A discourse concerning a new world & another planet in 2 bookes.

Proposition 14.

That tis possible for some of our posteri∣tie, to find out a conveyance to this other world; and if there be in∣habitants there, to have commerce with them.

ALL that hath been said, concern∣ing the people of the new world, is but conjecturall, and full of uncer∣tainties; nor can we ever looke for any evident or more probable discoveries in this kind, unlesse there bee some hopes of inventing means for our con∣veyance thither. The possibilitie of which, shall bee the subject of our en∣quiry in this last Proposition.

And, if we doe but consider by what steps and leasure, all arts doe usually rise to their growth, we shall have no cause to doubt why this also may not hereafter be found out amongst other secrets. It hath constantly yet been the method of providence, not present∣ly to shew us all, but to leade us on by

degrees, from the knowledge of one thing to another.

'Twas a great while, ere the Planets were distinguished from the fixed stars and some time after that, ere the morn∣ing and evening starre were found to be the same. And in greater space (I doubt not) but this also, and other as excellent mysteries will be discovered. Time, who hath alwayes been the fa∣ther of new truths, and hath revealed unto us many things, which our Ance∣stors were ignorant of, will also mani∣fest to our posteritie,* 1.1 that which wee now desire, but cannot know. Veniet tempus (saith Seneca) quo ista quae nunc latent, in lucem dies extrahet, & longio∣ris aevi diligentia. Time will come, when the indeavors of after ages, shall bring such things to light as now lie hid in obscuritie. Arts are not yet come to their solstice. But the indu∣strie of future times, assisted with the labors of their forefathers, may reach that height which wee could not at∣taine to. Veniet tempus quo posteri nostri nos tam aperta nescisse mirentur. As wee now wonder at the blindnesse of our

Ancestors, who were not able to dis∣cerne such things, as seeme plaine and obvious unto us; so will our posterity, admire our ignorance in as perspicuous matters.

In the first ages of the world the I∣landers thought themselves either to bee the only dwellers upon earth, or else if there were any other, they could not possibly conceive how they might have any commerce with them, being severed by the deepe and broade Sea. But after times found out the inventi∣on of ships, in which notwithstanding, none but some bold, daring men durst venture, according to that of the Tra∣goedian.* 1.2

Audax nimium qui freta primus Rate tam fragili perfida rupit.* 1.3 Too bold was he,* 1.4 who in a ship so fraile, First venturd on the trecherous waves to saile.* 1.5

And yet now, how easie a thing is this even to a timorous and cowardly nature? And questionlesse, the inven∣tion of some other means for our con∣veiance to the Moone, cannot seeme more incredible to us, than this did at

first to them, and therefore we have no just reason to bee discouraged in our hopes of the like successe.

Yea, but (you will say) there can be no sayling thither, unlesse that were true which the Poëts doe but faine, that she made her bed in the Sea. Wee have not now any Drake, or Columbus, to undertake this voyage, or any Dae∣dalus to invent a conveiance through the ayre.

I answer, Though wee have not, yet why may not succeeding times, rayse up some spirits as eminent for new at∣tempts and strange inventions, as any that were before them? Tis the opi∣nion of Keplar,* 1.6 that as soone as the art of flying is found out, some of their nation will make one of the first Colo∣nies, that shall transplant into that o∣ther world. I suppose, his appropriat∣ing this preheminence to his owne Countreymen, may arise from an o∣verpartiall affection to them. But yet thus far I agree with him, That when ever that Art is invented, or any other, wherby a man may be conveyed some twenty miles high, or thereabouts,

then, tis not altogether improbable that some or other may be successefull in this attempt.

For the better clearing of which I shall first lay downe, and then answer those doubts that may make it seeme utterly impossible.

These are chiefly three.

The first, taken from the naturall heavinesse of a mans body, whereby it is made unfit for the motion of a∣scent, together with the vast distance of that place from us.

2. From the extreme coldnes of the aethereall ayre.

3. The extreme thinnesse of it. Both which must needs make it impas∣sible, though it were but as many single miles thither, as it is thousands.

