An history of the wonderful things of nature set forth in ten severall classes wherein are contained I. The wonders of the heavens, II. Of the elements, III. Of meteors, IV. Of minerals, V. Of plants, VI. Of birds, VII. Of four-footed beasts, VIII. Of insects, and things wanting blood, IX. Of fishes, X. Of man / written by Johannes Jonstonus, and now rendred into English by a person of quality.

Of the Writings of Wonders in Nature. (Book 2)

The Second Classis. Wherein are contained the Wonders of the Elements. (Book 2)

WHat is the chief thing in humane affairs? Not to fill the Seas with Ships, nor, to set up standards on the shores of the red Sea; not where Land is wanting, to wander in the Ocean to in∣jure other men, and seek out unknown places: but to see all with the mind; and, than which there is no greater victory, to overcome our vices:

Seneca, Natur. quaest. l. 3. Praef.

CHAP. I. Of Fire.

Artic. 1. Of the Wonderful beginning of Fire.

FIre was a long time unknown to the Antients, especially if you respect them who in the utmost borders of Egypt dwelt by the Sea side, Plin. histor. Natural. l. 16. c. 40. When Eudoxus found it, they were so pleased with it, that they would have put it in their bosomes.

Fire, is not unknown to us. So great is the variety of it, and it is so manifold, that I know not what order to deliver it in. Pliny saith it is from it self; steel rubb'd against steel causeth fire. Also the stones we call fire-stones, stricken against steel or other stones, send forth sparkles. Therefore the Laplanders begin their Contracts of Mar∣riage with the fire and flint, Scalig. Exerc. 16. s. 1. For fire with them is the Authour of life, and the flint is eternal, wherein the treasure never fails. It is in vain to try that in a brittle stone: for the piece falling away, that which should draw forth the Ayr is lost. The rubbing of sticks one against another will fetch fire. The Indians do so; They make two sticks fast together, and put another stick be∣tween them, turning it swift like a wimble, and so they make them

take fire, Ovetan. l. 6. c. 5. In Apulia they wrap a Ca•••••• i•• cords, and draw them as fast as they can forward and backward, till they fire it by motion, Mayolus Colloq▪ 2••. The Vestal Nuns did the same, when their eternall fire went out, if we credit Festus. In Nympheus, a flame goes out of a Rock, which is kindled by rain. Aristotle saith, in Admirand. it is not perceived untill you cast oyl upon it, and then the flame flyes upward. We find also in Authours, that in the Coun∣try of the Sabins, and Apulia, there is a stone that will fire if you annoint it, Plin. l. 2. c. 207. In Aricia, if a live cole fall on arable ground, the ground will burn. In a Town of Picenum, Egnatia, if wood be laid on a certain stone, that they account holy there, it will flame presently. Also a flame goes forth at the waters of Scantia, but it is very weak at the going forth, and will not last long in any other matter. Also at Gratianopolis in Dauphin, flame shines out, when you stir the burning Fountain with a staff, so that straw may be kindled by it; Dalechamp. ad l. c. The fire of the Mountain Chimer•• is kindled by water, Plin. l. 2. c. 106. If you hold a glasse Globe full of water in the Sun, fire will rise from the repercussion of the light from the water, in the coldest frost: Lactan. de ira Dei, c. 10. Some∣times also fire ariseth so suddenly in houses, that it may be thought wonderful. Cardan. l. 10. de varietate, c. 49. ascribes the cause to the salt, and Salt-Peter that sticks to the walls of the houses. Which Valerius reports concerning the Schollar of the vestall Nun, Maxima Aemilia, l. 1. c. 1. that she adoring Vesta, when she had laid her fine linnen veil upon the hearth, the fire that was out, shined forth again: an old wall being scraped down, he writes, that it might take fire onely by hot Ashes.

If you look in the Bible, you shall find a wonderfull originall of fire in it, 1 King. c. 18. Elias when he offered sacrifice brought fire down from heaven, which consumed the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust, and water. In the Book of Judges, Ch. 6. when Gideon at the com∣mand of the Angel had laid flesh and bread upon a stone, and poured Frankincense upon them, fire came forth of the stone, and consumed them.

Artic. 2. Of Fires in the Waters.

IF we will credit Histories, it is most certain, that fires have been seen in the waters. Pliny saith, lib. 2. c. 107. That the whole Lake Thrasimenus was on fire. That the Sea did burn, Liv. lib. 33. when Alaricus wasted Italy, and John Chrysostome was driven from his Bishoprick, the Earth quaked, fire fell from Heaven, and a wind took it, and cast it into the Sea, which took fire by it, and at last went out again; Niceph. l. 13. c. 36. In the fields of Babylon there is a Fish∣pond that burns, which is about an Acre of ground, Plin. lib. 2. c. 106. A stone cast into a Lake near to Denstadium of Thuringia, when it sinks to the bottom, it hath the form of a burning arrow; Agricol. lib. 4. de nat. affluent. c. 22.

In a City of Comagena, called Samosata, there is a Lake that sends forth burning mud; Plin. l. 2. c. 104. Posidonius saith, that in his time, a∣bout the Summer Solstice, in the morning, that between Suda and the Sea of Evonymus, fire was seen lifted up to a wonderfull height, and to have continued so a pretty while, carried up with a continued blast and at length it sunk down. Many dayes after, Slime appeared, that it swam on the top of the waters, and that flames brake forth in many places, and smoaks, and soot, and at length that Slime grew hard, and that the lumps grown hard, were like unto Milstones. Julius Obsequens adds, that it dispersed a great multitude of fish, which the Lipa∣renses much feeding on, were spoiled by them, so that the Islands were made wast with a new plague, Strabo. l. 6. Between, Ther and Therasia which are in the Cyclades, flames went out of the Sea, in such abundance, that is was extreme hot, and seemed to burn; and when it had swelled by degrees, of the peices cast out, that were like to Iron, an Island was made, which was called Hiera and Automate, now it is called Vulcanellus: by a very small arme of the Sea, it is parted from Vulcanellus. Plin. l. 2. c. 87.

Artic. 3. Of Fire under the Earth.

I Said that fire was also in the waters; now I will shew that in the bowells of the earth fire is generated. When Claudius Nero was Emperour, fire was seen to come forth of the Earth, in the land of the Town of Colein, and it burnt the Fields, Villages, Houses; now because the matter of it was bituminous, and could be quenched nei∣ther by raine, nor River waters, nor by any other moisture, it was ex∣tinguished by Stones and old Garments. In Misena a Country of Ger∣many, a Mountain of Coles burns continually, the trenches falling down by degrees in the superficies, which if any man behold, they appear to be burning Furnaces. The fire kindles any thing neere to it, at four foot distance, but not put close to it. Agricol. de natur. effluent. ex terr. Vesuvius, also a Mountain in Campania, burned, when Titus Vespasianus, and Flavius Domitianus the seventh, were Consuls. First it cast out Stones from the top broken open; after that, it cast forth such Flames, that two Towns, Herculaneum, and Pompeti were set on fire; and it sent forth such thick smoak, that it obscured the Sun; and lastly it blew forth such a quantity of Ashes, that like snow it covered the Neighbour Country, which by force of winds was carryed into Afri∣ca, Aegypt, Syria; Dion. Cass. in Histor. When the Elder Pliny beheld this Fire, (the Younger in Epistol. ad Tacitum) the smoak so stopped his sharp artery, that his breath being intercepted, he was choaked, There is also a mountain of late in Campania, full of rises, from the time the fire was bred there, which burns and rores with∣in, and sends forth smoak in many places, and very hot brooks, the shore smoaks at the foot of the Mountain, the sand is hot, & the Sea boyles, Agricol, l. c. In the same place, there are many ditches co∣vered with sand, into which some that have viewed these things care∣lesly

have sunk in, and were stifled. This is in Europe. In India, there are no lesse burnings by fire. In Ciapotulan, a Province of the King∣dome of Mexico, a Mountain casts forth stones as big as houses, and those stones cast forth have flames of fire in them, and seem to burn, and are broke in pieces with a great noise; Petrus Alvarad. ad Cortesium. In the province Quahutemallan, of the same Country, two Mountaines with∣in two Leagues one of the other, vomit out fire, and tremble, Petrus Hispalens. p. 5. C. 23. In Peruacum also, out of the Mountain Na∣navata, the Fire flies out at many holes; and out of one, boyling water runs, of which salt is made. In the same Peruacum in the Town Mola∣ha••o fire is vomited forth, and ashes is cast out for many dayes, and covers many Towns. There is an Island next to great Java, in the middle of which land there burns a perpetuall fire Odoard. Barbosa. In the Island Del Moro, there is a Fire cast forth with such a noise, that it is equall to the loudest Cannon, and the darknesse is like Night. The Ashes so abound, that houses have sunk down under them, and Trees have been barren for three yeres, their boughs being lopt off, all places are fild with Ashes, and living Creatures destroyed with hunger and pestilence, also sweet waters have been changed into bit∣ter. Diat. Jesuita. Also there are concealed Fires, namely there, where the waters run forth, hot, warm, or sower, or where exhalati∣ons break forth, good or bad, and where places seem adust. Strab. in Geograph: There is a Country in Asia, which is called Adust, which is 500 furlongs long, and 50 broad, whether it should be called Misia or Meonia, saith Strabo. In this there grows no Tree but the Vine that brings forth burnt Wine, so excellent that none exceeds it. You may not think that those Fires stay only in one straight place, for they pass many miles under ground; Agricol. l. 4. de nat. Effl. c. 24. in Cam∣pania, from Cunae, thorough Baianum, Puteoli, and Naples. Also out of Campania they seem to come as far as the Islands, Aenaria, Vulcania, &c. Hence Pindarus elegantly faigned that the Gigant, Typ••o, being stricken with a Thunder-Bolt, lay buried under these places.

Artic. 4. Of the Original of Subterraneall Fire.

WEe will now search out the original of these Fires, and what it is that kindles and nourisheth them. The Poets speak Fables concerning Aetna, (but of this, more in the 4th Chap∣ter.) Hyginius Mytholog. cap. 152. Hell, of the Earth begat Typhon, of a vast magnitude, and a wonderfull shape, who had 100 Dragons heads that sprang from his shoulders; He challenged Jupiter, to strive for his King∣dome. Jupiter hit him on the breast with a burning Thunder-bolt, and having fired him, he cast Mount Aetna upon him, which is in Sicilia, and from that time it is said to burn yet. Isidor. l. 14. c. 8. ascribes it to Brimstone that is kindled by the blasts of winds. Justinus affirms, that it is nou∣rished by water. Bleskenius relates of Hecla, that no man knowes by what fire, or what matter it burneth; but since that brimstone is dug forth of all Islandia, it should appear, that a brimstony matter was

sometimes kindled there. Not far from Hecla are Pits of brimstone, saith Bertius, in Islandia. That is certain, that brimstone affords nou∣rishment for this fire under ground, and it is such as will burn in wa∣ter. For in these Mountains Writers make mention of waters▪ and we have shew'd, that it hath sometimes burned in the Sea. But Ly∣diat, L. de orig. font. thinks, That in the gulfs of the Sea, a most vio∣lent fire is contained; and he demonstrates this by Earth-quakes. Therefore the food of it cannot be dry, and like to the Earth which we call Dorfa; for that is quickly consumed by fire, and is quenched by water. Nor is it Marle, for that will not burn, unlesse it be sul∣phureous and bituminous. Brimstone burns indeed, but it is soon put out with water; therefore it is Bitumen; and this seems to be the subject of it.

