Peripateticall institutions. In the way of that eminent person and excellent philosopher Sr. Kenelm Digby. The theoricall part. Also a theologicall appendix of the beginning of the world. / By Thomas White Gent.

Peripateticall INSTITUTIONS. Second Book. (Book 2)

Containing those things vvhich concern the nature of BODIES in common. (Book 2)

LESSON I.

Of the Composition of Bulk or Bignesse.

EVclide having demonstra∣ted,* 1.1 that 'tis possible to divide any undivided line,* 1.2 into full as many parts, as any other whatever has been divided, that is, into parts beyond any number assignable, that is, into infinite: there's no farther doubt but a Body or Magnitude is divisible without end.

2. Whence it follows, that one indivi∣sible in quantity, added to another, makes it not bigger: For, if it did, a finite num∣ber

of indivisibles would constitute quan∣tity; and consequently, a Body would not be divisible without end.

3. Again: since any Multitude encrea∣ses by the addition of one to those alrea∣dy suppos'd, ev'n though 'twere infinite: and yet the addition of one indivisible, to whatever presuppos'd number, makes it not greater: 'tis clear, that neither an infinite multiplication of indivisibles is sufficient to make quantity; and conse∣quently, that a Body or bignesse is not compos'd of infinite Indivisibles.

4. Moreover, since 'tis manifest that, if a∣ny two parts actually exist in a Body or Mag∣nitude, even all the parts into which a Bo∣dy is divisible do actually preexist in it, too; and since 'tis plain, if a Magnitude were divided into all it were divisible into, the remains would be purely infinite Indi∣visibles: 'tis perfectly manifest that no two parts do actually exist in a Body or Mag∣nitude.

5. 'Tis urg'd against the divisibility of a Body in infinitum, that there would be in∣finite parts in it; and since an infinite can never be measur'd, no part of a body can be pass'd over in a finite time; and conse∣quently, there can be no Motion▪ Aristotle

answers, that an actuall infinite can never, in∣deed, be pass'd over, but in an infinite time, too: but that the parts of a Magnitude are only, potentially, infinite; and, therefore, no∣thing hinders but they may be pass'd over in a finite time. Galilaeus replies, As any two halfs do not, therefore, require lesse time to pass them over, because they are not se∣parated: so neither can infinite parts (sup∣posing them in a Magnitude) be pass'd o∣ver in lesse time, because they are but possi∣ble, then if they were actually or in effect.

6. 'Tis answer'd, that if, in the potentia∣lity of a Magnitude, there were, really, infi∣nite parts, whereof every one, limited in themselves and distinct from one another, had a determinate bignesse; they would in∣deed require an infinite time to be pass'd over: But there's no such matter: for, the parts of a Magnitude have so undetermin'd a quantity, that they may be bigger or less, according to the proportion to the whole wherein they are taken; whence, since, the more are put, the lesse they are, it comes to passe that they never exceed a certain de∣terminate summe, which is the Magnitude of the whole, how high soever they encrease in Number.

7. Again: 'tis objected against this as∣sertion

of no parts being actually in a Mag∣nitude: First, that 'tis against the credit of our Senses, for, we see divers and severall parts of a Table or Stick; our hands, too, and fingers are many.

8. 'Tis answer'd, by denying that we see many parts of a Table or Stick: for, if we saw they were severall, our sight could di∣stinguish one from another, and we could just tell where one ends and another be∣gins: since, therefore, the nearest immedi∣ate parts are separated, only by an Indivi∣sible; and an Indivisible cannot be dis∣cerned by sense; 'tis evident, it belongs not to the Senses to distinguish one part from another.

9. And, whereas 'tis added, that we see two Hands and many Fingers of the same Man's: 'tis true, indeed; but a Hand or a Finger signifies not a part actually, but in potentia or possibility: For, if a Hand or Finger were cut off from the rest of the Body, it were, now, no longer a Hand or Finger, since it would be no more an In∣strument of taking any thing, which is of the very definition of a Hand or Finger.

10. 'Tis objected, thirdly, those are actu∣ally distinct, of which Contradictories can be verifi'd: But, 'tis truly pronounced of

divers parts of a Magnitude, that this is seen, toucht, hot, cut, &c. whilst the contra∣dictories to these are as truly said of ano∣ther part; nay, 'tis really true, that this part is not that, as the Hand is not the Foot, an Eye is not an Ear: Wherefore, these parts must needs be actually distinct.

11. 'Tis answer'd, that Contradiction is only in respect of our Understanding; wherefore, the Contradictories have only a notionall repugnance in the Subject, as it is in our Vnderstanding. Since then, the parts have a distinct being in our Understan∣ding; from thence 'tis that they are capa∣ble to sustain Contradictories: Which to make plain, instead of this Proposition, This part is seen, toucht, warm, &c. let us say, The thing, according to this part, is seen, toucht, warm, &c. and not according to that; is it not clear the same thing sustains Con∣tradictories as 'tis diversly apprehended by the Understanding, because the Un∣derstanding by this reflection, according, makes the same thing divers Subjects.

12. The like 'tis when we say, a hand is not a foot: for it signifies that a Man as ha∣ving the faculty of taking any thing, is not a Man as having the faculty of walking. And the same rule, we see, holds in

abstracted Notions; for, though we say, an Animall is rationall, yet we say, Anima∣lity is not Rationality.

LESSON II.

Of the Nature of Quantity and Place.

1. PArts, then, not being actually in a Magnitude, it follows, that Ex∣tension or Divisibility is not acci∣dentall to it, but the very nature of Quan∣tity: Whence, we see, as oft as one asks, how much there is of such a thing; for ex∣ample, a way, a piece of Cloath, Liquour, &c. we answer, so many furlongs, ells, ounces, &c. that is, by the parts into which they are divisible. 'Tis plain, therefore, that the very nature of Quantity is Divisibility.

2. Hence, again, 'tis clear, that 'tis not to be enquired how the parts of a Magni∣tude come to be united: for, since more cannot be made of any thing, but what first was not more, or, one; 'tis evident, that what is divisible is, in that very respect, one; and out of the very nature of Quan∣tity its parts derive an unity.

3. Nor is it lesse manifest, that nothing, besides Quantity, is extended and divi∣sible: for, 'tis not intelligible, that any thing can be divided, and yet have no Di∣visibility: Wherefore, that they call I∣maginary space is nothing at all, nor has it any distinguishable parts; much lesse can it be a means of distinguishing other things, by its own distinction.

4. 'Tis objected, Before the Creation of the World, there was a certain possibility of a World; and a greater of the whole world then of any part; nay, even now, without or about this world, 'tis possible o∣ther Bodies should be created, bigger then this world: Yet, such a Body cannot be created, but some parts of it must be more distant from this, then others: Therefore, a greater and lesse distance from the world is imaginable; and conse∣quently, an Imaginary Space.

5. 'Tis answer'd, There is, indeed, a possibility of such a world: but, 'tis either in the Power of God, and so is nothing else but his very Essence; or, in the Idea of some understanding Creature (and is on∣ly the mere conformity of the Predicate with the Subject, or of one part with ano∣ther) which saies, there is a world, or such

things agree well together. But, without the world there is no distance, now; though there would be, were any new Body crea∣ted: for, since Distance signifies extension and parts; and a Body is compos'd of parts; 'tis plain, that, a Body being created, Di∣stance too, is created: But, to imagine Di∣stance abstracted from a Body is manifest∣ly against this first principle of Reason, which denies that the same can be a Thing and no-Thing.

6. Again, 'tis evident, there's no such thing as a kind of infinite Magnitude or Vastness, wherein all Bodies are: for bodies would not be counter-extended with such a Mag∣nitude; & consequently, since Bodies are Quantitative things, that would not be such.

7. Out of what has been said, 'tis plain, there is no empty place in the world; that is, there is no hollow body, wherein there is not another Body: for, it being determin'd, that Distance is a Body; 'tis manifest that, taking away Body, all Distance is taken a∣way: Since, therefore, 'tis plain, that distant things are joyn'd by taking away the distance; if, out of a hollow body, that be taken away which keeps the sides asunder, the sides re∣main conjoin'd, & the Body is no longer hollow.

8. Whence it appears, the wonder of those that ask, If all the Air should be taken out of a vast hollow sphear, and nothing else should be done, what would follow? is irra∣tionall; and signifies just as if they should say, If the sides of the sphear were joyn'd, & nothing else done, would they be joyn'd?

9. If, then, all quantitative things are joyn'd together, they are Continu'd: For, things continu'd are no otherwise, so, but, in vertue of the Quantity, which is in ei∣ther part: since, therefore, in these, there's Quantity on either side; whatever quanti∣tative things are conjoin'd must be continu'd.

10. Out of what has been said, the No∣tion of Place is collected: For, it appears to us, that is, to Mankind, that Place is an immovable Vessell, which some bodies go out of and others enter into: moreover, that the Earth is absolutely immovable, and that Heaven and the Starres observe a con∣stancy in their Motion, & so give a ground, on which the notion of immobility may be founded; whence, a Vessell, by respects to a determinate part of the Earth & of the motion of the Heavens, will gain an appre∣hension of immobility. To say, therefore, a Body is in such a place, is as much as to say, 'Tis in a Body which has such a situation

to the Earth and to the Heavens; for ex∣ample, 'tis at such a distance from such a Mountain, towards the beginning of Aries, or the Sun-rising.

11. And, that this is true, appears out of those explications of Place, whereby, u∣sually, answer is made to the Question, Where is such a thing? For, we answer by such things as, in our apprehensions, are immoveable: in the last resolution, by the parts of the Heavens; next, by Mountains, Rivers, Cities, Houses, Trees, &c. and more immediately by Walls and things fastned to Walls, or rather, by im∣moveable things within the House, as Beds, Cupboards, &c. 'Tis plain, there∣fore, that Place is the Body which next enclo∣ses the thing within it; as 'tis conceiv'd to be in a certain site to the rest of the world, or its fixt parts.

12. You'l object, there's nothing con∣stant in the world, able to make a Place, besides Imaginary Space. 'Tis answer'd, Place is a word, signifying according to the will of the first imposers, and therefore signifies a thing as 'tis in our mind, or un∣der Notion; wherefore, you must not re∣quire something really immoveable, but which may appear such: Now, even Mo∣tion

it self, if it be constantly the same, ap∣pears to have a kind of immobility; and so, 'tis sufficient that the Sun constantly rises in one part and sets in another, to de∣termine Place, without any need of Imagi∣nary Space.

