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.

III. Century.

ALL Sounds (whatsoeuer) moue Round; That is to [ 201] say; On all Sides; Vpwards; Downwards; Forwards; and Backwards.* 1.1 This appeareth in all Instances.

Sounds doe not require to bee conueyed to the Sense, in a Right Line, as Visibles doe, but may be Ar∣ched; Though it be true, they moue strongest in a Right Line; Which neuerthelesse is not caused by the Rightnesse of the Line, but by the Shortnesse of the distance; Linea recta breuissima. And therefore we see, if a Wall be betweene, and you speake on the one Side, you heare it on the other; Which is not because the Sound Passeth thorow the Wall; but Archeth ouer the Wall. [ 202]

If the Sound be Stopped and Reperenssed, it commeth about on the o∣ther [ 203] Side, in an Oblique Line. So, if in a Coach, one side of the Boot be downe, and the other vp; And a Begger beg on the Close Side; you would thinke that he were on the Open Side. So likewise, if a Bell or Clocke, be (for Example) on the North-side of a Chamber; And the Window of that Chamber be vpon the South; He that is in the Cham∣ber, will thinke the Sound came from the South.

Sounds, though they spread round, (so that there is an Orbe, or Spheri∣call [ 204] Area of the Sound;) yet they moue strongest, and goe furthest in the Fore-lines, from the first Locall Impulsion of the Aire. And there∣fore in Preaching, you shall heare the Preachers Voice, better, before the Pulpit, than behinde it, or on the Sides, though it stand open. So a Plarquebuz, or Ordnance, will be further heard, forwards, from the Mouth of the Peece, than backwards, or on the Sides.

It may bee doubted, that Sounds doe moue better, Downwards [ 205]

than Vpwards, Pulpits are placed high aboue the People. And when the Ancient Generalls spake to their Armies, they had euer a Mount of Turfe cast vp, whereupon they stood: But this may be imputed to the Stops and Obstacles, which the voice meeteth with, when one speak∣eth vpon the leuell. But there seemeth to be more in it: For it may bee, that Spirituall Species, both of Things Visible and Sounds, doe moue bet∣ter Downewards than Vpwards. It is a strange Thing, that to Men stan∣ding below on the Ground, those that be on the Top of Pauls, seeme much lesse then they are, and cannot bee knowne; But to Men aboue, those below seeme nothing so much lessened, and may bee knowne; yet it is true, that all things to them aboue, seeme also somewhat con∣tracted, and better collected into Figure: as Knots in Gardens shew best from an Vpper window, or Tarras.

[ 206] But to make an exact Triall of it, let a Man stand in a Chamber, not much aboue the Ground, and speake out at the window, through a Trunke, to one standing on the Ground, as softly as he can, the other laying his Eare close to the Truncke: Then viâ versa, let the other speake below keeping the same Proportion of Softnesse; And let him in the Chamber lay his Eare to the Trunck: And this may be the aptest Meanes, to make a Iudgement, whether Sounds descend, or ascend, better.

After that Sound is created, (which is in a moment,) wee finde it continueth some small time, melting by little and little.* 1.2 In this there is a wonderfull Errour amongst Men, who take this to be a Continuance of the First Sound; whereas (in truth) it is a Renouation, and not a Con∣tinuance: For the Body percussed, hath by reason of the Percussion, a Tre∣pidation wrought in the Minute Parts; and so reneweth the Percussion of the Aire. This appeareth manifestly, because that the Melting Sound of a Bell, or of a String strucken, which is thought to be a Continuance, [ 207] ceaseth as soone as the Bell or String are touched. As in a Virginall, as soone as euer the Iacke falleth, and toucheth the String, the Sound cea∣seth; And in a Bell, after you haue chimed vpon it, if you touch the Bell, the Sound ceaseth, And in this you must distingush, that there are two Trepidations: The one Manifest, and Locall; As of the Bell, when it is Pensile: The other Secret, of the Minute Parts; such as is descri∣bed in the 9^th Instance. But it is true, that the Locall helpeth the Secret great'y. We see likewise that in Pipes, and other winde Instruments, the Sound lasteth no longer, than the breath bloweth. It is true, that in Organs, there is a confused Murmur for a while, after you haue plaied; But that is but while the Bellowes are in Falling.

[ 208] It is certaine, that in the Noise of great Ordnance, where many are shot off together, the Sound will be carried, (at the least) twenty Miles vpon the land, and much further vpon the Water. But then it will come to the Eare; Not in the Instant of the Shooting off, but it will come an Houre, or more later. This must needs be a Continuance of the First Sound; For there is no Trepidation which should renew it. And

the Touching of the Ordnance would not extinguish the Sound the soo∣ner: So that in great Sounds the Continuance is more than Momen∣tany.

To try exactly the time wherein Sound is Delated. Let a Man stand in [ 209] a Steeple, and haue with him a Taper; And let some Vaile be put be∣fore the Tapar; And let another Man stand in the Field a Mile off. Then let him in the Steeple strike the Bell; And in the same Instant withdraw the Vaile; And so let him in the Field tell by his Pulse what distance of Time there is, betweene the Light seene, and the Sound heards For it is certaine that the Delation of Light is in an Instant. This may be tried in farre greater Distances, allowing greater Lights and Sounds.

It is generally knowne and obserued, that Light, and the Obiect of [ 210] Sight, moue swifter than Sound; For we see the Flash of a Peece is seene sooner, than the Noise is heard. And in Flewing wood, if one be some distance off, he shall see the Arme lifted vp for a second Stroke, before he heare the Noise of the first. And the greater the Distance, the grea∣ter is the Preuention: As we see in Thunder, which is farre off; where the Lightning Precedeth the Cracke a good space.

Colours, when they represent themselues to the Eye, fade not, nor [ 211] melt not by Degrees, but appeare still in the same Strength; But Sounds melt, and vanish, by little and little. The Cause is, for that Colours par∣ticipate nothing with the Motion of the Aire; but Sounds doe. And it is a plaine Argument, that Sound participateth of some Locall Motion, of the Aire, (as a Cause Sinè quônon.) in that, it perisheth so suddenly; For in euery Section, or Impulsion of the Aire, the Aire doth suddenly re∣store and reunite it selfe; which the Water also doth, but nothing so swiftly.

In the Trialls of the Passage, or Not Passage of Sounds, you must take heed, you mistake not the Passing By the Sides of a Body, for the Passing thorow a Body: And therefore you must make the Intercepting Body very close; For Sound will passe thorow a small Chincke.* 1.3

Where Sound passeth thorow a Hard, or Close Body (as thorow Wa∣ter; [ 212] thorow a Wall; thorow Metall, as in Hawkes Bells stopped; &c.) the Hard, or Close Body, must be but thinne and small; For else it deadeth and extinguisheth the Sound vtterly. And therefore, in the Experiment of Speaking in Aire vnder Water, the Voice must not be very deepe with∣in the Water: For then the Sound pierceth not. So if you speake on the further side of a Close Wall, if the Wall be very thicke, you shall not be heard: And if there were an Hogshead emptie, whereof the Sides were some two Foot thicke, and the Bunghole stopped; I conceiue the Re∣sounding Sound, by the Communication of the Outward Aire, with the Aire within, would be little or none, But onely you shall heare the Noise of the Outward Knocke, as if the Vessell were full.