Strabo writes, That there are under this Cave, Fountains of wa∣ter; and Pliny addes, l. 2. c. 106. that it burns with water running from Bitumen. Burning Bitumen sends forth fire in Hecla a Moun∣tain in Islandia, which consumes water: The stones of Rivers and the sand, burn at Hephestios, a Mountain of Lycia, and they are bitumi∣nous. Naphta is very near akin to fire, and it presently flames, Pliny, l. c. Wherefore we think Bitumen to be the food for these fires, and they are kindled by a fiery vapour that takes fire, if but cold thrust it forth, as the Clowds thrust ou•• lightnings, or drives it into some nar∣row places, where rolling it self up and down, and seeking to come forth, it burns in the conflict, and flames; Agricol. lib. cit.

Artic. 5. Of the Miracles of Fire in duration, burning, and in being Extinguished.

SOme Fires are perpetuall. The stone Asbestos, once lighted, can never be extinguished; therefore Writers say it was placed in Idol Temples, and the Sepulchres of the dead; Solinus, c. 12. There was a Monument once dug up, wherein was a Candle that had burn∣ed above 1500 years; when it was touched with the hands, it went to fine ashes: Vives ad lib. 21. de Civitat. Dei. Vives saw wicks at Paris, which once lighted, were never consumed. In Britany the Tem∣ple of Minerva had a perpetual fire; when it consumed, it was turned into balls of stone; Solinus, c. 24. Polyhist. The same thing is writ∣ten of a certain Wood near to Urabia in the New-found World. There are some fires that burn not, either not at all, or in some cer∣tain matter, or else miraculously. In Pythecusis, saith Aristotle admi∣rand. c. 35. there is a fervent and hot fire that burns not: An Ash that shadowes the Waters called Scantiae, is alwayes green. Plin. lib. 2. c. 107. In the Mountain of Puteoli consisting of Brimstone, there is a fire comes forth, that is neither kindled nor augmented by oyl, nor wax, or any fat matter, nor is it quenched with water, or kin∣dled, and it will not burn towe cast into it, nor can any Candle be lighted by it. Mayolus Colloq. 22. he conceives it is not fire, but fiery water. Near Patara in Lycia, flame is cast forth of a field, you shall

feel the heat if you put your hands to it, but it will never burn. The parts of the ambient ayr that are cold and moist, are said to be the cause of it, that by their thinnesse entring into the fire, do hinder the burning of it. Some napkins made of a kind of Flax will not burn: and being durty, they are never washed; but being cast into the fire they are made clean; Lemnius in l. 2. de occult. That kind growes in the deserts of India, where such is the condition of the Ayr, and the quality of the Earth, which causeth such a temper of the Plants, that they may be spun and woven into linnen Cloth. Wood and Planks, if they be anointed with Allum (I add, and smeared with Eggs) they will not burn, Plin. l. 29. c. 3. Nor will posts painted with a green colour, so you do it thick, and Allom with the ashes of white lead be plen∣tifully mingled with the paint: Because the wood is thickned and hardened, the fire cannot enter. Hence it was, that Sylla could not fire a Tower that was smeered with Allom. C. Caesar set fire to a Castle near to Po, that was built of Larch-tree, and it would not burn, Vitruv. l. 2. c. 9. for the Larch tree is not onely free from rottennesse, nor will it resolve into coles. The cause is the compacted matter, Lemnius, l. c. What shall we say of Pyrrhus, on whose great joynt of his right foot, fire could not prevail? What of Zwinglius, whose heart was not touched after his body was consumed by fire, Thuan. l. 5. Histor. The Salamander lives safe in the midst of the flames, if we credit Pliny; And the bottom of the Cauldron is cold, when it stands in the midst of the fire, and the water boyles, the sides are red hot. Yet Dioscorid. writes, l. 2. c. 52. That the Cauldron being cold by na∣ture, doth for a while keep off the fire by being so near to it, but at last it burns and wastes. The reason of this is from the Pyramidall figure of the fire, which ascends in a point, and the thin parts rise up first; the thicker are cast to the sides; Keckerm: Disp: 4. Phys: coral: 10.

In the Scriptures we have examples, God appeared to Moses in a flaming bush, the bush did not burn, Exod. Ch. 3. Elias was taken up into Heaven, with a fiery Chariot and horses. The three Children, cast into the fiery furnace in Babylon, had not a hair touched, and they were consumed that came but near, in the Apocryph: ad c. 3. Daniel is. Eugenius relates what befell an Hebrew Boy at Constantinople. So much for Burning.

Now for putting it out: A certain fire came forth of Mount He∣cla, which is extinguished with Towe; that which comes forth of the Mount Chimaera, is put out with Hay, or Earth: At Cullen of the Ubii, with stones, or cloathes. But when Charles Duke of Burgundy had taken the City of Geldria, the ground was burnt, the grasse and roots burned, the fire could be extinguished by no art of man; it penetra∣ted into Burgundy; Fulgosius, l. 1. To these I shall adde those Chy∣micall devices of Tritenhemius, whereby he procured everlasting fires, as an Anonymus reports in Aureo vellere, in the name of Bartholmaeus Korndorferus. Now there are two Eternal Lights. The first of them is made by mingling brimstone and calcined Allum, 4. ounces, and by subliming them, they are made flowrs. He joyned 2 ounces and a

half, to 1▪ ounce of 〈…〉〈…〉 Vedetus like Crystall; and to these 〈…〉〈…〉 bruised, and put into a h••llow glasse, he poured on the spirit of wi•••• four times distilled, and making digestion▪ and drawing that off, he poured on new, and he did this twice, thrice, or four times, untill the brimstone made hot upon plates of brasse, would run like wax with∣out smoke. This is the food of it. Afterwards the Wick must be thus ordered; The small shords of the stone Asbestos, about the length of the little finger, and about half so thick, must be tyed together with white silk. The Wick thus made, is sprinkled with brimstone, of the foresaid matter in a Venice-glasse, and it is put under ground, and is boyled in hot sand 24 hours, the brimstone alwaies boyling up. The wick so anointed and wet, is put into a hollow glasse, that it may a little come forth, the prepared Brimstone is heap'd on, the glasse is set into hot sand, that the Brimstone may melt and hold fast to the wick, then will this set on fire, burn with a continual flame: you may see the Lamp in any place. This is the first eternal Fire.

The latter is made thus: To a pound of decrepit Salt pour on strong Wine Vinegar; Draw it off to the consistence of oyl, put on new▪ let it steep, distill it as before, and do this four times. Infuse in this Vinegar glasse of Antimony finely powdered, one pound; set the infu∣sion in hot ashes 6 hours in a close vessel, and draw out a red tincture; Pour off that vinegar, and pour on more, and draw it off again, re∣peating the labour, untill all the colour be resolved and drawn forth. Coagulate the extractions to the consistence of oyl, and rectifie it in Balneo till it be pure: Then take the powder of Antimony, out of which the rednesse was drawn, and make fine flower of it, put it in∣to a glasse, and pour on the rectified oyl; draw it off, and pour it on 7 times, untill the body have drank in all its oyl, and become dry. Draw out this by the spirit of wine, changed so often untill all the substance be drawn forth; distill the Menstruums collected in a Venice Viol, covering it with a five doubled paper, that the spirit coming forth, the incombustible ayr may remain in the bottom; which must be used with a Wick, as that of Brimstone before.

CHAP. II. Of the Ayr.

Artic. 1. Of the three Regions of the Ayr.

PHilosophers make 3. Regions. The Region in the middle is so cold, that it is almost ready to freeze the Kite, which is wont to live there in the dog dayes from Noon till Night, or his limbs should grow stiff by staying there too long.

And in the Alps there is alwaies so much snow, that in Summer the passage is dangerous. They that have crept up to the tops of the Mountaines of Baldus, in the Country of Verona, feel no lesse cold in July and August, than in the coldest Winter. Aldrov••••••••, Ornith, l. ••.

c. 15. Some think the aire to be so thin there, that a man can hardly live. Augustin. de Genes. ad liter, l. 13. c. 2. reports from other men, that such as go to the top of Olympus, either to sacrifice, or to view the Starrs, carry sponges with them wet in water, to breathe with. But from the History of the flood, and others, we may observe that some Mountaines are so high, that they are above the Clouds, and yet a man may live in that ayre▪ Libav. de orig. rer. l. 6.

There is in the Island Zelainum, a very high Mountain, and most pleasant on the top. In Arabia Faelix there is an extreame high Moun∣tain, and there is a Town on the top of it. If we observe the force of the aire, it is notable: Philosophers speak much of it. Cardan saith that if it be shut up, it corrupts living Creatures, and preserves dead things, but the open Ayre is contrary. But examples will hardly make that good. In the Navigations of the Portugalls, some Marriners under the Equinoctiall had allmost breathed their last, though it were in the middle of the Sea, and a in a most open ayre. And when we were present, saith Scaliger, Exercit 31. some Italians of Lipsia in the Stoves were like to swound; and you may remember from Histories concerning the death of King Cocal. Wheat in Syria laid close in Mows corrupts not, but is spoild shut up in Barnes; if the Windows be open, it takes no harme.

Artic. 2. Of the Infection of the Ayre.

The Ayre doth not allwaies retain its own qualities, it is infected somtimes with hurtful things. They that go out of the Province of Peru, into Chila thorow the Mountains meet with a deadly ayr, and before the passengers perceive it, their limbs fall from their bodies, as Apples fall from Trees without any corruptions, Liburius de Origine rerum. In the Mount of Peru Pariacacca, the ayr being singular, brings them that go up, in despair of their lives. It causeth vomit so violent that the blood follows, it afflicts them most that ascend from the Sea, and not only Man but Beasts are exposed to the danger. It is held to be the highest, and most full of Snow in the World, and in three or four houres a man may passe over it. In the Mountains of Chilium, a Boy sustained himself three dayes, lying behind a multitude of Carcases, so that at last he escaped safe from the Venomous blasts. In a Book concerning the proper causes of the Elements, it is written that a wind killed the people in Hadramot. The same Authour reports that the same thing hapned in the time of King Philip of Macedo, that in a cer∣tain way between two Mountaines at a set hour, what horseman soe∣ver past, he fell down ready to die. The cause was not known. The foot were in the same condition, untill one Socrates by setting on high, a steel Looking-Glasse, beheld in both Mountains two Dra∣gons casting their venomous breath one at the other; and whatsoever this hit upon, died, Liban. l. cit. But the true cause of this mischief was a mineral ayr, stuft with nitrous and other metallick Spirits. Such a one is found in some Caves of Hungary and Sweden, and we

know that the Common Saltpeter is full of Spirits; it is moved dan∣gerously and forcibly if fire be put to it, and cast into water, it cools them much. But that bodies corrupt not, that we ascribe to cold, but it may be attributed to the Spirits of cold by mixture, such as are in some Thunder-bolts, for the bodies of living Creatures killed by them do not easily corrupt, and they last long, unlesse some more power∣full cause coming, drive it out.

Artic. 3. Of the Putrefaction of the Ayr.