13. You'l object again, This Definition does not agree with all things that are in Place: for it neither agrees with Angels or separated souls, which yet, 'tis clear, are in a Place; nor with the World it self; nor with Qualities▪ or parts of Substance, which are in a Place, too. We answer, 'tis clear indeed that spirituall substances are in a Place, but 'tis not clear what signifies, to be in a Place, when we speak of them: but certain 'tis, that it signifies not, to be in a Place after the manner of Bodies, which a∣lone is, properly, to be in a Place; since Mankind, to whom belongs the imposing the name of Place, never saw spirituall sub∣stances. 'Tis as certain that, either the world is not in a Place, or, if it be, (as some endeavour to explicate,) 'tis by its parts; that is, because every part is in a Place, it may, in a kind of forc'd sense, be said to be in a Place. But, Forms and Qualities to be in a Place, signifies they are the Forms and Qualities of Bodies which are in a Place:

Whence, all these are said to be in a Place analogically, and not in their primary signi∣fication.

14. Nor imports it, that the Vulgar think that to have no being, which is no∣where: for the Vulgar are not the com∣poser of Sciences, as they are the imposer of Names: wherefore, we receive the signi∣fication of Names from them, but not the truth of Propositions.

15. Having determin'd then, that Place is something extrinsecall to the thing in it; and seeing that an extrinsecall change cannot be made without some in∣trinsecall one, too, (since the extrinsecall denomination is not another thing, different from the intrinsecall quality of the things which concurre to the denomination) in e∣very change of Place, some intrinsecall Mutation must of necessity intervene: But, the change of Place is, immediately, a change of the application of the sides of the thing moved, from the sides of the Place whence it parts, to the sides of the Place whether it passes: wherefore, the Place and the Thing in it being, really, the same quantitative thing, we must say that Locall Motion materially, is Division, that is, the first and, principall act of Quantity

or Divisibilty; and, formally, the denomi∣nation of a new site of the Universe, as has been declared.

16. It follows, out of what has been said, that, since 'tis of the very Nature of Quan∣tity, to have its parts extended and one out of or beyond another, 'tis impossible two Bodies should be in the same Place; for so, one, in respect to the other, should not have the Nature of Quantity: As also, if the same Body were situated in two Places; since 'twould make a double distance, it would have the force and effect of two Quantities, that is, be double it self.

17. The objections against these Posi∣tions are Theologicall, & not hard in Theo∣logy; & therefore, are to be referr'd thither.

LESSON III.

Of Time and Locall Motion.

1. NOw, among Locall-Motions, 'tis evi∣dent, the Motion of the Heavens, especially of the Sun and Moon, is most notorious and common to Man∣kind; as also, (at least, to our apprehensions) most constant & equall: Wherefore, tis the fittest & best qualifi'd for the measuring of other Motions: & so, experience teaches,

that 'tis apply'd to this use; for the How∣ers, Days, Years, &c. are certain parts of the Motion of the Sun.

2. This motion therefore, as 'tis made use of for the measuring other motions, we call Time: and, comparing motion to Time, we say, one is swifter or slower then another.

3. You'l object, this is an ill Definition of Time: for, before the World was cre∣ated, there was Time; and yet, no Mo∣tion of the Heavens. If the Sun, too, should stand still, Time would not, there∣fore, cease to passe on: Wherefore, Time is not the Motion of the Heavens. 'Tis answer'd, Before the creation of the World, there was no time; however we may imagine Time before the World, as we do Place out of the World: but these Opinions are ill grounded in the Fancy. And, if the Sun should stand still, 'tis plain, there would be no Daies and Years, &c. that is, if it should stand still for ever; for, if it stood but for a little while, it would only make the Day longer. But, 'tis to be observ'd, that the Motion of the Heavens is not Time, as it is in it self, but as it is the Object of our apprehensions; whereby we form a certain quantity of Motion, which

we may apply to all other Motions, and even to the Motion of the Sun it self.

4. To the question, therefore, Whe∣ther time would passe on were the Sun or Heavens immoveable? 'tis answer'd that, abstracting from our apprehensions, it would not: but, because there would still remain in us a power of measuring o∣ther Motions, by the Motion of the Hea∣vens which we formerly apprehended; we should measure Motions by Time passing on in its Essence, not in Existence, that is, by the Notion and Nature, not the actuall Presence of Time. Time, therefore, would not, really, passe on; yet we should make use of it as if it did.

5. You'l object again, The Motion of the Heavens is divisible, as the space where∣in they are mov'd: But Time consists of Indivisibles; for, It has no true being but the present, which is alwaies indivisible. 'Tis answer'd, Time is divisible without end, just as Motion is: But, what is said, that nothing of Time is present but an in∣stant, is false; for, we say, the present Day, Year, Age, &c. for, Time being Motion, as in our apprehensions, the Understan∣ding can make as much of it present as it pleases, by taking a whole part af∣ter

the manner of one Entity.

6. But an indivisible part of Time is never present; for, there is no such thing: the working, only, of our Understanding makes Instants, not as a part of Time, but as the end of one part and the beginning of another: Whence, we never conceit an instant In Time or Motion, but when we mean there is no more Time or Motion, An Instant, therefore, is a kind of not-be∣ing of Time: Wherefore, what's said, that nothing of Time is present but an Instant, is to be understood, that Nothing of Time is present together and at once, because its nature is Successive; nor can it have any ex∣istence, as a kind of Thing or Being, but as the variation of a divisible Thing as 'tis divisible.

7. Again; it being apparent, that some things are more easie, others harder to be divided, or (which is the same) some are more, others lesse divisible: if that which causes the Motion forces a lesse against a more divisible, the more divisible must of necessity be cut asunder, and admit in the lesse divisible between its parts: wherefore, a Division will be made, and consequently, if the other requisites concurre, a Locall Motion; for, the lesse divisible will change

its place. If, therefore, the same lesse divisi∣ble be impell'd, with the same force, against any thing more divisible then the former; 'twill separate it in lesse time, and conse∣quently, 'twill be mov'd faster.

8. Now, the lesse divisible is call'd, Dense; the more, Rare: and, because Divisibility is the very nature of Quantity, the rare will have more, the dense lesse of Quanti∣ty: and these are the first differences that can be expected in a Quantum or Magni∣tude, they being made by more and lesse of Quantity in a quantitative Thing.

9. But, because, out of what has been said, it appears that the rare, in respect of the dense, is that which is divisible, and con∣trarily, the dense is the divider: by how much greater the proportion of density is in the divider, to the rarity of what is divi∣ded; by so much the division must needs be quicker, and the Motion swifter.

10. In like manner it is, too, for matter of the Figure or shape: for, one figure be∣ing apter to divide then another, (since, we see Artificers chuse sharp figures to cut with) by how much the figure is more apt (supposing all other circumstances pro∣portionable) so much swifter the Motion will be.

11. Lastly; because, in dense things of the same figure, the comparison of den∣sity to the figure is greater in great things, (because, in Bodies, the Solid is multiply'd in a triple proportion,* 1.3 but the Superficies only in a dou∣ble; that is, of two similary Globes, &c. if their Diameters be as 2 to 3, their Solids will be as 8 to 27, but their Superficies only as 4 to 9.) it comes to passe that, (other circumstances being suppos'd equall) of bodies that are alike, the greater move swifter then the lesse. It appears, therefore, that, in respect to the same Medium, there are three con∣ditions in a Moveable, which make the Mo∣tion swifter, viz. bignesse, density and figure.

12. It follows, out of what has been said, that there can be no Motion in an instant, by an Agent of a finite power: for, the space wherein 'tis made being di∣visible without end; if the motion were in an instant, the Agent could move the movable through a space assign'd, while the power which moves the Sun could not move that never so little a space: since, therefore, space may diminish without end, 'tis necessary the power be encreas'd

without end, and consequently, be infi∣nite.

13. Again; since a greater power is requir'd to move the same movable more swiftly through the same Medium; a mo∣vable cannot be transferr'd from a lesse to a greater degree of velocity, in an instant, by a finite Agent: For, since some power is requisite to give it a greater velocity, e∣ven in the same time; and the proportion of time to an instant is infinite; the power to give it such a velocity, in an instant, must be infinite.

14. Whence, 'tis evident, that every Movable which is rais'd from rest to mo∣tion, passes through infinite degrees of slownesse, greater then that degree where∣to we suppose it to be arrived. For, since every assign'd degree is divisible into infi∣nite ones which are between it and rest, nor can a finite Agent raise the Movable from any of those to an assign'd degree, in an instant; much lesse can it transferre it from rest to an assign'd degree in an in∣stant. Consequentially to these positions, Every movable that is reduc'd from rest to motion, at the beginning, increases in velocity: but, since to every finite Agent, there corresponds a certain determinate

degree of Effect, beyond which it has no power; when it arrives once to that degree of velocity, it will stand at it, and the Mo∣tion will encrease no farther.

15. But if, to the difficulty of the Me∣dium, there be added an Agent moving a contrary way; according to that Agents power the velocity of the former movable will be diminisht, or the movable be even forc'd to rest, or to an opposite Motion. And thus it appears how Motions begin and end.

16. Lastly, it may be concluded, specu∣latively speaking, that any weight whatever may be mov'd an assign'd space, by never so little a power: For, since the power must, of necessity, be multiply'd to en∣crease the velocity; as much as it fails in velocity, so much may be abated in the power. Assigning therefore a Bulk to be mov'd and a power to move it; suppose another power which may be able, in a certain time, to move this bulk such a de∣termin'd space; and, by how much this la∣ter power is greater then the first as∣sign'd, somuch encrease the time in which the movable should be mov'd through the propos'd space; and because, now, the effect is so much lesse, it will

not exceed the power assigned.

17. I said, this is speculatively true: because, when one should go about to re∣duce it to practice, an extremely little power could not be preserv'd so long time, as were necessary to the effect.

LESSON IV.

Of the four First Qualities.

1. OUt of what has been said, it being concluded that Rare and Dense are the first Differences, and that they by con∣sequence, like Quantity, are varied with endlesse Differences; seeing, too, that there is a perpetuall Tumult as it were, in the world, of heavy things descending towards the Centre of the Earth: there must, of ne∣cessity, be some degree of rare Bodies so ea∣sily divisible, that it needs nothing, but this very impulse, to separate their parts, & carry them, the nearest way to the Centre.

2. Such bodies, therefore, will spread themselves without any limits about the Earth, unlesse they be hindred; whence, they'l have no proper figure of their own: but when they encounter with a den∣ser body, upon which the impulse

that divides them, has not the like power; there they'l stop their division, and receive a figure from that.

3. They will, therefore, be easily ter∣minable by others bounds, hardly by their own: But, on the contrary, Bodies, upon which the motion of gravity has not such force, will be easily terminable by their own bounds, hardly by others. Now, this, Nature and Aristotle have assign'd for the notion of Drynesse, that, of Moysture; wherefore, these will be dry bodies, those moist.

