Speculum mundi· Or A glasse representing the face of the world shewing both that it did begin, and must also end: the manner how, and time when, being largely examined. Whereunto is joyned an hexameron, or a serious discourse of the causes, continuance, and qualities of things in nature; occasioned as matter pertinent to the work done in the six dayes of the worlds creation.

Sect. 2.

Parag. 7. Of Aiery Meteors; wherein is shewed the na∣turall cause of windes.

Artic. 1. Of the divers opinions concerning winde.

IN the former Paragraphs and Articles pertinent to the second Section of this chapter, I spoke at large

(as is apparent) of every sort, both of fierie and waterie Meteors: now therefore (if you please) you may go along with me to those which are called aierie; wherein I pur∣pose to speak concerning the generation of windes, shewing upon what causes they depend. And by the way I would have you observe a packet of opinions which have been posted to and fro as if they were perti∣nent to the purpose.

1. For some in the first place may be found, who im∣mediately referre the motion and generation of windes unto God, because the windes are said to be brought out of his treasures, as you may reade, Psal. 135. 7. And in the 4. of Amos, at the 13 verse, He formeth the mountains, and createth the windes.

To which I make this answer, that they who send us, concerning these and the like things, to God and to his decree in nature, or to the might of his power, have said indeed that which is primarily true, but not shewed how it is secondarily effected. For although concerning some things extraordinary, the cause be hid; yet such as be or∣dinary are not wrought by the first cause without an ad∣ministration of the second. As for example, God is not onely said to bring the windes out of his a treasures, but also to send forth the lightnings with the rain; as it is in the forenamed Psalme: yet neverthelesse the Prophet Jeremie sheweth that these are wrought, not immedi∣ately, but mediately, by the help of secondary causes; as in Jer. 10. 13. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth. By which it appeareth that he maketh not the rain without them, but of them; those ascending va∣pours being the matter of rain. And again; * The day is thine, and the night is thine: thou hast made summer and winter; as in the Psalmist. Yet neverthelesse we know that the day and the night, together with the seasons of the yeare, are not made but by the motion of the sunne

and starres; as it is in Genesis 1. 14.

2. Wherefore in the second place, seeing God work∣eth these things by means, the motion of the windes is attributed to the Angels, it being supposed that instru∣mentally they perform Gods will in this, causing the windes to blow, &c. Whereupon the Psalmist is again alledged, shewing that the clouds are Gods divine cha∣riot; the horses carrying it are the † windes; the coach∣men are the Angels, whom God calleth Cherubims; and his darts are hot † thunder-bolts, which he casteth from the clouds. And furthermore, that Angels cause the windes, S. John declares it also, Revel. 7. 1. affirming that he saw foure Angels standing upon the foure corners of the earth, holding the windes that they should not blow. The Angels therefore move the windes.

To which again it is answered, that neither is this opinion sound.

For first, concerning the Psalmist, what doth that Pro∣phet but in a figurative speech expresse Gods swiftnesse in coming to succour him?

And secondly, for the foure Angels standing upon the foure corners of the earth to keep the windes from blowing, I marvell that it can be taken so neare a literall sense.

Napeir, in his Comment upon the Revelation, con∣fesseth that the Jews indeed have certain books of anti∣quitie, dividing the government of the earth among foure great Angels, and under them they imagine to be many inferiour ones. But he withall acknowledgeth that they are assertions more curious then certain. And there∣fore he understandeth by these foure Angels, the good Angels of God; and the foure windes he expoundeth to be the spirits of Satan, and executours of vengeance. For in a figurative sense, these and the like things are to be taken.

Besides, the irregularitie of the windes, turning some∣times three or foure times in a day, doth sufficiently shew (as it is elsewhere witnessed by another authour) that they are not immediately governed by any intel∣lectuall substance; for in their actions you may observe a greater constancie, and more certain law.

3. Wherefore leaving this opinion also, I come to a third; wherein I finde that winde is nothing else but the flowing and reflowing, or motion of the aire, having no other materiall substance then the very thin aire it self.

To which it may be answered, that this opinion, al∣though better then the former, cannot float farre before it sink, and will therefore drown him in an errour who sticketh to it. For, as b Aristotle testifieth, we fall into other absurdities upon the admittance of this tenent; (or else we dissent from them who maintained it of old) imagining thus, that when the aire is compelled to move, we have winde; when it standeth still, it is thickened into a cloud; when it raineth, it is condensed into water: all which is very idle.

