Sylua syluarum: or A naturall historie In ten centuries. VVritten by the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam Viscount St. Alban. Published after the authors death, by VVilliam Rawley Doctor of Diuinitie, late his Lordships chaplaine.

NATVRALL HISTORIE.

VIII. Century.

THere be Mineralls, and Fossiles, in great Varie∣tie; But of Veines of Earth Medicinall,* 1.1 but few; The Chiefe are, Terra Lemnia, Terra Sigillata communis, and Bolus Arminus: Whereof Terra Lemnia is the Chiefe. The [ 701] Vertues of them are, for Curing of Wounds, Stanching of Bloud, Stopping of Flaxes and Rheumes, and Arresting the Spreading of Poi∣son, Infection, and Putrefaction: And they haue, of all other Simples, the Perfectest and Purest Qualitie of Drying, with little or no Mixture of any other Qualitie. Yet it is true, that the Bole-Arminicke is the most Cold of them; And that Terra Lemnia is the most Hot; For which Cause, the Island Lemnos, where it is digged, was in the Old Fabulous Ages consecrated to Vulcan.

About the Bottome of the Straights are gathered great Quantities of Sponges,* 1.2 which are gathered from the sides of Rocks, being as it were a large, but tough, Mosse. It is the more to be noted, because that there be but few Substances, Plant-like, that grow deepe within the Sea; For they are gathered sometimes fifteene Fathome deepe; And when they are laid [ 702]

on Shoare, they seeme to be of great Bulke; But crushed together, will be transported in a very small Roome.

It seemeth, that Fish, that are vsed to the Salt-Water, doe neuerthe∣lesse delight more in Fresh.* 1.3 Wee see, that Salmons, and Smelts, loue to get into Riuers, though it be against the Streame. At the Hauen of Con∣stantinople, you shall haue great Quantities of Fish that come from the [ 703] Euxine-Sea; that when they come into the Fresh Water, doe inebriate and turne vp their Bellies; So as you may take them with your Hand. I doubt, there hath not beene sufficient Experiment made of Putting Sea-Fish into Fresh Water, Ponds, and Pooles. It is a Thing of great Vse, and Pleasure: For so you may haue them new at some good distance from the Sea: And besides, it may be, the Fish will eat the pleasanter, and may fall to breed: And it is said that Colchester Oysters, which are put into Pits, where the Sea goeth and commeth, (but yet so, that there is a Fresh Water Com∣ming also to them, when the Sea voideth,) become by that meanes Fat∣ter, and more Growne.

The Turkish-Bow giueth a very Forcible Shoot; Insomuch as it hath beene knowne, that the Arrow hath pierced a Stecle Target, or a Peece of Brasse of two Inches thicke: But that which is more strange, the Ar∣row, if it be Headed with Wood, hath beene knowne to pierce thorow a [ 704] Peece of Wood, of eight Inches thicke. And it is certaine, that wee had in vse at one time, for Sea-Fight, short Arrowes, which they called Sprights, without any other Heads, saue Wood sharpned; which were discharged out of Muskets, and would pierce thorow the Sides of Ships, where a Bullet would not pierce. But this dependeth vpon one of the greatest Secrets in all Nature; Which is, that Similitude of Substance* 1.4 will cause Attraction, where the Body is wholly freed from the Motion of Grauitie: For if that were taken away, Lead would draw Lead, and Gold would draw Gold, and Iron would draw Iron, without the helpe of the Load-Stone. But this same Motion of Weight or Grauitie, (which is a meere Motion of the Matter, and hath no Affinitie with the Forme, or Kinde,) doth kill the other Motion, except it selfe be killed by a violent Motion; As in these Instances of Arrowes; For then the Motion of Attraction by Similitude of Substance, beginneth to shew it selfe. But wee shall handle this Point of Nature fully in due Place.

They haue in Turkey, and the East, certaine Confections, which they call Seruetts, which are like to Candied Conserues; And are made of Su∣gar and Limons, or Sugar and Citrons, or Sugar and Violets, and some other Flowers; And some Mixture of Amber for the more delicate Per∣sons; [ 705] And those they dissolue in Water, and thereof make their Drinke because they are forbidden Wine by their Law.* 1.5 But I doe much maruell that no Englishman, or Dutehman, or German, doth set vp Brewing in Con∣stantinople; Considering they haue such Quantitie of Barley. For as so

the generall Sort of Men, Frugalitie may be the Cause of Drinking Water; For that it is no small Sauing, to pay nothing for ones Drinke: But the better Sort mought well be at the Cost. And yet I wonder the lesse at it, because I see France, Italie, or Spaine, haue not taken into vse, Beere, or Ale; Which (perhaps) if they did, would better both their Healths, and their Complexions. It is likely it would be Matter of great Gaine to any, that should begin it in Turkey.

In Bathing in Hot Water, Sweat (neuerthelesse) commeth not in the Parts vnder the Water.* 1.6 The Cause is; First, for that Sweat is a Kinde of Colliquation. And that Kinde of Colliquation is not made, either by an [ 706] Ouer-Drie Heat, or an Ouer-Moist Heat. For Ouer-Moisture doth some∣what extinguish the Heat; As wee see that euen Hot Water quencheth Fire: And Ouer-Drie Heat shutteth the Pores: And therefore Men will sooner Sweat couered before the Sunne, or Fire, than if they stood Na∣ked; And Earthen Bottles, filled with Hot Water, doe prouoke, in Bed, a Sweat more daintily, than Bricke-bats Hot. Secondly, Hot Water doth cause Euaporation from the Skin; So as it spendeth the Matter, in those Parts vnder the Water, before it issueth in Sweat. Againe, Sweat com∣meth more plentifully, if the Heat be increased by Degrees, than if it be greatest at first, or equall. The Cause is, for that the Pores are better ope∣ned by a Gentle Heat, than by a more Violent; And by their opening the Sweat issueth more abundantly. And therefore Physitians may doe well, when they prouoke Sweat in Bed, by Bottles, with a Decoction of Sudori∣sicke Herbs in Hot Water, to make two Degrees of Heat in the Bottles; And to lay in the Bed, the lesse Heated first, and after halfe an Houre the more Heated.

Sweat is Salt in Taste; The Cause is, for that, that Part of the Nourish∣ment, [ 707] which is Fresh and Sweet, turneth into Bloud, and Flesh; And the Sweat is only that Part which is Separate, and Excerned. Bloud also Raw hath some Saltnesse, more than Flesh; because the Assimilation into Flesh, is not without a little and subtile Excretion from the Bloud.

Sweat commeth forth more out of the Vpper Parts of the Body, than [ 708] the Lower; The Reason is, because those Parts are more replenished with Spirits; And the Spirits are they that put forth Sweat: Besides, they are lesse Fleshy, and Sweat issueth (chiefly) out of the Parts that are lesse Fleshy, and more Dry; As the Forehead, and Breast.

Men Sweat more in Sleepe, than Waking; And yet Sleepe doth rather [ 709] stay other Fluxions, than cause them; As Rheumes, Loosenesse of the Body, &c. The Cause is, for that in Sleepe, the Heat and Spirits doe naturally moue inwards, and there rest. But when they are collected once within, the Heat becommeth more Violent, and Irritate; And thereby expelleth Sweat.

Cold Sweats are (many times) Mortall, and neere Death; And alwayes [ 710] ill, and Suspected; As in Great Feares, Hypochondricall Passions, &c. The Cause is, for that Cold Sweats come by a Relaxation or Forsaking of the

Spirits, wherby the Moisture of the Body, which Heat did keepe firme in the Parts, seuereth, and issueth out.

[ 711] In those Diseases, which cannot be discharged by Sweat, Sweat is ill, and rather to be stayed; As in Diseases of the Lungs, and Fluxes of the Belly; But in those Diseases, which are expelled by Sweat, it easeth and lightneth; As in Agues, Pestilences, &c. The Cause is, for that Sweat in the Latter Sort is partly Criticall, and sendeth forth the Matter that of∣fendeth; But in the Former, it either proceedeth from the Labour of the Spirits, which sheweth them Oppressed; Or from Motion of Consent, when Nature not able to expell the Disease, where it is seated, moueth to an Expulsion indifferent ouer all the Body.

The Nature of the Glo-wormexs is hitherto not well obserued.* 1.7 Thus much we see; That they breed chiefly in the Hottest Moneths of Summer; And that they breed not in Champaigne, but in Bushes, and Hedges. Wher∣by [ 712] it may be conceiued, that the Spirit of them is very fine, and not to be refined, but by Summer Heats: And againe, that by reason of the Finenesse, it doth easily exhale. In Italy, and the Hotter Countries, there is a Fly they call Lucciole, that shineth as the Glo-worme doth; And it may be is the Flying Glo-worme. But that Fly is chiefly vpon Fens, and Marri∣shes. But yet the two former Obseruations hold; For they are not seene, but in the Heat of Summer; And Sedge, or other Greene of the Fens, giue as good Shade, as Bushes. It may be the Glo-wormes of the Cold Countries ripen not so farre as to be Winged.

The Passions of the Minde, worke vpon the Body the Impressions following.* 1.8 Feare causeth Palenesse; Trembling; The Standing of the Haire vpright; Starting; and Skritching. The Palenesse is caused, for that the Bloud runneth inward, to succour the Heart. The Trembling is cau∣sed, for that through the Flight of the Spirits inward, the Outward Parts are destituted, and not sustained. Standing Vpright of the Haire is caused, [ 713] for that by the Shutting of the Pores of the Skin, the Haire that lyeth a∣sloape, must needs Rise, Starting is both an Apprehension of the Thing fea∣red, (And, in that kinde, it is a Motion of Shrincking;) And likewise an Inquisition, in the beginning, what the Matter should be; (And in that kinde it is a Motion of Erection;) And therefore, when a Man would li∣sten suddenly to any Thing, he Starteth; For the Starting is an Erection of the Spirits to attend. Skritching is an Appetite of Expelling that which suddenly striketh the Spirits: For it must be noted, that many Motions, though they be vnprofitable to expell that which hurteth, yet they are Offers of Nature, and cause Motions by Consent; As in Groaning, or Crying vpon Paine.

[ 714] Griefe and Paine cause Sighing; Sobbing; Groaning; Screaming; and Roaring; Teares; Distorting of the Face; Grinding of the Teeth; Sweating. Sighing is caused by the Drawing in of a greater Quantity of Breath to re∣fresh the Heart that laboureth: like a great Draught when one is thirsty.

