The works of the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq., epitomiz'd by Richard Boulton ... ; illustrated with copper plates.

THE WORKS Of the HONOURABLE ROBERT BOYLE, Esq EPITOMIZED. (Book 1)

BOOK I. (Book 1)

CHAP. I. Considerations and Experiments concerning the Origin of Forms and Qualities.

* 1.1THAT before I descend to a more particular Consideration of the Do∣ctrin of Forms and Qualities, I may premise some General Apprehen∣sions of the Doctrin, to be collated with, and to be either confirm'd, or disprov'd by what follows of Particular Forms and Qualities; I will, at the Entrance, give you a short Ac∣count of our Hypothesis, compriz'd in the Eight following Particulars. We teach then (but without peremptorily asserting it)

* 1.2I. That the Matter of all Natural Bodies is the same, Namely, a Substance Extended, Divi∣sible and Impenetrable.

* 1.3II. That since there could be no change in Matter, if all its Parts were perpetually at rest amongst themselves, to discriminate the Catho∣lick Matter of the Universe, into a Variety of Natural Bodies, it must have Motion in some or all its Parts, which Motion must be variously determined.

And though it is manifest to Sense, That there is Local Motion in Matter, yet Motion is not congenite to Matter, nor coeval with it, Local Motion being not included in the Nature of Matter, which is as much Matter when at rest as in Motion: And though it be hotly dis∣puted, How Matter came by that Motion, by those who acknowledge not an Author of the Universe; yet, since a Man is not the worse Naturalist, for not being an Atheist, we allow that the Origin of Motion in Matter is from GOD; and that, since it is unfit to be believ'd, that Matter in Motion left to it self, should ca∣sually constitute this Beautiful and Orderly World,* 1.4 it is not amiss to think, That the Wise Author of Things, guided the first Motions of the small Parts of Matters so, that they might convene after a Manner requisite to compose the World, and especially did contrive those Curious and Elaborate Engins, the Bodies of Living Animals, enduing most of them with a Power of propagating their Species. But to pass by such Notions, I shall proceed to what re∣mains requisite to explicate the Origin of Forms

and Qualities, as soon as I have taken Notice, That Local Motion seems to be indeed the Princi∣pal amongst Second Causes, and the Grand Agent of all that happens in Nature; Bulk, Figure, Rest, Situation and Texture, being the Effects of Mo∣tion, or the Conditions and Requisites, which Modifie the Operation, as in a Watch, or Key, it is Motion that makes all the other Requisites useful.

* 1.5III. That Matter being Naturally by a va∣riously determined Motion, divided into Parts, each of those Parts must needs have a peculiar Size and Shape: So that there are three Essen∣tial Properties, or Primary Affections of the Parts of Matter, Magnitude, Shape, and either Rest or Motion; the two first of which may be call'd Inseparable Accidents: Inseparable, because Bodies extended and finite, cannot be devoid of a Determinate Shape; Accidents: because that whether Physical Agents may have a Power to alter the Shapes, or subdivide Bodies or not, yet mentally they may do both without destroying the Essence of that Matter.

* 1.6Whether these Accidents may be call'd the Modes, or Primary Affections of Bodies, to di∣stinguish them from those more compound Qua∣lities (as Colours, Tastes, and Odours) or the Conjuncts of the smallest Parts of Matter, I shall not now determine; only one thing which is taught by the Modern Schools concerning Acci∣dents; Namely, That there are in Natural Bo∣dies Real Qualities, and other Real Accidents, which are no Modes of Matter, but Entities di∣stinct from it, and which may exist separate from all Matter. To clear this Point, we must take

Notice, That Accident is used in two several Senses; for sometimes it is opposed to the fourth Predicable (Property) and is defined, That which may be Present or Absent, without the Destruction of the Subject; as a Man may be sick or well, yet a Man: And this is call'd Accidens Praedicabile, to distinguish it from what they call Accidens Praedicamentale, which is opposed to Substance; and as Substance is commonly defined to be a thing that subsists of it self, and is the Subject of Accidents; so Accident is said to be Id cujus esse est inesse: And therefore Aristotle, who usually calls Substances 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Entities, calls Accidents 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Entities of Entities, these needing a Subject of Inhaesion. And we are likewise to take Notice, That, according to them, That is said to be in a Subject, which hath these three Condi∣tions; That however it (1) be in another thing, (2) is not in it as a part, and (3) cannot exist sepa∣rately. This premised, it will appear easily, that if they will not allow these Accidents to be Modes of Matter, but Entities really distinct from it; they make them indeed Accidents in Name, but represent them under such a Notion, as belongs only to Substances, the Nature of a Substance con∣sisting in this, that it can subsist of it self. So that we may consider, when a Bowl runs along or lies still, that Motion or Rest, or Globous Fi∣gure, are not any parts of the Bowl, nor real and Physical Entities distinct from it, but certain Modifications, and several Capacities in relation to the Matter of that Bowl.

An Excursion about the Relative Nature of Physical Qualities.

* 1.7BUT because this Notion about the Nature of Qualities may be of some importance, I shall illustrate it a little further. We may con∣sider then, That whoever was the first Inventor of Locks and Keys, they both consisted of a piece of Iron, of a determinate Figure; but in respect of the Congruity betwixt the Wards of the Locks, and those of the Keys, they each of them obtained new Capacities; it being a peculiar Faculty of the Key to unlock, as of the Lock to be unlocked by it; yet by these new Attri∣butes, no real or Physical Entities were added, either to the Lock or Key: so those Qualities, which we call Sensible, tho' by virtue of a Con∣gruity or Incongruity in point of Figure or Tex∣ture to our Sensories, the portions of Matter they modifie, are enabled to produce various Effects, upon whose account we make Bodies to be en∣dued with Qualities, yet they are not in those Bodies any real distinct Entities, or different from the Matter it self, furnished with such a de∣terminate Bigness, Shape, or other Mechanical Modifications. It is reckoned amongst the prin∣cipal Properties of Gold, that it is dissoluble in Aqua Regis; and if one should invent another Menstruum, that will in part dissolve pure Gold, yet the Nature of Gold is not at all different now, from what it was before either of those Men∣struums were invented, there no new real En∣tities accruing to it, without the Intervention

of a Physical Change in the Body it self, by the Addition of these Attributes.

* 1.8There are some Bodies neither Cathartick, nor Sudorifick, with some of which Gold, being em∣bodied, acquires a Purging Virtue, and with others Diaphoretick Qualities; and Nature her self doth, either Artificially, or by Chance, produce so many things, that have new Relations unto others: And, Art especially assisted by Chymistry, may, by variously dissipating Natural Bodies, or compounding either them or their constituent Parts with one another, form a multitude of new Productions, which will be able each of them to cause new Effects, either immediately upon our Sensories, or upon other Bodies, whose changes we are not able to perceive; so that no Man can know, but that the most Familiar Bodies, may have a multitude of Qualities, that he dreams not of; and a considering Man will hardly ima∣gin, That so numerous a crowd of real Physical Entities can accrew to a Body, whilst in the Judg∣ment of all our Senses it remains unchanged.

Again, Glass beaten is commonly reckoned amongst Poysons, which deleterious Faculty is no superadded Entity distinct from the Glass, but depends on the sharp Points and cutting Edges of the Fragments, which by Mechanical Affections, cut and wound the Membranes of the Stomach and Guts; from whence follow great Gripings and Contorsions, and often a Bloody Flux by the Perforations of the Capillary Vessels, and horrid Convulsions by the consent of the Brain and Cerebellum, as also great Drop∣sies, occasioned by the loss of Blood: And that those Effects depend on the Edges and Points of

the Fragments, appears, because when the Guts are sufficiently lined with Slime, or the Cor∣puscles of the Glass are ground fine, they pass without damage along with the Execrements.

And this may put us in mind, That the Mul∣tiplicity of Qualities, in the same Natural Bo∣dies, may proceed from the bare Texture, and other Mechanical Affections of its Matter: For every Body is to be considered not barely as an entire distinct Portion of Matter; but as it is a Part of the Universe, placed amongst a great number and variety of other Bodies, upon which it may Act, and by which it may be Acted on, in ma∣ny ways, which are falsly thought to be distinct Powers or Qualities in the Bodies, by which those Actions and Passions are produced. And every Portion of Matter thus considered a few Mecha∣nical Affections are sufficient to diversify it from other Bodies: As in a Watch, there are a great many Qualities; as to shew the Hours, to strike, to give an Alarm, or to shew the Age of the Moon and Tides; yet these are all to be attri∣buted to the determinate Shape and Texture of the Parts of it, and the Motion of the Spring. So the Sun hath a Power to harden Clay, and soften Wax, to melt Butter, and thaw Ice, and a great many more, which seem contrary Effects; yet these are not distinct Faculties in the Sun, but the Productions of Heat diversify'd, by the dif∣ferent Textures of Bodies it chances to work upon.

And thus much (Pyrophilus) may serve to re∣move the Mistake, That every thing Men are wont to call a Quality, must needs be a Real and Physical Entity. To conclude this Excursion, I

shall add this short Advertisement, That to make what I have declared more intelligible, I have ra∣ther done it by Examples, than Definitions; the latter being more difficult, because of the diffi∣culty of assigning the true Genus's of Quali∣ties. And,

Here it may not be amiss to take Notice, That Aristotle himself does not only define Accidents, without setting down their Genus; but when he comes to define Qualities, tells us, That Quality is that by which a Thing is said to be Qualis; which is to define the Thing by the Same, without denoting its Genus; for 'tis supposed to be as lit∣tle known what Qualis is, as what Qualitas. Be∣sides, 'tis a Doubt whether it be not as false as obscure; for to the Question Qualis res est, An∣swer may be made out of some, if not all of the other Praedicaments of Accidents.

* 1.9IV. Besides the foremention'd Primary Affe∣ctions of Matter, viz. Motion, (or Rest) Bulk and Shape; which a portion of Matter singly by it self must have; if all the rest of the Universe were annihilated, there being now in the Uni∣verse multitudes of Corpuscles mixed together, there arise two new Accidents, or Events: The one relates to its Posture, in reference to the Bo∣dies about it (whether erected, inclined or hori∣zontal) and the manner of those Bodies in refe∣rence to each other, which may be called Order; as Aristotle in his Metaphysics recites this Ex∣ample, from the Ancient Corpuscularians. A and N differ in Figure, and A N, and N A in Order; Z and N in Situation; and Posture and Order in∣deed seem both reducible to Situation. And, lastly, when these Corpuscles do so convene, as to

make up a Body; the Disposition and Contri∣vance of Parts in the whole, may be called the Texture of it.

* 1.10V. We are to consider, That the Bodies of Sensible and Rational Beings, being endued with several Senses, adapted so, as to receive from without various Impressions, according to the Diversity and peculiar Texture of each Part; these Impressions being falsly imagined to proceed from real Qualities, inherent in those several Ob∣jects, have been signify'd by several Names, as Heat, Colour, Sound, Odour, together with a vast variety of each, as so many Species, to be rank'd un∣der these Genus's; which really depend on the Fi∣gure, Shape, Motion, Texture, and the Man∣ner in which these Bodies, differently modify'd, variously affect the Senses.

VI. But here is one Difficulty to be remov'd, which is, That besides the Sensible Qualities, evi∣dent in Relation to our Senses, they have an ab∣solute Being irrelative to us; since they do not only Operate upon our Senses, but other inani∣mate Bodies. To clear which, I have several things to represent.

• * 1.111. That there are Simple, and more Primitive Affections of Matter, from whence these Secon∣dary Qualities do proceed, and on which they depend.
• 2. The Knowledge we have of the Operations of Bodies, proceeds from some Sensible Quality, or some more Catholick Affection of Matter; as Motion, Rest, or Texture; generated, or de∣stroy'd in one of them.
• 3. We are to consider every distinct Body that affects our Senses, not as a bare Lump of Matter,

• of that Bigness and outward Shape that it ap∣pears of, most of them having their Parts cu∣riously contriv'd, and in Motion too. And like∣wise we are to consider the Universe that sur∣rounds us, as a great Engine, with no Vacuity, or no considerable one betwixt its Parts; and the Actions of Particular Bodies, are not to be esti∣mated, as if two Portions of Matter of their Bulk and Figure, were plac'd in some Imaginary Space beyond the World, but as situated in the World, as now constituted, and their Actions liable to be promoted, or hinder'd, or modify'd by the Actions of other Bodies about them; for it is not giving of a Concave Speculum, that Figure, that enables it to burn Wood, or melt Metals; but the Sun-Beams thrown together into a Point, by the help of that Concavity. And to shew how various and different Effects the same Action of a Natural Agent may produce, according to the several Dispositions of the Bodies it works upon, we may consider, That tho' in two Eggs, the one Prolifick, the other Barren, before Incu∣bation, the Sense can distinguish no Difference; yet their internal Disposition is so different, that if they be both expos'd to an equal Degree of Heat, the one will be chang'd into a putrid Fetid Substance, and the other into a Chick, furnish'd with a variety of Organical Parts of very cu∣rious Textures.
• 4. I grant that Bodies may have those Qua∣lities we call Sensible, tho' there were no Animals in the World, every Body having such a Dispo∣sition of its Constituent Corpuscles, which duly apply'd to the Sensory of an Animal, would pro∣duce a Sensible Quality, which another would

• not. So that if there were no Sensitive Beings, those Bodies that are now the Objects of our Senses, would be but Dispositively endued with Colours, and the like, and Actually only with those more Catholick Affections of Bodies, Figure, Motion, Texture, &c. To illustrate which, we may consider, That, tho' an Eccho is suppos'd to be a Peculiar Faculty, in the Rock, yet it is no∣thing but a Repercussion, and the undulated Mo∣tion of the Air, reverberated by that Rock, which striking upon the Ear, causes such a Sensible Qua∣lity.
• * 1.125. The Sensible Qualities, which are acquir'd by the Action of one Body on another, are no otherwise produc'd, but by some Local Motion of Parts, or some change of Texture produc'd by that Motion: For, when a Pin, by a Dissolution of the Continuity, causes Pain, that Pain is only a Consequent of its Motion, which superadds no real Quality to the Pin, which it had not before: And therefore I shall intimate, That when for shortness of Speech, I make use of the Word Qualities, I would be understood to mean them in a Sense sui∣table to the Doctrin above-mention'd. As when I would say, Roughness is apt to offend and grate the Skin, I would mean, That a File or other Body, by having upon its Surface a multitude of hard, and extant Parts of an Angular or Sharp Figure, is qualify'd to cause the mention'd Effect.

Of the Nature of a Form.

* 1.13VII. We may now consider further, that cer∣tain conspicuous Accidents being associated into Bodies; those Bodies are distinguish'd by Genus's

and Species, as they are referr'd to a more Com∣prehensive sort of Bodies, or to a narrower ••pe∣cies, or Individuals: As amongst Fossils, the Supe∣rior Genus comprehends both Metals, Stones, &c. each of which Concretes, in respect of that Genus, are Species, comprehended, as they are Fossils, un∣der that Superior Genus.

Now when those Accidents, which are Essen∣tially requisite to compose a Body, of this or that Kind, are united; the Texture of that Body is call'd the Form: which, tho' some think to be a kind of Soul, which, when united to a Natural Body, acts in it, by virtue of several Qualities in∣herent in that Soul, yet, really, it is nothing di∣stinct from that Matter, but only such an Agreeable Convention of Accidents, as by common Con∣sent, are reputed sufficient to make a Portion of Universal Matter belong to this or that Deter∣minate Genus, or Species of Natural Bodies. And those Qualities in Bodies, which are usually ascri∣bed to the Substantial Form, do not proceed from any Real Substance distinct from Matter, but a Convention of those Primary Mechanical Affe∣ctions of Matter before-mention'd; viz. Bulk, Shape, Motion or Rest; and the Texture thence Resulting, which is the Form, or Essential Modi∣fication; which Convention of Accidents are ca∣pable of performing what we usually ascribe to a Form, since they are sufficient to discriminate it from all other Species of Bodies.

* 1.14And since the Form of a Body by some is as∣serted to be the Principle of its Operations, it may not be amiss here to take Notice, That be∣sides those Operations, that proceed from the Essential Modification of the Matter, the Body

being considered per modum unius, as one entire Agent, it may have several other Operations in Respect of the Particular Corpuscles of which it is compos'd; as in a Watch, besides those things it does as a Watch; the several Constituent Parts of it, as the Springs, Wheels, &c. may, each have their peculiar Attributes, as Bulk, Shape, &c. upon the Account of which it may do several things besides what it performs as a Watch: And if the Effects of those Corpuscles of which Bodies are compos'd are sometimes so Prodigious; as for Instance, the Effects which Fire produces by its Heat, we need not wonder that such great things may be done, as we sometimes see by several Active Qualities convening into one Body; since we see Engines perform very strange things, by virtue of those Accidents, viz. the Shape, Size, Motion, and Contrivance of their Parts.

Of Generation, Corruption, and Alteration.

VIII. Having thus according to our Hypothesis shewed what is meant by a Form, it remains that we explain, what is to be understood by Generation, Corruption, and Alteration. In order to which we are to consider,

• * 1.151. That there are some Particles of Matter so small, that tho' they be Mentally, or by Divine Omnipotence, divisible, yet are scarce Actually divided by Nature; which in that respect may be call'd Minima Naturalia.
• 2. That there are Multitudes of Corpuscles, con∣sisting of a Coalition of several of these Minima Naturalia, whose Bulk is so small, and Adhe∣sion so close, that tho' not absolutely indivisible

• into the Minima Naturalia, yet very seldom are actually divided; and these are the Seeds or imme∣diate Principles of many sorts of Natural Bodies, as Earth, Water, &c.
• 3. That both the Minima Naturalia, and those Primary Clusters resulting from the Coalition of them, having their determinate Bulk and Shape; when these are united, the Size and Shape by their Juxta-position must be often altered, and often∣times their Tendency in and to Motion vary'd; which Accidents will also happen when they are dis-joyn'd, by which Unions and Separation of Parts, the Size and Shape being variously altered, they are accordingly adapted to several Pores, upon which Account they have different Effects upon several Bodies.
• 4. That when several of these Corpuscles are associated, and put into Motion, that Motion will produce great Alterations, and many new Qua∣lities in the Bodies they compose; as Air swiftly moved, is call'd Wind, and feels colder to the Touch; and Iron rubb'd against Wood, feels warm. But besides these Invisible Alterations, there are several which are visible; as when the Particles, by knocking together, are broke and dis-joyn'd, and by that means acquire new Forms, their Bulk and Figure being altered, and the Tex∣ture and Interstices of the Parts being also vary'd: Thus Water froze, acquires Firmness, and loses its Transparency; and Milk, by a languid inte∣stin Motion of its Parts, in hot Weather, turns into a thinner Liquor, and into Cream, which agitated in a Churn, turns to an Oyly Substance, and a thin fluid. So Fruit, by being bruised, loses its Colour, Taste, Smell, and Consistence: From

• whence it appears, that Motion is not only the Grand Agent in Altering, but Composing and Constituting the Forms of Bodies.
• 5. And that since the Qualities of Bodies are derived from the Size, Shape and Motion, and the Texture, or Essential Modification of the Parts of Matter, we need not deride the Ancient Atomists, for attempting to deduce Generation and Corruption from the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Con∣vention and Dissolution, and their Alterations from the Transpositions of their Atoms; tho' I believe they all three are concern'd in Generation, as well as Corruption and Alteration.

* 1.16These things premis'd, our Doctrin of Gene∣ration, Corruption and Alteration may be compri∣z'd in a few Words; for when there is such a Concurrence of Accidents as are requisite to con∣stitute any determinate Species; such a Species is said to be generated; in which Action no new Substance is produced, but that which was Praeexi∣stent obtains a new Manner of Existence, or new Modification; which is evident in the making of a Watch, where the Parts are the same, when se∣parate, as when joyn'd, only the Union in respect of the whole, makes a new Body of a peculiar Modification: And when that Union of Acci∣dents, which denominates a Body generated, is destroy'd and dissolv'd, that Body, losing its Essential Modification, is said to be corrupted; for as a Watch is said to be made, when its Parts are put together; so when they are again dis∣plac'd, it is no longer call'd a Watch.

Hence we may learn to understand that Axiom, Corruptio unius est Generatio alterius; & è contrà for when those Accidents which make one Body,

are by any means altered, it loses that Denomi∣nation, and being modify'd anew puts on ano∣ther Form, and becomes a Body of another Kind.

* 1.17And here before we wholly leave off the Con∣sideration of Corruption, it may not be amiss to take Notice, That Putrefaction is but a peculiar kind of Corruption, where the Texture of Matter is more slowly altered, than in Corruption in a strict Sense; and also, that all the Essential Qua∣lities are not destroy'd.

* 1.18And here it may be seasonable to take Notice also, That tho' the Form of a Body depends on its Essential Modification, yet it seldom happens, that a Body acquires no other Qualities, than what are essentially and absolutely necessary to deno∣minate its Species; since in most Bodies it falls out, that there are some Qualities, which whe∣ther absent or not, don't essentially change the Subject; the Acquisition or loss of which is call'd Alteration (or by some Mutation). Generation and Corruption, depending on an Acquisition or Loss of the Essential Qualities of a Body.

But to conclude this Theoretical Part, let us re∣flect briefly on the Fruitfulness of this Mechani∣cal Hypothesis: For, according to this Doctrin, the World we live in is not a moveless indigested Mass of Matter, but an 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Self-moving Engine, whose Parts are most of them in a va∣riety of Motions; and so close set together, as to leave no Vacuities, or very little ones betwixt them. And since the various Coalitions of these Parts, are enough to make several Bodies of as various Textures; and we see such a vast variety of Words made only of 24. Letters differently situated, we need not wonder that so many, and

such multitudes of Bodies should result from Matter differently Modify'd, by a Coalition of Matter subject to so many Accidents, as Matter in Motion must be, its Parts being subject to be alter'd variously by the Addition, Comminu∣tion, or Substraction of a few Parts of Matter.

CHAP. II. Further Considerations concerning Particular Qualities.

HAVING said thus much of the Qualities of Bodies in General, I now proceed to Particulars: And here I shall not spend Time in reckoning up all the Different Significations of the Word Quality; since what follows will explain, what Sense we use it in: I shall there∣fore only in short intimate, That several things have been accounted Qualities,* 1.19 which seem ra∣to be Complexions of them; as Inanimal, Ani∣mal, Health and Beauty; the last of which seems to be the Result of Symmetry and Complexion, with Agreeable and Delightful Colours. There are other States of Matter also, as Rest and Mo∣tion, Size and Shape, usually call'd Qualities, which are rather to be accounted Primary Modes of Matter. But this concerning Names rather than Things, I shall (waving the usual Divisions of Qualities) treat of them according to the follow∣ing Division: viz. First, I shall consider them under two Heads; to wit, Manifest and Occult Qualities; the former of which we shall divide 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

gredients of a Body, is evident; since Water Hermetically Sealed, being froze, instead of re∣taining Fluidity and Transparency, becomes Brittle, Firm, and sometimes Opacous; which Qualities upon a Thaw it again loses. Also fixt Metal, barely by being hammer'd, becomes brit∣tle; which Quality it presently loses, when heated in the Fire. And Silver, by being hammer'd, puts on Qualities, which it by no means had when cold; as a Power to melt some Bodies, and to dry others; with several others, which it only acquires, by Virtue of the invisible Agitation of its Parts, put into Motion, by hammering.

I might add several Instances of this Kind, but having mention'd them in other succeeding Cha∣pters, I shall omit them here; and pass to

The Third Consideration, which hath been prov'd in the preceding Chapter; which is, That we are not to consider the Effects of Mix'd Bo∣dies, as the bare Result of the Parts of Matter of such a determinate Texture; but as plac'd a∣mongst other Bodies, on which they may vari∣ously act, and be acted on.

But Fourthly, to remove this Objection, we must consider, That the Peripatetick, as well as Chymical Principles, are incapable of accounting for the various Phaenomena of Nature, which the Corpuscular Philosophy hath a greater Advan∣tage in: For neither the different Colours of the Planets, nor the Generation and Perishing of Spots in the Sun, are to be accounted for by the Doctrin of the Peripateticks, nor Chymists; be∣sides several Phaenomena relating to Magnetism, Musick, Dioptricks, Catoptricks and Staticks.

And indeed, I should think it not a little

strange, that the various Textures,* 1.20 as well as Mo∣tions of Bodies, would not more sufficiently ac∣count for the Phaenomena of Nature, than the Cosideration of Quiescent Ingredients; for as all Natural Bodies, act on one another by Motion; so that Motion is variously determin'd, accord∣ing to the different Textures of the Agents and Patients.

But to proceed to the Second Objection against the Corpuscularian Philosophy; which is,* 1.21 That it is impossible, so great a variety of Qualities should arise from so few Principles, as Matter and Mo∣tion. In answer to this, I shall endeavour to shew, that it is possible those Catholick Affections of Matter, should be deriv'd from Local Motion; and that those Principles being variously combin'd and joyn'd together, should afford Phaenomena, as various as any to be observ'd in Nature.

And First; If we allow what is undeniable, viz. That the Tendency of Matter, as to Motion, is different in several Parts of the Universe; it will follow, that by Local Motion so diversify'd, Matter must be divided into Parts distinct from one another; and consequently, being Finite, must necessarily have a determinate Size, as well as Shape: And since all the Universal Bulk of Matter, hath not its Parts in a constant Motion, some of them, being intangl'd together, must needs be at Rest. And hence the Primary Af∣fections of Matter flow.

But there are yet other Affections of Matter, belonging to the lesser Fragments of it, in Respect of their Situation, as Posture, either Horizontal, Erect, or Inclining, in reference to our Horizon; and also a peculiar Order, in Relation to each

other; the Union of which Parts collectively consider'd, may properly be call'd Texture, or Modification. And since most Bodies are made up of Parts something Irregular; it is impossible but that there should be Interstices, or Pores left betwixt them. And further, some Parts of Bo∣dies, being very subtile and fine, and easily put into Motion by Heat, or other proper Agents; such Bodies cannot but emit good store of Efflu∣viums. And when Particles of Matter are fitted and adapted, so as to adhere together, they form those similar Bodies, call'd Elements, which be∣ing mix'd with one another, constitute Com∣pound Bodies; which being again associated with Compounds, form Bodies, still more Complex; which Compounding and Decompounding of Bodies,* 1.22 may be Properly call'd Mixture; which differs from Texture, because it implies a Hetero∣geneity of Parts, which the latter does not. And Lastly, all Bodies, whether Simple or Compound, are to be consider'd, as plac'd in the World, as it is now constituted, and rul'd by The Ʋniversal Fabrick of things, as well as the Laws of Motion.

* 1.23From hence it appearing, That Matter is very Naturally diversify'd by eleven Primary Affections, to which it self being added, makes twelve; we may by Parity of Reason consider, that if such an inaccountable Number of Words, may be made of the 24. Letters; it will not be hard to think, that so many different Modes of Matter may arise from such Finite Principles, as could Reasonably be suppos'd to result from the va∣rious Associations of those ten Letters.

And indeed, an inaccountable Number more: since every one of these Principles admits of an

Incredible Variety. As first, there may be a vast Variety of Associations in respect of the Figure or Number, or Order of the Parts joyn'd; as in Fi∣gure, some may be Triangles or Squares, others Pentagons, &c. There may also another Variety proceed from the Different Shapes and Sizes of the Parts of Matter united; their Figures being either Spherical, like a Bullet, Elliptical, like an Egg, or Cubical, as a Dye, &c. together with a great many others: Examples of which the In∣struments of Carvers, Gravers, &c. afford; those Tools being not only of different Sizes, but also various Shapes. And there is no less Variety in the Degrees of Motion; since Motion may be in∣finitely different in Swiftness or Slowness, Uni∣formity or Difformity; as also, according to the different Lines in which Bodies move, as Streight, Circular, Hyperbolical, Ellyptical, &c. as also ac∣cording to the differently Figur'd Parts they strike against; to which Causes of Variety, may be added the different Sizes or Shapes of the Bo∣dies mov'd: as also, the several Degrees of Compound Bodies, and the different Modifica∣tions of their Ingredients; and likewise of the Mediums through which they move, as well as the Degreess of Impulse. And the Effects of these may be vary'd again, according to the different Situation or Determinate Natures of the Bodies they strike against.

* 1.24And, that Motion is able to produce a vast Variety of Effects, we may learn from Musical Instruments; where according to the Difference of the Air's Motion, arising from the various Vi∣brations of the Strings, &c. different Sounds are produced; which, as they are more or less co∣incident

cause either Concords or Discords in Sound.

But it would be too tedious to mention all the Diversities which might happen in Quali∣ties, by the various Combinations of our Ten Principles; and therefore, since from hence their Fertility may sufficiently appear, I shall proceed to

* 1.25The last Difficulty raised against the Corpus∣cular Philosophy, which is, That if the Qualities of Bodies depend on the Size, Shape and Tex∣tures of Bodies, all Bodies of the same Colours must have the same Textures; and if the same Textures; the same Qualities in other respects: But we see it is contrary, since the Calx of Harts∣horn is insipid, and yet the Volatile Salt of Harts∣horn is very strong Scented, and of as strong a Taste: To which a great many more Examples might be added were it necessary.

* 1.26But I shall rather, since it is not requisite, of∣fer the following Considerations to remove the Difficulty.

First, That several Heterogeneous Parts may be lodged in the Pores of a Body, which tho' of a different Nature from the Body it self, yet they may produce some considerable Effects; as in Perfumed Gloves, the Odoriferous Parts are both different in Substance, and have diffe∣rent Qualities from the Leather the Gloves are made of.

The Second Consideration is, That Parts of very different Natures may be linked together, not in an Essential Structure, but a Juxta-Posi∣tion, or Peculiar kind of Composition, and yet afford the same Qualities, notwithstanding their

Essential Differences; for invisible changes in some Parts of Matter, may be sufficient to cause new Qualities, tho' the Essential Parts of those Bodies be unaltered; and not only so, but di∣versified enough to denominate them of dif∣ferent Species. So a Bar of Iron, by being ham∣mer'd, may feel hot, though there be no visible alteration in the Nature of the Metal by an in∣tense Agitation of the Insensible Parts of it.

But to illustrate this Consideration a little further; tho' a Piece of Iron, Wood or Tin, should have sharp protuberant Parts, yet are they distinct Substances, notwithstanding they all agree in that Quality of Roughness; and if those rough Parts were worn off, and the Body endowed with a smooth Quality, yet still would they in respect of their Substance, remain unaltered: And tho' the superficies of Steel, Brass, Flint or Marble should be polished as to become Specular, their Essential Differences would still be the same. And as I took notice before, tho' Air be put into an Undulating Motion by different Instruments, yet if the Mo∣tion be raised to the same degree, it causes the same Sound, and produces the same Note. So that Bodies may agree in some Extra-Es∣sential Attributes, and yet be different in their Essential Modifications: To confirm the Truth of which, Heat will afford us an Eminent Ex∣ample, which may be produc'd in a Body, by putting its Parts into Agitation, without de∣stroying the Essential Properties of the Body so affected: So that the Essential Nature of a Body may not be concern'd in reflecting the Rays of Light, which produce those Extra-Essential

Qualities, which are called Colours; since to produce Whiteness in a Body, it is suf∣ficient, that the Surface of that Body be so mo∣dified, as to reflect the Rays of Light copious∣ly and undisturbed, whatever the Essential and proper Texture of that Body is.

* 1.27And here it may be proper to take notice, that there are several Bodies Homogeneous as to Sense, which afford different Qualities; as Salt-Peter, becomes fluid and transparent, when briskly agitated in a Crucible; whereas it hath other Qualities when cool, being a hard and white brittle Substance: And the Powder of A∣labaster being duly exposed to a convenient heat, acquires several Qualities not different from those of fluid Bodies. So Aqua Fortis although it be transparent and clear, yet if rais'd in the form of Fumes, it puts on a red Colour.

The Third thing I would propose to remove this difficulty is, what hath been several times hinted before, viz. That a Body is not to be considered barely as a determinate Substance, but as a part of the Universe, and placed a∣mongst other Bodies. But

Fourthly, As to that part of the Objection, which questions the Corpuscular Principles, in making it appear, why a Body so qualified as to cause whiteness, should have other Quali∣ties which are of no Affinity with it; what hath been already delivered, may be sufficient to re∣move it, viz. That the Extra-Essential Parts may be so qualified, though the Essential Parts be not altered; which we have more reason to believe, since most sensible Qualities are only relative Attributes, and may result from an ac∣cidental

Motion, or more than ordinary Laxity or Density of Parts, or some other such like Affections.

* 1.28To illustrate which, if a Third part of Ve∣nice Turpentine be evaporated, we may obtain from it a Colophony of a Reddish Colour, which being beaten small, will lose its Trans∣parency, and be turned into a white Opacous Powder; which with a Moderate heat will a∣gain be restored to its former Transparency, Fludity and Colour; into which fluid Body, if one immerges the end of a Quill, something below the Surface, and blows Artificially, it will rise in Bubbles, curiously adorn'd with vivid and lively Colours; and if in that state you take it into your Hands, it is Viscid enough to draw into Strings; and if put into a Triangu∣lar Figure, will like a Triangular Glass, yield a variety of Colours: When cold, it is very brittle, and if moderately rubbed, it is en∣dowed with an Electrical Virtue of attracting Straws: The same Phaenomena will appear up∣on managing purified Rosin after the same man∣ner.

* 1.29To this I shall subjoyn another instance, to shew, that a Homogeneous Body, may, by shape or other Mechanical Affections, have different Qualities in respect of our Senses, and the At∣tributes assigned to it upon that Score: The instance is in Putrified Urine Distill'd, the Spi∣rit of which, when it hath by frequent Distilla∣tions been dephlegmed, hath a pungent Taste, and swims in a Phlegmatick Vehicle, being also of a very offensive Smell; whose Salts when freed from the Water, are of a white Colour, and are

sharp and caustick if applied to an Excoriated Part; besides which Qualities, they likewise make the Eyes water, and cause Sneezing. And in respect of Physick, their Qualities are no less noted, being Diuretick, Diaphoretick, and Specifick in Hysterick Fits; when mixed with Fi∣lings of Brass, they turn them into a green Co∣lour; yet if mixed with Blew Juices of Plants, they change that Colour for a Green one. They dissolve Copper, yet destroy the Corrosive Vir∣tue of other Acid Menstruums; and precipitate the Copper when dissolved by them: Yet if com∣mon Salt be associated with it, this Salt ceases to produce most of the forementioned Effects, and forms a Body very like Sal Armoniack: which change may probably depend on the Motion and Shape of its Parts destroyed, since by Eva∣porating most of the Liquor, I have found the Salt not only much less Fugitive and Volatile than that of Urine, but the Crystals of a different Figure, being like Combs and Feathers. And

These Considerations, together with the Ex∣tra-Essential Changes of Bodies, may let us see, that Substances may work variously upon dif∣ferent Senses as well as other Bodies; and those Effects too, may depend on Extra-Essential Changes, which may be wrought in Motion, Shape and Texture, &c. the Essential Mo∣difications of Bodies nevertheless agreeing. So that from what hath been said, the Objection, I hope, will seem less considerable, and not so perplexing as some imagine.

And these Three Difficulties I have the ra∣ther considered, because they may not only ex∣plain, but confirm and illustrate what is de∣liver'd

in the Chapter before, concerning Forms and Qualities; and may also clear and render more Intelligible, some things hereafter to be related.

CHAP. III. Of the Origin of Forms.

THE Origin of Forms, Pyrophylies, is one of the most Noble, yet most Obstruse En∣quiries in Natural Philosophy; so that the Wi∣sest of the Peripateticks, have either confessed their Inability, or given Explanations of them very insatisfactory. But not to examine all their Various Opinions on this Point, I shall only here briefly consider the Opinion of the Mo∣dern Aristotelians, having already in our Hy∣pothesis laid down in the foregoing Chapter, our Thoughts on this Subject.

* 1.30The Controversie betwixt us and the Schools is this, Whether the Forms of Natural Bodies be eduted out of the Power of the Matter, and whe∣ther they be substantial Entities distinct from Mat∣ter? That they are not, appears from what is contained in the foregoing Chapters; and there∣fore what I shall here insist on is, that the Doctrin of the Peripateticks is to me Incomprehensible; for tho' the Schoolmen make use of an Obscure Distinction, viz. That in producing Forms, the Power of Matter is partly Eductive, and partly Receptive; yet since they deny Forms, to exist in Matter; it is hard to conceive how they

should be educed, before existent: And since the Receptive Power, only enables Matter to receive a Form, how can it help to produce it, when the Form must be produced before the Receptive Power can lodge it?

It is manifest, that the Body hath a Recep∣tive Power in Relation to the Soul,* 1.31 which ne∣vertheless they allow to have a Substantial Form, yet not educed out of the Power of Matter. It's true, were the Form of a Body a more subtile Portion of Matter, as Spirit is of Wine, the Eductive Power might be considerable; and sig∣nifie the same, as if it were granted, that the Form is but a Modification of Matter; which would amount to this, viz. That by proper A∣gents, Matter may be so disposed, as to pro∣duce a Body of this or that denomination: As the Form of a Sphaere may be conce•…•… ••o exist potentially in a Piece of Brass; because that Me∣tal is capable of being put into such a Form: But this they disallow, because, if it were granted, Forms would be but Accidents. And as for the other way of educing Forms out of Matter, as Spirit out of Wine, that cannot be granted by them; because, then Matter and Form would be the same Substantial Principle diversified by Accidents.

But they tell us strange things of the Efficacy of the Agent, which works upon the Matter out of which Forms are to be educed: To which it may be briefly answered, That the Agent can only act as a Physical Agent; and if the Form produced by it's Operation, be a Substance not preexistent in that Matter it works upon, and which constitutes the Body, the Form must ei∣ther

be made of some Parts of that Matter, or created de novo; if they allow the former, then the Form is not a Substance distinct from Mat∣ter; but if they will not allow it to be made of Matter, it must be de novo, i. e. out of nothing; which being granted, Natural Bodies must be produced by Creation and Generation, and not by the latter only; and it's strange if they allow that a Physical Agent can effect that, which Antient Philosophers thought too great to be ascribed to God himself.

* 1.32And as for these Reasons, what they say of the Origin of Forms, is to me Incomprehensible; so, that what they deliver concerning Substan∣tial Forms is irreconcilable to Reason: For though they allow these Forms to be Substances, yet they teach, that they depend upon Matter, both in fieri and in esse: i. e. they cannot exist out of the Matter which supports them; which is to give them the Name of Substances, but the Nature of Accidents. Nay, these imaginary Forms as much invalidate the Doctrin of Cor∣ruption, as that of Generation; for if a Form be a Substance distinct from Matter, it must exist of it self, as the Soul of Man does, when the Body is dissolved: But they assert, that in Cor∣ruption the Form ceaseth to exist; by which means they make it an Accident, and likewise contradict what they commonly hold, viz. That upon Corruption Bodies are resolved into their first Principles; since if what they assert of Forms be true, Bodies are but partly dissolved into their first Matter, and partly annihilated or restored to the common Stock of Forms; which, notwithstanding any thing to the con∣trary, must be immortal.

* 1.33But to examine some of the most Plausible Ar∣guments brought by the Schools to evince their Doctrin of Forms: First, they argue thus, Om∣ne compositum substantiale requirit materiam & for∣mam substantialem ex quibus componatur: Omne Corpus Naturale est compositum Substantiale, Er∣go, &c. In which, Syllogism for Brevity sake I shall deny the Minor, because nothing in Na∣ture is composed of Matter and a distinct Sub∣stance, but Man.

The Second Argument they bring, is, that if Substantial Forms were deny'd, all Bodies must be Entia per Accidens; to which it may be an∣swered, that there is no such Necessity, since Matter, Figure, Texture and Motion, ordinantur per se & intrinsice, to make up natural Bo∣dies.

Another Argument which they alledge is, That if there were no Substantial Forms, there could be no Substantial Definitions; which comes to no more, than that if we don't grant some things which are not in Nature, we shall want a Foundation for our Definitions: And indeed if we must define Natural Bodies by Imaginary Forms, which we know not, it is better to exchange Substantial for Essential Definitions, grounded on the Essential Differences of Natural Bodies themselves.

* 1.34These Arguments for Substantial Forms being examined, I shall briefly consider the Physical Arguments usually alledged for the proof of them.

The first is, the Spontaneous cooling of hot Water; an Action usually attributed to the Power of the Substantial Form; which might

be plausible, were it not otherwise to be explain∣ed; for Bodies esteem'd cold, having their Parts in a less Agitation than the Natural Juices about the Sensory, cause that Sensation; but when the Parts of that Water, by the heat of the Fire, are put into a Violent Motion, stronger than that of the Parts of Matter about our Sensory, it becomes hot; which hot Water be∣ing removed from the Fire, and the Agitation of its Parts being diminished, it returns to its just Temperature: To effect which, a Substan∣tial Form is no more requisite, than when a Ship is put into a violent Motion in a Storm, there is required a Substantial Form to stop its Motion upon the ceasing of that Storm. And in opposition to Substantial Forms, it may be likewise considered, that Water in upper Rooms in hot Climates, will be kept warm, and in Nova Zembla, in the Form of Ice, meerly by the Temper of the Air, in spite of the Sub∣stantial Form.

