved 
 to death. Near to this place, further on, they discovered a 
 country full of provision, and have therefore named it Cape 
 Plenty. The inhabitants of the streights goe all naked, men, 
 women, and children: some few onely wearing a circle of net 
 about their heades, like our shoemakers, although the country 
 be cold in 53 and 54 degrees of southern latitude. Their 
 colour is much the same with the other Americans, and dif- 
 fers little from them that live under the line ; they goe all 
 with bowes and arrowes, and many of them conversed freely 
 with the English, came on boarde, and went a shoare, eat and 
 dranke with them, without taking any great notice of any 
 thinge. They would eat the meat and anoint themselves all 
 over with the fat and grease ; they painte themselves rudely, 
 
454 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1677. 
 
 and when they came to the English, sometimes in sight of 
 them, rather then want that ornament they woulde daube up 
 one eye or one side of their face with clay or dirt. The whole 
 country on this side from the river of Plate to Cape Plenty 
 in the streights, or thereabouts, is one great plaine, the same 
 with Pampas, where no trees growe, and the captain com- 
 pared it to New Market heath. The other side it is all hilly, 
 and the rivers runne downe so impetuously into the South sea, 
 that they may see them runne a long way into the ocean, and 
 have fresh water out of great rivers at the sea side. Beyond 
 the streights they sailed up to Castro, an island where the 
 Spaniards live, there being none of them now upon all the 
 coast of Ame 'ica, between that place and the river of Plate; 
 from Castro they went to Baldavia, but I have not room to 
 write what passed there. 
 
 Your m. o. son, 
 
 E. B. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [rawl. cccxci.] 
 SIR, 
 
 These are the delineations of three lachrymatoryes 
 which were given me lately. 1 They were digged up some 
 yeares since in Gun field, near Ratcliff, they are very fair 
 ones, and of the same bignesse as they are drawne, the teares 
 stick still to the inside of them. If you please to have them, 
 I will sende you them downe, or if you thinke I may first 
 show r e them to Dr. Plot and let him have a copy of them to 
 print in his description of Middlesex, or else I may reserve 
 them for my self, to be mentioned or set downe when I speake 
 of the upper and lower glandule of the eye from whence the 
 teares come. 
 
 Your obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 January 1, 1677. 
 
 1 With the figure of a pot, of which a drawing accompanied the letter, with this 
 memorandum written below: " The figure of a pot digged out of the ground in Gun 
 field, amongst many other Roman antiquities." 
 
1677.] 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 455 
 
 Figures of three lachrymatories and a pot, from pen- 
 drawings, which accompanied the opposite letter. 
 
456 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [168 J. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 [ms. rawl. lviii. 45.] 
 
 Feb. 4, 168i. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The oestridge died in the night ; these colde nights 
 I thinke killed him, so that I will set downe what we observed 
 upon the dissection. 
 
 The neck a yard long, not measuring the head with it. 
 The whole foot a calcareo ad extremum digitum, is three 
 quarters of a yard, upon which he sits when he sleeps ; but 
 the foot or longest clawe is onely a quarter of a yard, the les- 
 ser clawe is half a quarter and half a nayle. 
 
 The nayle upon the larger clawe, is a nayle long, or the 
 sixteenth part of a yard : above which stand one above ano- 
 ther sixty-three large scales, reaching up all along his foot 
 before ; or before those bones which answer to the metatarsus. 
 The lesser clawe hath no nayle, and onely eight or nine scales 
 one above another, which reach not higher then the clawe itself. 
 
 The graine of the foot is like the graine of the skin of an 
 elephant, but not so very hard, and is movable, and gives way 
 upon pressure like to the foot of a camel, there being fat 
 under it, whereby he treads soft and without noyse, and 
 would come gently into the kitchen not heard when the ser- 
 vants were at dinner and stand behind them ; but higher then 
 the two clawes the skin looks scaly, every small scale consti- 
 tuting an irregular pentangle, quadrangle, and sometimes 
 hexangle. 
 
 From the heele to the knee, or that part of the leg which 
 answers to the tibia in man, is half a yard and half a quarter. 
 
 The thigh bone above a quarter of a yard, and very thick. 
 
 Upon the breast there is a hard callous darke substance 
 of an ovall figure, a nayle and a half in length, like to that of 
 a camel ; upon which he rests himself when he sits with his 
 head upright, and in that posture I think he sleeps, for we 
 could never see him in any other ; and his wing is too little 
 to cover all his neck. 
 
 The length of his body from the lower part of his neck to 
 the end of his rumpe, one yard. 
 
