The transactioneer, with some of his philosophical fancies in two dialogues.

DIALOGE II. Between a Gentleman AND A TRANSACTIONEER. (Book 2)

Gent.

SIR, I am very glad I have the Happiness to meet with you, so opportunely; I have been just now Talk∣ing with a Friend of yours concerning some Passages in the Philosophical Transactions: And the great Character he hath given you, and the Learned Passages of your own Wri∣tings which he hath Collected together to justify that Character, have made me un∣easie, till I had the Happiness, to pay my Humble Respects to you.

Transact.

Indeed I am very much obliged both to him and you.

Gent.

Sir, the chife end of my Visit now, next to paying my Respects to you, is to Communicate some Philosophical Matters, which if you think fit to Publish in your Philosophical Transactions, are at your ser∣vice.

Transact.

Pray what may they be?

Gent.

Sir, at present I shall only offer you a Definition of a Shell, and a Crust.

Transact.

I desire a sight of it.

Gent.

Here it is, Sir.

Transact.

A Shell properly is such a hard substance as covers an entire Animal,* 1.1 as an Oyster-shell: A Crust is such a hard sub∣stance as covers only One particular Joynt of the included Animal. Sir I am your Servant if you light of any thing of this Nature you will oblige me very much in communica∣ting it, and do the World a great deal of service.

Gent.

I shall be glad if any thing I can offer may oblige one the World has such an Opinion of.

Transact.

Truly I am obliged to the World, for their Opinion of me. And if any thing I can do to promote Natural Knowledge may be of Service to them, I shall not spare my Labour.

Gent.

O Sir, you have taken a great deal of Pains already; for the Compiling so ma∣ny Philosophical Volumes in Quarto, must take up a great deal of Time, nor could they be made fo Polite and Correct, without as great Application.

Transact.

It is indeed, a Laborious Work; for besides Compiling of so many Volumes; the great Correspondence which I am o∣bliged to keep, is no small trouble.

Gent.

It cannot chuse but be troublesome, but your Happy Choices and the Philosophi∣cal Returns they make you recompense the Trouble.

Transact.

If it were not for that, it would be a meer peice of Slavery; but as you say, the Discoveries and Improvements which are Communicated by my Correspondents make me value the Trouble much less; for I think, for Weight, Usefulness, and other Circumstances, the Papers I have Published in the Transactions are not inconsiderable.

Gent.

Inconsiderable! You have quite out-done Mr. Oldenburg, for the World ne∣ver thought he Published enough; but you heap Philosophical Relations together at such a Prodigious Rate, that you Publish Transactions as fast again as they desire you. The World is quite over-powered with them.

Transact.

Why truly I have used my ut∣most Diligence and Care, that not the least thing in Nature should escape my Notice, And I am infinitely obliged to my Corres∣pondents for their Industry.

Gent.

Truly they are to be commended; But methinks it would be of great use to the World, if the most Considerable Passages in those Papers were Collected together, and Published for the use of the Learned.

Transact.

I have done that already; and if you please I will give you an Account of those which I have a more peculiar Relish for, and value at the highest Rate.

Gent.

Sir. it will be a very great Favour, and I shall be very much obliged to you.

Transact.

I can never be to seek where to begin then, as long as there is such a Personage as Mr. J—Pet—r in the Philosophical World. He's a F. of the R. S. indeed! I made him so. 'Tis my way of Rewarding my Friends and Benefactors. We now begin to call it Our Royal-Society (mus Pet. C. 5.) One would never think it that looks upon him, but he's certainly the Darling of the Temple Coffee. House Club.

Gent.

Pray what's that?

Transact.

Oh lay! Why don't you know?

Where can you have lived? Why you must be an utter Stranger to Philosophy, and all pretty Things? never heard of the Temple Club? Oh for shame, let's see you there a Friday Night. I'm President there, and I'll assure you there are many odd Things. And Mr. Pet—r is, Gad he's every thing. He's the very Muffti, the Oracle of our Club. For my part I never saw any thing like him exactly.

Gent.

No, I believe not.

Transact.

Oh then I perceive you know Mr. James—

Gent.

No indeed, not I.

Transact.

No, I wonder at that, you ought to be acquainted with him. I'll be the Instru∣ment of bringing it about. Sir, he and I are all one. You must know we club No∣tions, laying them up in a kind of Joynt-Stock, and have all things in common: Sometimes he draws, and sometimes I, as we have occasion. But he pays in most plenteously. By my good-will I would ne∣ver be without him. I call him the Philoso∣phick Sancho, and he me Don. I own I have learnt more of him than ever I did at Orange, or any where else.

Gent.

Orange, Sir?

Transact.

Yes, I knew 'twas quicker and cheaper than at Leyden or Padua, so I was Dubb'd Doctor there. En passant, whip and away. But for Mr. Pet—r he's an Au∣thor, and has Treated on the same Topicks that I have. Have you read the Musaeum Pettiverianum, or his Treatises in my Trans∣actions.

Gent.

No really; but I observe, all Peo∣ple smile when they mention him, I believe he's mighty Diverting.

Transact.

The most of any thing in Na∣ture. But how should a Man of his Parts be otherwise? Oh the Specimens of Modern Magnificence and Improvement, he has given the Learned World (Trans. N. 236.) His First Century, consists of several Animals and Plants wholly New. (Trans. N. 224. And pray mark how Considerable they are; and how much Mankind are indebted to his La∣bour and Study. The Animals are Snails, and Beetles, Caterpillars, Spiders, and others of the like sort: The Plants Rushes, Thistles, Mosses, with abundance more of equal worth. But above all, Butterflies are his main Delight. He gives'em strange Cramp Names, and values himself for being the first Catcher. Papilos leucomelanos, says he, is not yet clearly Described by any Author, Trans. N. 224. And perhaps had never been Described, wo the day! had it not been for

this Author. He looks as big upon his Bo∣tanick Acquisitions. Say he, Be it known that I have this Year (besides several before) received near 20 Volumes in Folio filled with fair and perfect Specimens of Trees, (Mus Pet.) But he's most lucky in the assigning the Reasons of the Names of his Rarities. He has Shells called BLACKMOORS TEETH, I suppose, says he, from their WHITENESS. (Trans. N. 224.) Now we are on this Subject, I ought to ac∣quaint you, he values nothing that has not as many Titles and Names as the King of Persia. He will find in one Author or other 20 Names for the same Thing! And thinks it impossible to Enumerate the many Advan∣tages that will occur from thus synomizing of Authors (ib.) and Elsewhere he speaks very big of the English, that is himself and me▪ as to their Critical Methods in their Discoveries of Non-descript Species, and their Judicious References to the synonimous Names of vari∣ous Writers, whereby the terrible Vices of Confusion and Multiplicity have been much Corrected. (Trans. N. 236.) There's my Style too exactly: Only a little more clear. He's as successful in his Descriptions as in his Synonimizings. Take an Instance in his Tortoise, says he, 'Tis guarded along the Back with around Edge. Do you mark? His Head about the bigness of a Horse-Bean; the Or∣bits of his Eyes very large.

Gent.

How? The Head no bigger than a

small Bean, and yet his Eyes very large! Why sure his Eyes are not in his Head.

Transact.

Pray let me go on. His Snout like a Parrot's Bill, his upper Jaw including the under: Is not that pretty? Each Foot has Four sharp Claws like a Mouse.

Gent.

Claws like a Mouse?

Transact.

Ay, and his Tail taper and a∣bout half an Inch long. Trans. N. 246. Is not this Admirable! But he's not Inferior as to Physick. He has an Affrican Materia Medica, whose innocent Practice consists of no more Art than Composition. Trans. N. 232. My own Phrase again! 'tis as much as to say, harmless and helpful. Vid. pag. 12. But hear this Affrican Doctor—He has Aclo••a good for Crocoes or Itch. Bumbunny boil'd and drank causeth to Vomit. Affune∣na boil'd and drank causeth a Stool. Ambe∣tuway causeth an Appetite to any Sick Per∣son. Attrumaphee boiled and drank causeth the great sort of Pox to skin and dry—and is good against the Phrensy. Mening is good for the stoppage of the Head. Apputtasy is good for the Scurvey in the Mouth. Of the two last he and I have taken abundance, but without Effect. Nor is Mr. Pett—r's Phy∣sick beyond his Breeding; really he's a Per∣son of singular Address. It is, says he to me, my great Ambition to approve my self your obliged humble Servant. See my Trans.

