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 ...

SECT. II. The First Capital Difficulty.

WHether that Space in the Tube,* 1.1 betwixt the upper extreme thereof and the Quicksilver delapsed to the altitude only of 27 digits, be really an entire and absolute Vacuity?

Concerning this, some there are who confidently affirm the space be∣tween the superfice of the Quicksilver defluxed and the superior extreme of the Tube, to be an absolute COACERVATE VACUITIE: such as may be conceived, if we imagine some certain space in the world to be, by Divine or miraculous means, so exhausted of all matter or body, as to pro∣hibit any corporeal transflux through the same. And the Reasons, upon which they erect their opinion, are these subsequent.

This space, if possessed by any Tenent,* 1.2 must be replenished either with common Aer, or with a more pure and subtle substance called Aether, which some have imagined to be the Universal Caement or common Elater, by which a general Continuity is maintained through all parts of the Universe, and by which any Vacuity is praevented: or by some exhalation from the mass of Quicksilver included in the Tube.

First, that it is not possessed by Aer, is manifest from several strong and convincing reasons.

(1) Because the inferior end of the Tube, D, is so immersed into the sub∣jacent mass of Quicksilver below the line EF, that no particle of aer can enter thereat.

(2) Because, if there were aer in the Tube filling the deserted space CK, then would not the circumambient or extrinsecal aer, when the Tube is educed out of the restagnant Quicksilver, and Water, rush in with that violence, as to elevate the remainder of the Quicksilver in the Tube, from K to D, up to the top C, and break it open, as is observed: in regard, that could not happen without a penetration of bodies. So that, if we suppose any portion of aer to have slipped into the Tube below, at the subduction of the finger that closed the orifice: then would not the Mercury reascending (upon

the inclination of the Tube down to the horizontal line KM,) rise up quite to the top C, but subsist at OP. But the contrary is found upon the experiment.

(3) When the Tube, after the deflux of the Mercury to K, is reclined so as the extreme C, be of the same horizontal altitude with the point K, as is visible in the Tube LM: then doth the Mercury in the sub∣ject vessel reascend into the same, and again possess the desert Space KC, or NM. This being so, Whither can the aer, if any the least portion of it were resident in the space NM, retreat, since the ex∣treme M, is hermetically closed, and so no way for its egression can be praetended. * 1.3

[illustration]

• AB, A Tube of Glass, replete with Quicksilver.
• A, The lower extreme thereof, her∣metically sealed.
• B, The upper extreme thereof; open.
• DC, The same Tube inverted, and perpendicularly erected in a vessel full of Quicksilver: so as the ori∣fice D, be not unstopped, untill it be immersed in the subjacent Quick∣silver.
• HGI, A vessel filled up to the line EF, with Quicksilver: and thence up to the brim HI, with Water.
• CK, The Vacuum, or Space deserted by the Quicksilver descended
• OCP, The quantity of Aer suppo∣sed to have insinuated it self at the subduction of the finger from the inferior orifice D.
• KM, A Line parallel to the Hori∣zon.
• LM, The same Tube again filled with Quicksilver, and reclined untill the upper extreme thereof become pa∣rallel to the same horizontal alti∣tude with K.
• N, The distance of 27 inches from L, as K from D.

(4) If any portion of Aer chance to intrude into the cavity of the Tube, which may come to pass either if, when the superior orifice of the Tube is inverted, it be not exactly obturated by the finger of the Experimentator; or, if at the extraction of his finger the lower e••treme be not immersed deep enough in the subjacent Mer∣cury, to prevent the subingress of some aer; or, if the orifice of the