For the first. Though it were suppo∣sed that a man could flie, yet wee may well think hee would be very slow in it, since hee hath so heavy a body, and such a one too, as nature did not prin∣cipally intend, for that kind of motion. Tis usually observed, that amongst the varietie of birds, those which doe most converse upon the earth, and are swift∣est

in their running, as a Pheasant, Par∣tridge, &c. together with all domesti∣call fowle, are lesse able for flight, than othhrs which are for the most part up∣on the wing, as a Swallow, swift, &c. And therefore wee may well think, that man being not naturally endowed with any such condition as may inable him for this motion; and being necessa∣rily tied to a more especiall residence on the earth, must needs be slower than any fowle, and lesse able to hold out. Thus is it also in swimming; which Art though it bee growne to a good emi∣nence, yet he that is best skilled in it, is not able either for continuance, or swiftnesse, to equall a fish; Because he is not naturally appointed to it. So that though a man could fly, yet hee would be so slow in it, and so quickly weary, that hee could never think to reach so great a journey as it is to the Moone.

But suppose withall that hee could fly as fast, and long, as the swiftest bird: yet it cannot possibly bee con∣ceived, how he should ever be able to passe through so vast a distance, as there

is betwixt the Moone and our earth. For this Planet, according to the com∣mon grounds, is usually granted to bee at the least, 52 semidiameters of the earth from us. Reckoning for each se∣midiameter 3456 English miles, of which the whole space will be about 179712.

So that though a man could con∣stantly keep on in his journey thither by a straite line, though he could fly a thousand miles in a day; yet he would not arrive thither under 180 dayes, or halfe a yeare.

And how were it possible for any to tarry so long without dyet or sleep?

1. For Diet. I suppose there could be no trusting to that fancy of Philo the Iew (mentioned before,* 1.7) who thinks that the musick of the spheares should supply the strength of food.

Nor can wee well conceive how a man should be able to carry so much luggage with him, as might serve for his Viaticum in so tedious a jour∣ney.

2. But if he could: yet he must have some time to rest and sleep in. And I 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

yet they have not any present inclina∣tion or pronesse to one another. And so consequently, cannot bee styled hea∣vy.

The meaning of this will bee more clearely illustrated by a similitude. As any light body (suppose the Sunne) dos send forth his beames in an orbicu∣lar forme; So likewise any magneticall body, for instance a round loadstone dos cast abroad his magneticall vigor in a spheare.* 1.8 Thus.

[illustration]

Where suppose the inward circle at A to represent the Loadstone, and the

outward one betwixt B C, the orbe that dos terminate its vertue.

Now any other body that is like af∣fected comming within this sphere, as B, will presently descend towards the center of it, and in that respect may be styled heavy. But place it without this sphere as C, and then the desire of u∣nion ceaseth, and so consequently the motion also.

To apply then what hath been said. This great globe of earth and water, hath been proved by many observati∣ons, to participate of Magneticall pro∣perties. And as the Loadstone dos cast forth its owne vigor round about its body, in a magneticall compasse: So likewise dos our earth. The difference is, that it is another kind of affection which causes the union betwixt the Iron and Loadstone, from that which makes bodies move unto the earth. The former is some kind of neerenesse and similitude in their natures, for which, Philosophie as yet has not found a particular name. The latter dos arise from that peculiar qualitie, where∣by the earth is properly distinguished

from the other elements, which is its Condensitie. Of which the more any thing dos participate, by so much the stronger will bee the desire of union to it. So gold and others metalls which are most close in their composition, are likewise most swift in their motion of discent.

And though this may seeme to bee contradicted by the instance of me∣talls, which are of the same weight, when they are melted, and when they are hard: As also of water, which dos not differ in respect of gravitie, when it is frozen and when it is fluid: yet we must know that metalls are not rari∣fied by melting, but mollified. And so too for frozen waters, they are not pro∣perly condensed, but congealed into a harder substance, the parts being not contracted closer together, but still possessing the same extension. But yet (I say) tis very probable, that there is such a spheare about the earth, which dos terminate its power of attracting other things unto it. So that suppose a body to bee placed within the limits of this sphere, and then it must needs

tend downewards, towards the center of it. But on the contrary, if it be be∣yond this compasse, then there can bee no such mutuall attraction; & so conse∣quently, it must rest immoveable from any such motion.

For the farther confirmation of this, I shall propose two pertinent observa∣tions.