[ 213] It is certaine, that in the Passage of Sounds thorow Hard Bodies, the Spirit of Pneumaticall Part of the Hard body it selfe, doth cooperate; But much better, when the Sides of that Hard Body are strucke, than when the Percussion is onely within, without: Touch of the Sides: Take therefore a Hawkes Bell, the holes; stopped vp, and hang it by a threed, within a Bottle Glasse; And stop the Mouth of the Glasse, very close with Wax; And then shake the Glasse, and see whether the Bell giue any Sound at all, or how weake? But note, that you must in stead of the Threed, take a Wire; Or else let the Glasse haue a great Belly; lest when you shake the Bell, it dash vpon the Sides of the Glasse.

[ 214] It is plaine, that a very Long, and Downe-right Arch, for the Sound to passe, will extinguish the Sound quite; So that that Sound, which would be heard ouer a wall, will not be heard ouer a Church; Nor that Sound, which will be heard, if you stand some distance from the wall, will be heard if you stand close vnder the Wall.

[ 215] Soft and Foraminous Bodies, in the first Creation of the Sound, will dead it; For the Striking against Cloth, or Furre, will make little Sound; As hath beene said: But in the Passage of the Sound, they will admit it better than Harder Bodies; As we see, that Curtaines, and Hangings, will not stay the Sound much; But Glasse-windowes, if they be very Close, will checke a Sound more, than the like Thicknesse of Cloth. Wee see also, in the Rumbling of the Belly, how easily the Sound passeth thorow the Guts, and Skin.

[ 216] It is worthy the Enquiry, whether Great Sounds, (As of Ordnance, or Bells,) become not more Weake, and Exile, when they passe thorow Small Crannies. For the Subtilties of Articulate Sounds, (it may be,) may passe thorow Small Crannies, not confused; But the Magnitude of the Sound (perhaps,) not so well.

The Mediums of Sounds are Aire; Soft and Porous Bodies; Also Wa∣ter.* 1.4 And Hard Bodies refuse not altogether to be Mediums of Sounds. But all of them are dull and vnapt Deferents, except the Airè.

[ 217] In Aire, the Thinner or Drier Aire, carrieth not the Sound so well, as [ 218] the more Dense; As appeareth in Night Sounds; And Euening Sounds; And Sounds in moist Weather, and Southerne Winds. The reason is already mentioned in the Title of Maioration of Sounds; Being for that Thinne Aire is better pierced; but Thicke Aire preserueth the Sound bet∣ter from Wast; Let further Triall be made by Hollowing in Mists, and Gentle Showers: For (it may be) that will somewhat dead the Sound.

[ 219] How farreforth Flame may be a Medium of Sounds, (especially of such Sounds as are created by Aire, and not betwixt Hard Bodies) let it be tried, in Speaking where a Bonsire is betweene; But then you must allow, for some disturbance, the Noise that the Flame it selfe maketh.

[ 220] Whether any other Liquours, being made Mediums, cause a Diuer∣sity of Sound from Water, it may be tried: As by the Knapping of the Tongs; Or Striking of the Bottome of a vessell, filled either with Milke,

or with Oyle; which though they be more light, yet are they more vn∣equall Bodies than Aire.

Of the Natures of the Mediums, we haue now spoken; As for the Dispo∣sition of the said Mediums, it doth consist in the Penning, or not Penning of the Aire; Of which we haue spoken before, in the Title of Delation of Sounds: It consisteth also in the Figure of the Concaue, through which it passeth; Of which we will speake next.

How the Figures of Pipes, or Concaues, through which Sounds passe; Or of other Bodies deferent; conduce to the Varietie and Alteration of the Sounds; Either in respect of the Greater Quantitie, or lesse Quantitie of Aire, which the Con∣caues receiue; Or in respect of the Carrying of Sounds longer or shorter way; Or in respect of many other Circumstances; they haue beene touched, as falling into other Titles.* 1.5 But those Figures, which we now are to speake of, wee intend to be, as they concerne the Lines, through which Sound passeth; As Straight; Crooked; Angular; Circular; &c.

The Figure of a Bell pertaketh of the Pyramis, but yet comming off, [ 221] and dilating more suddenly. The Figure of a Hunters Horne, and Cornet, is oblique; yet they haue likewise Straight Heroes; which if they be of the same Bore with the Oblique, differ little in Sound; Saue that the Straight require somewhat a stronger Blast. The Figures of Recorders, and Flates, and Pipes are straight; But the Recorder hath a lesse Bore, and a greater; Aboue, and below. The Trumpts hath the Figure of the Letter S: which maketh that Purling Sound, &c. Generally, the Straight Like hath the cleanest and roundest Sound, And the Crooked the more Hoarse, and larring.

Of a Sinnous Pipe, that may haue some foure Flexions, Triall would [ 222] be made, Likewise of a Pipe, made like a Crosse, open in the middest. And so likewise of an Angular Pipe: And see what will be the Effects of these seuerall Sounds. And so againe of a Circular Pipe; As if you take a Pipe perfect Round, and make a Hole whereinto you shall blow; And another Hole not farre from that; But with a Trauerse or Stope betweene them; So that your Breath may goe the Round of the Circle, and come forth at the second Hole. You may trie likewise Per••••ssions of Solide Bodies of seuerall Figures; As Globes, Flare, Cobes, Croffes, Triangles, &c. And their Combinasions; As Flat against Flat; And Co••••••ex against Con∣••••••; And Conn•••••• against Flat, &c. And marks well the diversities of the Sounds. Tri•••••••• the difference in Sound of seuerall Crasitudre of Hard Bodies percussed; And take knowledge of the •••••• of the Sounds. I my selfe haue tried, that a Bell of Gold yeeldeth an excellent Sound, not infariour to that of Siluer, or Brasse, but rather better: yet wee see that a

peece of Money of Gold soundeth farre more flat than a peece of Money of Siluer.

[ 223] The Harpe hath the Concaue, not along the Strings, but acrosse the Strings; And no Instrument hath the Sound so Melting, and Prolonged, as the Irish Harpe. So as I suppose, that if a Virginall were made with a double Concaue; the one all the length as the Virginall hath; the other at the End of the Strings, as the Harpe hath; It must needs make the Sound perfecter, and not so Shallow, and Iarring. You may trie it, without any Sound-Board along, but only Harpe-wise, at one End of the Strings: Or lastly with a double Concaue, at Each end of the Strings one.

There is an apparent Diuersitie betweene the Species Visible, and Audi∣ble, in this; That the Visible doth not mingle in the Medium, but the Au∣dible doth.* 1.6 For if wee looke abroad, wee see Heauen, a number of Stars, Trees, Hills, Men, Beasts, at once. And the Species of the one doth not [ 224] confound the other. But if so many Sounds came from seuerall Parts, one of them would vtterly confound the other. So wee see, that Voices or Consorts of Musicke doe make an Harmony by Mixture, which Colours doe not. It is true neuerthelesse, that a great Light drowneth a smaller, that it cannot be seene; As the Sunne that of a Gloworme; as well as a Great Sound drowneth a lesser. And I suppose likewise, that if there were two Lanthornes of Glasse, the one a Grimsin, and the other an Azure, and a Candle within either of them, those Coloured Lights would mingle and cast vpon a White Paper •• Purple Colour. And euen in Colours, they yeeld a faint and weake Mixture: For white walls make Roomes more lightsome than blacke, &c. But the Cause of the Confu∣sion in Sounds, and the Inconfusion in Species Visible, is, For that the Sight worketh in Right Lines, and maketh seuerall Cones; And so there can be no Coincidence in the Eye, or Visuall Point: But Sounds, that moue in Oblique and Arcuate Lines, must needs encounter, and disturbe the one the other.