Another Argument urged is, that Matter be∣ing indifferent to all Accidents, it wants a sub∣stantial Form to link the Accidents requisite to every Particular Body together. To which it is answered, that the World being now made and constituted, the Phaenomena of Nature de∣pend on one part of Matter acting on another; so that especially fluid Bodies frequently change their States, being altered by the several Sea∣sons of the Year, and Temperature of the Air, which is evident from the different Effects it hath on Weather-Glasses. So that the Accidents observable in most Bodies, depend on Agents and Efficient Causes, which produce in Matter

what in the Precedent Chapter we call an Essen∣tial Form: And there is no need of a Substan∣tial Form to keep those Accidents together, since they will continue in the same state, till some other Agent works on them, which is strong enough to destroy and change the Tex∣ture and Form of that Matter; which Agent, the assistance of a Substantial Form being not able to resist, the Body in spite of the Peripa∣tetick Doctrin must be chang'd; an instance of which we have in Lead, which (tho' when melted, it returns to it's pristine state upon cooling) if it be long continued upon a Violent Fire, will be turned into a reddish brittle Glass, and lose all its former Qualities; and retains those new acquired ones, till some powerful Ex∣trinsick Agent, cause a fresh Change. On the contrary, Oranges, Tamarinds, Senna, and se∣veral other Bodies, retain the same Qualities, when gathered and removed from the Soul of the Tree, and without the influence of its Form, which they had before whilst growing: And the colour of Snow soon perisheth, notwith∣standing its Substantial Form, its Texture being altered by a Dissolution.

* 1.35But there is still another Argument general∣ly alledged in favour of Substantial Forms; which is, that without them, the various changes observable in Bodies, and the adhering of se∣veral Parts of Matter united into one Totum, would be unaccountable. As to the first Part of this Argument, it is easily answered, since Local Motion variously determined, is able to effect considerable and various Changes in Bo∣dies; an Instance of which (besides what hath

been said in the first, and the preceding part of this Chapter) we have in Tallow, which by the Mechanical Effects of Fire, exchanges Heat for Coldness, Fludity for Firmness, and instead of Whiteness, puts on Transparency. And be∣sides the Changes which are caused by the Ac∣tion of one single Quality in an Agent, as Heat; the Operations of Bodies, proceeding from the Texture of the whole, are various, as appears by Factitious Vitriol, which is made of Iron and a Corrosive Menstruum, yet hath all the Quali∣ties of Natural Vitriol.

And as to the Second Part of the Argument, viz. That the Parts of a Body could not be u∣nited into one without a Sustantial Form; I answer, That a Connexion of Parts convenient∣ly figured is sufficient; as when a Pear is grafted on a White-thorn, or a Plum is inoculated on an Apricock; there is a Union of Two different Forms meerly by a Connexion of the Parts of Matter, and the Parts grafted or inoculated, receive Nourishment as naturally, as if they were supposed to be joined by a Substantial Form, to a Stock of the same Form and Tex∣ture with themselves. Another Instance of U∣nion by a Connexion of certain figured Parts, we have in Glass, where the Particles of Sand are linked together with the Saline ones, by the help of Colliquation, and the violent Action of the Fire.

But to conclude; I am not ignorant that it is alledged in favour of Substantial Forms, that they render Natural Philosophy much more per∣fect, and that it would be very imperfect with∣out them; which comes to no more, than that

if we must not explain things difficult by things unknown, we must be imperfect; where I think the Imperfection is not at all remedied; for should it be ask'd why Jet attracts Straws, or why Rhabarb is a Cholagogue, and the An∣swer should be, by reason of their Substantial Forms; it would be all one as to say, by I know not what, because those Forms are unknown.

Being therefore in things purely appertaining to Natural Philosophy, unwilling to believe what is not intelligible, I shall leave the Doctrin of Substantial Forms, to those that have clearer Heads than my self, and shall rather proceed upon Intelligible Principles.

* 1.36I shall therefore briefly intimate what hath been delivered before concerning our Notion of Forms, viz. That the Form of a Body is its Essential Modification; and tho' Matter at the first Beginning of things, had both Form and Motion from the wise Creator of things; yet now the various Forms of Bodies depend on the Effects of Local Motion, which divides, and variously transposes, and so alters both the Textures and Forms of Natural Bodies, tho' I say, at the Creation, the Parts of Matter were guided by a Supream Power, so as to con∣vene into an orderly and well contrived Fa∣brick.

CHAP. IV. Considerations concerning Subordinate Forms. as they are usually held by several Learned Modern Philosophers.

IT is usually held by several Modern Philoso∣phers, That besides the Specifick Form of a Body,* 1.37 there are several Subordinate Forms in Determinate Parts of it, subservient to that which is the Common Form of the whole Sub∣stance; and which, upon the Dissolution of a Body, become Specifick Forms themselves; the Specifick Form which presided over them before, being destroy'd: As when in a Living Animal, the Soul, which is the Specifick Form of that A∣nimal Body is separated from it, the Forms which were before lodg'd in every Part, as sub∣ordinate to that, become the Specifick Forms of each Part: But tho' Sennertus ingeniously al∣ledges the Specifick Virtues of Plants in favour of this Doctrin, yet we have reason to repute them invalid Arguments; since we see, That several Flowers retain their Natural Colours and Smells, and for ought we can perceive, the same Virtues with which they were endu'd when growing, af∣ter they were gather'd.

* 1.38But since this Doctrin hath been made use of, to corroborate their Notions of Substantial Forms; I shall make it appear, that what they atrtibute to Subordinate Forms, may be explain'd by the Corpuscular Philosophy. In order to which, I shall consider and observe,

First, That the Technical Word Form is usually made use of, to signify some conspicuous Phaeno∣mena of a Body, upon the Abolition of which it is said to change, or deposit its Form.

Secondly, That those Parts, or Substances usu∣ally held to be the subject of Inhesion to a Subor∣dinate Form, are Organical; and tho' some appear as to Sense Similar; yet are they compos'd of Parts very different: As Vitriol, which tho' to Sense it appears to be a Similar Substance, yet it is by Art discover'd to consist of Saline Parts, united with a Metalline Substance: And Rhubarb, which in∣stead of that Specifick Form it had whilst grow∣ing, according to their Doctrin, exerts its Sub∣ordinate or Substantial Form, when laid up for use, retains Virtues, which are different from each other; as a Styptick Virtue, when the Pur∣gative is extracted: So that there is no Reason but that it should have Subordinate Forms, agree∣able to each of these Qualities, distinct from those which are call'd Forma Mistionis, by the Schools: But further, we may observe in an Almond, which tho' when gather'd, it loses its Vegetative Form; and that which was before Subordinate becomes the Specifick Form of it: yet there is no Reason why we should deny Forms Subordinate to that, since by a bare Pressure, it discovers it self to consist of an Oyl and an Insipid Substance, both of which have Forms distinct from that of the entire Fruit: To these,* 1.39 I shall add two Instances more; the first of which is in Sulphur Vive, which by being kindled under a Bell, yields oyly Parts which are spent in a Flame, and Saline Corpuscle, which, being condens'd by the Moisture of the Air, ad∣here to the sides of the Glass, and constitute a

Menstruum violently corrosive, which will afford a dry brittle Salt. The Second Instance is in Cinnabaris Fossilis, which is a Substance com∣pounded of three Forms, very distinct from each other; as that of Mercury, and Sulphur, which is also a Compounded Substance: From all which it appears, that there are in most Concretes, be∣sides the Substantial Forms of the whole, Forms Subordinate to those, belonging properly to the Parts of those Compound Bodies. But,

* 1.40Thirdly, That all the Ingredients of a Com∣pound by Uniting, make one Form, upon the Union of which all the Effects of that Body de∣pend, is evident in Gun-powder, the Action of that Compound depending on the Concurring and united Effects of Charcoal, Nitre, and Sul∣phur: So that

Fourthly, Tho' a Compound acts by Virtue of its Composition, and ad modium unius; yet each of its Ingredients retain their particular Attri∣butes, as well as their Modifications, which distinguish'd them from other Bodies before that Composition was made: and this is evident from what some of the Aristotelians write concerning the Life of an Embryo; viz. That an Embryo hath a Vegetative and Sensitive Life, before that of a Man; where the Vegetative and Sensitive Souls, pre-existent to the Rational, are not destroy'd, but only depos'd by the Succession of a Super∣added Soul; which become the Specifick Form; from whence it Naturally follows, that there are Forms which in respect of others are only Prepara∣tory, and dispose the Matter modify'd by them, to receive a more exquisite Stamp, or a more per∣fect Form; which, if it be not added, those ruder

Forms, are nevertheless Specifick in respect of those Bodies they are the Forms of.

But tho' I make use of these Arguments, I would not be thought to adopt altogether what these Men teach,* 1.41 having elsewhere explain'd, in what Sense, according to their Doctrin, the Souls of Living Bodies may be said to be their Forms, by observing the Difference betwixt Animating and Natural Forms, as to the Manner of their In∣forming the Bodies they belong to. As the Soul is not the sole Architect of the Body, nor do the Properties of the Body flow from it, tho' in other Bodies the Compound Form, as well as Qua∣lities, depend on the Forms of the Ingredients of that Body united.* 1.42 And indeed the Properties of a Body are so far from flowing from the Specifick Form, where the Soul alone is esteem'd so; that in Brutes, as well as Plants, several Qualities re∣main undestroy'd, after the Form is destroy'd; as Shape, Colour, and Vertues, &c.

And tho' it be held by some, That there's a Forma Cadaveris, that keeps the Parts of a dead Body united, and preserves their Qualities en∣tire; yet, since it is only held as necessary, to sup∣port the Peripatetick Doctrin, we shall not dispute it; but shall only say, That the Fabrick and Con∣nexion of the parts of a Body, are sufficient to preserve the Pristine Qualities of it from Disso∣lution, till the Internal Agitation of the Juices breaks that Texture: which is apparent by what hath been observ'd in very cold Countries, as Russia and Sweden; where the dead Bodies are for several Months kept unburied, and uncorrupted: and in Aromatick Plants, there is an undeniable Argument, since after the Vegetative Soul is

de∣stroy'd, they continue uncorrupted for several Years.

* 1.43But to determine whether the Soul be the sole true Form of an Animate Body, is not our Design at present; and therefore I shall only bring an In∣stance or two to shew, That the Forms of the Sim∣ple Ingredients of Compound Bodies are as truly Forms, as those of a Complex Body. The first is, That the Spring of a Watch is as truly a Spring before it is made a Part of that Watch, as after; and as truly hath its Form: And tho' Copper by Corrosive Spirits be turn'd into a Vitriol, and consequently the Form of Copper, in respect of that Vitriol, becomes a Subordinate Form; yet it is as truly one as that of any other Body.

* 1.44And tho' Aristotle attributes to Forms 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, yet it is a Matter of Difficulty to know what Form is most Noble; since Pearls, which are of the greatest Value, being prepar'd in the Form of a Magistery, are of little Value to them that only wear them; tho' by a Sick Man the latter is more to be priz'd.

Fifthly, But tho' it be so difficult to distinguish Valuable Forms, from those of less Esteem; yet there may be allow'd some Distinction amongst Subordinate Forms, in as much as some belong to Similar, and others to Organical Parts.

Sixthly, amongst the Parts of Plants, or Ani∣mals, there may be some Parts so modify'd, as to put on the Form of Seminal Principles, which upon the Dissolution of that Body, may act as such, in actuating and guiding some Parts of Mat∣ter so, as to convene into Insects, &c.

Seventhly, Upon the Dissolution of the Spe∣cifick Form of a Body, the Body is to be consider'd

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as beset with other Substances, which may act upon it; as the Sun, Air, or some other A∣gent; by means of which the Seminal Principles may be put into Action, or new Forms may re∣sult, from new Contextures of that Matter.

* 1.45These Observations being premis'd, I shall en∣deavour to shew, That what the Learned Sen∣nertus delivers, is agreeable to the Corpuscula∣rian Philosophy.

I agree then with the Learned Sennertus, That the Faculties of Plants and Animals, depend not on the Materia Prima, and Vegetative or Sen∣sitive Soul; nor on the Form of Mix'd Bodies, consider'd barely as such; but that there is some∣thing else requisite to produce that Variety of Effects, observable in Specifick Medicines.

But tho' I allow these things, yet I disallow their Way of Explaining them, as well as a great deal more which they assert; as, That Subordi∣nate Forms act under the Superintendency of Specifick Forms;* 1.46 forasmuch as we may as ea∣sily attribute the Effects of a Compound Body, to the mix'd Action of the Compounded Ingre∣dients, as to the Subservient Actions of Subor∣dinate Forms, which united will have an Action in common, and proper to their Complex Mo∣dification; it being different from what each of those Ingredients would produce separately. As in a Ballance, the Scale, which by its Specifick Gravity ought to tend downwards, is rais'd up∣wards, by the Addition of a Weight in the other Scale. So an Arrow, by the Spring of a Bow, is forc'd to flie in a Line, different from what its Specifick Gravity would incline it to, and with greater Violence. And as a Clock, whose Parts

concur to the forming of an Engine, proper to produce such Effects, as usually are produc'd in that Machine, does not act by Virtue of a Su∣perintendent Specifick Form; but the Parts are set on Motion, and move Mechanically by the help of Weights; so, several Subordinate In∣gredients, may have a Joynt Effect, each of those Bodies cooperating, and modifying each other's Actions. Likewise Gun-powder, acts not by Virtue of a Specifick Form, superintending Sub∣ordinate ones, but Mechanically, by Virtue of the Joynt Effects of its Ingredients; which is evi∣dent, since the Effects of the Composition are so different from what the separate Ingredients would produce; and as from hence it appears, that the Efficacy of it depends on its Mechanick Texture; so, to make it appear, that the Ingre∣dients were but slightly mix'd, I boyl'd the Pow∣der of it in Water, and, evaporating the filtred Liquor, obtain'd Cristals of Salt-Petre, the black stuff remaining in the Filtre, being insipid, and in∣flamable like Sulphur: And this black Matter being boyl'd in a strong Lixivium, so as to dissolve the Sulphur, the Sulphureous Liquor will run through a Filtre, leaving the Charcoal behind; into which Liquour if an Acid Spirit be dropp'd, the Sul∣phur precipitates in the Form of a white Powder.

But to illustrate our Doctrin of Forms and Qua∣lities a little further, I shall add, That a blue and yellow Powder being mix'd in a just Proportion, produc'd a green Colour: which did not hap∣pen, because those two Ingredients were subser∣vient to a Predominant Form; but because they both being joyn'd made a Compound Impression

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upon the Eye. And likewise in making Subli∣mate or Vitriol; all that is requisite to enable them to produce Effects proper to such Bodies, is, that the Parts should be in a proper manner contex'd and modify'd together; and then, they are not only capable of performing what is usually ascrib'd to them, upon the Account of their more specifick properties; but some, which are not different (as Vomiting, and Purging, &c.) from those Effects, which are said to be produc'd upon Vegetables, upon the account of a Super∣intendent Form.

So that tho' the Operations of Compounded Substances depend on the United Texture of Sub∣ordinate Forms,* 1.47 yet, as I have before taken No∣tice the Actions of those Bodies, are not wholly to be attributed to their Union; since upon the Dissolution of that Contexture, each Body hath its determinate Form and Virtue; as when the Ingredients of Gun-powder are again separate; or as when a Rose loses its Specifick Form, by being taken from the Tree: But,

To conclude this Discourse, we shall again take Notice of what we have before hinted at in the beginning, viz. The unfixt use of the Word Form, and that a Body is said to be of this or that Form, upon the Account of a very few Qualities: If then the Form be nothing but a Congeries of Accidents, it may, by proper Agents, lose that Form, the Subordinate ones still remaining un∣dissolv'd;* 1.48 till a more powerful Agent destroys them too: (so that a Body may have a twofold Modificatiod:) As for Instance, The Spring of a Watch, may, by being put into the Fire, lose that Elastick Virtue; yet nevertheless the Sub∣stance

is Iron, and retains Qualities proper to such a Substance. Again, another Instance we have in a Rose, which when it hath lost its Faculty of receiving a Nutritious Sap from the Tree, yet it retains other Qualities, which depend on the Texture and Modification of its solid Parts, the former being only Qualities, in respect of the Spe∣cifick Form; but the latter, the Result of its Con∣texture.

To illustrate this Notion a little further, I shall make use of the following Comparison, viz. That as a Mill, which is an Organical Machine, per∣forms what belongs to it as such, as long as it is supply'd with Water; so a Plant is enabl'd to ef∣fect several things, whilst actuated by a Vital Spirit: And further, as a Mill upon the Con∣sumption or Congelation of that Water, still re∣tains the same Parts it had before, so do the Parts of a Plant, tho' the Soul ceases its communicative Virtue. And to continue the Parallel further, as the Constituent Parts of a Mill are not de∣stroy'd, tho' the Faculty of Operating as such be lost; so neither is the Water, but only by reason of Congelation, or Evaporating in the Form of Exhalations, ceases to coexist in a Form fit to turn the Mill: So tho' a Plant or Flower be lopt off, and retains the same Texture of its solid Parts, yet when it ceases to be water'd with a continual supply of Sap, the Sap is only dispers'd in the Air, or intercepted, and spent in some other Part of the Tree: From whence it appears, that nothing at all perishes, but only the Manner of Union, and the Particular Modification of those Parts of Matter cease; so that those solid Parts are no longer fitly adapted to be nourish'd by

those Fluids. Which Instance may serve to il∣lustrate our Doctrin, tho' there be considerable Difference betwixt the things compar'd, inas∣much as a Plant hath not always that Aptitude to be again actuated as the Mill hath.

But there are some Instances, which may ren∣der the Difference less considerable, if we consi∣der that the Rose of Jericho, which tho' for seve∣ral. Years gather'd, and wither'd, is so far re∣fresh'd by Water, as to seem but lately gather'd: And I have observ'd, that tho' a Plant of Aloes had several Years hung near the Ceiling of my Chamber, yet it was by the use of a convenient Liquor, so far renew'd, as to perform several things, which are usually the Effects of Life and Growth. And the like is confirm'd by what may be experimented in Wasps, which, tho' drown'd in Water, will yet recover Life by the Heat of the Sun.

* 1.49But to wave needless Illustrations, I shall pro∣ceed to observe, That tho' a Body hath laid down its Specifick Form; yet the Qualities remaining, are not always the Result of the united Subor∣dinate Forms; but depend sometimes on the de∣terminate Forms of Particular Parts of that Body, tho' the Union be such as to preserve the Structure, as to Sense, unalter'd; as appears when an Extract is drawn out of Rhubarb, or the Juice of Oak-Bark is extracted by Water, the Remain∣ing Substances, tho' as to outward appearance the same,* 1.50 retain not their Specifick Virtues. Besides, upon the Abolition of Specifick Forms, several new Qualities may be added to a Body, which it had not before, by the Influence of ex∣ternal Agents: As when Musk results from the

Action of some External Body upon Flesh: For not only the Seminal Rudiments, latent in Bodies that have undergone a Change, exert them∣selves; but several outward Agents, to which those Bodies are expos'd, do, by agitating and altering the Textures of that Matter, promote such a Favourble concourse of Circumstances, that Noble and very Exquisite Forms, may result from their Union and Contexture. As a Lime-Stone, being Physically chang'd by the Influence of Congruous Particles, when expos'd to the Air, will yield Salt-Petre, genuine and inflam∣mable. And I have often observ'd an Efflore∣scence upon certain Marcasites, agreeable in both Colour and Taste, as well as other Operations, with Vitriol, which could be nothing but the Ef∣fect of outward Agents, changing the Texture of those Parts, which lay open to the Air for some time.

* 1.51But to wave there things, I shall illustrate a little further, what I just before hinted concern∣ing a twofold Modification of Matter, viz. the Relation it hath to a Specifick Form, and that which is the meer Result of Texture amongst its own Parts: what I shall offer, is, That some things are attributed to the Soul or Specifick Form, which may be effected by the meer Subor∣dinate Association of Parts, promoted by a mu∣tual Concourse of Natural Agents; as the Ex∣crements may be voided when a Man's dead, or Fruit may be ripen'd after it is gather'd, without the assistance of the Expulsive Faculty of the Soul in the former, or the Perfective in the latter. Agreeable to this, the Inquisitive Oviedo relates a Story to the Emperor Charles the Fifth, of a

Fruit in the West-Indies, call'd Anana's, which are gather'd as soon as One is ripe, the rest being kept in Chambers to acquire Maturity after∣wards. And the Learned Josephus Acosta relates the following Account of the Fruit of a Plane-Tree to the same, viz. That they usually gather it when green, which being laid up in a Vessel mix'd with a certain Herb, gradually ripens. But the Diligent Piso tells a Story, more to our Purpose, of those Brasilian Plants, call'd Pa∣coeira, and Bananiera; for concerning the Fruit he says, Continentur plerumque in Ʋno Ramo, qua∣tuordecem aut sedecem numero, ut it a una Planta, proferat septuaginta aut octuaginta, qui subinde Vi∣rides avulsi, nunc in Aedibus, nunc in Navibus su∣spenduntur, donec justam maturitatem & flavedinem consequantur: And he also says of the Boughs, when lop'd off, Ramus autem ille fructibus onustus, interea dum illi maturescunt, augetur, floresque sem∣per protrudit, ex corpore illo foli••ceo, &c. And it is not less remarkable, that Onions, and such like Fruit, as well as Potatoes, will shoot of their own accord, tho' suspended in the Air.

But not here to take Notice how far these things may result from the Exertion of Latent and Seminal Principles, I shall rather observe, That several things usually ascrib'd to the Soul, may result even from the Texture of the Body, concurring with external Causes; as the Hair, or Nails will grow considerably for a long time, after the Body is dead.

* 1.52And tho' by the Espousers of Sennertus his Opinion, the Cessation of the Vital and Animal Functions upon Death, are look'd upon as strong Arguments, That the Soul is the Agent, which

effects whatever is acted in the Body; yet I con∣ceive it depends on somethings very precarious; since notwithstanding what is manifest to us, the Cessation of those Faculties may depend on the in∣ternal Organization, which may in some measure be destroy'd; Since the Body consists of Parts, not only solid, but soft; as the Brain, and also liquid, as the Humours; a right and convenient Coap∣tation of which is required to preserve Life, considerable Changes in the Humours, being e∣nough to obstruct Circulation, on which Life so much depends. Thus in Palsies, tho' there be no visible Change; yet by an Indisposition, either in the Humours or Vessels, the Parts become void of Sense as well as Motion: And even Sleep it self, so alters the Disposition of our Bodies, that Odours and Sounds are not perceiv'd by a sleep∣ing Man, tho' nothing externally obstructs the Operation of the Soul, which lodges in the Bo∣dy; and what considerable Alterations in the Humours may be effected, without our Percep∣tion, may be urg'd, from the Effects which Thun∣der hath upon Wine, in turning it into a Vi∣negar, sower and uninflamable.

* 1.53But to render what I have said of Subordinate Forms, more intelligible, I shall lay it down in certain Propositions, without making long and tedious Excursions, applying it chiefly to Inani∣mate Bodies: And first I shall consider,

1. That the signification of the Technical Word Form, is indeterminate; since it is not agreed what is enough to determine, what Forms Bo∣dies are of; it being not only disputed, whether Water, by being froze, loses its Form or not; But further, several Bodies have no particular

Forms assign'd to them; as Ink, Gun-powder, Beer, Coal, &c. Nay, some Bodies consider'd in different Respects, may seem to have more Forms than One, as in Vitrum Saturni, which is made of Lead, it may be doubted, whether it hath the Form of a Metal or Glass; since it hath a great many of the Qualities of Both, as Fusi∣bility, Transparency, and Brittleness; and will, contrary to common Glass, dissolve in Aqua For∣tis, yield a sweet Solution, and may be reduc'd into a Malleable Lead by Fire; so likewise Amel, whose Ingredients are calcin'd Tin, together with Salt and Sand, and some burnt Copper, will again yield most of the same distinct Ingredients; yet the Compound had not all the Properties be∣longing to these Bodies. But,

* 1.54II. It is a Matter of Difficulty to determine the Nobleness of Forms.

This is not only evident from Examples be∣fore given, but several others; as Glass of An∣timony, is more apt for some uses than Crude An∣timony, and vice versa. Again, it hath been for∣merly a Dispute, and may be a Doubt still, Whe∣ther the Powder resulting from Gold and Silver precipitated, be a Nobler Metal than Gold; of which were a Spagerical Physician, and a Gold∣smith to judge, the Former would value the Powder, as much as the Latter would the Gold. Again, tho' Silver Soder be the Result of Silver, alloy'd with Copper or Brass, and of very great use; yet it may be question'd, whether it is not by that means render'd less valuable. And tho' a Plant be petrify'd, and for that reason valu'd as a Rarity; yet is that New Form in it self less Noble than the former.

* 1.55III. Tho' several Alterations are made in Bo∣dies, by a Recess or Access of Qualities, yet they retain the same Denomination, and are said to have the same Form, by reason of some Eminent Quality or Use; which is proper to them.

For which reason Vitrum Antimonii is call'd so, because it hath the Fusible and Transparent Qualities of Glass; tho' it, in other Respects, besides its Vomitive and Purgative Properties, hath Qualities different from Glass. So all Un∣ctuous Bodies, as Oyl of Almonds, Olives, &c. are call'd Oyls, because Fluid, and not apt to be mix'd with Water; yet there is a great deal of Difference betwixt them, and Empyreu∣matical Oyl of Guajacum or Box: So likewise several Substances of very different Effects, are reckon'd amongst Salts; because they readily dissolve in Water, and are very sapid; so that the Word Form, seems to be apply'd to Bodies on the account of some Metaphysical Conceptions, and in respect of some General Use; rather than Physical Forms, by which Substances of the same Form, are said to be of the same Specifick Nature and Virtue. From whence it may be thought that several Substances are generally Class'd to∣gether, as they are alike States of Matter, rather than agreeable Forms: As Water and Wine may be turn'd into Ice, or Tallow and Mineral Con∣cretes, may become of the number of Substances which constitue Flame.

* 1.56IV. That by Compound Bodies, several Effects will be produc'd, upon the account of the Union and Joynt-Action of their In∣gredients.

These Operations, by the Schools, are said to be done Actione Communi; as when a Man dis∣putes vivâ voce, the Rational Soul concurs with the Vocal Organs, to the Forming of Syllo∣gisms: Or, to use a plainer Instance, as a Bullet acts on a Plane, by Virtue of its whole Specifick Gravity, tho' it touches the Plane but in a Point; the other parts acting on it by the Intervention of that: Or as in a Pair of Scales, the whole Sub∣stance of a Man, and all that he hath about him, presses upon the Scale, tho' he touches it but with his Feet. But to use an Instance of the Con∣current, or Actio Communis, of an Organical Body; the Effects of a Compound Body, are like that of a Watch, where if any Part be wanting, the Complex Action so much depends on the Common, and Joynt-Action of the whole, that the Action of the whole is destroy'd.

* 1.57V. It is agreeable to Reason, to admit of Sub∣ordinate Forms, in Bodies Inanimate.

Against this it is objected, That one Body can∣not have two Forms. To this it may in short be answer'd, That tho' a Body can have no more than one Adaequate Form; yet being a Compound, it may have several, which are Subordinate to, and Parts of that; as the Parts of a Watch have each their own Forms, which are Subordinate to the Form of the whole.

A Second Objection is, That a Body having a Compleat Form, whatever is Concurrent to it, makes it Ens per Accidens. To this it may be an∣swer'd, That according to the Schools, the Soul and Body, which have each separately distinct Forms, being joyn'd, make Ʋnum per se, and not per Accidens; and the Rational Faculties, which

are its Accidents, are said to make Ʋnum per se: So that thence, by Parity of Reason, tho' a Con∣geries of Accidents, concur to the Forming of a Body, yet the Operation and Property of the whole United, being one, it may as well be said to be Ʋnum per se. Add to this, that the Peripa∣teticks have not scrupled to teach, That the Forms of Elements, are not destroy'd by being mix'd, yet they hold each of the Bodies made up of them, to be Ʋnum per se.

But it may be further answer'd, That tho' a Form be compleat in it self, yet the Form result∣ing from the Union of another with it, may be far more Noble, and perform things much more curious than before: As when Sulphur and Nitre are added to Charcoal; or when a Spring is added to the other Parts of a Watch, where by the Addition of these Forms, the pre-extent are not destroy'd, but improv'd; the whole, in each Composition, making one Compound Form.

* 1.58VI. Sometimes a Superadded Form is Acci∣dental to a Pre-existent; yet it modifies the Ope∣rations of it, without altering its Nature.

As a Needle, which hath its Form consider'd as Steel, besides its Figure as a Needle, and by being touch'd with a Load-stone, acquires seve∣ral other Properties; as to attract others, and instead of its Indifferency to move any way, re∣gulates its Motion, so as to point North and South; of which Properties it is again depriv'd by being drawn upon the Pole of a powerful Load-stone.

But that we may more clearly understand, how a Superadded Form modifies the Actions of a

Body, we need but reflect on the Parts of a Watch, from whence the Forma Totius proceeds; where we may see, how the Spring, by being bent, acquires a Tendency to expand, and how the Wheels moderate that Expansion: From whence we may gather how the Parts of a Body, which united, make the Forma Totius, concur in super∣adding several New Qualities to the whole. So a piece of Lead is Vitrify'd by the Action of the Fire, by which Action the Parts, which before were pliable, become brittle; and being other∣wise rang'd as to Situation, give way to the Rays of Light, and becomes Transparent: And Salt-Petre, by the Addition of Coal and Sulphur, instead of burning by degrees, and leaving an Alkalizate Salt behind it, flashes all away at once.

* 1.59VII. Besides the Actions of a Body, which are specifick, in respect of the whole; it may have several Operations depending on the se∣parate, and particular Properties of an Ingre∣dient.

This may appear from what hath been deli∣ver'd above: But to make it more clear, I shall again intimate, what hath been before deliver'd, viz. That the Parts of a Watch, retain seve∣ral of their Pristine Qualities, when put toge∣ther, as they did before: To which another In∣stance might be added, from what is elsewhere said of Gun-powder. To which it may be added, That several Ingredients in Physical Composi∣tions, retain their own Qualities, tho' the Com∣position hath in General a Particular Effect upon the account of its Mixture. As for Instance, Ambergreece retains its Smell, as well as Aloes its

Taste, when made up into Pills with other Ingre∣gredients; and Opium likewise its Soporifick Qua∣lities, tho' mix'd with so great a number of In∣gredients as those of Venice-Treacle.

Another Example we have in the Precipitate of Gold and Mercury by Heat, which tho' it hath a red Colour, different from both the Ingredients, yet the Mercury retains its Salivating Faculty.

* 1.60VIII. That is often call'd the Specifick Form in several Natural Bodies, which is not the Presi∣ding, but only the most Eminent.

To prove this, we are to consider, what hath been already observ'd: As First, That the Sig∣nification of the Word Form, is made use of Ar∣bitrarily, and without sufficient Distinction. Se∣condly, That Forms are only Respective, and the Result of a Determinate Coexistence of the Parts of Matter. Thirdly, That they are attributed to Bodies, upon the account of some particular Qualities; as Unctuousness in Oyls, &c. or some particular Use. Pourthly, Agreeably to these, a Body must be endued wich several of those Qua∣lities, upon the Account of which Bodies are re∣ferr'd to different Classes. As in Vitrum Anti∣monii, in which besides those Qualities by which it is referr'd to Glass, it hath a Vomitive and Purgative Faculty, by which it is brought into another Class in Physick. Fifthly, It is not re∣quisite, that these Forms should depend on one another; since neither the Vomitive nor Purga∣tive Faculty depend on the Form of Glass, they both being inherent in the Calx, before it was Vitrify'd, and would be preserv'd, tho' the Glass, without an Addition of other Matter, should be turn'd into a Regulus. Sixthly, To these Obser∣vations,

we may add, That the Qualities of Bo∣dies, are said to be less or more Noble, in respect of their different Uses: As in Glass of Antimony, tho' the Glass may be taken for the Noblest Form by an Artist, yet its other Antimonial Qualities are more Eminent amongst Chymists and Physicians. Seventhly, From these Considera∣tions we may gather, that the most Predomi∣nant Form is not always that which denominates the Form of a Body; but sometimes that which is most Eminent, that is, most regarded.

* 1.61IX. The Forms just now mention'd, are ra∣ther to be esteem'd Concurrent, than Subor∣dinate.

And indeed, where the Denominating, or most regarded Form, may be so vary'd, they ra∣ther seem Concurrent than Subordinate, in respect of the Body, whose Attributes they are.

So that the Subjection of some sort of Forms, seems very difficult to be explain'd. And in∣deed we are so apt to mistake Names for Things, since by only denominating some Bodies, which have Particular Operations, we are apt to attri∣bute what is the sole Effect of Modification, to that Metaphysical Conception, which we have of an Aery Form, rather than to the Body consider'd as a Physical Agent, endued with a Mechanical and Adventitious Texture. And it is so far from Appearing that there is any thing of Super∣eminency, or Dominion of one Form in all the Operations of a Compound Body, that in some Simple Bodies, the Specifick Form is not in the least concern'd in the Effects of them; as Water will scald by Virtue of its Adventitious Heat, which is contrary to those Qualities attributed to

its Form as such. And so Springiness may be ad∣ded to, or taken away from Silver, without alter∣ing the Specifick Form of the Metal; nor does the Form of a File, consider'd as Metal, affect what is attributed to it, upon the Account of those Aspe∣rities: Nor is the more than usual Hardness the Product of the Substantial Form, but an acquir'd Temper given it by the Smith.

It would be an easy Matter to add several other Instances: But to conclude; Tho' the uncertain Signification of Terms, hath made the Foregoing Discourse the more Difficult and Dark; yet I hope it may serve to detect some receiv'd Errors, and promote a truer Theory concerning these Matters.

CHAP. V. Experiments and Thoughts about the Pro∣duction and Reproduction of Forms.

* 1.62IT was not without Grounds that I intimated in the preceding Chapter about Qualities, that Bodies are in a great measure distinguished into several Species by a sort of Tacit Agree∣ment; there being as yet, no Diagnosticks suf∣ficient to distinguish the several Species of things, but they are rather taken for distinct Species, by being known by such Names, than any true Characteristicks. As for instance, some well skill'd in the Writings of Aristotle, hold, that Water and Ice are not esteemed distinct Kinds

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of Bodies, they both having the same Nature; yet Galen not without Reason, favours the con∣trary Opinion, since they differ both in respect of Fluidity and Firmness, as well as Transpa∣rency: Besides, Ice and Salt beaten together, will freeze other Liquors, whereas Water and Salt will not; where there seems to be diffe∣rence enough to denominate them Two distinct Species of Bodies, as well, as that Must, Vine∣gar, Wine, Spirit of Wine or Tartar, should be esteemed so; or that a Chick should be thought different from the Egg which was hatched. Yet some Aristotelians have been ve∣ry doubtful whether the Natures of them be different or not, as also whether Clouds, Hail▪ Rain or Snow differ in Specie from Water▪ tho' the Writers concerning Meteors us••••••ly treat of them as different.

And if so small an Accident as Mo•••••••• o•• whatever distinguishes Wind and Exhala•••…•••… is enough to entitle them to distinct Species of Bodies, a Greater Right may be presumed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Paper and Rags, Glass and Wood-Ashes, should be esteemed so too; as also Soap, Sugar, Gun∣powder, &c. For it is not a sufficient Objection that most of these Bodies are Factitious; for the present state of a Body, denominates its Species, however it came by that Nature; as the Salt which is made in the Isle of Man, by the Sun acting upon the Sea-water, is as much Salt, as that which is artificially made by the Heat of the Fire, by boiling Sea-Water in Chaul∣drons; and Silk-Worms and Chickens hatched by the heat of Ovens or Dunghils, are equally as much Silkworms or Chickens, as those pro∣duced

by the heat of the Sun, or warmth of a Hen.

* 1.63Besides, the Objection, that most of the fore∣mentioned Bodies are Factitious, is less va∣lid, since they seem equally performed by Na∣ture, the Artificer being only concerned in putting Natural Agents together, which take the same Measures in causing their Effects, as if they had casually been brought together by Chance: As in Chymistry, the Agent which is Fire, operates upon the Subjects it hath to work upon as Fire, and not as it is barely an Instru∣ment of a Chymist; and therefore tho' the Ap∣plication belongs to the Chymist, the Action is as much Natural, as the Productions of Aetna or Vesuvius; where by the internal Action of the Fire, Stones are Calcined, and Metals not only colliquated, but Metalline Flowers and Ashes dispersed about the adjacent Parts.

And I am not without Probability inclined to believe, that several Minerals as well as o∣ther Bodies, which lie near the Center of the Earth, are rather the Productions of Subterra∣neal Fires, changing the Textures of other Bo∣dies than that they have lodged there, since the first Creation of things; for we see, that Lead becomes Minium, and Tin Tutty, in a very small time, and the Fumes of Sulphur, u∣niting with those of Mercury, convene into that delicate red Mass called Vermilion, which hath so far the similitude of a Mineral, that it hath been called by the same Name of Cin∣nabaris: So that we may easily conceive, how in the Bowels of the Earth, certain Mineral Fumes penetrating and uniting with a stony Concre∣tion,

Minerals may be formed: From whence it may appear, that a Congeries and Union of Accidents, is as sufficient to discriminate the several Species of Bodies, as the imagination of Substantial Forms.

* 1.64But to illustrate the Mechanical Origin of Forms, we may take notice of the Artificial Production of Vitriol, which is so like the Na∣tural, that it makes us able to guess what Mea∣sures are taken in the Natural Production of it. And since Vitriol is not a meer Salt, but rather (to use a Chymical Term) a Magestery, it is requisite to observe, that according to the sense of that Word, it is not prepared by a Se∣paration of Principles, but by the changing the Form of a whole Body, by an Addition and intimate Union of a Saline Menstruum: A∣greeable to which Notion it is to be noted, that an Acid Spirit, and a Metalline Substance, may be drawn as well from Artificial as Natu∣ral Vitriol; and consequently both must be e∣qually natural Vitriols in the strict sense of that Word.

But these are not the only Characteristicks of the Natural Agreement of Factitious and Natural Vitriol; since Vitriol of Mars, whe∣ther prepared by Oyl of Vitriol or Spirit of Salt, hath both the Colour, Transparency, Brittleness, aptness to Fusion, and Styptical Taste, with the Vitriol of Marchasites; as also several other Qualities, as to turn an Infusion of Galls into Ink; a Vomitive Faculty, when taken in a small Dose; as also to be endowed with Crystals of very Curious Figures, and a Dis∣position to run per Deliquium, as Guntherus

Belichius hath observed common Vitriol made use of in Germany to have.

And here we see, that the same Qualities may arise from the Union and Association of Two Ingredients, which are to be found in Common Vitriol; without the Incomprehensible force of Imaginary Substantial Forms, or a Generation of a Form distinct from the Ingredients and their Essential Modification; or a Texture of Parts of convenient Shapes and Sizes: Neither is there such an Intimate Mixture, as the Schools imagine, of these Two Ingredients, but a Juxta-Position and new ranging of their Parts in respect of Order and Position: Which is e∣vident, since by Distillation the greatest part of the Vitriol may be drawn off, leaving the Metalline Substance behind; and that most of its Qualities depend upon the Position of its Parts is plain, since through a good Burning Glass, the Sun Beams will so alter their Order and Texture as to turn it red.

CHAP. VI. Doubts and Experiments, concerning the Cu∣rious Figures of Salts.

* 1.65THO' I am not willing to acquiesce in the Doctrin of Substantial Forms, since to me they are Incomprehensible; Yet I am as forward to own, That I acknowledge the Admirable Wis∣dom of our CREATOR no less, because He hath thought fit that the Changes and Altera∣tions in Matter, should depend on Accidents easy and intelligible, at least with less Difficulty to be conceiv'd, than the incomprehensible Doctrin of Substantial Forms: And tho' the Curious and Delicate Shapes of Salts, be Generally us'd as Ar∣guments of the Great Plastick Skill of Substantial Forms; yet I must own, I think them very slight things, compar'd with Organiz'd Bodies; and therefore I would not have it inferr'd, That be∣cause the Figures of Salts may be accounted for, without the Assistance of Plastick Powers, that therefore the Bodies of Animals may.

That Substantial Forms are not necessary to the Production of those Curious Figures in Salts, I am induc'd to believe; First, Because a Concrete of no less Curious Figured Parts, than other Vitriols may be made by a bare Connection of Metalline and Saline Bodies. Secondly, because according to the different Quantities of Liquor, or the space of Time they shoot in, their Figures vary: Accord∣ing to which Agricola, lib. 12. p. 462. de re Me∣tallica, speaking of the Cords that are immerg'd

into Vitriol-Water, for the Crystals to stick to, says, Ex his pendent restes lapillis extentae, à quo Humor spissus adhaerescens densatur, in translucentes atramenti sutorii, vel cubos vel acinos, qui Ʋvae spe∣ciem gerunt.

