Physiologia Epicuro-Gassendo-Charltoniana, or, A fabrick of science natural, upon the hypothesis of atoms founded by Epicurus repaired [by] Petrus Gassendus ; augmented [by] Walter Charleton ...

CHAP. IV. A Vacuum in Nature.

SECT. I.

IN order to our more prosperous Evacuation of that Epidemick Opinion, Vacuum non dari in rerum na∣tura, that there is no Vacuity or Emptiness in the World; it is very requisite, that we praemise, as a convenient Praeparative, this short advertisement.

Among the speculations of many Ancient Phy∣siologists,* 1.1 and especially of Aristotle (4. Physic. 6) we find a Vacuum distinguished into 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Secundum naturam, & Eternaturam, a Vacuum consistent with, and a Vacuum to∣tally repugnant to the fundamental constitutions of Nature. According to which proper distinction, we may consider a Vacuum (1) as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Disseminatum, Interspersed, or of so large diffusion as variously to interrupt the Continuity of the parts of the World. 2 As 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Co∣acervatum, Coacervate or separate from all parts of the World, such as the Ultramundan Space is conceived to be. Now, if we respect the First consideration or acception of a Vacuum, the Quaestion must be, An detur vacuum Disseminatum? Whether there be any small Vacuity in nature, or more plainly, Whether among the incontinued particles of Bodies there be any minute insensible Spaces intermixed, which are absolutely empty, or unpossessed by any thing whatever? If the second; then the doubt is to be stated thus: An detur vacuum intra mundanum Coacervatum? Whe∣ther within the World (for of the extramundane Inanity, the difficulty is not great, as may be collected from the contents of our Second Chapter praecedent) there can be any great or sensible Vacuity, such as we may imagine possible, if many of the small or interspersed V••cuities should convene and remain in one entire coacervate Inanity.

Concerning the First Problem,* 1.2 we cannot state the Doubt more intelli∣gibly, then by proposing it under the analogy of this Example. Let a man intrude his hand into a heap of Corn, and his hand shall possess a cer∣tain sensible space among the separated Grains: his hand again with∣drawn, that space doth not remain empty, but is immediately repossessed by the mutuall confluent grains, whose Confluxibility, not impeded, cau∣seth

their instant convention. And yet betwixt the Grains mutually con∣vened there remaine many intercepted or interposed Spaces or Intervalls, unpossessed by them; because the Grains cannot touch each other so se∣cundum totas superficies, according to all parts of their superficies, as to be contiguous in all points. Exactly thus, when any Body is intruded into Aer, Water, or any such rare and porous nature, betwixt whose inconti∣nued parts there are many Interstices variously disseminated, it doth possess a certain sensible space proportionate to its dimensions: and when that Body is withdrawne, the space cannot remain empty, because the insensible or atomical particles of the Aer, Water, &c. agitated by their own native Con••luxibility, instantly convene and repossess it. And yet, betwixt the convened particles, of which the Aer, and Water, and also all porous Bodies are composed, there remain many empty spaces (analogous to those Intervalls betwixt the incontingent Grains of Corn) so minute or exiguous, as to be below the perception and commensuration of sense. Which is the very Difficulty, concerning which there are so many Con∣troversies extant, as their very Lecture would be a Curse to the greatest Patience. However, we conceive our selves sufficiently armed with Argu∣ments to become the Assertors of a Vacuum Disseminatum; or empty Intervals betwixt the particles of Rare, Porous, or Incontinued Bo∣dies.

* 1.3Our First Argument is that Reason given for a Vacuum by Epicurus: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nisi esset Inane, non haberent Corpora neque uti essent, neque quo motus suos obirent, cùm moveri ea quidem manifestum sit: Unless there were a Vacuum, Bodies could have neither where to consist, nor whither to be moved; and manifest it is, that they are moved. Which solid Reason, though seemingly perspicuous, hath in it so many recesses of obscurity, as may not only excuse, but efflagitate a cursory paraphrase. First, we are to observe that, in the theory of Epicurus, the Notions of Inanity and Locality are one and the same essentially, but not respectively: i. e. that the same space when replenished with a Body, is a Place, but when devoid or destitute of any Tenent whatever, then it is a Vacuum. Second∣ly, that Aristotle did not sufficiently profound the Quiddity of Place, when He taught, that the Concave superficies of the Circumambient did constitute the Essence thereof. For, when it is generally conceded that the Locus must be adaequate to the Locatum; it is truly praesumed, that the internal superficies of the Circumambient or Place, ought to be adaequate to the ex∣ternal superficies of the Locatum or Placed; but not to its Profundity, or Internal Dimensions. And, since it is of the formal reason of Place, that it be Immoveable, or uncapable of Translation; for, otherwise any thing might, at one and the same time, be immote and yet change place: it is evident, that the superficies of the Circumambient is not Immoveable, since it may both be moved, the Locatum remaining unmoved, and è contrà, persist unmoved, when the Locatum is removed. And, therefore, the Concave superficies of the Circumambient may, indeed, obtain the reason of a Vessel, but not of a Place. And, upon consequence, we conclude, that the Space comprehended within the superficies of the Circumambient, is really and essentially what is to be understood by Place Since that Space is adaequated perfectly to its Locatum in all its internal Dimensions, and is also truly Immoveable; in regard that upon the remove of the Locatum,

it remains fixt, unchanged, unmoved; in the same state as before its occu∣pation, it persevers after its desertion. And when the Body removed possesseth a new Space: the old Space is instantly possessed by a new Bo∣dy. Thirdly, that this argument desumed from the Evidence of Motion, was proposed by Empiricus, (advers. Geometr.) more Syllogistically, thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Si Motus est, Inane est; atqui Motus est, est ergo Inane. If there be Motion, there must be ••••anity; but Motion there is, therefore there is a Vacuum.

