15. The Colour, Smell, and Diaphaniety of Comets.
FOR the first, some have been clear and splendent like the Sun; as were those of the Years 1264. and 1521. Some red and rutilant; as those of the Years 1526. and 1556. Others of a yellow or Gold colour; as that in the Year 1533. Others Silver co∣lour'd; as that which Haly observed, 1200. Others of a Leaden, Pale, Ashy colour; as that in 1607. Some of a dim red, inclining to a brown refulgent colour; as those of the Years 1477. and 1585. And others of sundry (yea indeed all manner of) colours, as was that in 1513.
Touching the Second, there was only one (in the Year 396.) accompanied with a Sulphurous noisom smell.
For the last, Seneca seems to attribute a Diaphaniety to all Comets, per Cometas aciem transmittimus: We see (saith he) through Comets: And Tycho tells us, (in Epist. p. 143.) that he saw the Fixed Stars through the Tail of the Comet in 1577.