* 1.66I remember also, that having a long time thought that the Method usually taken in pre∣paring Alkalyes, such as Salt of Tartar, &c. was the reason, why they are gather'd in the Form of Calx; I took care to dissolve Alkalyes well pu∣rify'd in Water, slowly evaporating it, till crusted over, with an Icy Crust; which being preserv'd entire, lest they should want a suffi∣cient quantity of Liquor, to give them liberty to move, in order to their more Curious and Con∣gruous Coalitions, I continued them in a mo∣derate Heat for some time, and then breaking the Crust, I had a variety of figur'd Lumps of Crystalline Salt; transparent, and not much un∣like white Sugar-Candy.

* 1.67Likewise having several times distill'd Oyl of Vitriol, and a strong Solution of Sea-Salt to∣gether, till the Matter left behind was dry; that Salt Substance, when dissolv'd in Water, filtrated and evaporated, would shoot into Salts, of Figures differenr, according to the various Proportions of the Ingredients; yet nevertheless tho' sometimes in the same Glass the Salts would be of different Figures; yet would they be more exquisitely figur'd, than those of Vitriol often are. And from a Mixture of Spirit of Wine, and Spirit of Nitre, digested long together,* 1.68 I have got Crystals much like in shape to Crystals of Salt-Petre; and I have obtain'd Plates of Crystals, made up of solids, very curiously shaped,

and so congruously adapted, as to make a very plain Surface, much different from what I have elsewhere mention'd from a Solution of Silver in Aqua fortis, or Spirit of Nitre; when I have order'd it so, that it should shoot leisurely.

Thirdly, I have several ways made it appear, That Insensible Parts of Matter of various, tho' very curious Shapes, guarded with plain as well as smooth sides, will convene into Bodies diffe∣rently shap'd. And tho' Blood, Urine, and Hart's-Horn, might probably have their Sub∣stantial Forms destroy'd by the Fire; yet foras∣much as the Saline Parts, with which they are im∣pregnated, are of the Figures just now men∣tion'd, in the Liquors they have been expos'd, to shoot leasurely; I have observ'd several Masses, the surface of some of which were Plains, very curious and delightful, and the Figures of others exactly Geometrical: And stillatious Acids, as well as the Bodies they are appropriated to dis∣solve into Crystals variously figur'd, according to the Nature of the Menstruum, or the Bodies it works upon; as I have experienc'd with a Men∣struum which would dissolve Gems, and likewise with Coral dissolv'd in Spirit of Verdigreece: For which Reason, when I try'd whether the Shapes of the Particles of Silver, dissolv'd in Aqua fortis, would dispose them,* 1.69 without a Coagulation with Salts, to shoot into smooth and flat Concretions; I observ'd, that Part of the Solution being di∣luted with distill'd Rain-water, and a Copper-Plate immers'd in the Liquor, after it had re∣main'd there a while, Clusters of Metalline Bo∣dies, devoid of Transparency settled about it, joyn'd together in Plates very thin, yet very

glossy and flat, the Edges of the largest, being prettily shaped.

* 1.70And that the Particles of Gold are apt enough to associate with Congruous Salts, and to com∣pose Bodies of determinate sizes, I have ob∣serv'd in Crystals, afforded me by Gold, dissolv'd in Aqua Regis, and being preserv'd in a cold place, till the superfluous Moisture was evaporated: And from the Parts of Gold divided by a stronger Menstruum, so minutely as to be capable of be∣ing sublim'd, I have obtain'd Crystals much of the same shape, tho' different in size from one another.

And I remember, having long since dissolv'd several Saline Bodies together in Water, by a gentle Evaporation, they have yielded Con∣cretes, different in shape from each of the Ingre∣dients; but it oftentimes is very difficult to asso∣ciate them, because some are dispos'd to Cry∣stallize sooner than others: As may be observ'd in purifying Barbary Nitre, from the common Salt it is mix'd with; and as Agricola, lib. 12. de re Metallica, takes Notice, where a Vitriolate Substance, and that from whence Allom is drawn, are joyn'd together; yet Venetian Borax,* 1.71 tho' made up of several Salts, yields Crystals of very Regular and Geometrical Figures: And the Ca∣put Mortuum of common Aqua fortis, which con∣sists of Bodies disagreeable in Nature, by fre∣quent Solutions and Coagulations of their Saline Parts, yield Salts of very curious Figures, as Tri∣angles, Rhomboids, Hexagons, Prisms, and Py∣ramids, compos'd of several Triangles, meeting in a Vertical Point, and as curiously shap'd as Cornish Diamonds.

But the Acquisition of new Shapes, by being compounded, is not only practicable in these Grosser, but even in Chymical Salts, which affect one another, with an Ebullition; because in that Conflict, the Volatile Spirits unite and lose much of their Force; so that being less apt to fly away upon Evaporation,* 1.72 they form curiously shap'd Crystals; as I have Experienc'd with Spirit of Urine and Spirit of Nitre, Spirit of Sheeps Blood and of Salt, Spirit of Nitre and Oyl of Vitriol, and likewise with Spirit of Salt and Spi∣rit of Urine; the last of which shews, how much Compound Figures are owing to the Union of the Particles of the Ingredients, of which they are compos'd; the Spirit of Ʋrine and Salt, afford∣ing Concretes different from those of Oyl of Vi∣triol and Spirit of Ʋrine; the shape of the first being like that of a Comb, whose Teeth stand out on each side; or like a Feather, the Crystals on each side being so much inclin'd: Crystals of a like Figure to which,* 1.73 arise from a just Propor∣tion of Soot dissolv'd, and coagulated with com∣mon Sal Armoniack.

Fourthly, To confirm what I have above de∣liver'd concerning the Origin of Vitriol; and also to make it appear, That the Figure of its Parts depends on the Texture of its Ingredients, I shall add another Particular, which is, That having compar'd the Composition of Artificial Vitriol, I thought it might reasonably be rank'd under the same Species with the Natural: To which I shall subjoyn, that having also consider'd, that Oyl of Vitriol, and Spirit of Salt, were improper Men∣struums to dissolve several Metals, I made use of Aqua fortis, which with Copper, made a Curious

Vitriol; and with Silver, it afforded Crystals shoot∣ing into thin Plates; and with Lead and Quick Silver, it yielded Crystals far more thick, and dif∣ferently shap'd from each other.

Now if from hence it appears, That the Cu∣rious Figures of Salts, generally alledg'd as Ar∣guments of the Necessity of Substantial Forms, de∣pend meerly upon Texture; why may not the more Ordinary Phaenomena of Nature, since it is manifest that Matter, and a Congeries of Acci∣dents, are sufficient to account for what is usually attributed to Imaginary Forms? Neither can I see Reason, why Arguments grounded on the Qua∣lities and Effects of Bodies, esteem'd factitious, may not be sufficient to shew us, what may be ascrib'd to the Mechanical Affections of the univer∣sal Mass of Matter; since it is not agreed how fa∣ctitious shall be distinguish'd from that Species of Body, call'd The Productions of Nature. In fa∣vour of which Gun-Powder is no despicable In∣stance; where by a bare Mixture of Nitre,* 1.74 Char∣coal, and Sulphur, without the least shadow for the Pretence of a Substantial Form, a Body is produc'd, of Effects more prodigious, than any of Nature's Production: Nor can Nature pro∣duce a more Noble Concrete than Glass, which is but the Product of Matter, brought together by Art; where in less than an Hour, an Opaque Body becomes transparent, and acquires several other Qualities, for as much as appears to Sense, with∣out the Addition of any other Body; which yet by another change, in a trice, may make a Sub∣stance not Glassy, but Opacous.

* 1.75Nay, the Aristotelians themselves allow, That there may be slight Changes in Matter, so as to

distinguish Genus's, without an Introduction of Substantial Forms; as in Coral, which in the bot∣tom of the Sea is tender, and grows like a Plant, yet when harden'd in the Air, it is by several Eminent Writers, class'd amongst Stones: And indeed, its Calx is very much unlike the Ashes of Plants, being apt to be corroded by Vinegar, as Lapis Stellaris, and several other Mineral Stones are.

And a thing equally to be admir'd, is to be seen in Sombrero, an Island in the East-Indies, near Sumatra, according to Sir James Lancester; who relates a Story of a Worm, which is trans∣form'd into a Tree; and that again into a Stone, much like white Coral: And Piso, in his History of Brasil, vouches many Witnesses for the Trans∣formation of Animals like Grass-hoppers, into Ve∣getables. Likewise Michael Boym, a Jesuit, af∣firms, That he saw in the Island Hainan, in China, Crabs, which pull'd as out of the Water, were im∣mediately petrify'd.

But, Pyrophilus, that I may draw to a Conclu∣sion, I shall only further add, to what hath gone before,* 1.76 that Remarkable Experiment of Hel∣mont's, which is that Oyl of Vitriol may be turn'd into Allom, by the Fumes of Mercury: To which may be added another Instance, presented us in the Production of Salt-Petre: For if on the white Salt, afforded by Solution of Pot-Ashes, Spirit of Nitre be pour'd,* 1.77 till they cease to ferment, that Mixture will yield Crystals endued both with the Shape, and other Qualities of Nitre.

CHAP. VII. Experimental Attempts concerning the Re∣dintegration of Bodies.

HAving already to confirm the Origin of Forms, as intimated in our Hypothesis, al∣ledged the Measures taken in the Productions of Forms, I now proceed to illustrate it from their Reproduction, which might prove the stronger Argument of the Two, could it be clearly made out; because to Re-produce a Body, whose Substantial Form hath been destroyed, may argue, that a Form is only a Modification of the Parts of Matter of which a Body is com∣posed, in such order in reference to each o∣ther, as is requisite to produce such Properties: Whereas were those Parts otherwise placed, they would make up a Body of a different Nature; which would be again of the nature of the for∣mer were the Parts of which it consists associated in their former Order.

But tho' an Adaequate Redintegration of Bo∣dies Chymically Analized were impossible, by Reason of some Dissipated Parts; yet such a one as is possible, may be sufficient to our Pur∣pose; which is the Experiment concerning the Reproduction of Salt-Petre. But Experimental Attempts of this kind being very difficult, all that I shall do at the present, is, to represent that Difficulty. And

* 1.78First, we shall do it by relating our Suc∣cess in an Attempt to dissipate and re-unite the Parts of common Amber; for having put Four or Five Ounces of Amber into a Glass Retort, by a gentle Heat it began gradually to melt and bubble; and after the Operation was ended, we found in the Receivers half the weight of the Amber, consisting of a Mixture of Volatile Salt, Spirit, Phlegm and Oyl; and in the bottom of the broken Retort, we found a Cake of Matter very black, yet so smooth, that nothing could be finer Polished; so that it might very well have supplied the place of a Looking-Glass; which, when it was broke, the Fragments were accompanied with a more than ordinary Lustre. All which divided Parts of Amber be∣ing mix'd in a Glass Body, to which a Blind Head was luted, and placed in Sand, the Fire being by Accident increased, the Fumes raised the Vessel out of the Sand, which falling, the Top of it was broke, by striking against the side of the Furnace, and the Fumes flew away. The remaining Matter was very like Tarre, but would not Tincture Spirit of Wine; tho' with Oyl of Turpentine, it would make a Blood-Red Balsom. The whole Process be∣ing again renewed, and some Accidents hap∣pening, we could not finish the Experi∣ment.

* 1.79But notwithstanding the Difficulty of Tryals of this kind, having once drawn what Quan∣tity I could of Phlegm and Spirit from Roch Al∣lom, and poured it again upon the Caput Mor∣tuum, after some time, some Parts were so as∣sociated again, as to form several curiously figur'd

Crystals:* 1.80 And though Vitriol may seem a Body unapt for such Experiments, yet I once drew from blew Vitriol a Phlegm and Spirit together, with a heavy Oyl, which be∣ing divided into several Parts, the red Caput Mortuum was divided into an equal Number, one part of each of which being mixed over Night, in the Morning I found several Grains of pure Vitriol upon the Surface of the Matter; which I again found upon the Mixture of an∣other part of the Powder and Liquor, only more in Quantity; and this Experiment was also confirm'd by a Third Tryal.

* 1.81To these I shall add, what happened upon the digestion of powdered Antimony, with a double quantity of Oyl of Vitriol: For having drawn from it a little Liquor, together with a considerable Quantity of combustible Antimo∣nial or Antimonio-Vitriolate Sulphur, the Caput Mortuum remaining in the Report was light and friable, and upon the upper part white like common Wood-Ashes; the rest being like a Cinder. Whereupon we exposed it to the Fire, in a Retort of Glass well Coated, and fitted with a Receiver; and after some time separating the Vessels, we found very little Sulphur sublimed; and not the least Antimonial Quicksilver, but the Caput Mortuum was united into a Mass of black Antimony, covered over with white transparent Glass. From whence we may infer, that Antimony generally abounds with more Sulphur than is requisite to consti∣tute that Mineral; though in this Experiment we might suspect, that part of it was turned

into Glass, by the Loss of the Sublimed Sul∣phur.

* 1.82But amongst all my Experiments of the Re∣dintegration of Bodies, the following was the most successful; for having distilled from se∣veral Ounces of Turpentine in a Glass Retort, a considerable Quantity of Transparent Li∣quor, and a dry brittle Caput Mortuum, I re∣duced the Caput Mortuum into Powder, which by that means was turned from a Red, to a pure Yellow Colour; and being mixed with the Liquor, was formed into a Red Balsam; which, by a continued Digestion, began to lose that Colour, so that the Powder being wholly dissolved, it could not be distinguished from Laudable Turpentine.

CHAP. VIII. Experiments concerning the Origin of Qua∣lities and Forms.

HAving in some of the foregoing Chap∣ters, given a short Scheme of the Princi∣ples of the Corpuscularian Philosophy, for the better understanding our Experiments concern∣ing the Productions and Changes of Particular Qualities, I shall now lay down such Natural Phaenomena as induced me to take up such Notions, in which, not Art but Nature disco∣vers her Operations.

EXPERIMENT I.

* 1.83The First I shall begin with is, what occurs in hatching of an Egg. And.

First, we are to consider, that in a Prolifick Egg, by the same Reason, that Bones and Mem∣branes are called Similar Parts of an Animal; the Liquor of the Yolk, as well as the White, is to Sense, a Similar Substance, though by Di∣stillation several Substances may be drawn from them.

Secondly, That by beating the White of an Egg well, it loses much of its Tenacity, and becomes a fluid Body; in which Agitation, there is only a Mechanical Alteration of the Texture of the Body.

Thirdly, That the Rudiments of the Chick, lodged in the Cicatricula, are nourished only by the White, till it becomes a great Chick; the Yolk being reserved as a stronger Nourishment, till the White is spent, and the Chick is able to di∣gest it; and in effect the Chick seems to be fur∣nish'd with Head, Wings, Beak and Claws, before the Yolk is touched.

Lastly, It is not a little to be admired that so Soft and Similar a Liquor as that of an Egg, should be in so short a time, changed into a Chick, endowed with Organical Parts of dif∣ferent Fabricks; and Similar ones different in Texture very much from one another; be∣sides the Liquors contained in the Solid Parts, being as different as the former, and endow∣ed

First, With new Qualities, as Colour, Taste, Odours, Heat, Hardness, &c. Secondly, Quali∣ties distinct from Sensible ones, as Fludity, Con∣sistency, Hardness and Flexibility, &c. Thirdly, Occult Qualities, as when Birds or Parts of An∣nimals, afford Specifick Medicines, or at least most Noble ones. But

Fourthly, since some may Object, that these Parts are formed by the Plastick Power of the Soul, and that a Chick is not a Mechanically contrived Engine, we are to consider, that let the Plastick Principle be what it will, yet still, being a Physical Agent, it must act after a Physi∣cal manner; and having no other Matter to work upon, but the White of the Egg, it can work upon that Matter but as Physical Agents, and consequently can but divide the Matter into Minute Parts of several Sizes and Shapes, and by local Motion so variously contex them, as is requisite to produce an Animal of this or that Species; though from so many various Textures of the Parts formed, there must na∣turally arise such different Colours, Tastes and Consistencies, and other Qualities, as we have taken Notice of: For we are not here to con∣sider so much, what is the Agent or Efficient in these Productions, but after what manner the Matter they are made of, is affected in producing them: To illustrate which, we may observe, that a Man who is to frame a Build∣ing, or some curious Engine, though he may by the help of Reason and Art, skillfully con∣trive his Materials, yet he can but move, di∣vide, transpose and contex the several Parts, in∣to which he reduces the Matter assigned.

And that the Soul of a Hen, does not any more contribute to the forming of a Chick, is plain; fince we are assur'd, that multitudes of Eggs may be hatch'd meerly by the regulated Heat, either of Ovens, or Dunghills: Whence it easily ap∣pears, That the Plastick Power, no otherwise contributes to the Formation of a Chick, than by guiding the Parts of the White, put into Motion by the external Heat; so, that they may asso∣ciate after a manner necessary to produce an Or∣ganical Chick.

EXPERIMENT II.

* 1.84 Water, tho' a Homogeneous, Diaphanous, Fluid Body, devoid of Colour, Taste and Smell, &c. may, by altering the Texture of its Parts, acquire Attributes different from these: This is evident, in the Growth of Vegetables, when nourish'd even by simple Water, in Bottles; where I have observ'd, that Crows-foot, after six Months Growht, weigh'd above three times as much as before it was put in. But not only Crows-foot, but several other Plants, owe their Substance to the Particles of Water, alter'd in Texture, as Spear∣mint, Marjorane, Raphanus Aquaticus, and Ra∣nunculus: From whence we may infer, that the same Particles of Matter which compose Water, may, by having their Parts differently modify'd, produce several Concretes, endu'd with different Qualities, as Firmness, Volatility, Colours, Smell, and Taste; together with other Specifick or Occult Qualities: Yet it is to be admir'd, that so insipid a Body as Water, should be converted into a Juice so caustick, as that of Ranunculus, or

one so inflammable as Oyl, which may be drawn by Distillation from Plants, only nourish'd in Bottles.

OBSERVATION III.

* 1.85It is usually believ'd, That Plants by the Fa∣culties of a Vegetative Soul, select and suck in a Juice, appropriated to each; rather than that they are all nourish'd by one Juice differently modify'd in that Plant: But the Latter will ea∣sily appear, if we consider, what happens in Grafting and Inoculations; for if a Pear-Tree be Grafted into a White-Thorn, the Aliment suck'd in by that Root, will be so alter'd, as to yield Nourishment to a Pear; Fruit much diffe∣rent from that of the White-Thorn: The same is evident in Inoculations, where the Sap, selected by the Root, is so alter'd in the Bud inoculated, that the same Sap, which in the Genuine Branches of the Tree, constitutes one sort of Fruit, is turn'd into another, in those springing from the inoculated Bud. And here it is further Re∣markable, That not only the same Juice yields various sorts of Substances in different Plants, but even in the same Tree; where the Skin of the Fruit differs from its Flesh, and that from the Stone, and all of them from the Substance of the Tree; not only in Colour, but several other Qualities; as the Blossoms of a Peach, have a Purgative Virtue, which is not in the Fruit: And Garcias ab Horto affirms, That the Seeds of so∣lutive Cassia fistula, are Astringent: An Account not unlike to which we have of certain Kernels of a Fruit, much like a White Pear-Plum, by

Mr. Lygon, in his History of Barbados, p. 67, 68. Five of which work'd a dozen times upwards with him, and twenty times by Stool; yet by taking away a thin Film, which divides the Ker∣nel into halves, the Nut is as sweet as a Jordan Almond, and has no sensible Operation: Which Relation is also favour'd by Monardes, under the Title of Fabae Purgatrices, where he speaks of a Purgative Fruit, brought from America, from Carthagena, and also from Nombre de Dios. And Vincent le Blank, in his Survey of the World, p. 260. Part. 2. gives an Account of a Golden Apple, as bitter as Gall, containing Five Kernels, of an equal Bigness with Almonds, whose Juice is sweet; and he also relates, That of a thick Film, which encompasses the Nut in the Shell, they prepare an Excellent Sweet-Meat.

OBSERVATION IV.

* 1.86We have also an Instance, how Matter may be alter'd, by a Variation of its Texture in Rotten Cheese; which differs from the Sound, both in Colour, Taste, Smell, and Consistence. In which likewise, by a good Microscope, we may per∣ceive Clusters of Animals, endu'd with Parts very differently modify'd, and Qualities little diffe∣rent from Occult ones.

CHAP. IX. A Continuation of Experiments concerning Forms and Qualities.

EXPERIMENT I.

MIX a convenient Quantity of Camphire, grosly beaten, with Oyl of Vitriol, and when it begins to dissolve, and, by shaking the Glass, to mix with the Oyl, it will first tinge it with a Yellow, and afterwards a Colour not much different from Red; which Tincture will be so deep, as to render the Clear Oyl Opacous. And from the Ingredients perfectly mix'd, if in just Proportion, may be obtain'd a Liquor void of a Camphire Smell; yet by the sole Addition of Fair Water, the Mixture will become Pale, and the Camphire will again associate, and form a floating Combustible Body as before dissolv'd, and renew its Odour.

* 1.87From the Phaenomena of this Experiment, may be drawn several Instances to our Purpose.

I. That a Light Body reduc'd into Parts, con∣veniently Figur'd, may be mix'd with a Body heavier than it self; so that Gold, the heaviest of Bodies, may float in a Liquor, if its Parts be dissolv'd, and render'd minute enough by Aqua Regis. From which two Observations we may Learn; That the Textures of Bodies, as well as the Rules of Hydrostaticks, are concern'd in determining, whether Bodies will sink or swim.

II. That several Colours may be produc'd, by a Mixture of a Colourless Liquor, and a White Concrete.

III. That those Colours may again be de∣stroy'd, and the former renew'd by Water, which can neither afford the Colour it reduces Camphire to, nor destroy that of the Liquor.

IV. That a Light Body emerges out of one much lighter, which did not in a heavier Li∣quor, which the Mixture was before the Addi∣tion of Water; which may be an Argument a∣gainst the Schools concerning Mistion; since some of them assert, That, in Mistion, the Ele∣ments depose their own Forms, and put on new; whereas the Camphire had not its Form destroy'd throughout the Process; but still retain'd its own Qualities in a Disposition to be again united.

V. It is to be admir'd, That Odours should depend on so slight a Texture, that Camphire, by a bare Separation of its Parts, should lose its Scent, and upon the Mixture of a Body void of Odour, should again recover its Smell; and that so slight a Texture, as that of the Oyl and Cam∣phire, should, as to Sense, wholly for a time alter the Qualities of the Latter: And that several of the preceding Phaenomena, are caus'd by the Par∣ticular Texture of the Liquors, made use of to exhibit them, is manifest, because if Camphire be cast into Spirit of Nitre, well dephlegm'd, it will not afford those Phaenomena, which it does with Oyl of Vitriol. And when to the Red Mixture, above-mention'd, two or three parts of Spirit of Wine, were added instead of Water, no such Changes succeeded; but the whole Mixture, with its Accidental Colour, was dissolv'd by it, being

in Colour much like Red Turbid Wine: So that the Colour of the Mixture was wholly owing to the Mixture of the Oyl and Camphire, and de∣pended on their Union; which is further con∣firm'd, because when we added a sufficient quan∣tity of Water to that Turbid Liquor, it presently depos'd its Colour; and the Particles of Cam∣phire immediately emerged in the Form of a white Powder.

But there are other Phaenomena, which by a pro∣secution of this Experiment, the Mixture afforded us: For,

VI. Having kept the Mixture moderately warm in a Glass Retort, and distill'd it; the Li∣quor drawn off had a Smell, unlike both that of the Camphire, and also that of the Mixture: And the Ingredients united in this Mixture, were both. Transparent, in the Sense that Fluid and Solid Bodies contus'd are said to be so; yet the Re∣maining Mass, not only became Opacous, but of a very Black Colour: some Parts of it, being not unlike polish'd Jets; which is the more Re∣markable, because Camphire Chimically handled, usually ascends in White Flowers, leaving behind them a Caput Mortuum of an Agreeable Colour.

VII. The last Phaenomenon this Mixture afforded us was, That tho' Camphire be a Body very much dispos'd to dissipate, and fly away; yet by the Association of the Oyl, it might be kept together, so that the Caput Mortuum above-nam'd, was able to endure a pretty hot Fire in the Retort, before it was reduc'd to that Pitchy Substance, lately taken Notice of: And further it was Remark∣able, That Part of the Substance being taken out of the Retort, and kept in a Red-hot Crucible

for half an Hour, it afforded a considerable quan∣tity of Black Brittle Matter, without the least Smell of Camphire: Fixedness and Volatility are so much vary'd by Texture.

EXPERIMENT II.

* 1.88Amongst the various Experiments, which might be produc'd to prove, That the Diversity of Qualities depends on the various Alterations of Texture; I shall instance those afforded me in Copper and Silver, by the Intervention of Sublimate; where we shall have a Considerable Number of Changes, made by the Recess, Ad∣dition, and Trasposition of the Insensible Parts of Matter.

First then, Having put a Pound of Venetian Sublimate, grosly beaten, into a Glass Retort; we threw in Copper Plates, an Inch broad, and about as thick as a Grain of Wheat; so that the Ascending Fumes, might by Compulsion act on the incumbent Metal: Which being done, we plac'd the Retort in a Sand Furnace; and having adapted a small Receiver, we continu'd a Gra∣dual Fire, for seven or eight Hours; and at the last increas'd it to a considerable degree, which was as high, as the Furnace would permit: The Effects of which Operation were the following.

• 1. Very little Liquor was carry'd over into the Receiver, but about ten Ounces of Sublimate was crusted over the Neck of the Retort: The Retort contain'd two Ounces and a Quarter of Running Mercury; and what was to be admir'd was, the Acid Spirit, uniting with the Copper, left the Mercury unaffected.

• 2. When the Fire was increas'd, the Matter, beginning to Melt in the Retort, made a Noise not unlike to Vitriol, when brought to a Fusion, in a Calcining Pot: which Circumstance con∣stantly accompany'd this Experiment; whereas the same Experiment being again try'd, we scarce could find either in the Retort, or Receiver, the least Running Mercury.
• 3. The Lump of Metal in the Retort, was heavier by more than two Ounces; some of the Plates being too thick, and yet retaining their Shape and Malleableness; the others, being chan∣ged into a Brittle Lump, like a piece of good Benjamin, which, when broke, was of divers Co∣lours, and almost Transparent.
• 4. But this Lump, being divided into smaller Pieces, and expos'd to the Air in white Paper, in a Night's Time it was Colour'd like Verdigreese on the out-side; which by its longer continuance in the Air, penetrated deeper; yet the Paper which it stain'd, was ting'd with a Green, inclining to Yellow. And here we may take Notice of the strange Subtlety of the Air, which alter'd some of these Fragments so, that they were cover'd over with a Powder, like Vi∣ride aeris, notwithstanding they were shut up in a close Box.
• 5. Here I shall observe, That several Copper Plates, off which Sulphur had been drawn, had not their Shapes alter'd in the least; but were colour'd over with a white Silver colour, which penetrated the whole Substance of them, being much more glorious within, than on the Surface of the Metal: so that we suspected the Sublimate to be adulterated with Arsenick; but that it re∣tain'd

• its Malleableness; which Arsenick usually takes away.
• 6. We thought it more considerable, because the Venus of the Copper was so unlock'd, that the fore∣mention'd Transparent Substance, would melt like Rosin, and burn with a lasting Flame, if laid on a Red-burning Coal, or held to a Candle, much like the Flame of Sulphur, only more Green.

To these Phaenomena, afforded by Sublimate and Copper, I shall joyn some, observ'd in the like Experiment, with Sublimate and Silver.

We put ten thin Silver Plates into a well-coated Retort, with double the weight of Subli∣mate upon it, which when Sublim'd, the Subli∣mate ascended into the Neck of the Retort; in which was to be found several Portions of Re∣viv'd Mercury: In the bottom of the Retort was a Lump of Matter, which could scarce be separated from the Glass, but was brittle and of a Pale Yellow, and much of the same weight with the Metal. In the middle of the Lump, were contain'd pieces of Silver very brittle, but not totally dissolv'd: This Rosin, as that of Cop∣per, when moisten'd by the Air, was in 24 Hours cover'd over with a Greenish Dust; but whe∣ther it were the Result of Sublimate working on the Copper, which Silver is generally alloy'd with, or on the Compound Metal, I will not dare to determine: Yet it is usual for Painters to make a sine kind of Azure of Silver, by corroding it with Saline Bodies: All that I shall add to be observ'd in this our First Tryal, is that this Rosin, when cast upon hot Coals, continu'd flaming for a considerable Time, the Colour of the Flame be∣ing very like that of Copper.

But for a Second Experiment, we made use of an Ounce of Refiu'd Silver Laminated, and cast upon double its quantity of Sublimate; which, by the violent Force of the Fire, being partly melted, we found in the Retort a Lump of Matter, which in some places next the Glass, was cover'd with a thin Plate of Silver, the remaining part of the Metal, (except some small pieces) being dissolv'd into a Substance, neither like Silver, nor any other Metal or Mineral. In which process it is strange, that so fix'd a Metal, should, by an Ad∣dition of a Fourth Part of Matter, be so alter'd in its Qualities; as also, that a Mass of an Amber or deep Amethystine Colour, (some of whose Parts on he upper Superficies were of a light Yellow, which on the lower ended abruptly in a colour not far from a Black one) should be the Result of a Mixture of two white Bodies: Nor is it less to be admir'd, that a Body Transparent like Amber, should be made of so Opacous a Body as Silver, mix'd with a white Powder; and that Silver, in∣stead of the Qualities of a Metal, should become a Friable Body; and when cut with a sharp In∣strument, like Horn; as also, that it should be chang'd into a Body, apt to take Flame at a Candle, which before was difficult to melt.

These Experiments being try'd; To shew how much these Qualities depended on the Particular Textures of Bodies, I took two distinct Urinals, and put Gold finely Laminated in one, and Re∣fin'd Gold in the other, with a treble weight of Sublimate to each; which tho' rais'd in a Sand-Furnace, alter'd neither of them: But in these Experiments, being forc'd to make use of a Sand-Furnace, I could not employ a Fire so strong as

I could have wish'd for, which might in some measure alter the Phaenomena, which our Expe∣riment might have otherwise afforded: But,

Before I leave this Experiment, it may not be improper to give the following Advertisement, viz. That a further Improvement might be made of this Experiment, by making use of several kinds of Sublimates; which might easily be ob∣tain'd by raising several other Bodies up with Sublimate. Of which I shall add an Instance; for having Sublim'd a Mixture of equal Parts of Sal Armoniack, and Common Sublimate, in Uri∣nals plac'd in a Sand-Furnace, I obtain'd a Subli∣mate different from the former; for Salt of Tar∣tar dissolv'd, being drop'd into the Common sort dissolv'd in Water, turn'd it into an Orange∣tawny Colour, but chang'd a Solution of the other into a Liquor white like Milk.

To try the Effects of this New Sublimate, we Sublim'd it with a Mixture of Copper in the Re∣tort, in the bottom of which was to be found a Cupreous Rosin, which would, as the other above∣mention'd, turn to Verdigreese: But it is very Remarkable in this Experiment, That the Subli∣mate was ting'd with a Blewish-Green, by Par∣ticles of the Copper carry'd along with it; and also, that in the Receiver, was found near an Ounce of Liquor ting'd with Copper: From whence it appears, That this open'd the Texture of Copper, more Powerfully than the other Pre∣paration of Sublimate.

* 1.89 EXPERIMENT III.

To make it appear, That there are several Ways to produce the same Qualities in Bodies, provided the change of Texture be the same, I shall instance a Particular Experiment made with what the Alkymists call* 1.90 Luna Cornea.

Having dissolv'd Refin'd Silver in Aqua fortis, and Filtrated the Solution, we dropt Spirit of Salt into it, till the Liquor would no longer curdle, which being Filtrated through Cap-Paper, we dry'd the Remaining Substance, wash'd and clear'd from its Salts, whilst it re∣main'd in the Filtre, by running fair Water through it; when dry'd, it was melted into a Mass in a Viol, cover'd with Ashes, and being preserv'd in Fusion for a little time, afforded a Luna Cornea. But if instead of dropping the Salt upon the Solution, the same Method just be∣fore laid down, be taken with the Crystals yielded by that Solution moderately evaporated, they will shoot into Diaphanous brittle Crystals, much different from those of other Metals endu'd with several other Qualities, the Quantity of Salts in∣terpos'd betwixt the Parts of the Metal weighing but a third part of the Compounded Mass.

In the Foregoing Process, the following Phae∣nomena may be taken Notice of, to our present Purpose:

• First, That tho' Acids, and Alcalyes have gene∣rally contrary Effects, yet both Oyl of Tartar per Deliquium, and Spirit of Salt have the same Effect in Precipitating Silver; which evinces, That the Precipitation of Bodies is neither to be attributed to Alkalyes nor Acids, consider'd as

• such; But to a mutual Interposition and Tex∣ture of the Parts of the Matter, whereof those Bo∣dies consist.
• Secondly, It may be observ'd, That Bodies Diaphanous, and void of Colour, may be chang'd into Opacous, and white ones.
• Thirdly, That a white Powder may be turn'd into a Yellow Body, in some measure Transparent.
• Fourthly, That Silver by a Mixture of Saline Parts, may be render'd so apt to Fusion, that it will melt like Wax at the Flame of a Candle.
• Fifthly, It is remarkable, That tho' either of the Ingredients of this Mix'd Body, would readily dissolve in Water; yet the Composition would not.
• Sixthly, It is to be admir'd, that a Body in Texture, not unlike a piece of Horn, should be the Result of an Association of two rigid Bodies: Wherefore to be satisfy'd, That the Alteration depended on the Texture of Parts of the Ingre∣dients, I made use of the Oyl of Vitriol, in∣stead of Spirit of Salt, and found that the Concrete resulting from an Union of that with the Crystals of Silver, differ'd from the former, it being much more brittle, and easily divided into Parts.

But what is more remarkable is, That a Body compounded of one of the most Bitter, and an∣other of the sowerest Taste, should be it self in∣sipid, or of a different Taste from either of them: And it is yet as strange, that Salts so fugitive, and apt to dissipate in the Air, as those of Aqua fortis and Spirit of Salt, should by acquiring a New Texture put on such a degree of Fixedness, as to melt with a Metal, and that without the least per∣ceivable Evaporation.

EXPERIMENT IV.

* 1.91 Having made a Salt of very different Quali∣ties from all others, and which is so nice in the Preparation, that it is as difficult to direct how it is to be made, as to make it; I shall rather chuse to mention what Phaenomena it afforded me.

The First Thing Observable was, That tho' the Ingredients of this Salt were Eminently Sa∣line, yet the Salt it self was judg'd by a Stranger to be Sweet, tho' it had a Sweetness peculiar to it self, as every Sweet Body hath: Another Thing Considerable is, That tho' it be of an Inoffensive Smell, when cool; yet if expos'd to a considerable Heat, it emitted Effluviums more strongly faetid than those of Aqua fortis, Spirit of Armoniack Salt, or Distill'd Urine; whereas those Fumes being again united, into a Salt, became Inoffen∣sive as before.

And it is further to be Observ'd, That tho' all Volatile, Fix'd, and Lixiviate Salts are so speci∣fically different from each other, that being mix'd together, they ferment, and by that means destroy each other, and unite into a Substance different from each; yet this Salt is so powerful, as to be destroy'd by none of them; but being mix'd with any of them, remains quiet, and without the least Ebullition: But to be further satisfy'd that it was different from each of the foremention'd Salts; I try'd several Experiments, by which I sound, that it would neither turn Syrup of Vio∣lets red, as Acids do, nor green, as Volatile and Fix'd Salts usually do; and tho' Spirit of Armo∣niack,

Salt, or Urine will turn a Solution of Subli∣mate in Water, white; and Salt of Tartar will give it an Orange Colour; yet was it not in the least alter'd by this: Nay, tho' this Salt was dropt into a Solution of Syrup of Violets, along with Acids and Alkalyes, yet did it not hinder their Effects: Tho' in Dissolving several Sub∣stances, this Salt exceeds both Aqua fortis, and Oyl of Vitriol.

And it is further Observable, That tho' by a gentle Heat, this Salt wholly Sublimes; yet when mix'd with Liquors, it does not fly away, as other Volatile Salts do; and tho' it be Volatile, yet it will run per Deliquium, as soon as any Salt can do, and as present reassumes its own Form, the Superfluous Moisture being taken from it; add to this, That by a gentle Heat it may be dissolv'd in a Limpid Liquor. And, it is endu'd with a Quality yet more Admirable, for it will readily dissolve, either in Spirit of Wine, or Water, or Oyls themselves: whereas some Bodies which may be dissolv'd in Water, cannot incor∣porate with Oyls or Spirit of Wine, and è con∣versò.

EXPERIMENT V.

* 1.92The Experiment which I am about to deliver, I presume, will be sufficient to shew, That Con∣siderable Alterations in Bodies may be effected, by the Access of some Parts, and a Recess of others, the Remaining Parts being Modify'd afresh. The Experiment is the following, viz. Digest for some Time one Part of Sea-Salt, with a double Proportion of Spirit of Nitre; which

being distill'd in a Retort, till the Caput Mor∣tunm remains dry, the following Changes of Qualities will be observable;

• First, That it be∣comes an Aqua Regis, and would dissolve Gold, but not Silver; yet would precipitate the Latter when dissolv'd in Aqua Regis:
• Secondly, The Taste is more mild, affecting the Sensory, rather like Nitre, than common Salt:
• Thirdly, It be∣comes Fusible, like Salt-Petre; and like Nitre, dis∣solves in the Flame of a Candle.
• But Fourthly, Tho' it be a Quality of Sea-Salt to resist the Action of Fire, and of Acid Spi∣rits to cool Inflammations; yet a Lump of this Matter cast upon Coals, flam'd like Nitre; as also by an Addition of Charcoal, when melted in a Crucible, it wou'd burn with a lasting and splendid Flame, which would again renew, up∣on a fresh Addition of burning Charcoal. But what I chiefly design'd in this Experiment was to turn an Acid into an Alkaly,* 1.93 which was effected by consuming the more Fugitive Parth of the Salts, by repeated Deflagrations; whereupon it acquir'd, instead of an Acid, a Lixiviate Taste; would turn Syrup of Violets green, precipitate a Solution of Sublimate, into an Orange Colour; and as other fix'd Salts, would ferment with even Spirit of Salt; which Alkalyzate Nature, could not be suppos'd to proceed from the Char∣coal Ashes; because the whole Quantity made use of, could not yield above 2 or 3 Grains of Salt: Yet that I might be further satisfy'd, I drop'd a sufficient Quantity of Aqua fortis upon the Li∣xiviate Salt, till the Mixture ceas'd to ferment; which upon Coagulation, shot into Saline Cry∣stals, from the Inflammable Qualities of which

• it appear'd, That the Nitrous Spirit was united with the Alkaly. And if it should be again sus∣pected, that the Alkaline Parts were only the Remains of some of the Aqua fortis, which might be carry'd over into the Receiver: I answer, That Nitre being an Acid, it must follow that two Acids united, were turn'd into an Alkaly.

And to prosecute this Experiment further, we distill'd a Mixture of Spirit of Nitre, with a double Proportion of Spirit of Salt; yet tho' some Parts of the Nitre were carry'd over with the Salt, the Remaining Substance would wholly flash away, if plac'd upon the Coals, like common Nitre.

EXPERIMENT VI.

* 1.94 Having Distill'd Oyl of Vitriol with a Solution of Nitre in a Glass Body and Head plac'd in Sand, I drew from it a Spiritus Nitri, which be∣fore Rectification would dissolve Silver, tho' it was diluted with Water treble to the weight of the Nitrous Parts. And from the Matter left be∣hind, and evaporated to a Driness, I obtain'd a Salt, which would shoot into Crystals, neither like those of Crude nor fixt Nitre, nor those of Vitriol, but of a Figure hard to be describ'd. As for the other Qualities of it, it was easily fusible by Heat, yet was not inflammable like Nitre, tho' quick Coals were thrown upon it in a Crucible; for it was so far from that, that when it was hot enough to kindle Sulphur, it neither flash'd nor flam'd it self, as Salt-Petre usually does; yet this white Substance, being kept in Fusion for a while, with a little piece of Charcoal in it, smell'd very

strong of Sulphur, and had a very Fiery Taste on the Tongue, as also a Colour very red.

Encourag'd by these Circumstances, (they be∣ing agreeable to what Glauber relates of his Salt) and since he made use of Vessels of Silver, I judg'd it could not be Aqua fortis that he open'd the Sea-Salt with; nor common Spirit of Salt, because too weak; wherefore having put an equal weight of Oyl of Vitriol, and Sea-Salt together, into a Glass Cucurbite set in Sand, I obtain'd, besides Phlegm, a Spirit of Salt; which mix'd with Spirit of Nitre, dissolv'd Crude Gold; and likewise when pour'd upon Spirit of Urine, and fermented, till there no longer succeeded an Ebullition, after a gentle Evaporation, it shot into Crystals, like Combs and Feathers; from whence it appear'd to be of a like Nature to Sal Armoniack. The Experiment sometimes also succeeded, when in∣stead of Oyl of Vitriol, I made use of Oyl of Sulphur by the Bell.