That there is Motion, is manifest from sense.* 1.4 And as for that me∣morable Argument of Zeno against Motion, though we judge that he affected it more for the singularity, then solidity thereof, and only pro∣posed it as a new Paradox to gain some credit to Scepticism, of which he was a fierce Assertor; and that no man did ever admit it to a compe∣tition with the Authority of his Sense: yet, since many have reputed it indissoluble, we conceive the solution thereof must become this place.

Motus non potest fieri per spatium quodvis, nisi pri••s mobile pertranseat minus, quam majus; sed quamcunque assignes partem, alia est minor, & alia minor in infinitum: Ergo non potest fieri motus, numquam enim incipiet. No Motion can be made through any space whatever, unless the Moveable first pass through a less, before a greater space; but, what part of space soever you shall please to assign, still there will be another less part, and another less then that, and so up to in∣finity: therefore can there be no motion at all, since it can never begin at a space so little as that no less can remain.

Solution.

The Fallacie lyeth in the Minor, which we concede to be true ratione Mathematica, in the Mathematical acceptation thereof; and so no solution can be satisfactory to the Argument, unless we admit an infinite Divisibi∣lity in the parts of a Continuum: But deny it ratione Physica, in the proper Physical acceptation, and so we may solve the riddle by proving the parts of a Continuum not to be divisible ad infinitum, and Motion is to be con∣sidered penes realem rerum existentiam. Now, that Space is divisible ad infinitum only Extrinsecè and Mathematicè, not Physicè, may be thus evin∣c••••. If Motion be divisible in infinitum, the parts of a slow Motion will be as many as the parts of a swift Motion: but 'tis indubitate, that two parts of a swift motion are coexistent to one of a slow: therefore either that one part must be permanent, since it existeth in two times, or all Motions are equall in velocity and tardity, which is repugnant to ex∣perience. And Motion, Space, and Time, are perfectly Analogous, i. e. Pro∣portional: for there is no part of Motion, to which there may not be assigned a Part of Space and Time fully respondent. Besides, should we allow the Argument to be too close for the teeth of Reason; yet no man can affirm it to be too hard for the sword of Sense, and therefore it ought not to be reputed inextricable: since those objects which fall under the sin∣cere judicature of the sense, need no other Criterion to testifie their Ve∣rity. Upon which the judicious Magnenus happily reflected (p. 162.

Democriti reviviscent.) when He layed down this for a firm Principle: Sensibilia per sensus sunt judicanda, nam illius potentiae est judicare de re, per quam res cognoscitur; neque fides omnis sensibus deneganda.

* 1.5This short Excursion ended, we revert to our Fourth observable, viz. the Consequution or Inference of Epicurus, in his argument for a Vacuum: If no Vacuum, no Motion. Which seems both natural and evident; for what is full, cannot admit a second tenent: otherwise nothing could prohibit the synthesis or Coexistence of many Bodies in one and the same place; which to imagine, is the extremest Absurdity imagi∣nable.

For Illustration, let us Imagine, that the Uuniverse (having nothing of Inanity interspersed among its parts) is one Continued Mass of Bodies so closely crouded, ramm'd, and wedged together, that it cannot receive any the least thing imaginable more: and keeping to this Hypothesis, we shall soon deprehend, whether any one Body among those many disposed within this compact or closely crouded Mass may be removed out of its own to invade the place of another. Certainly, if all places be full, it must extrude another body out of its place, or become joint-tenant with it and possess one and the same place. Extrude a body out of its possession it cannot, because the Extruded must want a room to be received into; nor can the Extruded dispossess a third, that third expel a fourth, that fourth eject a fifth, &c. Since the difficulty sits equally heavy on all: and there∣fore, if the invaded doth not resign to the invading, there can be no be∣ginning of Motion, and consequently no one Atome in the Universe can be moved. And, as for its becoming synthetical or joint-tenant, that is manifestly impossible: because a Collocat••on of two Bodies in one and the same place, imports a reciprocal Penetration of Dimensions, then which nothing can be more repugnant to the tenor of Nature: and therefore it remains, that every part of the Universe would be so firmly bound up and compacted by other parts, that to move those Cochles, Snails, or Insects, which are found in the ferruminated womb of Rocks, and incorporated to the heart of Flints, would be a far more modest attempt, then to move the least atome therein.

* 1.6Nor can the Dissenting evade the compulsion of this Dilemma, by prae∣tending, that in the Universe are Bodies of rare, porous, and fluxible Con∣stitutions, such as are more adapted to Lococession, or giving place upon their invasion by other Bodies, then are Rocks or Flints. Because, unless their Rarity, Porosity, Fluxibility, or yeeldingness be supposed to proceed from Inanity disseminate; or, that all the particles of those Bodies are con∣tiguous, or munually contingent secundum totas superficies▪ doubtless, they must be so Continued, as that it can make no difference, whether you call them Bodies of Flint or Aer. For, neither shall the Aer possess a place less absolutely then a Flint: because how many particles soever of place you shall suppose, no one of them can remain unpossessed; it being of the Essence of Place, that it be adaequate to its Tenent in all its internal Di∣mensions, i. e. in the number and proportion of Particles: nor a Flint more perfectly then Aer, whose insensible Particles are praesumed to be reci∣procally contingent in all points, and so to exclude all Interspersed Inanity.

