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.

* 1.1AS in the Course, so in the Discourse of Nature, having done with the principle of Life, Heat, we must immediately come to the prin∣ciple of Death, COLD: whose Essence we cannot seasonably explain, be∣fore we have proved, that it hath an Essence; since many have hotly, though with but cold Arguments, contended, that it hath none at all, but is a meer Privation, or Nothing.

* 1.2That Cold, therefore, is a Real Ens, and hath a Positive Nature of its own, may be thus demonstrated. (1.) Such are the proper Effects of Cold, as cannot, without open absurdity, be ascribed to a simple Privation; since a Privation is incapable of Action: for, Cold compingeth all Bodies, that are capable of its efficacy, and congealeth Water into Ice, which is more than ever any man durst assigne to a privation. And, when a man thrusts his hand into cold Water, the Cold He then feels, can∣not be sayd to be a meer privation of the Heat of his hand; since, his hand remains as Hot, if not hotter than before; the Calorifick Atoms of his hand being more united, by the circumobsistence of the Cold. (2.) All Heat doth Concentre and unite it self, upon the An∣tiperistasis of Cold; not from fear of a privation, because Heat is de∣stitute of a sense of its owne being, and so of fear to lose that be∣ing; and if not, yet Nothing can have no Contrariety, nor Activity: but, from Repulsion, as we have formerly delivered. (3.) Though many bodies are observed to become Cold, upon the absence, or Ex∣piration of Heat: yet is it the intromission of the Quality contrary to Heat, that makes them so; for, if External Cold be not introduced in∣to their pores, they cannot be so properly sayd, Frigescere, to wax Cold, as Decalescere, to wax less Hot. Thus a stone, which is not Hot, nor Cold, unless by Accident, being admoved to the fire, is made Hot; and removed from the fire, you cannot (unless the am∣bient Aer intromit its Cold into it) so justly say, that it growes Cold, as that it grows Less hot, or returnes to its native state of in∣differency. (4.) When Water (vulgarly, though untruely praesumed to be naturally or essentially cold) is congealed into Ice by the Cold of the aer, it would be most shamefully absurd, to affirm, that the Cold of the Ice ariseth meerly from the Absence of Heat in the wa∣ter; because it is the essential part of the supposition, that the Wa∣ter had no Heat before. (5.) Privation knowes no Degrees; for the Word imports the totall Destitution, or Absence of somewhat

formerly had, otherwise, in rigid truth, it can be no Privation (and therefore our common Distinction of a Partial, and Total privation, hath lived thus long meerly upon indulgence and tolleration.): but Cold hath its various Degrees, for Water is colder to the touch than Earth, Ice than Water, &c. therefore Cold is no Privative, but a Positive Quality.

The Reality of Cold being thus clearly evicted, we may,* 1.3 with more ad∣vantage undertake the consideration of its Formality, and explore the roots of those Attributes commonly imputed thereunto.

First, therefore, we observe; that though Cold be Scholastically defined by that passion caused in the organs of the sense of touching, upon the con∣tact of a Cold object; yet doth not that special Notion sufficiently express its Nature: because there is a more General Effect by which it falls under our cognizance; and that is the Congregation and Compaction of the parts of bodies. For, since Cold is the Antagonist to Heat, whose proper ver∣tue it is, to Discuss and Disgregate; therefore must the proper and imme∣diate virtue of Cold be, to Congregate and Compinge: and consequently, ought we to form to our selves a notion of the Essence of Cold, according to that general Effect, rather than that special one produced in the sense of Touching, which doth adumbrate only a Relative part of it.

Secondly, that by Cold, we understand not any Immaterial Quality,* 1.4 as Aristotle and the Schools after him; but a Substantial one, i. e. certain particles of Matter, or Atoms whose determinate Magnitude and Figure adapt or empower them to congregate and compinge bodies, or to produce all those Effects observed to arise immediately from Cold. And, as the Atoms, which are comparated to the Causation of such Effects, may rightly be termed, the Atoms of Cold, or Frigorifick Atoms: so may those Concretions, which harbour such Atoms, and are capable of Emit∣ting them, be named Cold Concretions; either Actually, as Frost, snowe, the North-wind, &c. or Potentially, as Nitre, Hemlock, Night-shade, and all other simples aswel Medical, as Toxical or Poysonous, whose Alte∣rative Virtue consisteth cheifly in Cold.