Sobbing is the same Thing stronger. Groaning, and Screaming, and Roaring, are caused by an Appetite of Expulsion, as hath beene said: For when the Spirits cannot expell the Thing that hurteth, in their Strife to do it, by Motion of Consent, they expell the Voice. And this is, when the Spirits yeeld, and giue ouer to resist; For if one doe constantly resist Paine, he will not groane. Teares are caused by a Contraction of the Spirits of the Braine; Which Contraction by consequence astringeth the Moisture of the Braine, and thereby sendeth Teares into the Eyes. And this Con∣traction, or Compression causeth also Wringing of the Hands; For Wring∣ing is a Gesture of Expression of Moisture. The Distorting of the Face is caused by a Contention, first to beare and resist, and then to expell; Which maketh the Parts knit first, and afterwards open. Grinding of the Teeth is caused (likewise) by a Gathering and Serring of the Spirits together to resist; Which maketh the Teeth also to set hard one against another. Sweating is also a Compound Motion by the Labour of the Spirits, first to resist, and then to expell.

Ioy causeth a Chearefulnesse, and Vigour in the Eyes; Singing; Leaping; [ 715] Dancing; And sometimes Teares. All these are the Effects of the Dilata∣tion, and Comming forth of the Spirits into the Outward Parts; Which maketh them more Linely, and Stirring. We know it hath beene seene, that Excessiue Sudden Ioy, hath caused Present Death, while the Spirits did spread so much, as they could not retire againe. As for Teares, they are the Effects of Compression of the Moisture of the Braine. vpon Dilatation of the Spirits. For Compression of the Spirits worketh an Expression of the Moisture of the Braine, by Consent, as hath beene said in Griefe. But then in Ioy, it worketh it diuersly; viz. by Prepulsion of the Moisture, when the Spirits dilate, and occupy more Roome.

Anger causeth Palenesse in some, and the Going and Comming of the [ 716] Colour in Others: Also Trembling in some, Swelling; Foaming at the Month; Stamping; Bending of the Fist. Palenesse, and Going, and Com∣ming of the Colour, are caused by the Burning of the Spirits about the Heart; Which to refresh themselues call in more Spirits from the Out∣ward Parts. And if the Palenesse be alone, without Sending forth the Co∣lour againe, it is commonly ioyned with some Feare; But in many there is no Palenesse at all, but contrariwise Rednesse about the Cheekes, and Gills; Which is by the Sending forsh of the Spirits in an Appetite to Re∣uenge. Trembling in Anger is likewise by a Calling in of the Spirits; And is commonly, when Anger is ioyned with Feare. Swelling is caused, both by a Dilatation of the Spirits by Ouer-Heating, and by a Liquefaction or Boyling of the Humours thereupon. Foaming at the Mouth is from the same Cause, being an Ebullition. Stamping. and Bending of the Fist, are caused by an Imagination of the Act of Reuenge.

Light Displeasure or Dislike, causeth Shaking of the Head; Frowning, [ 717] and Knitting of the B••••••es. These Effects arise from the same Causes that Trembling, and Horrour doe; Namely, from the Retiring of the Spirits. but in a lesse degree. For the Shaking of the Head is but a Slow and

Definite Trembling; And is a Gesture of Slight Refusall: And we see also, that a Dislike causeth (often) that Gesture of the Hand, which wee vse, when we refuse a Thing, or warne it away. The Frowning, and Knitting of the Browes, is a Gathering, or Serring of the Spirits, to resist in some Measure. And we see also, this Knitting of the Browes will follow vpon earnest Studying, or Cogitation of any Thing, though it bee without Dislike.

[ 718] Shame causeth Blushing; And Casting downe of the Eyes. Blushing is the Resort of Bloud to the Face; Which in the Passion of Shame is the Part that laboureth most. And although the Blushing will be seene in the whole Breast, if it be Naked, yet that is but in Passage to the Face. As for the Casting downe of the Eyes, it proceedeth of the Reuerence a Man beareth to other Men; Whereby, when he is ashamed, he cannot endure to looke firmely vpon Others: And we see that Blushing, and the Casting downe of the Eyes both, are more when we come before Many; Ore Pompeij quid mollius? Nunquàm non coram pluribus erubuit: And like∣wise when we come before Great, or Reuerend Persons.

[ 719] Pity causeth sometimes Teares; And a Flexion or Cast of the Eye aside. Teares come from the same Cause that they doe in Griefe: for Pity is but Griefe in Anothers Behalfe. The Cast of the Eye is a Gesture of A∣uersion, or Loathnesse to behold the Obiect of Pity.

[ 720] Wonder causeth Astonishment, or an Immoueable Posture of the Body; Casting vp of the Eyes to Heauen; And Lifting vp of the Hands. For Asto∣nishment, it is caused by the Fixing of the Minde vpon one Obiect of Cogi∣tation, whereby it doth not spatiate and transcurre, as it vseth: For in Wonder the Spirits fly not, as in Feare; But onely settle, and are made lesse apt to moue. As for the Casting vp of the Eyes, and Lifting vp of the Hands, it is a Kinde of Appeale to the Deity; Which is the Authour, by Power, and Prouidence, of Strange Wonders.

[ 721] Laughing causeth a Dilatation of the Mouth, and Lips; A Continued Expulsion of the Breath, with the loud Noise, which maketh the Inter∣iection of Laughing; Shaking of the Breast, and Sides; Running of the Eyes with Water, if it be Violent, and Continued. Wherein first it is to be vnderstood, that Laughing is scarce (properly) a Passion, but hath his Source from the Intellect; For in Laughing there euer precedeth a Con∣ceit of somewhat Ridiculous, And therefore it is Proper to Man. Second∣ly, that the Cause of Laughing is but a Light Touch of the Spirits, and not so deepe an Impression as in other Passions. And therefore, (that which hath no Affinity with the Passions of the Minde) it is moued, and that in great vehemency, onely by Tickling some Parts of the Body: And we see that Men euen in a Grieued State of Minde, yet cannot sometimes for∣beare Laughing. Thirdly, it is euer ioyned with some Degree of Delight: And therefore Exhilaration hath some Affinity with Ioy, though it be a much Lighter Motion: Res seneraest verum Gandium. Fourthly, that the Obiect of it is Deformity, Absurdity, Shrew'd Turnes, and the like. Now to speake of the Causes of the Effects before mentioned, whereunto these

Generall Notes giue some Light, For the Dilatation of the Mouth and Lips, Continued Expulsion of the Breath and Voice, and Shaking of the Breast and Sides, they proceed (all) from the Dilatation of the Spirits; Especially be∣ing Sudden. So likewise, the Running of the Eyes with Water, (as hath beene formerly touched, where we spake of the Teares of Ioy and Griefe,) is an Effect of Dilatation of the Spirits. And for Suddennesse, it is a great Part of the Matter: For we see, that any Shrew'd Turne that lighteth vp∣on Another; Or any Deformity, &c. moueth Laughter in the Instant; Which after a little time it doth not. So we cannot Laugh at any Thing after it is Stale, but whilest it is New: And euen in Tickling, if you Tickle the Sides, and giue warning; Or giue a Hard or Continued Touch, it doth not moue Laughter so much.

Lust causeth a Flagrancy in the Eyes; and Priapisme. The Cause of [ 722] both these is, for that in Lust, the Sight, and the Touch, are the Things desired: And therefore the Spirits resort to those part••, whch are most affected. And note well in generall, (For that great Vse may be made of the Obseruation,) that (euermore) the Spirits, in all Passions, resort most to the Parts, that labour most, or are most affected. As in the last, which hath been mentioned, they resort to the Eyes, and Venereous Parts: In Feare, and Anger, to the Heart: In Shame to the Face: And in Light Dislikes to the Head.

It hath beene obserued by the Ancients and is yet beleeued, that the Sperme of Drunken Men is Vnfruitfull.* 1.9 The Cause is, for that it is Ouer-moi∣stened, and wanteth Spissitude. And we haue a merry Saying, that they that goe Drunke to Bed, get Daughters. [ 723]

Drunken Men are taken with a plaine Defect, or Destitution in Volun∣tary [ 724] Motion. They ••••ele: They tremble: They cannot stand, nor speake strongly. The •••••••• is, for that the Spirits of the Wine, oppresse the Spi∣rits Animall, and •••••• pate Part of the Place, where they are; And so make them Weake to moue. And therefore Drunken Men are apt to fall asleepe: And Opiates, and Stupefactines, (as Poppy, Henbane, Hemlocke, &c.) induce a kinde of Drunkennesse, by the Grossenesse of their Vapour; As Wine doth by the Quantity of the Vapour. Besides, they rob the Spirits Animall of their Matter, whereby they are nourished: For the Spirits of the Wine prey vpon it, as well as they: And so they make the Spirits lesse Supple, and Apt to moue.

Drunken Men imagine euery Thing turneth round; They imagine [ 725] also that Things Come vpon them; They See not well Things a farre off; Those Things that they See neare hand, they See out of their Place; And (sometimes) they see Things double. The Cause of the Imagination that Things turne Round, is, for that the Spirits themselues turne, being com∣pressed by the Vapour of the Wine: (For any Liquid Body vpon Compressi∣on, turneth, as we see in Water:) And it is all one to the Sight, whether the Visuall Spirits moue, or the Obiect moueth, or the Medium moueth. And we see that long Turning Round breedeth the same Imagination.

The Cause of the Imagination that Things come vpon them, is, for that the Spirits Visuall themselues draw backe; which maketh the Obiect seeme to come on; And besides, when they see Things turne Round, and Moue, Feare maketh them thinke they come vpon them. The Cause that they cannot see Things a farre off, is the Weaknesse of the Spirits; for in euery Megrim, or Vertige, there is an Obtenebration ioyned with a Sem∣blance of Turning round; Which we see also in the lighter Sort of Swon∣nings. The Cause of Seeing things out of their Place, is the Refraction: of the Spirits Visuall; For the Vapour is as an Vnequall Medium; And it is, as the Sight of Things, out of place, in Water. The Cause of Seeing Things dou∣ble, is, the Swift and Vnquiet Motion of the Spirits, (being Oppressed,) to and fro; For, (as was said before,) the Motion of the Spirits Visuall, and the Motion of the Obiect, make the same Appearances; And for the Swift Motion of the Obiect, we see, that if you fillip a Lute-String, it sheweth double, or Treble.