THe Pestilence comes from putrefaction of the ayr: which in re∣spect of divers constitutions is divers. It is observed that there never was any at Locris or Croto: Plin. l. 2.99. So in that part of Ethiopia, which is by the black Sea. In Mauritania, it ruins all. It lasted so long somtimes at Tholouse, and in that Province, that it con∣tinued seven years. It perseveres so long, and oftimes, amongst the Northern people, and rageth so cruelly, that it depopulates whole Countries; Scaliger, exercit, 32. It is observed in the Southern parts, that it goes toward the Sun setting, and scarse ever but in winter, and lasts but three months at most. In the year 1524, it so raged at Mil∣lan, that new baked bread set into the ayr but one night, was not only musty, but was full of Worms, those that were well, died in 6, or 8, hours; Cardan de rer. varietat. l. 8. c. 45. In the year 1500 it destroyed 30000 at London, somtimes 300000 at Constantinople; and as many in the Cities of the Vandalls, all the autumne thorow. In Petrarchs dayes, it was so strong in Italy, that of 1000 Men scarse ten remain∣ed. Alsted in Chronolog. But that in divers Countries it works so va∣riously on some men and severall Creatures, that proceeds from the force of the active causes, and the disposition of the passive. Forest. l. 6. observ. de Febre. If the active cause from the uncleanness of the Earth or water be not strong, it only affects those beasts that are dis∣posed for such a venome; but if it be violent, it ceazeth on Mankind; yet so that of its own nature, it would leave neither Countrey, not Cittie, nor Village, nor Town free. This layes hold on men in one place only. But if the active force be from a superiour cause, or be from the ayr, corrupted below, Mankind alone are endangered by it. But if both a superiour and an inferiour cause concur, then may all living Creatures be infected with the Plague, yet it must be according to the disposition of their bodies.

Artic. 4. Of Attraction, cooling, and penetrating of the Ayr.

NO man almost is ignorant, but that the Ayr serves for the Life of man; for the branches of arteria venosa, drink in blood from the whole Lungs, brought to them by the arteria venosa, and it is made more pure in them. The Ayr drawn in at the mouth is mingled with the blood, and this mixture is carried to the left ventricle of the heart, to be made spirituous blood; Ludovi: du Gardin Anatom: c. 40. But be∣ing drawn in heaps it strangles, Zwinger, Physiol. l. 2. c. 23. For if you compasse a burning Candle in the open ayr, with wine from above, you put it out; because it cannot attract the Ayr prepared on each side, by reason the wine is betwixt, and it cannot from below draw the crude and unprepared Ayr. The desaphoretick force of it will appear in an Egg; when that is new, a pure spirit sweats through its shell, whilest it rosts, like unto dew. What will this do in the body of man? It will make that full of chinks, if it be touched by a small heat: otherwise it fills and penetrates all things. It pierceth thorow a brick, and there it inflates the concocted lime, so that the quantity of it is increased till it break it.

We see that the Ayr entring by the pores of a baked brick, doth swell a stone that was left there for want of diligence, and is turned into Lime; and so puts it up, till the brick breaks, Zwinger, Phys. l. 2. c. 25. Farther it is concluded by certain observation, That a wound is easie or hard to cure by reason of the Ayr. In Fenny grounds wounds of the head are soon cured, but Ulcers of the Legs are long: Hence it is, that wounds of the head are light at Bonnonia and Paris, but wounds of the Legs are deadly at Avignon and Rome. There the Ayr is of a cold constitution, and is an enemy to the brain: here it is more hot, whereby the humours being melted, run more downwards, Pa••ae••s, l. 10. Chirurg: c. 8. It may be cooled 9 wayes, by frequent ventilating of it with a fan that fresh ayr may come; if Snow and water be set about the bed; if the walls be compassed about with Willow leaves, or with linnen cloaths dipt in vinegar and Rose-wa∣ter, if the floor be sprinkled, and fountains made to run in the cham∣ber; if beds, saith Avicenna, be made over a pit of water, If beds be made of Camels hair, or of linnen, laying the skin under them: If the Bed be strewed with herbs; and lastly, if fragrant fruits be placed near the bed; Heurn: lib, 2. Medic. c. 18.

CHAP. III. Of the Water.

Artic. 1. Of the quantity and colour of Waters.

SO much for Ayr: Now followes the Element of Water. And first we shall consider the quantity, and the colour of it. In the Country of the great Cham, near the City Simqui, there is the River Quian, which is 10 miles broad; and waters 200 Cities, and it is so long, that it cannot be sailed in 100 dayes. Polus writes, That he told in the Haven of it 50000 Ships. Also in Moscovia the Duina is so great by the melting of the Snow, that it cannot be passed over in a whole day with a well sayling Ship, it is at least 50 miles broad. Jovius, a Lake of Genebar, the Portingal••s call it January, Thuan. histor. l. 16. is so large under Capricorn, that men write, who have sailed thither, That all the Ships in the World may well harbour there. As for Colours, they are different in many waters. Danubius is white as milk and water, which divides Noricum, and Windelicia from Ger∣many, Agricol. de Natur. effluent. The Waters of the Mayn, especially where it hath passed the Francks, and is fallen into the Rheyn, are yel∣lowish. The Fountain Telephus is muddy near Pat••ra, and mingled with blood. In Ethiopia there are red Waters, that make one mad that drinks them. At Neusola in the Mountain Carpath••s, waters run∣ing out of an old passage under ground, are green. At Ilza, that which comes forth of the Mountains of Bohemia, and runs into Danu∣bius, is black.

Artic. 2. Of the Taste of Water.

THere is no lesse variety of Waters in their tastes: Some are sweet, some taste like wine: you shall find every where, salt, Allom tasted, sharp bitter waters every where. The Waters of Eleus, Chocops, Rivers, are sweet: The Kings of Persia drank of them, and transported them to far Countries. The water of Cardia in a field called Albus, is sweeter then warm milk. Pausanias. So is Vinosa near Paphlagonia; whence so many strangers come thither to drink of it. In the bosome of the Adriatick Sea, where it turns to Aquileia; there are 7. Fountains, and all of them, except one, are salt, Polyb. in Hist. At Malta there is one, that the waters running above are very sweet, but the lower waters are brackish, Aristobul: Cassand. The small River Exampeus is so bitter, that it taints the great River Hypanis in Pontus. In the Lake Ascanium, and some Fountains about Chalcis, the upper waters are sweet, and the lower taste of nitre, Plin. in Hist. The Fountains are sowr about Culma; and because the water, though it be cold, boyls, they seem to be mad, Agricol. lib. cit. In the same place there is a Mineral water, which they call Furious, because it

boyls and roars like thunder. In Cepusium at Smol••icium, it not onely eats iron, but turns it into brasse. But the water about Tempe in Thes∣saly, of the River Styx, can be contained in no vessel of silver, brasse, iron, but it eats through them, nothing but a hoof can hold it.

Artic. 3. Of the Smell of Water: and of the first and second qualities.

THe hot Baths that are distant from Rhegium, the Town of Lepi∣dus Aemilius 26 miles, smell of so gallant Bitumen, that they seem to be mingled with Camphir. There was a Pit in Peloponnesus near the Temple of Diana, whose water mingled with Bitumen smelt as pleasant as the unguent Cyzicenum. In Hildesham there are two Foun∣tains; the one flowes out of Marble that smells like stinck of rotten Eggs, and taste sweet: but if any man drinks of it fasting, he will belch, and smell like the Marble pownded: The other is from Brim∣stone, and smells like Gun-Powder: The water of this brook, co∣vers with mud the stones that lie in the channel of it, scrape it off and dry it, and it is Brimstone, Agric. lib. cit. Arethusa, a Fountain of Si∣cily, is said to smoke at a certain time. At Visebad, there is a Spring in the Road-way, the water whereof is so hot, that you may not onely boyl Eggs in it, but scall'd chicken, and hoggs; for it will fetch off feathers or hair, if you dip them in, or pour it upon them.

Ptolomy Comment. lib. 7. affirms, That at Corinth there is a Fountain of water, which is colder than Snow. Near the Sea-Banks at Cuba, there is a River so continual, that you may sayl in it; yet it is so hot, that you cannot touch it with your hands, Martyr Sum. Ind. Near the Province Tapala it runneth so hot, that one cannot passe over it, Ramus. tom. 3. At Segesta in Sicily, Halbesus suddenly growes hot in the middle of the River. Pontus, is a River that lyes between the Country of the Medes and the Scythians, wherein hot burning stones are rolled, yet the water it self is cold. These, if you move them up and down, will presently cool, and being sprinkled with water, they shine the more bright. Lastly, near the City Ethama, there is a River that is hot, but it is good to cleanse the Lepers, and such as are ulcerated, Leonius. Also some waters swim above others. Arsa∣nias swims above Tigris that is near unto it, so often as they both swell and overflow their banks▪ Peneres receiveth the River Eurôta, yet it admits it not, but carrieth it a top of it like oyl for a short space, and then forsakes it, Plin. hist. Natural.

Artic. 4. Of the Diverse running of the Water.

IT is said of Pyramus, a River of Cappadocia, which ariseth from Fountains that break forth in the very plain ground, that it present∣ly hides it self in a deep Cave, and runs many miles under ground, and afterwards riseth a Navigable River, with so great violence, that if any man put a sphear into the hole of the Earth where it breaks forth

again, the force of it will cast out the sphear; Strabo l. 12. Not far from Pompeiopolis in the Town Coricos, in the bottom of a Den of wonderfull depth, a mighty River riseth with incredible force; and when it hath ran with a great violence a short way, it sinks into the Earth again, Mela. l. 1. c. 6. The Water Marsia after it hath run along tract, from the utmost Mountains of the Peligni, passing through Marsius and the Lake Fucinus, it disemboggs into a Cave, then it opens it self again in Tiburtina, and is brought 9 miles with Arches built up, into Rome, Plin. l. 31. c, 3. The Sabbaticall River was wont to be empty every seventh day, and was dry; but all the six dayes it was full of water. But that ceased when the sacrifice ceased, Joseph. l. 7. c. 24. There is a certain River Bocatius speaks of, every ten years, it makes a mighty noyse, by the stones striking together; and this is suddenly in a moment, and the stones ran downwards for 3. dayes, and 3 or 4 times a day, though it be fair weather; and after three dayes all is quiet. Strabo writes of the Rivers of Hircania, l. 11. There are in the Sea high shores that are prominent, and are cut forth of Rocks; but when the Rivers run out of the Rocks into the Sea with great violence, they passe over a great space as the fall betwixt the Sea and the Rocks, that Armies may march under the fall of the waters as under Arches, and receive no hurt▪ Trochlotes in North Norway makes such a noyse when it runs, that it is heard 20 miles, Olaus, l. 2. c. 28. Beca in Livonia runs forth of the Rocks with such a fall, that it makes men deaf, Ortel: in Livon. T••∣nais, by a very long passage from Scythia, falling into the Lake Meo∣tis, it makes it so long and broad, that those that are ignorant of it, take it for a great Mountain, Boccatius. In Solomon's Temple there ran a Spring, great in Summer, small in Winter; Euseb. praeparat. Evangel. l. 9. c. 4. If you ask the cause, it is taken from the Time. All things are wet in Winter, then are the Channels full; and for want of evaporation the waters are kept in. But in Summer all things are dry, and the Suns heat penetrates. Hence it is that they are con∣gregated in their Fountains, and run out by the Ayr inforcing them. Maeander is so full of windings and turnings, that it is often thought to run back again, &c. He that seeks more concerning Nilus and other Waters, let him read Geographerrs.

Artic. 5. Of the change of quantity and of qualities, in Waters.