Now, as for the determinate Figure of Frigorifick Atoms;* 1.5 our en∣quiries can hope for but small light from the almost consumed vaper of Antiquity: For, though Philoponus (in 1 physic.) & Magnenus (de Atomis, disput. 2. cap. 3.) confidently deliver, that Democritus assigned a Cubical Figure to the Atoms of Cold; and endeavour to justifie that assignation, by sundry Mathematical reasons: yet Aristotle, a man aswell acquainted with the doctrines of his Predecessors, as either of those, ex∣presly affirms, that nor Democritus, nor Leucippus, nor Epicurus deter∣mined the Atoms of Cold to any particular Figure at all; for, His words are these (3 de caelo, cap. 4.) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nihilpend•• determinarunt. So, that rather than remain altogether in the dark, we must strike fire out of that learned Conjecture of our Master Ga••∣sendus; and taking our indication from the rule of Contrariety, infer, that the Atoms of Heat being spherical, those of Cold, in all reason, must be Tetrahedical, or Pyramidal, consisting of 4 sides, or equilateral Tri∣angles. To make the reasonableness of this supposition duly evident, let us

consider (1.) That as Heat hath its origine from Atoms most exile in magnitude, spherical in figure, and so most swift of motion: so must its Contrary, Cold, be derived from principles of Contrary proprieties, viz. Atoms not so exile in magnitude, of a Figure most opposite to a sphere, and so of most slow motion. (2.) That none but Tetrahedical Atoms can justly challenge to themselves these proprieties, that are requisite to the Essensification of Cold. For (1.) If we regard their Magnitude, a Tetra∣hedical Atom may be Greater than a Spherical, by its whole Angles: be∣cause a Sphere may be circumscribed within a Tetrahedon. (2.) If the Figure it self; none is more opposed to a Sphere, than a Tetrahedon: because it is Angular, and farthest recedeth from that infinity, or (rather) innumerability of small insensible sides, which a profound Geometrician may speculate in a Sphere. (3.) If their Mobility; no body can be more unapt for motion, than a Tetrahedical one: for, what vulgar Mathemati∣cians impute to a Cube, viz. that it challengeth the palme from all other Figures, for Ineptitude to motion, doth indeed more rightfully belong to a Tetrahedon; as will soon appear to any equitable consideration, upon the perpension of the reasons alleagable on both parts. But here we are to signifie, that this ineptitude to motion proper to Tetrahedical Atoms, is not meant of Atoms at liberty, and injoying freedom of motion, in the Inane space; since, in that state all Atoms are praesumed to be of equal velocity: but only of Atoms wanting that liberty, such as are included in Concretions, and by intestine evolutions continually attempt Emancipa∣tion and Exsilition. (4.) It cannot impugne, at least, not stagger the reasonableness of this conjectural Assignation of a Tetrahedical figure to the Atoms of Cold, that Plato (in Timaeo) definitely adscribeth a Pyra∣midal Figure to Fire, not to the Aer, i. e. to the Atoms of Heat, not to those of Cold: because, if any shall thereupon conceive, that a Pyra∣mid is most capable of penetrating the skin of a man, and consequently of producing therein the sense of Heat, rather than Cold; He may be soon converted by considering a passage in our former section of this Chapter, that the Atoms of Heat may, though spherical, as well in respect of their ex∣treme Exility (which the point of no Pyramid can exceed) as of the veloci∣ty of their Motion, prick as sharply, and penetrate as deeply, as the An∣gles of the smallest Pyramid imaginable. To which may be conjoyned, that the Atoms of Cold, according to our supposition, are also capable of Pungency and Penetration; and consequently that a kind of Adustion is also assignable to great Cold; according to that expression of Virgil (1 Georg.) Boceae penetrabile frigus adurit. For, in fervent Frosts (to use the same Epithite, as the sweet-tongued Ovid, in the same case) when our hands are, as the English phrase is, Benumm'd with Cold; if we hold them to the fire, we instantly feel a sharp and pricking pain in them. Which ariseth from hence, that the Atoms of Heat, while by their agility and constant supplies they are dispelling those of Cold, which had entred and possessed the pores of our hands, do variously commove and invert them; they are hastily driven forth, and in their contention and egress, cut and dila∣cerate the flesh and skin, as well with their small points, as edges lying be∣twixt their points, and so produce an acute and pungitive pain. Where∣upon the sage Sennertus (de Atomis) grounds his advice, that in extreme cold weather, when our hands are so stupified, as that an Extinction of their vital heat may be feared; we either immerse them into cold water, or rub them in snow, that the Atoms of Cold, which have wedged each other