4. It appears, therefore, both that all bodies, that have a Consistency, are dry; and that, if there be any so rare, that, by all others, it will be repell'd from the Cen∣tre, (that is, rare in the highest degree) that, too, is dry; for, its parts take not easily their ply, that is, are not spread by the falling of heavy bodies, but are carri∣ed by their own Motion: Yet, that which is dense in the highest degree will be more dry; because the rarest receiv's a figure partly from those without it, partly from it self.

5. But, among moist bodies, that which is rarer is moister; as more yielding to the gravity which divides it.

6. You'l object, that Dust and Fire ac∣commodate themselves to the bounds of other bodies; and, therefore, must be moist. 'Tis answer'd, Dust is not one bo∣dy, but many: besides, it does not so ac∣commodate it self; since, if it lye free, a heap of Dust is full of Aire, by which it is rendred so easily plyable. Fire, too, has a proper motion, and is reflected, when forc'd by a hard body; nor does it who∣ly accommodate it self, as appears in light and the flames of Furnaces.

7. Again; since, by the same motion of heavy bodies, rare ones must necessari∣ly be press'd against dense, and dense a∣gainst rare: if a very rare body be so forc'd against a dense, that it be con∣strain'd to make its way; since, 'tis divisi∣ble into minutest parts, and 'tis easier to make a narrow then a wide way; 'tis plain, the rare body will bore it self a world of little passages and paths, and consequent∣ly, will dissect the dense, which opposes it, into an infinity of little parts.

8. Whence, it follows, that, if there were many heterogene bodies, (that is, of a different nature) shut up in the dense bo∣dy; all, now being set at liberty, by such dissection, will, by their proper motions,

gather themselves to their own Parties, and be separated, every one, from those of a∣nother kind.

9. But if a dense body compresse a rare one, 'twill let nothing scape out of it; but, whatever if finds, it condenses and crowds into a narrower room.

10. Dense bodies, therefore, have this nature, to gather together heterogene bo∣dies; that is, they are cold: and Rare bo∣dies, to gather together homogene (or bo∣dies of the same kind,) but to disperse he∣terogene; that is, they are hot. For, Na∣ture and Aristotle have given us these no∣tions of hot and cold.

11. And among rare bodies, 'tis appa∣rent, the rarest will be the best dividers, that is, the hotest: but, among dense bo∣dies, those will be the coldest, which most streightly besiege the rare bodies, and those are such as are most plyant to their parts; whence, they which are, in some measure, moist, too, will be the coldest.

LESSON V.

Of the Elements.

1. WE have deduc'd, therefore, out of the most simple notion of Quantity, dissected by the on∣ly differences of more and lesse, the Rarest body, hot, in the highest degree, and dry, but not in the highest degree; the Den∣sest, dry, in the highest degree, and cold, but not in the highest degree; a Heavy or lesse rare body, moist, in the highest degree, but not so hot; lastly, a Moderately dense body, cold, in the highest degree, but temperately moist.

2. These same bodies, in as much as Motion proceeds from them to others, are active; but, in as much as they sustain the action of others, they are passive; chang'd, thus, in Name, not Nature.

3. This property also, of an Element, they have, that they cannot be compoun∣ded of other things, and all things else are compounded of them: they being esta∣blisht out of the first Differences which, of necessity, are found in others. There are, therefore, four ELEMENTS.

4. You'l object; Since Rare and Dense vary the Quantity, by the very nature of Quantity there will be infinite degrees; and, thence the number of the Elements will neither be four nor, indeed, finite. 'Tis answer'd; Men do not determine the kinds of things, according to the fruitful∣nesse of Nature; but, by grosse and sensi∣ble differences, according to the slownesse of our Apprehension.

5. Thus, therefore, a Rare body, which makes it self and other things be seen, we call Fire: One that has not this vertue, and yet hinders not other things from making themselves seen, we call Aire: A Dense body, which absolutely excludes light, we term Earth: One that partly admits it and partly repells it, we term Water.

6. Not, that wise men esteem these ve∣ry bodies to be truly Elements, which we are conversant with round about us: But that, these mixt bodies obtain that name, out of the predominancy of some Element in them, which they would deserve, if, drein'd from all dregs, they were entirely refin'd into the nature of the Predomi∣nant.

7. The Elements, therefore, are Bodies

distinguisht, purely, by the differences of rare and dense: and they are collected in∣to four kinds or heads, under the terms we have given them.

8. Moreover, 'tis evident, that no bounds or figures do, properly, belong to the Elements, out of their own princi∣ples, that is, precisely by their own nature: for, since they are nothing but quantita∣tive bodies, affected with such a rarity or density; the nature of Quantity still re∣mains, which is every where divisible and terminable, and consequently, figurable as one pleases.

9. But, whether there be not some greatest possible bulk in every one of the Elements, out of the very nature of densi∣ty, depends upon Metaphysicall princi∣ples. Neverthelesse, out of their common operation, a Sphericall figure is most agree∣able to Earth and Fire. To Fire, because its nature being to diffuse it self, with the greatest celerity, out of a little matter in∣to a great breadth, it must of necessity spread it self on all sides, that is, into a Sphear.

10. To Earth, as being the Basis & foun∣dation, about which moist bodies diffuse themselves; and, by so doing, mold it into a Globe.

11. But, that Fire flames up like a Pyra∣mid, proceeds from the resistance of the Aire incompassing it, which 'tis forc'd to penetrate with a sharp point.

12. Again; since the Elements are op∣pos'd to one another, only by the differen∣ces of rare and dense: 'tis evident, their transmutation into one another is no∣thing else but rarefaction and condensa∣tion.

13. 'Tis plain, too, that dense things, being forc'd against rare, do compresse them, and, if there be no way to escape, do necessarily condense them: which con∣densation, if it be enough both in time and degree, will, of necessity, change that which is condens'd, into that Element to which such a density is proper.

14. But, a rare body compress'd, if it get out, diffuses it self a main out of those straights: whence, if any dense body, that is rarifiable, stick to it, it carries it away with it, and rarifies it: 'Tis plain, therefore, that 'twill turn it into the nature of the ra∣rer Element; if the other circumstances concurre which are necessary to Action.

15. Out of all which, we may collect, that one Element cannot be chang'd into another, without being transferr'd

through all the intermediate degrees: as if you should endeavour to rarifie Earth into Fire; first you must raise it into Wa∣ter, then into Aire, and at length into Fire.

16.* 1.4 For, as we have demonstra∣ted, above,* 1.5 concerning velocity, that a Movable cannot be rais'd out of one into another determinate de∣gree, but in time: so, with the same la∣bour, the same may be made evident, con∣cerning density; since, the nature of Quantity is equall and constant in both; and Velocity is nothing but A certain density of Motion.

LESSON VI.

Of Mixtion, and the second Quali∣ties, or those vvhich most imme∣diately follovv Mixtion.

1. SInce that part of the world, which is expos'd to our knowledge, is fi∣nite; and any never-so-little bulk infinitely repeated, exceeds the greatest possible: it follows, that the sin∣gular bodies of this part are finite, and

some actually the least: nay, that, accor∣ding to the order of the World, bodies cannot be divided beyond a certain term.

2. There will be, therefore, in each of the Elements certain minutest parts, which are, either not at all, or very sel∣dome, farther divisible. When, therefore, the Elements are forc'd one against ano∣ther, the sides of the rare ones must, of ne∣cessity, become united with the sides of the dense: but, when they come to be di∣vided again, 'tis impossible they should not leave some of those minutest parts sticking to the dense bodies.

3. For, since, in the same Quantity, the dense part is lesse divisible then the rare; that, too, which is compounded of rare and dense, in the same bulk, is lesse divisible then the rare part of the same quantity: It must needs be, therefore, that the rare Elements must stick, by their minutest parts, to the dense which they have once touch't.

4. Hence, 'tis evident, that the minu∣test parts being rub'd off on every side, by the ouching together of divers Ele∣ments, mixt bodies must necessarily be made. For, if two dense parts touch one minutest rare; since the minutest is indi∣visible,

there naturally emerges a Com∣pound of the three, as hardly divisible as are the dense ones themselves.

5. Whence, we have the first Distincti∣on of bodies: For, since the Elements are four, and may be joyn'd together by big∣ger or lesse parts; as oft as great parts of one Element redound, the body is call'd by the name of that Element.

6. Thus have we severall kinds of Earth: and, in this sense, all consistent things have the notion of Earth; all visi∣ble fluid things are call'd Waters; and there are many kinds of Airs and Fires.

7. But, when a body, that has the con∣sistency of one Element, is full of minute parts of another; the substance of one E∣lement gets the denomination of the o∣ther's quality: Thence proceed the de∣grees of temperaments, hot, cold, &c. and in one and the same kind, too, reduplica∣ted differences of the Elements; viz. of Earths, some are Earthy, some Watry, some Aeriall, some Fiery; and so in the rest, ev'n to the lowest species.

8. It appears, again, wherein consist those qualities, which distinguish bodies, as to their consistency. First, the notion of liquid & consistent plainly follows the

nature of rare and dense: and soft is a middle between liquid and hard; but hard, being that which resists division, clearly refers to density.

9. But grosse and Massive appertain to the quantity of parts: for grosse is not, so, divided into minutest parts, as to be able, by its subtilty, to enter into the least pores or crannies; and Massive has no pores or passages in its body, but speaks parts constipated and thrust close toge∣ther: Both of them plainly expresse a cer∣tain notion of Density.

10. As for Fat, and tough, and vis∣cous or slimy, they have this common to them all, To stick where they touch: but fat, in lesser parts; viscous, in greater; tough, properly, holds its own parts toge∣ther, and cleaves not so much to o∣thers.

11. They, therefore, consist of moist and dense well mixt: from moist they de∣rive the facility to unite; from dense, the difficulty to be separated.

LESSON VII.

Of the manner of Mixtion, and the Passion of mixt things.

1. THese things being suppos'd; be∣cause there are two Active quali∣ties, heat and cold, which are most eminent in Fire and Water: let there, first, be a mixt body of Earth, Water, and Aire, upon which Fire be suppos'd to act: and, since there is no mixt thing so compacted, but, at least, some parts of Fire may be forc'd and fly away through it; and they, in their passage, are joyn'd to the parts of Aire or Water: 'tis appa∣rent that the Fire will carry away some of them with it; whence the Compound will become more compacted and solid.

2. Again; because the parts of Fire are extremely subtile; whereever they find a resistance in the solid parts, weaker then their power of dividing, that way they'l e∣scape, and that, not alone, but laden with watry or airy parts: so that they will leave the Water and Aire to be united with Earth and between themselves, by the smallest parts that are possible.