THis great variety in Waters that I have set down, is a token of the wisdome and power of God▪ and it is no lesse wonder, that the same waters should be so diversly changed. It is certain that they are changed. A Fountain in the Island Tenedos alwayes from 3. at night till 6. after the Summer Solstice, overflowes. There is another in ••odon, that hath its Name from Jupiter, it fails always at Noon-day; And the River Po in Summer, as if it took its rest, growes dry, saith Pliny. In Italy, Tophanus a Fountain of Anagnania is dry when the Lake Fucinus is frozen; at other times of the year it runs with great quan∣tity of water, Agricol. l. cit. passim. The Waters of the Lake of Ba∣bylon

are red in Summer. Boristhenes at some times of the year seems to be died with Verdigrease. The water of the Fountain of the Tungri is boyling hot with fire subterraneal, and is red. The Waters of the River Caria by Neptun••s Temple were sweet, and are now salt. But in Thrace when Georgius Despota ruled, a sweet Fountain grew to be bitter intolerably, and whole rivers were changed at Citheron in Beo∣tia, as Theophrastus writes. Men report, that of the Mineral Waters which run by the Pangaeus, a Mountain of Thrace, an Athenian cotyle weighs in Summer 64 grains, and in Winter 96. In the Province of Cyrene, the Fountain of the Sun is hot at midnight, afterwards it cooles by degrees; and at Sun-rising it is cold: and the higher the the Sun riseth, the colder it is; so that it is frozen at mid day: then again by degrees it growes warm, it is hot at Sun-set; and the more the Sun proceeds, the hotter it becomes. The same Fountain every day as it growes cold at mid-day, so it is sweet; as it growes hot at midnight, so it growes bitter.

Artic. 6. Of some other things admirable in Waters.

THey were wonders that are passed, but greater follow. In those, it is easy to assign a cause, mixture or some such like, if you right∣ly consider it; but here it is difficult, for though you may in some, yet commonly we must fly to hidden qualities. I will briefly rehearse them. Some drops of a Fountain of the Goths powred upon the Earth, cease to move, and are thickned by the ayr. The waters of Cepusia in Pitchers turn into a Stone, those of Rhaetid make people foolish; they pull out the teeth in two years, and dissolve the ligaments of the si∣news, which Pliny writes to be in Germany by the Sea-side. Those of Islandia change things that are hollow into stones. Tybur covers Wood with stone covers. Zamenfes in Africa makes clear voyces. Soractes when the Sun riseth, runs over, as though it boyled, birds that then drink of it die. He growes temperate, who drinks of the Lake Clitori∣us; and he forgets who drinks of a well nere the River Orchomenus, sacred to the God Trophonius, Philarch. He proves dull of wit that drinks of a Fountain in the Island Cea. Agricola de reb. 〈…〉〈…〉 terra efflu∣ent. gives a cause for it, as for the former, by reason of the bitumen. For, saith he, the seeds of wild Parsnips wrapt in a linnen clout, and put in∣to Wine, as also the powder of the flowers of Hermodactylus, which the Turks use, being drunk with it, are the cause that it will make a man sooner and more drunk, so some kind of Bitumen mixt with water, is wont to make men drunk.

The horses, drinking Sebaris are troubled with sneesing, whatsoever is sprinkled with it, is couloured black. Clitumnus of Umbria drank of, makes white Oxen, and Cesiphus of Beotia white sheep: but a River in Cappadocia makes the hair whiter, softer, and longer. In Pontus, Asta∣ces waters the fields, in which Mares are fed, that feed the whole Countrey with black milk. The waters in Gadaris make men bald, and deprive Cattle; of hair, hooffs and horns. Cicero writes that in the Marshes of Reate, the hoofs of beasts are hardned. The hot baths

at the Fort of New-house, colour the Silver Rings of such as wash in them with a Golden colour, and make Gold Rings more beautifull. Aniger that runs out of Lapithum a Mountain of Arcadia will nourish no fish in it, till it receive Acidan, and those that go then out of it in∣to Aniger are not edible, but they in Acidan are, Pausanias. Agri∣gentinum a Lake of Sicily will beare those things that do not swim in the waters. In Aethiopia there is one so thin that it will not carry up leaves that fall from the next Trees. In the lake Asphalti••es a man bound hand and foot cannot sink. The cause is held to be the great quantity of Salt. Hieronymus Florentinus, saw a Bankrupt bound and cast headlong from the Tower into it, and it bore him up all the night. Posidonius observ∣ed that bricks in Spain, made of Earth, with which their Silver plate is rub'd, did swim in the waters. Cleon and Goon were two Foun∣tains in Phrygia; either of their waters made men cry. There were two in the fortunate Island; they that tasted of one laught till they di∣ed, the other was the remedy for them.

Anauros of Thessaly and Boristhenes, send out no vapour, nor exhalati∣on: many refer the cause of it to its mixture, others seek it other-where. Agricola. l. 2. de effl. ex terr. c. 17. saith, In what part of the Rivers, the Channels in the Fords have no veins and fibres, by that they can breath forth no exhalations. In the snows of Mount Caucasus, hollow Clods freez, and contain good water in a membrane: there are Beasts there, that drink this water, which is very good, and runs forth when the membranes are broken. Strab. in Geograph. Nilus makes women so fruitfull that they will have 4, and 6, at one venter; Pliny in Histor. There is a Well of water, that makes the inhabitants of the Alps to have swollen throats. Lang. l. 5. Epist. 43. But in field Rupert neer to Argentina, there is a water said to be, that makes the drinkers of it troubled with Bronchocele, they seem to be infected with quicksilver: for this is an enemy to the brain and nervs, for it not only sends back flegme to the glandulous parts of the head and neck, but that which is heaped up in the head, it throws down upon the parts under it, Sebizius de acidul. s. 1. dict. 6. Corol. 1. thes. 12. Diana, a Ri∣ver of Sicily that runs to Camerina, unlesse a chast woman draw its water, it will not mingle with Wine; Solinus, C. 10. Styx in Arca∣dia drank of, kills presently, it penetrates and breaks all; yet it may be contained in the horns of one kind of Asse, Seneca. l. 3. natur, c. 25. Two Rivers runs into Niger, a River in Africa, one is reddish, the other whitish, Barrens. Histor. dec. 1. l. 3. c. 8. If any man drink of both, he will be forced to Vomit both up, but if any man drink but of one, he shall Vomit leasurely, but when they are both run into Niger, and a man drink them mingled, he shall have no desire to Vomit. Narvia is a River of Lithuania; so soon as Serpents tast of the water, they give a hiss, and get away. Cromer. descript. Polon. l. 1. A Foun∣tain of Sardinia, in the Mediterranean, keeps the length and short∣nesse of dayes, and runs accordingly. In the Island of Ferrum, one of the Canaries, there is no water, the Ayr is fiery, the ground dry, and man and beast are sad for want of water. But there

is a Tree, the kind is unknown, the leaves are long, narrow, and all∣ways green. A Clowd allwaies surrounds it, whereby the leaves are so moystned, that most pure liquour runs continually from it, which the inhabitants fetch, setting vessells round the Tree, to take it in. Bertius in descript. Canariar. Sea-waters if they be lukewarm, they por∣tend tempests before two days be over, and violent Winds. Lemnius de occult. l. 2. c. 49. In England, nere New-Castle there is a lake called Myrtous, part whereof is frozen in Summer. Thuan. in Histor. But I have done with these. Authours have more, if any man desire it, especially Claudius Vendilinus, whom I name for honour sake, if he seek for the wonders of Nilus.

Artic. 7. Of some Floods or Waters; and of the Universall Deluge.

THe Floods were signs of Gods anger, and so much the more as that was greater, and mens sins more grievous. The greatest was that we call the generall Deluge, which began about the end of the year of the World, 1656. All the bars of the Channels were broken, and for 40 dayes a vaste quantity of water was poured down. Also the Fountains of the great Deep were cut asunder; so that the Waters increased continually for 150 dayes, and passed above the highest Mountains 15 Cubits. At length they abated by degrees; for after 70 dayes the tops began to appear. The Inhabitants of the New World say, they had it from their Ancestours. Those of Peru say, that all those Lands lay under waters, and that men were drown∣ed, except a few, who got into woodden Vessels like Ships; and having provision sufficient, they continued there, till the waters were gone: Which they knew by their dogs which they sent forth of doors; and when the dogs came in wet, they knew they were put to swim; but when they returned dry, that the waters were gone, August. Carat. But they of Mexico say, that five Suns did then shine, and that the first of them perished in the waters, and men with it, and what∣soever was in the earth.

These things they have described in Pictures and Characters from their Ancestors; giving credit to Plato's Flood, which was said to have hapned in the Island Atlantis. Lupus Gomara. But Lydiat ascribes the cause of that universal Deluge to a subterraneal fire in a hotter de∣gree, increasing the magnitude by rarefaction, so long as it could not g••t out of its hollow places. Genesis seems to demonstrate it. For the Fountains of the great Deep are said to be broken open; and that a wind was sent forth after 40 dayes, and the waters were quieted. We must understand a wind from a dry Exhalation, which a subter∣raneous fire much increased, had most abundantly raised out of the deep of the Sea, which was then thrust forth of them, and did in∣crease the motion of the ayr that it laid hold of, together with the revolution of the Heavens, and the vehemency of the Firmament. But there were other miraculous Deluges besides this.

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CHAP. IV. Of the Originall of Fountains.

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Sea by passages under the Earth. The Sea alone is sufficient to sup∣ply all Springs; and when we see that it no wayes increaseth by the Rivers that run into it, it is apparent that they run to their Fountains by secret channels. But the question is, of the manner how they ascend. Socrates ascribes it to the Tossing of them; Pliny to the wind, l. 21. c. 65. Bodin, l. 2. Theatr. to the weight of the Earth dri∣ving forth the water▪ Scaliger, to the Bulk of the Sea; others, to va∣pours redoubled into themselves. It is a hard matter to define all things, nor is it our purpose.

But because Thom: Lydiat, an English Man, hath written most acute∣ly of this Subject, we will set down his opinion here, contracted into a few Propositions:

I. The Rolling of the Water is not the cause of its ascending to the super∣ficies of the Earth. For there is no cause for its tossing, and wherefore then should it not at length stand levell?

II. To be driven with the wind, is not the cause. 1. For it seems not to be raised in the Sea by a fixed Law of Nature, but by way of Tempest. 2. The Channels are winding, and should carry it rather to the sides than to the superficies. 3. If a contrary wind cannot do so much in any water, what then can the wind do here? Also if there were any receptacles for the waters forced upwards, Miners, those that dig in mines, would have found them out, as Vallesius saith.

III. The weight of the Earth squeesing out the water is not the Cause. For the Earth doth not lye upon the waters, but contrarily where the Conduits are not full, the lower part is not empty, but the upper part.

IV. Nor the Bulk of the Sea. Scaliger thinks that the Waters being pressed in the channels by the Sea lying upon them, do seek to get forth. His Example is of a stone in a vessel. But two things are here assumed. 1. That the gravity is every where, the same as in the weight of a stone. 2. That a great part of the Sea water is out of its place.

V. Nor yet vapours redoubled into themselves, and so drawing; nor the spungy Nature of the Earth, nor the veins of the Earth, whereby the moy∣sture of the water may be drawn forth. For 1. attracting forces would be more fit for Champion ground, than for Mountains. 2. If they should attract, it were for that purpose that they might have the frui∣tion of it, but from whence are there such Rivers? 3 The veins of wa∣ters are no where found so full, as that reason requireth, whether it be for blood in living creatures, or for squirts.

VI. The water is raised out of the Caves of the Earth, to the Tops of Moun∣tains, as the Sea is raised above the middle Region of the Ayr.

VII. But this Elevation is made by the force of heat resolving the water into vapours. Aristotle himself intimates, that heat is required; but that water may be made of a vapour, there needs no cold, but a more remisse heat.

VIII. The heat of the Earth proceeds not from the heat of the Sun, namely of the Earth in its Intralls. For first, it can penetrate but two yards deep, and therefore the Troglodites make their Caves no deeper. 2. In

the hottest Summer a woodden post, that is but one or two Inches thick is not penetrated. 3. The entralls of the Earth about 8 or 10 yards deep are found colder in Summer then in Winter.