168|..] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 457 
 
 The longest bone in his wing, a quarter and half a quarter. 
 
 The top of the head very flat, in length half a quarter and 
 a nayle, measuring from behind the head to the end of the 
 bille. The head seemes to be hairy rather then covered with 
 feathers, contrary to what some affirme ; and I thought I 
 scarce sawe a stranger sight then one morning when I saw 
 an oestridge of the largest sort carried in a cart through 
 Fleet street, the body being inclosed in deale bordes and the 
 neck stretched out so as the head was equall with the win- 
 dowes above the balconyes. The neck white with feathers, 
 yet the skin appeared very red between them, and as if it 
 were transparent. And the aire throwne forcibly in three 
 streames throwe the mouthe and nostrills, looked as if it 
 were smoke blowne out in great quantity, which came throwe 
 its fiery neck. 
 
 On the top of his head there is an ovall place flat, a nayle 
 in length, which is all callous, and without any hayre or fea- 
 tcers, like the callous part upon his brest, but not so thick. 
 This I thinke is to defende his braine from the injury of any 
 thing that might sodenly fall upon his head, as also to pre- 
 serve the braine from the sunne and injury es of the aire, 
 especially in the night, and the more considerably if he sleeps 
 with his head upright, and not under his wing. 
 
 The gula is very large as well as long, but largest at the 
 top near the head, where it is a nayle and a half broad, 
 
 The os hyoides stretcheth itself downe on each side the 
 neck the length of half a quarter of a yard and half a nayle. 
 
 There is a callous part upon the os pubis longer than the 
 former mentioned, but narrow ; upon which, together with 
 the callous part upon his breast, he rests himself. 
 
 Besides the many muscles in the neck for the motion of 
 the numerous vertebrce and the head, there are two most ele- 
 gant muscles which come from within the thorax, arising 
 within the chest about the second rib, and insert themselves 
 on each side of the aspera arteria ; these I may name direc- 
 tores asperce arterice. 
 
 At the first dividing of the aspera arteria, or its divarication 
 to each side of the lungs, there is a ring bigger and stronger 
 then any other ring of the windepipe. 
 
458 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 1681.] 
 
 There are divers glandules in the neck near the gula ; these 
 are of a pale colour like ashes. But there are two most beau- 
 tiful glandules sticking to the caro tidal artery es, as they come 
 out of the breast, one on each side, these are blewish. The 
 peritonaeum doubles and encompasses the stomach loosely. 
 
 He hath seven ribbs; and the intercostall muscles are broad, 
 plaine, and beautifull. 
 
 The oestridge hath no prominent brestbone like other 
 fowles ; nor a narrow chest like most quadrupedes : but a 
 broad brest, firme sternon, broader and flatter then that of a 
 man ; and indeed when he puts downe his head, and bends 
 his neck to come in at a doore, his breast is so broad, and his 
 tread so different, that it is not like the entrance of a fowle ; 
 but wonderfully like that of a camel, but with this advantage, 
 that the oestridge bearing his waight upon two legges only, 
 his entrance is more bolde and gracefull. 
 
 The ear of the oestridge is rounde, and the orifice will re- 
 ceive one's finger. 
 
 This was a male oestridge, and the penis about an inche 
 long, with a little cartilaginous substance in it. The feathers 
 of the inside of the wings upon the breast and the belly and 
 neck were white, and the feathers on the tayle also white ; 
 but the rest are grayish and of a dun colour. A most beau- 
 tiful creature surely in Barbary, where the heat of the country 
 cryspes and curies all its feathers. 
 
 Your obedient sonne, 
 
 E. BROWNE. 
 
 These for my honoured father Sir Thomas Browne, 
 at his house in Norwich. 
 
 Dr. Edward Browne to his Father. 
 
 [ms. rawl. lviii. 47, 48.] 
 MOST HONOURED FATHER, 
 
 In this I will give a further account of the oestridge, 
 and of its more inward partes. 
 
 The rimula of the larynx is long and the cartilages about 
 it strong ; but no epiglottis or likenesse to a human larynx, 
 
1681.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 459 
 
 although they that heard its voice compare it to the crying 
 or shreeking of a hoarse childe, but more mournfull and 
 dismal. 
 
 The lungs are of a fine florid colour, but little in propor- 
 tion to the vast aspera arteria : they stick close to the back, 
 and are perforated surely like other birds ; and upon blowing 
 into the windepipe with a pair of bellows, we could not make 
 them rise or fill. 
 