3. Whence, two things come to passe: One, that the Whole becomes a like and e∣quall throughout, all the Elements being mixt by most minute particles in every part: The other, that the Elements become lesse divisible from one another in this whole; which is, to be rendred constant and permanent body.

4. Let therebe, therefore, in another body, the natures of Fire, Aire and Earth blended together; to which let Water be added from without: and, first, you'l see all the sallies block'd up, and the Pores coagulated by vertue of the cold, so that the Aire or Fire cannot easily steal out.

5. See, again, the Water with all its weight and force, pressing the nearest parts of the Compound on every side: whence, they are forc'd to compresse and streighten themselves, and shrink into a lesse and lesse place, to make room for the water; and this, not in the surface alone, but even in the minutest parts, as far as the water can pierce; which so much the far∣ther it can, as its parts are rendred more subtile, by the re-active power of the Aire and Fire.

6. Behold, therefore, its parts being, even thus, condens'd, a consistent and

hardly-divisible body made; which is, to be a certain naturall species of Physicall mixt body.

7. Hence, again, the causes of passions are apparent: for, we see some compounds suffer from Fire a liquefaction and disso∣lution into minute particles; as, into Ashes and powder: others, on the contrary, grow hard: others, again, converted into Flame.

8. The reason whereof is clear: for, if the power of the Fire extends it self only so far as to dilate the humid parts which hold together the dry; it comes to passe that the humid parts become larger and more rare, and consequently, the whole it self is rendred more divisible and subject to be diffus'd, by its own gravity, into the best ply towards the Centre; which is, to be liquid.

9. But, if the power of the Fire be so great, as to carry away with it the humid parts; then the dense ones remain re∣solv'd into minute particles, without a me∣dium to unite them. And these operations are effected, sometimes by the mere force of the fire it self; sometimes by means of some instruments, whereby the humid parts are either increas'd or

decreas'd, according as the Artificer has occasion.

10. But, farther, if humid parts were re∣dundant in the Compound, and Fire were so far apply'd, as only to restrain the ex∣cesse, by exhaling those parts which were superfluous; the connection of the hu∣mid with the Earthy parts will be lesse dis∣solvable, and the proportion of the Ear∣thy to the humid, greater; whence, the Compound grows hard.

11. Water, too, by pressing upon it, pierces and enters into the Compound it encompasses, sheir's off its lighter and dry∣er parts, which it mingles with the whole dry body, and amplifies the humid parts: whence, it makes the body flaccid and loose, and next door to dissolution.

12. Some it utterly dissolv's; as salts: for, they are compos'd of certain minute parts, betwixt which Water easily enters; and, so little they are, that they swim in the water. There becomes, therefore, a kind of fluid body, thickned with little heterogeniall bodies swimming in it; to which if Fire be apply'd, by exhaling the superfluous humid parts, it remains salt, as at first.

13. But, sometimes it happens, that

something is mix'd with the salt & water, which has a power of separating the watry parts from those little swimming bodies, and of pressing down & precipitating them to the bottome: for, when the supervener has aggregated to it self the parts of that humid body wherein the dissolution was made, that which was mixt with them (if it be heavier then water) descends; for, be∣fore, it was sustain'd by its conjunction to the water which was lighter.

14. There are bodies, too, which grow harder and are petrify'd by the mixture of water; either because there wanted moi∣sture to make them coagulate, as it hap∣pens in dry or sandy bodies; or because, by the addition of the extrinsecall moi∣sture, the superfluous humour is suck'd out, in which their inward parts were dis∣solv'd and rendred flaccid; or, lastly, be∣cause the pores of the Compound being constipated without, the internall heat better dries the inward parts.

15. But, when the redundant parts are so very minute in themselves that they are easily rarifyable, they are diffus'd into Flame. And these parts are such as we call fat or aiery, which consist of a thin moi∣sture compacted with minutest dense parts.

16. It falls out, too, that, when the fiery parts within are many and happen upon a convenient moisture, they multiply and encrease themselves without any apparent extrinsecall cause, and open themixt body it self, so that the Vessell cannot contain it, but it boyls and runs over; as we see in the Must of wine and of other fruits: and this kind of action is call'd Fermentation.

17. Sometimes, too, it blazes out in Fire and Flame; as appears in Hay, and o∣ther dry bodies moistned and crowded to∣gether: which comes to passe, by the fiery parts of the dry'd bodies turning the hu∣mid parts into fire, and, at length, by their multitude and compressure, raising a flame.

18. Passion or suffering from Earth is when, either by its weight or some other pressure and hardnesse, a change is made; which, even by this, is understood to be a division, and, commonly, is wrought two ways: For, either the parts of one body are intirely separated, by the interpositi∣on of another body of another nature; or else, only some are joyn'd to others of the same nature, as it happens in liquids when they are swash'd up and down.

19. The first of these divisions is made

severall ways; by breaking, cutting, clea∣ving, pounding, and the like; the other, by hammering, drawing, impression, ben∣ding, compression, and the like: all which appear in themselves to be made, by the motion of hard and dense against soft and rare bodies.

LESSON VIII.

Of Impassibility, Destruction, and the Accidents of Mixt bo∣dies.

1 THose bodies which are esteem'd not to suffer at all, that is, no losse; as Gold, though it melt, yet consumes not; the Asbestus stone is purifi'd by flames and not endamag'd; Hair grows not more flaccid, that is, its parts are not more loos'ned, with water; the Adamant is so call'd, because neither the hammer nor fire can master it: These have got a name, through the unskilful∣nesse of Artificers.

2. For, the Moderns have found out how a Diamant may be resolv'd to dust, nay, even melted: as also, how to make

Gold volatile: the Asbestus, in the very stone, both suffers from a very violent fire, and, when divided into hairs, is able to re∣sist only a moderate one.

3. It appears, consequentially, what must necessarily follow, if fire be apply'd to a confirm'd and establisht body: For, since some parts of a Compound are moi∣ster then the rest, the first efficacy of the fire will be exercis'd upon them; with which, if there be any fiery parts mix'd, those first fly out with the fire, and are call'd Spirits.

4. The next are the moist and more in∣sipid parts, and they are call'd Flegme: Then, the more concocted parts, in which Earth, Fire and Water are well mix'd; and they are call'd Oyls or Sulphurs, and need a strong fire to extract them.

5. That which remains uses, by the Chymists, to be washt in water: wherein they find a more solid part, which sinks down, and this they call Salt; and a lighter part that swimms a top, which they throw away as unusefull; notwithstanding, 'tis dry in the highest degree, and very effica∣cious to fix fluid bodies.

6. But, if a Compound of these two be throughly bak'd in a very strong fire, the

moisture of the Salt is liquifi'd, and the o∣ther being clasp'd into it, and, as it were, swimming in it, so condenses it into a po∣rous body, that it remains alwaies pervious to fire: and such a body is call'd Glasse or vitrify'd.

7. Whence, 'tis clear, that these bodies are in part, made, and, in part, resolved or extracted by the operation of Fire: and that they are not Elements, but Com∣pounds, containing the nature of the whole, as appears by Experience.

8. Out of what has been said, it may be understood, what a mixt body is, viz. A body coagulated of rare and dense parts, in a determinate number, bignesse, and weight.

9. And, when many such unite into one, a certain homogeneous sensible body emerges, serviceable for mans use; though it be seldome so pure, as to be unmixt with others.

10. Hence, again, it appears, that it concerns not a mixt body, of what Figure it be: since, with the same proportion of parts, it may be of any; especially, when one body is compos'd of many little ones. All things, therefore, receive their figure from the circumstances of their Originati∣on.

11. For, since the same things must be produc'd after the same manner; and those that are divers, different ways: the variety of manners occasions the variety of figures.

12. For, that which equally dilates eve∣ry way, becomes spherical; that which di∣lates irregularly, becomes like a Bowl; that which faints in growing longer, be∣comes like a Top.

13. That which cannot extend it self in length, becomes parallelly flat; that which is, in some part, defective in breadth, be∣comes a hexagon, a quadrate, &c. that which cannot dilate it self in breadth, be∣comes oblong. And thus, at large, and in generall, 'tis evident, whence proceed the figures of mixt bodies.

LESSON IX.

Of the Motion of heavy and light bodies, and the Conditions of Acting.

1. FRom what has been said we collect, that, since the Sun either is Fire, or, at least, operates like fire, beating upon

Earth, Water, and all other bodies, with its Rayes; it summons out little bodies, which, sticking to its Rayes, are reflected with them and mov'd from the Centre to∣wards the Circumference.

2. By whose motion, all the rest must, of necessity, presse towards the Earth: and because the Motion of dense bodies is so much the stronger, the denser they are; and descending bodies, the more they de∣scend, the more they repell lesse descend∣ing ones; there must be, wheree're the Sun has any power, a Motion of dense bo∣dies towards the Centre and of rare to∣wards the Circumference; as experience teaches us there is.

3. Whence, first, we see, there can no where be any pure Elements: since, at least, the Rayes of the Sun and the bodies carry'd about with them are mingled eve∣ry where.

4. We see, too, that dense bodies are heavy, and contrarily, rare are light: and that there is not any inclination requisite in bodies, towards the Centre; as is evident by the experience of Pumps, by which, with an easie motion, a great weight of water is rais'd; or, as when we suck a Bullet out of the barrell of a long Gun.

5. We see, moreover, that, since this tumult, of little bodies ascending and descen∣ding, swarm's every where: place any body in it, it must needs be press'd upon by o∣thers every where about it; and the bo∣dies, which are aside on't, must perpetually pierce and enter into it, if they find in it lighter bodies which they can repell from the Centre: Whence, this tumult is even within all bodies, and, by vertue of it, all bodies are mingled.

6. Whence, again, it must needs be, that the thin parts of every body consist in a kind of perpetuall expiration; and con∣sequently, that every body, more or lesse, operates upon and affects other bodies which approach it round about, or acts in a Sphear; as we see by experience, in hot, cold, odoriferous, poys'nous bodies, and in Animals, &c. Every body, therefore, has a certain Sphear of activity, by this moti∣on; and its action depends upon this a∣ction.

7. Again, therefore, since its action is not effected but by an emission of its own parts; 'tis plain, it cannot act upon a di∣stant thing, but by a Medium; as also, that it suffers from that upon which it acts, if it be within that's Sphear of activity: the e∣manations

of the one running, by lines different, from the emanations of the o∣ther.

8. Again, 'tis evident, that, since these emanations are certain minutest particles; in a denser body more will stick to its parts, because its pores are narrow and hard to passe through: wherefore, with greater labour and time, and at the cost of more little particles, a dense body receiv's the nature and similitude of the body a∣cting upon it, retains more strongly, and works more vigorously then if it were rarer.