[ 726] Men are sooner Drunke with Small Draughts, than with Great. And againe, Wine Sugred inebriateth lesse, than Wine Pure. The Cause of the Former is, for that the Wine descendeth not so fast to the Bottome of the Stomach; But maketh longer Stay in the Vpper Part of the Stomach, and sendeth Vapours faster to the Head; And therefore inebriateth sooner. And, for the same Reason, Sops in Wine, (Quantity for Quantity,) ine∣briate more, than Wine of it selfe. The Cause of the Latter is, for that the Sugar doth inspissate the Spirits of the Wine, and maketh them not so easie to resolue into Vapour. Nay further, it is thought, to be some Re∣medy against Inebriating, if Wine Sugred be taken after Wine Pure. And the same Effect is wrought either by Oyle, or Milke, taken vpon much Drinking.

The Vse of Wine, in Dry, and Consumed Bodies, is hurtfull; In Moist, and Full Bodies, it is good. The Cause is, for that the Spirits of the Wine* 1.10 doe prey vpon the Dew, or Radicall Moisture, (as they terme it,) of the Body, and so deceiue the Animall Spirits. But where there is Moisture Enough, or Superfluous, there Wine helpeth to disgest, and desiccate [ 727] the Moisture.

The Catterpiller is one of the most Generall of Wormes, and bree∣deth of Dew, and Leaues: For we see infinite Number of Catterpillers,* 1.11 which breed vpon Trees, and Hedges; By which the Leaues of the Trees, [ 728] or Hedges, are in great Part consumed; As well by their Breeding out of the Leafe, as by their Feeding vpon the Leafe. They breed in the Spring chiefly, because then there is both Dew, and Leafe. And they breed com∣monly when the East Winds haue much blowne: The Cause whereof is, the Drinesse of that Wind: For to all Viuification vpon Putrefaction, it is requisite the Matter be not too Moist: And therefore we see, they haue Copwebs about them, which is a signe of a Slimy Drinesse: As we see vp∣on the Ground, whereupon, by Dew, and Sunne, Copwebs breed all ouer.

We see also the Greene Catterpiller breedeth in the Inward Parts of Ro∣ses, especially not blowne, where the Dew sticketh: But especially Catter∣pillers, both the greatest, and the most, breed vpon Cabbages, which haue a Fat Leafe, and apt to Putrifie. The Catterpiller towards the End of Sum∣mer waxeth Volatile, and turneth to a Butterfly, or perhaps some other Fly. There is a Catterpiller, that hath a Furre, or Downe vpon him, and see∣meth to haue Affinity with the Silke-worme

The Flyes Cantharides are bred of a Worme, or Catterpiller, but pecu∣liar to certaine Fruit-Trees; As are the Fig-tree, the Pine-tree, and the Wilde Briar; All which beare Sweet Fruit; And Fruit that hath a kinde of secret Biting, or Sharpnesse: For the Fig hath a Milke in it, that is Sweet, [ 729] and Corrosiue: The Pine-Apple hath a Kernell that is Strong and Abster∣side: The Fruit of the Briar is said to make Children, or those that Eat them, Scabbed. And therefore, no maruell though Cantharides* 1.12 haue such a Corrosiue, and Cauterizing Quality; For there is not any other of the In∣secta, but is bred of a Duller Matter. The Body of the Cantharides is bright coloured; And it may be, that the delicate-coloured Dragon-Flies, may haue likewise some Corrosiue Quality.

Lassitude is remedied by Bathing, or Annointing with Oyle, and Warme water.* 1.13 The Cause is, for that all Lassitude is a kinde of Contusion, and Com∣pression of the Parts; And Bathing, and Annointing giue a Relaxation, or Emollition: And the Mixture of Oyle, and Water, is better than either of [ 730] them alone; Because Water Entreth better into the Pores, and Oyle af∣ter Entry softneth better. It is found also, that the Taking of Tobacco doth helpe and discharge Lassitude. The Reason whereof is, partly, because by Chearing or Comforting of the Spirits it openeth the Parts Compressed, or Contused: And chiefly, because it refresheth the Spirits by the O∣piate Vertue thereof; And so dischargeth Wearinesse; as Sleepe likewise doth.

In Going vp a Hill, the Knees will be most Weary; In Going downe a Hill, [ 731] the Thighes. The Cause is, for that, in the Lift of the Feet, when a Man Goeth vp the Hill, the Weight of the Body beareth most vpon the Knees; And in Going downe the Hill, vpon the Thighes.

The Casting of the Skin, is by the Ancients compared, to the Brea∣king of the Secundine, or Call; but not rightly: For that were to make euery Casting* 1.14 of the Skin a New Birth: And besides, the Secundine is but a generall Couer, not shaped according to the Parts; But the Skin is sha∣ped according to the Parts. The Creatures, that cast their Skin, are; The [ 732] Snake, the Viper, the Grashopper, the Lizard, the Silke worme, &c. Those that cast their Shell, are; The Lobster, the Crab, the Crafish, the Hodman∣dod or Dedman, the Tortoise, &c. The Old Skins are found, but the Old Shells neuer: So as it is like, they scale off, and crumble away by de∣grees. And they are knowne, by the Extreme Tendernesse and Softnesse

of the New Shell; And somewhat by the Freshnesse of the Colour of it. The Cause of the Casting of Skin, and Shell, should seeme to be the great Quantity of Matter in those Creatures, that is fit to make Skin, or Shell; And againe, the Loosenesse of the Skin, or Shell, that sticketh not close to the Flesh. For it is certaine, that it is the New Skin, or Shell, that put∣teth off the Old: So we see, that in Deere, it is the Young Horne, that put∣teth off the Old; And in Birds, the Young Feathers put off the Old: And so Birds, that haue much Matter for their Beake, cast their Beakes; the New Beake Putting off the Old.

Lying, not Erect, but Hollow, which is in the Making of the Bed; Or with the Legges gathered vp, which is in the Posture of the Body, is the more Wholesome.* 1.15 The Reason is, the better Comforting of the Stomach, which is by that lesse Pensile: And we see, that in Weake Stomachs, the [ 733] Laying vp of the Legs high, and the Knees almost to the Mouth, hel∣peth, and comforteth. We see also that Gally-Slanes, notwithstanding their Misery otherwise, are commonly Fat and Fleshy; And the Reason is, because the Stomach is supported somewhat in Sitting; And is Pen∣sile in Standing, or Going. And therefore, for Prolongation of Life, it is good to choose those Exercises, where the Limbes moue more than the Stomach, and Belly; As in Rowing, and in Sawing being Set.

[ 734] Megrims and Giddinesse are rather when we Rise, after long Sitting, than while we Sit. The Cause is, for that the Vapours, which were ga∣thered by Sitting, by the Sudden Motion, fly more vp into the Head.

[ 735] Leaning long vpon any Part maketh it Numme, and, as wee call it, Asleepe. The Cause is, for that the Compression of the Part suffereth not the Spirits to haue free Accesse; And therefore, when wee come out of it, wee feele a Stinging or ••••••••••ing; Which is the Re-entrance of the Spirits.

It hath beene noted, that those Yeares are Pestilentiall, and Vnwhole∣some, when there are great Numbers of Frogs, Flies, Locusts, &c.* 1.16 The Cause is plaine; For that those Creatures being engendred of Putrefacti∣on, [ 736] when they abound, shew a generall Disposition of the Yeare, and Con∣stitution of the Aire, to Diseases of Putrefaction. And the same Progne∣sticke, (as hath beene said before,) holdeth, if you finde Wormes in Oake∣Apples. For the Constitution of the Aire, appeareth more subtilly, in any of these Things, than to the Sense of Man.

It is an Obseruation amongst Country-People, that Yeares of Store of Hawes and Heps, doe commonly portend Cold Winters; And they ascribe it to Gods Prouidence, that, (as the Scripture saith) reacheth euen to the Falling of a Sparrow; And much more is like to reach to the Preseruati∣on [ 737] of Birds in such Seasons.* 1.17 The Naturall Cause also may be the Want of Heat, and Abundance of Moisture, in the Summer precedent; Which put∣teth forth those Fruits, and must needs leaue great Quantity of Cold Va∣pours,

not dissipate; Which causeth the Cold of the Winter following.

They haue in Turkey, a Drinke called Coffa, made of a Berry of the same Name, as Blacke as Soot, and of a Strong Sent, but not Aromaticall; Which they take, beaten into Powder, in Water, as Hot as they can drinke it: And they take it, and sit at it, in their Coffa-Houses, which are like our Tauernes.* 1.18 This Drinke comforteth the Braine, and Heart, and helpeth Disgestion. Certainly this Berry Coffa; The Root, and Leafe Be∣tel; [ 738] The Leafe Tobacco; And the Teare of Poppy, (Opium,) of which the Turks are great Takers, (supposing it expelleth all Feare;) doe all Con∣dense the Spirits, and make them Strong, and Aleger. But it seemeth they are taken after seuerall manners; For Coffa and Opium are taken downe; Tobacco but in Smoake; And Betel is but champed in the Mouth, with a little Lime. It is like there are more of them, if they were well found out, and well corrected. Quare of Henbane-Seed; Of Mandrake; Of Saffron, Root, and Flower; Of Folium Indum; Of Amber-grice; Of the Assyrian Amomum, if it may be had; And of the Scarlet Powder, which they call Kermez; And (generally) of all such Things, as doe in∣ebriate, and prouoke Sleepe. Note that Tobacco is not taken in Root, or Seed, which are more forcible euer than Leaues.

The Turkes haue a Blacke Powder, made of a Minerall called Alcohole; Which with a fine long Pencill they lay vnder their Eye-lids; Which doth colour them Blacke; Whereby the White of the Eye is set off more white.* 1.19 With the same Powder they colour also the Haires of their Eye-lids, and [ 739] of their Eye-browes, which they draw into Embowed Arches. You shall finde that Xenophon maketh Mention, that the Medes vsed to paint their Eyes. The Turkes vse with the same Tincture, to colour the Haire of their Heads and Beards Blacke: And diuers with vs, that are growne Gray, and yet would appeare Young, finde meanes to make their Haire blacke, by Combing it, (as they say,) with a Leaden Combe, or the like. As for the Chineses, who are of an ill Complexion, (being Oliuaster,) they paint their Cheekes Scarlet; Especially their King, and Grandes. Generally, Barbarous People, that goe Naked, doe not onely paint Themselues, but they pownce and raze their Skinne, that the Painting may not be taken forth; And make it into Works. So doe the West Indians; And so did the Ancient Picts, and Brittons; So that it seemeth, Men would haue the Colours of Birds Feathers, if they could tell how; Or at least, they will haue Gay Skins, instead of Gay Cloathes.