N. 232. He stiles mine A most Excellent Ca∣talouge of Jamaica Plants, ib. Nay he says, I have been pleased to show such an admirable Skill and Talent this Way, as will hardly be match'd either in past, present or future Ages. And this I have taken care to Print in my Transactions. N. 236.

Gent.

Truly you'r mighty happy in the Applause of a Person of his Judgment. And give ye your due, ye vouch heartily for one another. Shure that's the reason so few o∣thers speak well of ye.

Transact.

Oh no, 'Tis Envy, meer Envy. The invidious World cannot bear the Lustre we cast. Mr. Pett—r concludes his Musae∣um, with a Catalogue of his Kind Friends. I'll read them.

Gent.

Indeed I'll save you the Labour. Let them stand as they do. No body sure will disturb, or Envy them the Honour of being in that Catalogue. And for Collections of Rarities, they must needs be in mighty Renown and Credit since Mr. Pett—r has been pleased to shew such an admirable Skill and Tallent that way. But pray Sir pro∣ceed in the Account of your Transactions.

Transact.

The next thing I take notice of as very Considerable, and of Extraordina∣ry Use to the Curious, is, the great Skill in Botanicks, Observable in my other Cor∣respondents,

for you must know, my pecu∣liar Genus is most inclin'd to Botanicks.

And First,* 1.2 As for the Virtues of Medi∣cines, it hath not only been discovered by Dr. Mullen that Irish Mackenboy Root may be carryed in the Pocket three days without purging, but what hath been observed of the strange Effects of Papaver Corniculatum is very remarkable, for N. 242. we have the following account. In my Itinerary from London to Margaret Island. (mark the Ele∣gancy of the Word Itinerary) and thence most by the Sea-shore to the Lands-End, to observe what Plants each Part produced. Be∣tween Pentsants and Macketjew, lived one Charles Worth an Apothecary,* 1.3 who causing a Pye to be made of the said Poppy—and eating of the said Popy Pye, whilst hot, was presently taken with such a kind of a Diliri∣um, as made him fancy that most that be saw was Gold, and calling for a Chamber-pot, being a White Earthen one, after having purged by stool into it; he broke it into peices, and bid the by-standers to save them, for they were all Gold.

Gent.

Methinks your Correspondent is very Circumstantial in Relating the Circum∣stances and Symptoms of the Dilirium.

Transact.

O dear Sir! There was an abso∣lute necessity to be exact in Particulars, for had he only told us, that the Herb Purged and caused a Dilirium, how must we have

known that he made use of an Earthen-Chamber-Pot, that he purged into it, and then broke it.

Gent.

Truly as you say we should have been altogether at a loss there: And to speak Truth; the most diverting Circumstances would have been wanting.

Transact.

Yes, The Pleasant Circumstan∣ces set off the Story, for People purge into Chamber-Pots and are Dilirious, that never took Papaver Corniculatum.

Gent.

But pray, What does this contri∣bute to the Advancement of Natural Know¦ledge?

Transact,

If it encreases Knowledge, it certainly advances it: And pray, Does not a Man know more that knows the Chamber-Pot was broke, than he that hears of a Di∣lirium, and Purging? But these were not all the Effects of Papaver Corniculatum. For, The Man and Maid Servants, having also eat of the same Pye, strip'd themselves quite naked, so danced one against another a long time.

Gent.

Truly they had more satissaction in their Dilirium, than the Master could have in breaking a dirty Chamber-Pot, one would think. But did not the Master and the Maid dance one against another?

Transact.

If they had, it would have been Papaver Corniculatum inddeed, but I cannot tell that; only The Mistriss, who was gone to Market, coming home, and saying how now? What is here to do? The Maid turned her brich against her, and purging stoutly, said, there Mistriss, is Gold for you.

Gent.

This Papaver Corniculatum is a very strange kind of an Herb.

Transact.

There's scarce another in Na∣ture, except Cynocrambe that can cause such Symptoms.

Gent.

Say you so Sir.

Transact.

Yes,* 1.4 For in Numb. 203. Will. Matthews, his Wife and Three Children, have been lately ill, and like to die. The manner of their Sickness was very odd, and therefore I shall give you a particular Account of it.

Gent.

Pray do Sir.

Transact.

About Three Weeks ago the Wo∣man went into the Feilds to gather some Herbs, and (having first boiled them) fryed them with Bacon for her own and her Families Sup∣per.

Gent.

A very fine peice of Cookery in∣deed, and very requisite the World should

be acquainted with it, especially the Philo∣sophical Part, they are much obliged to your Correspondent.

Transact.

If I had not thought it useful to Philosophers, I had not taken notice of it. But pray let me go on with my Story.

Gent.

I beg your pardon, for Interrupting you.

Transact.

After they had been about Two Hours in Bed, One of the Children fell very sick, and so did the other Two presently after, which obliged the Man and his Wife to rise, and take the Children to the Fire, where they spewed and shit, and within half an Hour fell fast asleep.

Gent.

Truly, I think this Cynocrambe is as bad as Papaver Corniculatum, for those that took that, had some sort of Pleasure in its Operation.

Transact.

Indeed, upon second Thoughts, I think 'tis worse, for they took the Children to Bed as they were asleep, and they themselves went to Bed too, and fell faster asleep too than ever they had done before. The Man waked next Morning about Three Hours after his usual time, went to his Labour at Mr. New∣ports, but he says, He thought his Chin had been all the Day in a Fire; and was forced to keep his Hat full of Water by him all the Day

long, and frequently dipped his Chin in it as he was at Work.

Gent.

Pray Sir, Expatiate no more upon this Account, for I think, it no great matter, whether his Hat was full of Water, or not.

Transact.

What? Would you have me give an Account of a Philosophical Transacti∣on, and not be exact in Relating Matter of Fact.

Gent.

O good Sir, Pardon me, be as Cir∣cumstantial as you please. It's a very Phi∣losophical Transaction indeed. A Woman boiled Herbs and Bacon for Supper; the Children Purged; the good Man Slept lon∣ger than ordinary; went to Work at Mr. Newports; filled his Hat full of Water, and was so discerning as to think his Chin was all the Day in the Fire, tho' he dipped it often in Water. A very Philosophical Relation, I must needs say, and very fine Circumstances to be particular in.

Transact.

Truly Sir, we ought to be par∣ticular in the Circumstances of Things so Remarkable; for this Herb is described and figured in several Authors, and therefore we ought to take Notice of its Effects.

Gent.

But pray what Inferences, or what Consequential Use do you make of this Observation?

Transact.

Why, from the Effects of this Plant, I draw this Inference, That whether the Quantity or Quality of this Herb were the Cause of its Effects, I know not, but think that every Body will do well to be cautious and wary in the use of it in such Quantities, after such a Warning. For if the Man and his Wife had Purged as well as the Chil∣dren, they would have been in a most dread∣ful nasty pickle.

Gent.

Truly the Caution you give, and the Reasons alleged for it are equally weighty. But pray are these all the New Dis∣coveries made by your Correspondents re∣lating to the Virtues of Plants.

Transact.

No, Sir. Numb. 231. We are informed,* 1.5 That a certain Woman eating by mistake some Roots of common Hemlock a∣mongst Parsnips, was immediately seized with Raving and Madness, talked Obscenely, and could not forbear Dancing, on which Ex∣ercise she was so intent, that she would have given her Cow for a Bag-pipe.

Gent.

Poor Woman; it's a pity she should have wanted Company; Why did they not give some body a Dose of Papaver Corniculatum, to Dance against her.

Transact.