IX. The Antiperistasis of the cold Ayr in the superficies of the Earth, is nothing to the purpose. 1. It is more weak than the cold of the firm Earth. 2. What ever of the Suns heat is bred within, passeth out by the pores and vanisheth. 3. It perisheth being besieged by both colds to which it bears no proportion.

X. The heat that is in the bowells of the Earth, is from a double cause. For in the parts nearest the superficies it proceeds from the Sun beams, but in the bowels of the Earth from other causes. That passeth out by the pores of the Earth in Summer, being opened by the Sun, and therefore it vanisheth when as being removed from its original it is weaker; but in winter it is bound in by the cold. XI. The heat in the bowels of the Earth, is known by the heat of the Waters; but these are neither hot by the Sun nor from brimstone, or quicklime in the conduits, but only from a subterraneal fire.

Not from the Sun. For. 1. That cannot penetrate so far. 2. If it were from thence it would be most in Summer. Not from brim∣stone or quick lime, for brimstone heats not unlesse it be actually heat∣ed, and quick-lime, only then when it is resolved by Water. Also the vast quantity of it would be resolved in a short time, and would make a change in the Channels. But it may be understood some ways, how it may be heated by a subterraneal fire. 1. As it is actu∣all, and so the Channels being solid stone cannot derive it. 2. As it is more remote, but sends forth Vapours by pipes, as in Baths, so also not; for Vapours cannot have so great force as to make it boil. 3. That the Water may run amongst the burning fire, as in bitumi∣nous Channels; But here the question may be; why it doth not cast out the Bitumen, as in Samosata a City of Comagenes, Pliny saith, l. 2. c. 104. and 107, that a certain lake cast forth flaming mud, and fire came out at the Waters of Scantium. 4. The fourth way is the truth. Art doth some wayes imitate Nature, but in Stills the water by the force of heat, is resolved into Vapours, and the Vapours fly upwards, to the heads, where they stick, and being removed from the violent heat, they return to Water again, so also in the bowells of the Earth. XII. But Fountains that boyl, seem not to be of those Waters that run, but that stand still: Namely Wells that have formerly been opened by the quakings of the Earth, which it is no wonder that they are joyned to the Sea. In a small Island against the River Timevu••▪ Pliny l. 2. c. 103. writes that there is a hot spring, that ebs and flows with the Sea. In the Gades it is con∣trary, Pliny, l. 2. c. ••2. But if any of these hot springs do run••, we must observe of them, that their Channels are so scituated, that when the Sea flowes, it comes unto them, or if it were come into them be∣fore, it powreth forth the more. And so the heat of the fire will be either proportionable, and the exhalation greater, or not, and so lesse. XIII, But what Agricola writes of bituminous Waters, and that yeeld a smell, must be ascribed to their neernesse, but it vanisheth at a farther distance.

The same is observed in artificiall distilled waters, that in time the burntness of them will vanish away. XIV. But because this fire by the shaking of the Earth can do much in the superficies, it can then do more in the place it is.

It can therefore stop up old Channels, open new ones, in divers caves of the Earth, without sending forth of the matter combustible, or propagation of fire, or conflict of Vapours, it can rayse new fires; from whence new Rivers may be produced, yet somtimes also it use∣eth to be extinguished, or sunk so deep, that it cannot send its force to the superficies. This is the opinion of Lydiat, which we have set down more amply; that being better known, it might be more exactly weighed.

CHAP. V. Of hot Baths.

THe heat of hot Baths is diversly spoken of by Authours. Aristo∣tle thought it proceeded from Thunder, which is false, for the force of Thunder is pestilentiall, any man may know it, that be∣holds Wine corrupt by Thunder. It makes men mad or dead, but these are healthfull, as experience daily shews. Also there are many places that were never touched with Thunder, for that never descends above five foot. Sennert. Scient. natural. l. 4. c. 10. thinks it comes from two waters that are cold to be felt, but grow hot in their meet∣ing, from repugnancy of the Spirits, as we see in oyle of Tartar, and Spirit of Vitrial, and in Aquafortis and Tartar, and of the butter of Antimony and Spirit of Nitre, all which, though they are cold to the touch, yet if you mingle them, they grow hot, and so that if you sud∣denly powre oyle of Tartar into Aquafortis, wherein Iron is dissolved, it will not only boyle, but the mixture will flame, which also hap∣peneth if you pour fast the spirit of Nitre into the butter of Antimony. Some impute it to the native heat of the earth, or to a certain hot spi∣rit; so that these natural spirits of exhalations heating not violently but naturally, in some places the secret channels of the Earth grow hot: that this heat is communicated to the Walls of those concavities, by reason whereof a sufficient and continuall heat may be communi∣cated to the Baths, even as in an Oven heated, when all the flame is gone, the bread is sufficiently baked, Horstius de natur. Thermar: Others ascribe it to subterraneall fire; but whether it be so, may be known by what proceeded, Bartholin: de aquis.

Farther it may be shewed by an Example: Mingle salt-water with Clay, make of this clay or mud a ball, and hollow it within, then stop the orifice with the clay, and put in a narrow pipe into it, and put this ball to the fire; the pipe being from the fire, when the

ball waxeth hot, out of the ball by the pipe hot water will run, Sen∣nert. l. 4. scient. natural. c. 10. Baths have a taste by the mixture of Earths▪ and so have things in the Earth.

Hippocrates l. de natur. human. saith, That there is in the Earth, sweet, sowr, and bitter; and in the bowels of it there are divers fa∣culties, and many humours, l. 4. de Morbis. Every thing drawes its nourishment from the Earth in which it is. Hence in Ionia and Peloponnesus, though the heat of the Sun be very sufficient, yet Sil∣phium growes not, though it be sowed, namely, for want of such a humour as might nourish it. Yet there are in that earth juices, not onely for the vaporous, but also for the moyst and solid substance. Juices condensed are dissolved by waters, the moyst are mingled, Earths are dissolved, and scrapings of mettals are found. The good∣nesse of them differs sometimes; because those that in Summer are beray'd with the Suns heat, and attenuated, are the best: In Autumn they are lesse beat upon by its beams, because he is nearer to them: so in the spring. For the Earth is opened, the waters are purified, the healthfull light of the Sun approaches: but in the Winter they are worst: for they are heavier, thicker, and more defiled with earth∣ly exhalations. That they suffer changes, we may learn by divers examples.

Fallop. de Therm. c. 11. Savanarola saith, That the Bath waters in the Country of Pisa cause great diseases in those that drink them, and the Inhabitants are warn'd of it. For in March, April, and May, when they see the waters look yellow, and to be troubled, they foresee they are dangerous. Alcardus of Veroneus, a Physitian, who writ of the Cal••erian Baths, saith, That the water of Apponus is sometimes deadly, by the example of one Galeatius a Noble man, who with his Son in Law drank of it, and dyed.

The sharp waters of Alsatia are sometimes so sharp, that they cause the dysentery; and sometimes they are feeble, and are deprived of their wonted vigour, Sebizius de acidulis, diss. 50. s. 1. The causes are divers; amongst the ordinary, a rainy, cloudy, dark, Southern con∣stitution of the Ayr, too violent flowing of the Sea, inundations, Earth∣quakes.

It is wonderfull that is written concerning some hot Baths in Ger∣many, that they grew dry when there was a tax set upon them, Ca∣merar. horis subcis. cent. 2. c. 69. Something like this, fell out in shell∣fish at the Sluce; for when a kind of tribute was laid upon the col∣lecting of them, they were no more found there; they returned, when the Tax was taken off, Jacob Mayer. in Annal. Flandriae.

CHAP. VI. Of the Sea.

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and Hercules Pillars, about Spain and France, in his dayes. But the North Sea for the greatest part was passed over by the happy successe of the famous Augustus.

We find in Velleius, that Germany was surrounded by sailing so far as the Promontory of the Cimbri, and from thence the vast Ocean was discovered; or known by relation as far as Scythia, and the parts that were frozen, by the command of Tiberius. The same Pliny tells us, that Alexander the Great extended his Victories over the greatest part of the East and Southern Seas, unto the Arabian shores; whereby af∣terwards when C. Caesar the Son of Augustus managed the businesse, the ensigns of ships were known to belong to the Spaniards that had suffered shipwrack there. But when Carthage flourished, 〈…〉〈…〉 from the Gades to the furthermost parts of Arabia, and 〈…〉〈…〉 writing that Voyage, and Hamilco at the same time was sent to dis∣cover the outward parts of Europe. Moreover, Cornelius Nepos is the Author of it, in Pliny, that one Eudoxus in his time, when he fled from Lathyrus King of Aegypt, came from the Arabian Coasts as far as Gades; and Caelius Antipater long before him affirms the same, that he saw him, who sailed out of Spain into Aethiopia 〈…〉〈…〉 Merchandize. The same Author writes, that the King of Sweden gave freely to Quint. Metellus Celer, Pro Consul of France, those Indians▪ who sai∣led out of India for Traffiqu••, and were by Tempests carried into Germany. That Voyage hath been attempted of late, but with ex∣tream danger of life, men being hindred continually by Ice, and ex∣tream darknesse. If these things be so, then was all our World sai∣led about.

It is further questioned whether there be any passage, through the North Sea, to the Kingdom of Sina, and to the Moluccos. Jovius report•• that he heard it of Demetrius Moschus, that Duidna with many Rivers entring into it, ran into the North a wonderfull way; and that the Sea was there open, so that stearing the course toward the right hand shore, (unlesse the land be betwixt) men might saile to Cathay. Those of Cathay belong to the furthest parts of the East, and the parallel of Thracia, and are known to the Portingalls in India, when they, to buy spices, sayled to the Golden Chersonesus, through the Countries of Sina and Molucco, and brought with them garments of Sabell skins. Petru•• Bertius, a man that deserved well for his learning, but ill for divinity, reports, in descrip. no••▪ Zembliae, that he saw a Table described 〈…〉〈…〉 the Russes▪ wherein the shores of the Russes, Samogetans, and Ting••••eri, with the North Sea, nere unto them, and some Islands were ••••••ely set forth. In that the Duina River was farthest West▪ but others Rivers followed towards the East, and in the first place, Peisa, Petcho••a, Obi••, Jeneseia, and Peisida. Therefore the passage must be open from the River Obii, to Peisida. The Histories of ••••e Russes report••, that when the Moscovites and the Tingesi were curious to search out Countries farther toward the East, they sent out discoveries over Land, who passed beyond the River Obii and Jeneseia so far as Peisida ou•• foot▪ and there they fell amongst people, that in their habit, manners, and speech

were farr different from them. There they heard the found of Bells from the East, the noyse of Men, the neighing of Hortes; they saw say is foure square, such as the Indians use. They saw a place, in Aprill and May, abounding with all sorts of flowers▪ The Duke of Moscovia heard of this afterwards, and triall was made, but the Duke died in the interim, and this noble designe was hindred. It is supposed that those places are nere the Indies, and therefore if the River Peisida can be overpassed, the passage to Cathay and Sinae, were not difficult.

Artic. 3. Of the depth, freesing, and ••olo••ys of the Sea.

