CHAP. XII.
* 1.1MAny and the greatest learned men, are of the opinion that the winde is the cause of earthquakes. Archelaus who hath carefully examined the opinions of the auncients, saith thus: The windes are carried thorow the cauities of the earth, afterwards when all spaces of the same are filled, and that the ayre is thickned as much as may be, that winde that commeth after presseth and expresseth the former, and first of all by redoubled stroakes pusheth it forward, and finally casteth it out. This seeking for a place, runneth here and there, and enforceth it selfe to breake his bounds. Thus commeth it to passe that the earth is sha∣ken by the winde, which striueth and seeketh for a passage to get out at; when as therefore an earthquake is like to follow, first there goeth before it a tranquil∣litie and calme of the aire, and the reason is, because the power and vertue which was accustomed to moue the windes, is detained vnder earth. And now likewise in this earthquake of Campania, although it were in Winter time, and in a troubled season; yet so it is that some dayes before it happened, the ayre was calme and peaceable. What then? Was there neuer earthquake when the windes blew? Very seldome haue two windes blowne at once: yet can it be, and it is wont to be; which if we admit, and that it appeareth that two windes may blow at once, why might it come to passe that the one should agitate the higher ayre, and the other the inferiour.