Tube educed out of the region of the subjacent Mercury and Wa∣ter▪ be not wholly deobturated at once, but so as there is only some slender inlet of Aer: We say, if in any of these Cases it happen, that some small portion of aer be admitted into the cavity of the Tube; we have the evidence of our sense, and the most infallible one too, that the aer so admitted doth not ascend to the top C, but remaine visible in certain small Bubbles (such as usually mount up to the surface of seething water) immediately upon the superfice of the Mercury at the altitude of 27 digits K. As if, indeed, the aer were attracted, and in a manner chained down by the Magnetical Effluviums of the earth, together with the pendent Quicksilver: which having more Ansulae or Fastnings, whereon the small Hooks of the Magnetical Chains exhaling from the Globe of the Earth, may be accommodately fixed, is therefore attracted downward more forcibly, and, in that respect, is reputed to have the greater proportion of Gravity. Again, If upon the inclination of the Tube, and the succeeding repletion of the same by the regurgitating Mer∣cury, that portion of aer formerly entered be propelled up to the top of the Tube, C; and then the Tube again reduced to its perpendicular, so as the Quicksilver again deflux to K: in this case the aer doth not re∣main at C, but sinks down as formerly to K also, and there remains incumbent upon the face of the Quicksilver. Which Descent of the aer cannot be more probably referred to any Cause, then the Attra∣ction of the Magnetick streams of the Earth.

(5) Having admitted some few Bubbles of aer to slide up by the mar∣gine of the Mercury into the desert Space KC; and then reclined the Tube to the altitude of the horizontal line KM: you may per∣ceive the delapsed Quicksilver not to be repelled up again quite to the top, as before the irreption of aer, but to make a stand when it arrives at the confines of the included aer at OP, leaving so much space, as is requisite for the reception of it. Nor can it do other∣wise, without a penetration of Dimensions, by the location of two Bodies in one and the same place.

(6) Moreover, after the acquiescence of the Quicksilver at K, if you stop the inferior extreme D, with your finger, while it remains im∣mersed in the restagnant Quicksilver EF, so as to praeclude the ir∣reption of any more aer; and then invert the Tube again: the Scene of the Desert Capacity CK, will be changed to the contrary extreme stopt by your finger, and yet without the least sign of aer pervading the mass of Quicksilver in a kind of small stream of Bub∣bles, contrary to what evene's, when aer is admitted into the Tube in a small quantity, for in that case, upon the inversion of the Tube, you may plainly behold an intersection between the descending Quicksilver and the ascending aer, which mounts up through it in a small stream or thread of Bubbles.

(7) To those, who conceive that a certain portion of the Circumstant Aer, being forced by the compression of the restagnant Mercury in the Vessel, rising higher, upon the deflux of the Mercury contain∣ed in the Tube, doth penetrate the sides of the Tube, and so replenish the desert Capacity therein: we answer; that though we deny not but aer may penetrate the pores or Incontiguities of Glass, since that is demonstrable in Weather Glasses, and in the experiment of

Sr. Kenelm Digby, of making a sensible transudation of Mercury mixt with Aqua Fortis in a Bolt-head, through the sides thereof, if gently confricated with a Hares-foot on the outside; yet cannot it be made out, that therefore the Desert Capacity in the Tube is pos∣sessed with Aer, for two inoppugnable reasons. (1) Because though the Tube be made of Brass, Steel, or any other Metal, whose con∣te••ture is so close, as to exclude the subtlest aer, yet shall the Ex∣periment hold the same in all Apparences, and particularly in this of the deflux of the Quicksilver to the altitude of 27 digits. (2) Be∣cause, if the desert Cavity were replete with aer; the incumbent aer could not rush in to the Tube, at the eduction of its lower end D, out of the restagnant Mercury and Water, with such violence; since no other cause can be assigned for its impetuous rushing into the Tube, but the regression of the compressed parts of the ambi∣ent aer to their natural laxity, and to the repletion of the violent or forced Vacuity. Since, if the whole Space in the Tube were pos∣sessed, i. e. if there were as many particles of Body, as Space there∣in: doubtless, no part of place could remain for the reception of the irruent aer.

* 1.4Secondly, As for that most subtile and generally penetatrive substance, AETHER, or pure Elementary Fire which some have imagined universally diffused through the vast Body of Nature principally for the maintenance of a Continuity betwixt the parts thereof▪ and so the avoidance of any Va∣cuity, though ne're so exile and minute; we do not find our selves any way obliged to admit, that the Desert Space in the Tube is repleted with the same, untill the Propugnators of that opinion shall have abandoned their Fallacy, Petitio principii, a praecarious assumption of what remains dubious and worthy a serious dispute, viz. That Nature d••th irreconcileably abhor all vacuity, per se. For, until they have evinced beyond controversie, that Nature doth not endure any Emptiness or solution of Continuity, quatenus an Emptiness, and not meerly ex Accidenti, upon some other sinister and re∣mote respect: their Position, that she provided that subtile substance, Aether, chiefly to prevent any Emptiness, is rashly and boldly anticipated, and depends on the favour of Credulity for a toleration. Nor is it so soon demonstrated, as affirmed, that all Vacuity is repugnant to the funda∣mental constitution of Nature.