COncerning the depth of the Sea, there are many opinions▪ Bur∣gensis saith, it is deeper than the Earth 〈…〉〈…〉 Plin. l. ••. c. 22. and Solinus; c. 54, that in many 〈…〉〈…〉 no borrow can be found. But there speak of a certain Sea in the 〈…〉〈…〉, and they speak according to their days, when navigation was 〈…〉〈…〉 known. Priscianus, reports that Julius Caesar, found by his Searchers 15 furlongs; others, give 30. But the English, Portugalls, 〈…〉〈…〉 who now a days use most Navigation▪ reckon 2▪ Italian miles and a time. Olaus Magnus, (l. 2. Histor. septent. c. 10.) we••••es that at the sho••es of Norway, it is so deep, thay not open can 〈…〉〈…〉, but that is by reason of the hollow shores, and full of cracks every where. And though there be such a wonderfull force of waters in the Sea, yet certain it is that it is somtimes frozen. Strabo. l. c. Geograph, writes that in the mouth of Maeotis, so great Ice was seen, that in the place that King Mithridates Generall overcame the Enemy in the Ice, the same he passed over with his Fleet. When 〈…〉〈…〉 four, the Sea of Pontus was so frozen for a 100. ••••les▪ that it 〈…〉〈…〉 hard as a stone, and was above 30 Cubi••s 〈…〉〈…〉; Vintent. l. 〈…〉〈…〉 But Olaus, l. 11. c. 25, saith that in the North Sea, they 〈…〉〈…〉 and draw along their Engins for Warts, and ••aires 〈…〉〈…〉 kept. The condition of the Ice there, is very strange. Being carried on the shore it presently thawes, no man furthering it, Ziglerus, l. ••. 8. In Islandra, if it be kept, it vanisheth▪ and he affirms that some will turn to a stone. The Sea hath many colours: Andrea•• Causalius saith, that neer the Inhabitants of the East-Indies there is a milk 〈…〉〈…〉 that is seen for 300 miles. Martyr also attests the same in his Sum••l••••. That which washes the Island Cabaque, is somtimes green, and sometimes of the yeare, red; for the Shel-fish every where poure much blood▪ Petrus Hispan. The red Sea, though it be so called, because it is rin∣ctured with red waters, yet it is not of that nature 〈…〉〈…〉 for; but the water is tainted by the shores that are neer▪ and all the land about it is red, and next to the colour of blood: 〈…〉〈…〉. l. 13. c. 1••. The Sea useth frequently to change its colour▪ Aul•• ••ell, noct. At••••l. 2. c. 30▪ gives the cause; It is, faith he, observed by the best Philosophers, that when the South wind blows, the Sea is blewish, and ••••eyish, but when the North blows, it is blacker and darker, &c. When the Do•• days are, it is troublesome. Men ascribe that to the Sun, that pierc∣eth

the inward parts of the Sea with its beams, and stirrs the grosse•• parts, but consumes them not. But this is strange that is said, that the Sea Parium in the New Word, is so intangled with so many green herbs, that Men cannot fall in it; the long branches of herbs, like n••ts hindring them. That Sea is so like a Medow, that as the Waves turn, all the herbs turn with it also; that the storms are lesse from the Waves, than from the grasse. This endangers Sea-Men, and first Columbus, Ovetan. l. 2. c. 2. For the Ships are held by the bendings of little branches, that they cannot turn. It is deep enough for Gal∣leys to row in, but the herbs rise from the bottom, and grow together on the top, and are 15 hand-breadth higher sometimes. Pliny, l. 13. c. 25. reports that in the red Sea, Woods flourish▪ chiefly ••he Laurel, and the Olive, bearing Olives, and if it rain, Mushrom•••• which, when the Sun shines, are converted into a Pumex-stone. The sprouts themselves, are 3, cubits great, and are stored with abun∣dance of dog fish, that it is scarse safe to look out of the Ship, and they will set upon the very oars oft times. The Souldiers of Alexander that sailed from India, reported that the boughs of Trees in the Sea were green, but taken out of the Sea, were presently changed by the Sun into dry salt. Also Pol••bius reports, that in the Sea of ••ortingal, Oakes grow, that the Thynni fishes feeding on their Acorns grow fat. Athe∣naeus, l. 7.

Artic. 4. Of the Saltnesse of the Sea.

THe Works of God are wonderfull in Nature, but two are most wonderfull, the saltnesse of the Sea, and its flowing and ebbing. It is said, that there is an Island in the Southern Ocean, that is wa∣ter••d by a sweet Sea; which also Diodorus Siculus seems to testifie and assert, concerning the Scythian Sea, Pliny l. 6. c. 17. But that is ascri∣bed to the great running of Rivers into it; and how small is this in re∣spect of the other Sea? Yet Philosophers argue concerning the salt∣nesse of the Sea.

Aristotle l. 2. Meteor. c. 1. calls for the nature of the Sea, and efficacy of the Sun, to assist him. For the Sea-waters by the mixture of the ground and the shores is thicker, and the Sun by its heat calls forth thinner parts, and resolves them into vapours; which being burnt with heat, and mingled with the water, cause its saltnesse. Mans body will help us in this, wherein the native heat dissolves the swee∣test meats into the saltest humours; which being collected in the Reins; is cast forth by urine. Experience confirms it; that shews us that the Sea is more salt in Summer than in Winter, and more to∣ward the East and South than elsewhere. Lydiat likes not this opi∣nion, but brings another; That Youth may more exactly compre∣hend the sense of this brave man; We will set it down here in a few Propositions.

I. The vehement heat of the Sun doth not boyl the Sea to be salt. For, 1. Why is not the same done in a little water in a bason?

2. The same cause of saltnesse should work upon the subject▪ with lesse resistance.

II. A hot dry, earthly exhalation carried by rain into the Sea, i•• not the cause of its saltnesse. For, 1. Why is not the same done in Fountains•• 2. It is too little. 3. Why is it not onely salt in the superficies, but in the deep. For though Scaliger, Exercit. 51. denyes that▪ saying, that the ••••••nators have proved it to be sweet, yet Patricius saith it was found otherwise in the 〈…〉〈…〉 between Crete and Egypt, when it was very calm; Philip 〈…〉〈…〉 witnesseth the same.

III. The Sea is salt by the mixture of something with it. That is clear•• because all tasting is o•• mixt bodies.

IV. That which is mingled with the Sea, hath the nature of a hot and dry exhal••••ion▪ That is apparent▪ 1. Because the Sea is such▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 will hardly extinguish flames, and it is easily 〈…〉〈…〉 that are washed in it are quickly dryed. 3. 〈…〉〈…〉 as Britanny and France hotter.

V. The Sea is not onely salt, but bitter: therefore it is 〈…〉〈…〉 cal∣led Mare, than S••••um.

VI. The salt and bitternesse of the Sea i•• from a subterraneal 〈…〉〈…〉 fire. 1. Bitumen is perceived so bitter in taste, that it may be known to be the first subject of it. 2. Bitumen hath great force to cause i•• salt and bitter taste. The bituminous Lake of Palestina is so salt and bitter, that no Fish is bred in it; it scours cloaths if one wet them▪ and shake it well out. 3. Pliny reports, that a bituminous water tha•• is also salt at Babylon, is cast out of their Wells into salt Pi••••, and is thickned partly into Bitumen, partly into Salt.

VII. A salt Exhalation proceeding fro•• ••hose De••p•• i•• easily divided by the body of the Sea. For as fine flower or 〈…〉〈…〉 thing else cas•• into 〈…〉〈…〉 boyling liquor, is cast from the place that boyls unto other parts 〈…〉〈…〉 on one side to the other, if in the middle to the circumference▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 bituminous Exhalation from thence where it boyleth most, and the Sea is most hot, is cast and dispell'd into the whole body of it▪ So 〈…〉〈…〉.

Artic. 5. Of the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea.

ANother great miracle of Nature is the Ebbing and Flowing of the Sea, When the Philosopher sought for the cause of it, h•• grew desperate.

Possidonius in Strabo l. 3. Geograph. makes 3. Circuits of the Sea's motion. The diurnall, monethly, and yearly. The first is, when the Moon is risen above the Horizon but one sign of the Zodiack▪ or is gone down under the Horizon, then the Sea swells untill the Moon comes to the midst of the Heaven, 〈…〉〈…〉 it above or beneath the Earth. When it declines from thence▪ the Sea begins to retire untill the Moon is but one sign distant from the East or West, and then it stops. Pliny assents thus far to him, that the flowing of the Sea begins about two equinoctiall hours after the rising or setting of the Moon, and ends just so long before its setting or rising. He determines the other to be

monethly, in the conjunction, when he saith, That the greatest and quickest returnings of the Sea do happen about the new▪ and full Moon; the mean, about the Quarters of the Moon. And Marri∣ners approve this, when they call it the Living Sea, by reason of the great ebbings and flowings, in the new and full Moons; but the dead Sea in the half Moons, because of the lesser and slower motions of it▪ Possidonius addes more▪ That one S••leucus observed a Sea, that was derived from the red Sea▪ and was different from it, that kept the monethly course of returning, namely according to the Lunar moneth, which men call periodicall. For he had observed in the Moon being in the Equinoctiall signs, that the Tides were equall, but in the solstices they were unequall both for quantity and swiftnesse, and the same inequality held in the rest, so far as any of them hap∣pened ••ear to the foresaid places. Lastly, Possidonius saith▪ That he learned the yearly motions from the Mariners of Gades. For they say, that about the summer Solstice, the ebbing and flowing of the Sea increaseth much▪ and that he conjectured the same did diminish as far as the Equinoctial; and again to increase untill Winter•• from 〈…〉〈…〉 to decrease untill the spring Equinox •• and so increase again untill the Summer solstice. Pliny determines the contra•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 reason of the Equinox. But Patricius witnesseth, That i•• Lib••••••ia in Ja∣nuary great part of the strand•• are naked, and continue dry for some dayes. The same Pliny l. ••. c. 97. observes▪ That in every eight years, in the Moons 100 circumvolution, the Tides are called back to their first motions, and like increasings; that is to say, the Sun and Moon then returning to a conjunction in the same sign and degree, wherein they were in conjunction eight years before. But for the daily Tides there is a differe••••e amongst Writers. In the Sicilian Sea 〈…〉〈…〉 and flowings are twice a day, and twice in the night. 〈…〉〈…〉 in the Sin••s of Aegeum repeats its motion 7. times a day, and sometimes is seen thrown down from the highest Mountains, and so steep down, that no ships can be safe there, Basil i•• Hexaemex.

In England at Bristoll the Ebb is daily twice, and so great, that the ships that were in the Sea, stand dry, and are twice on dry Land, twice in the Sea.

Pitheas Massiliensis, as Pliny testifies, l. 2. c. 67. writes, that it sw••lls fourscore cubits higher than Britanny. In the Southern part of the New World, the Sea rising, flowes two Leagues, Ovetan summ. c. 9. But in a certain Northern Sea there i•• no flowing or ebbing observed by the waves of it, Petrus Hispan. p. 5. c. 1. Not far from Cuba Promontory, and by the shores of Margaret Island, and Paria, the Sea flowes naturally▪ nor can ships by any means, though they have a prosperous gale, sayl against the floods, nor make a mile in a whole day, Petrus Marty•••• ••n sum. Indiae. In the Adriatick Sea for∣merly there was wont to be a very great flowing forth, early in the morning, the Sea being so advanced into the Continent, that it went as far up as a strong man could run in a day, Procop. l. 1. Belli Gothici, ••ut singular was that Tide, and a wonder of the World, which

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in particular, which proceed from whirlepools, by which the waters are suckt up and spued out again by turns. It is very probable this happens in Charybdis, the Syrtes, and Chalcydis about Eubaea. This repre∣sents a true flowing, and comes from winds breaking forth of the Caves of the Earth, and forcing forward the waters, or to the Waves running back again and sinking down. But the fourth is 〈…〉〈…〉 true ebbing and flowing, which runs neither Eastward nor Westward, but be∣gins from the Navel of the Sea, and that boyls up, and as the waters rise thus, they are powred forth toward the Banks, more or lesse, as the cause is more or lesse violent; unlesse something hinder, the cause whereof we shall seek last of all. And true it is that Marriners in the straights of Magellan, where the South Sea is seperated from the North by a notable difference, marking diligently the Tydes of both Seas, have observed what they could not do in the vast Ocean, namely that both Seas do not begin to flow at the same time. And that it is not moved by any outward cause, not from the Heavens, nor is it brought in from the East or West, but comes from the bottom of it, and boyles out from thence; the superfluity running toward the Land variously, as the swelling is great or small, the shores high or low, and the cause that moves it from the bottom upwards, weaker or stronger. This is confirmed by the nature of the water, which casts up from the bottom whatsoever it sucks in, if it be not too heavy. Hence it comes to passe that all Seas purge themselves in the full of the Moon. Not that the attraction of the Moon is the cause of it, but because the wind that was in the interim collected in the hollow places under ground, strives to fly upwards, or being heaped up about the putrefactions of the Sea, breaks forth. Lydia••, de orig▪ s••ntium, attributes it to subterraneal fire; That you may know the grounds of his opinion, I will set it down in a few Propositions.