9. And, hence, the nature of intension and remission is evident; viz. because there are, within the same space, more or fewer of these particles: as also, why, in a denser body, a quality is more inten∣ded.

LESSON X.

Of the Motions of Vndulation, Projection, Reflection, and Re∣fraction.

1. 'TIs consequentiall to what has been said, that Water, stir'd and alter'd,

by any violence, from its planesse and e∣quidistance from the Centre, will not sud∣denly cease its motion and return to rest, though that extrinsecall force be with∣drawn: For, since, by that violence, some of its parts are rais'd higher then they should be; 'tis manifest, that those high∣er parts, by the course of common causes, must presse towards the Centre, and, con∣sequently, thrust others out of their place: wherefore, the motion will continue, 'till every one be restor'd to its own proper place.

2. And, because ther's no motion with∣out a concitation and a certain degree of ve∣locity; therefore, by the very stop of the motion, a new motion will be occasion'd, but weaker and weaker still, till it quite faint away.

3. 'Tis plain, too, that the very same must, of necessity, happen in Aire, if its parts be either condens'd, or stir'd out of their right place.

4. Again, it appears that, if it be thus with the Aire, the same must be expected, too, of any weighty moveable that's car∣ri'd in the Aire: For, since the reason, why such descend not perpendicularly, is, because the progressive motion or the

causes of it are stronger then the causes of descent, at least in part; and, since the moveable has, of it self, no inclination this or that way; it must needs follow the motion of the Aire that's next it. But, since a dense thing mov'd is carri'd more forceably, then a rare body in which it is; the rare body it self, as it gives a begin∣ning to that's motion, so, again, it re∣ceiv's an advance from that: whence it comes to passe, that both the Aire and the moveable continue their motion longer then the Aire alone would.

5. Hence, again, it appears, that Move∣ables (in all other respects alike) the den∣ser they are, the longer they retain their Motion.

6. 'Tis plain, therefore, why Pendents by a thrid fastned above wave up and down, if they be rais'd from the perpendi∣cular and then let drop: for, with their first descent, they move the Aire, follow∣ing it when it ascends and returning with it when it returns, but with a new and a weaker impulse: and so proceed still, till they can stir it no longer.

7. It appears likewise, that, if a Move∣able be violently struck against a hard re∣sister: because the Aire before it must, of

necessity, yield, and that which follows it pushes it on; it will follow the Aire before it, that is, 'twill be reflected from the hard Resister.

8. And this, making equall Angles, at least without any sensible difference: for since an oblique motion is resolv'd into two perpendiculars, which are in a certain proportion, by vertue of the moving cau∣ses, and the Angle is caus'd and emerges out of this proportion; it must needs be that, this proportion remaining, the An∣gle of the result or reflection must needs be the same with that of the impulse or in∣cidence: as in light, where the reflection diminishes not sensibly the force; but, where the reflection notably weakens the force, the angle of reflection will be propor∣tionably lessen'd.

9. But, if the Resister do but partly resist and partly admit, that which is obliquely mov'd will be refracted (as they call it) from the resistance towards the contrary part; that is, at the entring, towards the Perpendicular falling from the mover up∣on the Superficies; at the going out, from the Perpendicular; as experience, confor∣mable to reason, witnesses.

10. You'l object, that Refraction of

light and dense bodies is very different. I answer, all the Experiments I have ever heard of, conclude no such thing.

11. The cause of Restitution is, that those bodies which recover themselves a∣gain are chang'd from length to breadth: but, 'tis known, an extrinsecall superficies, the more equall dimensions it has, the greater Quantity 'tis capable of; whence, the more the longitude exceeds the lati∣tude, so much the more the parts of the imprison'd body are compress'd, whose motion is so much the swifter as they are the more spirituous, and so much the easilyer, too, they are dilated and rarifi'd after they have been compress'd and con∣dens'd by the circumstant causes: and this is that we call Restitution.

12. But, it ordinarily happens that, if they stand too long in bent, they recover not themselves again afterwards: because, either the condens'd parts are rarifi'd, by the expulsion of some of them; or else time has begot some stiffnesse, by the con∣cretion of the parts press'd together, so that now 'tis not so easy for them to re∣turn to their former habit.

13. This doctrine is evident, to the ve∣ry sight in Flesh; which, being press'd, be∣comes

white, the Bloud retiring; but when that returnes, it comes to it self a∣gain and recovers its colour. But Steel, above all things, most swiftly restores it self, because it has a many extremely spiri∣ted particles imprison'd in it.

LESSON XI.

Of the Electricall and Magneticall Attractions of hot bodies.

1. OUt of what has been said, 'tis a∣gain deduc'd, that, since there's a perpetuall issue and sally of some parts, out of bodies abounding with intense heat; and, thereupon, a certain Orbe of Steams: other little bodies must, of neces∣sity, flow in, after the same manner, to the body it self; and consequently, there must be the same tumult about every such body; Les. 9. 2. as we spake of about the Earth.

2. Hence, we see that hot bodies natu∣rally attract those things which are in the Aire about them: Thus, we believe hot Loafs, Onions, Apples, Dogs and Cats &c. draw infection to them, that is, the pestilent vapours which fly in the Aire.

3. But, seeing that Emanations strike the Aire with a certain kind of agitation; those things will be easilyest mov'd with this agitation and brought to the body, which are most sollicited by this stroak, that is, those which are most conformable to the particles that sally out.

4. To which may be added, that such parts, too, will stick faster and easier; and, when they are united, foment the naturall heat of the body; which causes this moti∣on: Thence, we see that Poysons are more easily suck'd out of infected bodies, by o∣ther dry'd poys'nous things; but, best of all, by those very bodies to whom the Poyson to be suck'd out is proper.

5. But, when the parts returning are a∣ny way viscous, little light heterogeniall bodies stick to them, too, by reason of their gluyness, and return with them; as may be seen in Electricall bodies, which lit∣tle straws and dust fly to: And sometimes they rebound again, with a kind of Impe∣tus or vehemency; whence appears, that the Steams of such like bodies are very spi∣rited, and start out with certain impetuo∣sities.

6. Out of these things, it appears, that there is, in a manner, a double nature of

every mix'd body; one, as it were, perfect and fit to be evaporated; another, as it were, imperfect and wanting more con∣coction; which two must, of necessity, be oppos'd to one another, by the diffe∣rences of more and lesse.

7. Now, if we suppose a body so com∣pos'd in its own Nature, as to be plac'd be∣tween two fountains, as it were, of such Steams; it must, of necessity, attain such a disposition, that, on one side, 'twill be apt to receive the one's Emanations, on the other, the other's, and to eject them, a∣gain, by the contrary sides.

8. It will, therefore, have contrary ver∣tues in its extremities; but, in the mid∣dle, an indifferency, at least, in compari∣son to the Ends.

9. Again, its Emanations will be car∣ry'd (against the course of other bodies, which return to their own fountains) still directly on towards their opposite fountain: and the body, too, if it hang so freely that it may more easily follow its Emanations then leave them, will it self be carry'd a∣long with its Emanations.

10. But, if it cannot bear them com∣pany, and yet be plac'd obliquely to the fountain, and at liberty to turn it self;

with the same force 'twill turn it self to the fountain.

11. Moreover, as the fountain acts up∣on it, so this body it self will act upon ano∣ther body of the same kind; but more faintly.

12. Wherefore, since we find by expe∣rience, that a Loadstone receives vertue from the Earth, as we have explicated it; and suffers and acts thus from the Earth and upon Iron, respectively; and besides, the searchers into its nature declare, that all the rest of its wonderfull motions de∣pend on these: the reason of Magneticall Attraction is evident, out of what has been said.

LESSON XII.

Of the generation of more compoun∣ded Bodies, and Plants.

1.* 1.6 1. 'TIs plain, out of what has been explicated above, that, not only the Elements are blended to∣gether to compound a singly-mix'd body; but also many mix'd bodies are united in∣to one more-compounded body: For, since, by the power of their gravity, moist bo∣dies

(which we call Waters) run down from higher to lower places, and, by their running, presse the bodies they meet, loos'ning partly their little particles in passing by, and partly tearing them off a∣long with them; the Water becomes thickned and full of dregs, with many mi∣nutest bodies of divers natures.

2. This Water if it rest in any cavity of the Earth, those little bodies sink down in it; and, whether by heat evaporating the humid parts of the water, or by cold bind∣ing them together, they coagulate, by their clamminesse, into one body appea∣ring homogeneous through the littlenesse of its parts: which, being imperceptible, are so equally mix'd in every the least sen∣sible bulk, that they shew every where throughout the same uniforme nature. And, this is the most simple generation of demix'd bodies.

3. And these bodies, by the fresh ac∣cesse of more water, are increas'd; more of the like matter being added to them by approximation or juxtaposition, as they term it in the Schools.

4. But, if some such thing happen to coagulate, after the fore-said manner, in some concavity not far from the superfi∣cies

of the Earth; of so tender a substance and with so much heat, that it should fer∣ment within it self: it must, of necessity, suck into its very body any moisture a∣bout it, and dilate and concoct it.

5. Wherefore, such a body must needs be increas'd, out of a certain intrinsecall vertue, and with a kind of equality in all its parts, after that manner as they call by intrasumption or receiving in: and so Tar¦tufoli, Potatoes, &c. grow under ground, without shooting any part of themselves above the Earth.

6. But, if the heat overcome, and be a∣ble, by increasing it, to thrust out into the Aire, too, some little particles of this bo∣dy; which must be of the more subtile ones, that is, the best mix'd of hot and moist: this body will have heterogeniall parts, growing together and subservient to one another; and becomes a manifest Plant, having a root within the Earth, and a blade or a stalk above ground.

LESSON XIII.

Of the more universall parts of Plants.

1. 'TIs evident, again, that a Plant, be∣ing expos'd to the Sun and wind, becomes harder and dryer, at least, as to its exteriour parts: whence, it comes to passe, that the Moisture drawn up out of the root, either by the power of the Sun or its own naturall heat, more and gentlyer irrigates and waters its inward parts.

2. Whence proceeds, commonly, a threefold difference in the substance of a Plant: for, the outermost part is hard and call'd the Bark; the innermost is soft, as being that which is last dry'd, and is call'd the Marrow or Pith; lastly, the middle is the very substance of the Plant.

3. But, when Moisture flows in greater abundance out of the root, then can be rais'd up perpendicularly, which is the hardest course of all; it breaks out at the sides, splitting the bark of the Plant, and makes it self a kind of new trunk of the same nature with the former, which we call a Bough, or Branch.