* 1.5Naturam abhorrere Vacuum, is indeed, a maxim, and a true one: but not to be understood in any other then a metaphorical sense. For, as every A∣nimal, by the instinct of self-conservation, abhors the solution of Conti∣nuity in his skin, caused by any puncture, wound, or laceration; though it be no offence to him to have his skin pinkt or perfo∣rated all over with insensible pores: so also by the indulgence of a Metaphor, may Nature be said to abhor any great or sensible vacuity, or solution of Continuity, such as is imagined in the Desert Space of the Tube; though it be familiar, nay useful and grateful to her, to admit those insen∣sible inanities, or minute porosities, which constitute a Vacuum Dissemina∣tum. We say, by the indulgence of a Metaphor; because we import a kind of sense in Nature, analogous to that of Animals. And, tollerating this Metaphorical Speech, that Nature hath a kind of sense like that of Ani∣mals; yet, if we allow for the vastity of her Body can it be conceived no

greater trouble or offence to her, to admit such a solution of Continuity, or Emptiness, as this supposed in the Desert space of the Tube, then to an Animal, to have any one pore in his skin more then ordinarily relaxed and expanded for the transudation of a drop of sweat. This perpended, it can seem no Antiaxiomatisme, to affirm, that nature doth not abhor Vacuity, per se, but onely ex Accidenti: i. e. upon this respect, that in Nature is somewhat, for whose sake she doth not, without some reluctany, admit a Coacervate or sensible Vacuity. Now that somewhat existent in Nature per se, in relation to which, she seems to oppose and decline any sensible Vacuity, can be no other then the Fluxility of her Atomical Particles, es∣pecially those of Fire, Air, and Water. And, for ought we poor Haggard Mortals do, or can, by the Light of Nature, know to the contrary, all those vast spaces from the margent of the Atmosphere, whose altitude ex∣ceeds not 40 miles (according to Mersennus and Cassendus) perpendicu∣lar, up to the Region of the fixed Stars; are not only Fluid, but Inane; abating only those points, which are pervaded by the rayes of the Sun and other Celestial Bodies. But, why should we lead the thoughts of our Rea∣der up to remote objects, whose sublimity proclaims their incertitude; when from hence only, that the Aer is a Fluid substance: it is a manifest, direct and unstrained consequence, that the immediate cause of its avoidance of any sensible or coacervate Vacuity, is the Confluxibility of its Atomical particles; which being in their natural contexture contiguous in some, though not all points of their superficies, must of necessity press or bear each upon other, and so mutually compel each other, that no one particle can be removed out of its place, but instantly another succeeds and possesses it; and so there can be no place left empty, as hath been frequently explained by the simile of a heap of Sand? Now, if the Confluxibility of the insensible particles of the aer, be the immediate and per se Cause of its avoidance of any aggregate sensible solution of Continuity: we need no farther justifi∣cation of our position, that Nature doth oppose vacuity sensible not per se, but only in order to the affection of Confluxibility, i. e. ex Acci∣denti

Again, should we swallow this praecarious supposition of the Aether,* 1.6 with no less pertinacity, then ingenuity asserted by many Moderns, but professedly by Natalis, in both his Treatises (Physica Vetus & Nova, & Plenum experimentis novis confirmatum) and admit, that Nature provided that most tenuious and fluid substance chiefly to praevent Vacuity: yet cannot the Appetite of our Curiosity be satisfied, that the Desert space in the tube is replenished with the same, prenetrating through the glass; untill they have solved that Apparence of the violent irruption of the ambient Aer into the orifice of the tube, so soon as it is educed out of the subjacent liquors, the Quicksilver and Water, by the same Hypothesis. Which whether they have done, so as to demonstrate, that the sole cause of the Aers impetuous rushing into the canale of the Tube, and prodigiously elevating the ponderous bodies of Quicksilver and Water residuous therein, is not the Reflux of the incum∣bent aer, by the ascention of the restagnant Quicksilver in the vessel, com∣pressed to too deep and diffused a subingression of its insensible Particles, to recover its natural laxity, by regaining those spaces, from which it was expelled and secluded; and to supply the defect of this reason, by substi∣tuting some other syntaxical to their hypothesis of the Aether, which shall