[ 225] The sweetest and best Harmony is, when euery Part, or Instrument, is not heard by it selfe, but a Conflation of them all; Which requireth to stand some distance off. Euen as it is in the Mixture of Perfumes; Or the Taking of the Smells of seuerall Flowers in the Aire.

[ 226] The Disposition of the Aire, in other Qualities, except it be ioyned with Sound, hath no great Operation vpon Sounds: For whether the Aire be lightsome or darke, hot or cold, quiet or stirring, (except it be with Noise) sweet-smelling, or stinking, or the like: it importeth not much: Some petty Alteration or difference it may make.

[ 227] But Sounds doe disturbe and alter the one the other: Sometimes the one drowning the other, and making it not heard; Sometimes the one larring and discording with the other, and making a Confusion; Some∣times the one Mingling and Compounding with the other; and making an Harmony.

[ 228] Two Voices of like lowdnesse, will not be heard, twice as farre, as one

of them alone; And two Candles of like light, will not make Things seene twice as farre off, as one. The Cause is profound. But it seemeth that the Impressions from the Obiects of the Senses, doe mingle respectiu••∣ly, euery one with his kinde; But not in proportion, as is before demon∣strated: And the reason may be, because the first Impression, which is from Priuatiue to Actiue, (As from Silence to Noise, or from Darknesse to Light,) is a greater Degree, than from Lesse Noise, to More Noise, or from Lesse Light, to More Light. And the Reason of that againe may be; For that the Aire, after it hath receiued a Charge, doth not receiue a Surcharge, or greater Charge, with like Appetite, as it doth the first Charge. As for the Encrease of Vertue, generally, what Proportion it beareth to the Encrease of the Matter, it is a large Field, and to be hand∣led by it selfe.

All Reflexions Concurrent doe make Sounds Greater; But if the Body that createth, either, the Originall Sound, or the Reflexion, be cleane and smooth, it maketh them Sweeter.* 1.7 Triall may be made of a Lute, or Violl, with the Belly of polished Brasse, in stead of Wood. We see that euen in the Open Aire, the Wire String is sweeter, than the String of [ 229] Guts. And we see that for Reflexion, Water excelleth; As in Musick neare the Water; Or in Eccho's.

It hath beene tried, that a Pipe a little moistened on the inside, but yet [ 230] so as there be no Drops left, maketh a more solemne Sound, than if the Pipe were dry: But yet with a sweet Degree of Sibilation, or Purling. As we touched it before in the title of Equality. The Cause is, for that all Things Porous, being superficially wet, and (as it were) betweene dry and wet, become a little more Euen and Smooth; But the Purling, (which must needs proceed of Inequality,) I take to be bred betweene the Smoothnesse of the in ward Surface of the Pipe, which is wet; And the Rest of the Wood of the Pipe, vnto which the Wet commeth nor, but it remaineth dry.

In Frosty weather, Mosicke within doores soundeth better. Which [ 231] may be, by reason, not of the Disposition of the Aire, but of the Wood or String of the Instrument; which is made more Crispe, and so more porous and hollow: And we see that Old Lutes sound better than New, for the same reason. And so doe Lute Strings that haue beene kept long.

Sound is likewise Meliorated by the Mingling of open Aire with Pent [ 232] Aire; Therefore Triall may be made, of a Lute or Violl with a double Belly; Making another Belly with a Knot oliet the Strings; yet so, as there be Roome enough for the Strings, and Roome enough to play be∣low that Belly. Triall may be made also of an Irish Harpe, with a Con∣caue on both Sides; Whereas ••••seth to haue it but on one Side. The doubt may be, lest it should make too much Resounding; wherby one Note would ouertake anot••••••

If you sing into the Hole of a Drum, it maketh the Singing more [ 233]

sweet. And so I conceiue it would, if it were a Song in Parts, sung into seuerall Drums; And for handsomnesse and strangeness sake, it would not be amisse to haue a Curtaine betweene the Place where the Drums are, and the Hearers.

[ 234] When a Sound is created in a Wind-Instrument, betweene the Breath and the Aire, yet if the Sound be communicate with a more equall Bo∣dy of the Pipe, it meliorateth the Sound. For (no doubt) there would be a differing Sound in a Trumpet, or Pipe of Wood; And againe in a Trum∣pet or Pipe of Brasse. It were good to try Recorders and Hunters Hornes of Brasse, what the Sound would be.

[ 235] Sounds are meliorated by the Intension of the Sense; where the Com∣mon Sense is collected most, to the particular Sense of Hearing, and the Sight suspended: And therefore, Sounds are sweeter, (as well as greater,) in the Night, than in the Day; And I suppose, they are sweeter to blinde Men, than to Others: And it is manifest, that betweene Sleeping and Waking, (when all the Senses are bound and suspended) Musicke is farre sweeter, than when one is fully Waking.

It is Thing strange in Nature, when it is attentiuely considered; How Children, and some Birds, learne to imitate Speech.* 1.8 They take no Marke (at all) of the Motion of the Mouth of Him that speaketh; For [ 236] Birds are as well taught in Darke, as by Light. The Sounds of Speech are very Curious and Exquisite: So one would thinke it were a Lesson hard to learne. It is true, that it is done with time, and by little and lit∣tle, and with many Essayes and Proffers: But all this dischargeth not the Wonder. It would make a Man thinke (though this which we shall say may seeme exceeding strange) that there is some Transmission of Spirits; and that the Spirits of the Teacher put in Motion, should worke with the Spirits of the Learner, a Pre-disposition to offer to Imi∣tate; And so to perfect the Imitation by degrees. But touching Operati∣ons by Transmissions of Spirits, (which is one of the highest Secrets in Nature,) we shall speake in due place; Chiefly when we come to en∣quire of Imagination. But as for Imitation, it is certaine, that there is in Men, and other Creatures, a predisposition to Imitate We see how rea∣dy Apes and Monkies are, to imitate all Motions of Man: And in the Catching of Dottrells, we see, how the Foolish Bird playeth the Ape in Gestures: And no Man (in effect) doth accompany with others, but he learneth, (ere he is aware,) some Gesture, or Voice, or Fashion of the other.

[ 237] In Imitation of Sounds, that Man should be the Teacher, is no Part of the Matter; For Birds will learne one of another; And there is no Re∣ward, by feeding, or the like, giuen them for the Imitation; And besides, you shall haue Parrots, that will not only Iimitate Voices, but Laughing, Knocking, Squeaking of a Doore vpon the Hinges, or of a Cart-wheele; And (in effect) any other Noise they heare.

[ 238] No Beast can imitate the Speech of Men, but Birds onely; For the Ape

it selfe that is so ready to imitate otherwise, attaineth not any degree of Imitation of Speech. It is true, that I haue knowne a Dog, that if one how led in his Eare, he would fall a how ling a great while. What should be the Aptnesse of Birds, in comparison of Beasts, to imitate the Speech of Man, may be further enquired. We see that Beasts haue those Parts, which they count the Instruments of Speech, (as Lips, Teeth, &c.) liker vn∣to Man, than Birds. As for the Necke, by which the Throat passeth; we see many Beasts haue it, for the Length, as much as Birds. What better Gorge, or Attire, Birds haue, may be further enquired. The Birds that are knowne to be Speakers, are, Parrots, Pyes, layes, Dawes, and Rauens. Of which Parrots haue an adunque Bill, but the rest not.