It is strange, that the Vse of Bathing, as a Part of Diet, is left.* 1.20 With the Romans, and Grecians, it was as vsuall, as Eating, or Sleeping: And so is it amongst the Turkes at this day: Whereas with vs it remaineth but as a Part of Physicke. I am of Opinion, that the Vse of it, as it was with the Romans, was hurtfull to Health; For that it made the Body Soft, and [ 740] easie to Waste. For the Turkes it is more proper, because that their Drin∣king

Water, and Feeding vpon Rize, and other Food of small Nourish∣ment, maketh their Bodies so Solide, and Hard, as you need not feare that Bathing should make them Froathie. Besides, the Turkes are great Sitters, and seldome walke; Whereby they Sweat lesse, and need Bathing more. But yet certaine it is, that Bathing, and especially Annointing, may be so vsed, as it may be a great Helpe to Health, and Prolongation of Life. But hereof we shall speake in due Place, when we come to handle Expe∣riments Medicinall.

The Turkes haue a Pretty Art of Chamoletting of Paper, which is not with vs in vse.* 1.21 They take diuers Oyled Colours, and put them seuerally (in drops) vpon Water; And stirre the Water lightly; And then wet their [ 741] Paper, (being of some Thicknesse,) with it; And the Paper will be Wa∣ued, and Veined, like Chamolet, or Marble.

It is somewhat strange, that the Bloud of all Birds, and Beasts, and Fishes, should be of a Red Colour, and only the Bloud of the Cuttle should be as Blacke as Inke.* 1.22 A Man would thinke, that the Cause should be the [ 742] High Concoction of that Bloud; For wee see in ordinary Puddings, that the Boyling turneth the Bloud to be Blacke; And the Cuttle is accounted a de∣licate Meat, and is much in Request.

It is reported of Credit, that if you take Earth, from Land adioyning to the Riuer of Nile; And preserue it in that manner, that it neither come to be Wet, nor Wasted; And Weigh it daily, it will not alter Weight vntill the seuenteenth of Iune, which is the Day when the Riuer begin∣neth [ 743] to rise; And then it will grow more and more Ponderous, till the Ri∣uer commeth to his Heighth Which if it be true, it cannot be caused, but by the Aire, which then beginneth to Condense; And so turneth within that Small Mould into a degree of Moisture; Which produceth Weight.* 1.23 So it hath beene obserued, that Tobacco, Cut, and Weighed, and then Dried by the Fire, loseth Weight; And after being laid in the open Aire, recouereth Weight againe. And it should seeme, that as soone as euer the Riuer beginneth to increase, the whole Body of the Aire there∣abouts suffereth a Change: For (that which is more strange,) it is cre∣dibly affirmed, that vpon that very Day, when the Riuer first riseth, great Plagues, in Caire, vse suddenly to breake vp.

Those that are very Cold, and especially in their Feet, cannot get to Sleepe.* 1.24 The Cause may be, for that in Sleepe is required a Free Respiration, which Cold doth shut in, and hinder: For wee see, that in great Colds, one [ 744] can scarce draw his Breath. Another Cause may be, for that Cold calleth the Spirits to succour; And therefore they cannot so well close; and goe together in the Head; Which is euer requisite to Sleepe. And for the same Cause, Paine, and Noise hinder Sleepe; And Darknesse (contrariwise) furthereth Sleepe.

Some Noises (whereof wee spake in the 112. Experiment) helpe [ 745] Sleepe; As the Blowing of the Wind, the Trickling of Water, Humming of Bees, Soft Singing, Reading, &c. The Cause is, for that they moue in the Spirits a gentle Attention; And whatsoeuer moueth Attention, without too much Labour, stilleth the Naturall and discursiue Motion of the Spirits.

Sleepe nourisheth, or at least preserueth Bodies, a long time, without [ 746] other Nourishment. Beasts that sleepe in Winter, (as it is noted of Wilde Beares,) during their Sleep wax very Fat, though they Eat nothing. Bats haue beene found in Ouens, and other Hollow Close Places, Matted one vpon another; And therefore it is likely that they Sleepe in the Win∣ter time, and eat Nothing. Quare, whether Bees doe not Sleepe all Win∣ter, and spare their Honey? Butterflies, and other Flies, doe not onely Sleepe, but lye as Dead all Winter; And yet with a little Heat of Sunne, or Fire, reuine againe. A Dormonse, both Winter and Summer, will Sleepe some dayes' together, and eat Nothing.

To restore Teeth in Age, were Magnale Naturae.* 1.25 It may be thought of. But howsoeuer the Nature of the Teeth deserueth to be enquired of, as well as the other Parts of Liuing Crea∣tures Bodies.

There be Fiue Parts in the Bodies of Liuing-Creatures, that are of Hard [ 747] Substance; The Skull; The Teeth; The Bones; The Hornes; and the Nailes. The greatest Quantity of Hard Substance Continued, is towards the Head. For there is the Skull of one Entire Bone; There are the Teeth; There are the Maxillary Bones; There is the Hard Bone, that is the Instru∣ment of Hearing; And thence issue the Hornes: So that the Building of Liuing Creatures Bodies, is like the Building of a Timber-House, where the Walls, and other Parts haue Columnes, and Beames; But the Roofe is, in the better Sort of Houses, all Tile, or Lead, or Stone. As for Birds, they haue Three other Hard Substances proper to them; The Bill, which is of like Matter with the Teeth; For no Birds haue Teeth: The Shell of the Egge: And their Quills: For as for their Spurre, it is but a Naile. But no Li∣uing-Creatures, that haue Shells very hard; (As Oysters, Cockles, Mussles, Scallops, Crabs, Lobsters, Cra-fish, Shrimps, and especially the Tortoise,) haue Bones within them, but onely little Gristles.

Bones, after full Growth, continue at a Stay: And so doth the Skull: [ 748] Hornes, in some Creatures, are cast, and renued: Teeth stand at a Stay except their Wearing: As for Nailes, they grow continually: And Bills and Beakes will ouer-grow, and sometimes be cast; as in Eagles, and Parrots.

Most of the Hard Substances fly to the Extremes of the Body, As Skull, [ 749] Hornes, Teeth, Nailes, and Beakes: Onely the Bones are more Inward, and clad with Flesh. As for the Entrailes, they are all without Bones; Saue that a Bone is (sometimes) found in the Heart of a Stag; And it may be in some other Creature.

[ 750] The Skull hath Braines, as a kinde of Marrow, within it. The Back-Bone hath one Kinde of Marrow, which hath an Affinity with the Braine; And other Bones of the Body haue another. The Iaw-Bones haue no Marrow Seuered, but a little Pulpe of Marrow diffused. Teeth likewise are thought to haue a kind of Marrow diffused, which cau∣seth the Sense, and Paine: But it is rather Sinnew; For Marrow hath no Sense; No more than Bloud. Horne is alike throughout; And so is the Naile.

[ 751] None other of the Hard Substances haue Sense, but the Teeth: And the Teeth haue Sense, not onely of Paine, but of Cold.

But we will leaue the Enquiries of other Hard Substances, vnto their seuerall Places; And now enquire onely of the Teeth.

[ 752] The Teeth are, in Men, of three Kindes: Sharpe, as the Fore-Teeth; Broad, as the Back-Teeth, which we call the Molar-Teeth, or Grinders; And Pointed-Teeth, or Canine, which are betweene both. But there haue beene some Men, that haue had their Teeth vndiuided, as of one whole Bone, with some little Marke in the Place of the Diuision; As Pyrrhus had. Some Creatures haue Ouer-long, or Out-growing Teeth, which wee call Fangs, or Tuskes; As Boares, Pikes, Salmons, and Dogs though lesse. Some Liuing Creatures haue Teeth against Teeth; As Men, and Horses; And some haue Teeth, especially their Master-Teeth, indented one within An∣other, like Sawes; As Lions; And so againe haue Dogs. Some Fishes haue diuers Rowes of Teeth in the Roofes of their Mouthes; As Pikes, Salmons, Trouts, &c. And many more in Salt-Waters. Snakes, and other Serpents, haue Venomous Teeth; which are sometimes mistaken for their Sting.

[ 753] No Beast that hath Hornes, hath Vpper Teeth; And no Beast, that hath Teeth aboue, wanteth them below: But yet if they be of the same kinde, it followeth not, that if the Hard Matter goeth not into Vpper Teeth, it will goe into Hornes; Not yet •••• conuerse; For Doe's, that haue no Hornes, haue no Vpper Teeth.

[ 754] Horses haue, at three yeares old, a Tooth put forth, which they call the Colts Tooth; And at foure yeares old there commeth the Mark-Tooth, which hath a Hole, as big as you may lay a Pease within it; And that wea∣reth shorter and shorter, euery yeare; Till that at eight yeares old, the Tooth is smooth, and the Hole gone; And then they say; That the Marke is out of the Horses Mouth.

[ 755] The Teeth of Men breed first, when the Childe is about a yeare and halfe old: And then they cast them, and new come about seuen yeares old. But diuers haue Backward-Teeth come forth at Twenty, yea some at Thirty, and Forty. Quare of the manner of the Comming of them forth. They tell a Tale of the old Countesse of Desmond, who liued till she was seuen-score yeares old, that she did Dentire, twice, or thrice; Ca∣sting her old Teeth, and others Comming in their Place.

[ 756] Teeth are much hurt by Sweet-Meats; And by Painting with Mercury; And by Things Ouer-hot; And by Things Ouer-cold; And by Rheumes. And the Paine of the Teeth, is one of the sharpest of Paines.

Concerning Teeth, those Things are to be Considered. 1. The [ 757] Preseruing of them. 2. The Keeping of them White. 3. The Drawing of them with Least Paine. 4. The Staying and Easing of the Tooth-ach. 5. The Binding in of Artificiall Teeth, where haue beene strucken out. 6. And last of all, that Great One, of Restoring Teeth in Age. The In∣stances that giue any likelihood of Restoring Teeth in Age, are; The Late Comming of Teeth in some; And the Renewing of the Beakes in Birds, which are Commateriall with Teeth. Quare therefore more particular∣ly how that commeth. And againe, the Renewing of Hornes. But yet that hath not beene knowne to haue beene prouoked by Art; Therfore let Triall be made, whether Hornes may be procured to grow in Beasts that are not Horned, and how? And whether they may be procured to come Larger than vsuall; As to make an Oxe, or a Deere, haue a Greater Head of Hornes? And whether the Head of a Deere, that by Age is more Spitted, may be brought againe to be more Branched; For those Trialls, and the like, will shew, whether by Art such Hard Matter can be called, and prouoked. It may be tryed also, whether Birds may not haue some thing done to them, when they are Young, wherby they may be made to haue Greater, or Longer Bills; Or Greater and Longer Tallons? And whe∣ther Children may not haue some Wash, or Something to make their Teeth Better, and Stronger? Corall is in vse as an Helpe to the Teeth of Children.

