The philosphical and physical opinions written by Her Excellency the Lady Marchionesse of Newcastle.

Earth Metamorphosed into water, water Me∣tamorphosed to vapor, Aire and fire, at least into heat.

PART III.

CHAP. 86.

MOtion forms a round lump of earth, or such like matter, by extenuating swels it out, and as the swelling increases, the circumferent en∣largeth, and when its extended further then this solid form, it becomes pores, and the parts looser. This degree of extenuation, makes it mud, when it extends further then the degree of mud, it turns to a softer form, as that of slime; the fourth extenuating degree shapes it into a perfect ring drawing all the loose parts into a compasse line, this becomes water, and the difference of a lump, or ball of earth to the watry circle, for a round lump is when there is no space, or distinct lines, and a circular ring is a distinct line with a hollow center, that is, an empty place, in the midst of a round line, so they may be a round ball, but not a ring, or a round circle line, and a circle line and not a ball, and as I said, when it comes to such a degree, of extenuating, it turns water, that is, to be wet, liquid and fluid, and according as the circles are, is the water more or lesse, and according as the lines are extenuated, or contracted, is the water thicker or thinner, colder or hotter, heavier or lighter, and according as the lines are round, or flat-edge, pointed, or smooth, is the water fresh, sharp, salt, or bitter, but these circles may not onely dilate, and contract several wayes, but after several fashions, as to make vapor, air, fire, snow, hail, ice, and frost, as I shall de∣clare in my following chapters.

Chap. 87. Of wetnesse.

WE may perceive that whatsoever is hot and dry, and cold and dry, shrinks inward as towards the center, and whatsoever is hot and moist, and cold and moist, dilates as towards the circumference, so that all moisture is wrought by extenuating motions, and drought, by contracting motions, and not onely extenuating motions, but such sorts of extenu∣ating motions, and drought by contracting motions, and notonely extenuating motions, but such sorts of extenuating motions as in circular figures, which circular figures make water, so soft, smooth, and flowing, smooth, because circular; for Circles make it smooth, the figures having no end extenuating makes it softby spreading and loosing the parts, as flowing by rea∣son dilations drive all outward as toward the circumference yet the degree of extenuating may out-run the degree of wet; for wet is in such a degree of extenuating circles as I may say, the middle degree, yet there are many sorts of wet, as oylie, wet, and watry; but I have described that in my chapter of oyl, but I take oyl rather to be liquid and moist, then wet; For there is difference betwixt moist, liquid, and wet, for though moist and liquid is in a degree of wet, yet it is not an absolute wet, for dissolved gums are liquid, not wet, melted Sugers are liquid, not wet, oyl is more liquid then wet, and smoak may be said to be liquid, as being of an oyly nature, and air rather to be moist then wet, and dust, Ashes, flame, light, winde, may be said to be fluid, but not liquid nor wet.

Chap. 88. Of Circles.

A Circle is a round figure without ends, having a circum∣ference, and a center, and the figure of a circle, may be many wayes contracted, but can be but in one way extenua∣ted, which is by inlarging the compasse, of the line; and the reason is, because it is a round piece, without ends; for a straight line may be drawn out at either end; but if a circle be drawn out of the compasse, it may stretch out of the one side, but it will pull in the other side after it, unlesse the line be broke, and then it is no longer a circle, thus we can extend no part out, but another part must contract to give way to that part that goeth out.

Chap. 89. Of Softnesse.

ALL that is wett is soft, I mean that which is naturally wet; but all that is soft is not wet, as hair, wool, feathers, and the like.

Likewise all that is soft or wet is made by extenuating motions; now some may ask me, why extenuating motions* 1.1 should cause figures to be soft, more then any other? I an∣swer, first, that all extentions causeth porousnesse, or spungi∣nesse, by spreading or loosing parts, and all that are po∣rous tend to hollownesse, and all that is hollow tends to slacknesse, and all that are porous hollow, and slack tend to softnesse; for we may perceive whatsoever figure is porous, is not so firm, strong, nor hard, as those which are close compact; for that which hath no Vacuum, or Conveni∣ent distance, hath not so much Liberty, as that which hath Va∣cuum;* 1.2 for Vacuum is space and distance betwixt parts, which gives those parts liberty to move, and remove, and that which hath most liberty is most loose, and that which is most loose is least contracted, and that which is least contracted, is most pliant, and that which is most pliant is soft. But I desire my Readers would not mistake me, for as there is hard, soft, light, heavy, thick, thin, quick, slow, belonging to the nature of the onely infinite matter, so there are belonging to such shapes, or figures made by the working of the infinite moti∣ons making infinite figures out of infinite matter; but the dif∣ference is, that what is in the nature cannot be altered, but what is done by the working of motions may be undone again, for the effects may alter, but not the cause; thus motion and figure, or figure by motion may alter, but not the nature of the matter; For motion and figure are but the effects of the onely and infinite matter &c.

Chap. 90. Of Liquors.

ALL liquors are wrought by extenuating motions, and all that is liquid and wet, are circles extenuated to such a degree, and after such a manner, and all that are liquid and wet, is either water or of the nature of water, as also of oyls, vitrals, strong-waters, all juices from fruits, herbs, or the like, or any thing that is liquid and wet; but though all that is liquid and wet naturally agree in extenuating circles, yet their* 1.3 circle lines are different, which causeth the different effects, for some have different effects interiorly, others exteriorly, and some both interiorly, and exteriorly, for some have cir∣cular lines of points, others have circular lines pointed, others have circular lines of points pointed, others have circular lines of points edged, some have smooth circle lines onely edged; as the sharp edge of a knife, or the like, others have circle lines

edged of one side of the line, and pointed on the other side, some their circle lines are flat, others their circle lines are round, some their circle lines are twisted, others plain, some checkred, others smooth, some more sharpe-edged, or poin∣ted then other; some smoother, and some rougher then other; And infinite more that I know not how to describe; But these lines, nor circle points, nor edges, are not subject to our sen∣ses, although their effects may make them subject to our rea∣son, for nature works beyond our sense, but reason is part of the sense of nature; but of all wet liquors oyl is most diffe∣rent from the effects of water, for all other wet liquors do strive to quench fire, but oyl doth assist it, yet all vitrals have an exterior burning faculty, which oyl hath not, and although all strong wet liquors will flame when it is set on fire, yet they will quench out fire, if enough be cast thereon.

Chap. 91. The extention and contraction of circles.

THe nature of extention strives to get ground, that is, space, or compasse, and to disperse, or level parts as it were, and the nature of contraction strives to thrust out space and compasse, and to thrust up parts close together, and this is the reason that a circle may contract so many several wayes, because contraction flings out the compasse, and makes use of the line, laying the line into millions of several works.

And yet the exterior form which is the circular line, be one and the same, that is, the circular line is not divided, but when those works are undone, and the line extended to the full compasse, it receives the original form, which is a round circle; for as they were contracted without breaking the circle, so they may be extended into a circle again.

Likewise the circular forms may be wrought with mixt mo∣tions, as partly by contraction, and partly by extenuation, as when a round circle is wound about a staff, or pole, or the like; for though the winding about the staff be a contracting motion, or at least one way, which is when it draws inward, as towards the center, yet by winding it length∣wayes, or upward, is a kinde of an extenuation.

Likewise, a circle or smoak when it curls in rings, before the circle break, as we shall oft times see it doth contract, as folding and half curling, so it extenuates as it spreads and weares out. Likewise take a round string, that is, joyn the two ends, and put this circular string double, and then winde it serpentine wayes, and the like, and though the winding, or twisting about is contracting, yet winding or twisting one ring before another is extenuating.

Here have I set down after what manner of wayes are con∣tracted, or continuated circles, and thus millions of several

works may by circles be wrought, and several figures made thereof; Likewise for circular lines, some may be broad, some narrow, some round, some flat, some edged, some twisted, but those that are flat are most apt to be edged.

Likewise there may be circle lines with smooth lines, some pointed, some checkred, some twisted, some braided, and the like.

But although the circle compasse is perfect, yet the line is not a perfect Circular compasse, because the roughnesse makes it uneven. Thus as I have said before, milions of changes may be in circles, but perchance some will say, it is no longer a cir∣cle, when it is turned square, or triangular-wayes, or the like.

I answer, it is a circle squared, but not a circle broke, for as long as the circle is whole, the interior nature is not dissolved, let the exterior figure be after what manner it will or can; for still it is a natural circle, although it be put into a Mathematical square, or the like; so those exterior figures, are but chan∣ged shapes, not the natural form, but a natural square is to have four distinct lines, and a triangle three distinct lines, and a cupe six, as I take it, or sixteen; but it is to be observed, that all those figures that naturally are made of one piece, without distinct parts, or several tempered matter, may change, and re∣change their shapes, and yet keep their own interiour nature intire, that is the nature proper to such a figure; but those figures that are made of many distinct parts, or several tem∣pered matter, would make such a confusion in their transfor∣mations, as would ruin the intire foundations.

Chap. 92. Of congealed water.

WAter is not alwayes exteriorly wet, or fluid, as we may see alwayes when it is congealed to snow, ice, and hail, yet still it is water, keeping the interior nature of being wet and fluid, onely the cold contractions have, as may say, altered the face or countenance thereof; for it is to be obser∣ved, as there are extenuating motions, thrusting and stretching, inlarging further and wider out in compasse, bredth, length, and depth, as from the center to the circumference, so there are contracting motions together, draw winde, twist and pull in, as from the circumference to the center, and not onely by interior motions, but exterior motions; as for example, cold contraction upon water circles, or any thing that is porous and spungie, draws, and gathers them into several works, or draws them into a lesse compasse, as strings do a purse, or like fishers or faulkners nets.

But snow, hail, and frost, and ice is made by a level con∣traction, as if a Circular line should be laid upon a flat ground, and be drawn a particular work, as for example, according

to the number of watry circles, there is such a quantity of water, and if the quantity of water be more then the strength of the cold contraction, it is frozen more or lesse, now the several figures which cold contraction draws to make snow, hail, ice, and frost, are after this manner, as first the interior nature of the water is a round circle like a ring.

When it contracts into hail, the exterior figure contracts into a ball, or lump, as if one should winde up a double line, or thread into a bundle, or bottom.

Snow is made by contraction, as if one should draw a round line into a three square figure, as triangular way.

Ice, as if we should draw a round line into a four square fi∣gure, as after a cupe way.

Frost is made by such contracting motions, as if a round line should be drawn into a surfling, as a crackling figure.

When this congealed cold thaws, it is either by the inte∣rior strength of dilating motions, or by an exterior heat that draws these contractions out into smooth extenuating circles again.

Thus circular lines may be drawn from the round compasse, to be four square, three square, or length-wayes, as one would clap the brim of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hat together; and millions of several works, and never divide the circular lines, but I will not say by a Mathematicall rule, though nature is beyond our learning.

And that which makes ice and hail more shining then frost, and snow, is, that the lines are evener; for all figures that are composed by the way of lines, are apt to shine, and those figures that have fewest points, or ends are smoo∣thest.