For furthermore, if the winde were nothing else but the motion of the aire, then it would necessarily follow that all and every aire moved should be winde: but all and every moved aire is not winde: therefore winde is more then the moved aire.

Havenreuter, in his Comment upon Aristotles Mete∣ors, proveth the assumption by this similitude. Even as every flowing water (saith he) although there be great plentie of it, cannot be called a river, but that onely which ariseth from a fountain, or hath some certain be∣ginning of fluxion: so also, not all and every aire, moved by one kinde of means or other, can be called winde, but that onely which is as it were derived from some begin∣ning or fountain. As for example, the aire which is turn∣ed about by the heavens, is moved, yet it was never call∣ed

winde. And again, in a bloudie bulleting fight, the aire is forced and stirred by the thundring sound of gunnes, and yet no winde is raised by it.

Besides, make winde to be nothing else but the mo∣ving of the aire, and then there can be no sufficient rea∣son given why we should have greater plentie of windes at one time then at another; nor yet why they should blow from this point or corner, rather then from that. In which regard they also are confuted who suppose that the motion of the heavens moveth the windes: for if they were moved by the heavens, then the winde must blow alwayes one way, and never turn into a differing corner. But it followeth.

Another opinion (and this is the last that I mean to mention) maintaineth that the windes do actually reside somewhere, and are shut up as in a prison, from whence they have sometimes libertie for a while, but at length they retire, & betake themselves to their dennes or cave again. This the Poets aimed at, when they made Aeolus the God of the windes, affirming that he kept them close, or let them loose at his pleasure. Whereupon Ho∣mer may be remembred, who brings in Ulysses speaking of the said Aeolus thus:—But he gave me (saith he) an bollow bottle or leather bag, made of the skin of a nine-year•…•…∣old ox, in which he bound the blasts of the stormic tempestu∣o•…•… windes. Or as c Ovid speaks of Iupiter, who had a commanding power over all the other Gods;

Protinus Aeoliis Aquilonem claudit in antnis, Emittit̄que Notum; madidis Notus evolat alis.

He forthwith shut the Northern winde within Aeolus den; And loose he lets the Southern winde, which flies with moistned pen.

Now this last opinion, although the Poets have turned it into a fiction, is not so bad as it seems to be. For take

all cum grano salis, as is said, and then it will appeare that the winde is in some sort shut as within a den; and although not loosed by Aeolus, yet by Helios: for Helios (which is the Sunne) doth indeed help to let it loose from out the bowels of the earth; drawing it into the aire, and above the ground; where we may feel it fanne our faces: sometimes churlishly, as if it were angry; sometimes gently, as if it were pleased. But of the seve∣rall kindes of blasts I shall speak afterwards; and there∣fore let them now rest untill I meet them.

Artic. 2. What winde is; upon what causes it dependeth; and how it is moved.

FRom the falsehood of the former opinions I come to declare the truth concerning the generation of windes; affirming that windes are generated by vertue of the Sunne, which causeth an hot and drie Exhalation to be evaporated, or aspired out of the earth. Unto which a some adde the power and operation of certain subterranean fires, which are as an antecedent cause, or causa 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the said windie exhalations: yet so, as being come neare to the superficies of the earth, the Sunne provokes or stirres them up to come abroad, being therein causa 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the moving cause▪ for the Sunne, as a porter, rarifies the superficies of the earth, and thereby openeth the pores and passages of it, through which the matter of winde comes forth, and flyeth side∣long over the face of the earth. And if at any time it happen that these exhalations can have no way made them, but are kept close prisoners; they then (by striving to get out) shake the earth: which makes sad mortals alwayes fear, sometimes suffer, and not seldome won∣der.

Wherefore, winde may be thus defined; namely that

it is a certain plentie of hot and drie exhalations void of pinguid matter; which being partly aspired, and partly exhaled out of the earth, are driven about it, lest the aire should be corrupted.

The matter then, we see, must be an exhalation. The quantitie of it must be copious: and so b Aristotle also witnesseth; affirming that in the generation of windes, there is a concourse of many exhalations, by little and little begetting a large masse of matter. The qualitie of which matter must be hot and drie, not mixed with any fattie substance: for if it were of a pinguid nature, then it would be enflamed like lightning; seeing lightning is an hot and drie exhalation and like unto this, save onely that it containeth great plentie of fattie matter, such as is not amongst the matter of winde.