I. The flowing of the Sea is not because of the Moon, by the nearnesse of her light, and of that especially which she borrowes, which breeds exhala∣tions, whereby the waters swell and run over. For in the full Moon her light is thwart the earth, and yet there is a tide great enough.

II. The Sun and Moon do not by their beams cause the flowing of the Sea. 1. When it flowes in one hemisphear, and both the Luminaries are in the other, what is the cause of that? For it hath not equall forces in both. 2. If Sun and Moon cause the flowing of the Sea, where∣fore elsewhere in the very Ocean, and that between the torrid Zone, where their power is extream, are there no Tides at all, or very small ones?

III. When we enquire concerning the flowing of the Sea, we must suppose: 1. That there is a wonderfull plenty of water in the bosome of the Earth. 2. That water which is in the bosome of the Earth is not onely con∣tinued to it self, but to this we see, in the Sea, and is joyned with it by the channels or open chaps of the Earth. First, it is probable from hence, that it is a part of the same body. Then, the deeps of the Sea, that were never yet certainly known, are a token of it. 3. When two most vaste Continents, on this side Asia Africa Europe; on that America, divide

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CHAP. VII.

Artic. 1. Of the New World.

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and Asia, by which the passage was open to other neighbouring Islands, and from the Island to all the continent, which was in sight, and neere to the Ocean; but in the mouth of it there was said to be a Haven with a narrow entrance, &c: After this, by a wonderfull Earth-quake▪ and a continuall inundation for a day and a night, it came to passe that the Earth clave asunder, and swallowed all those warlike people, and the Island of Atlantis was drown∣ed in the deep.

But Aristotle, lib. de admirand. c. 8. relates, that in the Sea beyond Hercul••s Pillars, an Island was found out by the Carthagenians, which had Woods and Rivers fit for shipping, but it was distant many days Voyage. But when more Carthagenians, allured by the happinesse of the place, came and dwelt amongst the Inhabitants, they were con∣demned to death, by the Commanders; he adds, by those that sayl∣ed thither. Let us also hear Seneca, lib. 7. quaest. c. 31. The people that shall come after us, shall know many things we know not; many things are reserved for after ages, when we are dead and forgotten. The World is but a very small matter, unlesse every age may have something to search for. And again, quaest. 5. c. ult: Whence do I know, whether there may not be some Commander of a great Nation, now not known, that may swell with Fortun's favours, and not contain his forces within his own bounds? Whether he may not provide ships to attempt places unknown? How do I know whether this or that wind may bring Warr? Some suppose Augustus extended his Empire so far. Marianus Siculus is the Authour, that there was found in the new World, old Golden Money with the Image of Augustus; and that it was sent to Rome to the Pope in token of fidelity, by Johannes Ruffus, Bishop of Consentia. That is more wonderfull, that the Spani∣ards write; that there is a Town in the Province of Chili, in the Val∣ley called Cauten, which they name Imperiola, for this cause, because in many Houses, and Gates, they found the Spread-Eagle, as we see now a dayes in the Arms of the Roman Empire. Animlanus, l. 17. observes somthing not unlike it, that in the obeliscks of the Aegyptians there were ingraven many Pictures of Birds and Beasts, also of the other World. What shall we say to these things? We say they knew them, but scarse ever travelled thither. But if those relations are true that Plato reports, of which Tertullian also speaks, Apolg. c. 39. and Marcellinus, l. 17. we add farther▪ That the praediction of Seneca sounds rather of the British Islands in favour of Claudius. That is false which is said of Augustus, We have all the Acts of this Noble Prince; if there be any thing buried in silence, it is some mean matter; But Novelty easily gains the name of Antiquity, if there be fraud in him that forgeth it.

Artic. 2. Of the miracles of some Countrys.

PLiny relates, and we out of him. There is a famous Temple at Paphos dedicated to Venus, into a Court whereof it never rayns, Pliny, l. 2. c. 96. By Harpasa a Town of Asia, there stands a hard Rock, which you may move with one finger, but thrust it with your whole body, and you cannot stirr it. There is Earth in the City Pa∣rasinum, within the Peninsula of Tauri, that cures all wounds. In the Country Ardanum, Corn that is sowed will never grow. At the Altars of Martia in Veii, and at Tusculanum, and in the Wood Ciminia there are places, where things fastened into the Earth cannot be drawn forth. Pliny, l. 2. c. 94. In Crustuminum, Hay that grows there is hurtfull, but out of that place it becomes good. Some Earths tremble at the entrance, as in the Country of the Gabii not far from Rome, about a 100 Acres, when men ride upon it; and likewise at Reate. In the Hills of Puteoli the dust is opposed against the Sea Waves, and being once sunk, it becomes one stone that the waters cannot stirr, and daily grows stronger; also, if it be mingled with the Caement of Cumae. Plin. l. 35. c. 13. Such is the nature of that Earth, that cut it of what bignesse you please, and sink it into the Sea, it is drawn forth a stone. In a Fountain of Gnidium that is sweet; in eight Months time the Earth turns to a stone. From Oropus, as far as Au∣lis, whatsoever earth is dipped in the Sea, it becomes a stone.

Tilling of the ground was of old, of great esteem amongst the Ro∣mans, they found one sowing, and gave him honours, whence is the surname Serranus. As Cincinnatus was ploughing his four Acres in the Vatican, which are called Quintus his Meadows, Viator offered him the Dictator ship, and, as it is reported, that he was naked, and his whole body full of dust; To whom Viator said. Put on thy Cloths, that I may deliver to thee, the commands of the Senate and people of Rome: Whence, Pliny, l. 18. c. 3. answers to this question, Whence was it then they had so great plenty? The Rulers at that time tilled their grounds ••ith their own hands (as it is fit to beleive). The Earth enjoying a plow Crownd with Laurel, and a Victorious plowman: whether it were that they managed their Corn with the same care they did their wars; and disposed of their fields with the same diligence they did their Camps; or because by ho∣nest labour, all things prosper better, because they are don more care∣fully.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Islands.

Artic. 1. Of the Originall and destruction of Islands.

ISlands are parts of the Earth, compassed about with the Sea. They have many causes of their beginnings. Some came forth of the Sea; some were broke off from the continent; some were made by matters heaped together. One was made in the Aegaean Sea, whilst Seneca beheld it: Seneca, quaest. l. 6. c. 21. He adds that another came forth of the Sea in his Forefathers dayes; The Sea (saith he) fo••••ed continually, and a smoke ascended from the deep▪ for at last it did disclose a fire not continual, but shinning by times as light••ings do; as oft as the heat of that was under, had vanquished the weight that lay a top: At length stones were rolled together▪ and Rocks part∣ly untouched, which the vapour had driven forth, before they were transformed, and partly corroded, and turned to be as light as a pumex-stone, last of all appeared the top of a burnt Mountain, &c. Strabo l. 6.1. Geograph. writes, that between Thera and Therasia▪ flames first brake forth of the Sea for four days together, as if the Sea burnt, then by little and little came forth an Island that was twelve furlongs wide, and it was all made of fire-stones. Atalanta, a City of Locris that was fast and contiguous to it, was out off by a sudden violence of the Sea, and was made an Island by it self. O••osius, l. 2. c. 18▪ ••n∣der Leo the Emperour, an old Historian▪ (Evagriu•• l. 2. c. 14▪) hath said, that at Constantinople, and Bithynia, there was such abundance of Rain, that in the Lake Beana, which is not far from Nicomedia, by the frequent filthy matter cast into it▪ Islands were made, thus bega•• the Island Tyberina. For Lucretia being violated, by Tar••uin▪ when Brutus had given counsel to plunder the Kings goods, and to cast them into Tyber, an Island was made. So Livy, l. 2. Histor•• ••▪ By 〈…〉〈…〉 some standing Corn was then of Wheat or Barley, that was read•• for the harvest, which fruit of the field, because it was unlawfull to destroy, they cut the Corn down with the straw by the help of many men coming together▪ and powred i•• out of baskets into Tybur, when it ra•• but slowly, as it is 〈…〉〈…〉 to do in the hot weather, and so the heaps of Corn remained in the foards, wrap•• over with mud, whence by degrees, and by other things cast in by accident, an Island was made. Also some Islands have ceased to be, as Pliny saith, lib. 2. c. 89. Antissa first an Island was joyned to Lesbos, Zephyr•••• to Halicarnassus, Aethusa to Myndus, Narthecusa to Parthenius Promontory. Hybanda was once an Island of Ionia, now it is 200 furlongs from the Sea. Ephesus hath Syrien in the Mediterranean.

Artic. 2. Of the Miracles of some Islands.

AS Nature hath given Islands, so she hath bestowed on some, sin∣gular prerogatives. There is an Island in a certain Lake, about the entring of Nilus, that hath Groves, Woods, and great buildings upon it, yet they flote, and it is driven every way with the wind, Mela, l. 1. c. 5. In the Lake Vadimonis, and Cutilia, there is a dark Wood, that is never seen a night and a day in the same place, Plin. l. 2. c. 95. Of the latter Macrobius speaks; l. 1. Satur. c. 7. The Pela∣gi found an Island in the Lake Curilia, for there are large feilds for grasse, whether it were a continent, or the mud of the Lake, it is handsomly trim∣med up, and fitly joyned with twigs and Trees like a vaste Wood, and floats every way with the Sea floods, that from hence we may credit the relation of Delus, which hath high Mountaines and large Champion ground, yet floats on the Sea. The Calaminae so called, in Lydia, are not only driven by the winds, but by long poles, whither one please, and many Citizens escaped by that means in Mithridates Warr, Plin: l. 2. c. 95.