 The heart hath two ventricles, about the bignesse of a 
 man's heart, but the right ventricle is much thinner, and the 
 valves are more fleshy. 
 
 There are two stomachs, as in granivorous fowles, a crop 
 and a gizzard ; but the crop or first stomach differs much 
 from that of all other fowles, in that it is not placed without 
 the breast as with them, but within the sternon, in that it is 
 not round, but larger like a mony bag, and of a vast bignesse, 
 liing lengthwise in the body ; but what was most satisfactory 
 to us all in the dissection, was the glandules we found in the 
 coates of the stomach, a rowe of them on the back part of it 
 reaching almost from one end to another about a thousand of 
 them, about ten in breadth and a hundred in length ; these 
 lye between the coates of the stomach, and every particular 
 glandule discharges itself by a peculiar orifice through the in- 
 ward coate of the stomach, into the cavity thereof; we found 
 some of these glandules round and globular, some oval, and 
 some more flat, and of an irregular figure. Those which lye 
 highest are roundest and thickest ; those which lye more 
 towards the bottome of the stomach, or where it unites with 
 the gizzard, are more broad and flat. These surely bring in 
 a juice which helps to digest that various nourishment which 
 this fowle makes use of: — an oestridge feeding almost upon 
 any thing, ours refused nothing but the draines from the 
 brewhouse, and perhaps if hungry it would have eat them. 
 The gizzard was very large ; the inward coate did not adhere 
 so firmly as in other fowles, but was very thick and like flan- 
 nel, and upon a first looking into the gizzard from the first 
 stomach, it appeared as a piece of flannel or napkin, which 
 the oestridge had swallowed and so stuck there. The pas- 
 sage out of the gizzard into the small guts is very streight. 
 
460 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1681 
 
 The guts are about twenty yards in length. The smaller 
 guts beginning from the stomach, are ten yards long, and the 
 larger guts down from thence to the anus are near as much. 
 
 At the beginning of the great guts there are two intestina 
 caeca, each of them a yard long, and they have a skrue or 
 spiral valve within them, after the manner of the ccecum of a 
 rabbit; this skrue in the ccecum windes about twenty turnes, 
 (so we may observe the guts of a dog fish, with a spirall valve 
 or skrue in them,) but the extremity of the ccecum is little, 
 not much different from the ccecum of a man. 
 
 The excrement which it throwes out by the guts is of two 
 kindes — a white thin sticking excrement which it mutes like 
 a hawke, and after that another sort of excrement comes, 
 which is very like to that of a sheepe but bigger. 
 
 The mesentery although it holds together such a number of 
 guts great and small, yet it is not thick, but onely a trans- 
 parent membrane as generally in pennatis, but it is very large 
 and in some places above a quarter and a half a quarter of a 
 yard deepe, or broade, measuring from the centre to the guts. 
 
 The liver hath four lobes and is of a colour not much dif- 
 ferent from that of a man's ; we could finde no bladder of 
 gall. 
 
 A glandule under the stomach, which might seeme to be a 
 spleen, but pennata and insecta are said to have no spleens. 
 
 The kidnyes are large and of the length of my hand ; as 
 they lye both together they are of the shape of a guitar, a 
 musical instrument. 
 
 The ureters are firme, strong, white, and long. Behinde 
 the kidnyes lye two glandules, somewhat oval, of about an 
 inch and half in length, close to the back bone. 
 
 What concernes the skeleton more particularly, I may 
 afterwards set downe when the bones are cleane. 
 
 Your most obedient sonne, 
 
 EDWARD BROWNE. 
 
 Feb. 7, 1681. 
 
 These for my honoured father Sir Thomas Browne, 
 at his house in Norwich. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 4G1 
 
 Since the notice at the top of page 417 was printed, 
 I received a most friendly intimation from Mr. W. H. 
 Black, that in the course of his recent and most accu- 
 rate examination of the Ashmolean manuscripts at 
 Oxford, some original letters of Sir Thomas Browne's 
 had caught his eye, of which he obligingly offered me 
 transcripts, if I could wait for them. 
 