But I conceiue, that the Apinesse of Birds, is not so much in the Con∣formitie [ 239] of the Organs of Speech, as in their Attention. For Speech must come by Hearing, and Learning; And Birds giue more heed, and marke Sounds, more than Beasts; Because naturally they are more delighted with them, and practise them more; As appeareth in their Singing. We see also, that those that teach Birds to sing, doe keepe them Waking, to increase their Attention. We see also, that Cock-Birds, amongst Singing∣Birds, are euer the better Singers; which may be, because they are more liuely, and listen more.

Labour, and Intention to imitate voices, doth conduce much to Imi∣tation: [ 240] And therfore we see, that there be certaine P••nt••vimi that will represent the voices of Players of Enterludes, so to life, as if you see them not, you would thinke they were those Players themselues; and so the Voices of other Men that they heare.

There haue beene some, that could counterfeit the Distance of Voi∣ces, [ 241] (which is a Secondary Obiect of Hearing,) in such sort; As when they stand fast by you, you would thinke the Speech came from a farre off, in a fearefull manner. How this is done, may be further enquired. But I see no great vse of it, but for Imposture, in counterseiting Ghosts or Spirits.

There be three Kindes of Reflexions of Sounds, A Reflexi∣on Concurrent; A Reflexion Iterant, which we call Eccho; And a Super-reflexion, or an Eccho of an Eccho, wherof the first hath beene handled in the Title of Magnitude of Sounds: The Lat∣ter two we will now speake of.* 1.9

The Reflexion of Species Visible, Mirrours, you may command; Be∣cause [ 242] passing in Right Lines, they may be guided to any Point: But the Reflexion of Sounds is hard to master; Because the Sound filling great Spaces in Arched Lines, cannot be so guided: and therfore we see there hath not beene practised, any Meanes to make Artificiall Eccho's. And no Eccho already knowne returneth in a very narrow Roome.

The Naturall Eccho's are made vpon Walls, Woods, Rockes, Hills, and [ 243] Banckes; As for Waters, being neare, they make a Concurrent Eccho; But

being further off, (as vpon a large Riuer) they make an Iterant Eccho: For there is no difference betweene the Concurrent Eccho, and the Iterant, but the Quicknesse, or Slownesse of the Returne. But there is no doubt, but Water doth helpe the Delation of Eccho; as well as it helpeth the Deluti∣on of Originall Sounds.

[ 244] It is certaine, (as hath beene formerly touched,) that if you speake thorow a Truncke, stopped at the further end, you shall finde a Blast re∣turne vpon your Mouth, but no Sound at all. The Cause is, for that the Closenesse, which preferueth the Originall, is not able to preserue the Re∣flected Sound: Besides that Eccho's are seldom created, but by loud Sounds. And therfore there is lesse hope of Artificiall Eccho's in Aire, pent in a narrow Concaue. Neuerthelesse it hath beene tried, that One leaning ouer a Well, of 25. Fathome deepe, and speaking, though but soft∣ly, (yet not so soft as a whisper,) the Water returned a good Audible Ec∣cho. It would be tried, whether Speaking in Caues, where there is no Is∣sue, faue where you speake, will not yeeld Eccho's, as Wells doe.

[ 245] The Eccho commeth as the Originall Sound doth, in a Round Orbe of Aire: It were good to try the Creating of the Eccho, where the Body Repercussing maketh an Angle: As against the Returne of a Wall, &c. Also we see that in Mirrours, there is the like Angle of Incidence, from the Obiect to the Glasse, and from the Glasse to the Eye. And if you strike a Ball side-long, nor full vpon the Surface, the Rebound will be as much the contrary way; Whether there be any such Re••ilience in Eccho's, (that is, whether a Man shall heare better, if he stand aside the Body Repercussing, than if he stand where he speaketh, or any where in a right Line betweene;) may be tried. Triall likewise would be made, by Standing nearer the Place of Repercussing, than he that speaketh; And againe by Standing further off, than hee that speaketh; And so Knowledge would be taken, whether Eccho's, as well as Originall Sounds, be not strongest neare hand.

[ 246] There be many Places, where you shall heare a Number of Eccho's, one after another: And it is, when there is Variety of Hills, or Woods, some nearer, some further off: So that the Returne from the further, be∣ing last created, will be likewise last heard.

[ 247] As the Voice goeth round, as well towards the Backe, as towards the Front of him that speaketh; So likewise doth the Eccho; For you haue many Back-Eccho's to the Place where you stand.

[ 248] To make an Eccho, that will report, three, or foure, or fiue Words, distinctly, it is requisite, that the Body Repercussing, be a good distance off: For if it be neare, and yet not so neare, as to make a Concurrent Ec∣cho, it choppeth with you vpon the sudden. It is requisite likewise, that the Aire be not much pent. For Aire, at a great distance, pent, worketh the same effect with Aire, at large, in a small distance. And therefore in the Triall of Speaking in the Well, though the Well was deepe, the Voice came backe, suddenly; And would beare the Report but of two Words.

For Eccho's vpon Eccho's, there is a rare Instance thereof in a Place, [ 249] which I will now exactly describe. It is some three or foure Miles from Paris, neere a Towne called Pont-charenton; And some Bird-bolt shot, or more, from the Riuer of Seane. The Roome is a Chappell, or small Church. The Walls all standing, both at the Sides, and at the Ends. Two Rowes of Pillars, after the manner of Isles of Churches, also standing; The Roofe all open, not so much as any Embowment neere any of the walls left. There was against euery Pillar, a Stacke of Billets, aboue a Mans Height; which the Watermen, that bring Wood downe the Seane, in Stacks, and not in Boats, laid there (as it seemeth) for their ease. Speaking at the one End, I did heare it returne the Voice thirteene seuerall times; And I haue heard of others, that it would returne six∣teene times: For I was there about three of the Clocke in the After∣noone: And it is best, (as all other Eccho's are) in the Euening. It is ma∣nifest, that it is not Eccho's from seuerall places, but a Tossing of the Voice, as a Ball, to and fro; Like to Reflexions in Looking-glasses; where if you place one Glasse before, and another behinde, you shall see the Glasse be∣hinde with the Image, within the Glasse before; And againe, the Glasse before in that; and diuers such Super-Reflexions, till the species speciei at last die. For it is euery Returne weaker, and more shady. In like manner, the Voice in that Chappell, createth speciem, speciei, and maketh succeeding Super-Reflexions; For it melteth by degrees, and euery Reflexion is wea∣ker than the former: So that, if you speake three Words, it will (per∣haps) some three times report you the whole three Words; And then the two latter Words for some times; And then the last Word alone for some times; Still fading, and growing weaker. And whereas in Eccho's of one Returne, it is much to heare foure or fiue Words; In this Eccho of so many Returnes, vpon the matter, you heare aboue twenty Words, for three.

The like Eccho vpon Eccho, but only with two Reports, hath beene [ 250] obserued to be, if you stand betweene a House, and a Hill, and lure to∣wards the Hill. For the House will giue a Backe-Eccho; One taking it from the other, and the latter the weaker.

There are certaine Letters, that an Eccho will hardly expresse; As S, [ 251] for one; Especially being Principiall in a Word. I remember well, that when I went to the Eccho at Pont-Charenton, there was an Old Parisian, that tooke it to be the Worke of Spirits, and of good Spirits. For, (said he) call Saten, and the Eccho will not deliuer backe the Deuils name; But will say, Va••'on; Which is as much in French, as Apage, or A••oid. And thereby I did hap to finde, that an Eccho would not returne S, being but a Hissing and an Interiour Sound.