Unto which adde this observation, that a meer ear∣thie exhalation is never the whole matter of winde. For it draweth up many mixed vapours with it, as may be seen if we call to minde the storms and showers which often happen upon the allaying of a winde. For that part of the exhalation which is more moist and vapo∣rous then the rest, is thickened and condensed into a rainie cloud, whilest the other is either drawn high into the upper Region, or else quite wasted, dispersed and consumed.

Also know that the aire may increase and augment the exhalation after the motion is begun, and so the blast seemeth the greater. For the exhalation cannot but drive some part of the aire before it; then followeth other some after it, lest there should be vacuum.

And furthermore, in that I assent to a twofold effici∣ent cause of winde, viz. the beams of the sunne attract∣ing, and also some certain subterranean fires expelling, it is not without reason: for it evidently appeareth, when the sunne hath either little or no force to draw

up an exhalation, that then we have often great blasts; as those Northern windes in winter, and boisterous blasts, which happen in the night above our Horizon, when the sunne is under it. And unto this may be also added the secret influence of the Planets, who being in such or such a position do powerfully cause the earth to afford the aire great store of windie exhalations. As for example: the aspect of Iupiter (especially his conjuncti∣on) with the sunne, causeth great windes; producing also (as they may be placed) thunder and hail, as well as fair weather. And as for Mercury, if he be aspected either with the sunne, moon, or Iupiter, in Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius, it is evermore an infallible signe of winde; unlesse there be some other particular and more power∣full influence to crosse it: for, as some have found it, generall influences may hinder those which are particu∣lar.

But come now to the motion of windes. I said before in their definition, that they were driven about the earth: and now it may be demanded how that motion is, and from whence it proceedeth.

Their motion is a laterall or sidelong motion, caused through the aspiring of the exhalation and detrusion of the aire. For the exhalation is hot and drie, and drawn up by the attractive power of the sunne & other starres; whereupon, whilest it tendeth towards the middle Regi∣on of the aire, it is beaten down again through the cold∣nesse and densitie of that place: and so, with a refracted and disjoynted force, it is driven hither and thither, and not suffered to fly up, nor willing to fall down in respect of the great levitie in it: and having as it were divided the contention between both (viz. the cold of the aire, and heat of the exhalation) neither overcoming other; it flyeth, not directly up, nor directly down, but laterally or obliquely: for it is c held to be a kinde of Axiome, that

those things which are moved partly by force, and part∣ly naturally, move themselves obliquely. By which rea∣son lightning also, shooting starres, and the like Mete∣ors, fly not directly down, nor up; but sidelong, as the winde: unlesse it be, that when they consist of Hetero∣genean parts, or parts of a divers kinde (which some also attribute to the matter of windes) they then, through the strife of those their elevating and depressing parts, have a transverse motion as before.

The place from whence this motion of the windes beginneth, is from above.

First, because the motion must necessarily begin from that place whither the exhalation is carried, as is seen in a vapour turned to rain.

Secondly, because all those things which have great force, there, where they have their greatest force, are not farre from their head or beginning of motion: but the windes have their greatest force in places up on high: therefore there they begin their motion, as Havenreuter proveth.

Thirdly, know that the rednesse of the skie, and all other visible signes of winde, do declare that some spi∣rits or windie breathings are above, which in short time will be turned into blasts. For rednesse is a token of the adustion of exhalations in the aire: and the breaking of a circle about the moon from some one side or other, doth also shew the winde that is above, but not as yet come down unto us. The like also doth the swift motion of a single cloud in a cleare skie when we feel no blasts below.

Besides, the hot and drie exhalation we know is carri∣ed first upright, and cannot therefore move obliquely untill it be encountered: wherefore the motion begin∣neth in the aire above, and not in places here below.

And yet some imagine that certain particular windes,

which are known but onely in some countreys, have their immediate motion from out the caverns of the earth, without any ascent into the skie: and this they prove, because the blast bloweth not farre, but is like the winde that cometh out of a pair of bellows, strong neare the coming forth; but farre off, is not perceived.

Upon thought of which let it also be known, that the blowing of the winde sometimes one way and some∣times another way, dependeth upon no other cause then upon the situation of the place from whence the exhalation ariseth: and that it is sometimes stirred up one where, sometimes another where, proceedeth from the operation of the heavens.