The first taken in the presence of many Physitians, and related by an e∣minent man in that profession,* 1.9 Hieron. Fracastorius. There being divers needles provided of severall kindes, like those in a Mariners Chart, they found, that there was an attractive power, not on∣ly in the magnet; But that iron also and steele, and silver did each of them draw its owne mettle. Whence hee concludes,* 1.10 Omne trahit quod sibi simile est. And as these peculiar likenesses, have such a mutuall efficacy; so tis pro∣bable, that this more generall qua∣lification of condensitie, may bee the cause, why things so affected desire union to the earth. And though 'tis likely that this would appeare betwixt two lesser condensed bodies, (as sup∣pose

two peeces of earth) if they were both placed at libertie in the aethereall ayre, yet being neere the earth, the stronger species of this great globe dos as it were drownd the lesse.

'Tis a common experiment, that such a lump of ore or stone, as being on the ground, cannot be moved by lesse than six men, being in the bottom of a deep mine, may be stirred by two. The rea∣son is, because then tis compassed with attractive beams, there being many a∣bove it,* 1.11 as well as below it. Whence we may probably inferre (saith the learned Verulam)

that the nature of gravitie, dos worke but weakly al∣so far from the earth; Because the appetite of union in dense bodies, must bee more dull in respect of di∣stance.

As we may also conclude from the motion of birds, which rise from the ground but heavily, though with much labor; Whereas being on high, they can keep themselves up, and soare about by the meere extension of their wings. Now the reason of this diffe∣rence, is not (as some falsly conceive) the depth of ayre under them. For a

bird is not heavier when there is but a foote of ayre under him, than when there is a furlong. As appeares by a ship in the water, (an instance of the same nature) which dos not sinke deep∣er, and so consequently is not heavier, when it has but five fatham depth, than when it has fifty. But the true reason is, the weaknesse of the desire of union in dense bodies at a distance.

So that from hence, there might be just occasion to taxe Aristotle and his followers, for teaching that heavines is an absolute qualitie of it selfe, and really distinct from condensitie: where∣as it is onely a modification of it, or ra∣ther, another name given to a conden∣sed body in reference to its motion.

For if it were absolute, then it should alwayes be inherent in its subject, and not have its essence depend upon the bodies being here or there. But it is not so. For,

1. Nothing is heavy in its proper place, according to his owne principle, Nihil grave est in suo loco. And then

2. Nothing is heavy, which is so farre distant from that proper orbe to

which it dos belong, that it is not within the reach of its vertue. As was before confirmed.

But unto this it may be objected. Though a body being so placed, be not heavy in actu secundo; yet it is in actu primo: because it retaines in it an inward proness to move downewards, being once severed from its proper place. And this were reason enough why the quality of heavinesse should have an absolute being.

I answer, this distinction is only appliable to such naturall powers as can suspend their acts; and will not hold in Elementary qualities, whose very essence dos necessarily require an exercise of the second act, as you may easily discerne by an induction of all the rest. I cannot say, that body has in it the quality of heate, cold∣nesse, drinesse, moisture, hardnesse, softnesse, &c. which for the present, has not the second act of these quali∣ties. And if you meane by the essence of them, a power unto them: why, there is not any naturall body but has a power to them all.

From that which hath beene said concerning the nature of gravity, it will follow; That if a man were above the sphere of this magneticall vertue, which proceeds from the earth, hee might there stand as firmely as in the open aire, as he can now upon the ground: And not only so, but he may also move with a farre greater swift∣nesse, than any living creatures here below, because then hee is without all gravity, being not attracted any way, and so consequently will not be liable to such impediments, as may in the least manner resist that kinde of mo∣tion which hee shall apply himselfe unto.

If you yet enquire, how wee may conceive it possible, that a conden∣sed body should not be heavy in such a place?

I answer, by the same reason as a body is not heavy in its proper place. Of this I will set down two instances.

When a man is in the bottome of a deepe river, though hee have over him a multitude of heavy waters, yet he is not burdened with the weight of

them. And though another body, that should be but of an equall gravity, with these waters, when they are ta∣ken out, would be heavy enough to presse him to death; yet notwithstan∣ding whilst they are in the channell, they doe not in the least manner, crush him with their load. The reason is, because they are both in their right places; and tis proper for the man be∣ing the more condensed body, to be lower than the waters. Or rather thus, Because the body of the man, dos more nearely agree with the earth, in this affection, which is the ground of its attraction, and therefore doth that more strongly attract it, than the wa∣ters that are over it. Now, as in such a case, a body may lose the operati∣on of its gravity, which is, to move, or to presse downewards: So may it likewise, when it is so far out of its place, that this attractive power can∣not reach unto it.