Now some may say, or ask, why I should think snow is made triangular wayes? My reason is, because it seems rougher, and not so united as ice, or hail, which shews the interior figure hath more points, or unevener numbers, or unequal lines, and a triangular figure is not so smooth, or at least seems not so, as a circular, a paralel, or cupe; for in the angulars the points and lines are odd, and the lines run slope-wayes, whereas the figure of a cupe, although it hath more points, yet the figure is more proportionable, by the even number of the points and lines; for as there are four points, so there are four equal lines, which make an equal number, when in the figure of a triangular the points and lines are odd; for though there are a plural number, yet it is an uneven number, as being odd. And as I have said, the lines are slope when the figure of a cupe is just square, besides triangular points be∣ing odd, multiplie and substract by reflections, as we shall see by triangular glasses, that from one face millions are made by subdividings. Thus what is made uneven by odd numbers, are made even by equal numbers, and the odd points,

and slope lines, make the figure of snow rough, and the e∣qual points, and straight lines make the figure of ice smooth, but I treat here of exterior figures, or rather countenances, not of the interior form, for their contractions change the exteriors, not the interiors.

But if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be out, and mistake, either in termes of art, or o∣therwise, I must intreat my readers to pardon it, for I am no Mathematician, onely I have gathered here and there some little parcels or crums from the discourse of my friends, for I have not much kept the company of strangers, nor conversed with dead Authors by books, but these parcels I have got, I place according to my own fancy, if they sound probably, I have my ends, and the lines of my desires are pointed with a satisfaction.

Chap. 93. Motion changing the figure from wa∣ter to fire.

VVHen these watry circle lines begin to inlarge, they grow smaller, and thereby become lesse wet, and more thinne, as vapor which is lesse wet then water, and not so grosse; for as I said before, when the circle comes in such a degree of extenuating, it becomes wet, and beyond such a degree, it becomes lesse wet; and so lesse and lesse, as be∣forè it came to such a degree, it became more and more wet, as from being pores to soft, from soft to liquid, from liquid* 1.4 to wet, likewise from wet to moist, from moist to thin, which thin is air.

But when the extenuating lines come to such a degree of smalnesse, as to cut, as a very smal line will do, which is to such a degree, as to be sharp as an edge, it makes it in a degree towards burning fire, so far as to become sulphury hot, as we know by the sense of feeling, we finde the air to be hot. This sort of air which is made of watry circles, is like seething hot water, for it is a moist heat, and not like the natural air, for this is but a Metamorphosed air; for the interior nature of water is undissolved, onely the exterior is altered, the lines being become small and edged, by the fair extenuations, but when those circles extenuate smaller then the quantity of matter will afford to give a compasse, it breaks, and turns to hot burn∣ing fire; for the extenuating motions therein ceasing not, do stretch those lines so smal, as they fall into pointed parts; this alters the interior nature from being water, to burning fire, for the interior nature of water is the circle line, but if those lines be drawn by contracting motions into bigger lines, and lesse circles, it becomes from thin hot air to vapor, or mists, and from vapor to water, and so from water to slime, from slime to mud, from mud to earth, as it did extenuate, so it contracts, if nothing hinders the same; for contraction draws

in the lines to such a bignesse, like as a smaller thred to a big∣ger thred, so from the thinnest air to the thickest air, from grosse air to the thin vapor, from thin vapor to thick vapor, fromthick vapor to water to slime, fromslime to mud, from mud to earth; but according as the contracting and dilating motions are quick, or slow, it is sooner or longer turning out of one shape into another, and if any of the circular lines break by other motions or figures before it coms to the furthest extention, the quantity becomes lesse wasting that matter into figures of other natures, being dissolved from that natural figure; thus that ball, or lump may be dissolved, like as Animals, or the like; For no question these balls are created and dissolved as Animal kinde, and are as numerous as other creatures, and some lasting longer then others, and some dissolving sooner; though their creations are different, one being produced by procreation, the other by extenuation: thus these elements are increaseable, and decreaseable, and other creature are; and when the interior nature is altered, it dissolves as other creatures do, onely the exterior with the interior dissolves, which most of other creatures do not, for when the interi∣or is altered in Animals, the exterior is perfect, and dissolves more by degrees.

Chap. 94. Of Oyl.

OYL is partly of the nature of fire, and partly of the na∣ture of water; for as it is soft, fluid, liquid, and moist, it is of the nature of water; as it is hot burning and flamable, it is of the nature of fire, for that which makes it fludi and liquid, is by extenuations, and that which makes it moist and liquid is by extenuating circles, and that which makes it burning, is, that those circular lines are composed of pointed parts, which when fire and oyl meets, the fire breaking those lines a sunder, sets those pointed parts at liberty, which causeth it to rise in a flame, and the reason why it flames, is, that it doth not suddenly lose the circular extenuating nature; for flame is somewhat of the nature of water, as being fluid, though not wet, and the reason why flame is fluid, is, because it ascends in a circular motion, for though the ascent be in a strict parrelled line, yet the matter is after a circular figure, as a hollow spungy body, as after this manner or the like, which shuts up∣ward, like an arrow out of a bow, onely imagining the arrow to be in serpentine* 1.5 shape, and to turn and spin about as it as∣cends, likewise the body to extend, or spread outward, accor∣ding to the bulk or quantity, which several figures, or several motions, may be all at one time, and in one and the same thing, and work to one and the same effect, and to several ef∣fects at the same time, which causeth it to be fluid, liquid, and light, for light as well as oyl, water, or flame, is fluid, caused

by extenuating motions, for as water will run forward when it hath liberty, or run backward in a torrent when it is stopt, so light will enter when it hath passage, or run back by re∣flection if it be stopt, but all those fluidities are different by reason their extenuations are different; For light is caused by swift extenuating paralel lines; water, oyl, and the like by extenuating circular lines, which make it moist, and liquid, as well as fluid, but flame takes part from all, for it is light and fluid by the swift extenuating parallel lines, it ascends in, and liquid, although not wet, by the circular motions it as∣cends up in, and burning by the sharp parts it is composed of; vitral is after the same nature of oyl, onely the lines are* 1.6 edged, as a knife, or the like, or sharp edged tools, which make it have an exterior pressing quality, as burning fire hath; but the exterior of oylie lines are smooth, which makes it soft, and glib, and not so sharp and penetrating as vitrals, or the like are.

Thus flame, light, oyl, fire vitrals, waters, have mixt motions, to make one figure, and many figures, to make those figures which make them to be of mixt qualities producing mixt ef∣fects, as indeed all effects are of a mixt nature.

Chap. 95. Of Metals.

ALL Metals are created after the manner of circle lines, as water, onely the lines in metal are contracted, as draw∣ing inwards, and water circle lines are extended outward, but in all metals the circle lines are flat, and edged, having a cutting and a subdividing nature, and by reason the exteri∣our nature is of a circle figure, it is apt to be fluid, and to flow as water doth, when the exterior is melted by forcible motions, then it is one, as that of fire, which draws out the contracted circles of metals, causing it to be fluid by exten∣tion, yet the extention is not natural, as it is in water, but for∣ced by an over-powerful motion; for the nature of metal is not to be fluid, which is the reason that assoon as it can get libertie, that is, when the moer strong motions let go their* 1.7 hold, it contracts into a firm and hard body: again, it breaks not the interior circle, for then the nature alters, for as much as metals loseth in the weight, so much is changed of that quantity, from the natural quality, and though some metals do not, wast in quantity, which is to change in quality, so soon as others, yet they are all dissolvable, although some say gold is not dissolvable; but sure that opinion proceeds from impa∣tience in man-kinde, not to stay the time, or rather for want of longer time of life, having not so lasting a life, as to ob∣serve the alteration, as the dissolution of gold, or perhaps they have not the right wayes to dissolve it; for certainly it is as all other figures are, dissolvable, and not fixt everlast∣ingly

in one body, Chymists make gold as a god, unaltera∣ble.

Chap. 96. Of the Load-stone.

ME thinks 'tis strange, that men should wonder more at the nature of the Load-stone in attracting iron, and in the norths attracting o f the needle touched with the Load∣stone, then at the suns attracting of vapor.

But some will say, that it is the nature of fluiditie, of which nature vapor is one, to move with facility, and not the na∣ture* 1.8 of solidity, of which nature iron is one, which is heavy and slow; but I say, if the attracting motion in one body be stronger then the contracting, and retentive motions in the o∣ther body, and those figures motions work with, be advantagi∣ous; I see no reason but a fluid body may attract a solid body; For it is not the substance of the body that works, or produ∣ceth effects, but the agility, subtility, or strength of motion, and advantage of the shape, so that the working power is more in motion and figure, then meerly the matter; as for example, doth not experience prove that fluid, vitral, will work through solid metal, the reason is, because the expul∣sive motions in the vitral and sharp points, are stronger then the contracting motions, in the metal and blunt edges: but some will ask me, why the Load-stone attracts onely iron? such a question I ask, why beauty should forcibly attract the eye? they will answer by sympathy; and I have heard, that it was the opinion of learned men, that sympathy had the same effect, betwixt the Load-stone and iron, but I think it not so much in sympathy, as supremacy.

Besides, it is the nature of contracting motions, of which the Load-stone is strongly inhabited withal, to work on that which is without it, as from it, not within it, or as it were upon it, which no other visible kinde of motion doth.

And certainly the Load-stone is composed of sharp figures, yet not of such sorts as heats or burns, and those figures do issue out as beams do from the sun: and as they draw the iron, they back return, and as the bright beams issue from the sun, do neither weaken nor lessen it, so the visible beams that issue out of the Load-stone, neither make it lesser or weaker; yet the beams of the Load-stone, do as the sun beams, the farther they spread out, the lesse strength they have to draw; Besides, if other motions which oppose, and are stronger then the natural motions, may weaken the strength, as accidental maladies mayweaken Animals, or shrewd and froward weather vegetables, or the natural consisting mo∣tions proper to that figure, may turn to expulsive motions, and over-power the natural attracting motions, that issued there-from.