We said, without Inanity interspersed,* 1.7 there can be no Beginning of Motion. Which to explain, let us suppose that a Body, being to be mo∣ved through the Aer, doth in the first degree of motion propel the con∣tiguous aer, the space of a hairs bredth, Now, the Universe being ab∣solutely full, that small space of a hairs bredth must be praepossessed, and so the Body cannot be placed therein, untill it hath thence depelled the in∣cumbent Aer. Nor can the contiguous Aer possessing that space of a hairs bredth be depelled per latera to a place behind: because that place also is replete with Aer. Insomuch, therefore, as the body to be moved, cannot progress through so small a space, as that of an hairs bredth, because of the defect of place for the reception of the Aer replenishing that space: it must of necessity remain bound up immoveably in that place, wherein it was first situate. But if we conceive the Aer to have small Inane Vacu∣olas, or Spaces (holding an analogy to those spaces interceding betwixt the Grains of a Heap of Corn or Sand) variously interposed among its minute insensible particles: then may we also conceive, how the Motion of a Body through the Aer is both begun and continued: viz. that the Body moved, doth by its superfice protrude the particles of the contigu∣ous Aer, those protruded particles being received into the adjacent empty interstices, press upon the next vicine particles of aer, and likewise protrude them, which received also into other adjacent empty spaces become contiguous to, and urgent upon other next particles of Aer, and so forward untill, upon the successive continuation of the Compression by protrusion, and the consequent dereliction of a place behind, the la∣teral particles of the Aer, compressed by the anterior parts dissilient, are effused into it: and so, how much of Aer is compressed and impelled forward, so much recurrs backward per latera, and is dilated. The same also may be accommodated to the Lococession of the Parts of Water; allowing it this praerogative, that being propelled by a Body movent, it doth by its particles more easily propel the contiguous particles of the Aer, then its own; because the empty minute spaces of the aer incumbent upon the Water, are larger, which may be the reason, why water propelled for∣wards, becomes tumid and swelleth somewhat upwards in its superfice, and is depressed proportionately backward. Now according to this the∣ory, ought we to understand the Reason of Epicurus for a Vacuum, desu∣med from the necessity of motion.

SECT. II.

AS the nature of Motion considered in the General,* 1.8 hath afforded us our First Argument, for the comprobation of a Vacuity Disse∣minate: so likewise doth the nature of Rarefaction and Condensation, which is a species of Local Motion, speculated in particular, readily furnish us with a Second. Examine we therefore, with requisite scru∣tiny, some of the most eminent Apparences belonging to the Expansion and Compression of Aer and Water: that so we may explore, whe∣ther they can be salved more fully by our hypothesis of a Dissemi∣nate Vacuity, then by any other, relating to an Universal Pleni∣tude.

* 1.9Take we a Pneumatique or Wind-Gun, and let that part of the Tube, wherein the Aer to be compressed is included, be four inches long (the diameter of the bore or Cavity being supposed proportionate:) now if among the particles of that aer contained in the four inched space of the Tube, there be no empty Intervals, or minute Inanities; then of necessity must the mass of Aer included be exactly adaequate to the capacity or space of four inches, so as there cannot be the least particle of place, wherein is not a particle of aer aequal in di∣mensions to it, i. e. the number of the particles of aer is equal to the number of the particles of the Cavity. Suppose we then the number of particles common to both, to be 10000. This done, let the aer, by the Rammer artificially intruded, be compressed to the half of the space (not that the compression may not exceed that rate, for Mersennus (in praef. ad Hydraulicam Pneumaticam Ar∣tem.) hath by a most ingenious demonstration taught, that Aer is capable of Compression even to the tenth part of that space, which it possessed in the natural disposition, or open order of its insensible particles:) and then we demand, how that half space, viz. two inches, can receive the double proportion of Aer, since the particles of that half space are but 5000. Either we must grant that, before compression, each single particle of Aer possessed two particles of space, which is manifestly absurd: or, that after Compression, each single parti∣cle of space doth contain two of aer, which is also absurd, since two bodies cannot at once possess the same place: or else, that there were various In∣tervals Inane disseminate among the particles of Aer, and then solve the Phaenomenon thus. As the Grains of Corn, or Granules of Sand, being powred into a vessel up to the brim, seem wholly to fill it▪ and yet by suc∣cussion of the vessel, or depression of the grains upon the imposition of a great weight, may be reduced into a far less space; because from a more la•• and rare, they are brought to a more close and constipate con∣geries, or because they are reduced from an open, to a close or∣der, their points and sides being more adapted for reciprocal con∣tact quoad totas superficies, nor leaving such large Intervals betwixt them as before succussion or depression. So likewise are the par∣ticles of aer included in the four-inched space of the Tube, by Compression or Coangustation reduced downe to the impletion of onely the hal•• of that space; because from a more lax or rare Con∣texture they are contracted into a more dense or close, their an∣gles and sid•••• being by that force more disposed for reciprocal Con∣tingence, and leaving less Intervals, or empty spaces betwixt them then before.