Tis a pretty notion to this purpose, mentioned by* 1.12 Albertus de Saxonia, and out of him by* 1.13 Francis Mendoca; That the aire is in some part of it

navigable. And that upon this Staticke principle;* 1.14 any brasse or iron vessell (suppose a kettle) whose substance is much heavier than that of the water, yet being filled with the lighter aire, it will swimme upon it, and not sinke. So suppose a cup, or wooden vessel, upon the outward borders of this ele∣mentary aire, the cavity of it being filled with fire, or rather aethereall aire, it must necessarily upon the same ground remaine swimming there, and of it selfe can no more fall, than an empty ship can sinke.

Tis commonly granted, that if there were a hole quite through the center of the earth, though any heavy body (as suppose a milstone) were let fall into it, yet when it came unto the place of the center, it would there rest im∣moveable in the aire. Now, as in this case, its owne condensity, cannot hin∣der, but that it may rest in the open aire, when there is no other place, to which it should be attracted: So nei∣ther could it be any impediment unto it, if it were placed without the sphere of the earths magneticall vigor,

where there should be no attraction at all.

From hence then (I say) you may conceive, that if a man were beyond this sphere, hee might there stand as firmely in the open aire, as now upon the earth. And if he might stand there, why might hee not also goe there? And if so; then there is a possibility likewise of having other conveniences for travelling.

And here tis considerable, that since our bodies will then bee devoide of gravity, and other impediments of motion; wee shall not at all spend our selves in any labour, and so conse∣quently not much need the reparation of diet: But may perhaps live altoge∣ther without it, as those creatures have done, who by reason of their sleeping for many dayes together, have not spent any spirits, and so not wan∣ted any foode: which is commonly related of Serpents, Crocodiles, Beares, Cuckoes, Swallowes, and such like. To this purpose,* 1.15 Mendoca rec∣kons up divers strange relations. As that of Epimenides, who is storied to

have slept 75 yeeares. And another of a rusticke in Germany, who being ac∣cidentally covered with a hay-ricke, slept there for all autumne, and the winter following, without any nourish∣ment.

Or, if this will not serve: yet why may not a Papist fast so long, as well as Ignatius or Xaverius? Or if there be such a strange efficacy in the bread of the Eucharist, as their miraculous relations doe attribute to it: why then, that may serve well enough, for their viaticum.

Or, if wee must needs feed upon something else, why may not smells nourish us?* 1.16 Plutrach, and* 1.17 Pliny and divers other ancients, tell us of a na∣tion in India that lived only upon plea∣sing odors. And tis the common opi∣nion of Physitians, that these doe strangely both strengthen and repaire the spirits.* 1.18 Hence was it that Democri∣tus was able for divers dayes together, to feede himselfe with the meere smel of hot bread.

Or if it bee necessary that our sto∣macks must receive the food: why

then tis not impossible that the purity of the aethereall aire, being not mixed with any improper vapors, may be so agreeable to our bodies, as to yeeld us sufficient nourishment; According to that of the Poet;* 1.19

—Vescitur aurâ Aethereâ—

Twas an old Platonicke principle, that there is in some part of the world such a place where men might be plentiful∣ly nourished, by the aire they breath: Which cannot more properly be as∣signed to any one particular, than to the aethereall aire above this.

I know tis the common opinion that no Element can prove Aliment,* 1.20 be∣cause tis not proportionate to the bo∣dies of living creatures which are compounded. But,

1. This aethereall aire is not an ele∣ment; and though it be purer, yet tis perhaps of a greater agreeablenesse to mans nature and constitution.

2. If we consult experience and the credible relations of others, wee shall finde it probable enough that many things receive nourishment from meer elements.

First, for the earth;* 1.21 Aristotle and * 1.22 Pliny, those two great naturalists, tell us of some creatures,* 1.23 that are fed only with this. And it was the curse of the serpent, Gen. 3. 14. Vpon thy belly shalt thou goe, and dust shalt thou eate all the dayes of thy life.

So likewise for the water.* 1.24* 1.25 Albertus Magnus speaks of a man who lived se∣ven weeks together by the meere drin∣king of water.* 1.26 Rondoletius (to whose diligence these later times are much beholding for sundry observations concerning the nature of Aquatils) af∣firmes that his wife did keep a fish in a glasse of water, without any other food for three yeares: In which space it was constantly augmented, till at first it could not come out of the place at which it was put in, and at length was too big for the glasse it selfe, though that were of a large capacity.* 1.27 Cardan tells us of some wormes, that are bred & nourished by the snow, from which being once separated, they dye.