But as I have said, it seems the attractive power of the Load∣stone, is stronger then the irons retentive power, and sharp fi∣gures that issue there-from, are more advantagious then the blunt edges in the iron; and as the sharp figures in fire unknit and loosen the contractive body of metals, making them fluid, so the sharp points that issue in lines from the Load-stone fasten to iron, drawing it to it; and as fire works upon seve∣ral bodies after a different manner of way, according to the nature of the body it works on, producing divers effects; so for all I can perceive may the Load-stone; for certainly we do not know, nor never can come to that knowledge, as to per∣ceive the several effects, that are produced from the least, or as we account the most inconsiderable creature made in na∣ture; so that the Load-stone may work as variously upon se∣veral bodies, as fire, and produce as various effects, although nor to our sense, nor after the same manner of wayes, that fire doth, and as fire works variously upon various bodies, so there are fires, as several sorts, and those several ral sorts have several effects, yet one and the same kinde, but as the causes in nature are hid from us, so are most of the effects; but to conclude my discourse, we have onely found that effect of the Load-stone, as to draw iron to it; but the at∣tracting motion is in obscurity, being invisible to the sense of man, so that his reason can onely discourse, & bring probabilities, to strengthen his arguments, having no perfect knowledge in that, nor in any thing else, besides that knowledge we have of several things, comes as it were by chance, or by experi∣ence, for certainly all the reason man hath, would never have found out that one effect of the Load-stone, as to draw iron, had not experience or chance presented it to us, nor the effect of the needle, and all the ages before, I mean those we have Records of, were ignorant of that one effect, and perchance other ages may finde out some other effects produced there∣from, which these ages are ignorant of; And as our knowledge comes slow, and in parts, and pieces, so we know but parts and pieces of every particular thing, neither is the generality of our senses capable of one and the same knowledge; for what one sense knowes, another sense is ignorant of, and que∣stionlesse there are some things in nature that it is impossible for our senses to be made acquainted therewith, as being too cu∣rious for our senses, but not to some other senses; for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nature hath as many different senses, as other works; indeed all things are wrought by sensitive motions, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 needs create a sensitive knowledge in every thing, and where know∣ledge is, reason is; for knowledge is reason, and sense is know∣ledge; but sense and reason work in several figures, different wayes, and not onely in different figures, but in one and the same figure.

Chap. 96. Of the needle.

I Perceive the norths attraction of the Load-stone is not af∣ter the same manner of attraction, as the Load-stone at∣tracts iron, for the attractions of the Load-stone draws iron to it, but the attraction of the north draws the Load-stone towards it, by the turning it that way, as the Sun will do the the heads of some sorts of flowers; For if the north attract∣ed the Load-stone, as the Load-stone iron, the Load-stone would be in a perpetual motion, travelling to the north pole, unlesse it were fixt, but I do not hear that a Load-stone doth remove out of the place wherein it is, but it turns, as I may say, the face towards it; now the question will be whether the Loadstone turns it self towards the north, or the north turns by compulsion, or by sympathy, the experiment will be by iron, that if a great quantity of iron should be said at one side of the needle, whether the needle would not vary from the north towards the iron, if it do, it shews the Load-stone turns itself towards the north, or else it could not turn from the north, for certainly the north hath a greater operative power to turn the Load-stone to it, then the Load-stone could have to turn it self from it, so if a quantity of iron can cause the needle to vary, it shews that the Load-stone turns to the north by a self motion, and not the motions of the north that make it turn to it, but if it varies not towards the iron, then the north forces it, unlesse the Load-stone takes more delight to view the norths frowning face, then to imbrace hard iron, or that the feeding appetite is stronger then the viewing de∣light; for it onely turns it self to the face of the north, but if it turns not it self, the north forces it to turn, which as I have said before, is to be found by the experiments of iron; but if it turns it self, I beleeve it may receive some refresh∣ments from those raies which stream from the north, for all things turn with self-ends; for certainly every thing hath self∣love, even hard stones, although they seem insensible, so the Load-stone may work as various effects upon several subjects, as fire, but by reason we have not so much experience of one as the other, the strangenesse creates a wonder, for the old saying is, that ignorance is the mother of admiration, but fire which produceth greater effects by invisible motions, yet we stand not at such amaze as at the Load-stone, because these effects are familiar unto us.

But per chance the Load-stone is nourished by iron as many crea∣tures are by heat, for though the creatures are nourished there with, yet the heat alters not its vertue, nor the body in which∣the heat inheres, loses not the property of heating, the sun is not weakned by warming the earth, though the earth is stronger by the warm 'th of the sun; but warm 'th feeds after a spiri∣tual

manner, not a corporal, and as somethings are nourished by warm'th, so others by cold, as ice, snow, and many other things that are above number.

So the Load-stone may be refreshed, although not fed by the cold north, and as fire is fed by fuel, so is the vertual part of the Load-stone by iron, or as exercise gets health and strength to Animal bodies, so doth the Load-stone on iron, and as idlenesse breeds faintnesse, or weaknesse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth the Load-stone from iron.

Chap. 98. Of stone.

FIre hath more power over Metals in some sense, then on stone, and in some sense hath more power over stone then* 1.9 metals.

For fire will sooner melt metal, then dissolve stone, but when the exterior form of stone is dissolved, it is changed from the nature of being stone, and be comes dust and ashes.

And though metal would likewise change the interior na∣ture, if the exterior form were dissolved, yet metal, although it be melted, keeps the interior nature, and exterior form, but not the exterior motions; for metal is metal still, although it be melted, onely it becoms fluid, this sheweth that fire doth not onely alter the exterior motion of stone, but dissolves, the ex∣terior form, and so the interior nature, which in metal it doth not, unlesse a more forcible fire be applied thereto then will serve to melt; which shewes, that although the interior mo∣tions of stone be contractions, as all solid bodies are, yet the interior, nor exterior natural figure is not circular as metals are, for stone cannot be made fluid, and as it were liquid as metal will be, but crumbles into dust, and wasts, as wood or the like, and not evaporates away as water, which metal doth; This sheweth that the exterior and interior natural form of stone is composed of parts, and not in one piece, as a circle; I do not mean in one piece, as the exterior bulk, but in one piece, in the exterior, and interior nature; For though you may pound, or file metal to dust, that dust as small as Atoms, the like may be done to stone, wood, and flesh, or any thing that is dividable, yet it will keep the nature of being metal, stone, wood, flesh, or the like, although the parts be no bigger then an Atom; but if you do dissolve the exterior nature, the interior nature doth dissove also, thus the exterior form may be altered, but not dissolved, without a total dissolu∣tion.

Chap. 99. Of burning.

ALL that is hot is not of a burning faculty, nor all that is burning is not actually hot, and though Burning Moti∣ons work several wayes according to the temperament of the matter, and composure of the figures it meets with, yet the nature of all kinds of burnings is to expulse by a piercing and subdividing faculty, provided that the burning Motions, and burning figures are strong enough to incounter what opposeth them; but when the opposed bodies and motions have an ad∣vantage, either by strength, or otherwayes, it alters the nature and faculty of burning, and many times there is great dispute and long combats amongst the several motions, and different figures, for the preheminency.

Chap. 100. Of different burning.

THough all that is of a burning nature, or faculty may be called fire, yet all that hath a burning nature, or faculty is not of that sort of fire, which is a bright, shining, hot, glow∣ing fire, as for example, vitrals, brimstone, oyl, or spirits, or that we call cordials, or hot-waters, or any of the like na∣ture.

Besides all burning figures, or motions, work not after one and the same manner, though after one and the same na∣ture, being all of a burning quality, or faculty, for some burn interiorly, others exteriorly, but as I havesaid all bur∣ning, is of a subdividing faculty.

Chap. 101. Fires transformation.

THe interior, and exterior figures of hot, glowing, burn∣ing, bright, shining fire are all one, and the motions work∣ing apart according to the nature of the figure it works on can change every thing it hath power over, into its own likenesse, yet the power, and strength doth alter somewhat according to the work, and becoms grosser, and finer, accor∣ing to the temperaments, or degrees of that which they work on: as for example, wood that is set on fire, or a firy coal, is a grosser body of fire, then flaming oyl, or the like, that is such a sort of moist fluid matter set on fire, for fire takes hold, of the thinnest parts, as well as the thickest; if they be such thin bodies which are subject to take fire, for when fire is set to wood, it doth not onely take hold of the solid'st parts, but those that are more porous, or fluid, as those that rise in smoak, which become a flaming body, which is a fluid fire, but there is a cold, dul, burning fire, as well as a hot, bright, burning, as all strong vitrals, and this we call hot water, or

spirits, which have an exterior nature to burn, or dissolve o∣ther bodies, and an interior nature to flame, but it hath not an exterior nature to be hot, nor shining.

Also there is another sort of fire, which onely hath an inte∣rior nature to flame, but the exterior is neither actual∣ly burning, nor hot, as sulphur, or oyl, though oyl is no∣thing, but a liquid sulphur, and sulphur a hardened oyl.

But this cold dul fire hath not the power of transforming to its own likenesse, by reason there is some difference in the interiors to their exteriors, where the quick, hot, burning, bright, shining fire, the exterior and interior is all one, with∣out any difference.

Chap. 102. Of such sorts of heating Motions, as cause burning, melting, boiling, Evaporating and rarifying.

BUrning, melting, boyling, and evaporating are caused by several motions, or several degrees or temperaments of matter.

And though burning, melting, boyling, and evaporating, are caused by expulsive and dilating motions, yet al dilative and expulsive motions, work not after one and the same manner, but according as the matter is; As for example, leather doth not burn as wood doth, yet both are dissolved by an expulsive motion.

Besides, some figures do dissolve into flame, others moul∣der away into dust, and never flame, as stone, and many more examples may be given, but most commonly all burning motions do pierce, or shut, or wedge, in sharp tootht, or poin∣ted figures; into those figures they work upon, and then it dis∣solves it by expulsions; for those sharp pointed figures, help motion to loosing, and unbinde those parts that they finde joy∣ned and contracted, that they may more freely separate those parts and dissolve those figures, which as they dissolve the thinner parts, dilate into vapor, the lighter parts flie out into fiery points, which are those we call sparks of fire, but the grosser, and more solid part moulders away into dust and ashes, as being too heavy and solid for the points to spread forth, they can onely as it were chew it between their sharp teeth; for ashes are nothing but chewed wood, yet this manner of chew∣ing doth alter the nature from being wood, or any thing that burns after an expulsive manner, but those fiery motions that onely melt, or rather those figures that are not subject to burn, but onely to melt, is done by a stretching motion, for those motions do as it were thrust out the contracted parts, and cause them to extenuate; but when the fiery moti∣ons cause any thing to boyl, they first stretch out the parts so

far, as causeth those parts to be fluid, and as it were liquid, if those things were contracted, but if they be liquid and fluid of themselves, they save those fiery motions that labour, and when this motion strives to ascend with those loose parts, the liquor riseth up in bubbles, or waves, but when those fiery motions are over-poured by the weight, they fall back again; thus the weight of the liquor, and the sharp points of the fire strive together, one party striving to ascend, the other to descend, so that those fiery motions, are to pull out, or to bear up, and the watry motion to pull, or presse down, but evaporating, is when the extenuating lines are stretcht so far out, as to break, or the lighter parts are carried away, and dispersed amongst other figures; but all rarifying heats, are caused by slow dila∣ting motions, and not expulsions, for if such sorts of dilations as make rarifying heat, were extended beyond the line of the matter they work on, it alters the nature of the figure, and the motions of that nature; but rarifying heat is an extenuating mo∣tion, spreading parts equally, and evenly, but the farther they are spred, the more hot grows the heat, as neerer to expul∣sion, and though all rarifying heat is in the way of burning, yet not in the manner.

But I must intreat my reader to take notice, that burning motions, make use of burning figures, for all sorts of motions work according to the matter and figure they work on, or in, or to.

Chap. 103. Of quenching of fire.