* 1.10Our Second Experiment is that familiar one of an Aeolipile which having one half of its Concavity replete with Water, and the other with Aer, and placed in a right position near the fire: if you will not allow any of ••he spaces within it to be empty, pray, when the Water by incalescen•••• rarefied into vapours, issues out with thundering impetuo∣sity through the slender perforation or exile outlet of its rostrum, succes∣sively for many hours together, how can the same Capacity still re∣main full? For, if before incalefaction the particles of Water and Aer were equal to the number of the particles of space con∣tained therein▪ Pray, when so many parts both of Water and Aer,

consociated in the form of a vapour, are evacuated through the Orifice, must not each of their remaining parts possess more parts of the capacity, and so be in many places at once? If not so, were there not, before the incalescence, many parts of Water and Aer crouded into one and the same part of space, and so a manifest penetration of real dimensions? Remains it not therefore more verisimilous, that, as an heap of dust dispersed by the W••nd, is rarefied into a kind of cloud and possesseth a far larger space then before its dispersion; because the disgregated Granules of Dust intercept wider spaces of the ambient aer: so the remaining parts of Water and Aer in the cavity of the Aeolipile possess all those Spaces left by the exhaled parts; because they intercept more ample empty Spaces, being disposed into a more lax and open contexture. And that this is caused by the particles of Fire, which intruding into, and with rapid impetuosity agitated every way betwixt the sides of the Aeolipile, suffer not the parts of Aer and Water to quiesce, but disperse and impel them variously: so that the whole space seems constantly full by reason of the rapidity of the Motion.

The Third Mechanick Experiment,* 1.11 which may justifie the sub∣mission of our assent to this Paradox, is this. Having praepared a short Tapor of Wax and Sulphur grosly powdered, light and suspend it by a small Wier in a Glass Vial of proportionate reception, wherein is clean Fountain Water sufficient to possess a fifth part, or thereabout, of its capacity: and then with a Cork fitted exactly to the Orifice, stop the mouth of the Vial so closely, that the erup∣tion of the most subtle Atom may be prevented. On this you shall perceive the flame and fume of the Sulphur and Wax instant∣ly to diffuse and in a manner totally possess the room of the Aer, and so the fire to be extinguished: yet not that there doth suc∣ceed either any diminution of the Aer, since that is imprison∣ed, and all possibility of evasion praecluded; or any ascent of the Water, by an obscure motion in vulgar Physiology called Suction, since here is required no suction to supply a vacuity upon the destituti∣on of aer. But if you open the orifice, and enlarge the imprisoned Aer, you shall then indeed manifestly observe a kind of obscure suction, and thereupon a gradual ascention of the Water: not that the flame doth immediately elevate the water, as well because it is extinct, and the water doth continue elevated for many hours after its extinction, as that, if the flame were continued, can it be imagined that it would with so much tenacity adhaere to the tapor, as is requisite to the elevation of so great a weight of water; but rather, that upon the Coangustation or compression of the aer reduced to a very close order in the mutual con∣tact of its insensible particles, the empty spaces formerly intercepted be∣twixt them being replenished with the exhalations of the tapor; when the orifice is deobturated, there sensibly succeeds a gradual expiration of the atoms of Fire, as the most agile, volatile and prepared for motion, and then the aer, impelled by its own native Fluxibility, re-expands or dilates it self by degrees. But since the narrowness of the Evaporato∣ry, or ori••ice prohibits the so speedy reflexion or return of the com∣pressed particles of the aer to their naturall contexture or open or∣der, as the renitency of their fluxibility requireth, so long as there

remain any of the atoms of Fire in possession of their Vacuities, as long continues the reexpansion of the Aer; and that reexpansion pressing upon the sides of the water, causeth it to ascend, and continue elevated. And no longer, for so soon as the aer is returned to its native contexture, the water by degrees subsideth to the bottom, as before the accension of the Tapor: and so that motion commonly called a Suction in avoidance of Va∣cuity, is more properly a Protrusion, caused by the expanding particles of aer compressed.

* 1.12If any praecipitous Curiosity shall recur to this Sanctuary, that in the Substance of the Aer is contained Aliquid Combustibile, some combustible matter, which the hungry activity of the flame of the Tapor doth prey upon, consume and adnihilate: He runs upon a double absurdity; (1) That in Nature is a substance, which upon the accidental admotion of Fire, is subject to absolute Adnihilation, which to suppose, smels of so great a wild∣ness of Imagination as must justifie their sentence, who shall consign the Author of it to seven years diet on the roots of White Hellebor, nor durst any man but that Elias Artium Helmont, adventure on the publique Pa∣tronage of it. (2) That the Aer is the Pabulum, or Fewel of Fire: which though no private opinion, but passant even among the otherwise venerable Sectators of Aristotle (who unjustly refer the Extinction of flame imprison∣ed, to the Defection of Aer: as intimating that the destruction of Fire, like that of Animals doth proceed from the destitution of Aliment) is yet open∣ly inconsistent to Reason and Experiment. To Reason, because the Aer, considered sincerely as Aer, without the admixture of vapours and exha∣lations, is a pure, simple and Homogeneous substance, whose parts are consimilar: not a composition of heterogeneous and dissimilar, whereof some should submit to the consumptive energie of Fire, and other some (of the invincible temper of Salamandes Wool, or Muscovy Glass,) con∣••erve their originary integrity inviolable in the highest fury of the flames. Again, Themselves unanimously approve that Definition of Galen lib. 1. de Element. cap. 1.) Elementa sunt natura prima & simplicissima corpora, quaeque in alia non amplius dissolvi queant: that it is one of the essential Proprieties of an Element as to be ingenerable, so also Indissoluble: and as unanimously constitute the Aer to be an Element. To Experiment, be∣cause had the Fire found (and yet it is exceedingly inquisitive, especially when directed by Appetite, according to their supposition) any part of the Aer i••flamable; the whole Element of aer had been long since kindled into an unive••sal and inextinguable conflagration, upon the accension of the first focal ••••re: nor could a flash of Lightning or Gunpowder▪ be so soon extinct if the flame found any maintenance or sustentaculum in the Aer, but would enlarge it self into a Combustion more prodigious and de∣structive then that caused by the wild ambition of Phaeton. Most true it is, that Fire deprived of aer, doth suffer immediate extinction: yet not in respect of Aliment denyed (for Nutrition and Vitality are ever converti∣ble) but of the want of room sufficient to contain its igneous and fuliginous Exhalations, which therefore recoiling back upon the flame, coarctate, suffocate, and so extinguish it. For upon the excessive and impetuous sud∣dain afflation of aer, Flame doth instantly perish, though not imprisoned in a glass: the cause is, that the flame, not with tenacity sufficient adhaering to the body of the tapor, or lamp, is easily blown off, and being thus dis∣lodged hath no longer subsistence in the aer. And Heat, beating upon

