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SECT. II.
* 1.1THere is yet a second sort of Images Visible, which though consistent of the same Materials with the Former; are yet different in the reason of their production, according to the theory of Epicurus. For, as the for∣mer are perfectly substantial, being Corporeal Effluviaes, by a kind of De∣reption as it were blancht from the Extremes of Concretions: so likewise are these of the second Genus, perfectly substantial, being certain Concre∣ments or Coagmentations of Atoms in the aer, representing the shapes of Men, Beasts, Trees, Castles, Armies, &c. not caused by an immediate De∣reption from such solid Prototypes, but a SPONTANEOUS convention and cohaesion of convenient particles. So that if we only call them, Spon∣taneous Systatical Representations; we shall not only import the Disparity of their Creation to that of the Derepted Apostatical ones, but also afford a glimpse of their abstruse Nature. Of these, all that can be brought to lye in lines parallel to our praesent Theorem, doth concern only their Existence: and that may be evicted by the conspiring testimonies of many Authors, whose pens were not dipt in the fading ink of meer Tradition, nor their minds deluded with the affectation of Fabulous Wonders. Among which our leasure will extend to the quotation of only Two, most pertinent and significant.
* 1.2Diodorus Siculus (lib. 3.) speaking of certain Spectraes; spontaneously conceited, and at set seasons of the year exhibiting themselves to Travellers in the regions of Africa, beyond the Quick-sands and Cyrene; saith thus: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Quandoque, ac praesertim vigente tranquillitate aeris, conspiciuntur per aerem Concrementa quaedam, forma•• Animalium omnis generis referentia. Ipsorum nonnulla quietè se habent, non∣nulla verò motionem subeunt. Quinetiam interdum insequentes fugiant, inter∣dum fugientes insequuntur, &c.
* 1.3And Damascius (in Vita Isidori Philosophi, apud Photium) declaring the common report about that memorable 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Prodious Aereal Repre∣sentation, annually beheld in the lower region of the aer, imminent upon that arm of the Adriatick Sea, that runs up betwixt Messana in Sicily, and Rhegium Julium in Calabria; delivers it thus: Nostra tempestate narrarunt homines bonae fidei, juxta Siciliam in campo nominato Tetrapyrgio, & in aliis non paucis locis, videri Equitum pugnantium sin ulacra; id{que} maximè aestatis tempore, cum ardentissimus est meridies; &c. Concerning the verity of this report, the most Curious Athanasius Kircherus having some doubt; pur∣posely takes a long journey from Rome to Messana and thence crosseth over to Rhegium, at the opportune time for its observation. Where what He be∣held, and by what Physical reasons he solved the wonderment; we have thought worthy your patient notice, to extract from his excellent dis∣course thereupon (in cap. 1. Magiae Parastaticae, parastasi 1. Naturae.)