THere is such Antipathy betwixt fire, and some sorts of wets, as such wets as are made by smooth extenuating cir∣cles, as they never can agree when they do personally meet; and indeed such sorts of wets, have such power over hot, bur∣ning, bright shining fire, as they never incounter, but fire is in danger to be quenched out, if there be not a sufficient quantity to break the watry circles, for it is not the coldnesse that quenches fire, but such sorts of wetnesse, for scalding water will quench out fire, and many sorts of liquors as wine, or the like, although they be flameable, yet if they be cast on this bright, hot, burning fire, it will quench it out, by reason they are more of the wet nature; then the oyly, and sulphurous, or the burning or flaming faculty.

Tis true, that there are many liquors that are subject to burn, but there are few wets that have not power to quench, for the spherical drops do either blunt the fiery points, or disperse the the united body, or intangle them in the porous circles.

Thus water hath the better unlesse the lines break in the combate, but when fire and water treat apart, or by an At∣torny, or hath a body betwixt them to Moderate their

* 1.10 spleens they agree better, but in this treaty most commonly the water becoms weak by rarification, and evaporates into air by too strong, or too much extenuating, extending further then the wet compasse.

Chap. 104. Of the quenching of fire, and evaporated Water.

THe reason why water quenches fire, is, that the figure being spherical, and porous, gives distance and space of parts, where the sharp figures of fire, flying about to bite the circular lines asunder, that they may ravel out that figure of water, lose their strength both in their ffight and compasse, breaking their forces, by dispersing their parts, and intan∣gling their dispersed parts in the hollow places, in the watry figure, like arrows that are shot into a net, seldom break the net, but intangle themselves, by reason there is no firm substance to strick on, or in; for being soft and spungy, there is no stop, nor hold; besides water being wet and wet in the nature is sticking, that when those sharp points do at any time break the lines, they joyn again, for being fluid each part moves to each other, and being wet they joyn, and being circular they unite, into the natural figure.

Thus in a plain combat water most commonly hath the better of fire, if there be not too much odds on the fires fide for quanti∣ty, but when fire doth come by an undermining motion as when some other figures are betwixt them, then fire gets the better, by the help of those undermining motions.

Chap. 105. Of a bright-shining hot, glowing, fire.

IT is the nature of bright-shining, hot-glowing fires, to have both an interior, and an exterior burning, and is of such a kinde of subdividing nature, as it strives to dissolve all united parts, or bodies, and if it doth not dissolve all bodies it works on, as we shall see many things which grow harder with fire, yet is not that the nature would not dissolve such a thing, but the power cannot, for those bodies that grow harder with* 1.11 fire, opposes the power of fire, and strives by contraction to unite the looser parts, in a more solid body, to resist with more strength.

Also some bodies grow hard by shrinking inward, for as∣soon* 1.12 as they feel the fire, they draw back, as from an ene∣my, having an Antipathy thereunto.

Thus, it is not the fire that dries or hardens, or maks more* 1.13 solidity, but the opposite body that will not burn, having a strength to oppose, or a nature not to subject to this fire, or the fire hath not a sufficient power to overcome, but this sort of fire hath a general power, though some bodies will strong∣ly resist it; but it is the nature of this sort of fire, that most

bodies they overcome, they first convert them into their* 1.14 own likenesse, but their natures being different, their prisoners die in the fiery arms of their enemies.

Chap. 106. Of the drinesse of hot, burning, bright, shi∣ning fire.

DRinesse hath such a relation to hot, burning, bright, shi∣ning fire, as moistnesse to water, for though interior motions are expulsive, yet the exterior is attractive, drawing all unto it, like a greedy appetite, and as the teeth doth mince the the food that is chewed, so doth the pointed figure, of fire, all it laies hold on, or enters into.

Chap. 107. Of moist colds, and moist heats, of dry colds, and dry heats &c.

HEat doth not make drought, for there is a temper of heat, and moist; nor cold doth not make drought; for there is a temper of cold, and moist; nor heat doth not make moi∣sture, for there is a temper of hot, and dry, nor cold doth not make moisture; for there is a temper of cold, and dry, but when the motions of heat, and the motions of drought joyn, they cause hot and dry effects, and when the motions of cold, and the motions of drought joyn, they cause cold and dry effects, and when the motions of heat, and the motions of moisture joyns, they cause hot and moist effects; and when the motions of cold, and the motions of moisture joyn, they cause cold and moist effects, yet there are infinite varieties in their several effects; but those motions which make cold and heat, I may fimilife to wandring armies, of the Gothes, and Vandals, which over-run all figures, as they all the world,* 1.15 sometimes they work attractive, contractive, retentive, dis∣gustive, expulsive, according to the temper and degree of matter, and proportion and shape of the figures they meet, or according to their own power and strength, and although both cold and heat, are motions that work more or lesse upon all the figures in this world, yet cold heat works not up∣on figure alike, but differ as their figures differ, nor are cold and heat directly the same motions, although they be of the same kinde of motions, no more then several sorts of beasts kinde, yet all beasts are of Animal kinde, and most common∣ly like several sorts of beasts that falleth out, or rather like two equal powerful Monarchies, that oppose one anothers power, and fight for preheminency, where sometimes one gets the better, and then the other, sometimes by strength, and sometimes by advantage, but when there is a truce, or a league, they have a common commerce, joyning their mo∣tions,

working sympathetically together, which produceth an equall temper.

Chap. 108. Of the motions of cold, and heat, drouth, and Moisture.

COld and heat, are not wrought by different kinds of motions, but after a different manner of workings or movings, for a moist cold, and a moist heat, are but one kinde of motions, as being motions that extenuate, and en∣larges from the center to the circumference; for a moist heat, doth thrust, or drive outward, as toward the circum∣ference.

A moist cold doth pull, or draw from the center towards the circumference. As for example, we shall often see a gardiner that rolles a green turft walk, to thrust the roll before him, and when he is weary with pressing forward, he will turn his arms behinde him, and pull the roll after him.

Also a dry, or congealed cold, and a dry heat, are not several kindes of motions, but moves after several manners; for as moist cold, and heat extends, and enlarges from the center, to the circumference, so a dry heat, or a dry, or con∣gealed cold, contracts from the circumference towards the center, the congealed cold in several works; a dry cold, or a dry heat onely draws into a lesse space, or compasse, yet the same difference in the manner of the motions, is between a dry heat, and a dry cold, as was between a moist heat, and a most cold; for a dry heat drives from the circumference to the cen∣ter; & a dry cold draws from the circumference to the center for although al drought is from the circumference to the center, and all moisture from the center to the circumference, yet the several manner of movings are infinite, also cold, and heat are not several kindes of motions, but different motions, as every man is of man-kinde, but they are different men.

And if we observe the effects of heat, and cold, we shall finde them to work after one and the same manner; for ve∣ry sharp colds, and great heats, paines equally; and sharp colds destroy with as great & strong fury, as burning heats; neither can I perceive that burning heats have swifter motions, then sharp colds; for water to the quantity shall freez, assoon as any light matter shall burn; for water shall be assoon fro∣zen, as straw burnt, take quantity for quantity, and Animals shall be assoon frozen to death if they be touched, or struck with very sharp colds, such as are neer the poles, as be burnt under the torrid Zone; as for plants, we oftener see them kil∣led* 1.16 with cold, then heat, and I perceive there is no thaw so sudden, as a frost; for when any thing is frozen, it is not suddenly thawed, which half perswades me, that cold is the quicker motion; but howsoever we perceive they do often dispute for the mastry, when some time the cold predomi∣nates,

and sometimes the heat. But when there is an ami∣ty,* 1.17 and friendship between both, then it is temperate wea∣ther.

Chap. 109. Of dry heats, and cold, and of moist heats and colds.

ALL dry heats, and colds, are created, or produced by such manner of motions, as pleating, folding, surfling, crum∣pling, knitting, linking, brading, tieing, binding into a lesse compasse, or space.

All moist heats, and moist colds, are created, or produ∣ced by such manner of motions, as smoothing, planing, stricking, or stretching; but burning heats, are like those motions that prick a sheet of paper full of holes, or dart it, or cut it, but there are infinite of these several kinds of mo∣tions, which make these several heats, and colds, working according to the several degrees, or temperaments of mat∣ter, and the composers of figures, but l onely set these few notes to make my discourse, as easy to my readers under∣standing as I can; for it is a difficulty to expresse several motions, although they be so grosse as to be visible to the optick sense.

Chap. 110. Of shining figures.

ALL figures that are composed of lines, are the aptest to shine, because lines are the evenest measure, and* 1.18 the smoothest rule, for mathematical motions to work with, but according as the lines, either exterior, or interior is smooth or rough, contracted or extenuated, shines more or lesse; for some lines are interiorly even, and smooth, and exteri∣orly rough and unequal, as pointed lines, or chekred, or mi∣lions the like.

Others are exteriorly even, and interiorly rough, as lines of points, some are interiorly rough, and exteriorly rough as lines of points pointed and some are interiorly smooth, and exteriorly smooth, which are drawn out even, as one piece, and not composed of parts.

Chap. 111. The motions that make natural air, and day light.

NAtural air, which is not metamorphosed air, is made by such kinde of motions, as makes cloth that is spun threads weaved, as with shuttles in a loom; so some moti∣ons spin threads of thin dull matter, and other motions in∣terweave those threads, where the grossest sort makes the thick∣er air, as great threads make course cloth, and the thinner

matter makes the serenest air, as small threads make the finest cloth; where some is like cobweb-lawn, so sheer, or clear, as the smallest objects may be seen through, which is spread about the globe of the earth, as a thin vail over a face, or body, and from the sun rising, the motions that make light run in lines upon it, and so is like a gar∣ment laid all over with silver-twist, or rather like silver∣wier, from the sun rising to high noon, it is as it were, setting, sewing, or imbroidering on; this serene air at mid-day it is quite finished, and by sun set it is quite reapt off again.

And to shew that the lines of light are as it were laid upon this serene air, and not mixt into it, is by the vapor which gathers into dark clouds, which will obscure the light, as far as they spread, besides if the light were intermixt the moti∣ons and matter could not so easily, nor so quickly withdraw, or intermingle, as we see they do; for what is intermixt, is hard to separate; but dark clouds are onely as spots, which by rarification are rubbed out, if they be wet spots, or drops, they fall out in shours of rain, but by such sorts of motions as by ringing, or squeesing, or griping with a hand, or the like, which breaks the sea, or waves of water, which are clouds, into several streams of drops, sometimes with a greater force, and sometimes with a lesse, according as the motions are stronger, or weaker.

The difference betwixt this serene, and natural air, and the metamorphosed air, is as a natural face, and a mask which is put on, or put off according as the watry circles contract, or dilate; the other in probability may be as lasting as the sun it self, not being subject to change, but by a natural crea∣tion or dissolution.

Chap. 112 Of light.

LIght is made by such a kinde of motion as heat, being an equal extenuating motion, but the difference is, that the motions that make heat, is a spreading motion, but light is made by a spining motion, equally drawing out long paralel lines, with an extraordinary swiftnesse, evennesse, smalnesse, and straightnesse.