the outside or convex part of a Glass, seems sensibly to dilate the Aer im∣prisoned within; as is manifest upon the testimonie of all Thermometres, or Weather-Glasses, those only which contain Chrysulca, or Aqua Fortis in stead of Water, at least if the experiment be true, excepted: but Fire in the Concave or inside of the Glass violently compresseth the aer, by rea∣son of its fuliginous Emissions, which wanting vacuities enough in the aer for their reception, recoil and suffocate the fire.

The Fourth, this. Being in an intense frost at Droitwich in Worcestershire,* 1.13 and feeding my Curiosity with enquiring into the Mechanick operations of the Wallers (so the Salt-boylers are there called) I occasionally took no∣tice of Yce, of considerable thickness, in a hole of the earth, at the mouth of a Furnace very great and charged with a Reverberatory fire, or Ignis rotae. Consulting with my Phylosophy, how so firm a congelation of Water could be made by Cold at the very nose of so great a fire; I could light on no determination, wherein my reason thought it safe to acquiesce, but this. That the ambient Aer, surcharged with too great a cloud of exhalations from the fire, was forced to a violent recession or retreat, and a fresh supply of aer as violently came on to give place to the receding, and maintain the reception of fresh exhalations; and so a third, fourth and continued relief succeeded: and that by this continued and impetuous afflux, or stream of new aer, loaden with cold Atoms, the activity of the cold could not but be by so much the more intense at the mouth of the furnace, then abroad in the open aer, by how much the more violent the stream of cold aer was there then elsewhere. To complete and assure the Experiment, I caused two dishes, of equal capacity, to be filled with river Water; placed one at the mouth of the furnace, the other sub Dio: and found that near the fur∣nace so nimbly creamed over with Yce, as if that visibly-freezing Tra∣montane Wind, which the Italian calls Chirocco, had blown there, and much sooner perfectly frozen then the other. And this I conceive to be also the reason of that impetuous suction of a stream of aer, and with it o∣ther light and spongy bodies, through the holes or pipes made in many Chimneys, to praevent the repercursion of smoke.

From these observations equitably perpended and collated, our medi∣tations adventured to infer

(1) That the Aer;* 1.14 as to its principal and most universal Destination was created to be the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or common RECEPTARY of Ex∣halations: and that for the satisfaction of this End, it doth of necessity contain a Vacuum Desseminatum in those minute and insensible Incontigui∣ties or Intervals betwixt its atomical Particles; since Nature never knew such gross improvidence, as to ordain an End, without the codestination of the Means requisite to that End. To praevent the danger of miscon∣struction in this particular, we find our selves obliged to in••imate; that in our assignation of this Function or Action to the Aer, we do not restrain the aer to this use alone: since Ignorance it self cannot but observe it ne∣cessarily inservient to the Conservation of Animals endowed with the or∣gans of Respiration, to the transvection of Light, the convoy of odours, sounds, and all Species and Aporrhaeas, &c. but that, in allusion to that Distinction of Anatomists betwixt the Action and Use of a Part, we intend; that the grand and most General Action of the Aer, is the Reception or

entertainment of Vapours and Exhalations emitted from bodies situate in or near the Terraqueous Globe. And in this acception, allowing the Aer to be constituted the General Host to admit; we insinuate that it hath rooms wherein to lodge the arriving Exhalations: insomuch as the neces∣sity of the one, doth import as absolute a necessity of the other; the exi∣stence of the Final ever attesting the existence of the Conductive, or Medi∣atory Cause.