Eccho's are some more sudden, and chop againe, as soone as the Voice [ 252] is deliuered; As hath beene partly said: Others are more deliberate, that is, giue more Space betweene the Voice, and the Eccho; which is caused by the locall Nearenesse, or Distance: Some will report a longer Traine of Words; And some a shorter: Some more loud (full as loud as the Ori∣ginall,

and sometimes more loud;) And some weaker and fainter.

[ 253] Where Eccho's come from seuerall Parts, at the same distance, they must needs make (as it were) a Quire of Eccho's, and so make the Report greater, and euen a Continued Eccho; which you shall finde in some Hills, that stand encompassed, Theater-like.

[ 254] It doth not yet appeare, that there is Refraction in Sounds, as well as in Species Visible. For I doe not thinke, that if a Sound should passe through diuers Mediums, (as Aire, Cloth, Wood) it would deliuer the Sound, in a differing Place, from that vnto which it is deferred; which is the Proper Effect of Refraction. But Maioration, which is also the Worke of Refra∣ction, appeareth plainly in Sounds, (as hath beene handled at full;) But it is not by Diuersitie of Mediums.

We haue obitèr, for Demonstrations sake, vsed in diuers Instances, the Examples of the Sight, and Things Visible, to il∣lustrate the Nature of Sounds.* 1.10 But wee thinke good now to prosecute that Comparison more fully.

CONSENT OF VISIBLES, and Audibles.

[ 255] BOth of them spread themselues in Round, and fill a whole Floare or Orbe, vnto certaine Limits: And are carried a great way: And doe languish and lessen by degrees, according to the Distance of the Obiects from the Sensories.

[ 256] Both of them haue the whole Species in euery small Portion of the Aire, or Medium; So as the Species doe passe through small Crannies, without Confusion: As we see ordinarily in Leuels, as to the Eye; And in Cran∣nies, or Chinks, as to the Sound.

[ 257] Both of them are of a sudden and easie Generation and Delation; And likewise perish swiftly, and suddenly; As if you remoue the Light; Or touch the Bodies that giue the Sound.

[ 258] Both of them doe receiue and carry exquisite and accurate Differences; As of Colours, Figures, Motions, Distances, in Visibles; And of Articu∣late Voices, Tones, Songs, and Quauerings, in Audibles.

[ 259] Both of them in their Vertue and Working, doe not appeare to emit any Corporall Substance into their Mediums, or the Orbe of their Vertue; Neither againe to raise or stirre any euident locall Motion in their Mediums, as they passe; But only to carrry certaine Spirituall Species; The Perfect Knowledge of the Cause whereof, being hitherto scarcely attained, wee shall search and handle in due place.

[ 260] Both of them seeme not to generate or produce any other Effect in Na∣ture,

but such as appertaineth to their proper Obiects, and Senses, and are otherwise Barren.

But Both of them in their owne proper Action, doe worke three ma∣nifest [ 261] Effects. The First, in that the Stronger Species drawneth the E••sser; As the Light of the Sunne, the light of a Glow-worme; The Report of an Ordnance, the Voice; The Second, in that an Obiect of Surcharge or Excesse destroyeth the Sense; As the Light of the Sunne the Eye, a vio∣lent Sound (neare the Eare) the Hearing: The Third, in that both of them will be reuerberate; As in Mirrours; And in Eccho's.

Neither of them doth destroy or hinder the Species of the other, although [ 262] they encounter in the same Medium; As Light or Colour hinder not Sound; Nor ••contr••.

Both of them affect the Sense in Liuing Creatures, and yeeld Obiects of [ 263] Pleasure and Dislike: Yet neuerthelesse, the Obiects of them doe also (if it be well obserued) affect and worke vpon dead Things; Namely, such as haue some Conformity with the Organs of the two Senses; As Visibles worke vpon a Looking-glas∣se, which is like the Pupill of the Eye; And Audibles vpon the Places of Eccho, which resemble, in some sort, the Ca∣uerne and structure of the Eare.

Both of them doe diuersly worke, as they haue their Medium diuersly dis∣posed. [ 264] So a Trembling Medium (as Smoake) maketh the Obiect seeme to tremble; and a Rising or Falling Medium (as Winds) maketh the Sounds to rise, or fall.

To Both, the Medium, which it the most Prop••out•• and Conduci∣ble, [ 265] is Aire; For Glasse or Water, &c. are not comparable.

In Both of them, where the Obiect is Fine and Accurate, it conduceth [ 266] much to haue the Sense Intentiue, and Erect; In so much as you contract your Eye, when you would see sharply; And erect your Eare, when you would heare attentiuely; which in Beasts that haue Eares mouea∣ble, is most manifest.

The Beames of Light, when they are multiplyed, and conglomerate, ge∣nerate [ 267] Heat; which is a different Action, from the Action of Sight: And the Multiplication and Conglomeration of Sounds doth generate an ex∣treme Rarefaction of the Aire; which is an Action materiate, differing from the Action of Sound; If it be true (which is anciently reported) that Birds, with great shouts, haue fallen downe.

DISSENTS OF VISIBLES, and Audibles.

[ 268] THe Species of Visibles soeme to be Emissions of Beames from the Obiect seene; Almost like Odours; saue that they are more In∣corporecall: But the Species of Audibles seeme to Participate more with Locall Motion, like Percussions or Impressions made vpon the Aire. So that whereas all Bodies doe seeme to worke in two manners; Either by the Communication of their Natures; Or by the Impressions and Signatures of their Motions; The Diffusion of Species Visible seemeth to participate more of the former Operation; and the Species Audible of the latter.

[ 269] The Species of Audibles seeme to be carried more manifestly thorow the Aire, than the Species of Visibles: For (I conceiue) that a Contrary strong Wind will not much hinder the Sight of Visibles, as it will doe the Hearing of Sounds.

[ 270] There is one Difference, aboue all others, betweene Visibles and Au∣dibles, that is the most remarkable; As that wherupon many smaller Differences doe depend: Namely, that Visibles, (except Lights,) are carried in Right Lines; and Audibles in Ar•••••• Lines. Heriee it commeth to passe, that Visibles doe not intermingle; and confound one another, as hath beene said before; But Sounds doe. Hence it commeth, that the Solidity of Bodies doth not much hinder the Sight, so that the Bodies be cleare. and the Pores in a Right Line as in Glasse, Crystall, Dia∣monds, Water, &c. But a thin Scarse, or Handkerchiefe, though they be Bodies nothing so solide, hinder the Sight: Whereas (contrariwise) these Porous Bodies doe not much hinder the Hearing, but solide Bo∣dies doe almost stop it, or at the least attenuate it. Hence also it com∣meth, that to the Reflexion of Visibles, small Glasses suffice; but to the Reuerberation of Audibles, are required greater Spaces, as hath likewise beene said before.

[ 271] Visibles are seene further off, than Sounds are heard; Allowing ne∣uerthelesse the Rate of their Bignesse; For otherwise a great Sound will be heard further off, than a Small Body seene.