Chap. 113. The reflections of light.

THe reflections of light when are the innated matter draws even lines with equal motions backwards (as I may say) for when their motions are stopt, with a more solid matter, then that which they work on to make light, where touch∣ing, or beating thereon, they do not break their lines, but the leading innated matter, which makes light, returns back in equal lines, with equal motions, so as there becomes equal lines of light, onely as some lines run forward, others run backward, but in straight paralel lines, not crossed, nor per∣turbed; for when these motions are crost, or perturbed, it doth as troubled waters do, the one rising in several colours, as the other in waves, so the colours are the waves, or bil∣lows of light.

Chap. 114. Of light, and reflections.

NO question but there are as many various lights, as fa∣ces, and as different kinds of lights, as there are different Animals, or vegetables, or minerals, as some I will here set down for distinction, the sun light, the lighs of the fixt stars, the fire light, meteor light, glow-worm light, rotten wood light, the light of fishes bones, and there are many sorts of stones which will sparkle in the dark, as diamonds, and ma∣ny I cannot recount. Then there are produced lights, as day from the sun, flame from fire, then there are reflected lights, as the planets, and reflected lights from reflected lights, as the light from the planets on the earth, and infinite reflecti∣ons made by several motions on figures, for on every figure are several reflections.

Chap. 115. Of some opinions of light, darknesse, and Death.

SOme say light is nothing but a motion, but there can be no motion without some matter, for where there is no mat∣ter, there is nothing to move; but light, as other effects are, is made by such kind of motions on such degrees, or tempered matter, and so is heat, and cold, and darknesse made by se∣veral motions, on such matter, although some opinions are, that darknesse is nothing but an absence of light, as some think death is a cessation of motion; Tis true, death is an alteration of such kinde of motions, as we call life; so darknesse is not made by such motions as make light, for there are motions be∣long to darknesse, as well as those to make light; so there be many several motions, in dissolving of figures, which dis∣solution

we call death, as the creating of a figure, which we call life.

Chap. 116. Of darknesse.

THose motions which make darknesse, seem to be as swift motions, as those that make light, for the air is as soon made dark as light; but some do say, there is no motion in darknesse, and that darknesse is a cessation of motion; Tis true, of such kinde of motions as make light; but not of all mo∣tions, no more then the motion of the sun makes all light, or the absence of the sun makes all darknesse; for first the sun is not the onely light, for we can set up lights, when that is gone, by fire, whose flames do illuminate that part of air, that is neerest, and could we make a fire as bigg as the sun, and feed it perpetually, we might have a perpetual day, and the air* 1.19 will be as much illuminated, if there were a sufficient fire, to inlighten so much air at one time, as the sun doth; wherefore the sun is not the monopler of such kinde of motions, as make light. And can we rationally think there is no motion in darknesse, because the motions of the suns light are gone from our Hemisphear, we may as well say a fish cannot swim, be∣cause such a horse doth not gallop, but to my fancy darknesse works upon the air, as well as light; for a dark cloud shall obscure the light, as well as the light shall pierce through a dark cloud; thus darknesse covers many times the face of the light, which shewes it is not alwayes the with-drawing of light which makes darkness, since darknesse hath as much power over the light, as the light over darknesse, but obstructed motions make darknesse, and hinder those equal motions which make light, and those motions that make mists, and fogs, are in some degree like the motions which make darknesse, and so are such motions as make colours, but the motions of dark∣nesse seem to be intermixing motions, as I may say snarled motions, which intangle themselves, and the different motions of darknesse, and light, are like skeines of silk, where the light is like thread which is pulled out even and straight.

And darknesse is like a skein of silk, which is so insnarled, or broken, as not any can finde a leading thread, being full of ends, knots and entercourses.

Chap. 117. The motions that make Darknesse.

THe motions of darknesse upon the air, are after another manner, then those of light, for as light is laid in such smal, straight, even, out-drawn lines, so darknesse is like moti∣ons of silk imbroidery, the work to be bossy, full of intermix∣ing stiches, and crosse threds, knotted and purled after this manner.

And the reason I say silk, is, because darknesse is softer then light, which light I similise to silver, for the brightnesse of light many times hurts the opticks, which darknesse doth not.

Chap. 118. Of Shadows.

SHadows are copies, and pictures, drawn, or printed, or ingraven by dark motions, for dark lines made by the eclipsed light, are as the pencel, or the like, the light is the paint, the solid body on which shadows are cast, is the ground or substance to work on, motion is the artificer; for several lights are like so many several sorts of paintings; for colours are but a perturbed light as some say, but to shew it is darknesse that doth pencel out, is that there would be no such representments, if darknesse were not; and too much light drowns the figure, or is as it were plash'd, or dabbed out, or if so much paint were spilt, or cast on the ground without order; Yet all shadows are not as if they were painted, but printed in black and white, as against a wall, or on wa∣ter, or the like, but on a looking-glasse, or on a piece of pa∣per through a little hole, in a dark room, it is as painted, the colours being represented as well as the figures.

Chap. 119. Of shadows and airie figures.

SHadows are printed, or ingraven, or painted by those mo∣tions, which make darknesse upon inlightned aire, but the print is not seen, but upon a solid ground, or flat, as I may say, which ground must be opposite to the figure it repre∣sents, which is after this manner, as one figure makes more, for the figure makes a figure, that is, the external motion of the external figure cuts out a figure of aire; for questionless wheresoever our bodies are, there is the figure in air; for we are alwayes encompast about with air, wherein we make prints of our figures; for the solid bodies print their fi∣gures in that which is more porous, and softer substance, as a seal on wax, or a print on butter, or the like; thus the solid bodies as they remove, still make new prints perpetual∣ly, and infinitely, but as they remove, the prints melt out like verbal and vocal sounds, which print words, and set notes in the air, and the reason we uannot see the letter in the air, as well as hear the sound, is, that the air being so porous, is proper onely to convey a sound to the ear, or to spread it a∣broad; but not solid enough to fix the eye thereon, having not substance to hold an object so long a time as to take notice thereof, unlesse it be drawn into a shadow upon a substantial ground, on which the eye may fix; but until the figurative be cast upon a solid ground, the figures are like sculpture, but

when they are drawn in shadows upon a ground, it is as pain∣ting, or printing.

Chap. 120. Of a more probable opinion to me of light making several colours.

THe lines of light are whole and come so from the sun until the light of such a figure, and according to the figure, there the lines are broken, and the breaking of light a ccord∣ing to the several figures, makes several colours, so it is not inherent in the thing, but in the form of the thing, which is the figure that makes several colours breaking the several lines of light several wayes, so the Diers of several colours by their observations findes it out by their practise, though they know not the reason of it, but the true reason is, that all those several dies make several figures, which several figures breake the lines of light several wayes, which being bro∣ken several wayes produce all those several co∣lours.

To shew you that it is several figure that breaks the lines of light that make several colours, you may see it in a pigi∣ons neck and brest, how many various colours it will change into, with and in the same place, the lines of light being bro∣ken several wayes by the pigions feathers, that make several fi∣gures, as also you may perceive in Rain-bows, the sun shining upon a watry cloud, the cloud being between you, and the sun what various colours there are, so to spout water out of your mouth, if it be between me and the sun, it makes the same colours, and all this is nothing else, but that the lines of light are broken so many wayes, by the several forms and figures it shines of, which produceth the multiplicity of all those va∣rious colours.

Again, more plainly to make it appear, that there can be no more truth but this in colour, take a triangular glasse it is all of one colour, and was never sent to the diers, and look in it, and you shall see the most various colours in the world, the colours are not in the glasse, therefore with ra∣tional man it suffers no dispute at all, that colour is nothing else, but the lines of light broken by several forms, and fi∣gures, that produceth all the various colours that are in the world. And for excellent disputants, that make Aristotle their church of reason, that cannot erre, and will maintain his nonsense against reason, I leave them to their ignorance, and wish they would rather follow his Logick, and his Rhetorick, then his natural Philosophy, for their own sakes.

Chap. 121. Of Colours.

SOme say colours are made by perturbed or obstructed light, but in my opinion, colours are broken lines of light; for when light is obstructed as being stopped it reflects with double light, those lines returning back like double strings, and if it were perturbed light, like over-agi∣tated air, or troubled and rough waters, the light would be onely thicker, and mudier, having not liberty to move in so level, even, and straight, paralel lines; it is true, those per∣turbed motions may be the cause many times of breaking the light, which broken parts contracting into several figures, or works, causeth several colours, every particular work, being a several colour, and when these several figurative works are mixt, being part of one work, and part of another, the co∣lors are also mixt.

For the several works made of the pieces of light, are that which makes several colours, and not the pieces of light with∣out those works, for if those pieces of light lay scattered and not contracted into several figurative workes, they could, or would not make colours, but if colours are not made by pieces of light, they are made by contracting the straight unbroken lines of light, which contraction turns light into colours, as contractions do water into snow, ice, hail, frost; Now it is to be observed, that it is not onely the contracted motions on the water that make the difference, but being contracted into such or such a figure; for whensoever water is contracted into such a manner of figure, it is snow, if into such a figure it is hail, if in such a figure it is ice, into such a figure frost, and may do so constantly, and eternally, and so when light is contracted into such a figure, it is red, when into such a figure, blue, into such a figure, yellow, into such a figure green, and when it is contracted partly into the figure of red, and partly into the figure of blue, it makes a figure of purple, and if it be contracted partly into the figure of red, and partly into the figure of blue, and partly into the figure of purple, it makes a fourth figure, which is a fourth colour, and so a fift, and so infinites, likewise one and the same figure which is one perfect colour, may vary with each patticular figure, which is each particular colour, and upon what body soever these figures are printed, they take colours, and accor∣ding as the figures differ, the colours are changed, or alter; for it is not the body that they are printed on, or the reflecti∣ons of light, cast upon such bodies that make colours, but such figures made by contracted lines of light, which figura∣tive works give such colours to any thing they can print, or place on, but the reason why I think they are rather broken pieces of light contracted, then contracted streight lines, is, be∣cause they are so lasting, for though some colours will fade

sooner, yet some will last a long time; for whatsoever work is wrought with parts, as I may say, several pieces of thread, is not so apt to undo or ravel out, as that which is but of one piece, unlesse the thread were circular, without ends, but lines of light are paralels, and not circles, as for shadows of colours, in my opinion they are produced after this manner as I said, the figure of blue or the like, which is one perfect colour, and the figure of red which is another perfect co∣lour makes a third figure, which is a mixt colour, likewise blue and yellow makes a different figure, which is a different colour from blue and red, and blue and yellow, makes a dif∣ferent figure, which is a different colour from blue and green, & so we may match figures until we be weary, but whatsoever hath constantly part of one and the same figure, in the several or single compartments of other figures, which are other co∣lours, as blue and green, blue and red, blue and yellow; and the like appears in shadows, by reason one particular figure, or figurative part is the ground-work, which is, the ground colour, which makes all the colours it mixes with, partly of its own complection, and according as there are more or lesse, of that figure, the shadow is fainter or stronger, and according as the contractions are more or lesse, the colours are deeper, or paler; for those figures that are closer contracted, and rougher wrought, are the darkest colours, as neerest to black, and those figures that are loosest, contracted, and finer wrought, ars the the lightest, or palest colours, as being most light, when the parts are loosest, and most at liberty, and the brightest, as the most glorious colours that are made of the purest, and clearest light, which is of the smallest lines of light, as I may say, the finest threaded light, for some lights are thicker then others, by reason their lines are grosser.