I suppose, they were in too much concern to see her so Obscene, and so

foolishly Merry. But not to insist too long on one Subject, I shall proceed to give you a fuller Account of the Products of my Cor∣respondents, and as soon as I have given you a couple of Instances of the Aetymology of Words and their Skill in Logick, I shall pro∣ceed to their Medicinal and Chirurgical Ob∣servations.

Gent.

Pray Sir use what Method you please, It's no great matter how they are ranged.

Transact.

Then the First thing I shall offer, is, an Account of the Aetimology of Ambergreise Ben's Name.* 1.6 The whole Story runs thus, Numb. 232. I shall at the present let you know the Account I received from Ambergriese Ben; for so the Man is called from the vast quantity of that Valuable Commodity he found Two Years ago near Ambergreise-Point. Now who could ever have guess'd at the Reason of this Man's Name, had it not been accounted for in the Philosophical Transactions.

Gent.

Indeed, I believe they would have been at a loss. But pray proceed to the Logick.

Transact.

Yes, Sir, I was longing to let you hear that, for you must know, Numb. 221. my Correspondent hath been able by close Arguing, to tell that Old Jenkins was Older than Old Parre.

Gent.

Pray how does he prove that?

Transact.

Thus, Henry Jenkyns departed this Life,* 1.7 the Eighth Day of December 1670.

The Battel of Flowdenfield was Fought up∣on the Ninth Day of September in the Year of our Lord 1513.

Henry Jenkyns was 12 Years Old wheu Flow denfield was Fought, so he lived 169 Years.

Old Parry lived 152 Years, Nine Months. Ergo, Henry Jenkyns out-lived Old Parre by Computation Sixteen Years.

Gent.

Hah! hah! This out-liviving by Computation! Admirable indeed! Well Old Jenkyns is certainly proved Older than Parre.

Transact.

It's undeniable.

Gent.

Pray how came your Friend by a particular Account of all the Propositions included in the foregoing Argument.

Transact.

Take it in his own Words, When I came first to live at Bolton in York∣shire, I have forgot my Landlord's Name, but it was told me, That there lived in that Parish a Man near 150 Years Old. That he had Sworn as a Witness in a Cause in York▪ to 120. Years, which the Judges reproving him for, he said, he was Butler at that time to the Lord Conyers, but truly, it was never

in my Thoughts, to enquire of my Lord Darcy, Whether this last Particular was true, or no.

Gent.

Truly that was a great Oversight; it would have given much Satisfaction to the Learned World, had my Lord Darcy con∣firmed it.

Transact.

Indeed, I should have been bet∣ter satisfied my self, for I believed little of the Story for a great many Years; till one Day being in my Sister's Kitchin, Henry Jenkyns came in to beg an Alms; I had a mind to examine him; I told him, he was an Old Man.

Gent.

Pray did not he know that before?

Transact.

What then? He'd be the apter to believe it.

Gent.

You say true indeed.

Transact.

And therefore, I desired him to tell me how Old he was? He paused a little, and said, that to the best of his Remembrance, he was 162 or 3; I asked him what Publick Thing he could remember? He said, Flowdenfield. I asked whether the King was there? He said, No. I asked him, how Old he might be then? He said, I believe, I might be between Ten and Twelve; for said he, I was sent to Northallerton with a Horse-Load

Load of Arrows, but they sent a bigger Boy from thence to the Army.

Gent.

You are very Circumstantial in∣deed in your Relations; but pray of what use are they to the Advoncement of Know∣ledge.

Transact.

Advantage? Any thing about Old Jenkyns, or Old Parre is very accepta∣ble to me; and that's enough to make it ap∣pear under the General Title of Philosophi∣cal Transactions for the Advancement of Natural Knowledge. But thus much being said of Old Jenkyns, I shall proceed to Re∣late promiscuously what hath been of late Discovered relating to Medicine and Chy∣rurgery,

Gent.

Certainly those must be of great Use.

Transact.

I suppose you have heard of what happened to Dr. L—ter.

Gent.

What pray?

Transact.

Sir, He had the Misfortune to be Scratched by the Tooth of a Porpos, some∣time after the death of it, so that tandem tertius digitus male se habuit, i. e. at last his Third Finger was sick, Numb. 233.

Gent.

Truly I think the Doctor had been happy had he never been sick any where else but in his Fingure; but since he com∣menced Author, I fear a Metastasis of the Morbifick Matter into the Seat of his Un∣derstanding.

Transact.

I should be concerned for him should it be so. But I shall proceed to Relate, what I just now promised you, viz. Some of the most Remarkable Observations in Physick and Chirurgery, And first, I shall give you an account of two Medicated Springs, the one Com∣municated to me by a Welch Philosopher,* 1.8 and the other by a French Man; The De∣scription of the first is as follows. There is a Rill about an Ell broad between two Collines, covered with Wood, about twelve yards from this Spring; The Rill, which falls from a Rock eight or nine foot high, which makes a very grateful Noise. Numb. 233.

Gent.

A very fine Description of a Me∣dicated Spring; surely that grateful Noise will invite several Curious Persons to take a view of it: But is that the only Medici∣nal Quality?

Trans.

All that our Philosopher take No∣tice of. But he tells us farther, The Spring comes out of a pure white Marle; I thought there had been no white Marle in Wales, for the Earth is red.

Gent.

An Admirable Thought indeed! And it's a Wonder there is any Chalk in England, for the Soil is not of that Colour; this Ingenious Conclusion puts me in mind of those Verses in Virgil,

Urbem quam dicunt Romam, Melibaee, putavi Stultus ego huic Nostrae similem— Sic Canibus catulos similes, sic Matribus haedos Noram; sic Parvis componercere Magna solebam.

And he must needs be a Man of Wonder∣ful Sagacity in my Opinion, to conclude all things he knew not, were like those he had before his Eyes.

Transact.

But that's not all that may be said, for our Philosopher, for he hath fur∣ther adorned his Account of this Spring with a Description of a Tree that grows over it, for says he, About the Spring spreads an Old Oak with Hoary Moss on the boughs whereof two Crutches.

Gont.

A great Ornament indeed! And That grateful Noise, the Hoary Moss and the two Crutches in the Oak must needs contri∣bute much to the Advancement of Natural Knowledge, and to the understanding the Nature of this Medicated Spring.

Transact.

Truly I must needs own, the

French Philosopher hath quite outdone him in that Point, for in his Account of the Mine∣ral Waters at St. Amands, he tells us not what Trees grow about it;* 1.9 But that most Sick People are willing to drink some, think∣ing to swallow in great Glasses, their Health along with that Water. And likewise, That Acid Spirits have not fermented at the first with that Water, but afterwards it hath made some little Bubbles, which remained to the sides of the Glasses, wherein were con∣tained the Liquors. Now this Story I ad∣mire mightily, especially for the Elegancy of the Style.

Gent.

Yes, It is Extraordinary, it is al∣most as fine as your own: Remained to the fides of the Glass, is admirably expressed and much better than stuck to them, Besides he hath said something of the Nature of the Waters.

Transact.

And he farther tells us; One may also wash in the Mud of that Fountain, as Hogs do in our Country. But to proceed to Chirnrgical Observations. Numb. 233.* 1.10 Many in the High-lands, who pretend not to any Skill in Surgery; do venture to cut the Uvula off when they are troubled with it; and prescribe for a Remedy thereafter, a peice of Bread and Cheese.

Gent.

That's very remarkable indeed, for

very few English People are able to eat Bread and Cheese when their Throats are cut.

Transact.

No matter for that! If the thing be true, that's sufficient satisfaction. But pray now we are talking of the Uvula. Give me your Opinion of the Reason of a Cough.

Gent.

You are a Physitian, and methinks it would be more proper for me to ask you that Question.

Transact.

I think indeed I may as well tell you, for you may guess a thousand times before you hit on the right Cause.

Gent.

Pray what may it be?

Transact.

In short, A Cough proceeds from the Chamberlins Landing.

Gent.

How can that be?

Transact.