 I had remarked, from the letter to Ashmole, at 
 p. 413, that some previous correspondence must have 
 passed between them respecting Dr. John Dee ; and it 
 immediately occurred to me, that among the treasure 
 trove of my friend Black would very probably be found 
 that correspondence, containing, no doubt, novel and 
 curious information about Dee and Kelly, et id genus 
 omne ; besides which, Browne's own opinions respect- 
 ing the sublime mysteries, which enwrapped those 
 men in musings long and deep, might possibly peep 
 out in the course of his narrative. I therefore deter- 
 mined to await the arrival of this second supplement 
 to a correspondence which I had intended to terminate 
 at p. 416. Nor have I been disappointed. The clos- 
 ing series of letters will, I hope, be deemed fully as 
 valuable and interesting as any portion of equal extent 
 throughout the volume. It not only comprises ad- 
 ditional particulars respecting Dee and Kelly, and 
 replies to enquiries which Anthony Wood had put re- 
 specting various men with whom he supposed Browne 
 to have been acquainted ; but it presents us with his 
 own biographical sketch of himself, the basis of 
 Wood's and, indeed, of all subsequent accounts of his 
 birth and earliest years. 
 
462 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1650. 
 
 Dr. Browne to Mr. William Lilly. 
 
 [from ashmole's mss. vol. 423, fol. 166.] 
 WORTHY SIR, 
 
 Upon encouradgment from your self and sollicitation 
 of Mr. Playford, I am bold to present these unto you. 
 Whereto I confesse I was not readily induced, as being very 
 desirous my first salutes should have come cleere unto you ; 
 not clogged with buisinesse, which might render the expres- 
 sion of my desire to serve you, accidentall. For truly, sir, the 
 mayne of this letter is a friendly salutation of yourself, an 
 acknowlegment of my obligations, testimonie of my respects, 
 with much readinesse to future communication, and wishes of 
 happinesse unto you, unto all which I hope you will conceave 
 the occasionall buisinesse butt appendant. 
 
 Mr. Playford, though a native of this place, hath been litle 
 resident in it. Soe that I am not able to assure or highly 
 commend his abillities upon ocular judgment of his practise, 
 butt can affirme, that hee hath practised chirurgerie in the 
 armie, as also in and about Yorke for diverse yeeres, and 
 with good testimonie thereof; and had (as I understand) a 
 good initiation of his practise under an able artist. How his 
 abillities will accord with London to the betterment of his pre- 
 sent condition, you may please to consider, whoe well knowe 
 the state of that place, and may bee informed by men of that 
 profession : where practise is much confined and restrayned 
 unto companies. However I conceave courtisies unto him 
 may bee charitable offices, for his intents are good toward his 
 kindred by severall misfortunes now under want, and hee is 
 not unlikely to prove a gratefull servant unto yourself. But 
 the proceeding herin I referre unto your owne goodnesse and 
 judgment, not willing to engage you in any way, which shall 
 not be judged advantageous unto your honour and repute, 
 whereof I desire to bee an earnest promotor, who am yours 
 affectionately and very respectfully, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 
 Norwich, Feb. 8. [not before 1650?] 
 
1658.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 463 
 
 P. S. — Sr. finding you so hard a student in Astrol. I had 
 thoughts some yeeres past to present some few Astrologie 
 bookes unto you ; but finding your librarie in your introduc- 
 tion 2 soe compleat that litle could be added, I was fayne to 
 deferre such expressions unto better opportunitie. 
 
 To my worthy and much honord freind, Mr. William 
 Lillie, these present, London. (With a seal of 
 arms.) 
 
 From Dr. Browne to Mr. EUas Ashmole. 
 
 [from ashmole's mss. 1788, art. 18, fol. 153.] 
 
 MOST WORTHY SR. 
 
 I returne you humble thancks for your courteous 
 letter and the good newes of the hopefull recoverie of Mr. 
 Dugdale, unto whom I shall be readie in any further service, 
 and shall, God willing, send unto him concerning the fish 
 bone, which I have not forgott. It can very hardly fall into 
 my apprehension how I can afford any addition unto your 
 worthy endeavours. Notwithstanding, I have enclosed a list 
 of such tracts of that subject which I have by mee. Most 
 whereof I receaved from Dr. Arthur Dee, my familiar freind, 
 sonne unto old Dr. Dee the mathematician. He lived many 
 yeares and dyed in Norwich, from whom I have heard many 
 accounts agreable unto those which you have sett downe in 
 your annotations concerning his father and Kelly. Hee was 
 a persevering student in hermeticall philosophy, and had noe 
 small encouragement. Having seen projection made, and 
 with the highest asseverations he confirmed unto his death, 
 that hee had ocularly undeceavably and frequently beheld it 
 in Bohemia, and to my knowledge, had not an accident pre- 
 vented, hee had not many yeares before his death retired be- 
 yond sea, and fallen upon the solemn processe of the great 
 worke. 
 