Thus also is it with the aire,* 1.28 which wee may well conceive dos chiefly concurre to the nourishing of all vege∣tables.

For if their food were all suck∣ed out from the earth, there must needs be then, some sensible decay in the ground by them; especially since they do every yeare renew their leaves, and fruits: which being so many, and so of∣ten, could not be produced without a∣bundance of nourishment. To this pur∣pose is the experimēt of trees cut down which will of themselves put forth sproutes. As also that of Onyons, & the Semper-vive, which will strangely shoot forth, and grow as they hang in the open aire.* 1.29 Thus likewise is it with some sensible creatures; the Camelion (saith* 1.30 Pliny and* 1.31 Solinus) is meerely nourished by this: And so are the birds of Paradise,* 1.32 treated of by * many; which reside constantly in the aire,* 1.33 Na∣ture having not bestowed upon them any legs, and therefore they are never seene upon the ground but being dead. If you aske, how they multiply? Tis answered, they lay their egges on the backes of one another, upon which they sit til their young ones be fledg'd. * 1.34 Rondoletius from the history of Her∣molaus Barbarus, tels us of a Priest (of

whom one of the Popes had the custo∣dy) that lived forty yeares upon meer aire. As also of a maide in France, and another in Germany, that for diverse yeares together did feed on nothing but this: Nay, hee affirmes that hee himselfe had seene one, who lived till ten yeares of age without any other nourishment. You may find most of these, and some other examples to this purpose, gathered together by Mendo∣ca Viridar. lib. 4. Prob. 23, 24. Now, if this elementary aire which is mixed with such improper vapors, may acci∣dentally nourish some persons; perhaps then, that pure aethereall aire may of it selfe be more naturall to our tempers.

But if none of these conjectures may satisfie; yet there may happily be some possible meanes for the convei∣ance of other foode, as shall be shewed afterwards.

Againe, seeing we do not then spend our selves in any labour, we shall not, it may bee, neede the refreshment of sleepe. But if we doe, we cannot desire a softer bed than the aire, where wee may repose our selves firmely and

safely as in our chambers.

But here you may aske, whether there be any meanes for us to know, how far this sphere of the earths vertue dos ex∣tend it selfe?

I answer, tis probable that it dos not reach much farther than that orbe of thick vaporous aire, that incompasseth the earth; because tis likely the Sunne may exhale some earthly vapors, near unto the utmost bounds of the sphere alloted to them.

Now there are divers wayes used by Astronomers, to take the altitude of this vaporous aire. As,

1. By observing the height of that aire which causeth the Crepusculum, or twilight; For the finding of which, the Antients used this meanes: As soone as ever they could discerne the aire in the east to be altered with the least light, they would by the situation of the starres find out how many degrees the Sun was below the Horizon, which was usually about 18. From whence they would easily conclude, how high that aire must be above us, which the Sun could shine upon, when hee was 18 de∣grees

below us. And from this obser∣vation, it was concluded to bee about 52 miles high.* 1.35

But in this Conclusion, the Antients were much deceived, because they proceeded upon a wrong ground, whilst they supposed that the shining of the Suns direct rayes upon the aire, was the only reason of the Crepusculum;* 1.36 Whereas tis certain that there are ma∣ny other things which may also con∣curre to the causing of it. As,

1. Some bright clouds below the Horizon, which being illuminated by the Sunne, may be the meanes of con∣veying some light to our aire, before the direct rayes can touch it.

2. The often refraction of the rayes, which suffer a frequent repercussion from the cavitie of this sphere, may likewise yeeld us some light.

3. And so may the orbe of enlight∣ned aire compassing the Sunne, part of which must rise before his body.

2. The second way whereby we may more surely find the altitude of this grosser aire, is by taking the highth of the highest cloud: which may be done,

1 Either as they use to measure the al∣titude of things that cannot be approa∣ched unto, viz. by two stations, when two persons shall at the same time, in severall places, observe the declinati∣on of any cloud from the vertical point.* 1.37 Or, 2. which is the more easie way, when a man shall choose such a station, where he may at some di∣stance, discerne the place on which the cloud dos cast its shadow, and withall dos observe, how much both the cloud and the Sun decline from the vertical point. From which he may easily con∣clude the true altitude of it, as you may more plainely conceive, by this fol∣lowing Diagram.