That's a hard Question to An∣swer. But I am sure it is True. For I re∣ceived an Account of it from one of my Correspondents.

Gent.

And how does he make it out.

Transact.

Why, Num. 233. He tells us, That the Inhabitants of St. Kilda are every

Summer infected with a Cough upon the Chamberlins Landing.

Gent.

That's odd indeed; But how do they Cure it?

Transact.

The usual remedy is Giben drank upon Brochan.

Gent.

So that the Qualities of the Re∣medies are as occult as the Cause of the Cough.

Transact.

No, no, The Cause of the Cough is evidently the Chamberlins Land∣ing. Thus much being said relating to Physick, I should immediately proceed to tell you the Symptoms of Two Brass Farthings, But I think it more Instructive to communicate to you some Cautions about Marrying too soon, and some things rela∣ting to Midwifry. And First it hath been observed,* 1.11 Numb. 233. That Anna George, who continued in the State of Virginity till the One and fiftieth Year of her Age, Marryed and brought forth a Boy in the Two and fiftieth Year of her Age. But Numb. 229. A Negro, in Nevis who Married before she was in the One and fiftieth year of her Virginity, had this misfortune. Her Navel did begin to swell and Impostumate, so that most People did believe she would die. And after one Year and half being with Child, was at the last deliver∣ed by the Navel, for after voiding of a great

deal of Ichor and Matter, there did appear some Bones, which did prove to be a Child. (not the Bones of a Child, but the Bones were a Child) After the Extraction of the Bones the Woman was easy, and the Woman did Recover.

Gent.

Very Strange indeed!

Transact.

Numb. 233. Another Woman who was likewise married before the One and fiftieth year of her Virginity, was seven years bringing forth a Child Bone by Bone, and all by the Fundament.

Gent.

A long Birth truly! And very strange!

Transact.

But Sir, I have another Story as strange as that, For Margaret Parry lying in with the last of her three Children, some Bones of a Foetus came from her, after this several other Bones came away, and divers worked their way by degrees through the flesh above the Os Pubis. Numb. 243.

Gent.

Very strange too! But I am afraid you are imposed upon by your Correspon∣dents; for I am apt to believe Wounds of the Matrix are not so slight as to lye open so long as these Stories require, without be∣ing Mortal.

Transact.

I rely so much upon the since∣r••••••

of my Correspondents that I cannot tell h••w to disbelieve it.

Gent.

But do you believe all the Chil∣dren were born perfect, notwithstanding Bones came away at several times. Truly I think it impossible: And I wonder how you should be so apt to believe them.

Transact.

I beg your Pardon, If I tell you it's no wonder, for I am not inclined to de∣strust Mankind.

Gent.

To speak the Truth, indeed you have a peculiar faculty of believing almost any thing: But pray what Reasons can be given to justifie the sincerity of your Cor∣respondents?

Transact.

Reason! Psha! I don't trouble my self to enquire after the Reason of every thing that's told me; if I should, I should have Work enough to find Reasons for eve∣ry thing that's Communicated in the Trans∣actions.

Gent.

Nay, I confess, that would be too hard a Task. But I am afraid I have inter∣rupted you to long.

Transact.

Not at all Sir, The next thing I shall give you an account of is, of a Mon∣struous Birth: for Numb. 233. another Gentlewoman who lost her Virginity be∣fore

the 51 Year of her Age bore an In•••••••• who had Two Heads;* 1.12 one Head was a Bag ••••∣sembling the Hood of a Benedictine Monk. But how far he was concerned in the getting of it, no Body knows but the Parties con∣cerned in Ipso Facto. It was observable, this Child did not come out Bone by Bone, nor through the Navel, or the Fundament, but the other way.

Numb. 226. gives an Account of a Child born without a Brain, which had it lived long enough would have made an Excellent Publisher of Philosophical Transactions.

Numb. 228. gives an Account of another, that had his Brains in the Nape of his Neck.

But the most Remarkable Passage which I would have you take notice of is that Numb.* 1.13 233. Mr. Barrier, found in a Girl about 11 or 12 Years Old instead of a Matrix, a very thin Membrane placed where the Ma∣trix is. The outward Orifice was Hermeti∣cally sealed up. And if the Chymists in Eng∣land would take the same method with some of our Females, they probably might be Maids at 51. And were the same Method used at Tunquin,* 1.14 it could not be much a∣miss; for Numb. 243. we are told, That at Tunquin, there are Women common to a∣ny that will hire them, at 8 or 9 Years of Age. But in England, they are not Wo∣men so soon, tho' they hire themselve be∣times too.

Gent.

These are most Admirable Stories indeed, to be Published in the Philosophical Transactions. Pray Sir, how do you come by them?

Transact.

Come by them? I am oblged to my Correspondents.

Gent.

Indeed your Correspondents are as Judicious, in making Observations, as you are in Publishing them.

Transact.

Pray Sir, don't Compliment me; what I do is for the good of Mankind, and for the Advancement of Natural Know∣ledge, and not to gain Applause.

Gent.

Truly Sir, you are very Modest, and therefore, I shall decline giving you what I otherwise by all means think your due.

Tranct.

Ay! Pray forbear any thing of that Nature; It's better to pass our time away in Inquiries after Knowledge, than Compliments. And therefore I shall proceed to acquaint you with several promiscuous Observations in Natural History, which I am infinitely o∣bliged to my Correspondents for, and which you will say the World will be obliged to me for putting them in the Philosophical Transactions. And First, I shall let you know, That of late the poor People have set their Wits, as if it were on the Tenter-hooks, to make Turnep-Bread in Essex.

Gent.

By all means, the World will be very much obliged to you; for Teaching them to make Turnep-Bread; but I admire the Language of your Correspondent so much, that I profess, I am the less desirous to hear any thing more of your Bread,

Transact.

I thought the Novelty of the Style would surprize you.

Gent.

Surprize me! I am amazed at it. Set their Wits, as if it were on the Tenter-Hooks! The Simile is very close and noble; But pray proceed to your Philosophical En∣tertainment.

Transact.

I was about to acquaint you in the next place, with an Account of the Gyants Cause-way in Ireland, which I was very exact in getting from a person who was rei Compos, and perhaps peritus. But the Prelixity of a Philosophical Description, will be too tedious at this time. See Numb. 205. I thought likewise to have told you some∣thing of an Arch in Two Stone Chimneys in Northamptonshire, Numb. 166. As also of a Faetus 16 Years in Utero, Numb. 139. A Monstrous Child in Jutland, Skulls of Fowls described, and of a Prodigiously large Feather of the Bird Cunter. But passing by these; I shall proceed to tell you, That of late, Dr. Ballflour found several Eggs in the Cauda of a Barnacle. Numb. 222.

Gent.

Indeed, if you were not in haste, these things would be very entertaining.

Transact.

They art great Curiosities; and since you like them so well, I care not much if I give you a particular Account of them.

Gent.

Nay, Sir, you are in haste; Pray proceed to the next.

Transact.

Then rhe next thing I shall enter∣tain you with, is, an Account of some Ob¦servations made in the East-Indies;* 1.15 almost as Remarkable, as the Contents of the China Cabinet; for Numb. 243. we are told, That there hath been seen an Oyster-shell in Bantam, that hath been about Eighteen Inches Diame∣ter, and several in Moccao, that hath been 18 Inches long.

Gent.

Those are Rarities indeed! Several hath been 18 Inches long. The Elegancy of the Style is very singular too.

Transact.

This Sir, is true Modern Lan∣guage, most of my Correspondents endea∣vour to imitate me.

Gent.

They may imitate, but they'll come far short of their Mark; your Style is too intricate for them. But pray, as to the matter of Fact; You say, there hath been

seen a Shell, which hath been so big. Was it not so big when it was seen, if not, as your Story intimates, how could they tell several hath been so big?

Transact.