 Sr. if you shall desire a viewe of any of these bookes, or all, 
 I shall find some way to send them, and you may peruse or 
 
 2 That is, Lilly's Christian Astrology modestly treated of, in three books : or, an 
 Introduction to Astrologie, London, 1647, 4to. of which his own copy is in the Ash- 
 molean Museum. — W. II. B. 
 
464 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1658. 
 
 transcribe them; butt I shall entreat the favour to have them 
 returned. Mr. Stanley gave mee the honour of a visit some 
 fewe yeares past, and if hee signified my mind unto you, you 
 might have receaved them long agoe. Sir, I thinck myself 
 much honored in your worthy acquaintance, and shall ever rest 
 Your very respectful freind and servant, 
 
 THOMAS BROWNE. 
 Norwich, Jan. xxv, 1658. 
 
 A manuscript containing these tracts : — 3 
 
 1. Take earth of earth earths mother with some explication. 
 
 2. A short worke and true — of halfe a sheet. 
 
 3. Cantilena Ripley, de L. Phil, seu de phoenice. 
 
 4. Verbum abbreviatum Rogeri Bacon a Rajmundo Gal- 
 
 frido explicatum — above a sheet. 
 
 5. The great worke or great Elixir of Ripley ad Solem et 
 
 Lunam, with an accurtation or shortning of the great 
 work — containing 2 sheets. 
 
 6. A Letter of Ripley, sent to a friend, subscribed by 
 
 George Ripley, ch. of Bridlington, farmer and curate 
 of F...balbergh. 4 
 
 7. The easiest way in practising the Philosopher's stone — ■ 
 
 a sheet and half. 
 
 8. Philossium and medulla, translated out of Latin by 
 
 George Higins. 
 
 9. A Concordance of the Sayings of Guido and Raymund. 
 X. The worke of Dickinson — about a hundred verses. 
 
 An ancient manuscript of Nortons ordinall. 5 
 
 Dunstanus Epus Cantuariensis de Lapide philos — a small 
 manuscript. 6 
 
 Theriaca divina Benedicti MS. Lat. Anonym. 7 
 
 A Manuscript entitled Investigation of causes, writt by a per- 
 son of these parts about 50 yeares agoe. A theoreticall 
 
 3 This is MS. Sloan. 1842.— Catalogue of Sir Thomas Browne's MSS. No. 6, 4to. 
 vol. iv, 463, &c. 
 
 4 Very illegible in MS. On reference to the MS. Sloan. 1S42, I find it is thus: 
 "Fox Bulburg Churche. 1460 vel 1476. 
 
 5 MS. Sloan. 1873.— Catalogue of Browne's MSS. No. 39, 4tO. vol. iv, p. 463, &c. 
 fi This may be MS. Sloan. No. 3757, fol. 40; or No. 1255, art. 2, fol. 12G:_ 
 
 probably the latter. 
 
 7 MS. Sloan. 1857. — Catalogue of Browne's MSS. No. 18, 4to. vol. iv, p. 463, &c. 
 
1674.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 465 
 
 piece, but relating to the Herm. philosophic and worke. 
 
 An original!, and I thinck there is noe coppy of it — 
 
 about 4 sheets. 8 
 Ripleys emblematicall or hieroglyphicall scrowle in parchment, 
 
 about 7 yards long, with many verses, somewhat differing 
 
 from those in your first part next Ripleys vision. 
 Two small pieces of Garlandus Anglus, Latin and printed. 
 Dastini Speculum philosoph. MS. Lat.9 
 Benjamin Locks picklock unto Ripleys castle, prose and verse 
 
 — about 4 or 5 sheets, MS. 
 
 To my worthy and honord freind, Elias Ashmole, 
 Esqr. in the Middle Temple, these, London. 
 
 (The above direction is on the back of the letter, 
 (ff. 153, 156,) within which is enclosed a half sheet 
 folded in quarto, (ff. 154-5, containing the list of 
 MSS. Close to the direction is preserved a small 
 seal of arms, impressed in red wax.) 
 
 Sir Thomas Browne to Mr. Elias Ashmole. 
 
 [from ashmole's MSS. 1788, ART. 17, FOL. 151.] 
 