* 1.15(2) That, though the Aer be variously interspersed with empty In∣terstices, or minute Incontiguities, for the reception of Exhalations: yet doth it receive them at a just Rate, Tax, or determinate Proportion, conform to its own Capacity, or Extensibility; which cannot without Reluctancy and Violence be exceeded. For when the Vacuities, or Holds have taken in their just portage, and equal fraught, the compressed aer hoyseth sail, bears off, and surrenders the Scene to the next advenient or vicine aer, which acteth the like part successively to the continuation of the motion. This may be exemplified in the experiment of the Furnace and Chimneys new∣ly mentioned, but more manifestly in that of the Sulphurate Tapor in the Vial: where the Aer, being overburthened with too great a conflux of fu∣liginous Exhalations, and its recession impeded by the stopping of the Vial, it immediately recontracteth it self, and in that renitency extinguish∣eth by suffocation the rude Flame, which oppressed it with too copious an afflux. As also in those of Canons and Mines; which could not produce such portentous effects, as are dayly observed in Wars, if it were not in this respect, that the Receptaries in the Aer suffer a ra••k or extension be∣yond their due Capacities. For, when the Powder fired in them is, in the smallest subdivision of time, so much subtiliated, as to yeeld a Flame (according to the compute of M••rsennus) of 10000 parts larger in extensi∣on, then it self, while its Atoms remained in the close order and compact form of Powder; and the Aer▪ by reason of its imprisonment, is not able to recede, and bear off so speedily, as the velocity of the motion requires: for avoidance of a mutual Penetration of Dimensions among the minute particles of the Fire, smoke, and its own, it makes an eruption with so pro∣digious an impetuosity, as to shatter and evert all solid bodies situate with∣in the orb of impediment.

* 1.16For the further Confirmation of our First Thesis, viz. That the Aer is interspersed with various Porosities, or Vacuities, by reason of the Incon∣tiguity of its insensible Particles; and that these serve to the reception of all Exhalations: we shall superadd these two considerable Arguments. (1) If this Vacuum Disseminatum of the Aer be submoved, and an absolute Plenitude in the Universe from a Continuity of all its parts supposed; then must every the smallest motion, with dangerous violence run through the whole Engine of the World, by reason of that Continuity. (2) If the Aer were not endowed with such Porosities, other Bodies could never suf∣fer the dilatation or rarefaction of themselves; since, upon the subtiliation or dilatation of their minute particles, i e. the remove of their Atoms from a close to an open contexture, they possess 1000 times larger Capacities: and so there would be no room to entertain the continual Effluviums, expi∣ring from all bodies passing their natural vicissitudes and degenerations.

SECT. III.

TO these Four eminent Experiments,* 1.17 we might have annexed others numerous enough to have swelled this Chapter into a Volume; but conceiving them satisfactory to any moderate Curiosity, and that it can be no difficulty to a Physiological Meditation, to salve any Apparence of the same nature, by this Hypothesis of a Vacuum Disseminatum in the Aer, as the Caussa sine qua non of its Rarefaction and Condensation: we judged it more necessary to address to the discharge of the residue of our duty, vi••. to praesent it as verisimilous; that in the Water also are various∣ly dispersed the like Vacuola, or empty spaces, such as we have not unfitly compared to those 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Intervals betwixt the Granules of Sand in a heap, in those parts where their superficies are not contiguous, in respect of the ineptitude of their Figures for mutual contact in all points. And this seems to us so illustrious a Verity, as to require neither more atte∣station, nor explanation, then what this one singular Experiment im∣ports.

'Tis generally known,* 1.18 that Water doth not dissolve Salt in an indefinite quantity, but ad certam taxam, to a certain determinate proportion; so as being once sated with the Tincture thereof, it leaves the overplus entire and undissolved. After a long and anxious scrutiny for a full solution of this Phaenomenon, our thoughts happily fixed upon this: That, the Salt being in dissolution reduced (Analysi ret. ograda) into its most minute or Atomical Particles, there ought to be in the Water Consimilar or adaequate Spa∣ces for their Reception; and that those Spaces being once replenished, the Dissolution (because the Reception) ceaseth. Not unlike to a full sto∣mach, which eructates and disgorges all meats and drinks superingested: or full vessels, which admit no liquor affused above their brim. Here∣upon, having first reflected upon this, that the Atomical Particles of com∣mon Salt are Cubical; and thereupon inferred, that, since the Locus must be perfectly adaequate to the Locatum, they could only fill those empty spaces in the water, which were also Cubical: we concluded it probable, that in the water there ought to be other empty spaces Octohedrical, Sexangular, Sphaerical, and of other Figures, which might receive the minute particles of other Salts, such as Alum, Sal Ammoniac, Halinitre, Sugar, &c. after their dissolution in the same Water. Nor did Experiment falsifie our Conjecture. For, injecting Alum parcel after parcel, for many dayes to∣gether, into a vessel of Water formerly sated with the tincture of common Salt; we then, not without a pleasant admiration, observed that the Water dissolved the Alum as speedily, and in as great quantity, as if it altogether wanted the tincture of Salt; nor that alone, for it likewise dissolved no small quantities of other Salts also. Which is no obscure nor contempti∣ble Evidence, that water doth contain various insensible Loculaments, Chambers, or Receptaries of different Figures: and that this variety of those Figures doth accommodate it to extract the Tinctures of several Bodies in••ected and infused therein▪ So as it is exceedingly difficult, to evince by Experiment that any Liquor is so sated with precedent Tinctures, as no••

to be capable of others also: especially while we cannot arrive at the ex∣act knowledge of the Figure of the Atomical Particles of the body to be infused, nor of the Figures of those minute spaces in the liquor, which re∣main unpossessed by the former dissolutions.