Also know, that windes diametrally opposite cannot blow together under one and the same Horizon with a continued blast. For if they be of equall strength, the one will be as powerfull as the other, and so not one give place to either. Or if their forces be unequall, then the one will overcome the other, and so the conquered must upon necessitie give place to the conquerour, and rather joyn unwilling forces with him, then be against him.

Yet neverthelesse, if they be obliquely contrary, they may blow together: and by how much they are the more oblique, by so much they stirre up the greater stri∣vings and tempestuous blasts.

But if the exhalation be little, tenuous or thin, then we have onely a pleasant whisking winde, such as may be called aura, by which the aire is gently moved.

Also know, that it is as possible to see the winde as the aire, their substances being too tenuous to be percei∣ved; unlesse in a storm-winde, whose matter is an exha∣lation so thick that it darkens the aire: of which more shall be spoken afterwards; as also of whi•…•…lwindes, and the like.

Last of all (as it is observed, and found by experience)

the d generall profit of winde, by the unspeakable wis∣dome of the eternall God, is wonderfull great unto his creatures. For besides the alteration of the weather and change of seasons, from drinesse to rain, from rain to drinesse, from cold to heat, from heat to cold with frost and snow, which all are necessary; there is yet an uni∣versall commoditie that riseth by the onely moving of the aire: which were it not continually moved and stir∣red, would soon putrifie, and being putrified would be a deadly poison and infection to all that breathe upon the earth. Wherefore, although we know not the par∣ticular place from whence it is raised, or where it is laid down, as e Christ meaneth, John the third: yet it teach∣eth the admired providence of the Almightie; insomuch that we may worthily crie out with the Psalmist, and say, Oh Lord how manifold are thy works! in wisdome thou hast made them all.

Artic. 3. Of the division of windes, and of their names and number.

THe Ancients (as a Plinie witnesseth) observed one∣ly foure windes, East, West, North, and South: but the following ages added eight; making the whole num∣ber to be twelve: Foure whereof were principall, and called Cardinall windes; because they blew à quatuor mundi cardinibus, from the foure quarters of the world: The other eight they called Laterall; because they were (as it were) side companions with the former foure. The Cardi∣nall were called by these names

• 1. Solanus, Subsolanus, or the East winde.
• 2. Notus, Auster, or the South winde.
• 3. Zephyrus, Favonius, or the West winde.
• 4. Aquilo, Septentrio, or the North winde.

And again, the laterall were called by these names that follow, and thus placed from the Cardinall.

As first, the East hath on the Southern side Eurus, or

Vulturnus: and on the Northern side Coecias, or Helle∣spontus.

Secondly, the South winde hath on the East side Phoe∣nix or Euronotus: and on the West side Lybonotus, or Au∣stro-Africus; so called because it declineth from the South something towards Africa.

Thirdly, the West hath on the South side Lybs, or Africus; so called from Lybia and Africa, the Regions from whence they proceed: and on the North side there is Corus or Caurus, called also b Iapix, and Olympias; be∣cause it bloweth from the mountain Olympus.

Fourthly, the North hath on the West side Cyrcius, called also Thraschias, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, converto, because it useth to overturn many things with it. The Spaniards call it c Gallicus, because it is observed to blow from the coasts of new Gallicia, a Mexicanian province. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the East side of the North point there is blustering Bore∣as, which is a bellowing winde, blowing with a loud hollow sound; and is therefore derived by Aulus Gellius in his d Attick nights, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This division Aristotle also assenteth unto, making three windes in every quarter; as in the second book of his Meteors, at the sixth chapter, may be seen.

But the mariners make 20 more besides these: inso∣much that the whole circumference of the Horizon is divided into two and thirtie equall parts, which they call and distinguish by severall names. And now observe in this division, that there be foure Cardinall windes, as before: foure middle windes, which are just in the mid∣dest between each Cardine: eight laterall, already men∣tioned: and sixteen collaterall: making, in the whole summe, the aforesaid number of two and thirtie.

Know therefore that the Cardinall, and middle windes, are properly the principall: the other be∣ing lesse principall and subordinate: divided therefore

into laterall and collaterall; as hath been mentioned.

And as for those middle ones, they be such as we call South-west, South-east, North-west, and North-east windes. Notolybicus is the South-west winde; and Nota∣peliotes the South-east. Borrholybicus is the North-west winde; and Borrhapeliotes the North-east.