 I was very well acquainted with Dr. Arthur Dee, and at one 
 time or other hee hath given me some account of the whole 
 course of his life : hee gave mee a catalogue of what his 
 father Dr. John Dee had writt, and what hee intended to 
 write, butt I think I have seen the same in some of his printed 
 bookes, and that catalogue hee gave me in writing I cannot 
 yet find. I never heard him saye one word of the booke of 
 spirits, sett out by Dr. Casaubone, which if hee had knowne 
 I make no doubt butt hee would have spoake of it unto mee, 
 for he was very inquisitive after any manuscripts of his fa- 
 ther's, and desirous to print as many as hee could possibly 
 obtaine ; and, therefore, understanding that Sir William Bos- 
 well, the English resident in Holland, had found out many 
 of them, which he kept in a trunck in his howse in Holland, 
 to my knowledge hee sent divers letters unto Sir William, 
 humbly desiring him that hee would not lock them up from 
 
 8 MS. Sloan. 1893.— Catalogue of Browne's MSS. No. 9, Svo. vol. iv, p. 4G3, &c. 
 
 9 MS. Sloan. 1854.— Catalogue of MSS. Zfc. No. 13, 4to. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 H 
 
466 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1674. 
 
 the world, butt suffer him to print at least some thereof. Sir 
 William answered some of his letters, acknowledging that 
 hee had some of his father's works not yet published, and 
 that they were safe from being lost, and that hee was readie 
 to showe them unto him, butt that hee had an intention to 
 print some of them himself. Dr. Arthur Dee continued his 
 sollicitation, butt Sr. William dying I could never heare more 
 of those manuscripts in his hand. I have heard the Dr. saye 
 that hee lived in Bohemia with his father, both at Prague and 
 other parts of Bohemia. That Prince or Count Rosenberg 
 was their great patron, who delighted much in alchymie; I 
 have often heard him affirme, and sometimes with oaths, that 
 hee had seen projection made and transmutation of pewter 
 dishes and flaggons into sylver, which the goldsmiths at 
 Prague bought of them. And that Count Rosenberg playd 
 at quaits with sylver quaits made by projection as before ; that 
 this transmutation was made by a powder they had, which 
 was found in some old place, and a booke lying by it con- 
 taining nothing butt hieroglyphicks, which booke his father 
 bestowed much time upon ; but I could not heare that he 
 could make it out. Hee sayd also that Kelly delt not justly 
 by his father, and that he went away with the greatest part 
 of the powder and was afterwards imprisoned by the Em- 
 peror in a castle, from whence attempting an escape downe 
 the wall, hee fell and broake his legge and was imprisoned 
 agayne. That his father, Dr. John Dee, presented Queen 
 Elizabeth with a little of the powder, who having made triall 
 thereof attempted to get Kelly out of prison, and sent some 
 to that purpose, who giving opium in drinck unto the keepers, 
 layd them so faste asleepe that Kelly found opportunity to 
 attempt an escape, and there were horses readie to carry him 
 away ; butt the buisinesse unhappily succeeded as is before 
 declared. Hee sayd that his father was in good credit with 
 the Emperour Rodolphus, I thinck, and that hee gave him 
 some addition unto his coat of amies, by a mathematicall 
 figure added, which I thincke may bee seen at Mr. Rowland 
 Dee's howse, who had the picture J and coat of amies of Dr. 
 John Dee, which Dr. Arthur Dee left at Mr. Toley's when hee 
 
 1 His portrait is preserved in the Ashmolean Museum. — W. H. B. 
 
167|.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 467 
 
 dyed. Dr. Arthur Dee was a yong man when he saw this 
 projection made in Bohemia, butt hee was so inflamed there- 
 with, that hee fell early upon that studie and read not much 
 all his life but bookes of that subject, and two years before 
 his death contracted with one Hunniades, or Hans Hanyar, 
 in London, to be his operator. This Hans Hanyar having 
 lived long in London and growing in years, resolved to re- 
 turne into Hungarie ; he went first to Amsterdam where hee 
 was to remain ten weeks, till Dr. Arthur came unto him. 
 The Dr. to my knowledge was serious in this buisinesse, and 
 had provided all in readinesse to goe ; but suddenly hee 
 heard that Hans Hanyar was dead. 
 
 If hereafter any thing farther occurreth to my memorie I 
 shall advertize. 
 
 (No Signature.) 
 
 (Note subscribed by Ashmole.) Reed. 29 March, 
 1674, 4h. p. m. from Dr. Browne, of Norwich, 
 directed to Mr. Ashmole. 
 
 From Sir Thomas Browne to Mr. John Aubrey. 
 
 [from aubrey's letters in the ashmolean museum, vol. i. art. 28.] 
 
 WORTHY GOOD SR. 
 
 I receaved your courteous letter and therein Mr. 
 Woods his request. Dr. Thomas Lushington was borne at 
 Canterbury, was chaplaine unto Dr. Corbet, bishop of Nor- 
 wich, and afterward unto Prince Charles, now our king, in his 
 minority ; was rector of Burnham, in Norfolk, and dyed and 
 was buryed at Sittingbourne, in Kent. 
 