4. But, since the Plant receiv's a heat' variously temper'd with moisture, by the Sun: 'tis plain, when the moisture is best digested, it must necessarily break out in∣to certain Buttons or Nuts; which are concocted by degrees and, from their o∣riginall hardnesse, grow softer by the flow∣ing in of more subtile moisture, and par∣ticipate in another degree, the same diffe∣rences which are in the Stock, to wit, a Skin, Flesh, as it were, and Marrow.

5. Only, because some parts of the juyce are too earthy and, therefore, grow hard; these commonly coagulate be∣tween the Flesh and the Marrow, the Sun drawing out their moisture to the exteri∣our parts.

6. These Buttons, being found in the more perfect Plants, use to be call'd Fruits; and that which has the place of the Mar∣row in them is the Seed of the Tree.

7. It appears, again, that, since the temperaments of heat and moisture are varied without end; there must be, too, infinite other things, as it were, acciden∣tall to Plants, besides what we have men∣tioned.

8. Whence, we see upon some Berries, upon others Thorns, upon some Ioynts,

upon others other things growing; ac∣cording to the divers natures of the parti∣culars that concurre to the breeding them.

9. Leafs are, universally, common to almost all; and are nothing but little di∣stinct sprigs, the distances between which are fill'd up & distended with the same-na∣tur'd moisture: for, 'tis evident, the sub∣stance of wood and almost of every Plant consists of certain thrids, as it were, com∣pacted together; as appears plainly, in the rending them asunder. Moreover, if, before they stick well together, a more a∣bundant moisture flows in; it distends these fibres, and, while the leafs are yet streightned and shut up, makes them en∣wrap one another as it were, cylindrically, like a bark.

10. When they peep into the Aire, by little and little, the fibres grow stiffe and streight and stretched farther out, and the leaf unfolds it self; becoming, according to the order of the fibres, broader one way, longer in the middle, and, as it de∣clines from the middle, the figure still a∣bates in longitude: they are split, where the fibres do not joyn together: to con∣clude, from them and the moisture which

connects them, the leafs receive their fi∣gure.

11. It appears, again, that Flowers are a kind of leafs; but of the more spirited and oyly parts: therefore, they are light, odoriferous, and short-liv'd, and, in Trees, they are the forewarners of the Fruit.

LESSON XIV.

Of the Accidents of Plants.

1. OUt of the figure of the parts, the figure of the whole Plant is fit∣ted and proportion'd. The Trunk, which is the principall part, most commonly grows up like a Cylinder, or rather like a Cone, because upwards still it grows smaller, and abates in latitude.

2. When it deviates from this figure, the reason may be easily collected out of the figure of the root or seed. Those which have a weak stock or Trunk do not grow erect, but either run upon the ground, or else are rais'd up and sustain'd by others, and get a spirall figure, like the winding about a Cylinder.

3. For, the naturall motion of Plants being upwards, by force of the heat and

sting out of the Earth; and the Trunk, by reason of its weaknesse, not being able to bear much: it bows towards the Earth, and strives to rise again as much as 'tis a∣ble; & so imitates the figure of a serpent creeping. But, if the stemme cling to some prop that may help it upwards; it elevates it self, not directly, or in a straight line, but, as well as it can, winding round about the sides on't.

4. Again; because we see ther's both a kind of annuall and diurnall, as it were, flux and reflux of heat from the Sun: some Plants are but of a day's life; as certain Flowers, which, the same day, blow and wither.

5. Very many last not above a year; and then are repair'd again, either by shed∣ding their seed, or by the reviving of their fountain, the root; or else by the very temperature of the soil. Others of a more constant substance, do not only sustain themselves, but increase for many years. Others, again, even out-last Ages.

6. All have the same reason of their life and death: their life and increase con∣sists in a due proportion of moisture with heat; where this fails, they faint and con∣sume away.

7. A Plant dies, either because the Sun, sucking the moisture out of the upper parts of the Earth, has not left wherewith to moisten the root: or, because too much moisture overflowing the root without a proportionable heat, has too much dis∣solv'd and diffus'd the vertue of it; so that the Sun supervening has extracted its ve∣ry radicall heat, before it could increase and supply it self:

8. Or else, because, by little and little, earthy and feculent parts, cleaving to the root, have obstructed the passage of the moysture to the inward parts of it: And this way of death, because it follows out of the very action of life, seems more pro∣perly to bear the denomination of old Age and a naturall way to death.

9. Out of the same principles, 'tis appa∣rent, why severall parts of the same Plant produce such contrary effects: For, since, in the nourishing of the Plant there is a kind of perpetuall streining and separa∣ting of the parts of the Aliment, most of the parts of the same nature must, of ne∣cessity, run together to one and the same place and part: Whence, the severall parts of the plant are compos'd of heterogeniall particles of the nutritive moisture; yet,

more or lesse sated, too, with the temper and seasoning imbib'd in the root: Thus, therefore, 'tis consonant to reason, that a Plant should be compos'd of contraries and things that have contrary vertues.

10. The same way we come to under∣stand the Sympathy and Antipathy which is found in divers Plants: for, since 'tis cer∣tain that every Plant, to its measure, has a certain Orbe of vapours always encom∣passing it, (as is evident, in some, by the fmell issuing from them,) and some Plants must needs consist of contrary natures; if the weaker happen to be planted within the Sphear of the stronger, that corrupts and kills it with the stroaks of its vapours which besiege it; but, if the stronger be of a nature that is a friend to it, by the same stroaks it grows more lively and fruitfuller.

LESSON XV.

Of the generation and augmentation of Animals.

1. ANd because, the more fervent the heat is and the moisture more fi∣gurable, (that is, in a certain pro∣portion,

neither resisting division, and yet easily consistent) the Plant is divided into so many the more members and joynts: 'tis evident, if there be so much heat as to exhale fumes out of the moisture, and make it actually fluid, the little branches, through which it flows and wherein 'tis contain'd, will of necessity become hol∣low. And since, by force of the heat, the Moisture is refin'd into watry and oyly parts, the earthy remaining still below: it comes to passe that there are found three, as it were, severall, but subordinate, foun∣tains of Moisture in the same Plant; and, from every one of these their branches, and, in them, their own proper Moistures are deriv'd.

2. Among which, those that savour of Water are the more remote, and more fit to form the exteriour parts of the Plant; and the enclosed humour is more apt for those effects which are perform'd by rare∣faction and condensation.

3. Those which savour of Oyle are fit∣ter for Augmentation; as being of a kind of middle nature, and conformable to all the parts. Lastly, the Earthy, for the Con∣servation of the whole Plant in a due tem∣perament, by the mixture of heat; which

the more solid parts are more susceptible of and longer hold.

4. Again, because the watry parts are very thin and, as it were, in a middle be∣tween Water and Aire, in those long and narrow channells; 'tis clear that they are both extremely passive of every impres∣sion from without, and transmit it to their fountain or head.

5. And, because their head has a conne∣ction with the principall fountain; for the most part, the same passion will passe on e∣ven to that: in which, the heat being ve∣ry acute and spritely, and, consequently, capable of sudden motion; a change in the Plant, proportionable to its nature, will necessarily follow the impression made upon it.

6. This Plant, therefore, will have these two qualities: to be stir'd up, as it were, and irritated with all occurrences from without; and this very principle or head thus irritated, will have power to move a∣ny part of the Plant out of its present site into another, according to the manner and measure of the irritation.

7. Which two, making up that whereby we distinguish living Creatures from such as have no life, namely this, that, upon all

occurrences from without, they can move themselves; 'tis evident, that the name of an Animal or living Creature agrees to this Plant: We have, therefore, an Ani∣mal, consisting of three principles, a Heart, a Liver and Brain; watred with three ri∣vers, of the Vitall and Animal spirits and the Bloud; by the three various Chan∣nels of the Arteries, Veins and Nerves.

8. But, because all things are increas'd by the same things whereof they are made; and all mix'd bodies are compos'd of the Elements; 'tis clear, that Animals may be increas'd by all bodies, so that they be furnisht with fit instruments to make the necessary transmutations.

9. But, some bodies are of a harder transmutation, others of an easier: where∣fore, bodies ought to be chosen fit for the food of the Animal; and those that are chosen should again be resolv'd into parts, that the best may be taken and the worse rejected; and this, as oft as is neces∣sary, that is, till such are chosen as, by mere concoction and mixing with the hu∣mours of the Animal, may be reduc'd into a substance like it. Now, whilst the fibres are distended with this moisture, both they are strengthned by it and the spaces

between them are fill'd up: and, thus, the Animal becomes bigger.

10. And, because this is brought about by concoction; those bodies which have not yet arriv'd to the degree of the Ani∣mal, must needs be the most connaturall Aliment.

LESSON XVI.

Of the Motion of the Heart, and some consequents of it.

1. AGain, because the Heart has heat and moisture in it, and moisture boyls with heat, and is turn'd into fumes; 'tis manifest, the same moi∣sture does not remain constantly in the heart, but, being resolv'd by the heat, is cast out by the motion of the Heart, swag∣ging down and shutting it self with its own weight, till 'tis open'd again and swell'd with other moisture flowing into it.

2. There is, therefore, a continuall flux of moisture through the heart; which, heated in it and then cast out to be di∣spers'd through the Animal, conserv's it in a due temperament of heat.

3. Out of what has been said, may be understood, what a Disease and the Cure of it is: for, when any part is indispos'd, so that unwholesome vapours fume out of it, they, mix'd with the bloud, overrun and discompose, as much as they can, the whole body and the very Heart it self.

4. And, according as these vapours do more frequently rise to such a bulk, that they are able vehemently to assail the whole Animal; so much the frequenter are the Fits of the Disease. And thus, some are continuall, and others have intermissi∣ons; some every other day, some tertians, some quotidians, &c.

5. And the true nature and Method of Curing is, To seek out the part origi∣nally ill-affected, and apply remedies to that.

6. Thus, too, it appears, how Physick expells one certain determinate humour out of the whole body: for a Drug, &c. being concocted in the Ventricle, which has a power of dissolving and rendring fluid a certain humour of the body, its vertue is diffus'd through all the Veins by the fore-explicated Motion of the Heart; whence, it comes to passe that, being pro∣vok'd to stool, that humour rather and

more then any others follows out of all the members; or, if the Physick be dia∣phoreticall, that will sweat out more then any of the rest.

7. Lastly, 'tis clear, since an Animal is a Plant; by the highest concoction, a Seed or compendium of its nature may be fra∣med in it as well as in Plants: which, duly ejected into a congruous ambient body, may spring up into a new Animal.

8. Now, this seed coagulates first into a Heart, then into a Brain, and at length into a Liver: out of every one of which their own proper little Channels spring; as is observ'd by those that pry artificially into these things.

LESSON XVII.

Of the progressive Motion of Ani∣mals.