into the pores, may be gently and gradually called forth, before we hold them to the fire: and this, least not only grievous pain be caused, but a Gangrene ensue, from the totall dissolution of the Contexture of our hands by the violent intrusion of the Cold Atoms, when they are forcibly impel∣led and agitated by the igneous; as the sad experience of many in Ruscia, Groenland, the Alps▪ and other Regions obnoxious to the tyranny of Cold, hath taught. Concerning this, Helm••nt also was in the right, when He said, Mechanicè namque videmus, membrum fere congelatum sub nive recalescere, & à syderatione praeservari; quod alias aer mox totaliter con∣gelare pergeret, vel si repente ad ignem sit delatum, moritur propter ex∣tremi alterius festinam actionem▪ &c. (in cap. de Aere articul 8.) (5.) Nor doth it hinder, that Philoponus and Magnenus affirm, that the Atoms of Cold ought to be Cubical, in respect of the eminent aptitude of that figure, for Constipation and Compingency, the General Effects of Cold: be∣cause, a Pyramid also hath its plane sides, or faces, which empower it to perform as much as a Cube, in that respect; and if common Salt be Con∣strictive, only because, being Hexahedrical in form, it hath square plane sides, as a Cube; certainly Alum must be more Constrictive, be∣cause being Octahedrical in form, it hath triangular plane sides, as a Py∣ramid. Besides, it is manifest, that these plane sides must so much the more press upon and wedge in the particles of a body, by how much more of the body, or greater number of its particles they touch: and that by how much more they are entangled by their Angles, so much more hardly are they Expeded, and so remain cohaerent so much more pertinaciously. Hence comes it, that all Concretions consisting, for the most part, of such figurated Atoms, are Adst••ictive Effectually: for, interposing their particles amongst those of other bodies, that are Fluid; they make their Consistence more Compact and somewhat Rigid, as in Ice, Snow, Haile, Hoar-frost, &c.

The Consignation of a Tetrahedical Figure to Frigorifick Atoms appear∣ing thus eminently verisimilous;* 1.6 to the full Explanation of the Nature of Cold, it remains only, that we decide that notable Controversy, which so much perplexed many of the Ancients: viz. Whether Cold be an Ele∣mentary Quality; or (more plainly) Whether or no the Principality of Cold belongs to any one of the four vulgar Elements; and so whether Aer, or Water, or Earth may not be conceived to be Primum Frigidum, as right∣fully as Fire is sayd to be Primum Calidum? Especially, since it is well known, that the Stoicks imputed the principality of Cold to the Aer; Empedo∣cles to Water, to whom Aristotle plainly assented, though He sometimes forgot himself, and affirmed that no Humor is without Heat (as in 5. de Generat. Animal. cap. ••.); and Plutarch to Earth, as we have learned from Himself (lib. de frigore primigenio.)