The rest, being sixteen in number, and collaterall, have their places, one between each of the other: and so the circumference is divided into 32 parts, as before I shewed. Now the names of these sixteen are borrowed from those lateralls with whom they have the greatest neighbourhood, by f adding Meso and Upo to them. For Meso comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, medius; because it is in the mid∣dle between a principall and a laterall winde: and Upo comes from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, sub; because it is as it were subject to that laterall winde next unto which it is placed, and from whence it taketh the name. As for example: Eurus is a laterall winde, a little from the East towards the South: and this hath on each side of it one collaterall. That which is between Notapeliotes, or the South-east winde and it, is called Mes'eurus, being middle between a principall and a laterall. But that which is between the East and it, is called Up'eurus, as being subject unto Eurus. And by observing this order you may give names unto all the rest: for Meso and Upo will compound them.

Yet neverthelesse ordinarily the mariners name them thus. As North, North and by West, North North West, North West and by North, North West, North West and by West, West North West, West and by North, West. West and by South, West South West, South West and by West, South West, South West and by South, South South West, South and by West, South. South and by East, South South East, South East and by South, South East, South East and by East, East South East, East and by South, East. East and by North, East North East, North East and by

East, North East, North East and by North, North North East, North and by East. And then North again, as in the beginning.

Artic. 4. The nature and qualitie of the windes.

IT may well appeare by that which already hath been written concerning the generation of windes, that e∣very winde in it self, or in respect of the matter causing it, is of an hot and drie qualitie. If therefore, blowing from any quarter, we finde it other, it is by accident, and not through any inherent propertie: for windes do ever∣more participate of the nature of that place by which they passe: If by snowie mountains, then bring they with them the cold of those mountains; if by marshes, contagion; if by woods, their blast is broken; if by san∣die plains, they are warm; if by moist watry places, they are wet.

And therefore for particular windes, the a Panormi in Sicil are extream hot; for before they pierce thither, they scoure through the plains of Sicil; and taking heat from the sands, they carrie it into the citie. The South winde at Genua is cold, because it passeth the sea, and taketh coldnesse thereof without touching the land be∣fore it arive. But the North winde which bloweth through France (saith b one) cometh from the sea, and taking some measure of heat by the saltnesse thereof, and finding no mountains covered with ice or snow in his passage, augmenteth his heat by passing over the fields of Normandie, Champaigne, the isle of France, and other provinces, even to the hills of Auvergne: which being moderately heated by the South winde on the one side, and the North winde on the other, bringeth forth every where excellent pastures, and feedings for cattell

and sheep, besides divers sorts of medicinable plants and most perfect simples. Also in c some places it is found that the Eastern winde moisteneth, and the Western winde bringeth drought: and in other some the Western moisteneth, and the other drieth. So that it is possible for one and the same winde to have a divers qualitie; al∣though not in it self, yet by accident; as at the first was mentioned.

Yet neverthelesse generally, and in most places, the North, with his associates, is cold and drie: the South, with his companions, is warm and moist: and the East, with his adherents, is farre more drie then the Western and his neare neighbour windes.

The reasons whereof may be. First, for the North, because it bloweth over many snowie mountains, and ariseth from a climate which hath little neighbourhood with the sunne, where the vapours be few, and the ex∣halations many that arise out of sundry islands by the way. Unto which also adde, because the exhalation passeth not farre before it come at us, that therefore it seldome bringeth rain: for the exhalation hath not time enough to spend the driest portion of it, so as the South winde doth; who passeth both over more waterie pla∣ces, and also cometh further before we feel it.

Secondly, for the South winde, it cometh over the Mediterranean sea, out of which the sunne begets abun∣dance of waterie vapours, which mix themselves with the windes, causing them thereupon to be the blowers in of rain. And as for their heat, it is because they blow from the Equator where heat is most predominant. Also know that a long and gentle South winde may some∣times cause clearenesse and fair weather, most common∣ly in the summer season, because it is by nature hot; and therefore blowing for a certain space, it so warmeth the aire, that the vapours which otherwise would pro∣duce

rain, are not suffered to be knit, but are attenuated and made so thin that they come to nothing; or being any thing, they prove onely barren clouds, affording little rain.