* 1.19Upon which reason, we are bold to suspect the truth of the Lord S. Al∣bans assertion; Centur. 1 Nat. Hist.) that by repeating the infusion of Rhu∣barb several times, letting each dose thereof remain in maceration but a small time (in regard to the Fineness and volatility of its Spirits, or Emanations) a medicament may be made as strongly Catharctical or Purgative, as a simple infusion of S••amony in the like weight. For (1) when the empty spaces in the Menstruum, or Liquor, which respond in Figure to the Figure of the Atomical particles of the Rhubarb, are replenished with its Tincture; they can admit no greater fraught, but the Imbibition of Virtue ceaseth: and that two or three infusions, at most, suffice to the repletion of those re∣spective spaces, may be collected from hence, that the Rhubarb of the fourth infusion loseth nothing of its Purgative Faculty thereby, but being taken out and singly infused in a proportionate quantity of the like liquor, it worketh as effectually as if it had never been infused before. (2) Ex∣perience testi••ieth the Contrary, viz. that a Drachm of Scamony singly in∣fused in an ounce and half of White wine, doth operate (caeteris paribus) by 15 parts of 20, more smartly then 5 drachms of Rhubarb successively infused in the like quantity of the same or any other convenient Liquor.

* 1.20Here also is the most probable Cause, why two Drachms of Antimony crude, or Crocus Metallorum, give as powerful a Vomitory impraegnation to a Pint of Sa••••, or White wine, as two ounces: viz. because the menstruum hath no more Vacuities of the same Figure with the Atomical Ef••luviums of the Antimony, then what suffice to the imbibition or admission of the two Drachms. For the Certitude of this, we appeal to the experience of a Lady in Cheshire, who seduced by an irregular Charity, and an opinion of her own skill, doth praetend to the cure of the sick, and to that purpose praepares her Catholique Vomitory, consisting of four Drachms and an half of crude stibium infused all night in 3 or 4 ounces of White wine, and usually gives it (without respect to the individual temperament of the Assument for one dose to the sick▪ and yet, as our selves have more then once observed, the infusion doth work with no greater violence, in some persons, then as much of our common Emetique Infusion praescribed in the reformed Dispensatory of our Venerable College. Nay more then this, our selves have often reduced the Dose of the same Emetique Infusion down only to 4 Scruples, and yet found its operation come not much short of the usual Dose of an ounce.

* 1.21Hence also may be desumed a satisfactory reason for the impraegnation of one and the same Menstruum with various Tinctures: for Example, Why an Infusion of Rhubarb, sated with its tincture, doth afterward extract the tinctures of Agarick, Senna, the Cordial Flowers, Cremor Tartari, &c. injected according to the praescript of the judicious Physician, in order to his confection of a Compound Medicament requisite to the satisfaction of a Complex Scope or Intention.

SECT. IV.

A Third Argument, for the comprobation of a Vacuum Disseminatum,* 1.22 may be adferred from the Cause of the Difference of Bodies in the degrees of Gravity, respective to their Density or Rarity, (i. e.) according to the greater or less Inane Spaces interspersed among their insensible Par∣ticles. And a Fourth likewise from the reason of the Calefaction of Bo∣dies by the subingress or penetration of the Atoms of Fire into the emp∣ty Intervals variously disseminate among their minute particles. But, in respect that we conceive our Thesis sufficiently evinced by the Praecedent Reasons; and that the consideration of the Causes of Gravity and Calefa∣ction, doth, according to the propriety of Method, belong to our succeed∣ing Theory of Qualities: we may not in this place insist upon them.

And as for those many Experiments of Water-hour-glasses, Syringes,* 1.23 Glass Fountains, Cuppinglasses, &c. by the inconvincible Assertors of the Peripa∣tetick Physiology commonly objected to a Vacuity: we may expede them altogether in a word. We confess, those experiments do, indeed, demon∣strate that Nature doth abhort a Vacuum Coacervatum; as an heap of Sand abhors to admit an Empty Cavity great as a mans hand extracted from it: but not that it doth abhor that Vacuum Disseminatum, of which we have discoursed; nay, they rather demonstrate that Nature cannot well consist without these small empty Spaces interspersed among the insensible Par∣ticles of Bodies, as an heap of Sand cannot consist without those small In∣terstices betwixt its Granules, whose Figures prohibit their mutual con∣tact in all points. So that our Assertion ought not to be condemned as a Kaenodox inconsistent to the laws of Nature, while it imports no more then this; that, as the Granules of a heap of Sand mutually flow toge∣ther to replenish that great Cavity, which the hand of a man by intrusion had made▪ and by extraction left, by reason of the Confluxibility of their Nature: so also do the Granules, or Atomical Particles of Aer, Water, and other Bodies of that Rare condition, flow together, by reason of the Fluidity or Confluxibility of their Nature, to praevent the creation and re∣manence of any considerable, or Coacervate Vacuum betwixt them. To instance in one of the Experiments objected. Water doth not distil from the upper into the lower part of a Clepsydra, or Water-hour-glass, so long as the Orifice above remains stopped; because all places both above and be∣low are ful, nor can it descend until, upon unstopping the hole, the aer below can give place, as being then admitted to succeed into the room of the la∣teral aer, which also succeeds into the room of that which en••ered above at the orifice as that succeeds into the room of the Water descending by drops, and so the motion is made by succession,* 1.24 and continued by a kind of Circulation. The same also may be accommodated to those Vessels, which Gardners use for the irrigation of their Plants, by opening the hole in the upper part thereof, making the water issue forth below in artificial rain.