To determine this Antique Dispute, therefore, we first observe; that it arose cheifly from a Petitionary Principle. For it appears, that all Phi∣losophers, who engaged therein, took it for granted, that the Quality of Heat was eminently inhaerent in Fire, the chief of the 4 Principal or Ele∣mentary substances; and thereupon inferred, that the Contrary Quality, Cold, ought in like manner to have its principal residence in one of the other 3: when, introth, they ought first to have proved, that there was such a thing as an Element of Fire in the Universe; which is more than any Logick

can hope, since the Sphere of Fire, which they supposed to possess all that vast space between the convex of the Sphere of Aer, and the concave of that of the Moon, is a meer Chimaera, as we have formerly intimated, and Helmont hath clearly commonstrated (in cap. de Aere.) And Secondly we affirm, that as the Highest degree of Heat is not justly attributary to any one Body more than other, or by way of singular eminency (for, the Sphere of Fire failing, what other can be substituted in the room thereof?) but to sundry special Bodies, which are capable of Exciting or Conceiving Heat, in the superlative degree: so likewise, though we should concede, that there are 3 Principal Bodies in Nature, namely Aer, Water, Earth, in each whereof the Quality of Cold is sensibly harboured; yet is there no one of them, of its own nature more principally Cold than other, or which of it self contain∣eth Cold in the highest degree; but some special Bodies there are, composed of them, which are capable of Exciting and Conceiving Cold, in an emi∣nent manner. But, in Generals is no Demonstration; and therefore we must advance to Particulars, and verify our Assertion, in each of the Three supposed Elements apart.

For the Earth: forasmuch as our sense certifieth that it is even Torri∣fied with Heat, in some places, and Congealed with Cold in others, accord∣ing to the temperature of the ambient Aer in divers climats, or as the Aer, being calefied by the Sun, or frigified by frost, doth variously affect it, in it superficial or Exterior parts; and so it cannot be discerned, that its Extern∣al parts are endowed with one of these opposite Qualities more than the other: and since we cannot but observe, that there are many great and du∣rable subterraneous Fires burning in, and many fervid and sulphlureous Ex∣lations frequently emitted, and more Hot Springs of Mineral Waters per∣petually issuing from its Interior parts, or bowels; and so it is of necessity, that vast seminaries of Igneous Atoms be included in the Entrals thereof: We say, considering these things, we cannot deny, but that the Earth doth contain as many Particles of Heat, or Calorifick Atoms, both with∣out and within, as it doth of seeds of Cold, or Frigorifick Atoms, if not more; and upon consequence, that it cannot be Primum Frigidum, as Plutarch and all his Sectators have dreamt. What then; shall we conclude Antithetically, and conceive that the Globe of the Earth is therefore Es∣sentially rather Hot, than Cold? Truely, No; because experience demon∣strateth, that the Earth doth belch forth Cold Exhalations, and congeal∣ing blasts, as well as Hot Fumes, and more frequently: witness the North-wind, which is so cold, that it refrigerates the Aer even in the middst of Summer, when the rivers are exhausted by the fervor of the Sun; to which Elihu, one of Iobs sorry Comforters, seems to have alluded, when He said, That Cold cometh out of the North, and the Whirlwind out of the South. All, therefore, we dare determine in this difficult argument (the decision whereof doth chiefly depend upon Experiments of vast labour and costs) is only thus much; that the Earth, which is now Hot, now Cold, in its extreme or superficial parts, may, as to its Internal or profound parts, be as reasonably accounted to contain various seminaries of Heat, as of Cold: and that the principal seeds of Cold, or such, as chiefly consist of Frigo∣rifick Atoms, do convene into Halinitre, and other Concretions of na∣tures retaining thereto. And our Reason is that Halinitre is no sooner dis∣solved in Water, than it congealeth the same into perfect Ice, and strongly refrigerates all bodies, that it toucheth; insomuch that we may not only