I see you make your Remarks upon every thing I offer almost; And there∣fore I must beg your Pardon, if I pretend not to solve Philosophical Difficulties. But to proceed, I shall give you an Account of stranger things than these? for Numb. 243. I am informed by the Person that did see it, That at Batavia, a whole Duck was taken out of the Belly of a Snake:* 1.16 And that in Achin they did kill a Snake. that had a whole Deer in it's Belly.

Gent.

Prodigious! And almost Incre∣dible.

Transact.

These are not half the Strange Stories, delivered in the Philosophical Trans∣actions, Numb. 225. From Fort St. George, I have the following Account, In a few Days after my Arrival, the fruits of my Gomroon Journey shewed themselves. For a little be∣low the Instep of my Left Foot a Worm put out it's Head, which cost me much trouble. But I am told, some People breed Magots in their Heads without much trouble.

Gent.

Yes, Sir, they are Natural to some People.

Transact.

God send they breed not in the Heads of any of my Correspondents; for it will be a great disadvantage to the Pub∣lick.

Gent.

It was very well wished; and I wish they are not got into them already.

Transact.

Well, let us hope the best, and proceed to our Philosophical Entertainment, Numb. 229. we are told,* 1.17 That in Hart∣fordshire, a Storm of Hail broke vast numbers of Pidgeons Wings, and fell foul upon the Crows and Rooks; and broke as many Glass-Windows as cost 4 l. repairing.

Gent.

That was an unfortunate Shower indeed to the Master of the House.

Transact.

Truly it would vex a Man.

Gent.

And mightily entertain a Trans∣actioneer.

Transact,

O dear, mighty Diverting. But pray have you heard of such a Bird as the Scart?

Gent.

Why Sir?

Transact.

Because I am going to tell you something of it, which is Remarkable.

Gent.

Pray what's that?

Transact.

Why, Numb. 133. we are told, That all Tribes of Birds are observed to have their Sentinels.* 1.18 The watchfulness of the Scart is true to a Proverb. I know one who by surprizing the Sentinel, catched 300 in a Night.

Gent.

That's Remarkable indeed: So that if a Virtuoso hath a mind to catch Scarts, he must endeavour to surprize the Sentinel. Is not that the Philosophical use you make of this Story?

Transact.

Yes Sir, That's the way to catch Scarts.

Gent.

That's sure of mighty use in Na∣tural Philosophy: To know how to catch Scarts, makes a Man much wiser.

Transact.

Certainly, it's something, to know how to surprize them. But to pro∣ceed, Numb. 225.* 1.19 we are informed, That Fish are not only different from other Ani∣mals; but likewise differ very much from one another, there being scarce a Species of them, that hath not remarkable differences.

Gent.

That's really very true, for the Herring is much different from the Lobster, and the Lobster differs much from the Whiting, and

the Whiting from the Cockle.

Transact.

But besides this more obvious Observation it's worth Remarking. That Fish have their Blood Naturally less hot than ours. So that the Natural Heat of Ours would be a Fever in them and Mortal: For which Reason they Drink no strong Liquors,* 1.20 such as Ale, Beer or Wine; but live conti∣nually in the Water, and drink nothing else. But whether they do this by Instinct, or Tradition I am not yet informed; but this I can say. I never heard, that so much as one ever dyed of a Fever.

Gent.

That's very Remarkable indeed.

Transact.

But they dye of other Distem∣pers; for Fish are found to dye in Water frozen over. Occasion'd by the freezing of the Water. Their Fins and Tail assist them in their Passage through the Water, whether they will; but the dilation of the Air in the Bladder makes them capable of Swimming, af∣ter the same manner as the dilating of the Lungs, and Thorax bear him up in Water.

Gent.

Very well observed indeed.

Transact.

Flat Fish have none of this Blad∣der, for they are able by reason of their Breadth to keep themselves upon the Water.

Gent.

But I think a broad Stone is as apt

to sink as a narrow one; as a Mill-stone will sink as another Stone that is not quite so broad.

Transact.

I shall not Dispute that. But in the next place proceed to give you an Account of a Shower of Fish, Numb. 243. we have the following Words, Since my last to you, I have received an Account of the Pro∣digious Rain you long ago desired of me, and this Opportunity offering of conveighing it safely to you,* 1.21 I would no longer delay it, and had I received the Account as you promised me of the Herrings, I might possihly have said something more, but I shall now leave that to you.

Gent.

The great Concern You and your Correspondent seem to have been in; make me long for the Story of the Fishes.

Transact.

I shall come to that presently. The Account I had from a worthy Gentleman of this Country, who had a Box full of these Fishes, which he preserved; but that being mislaid, he could not perform his promise of giving some of them, tho' he says, he will cer∣tainly do it when he finds it.

Gent.

And pray Sir, cannot you give an Ac∣count of the Fishes till then?

Transact.

Yes, yes, I told you I should come to it presently. On Wednesday before

Easter, a Pasture-Field at Branstead near Wrotham in Kent about Two Acres, which is far from the Sea, or any Branch of it, and a Place where there are no Fish-Ponds, but a scarcity of Water, was all overspread with little Fishes, conceived to be Rained down, there having been at that time a great Tem∣pest of Thunder and Rain: The Fishes were about the length of a Man's little Finger, and judged by all that saw them to be young Whi∣tings. The Field belonged to one Hare a Yeo∣man. But why they should fall into this Yeo∣man's Ground only no body knows.

Gent.

But pray how came they to be Rained?

Transact.

That's unknown too, only it may probably be guess'd, that the Bird Cunter having robbed a Fish-Market, could carry the Prey no further: But however it was. I think this Yeoman would do well to make a Fish-Pond against the next Shower.

Gent.

Truly this Story of the Fish is a very Strange one: It's almost Incredible.

Transact.

If you think this strange,* 1.22 what will you think of a Shower of Butter for the Fish?

Gent.

It's impossible! Is it not?

Transact.

As impossible as you may think

it, you'll find it Recorded as a Truth, Numb. 220. in the following Words, We have had of late in the County of Limerick—Showers of a sort of matter like Butter or Grease—Lay it by the Fire, and it grows hard.

Gent.

How then can it be said to be like Butter?

Transact.

Because my Correspondent po∣sitively says, it was a Shower of Butter.

Gent.

That's a good Reason indeed.

Transact.

No Stranger than True: But if you will not believe this, how will you believe there is a Tree bearing Tallow?* 1.23 N. 229. p. 587.

Gent.

I confess, were it not in the Trans∣actions one would not be apt to believe it.

Transact.

It's strange enough. But pray, Did you ever hear of the Hogs that shit Soap, and the Cow that shit Fire?

Gent.

No truly.

Transact.

Why, Numb. 263. we are in∣form'd,* 1.24 That in Lincolnshire, they gather up Hogs Dung and steep it in Water, and having well stirred it, strein it, and so use it to wash Cloaths. Hence the Proverb, In

Lincolnshire, where the Hogs sh—Soap, and the Cows sh—Fire.

Gent.

Truly we are much obliged to you and your Correspondent for this Proverb, and its Explication.

Transact.

I must needs say, a great many Philosophers would never have heard of this Proverb, had it not been Published in my Transactions.

Gent.

But if they be ignorant now, its none of your fault.

Transact.

No, truly, I would not be guil∣ty of letting so Useful a Proverb be lost for want of taking notice of it. But did you hear the Copy of Verses upon an Eel?

Gent.

Not that I remember.

Transact.

Numb. 223. we have the follow∣ing,

An Ankham Eel, and a Witham Pike, All England cannot shew the like

Gent.

Then you keep Cerrespondence with Poets.

Transact.

Any Body that can furnish me with Philosophical Matters.

Gent.

Pray how were these Verses occasion'd?

Transact.

Because that River is Remark∣able for good Eels.

Gent.

A weighty Reason indeed. But are these all the most Considerable Passages in the Transactions?

Transact.

No,* 1.25 Sir, Numb. 221. Doctor Cyprianus, gives us an Account of a Lady that was Delivered of a Child, with a Wound in her Breast above Four Fingers long—oc∣casioned by the strength of Imagination.

Gent.

That indeed, is very strange.

Transact.