 Hee writt a Logick, after a new method, in Latin. A 
 comment upon the Hebrews English, both printed at London. 
 
 Hee writt also a Latin Treatise of the Passions, according 
 to Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. And also upon the The- 
 ologie of Proclus, 2 butt they never were published as I could 
 heare, and I knowe not whether any one hath the coppies. 
 
 I was borne at St. Michaels Cheap in London, went to 
 schoole at Winchester Colledge, then went to Oxford, spent 
 
 2 Probably MS. Sloan. 1838.— Catalogue of Browne's MSS. No. 1, 4to. 
 
 2 H 2 
 
468 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [167f . 
 
 some yeares in forreign parts, was admitted to bee a Socius 
 Honorarius of the College of Physitians in London, knighted 
 September, 1671, when the King, Queen, and Court came to 
 Norwich ; writt Religio Medici in English, which was since 
 translated into Latin, French, Italian, High and Low Dutch. 
 
 Psendodoxia Epidemica ; or Enquiries into Common and 
 Vulgar Errors, translated into Dutch, four or five yeares ago. 
 
 Hydriotaphia, or Urne BurialL 
 
 Hortus Cyri, or de Quincunce. 
 
 Have some Miscellaneous Tracts which may be published. 
 
 I can give you little or no account of any writers of Pem- 
 broke Colledge, and I believe Mr. Woods may better informe 
 himself upon the place. Dr. Stamp, who was I think chap- 
 laine to the Queen of Bohemia, and preached sometimes at 
 Stepney, published somewhat, but I remember not the title. 
 There was one Dr. Dowdswell, a learned man, lately prebend 
 of Worcester, butt whether hee published any thing I knowe 
 [not]; as also Dr. Bludworth, a divine, and Dr. William Child, 
 now one of the Masters of Chancerie. 
 
 Some accept against an expression they sometimes use at 
 Oxford in bookes printed at the theatre, — Ex Typographia 
 S/ieldoniana, and think better of Ex Typographio, or Typo- 
 grapheio, or Typis Sheldonianis. 
 
 Sr. your friends who persuade you to print your Templa 
 Druidum, 8fc. do butt what is fitt and reasonable. I shall 
 observe your desires as to observation of such things as you 
 require. My wife and daughters present their respects and 
 service. I rest, 
 
 Sr. your affectionate freind and servant, 
 
 THO. BROWNE. 
 
 Norwich, March 14, 167§. 
 
 (Direction on the back: the seal is destroyed.) To 
 my worthy friend Mr. Aubrey, at Mr. Henry Coley 
 his howse in Rose and Crowne Court in Grayes 
 Inne Lane, these, London. 
 
 (Added by Coley's own hand: he was son-in-law to 
 Lilly, the astrologer.) Leave this letter at the 
 Earl of Thanet's house in Hothfeild, to be directed 
 as above. 
 
1673.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 469 
 
 From Sir Thomas Browne to Mr. John Aubrey. 
 
 [from aubeey's letters in the ashmolean museum, vol. i, art. 29.] 
 WORTHY SR. 
 
 I was not unmindful of Mr. Wood? desires ; butt the 
 Deane, in whose hands the records are, being of late much 
 out of the towne, occasiond this delay : I now send you in- 
 closed what is to be found. You will find Mr. Robert Talbot 
 named in the first of Edward the sixth ; butt when hee dyed 
 as to the yeare is uncertaine, for after this I send, the church 
 hath no register untill the 7th yeare of Queene Elizabeth, 
 after which there is a good account of the prebends ; but Mr. 
 Talbots name not to bee found among them, so that hee dyed 
 before that time. 
 
 Bishop Corbet never had any epitaph I could here of, 
 though there are many that can remember his death, and 
 some the place where hee was buried ; and though there have 
 been many bishops buryed in this church, yett there are butt 
 3 that have epitaphs, viz. Bishop Parkhurst, B. Overall, and. 
 B. Montague ; the rest have fayre tombs, but no inscriptions. 
 A dark of the church told mee, that in the late times above 
 an hundred brasse inscriptions were stolne out of the church, 
 and, therefore, to prevent all oblivion of the rest, I toolce the 
 best account I could of them at the Kings returne, from an 
 understanding singingman of 91 years old, and sett them 
 downe in a booke, which otherwise would chance in a short 
 time been forgotten ; the churchmen little minding such things. 
 Bishop Herbert, the founder of that church in William Rufus 
 his time, was borne in Oxford, and so probably had his edu- 
 cation there. I do not find that hee writt any thing ; butt hee 
 was a famous man, and great builder of churches; as this 
 cathedral], St. Margarets at Lynne a fayre church, St. Ni- 
 colas at Yarmouth, an handsome church at Elmeham in Nor- 
 folk, and St. Leonards chappell upon the hill by Norwich. 
 In the 3rd or 4th of our Bishops there was also one John of 
 Oxenford. For Broadgate Hall, I was of it butt about a 
 yeare before it was made Pembroke Colledge. Bishop Bonner 
 