conclude, that of all Concretions in Nature, at least that we have disco∣vered, none is so plentifully fraught with the Atoms, or seeds of Cold, as Halinitre; but also adventure to answer that Problem proposed to Iob, Out of whose womb came the Ice, and the Hoary Frost of heaven, who hath gendred it? by saying, that all our Freezing and extreme Cold winds seem to be only copious Exhalations of Halinitre dissolved in the bowels of the Earth; or consisting of such Frigorifick Atoms, as compose Halinitre; and this because of the identity of their Effects, for the Tramontane Wind (the coldest of all winds, as Fabricius Paduanus, in his exquisite Book de Ventis, copiously proveth) which the Italians call Chirocco, can pre∣tend to no natural Effect, in which Halinitre may not justly rival it. Long might we dwell upon this not more rare than delightful subject: but, be∣sides that it deserves a profest Disquisition, apart by it self, our speculati∣ons are limited, and may not, without indecency, either digress from their proper Theme, or transgress the strict Laws of Method. May it suffice, therefore, in praesent, that we have made it justifiable to conceive that the Earth containeth many such Particles, or Atoms (whether such as pertain to the Composition of Halinitre, or of any other kind whatever) upon the Exsilition of which the body containing them may be said to become Cold, or pass from Potential to Actual Cold: and upon the insinuation of which into Aer, Water, Earth, Stones, Wood, Flesh, or any other ter∣rene Concretion whatever, Cold is introduced into them, and they may be said to be Frigefied, or made Cold.

Secondly, as for Water; that the praetext thereof to the praerogative of Essential Frigidity is also fraudulent, and inconsistent with the Magna Charta of right Reason, may be discovered from these considerations. 1. When Water is frozen, the Ice always begins in it superfice, or upper parts, where the Aer immediately toucheth it: but, if it were Cold of its own Nature, as is generally praesumed, upon the auctority of Aristotle, the Ice ought to begin in parts farthest situate from the Aer, that is in the middle, or bottom, rather than at the top; at least, it would not be more slowly conglaciated in the middle and bottom, than at the top. (2.) In all Frosts, the Cold of Water is encreased; which could not be, if it were the principal seat of Cold. For, how could the Aer which according to the vulgar supposition, that Water is the subject of inhaesion to extreme Cold, if less cold, infuse into water a greater cold, than what it had before of its owne? or, how could Nitre, dissolved in water, so much augment the Cold thereof, as to convert it into Ice, even in the heat of summer, or by the fires side; as is experimented in Artificial conglaciations: if Nitre were not endowed with greater cold than Water? (3.) If Water be formally in∣gravidated with the seeds of Cold; why is not the sea, why are not all Ri∣vers, nay, all Lakes and standing Pools (in which the excuse of continual motion is praevented) constantly congealed, and bound up in ribbs of Ice? Whence comes it, that Water doth constantly remain Fluid, unless in great frosts only, when the Atoms of Cold, wafted on the wings of the North-wind, and plentifully strawed on the waters, doe insinuate them∣selves among its particles, and introduce a Rigidity upon them? Certainly, it is not conform to the Laws of Nature, that any Body, much less so emi∣nent and useful a one as Water, should for the most part remain alienated from its owne native constitution, and be reduced to it again only at some times, after long intervals, and then only for a day or two. (4.) Were

Cold essentially competent to Water, it could not so easily, as is observed, admit the Contrary Quality, Heat, nor in so high a degree, without the destruction of its primitive form. For, no subject can be changed from the Extreme of one Quality inhaerent, to the extreme of a contrary, with∣out the total alteration of that Contexture of its particles, upon which the inhaerent quality depended; which done, it remains no longer the same: but Water still remains the same, i. e. a Humid Fluid substance, both at the time of, and after its Calefaction by fire, as before. And, there∣fore, that common saying, that Water heated doth reduce it self to its native Cold, though it be tollerable in the mouth of the people; yet He that would speak as a Philosopher, ought to change it into this, that Water after calefaction, returns to its primitive state of Indifferency to either Heat, or Cold: for, though after its remove from the fire, it gradually loseth the Heat acquired from thence, the Igneous Atoms spontaneously ascending and abandoning it one after another; yet would it never reduce it self to the least degree of cold, but is reduced to cold by Atoms of Cold from the circumstant Aer immitted into its pores. What then; shall we hence conclude, that Water is Essentially Hot? Neither; because then it could not so easily admit, nor so long retain the Contrary Quality, Cold, for Hot springs are never congelated. Wherein therefore can we acquiesce? Tru∣ly, only in this determination, that Water is Essentially Moist, and Fluid: but neither Hot, nor Cold, unless by Accident, or Acquisition, i. e. it is made Hot, upon the introduction of Calorifick, and Cold, upon the introduction of Frigorifick Atoms; contrary to the tenent of Empedocles, and Aristotle.