In the great Lake Tarquiniense in Italy, there are two that carry woods, sometimes they are of a three square figure, sometimes round in compasse, when the winds drive them, but they are never four square. In Garumna a River in Spain, the Island A••ros is pendulous, and lifted up with the waters increasing, Mela l. 3. c. 1. Also in Nymphaeum there are small ones called Saltuares, because in singing of a consort they move at the strokes of the musicall paces: Besides these, in the Fortunatae, Fennel gigant growes as big as a Tree, Solin. c. 58. In Madera, grapes hang down upon four branches, the skins fill'd with juice, want a kernel, they are ready to gather in March. Cada∣must••s, when Columbus found out the Island Hispaniola, he mowed Wheat on the 30 of March, that was sowen in the beginning of Fe∣bruary; In this short time the ears grew so great, that they were as long and a big as a mans Arm: Each of them contain'd 2000 grains, Peter Martyr in Sum. Indiae. There are fresh Melons every quarter of the year, Ovetan. Sum. c. 81. Historiar. l. 11. c. 1. so great, that one man can hardly carry one upon his shoulders. Grasse mowed will in five dayes grow a cubit high again. Tyles, two Islands in the Persian Gulph, the Land of them exceeds all other places for this rarity, that no Tree that growes there ever wants leaves, Solin. c. 53. In the Island Ormutium no living creature is found, nor any Fountain-water; Manna falls down with the night dew, Polus l. 3. c. 4. Dogs will not come into Sigaron an Island of Arabia Foelix; put them there, and they die running mad, Plin. l. 6. c. 28. In Ithaca, Hares brought thither from other places cannot live, Aristot. histor. Animal. l. 8. c. 28. Ebu∣sus, one of the Baleares, hath no Serpents at all, Plin. l. 10. c. 29. In Creta there lives no Owl; bring one thither, it will die: and in the same Island there is no mischievous living Creature besides the Spi∣der Philangium. Cyprus in former times was so impatient of graves, that it would cast forth the next night, bodies buried in the day.

Ericus the first Danish King was brought dead to Jerusalem by the winds, who was intended for the same place, Saxo Gram. l. 12. In the Island Cephalonia there is a River that hath on one side an infinite multitude of Grashoppers, but none on the other side, Aristot. histor. Animal. l. 8. c. 28. In Cumana an Island of the New World, the Cobwebs of Spiders are knit so fast, that they cannot be broken, Hispan. p. 5. c. 15. Iron that is dug up in Ilva, cannot be melted there, Bertius in descript. Ilvae. To conclude this, in the Arm of the Sea, by Fortha, there is the Island Magotia; In this Birds build, like Wild-Geese, in such great multitudes, that the 100 Garrison Soul∣diers that defend the Fort Bassus, feed on no other meat than fresh fish, brought in hourly by these birds; nor do they use any other wood but the sticks to make fires, which the birds bring to build their Nests. Bellovadius; and from him, Thuan. in histor.

CHAP. IX. Of Mountains.

Artic. 1. Of the Qualities and Quantities of Mountains.

WEe must suppose the Mountains to have been created at the beginning in part, and part of them have been made since: Onely one Modern Authour in Italy may confirm this. There are many in the World of wonderfull height, and admirable qualities. Olympus and Athos are so high; that Ashes left on the top of them a whole year, are neither blown away with winds, nor washt off with rain: And such as stand on the Top of Vesavius, have observed the Clowds that are near to be of equall height with the Mountain, and some Clowds to appear under them, Kepler, l. 1. Astrom. p. 3. What Zabarel writes of the Region of the Ayr, c. 8. doth make this good, I went (saith he) up to the top of Venus hill in Paravium, and there for the whole day I had a most clear Ayr; but about the middle of the Mountain I saw Clowds, which were between my sight and the Valleys, that I could not see them; but in the Evening when I was come down from that Mountain, I found that it had rained a great shower that day at the lower par•• of that Mountain, yet it rained not at all on the top of it. Piccolomin. de Meteor. c. 11. saith, the same thing happened to him travelling over the Alps, and Apenninus. In Seleucia there is a Mountain next to Antioch, from whose top at the fourth Watch of the night the Suns body might be seen; and but turning the body about, the beams dissipating dark∣nesse, there was day, here night to be seen, Solin. c. 37. The Walk about to the top is 19 miles, and 4. miles upright. In the Country of the New World, some Mountains are above 50 miles high; some are so high, that you cannot see the valleys in three days coming down, Martyr in Sum. and Polus l. 2. c. 43. In Tenerif, which is like a Py∣ramid, it is 60 Italian miles high, Cadamustus. If you regard

the qualities, some abound with great Lakes, some vomit out fire; others have other rarities worthy admiration.

In Mount Noha of Arabia Felix, there is a wonderfull Cistern seen for collecting of rain waters, which will serve for 100000 men. At Dossrinium in Sweden they are covered with such a masse of Snow, even in Summer also, that the balls falling from tops of houses, grow so much in the foot of them, that they overthrow the Towns, Olaus l. 3. c. 23. In new Spain, there is a smoke that alwayes riseth out of the top of a certain Mountain, and keeps round like a Globe; as it ascends no winds disperse it, and it moves as swift as an arrow, Cortes. relat. 2. In Helvetia near to Lucerna there is a Mountain, and in that is Pilat's Lake; if you cast a stone into it, you raise tempests, and Pilat is seen there every year, if you will believe it, in the Habit of a Judge, Joachimus Vadianus in Mela. In the Alps of Spain there are Moun∣tains of Salt onely: Cato Major saith, the more you take from them, so much more will grow to them, Gellius l. 2. c. 22. In the Province of Cyrene, there is a Rock and Fountain of the Suns; when you touch it with a mans hand, a Fountain riseth, and it riseth as fiercely as the Sea in its fury, Mela l. 1. c. 4. Lastly, there are two Mountains about the River Indus, the nature of the one is to hold all Iron, the other to refuse it▪ therefore if there be nails in your shooes, the one Rock holds your feet immoveable; the other drives them off, Pliny l. 2. c. 96.

Artic. 2. Of Aetna and Hecla Mountains.

AETna is a Mountain in Sicilie, hanging over the City Catana, and all the shore there; Pliny, Mela, Ptolomey, Strabo, Solinus mention it. The Inhabitants call it now vulgarly, Monte Gibello. It hath two Caves, whereof the one is narrow and straight like a pit putting out stones every way like two bed sides; the stones are burnt, and of ma∣ny colours, and a stony plain holds it in a narrow circumference. The other is in circumference 24 furlongs, it goes not to the bottom of the same largenesse, but the belly of it is something narrower inwardly, so long, till in the middle of it, it is hollowed with a sit mouth to cast out what the Mountain affords. Smoke comes alwaies forth of those two holes; when the Sky is clear, it is most white, like a cloud; the fires are not seen, unlesse some burning flame rise up, Bembus in dia∣logo. Cl••verius, Sicil. Antiq. l. 1. c. 8. found stones cast out from thence 60 miles from it, on both sides of the City Catana, by the way men go from Leontini to Taurominium, but especially to Catana it self, at the foot of the banks by Aetnae, which is the way to Tau∣rominium, where they represent a sad and formidable Spectacle to Travellers, of great and sharp Rocks. That noyse hath been some∣times so great, that they could hear it as far as to the Hills Gemelli; the sparks were so great, that they slew burning so far as Catana, and wasted the Town with fire: somewhiles there was such plenty of Ashes driven with the winds, that they fill'd all places 100 miles;

the smoke was so thick, that it so hindred the light, that no man could see in two dayes. At sundry times the burning of this Moun∣tain hath been after a diverse manner. Anno, 1329, on the I••es of July, about Sun set, from the bottom of the Mountain, suddenly a great Mouth; and a little after, two more were opened in the same ground, with that force, that out of four Caves not far asunder one from the other, an infinite quantity of great stones were cast forth at once, and lifted up the low Valleys, and Forrests, and Woods, to the height of Mountaines; For a mighty River ran out of these four Gulphs, like mettals melting in the Furnace, burning not only the Land, it lighted upon, Trees, stones, but also consuming them; the ground it self that men before went upon, was on fire, and was sent and dispersed far and wide as foam of the Sea that beats against Rocks.

But after that this Torrent of fire had passed through many passages of the Mountain, it divided it self at last into three Channells, two of them ran Eastward for many days, the third ran toward Catana, which before it entred the borders of it, the vail of St. Agatha •• Sacerdotibus being cast before it, by the walls of the City, did extin∣guish it; while these things were done in the lower part of the Moun∣tain, the rage was no lesse on the top of it; whence there rose such a shour of Ashes in the Country of Catana, that Fields and Moun∣taines were hid by it. And the North wind then blowing, plenty of them with a brimstony smell were brought as far as the Island of Malta, which is a 160 miles distant from the Hole. Amongst the great∣est Torrents, that is reckoned, which hapned a little before our days, (they are the words of Bembus in his dialogue of Aetna) that ran as far as Catana, and wasted great part of the City by fire, and that Haven, of which Virgil writes,

And that great Harbour where no wind could blow, Near thundring Aetna lyes some thing below.

The torrents of Aetna have so filled up the Haven now, that you would say VIRGIL committed an errour to speak of a great Harbour where is none to be seen almost. Anno, 1537. on the Calends of May, all Sicily for 12 dayes together began to thun∣der, like Canon shott off frequently. The noise was heard not only at Catana and neighbouring places, but at Palermo, Lylibeum, Sacca, Agrigentum, and allmost in the whole Island, whereby a little Earth∣quak arose that shook the houses. When these hideous sounds increas∣ed, on the third of the Ides of May, unusuall Caves were opened in Aetna, out of which so great a quantity of fiery matter was cast forth, that in four dayes it went 15, miles, and burnt down all things it met with, and run as farr as the Monastery of St. Nicolas, de. Arenis where, (leaving the Monastery untouched) it invaded Nivola∣sum, and Monpelavium two Towns, and allmost destroy'd them. The upper hole of the Mountain, shortly after for three dayes cast out so much black ashes, that as far as Consentia in Calabria, the Towns were

filled with ashes, and they were so scattered by the winds upon the Seas, that for 300 miles distant from Sicily, the ships were fowled by the ashes: afterwards Aetna began to rore mightily, and as it did rore the upper top of it was broken off, and swallowed in the Cave. Though the fire of Aetna be so terrible, yet the land there is so fruitfull that what Pliny speaks of Campania, l. 3. c. 6. we may say the same of the neighbouring parts, From this border begin the hil••s that beare grapes, the juyce whereof is famous in all lands, and the great contest between Bacchus, noble for drunkennesse (as the Antients said) and Ceres. In that wooddy Countrey there are spacious places, (saith Fazellus, rer. sic. dec. 1▪ l. 2. c. 4.) that are very fruitfull for Corn, and there is so good pasture for Cattle, that unlesse you let them often blood in their ears, they are in danger by plethory moreover the fluent matter that is cast forth of Aetna by this fire, growes so hard, that for a good depth it chang∣eth the surface of the ground into a stone, and when they would come at the ground they must cut the stones. For the stone being melted in the Holes or Caves, and cast forth, the humour that swims on the top, is black mire running down from the Mountain, and when it growes together, it becomes as hard as a Milstone, holding the same colour, it had when it ran, and ashes are made of the burnt stones, as of burnt Wood, now as Rue is nourished with Wood-ashes, so it is credible that the Vines flourish by the ashes of Aetna. And thus far for Aetna. Hecla is a Mountain in Islandia, not farr from the Sea, somtimes it casts forth flame, somtimes fiery water, after that black ashes and Pumex stones in such abundance, that it darkneth the Sun, yet somtimes the Mountain is wonderfull quiet, especially when the West wind blows· An. 1553. the 19, of November, about midnight a flame appeared in the Sea by Hecla, that lightned the whole Island. An hour after, the Island shaked, then there followed a terrible noise, that if all the Guns for Warr were shot off, they were nothing to this terrible noise. Dithnarus Bleskenius writes thus, We had thought the frame of the World would now be dissolved, and that the last day was come (Camer Horar. subcis. cent. 3. c. 17.). It was found afterwards that the Sea was gone back from that place two miles, & it was all left dry. An. 1580, it vomited out fire with such a noise, that for 80 miles men thought the great Guns were discharged. The common people think the souls of the damned, are there tormented. Georgius Bruno in thea∣tro Mundi.

The End of the Second Classis.