1. OUt of what has been said, it may evidently be concluded that, since the Heart is mov'd natu∣rally and, by its motion, presses out a fu∣my humour, which they use to call the Spirit, into the Channels connected with

it self and into the bodies joyn'd to it: and the Flesh is fibrous, viz. certain parts constipated together of a world of minu∣test fibres sticking to one another: and since, if a connaturall moisture, especially being warm, get into such a body, it makes it swell and, of thin, become thicker, of long, shorter: It comes to passe that the Members, whether consisting of such fi∣bres or knit together by them, attain some kind of locall Motion, by that irrigation from the Heart.

2. Again, the Channels, especially if they are extremely little, will swell, too, and become shorter.

3. Since, therefore, 'tis apparent, that there flow abundance of Spirits from the Heart to the Brain; and again, that, from the Brain through the whole body, most∣subtilly-hollow nerves are extended to all the members, and lose themselves by their dispersion, as it were, in the Muscles: 'Tis plain, the Muscles will swell with these spi∣rits, as oft as the Heart overflows; and consequently, become shorter, and the parts adhering to them be drawn back∣wards to the head of the Muscles; and, which clearly follows, all the extremities of the body be mov'd, from the motion of

the Heart, according to what is convenient to its nature.

4. It follows, too, how certain other members, which have no Nerves but only fibres, have motions of their own; which consist almost in nothing else but in con∣traction and dilatation: For, the fibres being made shorter by their irrigation, they draw the body with them into that fi∣gure which follows out of their contracti∣on; which, when the fibres are trans∣vers'd, is dilatation, when other ways set, contraction.

5. Again, hence appears how the pro∣gressive motion of an Animal is effected: For, an Animal which is mov'd by walk∣ing, whilst it stands still, has the Centre of its gravity set directly to the Centre; but, when it sets a foot any way, it inclines the centre of its gravity, and consequently its whole body, that way; till, transferring the other foot, it sets it down too: and this often repeated is walking.

6. But, one that leaps, when he has contra∣cted the superiour or fore-parts to the in∣feriour or hinder-parts; suddenly pouring out spirits through convenient Nerves, he thrusts the fore-parts forwards, with such a force that the hinder-parts follow them.

7. Something like this is the creeping of feetlesse Creatures: for, fixing their breast or some other part, they bow their back∣bone or that which serv's in stead of it, and so draw the hinder to the fore-parts; then, fixing some of their hinder-parts to the Earth, they advance their fore-parts, by straightning again their back.

8. Swimming is made out of leaping: for, it being effected by the Instrument's first being crook'ned and then straight∣ned again; by the resisting Water the bo∣dy is pusht forward: and, the same hap∣pens in flying.

9. Now, the body being heavier then the Medium in a certain proportion, and consequently, obliged to spend a certain time in descending; and the adventitious Motion making the Medium strain with more vehemence against that motion of the body downwards, or according to the centre of its gravity: 'tis plain, such a bo∣dy will not sink.

LESSON XVIII.

Of the five senses of Animals.

1. OUt of what has been said, it ap∣pears, that there are certain Channels spread through the whole body of an Animal, full of a kind of aiery humour; and that they are long and narrow: whence, the least impression made in any extremity of the body must needs, in a moment, run to their fountain, the Brain; and, thence descend to the Heart. These channels, therefore, being any way obstructed, the Animal is sensible of no∣thing without.

2. And, since bodies that make impres∣sion, either do it by their immediate selves, or else by the mediation of some o∣ther body; and, those that act by their immediate selves, either do it in their proper bulk, or broken into parts, or by naturall emissions; and those bodies, by the mediation whereof universally one body acts upon another, are either Aire, or Fire, or light which we see every body bandies against another: It follows, that an Animal, if it be perfect, may be affected

these five ways by the things about it.

3. And, because 'tis evident that these five ways are distinct; the Animal, too, it self will have five distinct dispositions, by which it will be apt to receive these five impressions; to chuse the things that are congruous and refuse those that are noxi∣ous, both in its food and other things be∣longing to its conservation.

4. Again, because these impressions are different; 'tis fit the Organs that are to re∣ceive them be plac'd in severall parts of the Animal: Animals, therefore, have five Senses.

5. 'Tis apparent, too, that the Senses are nothing but certain different degrees of Touches: For, the parts of the same bo∣dy must needs make only a more subtile stroak, of the same nature with the stroak of the whole.

6. And, hence, we distinguish the dif∣ferences of Tasts; so, as, that one pricks, another cutt's, another brushes, another smooth's: the differences of Smels, too, are a-kin to Tasts.

7. But, the differences of Sounds are the same with those of Motions; distin∣guisht by swiftnesse and slownesse, by big∣nesse and smalnesse, Lastly, 'tis evident,

that Fire or Light make stroaks too, by its Activity upon other bodies.

8. It appears, farther, of what nature the Senses must be, and where situated. For, the Touch, being to receive the ex∣cesse of those qualities whereof the body of the Animal consists, requires nothing but a middling kind of Moisture, or the naturall quality of that vapour which fills the Channels; and therefore, like them, 'tis diffus'd through the whole body.

9. The Tast, because it requires a Moist∣nesse which may dissolve the minutest parts, needs an abundance of Moisture, and a site where the food may be dissected. The Smell, by which Aire chiefly enters in∣to the body, requires a site and Organ where the vapours may stick, that, being constipated together, they may act the more powerfully.

10. The Hearing and Sight require a situation near the Brain; in an eminent place, where Motion and Light may come to them more pure; and Organs, which may multiply Light by refraction and Motion by reflection.

11. Nor is it lesse evident, that the Sen∣sation is perfected in that part of the Or∣gan, where chiefly resides that vertue for

which the Sense was made; that is, to transferre to the Brain the action of a bo∣dy without: If the black of the Eye, the hammer of the Eare, the pulp of the Nose doe this; the Sensation also must be plac'd in them.

12. It appears, too, why the Senses are believ'd to consist in a kind of Spirituality and abstraction from matter: For, since they are ordain'd by nature, only that the Animal may be mov'd; the stroak of sen∣sible things is so thin and subtile, that it changes not the quality of the Organ sen∣sibly, and, therefore, 'tis not believ'd to be materiall.

13. And, hence, too, the Sensible object is commonly believ'd to be in the Sense, not as something of the same nature or contrary to it, but purely as another thing; by which mistake, Sensation is thought to be a kind of knowledge.

LESSON XIX.

Of the Objects of the Senses.

1. LAstly, it appears, wherein consists the being Objects of Sense: for, Touchable things, 'tis plain, are the first Qualities, or those which are im∣mediately

deriv'd from them: Tastable things, conformable to nature, are Sweets; and must necessarily consist, as the nature it self does, in a moderate heat and moi∣sture, or, of the degree proper to the Ani∣mal.

2. From this temper, other Savours in∣cline, too much, towards cold and heat, or moisture and drynesse: as salt, sharp and bitter things tast too much of heat; re∣stringent, crabbed, of cold; sour, bitter and sharp, of drynesse; insipid, of moi∣sture. Proportion'd to this is the account of Smells.

3. Sounding things are dry and trem∣bling, which are easily wav'd up and down: but, soft things hinder Sound.

4. Since Colours strike the Eye, their na∣ture must consist in a vertue to reflect Light; that is, in a density & constipation of parts, and in having a many-corner'd fi∣gure: And these commonly favour of cold and drynesse; and their opposites, of moisture and heat.

5. Lastly, Light it self (and dilated flame, if wee'l suppose it repell'd from the Object to the Eyes, must necessarily doe the same as Light) will represent the figure of a thing by intershadow'd stroaks up∣on

the Organ, and strike, more or lesse, ac∣cording to the nature of that which re∣flects it: if it passe through a triangular glasse, it will receive and carry to the Eye the same varieties, that is, differences of Colours.

6. But, that light, too, does those things which are proper to fire, (viz. to dry, to burn, to be reflected, refracted, collected, dispers'd, produced and extin∣guisht,) is so clear, that it cannot be doub∣ted but light is fire.

7. Nor imports it against this, That it seems to be mov'd in an instant, That it fills the whole Aire, That it penetrates so∣lid bodies, as glasse, &c. for, these things seem so only, through the defect of our Senses; which perceive not its motion, nor those little spaces by which the Aire is se∣parated from the light, nor the pores of those bodies through which it passes.

LESSON XX.

Of Knovvledge and Memory.

1. FArther, it appears, that these Moti∣ons, when they strike against the destin'd part of the Brain, in which knowledge is produc'd; though it be fat∣ty and clammy, according to the nature of the Brain, yet are they repell'd from it, because frequent new impulses charge up∣on the same point.

2. Those little bodies, therefore, re∣treat thence, carrying away with them some little particle of the Brain which sticks to them; and wander up and down in the ventricles of the brain, till they rest upon the bottome or stick to the sides.

3. Whence, being rub'd off, as it were with a brush, by the motion of the Spirits, when there's occasion; they swimme a∣gain, and are brought back to that part which is the fountain of knowledge.

4. The first stroak produces Know∣ledge; the later, actuall Memory; which, if it be made by design, is call'd Remem∣brance.

5. Again; since Motion requires that

the Nerves be well fill'd with Spirits, and that the extrinsecall parts be strong; but Sensation needs only a clam and clear dis∣position of the Humour contain'd in those Nerves: 'tis plain, both that there may be Sensation without Motion, and Motion without Sensation.

6. It appears, too, why the Memory is set a work by the Similitude, as also by the connection of Objects: For, since, in a li∣quid body, things that are alike naturally gather together, and are apt to stick to one another; and, since those things which enter together and at once must ne∣cessarily attain a kind of connection, which is easily preserv'd in the clammy na∣ture of the Brain; when, by any means, they are brought again to the fountain of sensation, they must needs meet there to∣gether, and in a kind of Order.

7. But, since contraries use to enter to∣gether into the internall sense, and make one another more taken notice of; 'tis plain, if Hunger provokes the Animal, 'twill remember Meat, if Thirst, Drink, if Seed, the Female. Whence, it appears, that Pas∣sion and Will stir up the Memory: as also o∣ther causes, too, which, by pouring in spirits, sweep or brush, as it were, the

Brain; and for that these causes do this by accident, they are all comprehended under the name of Chance.

8. It appears, again, that they, whose brain is of a thin and hot constitution, ea∣sily apprehend, conjecture happily, opine rash∣ly and changeably: they, whose dispositi∣on is more dry and thin, have a good Me∣mory and rememberance too, but opine light∣ly and changeably.

9. They that have a temperate Brain, have the best judgement: since, they look upon many things, before they establish their Opinion; and, for the same reason, they are not changeable.

10. Lastly, since, by the stroaks of Ob∣jects, some litle particle is still taken off and carry'd away from the brain: when the same returns again, it must needs ap∣pear that we have been sensible of that be∣fore.