But to apply this Experiment to our present Purpose; we may observe, That tho' Sea-Salt be so fixt, as not to be rais'd without a considerable quantity of beaten Bricks, to prevent its Fusion, and a naked Fire; yet when its Parts are un∣lock'd by an Addition of Oyl of Vitriol, they may be carry'd over with a Moderate Fire in Sand, the Vitriol being fix'd and left behind; yet in other respects considerably chang'd, so as to be void both of the Taste of Sea-Salt and Vitriol.

And from this Experiment, what I formerly in∣timated, likewise appears; viz. That the Figures of Salts, by being embody'd with other Substances, might be so far chang'd, as to shoot into Crystals

of very different Shapes: For from the Caput Mortuum Dissolv'd, Filtrated, and leisurely Coa∣gulated, may be obtain'd Crystals, much more transparent and of a different Figure from those of Sea-Salt, and from each other.

But to conclude this Experiment, I have found this Preparation of Sal Mirabilis very uncertain and tiresome, by reason of the Disparities of Bodies taken to be Oyl of Vitriol.

EXPERIMENT. VII.

* 1.95To shew that all Metals and their different Qualities, were but the Effects of one common Mass of Matter differently Modified, as to the Shape, Size and Texture of their Parts; I took the following Method, viz. Having praecipita∣ted the Bezoardicum Minerale, by an Affusion of Spirit of Nitre, on the rectified Oyl of Butter of Antimony, I drew off by Distillation as much of the Liquor as I could; sometimes cohobating it upon the Powder of the Antimo∣ny; which being done, I melted pure Gold with Three or Four times it's weight of Copper, which being put into Aqua fortis, the Copper was dissolved, and the Gold subsided in the form of a Powder, which was further purified by an Antient Chymist, and by a competent heat re∣stored to it's Natural Colour; which being dis∣solv'd in a large Quantity of the above men∣tioned Liquor there remained a considerable Quantity of white Powder, which would nei∣ther be dissolv'd by the above nam'd Menstruum, nor Aqua Regis.

The Gold being a second time reduced to a Body, by a repeated Solution in the aforesaid Menstruum, yeilded more of that Powder, which reduced to a Body was White, and being dissolved in Aqua Fortis had the same nauseous bitter Taste with Silver; so that it is plain the Transmutation of Metals is not impossible, nor Gold a Metal impossible to be destroy'd; so that I am more apt to believe, that by pro∣per Menstruums the Body of Gold may be so ordered, as to communicate a Tincture to a Liquor duly conjoyned;* 1.96 as when Sulphur and Mercury by a Coalition constitute Vermilion; since from this Instance it is plain, that the Co∣lour of the Tincture (as well as of the Vermilion) may be produced by the Position and Texture of some Particles of Gold associated with that Liquor.

And that the Colour of such Tinctures as well as of the Gold it self depend on certain Particles conveniently Modified, I rather be∣lieve, because I am told, that a known Man in the Netherlands had a certain Menstruum, which would extract a blue Tincture from the Calx of Copper, prepared by a Dissolution in Aqua Fortis, leaving a white Powder behind, which would by Fusion be turn'd into a Metal of the same Colour.

A second Inference which may be drawn from the foregoing Experiment, is, that if Gold, one of the most Permanent Bodies, may have it's Texture destroyed, there is no Body in Nature but may undergo a Change, when wrought on by an appropriated Agent; and

that the noblest of Metals may be Mechanical∣ly transmuted; from whence it appears also, that the noblest of Forms, are but the Results of the Texture of the Parts of Matter of which they consist; and a Convention of Accidents, which are the Substratum of that Texture: So that without a substantial Form, merely by a saline Menstruum, the Body of Gold may be changed into another substance, of very differ∣ing Qualities from what it had before.

But to render our present Experiment more instructive; I shall add another Attempt, to sublime Gold after the following Method. Having then dissolved laminated Gold in some of the above mentioned Menstruum, we drew it off in a Retort placed in a Sand-Furnace, by which means a considerable Quantity of Gold was elevated, and either fell into the Receiver in the Form of a Golden coloured Liquor, or shot into red Crystals like Rubies in the Neck of the Retort; which in the Air would run per Deliquium: Where we are to observe, that by a new Affusion of the Menstruum upon the remain∣ing Calx, more of itwould still be elevated by Distillation.

But to make this Experiment more serviceable, it will be necessary to Note, that upon pouring running Mercury into this elevated Tincture, the Particles of it were immediately Guilded, and by degrees, the Mercury being kept in Motion, the whole Liquor lost it's Tincture, which be∣ing decanted, and the Guilded Mercury with a good Quantity of Borax Melted in a Crucible, the elevated Gold was reduced into a Mass;

which evinces what I just now taught, viz. that a Liquor might be Tinctured by having the Parts of that Body, from whence it received it's Tincture, conveniently interwoven in it's Texture, without being wholly destroyed.

And here I think it seasonable to advertise, that having elsewhere mentioned a Volatile Gold in some Oars, where none of that Me∣tal is to be found; I would be understood to mean it Volatile in no other Sense, than the foregoing Sublimation intimates, viz. that it's Volatility depends on a mixture of Volatile Parts which carry it along with them, when dis∣solved into very minute Parts; so as to be ca∣pable of Swimming in that Vehicle.

EXPERIMENT. VIII.

* 1.97Having dissolved an Ounce of refined Silver in Aqua Fortis, and permitted it to Crystalize, we found, that the Silver, by the addition of Acid Salts, was increased in weight several Drachms; which distilled in a Retort, with such a degree of heat as made the Retort red hot, yielded a Phlegm eminently Sower. Which shews, that a very Bitter Body may yield a sub∣stance of a quite different Taste. For the Li∣quor being cold in the Receiver, Smoaked as well as Smelt and Tasted like Aqua Fortis, and by corroding Copper turned it into a Bleuish Colour.

After wards we made a Solution of Minium in Aqua Fortis, and having by Filtration and E∣vaporation procured a Saccharum Saturni, we

Distilled it in a well coated Retort, over a na∣ked Fire, and obtained an offensive Acid which had the Smell of Aqua Fortis; which being put upon Minium, bubbled, and making a considera∣ble noise, presently afforded a Liquor, from which might easily be obtained a true Sugar of Lead: Where it is observable, that the Caput mortuum, was neither Sweet, as before Distillation; nor Sower, as the Body drawn from it; but insipid and ea∣sily reducible, by Fusion, into a malleable Lead.

* 1.98In which Experiments, the following Phae∣nomena are also Remarkable: First, that the Salt, which encreased the Silver in weight no more than a third or fourth Part, was able to Sublime the greatest Part of that fixed Body.

Secondly, that the Parts of the same Liquor, being mixed with three several Metals, may produce as many different Tastes; tho' the same Aqua Fortis should be successively made use of in those three Experiments, and howsoever varied in respect of Order in the Tryal: And here we are to observe likewise, that Part of the Distilled Spirit of Nitre, being poured on the Caput Mortuum of Saccharum Saturni, turned some Parts of it into a Vitriol; and ano∣ther Part of it being poured upon Filings of Silver, the Silver, being partly dissolved with a hissing Noise, was Coagulated into a Bitter Salt.

EXPERIMENT IX.

Because Transmutation of Bodies, whose Tex∣tures are esteem'd Primordial, as those of the Elements, and which are found to be Ingredients of most Compositions here below, will be a further Confirmation of the Possibility of Altering the Textures of other Bodies; I shall subjoyn, what Progress I have made, in order to turn Water into Earth.

* 1.99Having therefore in a Glass Vessel distill'd Fair Rain-Water, and several times re-distill'd it again; we found, that after every Distillation, there was a considerable Quantity of white Earth remaining at the bottom of the Vessel, which was more plentifully afforded in the latter Distilla∣tions, than the first; and therefore we had the greater Reason to believe, it could be nothing else but a certain quantity of Water, turn'd into Earth; which afforded the following Phanomena, viz.

• 1. Being put into a Microscope in the Sun-Beams,* 1.100 it appear'd to consist of Parts exceeding fine, which were as fine in the Microscope, as Hair-powder usually is to the Eye; yet not in the least Transparent.
• 2. Being mix'd with Wa∣ter, it turn'd it into a whitish Colour, as the Powder of white Marble usually does; yet being settled in the Bottom, it remain'd undissolv'd.
• 3. After it had lain a considerable time in a Red-hot Crucible, it was neither diminish'd in quan∣tity, nor did it in the least smoke.
• 4. It exceeded Water in weight, so as to be equal to twice its Bulk of Common Water, being almost as heavy as Wood-ashes, freed from their Salts; which,

• to its Bulk of Water, is as 1 to 2 ⅙, which does not much come short of the weight of white Glass, which is twice and a half heavier than its weight of Water: So that from these Phaenomena, we had Reason to term the Foremention'd white Substance, Earth; considering likewise its fixed∣ness, and other Qualities.

But further it is to be Observ'd, That the Glass in which it was distill'd, was not in the least damag'd by this Process: as also, That an Ounce of Water yielded six Drachms of Powder,* 1.101 a con∣siderable quantity of Water still remaining be∣hind.

So that this Experiment is no small Confirma∣tion of our Hypothesis: For if Elements themselves may be Transmuted, and Artificially Destroy'd, by an Alteration of the Texture of their Parts; why may not Considerable Changes be effected also in other Bodies, by a Local Motion, and a New Manner and Form of Union of Parts, of dif∣ferent Figures and Sizes; since in this Experiment, the Parts of Water being modify'd a-new, form a Solid Body, of very different Qualities from what belong'd to it before, as want of Transpa∣rency, Solidity, &c.

* 1.102As for the Manner of its being so modify'd a∣new, it may easily be conceiv'd, That the Parts of Water, being put into Motion, and rubbing upon one another, by violent Occursions, might be so alter'd and adapted as to stick together, and to form several little Moleculae, which being more condens'd, and consequently heavier than Wa∣ter, could no longer swim in it; but obtain'd the several New Qualities before mention'd.

And that the Change was thus effected, we have Reason to believe; since by a bare Circu∣lation, in a just Degree of Heat, Quick-Silver will assume the Form of a Powder, which will not with so much ease be rais'd by the Fire, as the Mercury it self; but this will be further illu∣strated by the Tenth Experiment.

* 1.103Therefore to draw Inferences from this Expe∣riment, which may disfavour the Hypostatical Principles of the Chymists; If Water be capable of being chang'd into Earth, by the same Reason the other Ingredients of Bodies may; and in the Analization of Bodies there may be a Trans∣mutation of Substances, as well as a Separa∣tion of Pre-existent Principles. From hence also may be brought strong Arguments against Helmont; who, because he boasted of an Alkahest, which, he says, would turn all Bodies into a Li∣quor, therefore concluded all Bodies were made of Water; for by the same Reason I might say, All Bodies are made of Earth; because Water may be turn'd into Earth: So that tho' he should turn all Bodies into Water, yet that Water being again capable of being disguised, it would only shew, That Water and Earth may be mutually Transmuted, by a successive Change of Texture.

But to leave these Reflections, I shall mention some Scruples, concerning this Transmuted Powder, which I could not have time to satisfy my self in: As, Whether the Water Remaining was lighter than before Distillation? Whether the Particles of Insipid Bodies, may act as Men∣struums in the Dissolution of others? not but that they may be so chang'd in the Vessels of Plants, as to become sharp and powerfully pe∣netrating.

Whether the Weight of the Glass-Vessel, was diminish'd by this Experiment? I should likewise be willing to be satisfy'd, Whe∣ther Water it self be truly a Homogeneous Body? which if it be, it will be strange, that without the help of a Plastick Power, or Seminal Prin∣ciple, it should be so transmuted; since that a bare Convention of the Particles of a Fluid into a Concrete should alter their Specifick Gravity, is hard (if not impossible) to be parallell'd by Art.

But in this Experiment it is further Remarka∣ble, That Oyl of Vitriol pour'd upon this Pow∣der, would corrode it, and that by an Effusion of Spirit of Salt there was rais'd a considerable Ferment; as when Spirit of Salt is put upon La∣pis Stellaris: So that I suspected the Rain-water might be impregnated with some of the Sandy Parts of Glass dissolv'd, by the help of the Fire, and actuating the Particles of it; but this Suspi∣tion was partly taken off, because I had observ'd the like Ebullition, upon a Mixture of Spirit of Salt with Wood-ashes, which were clear'd of their Salts in Boyling Water.

But to conclude this Experiment, we may fur∣ther reflect upon the fore-going Suspitions; that if the Body of the Glass-Vessel were in the least dis∣solv'd in this Operation, it will be a powerful Instance of the Force of Insipid Menstruums; and it will be no less a Confirmation of the Doctrin of Forms and Qualities before deliver'd, that Wa∣ter it self is subject to undergo such considerable Changes, as this Experiment shews it is.

I might produce a great deal more on this Occasion, to corroborate what I have deliver'd

concerning Transmutations; but I shall only add, that I, as well as two several Persons whom I employ'd, have without the Addition of any thing, obtain'd from Spirit of Wine, which was wholly inflammable, a considerable Quantity of Phlegm; and that too, without its being affected by any Visible Body.

EXPERIMENT X.

* 1.104To conclude this Chapter, I shall add an Ex∣periment, to shew what sudden Productions and Alterations of Qualities may be effected by a Coa∣lition of the smallest number of Ingredients, ge∣nerally taken for Homogeneous Bodies; from whence it will appear, That the Changes of Bo∣dies, in themselves considerable, may be effected by very easy Mixtures, viz.

Having by Degrees mix'd an equal weight of Spirit of Wine, and Oyl of Vitriol together, and plac'd them in a Bolt-head, stopp'd close with hard Wax, and a Cork; digest the Mix∣ture in a Moderate Heat, for some time; then pour it out into a Glass Cucurbit, luting on a Head and a Receiver, to preserve the Subtle Spirits from flying away; then with a moderate Heat draw off the Spirit of Wine, till the Drops be∣gin to come over-sowrish; then shift the Re∣ceiver, and carefully go on with the Distillation, increasing the Fire till as much is drawn off as you can, keeping the Substance remaining in the Cucurbit, in a Glass well stopp'd, and secure from the Air.

The Phaenomena exhibited by this Experiment were the following: First, That the Spirit, first drawn from these two Inodorous Bodies, was endow'd with a Smell different from all others, and parts tho' pleasant and fragrant, yet very subtle and penetrating. Secondly, That the Li∣quor, drawn off last, had a very strong Sulphu∣reous Smell, which stunk, and affected the Sen∣sory, so powerfully, that it would almost take away one's Breath. Thirdly, This Mixture yielded a Liquor, which would mix with neither of the former; yet was very subtle, pleasant, and Aromatical. Fourthly, The Substance remain∣ing in the Bottom of the Vessel, was Opacous, and almost as black as Jet, and withal very brittle. Fifthly, And tho' it was made up of two Liquors, the one corrosive, and the other inflammable, and both of very pungent Tastes; yet was it void of Taste, and could not without great difficulty, if at all, be brought to burn. Sixthly, Neither would it be mix'd for some Days with Water, tho' the Oyl and Spirit, readily diffuse themselves in that Liquor; besides, it was of so very fix'd a Nature that it would not be rais'd by a strong and lasting Fire, tho' both Oyl and Vitriol, and Spirit of Wine be extreamly Volatile. And now,

Having thus in short laid down these Experi∣ments, as sufficient Proof of the Doctrin before deliver'd, I shall conclude with this Reflection, viz. That in all the Changes and Alterations, that have been effected by Art, it appears, that they are so far from depending on the Imaginary Substantial Forms of the Schools, that they evi∣dently appear to be the sole Effects of Local Mo∣tion, so altering the Figures and Sizes of the Mi∣nute

parts of Bodies, or otherwise transposing them; as, upon a fresh Association and Coalition of them, to form New Concretes, of Textures very different from the former. And if Motion, Bulk, and Shape, together with peculiar Textures, be enough to cause so many different Phaenomena, as have been laid down; there is no Reason, why other Qualities may not be produc'd by the same Fertile Principles; since all the Difference betwixt the Works of Nature and Art, in alter∣ing the Forms of Natural Bodies, lies in this, viz. That in the Works of Nature Active and Passive Bodies casually meet together; and in the Latter the different Substances, concern'd in every New Production, are brought together by an Artist; for in both the Agent acts as a Natural Agent.

CHAP. X. An Experiment, with some Considerations touching the differing Parts and Redin∣tegration of Salt-Petre.

SALT-PETRE is a Concrete so universally concern'd in the Composition of most Bo∣dies, that it will be of no small Import to Na∣tural Philosophy, to enquire throughly into the Nature of it; which will in some Measure ap∣pear, by considering how many Substances may be drawn from it, or turn'd into it; which will be briefly intimated in the following Experi∣ment.

* 1.105Having, according to the usual Method, Cry∣staliz'd Nitre, we melted four Ounces of it in a Crucible into a Limpid Liquor, throwing in Live-Coals successively, till it would kindle and fulminate no longer; and continuing it in a strong Fire a considerable time, to dissipate the remaining Volatile Parts, and then breaking the Crucible, we divided the fix'd Nitre immedia∣tely into two Portions; one of which being dis∣solv'd in as much Water as was sufficient, we drop'd in Spirit of Salt-Petre, till the Ebullition, rais'd by the Mixture of these Liquors, wholly ceas'd; and then filtrating the mix'd Liquor, we expos'd it to the Air in an open Glass-Viol; and on the other Part undissolv'd, we likewise dropt the same Spirit, till the Firmentation ceas'd, exposing it to the Air in an open Glass-Jar.

In the former Mixture, wherein the Water was put, in a few Hours certain Crystals of Salt-Petre stuck to the Lower Parts of the Glass, amongst which were several other Crystals, like Mustard-seed, encompass'd with a downy Sub∣stance. The Crystals the next Day being consi∣derably greater, were taken out, and both by their Burning and Shape, appear'd to be Ni∣trous, (Nitrous Salts being furnish'd with flat Sides, which when opposite are usualy parallel;) and as for that downy Matter which adhered to some of them, we judg'd it to proceed from the Disproportion of the Volatile and Fix'd Parts of the Nitre, which were to be joyn'd together a-new. These things being observ'd, we pour'd the remaining Liquor into an open Glass-Vessel, which in about three Weaks-time, being again

Saturated with Petre, we pour'd it from the Salt, and evaporated it in a Digesting Furnace.

The other Mixture, which was only fix'd Nitre and Spirit of Salt-Petre, for the most part presently Subsided in the Form of a Salt, which when dry'd in the Air, was of very irregular Fi∣gures; and, in some Parts, not much diffe∣rent in Shape from Salt-Petre; which it also much resembled in Burning, tho' the Deflagra∣tion was in some measure peculiar to it self. But this Salt, together with the Liquor swimming upon it, being preserv'd in the Air for about a Month longer, after Evaportion, the one half shot into Crystals, which burnt much like Petre, and had a Similar Figure, tho' a different Taste; and the other half, being speedily exhaled, shot into Crystals, of a distinct Figure from all others.

* 1.106Now to make this Experiment clearer, the fol∣lowing Things are to be observ'd;

• 1. That in Fixing the Nitre, New-Coals are not to be cast into the Crucible, till the former are almost spent, or be thrown out by the violent Exhalations of Nitrous and Volatile Parts.
• 2. That the Quantity of Spirit of Nitre dropp' upon the Fix'd Nitre, was almost proportionable to the Salt-Petre, spent in the Fixing of it.
• 3. That this Fix'd Nitre was very little different in Taste from Salt of Tartar; had the same aptness to Absorb Air, and to re∣laxate in moist Air: Yet it differ'd in Colour, being betwixt a Blue and a Green One, which it lost upon the Affusion of Spirit of Nitre.

* 1.107But this Method being tedious, I shall propose a Way more expeditions, which is this; Having run Fix'd Nitre per deliquium, and by Filtra∣tion separated it from its Faces, we dropp'd upon

the Liquor Spirit of Nitre, which, after a Fer∣ment usual to a Mixture of those Liquors, pre∣sently shot into Crystals, in Shape, as well as Na∣ture, manifestly Nitrous.

* 1.108Another way we took was this: Having Im∣pregnated a Solution of Fix'd Nitre in Water, with Spirit of Nitre, and filtrated it through Cap-Paper, the Cool Liquor, in a short time, shot into Crystals, like those of Petre; and the Liquor, being again Evaporated, afforded a fresh Quan∣tity of Crystals not unlike the former.

But lest the Sal-Petre re-produc'd by the Coali∣tion of these two Bodies, should be thought to lodge in the Fix'd Nitre; and only to be unyok'd by their Solution, it is requisite to annex, That the greatest Quantity that can be suppos'd to remain in the Fix'd Nitre, would not amount to such a Quantity as that Mixture affords: And to make the Matter less suspicious, we impregnated a So∣lution of Pot-Ashes, after the same manner as we had done the Fix'd Nitre,* 1.109 which after Filtra∣tion and Evaparation, shot into Crystals, which 0103 0207 V 3 were very like Salt-Petre in Taste, as well as their Deflagration upon Live-coals. We likewise ob∣tain'd a small Quantity of Salt-Petre, from Aqua fortis and Salt of Tartar associated.

But to draw Inferences from the Foregoing Experiment; from hence we may learn, That the Sensible Qualities of Bodies may be accounted for by the Mechanical Motion, together with the Figure and Disposition, or Modification of their Parts.

And first, tho' Salt-Petre be a Body inwardly, and in it self cooling; yet the Parts of it diffe∣rently Modify'd, in our Experiment, being put

together, do immediately put each other into so violent a Heat, that I could with much ado hold the Glass in my Hand; so that Heat seems to be nothing but a quick Motion of the finest Particles of Bodies, since it no longer con∣tinu'd in that Mixture, than the Parts of it were in Agitation.

Upon the Mixture of these two, viz. the Spirit of Nitre, with the Fix'd, there was likewise produ∣ced an audible Sound, proceeding from the Percus∣sion of the Air, by the swiftly and impetuously agi∣tated Parts of the Mixture: A Sound like to which is produc'd by a hot Coal cast into Water, or into melted Nitre in a Crucible, tho' the Latter causes a Sound much louder. Which Sound probably proceeded from the Percussion of the Air, be∣cause the Motion of a Bullet, or a Stick, where the Quickness of the Percussion puts the Air into an Undulating Motion, will cause a Sound, as soon as that Undulating Motion reaches the Ear; and it is further confirm'd, because that Sound no longer continues, than the Parts are violently agitated: And here it is to be observ'd, That the Sound, produc'd by the Mutual Conflict, ceases long before the Heat, which is acquir'd by that Ebullition; from whence it may be in∣ferr'd, that the same Intestine Motion of Parts which are able to produce Heat, are incapable of causing Sounds; as Amber continues warm a considerable time after the Sound, made in rub∣bing of it, ceaseth.

* 1.110We observ'd likewise, That the Fix'd Petre was of a Colour betwixt Blue and Green, which it presently lost upon the Mixture of the Acid Spirit, the Disposition of Parts being so alter'd,

as to reflect the Rays of Light differently to the Eye; A Change not unlike which happens upon the Exposing Fix'd Nitre to the Air: And it is not less to be admir'd, That Soot, which is Black, and a Congeries of Opacous Exhalations, should, by the help of a good Fire, fill the Receiver with Fumes as white as Milk: And the Colours to be observ'd upon the Sublimation of Black Anti∣mony, and White Sal-Armoniack are no less pleasant.

But to return to the Experiment: Having not long ago attempted to make Salt-Petre, of Salt of Tartar, and Aqua fortis, the Mixture united, prov'd to be of a very Green Colour, which re∣sided more peculiarly in some Parts of it than others, tho' the Salt of Tartar was a particular Preparation, whose Crystals were as white as Su∣gar Candy. It is on this occasion likewise further to be observ'd, That tho' Fumes of Nitre, rais'd Distillation, be of a Red Colour; yet they condense into a Liquor altogether void of it; and also, That Fix'd Nitre, tho' an Opacous Body, yet does it unite, with the imbib'd Spirit, into Diaphanous Crystals.

* 1.111There is likewise to be observ'd, Upon the Mixture of these two Ingredients, a very offen∣sive Smell, caus'd by the Spirit of Salt-Petre, emitting stinking Exhalations, stirr'd up by the Mutual Conflict betwixt it, and its Fix'd Salt; where it is strange, that this Mixture should have a Smell, which is neither in Nitre, nor either of the Ingredients; and yet, that it should lose that Smell again, when turn'd into Nitre.

Besides the Taste of the Spirit, being strongly Acid, and the Taste of Nitre, like that of Salt

of Tartar; it is surpizing, that these two should unite into a Body of so much less pungency in Taste as Nitre, bateing that it is a little shar∣per by reason of some Spirituous Parts sticking to the Particles of the Nitre.

But besides these there are several other Re∣flections may be made on the preceding Experi∣ment; for it seems a Question, whether there is any real necessity of a distinct Sulphur to render a Body Inflammable, or whether rather Inflammability depends on a disposition of Matter to be put in∣to Motion by the help of adventitious Bodies; as when the Ingredients of our Experiment are mixed; or when a Piece of Iron is cast into Spirit of Nitre; for the Parts of that Liquor, which before were quiet and cold, meeting with Pores which disorder their Motion, they presently begin to move among one ano∣ther with a strange Rapidity, and to cause such a Heat, that the Vessel would burn the Hands of them that held it: And here it may not be amiss to take notice of one thing further, that Occurs in our Experiment, viz. that tho' Ni∣tre put upon a burning Coal, or a burning Coal being cast into it, will consume it self, in a Blue Flame, yet when it is contiguous to the Sides of the Crucible which is red Hot, it melts without the least Flame. It may be also worth Enquiry, why Nitre which is a solid Body should not rather stick in the Form of Sublimate to the Receiver, like Sal Armoniack, than con∣dense only into a Liquor, which does not again coagulate as some Volatile Spirits do.

But leaving these Phaenomena, I shall observe further, that though Spirit of Nitre, exposed to

the Air Insensibly exhales, yet when associated with it's own fixed Salt, it admits no such Efflu∣viums. Another thing to be observed is, that up∣on a Mixture of these two Liquors, several Saline Parts are tossed out of the Glass into the Air, which falling down again, several Grains of Salt will remain on the outside of the Vial, which will be visible if the Experiment be tried in the Sun Beams. And that there is a very brisk Mo∣tion amongst the Parts of Spirit of Nitre, is evident by dropping some of it into a solution of Salt of Tartar; for immediately some Grains were shattered in Pieces, and thrown up to the top with a seeming Violence; till the strength of those Liquors was mutually diminished by their frequent Occursions: And that the Parts of each have contrary tendencies in their Mo∣tions is plain, from this, viz. if when the Fer∣ment ceases, more of one of these Liquors was dropped in, there followed no Ebullition, till some of the other was added to Ferment with it.

* 1.112And here it is seasonable to observe what different Effects the Parts of these Bodies have when at liberty and disjoyned in Liquids, from what they produce when locked up in Con∣cretes, tho' their Effects, even then, are not wholly to be attributed to the briskness of their Moti∣on, but also, to their determinate Sizes; by which means Aqua Fortis, which leaves Gold untouched, will dissolve Silver; yet, by an Addition of Sal Armoniack, it having acquired a new Figure, and a peculiar Motion, it Works upon Gold; and for the like Reasons a Solu∣tion of fixed Nitre will dissolve Ʋnctuous Bo∣dies,

which the Acid Spirit will not Work upon.

Again we may observe, that the several sub∣stances into which Salt-Petre is reduced, viz. the fixed Salt and the Volatile Liquor, are both different from the Concrete it self; which is an Argument against those Chymists that pretend, that Bodies Distilled, retain the Virtues of those Bodies they are Distilled from;* 1.113 for the Acid Spirit of Nitre will precipitate the same Bodies, which fixed Nitre dissolves. And so Spirit of Nitre will turn a Tincture of Brasil into a Yellow Colour, which it will lose, and in some Measure by an addition of a Tincture of fixed Nitre, regain the former, whereas a Solution of Salt-Petre changes neither of these Tinctures. Eut to proceed,

This Experiment gives us Reason to believe, that the Air is considerably concerned in the Production of Salt-Petre, and in giving a Figure to it's Salts; since the Crystals, which shoot in the Solution exposed to the open Air, are of a more exact Size and Figure, than those obtained after a quicker Evaporation. Besides which we have observed, that a Mixture of Aqua Fortis and Salt of Tartar yielded Crystals much more like Nitre, when it had been exposed to the the Air for some time, than what it afforded up∣on an immediate Crystallization.

As for the Reason why the Crystals which shoot in the Air, are more naturally Figured than others; I conceive it to be, because the Air is a more quiet and undisturbed Vehicle for them to move leasurely in, by which means they have the Liberty of uniting as they ought, to form Crystals of a natural Figure, which Guess

is confirmed, because the Crystals which shot in Water, where they have room enough, and an indifferent Vehicle, were more perfect than those, which were produced by a Mixture of the nitrous Powder and Saline Spirit, where they were forced, for want of Room, to Cry stalize, before they had time to Convene after a manner requisite to make them of a natural Figure and Size.

But to proceed: This Experiment, which shews how a Body divided into different sub∣stances, by Distillation, may be again united into an Original Concrete, will be a very strong and convincing Instance to prove, that the Forms and Qualities of Bodies depend on an essential Modification of their Parts; and that the difference observable in particular Sub∣stances, depends on a different Texture, and a Co∣alition of Parts of different Figures and Sizes; so that the Redintegration of Bodies is no more, but a restoring of their former Parts into the same Or∣der and Position, being Artificially handled, so as to acquire their former Sizes and Figures in order to their Coalition.

Yet this I think necessary to be represented, viz. that the Composition of Nitre is so little Organical, that it will be hard to judge what success, in order to Redintegration, may be ex∣pected in other Bodies, where the Fabricks of them are so curious, by Reason of their numerous In∣gredients, and the curious Contexture of them, that the latter is not to be imitated by Art, in the Production of Substances much less Organi¦cal, than the Parts of living Animals.

* 1.114The last Observation I shall make on our Ex∣periment, is, That from what hath been said it

may be thought that some Chymical Medicines may be too Rashly laid aside by some Physitians, who suppose, that the Menstruums made use of in their Preparations, are in some measure mix∣ed with them; since, besides that those Salts may by care be washed away, several Parts of them may be so altered by Corrosion, that those, associating with other Particles of the Body they work upon, may degenerate into an innocent Concrete: An Instance of which we have in our Experiment, where a corrosive Spirit and a Caustick fixed Salt, unite into an innocent Me∣dicine. And that Corrosive Salts may in a great measure be dulcified by their acting on other substances, is evident in a Mixture of Spirit of Vitriol and Crabs Eyes, or any other testaceous Body. And again, though Vinegar power∣fully corrodes calcined Lead, yet uniting with it, it constitutes a Sweet Body, in which the sharpness of Vinegar is perfectly destroyed. And tho' it be an Argument usually alledged against the use of Medicines so prepared, that from several of them corrosive Particles may be drawn; yet since the same may be Effected by the Action of Fire upon Salt-Petre, the Ob∣jection is as invalid as the general Practice of Physitians can make it.

CHAP. XI. Containing the History of Fluidity.

WHETHER Fluidity and Firmness, might not with more Reason be esteem'd States than Qualities of Bodies, or not; this is most

certain, that they are to be accounted the most General Affections of Matter, all Bodies being either Fluid or Solid: If then these Qualities or States of Bodies be so General, it will be of mo∣ment to consider the Causes of them; and the rather in this place, because the Foregoing Expe∣riments of Salt-Petre may serve to illustrate them.

* 1.115To proceed then: A Body is said to be Fluid, because it consists of Parts, which easily slip upon one another's Surfaces to and fro, when mov'd, by Reason of the Porous Interstices, which re∣main betwixt those Parts, which they are made up of, they not being wholly Contiguous on every side; and also, because by Virtue of that Motion, they spread and diffuse themselves on every side, till oppos'd by some Solid Body, to the Internal Super∣ficies of which, they presently adapt themselves.

And what Thoughts Epicurus, and the An∣cient Corpuscularians had of Fluidity, will appear from these Verses of his Paraphrast Lucretius.

Illa autem debent ex Laevis at que Rotundis Esse magis, fluido quae Corpore liquida constant. Nec retinentur enim inter se glomeramina quaeque, Et procursus item in proclive Volubilis extat.

And indeed, we may rationally believe, That the Smoothness of their Parts may much con∣tribute to the Fluidity of Liquors, as well as the Globular Figures of them; tho' there are several Fluid Bodies, whose Parts are of Figures very various, besides Flame and Air; the Figures of whose Parts are very irregular.

* 1.116And here we are to take Notice, That to render a Body Fluid, there is no need that its Parts should be so closely condens'd, as those of

Water are; since Flame and Smoke may be so manag'd, as to resemble Liquid Bodies; of the Latter of which we have Proof, by blowing Rosemary-Smoke into a Glass-pipe, which, if when it is fill'd, the lower End be stopp'd, and the Pipe be held in a Perpendicular Line, the Surface of the Fumes will subside till Level; and tho' the Pipe be inclin'd several ways, yet the Superficies of the Smoke answers to the Horizon, till the Glass be further inclin'd; and then, the Smoke will run along the Pipe like Water, dispersing it self afterwards in the Air.

But to return to the Cause of Fluidity: We con∣ceive that there are Three things requisite to render Bodies Fluid:* 1.117 1. The Minuteness of the Particles which constitute them; by which they are dispos'd to an Intestin Motion, and to be preserv'd in it more easily; as the Parts of Lead, Quick-silver, and Gold, when dissolv'd by a Men∣struum, are easily rais'd and mix'd with the Parts of that Menstruum. Nay, Fluidity so much de∣pends on the Minuteness of the Parts of Matter, which constitutes Fluid Bodies, that the Parts of Antimony, dissolv'd and broken into small Cor∣puscles, may be turn'd into Butter of Antimony; and, that Butter of Antimony, is chiefly made up of the Substance of the Antimony, is evident, since by a Mixutre of fair Water, a white Calx will precipitate, easily convertible into Glass of An∣timony. And Nature her self supplies us with further Instances; since the very Substance of Bones, is, by Comminution in the Stomachs of Dogs, turn'd into a Liquor: And to confirm this Ob∣servation, I shall add, That I knew a certain Gen∣tleman, who was a close Student, who liv'd for se∣veral

Days together without the least Drink, tho' in the mean time he sweat moderately, and easily enough, his Urine being agreeable to his Con∣stitution, as the Urine of other Men's generally is to theirs: But that Solid Substances may yield, and be turn'd into Fluids, by a Comminution of their Parts, may be evinc'd by the Fusibility of Metals; since the more the Massy Particles of Me∣tal are broke into small Parts, the more their Flui∣dity is encreas'd.

* 1.118And here it may not be unseasonable to en∣quire, how it comes to pass, That a Transparent Liquor should be drawn from such Brittle Bo∣dies as Common Salt; I know it is usually alledg'd, That the Fire only separates the Moist, from the Dry Parts; but since Bodies already Calcin'd or Melted, must needs by the Action of the Fire, have their moist Parts likewise so separated; it is rather probable, That the Fire only divides their Parts, and puts them into a violent Agita∣tion, by which they are rais'd in the Form of Va∣pours, which falling into the Receiver, condense into a Fluid; whose Parts, by reason of their Shape and Size, being apt for Motion, continue to move up and down, and so preserve that Body in the Form of a Fluid, the Motion of the Air, or of some Interpos'd Bodies concurring to preserve the Parts of that in Motion likewise; and that the Air abounds with Parts, perpetually in a va∣rious Motion will appear by and by.

* 1.119But in the mean time that a much greater De∣gree of Motion is requisite to preserve some Bo∣dies in a Fluid Form than others, is plain, since seve∣ral Bodies will be froze with one Degree of Cold, with which others will not; and tho' the Watry

Parts of Wine, in some Countries, will freeze; yet the Spirituous Corpuscles of the same Liquor remain untouch'd: And tho' it is evident, by the help of good Weather-Glasses, that Cold condenses the Air; yet it was never so far con∣densed, as to become Ice; because the perpe∣tual Motion concurring with the Minuteness and Shape of its Parts, they are always in an Agita∣tion requisite to keep it in that Form; and it is not improbable, but that the Parts of Salt are very Minute; since, from Experiments before mention'd, it appears, That Spirit of Salt and Ʋrine, will unite into a Sal-Armoniack; and it is further confirm'd, since, Common-Salt, mix'd with Aqua fortis, will dissolve Gold, as well as Spirit of Salt joyn'd with the Latter: and tho' Crude Nitre it self, be mix'd with Spirit of Salt, the Re∣sulting Mixture will supply the Place of an Aqua Regis. And I am inform'd that, that a Chymist in Holland, drew no less than fourteen Ounces of Spirit from a Pound of Salt, a whitish Clay being made use of instead of the Common Caput Mortuum; and that when he had dephlegm'd the Spirit, twelve Ounces remain'd very highly re∣ctify'd; which may be something in favour of Beguinus, who pretends to have got a Pound of Spirit from a pound of Salt. But it may be a Que∣stion, Whether the Fluidity of these Bodies may not in part proceed from the Action of the Fire, working upon some Parts of the Concrete; since a Phlegm or Water may be obtain'd from Re∣ctify'd Spirit, so as to change Part of it into a moist Body like Water. And this will rather be thought probable, if we consider and believe what the Famous Helmont says, viz. That he could reduce

Oyl and Salt into Insipid Water,* 1.120 without the help of that Noble Alkahest, which would render Gross Bodies wholly Liquid.

And here it is requisite to add, That it is not only the Sizes of the Parts of Bodies, that endues them with a Disposition to Fluidity, but also, their Shapes; and I am the more confirm'd in this Opinion, because, having distill'd Oyl of Olives in a Glass-Retort, per se, near a third Part of it was coagulated in the Receiver, into a whitish Substance, not very much unlike Butter; where the distill'd Substance, which usually is fluid, tho' drawn from solid Concretes, was on the con∣trary in this Experiment, a Consistent one, yielded by a Liquid; for which no other Reason can be given, but that the Shape of the Liquid Parts were so alter'd, as to become unfit for Motion.

But to return to the Reason of Fluidity, it is evi∣dent, That in pouring of Sand, Corn, Flower, Apples, Walnuts, &c. out of a Sack, that that Aggregate of Bodies, whose Parts are the least, appears most like Liquids; and it is commonly ob∣serv'd, That Whites of Eggs, by being beaten with a Whisk, presently lose their Clamminess and Viscidity, and are reduc'd to a thin and fluid Substance, their Parts being broke asunder, and more minutely divided. And I have observ'd, that That Jelly (which is by the Vulgar thought to fall from a Star) by being a long time digested in a well-stopp'd Glass, became a permanent Liquor.

Again, it is observ'd, That when Silver is to be cast in Moulds, and to receive the Curious and Fine Impressions of Hair-Lines, the Metal is not only to be pour'd in very hot, but to be kept a Considerable Time in Fusion, before it is thin

enough to run into those Lines, and to take exact Impressions of them; from whence it appears, That Bodies already fluid, may become more fluid; and the like Instances might be brought from other Bodies, as Turpentine, Oyl, &c. And if what Helinont asserts of the Liquor Alkahest, be true, viz. That it will turn all Substances, whether Minerals, Metals, Plants, or Animals, into a fluid Substance, of an equal Weight with each other; then it follows, That to divide a Body into Parts small enough, is enough to make it fluid. And to this I must add, that considerable Changes may be effected, meerly by a long Digestion in Vessels well stopp'd, and plac'd in a Convenient Heat.

2. The Second Requisite to constitute a Fluid Bo∣dy, is, That it should have considerable Vacuities or Pores, betwixt the Parts of it;* 1.121 for if there were no such Spaces, the Parts being put into Motion, would not have Space to continue it in, nor could one Particle by the Impulse of another, be forc'd to give way. But before I proceed, it will be requi∣site here to Note, That by Spaces, I would not be thought to mean Vacuities properly so call'd; but that there is no such Substance betwixt them, which will obstruct the Motions of the more Solid Parts.

This Caution being premis'd, I shall (to illu∣strate this Second Requisite) observe, That Snow, which is of an open and slight Texture, before it is compress'd, may soon be squeez'd into so close and compact a Lump, as to resist a very strong Pressure; the Air, which before was interpos'd betwixt the Parts of it, being press'd out. Again, we may observe, That when Water is clos'd up in a Bladder, and wants its Liberty to move in a yielding and free Medium, the Parts thus

confin'd together, resist Impressions like a Solid Body; and this Experiment I the rather made use of, than a Bladder distended with Air, because the Distention of that, might partly be attributed to the Spring of the Included Air.