be more verisimilous and plausible: this we ought to refer to the judgment of those, who have attentively and aequitably perused their Writings.

* 1.7Lastly, as for the third thing supposed to replenish the Desert space in the Tube, viz. A certain spiritual Efflux, or Halitus, in this exigent, educed out of the Mass of Quicksilver, by a secret force of Nature, which makes any shift to avoyd that horrid enemy of hers, Inanity; we deny not the possibility of extracting or exhaling a spiritual substance from Quicksilver, fine enough to possess such a space, without obnubilating it: but cannot conceive in this case, what should be the efficient of that Extraction; for who can acquiess in that General, a secret Force of Nature? (2) What be∣comes of that Exhalation, when the Tube, meerly upon its reclination to the altitude of the Horizontal line, K. M. is repossessed with Mercury; for, to admit its reduction to what it was before separation, is to suppose a second secret force in Nature syncritical, or Conjunctive, Antagonist to the former Diacritical or Separative, which operateth without Heat, as the other without Cold: and to admit, its expiration through the pores or incontiguities of the Glass, is either to suppose the same portion of Quicksil∣ver rich enough in spirit to replenish that Desert space a thousand times suc∣cessively, in case the Tube be so often elevated and reclined; for if all the spiritual substance be once exhausted, then must that Fox, Nature, recur to another expedient, or else tollerate a vacuity Coacervate; or to suppose that the same exhalation doth again return into the Glass, by the same slender ways it expired, which is a Fancy worthy the smile of Heraclitus. (3) How this Halitus, in respect it is praesumed more rare and subtile, then the aer admittible by the orifice of the Tube, upon its reseration, can consist without Inanity Disseminate: which implicateth an Universal Pleni∣tude.

And these are the Reasons, which at first inclined our judgement to de∣termine on their part, who opinion the Desert space in the Tube to be an absolute Coacervate Vacuity.

But, it was not long, before our second and more circumspect cogitati∣ons,* 1.8 assisted by time, which insensibly delivered our mind from that plea∣sant enchantment of novel conceptions, and reduced it to that just temper of indifferency, requisite to sincere discernment and aequitable arbitration; perpending also the Arguments impugning the former perswasion of a Coacervate Vacuity, and diminishing it down onely to a Disseminate one in the Desert space of the Tube: found them, by incomparable excesses, to preponderate the former, and with many more grains or moments of Verisimilty to counterpoyse our judgement to their end of the balance. And the Arguments Negative, are these.

1) Manifest it is even to the most critical of our senses, that LIGH Tpe∣netrating the sides of the Glass Tube,* 1.9 doth totally pervade the Desert Space: therefore it cannot be an absolute sensible Vacuum. Now, that Light is a Body, or that the rayes of Light are certain▪ Corporeal, though most minute Effluviums transmitted from the luminous Body, or Focus; is a Truth so universally embraced by all Knowing men, and upon such apodictical commendations, that here to demonstrate it, would not only be an unseasonable Digression, but a criminal Parergy.