[ 272] Visibles require (generally) some Distance betweene the Obiect, and the Eye, to bee better seene; Whereas in Audibles, the nearer the Ap∣proch of the Sound is to the Sense, the better. But in this there may be a double Errour. The one, because to Seeing, there is required Light; And any thing that toucheth the Pupill of the Eye (all ouer,) excludeth the Light. For I haue heard of a Person very credible, (who himselfe was cured of a Cataract in one of his Eyes,) that while the Siluer Needle did worke vpon the Sight of his Eye, to remoue the Filme of the Cata∣ract,

he neuer saw any thing more cleare or perfect, than that white Needle: Which (no doubt,) was, because the Needle was lesser than the Pupill of the Eye; and so Cooke not the Light from it. The other Er∣rour may be, for that the Obiect of Sight doth strike vpon the Pupill of the Eye, directly without any interception; wheras the Caue of the Eare doth hold off the Sound a little from the Organ: And so neuerthelesse there is some Distance required in both.

Visibles are s••if••lior carried to the Sense, than Audibles; As appea∣reth [ 273] in Thunder and Lightning; Flame and Report of a Peece, •••• Moti∣on of the Aire in Hewing of Wood. All which haue beene set downe heretofore, but are proper for this Title.

I conceiue also, that the Species of Audibles doe hang longer in the [ 274] Aire, than those of Visibles: For although euen those of Visibles, doe hang some time, as we see in Rings turned, that shew like Spheres; In Lute-strings fillipped, A Fire-brand caried along, which leaueth a Traine of Light behinde it; and in the Twilight; And the like: Yet I conceiue that Sounds stay longer, because they are carried vp and downe with the Winde: And because of the Distance of the Time, in Ordnance a dis∣charged, and heard twenty Miles off.

In Visibles, there are not sound Obiects so odious and in grate to the [ 275] Sense, as in Audibles. For foule Sights doe rather displease, in that they exci••e the Memory of foule Things, than in the immediate Obiects. And therefore in •••••••• •••••• those foule Sights doe not much offend; But in Audibles, the Grating of a Saw, when it is sharpned, doth offend so much, as it Fen •••••• the Teeth on Edge. And any of the harsh Discords in Musicke, the Eare doth straight-waies refuse.

In Visibles, after great Light, if you come suddenly into the Darke; [ 276] Or contrariwise, out of the Darke into a Glaring light, the Eye is dazled for a time; and the Sight confused; not whether any such Effect be af∣ter great Sounds, or after a deepe Silence, may be better enquired. It is an old Tradiribit, th•••• those that dwell heare the C••••••n•••••• of Nil••••, are strucken deafe, But we finde no such effect, in Canno••••ers, not Mil∣lers, not those that dwell vpon Bridges.

It seemeth that the Impression of Colour is so weake, as it worketh not [ 277] but by a Cone of Direct Beames, or Right Lines; wherof the Basis is in the Obiect, and the Verticall Point in the Eye; So as there is a Corra∣••iation and Co••••••un •••••••••• of Beames; And those Beames so sent forth, yet are not of any force to bege•• the like borrowed or second Beames, ex∣cept it be by Reflexion, wherof we speake not. For the Beames passe, and giue little Ta•••••••••••• to that ••••te, which is Adiacent; which if they did, we should see Colours out of a Right line. But as this is in Colours, so o∣therwise it is in the Body of Light. For when there is a Skreene between the Candle and the Eye, yet the Light passeth to the Paper wheron One writeth; So that the Light is seene, where the Body of the Flame is not seene; And where any Colour (if it were placed where the Body of the Blame is) would not be seene. I iudge that Sound is of this Latter Na∣ture:

For when two are placed on both sides of a Wall, and the Voice is heard, I iudge it is not onely the Originall Sound, which passeth in an Arebed Line; But the Sound, which passeth aboue the Wall in a Right Line, begetteth the like Motion round about it, as the first did, though more weake.

All Concords and Discords of Musicke, are, (no doubt,) Sympathies, and Antipathies of Sounds.* 1.11 And so (likewise) in that Musicke, which we call Broken Musicke, or Consort Musicke; Some Consorts of Instruments are sweeter than others; (A Thing not suffciently yet obserued:) As the Irish Harpe, and Base Viall agree well: The Recorder and Stringed Musick [ 278] agree well: Organs and the Voice agree well; &c. But the Virginalls and the Lute; Or the Welch-Harpe, and, Irish-Harpe; Or the Voice and Pipes alone, agree not so well; But for the Melieration of Musicke, there is yet much lest (in this Point of Exquisite Consorts) to try and ehquire.

[ 279] There is a Common Obseruation, that if a Lute, or Viall, be layed vpon the Backe, with a small Straw vpon one of the Strings; And ano∣ther Lute or Viall be laid by it; And in the other Lute or Viall, the Vnison to that String be strucken; it will make the String, moue; Which will appeare both to the Eye, and by the Strawes Falling off. The like will be, if the Diapason or Eight to that String be strucken, either in the same Lute, or Viall, or in others lying by; But in one of these there is any Re∣port of Sound, that can be discerned, but onely Motion.

[ 280] It was deuised, that a Viall should haue a Lay of Wire Strings be∣low, as close to the Belly, as a Lute; And then the Strings of Guts moun∣ted vpon a Bridge, as in Ordinary Vialls; To the end, that by this means, the vpper Strings strucken, should make the lower resound by Sympathy, and so make the Musicke the better; Which, if it be to purpose, then Sympathy worketh, as well by Report of Sound, as by Motion. But this deuice I conceiue to be of no vse; because the vpper Strings, which are stopped in great variety, cannot maintaine a Diapason or Vnison, with the Lower, which are neuer stopped, But if it should be of vse at all; it must be in Instruments which haue no Stops; as Virginalls, and Harpes; wherin triall may be made of two Rowes of Strings, distant the one from the other.

[ 281] The Experiment of Sympathy may be transferred (perhaps) from Instruments of Strings, to other Instruments of Sound. As to try if there were in one Steeple, two Bells of Vnison, whether the striking of the one would moue the other, more than if it were another Accord: And so in pipes, (if they be of equall Bore, and Sound,) whether a little Straw or Feather would moue in the one Pipe, when the other is blowne at an Vnison.

[ 282] It seemeth, both in Eare, and Eye, the Instrument of Sense hath a Sympathy or Similitude with that which giueth the Reflexion; (As hath beene touched befor.) For as the Sight of the Eye is like a Crystall, or Glasse, or Water; So is the Eare a sinuous Caue, with a hard Bone, to

stop and reuerberate the Sound; Which is like to the Places that re∣port Eccho's.

When a Man Yawneth, he cannot Heare so well.* 1.12 The Cause is, for that the Membrane of the Eare is extended; And so rather casteth off the Sound, than draweth it to.

We Heare better when we hold our Breath, than contrary; In so much as in all Listening to attaine a Sound a farre off, Men hold their Breath. The Cause is, For that in all Expiration, the Motion is Outwards; [ 283] And therefore, rather driueth away the voice, than draweth it: And [ 284] besides we see, that in all Labour to doe things with any strength, we hold the Breath: And listening after any Sound, that is heard with diffi∣culty, is a kinde of Labour.

Let it be tryed, for the Helpe of the Hearing, (and I conceiue it like∣ly [ 285] to succeed,) to make an Instrument like a Tunnell; The narrow Part whereof may be of the Bignesse of the Hole of the Eare; And the Broa∣der End much larger, like a Bell at the Skirts; And the length halfe a foot, or more. And let the narrow End of it be set close to the Eare: And marke whether any Sound, abroad in the open Aire, will not be heard distinctly, from further distance; than without that Instrument; being (as it were) an Eare-Spectacle. And I haue heard there is in Spaine, an Instrument in vse to be set to the Eare, that helpeth somewhat those that are Thicke of Hearing.