Also colours which are broken contracted lines of light, may appear darker, or brighter according to the reflection, of other lights, or rather according to the straight and unbroken lines of light are that cast upon them, likewise some light doth alter the colours that are made by other lights, as some colours appear not by candle-light as by day-light, and the reason is, that several lines of several lights, being grosser, or finer, causeth the colour to appear duller or brighter, and some par∣ticular lights make some colours appear more then others, and some particular lights obscure some particular colours more then others, according as they are further, or neerer off the nature of each other; for though the several figurative works make the several colours, yet it is the lines and pieces of light, that make those figures and works.

Chap. 122. Of airy figures.

AS I said before, the solid bodies moving in the soft, & more porous bodies, make many figures therein, some as prin∣ted, some as painted, others as sculpture, as cut, or carved in wood, or stone, or cast in metal, or moulded in earth, some are as if a man, or the like creature should print them∣selves in snow, others as if they should make themselves in snow, as for example; as if a man should stand, and let the snow fall thick upon him until he were all covered over, there would be his figure in snow, or if he should lie down in snow, there would be his print; so it is in air, as we move from place to place, new figures are made, and the former figures moulder, or melt out, but according as the air is, so they last, or decay, for if the air be congealed with cold, thickned with grosse fogs or mist, the figures last the longer therein, although in a misshapen posture, like ruina∣ted buildings, or broken statues, or like defeated armies, here an arm, or a piece of an arm, or a hand, and there leggs, here a head, there a mangled body; but when the air is thin, and serene, the print dissolves assoon as the figure removes; and if the air were as solid as snow, we should see the figures as perfect in the one, as in the other; but the air being very thin, and porous, the sight of the eye runs thorow without stay, or stop, taking no notice, like water in a sieve, wherein nought can be contained, because there is no hold to keep the water in from running out.

Chap. 123. Of External figures, and internal forms.

IN some things there is such sympathy betwixt the internal form, and the external figure, as the alterations of the one, change the nature of the other; as for fire, when the external figure is altered, the internal faculty is gone, here the internal na∣ture depends upon the exterior figure; but as for water, the external figure may be changed, as we see when it is frozen, but the internal nature not changed, for it is as water still, though it be not fluid, here the internal depends not upon the external; but thus much the exterior figures of all things depend so so much upon the exterior form, or nature, that when the internal is changed, the exterior cannot be altered, from and to, as to change the countenance or face, as I may say by contraction, and dilation, as water, and metals, and many others, but an animal figure may remain, as it was for a time, when the internal is changed, but not long, as for ex∣ample, Animals, although the internal nature, and faculty be* 1.20 changed, which is to move after such a manner, as is proper for Animal, the external figure is not altered: for when A∣nimals are dead, the external, which is the outward shape

remains perfect, for a time, yet the internal motions may be in disorder, as they are in animals that sound, or are sick or faint, or in vegetables that are fading, or drooping; but when the internal motions move orderly again, either of themselves, or by the help of assistant motions, and figures, the Animal is as it was before, and the Vegetable flourisheth green again, thus there may be an alteration; but when there is an absolute change in the internal, there can be no return, but by a new creation, for all alterations of motions do not do it, but a total change.

Chap. 124. Earth, water, air, fire, cold, heat, light, darknesse.

EArth, water, air, fire, cold, heat, light, darknesse, is made as Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals, that is, that such degrees of innated matter works upon the dull part of mat∣ter with various motions, and several degrees, of dull mat∣ter produceth such effects joyning parts together, and separa∣ting parts asunder, but joyning, and mixing each degree to∣gether, loseth not the entity of each degree, for that can ne∣ver be altered, for as it was from all eternity, so it will last to all eternity.

Chap. 125. The motions of the Sun, and Planets.

THe Sun, and the rest of the Planets, are questionlesse created as other Animal creatures, and their local mo∣tions* 1.21 are according to the shape, as we see all Animals are, for a worm cannot run, but onely moves by gathering up the body from one place, and then stretching it self out far∣ther, or else by rolling, and winding his body from place to place, nor beasts cannot flee as birds, nor birds cannot trot, amble, nor gallop, as beasts, because they have no shape fitted thereto; for birds want four leggs to pace and gallop, and beasts want wings to flee, so the Planets move according to their shape, turning about as a spherical circle about a center, and if the sun runs about the world with such speed (as some old opinions are, it must turn as a wheel about the spoake, or rundle as a bowl in the ecliptick line.

But if the sun, as some Modern opinions hold, doth not move out of his place, but is as it were fixed, and that the Planets move about it, in circular wayes according to their shape, then the motions of the sun, are onely by dilation, and attra∣ctions: from which light, and heat proceeds, and vapor is drawn or suckt up.

Chap. 126. Of the motions and figures of the four na∣tural Elements.

THe motions that make the natural figure of earth, are not* 1.22 so curious, nor the matter they work on so fine, as those which make fire, air, and water; for the materials being gros∣ser, their work is rougher, like morter that is made of hair, and lime, and the motions moving not so evenly, or distinctly, but rather mixtly, causeth it to be sad and dark, the solidity, weight, and drought are caused by the contracting, attracting, and retentive motions, which motions are the chief workers and creators of this element, which work like ants, drawing all thereto, making it like a round heap, or like a Load-stone, that attracts the solid matter.

The slimie or gelly part of the earth is made by such kinde of motions as spin small lines lik Silk-worms, in a round hollow ball; water is made after that manner, onely those lines extenuate more into perfect circles.

Natural and pure air is made by such a kinde of motion, as spiders spin webs, smal lines spread, and enterwoven e∣venly.

Natural fire is made by such kinde of motions, as the art of whetting, or sharpening, or pointing with a grind-stone, or Load-stone or the like, and is made like the stings of Bees, which pierce, and wound whatsoever they can enter.

Natural light is made by such kinde of motions, as wier∣drawing, or drawing a small thread from a spindle.

Natural darknesse is made by such kinde of motions, as winding up threads upon bottoms, in a heap.

I say natural, because they keep their original form, and is the right kinde, and true shape, as I may say of man-kinde; For if a creature should be partly a beast, and partly a man, it were not of the right kinde, and true shape.

Likewise Elements may be of the right kinde, and yet be different as mankinde, for every particular man is not alike, neither in shape nor quality, the like may elements differ.

Chap. 127. The reason of the ebbing and flowing of the sea thus.

I Will not dispute, according to Copernicus, that the earth goes about, & the Sun stands stil, upon which ground Galleleo saith, the reason of the ebbing and flowing of the sea, is the jogging of the earth, the old opinion is, that the moon is the cause of it, which I can hardly beleeve, for mark the tide from Scotland to Margel when the moon hath the same influence, and the tide is so many hours in coming from Scotland to Margell

as if one rid post, if it were the moon, why should it not be high water, or full tide Margell, that it is in Scotland at the time, the power of the moon being all one, so that comes very improbable to me, for many things fall out at the same time, and yet the one not cause of the other, and in Phi∣losophy there is nothing so ordinary, as to mistake the cause of things, since indeed the things for the most part are hid from us; some again will have the Sun the cause of the ebbing and flowing of the sea, others rationally say, heat makes motion, and the seas being salt make motion, because it is hot, but how comes it that the fresh waters ebbe and flow? even springs well, whatsoever the cause be of the seas motion where it moves,; for in some places they say it doth not, but where it moves it is never high water in one place, but it is low water in another place, and the sea moves alwayes* 1.23 circularly, for as it is the nature of water to be made in fi∣gures of circular lines, so it is the nature to flow circularly, which in my opinion is the reason of the ebbing and flowing tides, that moves circularly, that is, part of a circular, where the convex flows still forward, the flowing motion extends more and more, causing it to swell out, and the concave ends to extend longer and closer, in so much as at last the con∣cave ends are joyned into a convex, for it doth not extend in aperfect round circle, as I shall describe in my following dis∣course, but after an oval, or rather a pear figure, but when the flowing convex is extended beyond the strength, it straight breaks, being most weak, by reason it is most extended out, so that when the tides have no more strength to flow for want of water to extend, and the convex over-powred by extenuation, it breaks asunder, and so falls back, whereby the convex parts are now become the concave, and where it was concave, is now become convex, which causeth it to flow the other way, and ebb where it did flow, for where it lies concave it ebbs, and where it is conex is flows, and thus it ebbs and flows perpetually, where it hath free passage, but the farther it flows, the weaker it becoms, by reason the strength is abated, like a horse that hath run fast and far, at last is so weak and breathlesse as he falls down, so when the convex can extend no farther, it breaks in two, but as the convex extends, the concave ends draw closer together, whereby such time as they come to joyn, the convex is so bowingly stretched, as it be∣comes brittle, as I may say or weak, which causeth it to break, but it is to be observed that the tides have a double mo∣tion, for as the convex flows forward, the concave ends draw backward at one and the same time, for the extenuation of convex one way, causeth the extenuation of the concave* 1.24 ends the other way; but by reason the two ends draws close towards a point, the ebbing waters seem narrow and little, but the ebbing tides are but an effect of the

flowing tides, not a cause in it self, for the interior nature of water is to flow where it can get liberty, and freedom of passage, and where it doth not flow it is obstructed by some obscure cause, but I desire my reader not to mistake me, as to conceive the motions of the tides, and the interior nature of water all one, being something alike; but the motions of the tides, and the motions of the interior nature of water are as different as the local motions of Animals, and their interior nature, and I beleeve if the fresh waters had the same liberty as the sea waters, to flow which way they would without op∣position, or obstructions of hils, dales, banks and walls, and had the like quantity to move withal, I beleeve they would as naturally flow as the sea, and ebbe when their strength fails, and I beleeve if there were a sufficient quantity of water in the sea, and no obstructions, as Islands, creeks, and the like to hin∣der the passage, and that the earth were like a billiard ball, it would flow perpetually round, as the Globe turns upon the Pole, if the Pole turns not round with the Globe.

Chap. 128. Describing the tides.

THe flowing water gathers up together like superflous hu∣mors, and swells out the convex, as corrupted matter doth the skin, and never leaves extending till it breaks, but it begins by degrees in a demy-circle, and as it flows it grows larger, and longer extending its compasse.

And as the convex extends, the concave ends must of necessi∣ty draw closer together.