Some Liuing Creatures generate but at certaine Seasons of the Yeare; As Deere, Sheepe, Wilde Conneyes, &c.* 1.26 And most Sorts of Birds, and Fishes: Others at any time of the Yeare, as Men; And all Domesticke Crea∣tures; As Horses, Hogges, Dogges, Cats, &c. The Cause of Generation at all Seasons seemeth to be Fulnesse: For Generation is from Redundance. This Fulnesse ariseth from two Causes; Either from the Nature of the [ 758] Creature, if it be Hot, and Moist, and Sanguine; Or from Plenty of Food. For the first, Men, Horses, Dogges, &c. which breed at all Seasons, are full of Heat, and Moisture; Dones are the fullest of Heat and Moisture amongst Birds, and therefore breed often; The Tame Doue almost continually. But Deere are a Melancholy Dry Creature, as appeareth by their Fearefulnesse, and the Hardnesse of their Flesh. Sheepe are a Cold Creature, as appeareth by their Mildnesse, and for that they seldome Drinke. Most sort of Birds are of a dry Substance in comparison of Beasts, Fishes are cold. For the se∣cond Cause, Fulnesse of Food; Men, Kine, Swine, Dogs, &c. seed full; And we see that those Creatures, which being Wilde, generate seldome, being Tame, generate often; Which is from Warmth, and Fulnesse of Food. We finde, that the Time of Going to Rut of Deore is in September; For that they need the whole Summers Feed and Grasse, to make them fit for Ge∣neration. And if Raine come Earely about the Middle of September, they goe to Rut somewhat the sooner; If Drought, somewhat the later. So Sheepe, in respect of their small Neat. generate about the same time, or somewhat before. But for the most part, Creatures that generate at cer∣taine

Seasons, generate in the Spring; As Birds, and Fishes; For that the End of the Winter, and the Heat, and Comfort of the Spring prepareth them. There is also another Reason, why some Creatures generate at cer∣taine Seasons: And that is the Relation of their Time of Bearing, to the time of Generation: For no Creature goeth to generate, whilest the Female is full; Nor whilest shee is busie in Sitting or Rearing her Young. And therefore it is found by Experience, that if you take the Egges, or Young Ones, out of the Neasts of Birds, they will fall to generate againe, three or foure times, one after another.

[ 759] Of Liuing Creatures, some are Longer time in the Wombe, and some Shorter. Women goe commonly nine Moneths; The Cow and the Ewe about six Moneths; Doe's goe about nine Moneths; Mares eleuen Moneths; Bitches nine Weekes; Elephants are said to goe two Yeares; For the Receiued Tradition of ten Yeares is Fabulous. For Birds there is double Enquiry; The Distance betweene the Treading or Coupling, and the Laying of the Egge; And againe betweene the Egge Layed, and the Disclosing or Hetching. And amongst Birds, there is lesse Diuersity of Time, than amongst other Creatures; yet some there is: For the Hen sitteth but three Weekes; The Turky-Hen, Goose, and Ducke, a Moneth: Quare of others. The Cause of the great Difference of Times, amongst Liuing Creatures, is, Either from the Nature of the Kinde; Or from the Constitu∣tion of the Wombe. For the former, those that are longer in Comming to their Maturity or Growth, are longer in the Wombe; As is chiefly seene in Men; And so Elephants which are long in the Wombe, are long time in Comming to their full Growth. But in most other Kindes, the Constitution of the Wombe, (that is, the Hardnesse or Drinesse thereof,) is concurrent with the former Cause. For the ••••lt hath about foure yeares of Growth; And so the Fawne; And so the Calfe. But Whelps, which come to their Growth (commonly) within three Quarters of a yeare, are but nine Weekes in the Wombe. As for Birds, as there is lesse Diuersity, amongst them, in the time of their Bringing forth; So there is lesse Diuersity in the time of their Growth; Most of them comming to their Growth with∣in a Twelue-Moneth.

[ 760] Some Creatures bring forth many Young Ones at a Burthen; As Bit∣ches, Hares, Conneyes, &c. Some (ordinatily) but One; As Women, Lio∣nesses, &c. This may be caused, either by the Quantity of Sperme requi∣red to the Producing One of that Kinde; which if lesse be required, may admit greater Number; If more, fewer: Or by the Partitions and Cells of the Wombe, which may feuer the Sperme.

There is no doubt, but Light by Refraction will shew greater, as well as Things Coloured.* 1.27 For like as a Shilling, in the Bottomes of the Water. will shew greater; So will a Candle in a Lanthorne, in the Bottome of the Wa∣ter. [ 761] I haue heard of a Practise, that Glo-wormes in Glasses were put in the Water, to make the Fish come. But I am not yet informed, whether when a Diuer Diueth, hauing his Eyes open, and swimmeth vpon his

Backe; whether (I say) he seeth Things in the Aire greater, or lesse. For it is manifest, that when the Eye standeth in the Finer Medium, and the Ob∣iect is in the Grosser, things shew greater; But contrariwise, when the Eye is placed in the Grosser Medium, and the Obiect in the Finer, how it worketh I know not.

It would be well boulted out, whether great Refractions may not be [ 762] made vpon Reflexions, as well as vpon Direct Beames. For Example, We see that take an Empty Basen, put an Angell of Gold, or what you will, into it; Then goe so farre from the Basen, till you cannot see the Angell, be∣cause it is not in a Right Line; Then fill the Basen with Water, and you shall see it out of his Place, because of the Reflexion. To proceed there∣fore, put a Looking-Glasse into a Basen of Water; I suppose you shall not see the Image in a Right Line, or at equall Angles, but aside. I know not, whether this Experiment may not be extended so, as you might see the Image, and not the Glasse; Which for Beauty, and Strangenesse, were a fine Proofe: For then you should see the Image like a Spirit in the Aire. As for Example, If there be a Cesterne or Poole of Water. you shall place ouer against it a Picture of the Deuill, or what you will, so as you doe not see the Water. Then put a Looking-Glasse in the Water: Now if you can see the Deuills Picture aside, not seeing the Water, it will looke like a De∣uill indeed. They haue an old Tale in Oxford, that Friar Bacon walked betweene two Steeples: Which was thought to be done by Glasses, when he walked vpon the Ground.

A Weighty Body put into Motion, is more easily impelled, than at first when it Resteth.* 1.28 The Cause is, Partly because Motion doth discusse the Torpour of Solide Bodies, Which beside their Motion of Grauity, haue in them a Naturall Appetite, not to moue at all; And partly, because a Body that resteth, doth get, by the Resistance of the Body vpon which it resteth, [ 763] a stronger Compression of Parts, than it hath of it Selfe: And therefore needeth more Force to be put in Motion. For if a Weighty Body be Pen∣sile, and hang but by a Thred, the Percussion will make an Impulsion very neare as easily, as if it were already in Motion.

A Body Ouer-great, or Ouer-small, will not be throwne so farre, as a [ 764] Body of a Middle Sixe: So that (it seemeth) there must be a Commensu∣ration, or Proportion, betweene the Body Moued, and the Force, to make it moue well. The Cause is, because to the Impulsion, there is requisite the Force of the Body that Moueth, and the Resistance of the Body that is Mo∣ued: And if the Body be too great, it yeeldeth too little; And if it be too small, it resisteth too little.

It is Common Experience, that no Weight will presse or cut so strong, [ 765] being laid vpon a Body, as Falling, or strucken from aboue. It may be the Aire hath some part in furthering the Percussion: But the chiefe Cause I take to be, for that the Parts of the Body Moued, haue by Impulsion, or by the Motion of Grauity continued, a Compression in them, as well down∣wards, as they haue when they are throwne, or Shot thorow the Aire,

forwards. I conceiue also, that the quicke Loose of that Motion, preuen∣teth the Resistance of the Body below; And Priority of the Force, (alwaies,) is of great Efficacy; As appeareth in infinite Instances.

Tickling is most in the Soles of the Feet, and vnder the Arme-Holes, and on the Sides.* 1.29 The Cause is, the Thinnesse of the Skin in those Parts; Ioyned with the Rarenesse of being touched there. For all Tickling is a [ 766] light Motion of the Spirits, which the Thinnesse of the Skin, and Sudden∣nesse, and Rarenesse of Touch, doe further: For we see, a Feather, or a Rush, drawne along the Lip. or Cheeke, doth tickle; Whereas a Thing more Obtuse, or a Touch more Hard, doth not. And for Suddennesse; We see no Man can tickle himselfe: Wee see also, that the Palme of the Hand, though it hath as Thinne a Skin as the other Parts Mentioned, yet is not Ticklish, because it is accustomed to be Touched. Tickling also causeth Laughter. The Cause may be, the Emission of the Spirits, and so of the Breath, by a Flight from Titillation; For vpon Tickling, we see there is euer a Starting, or Shrinking away of the Part, to auoid it; And we see also, that if you Tickle the Nosthrills, with a Feather, or Straw, it procureth Sneezing; Which is a Sudden Emission of the Spirits, that doe like∣wise expell the Moisture. And Tickling is euer Painfull, and not well en∣dured.

It is strange, that the Riuer of Nilus, Ouer-flowing, as it doth, the Country of AEgypt, there should be neuerthelesse little or no Raine in that Country.* 1.30 The Cause must be, Either in the Nature of the Water; Or in the Nature of the Aire; Or of Both. In the Water, it may be ascribed, ei∣ther [ 767] vnto the Long •••••• of the Water: For Swift Running Waters vapour, not so much as Standing Waters; Or else to the Concoction of the Water; For Waters well Concocted vapour not so much, as Waters Raw; No more than Waters vpon the Fire doe vapour so much, after some time of Boy∣ling, as at the first. And it is true, that the Water of Nilus is sweeter than other Waters in Taste; And it is excellent Good for the Stone, and Hy∣pochondriacall Melancholy; Which sheweth it is Lenefying: And it run∣neth thorow a Countrey of a Hot Climate, and flat, without Shade, either of Woods, or Hills; Whereby the Sunne must needs haue great Power to Concoct it. As for the Aire, (from whence I conceiue this Want of Showers commeth chiefly;) The Cause must be, for that the Aire is, of it selfe, Thin and Thirsty; And as soone as euer it getteth any Moisture from the Water, it imbibeth, and dissipateth it, in the whole body of the Aire; And suffereth it not to remaine in Vapour; Whereby it might breed Raine.