If the Mouth be shut close, neuerthelesse there is yeelded by the [ 286] Roofe of the Mouth, a Murmur, Such as is vsed by dumbe Men: But if the Nostrills be likewise stopped, on such Murmur can be made; Except it be in the Bottome of the Pallate towards the Throat. Whereby it ap∣peareth manifestly, that a Sound in the Mouth, except such as afore∣said, if the Mouth be stopped, passeth from the Pallate, thorow the Nostrills.

The Repercussion of Sounds, (which we call Eccho,) is a great Argu∣ment of the Spirituall Essence of Sounds.* 1.13 For if it were Corporeall,) the Re∣percussion should be created in the same maner, and by like Instruments, with the Originall Sound••. But we see what a Number of Exquisite Instru∣ments must concurre in Speaking of Words, where of there is no such Matter in the Returning of them; But onely a plaine Stop, and Reper∣cussion. [ 287]

The Exquisite Differences of Articulate Sounds, carried along in the [ 288] Aire, shew that they cannot be Signalures or Impressions in the Aire, as hath beene well refuted by the Ancients. For it is true, that Seales make excellent Impressions: And so it may be thought of Sounds in their first Generation: But then the Delation and Continuance of them without any new Sealing, shew apparently they cannot be Impressions.

All Sounds are suddenly made, and doe suddenly perish; But nei∣ther [ 289] that, nor the Exquisite Differences of them, is Matter of so great Admiration: For the ••••••••e••••••gs, and Warblings to Lutes, and Pipes,

are as swift; And the Tongue, (which is no very fine Instrument,) doth in Speech, make no fewer Motions, than there be Letters in all the Words, which are vttered. But that Sounds should not onely be so speedily generated, but carried so farre euery way, in such a momenta∣ny time, deserueth more Admiration. As for Example; If a Man stand in the middle of a Field, and speake aloud, he shall be heard a Furlong in round; And that shall be in Articulate Sounds; And those shall be Entire in euery little Portion of the Aire; And this shall be done in the Space of lesse than a Minute.

[ 290] The Sudden Generation and Perishing of Sounds, must be one of these two Waies. Either that the Aire suffereth some Force by Sound, and then restoreth it selfe; As Water doth; Which being diuided, maketh manny Circles, till it restore it selfe to the naturall Consistence: Or o∣therwise, that the Aire doth willingly imbibe the Sound as gratefull, but cannot maintaine it; For that the Aire hath (as it should seeme) a secret and hidden Appetite of Receiuing the Sound at the first; But then o∣ther Grosse and more Materiate Qualities of the Aire straightwaies suffocate it; Like vnto Flame, which is generated with Alacrity, but straight quenched by the Enmity of the Aire, or other Ambient Bodies.

There be these Differences (in generall) by which Sounds are diuided; 1. Musicall, Immusicall; 2. Treble, Base; 3. Flat, Sharpe; 4. Soft, Loud; 5. Exteriour, Interiour, 6. Cleane, Harsb or Purling; 7. Articulate, Inarticulate.

We haue laboured (as may appeare,) in this Inquisition of Sounds, diligently; Both because Sound is one of the most Hid∣den Portions of Nature, (as we said in the beginning:) And because it is a Vertue which may be called Incorporeall, and Immateriate; wherof there be in Nature but few. Besides, we were willing, (now in these our first Centuries,) to make a Pat∣terne or President of an Exact Inquisition; And we shall doe the like hereafter in some other Subiects which require it. For we desire that Men should learne and perceiue, how seuere a Thing the true Inquisition of Nature is; And should accu∣stome themselues, by the light of Particulars, to enlarge their Mindes, to the Amplitude of the World; And not reduce the World to the Narrownesse of their Mindes.

Metalls giue Orlens and Fine Colours in Dissolutions; As Gold giueth

an excellent Yellow; Quick-Siluer an excellent Greene; Tinne giueth an excellent Azure: Likewise in their Putrefactions, or Rusts; As Vermilion, Verdegrease, Bise, Cirrus, &c.* 1.14 And likewise in their vitrifica∣tions. The Cause is, for that by their Strength of Body, they are able [ 291] to endure the Fire, or Strong Waters, and to be put into an Equall Posture; And againe to retaine Part of their principall Spirit; Which two Things, (Equall Posture, and Quicke Spirits) are required chiefe∣ly, to make Colours lightsome.

It conduceth vnto Long Life, and to the more Placide Motion of the Spirits, which thereby doe lesse prey and consume the Iuyce of the Body; Either that Mens Actions bee free and voluntary; That no∣thing bee done Inuitâ Mineruâ, but Secundum Genium: Or on the [ 292] other side, that the Actions of Men bee full of Regulation, and Com∣mands within themselues: For then the Victory and Performing of the Command, giueth a good Disposition to the Spirits; Especi∣ally if there bee a Proceeding from Degree to Degree; For then the Sense of Victory is the greater.* 1.15 An example of the former of these, is in a Countrey life; And of the latter, in Monkes and Philosophers, and such as doe continually enioyne themselues.

It is certaine, that in all Bodies, there is an Appetite of Vnion, and Euitation of Solution of Continuity: And of this Appetite there bee many Degrees; But the most Remarkable, and fit to bee distinguished, are three.* 1.16 The first in Liquours; The second in Hard Bodies: And the third in Bodies Cleaning or Tenacious. In Liquours, [ 293] this Appetite is weake: We see in Liquours, the Thredding of them in Stillicides, (as hath beene said;) The Falling of them in Round Drops, (which is the forme of Vnion;) And the Staying of them, for a little time, in Bubbles and Froth. In the second Degree or Kinde, this Appetite is strong; As in Iron, in Stone, in Wood, &c. In the third, this Appetite is in a Medium betweene the other two: For such Bodies doe partly follow the Touch of another Body; And partly sticke and continue to themselues; And therefore they roape, and draw themselues in Threds; As wee see in Pitch, Glew, Bird∣lime, &c. But note, that all Solide Bodies are Cleaning, more or lesse: And that they loue better the Touch of somewhat that is Tangible, than of Aire, For Water, in small quantity, cleaueth to any Thing that is Solide; And so would Metall too, if the weight drew it not off. And therefore Gold Foliate, or any Metall Foliate, cleaueth: But those Bodies which are noted to bee Clammy, and Cleauing, are such, as haue a more indifferent Appetite (at once,) to follow another Bo∣dy; And to hold to Themselues. And therefore they are common∣ly Bodies ill mixed; And which take more pleasure in a Forraine

Body, than in preseruing their owne Consistence; And which haue lit∣tle predominance in Drought, or Moisture.

Time, and Heat, are Fellowes in many Effects.* 1.17 Heat drieth Bo∣dies, that doe easily expire; As Parchment, Leaues, Roots, Clay, &c. And, so doth Time or Age arefie; As in the same Bodies, &c. Heat dissolueth and melteth Bodies, that keepe in their Spirits; As [ 294] in diuers Liquefactions; And so doth Time, in some Bodies of a sof∣ter Consistence: As a manifest in Honey, which by Age waxeth more liquid: And the like in Sugar; And so in old Oyle, which is euer more cleare, and more hot in Medicinable vse. Heat causeth the Spirits to search some Issue out of the Body; As in the Volatility of Metalls; And so doth Time; As in the Rust of Metalls. But generally Heat doththat in small time, which Age doth in long.