LESSON XXI.

Of Sleep and Dreams.

1. IT appears farther, that, since the Nerves must needs be distant from that part of the brain wherein Sen∣sation is produc'd; it may fall out, that,

the motion by the Nerves being obstru∣cted, there may yet a Motion proceed, from some part of the brain to the know∣ing part: and then, some things will ap∣pear to the Animal to be, as if it had re∣ceiv'd them by its Senses, when yet it did not receive them.

2. This stopping of the Senses is called Sleep; and such apparitions, Dreams: An Animal, therefore, will sleep and dream sometimes.

3. But, because there's no necessity, that all the Senses or Nerves must be stop'd at once; 'twill happen, that an Animal may partly sleep and partly wake: Whence, it comes to passe that, the Nerves of the Tongue being left unstop'd, some talk in their Dreams; and, if the Nerves for hea∣ring, too, be unstop'd, that they answer to those that speak to them; or, if there be no obstruction towards the Marrow in the Back-bone, they walk, too, and use their hands.

4. When, therefore, some of the Sen∣ses are at liberty, Dreams may be pro∣vok'd by them: another way, by some na∣turall disposition, which affects the heart, and makes a motion in the brain confor∣mable to that impression: or, lastly, by

much precedent thinking, objects may be stirr'd up and down, too, in ones Sleep.

5. But, a Man being in a manner quiet in his Sleep, he happens sometimes to judge more truly of things he sees, in his sleep, then when awake: For the Soul un∣disturb'd, of its own nature, more clearly perceiv's the force of the Objects playing up and down before it, to discover Truth; and unperceiv'dly orders them: Hence, it comes to passe, that, sometimes, we dis∣cern, in our Sleep, future or absent things, which we could not find out nor pierce in∣to, by consideration, or discourse, when we were awake.

6. And, the same may be the case of Fools, Mad and Melancholy persons; though 'tis very rare and to be esteem'd prodigi∣ous, and they have a great many falsities mixt withall: whence, neither are these ap∣paritions to be confided in; nor is it pos∣sible there should be any Art of Divinati∣on by Dreams.

LESSON XXII.

Of Passions and the expression of them.

1. FArther, 'tis deducible, that, since impressions made in the Brain are convey'd, by a short and open way, to the Heart; they must, necessarily have an effect, too, in the Heart, conforma∣ble to the natures of both.

2. Since, therefore, the heart redounds with hot spirits: as we see a little drop of red wine, dropd into water, diffuses it self into the water and changes it, according to its nature; so, the impression of these little bodies will have the like effect upon the fumes of the heart.

3. Hence, again, it proceeds, that the motion of the heart, through these, be∣comes sometimes freer and better, some∣times worse; and that these very quali∣ties passe into the Pulse, whence, according to the variety of Passions, the Pulse va∣ries.

4. Again, Passions must needs differ by dilatation and constriction: for, by a con∣formable

Object, the Spirits of the heart are made more rare, whence, the heart more freely enjoys its motion; by things disagreeable to Nature, the Spirits become more crasse and heavy, and the heart is, as it were, oppress'd.

5. Again; since an absent Object does not equally affect, with a present one; these motions will be more remisse in its absence then in its presence: whence, we deduce four differences of Passions; Ioy and Grief, for a present good or evil; Hope and Fear, for them absent.

6. Anger is, in a manner, mixt of a pre∣sent evil and future good: and, 'tis the most violent of all the Passions; because, so mething that's contrary to it falling in∣to an abundance of hot bloud, produces a most swift effect; just as when some∣thing moist and cold falls into molten Metall.

7. Again, because the Spirits, flowing at that time out of the heart to the brain, retain that nature they had receiv'd in the heart; in the brain it self they gather to them those Phantasms that are conforma∣ble to them: whence, the Animal must, of necessity, be much fixt upon that thought, and not easily admit any other then

such as are conformable to its Passion.

8. And, because the heart is joyn'd to the Pericardium, and the Pericardium to the Diaphragm; and the Diaphragm is fur∣nisht with an eminent Nerve, and is movea∣ble within it self: it comes to passe, that e∣very motion of the heart flow's, by the Diaphragm, into the neighbouring parts of the body, and all the motions of them all return again, by its Nerve, to the brain; and, so, beget a sense of that grief or plea∣sure which the heart is affected with. Whence, too, without any externall Sen∣sation, but by thinking only, an Animal may be delighted and incourag'd to a∣ction.

9. Again, because, by repeating either the stroaks of Objects or very Thoughts, there grows a great multitude of Phan∣tasms of the same thing, in the brain; and, in like manner, the heart often agitated by such like causes in a certain motion, gets an aptitude to be easily mov'd so: there grows, both in the brain and in the heart, a certain constancy and facility of knowing and doing; in which consists the notion of Intellectuall and Morall habits, as far as they are grounded in the body.

10. Lastly, since, by the motion of the

Diaphragm, the breathing is alter'd; and breathing, express'd out of a hollow place through a narrow passage, is apt to yield a Voice, by reason of the multiplication of its processions, occasion'd by the reflecti∣on of the cavity: it comes to passe, that the Voice of Animals is altered by the vari∣ety of their Passions; and so, in grief, they expresse one Voice, another in hope, ano∣ther in joy.

LESSON XXIII.

Of the communicating Affections to others.

1. FArther, it appears, that, since, all Sensations (whether of those things which affect the body from with∣out, or those we are sensible of because one part of the body affects another,) are produc'd in a certain site to the Organ of Sensation, that is, in a right or the natu∣rall line of Motion, from the Entries of the Nerves to the place of Sensation: It follows, that, when we think of the same things, they must be in the very same site and posture; whence, it comes to passe,

that, in Dreams, and in Distraction of mind we seem to see the very things themselves before us.

2. 'Tis apparent, therefore, they are in a fit situation for this, viz. to be press'd, by the motion made by the heart, into the same Nerves: whence it follows, that, by the thinking on any Object, the nerves are just so mov'd as when the Senses convey it; and consequently, the same action is apt to follow.

3. And, thus we see, Laughing and Ga∣ping, &c. proceed from seeing others doe so; as love and hatred from hear∣say.

4. Hence, it comes to passe, that blear∣ey'dnesse and other distorsions of the Members are often deriv'd from behold∣ing others: that contagious Diseases, too, (for which some disposition in the body prepares the way) are attracted and, as it were, suck'd in, by fear: and, that other Diseases, which the retraction of a humour to some certain parts produces, are intro∣duc'd by mere sight or imagination only.

5. Again, because the members of the body are connected, and the exteriour depend upon the interiour; these opera∣tions cannot be produc'd, but that, by∣connection,

the exteriour members must some way be chang'd: and thus, we see, all the Passions shew themselves in the countenance and actions of Animals; up∣on which depends the principles of Physi∣ognomy.

6. Again; because usuall Motions ren∣der the Organs apt for such motions: it comes to passe, that, in generation, the like dispositions are oft transfer'd to the issue, and the Off-spring becomes like the Pa∣rent, both in its naturall operations and those which depend upon Sensation; nay, even in some triviall things, too, as in Warts, in hookednesse of nose, and the like.

7. Moreover, since the issue in the womb derives its nourishment from the Mother, 'tis no wonder if the desires of the Mother, at that time, passe into the issue: as, if they long for wine or whatever other food or pleasure, that the issue should suck in such a disposition as to be obnoxi∣ous to the same things all their lives.

8. Again, since such longings fix a vehe∣ment resemblance of the things in the Fancy; and terrour, too, or any violent passion does the same; and that image is made by Motion: 'tis no wonder that the

Spirits of the Mother tremble with the same motion, even as far as to the Issue it self; and that, as light with its stroak, paints in a glasse the reflected Image of a body, so this Image should, in the little tender body of an Infant, and where-ever it finds matter apt to preserve it, leave an image fixt in the flesh, as it were a Mark of that desire.

9. And, because, too, the Infant is ne∣ver more tender then at the first commix∣tion of the Father and Mother's Seeds, and women, in the conjugall act, especial∣ly some, are very passive: 'tis no wonder, if a violent apprehension of their's, in that conjuncture, often changes the complexi∣on of the Issue; the Female Seed recei∣ving a kind of proper stamp, from the image which possesses the Mother's fancy.

LESSON XXIV.

Of the seeming-rationall Actions of Animals.

1. 'TIs plain, again, that Animals must, of necessity, operate seem∣ing-reasonably, or like Reason: For, since the work of nature is the work

of THAT REASON which fram'd nature; the effects of Nature must needs be the works of the same Reason, and resemble the manner of Reason's working.

2. Again; some of their operations must needs exceed those which Reason works in us: For, since they spring from a REASON which transcends ours, 'tis but consequentiall, that they should tran∣scend the effects of our Reason; as ap∣pears in Generation, which we understand not how 'tis done, even when we doe it; as neither could a Man tell the houres of the day as a Clock does, which yet is it self but a work of our Reason.

3. It appears, too, whence proceed the Antipathies and Sympathies of Animals: viz. partly, out of the naturall disposition of contrary qualities,* 1.7 as in Plants: partly, out of an apprehension of evil joyn'd with the Object; which sometimes takes its rise in the Pa∣rents, and is transmitted to the Issue, out of the disposition of the Parents body.

4. Farther, the vertuous Actions of A∣nimals, as those of ove of Glory, Grati∣tude, Generosity, &c. are nothing but such materiall impetuosities; which, be∣cause we feel in our selves joyn'd with ver∣tue,

we, therefore, believe to be just so, too, in Animals.

5. Lastly, their concatenated and order∣ly-proceeding actions are the effects, partly, of fore-going actions, partly, of the dis∣position of the circumstant bodies; as they may find by experience, whoever have the leisure to observe a Dunghill Hen: The admiration of which actions ought not to stop at the Animals, but at their Maker; who has fram'd such a con∣catenation, out of which the Effect fol∣lows after so many Causes.

6. And, thus much may suffice about Animals, in common. MAN three things raise above the Crowd: in his Internall Sense, That he can order, and rummige for, and own, & use the Instruments of Know∣ledge: in his Tongue and Voice, That they do not purely expresse his Passion, but even his Mind, too: in his Body, That he has Hands, an Instrument not fitted to any one determinate operation, but de∣stin'd to a kind of universality of Acting. But, in these three, there's nothing re∣quires a Comment.

Notes

• * 1.1

  El. 6.
• * 1.2

  Pr. 10.
• * 1.3

  Euclid. El. 6. Pr. 19. El. 12. Pr. 18.
• * 1.4

  Less. 3.
• * 1.5

  Numb. 13.
• * 1.6

  Less. 6. n. 4.
• * 1.7

  Less. 14. n. 10.