It hath beene touched in the Title of Percolations, (Namely such as are Inwards,) that the Whites of Eggs, and Milke, doe clarifie; And it is certaine, that in AEgypt, they prepare and clarifie the Water of Nile, by [ 768] putting it into great Iarres of Stone, and Stirring it about with a few

Stamped Almonds; Wherewith they also besmeare the Mouth of the Vessell; And so draw it off, after it hath rested some time.* 1.31 It were good, to trie this Clarifying with Almonds, in New Beere, or Must, to hasten, and perfect the Clarifying.

There be scarce to be found any Vegetables, that haue Branches, and no Leaues; except you allow Corall for one.* 1.32 But there is also in the De∣sarts of S. Macario in AEgypt, a Plant which is Long, Leauelesse, Browne of Colour, and Branched like Corall, faue that it closeth at the Top. This [ 769] being set in Water within House, spreadeth and displayeth strangely; And the People thereabouts haue a Superstitious Beleefe, that in the Labour of Women, it helpeth to the Easie Deliuerance.

The Crystalline Venice Glasse, is reported to be a Mixture, in equall Portions, of Stones, brought from Pauia, by the Riuer Ticinum; And the Ashes of a Weed called by the Arabs Kall, which is gathered in a Desart betweene Alexandria and Rosetta; And is by the AEgyptians vsed first [ 770] for Fuell; And then they crush the Ashes into Lumps, like a Stone; And so sell them to the Venetians for their Glasse-workes.* 1.33

It is strange, and well to be noted, how long Carkasses haue continued Vncorrupt, and in their former Dimensions; As appeareth in the Mum∣mies of AEgypt; Hauing lafted, as is conceiued, (some of them,) three thousand yeeres.* 1.34 It is true, they finde Meanes to draw forth the Braines, and to take forth the Entrailes, which are the Parts apteft to corrupt. But that is nothing to the Wonder: For wee see, what a Soft and Corrupti∣ble [ 771] Substance the Flesh, of all the other Parts of the Body, is. But it should seeme, that according to our Obseruation, and Axiorne, in our hundredth Experiment, Putrefaction, which we conceiue to be so Naturall a Period of Bodies, is but an Accident; And that Matter maketh not that Haste to Corruption, that is conceiued. And therefore Bodies, in Shining-Amber; In Quicke-Siluer; In Balmes, (whereof wee now speake;) In Wax; In Honey; In Gummes; And (it may be) in Conseruatories of Snow; &c. are preserued very long. It need not goe for Repetition, if we resume againe that which wee said in the aforesaid Experiment, concerning Annihila∣tion; Namely, that if you prouide against three Causes of Putrefaction, Bodies will not corrupt: The First is, that the Aire be excluded; For that vndermineth the Body, and conspireth with the Spirit of the Body to dis∣solue it. The Second is, that the Body Adiacent and Ambiens be not Com∣materiall, but meerely Heterogeneall towards the Body that is to be presured: For if Nothing can be receiued by the One, Nothing can is∣sue from the Other, Such are Quick-Siluer, & White-Amber, to Herbs, and Flies, and such Bodies. The Third is, that the Body to be preserued, be not of that Grasse, that it may corrupt within it selfe, although no Part of it issue into the Body Adiacent: And therefore it must be rather Thinne, and Small, than of Bulke. There is a Fourth Remedie also, which is;

That if the Body to be preserued be of Bulke, as a Corps is, then the Body that Incloseth it, must haue a Vertue to draw forth, and drie the Moisture of the Inward Body; For else the Putrefaction will play within, though Nothing issue forth. I remember Liuy doth relate, that there were found, at a time, two Coffins of Lead, in a Tombe; Whereof the one contained the Body of King Numa; It being some foure hundred yeares after his Death: And the other, his Bookes of Sacred Rites and Ceremonies, and the Discipline of the Pontises; And that in the Coffin that had the Body, there was Nothing (at all) to be seene, but a little light Cinders about the Sides; But in the Coffin that had the Bookes, they were found as fresh, as if they had beene but newly Written; being written in Parchment, and couered ouer with Watch-Candles of Wax, three or foure fold. By this it seemeth, that the Romans. in Numa's time, were not so good Embalmers, as the AEgyptians were; Which was the Cause that the Body was vtterly con∣sumed. But I finde in Plutarch, and Others, that when Augustus Caesar visited the Sepulchre of Alexander, the Great, in Alexandria, he found the Body to keepe his Dimension; But withall, that, notwithstanding all the Embalming, (which no doubt was of the best,) the Body was so Tender, as Caesar touching but the Nose of it, defaced it. Which maketh mee finde it very strange, that the Egyptian Mummies should be reported to be as Hard as Stone-Pitch: For I finde no difference but one; Which indeed may be very Materiall; Namely, that the Ancient AEgyptian Mummies, were shrowded in a Number of Folds of Linnen, besmeared with Gums, in manner of Seare-Cloth; Which it doth not appeare was practised vp∣on the Body of Alexander.

Neare the Castle of Catie, and by the Wells of Assan, in the Land of Idumea, a great Part of the Way, you would thinke the Sea were neare hand, though it be a good distance off: And it is Nothing, but the Shi∣ning of the Nitre, vpon the Sea-Sands; Such Abundance of Nitre the [ 772] Shores there doe put forth.* 1.35

The Dead-Sea, which vomiteth vp Bitumen, is of that Crassitude, as Liuing Bodies bound Hand and Foot, cast into it, haue beene borne vp and not sunke.* 1.36 Which sheweth, that all Sinking into Water, is but an Ouer-Weight of the Body, put into the Water, in respect of the Water: So [ 773] that you may make Water so strong, and heauy, of Quicke-Siluer, (per∣haps,) or the like, as may beare vp Iron: Of which I see no Vse, but Im∣posture. Wee see also, that all Metalls, except Gold, for the same reason swimme vpon Quicke-Siluer.

It is reported, that at the Feet of a Hill, neare the More mortuum, there is a Blacke Stone, (whereof Pilgrims make Fires,) which burneth like a Coale, and diminisheth not; But only waxeth Brighter, and Whiter.* 1.37 That it should doe so, is not strange; For wee see Iron Red Hot burneth, [ 774] and consumeth not: But the Strangenesse is, that it should continue any

time so: For Iron, as soone as it is out of the Fire, deadeth straight waies. Certainly, it were a Thing of great Vse, and Profit, if you could finde out Fuell, that would burne Hot, and yet last long, Neither am I alto∣gether Incredulous, but there may be such Candles, as they say are made of Salamanders Wooll; Being a Kinde of Minerall, which whiteneth also in the Burning, and consumeth not. The Question is this; Flame must be made of somewhat; And commonly it is made of some Tangible Body, which hath Weight: But it is not impossible, perhaps, that it should be made of Spirit, or Vapour, in a Body; (which Spirit on Vapour hath no Weight;) such as is the Matter of Ignis ••••••••••s. But then you will say, that that Vapour also can last but a short time: To that it may be answered, That by the helpe of Oile, and Wax, and other Candle-Stuffe, the Flame may continue, and the Wieke not burne.

Sea-Coale last longer than Char-Coale; And Char-Coale of Roots, being coaled into great Peeces, last longer than Ordinary Char-Coale, Turfe, and Peat, and Cow-Sheards, are cheape Fuels, and last long.* 1.38 Small-Coale, or Briar-Coale, powred vpon Char-Coale, make them last longer. Sedge is a cheape Fuell to Brew, or Bake with; the rather because it is good for [ 775] Nothing else. Triall would be made of some Mixture of Sea-Coale with Earth, or Chalko; For if that Mixture be, as the Sea-Coale-Men vse it, pri∣uily, to make the Bulke of the Coale greater, it is Deceit; But if it be vsed purposely, and be made knowne, it is Sauing.

It is, at this Day, in vse, in G•••••••• to couch Pat-Sheards or Vessels of Earth, in their Walls, to gather the Wind from the Top; and to passe it downe in Spouts into Roomes.* 1.39 It is a Deuice for Freshnesse, in great Heats: And it is said, there are some Roomes in Italie, and Spaine, for Freshnesse, and Gathering the Winds, and Aire, in the Heats of Summer. But they be [ 776] but Pennings of the Winds, and Enlarging them againe, and Making them Reuerberate, and goe round in Circles, rather than this Deuice of Spouts in the Wall.

There would be vsed much diligence, in the Choice of some Bodies, and Places, (as it were,) for the Testing of Aire; to discouer the Whole∣somenesse or Vnwholesomenesse, as well of Seasons, as of the Seats of Dwel∣lings.* 1.40 It is certaine, that there be some Heuses, wherein Confitures, and [ 777] Pies, will gather Mould, more than in Others. And I am perswaded, that a Peece of Raw Flesh, or Fish, will sooner corrupt in some Aires, than in Others. They be noble Experiments, that can make this Disco∣uerie; For they serue for a Naturall Diuination of Seasons; Better than the Astronomer can by their Figures: And againe, they teach Men where to chuse their Dwelling, for their better Health.

There is a Kinde of Stone, about Bethles••, which they grinde to Pow∣der, and put into Water, whereof Cattell drinke; Which maketh them

giue more Milke.* 1.41 Surely, there would be some better Trialls made of Mixtures of Water in Ponds for Cattell, to make them more Milch; Or to [ 778] Fatten them; Or to Keepe them from Murraine, It may be, Chalke, and Nitre, are of the best.

It is reported, that in the Valley, neare the Mountaine Carmel, in Iudea, there is a Sand, which, of all other, hath most Affinitie with Glasse; In∣somuch as other Mineralls, laid in it, turne to a Glassie Substance, with∣out the Fire; And againe Glasse put into it, turneth into the Mother-Sand.* 1.42 [ 779] The Thing is very strange, if it be true: And it is likeliest to be Caused by some Naturall Fornace, or Heat in the Earth: And yet they doe not speake of any Eruption of Flames. It were good to trie in Glasse-Workes, whe∣ther the Crude Materialls of Glasse, mingled with Glasse, already made, and Re-moulten, doe not facilitate the Making of Glasse with lesse Heat.

In the Sea, vpon the South-West of Sicilie, much Corall is found.* 1.43 It is a Sub-Marine Plan. It hath no Leanes: It brancheth only when it is vn∣der Water; It is Soft, and Greene of Colour; But being brought into the Aire, it becommeth Hard, and Shining Red, as wee see. It is said also, [ 780] to haue a White Berry; But wee finde it not brought ouer with the Corall. Belike it is cast away as nothing worth: Inquire better of it, for the Dif∣couerie of the Nature of the Plant.