Some Things which passe the Fire are softest at first, and by Time grow hard; As the Crumme of Bread.* 1.18 Some are harder when they come from the Fire, and afterwards giue againe, and grow soft, as the Crust of Bread, Bisket, Sweet Meats, Salt, &c. The Cause is, for that in those things which waxe Hard with Time, the [ 295] Worke of the Fire is a Kinde of Melting: And in those that waxe Soft with Time, (contrariwise,) the woke of the Fire is a Kinde of Baking; And whatsoeuer the Fire baketh, Time doth in some degree dissolue.

Motions passe from one Man to another, not so much by Exciting Imagination; as by Inuitation; Especially if there be an Aptnesse or Inclination before.* 1.19 Therefore Gaping, or Yawning, and Stretching [ 296] doe passe from Man to Man; For that that causeth Gaping and Stret∣ching is, when the Spirits are a little Heauy, by any Vapour, or the like. For then they striue, (as it were,) to wring out, and expell that which loadeth them. So Men drowzy, and desirous to sleepe; Or be∣fore the Fit of an Ague; doe vse to Yawne and Stretch; And doe likewise yeeld a Voice or Sound, which is an Interiection of Expulsion: So that if another be apt and prepared to doe the like, he followeth by the Sight of another. So the Laughing of another maketh to Laugh.

There be some knowne Diseases that are Infectious; And Others that are not.* 1.20 Those that are Infectious, are; First, such as are chiefly in the Spirits, and not so much in the Humours; And therefore passe [ 297] easily from Body to Body: Such are Pestilences, Lippitudes; and such like. Secondly, such as Taint the Breath; Which wee see passeth ma∣nifestly from Man to Man; And not inuisibly, as the Affects of the Spirits doe: Such are Consumptions of the Lungs, &c. Thirdly such as come forth to the Skinne; And therefore taint the Aire, or the Body

Adiacent; Especially if they consist in an Vnctuous Substance, no apt to dissipate; Such are Scabs, and Lepronsie. Fourthly, such as are meerely in the Humours, and not in the Spirits, Breath, or Exhalations: And therefore they neuer infect, but by Touch onely; and such a Touch also, as commeth within the Epidermis; As the Venome of the French Poxe, And the Biting of a Mad Dog.

Most Powders grow, more Close and Coherent by Mixture of Wa∣ter, than by Mixture of Oyle, though Oyle be the thicker Body; As Meale; &c.* 1.21 The Reason is the Congruity of Bodies; which if it be more, maketh a Perfecter Imbibition, and Incorporation; Which in most Powders is more betweene Them and Water, than betweene Them [ 298] and Oyle: But Printers Colours ground, and Ashes, doe better incorpo∣rate with Oyle.

Much Motion and Exercise is good for some Bodies; And Sitting, and lesse Motion for Others.* 1.22 If the Body be Hot, and Void of Superflous Moistures, too much Motion hurteth: And it is an Errour in Physitians, to call too much vpon Exercise. Likewise Men ought to beware, that they [ 299] vse not Exercise, and a Spare Diet both: But if much Exercise, then a Plen∣tifull Diet, And if Sp••ring Diet, then little Exercise. The Benefits that come of Exercise are, First, that it sendeth Nourishment into the Parts more forcibly. Secondly, that it helpeth to Exceme by Sweat, and so maketh the Parts assimilate the more perfectly. Thirdly, that it maketh the Sub∣stance of the Body more Solide and Compact; And so lesse apt to be Con∣sumed and Depredated by the Spirits. The Euills that come of Exer∣cise, are: First, that it maketh the Spirits more Hot and Predatory. Se∣condly, that it doth absorbe likewise, and attenuate too much the Moi∣sture of the Body. Thirdly, that it maketh too great ••••••••••sion, (especi∣ally if it be violent,) of the Inward Parts; which delight more in Rest. But generally Exercise, if it be much, is no Friend to Prolongation of Life; Which is one Cause, why Women liue longer than Men, because they stirre lesse.

Some Food we may vse long, and much, without Glatting; As Bread, Flesh that is not fat, or rancke, &c.* 1.23 Some other, (though pleasant,) Glutteth sooner; As Sweet Meats, Fat Meats, &c. The Cause is, for that Appetite consisteth in the Emptinesse of Mouth of the Sto∣macke; [ 300] Or possessing it with somewhat that is Astringent; and ther∣fore Cold and Dry. But things that are Sweet and Fat, are more Fil∣ling: And do swimme and hang more about the Mouth of the Sto∣macke; And goe not downe so speedily: And againe turne sooner to Choler, which is hot, and euer abateth the Appetite. Wee see also, that another Cause of Society, is an Ouer-custome; and of Appetite is No∣uelty: And therefore Meats, if the same be continually taken, induce Loathing. To giue the Reason of the Distast of Society, and of the Plea∣sure

in Nouelty; and to distinguish not onely in Meats and Drinkes, but also in Motions, Loues, Company, Delights, Studies, what they be that Custome maketh more gratefull; And what more tedious; were a large Field. But for Meats, the Cause is Attraction, which is quicker, and more excited towards that which is new, than towards that whereof there remaineth a Rel∣lish by former vse. And (generally) it is a Rule, that whatsoeuer is somewhat Ingrate at first, is made Gratefull by Custome; But whatsoeuer is too Pleasing at first, grow∣eth quickly to sa∣tiate.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Motions of Sounds, in what Lines they are Circular, Ob∣lique, Straight; Vpwards, down∣wards; For∣wards; Back∣wards.
• * 1.2

  Experiments in Cōsort tou∣ching the Las∣ting and Peri∣shing of Sounds; And touching the Time they require to their Generati∣on, or Delation.
• * 1.3

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Passage and In∣terceptions of Sounds.
• * 1.4

  Experiments in Cōsort tou∣ching the Me∣dium of Sounds.
• * 1.5

  Experiments in Consort, what the Fi∣gures of the Pipes, or Con∣canes, or the Bodies Diferent conduce to the Sounds.
• * 1.6

  Experiments in Consort touching the Mixture of Sounds.
• * 1.7

  Experiments in Consort touching Me∣lioration of Sounds.
• * 1.8

  Experiments in Cōsort tou∣ching the Imi∣tation of Sounds.
• * 1.9

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Reflexion of Sounds.
• * 1.10

  Experiments in Cōsort tou∣ching the Con∣sent and Dissint between Visi∣bles & Audibles,
• * 1.11

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Sympathy or Antipathy of sounds, one with another.
• * 1.12

  Experiments in Consort, touching the Hindring or Helping of the Hearing.
• * 1.13

  Experiments in Consort touching the Spirituall and Fine Nature of Sounds.
• * 1.14

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the Ori∣ent Colours, in dissolution of Metalls.
• * 1.15

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Prolonga∣tion of Life.
• * 1.16

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Appetite of Vnion in Bo∣dies.
• * 1.17

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the like O••••••••••••ons of Heat and Time.
• * 1.18

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the diffe∣ring Operations of Fire, and Time.
• * 1.19

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching Motions by Inuitation.
• * 1.20

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Infecti∣ous Disease.
• * 1.21

  Experiment Solitary tou∣ching the in∣corporation of Powders and Liquours
• * 1.22

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Exer∣cise of the Body.
• * 1.23

  Experiment Solitary, tou∣ching Meats, that induce So∣ciety.