* 1.122But it is further to be observ'd, That tho' such Vacuities are necessary to constitute Fluid Bodies, yet they are only so, to use School-Term, as Removens, prohibens, i. e. they prevent the Inconveniencies which must be the Conse∣quence of a Plentitude, viz. Want of Liberty to move; or in other Words, as they dispose the Parts of a Body, to yield to each other's Motion. And here I would Note, That tho' in most Li∣quid Bodies, this Doctrin may take place; yet I conceive it not altogether absurd, to Question, Whether Matter may not be so exquisitely agi∣tated and divided, as to fill up these Vacuities, and to be squeez'd into any Figure, as Occasion requires. But not to spend Time in examining this Point at the present, I shall proceed

* 1.1233. To the Principal and last Requisite, in Mo∣difying a Fluid Body; which is, That all the Par∣ticles of a Fluid Body, should be separately and variously mov'd up and down, either by Virtue of some subtle Matter diffus'd through their Sub∣stance, or an inherent Quality of their own. For the Difference betwixt Solid and Fluid Bo∣dies, seems to consist in this, viz. That the Parts of Solids are at rest, and not so apt to yield to the Pressure of One's Finger, as the Parts of Liquids are, which are in Motion; since the Latter be∣ing already agitated to and fro, it is much more easy to guide that Motion, than to put the Parts of a Body into Motion; whose Parts, according

to the Laws of Motion, must be at rest, till mo∣v'd by an Agent powerful enough to put them into Motion.

But when once they are put into Motion, by the same Laws, they must continue so, till stopp'd by some other Body; and consequently, they must be in a perpetual Change, as to their Places and Order: so that hence it appears, why some Bodies come to be so soft, since such small Parts of Matter, being in Perpetual Motion, must needs yield very easily to the Touch, and give way to the Impressions of other Bodies. And also, it cannot but dispose them easily to be confin'd by the Vessels they are contain'd in, and as apt to disperse themselves, when Liberty is given them.

Having premis'd this Brief Account of Fluidity, I shall now proceed to illustrate it by Experi∣ments: And first, by that concerning Salt-Petre.

* 1.124 Salt-Petre then may become a Fluid Body, either by having the Particles of it dissolv'd in Water, so that they may move up and down, and to give way to the Impression of an External Agent, as the other Parts of that Liquid do; or it may put on a Liquid Form, by being ex∣pos'd to the Air in a moist Cellar, where by run∣ning per Deliquium, the Salt-Petre will be dissolv'd, and put on so far the Form of a Liquid, as to have all it's Parts in an Agitation, sufficient to rank it amongst Fluid Bodies.

But Salt-Petre may put on a Liquid Form, without the Addition of a Liquid Body; as first, It may be reduc'd to so fine a Powder, as to re∣semble a Liquid, in the pouring of it out of one Vessel into another, besides the other Requisites

of a Fluid Body; viz. That it hath Vacuities betwixt its Parts, and that they may be easily put into Motion; only they differ from the Parts of Liquids in some Respects, since the Powder hath not it's Parts always in Motion; besides the Vacuities are more sensible: But not∣withstanding, if by the force of Fire each of these Parts be again subdivided, those insensible Corpuscles, being violently agitated, make up a Fluid Body: So the Particles of Metals, being by the same Agent seperated and put into Mo∣tion, do not only move variously one amongst another, but are sometimes toss'd a considerable height into the Air. And not only Fire, but some other Bodies, which are sensibly Cold, may, pro∣vided the Texture and Motion of their Parts be rightly dispos'd, reduce several Substances to a Liquid Form; so Camphire puts on the Form of an Oyl, when swimming upon Aqua fortis: And when Salt-Petre is by the Action of Fire, endow'd with a Fluid Form, it is equally a Fluid, as when incorporated with Water, there being very little difference betwixt these two States of Nitre; only that in the Former, the Agent, which keeps the Nitrous Parts in Motion, is more Vola∣tile and Brisk, and divides it into smaller Parts, without making an Addition to its Bulk.

But, perhaps, it will be a Scruple, Whether the Powder of Nitre be an Imperfect Fluid, when pour'd out, or rather like a heap of Sand, not reduc'd to a permanent State of Fluidity: To remove this Scruple, we may take Powder of Alablaster, or instead of it, Plaster of Paris, and we shall find, that by putting it into a hot Vessel, by the continued Action of the Fire, the Parts of

that Powder will be so agitated, and, by the As∣sistance of the more Spirituous Parts, kept in Motion, as to Boil and emit Steams like a Fluid Body, and altogether resemble a Coherent Substance; yet, if it be remov'd from the Fire, it again subsides in the Form of a Powder, tho' for once again it will assume the Form of a Li∣quid, if expos'd to a competent degree of Fire; yet when the Ebullition of the Parts of it are most violent, if a small Portion of it be thrown upon a piece of Paper, it appears to be nothing but a very fine Powder: From whence it is evident, that Fluidity depends on a vehement and various Agitation of Parts; which Fluidity the same Body may be depriv'd of, by losing that Intestine Motion.

* 1.125And thus it briefly appears how much Motion contributes to the Fluidity of Bodies. And here, tho' it would be very desirable to determine what is the Essential Cause of that Motion; yet since it is a Matter of too much Intricacy, it be∣ing by some held to be inherent in Matter, and by others to be promoted by Impulse, I shall ra∣ther pass it by, than enter upon an Examination of those two Points; especially, since there would be the same Necessity of Discussing others, which equally relate to the Cartesian Principles: It may therefore suffice in short, that neglecting the Unintelligible Doctrin of Substantial Forms, we rather ascribe it to those Catholick Affections of Matter, Motion, Shape, and Situation.

But to omit what we have elsewhere deliver'd concerning these Catholick Affections of Matter, we shall observe, what this Experiment further affords us: We are therefore to take Notice, That there

is a difference remarkable betwixt a Fluid, and a Body which hath a Quality of Wetting Bodies which are Contiguous to them; since every wet Body is Fluid, but not vice versâ: For Air, Flame, Melted Liquors, or Salt-Petre, tho' fluid, are all void of a Wetting Quality.

* 1.126Whence we are led to consider, That Humi∣dity is but a Relative Quality, depending on the Congruity that one Body hath to stick to the Pores of another; whence some Fluid Bo∣dies, whose Parts are not adapted, so as to ad∣here to the Pores of other Bodies want that Qua∣lity, as Quick-silver, which slips over the Sur∣faces of most Bodies, without sticking to them; tho' in Respect of some (as Gold or Tin,) it may be esteem'd Fluid; since, inasmuch as it dissolves them, it hath much the same Virtue as Liquids have in softening other Substances: And that Humidity depends on an apt Configuration of the Parts of Matter, and their Congruity with the Pores of other Bodies, is further evident, since Water it self, in respect of some Bodies, is not moist as the Feathers of Swans, Ducks, &c. Add to this, That it is further observable, that when the Texture of a Liquor is chang'd, it may adhere to Bodies it would not stick to before: As for Instance, Tho' neither Quick-silver, Lead, Tin, or Tin-glass, will stick to Glass; yet a due Pro∣portion of each mix'd together will presently, without the Assistance of Fire, adhere to it.* 1.127

But further: If it be objected, That the In∣sensible Agitation of the Parts of Fluid Bodies, are but Imaginary and Precarious; since the Smallness of them, makes them too fine to appear: I must answer, That since their Vacuities, are

so small as not to be Visible, it is as impossible to discern their Parts, and consequently the Mo∣tion of them; since one Part is so presently suc∣ceeded by another, that the Eye hath always a whole heap before it, tho' separated by Pores so small as to be undiscerned. And tho' the. Vacuities betwixt the Parts of powdered Nitre, be so large, as to be discern'd by the Eye; yet when it's Corpuscles, by the Action of the Fire, are render'd more Minute, not only Salt-Petre, but Gold also, are said to possess a less Space, and consequently must leave less Vacuities be∣twixt their Parts, and which are altogether In∣visible to the Eye: For which reason the Body appears continuous.

* 1.128And that the Particles of Fluid Bodies, are in Motion, variously determin'd, appears from their Effects; since they not only penetrate, but putrify some Bodies, and presently dissolve them; as when Sugar is cast into Water, that sweet Substance is dissolv'd, and its Parts so much as∣sociated with those of the Water, as to be car∣ry'd up to the Top of it; which is further ob∣servable in Sea-water, whose Salts upon Evapo∣ration swim at the Top of the remaining Liquor; and it is not less remarkable, That a Solution of Gold in AquaRegis, will presently Tincture twenty times as much fair Water: And further, That the Particles of Flame may be discern'd to move very fiercely, even by the Eye, is commonly known, and further confirm'd, both by their Operations, and the Rays which every way ex∣pand themselves, and strike against the Neigh∣bouring Bodies. And that the Air hath it's Parts in a constant Motion, variously agitated,

we have ä great deal of Reason to believe; since we may easily discern whole swarms of Motes swim up and down in the Sun-Beams: and not only so, but in clear Sun-Shine Days, we may perceive on the Walls of Churches, and other Spacious Buildings, certain obscure Shades to quiver and tremble: And we have yet a fur∣ther Instance in Salt of Tartar, which, after Fusion, being for a considerable time left in a moist Cellar, will dissolve, and put on the Form of a Clear Liquor, by imbibing the Moistness of the Circumambient Air, which penetrates, and gets into the Pores of the Salt by an Intestin and Powerful Motion. And it is further to be Noted, That if in Summer, cold Water be put into a Glass, the moist Vapours which move about it, will be condens'd on the outward side of the Glass, and appear in the Form of Dew, those Moist Particles, which swim in the Air, being, by the Perpetual Motion of it's Parts, successively driven upon the External Superficies of it: In trying of which Experiment it is Re∣markable, That the Dew on the out-side, was not to be observ'd above the Surface of the Li∣quor contain'd in it. And these Relations are the less to be wonder'd at, if we consider, that so weighty a Body as Lead, may be rais'd in the Form of Smoke, a considerable height into the Air, by the Assistance of proper Vessels, plac'd in a convenient Furnace; which Smoke, will be soon scatter'd and dispers'd, by the Various Motion of Aerial Particles: And this Experiment does not only shew, that the Parts of Air are in a Perpetual Motion, but also how much the Minu∣teness of them contributes to their Fluidity.

And tho' Quick-silver much exceeds any other Body in Weight, except Gold, yet it's Minute Parts, agitated and rais'd in the Form of a Va∣pour, will, like other small Particles of Matter, glide to and fro in the Air; whence it hath often-times happen'd, that in Evaporating of it, several pieces of Gold have been so whitened over with the Fumes of it, as not to be got off again without a great deal of Trouble.

But to make it almost Visible, that the Parts of Liquid Bodies, are perpetually in a variously determin'd Motion, mix a Solution of unrefin'd Silver in Aqua fortis, with 15 times its Propor∣tion of Fair Water, Decanting or Filtrating the clear Mixture: In which Liquor the Parts of the Silver are not in the least discern'd, tho' upon Immerging a Copper-Plate into it, the Particles of that Metal, which before swam up and down in the Mixture, presently adhere to the Copper, and crust it over with a Metalline Powder; and if the Copper Plates remain in that Liquor for a Night, the whole scatter'd Corpuscles of Silver will be collected together about them, the Li∣quor being Tinctured with a Blue Tincture, by some Parts of the Copper, corroded and divi∣ded into Parts, by the Salt Parts of the Aqua fortis. And to render this Experiment still more Useful, I have observ'd, That by letting a piece of Spiltre lye in this Tincture for some Days, the Copper Particles were gather'd round about that also, from all the Parts of the Liquor; which could not be, were not the Water in a Perpetual Intestin Motion; so that its Parts might, by often changing their Places, suc∣cessively

strike against the Spelter, and so leave the Silver behind.

To this Experiment may be added another, which I have long since try'd, when first I be∣gan to consider the Reason of Fluidity. I drop'd then, into Spirit of Wine, moderately Deflegm'd, a small quantity of Oyl of Turpentine, letting it fall so far, that it might by the force of it be broke into small Drops, which by reason of their Tenacity, being unapt to mix with the Spi∣rit, would swim upon it, and be mov'd up and down, variously and irregularly, by the Spirituous Parts of the Liquor, which struck against them in their Ascension; and whilst these Spirituous Parts continue to exhale, it is pleasant to be∣hold, how the Globous Parts of the Oyl will sometimes be gather'd together, and almost unite, and presently after, be again dispers'd abroad, and move to and fro amongst one another; and this Motion would continue, till the most Agile and Spirituous Parts of the Liquor were wholly spent. And lest this Motion of the Oyly Parts, should be suspected to arise from some Antipathy betwixt it and the Liquor, I try'd the Experiment with small chop'd Straws, which were likewise impetuously, and confusedly mov'd up and down on the Superficies of the Spirit: From whence we may learn, That there may be an Intestin Motion of the Parts of a Liquid Sub∣stance, tho' it be not discern'd by the Eye. I might here reckon up a great many more Phae∣nomena exhibited by this Experiment; but it shall suffice to take Notice, besides what hath been already deliverd, That some of the afore∣mention'd Spirit, being clos'd up in a Glass,

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Hermetically seal'd, to try whether the Oyly Drops would continue their Motion, when the Vinous Spirit could not exhale, the Vessel was presently broke, without any force otherwise discernible, than by the effects of it.

And that the small Parts of the most weighty Liquors, are actually in a Continual Motion, may not only appear from what hath gone before, but may be further confirm'd; since Quick-silver will not only penetrate into the Pores, but de∣stroy the Texture of so solid a Metal as Foliated Gold: And Salt of Tartar, tho' cold, is able to extract Tinctures from several Bodies: And that the Parts of Oyl of Vitriol are in a Perpe∣tual Motion, may be evinc'd, by the Corrosive Qualities of it, which it powerfully exerts with∣out the Assistance of Heat, not only in Corroding Metals; but if pieces of Camphire be thrown into it, they are presently turn'd into an Oyly Substance. And whoever is unwilling to believe that there is an Intestin Motion of Parts in these two Oyls, may easily be undeceiv'd, by the Heat and Ebullition, which follows upon the Mixture of them agitated together in a Glass.

But here we are to observe, that tho' it be an Essential Property of Fluid Bodies, that one Par∣ticle readily gives way to another; and that the other is as apt to succeed in the Place of it inter∣changeably; yet that is not to be conceiv'd of all Fluid Bodies in General; but is to be understood only in such Bodies, as are either Simple and Homogeneous, or as have an Aptitude to mix with each other, as Wine and Water; since there are some Liquid Bodies, which will not be mix'd together; but like compact Substances,

resist the Impressions of each others Superficies; and it is not a little strange that Lucretius and some other of the Antient Atomists should over∣look so obvious an Observation, since it is ap∣parent in Oyl, which will not mix with Wa∣ter; but more eminently in Quicksilver, which denys to mix any of those Liquors which were familiar amongst them.

But to add an Experiment which is more re∣markable, having so prepared and opened the Body of Copper with a sufficient Quantity of Sal Armoniack, as to render the prepared Mineral inflammable; I applied some Grains of it to the Wiek of a Candle, by the force of whose Flames it was not only Melted, but carried up along with the Tallow to the Bottom of the Flame; where it was observable, that the Flame of it was both lasting, and as distinct from that of the Candle, as if the two Flames had been separated by the Interposition of some other Body.

* 1.129But to return to what I have said of the un∣aptness of Liquors to mix with one another, the reason in general seems to be no other than the particular Texture and peculiar Motion of their Parts. And this I am the rather induced to believe, because Salt of Tartar, dissolved by the moistness of the Air into a Liquid Form, will readily mix with Spirit of Wine, the Texture be∣ing only changed by an addition of Water; tho' before, they both had their distinct Su∣perficies; and tho' mixed by a Violent Motion, yet would presently separate again, and each regain it's former Position. And Oyl or Spirit of Turpentine, gently drawn off from Sea-Salt,

Melted or well Decrepitated, will readily mix with Spirit of Wine, though there was no sensible difference betwixt that Oyl and ano∣ther which would not. Again, a Solution of Salt of Tartar, digested for some time with Oyl of Almonds, would be turned into a soft Saponary Substance; tho', by a strong Agitation, Lixivial Liquors cannot be mixed with Oyls. More∣over, tho' cold Quicksilver will not mix with Oyl of Vitriol, yet, the boiling Oyl will, by piercing it's Substance, both alter and incor∣porate with it.

* 1.130There remains one thing, yet to be taken no∣tice of concerning the Difference in fluid Bodies, which is, That some of them, which will touch each others Superficies without Mixture, will al∣so reduce them to a determinate Shape. As for Instance, if Spirit of Wine be poured upon Oyl of Tartar per deliquium, tho' the contigu∣ous Superficies of both be parallel to the Horizon, yet the upper Superficies of the Spirit will be endewed with a visible Concavity, if the Ex∣periment be tryed in a slender Glass unstopped. In which Liquors it may be further noted, that upon a Mixture of Oyl of Almonds, it present∣ly separated the one from the other, the Super∣ficies of the Oyl of Almonds contiguous to the Oyl of Tartar, being Level as well as that, which was next to the Spirit of Wine: But if Oyl of Turpentine be poured upon it instead of Oyl of Almonds it will be divided into several Portions, some of which Swimming in the Spi∣rit of Wine, will be of a Globular Figure, and o∣thers which rise to the top of the Liquor, will be partly Level with the Superficies of the

Liquor, and partly Sphaerical, on the immersed Superficies. And it may be yet further observed, that some Globular Parts would, tho' the Li∣quor was shaken, continually Swim upon the Oyl of Tartar, being contiguous to it only in a Point. But what is more Remarkable is, that several drops of Oyl of Turpentine falling into the Spirit of Wine, lay upon the Superficies of the Oyl of Tartar, like so many Hemispheres, their convex Superficies being upwards; yet by degrees they became Globular, being equally pressed on every side, and touching the Oyl of Tartar only in a Point. And these Experiments I have the rather recited, because, they being added to that which may be observed in the Torrecellian Experiment by suspending Mercury in the Air (by admitting Air into the Glass Tube, so as to separate the Mercurial Pipe into several Short ones, which will have on each side a Superficies something convex) because I say, they might be of Use in Accounting for the different Con∣figurations of Fluid Bodies, as well as the di∣stinct Superficies of those Vapours which Swim in our Atmosphere.

* 1.131Having said thus much of Fluidity, it may not be amiss to subjoyn one Experiment which shews, how a transparent Liquor may be divi∣ded into two, the one Diaphanous, and the other Opacous. Pour into a warm Solution of an Ounce of Quicksilver with a double Quantity of Aqua Fortis, about half an Ounce or an Ounce of Filings of Lead, being cautious that it be not put in so fast, as to make the Liquor Boyl over; the Event of which will be, that the Lead will be immediately precipitated in the Form of a

white Powder, the Mercury running together again into a Fluid Body immersed in the Aqua Fortis. And here it is to be noted, that if the success of this Experiment be frustrated, the Mercury may by degrees be again recovered if the white Precipitate be diligently ground for some time with Water.

* 1.132But to put a Conclusion to this Chapter, it is highly probable, that not only Fluid, but some consistent Bodies have their Parts in a certain degree of Motion; whence, as we may con∣jecture, proceeds that Dust which is the Effect of Putrefaction, in some sorts of Wood: And it is not absurd to imagine, that from hence Worms in Fruit as well as Magots in Cheese de∣rive their Original. And that there is Motion amongst the Parts of some consistent Bodies, is further made probable, both by that Turpentine which I have observed to Sweat out of Deal Boards, and the growth and increase of the Bones, and other consistent Parts of Bodies; but more particularly in those of colder Ani∣mal Substances; as Oyster-Shells, Crabs-Claws and such like consistent Substances.

Having said thus much concerning Fluidity, it might not be improper to take notice how by the Mixture of Liquids, their Fluidity is some∣times promoted, and also sometimes destroyed. But since we shall have occasion sometime or o∣ther in the following Chapter, to make such Ob∣servations; I shall, to close this Chapter, add an Experiment, which may intimate, that the event of Mixtures is not always certain: The Experiment is the following; We Evaporated a Solution of Copper in Spirit of Nitre, from

whence we obtained a Vitriol of a lovely Co∣lour: We likewise dissolved one Part of good Tin in a double Quantity of Spirit of Nitre; and tho' Salt-Petre as well as Tin, be both Fusible, yet this Metalline Mixture would neither melt on quick Coals, nor in a red hot Crucible: Where∣as the Vitriol of Copper would melt with the heat of ones Hand, though the Metalline Ingre∣dients be much more hard to be brought to Fusion than Lead, or even Silver it self; and we have sometimes obtained such a Vitriol, as might be preserved in a Fluid Form by the Languid heat of the Sun in Winter, either with Spirit of Nitre or a certain Aqua Fortis: From whence it appears, that the Textures of Compositions are to be considered, as well as the Particular Consistence of the Ingredients.

CHAP. XII. Experiments concerning the Superficial Fi∣gures of Fluids. Especially of Liquors Contiguous to other Liquors.

COnsidering that the greatest Part of the Universe, is made of Fluid Bodies, especi∣ally if according to the Cartesian Hypothesis, the Sun and fixt Stars consist of Fluids, it may not be amiss to illustrate, what we have only hin∣ted at in the foregoing Chapter: For the follow∣ing Experiments made about the superficial Fi∣gures

of Fluid Bodies, may not a little contri∣bute to illustrate, as well what hath been be∣fore delivered, as what hath been said concer∣ning the Pores of Fluid Bodies; besides, they may be of no small use, in accounting for seve∣ral Phaenomena belonging to the Grand System of the World.

EXPERIMENT I. and II.

* 1.133To try whether the concave Surface of Fluids, contained in a Pipe, was wholly to be attri∣buted to the Pressure of the Contiguous Air, I poured Dephlegmed Spirit of Wine upon a strong Alkalizate Menstrum, which was made of fixed Nitre run per deliquium in a moist Cel∣ler, and contained in a Cylinder of Glass of a∣bout a quarter of an Inch Diameter; I found that the Menstrum changed it's concave for a horizontal Superficies; and the like succeeded in a Glass of a much greater Diameter. And that Superficial Cavity was likewise almost destroyed by pouring on Oyl of Turpentine instead of Spi∣rit of Wine.

EXPERIMENT III.

* 1.134If instead of the former Liquor, common Water was put into the Glass Cylinder, it retain∣ed it's former Surface, tho' Oyl of Turpentine Swam upon it instead of Spirit of Wine.

EXPERIMENT IV.

To try what Surface would be made by an

Oyl heavier than Water,* 1.135 by being contiguous to it, I put pure Oyl of Turpentine into a Glass Cylinder, and found that the Concave Superficies which it had whilst the Air was Contiguous, became Convex and protuberant upon an Affu∣sion of Water.

EXPERIMENT V.

* 1.136Again having put Salt of Tartar deliquated in∣to a Glass Cylinder, and poured Oyl of Guajacum upon it, we found, that the Concave Superfi∣cies was not altred as it was by Oyl of Turpen∣tine: And having gently poured Water upon these two, the Oyl of Guajacum Swam betwixt the Water and the Oyl of Tartar, having a Convex Superficies at each end, that next the Oyl of Tartar being most protuberant.

EXPERIMENT VI.

* 1.137Having likewise put Oyl of Cloves into a Glass Cylinder; by pouring Water upon it, it's Concave Superficies presently became Con∣vex; and this Oyl being too heavy to Swim upon Water, we poured some of it upon Deli∣quated Salt of Tartar, pouring upon it likewise a little common Water, which being done we found the Oyl Protuberant at both Ends, but more at that which was Contiguous to the Wa∣ter.

EXPERIMENT VII.

Again, having put a considerable Quantity

of Quicksilver into a Pipe of the same Diameter,* 1.138 but much longer than the former; we found, that the Superficies of it, which was otherwise considerably Protuberant, was in some measure Depress'd, when Water instead of Air was Contiguous to it.

EXPERIMENT VIII.

* 1.139Upon tryal, whether a greater or less Quantity of Water would alter the Surface of the Mercury, I found that the greater the Quantity of Water was, the more it was de∣pressed; tho' it did not always succeed: But when the Cylinder, being of a considerable length, was filled with Water, the Mercury Contiguous to the Glass was depressed to a Le∣vel; having, in the Center of its Superficies, a Protuberance Semicircular and raised above the other level Surface half it's Diameter, which Protuberance gradually subsided as the Mercury was drawn off.

EXPERIMENT IX.

* 1.140Having conveighed two of the afore-men∣tioned Cylinders, one containing Water, and the other Mercury into our Pneumatical Recei∣ver, we found that, notwithstanding the Air was not Contiguous, the Superficies of the Wa∣ter was not manifestly altred by the Exsuction of the Air, tho' the Mercury seemed some∣times to be a little more Protuberant, especially when the Exhausted Air was let in with any Celerity. But one thing in the Mercury, which

was observable; was, that upon the Exsuction of the Air, several Bubbles seemed to rise in the Mercury, and how much those might con∣duce to the mentioned Phaenomenon, we leave others to try. Again, having conveighed ano∣ther Cylinder into our Receiver, which con∣tained an Oyl, whose Superficies, when Water was poured upon it, was Convex; we found, that upon the Exsuction of the Air, neither the Oyl lost it's Protuberant, nor the Water it's concave Superficies: From which Experiments it may appear, what Effects the Pure Aether would have upon such Bodies, were they re∣mov'd out of this Atmosphere.

EXPERIMENT X.

Though the Figures of the Parts of scatter'd Fluids, and of condensed Vapours, be usually Globulous; yet those Observations being too Transient, to deduce from them the Figures of the Parts of Fluids, we tryed the following Experiment, that I might observe something more Remarkable: Having mixed Fixt Nitre, dissolved into a Liquor by running per deliquium, with exactly rectified Spirit of Wine, and found that, those two Liquors, tho' shaked together, would retain distinct Surfaces; I drop'd Oyl into the Spirits, which gradually subsided till it touched the Superficies of the Ni∣trous Liquor. The Phaenomena exhibited by this Experiment were the following.

• * 1.141I. That if the Drops were small, they retain an exact Spherical Figure, being neither de∣pressed by their own weight, nor the gravity of

• the ambient Spirit, the Oyl being much of the same specifick Gravity with the Spirit of Wine.
• II. If an Aggregate of Drops were a quarter of an Inch in Diameter, the Pressure of the upper Parts would depress the lower so much as to form a Plain on that side Contiguous to the Nitrous Liquor, so that the Horizontal exceeded the Transverse Diameter in Length.
• III. And if the Quantity of Oyl was great∣er, it would so depress the lower Parts, as to form an imperfect Hemisphere, the lower Part of it having it's plain and horizontal Superficies, parallel to that of the Superficies of the Nitrous Liquor.
• IV. But if the Oyl poured in, was moderate as to Quantity; tho' at the first it would spread over the Surface of the Nitre, yet, by degrees, it would be compress'd and be so raised, as to form either an Hemisphere upon the Surface of the Nitrous Liquor, or a Segment of a Globe, or even of an Imperfect Ellipsis; to the production of which Phaenomenon the Tenacity of the Oyl, as well as the Ambient Spirit in some Measure contributed.
• V. Tho' these Globules of Oyl would some∣times readily mix and associate, when brought together; yet, for the most Part, they would make an Impression into one another without uniting, and again recover, their former Fi∣gure when permitted to separate.
• VI. It was not unpleasant to behold, how if a large Quantity of Oyl was poured into the Spirit, the Convex Superficies of it would acquire various Figures upon the Motion of that Am∣bient

• Spirit; and if the Agitation was strong, several Parts being broke off, would form as many Aggregates of a Globular Figure.

EXPERIMENT XI.

* 1.142Having put a Mixture of two Oyls, one of which was drawn from Turpentine, into other Liquors, to try whether the Lighter Oyl would separate from the heavier, with which it was incorporated; I found, that tho' it answer'd not my Expectation; yet as the Quantity of either of the Oyls was prevalent, the Mixture would ei∣ther sink or swim, in the Liquors it was put into. And to the Phaenomena exhibited by Oyl of Tur∣pentine, it may be added, That when part of it is contiguous to the Liquors it is put into, and part adheres to the Glass, the Superficies contiguous to the Water is of Figures too va∣rious and extravagant to be described.

EXPERIMENT XII.

* 1.143It is to be noted, that when the Nitrous Li∣quor is very clear, it will, in the former Expe∣riments, be very difficult to discover where the Surfaces of the two Liquors are contiguous, they both appearing to be one and the same Mass, except some Dust swims upon the Nitrous Li∣quor, or the Rays of Light fall obliquely upon it.

EXPERIMENT XIII.

Having pour'd a peculiar sort of Oyl upon a Deliquation of Nitre and Tartar, ting'd with Cochinele, I observ'd, that by holding the Mix∣ture in a certain Position, the plain Superficies not only variously refracted the Incident Beams of Light, so as to represent several vivid Reflections, but the plain Superficies appear'd almost as con∣vex, as that of Quick-silver; and it was fur∣ther to be observ'd, That it almost as strongly reflected the Rays of a Candle, as a Close Spe∣cular Body usually does; which Phaenomenon could not proceed from the Alkali altogether, but might partly from the Concurrent Action of the Oyl, which I observ'd to contribute to Re∣fraction, when mix'd with other Liquors; but I shall not here endeavour to determine, what was the Cause of the Foremention'd Phaenomena; but in order to it shall observe, First, that nei∣ther the Confining Plain, which separated these two Liquors, nor the Superficies of the Nitrous Liquor, was the Occasion of that Red Colour, which the Flame of the Candle acquir'd. Se∣condly, the Liquor being chafed, the uppermost would be turn'd into a Froth, consisting of Bo∣dies imperfectly Globular, which in a little time would form a rude Physical plain, the Upper Su∣perficies of which, would reflect the Rays of Light very briskly; and when the Parts of the Froth became a little finer, they would reflect the Rays of a Candle, so as to represent so many pieces of Silver polish'd, or a Copper Plate freshly immers'd in a Solution of Silver in Aqua fortis: To which Phaenomena a Third may be added, viz.

That the confining Surface of the aforemention'd Oyl upon Spirit of Wine, was not a little strongly reflective. Most of these Phaenomena before mention'd, were afforded, by making use of Oyl of Limons instead of the former, except that the Reflection was not so brisk.

EXPERIMENT XIV.

* 1.144Having pour'd Oyl of Aniseeds dissolv'd by a Moderate Warmth, upon warm Water, con∣tain'd in a Viol, I found that the Upper Surface of the Oyl, as well as that of the Water was Con∣cave; tho' the Lower Superficies of it was very Protuberant and Convex; and when it had been remov'd for some time into a Cold place, so that the Oyl might be Coagulated, the Convex Su∣perficies of the Oyl was something less protube∣rant: So that it seem'd to resemble a Concavo-Convex-Glass made use of for Dioptrical Purposes.

EXPERIMENT XV.

It is not only observable in the former Li∣quor, that the Oyl caus'd a much more vivid Reflection, in a Fluid than Consistent Form; but it may be further noted, That even the Shi∣ning Reflection of Quick-silver, may be increas'd by the Addition of a Liquor: For if Distill'd Mercury be put into a Viol, and Petroleum be gently pour'd upon it, the Reflection will be sensibly increas'd by the Addition of that Li∣quor; but whether that Reflection proceeds from some Subtle Body included betwixt the Petrloeum and the Mercury, I shall not deter∣mine; only to make it probable, That were

there such a Body included it might much con∣tribute to such a Phaenomenon, I shall add, That I once saw a Transparent Body, which was sup∣pos'd to have a true Oriental Pearl in it; but upon the Breaking of it, that which was suppos'd to be a Pearl, was nothing but a Cavity containing a Substance, something grosser than Air: And I have a piece of Glass by me, which hath Air included in a Cavity of a Pear-like shape, which causes such a vivid Reflection, as to resemble a fair Pearl. And I am Master of a Small Stone, which look'd upon in one's Hand directly down, seems to be like Common Glass; but if the Beams of Light in another posture fall upon it obliquely, it appears to be a fine Opal, or Oriental Pearl.

EXPERIMENT XVI.

* 1.145Having melted a Gummy Substance in a deep round wide-mouth'd Glass, and conveigh'd it into our Pneumatical Receiver; upon extra∣cting the Air, we found, that which was con∣tain'd in the Pores of the Gummy Substance, to rise in Bubbles, several of which settled at the Top, and others were detain'd in the Body of it, upon the Cooling of that Substance: Where it was to be observ'd, that those which were in∣cluded in the Gummy Substance, did not only cause a considerable Reflection, but also the Air was so rarify'd in them, that upon the intro-admission of external Air into the Receiver, those Bubbles, which were rais'd to the Top, and ad∣orned with Curious Colours, like those of a Rain∣bow, were presently broke:

EXPERIMENTS XVII, and XVIII.

* 1.146Tho' it is usually thought, That the Parts of Water are Spherical, in falling Rain; yet since Hail, which is nothing but Drops of Water froze, and often of a Figure different from Orbicular; to be further satisfy'd concerning their Figures, we conveigh'd several Portions of Water into Oyl of Cloves, and found, that one which was as big as a Pea, was so near an Orbicular Fi∣gure, as to approach an Elliptical one; and other Portions of Water, which were larger, were somewhat Elliptical, but rather more depress'd in the middle; and these Phaenomena were afford∣ed by those Portions of Water which were only contiguous to the Oyl and Air.

EXPERIMENT XIX.

Having put Oyl of Turpentine upon Oyl of Cloves, which was contain'd in a Glass Cylinder; I observ'd, that Water being encompass'd be∣twixt these two Heterogeneous Bodies, the Sur∣face of the Oyl of Cloves was but a very little protuberant; And the lower Surface of the Oyl of Turpentine, was but moderately Convex.

EXPERIMENT XX.

* 1.147To try whether Fluid Bodies would retain their smooth Surfaces, when reduc'd to a Solid Form, I left Oyl of Aniseeds to coagulate upon Water, and found that that Superficies, which was Contiguous to the Air, as well as that which was next the Water, had each a peculiar kind of Roughness.

EXPERIMENT XXI.

Having expos'd one Portion of Water to be froze, with Oyl of Junipers upon it, and another with Oyl of Turpentine; I found that the Ice, which was under each, had a different and pe∣culiar Surface: A Variety of Surfaces may like∣wise be observ'd upon several frozen Liquors, which abound with Water. And I have ob∣serv'd my self, in a red Decoction of Soot of Wood, set to freeze, Crystals shap'd like Daggers, curiously emboss'd, as well as fring'd at the ends.

EXPERIMENT XXII.

And besides the Irregular Surfaces of a frozen Liquor, contiguous to a Heterogenous Body, I have observ'd in Oyl of Vitriol, that Part of it being froze, the Superficies, which was conti∣guous to the Liquid Part, was very unequal with several Asperities.

EXPERIMENT XXIII.

And not only Bodies, which are Naturally Fluid, but those brought to Fusion by Art, ac∣quire Various Sufaces upon their putting on of a Solid Form; For I have observ'd, upon the Sur∣face of a Regulus Martis Stellatus, and a Regu∣lus of Antimony without Mars, Curious Emboss∣ments of the Figure of a Star; but if to these Bo∣dies Copper be Artificially added, they acquire New Surfaces, sometimes resembling a Net: And I have now by me, a Mass of a Conical

Figure, consisting of two Parts, contiguous to each other, which when separated, the lower Part had upon it's upper Side, a great many Protuberances; and the Conical Part on it's Su∣perficies, which was contiguous to that, was furnish'd with Cavities answerable to, and adap∣ted to receive those Protuberances: Whence it might be inferr'd, That the more Metalline Part, which was emboss'd with those Protube∣tances, was first hardned, and the other more scorious and recrementitious Part, was after∣wards adapted in it's Coagulation to the Protu∣berances of that which would melt with the Heat of ones Hand, tho' the Metalline Ingredients be much more hard to be brought to Fusion than Lead, or even Silver it self; and we have some∣times obtain'd such a Vitriol, as might be pre∣serv'd in a fluid Form by the languid Heat of the Sun in Winter, either with Spirit of Nitre or a certain Aqua fortis: From whence it ap∣pears, that the Textures of Compositions are to be consider'd, as well as the particular Con∣sistence of the Ingredients.

CHAP. XIII. Containing the History of Firmness.

ALTHO' the Compactness and Solidity of Bodies, is usually attributed to the Coa∣gulating Qualities of a saline Ingredient, by the Chymists, yet since their Explications are

not intelligible, I shall proceed to enquire after another Cause. First then

The Solidity of a Body being a Quality con∣trary to Fluidity,* 1.148 seems to consist in this, viz. That the gross Parts of solid Bodies are so en∣tangled and interwoven together, that they are unapt to diffuse themselves several ways, like flu∣id Bodies; and that the Figure of their Super∣ficies is rather to be attributed to the Connection of the Parts that compose them, than to the Impressions of outward Bodies. In which De∣finition these three Things appear to be the Causes of Solidity, viz. Grossness of Parts, Rest, and the Implication of the constituent Parts.

* 1.149And First, That the Grossness of the Parts of a Body contributes to the Solidity of it, is evident from what hath been already said of Fluidity; for if Minuteness of Parts is requisite to pro∣duce such a Quality as Fluidity, it must follow that the Inaptitude that is in grosser Matter to be put in Motion must be a further Argument, That the Grossness of Particles is conducive to Firmness.

But here it is to be noted, that by Grossness or Minuteness of Parts, I would not pretend to decide the Controversy, Whether Bodies may be indefinitely divided into smaller Parts; but I would only intimate, that tho' mentally all Bo∣dies may have an indefinite Divisibility, yet the Parts of solid Bodies are made up of a Number of such minute Parts, as convening together form those grosser Corpuscles, which, when united, are not to be dissolved by the external Impressions of ambient Air or Aether, or any

thing else, usually reckon'd amongst the Causes of Fluidity.

Secondly, It is to be noted, That tho' I have said, that the Grossness of Bodies contributes to their Firmness, yet I would be understood to mean, caeteris paribus; for the gross Parts of a Body, by being broke and divided into smaller, may be so dispos'd, to lye nearer one another, so as upon their more close Union, to put on the Nature of Firmness more conspicuously, by affording a more full Contact to other Bodies, especially, if those minuter Parts be so adapted, as to leave smaller Pores betwixt them. But this being evident from what hath gone before, I shall pass on to

* 1.150The other Requisite for the producing of so∣lid Bodies, viz. Rest, which, tho' it is taken notice of by the Ingenious Des Cartes, yet since it is not confirm'd by Experimental Philosophy, I shall here illustrate it a little further; first ob∣serving, that it is agreed on to be one of the Laws of Motion, That when a Body is at rest it will continue to be so, till forc'd to move by the Impulse of an outward Agent; and what∣ever may be urg'd by some Atomists, concerning the Adhesion of the minute Parts of Matter, yet, that a Juxta-position of Parts is sufficient, with∣out the Addition of a Cement, is evident; since several Pieces of Glass, if exactly fitted and polished, will adhere so firmly together, that by lifting up the uppermost the rest will adhere so closely as to be rais'd with them; which will also succeed, if two Marbles exactly polished and ground, have their Superficies ap∣ply'd to one another; and it is further remark∣able,

that if two Glasses be rubb'd one against another, the one will be suspended at the other, without any visible Prop to support it, and pre∣serve it from falling. But here it may be ne∣cessary to take notice, that an exact and level Superficies is not always requisite to make the Experiment succeed, since a concave and a con∣vex Glass rightly adapted will adhere with the same degree of Cohesion; an Example of which we have had in a Glass Stopple, duly adapted to the neck of a Bottle; by which the Bottle, containing a Pound weight of Liquor, might several times be lifted up from the Table; which could proceed from nothing, but the close con∣tact of those two Bodies; unless it be urg'd, that by pressing the Stopple down the small As∣perities of the one might be squeez'd into the small Pores of the other.

* 1.151But tho' from hence it may be argu'd, that a bare Juxta-position is sufficient to account for the Cohesion of the Parts of some Bodies, yet it is not to be deny'd, but that their strict Contact may be promoted by the Spring and Pressure of the Atmo-sphere; since by reason of their Juxta-position, the Air, which presses upon the low∣er Superficies, hath not an equal Pressure to ba∣lance it on the other Side of the same Piece; it be∣ing immediately contiguous to the lower Superfi∣cies of the Piece adjoyn'd to it; by which Means the Pressure of the Air resisting the Gravity of the Glass, instead of tending towards the Centre it is boy'd up and press'd against the upper Piece, just as if a Board were press'd with ones Hand against the Cieling of a Room, which will con∣tinue in that Place as long as the Pressure with

ones hand is continu'd: And indeed, That the Air does so press upon the lower Superficies of Glass is but the natural Effect of the Weight and Spring of it, which being bent and press'd to∣gether, by the Weight of incumbent Air, will naturally recoyl and fly back, from the Superfi∣cies of the Earth, upon any Body which is in the Way to be press'd upon.