It is so; and in my Opinion, it is strange, That a Lamb should be suckled by a Weather: And yet Numb. 214. we are told, That Sir William Lowther had a Ewe that had Two Lambs, and she dying left them Young to shift for themselves, One of them was entertained by a Weather Sheep—The Lamb sucked the Weather, and brought him to Milk, and was maintained by him all this Summer.

Gent.

This is a very Philosophical Story indeed; this will imploy the Wits to ac∣count for it.

Transact.

Ay, Sir. But these are not all the Remarkable Passages taken Notice of, in these Philosophical News Papers; for

Numb. 240. we have an Account of Glow-Worms Volant, and Butterflies Eggs that were testaceous, and near as big as Wren's, most gloriously bestudded with Gold and Silver, and they Hatch in the Windows, and are a sport for Children.

Gent.

Pray how came your Correspon∣dent to take notice of Things only fit for Children; What? did he think your Genius lay the same way as Childrens do?

Transact.

I know no Reason why inno∣cent Diversion should not be encouraged a∣mongst me and my Correspondents, as well as amongst Children.

Gent.

Indeed, I must confess, if it be agreeable, I have nothing to say against it, but shall rather admire the Noble Genius of of your own happy Self, and of your Cor∣respondents.

Transact.

O good Sir, forbear, pray don't Compliment me. But to proceed, N. 240. there are likewise, Tortoises Eggs by Ponds sides in great quantities—Our Dames scruple not to use them as Hens Eggs in Puddings. N. 240. Grashoppers in July become Volant, and have a kind of Regimental-Discipline,* 1.26 and as it were, some Commanders, of such Valour, that they are always ready to fly away, and rise first when they are pursued by the Fowles▪ which I have often seriously remarked, and

wondred at the simplicity of our Comman∣ders, who instead of Running away, are so fool hardy as to stand to Fight, regardless of their Lives, not minding the Example of these Creatures, who take more care of their own Safety.

Gent.

Very Philosophical indeed!

Transact.

Philosophical! O dear Sir, these Things are nothing to what I shall relate to you, I shall in the next place, give you an Account of one of the most Unmannerly Dogs that ever you heard of.

Gent.

What's that pray?

Transact.

Why,* 1.27 Numb. 235. upon the Proclaiming of the Peace, about a Week ago, Two Troops of Horse Dis-mounted, were drawn in a Line in order to fire their Vollies, the Center of their Line was against the But∣cher's Door.

Gent.

But when will you let me hear the Story of the Dog?

Transact.

Alass! Sir, you have not pati∣ence; this is part of the Story. This But∣cher kept a very large Mastiff Dog, the big∣gest in our Town; A Dog of great courage for Fighting. This Dog was laid by the Fire∣side asleep, but upon the first Volley the Sol∣diers made, he immediately started up.

Gent.

A very stout Dog, I must con∣fess, was this Dog the biggest in your Town?

Transact.

Yes, Sir, he was the biggest; but alass! You are quite mistaken, it was not his Courage that made him start up, he ran into a Chamber and hid himself under a Bed.

Gent.

And was this your stout Dog?

Transact.

Yes, Sir, he might be a stout Dog, and yet be frightened at such a surprizing Noise, and I believe, had you or I been asleep, we should have been sur∣prized too:

Gent.

Nay, I have nothing to Answer to that. But pray go on with your Story.

Transact.

The Maid Servant going to beat him down (he never using to go up Stairs) as she was so doing, a second Volley came, which made the Dog rise and run several times about the Chamber with Violent Tremblings.

Gent.

And is that all you have to say of this Dog?

Transact.

Yes, Sir, and enough too.

Gent.

Nay, enough of all Conscience;

I find no fault with that; but I find no Phi∣losophy in it.

Transact.

No Philosophy; Do you know what Philosophy is Pray?

Gent.

What do you say it is?

Transact.

I don't trouble my Head about such things; 'tis enough for me to tell you that it is Philosophy.

Gent.

Very strange Philosophy.

Transact.

Strange. It's the only Philoso∣phy that I and my Correspondents take de∣light in. But if our Philosophy does not please you, I shall urge it no farther.

Gent.

Yes, yes, Sir it pleases me much; but the Novelty of the thing makes me ask so many Questions. Pray favour me with a further Account of your Discoveries.

Transoct.

I proceed, and shall next entertain you with what has been very Ra∣vishing unto me, and the more because it relates to my own Country.* 1.28 In the County of Limerick in Ireland, on the 7th Day of June, a great Rumbling, or faint Noise was heard in the Earth, N. 233.

Gent.

Pray how could that be? How could a great Rumbling, be a faint Noise?

Transact.

Alass! What a Question you ask! Soon after, to the great Terror and Astonish∣ment of a great number of Spectators, a more wonderful Thing happened: For in a Bog strech∣ing North and South, the Earth began to move, viz. Medow and Pasture-Land that lay on the side of the Bog; and separated by a large Ditch.

Gent.

Sir, the Language you express this Story in, is too high for me, it is unintelligi∣ble, I cannot understand how the Medow and Pasture-Land that lay on the side of the Bog, could be in a Bog.

Transact.

If you cannot understand Philo∣sophical Language, I cannot help that; but must give you the remaining part of the Sto∣ry in the Words of the Author; for I have none else but Philosophical Words to ex∣press my self in. His words are these, The Pasture-Land rising very high—over-ran the Ground beneath it, and moved upon its surface, rouling on with great pushing vio∣lence, till it had covered the Medow; and is held to remain on it 16 Foot deep.

Gent.

Held to remain. That's Remarkable truly.

Transact.

In the Motion of this Earth, it drew after it the Body of the Bog, part of it lying on the place, where the Pasture-Land, that moved out of the Place it had before

stood—And so it continues at the pre∣sent, to the great wonderment of those that pass by.

Gent.

Truly, Sir, you have told me a Story now, that is a great Wonderment, not only because the Medow was held to remain upon the Pasture-Land; but that which is the greatest Wonderment to me, is, that the Me∣dow should be able to move forward of it∣self, and draw the Body of the Bog after it, according to your New Philosophy, where∣as, according to Boyle, or Cartesius, I should have thought, that both the Bog and the Land had been protruded by some Internal Cause.

Transact.

Strange! How readily you have learn'd to speak in the Language of the Moderns, methinks you spake it as Natural∣ly as my Correspondents.

Gent.

Sir, I always strive to Imitate those I admire: But pray, let me not di∣vert your farther Account of the late Trans∣actions.

Transact.

The next Story I shall relate,* 1.29 is this, Numb. 256. Mr. Greatrix coming to our House, and hearing of my Brother's Illness, desired to see him, he ordered the Boy to strip himself to his Shirt, which he did, and having given present ease to his Head by only stroaking him with his Hands, he fell to

rub his Back, which he most complained of. But the Pain being frightened, presently fled from his Head to his Right Thigh; he fol∣lowed it there, it fell to his Knee, from thence to his Leg, but he still pursued it to his Ancle, thence to his Foot, and at the last to his great Toe. As it fell lower, it grew more violent, especially when in his great Toe, it made him roar out; but upon rubbing it there, it stole out at his Toe-end; and the Boy cryed out, it's quite gone.

Gent.

I confess, this Story is very Philo∣sophical, Medicinal, and Circumstantial. And first, for the Circumstances, That Greatrix has a desire to see the Boy; That he desired the Boy to strip; seem very re∣quisite Preparatives for the Cure, which to me is not a little surprizing; for how this Humour should be so frightened, and have such an Antipathy to Greatrix's Hand as to run away from it, and that too where there was no Passage or Vessels for it to pass through, I cannot comprehend.

Transact.

It is indeed very strange. But this Greatrix hath done more than that; for a Smith whose Name was Peirson, near us, had Two Daughters, extremely troubled with the Evil; the one in her Thigh, the o∣ther in her Arm: He Cured them both at my Father's, one of them lives still in the Town, I was with her Yesterday, she is a healthy Wo∣man, the Mother of several Children, she

shewed me her Arm. But whether the other shewed her Thigh, or not, I think not at all material to relate. But this Greatrix had a∣nother very excellent Quality, for he would presently take off Fits of the Mother, by lay∣ing his Glove on their Heads.