The Manns of Calabria is the best, and in most Plenty.* 1.44 They gather it from the Leafe of the Mulberry Tree; But not of such Mulberry Trees, as grow in the Valley's. And Manns falleth vpon the Leaues by Night, as other Deawes doe. It should seeme, that before those Deawes come vp∣on [ 781] Trees in the Valley's, they dissipate, and cannot hold out. It should seeme also, the Mulberry-Leafe, it selfe, hath some Coagulating Vertue, which inspissateth the Deaw, for that it is not found vpon other Trees: And wee see by the Silke-Worme, which feedeth vpon that Leafe, what's Dainty Smooth Iuyce it hath; And the Leaues also, (especially of the Blacke Mulberry,) are somewhat Bristly, which may helpe to preserue the Deaw. Certainly, it were not amisse, to obscrue a little better, the Deawes that fall vpon Trees, or Herbs, Growing on Mountaines; For, it may be, many Deawes fall, that spend before they come to the Valleys. And I suppose, that he that would gather the best May-Deaw for Medi∣cine, should gather it from the Hills.

It is said, they haue a manner, to prepare their Greeke-Wines, to keepe them from Fuming, and Inebriating, by adding some Sulphur, or Allome: Whereof the one is Vnctnous, and the other is Astringent.* 1.45 And certaine it [ 782] is, that those two Natures doe best represse Fumes. This Experiment would be transferred, vnto other Wine, and Strong Beere, by Putting in some like Substances, while they worke; Which may make them both to Fume lesse, and to Inflame lesse.

It is conceiued by some, (not improbably,) that the reason, why Wilde-Fires, (Whereof the principall Ingredient is Bitumen,) doe not quench with Water, is, for that the first Concretion of Bitumen is a Mix∣ture, of a Fiery, and Watry Substance: So is not Sulphur.* 1.46 This appeareth, for that in the Place neare Puteoli, which they call the Court of Valcan, you [ 783] shall heare, vnder the Earth, a Horrible Thundring of Fire, and Water, conflicting together: And there breake forth also Spouts of Boyling Wa∣ter. Now that Place yeeldeth great Quantities of Bitumen; Whereas AEtna, and Vesuuius, and the like, which consist vpon Sulphur, shoot forth Smoake, and Ashes, and Pumice, but no Water. It is reported also, that Bitumen Mingled with Lime, and Put vnder Water, will make, as it were, an Artificiall Rocke; The Substance becommeth so Hard.

There is a Cement, compounded of Floure, Whites of Egges, and Stone powdred, that becommeth Hard as Marble; wherewith Piscina mirabilis, neare Cuma, is said to haue the Walls Plastered.* 1.47 And it is certaine, and tried, that the Powder of Load-Stone, and Flint, by the Addition of Whites of Egges, and Gumm-Dragon, made into Paste, will in a few dayes [ 784] harden to the Hardnesse of a Stone.

It hath beene noted by the Ancients, that in Full or Impure Bodies, Vlcers or Hurts in the Leggs, are Hard to Cure; And in the Head more Easie.* 1.48 The Cause is, for that Vlcers or Hurts in the Leggs require Deficca∣tion, which by the Defluxion of Humours to the Lower Parts is hindred; Whereas Hurts and Vlcers in the Head require it not; But contrariwise Drinesse maketh them more apt to Consolidate. And in Moderne Ob∣seruation, [ 785] the like difference hath beene found, betweene French-Men, and English-Men; Where of the ones Constitution is more Dry, and the others more Moist. And therefore a Hurt of the Head is harder to cure in a French-Man, and of the Legge in an English-Man.

It hath beene noted by the Ancients, that Southerne Winds, blowing much, without Raine, doe cause a Feuourous Disposition of the Yeare; But with Raine, not.* 1.49 The Cause is, for that Southerne Winds doe, of them∣selues, qualifie the Aire, to be apt to cause Feuers; But when Showers are ioyned, they doe Refrigerate in Part, and Checke the Sultry Heat of the Southerne Wind. Therefore this holdeth not in the Sea-Coasts, be∣cause the Vapour of the Sea, without Showers, doth refresh. [ 786]

It hath beene noted by the Ancients, that Wounds which are made with Brasse, heale more easily, than Wounds made with Iron.* 1.50 The Cause is, for that Brasse hath, in it selfe, a Sanatiue Vertue; And so in the very Instant helpeth somewhat: But Iron is Corrosiue, and not Sa∣natiue. [ 787] And therefore it were good, that the Instruments which are vsed by Chirurgians about Wounds, were rather of Brasse, than Iron.

In the Cold Countries, when Mens Noses, and Eares are Mortified, and (as it were) Gangrened with Cold, if they come to a Fire, they rot off presently.* 1.51 The Cause is, for that the few Spirits, that remaine in those [ 788] Parts, are suddenly drawne forth, and so Putrefaction is made Compleat. But Snow Put vpon them, helpeth; For that it preserueth those Spirits that remaine, till they can reuiue; And besides, Snow hath in it a Secret Warmth: As the Monke proued out of the Text; Qui dat Niuem sicut La∣nam, Gelu sicut Cineres spargit. Whereby he did inferre, that Snow did warme like Wooll, and Frost did fret like Ashes. Warme Water also doth good, Because by little and little it openeth the Pores, without any sud∣den Working vpon the Spirits. This Experiment may be transferred vn∣to the Cure of Gangrenes, either Comming of themselues, or induced by too much Applying of Opiates: Wherein you must beware of Dry Heat, and resort to Things that are Refrigerant, with an Inward Warmth, and Vertue of Cherishing.

Weigh Iron, and Aqua Fortis, seuerally; Then dissolue the Iron in the Aqua Fortis: And weigh the Dissolution; And you shall finde it to [ 789] beare as good Weight, as the Bodies did seuerally: Notwithstanding a good deale of Wast, by a thicke Vapour, that issueth during the Working: Which sheweth, that the Opening of a Body, doth increase the Weight.* 1.52 This was tried once, or twice, but I know not, whether there were any Errour, in the Triall.

Take of Aqua-Fortis two Ounces, of Quick-siluer two Drachmes; (For that Charge the Aqua-Fortis will beare;) The Dissolution will not beare a Flint, as big as a Nutmeg: Yet (no doubt) the Increasing of the Weight of Water, will increase his Power of Bearing: As we see Broine, when it [ 790] is Salt enough, will beare an Egge.* 1.53 And I remember well a Physitian, that vsed to giue some Minerall Baths for the Gout. &c. And the Body when it was put into the Bath, could not get downe so easily, as in Or∣dinary Water. But it seemeth, the Weight of the Quick-siluer, more than the Weight of a Stone; doth not compense the Weight of a Stone, more than the Weight of the Aqua-Fortis.

Let there be a Body of Vnequall Weight; (As of Wood and Lead, or Bone and Lead;) If you throw it from you with the Light-End forward it will turne, and the Weightier End will recouer to be Forwards; Vnlesse the Body be Ouer-long.* 1.54 The Cause is, for that the more Dense Body, hath [ 791] a more Violent Pressure of the Parts, from the first Impulsion; Which is the Cause, (though heretofore not found out, as hath been often said,) of all Violent Motions: And when the Hinder Part moueth swifter, (for that it lesse endureth Pressure of Parts,) than the Forward Part can make way for it, it must needs be, that the Body turne ouer: For (turned) it can more easily draw forward the Lighter Part. Ga••••laeus noteth it well; That if an Open Trough, wherein Water is, be driuen faster than the Water

can follow, the Water gathereth vpon an heape, towards the Hinder End, where the Motion began; Which he supposeth, (holding confidently the Motion of the Earth,) to be the Cause of the Ebbing and Flowing of the Ocean; Because the Earth ouer-runneth the Water. Which Theory, though it be false, yet the first Experiment is true. As for the Inequality of the Pressure of Parts, it appeareth manifestly in this; That if you take a Body of Stone, or Iron, and another of Wood, of the same Magnitude, and Shape, and throw them with equall Force, you cannot possibly throw the Wood, so farre, as the Stone, or Iron.

It is certaine, (as it hath beene formerly, in part, touched,) that Wa∣ter may be the Medium of Sounds.* 1.55 If you dash a Stone against a Stone in the Bottome of the Water, it maketh a Sound. So a long Pole strucke vp∣on Grauell, in the Bottome of the Water, maketh a Sound. Nay, if you should thinke that the Sound commeth vp by the Pole, and not by the Water, you shall finde that an Anchor, let downe by a Roape, maketh a [ 792] Sound; And yet the Roape is no Solide Body, whereby the Sound can ascend.

All Obiects of the Senses, which are very Offensiue, doe cause the Spi∣rits to retire; And vpon their Flight, the Parts are (in some degree) de∣stitute; And so there is induced in them a Trepidation and Horrour.* 1.56 For Sounds, we see that the Grating of a Saw, or any very Harsh Noise, will set the Teeth on edge, and make all the Body Shiuer. For Tastes, we see that [ 793] in the Taking of a Potion, or Pills, the Head, and the Necke shake. For O∣dious Smells, the like Effect followeth, which is lesse perceiued, because there is a Remedy at hand, by Stopping of the Nose: But in Horses, that can vse no such Help, we see the Smell of a Carrion, especially of a Dead Horse, maketh them fly away, and take on, almost as if they were Mad. For Feeling, if you come out of the Sunne, suddenly, into a Shade, there followeth a Chilnesse or Shiuering in all the Body. And euen in Sight, which hath (in effect) no Odious Obiect, Comming into Sudden Darknesse, induceth an Offer to Shiuer.

There is, in the City of Ticinum, in Italy, a Church, that hath Win∣downes onely from aboue: It is in Length an Hundred Feet, in Breadth Twenty Feet, and in Height neare Fifty; Hauing a Doore in the Middest.* 1.57 It reporteth the Voice, twelue or thirteene times, if you stand by the Close End-Wall, ouer against the Doore. The Eccho fadeth, and dyeth by [ 794] little and little, as the Eccho at Pont-charenton doth. And the Voice soun∣deth, as if it came from aboue the Doore. And if you stand at the Lower End, or on either Side of the Doore, the Eccho holdeth; But if you stand in the Doore, or in the Middest iust ouer against the Doore, not. Note that all Eccho's sound better against Old Walls, than New; Because they are more Dry, and Hollow.