Thirdly, the East winde is found to be the driest, be∣cause it cometh over a great continent of land lying to∣wards the East, out of which many drie and earthie ex∣halations are drawn. In winter these windes are very cold and freezing; but in summer they are pleasantly warm, but healthfull: and if at any time they blow up rain (which is not ordinary) they then continue it by the space of a whole day; even as the like also some∣times happeneth from the North. The reason of which I take to be, because (perhaps) their lateralls, not being absolutely of the same qualitie, may arise together with them, and so bring rain; especially, if at the same time there be any other working in nature apt to moisten the skie with vapours. For it is affirmed that Eurus on the one side, and Coecias on the other side, being two laterall windes pertinent to the East, do naturally raise clouds, and often turn them into rain; as do also Upocoecias, and Mes'eurus, their collateralls. And so also Cyrcius may do, and Borrholybicus, being on the West side of the North, if either of them happen to arise and joyn, al∣though but weakly, with the Northern blast. For in their own sole blowings they beget both snow and hail; either of which may fall down in drops of rain, when the mixture of qualities is found to be divers.

Fourthly, the Western winde is farre more moist then the East, because it passeth over the great ocean of the Atlantick sea, which must needs cast out many wa∣terie and moist vapours, and they cannot but beget rain and showers. It is said also to be of a cold temper; but surely not of an absolute coldnesse: for it is found by ex∣perience that a direct Zephyrus or Favonius, with their

collateralls, Mesocorus, and Up'africus, are warm and pleasant, bringing sometimes hot showers, sometimes warm and cleare weather. And therefore it is determi∣ned by certain authours, that this winde may blow from a cold place, and yet bring heat. For although (in regard of the place over which it cometh) it be cold; yet in respect of the time when it usually bloweth, it is hot. Which d Horace also pointed at, saying,

Solvitur acris hyems grat â vice veris & Favonî.

The winter sharp is loosed by the kinde Return of Spring, and of the Western winde.

Or will you heare what others say? Lemnius (as Origanus relateth) affirmeth that this Western winde and his collateralls are of a changing temper. For although in the beginning of the Spring they be pleasing and gentle, and are found to recreate and cherish all things, seeing they are warmed by the moderate heat of the sunne, which makes them bring out the beautie of trees, and flowers, to the view of the world; and also causeth the bloud and good humours to appeare, which in winter lay hid, as if they were not; casting away also the clouds of the minde, and begetting jocundnesse in the heart: yet neverthelesse, Autumne ending, and the circuit of the yeare enclining to Winter, the foresaid windes do blow unkindely, striking the sea and land with many a tempestuous blast, and unwished breathings.

Moreover, this also may be observed, that the long continuance of the windes in any of these quarters, pro∣duceth these and the like effects.

As first, the East winde breedeth in cholerick bodies sharp fevers, raging madnesse, and perilous apostumati∣ons.

Secondly, the South winde breedeth corrupt hu∣mours, and in hot bodies cramps, giddinesse in the head, or the falling sicknesse, pestilence and cruel fevers, viz.

when they blow long in the winter. This is held to be the most unwholesome winde.

Thirdly, the West winde breedeth phlegme in moist bodies; it procureth sleep, causeth apoplexies, and the like; and is never so churlish as when winter begins to approach.

And last of all, the North winde is good against the pestilence; and yet in cold bodies it breedeth plurifies, coughs, gouts, and (in some) squincies and sore throats: but yet of all windes it is held to be the wholesomest, al∣though it be sharp in our winter moneths.

And this also note, that a continuall still summer is a signe of plague or earthquake: for a standing aire putri∣fieth, and an enclosed winde shaketh the ground.

Artic. 5. Of whirlwindes, storm-windes, and fired whirlwindes.

A Whirlwinde, is a winde breaking out of a cloud, rowling or winding round about: which may be caused two manner of wayes.

First, when two or more contrary windes, blowing from divers places, meet together.

Secondly, when the matter of winde, being an hot and drie exhalation, breaketh out of a cloud in divers parts of it, coming through the said holes with more then an ordinary violence. Or rather thus; Imagine a windie exhalation bursting out of a cloud, to be so dri∣ven, that by the way it happeneth to be pent between two clouds on either side of it; against which, beating it self, and finding a repercussion, it is forced to turn and whirl about; even as we see in the streets of cities when the winde is beaten from two walls, and meeteth in the middest of the street: for then there is made a little whirl-puffe, which whisking round about taketh up the dust or straws and bloweth them about, as doth the great

and fearfull whirlwinde it self; which hath brought not onely amazement and terrour to mortalls, but also much harm and mischief. a Plinie is perswaded that vineger thrown into one of these blasts will break it, because vineger is of a cold qualitie, and the exhalation hot: and therefore the one is as it were quelled and quenched by the other. The Greeks call a whirlwinde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the La∣tinists turbo, or vortex.