[illustration]

Where A B is a perpendicular from the cloud, C the station of him that measures, D the place where the sha∣dow of the cloud dos fall.

The instrument being directed from the station C, to the cloud at A, the per∣pendicular will shew the Angle B A C. Then letting the Sun shine through the sights of your instrument, the per∣pendicular of it will give the angle B A D. Afterwards having measured the distance C D by paces,* 1.38 you may ac∣cording to the common rules, find the heigth B A.

But if without making the observa∣tion, you would know of what altitude the highest of these are found by ob∣servation; * 1.39 Cardan answers, not above two miles;* 1.40 Keplar, not above 1600 paces, or thereabouts.

3. Another way to finde the height of this vaporous aire, is, by knowing the difference of altitude, which it cau∣seth, in refracting the beames of any star neere the Horizon. And from this observation also, it is usually conclu∣ded to bee about two or three miles high.

But now you must not conceive, as if the orbe of magneticall vigor, were bounded in an exact superficies, or as if it did equally hold out just to such a determinate line, and no farther. But as it hath bin said of the first region, which is there terminated where the heat of reflexion dos begin to languish: So likewise is it probable, that this magneticall vigor dos remit of its de∣grees proportionally to its distance from the earth, which is the cause of it: And therefore though the thicker clouds may be elevated no higher, yet this orbe may be continued in weaker degrees a little beyond them. We will suppose it (which in all likelyhood is the most) to bee about twenty miles high. So that you see the former The∣sis remaines probable; that if a man could but fly, or by any other meanes get twenty miles upwards, it were possible for him to reach unto the Moone.

But it may bee againe objected: Though all this were true; though there were such an orbe of aire which did terminate the earths vigor: And

though the heavinesse of our bodies could not hinder our passage, through the vast spaces of the aetheriall aire; yet those two other impediments may seeme to deny the possibility of any such voyage.

1. The extreme coldnesse of that aire. If some of our higher mountaines for this reason bee not habitable; much more then will those places bee so, which are farther from any cause of heate.

2. The extreme thinnesse of it, which may make it unfit for expiration. For if in some mountaines (as Aristotle tells us of Olympus, and out him* 1.41 S. Austine) the aire bee so thin that men cannot draw their breath, unlesse it were through some moistned spunges; much more then must that aire be thin, which is more remotely situated from the causes of impurity and mixture. And then beside, the refraction that is made by the vaporous aire incompassing our earth, may sufficiently prove that there is a great difference betwixt the aethereall aire and this, in respect of rarity.

To the first of these I answer, that though the second region, be natural∣ly endowed with so much coldnesse as may make it fit for the production of meteors; yet it will not hence fol∣low, that all that aire above it, which is not appointed for the like purpose, should partake of the same condition: But, it may seeme more probable that this aethereal aire, is freed from having any quality in the extremes. And this may be confirmed, from those com∣mon arguments, which are usually brought to prove the warmnesse of the third region. As you may see in* 1.42 Fro∣mundus, and others who treate of that subject.

Tis the assertion of Pererius,* 1.43 that the second region, is not cold meerly for this reason, because it is distant from the ordinary causes of heat, but be∣cause it was actually made so at the first, for the condensing of the clouds, and the production of other meteors that were there to be generated; which (as I conceive) might bee sufficiently confirmed from that order of the cre∣ation observed by Moses, who tells us

that the waters above the firmament (by which, in the greatest probability, we are to understand the clouds in the second region) were made the second day, Gen. 1. 7, 8. whereas the Sunne it¦selfe (whose reflection is the cause of heate) was not created till the fourth day, ver. 16. 19.

To the other objection I answer, that though the aire in the second re∣gion (where by reason of its coldnesse there are many thicke vapors) doe cause a great refraction; yet tis pro∣bable that the aire which is next the earth, is sometimes, & in some places, of a farre greater thinnesse, nay as thin as the aethereall aire it selfe; since sometimes there is such a speciall heat of the Sun, as may rarifie it in an emi∣nent degree; And in some dry places, there are no grosse impure exhalations to mixe with it.

But here it may be objected. If the aire in the second region were more condensed and heavy than this where∣in wee breath, then that must necessari∣ly tend downewards and possesse the lower place.