Gent.

Pray Sir, was your Correspon∣dent Compos Mentis, when he sent you that Relation, or was he in a Fright?

Transact.

Why do you ask such Que∣stions?

Gent.

Because he seems to be out of Breath, or to Breath short in his Account of the Smith's Daughters; one would think, his inconnexion an effect either of some disaffection of his Intellectuals, or that he was mightily surpriz'd at something.

Transact.

Truly, I cannot tell that; per∣haps he might be in some little Consternati∣on at the strange Effects of Greatrix's stroaking.

Transact.

Indeed, they are so strange, that I have not Faith enough to believe them.

Transact.

If you have not Faith enough to believe what my Correspondents Discover and Relate? perhaps it may be because you have not Application enough to search into the Causes of Things. Pray what think you

of the Operation of a Blister, when it Cures a Fever.

Gent.

That it hath a very good Effect.

Transact.

Any Body would conclude that; but a mighty Scot's Virtuoso, and one of my particular Acquaintance hath made a long Discourse upon this Subject; and indeed, he's so sensible of the Length of it himself, that like an Orator, with unparallell'd Elo∣quence, after a long Proaemium, he thus speaks to his Auditors, Numb. 252. Do but think then, had I insisted on Vesication in general; what had I done for Time and Pa∣tience, to you O my Hearers, in a Discourse about a Blister. Any one but your selves, should be ready to believe, that there can be nothing of that Consequence in the thing.

Gent.

That's a great Compliment upon the Auditors; but methinks he chiefly de∣signed it home upon you, because your In∣dustry extends it self so far as to take notice of things, in which others see nothing of that Consequence.

Transact.

Truly I cannot tell whether he had a particular design to Compliment me,* 1.30 but thus he proceeds, and that they would rather throw away Medicine altogether, at least Blisters out of Physick; than to be trou∣bled with a Discourse so long, that is more painful than a Blister it self.

Gent.

This is most sharp Wit; but pray, good Sir, if this Discourse be so very pain∣ful, I had rather you'd pass it by.

Transact.

No,* 1.31 no, be not afraid of it; I'll take care it shall not be so painful to you, I shall only take notice of a few of the wittiest Sentences, and the most valuable Passages. I must beg leave to tell you, says he, that I have employed Microscopes to look upon this Fly, and its Powder, to see if I could discover any sharp Instruments, Swords, Daggers, or the like sort of Ar∣miture, in these Warlike and Wounding Creatures.

Gent.

That's an Admirable Passage. Dead Flies, Warlike and Wounding Creatures! Your Correspondent truly, was in the right to disarm such sort of Creatures; for if they are able to make use of Swords and Daggers after they are dead, there's no safety amongst them. But what Arms were discovered by your Correspondent.

Transact.

None at all; For, says he, whatsoever else I found, I could meet with no Arms at all, which makes me think, that if they have any, as needs they must, they are concealed, and are to be discovered in a∣nother way.

Gent

Nay, if they conceal their Wea∣pons, no Body knows how to deal with

them. I wonder how your Hero durst ven∣ture to stay so long in their Company.

Transact.

It is dangerous indeed, Crea∣tures that have set all the Physick in this Town in a Combustion, or Ferment. And truly since a great Man complained of Experientia being a fallax, I think he did very impu∣dently to meddle with them.

Gent.

And are these all the Remarkable Passages in his painful Discourse?

Transact.

No, Sir, he tells us,* 1.32 Since Death, or no Circulation of the Blood, is the Consequence of Poyson, we must find as ma∣ny Kinds of Poyson, as there are ways of stop∣ping the Bloods Motion.

Gent.

Then Hanging is Poyson, for that's one way of Death, or no Circulation of the ••••ood.

Transact.

Truly, my Correspondent ne∣ver considered that Consequence: Hold! Now you talk of Hanging; One of my Correspondents is of Opinion, That Hanging is not Poyson; for Numb. 240.* 1.33 says he, speaking of Men that are hanged. The Re∣markable lividness of their Faces, with the extraordinary distortion of the Jugulars, in the several Branches above the Ligature, argue, they dye in a great measure Apo∣plectick.

Gint.

Very Learnedly concluded. Then I suppose hanging hereafter will not be ac∣counted an Ignominious Death; for 'tis no disgrace to die of an Appoplexy. But pray proceed to the rest of your Philosophical Relations.

Transact.

Numb. 251. we have the fol∣lowing Account of a Child's Head. I did take off the three upper Vertebre of the Neck before I could find the Medulla Spina∣lis—The Tongue was fresh, and doubt∣less had performed the Deglutition to make the Child swallow the Colliquamentum. The Larynx and all the Parts of the Throat, were as the rest of the Body were, in a good and natural condition as can be. I leave o∣thers to explain how this Child could live without Brains.

Gent.

Oh, dear Sir, that should nev•••• have been omitted, 'twas the main thing in the Relation. Besides, The Explaining that would have solv'd a Problem at present much Debated in the World, which is, How most of your Correspondents can live under the very same Circumstances with that Child. But pray what use did he make of the Bones?

Transact.

That, Sir, he tells you very expresly. Says he, I keep the Bones of that Skull in my House, to convince any Body, that they are Bones, if they should Question it.

Gent.

Truly, I cannot Imagine for what other uses you should keep them. But pray, if the Child wanted Brains, I understand not how the Larynx and all the Parts of the Bo∣dy, could be in a good and natural Con∣dition.

Transact.

That is only as I told you be∣fore, our way of expressing our selves, for as amongst the Beauxs a careless Dress is the most admired, so we Philosophers signa∣lize our selves, by a careless use of Lan∣guage. But to proceed. I shall give you a short Account of what happened lately in Lapland, Numb. 251. we have the follow∣ing Account of a small sort of Creature, cal∣led Sable-Mice, they are so fierce and angry that if a stick be held out at them, they will bite it.

Gent.

That's very daring indeed!

Transact.

In their March they keep a di∣rect Line, and are innumerable Thousands in each Troop—They March by Night, and in the Twilight, and sleep by Day: As the Mouse in the Fable used to do.

If they meet any thing in their way that might stop them, they avoid it not, tho' it were Fire, a deep Well, a Torrent, or a Lake; and by that means Thousands of them are destroyed.

Gent.

Mighty Resolute truly!

Transact.

When they are met in Woods or Fields and stopped,* 1.34 they set themselves upon their hinder Legs like a Dog, and make a kind of barking, or squeaking noise—defending their Line as long as they can, and if at the last they are forced out of it, they creep into holes, and set up a cry sounding like bi••bb, bi••bb. Quarter! Quarter! Is not the Language of these Mice very Remarkable?

Gent.

Very Remarkable and entertaining for a Philosopher: It enriches a Man's Un∣derstanding much, to know the Fury and Conduct of a Mouse, and what Noise it makes when it is frightened. But pray Sir, let me beg the Favour of an Account of the Moors of West-Barbary, and their Customs?

Transact.

Ay, with all my heart Sir, Numb. 254. p. 248. we are told, That the Barbary Moor, when he rises in the Morn∣ing washes himself all over, and dresses, then goes to their Giama or Church, says his Pray∣ers, and returns home, where his Wife, Con∣cubine, or Slave hath his Breakfast ready for him, which is sometimes made of Barley, or Wheat Gruel—I have been often Treated with warm Bread, fresh Butter and Honey in a Morning, as also a Hasty-pudding with But∣ter. In Sufe I had a Bag of Honey presented to me with Poppy Seeds in it, it made me sleepy,

but I sound my self well and in good Temper of Body after it.

They seldom use a Knife, and a Fork is a strange thing amongst them. They are dex∣trous at this way of Carving, and never flinch tho' they burn their Fingers, for that would look mean; when they have done they lick their Fingers, as Plow-Men do in our Country. After they have eat the Meat, they dip the Bread in the Sauce or Broth, and eat it. For their Meat to be strongly seasoned is no great fault and if one should say, it's too high of Pep∣per, they will reply, It's better to be Ah then Faugh.