Those Effects, which are wrought by the Percussion of the Sense, and by Things in Fact, are produced likewise, in some degree, by the Imagina∣tion.* 1.58 Therefore if a Man see another eat Soure or Acide Things, which set the Teeth on edge, this Obiect tainteth the Imagination. So that hee that seeth the Thing done by another, hath his owne Teeth also set on [ 795] edge. So if a Man see another turne swiftly, and long; Or if he looke vpon Wheeles that turne, Himselfe waxeth Turne-sicke. So if a Man be vpon an High Place, without Railes, or good Hold, except he be vsed to it, he is Ready to Fall: For Imagining a Fall, it putteth his Spirits into the very Action of a Fall. So Many vpon the Seeing of others Bleed, or Strang∣led, or Tortured, Themselues are ready to faint, as if they Bled, or were in Strife.

Take a Stocke-Gilly-Flower, and tye it gently vpon a Sticke, and put them both into a Stoope Glasse, full of Quick-siluer, so that the Flower be couered: Then lay a little Weight vpon the Top of the Glasse, that may [ 796] keepe the Sticke downe; And looke vpon them after foure or fiue daies; And you shall finde the Flower Fresh, and the Stalke Harder, and lesse Flexible, than it was.* 1.59 If you compare it with another Flower, gathered at the same time, it will be the more manifest. This sheweth, that Bodies doe preserue excellently in Quick-siluer; And not preserue only, but, by the Coldnesse of the Quick-siluer, Indurate; For the Freshnesse of the Flower may be meerely Conseruation; (which is the more to be obser∣ued because the Quick-Siluer presseth the Flower;) But the Stiffenesse of the Stalke, cannot be without Induration, from the Cold (as it seemeth,) of the Quick-siluer.

It is reported by some of the Ancients, that in Cyprus, there is a Kinde of Iron, that being cut into Little Peeces, and put into the Ground, if it be well Watred, will increase into Greater Peeces.* 1.60 This is certaine, and knowne of Old; That Lead will multiply, and Increase; As hath beene seene in Old Statua's of Stone, which haue beene put in Cellars; [ 797] The Feet of them being bound with Leaden Bands; Where (after a time,) there appeared, that the Lead did swell; Insomuch as it hanged vpon the Stone like Warts.

I call Drowning of Metalls, when that the Baser Metall, is so incor∣porate with the more Rich, as it can by no Meanes be separated againe: which is a kinde of Version, though False: As if Siluer should be insepa∣rably incorporated with Gold; Or Copper, and Lead, with Siluer.* 1.61 The An∣cient Electrum had in it a Fifth of Siluer to the Gold; And made a Com∣pound [ 798] Metall, as fit for most vses, as Gold; And more Resplendent, and more Qualified in some other Properties; But then that was easily Se∣parated. This to doe priuily, or to make the Compound passe for the Rich Metall Simple, is an Adulteration, or Counterfeiting: But if it be done Auowedly, and without Disguizing, it may be a great Sauing of

the Richer Metall. I remember to haue heard of a Man, skilfull in Metalls, that a Fifteenth Part of Siluer, incorporate with Gold, will not be Reco∣uered by any Water of Separation; Except you put a Greater Quantity of Siluer, to draw to it the Lesse; which (he said) is the last Refuge in Se∣parations. But that is a tedious way, which no Man (almost) will thinke on. This would be better enquired; And the Quantity of the Fifteenth turned to a Twentieth; And likewise with some little Additionall, that may further the Intrinsique Incorporation. Note that Siluer in Gold will be detected by Weight, compared with the Dimension; But Lead in Silver, (Lead being the Weightier Metall,) will not be detected; If you take so much the more Siluer, as will counteruaile the Ouer-Weight of the Lead.

Gold is the onely Substance, which hath nothing in it Volatile, and yet melteth without much difficulty.* 1.62 The Melting sheweth that it is not Ieiune, or Scarce in Spirit. So that the Fixing of it, is not Want of Spi∣rit to fly out, but the Equall Spreading of the Tangible Parts, and the [ 799] Close Coaceruation of them: Whereby they haue the lesse Appetite, and no Meanes (at all) to issue forth. It were good therefore to try, whe∣ther Glasse Re-moulten doe leese any Weight? For the Parts in Glasse are euenly Spred; But they are not so Close as in Gold; As we see by the Easie Admission of Light, Heat, and Cold; And by the Smalnesse of the Weight. There be other Bodies, Fixed, which haue little, or no Spi∣rit: So as there is nothing to fly out; As wee see in the Stuffe, where∣of Coppells are made; Which they put into Furnaces; Vpon which Fire worketh not: So that there are three Causes of Fixation; The Euen Spreading both of the Spirits, and Tangible Parts; The Closenesse of the Tangible Parts; And the Ieiunenesse or Extreme Comminution of Spirits: Of which Three, the Two First may be ioyned with a Nature Liquefi∣able; The Last not.

It is Profound Contemplation in Nature, to consider of the Empti∣nesse, (as we may call it,) or Insatisfaction of seuerall Bodies; And of their Appetite to take in Others.* 1.63 Aire taketh in Lights, and Sounds, and Smells, and Vapours; And it is most manifest, that it doth it, with a kinde of Thirst, as not satisfied with his owne former Consistence; For else it would neuer receiue them in so suddenly, and easily. Water, and all Li∣quours, doe hastily receiue Dry and more Terrestriall Bodies, Proportio∣nable: [ 800] And Dry Bodies, on the other side, drinke in Waters, and Liquours: So that, (as it was well said, by one of the Ancients, of Earthy and Watry Substances,) One is a Glue to another. Parchment, Skins, Cloth, &c. drinke in Liquours, though themselues be Entire Bodies, and not Comminuted, as Sand, and Ashes; Nor apparently Porous: Metalls themselues doe re∣ceiue in readily Strong-Waters; And Strong-Waters likewise doe readily pierce into Metalls, and Stones: And that Strong-Water will touch vp∣on Gold, that will not touch vpon Siluer; And è conuerso. And Gold,

which seemeth by the Weight, to be the Closest, and most Solide Body, doth greedily drinke in Quick-Siluer. And it seemeth, that this Recepti∣on of other Bodies, is not Violent: For it is (many times) Reciprocall, and as it were with Consent. Of the Cause of this, and to what Axiome it may be referred, consider attentiuely; For as for the Pretty As∣sertion, that Matter is like a Common Strumpet, that desireth all Formes, it is but a Wandring Notion. Onely Flame doth not content it selfe to take in any other Bo∣dy; But either, to ouercome and turne ano∣ther Body into it Selfe, as by Victo∣ry; Or it Selfe to dye, and goe out,

Notes

• * 1.1

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Veines of Medicinall Earth.
• * 1.2

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Growth of Sponges.
• * 1.3

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Sea-Fish put in Fish Waters.
• * 1.4

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Attracti∣on by Simulitude of Substance.
• * 1.5

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching certaine Drinkes in Tur∣key.
• * 1.6

  Experiments in Consort, touching Sweat.
• * 1.7

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Glo∣Worme.
• * 1.8

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Impressions, which the Pas∣sions of the Minde make vpon the Body.
• * 1.9

  Experiments in Consort touching Drun∣kennesse.
• * 1.10

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Helpe or Hint of Wine, though Moderately vsed.
• * 1.11

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Catterpil∣lers.
• * 1.12

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Flyes Cantharides.
• * 1.13

  Experiments in Consort, touching Lassitude.
• * 1.14

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Ca∣sting of the Skin, and Shell, in some Creatures.
• * 1.15

  Experiments in Consort touching the Postures of the Body.
• * 1.16

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Pestilen∣tiall Yeares.
• * 1.17

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣chine the Prog∣nosticks of Hard Winters.
• * 1.18

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Medi∣cines that Con∣dense, and Re∣leeue the Spirits.
• * 1.19

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Faintings of the Body.
• * 1.20

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Vse of Bathing and Annointing.
• * 1.21

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Chamo∣letting of Paper.
• * 1.22

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Cuttle∣Inke.
• * 1.23

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Encrease of Weigh, in Earth.
• * 1.24

  Experiments in Consort, touching Sleepe.
• * 1.25

  Experiments in Consort, touching Teeth and Hard Sub∣stances in the Bodies of Liuing Creatures.
• * 1.26

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Generation and Bearing of Liuing Creatures in the Wombe.
• * 1.27

  Experiments in Consort, touching Species Visible.
• * 1.28

  Experiments in Consort, touching Impulsion, and Percussion.
• * 1.29

  Experiment Solitary, touching Titillation.
• * 1.30

  Experiment Solitary, touching the Scar∣city of Raine in AEgypt:
• * 1.31

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Clarifica∣tion.
• * 1.32

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Plants without Leaues
• * 1.33

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Ma∣terials of Glasse.
• * 1.34

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Prohibi∣tion of Putrefa∣ction, and the Long Conserua∣tion of Bodies.
• * 1.35

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the A∣bundance of Ni∣tre in certaine Sea-Shoares.
• * 1.36

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Bodies that are borne vp by Water.
• * 1.37

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Fuell, that consumeth little, or nothing.
• * 1.38

  Experiment Solitary Oeco∣nomicall tou∣ching Cheape Fuell.
• * 1.39

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Ga∣thering of Wind for Freshnesse.
• * 1.40

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Tri∣als of Aires.
• * 1.41

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Increa∣sing of Milke in Milch Beasts.
• * 1.42

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Sand of the Nature of Glasse.
• * 1.43

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Growth of Corall.
• * 1.44

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Ga∣thering of Manna.
• * 1.45

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Cor∣recting of Wine.
• * 1.46

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Ma∣terialls of Wild∣Fire.
• * 1.47

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Plaster growing as Hard as Marble.
• * 1.48

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Iudge∣ment of the Cure in some Vlcers and Hurts.
• * 1.49

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Healthfulnesse or Vnhealthfulnesse of the Sou∣therne Wind.
• * 1.50

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Wounds.
• * 1.51

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Mortifi∣cation by Cold.
• * 1.52

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Weight.
• * 1.53

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Su∣per-Natation of Bodies.
• * 1.54

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Flying of Vnequall Bo∣dies in the Aire.
• * 1.55

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Water, that it may be the Medium of Sounds.
• * 1.56

  Experiment Solitary, of the Flight of the Spirits vpon O∣dious Obiects.
• * 1.57

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Su∣per-Reflexion of Eccho's.
• * 1.58

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Force of Imagination, Im••••a ••••ng that of the Sense.
• * 1.59

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Preserua∣tion of Bodies.
• * 1.60

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Growth, or Multiplying of Metalis.
• * 1.61

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Drowning of the mne Base Metall in the more Pretious.
• * 1.62

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Fixation of Bodies.
• * 1.63

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching the Rest∣lesse Nature of Things in Themselues, and their Desire to Change.