Also a sudden storm-winde is called by the Greeks, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; and by the Latines, procella: and this happeneth, either when a windie exhalation is thrown down, and encompassed in a thin course of clouds newly overcast, or else when a windie exhalation is come to an extraor∣dinary thicknesse, and violently moved out of a cloud, to the darkening of the aire, without inflammation or burning: for when it burneth they call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, à 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 incendo, to burn, or set on fire. And this last is that which we call a fired whirlwinde, being an exhaled blast set on fire either by an Antiperistasis, by repercussion, or violent detrusion from the cloud wherein it was enclo∣sed; for it is made apt to be fired in regard that it con∣sisteth of an exhalation which hath more fattie substance in it then other windes which burn not: And know that it differeth from lightning chiefly in these respects: first, because lightning consisteth of a more subtil and thin matter: for although a fired whirlwinde have a more thin spirit or blast then a whirlwinde, or a stormie winde; yet it is not so tenuous as the spirit of fulmen, or light∣ning. Secondly, because lightning is more flamie and lesse breathie; the one having more windie spirits in it then the other.

Notes

• The first opini∣on.
• Answer.
• a

  D•…•… dicit, De∣um producere ven∣tos de thesauris su∣is, hoc tantùm in∣nuit, ventorum materiam & exha∣lati•…•…nen; in terra tanquam thesauro inclusam esse, unde De•…•…s ventos pro∣ducit per causas in∣termedias & natu∣rales, quae sunt ca∣lor solis & terr•…•…. Havenreut.
• Psal. 74. 17. 18.
• A soc•…•…nd opini∣on.
• Psal. 104. 3.
• †

  Ibid.
• Psal. 18. 10.
• †

  Ibid. vers. 14.
• Answer.
• •…•… third opinion.
• Answer.
• b

  Met•…•…r. lib. 1. cap. 13.
• Winde is more then the motion of the aire.
• Another opinion.
• The reason of which fiction was, because the clouds and mists rising about the s•…•…en Aeolian Islands, of which he was king, did alwayes portend great store of windes.
• c

  Metamor. lib. 1.
• a

  L•…•…d. de orig•…•… font. cap. 3.
• The cause and effects of an earthquake.
• The definition of winde.
• b

  Met. lib. 2. cap. 4.
• Why it useth to rain when the winde is down.
• The aire moved augments the winde.
• How the windes are moved, and by what.
• c

  Haven••••us. de Mes. lib. 2. cap. 4.
• Where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 moti∣on of the winde beginneth.
• Particular windes.
• Why the winde bloweth not al∣wayes one way.
• Opposite 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Oblique windes.
• Whis•…•…ing windes.
• The matter of winde not obvi∣ous to the sight.
• d

  Fulk.
• e

  Iste locus vult, qu•…•…d ventus sensi∣bus deprehendi ne∣queat; & certus lo∣cus, ubi ventus fla∣r•…•… incipias & desi∣•…•…at, notari non pos∣sit: vis enim ejus tantùm sentiat•…•…▪ Havenreut.
• Psal. 104. 24.
• a

  Plin. Lib. 2. cap. 47.
• b

  Origan. de effect. cap. 5.
• c

  Ibid.
• d

  Lib. 2. cap. 22.
• The mariners reckon 32 windes
• f

  Orig. Ephes. lib. de effect, cap. 6.
• a

  Windes blow∣ing into the ha∣ven and famous ci∣tie of Panormus, or Palermo in S•…•…cilie.
• b

  In a book cal∣led a generall de∣scription of the world.
• c

  Origan. Ephem. de effect. cap. 5.
• Their qualities according as they commonly blow.
• Norths qualitie.
• Souths qualitie.
• Easts qualitie.
• Why the East and North windes sometimes bring rain for a whole day.
• West windes qua∣litie.
• d

  Lib. 1. carm. od. 4.
• The effects of a long-continuing winde, at certain seasons.
• A signe of plague and earthquake.
• a

  Lib. 2. cap. 48.
• Typhon.
• 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quod est verberare.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Prester.