Lastly, as for the Aer: insomuch as it is sometimes Hot, sometimes Cold, according to the temperature of the Climate, season of the year, prae∣sence or absence of the Sun, and diversity of Winds: we can have no war∣rant from re••son, to conceive it to be the natural Mother of Cold, more than of Heat▪ but rather that it is indifferently comparated to admit either Quality, according to divers Impraegnation. Whoever, therefore, shall argue, that because in the Dogg da••es, when the perpendicular rayes of the Sun parch up the languishing inhabitants of the Earth in some positions of its sphere, if the North-wind arise, it immediately mitigates the fe••vor of the Aer, and brings a cool relief upon its wings; therefore the Aer is Natural∣ly Cold: ma•• as justly infer, that the Aer is Naturally Hot; because, in the dead 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Winter, when the face of the Earth becomes hoary and rigid with ••r••st, if the South-wind blowe, it soon mitigates the frigidity of the Aer, ••nd dissolves those fetters of Ice, wherewith all things were bound up. Wherefore, it is best for us to Conclude, that the Essential Qua∣lity of the Aer▪ is Fluidity; but as for Heat and Cold, they are Qualities meer∣ly Accidental or Adventitious thereto; or, that it is made Hot, or Cold, upon the commixture of Calorifick, or Frigorifick Atoms. So that where the Aer is constantly impraegnate with Atoms of Heat, as under the Torrid Zone, there is it co••stantly Hot, or Warme at least: where it is Alternately per∣fused with ••••lorifick and Frigorifick Atoms, as under the Temper••te Zones;* 1.7 〈…〉〈…〉 it Alternately Hot and Cold: and where it is constantly pervaded by ••••igorifick Atoms, as under the North Pole; there is it con∣stantly Cold.

To put a p••••iod, therefore, to this Dispute; seeing the Quality of Cold is not Essen••••••••ly inhaerent in Earth, Water, or Aer, the Three Principal

Bodies of Nature; where shall we investigate its Genuine Matrix, or pro∣per subject of inhaesion? Certainly, in the nature of some Special Bodies, or a particular species of Atoms (of which sort are those whereof Salnitre is for the most part composed) which being introduced into Earth, Water, Aer, or any other mixt Bodie, impraegnate them with cold.

But, haply, you may say, that though this be true,* 1.8 yet doth it not totally solve the doubt; since it is yet demandable, Whether any one, and which of those Three Elements is highly Opposite to the Fourth, viz. Fire? We Answer, that forasmuch as that Bodie is to be accounted the most Opposite to Fire, which most destroyes it: therefore is Water the chief Antagonist to Fire, because it soonest Extinguisheth it. Nevertheless there is no necessity, that therefore Water must be Cold in as high a degree, as Fire is Hot: for, Wa∣ter doth not extinguish Fire, as it is Cold (since boyling water doth as soon put out fire, as Cold) but as it is Humid, i. e. as it enters the pores of the en∣flamed body, and hinders the Motion and Diffusion of the Atoms of Fire. Which may be confirmed from hence (1.) That Oyle, which no man con∣ceives to be Cold, it poured on in great quantity, doth also extinguish fire, by suffocation, which is nothing but a hindering the Motion of the igneous Atoms: (2.) That in case the Atoms of Fire issue from the accensed matter, with such pernicity and vehemence, and reciprocal arietations, and in such swarms, as that they repel the water affused, and permit it not to enter the pores of the fewel (as constantly happens in Wild-fire, where the ingredients are Unctuous, and consist of very tenacious particles.) in that case, Water is so far from extinguishing the flame, that it makes it more impetuous and raging. However, we shall acknowledg thus much, that if the Principality of Cold must be adscribed to one of the Three vulgar Elements; the Aer doubt∣less, hath the best title thereunto: because, being the most Lax and Porous bo∣die of the Three it doth most easily admit, and most plentifully harbour the seeds of Cold; and being also subtile and Fluid, it doth most easily immit, or carry them along with it self into the pores of other bodies, and so not only Infrigidate, but some times Congeal, and Conglaciate them; in case they be of such Contextures and such particles, as are susceptible of Congelation and Conglaciation.