(2) Though the Tube might be made of some metal, or other material,* 1.10 whose contexture of Atomical Particles is so dense and compact, as not to permit the trajection of the beams of Light; and though the Experiment would be the same, in all Apparences, if made in the dark: yet may the Desert Space be possessed by the subtle Atoms of Heat, or Cold, proceed∣ing from the ambient aer, and insinuating themselves through the inconti∣guities of the Tube. That the Atoms of Heat and Cold ordinarily trans∣fix Glass, is evident from the Experience of Weather-glasses: in which the cause of the descent of the Water included, is the Rarefaction of the aer therein by the Heat, and the cause of the ascent of the water in cold Wea∣ther, is the Condensation of the same aer by Cold; neither of which were possible, if the subingression of Cold and Hot Atoms through the Glass were excluded. And, that the aer incarcerated in a Thermometre, or Tem∣peramental organ of Silver, Coper, or Brass, is subject to the same mutati∣ons of qualities, upon the same vicissitude of Causes: hath been so frequent∣ly experimented, as to cut off all praetext of diffidence. Which is also a sufficient manifest, that the Atoms of Heat and Cold are more exile and penetrative, then those of the common Aer of use to Animals in Respirati∣on: insomuch as they insinuate themselves through such bodies, whose almost continued parts interdict the intrusion of the grosser particles of Aer, which cannot permeate through ordinary Glass. (1) Because, if you shut your self in a closet, or chamber, that hath but one small window consisting of one entire pane of Glass, and that so caemented into Lead, as that no chinke is left between; and whose cranies as well in the door, as elsewhere are all damm'd up: you cannot hear the voice of another per∣son, though speaking very loud and near the Glass on the outside, not∣withstanding you lay your ear close thereunto. Now, since a Sound (at least the Vehicle of a sound) can be nought else, but a subtle portion of the aer modified; as shall be professedly commonstrated, when time hath brought us so far on our praesent journey, as the proper place for our En∣quiry into the Nature of Sounds: and yet this so subtle and fine a portion of the aer cannot penetrate Glass of an ordinary thickness: we have the auctority of no weak nor obscure Reason, to countenance this our Con∣jecture, that the Atoms of Cold and Heat, are more exile and searching, then the common Aer. (2) If you include small Fishes in a large vial of the thinnest Glass, filled with River water; they may live therein for ma∣ny months, provided the orifice of the Glass remain open and free to the aer: but, if you once stop it, so as to exclude the aer, they shall expire in few moments. Whence we may conclude, that however Fishes seem to have an obscure kind of Respiration, such as may be satisfied with that small portion of Aer, which is commixt with Water: yet is not that thin and subtile aer, supposed to penetrate Glass, the same they (or any other Animal) use in Respiration. Which had those grand Masters of mysterious Disquisitions, Mersennus and Robervallius animadverted; they might have soon divined, what would be the event of their intended Experi∣ment, of including some small Animal, as a Mouse or Grashopper, in a Glass of sufficient capacity, and luting on the same on the top of the Tube, where the Desert Space useth to be, in the Experiment of Mercury, so to try whether the vital organs thereof could keep on their motions in a place devoid of aer: insomuch as that purer substance dimanant from the region of the circumjacent Aer, is not corporeal enough to serve the necessity of Respiration in any Animal, though ne're so minute. The manner of

making this Experiment, is, by Mersennus (p. 50. reflect. physicomathemat.) praescript, thus: Porro, operae praetium foret aliquam muscam admodum ve∣getam & robustam, v. c. Crabronem, aut Vespam, in tubo includere, prius∣quam Mercurio impleretur, ut post depletionem ad altitudinem 27 digit. proxi∣mè, videretur n••m in eo Vacuo, aut, si mavis, aethere viveret, ambularet, vo∣laret, & num Bombus à volante produceretur.

(3) Deducting the possibility of both these, there yet remains a Third substance,* 1.11 which may well be conceived to praevent a Coacervate Vacui∣ty in the forsaken space of the Tube: and that's the MAGNETICAL EFFLUX of the Earth. For (1) that the Terraqueous Globe is one great Magnet, from all points of whose superfice are uncessantly deradia∣ted continued Threads or beams of subtle insensible Aporrhaea's, by the inter∣cession whereof all Bodies, whose Descent is commonly adscribed to Gra∣vity, are attracted towards its Centre; in like manner as there are continually expired from the body of the Loadstone invisible Chains, by the inter∣cession whereof Iron is nimbly allected unto it: is so generally conceded a position among the Moderns, and with so solid reasons evicted by Gilbert, Kircher, Cartesius, Gassendus and others, who have professedly made disquisi∣tions and discourses on that subject; that we need not here retard our course, by insisting on the probation thereof.