To this some answer, that the hang∣ing of the clouds in the open aire, is no lesse than a miracle. They are the words of Pliny. Quid mirabilius aquis in caelo stantibus?* 1.44 what more wonderfull thing is there than that the waters should stand in the heavens? Others prove this from the derivation of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 stupescere and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 aquae: Because the waters do hang there after such a stupendous incon∣ceivable manner; Which seems like∣wise to bee favoured by Scripture, where tis mentioned as a great argu∣ment of Gods omnipotency, that hee holds up the clouds from falling. He binds up the waters in his thicke clouds,* 1.45 and the cloud is not rent under them.

But that which unto me seemes full satisfaction against this doubt, is this consideration; that the naturall vigor whereby the earth dos attract dense bodies unto it, is lesse efficacious at a distance: and therefore a body of lesse density, which is neare unto it, as sup∣pose this thin aire wherein we breath, may naturally bee lower in its situati∣on, than another of a greater condensity

that is farther of; as suppose the clouds in the second region. And though the one bee absolutely and in it selfe more fit for this motion of descent; yet by reason of its distance, the earths mag∣neticall vertue cannot so powerfully worke upon it.

As for that relation of Aristotle; If it were true; yet it dos not prove this aire to be altogether impassible, since moistned spunges might helpe us a∣gainst its thinnesse: But tis more likely that hee tooke it upon trust, as hee did some other relations concerning the height of the mountaines, wherein tis evident that he was grossely mistaken. As where he tells us of Caucasus,* 1.46 that it casts its shadow 560 miles. And this relation being of the same nature, wee cannot safely trust unto him for the truth of it.

If it be here enquired, what meanes there may bee conjectured, for our a∣scending beyond the sphere of the earths magneticall vigor.

I answer. 1. Tis not perhaps impos∣sible that a man may be able to flye, by the application of wings to his owne

body; As Angels are pictured, as Mercury and Daedaelus are fained, and as hath bin attempted by divers, particu∣lary by a Turke in Constantinople, as Busbequius relates.* 1.47

2. If there bee such a great Ruck in Madagascar, as* 1.48 Marcus Polus the Ve∣netian mentions, the feathers in whose wings are twelve foot long, which can soope up a horse and his rider, or an e∣lephant, as our kites doe a mouse; why then tis but teaching one of these to car∣ry a man, and he may ride up thither, as Ganymed dos upon an eagle.

3. Or if neither of these wayes will serve: Yet I doe seriously, and upon good grounds, affirme it possible to make a flying Chariot. In which a man may sit, and give such a motion unto it, as shall convey him through the aire. And this perhaps might bee made large enough to carry divers men at the same time, together with foode for their viaticum, and commo∣dities for traffique. It is not the big∣nesse of any thing in this kind, that can hinder its motion, if the motive facul∣ty be answerable thereunto. We see a

great ship swimmes as well as a small corke, and an Eagle flies in the aire as well as a little gnat.

This engine may be contrived from the same principles by which Archytas made a wooden dove, and Regiomonta∣nus a wooden eagle.

I conceive it were no difficult matter (if a man had leisure) to shew more particularly, the meanes of compo∣sing it.

The perfecting of such an invention, would be of such excellent use, that it were enough, not only to make a man famous, but the age also wherein hee lives. For besides the strange discove∣ries that it might occasion in this other world, it would be also of inconceive∣able advantage for travelling, above a∣ny other conveiance that is now in use.

So that notwithstanding all these seeming impossibilities, tis likely e∣nough, that there may be a meanes in∣vented of journying to the Moone; And how happy shall they be, that are first successefull in this attempt?

—Faelices{que} animae quas nubila supra, Et turpes fumos, plenum{que} vaporibus orbem,

Inseruit caelo sancti scintilla Promethei.

Having thus finished this discourse, I chanced upon a late fancy to this purpose under the fained name of Domingo Gonsales, written by a late reverend and learned Bishop: In which (besides sundry particulars wherein this later Chapter did unwit∣tingly agree with it) there is delive∣red a very pleasant and well contrived fancy concerning a voyage to this o∣ther world.