The Fable of the Satyr and Wayfering man, who blew hot and cold,* 1.9 though in the mouth of every School-boy, is yet scarce understood by their Masters; nay, the greatest Philosophers have found the reason of that Contrariety of Effects from one and the same Cause, to be highly problematical. Wherefore since we are fallen upon the cause of the Frigidity in the Aer; and the Fri∣gidity of our Breath doth materially depend thereon: opportunity invites Us, to solve that Problem, which though both Aristotle (sect 3. prob. 7. & Anaxi∣menes (apud Plutarch. de frigore primigenio) have strongly attempted; yet have they left it to the conquest of Epicurus principles: viz. Why doth the breath of a man warme when eff••ated with the mouth wide open; and cool, when efflated with the mouth contra••••ed? To omit the opinions of others, there∣fore, we conceive the cause hereof to be only this▪ that albeit the Breath doth consist of aer, for the most part fraught with Calorifick Atoms, emitted from the lungs and vital organs, yet hath it many Frigorifick ones also interspersed among its particles: which being of greater bulk, than the Calorifick, and so capable of a stronger impuls, are by the force of efflation transmitted to great∣ter distance from the mouth; because, the Calorifick Atoms commixt with

the breath, in regard of their exility, are no sooner dischaged from the mouth, than they instantly disperse in round. Wence it comes, that if the breath be expired in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 large stream, or with the mouth wide open; because the circuit of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of brea••h is large, and so the Hot Atoms emitted are not so soon dispersed: therefore doth the stream feel warme to the hand objected there▪ and so much the more warme, by how much neerer the hand is held to the mouth; the Calorifick Atoms being less and less Dissipated in each degree of remove. But, in case the breath be ••mitted with contracted lipps; becaus•• ••hen the compass of the stream is small, and the force of Ef∣flation greater 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore are the Calorifick Atoms soon Disgregated, and the Frigorific••▪ only r••main commixt with the Aer, which affects the ob∣jected hand 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cold, and by how much farther (in the limits of the power of Efflation•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hand is held from the mouth, by so much colder doth the breath appear 〈…〉〈…〉 contra. That Calorifick Atoms are subject to more and more 〈…〉〈…〉 the stream of a Fluid substance, to which they are com∣mixt, is greater and greater in circuit, may be confirmed from hence; that if we poure ho•• ••••ter, from on high, in frosty weather, we shall observe a fume to issue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••scend from the stream all along▪ and that so much the more plentifully, by how much greater the stream is. Thus we use to cool Burnt wine, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by frequent refunding it from vessel to vessel, or infunding it into broad and shallow vessels; that so the Atoms of Heat may be the sooner disper•••••• for, by how much larger the superfice of the liquor is made, by so much more of liberty for Exsilition is given to the Atoms of Heat containe•• ••herein, and as much of Insinuation to the Atoms of Cold in company 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the circumstant Aer. Thus also we cool our faces in the heat of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with fanning the aer towards us: the Hot Atoms be∣ing thereby 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Cold impelled deeper into the pores of the skin: which 〈…〉〈…〉 the reason, why all Winds appear so much the Colder, by how much ••••••onger they blowe; as De••s Cartes hath well observed in these words: 〈…〉〈…〉 vehementior majoris frigiditatis perceptionem, quam aer 〈…〉〈…〉 corpore nostro excitat; quod aer quietus tantùm exterio∣rem nostram 〈…〉〈…〉 quae interi••ribus nostris carnibus frigidior est, contingat: ventus vero, ••••hementius in corpus nostrum actus, etiam in penetralia ejus adigatur, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 illa siut cute calidiora, id circo etiam majorem frigiditatem ab ejus conta•••••• percipiunt.