* 1.152To confirm this Conjecture I shall add, that if a Piece of Glass be stuck to the Superficies of a Looking-glass parallel to the Horizon, it will stick fast to it, except it be mov'd by one Hand; but if the Horizontal Superficies be inclin'd, the smaller Glass will readily slip from one Side of the greater to the other, accordingly as it is differently inclin'd. The Reason of which is, partly because the Gravity of it does not resist the Horizontal Motion, but only that which tends from the Centre; and partly, or chiefly, because the Pressure of the Air on both Edges of the Glass is equal, and consequently its own Gravity makes it tend either this or that way, as the Glass is variously erected or inclin'd; where∣as the Superficies adhering to the Looking-glass receives no Pressure proportionable to the Pres∣sure of Air recoyling against the lower Surface. And for a like reason, if the neck of a glass Vi∣ol full of Mercury be immers'd in fluid Quick-silver, the Bottle will continue near full, as long as the neck of the Glass is immers'd in the Quick-silver, tho' it be several ways inclin'd; the Reason of which seems to be, only the Pres∣sure of the external Air upon the Surface of the Mercury; by which Means it is forc'd up against the Surface of the inverted Glass, so

that for want of an equivalent Pressure upon the Mercury in the Glass it is kept from subsiding; for that it does not proceed from Nature's Ab∣horrency of a Vacuum is plain, from what hath been try'd concerning the suspended Mercury in the Torrecellian Experiment; and that it may appear more fully, that the Exclusion of Air, as well as its immediate Contact, contri∣butes to the keeping of Bodies from falling asun∣der, it will suffice to relate, that having suck'd a good Quantity of Air out of a Bottle, and apply'd a Book which was next at hand to the Orifice, it stuck so firmly to it, that, tho' the Weight of it was 20 Ounces, it would be rais'd a considerable Height, and tho' but a small Part of its Superficies adher'd to the circular Edges of the Glass. The Reason of which seems to be no other, than that the Pressure of the ex∣ternal Air overpowers the weak Resistence made by the Air in the Bottle; and since the Resi∣stence of the internal Air is so weak, the whole Orifice of the Bottle seems in some Measure to be a common Superficies; for as much as the Pressure of the Air in the Bottle, scarce makes any sensible Impulse upon that Part of the Book encircled by the Edges of it.

* 1.153And it is not altogether improbable, but that the compact Texture of Glass, may depend on a like Juxta-position of Parts, since the Parti∣cles of Fire, in the making of it, may so divide the Parts of the Ingredients as to render them subtile enough for so strict and close a Uni∣on, as is requisite to exclude Air from betwixt them; for it is not only obvious, That Air cannot penetrate the Pores of it, when heated

in Distillation, but in blowing of Glasses where it hath not the least Vent; through the Pores of it, tho' impell'd with Force, yet its Pores are fine enough to give way to the Beams of Light and Heat, and likewise to the fine Effluvia of a Loadstone, without damaging the Texture of it in the least; nor would it be more absurd to conceive that the Parts of Salt-petre or Ice were after the like manner joyn'd together, by a Juxta-position.

But to return to the Place from whence we have made this short Digression; tho' from hence it appears, that the Spring of the Air may contribute to the Cohesion of the Parts of Solids; yet it is not altogether necessary, since the same may be accounted for by the Air con∣sider'd barely as a Weight; for the Air being a fluid Body, and pressing by its Gravity towards the Centre, it must needs diffuse it self every way, when resisted by the Surface of the Earth, and consequently expand it self orbicularly, by which means the whole Pillar of Air incumbent on it, being virtually incumbent on the lower Superficies of the Glass, whatever separates one from the other, must out-balance that Pressure of the Air; otherwise (there being no Air betwixt the two Glasses) they must needs stick together; but it is not necessary that the contiguous Superficies of these two Glasses should be equal to the Horizon, since if they be perpendicular, the Sides of the Glasses have a collateral Pressure from the Pillars of Air pres∣sing against them, and consequently the Diffi∣culty must be as great to separate them.

But to try more exactly, How much the Pres∣sure of the Air is concern'd in the former Expe∣riments, we took two polish'd Marbles, as smooth as we could get, and fastned Wires to the up∣permost, so that the lowest could not slide off the other Horizontally, but, if any way, must fall Perpendicularly; which Caution being observ'd, we found, the one would not only draw up the o∣ther, but a Pair of Scales fixed to it with 16 Oun∣ces of Troy Weight; and to make the Experiment more compleat we found, That when the Sur∣faces of the Stones were wet with pure Spirit of Wine, the Air being by that Means kept from insinuating it self betwixt the Stones, the up∣permost would not only draw up the other with a pair of Scales, but an hundred, and sometimes a hundred and thirty Ounces of Troy Weight; tho' the Diameter of the Stones exceeded not an Inch and two Thirds: But having repeated the Experiment with Oyl of sweet Almonds instead of Spirit of Wine, we found, that it took up above four hundred Ounces Troy Weight: And that it may not be suspected, That this Difference proceeds from the more clammy Parts of the Oyl, which caus'd the Stones to adhere more closely, I shall add, That the contiguous Surfaces being held perpendicular, tho' they would easily slide off each other, when moisten'd with Oyl, yet would they not slip down, when moistned with Spirit of Wine, without an additional Weight joyn'd to one of them, the Protuberances of one, perhaps, being fastned in the Pores of the other.

But to shew, That the Adhesion of these po∣lish'd Marbles is proportionably greater as the Diameter of them is larger, and consequently as they are press'd together by a larger Pillar of Air, I repeated the same Experiment with Spi∣rit of Wine, and took up about four hundred and seventy Ounces; but when I made use of Oyl of Almonds, the Weight rais'd, was much more considerable, being a Thousand three hundred and forty four Ounces of Troy Weight; besides at the same time the Marbles were ob∣serv'd to stick close together: And here again, lest it should be suspected, that the Oyl made the Adhesion more close, I shall relate this Ob∣servation, viz. That tho' it requir'd so great a Weight to separate these Stones when their con∣tiguous Surfaces were in an Horizontal Line; yet would they easily slide one upon another, not unlike the contiguous Glasses before mention'd; and for the same Reasons; and if they were the least inclin'd either this way or that, their own Weight was sufficient to separate them: From whence it appears how much the Air may be concern'd in compressing the Particles of solid Bodies together.

And lest it should be further objected, That the Cohesion of these Stones rather proceeds from Nature's Abhorrency of a Vacuum, than the Cause assign'd by us, I shall add these Consi∣derations; First, That if it were so, the same Reason would hold when a much more consi∣derable Weight is fastned to the lower Marble; yet we see, that then, notwithstanding Nature's Abhorrency of a Vacuum, they presently part. Secondly, That the Pressure of the Air is suffi∣cient

to account for it: Which to make it more plausible I shall add, that tho' the Stone were fastned to the Ground, yet it would require as much Force, to separate the Uppermost from it in a Perpendicular Line, as to lift up a weight aequiponderant with the Stone, and the Pil∣lar of Air incumbent on it, since there is nei∣ther Air, nor any other Body, betwixt the two Stones to help to raise the Lower up, and in part to sustain the weight of the incumbent Atmosphaere; and therefore it needs not seem strange, that when the lower Marble and the weight affixed to it, is not sufficient to ballance the weight of the Atmosphaere, it should rise a∣long with the Uppermost when drawn up, ra∣ther than be separated from it; since it is usual, for two Bodies, when joyned together, to move the same way, if they be not separated by Weights or some other Force; which is obser∣vable in trying of Load-stones; for if the Load-stone be able to raise a Body more ponderous than it self, the Knife will as soon raise the Load-stone as the Load-stone will lift up the Knife.

To Illustrate what hath been said I shall add an Experiment registred amongst my Adver∣saria, which is this, viz. Having immerged a Glass Syphon with a Brass Valve cemented on one end, almost half a Yard in a tall Cucur∣bite, till it touched the Bottom, I filled it with Water, till the Superficies of the Water in it, was equal to that in the Cucurbite, which being done, I took a pair of Scales, putting an Ounce weight into one Scale, and fixing a String to the other, one end of the String being likewise fastned to the Valve, fixed to the bottom of

the Glass Tube; where it was to be observed, that by that single Ounce I was able to open the Valve, whereas when the Water was poured out of the Pipe, and it was immersed again, the Valve would not be open'd again without the Additional weight of four Ounces; And in this Experiment it was further to be obser∣ved, that as the Valve was raised higher and higher in the Cucurbite, a weight portionably less was sufficient to open it. In which Expe∣riment, if fuga Vacui resisted the opening of the Valve, it would have required the same weight at the top of the Water as in the Bot∣tom, the Valve being in both places under Water. And therefore the difference rather proceeds from the Compressure of the Ambient Water, that presses the Parts of the Valve to∣gether. And tho' Air be a Body much more light than Water, yet considering that the difference is but about as much as 1000 to 1, and that the Particles of Air, which press upon our Atmosphaere, are incumbent upon each other for several score Miles in height; it is not absurd to expect, that their pressure should be considerable, and sufficient to press the two Marbles together.

For a further Confirmation of our Doctrine of Firmness, to this I shall add another Experi∣ment, which is, that having suspended the afore∣mention'd coherent Marbles in a large Glass, when the Air was considerably exhausted the lower presently fell from it; And tho' the uppermost was let down to it, yet it could not be raised, till fresh Air was admitted into the Glass again, and then they were again pressed

strongly together and became coherent as in the open Air.

* 1.154But to return to our Discourse from which these Experiments have made a Digression; tho' the Pressure of the Air may so joyn Bodies to∣gether, as to make them coherent; yet gene∣rally, Rest it self is sufficient to render a sub∣stance Solid; for since from what we have said above, concerning Fluidity, it appears, that it depends on the Motion of Minute Parts one a∣mongst another; to deprive Matter of that Motion is enough to render it Solid, the Parts of a Solid being contiguous and at rest.

* 1.155I know it is by all Philosphers, whether Mo∣dern or Antient, usually held, that there is something else requisite to keep the Parts of a stable Body together: For some hold, that a Substantial Form is requisite; but since it is equally as difficult to conceive, how Matter should be so variously united in several Substances, by a substantial Form as without it, we may as well fly to imaginary Substances which are united by their peculiar Texture.

Others think, that the Particles of solid Bodies are linked together by a Spirit dif∣fused throughout the World, or by a certain sort of Glue, which Glews their small Corpuscles together. But as to the first its altogether un∣likely; for it may as well be a Question how those Parts stick to the Spirit, as how they stick to one another themselves; and it will be no less difficult to conceive, how the Particles of that Spirit it self come to be fastned together. Be∣sides, were that true, it would follow, that Ice, which is looked upon as a Body void of Spirit,

must abound with it; since the Parts of that brittle Substance, could not be joyned by a Spirit which was not betwixt them: Nor is it more Reasonable to suppose them joyned by a Cement, since it might likewise be asked, how the Parts of that Cement were linked together, which should it be affirmed to be done by a Sub∣stance yet finer, the Question might still be con∣tinued ad Infinitum; so that, it would at last be allowed, that some Parts of Matter must ad∣here without a Cement, or there must be Ce∣ments finer one than another ad Infinitum; which since it cannot be allowed, we may as well sup∣pose, that the Parts of a Body adhere without a gross Cement, as that the Parts of a subtile Cement can stick together without another Sub∣stance to Cement them; especially, since the Corpuscles of a Body may be so figured and contrived as to be linked amongst one another very firmly; an agreeable Contact, with a real rest of Parts, contributing to render the united substances a Solid Body.

But in favour of the former Opinion, it is urged by some, that the Spirit which they sup∣pose joyns the Parts of a Body together, con∣sists of Parts indivisible; and consequently, there is no need of another substance to Unite them: But since Bodies as Solid and Adamantine as these can be supposed to be may be broke, a bare Affirmation must not be taken for Proof; for to suppose, that these Parts of Matter were made up of hooked Parts; it would be as rea∣sonable to believe, that those hooked Parts might not be broke, as that by a violent Agent the Particles of the most Solid Bodies cannot be divided, since it is plain they may.

But to proceed, The last thing we suppos'd necessary to constitute a Body, was the Texture of its Parts; and indeed tho' a Juxta-position and Rest of the Parts of a Body, are sufficient to render it Solid; yet if those Parts are more in∣timately interwoven with one another, so as to be linked together like Hooks, it must contri∣bute to render the Body much more firm, Parts so joyned, being much more difficultly separa∣ted, and put into Motion, than those which have only an immediate Contact; And it may not a little serve to confirm our Opinion, to take Notice, that in an Egg or Water, by a meer alteration of Texture, the Disposition of Corpuscles of those Substances are considerably changed; as when an Egg is, by the insinuation of the Parts of Fire, so altered, as to become hard; or as when the Latter as well as Water is beaten into a Froth, which in some Measure is like a Solid Body, as long as they continue in that Form.

Having thus far inquired into the conjunct Causes of Solidity, we shall consider briefly, how many Ways a Body may come to be so Modified, and what things are requisite to make Bodies apt to put on such a Form.

* 1.156The first and most remarkable thing is the Fi∣gure and Shape of the Parts of Matter, as if they be hooked or otherwise shaped, so as to entangle one within another, they will be with more difficulty separated; which is evident in close-set Hedges, where by pulling away one Bough the slender Twigs of others interwoven with it, make it harder to be separated; and not

without pulling some others along with it; ••o likewise the slender Threds, which make up Cables, being twisted and wound one within another, are capable of sustaining a much grea∣ter Weight, and require much more Force, to braeke them. And indeed this Configuration of Parts seems to have been the Opinion of the antient Atomists, of which Lucretius hath given the following Account in these Verses;

Denique quae nobis durata ac spissa videntur, Haec magis hamatis inter se esse necess' est, Et quasi ramosis alta compacta teneri. In quo jam genere imprimis adamantina Saxa; Prima acie costant, ictus contemnere sueta Et validi salices, ac duri robora ferri, Aeraque quae Claustris restantia vociferantur.

And indeed the correspondent Figures of Bodies may be so numerous, that the same Par∣ticles, which before in two distinct Bodies were Liquid, may, by an Union, have their Parts so interwoven with one another, as to be∣come Solid; an Instance of which hath been given in the foregoing Chapter concerning Salt-Petre, where by a Mixture of a Liquor distilled from Nitre, with a Mixture of fixed Nitre run per Deliquium, a third Substance will be obtain'd firm and brittle, viz. a Saline Body. To this I shall add another, mentioned with a different design by Lully and Hartman, which is the follow∣ing, viz. If two Parts of rectifyed Spirit of Wine; be mixed with one of Spirit of Urine ex∣quisitely Dephlegmed, they will in a Minute unite into a consistent Body; but in this Experi∣ment

it is to be Noted, that the Spirits must be more rectified than those usually made use of by the generality of Chymists; and I shall further observe, that having my self had the Curiosity to try it, I found that Spirit of Harts-horn well rectifyed would have the same Effects, if made use of instead of Spirit of fermented Ʋrine. And it may be fit yet further to observe that tho' there was such a predisposition in the Parts of fermented Ʋrine to Coagulate with Spirit of Wine, yet the highest Spirit of unfermented Ʋrine be∣ing of a different Texture would not Coagulate as the former. And it is further to be noted, that if this white Coagulum was kept in a Glass well stopped for some Months, by the means of Heat it would be Melted into a limpid Liquor; those Parts of the Liquor which were intangled one within another being broke and dissolved, so that the Particles of the united Liquors being again restored to such Figures as would enable them to move upon one another's Surfaces, the Coagulum assumed the Form of a Fluid Body.

To this I shall subjoyn two Experiments which seem to have an Affinity with the former; the first is, That rectified Spirit of Wine, by being digested with Saccharum Saturni prepared with Spirit of Vinegar, so far changed its consistency as to remain in a Glass without floating as a Liquid when the Glass was inclin'd; the Second is, That by the Addition of a dry Body, from whence nothing could be obtain'd by the help of the Fire, to the Coagulum just now mention'd, the result of this Mixture was a permanent Liquor.

But for as much as the fore-mention'd Experi∣ment

which produc'd the Coagulum upon the Mixture of Spirit of Wine and Urine is difficult to be performed, since it is a hard Matter to ob∣tain Spirits fine enough for such a pourpose, I shall subjoyn a more easy one, which is, That if Spirit of Salt be added to the White of an Egg beaten to a certain Thinness, the Mixture will be so much Coagulated as not to afford the least Drop, tho' the Glass in which the Experiment is tryed, be turn'd with the Mouth downwards for a considerable time. And Sir Francis Bacon relates an Experiment much to the same purpose; which is, That if the White of an Egg be shaken with Spirit of Wine it presently turn into such a Coagulum as will not yield one Fluid Drop in a Minutes time, and tho' that great Naturalist at∣tributes the Effect of this Mixture, to the Heat of the Spirituous Parts; yet I rather think it the Effect of the particular Texture of its Saline Parts, since other Salts which are accounted cool, have the same Effect; And not only so but tho' Spirit of Wine will Coagulate the Whites of Eggs, yet it hath not that Effect upon the Serum of Mans Blood, tho' the Heat of the Fire will Coagulate the one as well as the other.

But it does not only experimentally appear, that a consistent Body may result from a Mix∣ture of two Fluids, but also that a Fluid may un∣dergo such an Alteration as to be changed into two Consistent Bodies; and this is evident in distilled Sallet Oyl, since the Substance drawn over is devoid of Fluidity as well as that which remains behind; and to make it appear, that the Reason of it is the bare result of Texture and the hooked Figures of its Parts, if we add to

the Oyl a sufficient Quantity of Common Salt, it affords an Oyl, which falls in drops into the Re∣ceiver, and retains its Fluidity. And to this it may be added, That by adding two pound of Brandy, and one of Sea-Salt to eight Ounces of Oyl of Amber, the Texture of that Oyl was so far from being so chang'd, as to come over clear and transparent; as Essential Oyls drawn off in Lim∣becks, usually do. To which we may likewise add, That the Texture of Oyl of Aniseeds, di∣still'd in a Limbeck and Refrigeratory, with a sufficient Quantity of Water; will, by the Win∣ter's Cold, be coagulated into a white brittle Substance, tho' it continues Fluid all the Summer.

* 1.157And to make it further appear, how much the Alteration of Texture contributes to the Fluidity, or Firmness of Bodies; and to what weak, and al∣most inconsiderable Agents, those Effects may be attributed; I shall subjoyn another Experi∣ment, which shews, that the Particles of a Body may be sufficiently agitated, to render it Fluid, by another not sensibly hot; for having melted coagulated Oyl of Aniseeds by the Fire, and put it into two Glasses; the one was congulated again in a short time; yet the other continu'd dissolv'd, being only cover'd over with a Men∣struum, in whose Parts there is no sensible Heat.

To this I shall add another, of a much like Nature, which is the following. Having pow∣der'd some of that brittle Gum or Colophony, which remains upon the Evaporation of about a fourth Part of Venice Turpentine, I mix'd so much of it with Spirit of Wine, that, the Li∣quor being wholly impregnated with it, some part might remain undissolv'd; which never∣theless

had its Parts put into an Agitation, suf∣ficient to render it, in some measure, a Fluid, tho' a Viscous Substance, notwithstanding the Force of the Menstruum was spent upon what had been dissolv'd; but tho' this Substance was kept in a Fluid Form in the Menstruum; yet in the Air, it would harden in a little time. And in this Experiment, it is likewise observable, That tho', by a violent Agitation, the Viscid Matter was mix'd with the Menstruum, yet it presently separated, and subsided again.

* 1.158And this suggests to my Memory an Experi∣ment, which shews how much the Textures of Liquors contribute to their Mixtures with each other; for tho' it be usually in General asserted by the Chymists, That Salts and Oyls will not mix together; yet I obtain'd an Opacous Liquor, like Balsam in Consistence, from a Mixture of an equal weight of Oyl of Turpentine, and Oyl of Vitriol: And that it might more evidently ap∣pear, that the Mixture of these two Fluids, de∣pends on the peculiar Texture of each, I com∣mitted the Mixture to Distillation; and obtain'd a gross Substance, which seem'd to be that which united the other Liquors: For as soon as this was drawn off, the Liquors presently succeeded, but separate one from another, being not to beunited again, by a Violent Agitation, but so as to se∣parate again, and swim one upon another. To this may be added the Liquor, which we have mention'd in another place, obtain'd by Distil∣lation from Benzoin: One Part of it always continuing in the Form of an Oyl; and the other, according to the Difference of the Weather, ei∣ther shooting into clear Crystals, or preserving

it's Fluid and Oyly Form. To which may be subjoyn'd what we have formely taken Notice of concerning Salt-Petre; which, tho' when mix'd with Water, it becomes Fluid; yet, upon an Evaporation of some Part of that, it presently shoots in Solid Chrystals: From whence it not only appears, what a gentle Agitation of Parts is sufficient to keep a Body Fluid; but from hence we may observe, That sometimes Solid Bodies result from a Mixture of Liquids: So Oyl of Vi∣triol, distill'd with Quick-silver, leaves a white Calx behind it; and if we consider how Mercurius Dulcis is prepar'd, we shall find, that that Solid Substance consists for the most part of Quick∣silver, the Salts united with it being scarce one Part of three of the Composition. And tho' Fluidity be opposite to Solidity, yet may it conduce to the Production of a Solid Body, since those Particles which lie in the Form of a Powder, and are not in a capacity to unite, may, by swimming in a Fluid, have the Opportunity of frequent Occursions, so that their Motion bring∣ing them often together, they may, in time, be dispos'd to unite into one Body; which is evi∣dent in Powder of Alablaster; which, if when it hath been boyl'd for a considerable time, it be well burnt, and reduc'd to the Consistence of a thin Pap, with clear Water, will become firm, and admit of, as well as retain, any Form im∣press'd upon it, by the Internal Surface of whatever Mould it is cast in: Where, that the Parts of the Alablaster are put into Motion, and variously agitated in the Water, is evident, from that sensible Heat, which for some time, suc∣ceeds the Affusion of Water; and this hath been

sufficiently experienc'd, by filling a Glass full of this Mixture, which some time after it was stop∣p'd, broke the Viol, and harden'd into a Sub∣stance, correspondent in shape to the Cavity of it; several Spoons-full of this Liquor it was moisten'd with, being squeez'd out at a Crack, which was made by the Swelling of the Powder; and this Substance acquires such a Degree of Firmness, as to endure several strokes with a strong piece of Iron, without breaking.

But there are several other Substances, which may acquire a greater degree of Solidity, than the Powder of Alablaster burnt; for the Learned Hydrographer Furnier, Hydrograph. lib. 2. cap. 6. relates a Story of a sort of Sand in the King∣dom of Naples, near Cuma and Puteoli, two parts of, which mix'd with a third of Quick-lime, be∣comes a hard Substance like Flint, when it hath lain or some time in the Water: To which Re∣lation he subjoyns, That the Lime-ashes of a certain Marble, near Tournay in Holland, being cast into Water, upon a heap of Stones, petri∣fies to that degree, as to change into a Substance as hard as Marble.

But to return to what we have digress'd from, That the Variously determin'd Motions of the Parts of Matter, contributes to their Union and Coalitions, into Solid Substances, appears from those Curious Salts, which Spontaneously shoot and Crystallize in the Bottom of Spirit of Harts-Horn, when it hath been expos'd to the Air for several Months: For those Particles, by fre∣quent Occursions, are by degrees so dispos'd to unite, that at the length those Parts, which

are most apt to cohere, meeting together, they form exquisitely figur'd Crystals, which adhere to the sides of the Vessel. And it is not less Remarkable, That tho' a Tincture of Amber, drawn with pure Spirit of Wine, for some Years continu'd Fluid; yet, at the last, some of its Parts were so combin'd, as to form little Par∣cels of Amber, almost Spherical in Shape, which adhered partly to the Sides, and partly to the Bottom of the Vessel.

* 1.159But there are yet other ways, by which Bo∣dies may become Compact and Solid, as first by the Insinuation of Small Particles of Matter, into their Pores and Recesses; which may pro∣duce their Effects various ways: First, by dri∣ving out those Particles, which being dispos'd to Motion, hinder'd the Cohesion of the Fluid Parts. Secondly, by obstructing the Motion of the Fluid Parts: And, Thirdly, by altering the Constituent Parts of the Fluid, so as to render them unapt for Motion, and inclinable to a mu∣tual cohesion: So the Particles which constitute Rennet, by Uniting with some Parts of the Milk they are mix'd with, link them together, and cause them to unite into a Coagulum; and that the Parts of the Rennet cause them to coagulate; and that they unite those Viscid Parts, and link them together, is plain; since it is a usual Complaint that the Cheese made where Rennet is us'd, tastes very strong of it. And that the Coagulating Virtue depends on the Saline Parts of the Rennet, appears; since other Acid. Li∣quors have the like Effect in Coagulating Milk, as Juice of Limmons, &c. as also a very small Quantity of Oyl of Vitriol, artificially mix'd with

it. To which I shall add, That some Years past, I prepar'd a certain Salt, endew'd with Qualities not unlike those ascrib'd to Glauber's Sal Mira∣bilis; which would not only, like other Salts, when dissolv'd in Water, upon Evaporation, shoot into Crystals, it self; but also would coa∣gulate, and Crystallize a treble Quantity of Wa∣ter with them, which would so far put on the Nature of a Salt, as to become brittle, and to be reducible to Powder.

* 1.160And it may not be fruitless here to subjoyn, That tho' the Particles of Oyl of Vitriol, be in so violent an Agitation, as to acquire a Sen∣sible Heat, upon their Mixture with some Bo∣dies; yet I so alter'd the Texture of that Li∣quor, as, by a Mixture of a certain whitish Powder of my own Preparation, to render it a Consistent Body: In which Experiment, it was observable, That several Days, after the Oyl was coagulated, the Powder remain'd undis∣solv'd in the Bottom of the Viol; so that the Coagulation seem'd to be effected by some subtile Effluvia, insinuating themselves into the Pores of the Liquor. To this Experiment, I shall subjoyn another, in which the same Effect was produc'd, by leaving Oyl of Vitriol upon Crystals of Salt-Petre well dry'd; where it was to be noted, That the Oyl was not only Coagulated, but seem'd to be joyn'd together, by certain Fibres, which were form'd out of the Saline Effluvia of the Salt-Petre, dispers'd through the Body of the Oyl. And that those subtle Effluvia, which insinuate themselves into the Pores of a Fluid Body, may so alter the Texture, as to render it Solid, is more eminently evident, from the Fumes of

Lead, which Coagulate and harden, Quick∣silver; and that Lead, does really emit such Fumes, is evident, from the Effects which a Physician] observ'd in himself; viz. both Vo∣miting and Purging, by barely holding his Head over melted Lead, several times successively. and it hath been observ'd by the Famous Geo∣metrician Dr. Wallis, That the Fumes of Lead, have, by being several times melted, been so spent, that the Lead, after the first time it was melted, sometimes lost it's a Coagulating Vir∣tue. And Phaenomena not much different from the former, are exhibited by the following Expe∣riment: For if either Common,* 1.161 or Oyl of Sweet Almonds, be pour'd upon Aqua fortis, the Steams of the Latter will soon Coagulate either of them; whereas if Camphire, which is a brittle Substance, were cast upon the same Aqua fortis, it would be turn'd into an Oyly Substance;* 1.162 which shews how much the Effluvia of Bodies may contribute to Fluidity, or Firmness, accordingly as the Bo∣dies acted on, are pre-dispos'd to assume diffe∣rent Forms: And before I leave this Experiment, it may be material to take Notice, That tho' Oyl of Tartar, per Deliquium, be endew'd with an Extraordinary Faculty of Mortifying Acids, yet it would not reduce the Coagulated Oyl to a Fluid Form.

But to proceed: The Last way by which such Penetrating Effluvia may conduce to the Soli∣dity of Bodies, is, by putting those Bodies into such Violent Motions, as they may, by being impell'd upon, and knock'd one against another, be dispos'd to Union, and to be entagl'd one within another.

And tho' this Concurrent Cause, never acts separately, without the Joynt-Action of the aforemention'd Ways, yet is it necessary to make a Distinction; because this differs from the For∣mer, in as much as these Effluvia, contrary to the other, make up no part of the Body, upon which the Alteration is wrought, but only agi∣tate the Parts of it: So that the Figure and the Texture of the Parts of the Body, become diffe∣rent from one another,* 1.163 and more complicated. And that a bare Complication of Particles, is suf∣ficient, in a great Measure, to render a Body stable, will appear from an Observation very common; viz. That That tho' from a heap of Osiar-wands, a single Twig may be taken, with∣out removing the rest; yet if they be twisted together in the Form of a Basket, the whole follow upon the taking up of one; and the same may be observ'd, in most of the Works of Mechanicks. And what great Effects bare Motion may have, in altering the Textures of Bo∣dies, is manifest, and very obvious in Churning; where the Branched Particles, which are dis∣pers'd and diffus'd through the whole, by fre∣quent Occursions, are so freed from the rest of the Liquor, that they presently unite, and form that soft Oyly Substance call'd Butter; and not only so Homogeneous a Body as Milk, may be so al∣ter'd by Motion, but even Oyl of Turpentine, may be render'd a Consistent Body, without the Assistance of any other Agent, than Mo∣tion given to it's Parts by Distillation, the Sub∣stance drawn off being a Stable and Consistent Coagulum. And to illustrate farther, what we have deliver'd of Fluidity and Firmness; I shall

add the following Experiment; viz. That Oyl of Wax, being distill'd, afforded a Substance not unlike Butter; which when it had stood a while, was dissolv'd, without the Influence of any Ex∣ternal Heat, into a Transparent Oyl.

* 1.164But further: Fluidity and Firmness so much depend upon Texture, that the same Corpuscles, which united one way form a Fluid, by an op∣posite Texture, may become Solid, and è con∣versò: And this is not only evident, in Water successively Froze and Thaw'd again; but also in Metals, which, after Fusion, put on their Pri∣stine Form, upon Cooling: But a more Emi∣minent Instance is, That Quick-silver being kept in a Sand-Furnace, for about ten Weeks, in a Glass-Vessel well stopp'd; the Particles of that Body, being variously entangl'd and wound to∣gether, constitute a Red Powder; which may, by Chymists, be precipitated per se; and in a few Hours, if a quantity of Quick-silver be distill'd in a Glass Retort, a Red Powder, like the for∣mer, will remain in the Bottom, as well as about the Sides of the Vessel: In which wonderful Phaenomenon, it is not absurd to imagine, that the Change is wrought, much after the same man∣ner as in Whites of Eggs, which by an Altera∣ration of Textures, become hard; or, that by frequent Revolutions, the Parts of that Liquor are so link'd one within another, as to put on a different Form; and whatever may be the Me∣thod by which this Change is effected, yet, that it depends on an Alteration of Texture, is most certain; since that Powder being rais'd in the Form of Fumes, in a convenient Glass, condens'd into Running Mercury, in the Neck of it.

But to prove further how much Motion, or Rest, contributes to the Fluidity or Solidity of Bo∣dies, I shall add, That I once had Mercury, which I looked upon to be Mercury of Saturn, which by be¦ing barely agitated to and fro, would put on the Form of a Black Powder, which would again be∣come fluid Mercury, by grinding it in a Glass-Mortar.

* 1.165From which Experiments of Mercury, we may learn, what may be thought concerning the Opinions of some Modern Philosophers, who are of Opinion, That Fluid Bodies may be divided into Fluid Bodies, as Quantity into Quantity; as if every Particle of a Fluid Body, must be Fluid it self; since, from the aforemention'd Expe∣riments, it is evident, that the Particles which constitute Fluids, are Solid in themselves; foras∣much as, upon a bare Change of Texture, they ap∣pear in that Form; which is render'd further probable, if not evident, both since the Par∣ticles of which Salt consists, being dissolv'd in Water, put on, as to Sense, the Forms of Fluids; as well as, because the Corpuscles of so Solid a Body as Silver, do the same, when dissolv'd in Aqua fortis: And on the contrary, the Calx, re∣maining behind, after a Distillation of Quick∣silver, with four times its quantity of Oyl of Vitriol, in a Sand-Furnace, is a Consistent Sub∣stance, which, if dissolv'd in Water, will after Evaportion, shoot into very brittle Crystals; which rather proceeds from the Parts of the Oyl condens'd, than from those of the Metal; since the Calx remaining behind, exceeded the weight of the Mercury, the Liquor drawn off, being not equal to that of the Oyl. And

I am further confirm'd in this Opinion, because I have observ'd several Crystals sometimes to adhere to the Sides of a Glass, in which Oyl of Vitriol was contain'd, which were again re∣solv'd when expos'd to the open Air into the pristine Form of Oyl. But it may be further urg'd, as an Argument against the Divisibility of fluid Bodies into such fluid Parts, that if it were so, all Bodies would be equally dispos'd to insinuate themselves into the Pores of other Bo∣dies; and it would not happen, that one Body should be more inclin'd than another.

* 1.166It is not indeed to be deny'd, but that a fluid Body may be divided into very small Parts, consider'd barely as Matter; and that Minute∣ness of Parts may render it more apt for Moti∣on, and consequently more fluid; but it does not therefore follow, That the Parts of a fluid Body are indefinitely so divided, because consi∣der'd as Matter, they may be Mentally, since it does not appear, that they are Naturally so divi∣ded: Besides, to render a Body fluid, Motion as well as Minuteness of Parts is requisite, which appears from what we have said before concerning Powder of Alablaster, which puts on the Form of a fluid, by having its Parts vio∣lently agitated. But

* 1.167From what hath been already premis'd it ap∣pears likewise, What Thoughts we are to en∣tertain of the Doctrin of the Chymists, who assert, That Coagulation, Stability, &c. are the Effects of saline Parts. For tho' Salt hath a Power to curdle Milk and coagulate other Hu∣mors; yet the hardning Properties of it are not the Effects of any inexplicable Qualities in∣herent

in it; but of the Shape and Motion of the Particles which constitute it, which, by in∣sinuating themselves into the Pores of a Body, and sticking several Parts together, do like a Wire fasten them one to another. But notwith∣standing the saline Parts of a Body may thus contribute to the Solidity of it, yet it is not an Ingredient altogether necessary; since the Parts of a Body may be so interwoven, and, by rea∣son of their Figure and Contexture, be so dis∣pos'd to Union, as to form a solid Body without the Association of a saline Ingredient; besides, it might be urg'd, That Salts themselves may easily be reduc'd into fluid Substances, by a Mixture of Water; and several of them, as Salt of Tar∣tar, &c. will, without the Addition of any other Body, barely by being expos'd to the Air, be render'd fluid.

But not to insist upon these Instances, I shall rather desire to know, what Salt can be sup∣pos'd to insinuate it self into, and cause Solidity in Mercury, when it coagulates in the Fumes of Lead? Or what Access of saline Parts can be imagin'd in the Preparation of Mercury preci∣pitated per se? And it may as well be question'd, how any saline Body can penetrate the fine and subtle Pores of Glass? When, in a cold Night the Water contain'd in it is frozen, and is tur∣ned to so consistent a Substance as Ice. And it may be likewise noted, That tho' the Shells of Hens Eggs be soft when first lay'd, yet they pre∣sently harden without the Addition of any other saline Ingredient. And that this Effect cannot be wholly attributed to the Influence of the Air, it may be urg'd, that it hath often∣times

been observ'd, That Shells have been found hard several times in the very Bodies of the Hens, before they were laid.

But that which I look upon to be a more con∣vincing Argument, is, that in Aegypt, where Eggs are hatch'd by the Influence of a moderate external Heat, that fluid Substance is chang'd into several Parts, of very different Degrees of Consistency, without the Addition of any other Body, or the Accession of a new Salt.

But further, I shall make use of Arguments drawn from the Concessions of the most Emi∣nent of their own Writers; for in transmuting of Quick-silver into Gold, by a white or red Tincture, the Quantity of it being only a Grain to a Pound of Quick-silver; it may justly be demanded, How so small a Quantity should change six or seven Thousand times its Weight, whereas even that Grain is not altogether sa∣line, Part of it being a▪ sulphureous Substance? And it is observ'd, that Helmont affirms upon his own, as well as the Experience of Raymond Lully, that if the Alkahost were drawn from Quick-silver, the fluid Mercury would be so coagulated, as to be capable of being reduc'd into a Powder, tho' not the least of the saline Liquor was left behind. And I am credibly inform'd that the present Duke of Holstein hath by him a certain Glass Spirit of Urine, which in cold Weather shoots into Crystals, and in warm dissolves into a limpid Liquor, which Spi∣rit was no otherwise prepar'd than by cohoba∣ting the distill'd Spirit so often, till the whole saline urinous Substance was brought over uni∣ted together into one Mass.

And for a further Confirmation of the Do∣ctrin by us deliver'd, to these I shall add, that it hath been observ'd, that if so much as Juice of Lemmons falls into a Caldron of Sacharine Syrup, it keeps the whole Mass from Thick∣ning into a Sugar; and this is confirm'd, both by the French Publisher of the Natural and Mo∣ral History of the American Islands, call'd Les Isles Antilles Histor. Moral. Cap. 5. and also by Gulielmus Piso Histor. Nat. & Med. Brasil. l. 4. c. 1. the latter of which expresses himself in these Words, Si Momentum succi Limonis, vel Acidi quid injiciatur, Sacchari Consistentiam nun∣quam acquiret, sed in totum perditur; and it may be further observ'd to our present Purpose, that in making of Sugar, the Juice squeez'd out of the Canes, is usually first depurated in large Vessels of Copper, from whence it is remov'd into Vessels of a less Size, in order to a farther Depuration; where we are to note also, that whilst it remains in the larger Vessels, they usu∣ally add very strong Lees to promote Depura∣tion, and when the depurated Liquor is re∣mov'd to the small Vessels, it is the Custom to add Oyl or Butter to preserve the Liquor, and to prevent it from boiling over, which Prepa∣ration Piso takes notice of, together with the above-mention'd Author, the Words of the former being these, Observatu dignum, si Oleum majoribus inderetur Ahenis, in quibus Liquor pri∣mus, Caldo dictus, purificatur, Saccharo conficien∣do planè foret ineptus; vicissim si minoribus lixivi∣um sicut majoribus infundatur, aequè impossibile Saccharum conficere. The Fluidity and Firmness of Bodies depend so much upon the peculiar

Texture of the Matter which constitutes them, rather than on a saline Substance.

To these Authorities, for a further Confir∣mation of our Hypothesis, I shall add a few Experiments of my own; and first, having pre∣par'd a Liquor not much inferior in Saltness to Aqua fortis, and then put small Fragments of solid Harts-horn into it, we found, that they were gradually soften'd, the Particles of the Liquor insinuating themselves into the Pores of the consistent Body, and rendring it in a few days time of the Consistence of a Mucilage: We mix'd likewise Spirit of Vinegar with Salt of Tartar,* 1.168 till the Ebullition wholly ceas'd, and by Distillation obtain'd an insipid Water from the Mixture; and so successively pour'd fresh Spirit of Vinegar upon the Mixture, and again extracted the insipid Water, repeating reite∣rated Affusions and Distillations, till the fix'd Salt was sufficiently impregnated with the Acid Parts of the Vinegar; and then we obtain'd a Mixture, tho' made up of pure and elementary Salts, which so far emulated a fluid Body, as to depose its saline Form when influenc'd by a very moderate Heat.* 1.169 Again, we mix'd some Pieces of Camphire with Oyl of Vitriol, by which they were presently dissolv'd into an Oyl, and when violently agitated together, readily mix'd with the Oyl of Vitriol, and seem'd to consti∣tute a uniform Liquor for several Hours; yet by an Addition of four times as much fair Wa∣ter, the Camphire presently assum'd its own Form again, and swam upon the Top of the Liquor; where it is to be noted, That the saline Parts of the Oyl of Vitriol render the Cam∣phire

Fluid, instead of making it more Solid; and on the contrary, that Fluid is turned into a Consistent Body again, by a Body so much void of Saltness as Water.

And that a Body may acquire those other Qua∣lities, viz. Hardness and Brittleness, without an Addition of Saline Parts, is evident, from the different Tempers that may be given to a Piece of Steel; for if it be immerged in Water red hot, it acquires a Brittleness and Hardness, which it hath not, if leisurely cooled in the Air; yet if it be again heated till it turns to a deep Blue, it acquires a comparative softness and apt∣ness to bend. And that an Alteration in Tex∣ture, is enough to render a Body more or less Solid, is evident in Snow; for its Parts being compressed more closely together, it is abler to resist the Impressions of other Bodies; and yet when further, by thawing it, it's Parts are brought closer together, it hath a greater de∣gree of Solidity and Firmness, when Froze a∣gain; the Texture being much more close and compact, than that of the Snow.

But by some it is taught, that Induration de∣pends on a certain inward Principle,* 1.170 or a Pla∣stick Power, called by some a Form and by o∣thers a Petrifying Spirit, lodged in a Liquid Ve∣hicle. And indeed, since I have observed, that some Stones dug out of the Earth are endewed with such curious and exquisite Figures, as if they had been the product of Art; I cannot but ac∣knowledge a Plastick Power, which the wise Creator of Things hath implanted in certain Particles of Matter, which produce both the determinate Figure as well as consistnce of those

Bodies:* 1.171 But we disagree with the generality of those Philosophers, as to the Manner in which this internal Principle produces its Effects; and since the Manner of it, by them, is not intel∣ligibly explained, it will be necessary to Consi∣der, how many ways Nature takes to render Bodies Solid, by which we shall be better Qua∣lify'd to Judge of the Manner which those Par∣ticles operate by, in which the Plastick Power is said to lodge.

But to proceed; For as much as Hardness is the highest degree of Firmness, we shall endeavour to make it appear, that an Alteration of Texture, concurring with other dispositions of the compo∣nent Parts of a Body, is enough to render it hard without the Addition of an adventitious Salt.

The Tradition is common amongst those, that search into the Secrets of Nature, that Co∣ral, tho' a hard Substance with us, is a soft Body whilst remaining under Water, according to that of Ovid,

Sic & Cor allum quo primum contigit Auras Tempore durescit, mollis fuit herba sub Ʋndis. Ovid. Metamorph. Lib. 15.