Which makes the ebbing waters like a tail to the convex, which as the body, which makes the ebbing waters to be nar∣row, and by the reason the bulk of the water flows in the convex, it causeth the concave ends to be small, which makes it shallow, and the more the concave ends extend, the smaller they are, like thread drawn from a full distaff of flax; for so the concave ends draws, or rather extends from the convex body; But as I said before the more the convex extends, the closer the concave ends draw together, and when the convex is extended to the uttermost they joyn.

And assoon as ever they are joyned and mixt together into one point, as it were, it swels into a body.

For the former convex being broke, the waters fal back to that part which was the concave, but now is become the convex, and that part which was the convex, is now become the con∣cave.

Yet the convex must be full before the concave ends extend, like as a glasse that must be filled above the brims before it can run over.

Chap. 229. Of double tides.

AN after, or double tide is caused by winde, like as a man should walk against a very great winde, that although he presseth forward, yet it drives him back, but when he hath broken the gust as it were, he passeth more forcible through, and though winde have power over the exterior motions of the waters, yet not on the interior motions, but winde can discompose the face of the waters, as anger doth the counte∣nance of men.

Chap. 130. Ofspring Tides.

SPring tides I conceive to be caused by waters that issue forth from the veins of the earth, which are apt to swell, and then to vent themselves forth at certain times, as natural issues, which flowing causeth the tides to be greater, because it hath more strength to extend farther, and the tides to be higher because the convex is thicker, and fuller, for the greater body of water, the farther it flowes; for it is for want of strength which makes an ebb, or want of passage which makes a stop, and when the tides are lower, there are some invisible obstructions, or the eatrh hath drawn or suckt from that part of the sea.

Chap. 131. The tide and stream flowing against each other.

THe reason the tide flows against the stream a of River, is, that the quantity of sea water forceth through the stream, and the descent of the river forceth the stream to passe through the motion, or rather by the motion of the tide, for the natural motions of all waters being to flow, and the force of the des∣cent added therto, gives it a double, if not a treble strength, so that when the force of the tide, and the force of the stream meets, and incounters, they make passes, as Duellers that fight hand to hand; but if one water runs quite through another, it is most probable that the tide runs through the stream, by reason it is armed strongly with salt, which may cause it to be stream∣proof, when the river water is porous, and weak by reason it is fresh, and thin as I may say.

Chap. 132. The difference of salt water and fresh water.

THe difference of salt water and fresh, is, that salt waters circle lines are flat, and edged, as a knife, or the like, and in fresh water, round, which edge makes it not lesse smooth, although more sharp, nor hinders the extenuating compasse, but the lines being flat, make it more solid, and so give it more strength, then the fresh water circle that is round, which makes it more porous, then salt water is, by the experience of an egge, and the like, which in fresh wa∣ter the egge will sink to the bottom, but very salt water will bear it up, from sinking, and according to the strength, it will bear more or lesse, but those lines may exteriorly alter, from flat to round, and round to flat, and never alter the interiour nature, as to break the compasse, which is to dissolve the circle or ring (as I may say) which circle ring is the interior figure.

Chap. 133. Of winde.

WInde is wrought by expulsive motions, and the strength doth not proceed from the thicknesse, or solidity of the body, as many think it doth, conceiving it to be con∣tracted, or prest up air, which if it were, it could not enter into such small porous, and narrow passages as it doth; where∣fore me thinks the strength should not proceed so much from the solidity, as the agilnesse therein; for the quick repetiti∣on doth so sorcibly presse on each other, as upon necessity it must drive all loose, and porous bodies before it, but the far∣ther it bloweth, the fainter is the breadth, for as the repetitions grow short, so weaker.

Chap. 134. Of the noise of Tempest and storms.

AS I have said, that sort of air which is made by watry circles is apt to sound with every motion that strikes thereon, by reason of the hollow figure being spheri∣call.

Likewise this is the reason running brooks make a murmur∣ing noise; also this is the reason, that the tides do make such a noise in the ebbs, and flowes, circles pressing, or rather strike∣ing each other.

Again, this is the reason the windes, when they blow up∣on airy, or watry circles, by striking those spherical circles, cause it to sound, and make a roaring noise, by the confu∣sion it makes therein; for winde which is an expulsive vapor doth not onely strike those watry circles, but those that are extended into air, and when those motions drive circle against

circle, or circle upon circle, makes such quick rebound, which rebounds in contracting and crossing each other, make a confused sound, which we call tempestuous and stormy, and it is to be observed, that a tempest in the air, and a storm in the water, and thunder, is much after one and the same kinde of noise; But as thunder is caused by the expulsion of the most extended circular lines, so winde is the expulsion of the more grosser circles, as when lines break, which are extended no farther then to vapor, also these expulsions, if they be not very violent, cause rain; for the expulsed motion being no stronger then to presse upon the unbroken and ex∣tended circles, either of vapor, or air, drives it into the wa∣try compasse, but when the weather is cloudy, it is not alto∣gether so hard prest upon, as to drive it into perfect water circles, but to the next degree, as a thick vapor.

And when the weather is unconstant, as we say, that is sometimes grosse and thick, and then it will be strait clear, and bright, is as the presser doth abate, or increase; but unforced raines (as I may call them) which is without a vio∣lent constraint, is when those circles are drawn into a wetry compasse in a natural order, and by the natural waight, be∣ing thicker then natural air, that is original air, and not trans∣migrated water, it falls down on the earth.

Likewise the pouring showers make a sound, by the force of the falling drops, striking as they fall, sound; but by rea∣son the water is divided, by the falling motions into lesse bo∣dies, as it were, which makes not so strong a sound, having lesse compasse as the tides, or air having fewer circles in a body, as in drops, which makes it of a lesse bulk, and the lesse the body is, the weaker, and the smaller is the sound.

But when the watry lines are drawn into a triangular fi∣gure of snow, it falls silently without sound, by reason the watry line is drawn out of the extended circle. Besides, that figure is the lightest figure, by reason of the inequality, for a square hath four equal parts, which makes a just number, so an equal ballance which gives it a steddy weight, and a circle is equally round, without parts, which gives a steddy weight.

But a triangular figure is in three parts, which is no just number, nor equal ballance, nor steddy weight, which make it of lesse force, for being a wavering figure, it cannot presse hard, nor strike strongly, nor fall heavy, but flies lightly a∣bout.

Chap. 135. Of thunder and lightning.

THunder and lightning are caused from watry circles, for when they are extended from water to vapor, from vapor to air, from temperate air, to hot air, from hot air to fire; for if those circles extended beyond the compasse, and strength of the line, they break, which is the cause of thunder, and lightning; for assoon as the farthest extention of the circle is broken, those extended parts do with an extraordinary swift* 1.25 motion run, or rather shut forth into bright flaming flashes, as spinning lines of light, but when those lines extend with a strong strength, they break into smal parts, which causeth thunder to follow lightnings; for those bteaking parts some∣times expulse disorderly, beating and striking upon those circle lines that are unbroke, which circles being of a hollow figure, cause a sound in the higher region, whereto they are ascended, for their extention causeth them to be light, their lightnesse to ascend; But all hollow figures being concave within, and convex without, do present to the ear, if they be strong, as concave, and convex glasses doth objects, when pre∣sented to the eye; thus hollow figures cause a hollow sound if they be struck, for the concave draws those motions in which rebounds from fide to side, and the rebounds continue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sound by the Echos repeated, for sound lasts longer in hollow* 1.26 figures, then in any other, and though I will not say that onely hollow figures make sounds, yet I say that no sound can enter but through hollow figures, as the ear is a hollow fi∣gure, and all hollow figures, and the ear is not onely hol∣low, but circular, but sounds are made in the ear, or rather enters, as light and colours in the eyes, for discord is pertur∣bed motion, or rather close Antipathetical motions, and har∣mony are sympathetical, and regular motions, but the more of these extenuating circles break, the more lightning there is, and the stronger they brea, the more thunder rhere is, and the har∣der they strike upon the unbroken circles the lowder is the sound.

But if the circle lines break onely asunder, and extend, or shut forth into straight lines without more parts, there is one∣ly lightning without thunder, but if those lines break into more parts, there is thunder also, and when there falls r ain at those times of thunder, it is when the gentler motions of some of those expulsed parts, do not strike hard upon some of those unbroken circles, but presse upon them, which caus∣eth them to draw, and gather into a lesse circle, and a grosser line, untill they return into the watry compasse, where grow∣ing too heavy for the hight, falls down toward the center of the earth, as all heavie bodies, if not thick bodies under to bear them up, or stronger motions then their weight to hold them

up, thus in my opinion is thunder and lightning caused, and when it rains, those unbroken circles return into its nature again.

Chap. 136. Of the alterations of motions.

ONe and the same degree of innate matter may change,* 1.27 and rechange the natural posture motion in one and the same figure, but a general alteration of those motions proper to that figure, dissolves the natural form of any one particular figure, for a figure moving by several motions, proper to its kinde, must joyntly consent either by a sympa∣thy, or inforcement to make a dissolution, as well as a crea∣tion, but all motions works or alter according as the matter is, or figure they work to, or forced by stronger motions to alter their natural course; likewise several and contrary mo∣tions may work by turns in one and the same figure, by one and the same degree of innated matter.

Chap. 137. Of different motions.

ALL extenuating motions make not fludity or wet, but such kind of extenuating on such tempered, or on such* 1.28 degrees of dull part of matter, for some extenuating motions make light, others make heat, and infinite the like, so all ex∣pulsive motions do not burn, nor all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 motions do not work alike, nor all attractive, nor all retentive, nor expul∣sive; for there are infinite wayes or kindes of them, which works infinite varieties, for there are infinite several sorts of heats, coldes, droughts, moistures (and infinite kindes of lights and darknesse as well as of colours, so infinite wayes of con∣tractions, and attractions, and infinite wayes of expulsions, and so there are such varieties in one and the same kinde, as it is impossible for me to describe, as for one man to draw the several pictures of mankinde from all eternity; but if I could draw but one picture, it will be enough to shew my art and skill, although but a plain draught, but I finde the work too hard for my wit, yet I have ventured, and mean to hang it on the wall of censure, although I know spite will strive to pull it down.

Chap. 138. Of the local motions of water, air, and fire.

I perceive there be other figures that have local motions besides Animals, yet it is partly their figures that are pro∣per thereto; for though there is no matter, but is figured, yet all figures move not but of themselves, and though all figures aremoved, or moving, or both moved and moving, yet all local

motions move not after one and the same manner; but I hear mean by local motion, that which naturally can move from place to place, by their interior nature, and exterior shape, but if the word is not right to the sense, pray par∣don it, and take the sense and leave the word, and Christen it a new; but these kindes of local figures are water, arie, and fire, which move after an Animal manner, although they have not the shape of those we cal Animals, yet they seem Animals by their* 1.29 self motion, as moving from place to place, unlesse they be stopt by stronger motions, or other figures that are more powerful: the like of other Animals, as for example, if one man, or more being stronger bindes another man which hath not strength, nor power to oppose, or hinder them, he cannot move accor∣ding to the property of his nature and shape.