* 1.10In our prece••ent Article, touching the necessary assignatin of a Tetrahe∣dical Figure 〈…〉〈…〉 Atoms of Cold, we remember, we said▪ that in respect of their 〈…〉〈…〉 or plane faces, they were most apt to Compinge, or bind in the particle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all Concretions▪ into which they are intromitted; and from thence we shal•• ••••ke the hint of inferring Three noble CONSECTARIES.

(1.) That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Snow, Hail, Hoarfrost, and all Congelations, are made meerly by th•• ••••••romission of Frigorifick Atoms among the particles of 〈…〉〈…〉, being once insinuated and commixt among them, in suf∣ficie•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 alter their fluid and lax consistence into a rigid and com∣pact, i. e. they Congeal them.

(2.) That 〈…〉〈…〉, or Trembling sometimes observed in the members of 〈…〉〈…〉 that Rigor, or Shaking, in the beginning of most pu∣tri•• 〈…〉〈…〉 when the Fits of Intermittent fevers invade, are chiefly cause•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Frigorifick Atoms. For, when the Spherical Atoms

of Heat, which swarm in and vivifie the bodies of Animals, are not moved quaquaversùm in the members with such freedom, velocity, and directness excentrically, as they ought; because, meeting and contesting with those less Agile Atoms of Cold, which have entred the body, upon its chilling, their proper motion is thereby impeded: they are strongly repelled, and made to recoyle towards the Central parts of the bodie, in avoydance of their Ad∣versary, the Cold ones; and in that tumultuous retreat, or introcession, they vellicate the fibres of the membranous and nervous parts, and so cause a kind of vibration or contraction, which if only of the skin, makes that symptome, which Physicians call a Horror; but if of the Muscles in the Habit of the bo∣die, makes that more vehement Concussion, which they call a Rigor. Either of which doth so long endure, as till the Atoms of Heat, being more strong by Concentration and Union, have re-encountered and expelled them. That it is of the Nature of Hot Atoms, when invaded by a greater number of Cold ones, to recoyle from them, and concentre themselves in the middle of the body, that contains them; is demonstrable from the Experiment of Frozen Wines: wherein the spirits concentre, and preserve themselves free from Congelation in the middle of the frozen Phlegm, so that they may be seen to remain fluid and of the colour of an Amethyst: as Helmont hath well declared, in his History of the Nativity of Tartar in Wines.

(3.) That the Death of all Animals, is caused immediately by the Atoms of Cold; which insinuating themselves in great swarms into the body, and not expelled again from thence by the overpowered Atoms of Heat; they wholly impede and suppress those motions of them, wherein Vitality con∣sisteth: So that the Calorifick ones being no longer able to calefy the prin∣cipal seat of life, the Vital flame is soon extinguished, and the whole Body resigned to the tyranny of Cold. Which is therefore well accounted to be the grand and profest Enemy of Life.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Art. 1. The Link con∣necting this Section to the former.
• * 1.2

  Art. 2. That Cold is no Privation of Heat; but a Real and Po∣sitive Quality: demonstrated.
• * 1.3

  Art 3. That the ad∣aequate Notion of Cold, ought to be de••umed from its Gene∣ral Effect, viz. the Congregati∣on and Compa∣ction of bodies.
• * 1.4

  Art. 4. Cold, no ••m∣material; but a Substantial Quality.
• * 1.5

  Art. 5. Gassendus con∣jectural Assig∣nation of a Tetrahedical Figure to the Atoms of cold; asserted by sundry weigh∣ty considera¦tions.
• * 1.6

  Art. 6. Cold, not Essential to Earth, Water, nor Aer.
• * 1.7

  Art. 7. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.8

  Art. 8. Water, the chief Antagonist to Fire; not in re∣spect of its Ac∣cidental Frigi∣dity, but Essen∣tial Humidity▪ and that the Aer hath a juster title to the Principali∣ty of Cold, than either Water, or Earth.
• * 1.9

  Art. 9. ••ROBLEM▪ Why the breath of a man doth Warme, when expi••ed with the m••uth wide open; & Cool, when ef∣flated with the mouth contracted.
• * 1.10

  Art. 10. 〈…〉〈…〉 the pre∣mises.