They have good Capons, Snipes, Pipers and Antelopes. They'll eat a Fox if fat, but not if lean; whence the Proverb, Hellel Deeb, haram Deeb. A Fox is lawful, and a Fox is Unlawful, i. e. Fat lawful, Lean unlawful.

When the Moors have feasted, every one washes his Hands and Mouth, thanks God—they talk a little, or tell some Story, and then lie down to rest, where I shall leave them at the present, and do beg your Pardonfor so firesome and frivolous a Discourse

Gent.

Upon my Word Sir, I think, your Friend concludes rightly.

Transact.

Concludes rightly, Sir, why all my Friends conclude so.

Gent.

Ay, to be Tiresome and Frivolous.

Transact.

O dear Sir, no; but if the length of this, has been something tedious; I will now entertain you with one which may make emends; for Numb. 249. we re∣ceived the following Letter, Herewith you will receive a C••rvus Velans, divers sorts of Scarabs, and three or four sorts of Lady-Buggs. But not to pass too much Time a∣way upon this, I shall rather tell you, That Jeremiah Skelton,* 1.35 observing a Storm com∣ing, said, I think it will be Rain, I will go and gather in some of the Corn—While at this Work, bringing in a Burden and casting it upon the Barn floor, the Tempest begun as he came forth again; whereupon he stept aside for shelter into the Barn Door, and while there, was struck with a dreadful flash of Fire. A Young Woman that lived with her Father in the House that belong'd to this Farm, leaves the House, and not seeing the Young Man about the Barn, goes with speed and tells the Family he was related to, That she feared he was slain. They came to the Barn and found it even so, a sad Spectacle! His Clogs driven from his Feet, one not to be found and the other cloven, and his Hat not to be found after search. This Young Man would have been 22 Years of Age next June, is said to have been sober and hopeful, was Buryed at Luddenden the Monday following.

To this, I have but Two more Philosophi∣cal Matters to add, the first is, an Account of the Generation of Fleas. See Numb. 249. p. 2. At last is discovered by the Indesatigable

Industry of Signior D'iacinto Cestone, the true way of the Generation of Fleas, their Worms, and entire Metamorphoses which have hitherto been obscure, tho' sought after. The Fleas bring forth Eggs (or a sort of Nits) from these Eggs are hatched Worms; these Worms make to themselves Bags like Silk-Worms, and from out of these Bags come Fleas.

Having thus given you an Historical Ac∣count of the Generation of Fleas. I shall proceed to a Discourse of Coffee, Numb. 256. p. 311. Of the Berries Boyled in Water, is made a Drink, and drank much amongst the Arabians and Turks, and also now in Europe.

As for the manner of its being first made a Trade of in England, I shall give you the following Account, Anno 1652. One Ed∣wards came over into England, and Marryed the Daughter of one Alderman Hodges—This Hodges setled to drink Coffee with Edwards with much delight. After this, Edwards set up one Pasqua for a Coffee-Man—The Ale-house keepers fearing it would spoil their Trade, Petitioned the Lord Mayor a∣gainst him. Upon this Hodges joined as a Partner with Pasqua one Bowman, at the last Pasqua dyed, and Bowman kept the Trade—and when he dyed left his Wife, who had been Hodges's Cook-Maid, pretty Rich; but she dyed Poor.

John Painter was Bowman's first Appren∣tice, Bowman dyed, and after a Year his Wife let the House to one Batler, whose Daughter

Marryed Humphrey Hodskins Bowman's se∣cond Apprentice. And after some time the Trade grew universal; but what was the Rise of Batsons, Wills, or Richards, I can∣not tell.

But this I have been told, Coffee hath greatly encreased the Trade of Tobacco and Pipes, Earthen Dishes, Tin Wares, News Papers, Coals, Candles, Sugar, Tea, Chocolate, and what not? Coffe-hauses make all Sorts of People sociable, they improve Arts and Mer∣chandize, and all other Knowledge. And a Worthy Member of this Society, has thought that Coffee-Houses have Improved Useful Knowledge very much.

I thought to have proceeded to give you an Historical Account of the most Remark∣able Trades in England, as Chimney-Swep∣ing, Tinkers, Pedlars, &c. And what were the Names of those that were first of that Employment, as also the Names of their Apprentices, and who they Marryed: But since I have pressed upon your Patience so long, I shall force no more upon you than you are willing to bear. But pray, let me ask your Opinion of these Philosophical Transactions, and what Thoughts you have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my Friends; are they not Men that take a great deals of Pains to Improve Know∣ledge; and let nothing pass that's worth Noting?

Gent.

Much Pains, it must be allowed ye have taken, 'tis pity ye had not consider'd to what Purpose.

Transact.

Why, is there not a great deal of Natural Knowledge to be learned from what I have wrote, and Published?

Gent.

Sir, one may learn how prettily You and your Correspondents are Employ'd: But nothing that will make a Man wiser, or more a Philosopher; for what am I the wiser, for knowing the Mice creep into holes, or how nastily the Moors pull their Meat? Nor is what you have acquainted me with, of the Generation of Fleas; any more than what a Lowzy Beggar could have told many Years ago. And as for your Coffee Story, I take it to be a Tale fit to be Related only amongst Old Women, and Mechanicks.

Transact.

And is that all you can see in such Improvements?

Gent.

No, Sir, it's not all, for your Correspondent tells us, That Coffee pro∣motes the Tobacco Trade, and consumes Pipes and Candles. But I suppose, any Coffee-Woman knows that, without the assistance of your Friend to inform her.

Transact.

Well, since I see you are re∣solved not to think so well of my Cor∣respondents as I could wish; I beg your Pardon for entertaining you so long

with such Philosophical Relations, which I perceive, instead of diverting, have made you uneasie. But yet, I must tell you, my Correspondents will not be discouraged from pursuing their Design, though the whole World Laugh at them.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  N. 219.
• * 1.2

  Skill in virtues of Herbs.
• * 1.3

  The Case of Charles Worth.
• * 1.4

  W. Mat∣thews his Case.
• * 1.5

  One that would have chan∣ged a Cow for a Bag∣pipe.
• * 1.6

  Of Amber∣greise Ben.
• * 1.7

  Jenkyns Older than Parre.
• * 1.8

  A Medici∣nal Spring.
• * 1.9

  Num. 247.
• * 1.10

  Medicinal Qualities of Bread & Cheese▪
• * 1.11

  Arguments against Marrying soon.
• * 1.12

  A Child's Head like the Hood of a Monk.
• * 1.13

  The use of Hermes Seal.
• * 1.14

  News from Tunquin.
• * 1.15

  Oyster-Shells in Bantam.
• * 1.16

  A Duck in the Belly of a Snake.
• * 1.17

  Glass-win∣dows broke by Hail.
• * 1.18

  A Scart that stood Sentinel, surpriz'd.
• * 1.19

  Fish diffe∣rent from one ano∣ther.
• * 1.20

  No Fish dye of a Fever,
• * 1.21

  A Shower of Whi∣tings.
• * 1.22

  A Shower of Butter.
• * 1.23

  A Tree bearing Tallow.
• * 1.24

  Hogs that shit Scap, &c.
• * 1.25

  A Wound by the strength of Imagi∣nation.
• * 1.26

  The Marti∣al-Disci∣pline of Grasshop∣pers.
• * 1.27

  The Effects of the Peace upon a Mastiff-Dog.
• * 1.28

  An Ac∣count of Travelling a Bog.
• * 1.29

  The effects of Greatri∣ax his stroaking.
• * 1.30

  A long discourse more pain∣ful than a Blister.
• * 1.31

  Cantharides arm'd with Swords and Dag∣gers.
• * 1.32

  Hanging Mortal.
• * 1.33

  Hanging Appoplex∣tical.
• * 1.34

  The Lan∣guage of a Sable Mouse.
• * 1.35

  Ibid.