So likewise, if cold contractions be more powerful then the extenuating circles, it bindes up the the water with icie fetters, wherby it cannot move according to the nature, nor circular shape; so if any man should go to a place, and a high wall should stand betwixt him and that place, he cannot passe un∣lesse there were a passage, or that he can clamber, which must be by art, because there is no footing, and to jump o∣ver it he cannot, for it is so high that the weight of his body will pull him down, before the strength or agilnesse of his limbs shall raise him over, and he cannot flee over by reason his shape is not fitted thereto, having no wings, so water being* 1.30 stopt, and the passage hindered, by a thick bank of earth, can∣not move according to its property; for it is proper for wa∣ter to move descendingly, at least straight forth; but when it ascends, it is forced by other more powerful motions, so likewise it is proper for air to move after a level, streaming, or spreading manner.

For fire to ascend, after a piercing, shooting, and perpendi∣cular* 1.31 manner, for these elements do as other Animals do, for man, beasts, birds, fishes, their local motions are different ac∣cording to their shapes, for it is the property of a four legged creature to gallop, trot, pace, run, leap, but they cannot flee, because their shape is not fitted thereto, having not wings, nor a bird cannot gallop, trot, nor pace, having not four leggs to make changes therewith, it is true, a two legged creature may leap, jump, hop, and run.

Likewise those fishes can neither run nor flee, that have not wings nor legs; but those that have mixt shapes, have mixt lo∣cal motions, as there be fleeing fishes, and swimming birds, and running fishes, and swimming beasts, indeed most creatures can swim, for most shapes are fitted thereto in one kinde or another, but mans shape is such as it can imitate most various motions, though it is the shape that makes al creatures to move different ly, yet it is not altogether the shape that makes them move lo∣cally, but there must be such an interior nature proper to such

shapes, as Vegetables and Minerals, their property is not to move locally, that is, to have a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

It seems their interior nature, and exterior 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is not pro∣per thereto, or perchance it is only their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their interior nature that makes them unfit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for we finde their interior nature to be more active 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the exterior shapes of Animals. But to return to those elements I treat of, as first water, the interior nature causes it to be liquid and wet, the exterior shape to be fluid, both agreeing by a sympathetical conjunction give a local motion to descend, and bear all before it, or with it, that is loose, and unfixt, so fire, the interior nature causeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be hot and dry, the exte∣rior figure to be sharp to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, both agreeing by a sympathe∣tical conjuncting, giving it a local motion to pierce and divide it, all it can enter into, if not over-powered; so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the inte∣rior nature causeth it to be soft, and pliant, and the exterior figure to be thin and searching, both agreeing by a sympathe∣tical conjunction, gives it a local motion to enter through all porous bodies in a level line, and to fill up all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places in other figures, unlesse it be thrust out, and kept out by some∣thing more powerful; It is the natural property for fire to be hot and dry, to be sharp and burning, to move ascending.

And for water to be liquid, fluid, and wet, and to descend in a descending line.

And air to be soft, and yeelding, to be thin and searching, to move in a level line, unlesse they be forc'd otherwaies, for fire may be supprest downward, and water forc'd upwards and air disperst, and fire is not onely subject to be supprest but quench∣ed out for water, if there be a sufficient quantity to the fire on which it is cast, will over power it: for the innated motions which cause water to be wet, destroy the motions that cause fire to be sharp and burning, and the figure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de∣stroyed, that is disuniting those parts, and those motions, that keep and maintain those parts in that figure, the proper∣ty is extinguished too, as we see many Animal figures, do to one another, and birds, and fish, and men destroy beast, birds, and fish, according as they have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and advantage, for indeed the dissolution of one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cause of the creation of another, sometime the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 one figure, make many figures, and sometimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of many figures make but one figure; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath many several manners of moving locally and the ele∣ments as other Animals do move somtimes slower, and some∣times faster.

Chap. 139. Explanations of onely Matter.

IT is to be observed by those figures that are wrought by the way of lines, are soft, smooth, and shining, whether they be paralel lines, cupe lines, triangular lines, or circular lines, but the smaller, and straighter the lines are, the smoother, and brighter is their work, but there are several sorts of softnesse, and several sorts of smoothnesse which are made by several kindes of motions.

Then it is to be observed, that all works of contractions, and retentions are stronger, and more lasting, then those figures that are more light, and porous, or extenu∣ating.

Thirdly, it is to be observed, that the innated matter, which works upon the light, and thin part of dull matter, is more agil, and nimbler then that which works upon the thick and solid matter, unlesse the strength of the motions be not above, or at least equal to the solidity of the matter.

Also it is to be observed, they can make solid figures of light thine matter, by their close, and curious joynings injectures, and mixtures, and porous, and light figures of solid matter, by their dividings, and spreadings, but though the innated matter can contract and dilate, the thick, or thin, light, or heavie fluid or soft, yet it cannot alter the nature, or degrees of the dull part of matter, neither can the innated matter make it self wea∣ker, or stronger then by nature it is, for the entity of onely matter cannot be changed, but though the nature cannot be altered of dull part of matter, yet it may be cut, and carved, and joyned and dispersed into several figures, so the innated matter, although the nature cannot be altered as to make each degree weaker, or stronger, yet they may move swifter, or flower, according as the dull part of matter is they work on or according as the curiosity of the figure requires; and as I have said before, there be infinite degrees of the dull part of matter; as solid, and fluid, thinner, and thicker, lighter and heavier, harder, and softer, and infinite degrees of innated matter, as stronger, and weaker, swifter and slower, and though I have said that the innated matter is the thinnest part of onely matter, yet I do not mean the thin incipit matter, as I may call it for distinction sake; for there is no incipit in infinite, and eternal matter, though there be dull in moving matter, but the innated matter is the infinite extract of the entity of infinite matter, it is the quintessence of nature.

Chap. 140. The differences and alterations of figures.

IN the progresse of figures, figures are created in figures. The reason is, that infinite motions which are the gods

to create, dissolve, and dispose of figures, as they please to move, share as it were the infinite matter, in their work∣ing and dividing, and several motions, which is proper to the creation, of such kinde of figures, assisting each other in their works of creation; but not in the figures dissolu∣tion; for those motions which are proper to create one kinde of figure, are not proper to create another, for every fi∣gure hath different motions, in the creation either more or lesse, which is the reason few, or none are just alike, but either in shape, or minde will differ, but when two figures are made with the same motions, among the sensitive innated matter, then their figures are just alike, as we shall see twins, and if the rational matters motion be just alike in several figures, their dispositions and understandings are just alike, and if they differ in their motions but a little, they resemble much either the minde, or the body; sometimes both, but the more they differ, the lesse they resemble, but almost all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are di∣stinguishable, which shewes such variety of motions, as there needs no more repetition to move after one, and the same man∣ner; for there are not onely different motions in different, and several figures, but in one and the same figure, for the same figure doth not look when it is old, as when it was young, nor when it is sick, as when it is in health; nor when it is cold, as when it is hot, nay the figure will alter and change, every minuit either by the altered motion of the sensitive, or ra∣tional; but most commonly they alter their motions together, as in a joynt concent, for a troubled minde will make the body appear heavy and sad, for joy and grief will make different countenances in the figure, and so every passion in the minde, is most commonly matched with a countenance agreeable thereto, and most commonly other exterinal actions, yet al∣though the motions may differ, the innated matter may be of one and the same degree, for I do not say every degree of in∣nated matter moves alwayes in one kinde of motion; for though every degree of innated matter, is of a particular strength, yet not of a particular motion.

Chap. 141. Of several worlds.

AS the Sun differs from the earth and the rest of the pla∣nets, and earth differs from the seas, and seas from the airy skie, so other worlds differ from this world, and the creatures therein, by different degrees of innate matter, on different degrees of dull part of matter, which makes dif∣ferent figures by different motions, and as this world is of a spherical figure, so other worlds may be of other figures; as for Animals, although all Animals are not of one shape; for a man differs from the shape of a horse, or any other four leg∣ged creature, and every sort of beast differs from one ano∣ther

in their shape. So likewise there is difference in their kinds, as well as in their several sorts, for beasts kind dif∣fer from birds kinde, so may worlds differ for all we know, and if we should guesse by the several changse, and variety in nature, it is very probable it is so; & who knows, or indeed might not very easily beleeve it so to be, that worlds may be match'd by a sympathetical conjunction to produce other worlds, as o∣ther creatures do, for we finde the planets by a sympathetical conjunction to produce other creatures, as the sun and the earth. And it is to be observed, that as several motions create fi∣gures, so several motions work by their created figures, and those motions that creates figure by a sympathetical conjun∣ction, create after their own likenesse, either in the nature or shape, or both, but those figures that create figures with∣out conjunction of figures, after their invention, or imitation as I may say, cannot make such figures as conjunctially of figures man calls 〈◊〉〈◊〉 figures, as birds make nests, or beasts make dens, and men houses, but to reckon all artificial figures, is past my skill, and beyond my life, who knows since we finde new and unheard stars, but that they are the birth of other worlds.

Notes

• * 1.1

  I mean natu∣ral extenua∣tions.
• * 1.2

  As the pores of the skin.
• * 1.3

  Oyl, hot-wa∣ters, wine, vi∣trals, aquafor∣tis.
• * 1.4

  From earth to water.
• * 1.5

  As thns
• * 1.6

  Or rather like flame.
• * 1.7

  As if an Ani mal creature should be pulled and dragged out of 'its natural garb.
• * 1.8

  I mean here the exterior nature not the interior nature.
• * 1.9

  I mean the heaviest me∣tal to the har∣dest stone, as gold to di∣amonds, or tin, or lead to a soft stone
• * 1.10

  As Vessels wherein wa∣ter is put, and fire un∣derneath.
• * 1.11

  This sort of contraction is drawing in∣ward.
• * 1.12

  Those sorts are falling backward.
• * 1.13

  The contract∣ing motions too strong for the expulsive motions.
• * 1.14

  Yet there are but few bo∣dies that are not overcome at last.
• * 1.15

  I mean the matter that made it.
• * 1.16

  As several men will.
• * 1.17

  as peace a∣mong neigh∣bours and friends.
• * 1.18

  I say aptest, not as they do.
• * 1.19

  I speak this as a comparison, for I know the sun is much bigger then the earth.
• * 1.20

  As we say dead.
• * 1.21

  I thimk them to be Animals.
• * 1.22

  I say natural because there are metamor∣phosed ele∣ments.
• * 1.23

  If one pow∣ers water on the ground it flows with a Convex.
• * 1.24

  In a pear figure.
• * 1.25

  See my chap∣ter of Fame
• * 1.26

  Sound enters into all hol∣low places, as well as in∣to the Ani∣mal ear.
• * 1.27

  I call 〈◊〉〈◊〉 na∣tural that are propper to the figure.
• * 1.28

  Fethers, wool hair, and the like, which are neither liquid, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nor wet, one∣ly soft and sympathy
• * 1.29

  All animals are not of one shape.
• * 1.30

  And as a man may pick a hole through the wall, so water will pick a passage through the earth.
• * 1.31

  I mean all exterior mo∣tions.