And tho' Beguinus Tyrocyn. Chym. lib. 2 Cap. 10. hath urged very strong Arguments against this Tradition; yet, that it hath sometimes been found true, appears from what Gassendus lib. 4 An. Dom. 1624. relates of an Ingenious Gentle∣man, who Fished for Coral near Toulon, viz. The Plants, which were pluck'd up, and drawn out, were neither red nor handsome, till their

Bark was pulled off; in some Parts they were soft, and would give way to the Hand, as to∣wards the Tops, which being broken and squez∣ed, they sent forth Milk like that of Figs. To which may be added the Testimony of the Jesuit Fournier, Hydrograph. lib. 4. Cap. 27. And I am informed by one that Practises Physick in the East-Indies, that he gather'd white Coral di∣vers times on the Sands of the Island Mehila (not far from that of Madagascar) which is usually as soft as an Onion; and is observed to decay, if it is not gathered at a certain Season of the Year. Agreeable to which Piso lib. 4. Cap. 68. making mention of several stony Trees on the Brasilian Coast; says, E fundo erutae mox durissimae; si inso∣lentur in Littore, siccae niveique coloris fiunt, which may be favoured by the following Relation of Scaliger's. Ex bovillis Oppidanus adjutus Medica∣mentis eminxit vitrum sane ex illa Nobili Paxagorae pituita dum mingeretur, albuminis Mollitie, emis∣sum vitri duritie ac splendore, Senatoris filius ejecit, puttis modo multis, & maximos: Qui aeris Contactu, postea in Gypseam tum speciem tum firmi∣tatem concrevere; hic quoque nunc recte valet. And I have been informed by a Merchant, and likewise a Chymist of Dantzick, that several Lumps of Amber have been taken up soft upon their Coast which presently grew hard in the Air; which I the rather believ'd, because I have several times observed, both Spiders, Flys and Straws enclosed in Amber.

* 1.172And here we may take Notice, that tho' it from hence appears, that some Bodies which are soft under Water, become hard when ex∣posed to the Air; yet it is a Matter of difficul∣ty

to determine, how much, the Infiuence of the Air contributes to the hardning of them: For Gassendus in Vita Piereskii. lib. 1. says, he hath observed in the lesser Streams of the River Rhos∣ne, where he usually washed himself, several Lumps of hard Substances, upon the same Place, where he was wont to find the ground smooth and soft; and that some time after, the same hard Substances remaining in the Water, as well as some which he carried home with him, were turned into perfect Pebbles; from which relations, and also what we have before observed concern∣ing the Powder of Alablaster, it appears, how much the Mechanical Textures of Bodies, toge∣ther with other Mechanical Qualities contri∣bute to their various Forms; for besides the aforementioned Instances I have observed, that that bony Substánce, so much esteemed by Phy∣sitians, which is usually taken out of the Deer's Heart, and is of a hard Consistence, hath ap∣pear'd, in one of those Creatures which I pur∣posely look'd into, to be soft and flexible like Cartilages.

And indeed Solidity seems so much to depend upon Texture, that it may justly be doubted, whether the most solid Bodies have not before their Concretion been in Fluid Forms; since a∣mongst other Rarities I have seen, in the midst of Stones, the exact Figures of Fishes with their Scales and Finns, &c. And I have known, not only Wood, but several other Substances as Lead-oar, Minera Antimonii, Marchasites, &c. found in the midst of stony Concretions; which are strong Arguments that those Stones have been before their Indurations in the Forms of

Fluids; and from hence we may have ground to Question the Opinions of some, who think, that Stones and such like, or more solid Concre∣tions, have been existent in the same Forms since the Creation; since we may with probabi∣lity enough presume, that these Concretes are the Results of Matter, newly modified; and united after a different Manner from what they were before; otherwise it would be impossible, that such things should be lodged in such hard Concretes; And these Considerations and Ob∣servations may farther confirm, what we have elsewhere noted concerning the growth and in∣crease of Minerals.

But the most eminent Instances, to shew, how much the Fluidity and Firmness of Bodies,* 1.173 is owing to the Texture and various Coalitions of their Parts, are in those Waters, which when permitted to rest, instead of Fluidity acquire a stony hardness. And it hath been observed in some hollow Caves, that by the Coagulation of a certain Humor, which issued out of the top of it, several Concretes have been formed like Ici∣cles; of which I have some by me now, ga∣thered by a very ingenious Person, which are of a perfect stony hardness, being 8 or 10 Inches in Length, and of a proportionable Thickness; and I have also now by me, certain stony Con∣cretes sent me from a famous petrifying Cave in France.

And if we will give Credit to Aventinus as well as some other Authors, he hath recorded, in his History, that several Men and Women were at once Petrify'd by a Terrene Spirit, and changed into Statues; that Petrifying exhalati∣on

operating much after the same Manner, and altering the Texture of their Bodies, as when by Incubation and the subtile Insinu∣ations of calorifick Atoms, the Parts of an Egg are so newly modifyed and disposed, as to put on the Form of a Chick. And it is Testi∣fied by Pamphilio Pixcentino, of a Woman in Venice, who upon eating of an Apple, was tur∣ned into a very hard Stone, after she had been hideously tortured for about 24 hours;* 1.174 which History together with Observations of my own, which I shall add, will be a good Argument to prove, that even Mixture is sufficient to petrify some Bodies; the Observation is in the following Experiment, viz. If two Ounces of Quick-silver be mixed with two Ounces and a half of Verdi∣greese, together with about an Ounce of com∣mon Salt, and put into a Frying Pan; when that Mixture hath been Boiled for a considerable time, with an equal Quantity of Vinegar and Water, gradually infus'd, as it wasts by Effluvi∣ums, the Mixture, washed and cleansed from its Salts, will afford an Amalgama not unlike Quick-silver; which, if Dexterously prepared, may be cast into Moulds and formed into imbost Im∣ages; and it is in this Amalgama very remarkable, that tho' at the first it is so soft, as in a great Mea∣sure to emulate a Fluid Body; yet when for some hours exposed to the Air, it becomes hard and as Brittle as Steel; where the Induration seems to result from the Coalitions of the mixed Ingre∣dients, and their new Texture, rather than from any innate Principle; The Particles of the Fluid Mercury being so intangled and interwoven one with another, as to lose their former Fluidity,

and to convene so closely as to unite into a Solid Body. And that the Induration depends on a Mu∣tual Combination of the Saline Ingredients with the Mercury, is beyond doubt; since not only a true and perfect Copper may be obtained from the Amalgama; but when it hath been for some time exposed to the Air, the Surface will be covered over with the Saline Parts of the Verdigreese, which have freed themselves from their more intimate commixture with the metalline Particles of the condensed Quick-Silver.

But lest it should be Questioned, whether the Particles of Salt can have any sensible Operati∣on, when mixed with a Body so firm as con∣dens'd Quick-Silver, I shall add, that in Bodies much more firm, it hath been observ'd, viz. in those Stones from which Vitriol is got; for it is remarkable in them, that when they have been for some time exposed to the open Air, the in∣ternal Agitation of the Saline Parts, is so vio∣lent, that several of them will not only swell, but even burst asunder. And I remember that having preser••'d a Mineral, much of the same Nature with these Stones, in my Chamber, the Superficies was cover'd with a Powder, both in Colour and Taste resembling Vitriol.

And that the Motion of the Parts of this A∣malgama, whilst it was Fluid, which they might be put into, by the external force of the Fire, might contribute to their Concretion, we have suffi∣cient Reasons to believe, from what is related and observ'd by experienc'd Masons, viz. That the best Morter will not acquire it's utmost com∣pactness, under 25 or 30 Years, and that, after

a long time, it becomes so hard, as to be more unapt to break than the Stones it Cements.

But lastly, that the Condensation of the Parts of the Quicksilver, depends on the Mixture of the Ingredients, and the Texture thence resulting, is evident; since the Proportion of the Ingre∣dients being vary'd, the Condensation of the Mercury was neither so speedy, nor so firm.

And that it may appear, That Nature and Art sometimes take Measures not unlike, in the Hardning of Bodies, I shall add a Passage from a Jesuit, nam'd Pierre Belleprat, who relates it as an Observation in the American Continent, where he was sent to preach to the Indians:* 1.175 The Relation is, That near the Mouth of the River, there is to be found a Green sort of Clay, which being soft, and capable of being put into any Form, whilst under Water, grows so hard when expos'd to the Air, as not to be much softer than Diamonds; and this, he says, the Natives usually make Hatchets of, which they cut their Wood in pieces with. But,

* 1.176To conclude this Discourse, I shall add an Experiment, which will be a farther Confirma∣tion, That Fluidity and Firmness, depend on Texture, and the Motion or Rest of the Insen∣sible Parts of Matter. The Experiment is, That having made a Solution of Coral in Vinegar, so strong, that part of it fell to the Bottom; I pour'd Dephlegm'd Spirit of Wine, upon the Clear Decantated Liquor, so gently, that it might swim upon it for some time; where it was suprizing, that upon a violent Agitation, the two Liquors being mix'd together, united into a Concrete so firm, as not to afford the least

Drop of a Fluid Liquor; yet by adding an equal quantity or thereabouts of Spirit of Nitre, it would again lay down that Viscidity, and be∣come a Transparent Liquor.

And here it will not be amiss to specify, That this Experiment is so difficult, that it scarce succeeds, without a great deal of Caution; for, First, If the Tincture be not strong enough, or the Spirit of Wine not rectify'd, the Coagulation will be but partial, and not so quick: Secondly, The Experiment hath succeeded in a Wide∣mouth'd Glass, where it had a free access of Air, tho' it would not in one which was closer: Thirdly, Upon an Infusion of Spirit of Nitre, the Mixture must be stirr'd with an In∣strument, made of Gold, Wood, or Glass, lest the Menstruum corroding it, should render the Ex∣periment unsuccessful: And Fourthly, The quan∣tity of each of these Ingredients is hard to be defin'd, by Reason of the Difference in respect of the Strength of the Tincture, and the Spi∣rituousness of the Spirit; but it is rather to be learnt, by Varying the Proportions, if the first Tryal does not succeed.

Having made this Progress in the History of Fluidity, and Firmness; It might be seasonable to pass on, and consider those other Qualities relating to it; as Hardness, Brittleness, Softness, &c. but remembring the Advice given by some of the Ancients, Noscenda est Mensura sui; I shall leave them for others, who are better able and more at leisure; being content, that I have explain'd the two former Qualities more Intelligibly, than some of the Peripateticks, or Chymists; having lay'd open a Way to accommodate Chymical Ex∣periments,

to the Explanation of Fluidity and Firm∣ness, so as to deduce those Qualities, from more Intelligible Principles, viz. Size, Shape, and Motion.

CHAP. XIV. An Essay of the Intestine Motions of the Particles of Quiescent Solids.

* 1.177THE Word REST, is of so Ambiguous a Signification, that before the Question, Whether there be in Bodies any Absolute Rest? can be answer'd, it is requisite to consider, That in the Common Acceptation, it is us'd to de∣note, such a Rest as is not perceivable to Sense; but when taken in a more Strict and Philosophical Sense, it usually signifies such an Absolute Rest, as to intimate a total Negation of Motion. In which latter Sense, if it be taken, I will not af∣firm, That there is such a Rest, even in the Parts of Solids; since it is not improbable, but that there is Motion, tho' imperceivable by Sense, even in the most Solid Bodies. In favour of which Opinion, were it necessary, I should offer Arguments à priori, deduc'd from the Doctrin of the Epicurean and Cartesian Principles.

For should we allow the World to arise from a Casual Concourse of Atoms, and that there were actual Motion in all of them; it would not be absurd to think, That tho' in Forming Con∣cretes, they are usually wound one within another,

yet there is a continual Endeavour to Elasti∣city, by which they continually strive to dis∣entangle themselves, and to fly away, and con∣sequently the Result of those Endeavours must be a Motion amongst those Atoms.

And on the other side, should we, with Cartesius, allow a Continual Circulation of a Materia Subtilis through the Pores of Bodies, we may imagine, That the Insensible Atoms, which constitute that Body, will be shak'd and disturb'd by it, tho' not so much as to be perceiv'd by Sense: So in the Summer, the Leaves are carry'd off the Trees with gentle Gales of Wind, which are not perceiv'd by those that stand some Distance off.

But not to enlarge upon this Point, it may appear, from several of the Phaenomena men∣tion'd above in the History of Fluidity, that the Particles of Bodies may be in Motion, tho' that Motion is not discern'd; and Particularly, that of Water; where tho' its Parts be in a very Va∣rious Motion, yet to Sense they seem to be as much at Rest, as those, which form the Glass, in which the Water is contain'd. And that there may be a like Motion, in the Substance of Silver or Iron, may be argu'd from what is evi∣dent to the Touch, or by throwing Water upon them when hot, it being peculiar Properties in them when hot, to burn the Fingers, and to set the Water a-boiling; and the like Qualities, tho' not so violent, may be rais'd without the help of Fire, by barely Hammering of Iron, or Silver; they not only, by that means, acquiring a Power to heat, but likewise to raise Water into Va∣pours.

* 1.178But if to this it should be objected, That tho' the Motion be indiscernible; yet the Agent that gives it that Motion is not, since we can discern how those Qualities are added to it, and how the Alteration is wrought: I answer, That tho' a Vigorous Loadstone, appears to be drawn along it's Axis, and back again, the Alteration is not vi∣sible in the Body of the Iron; yet it certainly loses, after it hath acquir'd, those Noble Faculties, viz. it's Attracting and Directing Virtues properly belonging to Magnetical Bodies: But, that there may be in Metals a Motion, tho' not discernible, is further evident in a Bell; which a long time after it has been struck with the Clapper, conti∣nues to put the Air into an Undulating Motion; and thereby to cause very odd Sounds; which must be an Argument, that the Partieles of that Bell are in a very nimble Agitation; otherwise they could not communicate Motion to the Circum∣ambient Air, and thereby cause such a Noise in the Ear.

But I must confess there are two Difficulties,* 1.179 which occur to what I have been offering: As First, That it is hard to imagin, how the Inter∣nal Parts of such Solid Bodies should be work'd upon, by Agents so weak as the Air, and espe∣cially some parts of Matter more Minute, which are dispers'd through it: And Secondly, It may be question'd how any Parts of Matter can be mov'd so slow, if at all, as to be so long in moving from the Internal Parts of a Needle, to the Su∣perficies, as our Hypothesis requires: But,

To the First, I answer, That those External Parts are not the sole Causes of these Motions, but only assistant to the Principal; which is evident from

what hath lately been noted concerning the Con∣nate Dispositions to Motion, attributed to Mat∣ter, according to the Epicurean and Cartesian Phi∣losophy; and by the Effects of a Loadstone upon the Needle, we may be taught to guess, what lasting Changes may be produc'd, in the Textures of Bodies, by the Influence of very Insensible Parts of Matter. And as for the other Part of the Objection, viz. The Slowness of Motion, which Nature makes use of in some of her Works, are altogether as inconceivable, as the Motion of a Shadow upon a Dial, or of an Index upon a Clock: And Nature may upon other Accounts, and undoubtedly does, make use of Motion in a degree yet more remiss. But not to insist upon the Slowness of Motion, which Nature makes use of, it may be otherwise offer'd against this Obje∣ction, that the Motion of the Insensible Cor∣puscles of a Loadstone cannot be suppos'd to be in a Direct Line, since they must not only pass through Pores very crooked and intricate, but must also meet with several other Particles of Matter, which will oppose them; and not only drive them back, but also make their Passage still more intricate and winding, by driving them from one side to another, as well as several other ways, by which their Motion may be retarded. Besides it is but Reasonable to suppose, That it is much more easy to keep a heavy Body in Mo∣tion in its own Medium, than to remove it from that to another.

But to decline Speculations,* 1.180 I shall bring Instances to confirm what I am about to prove, viz. That the Corpuscles, which constitute Bodies, are in∣clinable to Motion, and that their Motion is

very slow: The first Instance I shall mention, is in a Spring made of Steel, which, tho' it be press'd and squeez'd together for some time, it will, upon a Cessation of that Pressure again, un∣bend it self, and recover its former Position; but if it be kept long in that compress'd Posture, it will by degrees lose that Power of Restitution, and continue in its crooked and unbended Figure: From whence we may learn, That tho' Elastick Parts may be endu'd with an Endeavour to ex∣pand themselves, yet they may be a long while in working their Effect; since we see, that Steel being put into a Springy Form, retains that Springiness for a long time.

* 1.181But to confirm what I have been discoursing of, and to evince what considerable Changes the Air may Effect in the most Solid Bodies; I shall add this Observation, viz. That if one End of a Bar of Iron, held perpendicularly, be apply'd to the Point of a Mariner's Compass, it will force it away towards the East or West; but if the Position of that Bar be alter'd, it pre∣sently loses its Magnetical Qualities: Yet it is observ'd, That if this Iron Bar be kept long in a Window, it's Magnetick Qualities become much more durable and constant; from whence it ap∣pears, That the Air together with the Magneti∣cal Effluvia of the Earth, may work changes very lasting upon the Particles of Solid Bodies, by insi∣nuating themselves into their Pores; and that the Motion, which must needs be concern'd in al∣tering their Texture, must likewise be very slow, since it cannot in a little time acquire such Mag∣netical Virtues.

But to proceed to a further Confirmation of what we have deliver'd, the first Observation I take Notice of is, that it is usnally observ'd, That if Lignum Vitae, which is one of the hardest Woods, be work'd before it be sufficiently sea∣son'd, it will be very fragile, and subject to break; so that curiously work't Vessels expos'd to the Sun, have broke in pieces: And it hath been observ'd likewise, That several Cavities have been found in the Substance of it, full of a certain Gum, which some People much esteem in Venereal Distempers; to which may be added, That in the Seasoning of this Wood, for some particular uses, it is requisite to keep it longer than others, so that less than twenty Years will not make it fit for some uses. From whence we may infer, That if this Wood requires so long time to acquire it's utmost Compactness, and to evaporate its Watery Parts, the Motion of those evaporated Particles, must not only be very lasting, and durable, but slow.

And if it be allow'd, that those Gummy Parts were collected in their Cells, after the Felling of the Tree, as it is highly probable, it will be further to our Advantage, because it shews how the Parts of a Gross Body do permeate the fine Pores of a very Solid and Inanimate Substance; where the Motion must need be very insensible and slow. But what is more strange, I am in∣form'd, that the Wood of which certain Mu∣sical Instruments are made, sometimes, tho a much softer Wood than Lignum Vitae, requires at least forty Years Seasoning, and does not ac∣quire its best Resonance under Fourscore.

But further, That there is not only a Change of Texture in Solid Vegetable Substances, but even in Stony Concretes, appears from what is observ'd in Building;* 1.182 where some Walls acquire not their Utmost Solidity under forty Years. To which I shall add, what is further observ'd in somes Quarries by Masons: And First, that there are Marchasites to be found, which being much more hard than Stones or Marble, and which consist as well of a Metalline, as a Stony Substance; yet have such a Degree of Motion in their Parts, as not only to burst, but, if long ex∣pos'd to the Air, to be cover'd over with Vi∣triolate Efflorescences. To this I shall add, That an Ingenious Friend of mine had a Turquoise-Stone, in which there were certain Spots of different Colours from the Gem it self, which were ob∣serv'd to shift their places several times; which that there might be no doubt of, I employ'd one to take the Picture of it with those Spots in it, at several distant times, one after another, which Pictures, when compar'd, shew'd, that the Spots had shifted their Places; having pass'd up and down through the Substance of so solid a Gem, ve∣ry slowly, in a Figure as irregular. And I am in∣form'd by a Jeweller, that he once had one of these Stones, which had a different Blue in two several Parts of the Stone; and that, in some time, the one overspread the whole, and mix'd with the other: And an Ingenious Friend of mine told me, That he had observ'd a certain Cloud in an Agate, to move several times from one place to another.

* 1.183But there is not only an Intestin Motion of Parts in such Solid Substances as these, but in Bodies

look'd upon to be of the Closest and most Compact Textures; for I have now a Diamond by me, which being rubb'd, will easily become Electri∣cal, and shine in the Dark; which Qualities can∣not be added to it, without a Change of Tex∣ture; and that in altering that Texture, there is an Internal Motion of Parts, will easily be evinc'd; because, otherwise the Texture could not be chang'd; and further, because a very gentle Agent is sufficient to put the Parts of a Diamond in Motion.

And to this Relation I shall add, That I have often observ'd, a Dulness and Clearness to suc∣ceed each other, in a Diamond, which I now have set in a Ring with the Former, which Chan∣ges could be attributed to no Manifest Cause: And I have observ'd no less suprizing a Change, in the several Degrees of Electricity, which could not be effected by any Cause that I could think of: And I have been inform'd, by one who had a certain Hungarian Diamond, that it would acquire a much greater Degree of Sprightness, by lying some time in Water: From all which it appears, That Considerable Changes may be effected in Diamonds, by Agents, which, to Sense, Operate very gently. And if Diamonds are generated in the Earth, as I have observ'd other Stones to be; it is reasonable to think, that the Hardness of their Substance, proceeds from the Closeness of their Parts, depending on the In∣testin Motion of their Insensible Corpuscles, by which they are brought to convene closer than ordinary: And this I am rather Inclin'd to be∣lieve, because I have been told by an Eminent Jeweller, That the Diamonds of late Years, are

much more soft than those he formerly us'd to deal in: And the truth of this is further con∣firm'd, by what Egrezes a Frenchman writes of Diamonds, P. M. 17, 18. brought from the Mine, call'd Gazerpoli; the Sense of the Words is this: They are very clear, and of a good Water, but they cannot be ground by Mutual Attrition, ex∣cept with Stones of the same Mine: for if one should employ for that purpose, the Stones of another Mine, those of Gazerpoli would be broken in pieces: They do also easily break upon the Wheel, and those that are not vers'd in the Knowledge of Stones, may be easily deceiv'd in them. And the same Author, speaking of another sort of Diamonds, says, That they sweat a sort of Unctuous Substance, which being wip'd off, as often renew it's Appear∣ance. And to these I shall add an Account of a Ruby, which is one of the hardest Diamonds, one of which a Lady, nearly related to me, wore up∣on her Finger; which would often change it's Lustre, the Cause of which could not be assign'd; tho' these kind of Phaenomena seem to be the Ef∣fects of some Internal Motion in their Parts, the Parts of Diamonds being capable of having their Parts put into Motion, without much difficulty.

But tho' it be hence Evident, That there is such an Intestin Motion of the Parts of Diamonds; yet it may be thought strange, to find the like in so firm and compact a Body as Glass. But that the Parts of Glass are not always at Rest, I am induc'd to believe, by the following Observa∣tions. First, That several Plates of Venice-Glass, have crack'd and broke in pieces, when no ex∣ternal Agent could have any Sensible Opera∣tion on them; which I conceive to proceed

from a Redundancy of Saline Parts, which stri∣ving to fly away, break the Glass by their vio∣lent Motion; which Conjecture I am confirm'd in, since it is commonly observ'd,* 1.184 That there is a Saline Substance, adhering to the Surface of these Glasses in Cold Moist Weather. And I have observ'd in a Glass, into which too much Salt was put, to make it Diaphanous, several Cracks and Flaws, which it got in the Cold Wea∣ther: So that it rather appears to be a white, than a Glass-Cup at a Distance. And I, as well as those that deal much amongst Glasses, have ob∣serv'd, several to fly in pieces, when there was no outward Agent, to be the Cause of such an Effect; and I am inform'd by an Ingenious Man, who is Master of a Glass-House, That near a Third Part of a parcel of Glasses, flew in pieces of their own accord, after they had been kept for about five Years pack'd up. To which I might add several other Instances, to prove and illustrate the Doctrin above-deliver'd.

For these Phaenomena may be, and are, very Naturally accounted for, by the Corpuscular Philosophy; for supposing, the Particles of Glass to be in a continual Elastick Endeavour to ex∣pand themselves, and fly away; and that several of those Particles are got together, it is no won∣der that they break and dis-joint those Parts of the United Glass, which are least able to resist, and keep them from Expansion. And to Coun∣tenance this Explanation, I shall add, That seve∣ral Alkalizate, or other small Parts of Matter, being inclos'd in the Body of a Glass, it is always apter to break, especially at that place, from

whence several Cracks spread themselves as from a Centre.

But whether the Elasticity of these Parts, be promoted by any Subtile Bodies, which penetrate the Glass, I shall not now stay to examine; but shall rather proceed to acquaint You, That in a considerable Space of Time, the Texture of Glass may be so alter'd, as to be more unapt to give a free Passage to Aether it self, or any other Subtle Body, which could penetrate it before; and consequently those Bodies Endeavouring to make their way, tho' oppos'd by it's Texture, cause a Proportionable Crack, or Dissolution of the Substance of the Glass.

* 1.185And to what we have deliver'd concerning Glass, these Observations are not altogether dis∣agreeable; viz. First, That it is a Substance, which by being rubb'd easily, becomes Electrical; which is an Argument, that the Parts of it may without any great difficulty, be put into Motion. Secondly, The Parts of Glass may fly asunder, if the Neighbouring Parts be put into Motions dis∣agreeable to each other; which is evident, if a hot Glass be immediately put into cold Water: for the Motion of it's Corpuscles, being ex∣ternally checked, those which within remain in a violent Agitation, cause a sudden Dis∣ruption.

To which may be added, That tho' one would think the Particles of Glass were so fix'd, as to become unfit to alter their Figure and Shape; yet their Parts continuing in some De∣gree of Agitation, they may, by invisible and insensible Agents, be so work'd upon, as to be

forc'd to alter their Shape and Size: In confirma∣tion of which, it may be observ'd, That White and pure Transparent Glass, will in a little time, become very unfit to be put again into the Moulds they were first cast in.

But tho' I have mention'd both these Me∣thods, by which the Cracking of Glasses, may be accounted for, to shew, that which soever of them we allow, they will be Proof of an In∣testine Motion in the Parts of Glass; yet I will neither examine or determine which of them is rather to be rely'd on; but shall only observe, That the Motion of their Parts must needs be very slow; since it is so long before it shews its Effects.

And now to conclude, tho' from what hath been deliver'd, it may be expected that I should draw Consequences, to determine whether there be absolute Rest in Bodies, or no, I shall omit that, and only intimate, That it is not absurd to doubt, nor improbable to think, that there is not; since it hath been discover'd in Bodies, which are usually esteem'd, most Quiescent.

CHAP. XV. Of the great Effects of even Languid and unheeded Local Motion.

THO' several Mathematicians, as well as Philosophers,* 1.186 have exercis'd their Indu∣stry in limiting the Laws of Motion; yet since several Qualities usually esteem'd occult, may arise from a faint and unheeded Motion of the Parts of those Bodies, to which they are attri∣buted, I shall consider the Extent of local Mo∣tion a little further: But before I proceed to consider the particular Effects of languid and unheeded Motion, I shall first premise, in ge∣neral, what I have elsewhere upon another Occasion intimated, viz. That we are not to consider Bodies, barely as so many Portions of Matter endow'd with particular Powers; but as Bodies whose Particles are variously figur'd and modify'd after a peculiar Manner; so as to act or to be acted on by those Bodies which are about them; yet not wholly to derive their Effects to the Influence of external Agents, but in a great Measure from the mutual Action of one Part of Matter upon another.

But there are several other Circumstances of local Motion, besides what we have taken no∣tice, which are not to be discern'd; and there∣fore I would not be thought wholly to attribute the Phaenomena of a Body to Motion only but to

a Concurrence of several other Causes; but to avoid tedious Preambles, I shall take notice that the Reasons why some Men slight or overlook the strange Effects of languid Motion may be compriz'd under the following Heads.

I.* 1.187 Men are wont to overlook the great Efficacy of Celerity, in Bodies which are very small: And especially, if the Space which they move through be but small.

What strange Effects may be deriv'd from rapid, tho' undiscerned Motion, we have a con∣vincing Instance in Bullets, which by reason of their swift Motion, are able to effect more than those battering Engines of the Ancients, which were of a vaste Bulk in comparison of Bullets, which are shot out of the largest Canons: To this I might add several other Instances, but I shall rather proceed to alledge, in favour of the second Part of the Proposition, that I have often observ'd, That the Particles of Iron, which fly off Iron Rods, when they are turn'd, affected my Hand with a sensible Heat, if held at a small Distance; and it is likewise observ'd by those who work in Brass, That the Particles which fly off upon turning, affect their Eyes, as well as other Parts, with an offensive Heat; so that an experienc'd Workman shew'd me a Bli∣ster upon his Hand, which was rais'd by the in∣tense Heat of Particles of Brass thrown off by a rough Tool. And I am further inform'd, That in turning of great Guns, the Parts which fly off are so hot as to burn the Fingers of those, who offer'd to take them up: Amongst which

Observations it is to be noted, That Brass ac∣quires a much greater Heat in turning than Iron.

And to these Observations I shall add, That not only the Parts of Metals, but Wood, will become in some Measure warm, by being put into a rapid Motion by the Force of the Turners Engines; from which Instances it appears how considerable are the Effects of a rapid, tho' a short Motion.

And we have Instances of this kind no less remarkable in Vegetables, where a good Cane by being struck with a Piece of Flint, emits Sparks not unlike Flint in a Moment of Time; and the like succeeds, if Loaf-sugar be dexte∣rously scrap'd, so as to put its Parts into a brisk Agitation: But what is most worthy to be observ'd in Flint is, That it's Parts being put into a brisk Motion by another Piece of Flint, will not only assume the Form of Fire, but as the Ingenious Mr. Hooke hath observ'd, will be vitrify'd, tho' in Glass-houses both an intense Heat and an Addition of some Borillia are requi∣site to bring Sand or Flint to Fusion and to vitri∣fy them: And that this Vitrification is made of the Portions of the Flint put into a brisk Motion, I am induc'd to believe, because one Piece of Flint will strike Fire upon another, without the Assistance of a Piece of Steel; and Fire may not only be struck out of Flint, but Bodies much harder, as Diamonds, which when grated on in a Mill have their Parts put into such a Motion, as to constitute Flame, though the most intense Degree of Heat will not dissolve them; and even the Parts of fluid

Bodies, if put into a brisk Motion, may have considerable Effects upon solid Bodies; for whether, the Beams of the Sun consist of Par∣ticles, which flow in direct Physical Lines from the Sun, or are only contiguous Matter, as the Cartesians think, put into a successive Motion, yet it is enough to countenance what is here de∣liver'd, that that Matter thrown into a Focus will melt Lead, Tin, or foliated Silver and Gold, and in a little time set green Wood on Fire. And how the small Parts of fluid Bodies will affect consistent and solid ones, will be further evident from Instances alledg'd under the fourth Head.

* 1.188What I shall further offer here is the Strange Effects of Lightning, which, as several Histo∣ries, &c. testify, by the Motion and Minute∣ness of its Parts hath melted Metals in a Mo∣ment. Nor are the Effects of the Air in a Wind-gun upon a Bullet less to be admir'd; it's Parts upon the Account of their Springyness, being put into a violent Motion; for when the Air is permitted to expand, by affecting the Bullet no longer than whilst it passes through the Barrel of the Gun, the Bullet acquires such a Degree of Motion, as, upon it's being shot against a Plate of Metal, to be press'd into the Shape of an Hemisphere; and the Particles of the Bullet will be put into so considerable a Degree of Motion, by striking against the Plate, that I could scarce hold it betwixt my Fingers.

II.We are inclin'd to think,* 1.189 That the insen∣sible Motion of so soft Bodies as Fluids, can

scarce have any sensible Operation on solid Bo∣dies.

By the Motion of fluid Bodies I would be understood to mean, not that which may be discover'd by the Eye or Touch, but the un∣perciev'd Motion of their insensible Parts; of the Effects of which, I might alledge several Instances from the Operations of Sounds upon solid Bodies; for upon the Discharge of great Guns, the Sound of their Explosion is not only heard a great way; but the expanding Gun∣powder gives such a Motion to the Air, as to enable it to break Glass Windows at a conside∣rable distance. And tho' to this it may be ob∣jected, That since the Cannon stands on the same Piece of Ground with the Houses whose Windows are so broke▪ the Effect may proceed from a tremulous Motion continu'd by the Soyl it stands on, yet the following Instance will make it appear, That the Parts of a Liquid being put into Motion may have such Effects; tho' it is not to be deny'd, but that a tremulous Motion may be given to the Earth, so violent as to be extended to a greater Distance; the Instance is, That the Water hath been put into so violent a Motion by an Engine contriv'd to sink Ships, that it shak'd several Ships which were at a considerable distance, so strongly, that those who were on the Decks could scarce stand.

And in the late great Sea-Fight between the English and the Dutch, tho' they engag'd at several Leagues Distance from the Hague; yet the English Embassador, who was then Resident

there assur'd me; that the Guns were not only heard thither, but that his Chamber Windows were considerably shaken. And some Bodies are so apt to receive Impressions from the undu∣lating Motion of the Air, as to be sensibly, tho' not visibly affected; of which Simon Pauli in his ingenious Tract De Febribus Malignis p. 71. gives an Instance in these Words. Atqui aeger ille Gallus brachio truncatus, octiduum quidem su∣perfuit, sed horrendis totius corporis Convulsionibus correptus; qui quoque (ut & illa addam Observati∣one dignissima,) dum in Domini sui aedibus ad pla∣team Kiodmoggerianum, Romanè, Laniorum appellares, decumberet, ac me ac aliis aliquandiu ad Lectum illius considentibus quidem, sed nobis non attendentibus, explodentur tormenta bellica ex Re∣giis ac Praetoriis Navibus, sinistra truncum dextrâ brachii fovens ac complectens, toties quoties explode∣rentur singula exclamabat au, au, me miserum! Jesu, Maria, cont undor penitus, adeo permolesta & intoler∣abilis illi erat Tormentorum explosio, & quidem ex loco satis longinquo, terrâ non firma aut contiguâ, verùm super salo aut mari Balthico, instituta: From whence it appears, that a Fluid Body may operate considerably upon a Solid, tho' the Mo∣tion which causes such Effects be not perceiv'd: And of the Truth of the foregoing Relation, I am further assur'd, by the like Effects produc'd in the shatter'd Bones of wounded Men at Sea who have had sensible pain upon the Discharge of the Enemies Cannon.

But lest in the aforemention'd Instances it should be alledg'd, that these Sounds are rather propagated by the Earth, which the Bodies which receiv'd the first Impression leaned upon,

than conveigh'd through the Air; I shall subjoyn, that the Sound of Thunder is not liable to such Objections, since it can only be propagated through the Air; yet the Parts of the Air are in so Powerful an Agitation; that they have been observ'd to shake, not only Houses but se∣veral Ships at Sea.

But these Effects will not be thought strange, if we reflect on what hath been observ'd to be produc'd by the Celerity of the Motion of the minute Parts of a Body; especially if we like∣wise consider, that Sounds are propagated with greater Celerity than any thing we know be∣sides, in our Sphere. For tho', as Marsennus takes Notice, a Bullet moves 240 Yards in the sixth Part of a Minute; yet I have observ'd Sounds to move 400 Yards in the same space of time. But tho' (it being granted that Sounds may be conveigh'd through the Air,) the Con∣cussion of Houses or Ships at Sea might be sup∣pos'd to arise from the Impetuous Motion of the Medium, violently shaken by an intense Agita∣tion, where those Sounds were originally form'd; yet I conceive the Effects which those Sounds have on Bodies which are plac'd upon the Surface of this Globe, depend in some mea∣sure on the Dispositions of those Bodies to be work'd upon by such.

But to put an end to Instances alledg'd in Proof of this Proposition I shall add an Obser∣vation made by the Experienc'd Platerus, which shews, that a Solid Body may have such a Dis∣position as to be capable of receiving Impressions from the languid Motion of Air; for lib. Observ. 1. p. 185. He says, Faemina quaedam in subitaneum

incidit morbum, viribus subito prostratis, se suffo∣cari indesinenter clamitans, etsi nec Stertoris nec Tussis aliqua essent Indicia, maxime verò de aura quadam adveniente, si vel leviter aliquis adstantium se moveret, quae illam opprimeret, conquerebatur, se∣que suffocari, si quis propius accederet, clamita∣bat: Vix dum biduum in ea anxietate perseverans expiravit: To which he adds, Vidi & alios aegros de simili aura, quae eos, si quis illis appropinquaret, in suffocationis periculum, induceret conquerentes, quod semper pessimum est signum deprehendi.

III.* 1.190 Tho' the Number of Insensible Parts of Matter put into Motion, enable them to perform several things, yet they are usually slighted because invisible.

The Effects of some subtle Parts of Matter are usually esteem'd very inconsiderable, by those who imagine, that these more subtle Effluvia of Bodies only Act upon the exteral Su∣perficies of others: But if we consider, that those Effluvia are not only very Numerous, but of convenient Figures and Sizes to penetrate into the inmost recesses of Bodies they work upon, we may attribute more powerful Effects to them than Men usually are wont to do; for as the Motion of the Effluvia are more or less strong, and numerous, they may either disjoyn or other∣wise alter the Textures of those Bodies. As in an Ant-hill, whose Soyl is full of Eggs, by the Number and Motion of those little Insects; the Eggs which are up and down interspers'd betwixt the Parts of the Earth, will presently be separated and displac'd; or as the Leaves and

Boughs of a Tree are variously bent and broken off, by the force of the Invisible Parts of the Air which passes through it.

But to come to Instances which may more Il∣lustrate what we are about; That the subtile Parts of Matter whose effects are less taken No∣tice of, are enabled, by their Size and Figure, to disjoyn the Parts of Bodies they work upon; we have an evident Instance in Sugar, and Amber thrown together into Water; for the Water presently divides the Parts of the Sugar, and totally dissolves them; whereas the Amber con∣tinues unaltred. To which Instance may be ad∣ded one of no less Force, afforded by Chy∣mistry; for if you pour limpid Water, upon that consistent Substance, which remains after an abstraction of five Parts of Oyl of Vitriol from one of Mercury, and shake the Mixture, the Calx will presently exchange it's White for a Limon-colour, the Texture of the whole Mass being presently alter'd,

And how powerful the minute Parts of some Bodies are, we may further observe in Spirit of Wine: For if a Piece of Metal be held in the Flame of it, these subtil Particles presently pe∣netrate the Substance of that Solid Body; and so exagitate the Parts of it, as to put them into a Motion strong enough to Cause a sensible Heat. And we have not a less remarkable Instance of the Force of unheeded Agents in Animal Bo∣dies and the Effects of those invisible Spirits which move through the Nerves, which by such weighty Masses of Matter, as the Bodies of some Ani∣mals, are violently mov'd up and down: To which may be added, that by the bare insinuati∣on of Moisture into the Pores of a Rope, it

may be so contracted, as to raise above sixty pound weight, above the place those Weights were suspended at in dry Weather. And tho' Me∣tals will endure the Heat of a Red-hot Crucible, yet may they easily be melred with the Flame of a Candle, if the Heat and Activity of it be pro∣moted by a Blow-Pipe. And how much more able the Parts of an Agent, are to operate upon a Body, when they are intimately mix'd with that they are to work upon, than Superficially, appears from Tartar, which is much sooner calcin'd, if Nitre be so mix'd with it, that upon Deflagration, the Flame may be commix'd with all it's Parts, than if it only acts immediately on the Outside.

* 1.191But to alledge Instances, which will be of more Force; tho' the Effluvia of a Load-stone be very minute, and the Body of Iron or Steel very solid; yet I have seen a Magnet, whose Effluvia were so powerful, as to attract and sustain fifty times the weight of the Stone it self. And to make it ap∣pear, how probably the Effluvia of a Magnet may change the Texture of solid Steel, and by that means endow it with those Qualities, which Iron usually derives from it; I plac'd Filings of Steel upon a piece of Paper, holding under it the Pole of a vigorous Load-stone, by the Effluvia of which, the Filings were presently so rang'd, as to repre∣sentseveral Needles, or Pikes, made up of Particles of Iron, sticking one upon another; and these might be mov'd up and down, by removing the Load-stone, from one place to another; but as soon as the Load-stone was remov'd from that place, to such a Distance, that it's Subtle Ema∣nations had no longer any Influence upon the

Powder, the Parts of it presently lost that order, and fell into a confus'd Heap, as before that Load∣stone was apply'd.

Again, tho' the Particles of Water be so small, as to be Invisible, and their Motion very weak; yet is it so powerful, that upon Freezing, the Expansion of the Frigorifick Parts are strong enough to break Bottles, not only of Glass, but Metal, and the Expansion oftentimes is so vio∣lent, as to exceed the Force of any other Body in expanding (except Gun-powder) that I know of.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Propagable Nature of Motion.

IV. It is usually not sufficiently taken Notice of,* 1.192 how Local Motion may be propagated through several Mediums, and even Solid Bodies.