470 MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. [1673. 
 
 was of that house, and Camden, as old Dr. Clayton told mee, 
 and Noticia Oxonlce mentions. Dr. Budden, also a civillian, 
 was principall not very long before my time, and Dr. Clayton 
 remembered him. Hee hath left some things in writing, but 
 perhaps hee was first of Magdalen colledge, having writt the 
 life of William of Waynfleet. 
 
 I am glad you have been so observant as to take notice of 
 the Roman castrum in those parts you mention. 
 
 There hath been a Roman castrum by Castor neere Yar- 
 mouth, butt plowed up, and now nothing or litle discernable 
 thereof; butt I have had many Roman coynes found there- 
 about : that castle you mention there is an old remainder of 
 Sr. John Fallstafs house. There is also a Roman castrum 3 
 miles from Norwich, at Castor, anciently Venta Icenorum, con- 
 taining about 30 akers of ground, where there are still playne 
 marks of the 4 porta?, and I have had many coynes from thence, 
 and some other antiquities. There is also a castrum at Bran- 
 caster by Burnham in Norfolk, containing 8 akers of ground ; 
 butt the rampier of that is almost digged downe. I hope you 
 proceed in your observations concerning the Druids stones. 
 I pray my humble service and good wishes unto that worthy 
 gentleman Mr. Wood. I rest, Sr. your very respectfull 
 freind and humble servant, f HO. BROWNE. 
 
 P. S. — My wife and daughters present their humble ser- 
 vice. If you speake with my sonne who is at Dr. Ternes in 
 Lymestreet, hee will give you some account of stones like 
 Rollrich stones, the which hee observed as hee went from 
 Magdeburg to Hamburgh. If I can do you any service I 
 pray command it. I should bee glad to see you in these parts 
 when I might have more time to enjoy you then your last haste 
 afforded mee. 
 
 I was borne Novemb. 19, 1605. 
 Aug. 24, Norwich, 1673. 
 
 I can heare nothing of the tree in Castor churchyard, 
 though I have enquired of some of the parish who say there 
 is none now, nor do they remember any. 
 
 (Directed on the lack.) To my worthy friend Mr. 
 John Awbrey, at Mr. Henry Coleys howse at the 
 Rose and Crowne in Graves Inne Lane, London. 
 
1673.] MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. 471 
 
 (Inclosure.J 
 
 Dr. Corbet died the 28 July, 1635, was buried in ye quire 
 as is supposed, but we find no remaines. 
 
 7°. die Nov. anno primo, Ed. 6. 
 
 In charta Edivardi Sexti pro fundatione Eccli e . Cath. 
 Sn td> et individual Trinitatis apud Norvic. 
 
 Et ut Ecclesia Cathedralis prcedicta de personis congruis 
 in singulis locis et gradibus suis perimpleatur et decoretur 
 dilectum nobis Johannem Salisbury sacrce Theologies prqfes- 
 sorem Episcopum Thetford primum originalem et modernum 
 decanum predictce Eccli a . Cathedralis, ac Thomam Tidman 
 Sacrce Theologies professorem primum presbiterum prebenda- 
 rium, Henricum Manuell clericum secundum presbiterum pre- 
 bendarium, Robertum Talbot artium magistrum tertium pres- 
 biterum prebendarium, Edmundum Drake clericum quartum 
 presbiterum prebendarium, Elizesum Ferrys Sacrce Theolo- 
 gies prof essorem quinium presbiterum prebendarium. et Johan- 
 nem Hatty bread Sacrce Theologies professorem Sextum pres- 
 biterum prebendarium predictce Eccli*. fyc. 
 
 (The above inclosure is written by a different hand, 
 on a small piece of paper, which is fastened to the 
 foregoing letter, (art. 28,) in mistake for this second 
 letter to Aubrey.) 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
sssfsr; 
 
 4 *V CEM A»" 
 
 PRINTED BY JOSIAH FLETCHER. 
 
" 
 
 i