Hee supposeth that there is a na∣turall and usuall passage for many creatures betwixt our earth and this planet. Thus hee saies; those great multitudes of locusts, wherewith di∣verse countries have bin destroyed, do proceed from thence. And if we per∣use the authors who treat of them, wee shall finde that many times they fly in numberlesse troopes, or swarmes, and for sundry dayes together before they fall, are seene over those places in great high clouds, such as com∣ming nearer, are of extension enough to obscure the day, & hinder the light of the Sunne. From which, together

with diverse other such relations, he concludes, that tis not altogether im∣probable, they should proceed from the Moone. Thus likewise he suppo∣seth the Swallowes, Cuckoes, Nigh∣tingales, with divers other fowle, which are with us only halfe the year, to flye up thither, when they goe from us. Amongst which kinde, there is a wilde Swan in the East Indies, which at certain seasons of the year doe con∣stantly take their flight thither. Now this bird being of great strength, able to continue for a long flight, as also going usually in flocks, like our wilde∣geese; he supposeth that many of them together, might be taught to carry the weight of a man; especially if an en∣gine were so contrived (as he thinks it might) that each of them should beare an equall share in the burden. So that by this means, tis easily conceiveable, how once every yeare a man might fi∣nish such a voyage; going along with these birds at the beginning of winter, and againe returning with them at the Spring.

And here, one that had a strong

fancy, were better able to set forth the great benefit and pleasure to be had by such a journey. And that whether you consider the strangenesse of the per∣sons, language, arts, policy, religion of those inhabitants, together with the new traffique that might be brought thence. In briefe, doe but consider the pleasure and profit, of those later dis∣coveries in America, and wee must needs conclude this to be inconceive∣ably beyond it.

But such imaginations as these, I shall leave to the fancy of the Reader.

—Sìc itur ad astra. Reptet humi quicun{que} velit— Coelo restat iter, coelo tentabimusire.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Nat. Qu. l. 7. cap. 25.
• * 1.2

  Sen. Med. act. 1.
• * 1.3

  Vide Hora. Od. 3.
• * 1.4

  Iuvenal. sat. 12.
• * 1.5

  Claud. praef ad 1. lib. de rap. Proscr.
• * 1.6

  Disserta. cum Nun. Syder.
• * 1.7

  Prop. 3.
• * 1.8

  Gilbert. de Mganete. l. 2. cap. 7.
• * 1.9

  Lib. de Sympath. & Antip. cap. 7.
• * 1.10

  Vid. Bapt. Masul. ex∣er. Acad. de attract. exer. 4.
• * 1.11

  Nat. Hist. Cent. 1. exper. 33.
• * 1.12

  Phys. l. 3. Q. 6. art. 2.
• * 1.13

  Viridar. l. 4 prob. 47.
• * 1.14

  Vide. Arch. l. de insi∣dentibus humido.
• * 1.15

  Viridar. lib. 4. prob. 24.
• * 1.16

  De facie in Luna.
• * 1.17

  Nat. hist. lib. 7. ca. 2.
• * 1.18

  Diog. Laert. lib. 1. ca. 9.
• * 1.19

  Virgil.
• * 1.20

  Arist. de Sens. cap. 5.
• * 1.21

  Hist. Ani∣mal. lib. 8. cap. 5.
• * 1.22

  Hist. l. 10. cap. 72.
• * 1.23

  The earth
• * 1.24

  The water
• * 1.25

  De Anim. lib. 7.
• * 1.26

  De P••sc. l. 1. cap. 12.
• * 1.27

  Subtil. l. 9.
• * 1.28

  The aire
• * 1.29

  Polyhistor. cap. 53.
• * 1.30

  Hist. li. 8. cap. 33.
• * 1.31

  Lop hist. Ind. Occid. cap 96.
• * 1.32

  Maiolus Colloq. 3.
• * 1.33

  Tis likely that these birds doe chiefly re∣side in the aethereall aire, wher•• they are nourished and up∣held.
• * 1.34

  De Pis∣cibus. lib. 1. cap. 13.
• * 1.35

  Vitell. l. 10. Theo. 7.
• * 1.36

  Keplar. Ep. Coper. l. 1. part. 3.
• * 1.37

  Stevinnius. Geog. l. 3. prop. 3.
• * 1.38

  Pitisc. Tri∣gon.
• * 1.39

  Subt. l. 17.
• * 1.40

  Epit. Co∣per. l. 1. p. 3.
• * 1.41

  In Gen. ad literam. li. 3. cap 2.
• * 1.42

  Meteor. lib. 1. ca. 2. art. 1,
• * 1.43

  Comment. in Gen. 1. 8.
• * 1.44

  Hist. l. 31. cap. 1.
• * 1.45

  Iob 26. 8.
• * 1.46

  Meteor. l. 1. c. 11.
• * 1.47

  Mr. Burton. Melanch. pa. 2. sect. 2 mem. 3.
• * 1.48

  Lib. 3. c. 40.