IT is usually thought, because some Bodies when they strike against Solid ones, commonly fly back, That the Impulse of that Body is not able to put the other into Motion; but that the Parts of a Solid may be put into Motion, and that that Mo∣tion may be propagated through such Consistent Substances, is evident, if we strike a piece of Timber slightly upon one End: For by that means, the Motion caus'd by that Impression, will be carry'd on to the other. And I have by Ex∣perience found, that having drawn the Point of a Pin upon the Brim of an Hemispherical Vessel,

which was made of Bell-Metal, which is much harder than Steel, I found it, from a very slight Impression, to produce such a lasting Sound, as was an Argument, that the Parts of the Metal were not only put into such a Vibrating Motion, as to communicate it to the Air, but to continue it successively round the Brim of the Vessel, till the Sound ceas'd. And the like Propagation of Sounds I found to succeed, tho' the Point of a Pin were but struck upon that Vessel, which was seven Inches in Diameter. And indeed the Pro∣pagable Motion of Solids, when they are acted on by Fluids, is not less remarkable; since the Parts of a Bar of Iron, or Glass, may be put into such a Motion by Heat, as to have it continu'd to some Distance from the place where the Fire first work'd upon them, tho' it be capable of being propagated much further in the former of the two; which shews how much the Tex∣tures of Bodies dispose them to be differently work'd upon by the same Agent; and how much a Convenient Texture disposes them to be work'd upon at all.

And it may be further observ'd, That it is look'd upon as a Sign of the firm Connection of a House, that upon the Clapping of a Door, the whole shakes; and it is likewise an Argument of the Communicableness of Motion, whether it de∣pends on the mutual Contact of the Door, and the Posts it shuts against, or upon the Impression made upon the included Air by the Door; for the former shews how a Solid may propagate Motion amongst Solids; and the Latter, how it may give Motion to a Fluid, and Vice versâ.

But further, it is asserted by Seneca, that upon the Explosion of those Subterraneali Exhala∣tions, which are the Causes of Earth-quakes, the Tremulous Motion of the Earth is continu'd above two hundred Miles: And Josephus Acosta witnesseth, That it hath been continu'd for three hundred Leagues in the Kingdom of Peru: And Learned Writers in the beginning of our Age (1601) witness, that the Motion of the Earth was so violent, as to shake most part of Europe, being propagated through most part of Asia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, and France: And I have frequently observ'd, That the House I have been in, hath sensibly shook, by the Tremulous Motion of the Earth it stood upon, propagated from some Coach or Cart, which mov'd at some distance upon the Ground; and some observing Scouts say, That, by the Motion of the Earth, they can discover the Approach of a Troop of Horse at a good Distance.

And, to conclude this Member of our Dis∣course, if such Disproportionate Causes, can produce such Effects in Inorganical Bodies, well may they in those that are Organical, where there is only wanting a small Cause to call in the Assistance, and to determine the Cooperation of others; as the Tickling of a Feather in the Nose, by Determining the Tendency of the Spirits, Causes Sneezing: And I remember, being once held with such a Distemper, as depriv'd me of the use of my Hands; If, in the Summer, a Hair were but blown upon my Face, and continued there long, it would put me into Convulsions and cause me to faint.

* 1.193But to determine another Member of this Pro∣position, viz. Whether Motion may be propaga∣ted, thro' several Mediums, or terminates at the utmost Limits of the Medium it was be∣gun in, I shall offer the following Experiment; viz. I caus'd a Glass-Receiver to be blown with a Button, upon that part of the Internal Super∣ficies which was uppermost; and suspending a Watch by a Chain, which was fix'd to a Soft Body, fasten'd upon the Button, I luted on a Receiver, to prevent a Communication be∣twixt the External and Internal Air; yet the Sound of the Watch might be perciv'd by hold∣ing One's Ears over that place, where the Watch was suspended. And I have often felt not only the striking of a Watch included in a double Case, when I have worn it in my Pocket, but even the gentler Motions of the Ballances.

To the Foregoing Instances, I shall add, That upon sudden Claps of Thunder, the very Beds have been perceiv'd to shake, by those that lay upon them: And Agricola, de Nat. eorum quae fluunt è terra, Lib. 4. cap. 7. says, Si Animal deijicitur in Antrum, quod est in Carelia, Regione Scandiae, erumpit, ut perhibent, sonus intolerabilis magno cum flatu: Si leve pondus in Specum Dalma∣tiae, quamvis, inquit Plinius, tranquillo die, turbini similis emicat procella.

But there are still some who are unwilling to believe, That Motion is propagable through Li∣quid Bodies; at least to any considerable Di∣stance, because of the easy Cession of their Parts: But the contrary easily appears, if we allow of the Corpuscular Notion of Light; by Consider∣ing, not only how far the Rays of Light are

impell'd, and propagated from a small Light, but from the fix'd Stars, which are plac'd at so im∣mense a Distance.

But to proceed to Instances, not so liable to Objections, that the Parts of Liquids, tho' in Motion, and Separate one from another, may communicate Motion, and propagate it a consi∣derable way, is evident, by casting a Stone into the Water; which, by that Impulse, will succes∣sively propagate Motion in the Mass of Water; which appears by the Curling and Circular Streams which flow from it: And I am told by one who was us'd to Fish for Whales, near Green-Land, that sometimes, upon the Thawing of the Ice, it would give such Cracks, as to cause Sounds much lowder than Claps of Thunder; and when huge pieces of Ice upon a Thaw, fell into the Sea, they caus'd such a Disturbance in it, as at two Leagues Distance to raise a considerable Storm.

And tho' some People are apt to think, That, the Air, being a Body much more Fluid than Water, Motion is less propagable in it; I shall intimate, that even in that Medium, a very small Sound is propagated, much further than we think of; for tho' we are not able to take Notice of it, beyond the Place where we stand, yet we may learn from Ecchos, that the Undulating Motion of the Air is continu'd a good way further; and it is not improbable, that it is continu'd further than the Place where the Eccho is made; since the Learned Fromundus, Professor of Philosophy at Lovain, in the Year 1627, says, That at the Siege of Ostend, the Noise of the Cannon was heard an hundred and twenty English Miles. To which

may be added what Verenius Geogr. Gen. Lib. 1. Cap. 19. relates, as observ'd by Traelichius, at the Mountain Carpathus in Hungary: His Words are these, Explosi in ea summitate Sclopetum, quod non majorem Sonitum, primò prae se tulit, quam si tegillum aut bacillum confregissem; post intervallum autem temporis murmur prolixum invaluit, inferioresque Montis partes, Convalles & Sylvas opplevit: De∣scendendo per Nives annosos intra Convalles, cum iterum Sclopetum exonerarem, major ac horribilior fragor, quam ex Tormento capacissimo inde exorie∣batur; hinc verebar, ne totus Mons concussus, me∣cum correueret; duravitque hic Sonus per semiqua∣drantem horae, usque dum abstrusissimas Cavernas penetrasset, ad quas Herundique multiplicatus resi∣liit, & talia quidem objecta concava in summitate. se non illico offerebant, idcireo fere insensibiliter pri∣mum Sonus repercutiebatur, donec descendendo An∣tris & Convallibus vicinior factus ad eas fortius impegit.

V. The Effects of the Particular Modifications of the Invisible Motions of Fluids,* 1.194 on Animal Bodies dispos'd to be work'd upon by them, are not usually sufficiently noted.

Tho' it may be thought strange, That the Im∣pulse of so Slight and Languid Parts of Matter, as those of Air, should by their Motion, pro∣duce any Sensible Effects; yet, if we consider what a number of those Parts succeed each other, it is less to be admir'd, that the Effects of their Joynt-Action should be considerable, since we see, that a Pendulum of a Clock is continued in a swinging Motion, by a very Languid Force, and

the Air may be put into a Motion so powerful, either by the Vibration of the Strings, or the Mechanical Form of a Musical Instrument, or Scraping the Edge of a Knife upon Metal, as, to cause an Involuntary Excretion of Urine upon a Body rightly dispos'd, as it hap∣pened to a Knight of Gascony; or, to cause that Effect which is usually term'd, Setting the Teeth on Edge.

Besides which Instances, of the Effects of so Languid a Motion as that of the Air, I shall add, That I had a Servant, whose Gums would pre∣sently bleed upon tearing of Brown Paper: And Sir Henry Blount, as well as Kircherus, relates a Story of the like Nature; the former having ob∣serv'd in Grand Cairo in Egypt, a Nest of Serpents, which upon the Sound of a Citron, would pre∣sently crawl out of their Nests; and upon a Ces∣sation of that Sound, run away again as fast: and the Latter tells us of a Fish about the Streights, which divide Sicily and Italy, which will be en∣tic'd to follow the Ships which pass by that way, by the Sound of a Musical Instrument.

And that these Effects are produc'd by a sort of Disposition in those Bodies, to be work'd on by such Sounds may be confirm'd, by observing, That a Man is sooner affected and awak'd out of Sleep, by the Agreeable Sound of his own Name, than any other. And the Effects of a gentle, if a Surprizing Sound, are no less Remarkable, which will raise a Body from the Ground, which could not be so pois'd with some hundreds of Weights. But the most Eminent Instance is in Persons bit by a Tarantula, who, upon the Play∣ing of a peculiar Tune, are compell'd to dance,

as long as it continues, tho' other Tunes have no such Effects on them; the Truth of which Re∣lation is confirm'd both by Epiphanius Ferdinan∣dus, and several Others: And I was acquainted with One, who told me, That a certain Lady could not forbear Weeping, when she heard a particular Tune play'd; and I have found seve∣ral times a sort of Chilness upon my self, upon the Repetition of two Verses in Lucan, especially when I have been any thing Feverish.

To which Instances of the great Effects of Languid Motions, may be added, what is pro∣duc'd by the Subtile Effluvia, the Rays of Light causing those that come out of a dark Place pre∣sently to Sneeze: And Colours, which are but se∣veral Modifications of Light, have not less consi∣derable Effects; which is evident from the Influ∣ence Red Cloth hath upon Turky-Cocks: And the Learned Valesius, relates a Story of a Person, whose Eyes were much offended by Red Objects, which influenc'd him so much, as to cause an Effusion of Humours in the Adjacent Parts.

VI. Men do not consider the Effects of Fluids upon Inanimate Bodies,* 1.195 upon the Account of a Particular Texture andModification of the Agent, and the Patient.

That the Peculiar Modifications and Relations which Bodies have to each other, upon that Ac∣count, may contribute much to the Effects which the Languid Motions of the Air produce; and that upon that score, a weak Motion of it, may cause more considerable Effects, than Louder Sounds, not so aptly modify'd; I shall produce several

Instances: For not to urge, That the String of an Instrument may be made to Vibrate it self, by the Motion it receives from the Instrument, and which that Instrument first receiv'd from another String, I shall rather offer the following In∣stance; viz. That a Strong Wire being made use of amongst other Strings on a Musical In∣strument, it was observ'd, that the Wire would be made to tremble, by the Impulse of the Air, caus'd by a Sound which was made at a Distance, tho' the other Strings were not sensibly affected; but in this Experiment it is to be noted, That a pe∣culiar degree of Tension is requisite, to afford the Foremention'd Phaenomenon.

To this Experiment it may be added, That I have not only observ'd, that by making a Deter∣minate Sound at some Distance from an Hemi∣spherical-Glass, it would sensibly ring; but I have likewise taken Notice, That having screw'd seve∣ral Strings of a Musical Instrument to a different Degree of Tension, and likewise plac'd several Glasses at some Distance, those Strings being put into a strong Degree of Tension, would cause one Glass to ring without affecting the other; and if the Tension of that String was alter'd, it would affect another Glass, but not the same: And what is more Remarkable, is, That tho' a String wound up to a Determinate Degree of Tension, would affect such a Glass; yet if the Foot of the same Glass were a little broke, it would not till it's Tension was alter'd.

And I have taken notice, That upon the Open∣ing of some Stops in an Organ, the Sound hath been so considerable, as not only to cause the Or∣ganist's Seat to tremble, but a Seat in the Church,

which was at a considerable Distance; and I could easily discern with my Fingers, that the Sound not only caus'd the Seat, but the Borders of my Hat to tremble: Which Instances shew, that the Effects of that Sound are not so much to be attributed to the Violence of it, as to the Dispositions in such Bodies to be acted on by it.

And to prove, That Languid Motion may have considerable Effects upon Bodies, both So∣lid and of considerable Bulk, I shall bring the following Instances: The First is, That an An∣cient Musician affirm'd to me, that playing upon a Basse-Viol, he found, that when he struck a certain Note, it had always such an Effect upon a Casement, in the Room where he play'd to one of his Scholars, as to cause a Jarring Noise. A Second Instance is, That I observ'd in a certain Vault, that tho' a Musician vary'd his Notes on purpose, to make Tryal whether they would re∣sound in the Arch, it would answer to but one Note; and I am told, that there is the like pecu∣liarity in most Vaults.

VII. Some Bodies are thought to have their Parts in an Absolute Rest,* 1.196 when they are only in a state of Tension, or Compression.

Tho' the External Superficies of a Body, seems to argue, That it's Parts are at Rest, since it re∣tains it's Proper Figure and Dimensions; yet it is not improbable, but that those Corpuscles which compose it, are variously mov'd amongst themselves, or in a Tendency to Motion; An Instance of the First of which, we have in heated Iron, whether made hot by Actual Fire, or Ham∣mering:

For tho' the Eye can discern no Motion at all amongst it's Parts, yet the Touch perceives it manifestly hot: And tho' the Lath of a Cross∣bow, or the String of a Bow, be look'd upon, when bent, as Bodies at Rest, yet the Springi∣ness of the former, and violent Separation of the Ends of the Latter, when cut, manifestly de∣monstrates, that they were only in a state of Ten∣sion: To which might be added several Instances, taken as well from Nature as Art.

Of the Latter sort I have observ'd, That amongst Glasses, which to all appearance were well bak'd, several Months after they were made. some of them flew in pieces of their own accord, which they scarce ever fail to do, if they be taken from the Fire, and suffer'd to cool suddenly. The like to which I have observ'd, in a Metalline Glass of my own Preparation, which would shrink so much when remov'd from the Fire, as, if sud∣denly cool'd, to fly in pieces.

And if a piece of Copper heated to a Redness, or a Whiteness, be, upon Cooling, held over a piece of Paper, several Fleaks will presently fly off it; which seem to be Vitrify'd Metal, which, upon their shrinking, when expos'd to cool, fly asunder, like the Strings of a Musical Instrument in moist Weather.

And upon this Occasion, to shew how much Metals may shrink, I shall add, That I have found, that tho' a piece of Iron, when hot, would not go into a Cavity made in a Metalline Body for that purpose; yet when expos'd to the Air, and cool'd, it would shrink so much, as to be able to enter it: And to this, I shall add two Notable Observa∣tions; viz. First, That a certain Artificer, having

cast a number of Metalline Concaves, found, that tho' he took care to keep them from being ex∣pos'd to the Air, whilst cooling, and tho' they were of a considerable Thickness, and much har∣der than Iron; yet when they were leasurely cool'd to a certain degree, they would crack with a great Noise. The Second Observation is, That an Expert Artist, having cast a quantity of Bell-metal, and permitted it to cool about 12 Hours, upon the Area of an Iron Instrument, he found it considerably shrunk from the Instru∣ment, and crack'd in several places: And the like Accident hath happen'd in Brass: for an Artist assur'd me, That having cast a Ring of Brase, about a Cylinder of Iron, upon cooling, it was so much shrunk, as to leave a Crack quite through on one Side.

From which Experiments it seems reasonable to infer, That a Body may be brought to a state of Tension, as well by being expanded by the Ex∣ternal Force of the Fire, as any other external Agents; and also, That the Preter-natural states of Bodies, which they are brought into by some Agents, are to be look'd upon to depend on their Previous Dispositions, since tho' the Moisture of the Air will not cause a String of an Instru∣ment to crack, which is moderately wound up, yet if it's Tension be much stronger, it presently flies in pieces: So likewise, if a Piece of Glass be hot in one Part, and cool in another, tho' cold Water dropp'd upon the hot Glass, will crack it, yet it will not have the same Effect on the Cool part of the Glass.

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From which and the rest of the Experiments contain'd in this Capter, it is apparent, that the Parts of Solids are not so much in a state of Rest, as of Tension, and Compression: To confirm which I shall add, That an Experienc'd Artist shew'd me a Lump of Matter, consisting of a great many Agats lodg'd in a Cement much harder than or∣dinary Stones; which Agats, he affirm'd would sometimes, when taken out of the Cement, en∣deavour to expand themselves so powerfully as to fly in pieces, in a little time after.

VIII. The Reasons why Languid Local Motion,* 1.197 and it's Effects, are so much overlook'd, is, be∣cause we are too apt to take notice only of the Visible Impressions of one Body against ano∣without observing the Intestin Motions of Mi∣nute Parts.

To prove this Proposition, I shall offer the fol∣lowing Experiments: And First, Having turn'd a Key in a Brass stop Cock, a considerable time, till the Metal, by frequent Attritions, became hot; I observ'd it at the last so to swell, as to stick fast like a Wedge, so that it could not be mov'd, till the Metal was again cool: And an Experienc'd Workman hath inform'd me, that in making such Instruments, before the Key could rightly be ad∣apted to the Cavity it was to fit, he was forc'd to cool it several times in Water, to take down the Expansion effected by the Heat.

To this Experiment, it may be added, That the Parts of a Drinking-Glass, will be put into Mo∣tion,

by drawing One's Finger round the Brim; and that so violent, as to toss several Drops of the Water contain'd in it, a considerable height into the Air; and a Drinking-Glass Artificially cut by a spiral Line, being dextrously inverted and shaken, will have its Parts so manifestly vibrated up and down, as to acquire a quarter of an Inch in Length, without any evident injury to the Glass. And it hath been observ'd, by one who made use of harden'd Steel Instruments to turn Iron, and shake off the Protuberances of that Metal; that in a little time it would acquire such a Heat and so lose it's Temper, as to look blue or yellowish, if it was not timely dipt in a convenient Liquor, to keep it cool. To this I shall add, That having two or three times bent a Bar of Tin in my Hands, backwards and forwards, I found, upon the Breaking of it, that the internal parts had acquir'd a considerable de∣gree of Heat.

From which Experiment it appears, that Attri∣tion of Parts, without a manifest Percussion, is able to cause a sensible Heat; and that not only hard, but soft Bodies, may do so too, I shall add the following Experiments, to evince, which is that an Artist having only rubb'd Optick-Glasses with Putree, upon a piece of Leather, to polish them, told me, that they acquir'd such a degree of Heat, as sometimes to crack; tho' I am not unapt to think, that such an Effect might as well be attributed to a peculiar Motion of the Parts of Glass, which were too violent; since from the aforemention'd Vibration of the Parts of a Drinking-Glass, it appears, That they may

be put into a considerable degree of Motion, without Heat: And that, by a very easy Friction, such Bodies may acquire a Tremulous Motion, appears from the following Experiment, viz. ha∣ving suffer'd melted Brimstone to cool, in a Ves∣sel whose Cavity was concave, I rubb'd the con∣vex Superficies of the Brimstone, upon a Cushion for some time, and found, by applying my Ear to it, that the Parts of the Brimstone were put into such a Vibrating Motion, as to continue a crackling Noise for some time, after the Friction was discontinu'd. To which I shall add, That ha∣ving rubb'd two Stones taken out of the Bladder together, I found them to yield a strong Urinous Smell: And not only Sulphur will emit Sulphu∣reous Steams, by rubbing it upon Cloth, but Dia∣monds themselves will acquire a considerable de∣gree of Electricity; and I have one by me, which, if rubb'd, will appear Luminous in the Dark.

And that it may further appear, that a peculiar Modification of Motion, may contribute to the various Effects produc'd by it, I shall observe, That those Stones which Italian Glass-men make use of, afford Sparks of Fire by Collision; but if moderately rubb'd together, they emit faetid Ex∣halations; from whence probably proceed those offensive Steams, emitted by Glass; and what is most remarkable, and to our purpose is, tho' Glass when Red-hot emits no such Effluvia; yet if two pieces be dexterously rubb'd together, they will send forth Steams copious enough and faetid.

And to shew how brisk the Motions of the Parts of inorganical Bodies are, and how soon they communicate Motion to one another, we need

but consider, how the Tremulous Motion of a Bell is continu'd successively round it; and how, all that time, it communicates that Motion to the Air about it; for that the Parts of it are so successive∣ly kept in Motion, appears from that Trembling Motion, which may be perceiv'd by one's Finger: And it is further confirm'd, because a Solution of the Continuity much deadens, and causes the Sound to be much shorter: And that the Air receives its Undulating Motion from the Impress of the Bell all that time, appears, if One's Finger, or some other Body be apply'd to it, which stops that Tremulous Motion. And that the Motions in the Parts of the Bell are very brisk, is evinc'd from what is general∣ly affirm'd, viz. That if a String be ty'd about a Bell, so as to check the Tremulous Motion upon the striking of the Clapper, it would break, some Parts being more agitated than others; so that the Disproportionate Motion compar'd with the Mo∣tion of the other Parts surmounting their Cohe∣sion, they must consequently fly asunder: And,

As a further Argument, that the Parts of the Bell are so agitated, I put Filings of Steel, and Drops of Water into a Hand-Bell, and observed, That, upon the Impulse of a Key, the Water shi∣ver'd, and the Filings had likewise such a Motion given to their Parts, as enabled them to dance up and down.

But to put an end to these Observations, I shall only intimate, That from what hath been said, it may appear, what considerable Effects may be caus'd by the Unheeded Motions of Invisible Parts of Matter, which are wont to be ascribed to other less Intelligible Causes.

CHAP. XVII. A Supplement to the former Chapter of the Great Effects of Languid, and Unheeded Local Motion.

TO illustrate what hath been deliver'd in the former Chapter, I shall add the fol∣lowing Observations: And First, That the Motion of the Air may act on Bodies duly pre∣dispos'd, at a great Distance, appears from what the Learned Borellus De vi Percussionis, Prop. CXI. relates, viz. That being at Tauromenium in Sicily, about thirty Miles from Mount Aetna, when it first broke out, it was observable, that the Houses in that Town apparently shook, espe∣cially those which were most directly situated towards the Gap; which, as that Author ob∣serves, must needs proceed from the Impression of the Air upon the Houses: for had it been the Effect of a Tremulous Motion in the Ground, all the Houses would have shook alike, which was otherwise.

To prove that Motion may be propagated through different Mediums, besides what hath been before deliver'd, I shall add, That the Elo∣quent Famianus Strada, De Bello Belg. Dec. 2. lib. 6. vel 7. says, That a very Stupendious Work being rais'd by the Prince of Parma, to prevent the City of Antwerp from being reliev'd by the River Scheld, an Engineer contriv'd to blow it up, tho' with Success not a little Tragical, by a Boat fraught with Gun-powder, &c. for it rais'd such a Commotion, that the Earth shook to the Distance of 36 English Miles; and the deep Ri∣ver

was so agitated, as first to discover it's Bot∣tom, and afterwards to overswell the Banks; the Castle, together with Men, Cannons, &c. be∣ing violently toss'd into the Air, together with a vast number of other Accidents horrid and dreadful.

And to illustrate further what hath been de∣liver'd in the foregoing Chapter, concerning the Effects of Musick on Bodies duly dispos'd to be work'd on by it; I shall add, that an Expe∣rienc'd Traveller told me, That in the East Indies he saw Tame Serpents, which would raise them∣selves erect in the Air, except 3 or 4 Inches of their Tails, which they rested upon: And he added, That upon the Playing of some Parts of the Tune, they would be put into very brisk and surprising Motions, whereas when another Part of it was a-playing, they seem'd to be half a sleep, and dissolv'd in Pleasure.

Another Instance, which shews how much the Peculiar Textures of Bodies contribute to their Effects, is publish'd by the Learned Marhofius, who relates, That Nicolaus Petterus had found out a Note, which, being loud and lasting, would, without visibly touching the Vessel, cause a Glass-Romer to tremble and burst; but if the Note were rais'd either too high, or depress'd too low, it would have no such Effect.

A further Instance of the Efficacy of Languid Motion is, That I once obtain'd several pieces of Glass, the Textures of which were so peculiar, that if the internal Superficies were gently scratch'd obliquely with a Pin, they would fly in pieces, tho' 6 or 7 times thicker than common Drinking-glasses.

To shew how much Motion, even in Solid Bo∣dies, may be promoted by the Strokes of very weak Agents, I shall here relate, that several Urinals whose Parts were of a peculiar Tex∣ture, being rubb'd with Sand and Water, had their Parts put into such a Degree of Motion, as, in a little time after, to break without any Cause to be observ'd, except that precedent At∣trition of Sand.

To make it evident, that the Parts of Solid Bo∣dies, which seem to be at Rest, may have very powerful Effects, I shall add the following. Ob∣servations.

First, That I have been inform'd, by a Famous Jeweller, That when he ground Rubies or Sa∣phires, or other Precious Stones upon a Mill, their Parts would acquire such a degree of Heat, as to afford Light like Fire; the Light flowing from each being of the same Colour with the Gem it came from: And I am likewise inform'd by ano¦ther, that when they have acquir'd a certain degree of Heat, the Edges would gape; and if the Motion of the Mill was continu'd, the Gems would fly in pieces; but if it was stopp'd, the cold Gem would be whole and entire. To this Observation it will not be amiss to add, That, I once plac'd a Bottle, to which was adapted a Glass-stopple, in my Win∣dow, and about a twelve Month after, as I was sit∣ting in the Room, the Top of the Stopple flew off, of its own accord, leaving the other Part fast in the Glass; but the Parts of Solid Glass will not only fly in pieces of their own accord, but I have been inform'd, that sometimes, in the East-Indies; Dia∣monds themselves, are observ'd to burst asunder, without the Impression of any Visible Agent.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Divi∣sion of this Chapter.
• * 1.2

  Matter De∣fined.
• * 1.3

  Motion the Catholick Agent of the Uni∣verse.
• * 1.4

  Guided by GOD in the Crea∣tion of Things.
• * 1.5

  Motion, Size and Shape, three Pri∣mary Affe∣ctions of Matter.
• * 1.6

  Whether there be in Bodies Qua∣lities and Accidents, distinct En∣tities from them.
• * 1.7

  Qualities the result of a pecu∣liar Modifi∣cation.
• * 1.8

  Proved by Physical Observa∣tions.
• * 1.9

  Posture, Order and Texture Se∣condary Af∣fections of Matter.
• * 1.10

  Colours, &c. no inherent Qualities,
• * 1.11

  But Se∣condary Ef∣fects of Matter.
• * 1.12

  Qualities act by vir∣tue of Lo∣cal Mo∣tion.
• * 1.13

  Form the Result of a Congeries of united Accidents.
• * 1.14

  The Effects of Forms whence.
• * 1.15

  Considera∣tions re∣quisite to the Doctrin of Genera∣tion, &c.
• * 1.16

  Generati∣tion, Corru∣ption, &c. what.
• * 1.17

  Putrefa∣ction what.
• * 1.18

  Alteration what.
• * 1.19

  Primary Modes of Matter, and Complexi∣ons of Qua∣lities mis∣taken for Real Qua∣lities.
• * 1.20

  The Diffe∣rence in A∣gents and Patients di∣versify the Actions.
• * 1.21

  A Second Objection a∣gainst the Corpuscu∣larian Phi∣losophy an∣swer'd.
• * 1.22

  The Diffe∣rence be∣twixt Mix∣ture, and Texture.
• * 1.23

  The Phoeno∣mena exhi∣bited by the Corpuscu∣lar Princi∣ples very numerous.
• * 1.24

  Musical In∣struments afford in∣stances of the various Effects of Motion.
• * 1.25

  A Third Objection answered.
• * 1.26

  Considera∣tions in or∣der to re∣move the Difficulty.
• * 1.27

  Different-Qualities afforded by Bodies Ho∣mogeneous as to Sense.
• * 1.28

  Several Qualities exhibited by Venice Turpentine
• * 1.29

  Another Experi∣ment of the like Nature tried upon Putrified Urine.
• * 1.30

  The Doctrin of the A∣ristotelians considered.
• * 1.31

  Forms not educed out of the power of Matter disproved.
• * 1.32

  The Aristo∣totelian Do∣ctrin of Forms con∣trary to Reason.
• * 1.33

  Arguments alledged by the Schools in defence of their Do∣ctrin an∣swered.
• * 1.34

  Their Phy∣sical Argu∣ments con∣sidered.
• * 1.35

  The Parts of a Body may adhere without the help of a Substantial Form.
• * 1.36

  The Form of a Body is its Essential Modifica∣tion.
• * 1.37

  The Notions of Modern Philoso∣phers, con∣cerning Sub∣ordinate Forms,
• * 1.38

  Considered, and exami∣ned.
• * 1.39

  Observati∣ons to prove Subordi∣nate Forms.
• * 1.40

  A Com∣pound Form what.
• * 1.41

  In what Sense the Soul may be said to be the Speci∣fick Form.
• * 1.42

  In what the Speci∣fick Forms of an Ani∣mate Body differ from those of an Inanimate.
• * 1.43

  The Forms of the In∣gredients of a Com∣pound truly esteem'd Forms.
• * 1.44

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, hard to be determin'd amongst Natural Bo∣dies.
• * 1.45

  Sennertus his Opinion agreeable to the Corpu∣scular Phi∣losophy.
• * 1.46

  Subordi∣nate Forms act not un∣der the Su∣perinten∣dency of the Specifick Forms.
• * 1.47

  Neither are the Actions of Com∣pounds wholly to be attributed to their Union.
• * 1.48

  The Modi∣fications of Bodies two∣fold.
• * 1.49

  The Quali∣ties of a Body whose Specifick Form is de∣stroy'd, de∣pend not on the United Action of the whole Ingredients
• * 1.50

  New Qua∣lities may be added upon a Dis∣solution of a Speficick Form.
• * 1.51

  The Modi∣difications of a Body may be two∣fold, first in respect of ths Speci∣fick Form, secondly in respect of its own Parts.
• * 1.52

  A Cessa∣tion of Vi∣tal Functi∣ons upon Death, no Arguments of the Soul's Superinten∣dency whilst living.
• * 1.53

  The former Doctrin of Subordi∣nate Forms, apply'd to Inanimate Bodies.
• * 1.54

  The Noble∣ness of Forms, hard to be distin∣guish'd.
• * 1.55

  The most Noted Qua∣lities of a Body, deno∣minate its Form.
• * 1.56

  The Acti∣on of seve∣ral Com∣pounds de∣pends on the Union of their Parts.
• * 1.57

  Inanimate Bodies have Subordi∣nate Forms.
• * 1.58

  A Super∣added Form may modify the Actions of Subor∣dinate ones, without de∣st••••y••ng them.
• * 1.59

  Compound may act by Vir∣tue of one single Ingre∣dient.
• * 1.60

  The most noted often esteem'd the Specifick Form.
• * 1.61

  Some are ra∣ther Con∣current Forms, than Subordi∣nate.
• * 1.62

  Bodies di∣stinguish'd into Spae∣cies how.
• * 1.63

  The Pro∣ducts of Art, the Effects of Nature.
• * 1.64

  The Arti∣ficial Pro∣duction of Vitriol, cor∣respondent to the Na∣tural.
• * 1.65

  The Figures of Salts to be account∣ed for, with the help of a Plastick Power.
• * 1.66

  Crystals ob∣tain'd from an Alkaly.
• * 1.67

  From Oyl of Vitriol, and a Solution of Sea Salt.
• * 1.68

  From a Mixture of Spirit of Wine, and Nitre.
• * 1.69

  Salts ob∣tain'd from a Solution of Copper.
• * 1.70

  From Gold.
• * 1.71

  Crystals ob∣tain'd from Venetian Borax.
• * 1.72

  Salts ob∣tain'd from Spirit of Urine, and Nitre, &c.
• * 1.73

  From Soot and Sal Armoniack.
• * 1.74

  The Ingre∣dients of Gun Pow∣der.
• * 1.75

  Substan∣tial Forms not necessa∣ry to Dis∣criminate Bodies.
• * 1.76

  Oyl of Vi∣triol turn'd into Allom.
• * 1.77

  Salts ob∣tain'd from Spirit of Nitre and Pot. Ashes.
• * 1.78

  An At∣tempt to re-unite the Parts of Amber.
• * 1.79

  An At∣tempt to re-unite the Parts of Roch-Al∣lom.
• * 1.80

  An At∣tempt to re-unite the Parts of Vitriol.
• * 1.81

  As also of Antimony and Oyl of Vitriol.
• * 1.82

  Another to re-unite the Parts of Vitriol.
• * 1.83

  An Experi∣ment to il∣lustrate what hath been deli∣vered con∣cerning Forms and Qualities.
• * 1.84

  Water may, by altering its Texture, put on New Forms.
• * 1.85

  All Plants may be nou∣rish'd by one and the same Sub∣stance.
• * 1.86

  Further In∣stances in Cheese.
• * 1.87

  Several Phaenome∣na the Re∣sult of a Change in Texture.
• * 1.88

  Diversities of Qualities depend on Variety of Textures.
• * 1.89

  The same Method is not requisite to produce a Body, pro∣vided the Result be of the like Texture.
• * 1.90

  The Pre∣paration of Luna Cor∣nea.
• * 1.91

  Several Phaenome∣na in Proof of the Do∣ctrin of Forms and Qualities.
• * 1.92

  Several Changes in Bodies may be effected by the Ad∣dition, or Substracti∣on, and new Modificati∣on of Mat∣ter.
• * 1.93

  An Acid may be turn'd into an Alkaly.
• * 1.94

  Several Phaenome∣na exhibi∣ted by a Mixture of Oyl of Vi∣triol, &c.
• * 1.95

  The differ∣ent Quali∣ties of all Bodies are theproducts of Matter variously Modified.
• * 1.96

  The Tran∣smution of Metals not impossible.
• * 1.97

  How so hard a Body as Silver, &c. may become a sowre substance by an alterati∣on of Tex∣ture.
• * 1.98

  Phaenome∣na to be ob∣served in this Expe∣riment.
• * 1.99

  A Trans∣formation of Water into Earth.
• * 1.100

  Phaenome∣na exhi∣bited.
• * 1.101

  Water al∣most wholly convertible into Earth.
• * 1.102

  How Water acquires the Form of a Solid Powder.
• * 1.103

  Inferences drawn a∣gainst the Doctrin of the Chy∣mists.
• * 1.104

  Consider a∣ble Chan∣ges may be wrought in Bodies by Mixture, and the Texture thence re∣sulting.
• * 1.105

  An At∣tempt to re∣dintegrate the Form of Salt-Petre.
• * 1.106

  Cautions to be observ'd in the Fore∣going Expe∣riment.
• * 1.107

  Another Method of Reuniting the Parts of Salt-Petre.
• * 1.108

  A Third Method.
• * 1.109

  Salt-Petre obtain'd from Pot-Ashes, A∣qua fortis, and Salt of Tartar.
• * 1.110

  Several Qualities flow from an Altera∣tion of Tex∣ture.
• * 1.111

  Several Qualities destroy'd. and regain∣ed by the Redinte∣gration of Salt-Petre.
• * 1.112

  The same Particles of Matter have diffe∣rent Effects when in a Fluid, from what they have in a solid Form.
• * 1.113

  Chymistry rather de∣stroys than discovers the Princi∣ples of Bo∣dies.
• * 1.114

  Chymical Medicines laid aside too rashly.
• * 1.115

  The Defini∣tion of a Fluid Body.
• * 1.116

  Bodies whose Parts are less con∣densed than Water, to be esteemed Fluid.
• * 1.117

  Minuteness of Parts re∣quisute to Fluidity.
• * 1.118

  A Fluid may be ob∣tain'd from a Consi∣stent Body.
• * 1.119

  Some Bodies more easily preserv'd fluid than others.
• * 1.120

  The Figures of the Parts of Bodies, as well as their Sizes, contribute to tseir Fluidity.
• * 1.121

  Porousness in Bodies requisite to their Flui∣dity.
• * 1.122

  How such Vacuities contribute of Fluidity.
• * 1.123

  A Perpe∣tual Motion if Parts re∣quisite to Fluidity.
• * 1.124

  The Doctrin of Fluidity illustrated by Experi∣ments.
• * 1.125

  What the Motion of the Parts of Fluids de∣pends on.
• * 1.126

  Humidity a Relative Quality.
• * 1.127

  That the Pores of a Body can∣not be per∣ceiv'd no Argument of their Non-exi∣stence.
• * 1.128

  The Motion of the Parts of Liquids variously determin'd.
• * 1.129

  Why some Liquids are unapt to mix with each other.
• * 1.130

  The Super∣ficies of Li∣quids by pressing one against ano∣ther, give each other a determi∣nate Figure.
• * 1.131

  A Tran∣sparent Li∣quor may yield a Li∣quor Dia∣phanous and another Opacous.
• * 1.132

  Motion in the Parts of some Consis∣tent Bodies.
• * 1.133

  The Figure of the Sur∣face of a Nitrous Li∣quor.
• * 1.134

  Of Water.
• * 1.135

  Of Oyl of Turpentine.
• * 1.136

  The Superfi∣cies of a So∣lution of Tartar, &c.
• * 1.137

  Of Oyl of Cloves.
• * 1.138

  Of Quick∣silver.
• * 1.139

  Of the same.
• * 1.140

  The Surface of Liquors in Vacuo Boyliano.
• * 1.141

  Phaenome∣na exhibi∣ted by a Ni∣trous Li∣quor and Spirit of Wine.
• * 1.142

  Of Oyl of Turpentine
• * 1.143

  Several Co∣lours exhi∣bited.
• * 1.144

  Of Oyl of Aniseeds.
• * 1.145

  An Expe∣riment in Vacuo Boy∣liano.
• * 1.146

  Of Water included in Oyl.
• * 1.147

  Of Coagu∣lated Oyl of Aniseeds.
• * 1.148

  A Definiti∣on of Solidi∣ty.
• * 1.149

  The Gross∣ness of the Parts of a Body con∣tributes to its Solidity.
• * 1.150

  Rest contri∣butes to the Solidity of Bodies.
• * 1.151

  A Juxta-position of Parts, not the only Cause of their Adhe∣sion.
• * 1.152

  The Weight and Spring of the Air may contri∣bute to the Cohesion of Parts.
• * 1.153

  The Solidi∣ty of Glass depends on a Juxta-po∣sition of Paris.
• * 1.154

  Rest it self for the most part suffici∣ent to cause Rest.
• * 1.155

  The Opini∣ons of some Antients and Mo∣derns brief∣ly refuted.
• * 1.156

  The Figure of the Parts of a Body contribute to their So∣lidity.
• * 1.157

  The Tex∣ture of Bo∣dies contri∣butes to their Flui∣dity, or Fir∣mness.
• * 1.158

  The Tex∣tures of Li∣quots con∣tribute to their Mix∣ture.
• * 1.159

  Solidity may proceed from the In∣terposition of the Mi∣nute Parts of another Body.
• * 1.160

  A Liquor turn'd into a Consistent Body, by the Addition of a Powder.
• * 1.161

  A Fluid turn'd So∣lid.
• * 1.162

  A Solid Bo∣dy turn'd Fluid.
• * 1.163

  A Compli∣cation of Parts suffi∣cient to ren∣der a Body Solid.
• * 1.164

  A Change of Qualities succeed a Change of Texture.
• * 1.165

  Fluids con∣sist not of Parts divi∣sible into Fluids, as Quantity into Quan∣tity.
• * 1.166

  Motion as well as Mi∣nuteness of Parts requi∣site to Flui∣dity.
• * 1.167

  Solidity not altogether proceeding from Saline Parts.
• * 1.168

  An insipid Water drawn from Sp. of Vine∣gar & Salt of Tartar.
• * 1.169

  Camphire dissolv'd in Oyl of Vi∣triol, &c.
• * 1.170

  A Plastick power inhe∣rent in Be∣dies.
• * 1.171

  Plastick Power what?
• * 1.172

  Observa∣tions of In∣durated Bo∣dies.
• * 1.173

  A very re∣markable Instance to shew how much Flui∣dity, &c. depends on Texture.
• * 1.174

  Mixture sufficient to produce Pe∣trifaction.
• * 1.175

  A Strange Sort of Earth.
• * 1.176

  A Concrete resulting from a Mix∣ture of Spi∣rit of Wine. and a So∣lution of Coral.
• * 1.177

  The Signifi∣cation of the Word Rest limited.
• * 1.178

  Argument to prove Motion in Solids.
• * 1.179

  Objections answer'd.
• * 1.180

  Instances alledg'd.
• * 1.181

  The Effects of a Bar of Iron held in a Perpendi∣cular Po∣sture in a Mariners's Compass.
• * 1.182

  Observati∣ons made in Quarries.
• * 1.183

  Motion in the Parts of Solide.
• * 1.184

  The Parts of Glass in Motion.
• * 1.185

  Observati∣ons con∣cerning the Intestine Motion of the Parts of Glass.
• * 1.186

  Several Phaenome∣na arising from un∣heeded Cau∣ses, Com∣prized un∣der the fol∣lowing Pro∣positions.
• * 1.187

  Prop. I.
• * 1.188

  The Effects of Light∣ning.
• * 1.189

  Prop. II.
• * 1.190

  Prop. III.
• * 1.191

  The Effects of a Lead∣stone upon Filigns of Iron.
• * 1.192

  Prop. VI.
• * 1.193

  Motion may be pro∣pagated through different Mediums.
• * 1.194

  Prop. V.
• * 1.195

  Prop. VI.
• * 1.196

  Prop. VII.
• * 1.197

  Prop. VIII.