(2) That, as the Magnetical expirations of the Loadstone, are so sub∣tle and penetrative, as in an instant to transfix and shoot through the most solid and compact bodies, as Marble, Iron, &c. without impediment; as is demonstrable to sense, the interposition of what solid body soever, situate within the orb of energy, in no wise impeding the vertical or polory im∣pregnation of a steel Needle by a Magnet loricated, or armed: so also the Magnetical Effluvias of the Globe of Earth do pervade and pass through the mass of Quicksilver contained both in the Tube, and the Ves∣sel beneath it, and fixing their Uncinulae or hamous points, on the Ansulae, or Fastnings of the Quicksilver therein, attract it downward perpendicular∣ly toward the Centre: is deduceable from hence, that if any Bubbles of aer chance to be admitted into the Tube together with the Quicksilver, that aer doth not ascend to the top of the Tube, but remains incumbent im∣mediately upon the summity of the Quicksilver, as being, in respect of its cognation to the Earth, attracted and as it were chained down by the Mag∣netical, Emanations of the Earth transmitted through al interjacent bodies, and hooked upon it. For we shall not incur the attribute of arrogance, if we dare any man to assign the incumbence of the aer upon the Mercury, to any more probable Cause. It being, therefore most Verisimilous, that the Earth doth perpetually exhale insensible bodies from all points of its sur∣face, which tending upward in direct lines, penetrate all bodies situate within the region of vapors, or Atmosphere without resistence; and par∣ticularly the masses of Quicksilver in the Tube and subjacent vessel: we can discover no shelf, that can disswade us from casting anchor in this se∣rene Haven; That the magnetical Exhalations of the Earth, do possess the Desert space in the Tube, so as to exclude a sensible Vacuity.

* 1.12We said, so as to exclude a sensible Vacuity, thereby intimating that it is no part of our conception, that either the Rayes of Light, or the Atoms of Heat and Cold, or the Magnetical Effluvia••s of the Earth, or all com∣bined together, do so enter and possess the Desert ••pace, as to cause an ab∣solute

Plenitude therein. For, doubtless, were all those subtle Effluxions coadunated into one dense and solid mass; it would not arise to a magni∣tude equal so much as to the 10^th, nay the 40^th part of the capacity aban∣doned by the delapsed Mercury. But fill it to that proportion, as to leave only a Vacuity Disseminate: such as is introduced into an Aeolipile, when by the Atoms of fire entered into, and variously discurrent through its Concavity, the insensible Particles of Aer and Water therein contained, are reduced to a more lax and open order, and so the inane Incontiguities betwixt them ampliated. And this we judge sufficient concerning the so∣lution of the First Difficulty.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Art. 1. The First Car∣dinal Difficul∣ty.
• * 1.2

  Art. 3. The Desert space in the Tube argued to be an abso∣lute Vacuum co∣acervate, from the impossibi∣lity of its re∣pletion with Aer.
• * 1.3

  Art. 4. The Experi∣ment praesent∣ed in Iconism.
• * 1.4

  Art. 5. The Vacuity in the Desert Space, not praevented by the insinuation of Aether.
• * 1.5

  Art. 6. A Parad••••, ••hat Nature doth not abhor all vacuity, per se▪ but only ••x Ac∣cidenti, or in respect to Fluxility.
• * 1.6

  Art. 7. A second Ar∣gument against the repletion of the Desert space by Aether
• * 1.7

  Art. 8. The Vacuity of the Desert space, not prae∣vented by an Halitus, or Spi∣ritual Efflux from the Mer∣cury: for three convincing reasons.
• * 1.8

  Art. 9. The Auth••rs Apostacy from the opinion of an absolute Coacervate Va∣cuity in the desert space: in regard of
• * 1.9

  Art. 10. The possibili•• of the subin∣gression of light.
• * 1.10

  Art. 2. Of the Atoms or insensible bodies of Heat and Cold: which are much more exile and pe∣netrative then common Aer.
• * 1.11

  Art. 12. Of the Magne∣tical Efflux of the Earth: to which opini∣on the Author resigns his Assent.
• * 1.12

  Art. 13. No absolute plenitude, nor absolute Vacu∣i••y, in the De∣sert Space: but only a Dissemi∣nate Vacuity.