It only remains, therefore, that we endeavour to solve that Giant Diffi∣culty, proposed in defiance of our Vacuum Disseminatum, by the mighty

Mersennus (in Phaenomen. Pneumatic. propos. 31.) thus. Quomodo Vacuola, solitò majora in rarefactione, desinant, aut minora facta in condensatione cres∣cant iterum: quaenam enim Elateria cogunt aerem ad sui restitutionem? How do those Vacuities minute in the aer, when enlarged by rarefaction, recover their primitive exility; and when diminished by condensation, re∣expand themselves to their former dimensions: What Elaters or Springs are in the aer, which may cause its suddain restitution to its natural consti∣tution of insensible particles?

We Answer; that, as it is the most catholique Law of Nature, for every thing, so much as in it lies, to endeavour the conservation of its originary state; so, in particular, it is the essential quality of the Aer, that its mi∣nute particles conserve their natural Contexture, and when forced in Rare∣faction to a more open order, or in Condensation to a more close order, immediately upon the cessation of that expanding, or contracting violence, to reflect or restore themselves to their due and natural contexture. Nor need the Aer have any Principle or Efficient of this Reflection, other then the Fluidity or Confluxibility of its Atomical Parts: the essence or Quiddi∣ty of which Quality, we must reserve for its proper place, in our ensuing theory of Qualities.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Art. 1. The Distincti∣on of a Vacuum into (1) Natu∣ral, and

  (2) Praeterna∣tural: and the one called Dis∣seminate, the other Coacer••vate.
• * 1.2

  Art. 2. The nature of a Disseminate Vacuity, ex∣plained by the Analogy of a heap of Corn.
• * 1.3

  Art 3. The first Argu∣ment of a Disse∣minate Vacuity, desumed from the evidence of Motion, in General: and Aristotles error concerning the Essence of Place, concisely detected, and corrected.
• * 1.4

  Art. 4. Motion de∣monstrated by Sense: and Ze∣no's aenigmati∣cal Argument, for an Univer∣sal Quiet, dissol∣ved.
• * 1.5

  Art. 5. The Consequuti∣on of the Argu∣ment (if no Va∣cuum, no Moti∣on) illustrated.
• * 1.6

  Art. 6. An Ob••ecti••n, that the Loco¦cessi••n of some Bodies, d••p••nds on their Rarity or Por••sity; no•• on a Dissemi∣nate Vacuity: praevented.
• * 1.7

  Art. 7. No beginning of Mo••ion, without Ina∣ni••y inter••per∣sed.
• * 1.8

  Art. 1. A second Ar∣gument of a Vacuity Disse∣minate, col∣lected from t••e reason of R••refaction and Condensation.
• * 1.9

  Art. 2. The eminent Phaenomen••n of an Aero••••l••∣pe••, or Wind-Gun, so••ved by a Vacuity Dis∣••eminate a∣mong the in∣contiguous (quoad totas superfi••ies) parts of aer.
• * 1.10

  Art. 3. Experiment of an Ae••lipile, or Hermetical B••llow••, atte∣sting a Vacuity 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.11

  Art. 4. Experiment of a Sulphu••a••e Tapor▪ included in a Glass Vi∣al, partly filled with Water▪ of the same importa••ce.
• * 1.12

  Art 5. No C••mbu••t••••le in Aer: and so the opinion of the Ari••••ot••le∣ans, that the Extincti••n of Flame impri∣s••ned, is to be charged on the Defect of Aer, for its sustenta••ti••n; grosly er∣roneous.
• * 1.13

  Art. 6. A fourth sin∣gular and me∣morable Expe∣riment of the Authors, of Yce at the nose of a large Reverberatory Furnace, charged with Ignis rotae; evi∣dencing a Va∣cuity inter spersed in the Aer.
• * 1.14

  Art. 7. An Inference from that Ex∣periment; that Aer, as to its General Desti∣nation, is the Common Recep∣ta••y of Exhala∣tions.
• * 1.15

  Art. 8. A second ••lla∣tion, that the Aer doth receive Exhalations at a certain rate, or definite▪ proportion; which cannot be transcended without pro∣digious vio∣lence.
• * 1.16

  Art. 9. The Existence of Inane Incon∣tiguities in the Aer, confirm∣ed by two considerable A••guments.
• * 1.17

  Art. 1. That Water al∣so contains Vacuola, empty Spaces; demon∣strated.
• * 1.18

  Art. 2. From the Ex∣periment of the Dissolution of Alum, Halinitre, Sal Ammoniac, and Sugar, in Water former∣ly sated with the Tincture of Common Salt
• * 1.19

  Art. 3. The verity of the Lord 〈…〉〈…〉, that a repeated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not Rhu••barb 〈…〉〈…〉 a virtue 〈…〉〈…〉 a simp••e 〈…〉〈…〉, in equal quanti∣ty: and why.
• * 1.20

  Art. 4. Why two Drachms of Antimony im∣pragna••e a pint of Wine, with so strong a vomitory Faculty, as two ounces.
• * 1.21

  Art. 5. Why one and the same Men∣struum ••ay be enriched wi••h v••rious Tin∣ctures.
• * 1.22

  Art. 1. Two other Ar∣guments of a Vacuity Diss••∣minate inferri∣ble from (1) the difference of Bodies in the degrees of Gravity: (2) the Calefaction of Bodies by the penetrati∣on of igneous Atoms into them.
• * 1.23

  Art. 2. The Experi∣ments vulgarly adduced to prove no va∣cuity in na∣ture, so far from denying, that they con∣fess a Dissemi∣nate one.
• * 1.24

  Art. 3. The g••and Difficulty of the C••u••e of the Aers restituti∣on of it self to i••s natural ••on∣texture, after ra••efaction and condensation, ••atisfied in brief.